Chapter 140: Tenfold Retribution

Chapter 140: Tenfold Retribution

As Mu Feng, Bai Ziyue, Mu Kuang, and Yun Qingwan ascended to the fourth floor of the Tianyun Tower, they immediately felt an overwhelming pressure. This force wasn't just a physical weight but seemed to reach deep into their internal organs and meridians, constricting the very flow of their Yuan energy.

Mu Feng furrowed his brows, standing firmly under the pressure, while Yun Qingwan's face turned pale.

"Wan'er, if it's too much, we can head back down," Mu Feng said softly, concern in his tone.

"No need," Yun Qingwan replied stubbornly, though her legs trembled slightly. "I want to see how far I can go."

On the other hand, Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue exchanged wry smiles. While both were slightly better off than Yun Qingwan, it was clear they were near their limit.

"Feng-ge," Mu Kuang muttered, "this force feels... strange. It's not just weight—it's like my blood and energy are boiling."

Mu Feng nodded. "This must be the famed 'Tianyun Force.' It's a unique pressure derived from the formations inscribed into this tower. Not only does it enhance the absorption of spiritual energy, but it also tempers the body and soul under immense stress."

The oppressive energy was accompanied by a peculiar, faintly glowing mist. This "Tianyun Force" enveloped their bodies and seeped into their cores, accelerating the refinement of Yuan energy and stimulating their physical resilience.

Entering a Private Chamber

Deciding to fully explore the tower's benefits, Mu Feng gestured toward one of the private cultivation chambers. Each chamber provided a more concentrated version of the Tianyun Force and complete privacy, ideal for focused training.

After inserting their crystal cards into the nearby slot to deduct the necessary credits, the group entered a chamber. The interior was sparse but emanated an intense, almost suffocating energy.

Mu Feng turned to Yun Qingwan. "Wan'er, you should stay here with Kuang and Ziyue. The three of you can train together for now. I'll push further up and see how far I can go."

"You're going higher?" Yun Qingwan asked, worry evident in her voice. "The pressure is already unbearable here!"

Mu Feng smiled faintly. "I want to test my limits. Don't worry—I'll be careful."

Without waiting for further protest, Mu Feng turned and ascended to the fifth floor.

The Fifth Floor: A New Trial

The moment Mu Feng stepped onto the fifth floor, it felt as though an invisible mountain had landed on his shoulders. His legs sank slightly into the ground, and his chest tightened as if a giant hand was squeezing his lungs.

"This pressure…" Mu Feng muttered, his breath ragged. "No wonder they say this level is reserved for Condensed Qi cultivators."

Closing his eyes, Mu Feng activated his Yuan energy, circulating it through his meridians. His Bloodline of Fire seemed to respond eagerly to the challenge, radiating waves of warmth that pushed back against the crushing force.

As he walked deeper into the floor, the air shimmered with concentrated spiritual energy. It was like standing in the heart of a storm, where every breath felt electrified.

"Perfect," Mu Feng murmured. "This will be the perfect place to refine my new technique."

Cultivating Under Pressure

Mu Feng sank into a seated position, legs crossed and eyes closed. He began channeling the Nine Flame Explosive Technique, the martial art he had partially unveiled during his fight with Chen Zhi. Each stage of the technique required not only immense energy reserves but also the ability to endure extreme strain—a challenge the Tianyun Force seemed perfectly tailored for.

The flames within his core surged, merging with the surrounding spiritual energy. His body felt as though it was being tempered in a forge, each wave of the Tianyun Force refining his cells and strengthening his meridians.

As time passed, Mu Feng's body glowed faintly with a fiery aura. The room's ambient pressure amplified the strain, but it also amplified the rewards.

An Intruder Arrives

Just as Mu Feng was nearing the peak of his refinement, the door to the chamber creaked open. A figure stepped inside, exuding a powerful aura.

"Mu Feng, right?" a cold voice echoed.

Mu Feng opened his eyes slowly, his fiery aura dimming. Standing before him was a tall, lean man with sharp features and the distinctive insignia of the Tianfeng Faction embroidered on his robes.

"I heard about your fight with Chen Zhi," the man continued, his tone dripping with disdain. "You've made quite the name for yourself, but you've also made enemies in all the wrong places."

Mu Feng rose to his feet, unfazed by the newcomer's hostility. "And you are?"

"Chen Hao," the man replied, smirking. "Chen Zhi's elder brother."

Mu Feng's eyes narrowed. Chen Hao's aura was oppressive, far exceeding that of Chen Zhi. This man was not just a Condensed Qi cultivator—his presence hinted at mastery of multiple advanced techniques.

"You're here for revenge," Mu Feng said calmly. "But you should know, what happened to your brother wasn't personal. It was a lesson."

Chen Hao's smirk vanished, replaced by a cold glare. "A lesson? You crippled my brother! That demands retribution."

The tension in the chamber grew palpable, the Tianyun Force amplifying the already hostile atmosphere.

"Let's settle this outside," Mu Feng said, his tone even. "This isn't the place for a fight."

Chen Hao hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But know this—when we step outside, I won't hold back."

Preparing for Battle

As they exited the chamber and descended the tower, whispers of their impending confrontation spread quickly among the academy's students. By the time they reached the open training grounds, a sizable crowd had gathered.

Mu Kuang, Bai Ziyue, and Yun Qingwan pushed through the throng to join Mu Feng. "Feng-ge, are you really going to fight him?" Yun Qingwan asked, her voice trembling with worry.

Mu Feng nodded, his gaze locked on Chen Hao. "Don't worry. I'll handle this."

Chen Hao stepped forward, unsheathing a blade that shimmered with deadly energy. "Prepare yourself, Mu Feng. I'll make sure you regret ever crossing the Tianfeng Faction."

Mu Feng drew his own blade, his snow-white hair gleaming in the sunlight. His voice was steady as he replied, "And I'll show you why you should never underestimate the Mu family."

The crowd held its breath as the two warriors faced off, their auras clashing like storm clouds. The stage was set for a battle that would shake the very foundations of the Tianyun Academy.