Chapter 52

Lin Fan stood on the barren wasteland of a deserted planet, his expression calm but thoughtful. The air was still, the sky a deep void stretching endlessly above him. This planet, devoid of life, was the perfect stage for what he was about to do.

With a focused gaze, he channeled the power of the Mind Stone, weaving together a consciousness unlike any other. Energy crackled around him as an ethereal glow enveloped his hands, forming the foundation of something entirely new. This was no ordinary creation—it was a clone imbued with unparalleled psionic energy, a being that could rival the strongest telepaths in existence.

As the process completed, the clone materialized before him, its eyes glowing with an unnatural brilliance. It stood tall, radiating an aura of immense power. Its gaze was sharp, assessing, almost as if it had awakened with full awareness of its purpose.

"Interesting," the clone remarked, flexing its fingers as psionic waves rippled around its form. "You've given me power beyond imagination."

Lin Fan exhaled, feeling the weight of his decision. "I needed to test the limits of what's possible. And you... you'll help me understand that."

The ground beneath them cracked as the air became charged with raw energy. Without warning, the clone struck first, unleashing a wave of psionic force that distorted reality around them. Lin Fan barely had time to react as the attack sent shockwaves across the landscape. Dust and debris were lifted into the air, forming a chaotic storm around them.

Lin Fan raised a hand, countering with a telekinetic burst that split the ground apart. Their battle escalated, each move showcasing the immense potential of psionic energy. The clone's attacks were precise, controlled—each strike aimed not just to overpower but to overwhelm Lin Fan's defenses.

For the first time in a while, Lin Fan felt true resistance. The clone anticipated his moves, countering with an intelligence that rivaled his own. Every exchange of power left the planet scarred, canyons forming where there was once solid ground. The sheer force of their battle was reshaping the landscape, turning the once barren world into a battleground of raw destruction.

Lin Fan's mind raced as he adjusted his strategy. This wasn't an opponent he could simply overpower—it required ingenuity. He focused inward, tapping deeper into his own psionic reserves. The air around him shimmered as his aura expanded, pushing back against the clone's overwhelming presence.

The clone smirked, recognizing the shift. "Ah, you're finally taking me seriously."

Without hesitation, it attacked again, this time with a concentrated psionic blade that cut through the air like a razor. Lin Fan dodged, barely avoiding the strike as the blade cleaved through a distant mountain, reducing it to rubble. He retaliated, summoning a force wave that sent the clone crashing into the ground. But the clone recovered instantly, floating back up, eyes burning with intensity.

"Not bad," the clone admitted. "But you can do better."

The battle continued, a dazzling display of power and precision. Lin Fan found himself forced to evolve, to refine his techniques in real time. He knew that this fight wasn't just about proving strength—it was about understanding the true depths of psionic energy.

Minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity. Both combatants were relentless, neither willing to concede. The sky above them cracked with energy, the very fabric of reality bending under the weight of their power. And yet, Lin Fan could feel it—an equilibrium, a balance where his mind and body aligned perfectly with the forces he wielded.

He took a deep breath, centering himself. This was the moment where he had to push beyond his limits. Summoning every ounce of his psionic potential, he unleashed a final attack—a surge of pure mental force that enveloped the clone, locking it in place.

The clone struggled, its eyes widening in realization. "So, this is your true power..."

Lin Fan clenched his fist, the energy compressing around the clone. It wasn't an act of destruction but of control, an assertion of dominance over the very force he had created.

The clone let out a soft laugh, impressed. "I see now... You've won this battle. But remember—power like this isn't meant to be held back."

With those words, the clone's energy dispersed, fading into the atmosphere. The battle was over, but the lessons it imparted lingered.

Lin Fan stood alone once more, the wind carrying away the remnants of their fight. He had tested the limits, but there was still more to learn, more to refine. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—he was only just beginning to grasp the true extent of his abilities.