Chapter 50: Keep moving

The temple's cool, silent corridors provided a stark contrast to the intensity of the Nexus chamber. Every footstep echoed lightly in the stillness as Feng Lin, Yan Mei, and Zhen made their way toward the exit. The weight of the encounter was still heavy on their minds, but Feng Lin kept his gaze forward, focused on the path ahead.

Yan Mei broke the silence. "That energy… I could feel it even from a distance."

Feng Lin's grip tightened on the Chaos Rune Sword, the chaotic energy within him still resonating with the blade. He had felt the full force of the Nexus's power, but it wasn't something he could easily explain. Not to Yan Mei or Zhen. "It's over now," he said, hoping to keep the conversation brief.

Zhen, walking a few paces ahead, glanced over his shoulder. "You sure? I've seen you do some crazy things, but that felt like something else entirely."

Feng Lin met his gaze but didn't respond. Zhen didn't press further. He wasn't the type to pry too much, but his eyes still lingered with curiosity.

They finally stepped outside, the cool air of the surrounding wilderness refreshing after the oppressive atmosphere of the temple. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the landscape.

Feng Lin took a deep breath, feeling the chaos within him settle now that they were away from the temple. He knew the power he had gained came with risks, but for now, they had survived, and that was all that mattered.

"We should set up camp," Zhen suggested. "It's getting late, and we could all use some rest."

Yan Mei nodded in agreement. "Agreed. Let's take some time to recover."

Feng Lin agreed with them but remained distant as they walked a bit further into the forest, finding a clearing where they could rest. As Yan Mei and Zhen prepared the campfire, Feng Lin kept to himself, his thoughts focused inward.

The system's new notifications still flickered in his mind, and despite the calm exterior he projected, he knew this was only the beginning. The Chaos Nexus had expanded his abilities, but it had also introduced new uncertainties. His control over chaos had grown, but there were now deeper layers to uncover, hidden dangers he wasn't ready to face yet.

As the campfire crackled, Zhen handed out some dried meat while Yan Mei set up a basic barrier to protect them during the night. The mood had lightened slightly, but Feng Lin could see the weariness on their faces.

Yan Mei looked at Feng Lin. "You've been quiet since we left the temple. What's on your mind?"

Feng Lin shook his head. "Just tired, that's all." It wasn't a complete lie, but it wasn't the full truth either.

She didn't press him further, though her sharp gaze suggested she wasn't entirely convinced. But she knew when to leave things alone, and for that, Feng Lin was grateful.

As the night deepened, the group fell into a calm silence. The sky was clear, with stars twinkling above them, offering a brief respite from the chaotic journey they had been on. Feng Lin lay on his back, staring up at the stars, trying to clear his mind.

But the system notifications returned, flashing in his vision once again.

[Warning: Chaos Seed Instability Detected. Future cultivation may be impacted without a proper balance of Qi and Chaos.]

Feng Lin frowned. There was always a price for power, and this time, it seemed the system was reminding him of the dangers that still lay ahead.

The night passed without incident. By the time the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow over the forest, Feng Lin was already awake, sitting by the dying embers of the fire. Yan Mei and Zhen stirred soon after, both looking somewhat more refreshed.

"Ready to move?" Zhen asked, stretching his arms and gathering his belongings.

Feng Lin nodded, standing and sheathing his sword. "Let's keep moving. The sooner we get out of this forest, the better."

Without any more words, they continued on their path. He had gained new power, but with it came new risks, and the path forward was only becoming more treacherous.

As they moved deeper into the wilderness, The system's presence remained ever close, silent for now, but Feng Lin knew that it wouldn't stay that way for long.