Chapter 37: I’m not done yet!!

Feng Lin steadied himself, feeling the weight of the challenge before him. Tsang, the Keeper of Chaos, stood in front of him like an unmovable force. His energy radiated with such intensity that the surrounding air seemed to warp. This was not just an ordinary fight—it was a trial of chaos itself.

Tsang's smirk widened. "I can see the chaos within you, Feng Lin. But what good is power if you can't truly wield it?"

Feng Lin didn't respond, focusing on the swirling energy around him. The pressure from Tsang's chaotic aura was immense, but instead of backing down, Feng Lin began to manipulate the energy with Chaos Manipulation, bending it to his will.

[System Notification: Chaos Manipulation Lv 2 Activated – Chaos Energy in the area enhanced by 15%]

A surge of power coursed through Feng Lin's body. He felt the boost, the chaotic energy amplifying his every move. Without hesitation, he dashed forward with Shadowstep, his speed blurring as he closed the gap between them. His Chaos Rune Sword gleamed with swirling energy as he brought it down toward Tsang's chest.

Tsang, however, was faster.

With a flick of his wrist, he deflected Feng Lin's strike, sending a shockwave of chaos energy that threw Feng Lin back several feet. "Not bad," Tsang said, his voice calm. "But you're still holding back."

Feng Lin rolled to his feet, gritting his teeth. His mind raced. Tsang wasn't just powerful—he was in complete control of his chaotic energy. Feng Lin's attacks were strong, but they lacked precision. He needed a new approach.

With a quick motion, he activated Chaos Overdrive, allowing the chaos energy inside him to surge to even greater heights.

[System Notification: Chaos Overdrive Activated – Strength, Agility, and Spirit increased by 25%]

His muscles tensed, and his mind sharpened. He could feel the chaotic energy pushing him to his limits, but he was in control. The balance he sought was within reach. This was his chance to tip the scales.

"Let's see how you handle this," Feng Lin muttered as he launched himself at Tsang again, this time with more force and precision.

He lashed out with Void Slash, sending arcs of chaotic energy through the air. Tsang's eyes gleamed, and with a single gesture, he countered the attack by absorbing the chaotic energy, redirecting it into a powerful blast aimed at Feng Lin.

Feng Lin anticipated the move, using Shadowstep to evade just in time. Reappearing behind Tsang, he thrust his sword forward, aiming for Tsang's exposed back.

But just as the blade was about to connect, Tsang vanished, his body dissolving into a swirl of chaos.

Feng Lin's eyes widened as Tsang reappeared a few feet away, his face still calm and collected. "Impressive. You're beginning to understand the flow of chaos, but you're still far from mastering it."

Before Feng Lin could react, Tsang unleashed a flurry of chaotic blasts. The sheer force of the attack left Feng Lin no time to think—he was forced to defend, using every bit of his enhanced agility and perception to dodge the attacks.

[System Notification: Health 75%]

Each blast that missed him left craters in the ground, showing just how powerful Tsang's attacks were. Feng Lin knew that he couldn't afford to take another direct hit. He needed to do something drastic.

He summoned the last reserves of his Qi energy, preparing for a counterattack. His body surged with power as he tapped into his newfound Chaotic Equilibrium, trying to balance the chaotic energy inside him with his Qi. He raised his sword high, and with a powerful shout, he unleashed his most powerful move yet—Chaos Overdrive Slash.

The energy around his sword erupted, and he swung it forward with all his might. A massive wave of chaotic energy surged toward Tsang, distorting the air and ground as it tore through everything in its path.

For a brief moment, the battlefield went silent, the only sound being the roar of Feng Lin's attack.

Tsang's expression changed, his eyes narrowing as the wave of energy rushed toward him. But instead of retreating, he raised both hands, summoning an enormous vortex of chaos in front of him. The two forces collided with a deafening explosion, sending shockwaves through the surrounding forest.

When the dust settled, Tsang stood unharmed, the vortex of chaos dissipating around him. He smiled, but there was a new glint of respect in his eyes. "You've grown stronger, Feng Lin. But you still have much to learn."

Before Feng Lin could respond, his body gave out. The sheer strain of using Chaos Overdrive Slash had taken its toll, and he dropped to one knee, panting heavily. His Qi reserves were almost completely drained, and his body felt like it was on the verge of collapsing.

[System Notification: Health 45% – Qi Energy 1,000/9,000]

Tsang approached him slowly, his presence towering over Feng Lin. "Chaos is not just about power. It's about understanding the ebb and flow of energy and mastering both creation and destruction. You've taken your first steps, but if you wish to truly master chaos, you will need more than brute strength."

Feng Lin looked up, his body trembling but his spirit unbroken. "I'm not done yet."

Tsang's smile returned. "Good. Then let's continue."

But before he could attack again, a new presence made itself known. From the tree line, a figure emerged—a figure Feng Lin had never seen before, but one whose aura radiated with strength.

The newcomer wore a tattered cloak, and his eyes glowed faintly with energy. He walked with a deliberate slowness as if assessing the scene. His voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Tsang, I think it's time we end this charade."

Tsang frowned, clearly displeased by the interruption. "You… What are you doing here?"

The newcomer chuckled softly. "I've come to collect. You've had your fun, but the Keeper of Chaos has other duties, doesn't he?"

Feng Lin, still kneeling, felt a strange sense of relief and wariness. He didn't know who this man was, but his presence had shifted the dynamic of the fight. Tsang, for the first time, seemed uncertain.

Without another word, the newcomer turned to Feng Lin, his eyes cold and analytical. "You've proven yourself strong enough to survive. For now. But chaos waits for no one, and your true test has only just begun."

Before Feng Lin could question him, the newcomer gestured, and Tsang vanished into thin air, his form dissolving into chaos. The forest grew quiet again, and the pressure that had weighed down on Feng Lin eased.

The man in the cloak gave Feng Lin one last glance before turning away. "Remember, Feng Lin. Chaos will always seek you. And it will be up to you whether you control it… or it controls you."

With that, the figure disappeared into the shadows, leaving Feng Lin alone once again.

Exhausted and drained, Feng Lin collapsed onto the ground, his mind swirling with questions. Who was that man? What did he want? And most importantly, what did he mean by the "true test"?

[System Notification: Quest Updated – Keeper of Chaos: Tsang Defeated]

[Progress: 30%]

Feng Lin let out a slow breath, his body aching but his resolve stronger than ever. He had survived...