Chapter 36: Another fight???

The weight of the decision hung in the air like a storm cloud. Feng Lin stood still, gripping the Chaos Core tightly in his hand. The energy inside the core pulsed rhythmically, syncing with his own heartbeat. Every fiber of his being wanted to tap into the immense power contained within, but he also knew the dangers of fully embracing chaos.

[System Notification: Time Remaining – 4 minutes]

The voice echoed in his mind, but he pushed it aside. There was no room for panic here.

Feng Lin's mind raced as he considered both options. The path of chaos would grant him overwhelming strength, enabling him to crush any enemy in his way. But it would come at a cost—he had already felt the strain when using Chaos Overdrive. Full immersion into chaos could very well tear him apart from the inside.

On the other hand, seeking balance offered stability. He'd retain control over the chaotic energy, tempering it with his own will. It was a safer route, but it might limit his growth in the long run.

The stranger who had been watching him during the fight stood a few feet away, his eyes narrowing. He seemed curious, waiting to see which choice Feng Lin would make. "Your power hinges on this decision. Choose wisely," the man warned.

Feng Lin closed his eyes briefly, letting the chaotic energy flow through him. He had always been a person who pushed limits, sought power, and refused to back down from a challenge. But at the same time, he was no fool. He knew his body, his spirit—and his limits.

[System Notification: Time Remaining – 3 minutes]

Feng Lin inhaled deeply, opening his eyes again as his mind solidified. "I've already made my choice."

The stranger raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And that is?"

Feng Lin's gaze was firm. "I'll take the chaos, but I won't let it consume me. I will master it. I don't need to lose myself in the process."

[Choice Confirmed: Seek Balance]

As soon as the decision was made, the Chaos Core in his hand began to disintegrate, the chaotic energy it held surging into Feng Lin's body. It felt like fire coursing through his veins, but instead of fighting it, he guided the energy, channeling it into his Qi meridians.

A whirlwind of power surrounded him as the chaotic energy integrated with his own. He could feel the change—his Qi energy surged, his perception sharpened, and his mind expanded. But he also felt a new sense of control, a balance that hadn't been there before.

[System Notification: Chaos Will Skill Upgraded – Lv 2]

[New Skill Acquired: Chaotic Equilibrium – Lv 1]

[Chaos Manipulation: Skill Limit Removed – Increased Control Over Chaos Energy]

Feng Lin staggered slightly, catching himself as the system's notifications poured in. The storm of energy settled, leaving him standing in a field that was now eerily calm. He clenched his fists, feeling the power flow through him. It was different now—more refined, more focused.

The stranger nodded approvingly. "A wise choice. Chaos is a powerful force, but one that must be wielded with care."

Feng Lin narrowed his eyes at the man. "Who are you really? And why are you here?"

The stranger smiled faintly. "I'm just a guide. A reminder that chaos isn't just a force of destruction—it's also creation. But my role here is done. The next steps are yours to take."

Without another word, the man vanished, dissolving into the air like a shadow in the wind.

Feng Lin took a deep breath, his thoughts racing. The system had presented him with choices before, but this felt different—more personal, more dangerous. Yet the chaos inside him felt more stable than ever.

He was no longer teetering on the edge. He was walking the line between chaos and control.

[System Notification: Quest Updated – Path of Chaos]

[Objective: Master the Chaos within (Progress 10%)]

Before he could dwell further on the implications of the system's update, a soft rustling caught his attention. Feng Lin's senses sharpened as he realized he was no longer alone.

He turned quickly, his Chaos Rune Sword ready. Emerging from the thick forest shadows was another figure, but this time it wasn't an ally or a guide. It was someone entirely different.

A young man, garbed in strange, flowing robes, stepped forward. His hair was a dark shade of blue, and his eyes glowed faintly with energy—chaotic energy, just like Feng Lin's.

"I've been watching you, Feng Lin," the man said, his voice calm but carrying an edge of danger. "I've been waiting for you to unlock the potential of chaos. Now that you've made your choice, it's time to see if you're worthy of it."

Feng Lin's grip tightened on his sword. "Who are you?"

"I am Tsang," the man replied. "And I am the keeper of this realm. To wield chaos, you must prove yourself in combat."

Feng Lin's heart sank slightly. Another test. Another fight? But this one felt different—more personal. The chaos inside him buzzed with anticipation, almost as if it knew what was coming.

[System Notification: Tsang, Realm Keeper – Danger Level: Very High]

Without waiting for further conversation, Tsang raised his hand, summoning a sphere of swirling chaos in his palm. "Don't hold back. Show me what you've learned, or this will be over very quickly."

Feng Lin didn't need further prompting. He activated Shadowstep, vanishing from his position and reappearing behind Tsang in an instant. His sword lashed out with Void Slash, aiming for Tsang's back.

But the Keeper of Chaos was ready.

With a flick of his wrist, Tsang deflected the strike with his chaos energy, sending a shockwave that nearly knocked Feng Lin off balance. "You'll need to do better than that," Tsang said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Feng Lin gritted his teeth, unleashing Chaos Manipulation to redirect the chaotic energy in the area. He formed a vortex of chaos around Tsang, attempting to trap him.

But Tsang merely laughed, breaking through the vortex with ease. "You have the power, but you lack refinement. Let me teach you the true way of chaos!"

The fight had only just begun, and Feng Lin could already feel the tension rising. This wasn't just about survival. This was about mastering the power he had chosen to wield.