The year had passed since Lin Feng's fateful encounter with Zephyr, the ancient expert who had attempted to possess him. The cave's star pool had become his sanctum, a place where he honed his skills and bsorbed the star energy. Lin Feng had grown, no longer a novice but a peak Acquire realm cultivator. However, he had not forgotten the cunning nature of the entity that had once sought to control him.
Lin Feng maintained an air of caution, knowing that Zephyr's true intentions were far from benevolent. The older man's plan to use him against the Star Seeking Sect raised suspicions, and Lin Feng's keen intellect picked up on the discrepancies in Zephyr's story. He had researched the sect extensively, discovering that they were righteous cultivators, uninvolved in worldly affairs.
Yet, despite his suspicions, Lin Feng knew that he needed to bide his time and act as if he believed Zephyr's tale. Safety dictated his response, for he feared that Zephyr might eliminate him if he sensed any inkling of Lin Feng's understanding.
In the Lin family, power was stratified, and the strongest members had only reached the second heaven of the Innate realm. Meanwhile, Zephyr had certainly surpassed this level. Lin Feng's acute sensitivity to qi allowed him to sense this gap—a gap he would have to bridge.
In the year that followed, Lin Feng immersed himself in cultivating with the star pool's energy. His progress was tangible, and he emerged from the experience as a peak Acquire realm cultivator. His potential had only begun to unfurl, but his strength was undeniable.
Then, the moment Lin Feng had anticipated arrived. Zephyr's attempt to possess him once more marked a critical juncture. Unlike before, however, Lin Feng was prepared. He tapped into his enhanced abilities, fortified his defenses, and stood firm against the assault. Zephyr's second attempt was his last, as his existence flickered into oblivion. Lin Feng was finally free from the shadow of manipulation.
Lin Feng's intuition resonated with the truth—Zephyr had stolen only a fragment of the star energy. The larger part still remained within the Star Seeking Sect, where it rightfully belonged. Lin Feng's resolve solidified. He decided to seek the sect out and learn from them, to fully master the Star Devouring Art and protect the knowledge it encompassed.
However, as the star pool's energy approached depletion, Lin Feng needed another source. His gaze turned to the Lin family's competition, a pathway to the Star Seeking Sect. The top four victors would be granted direct entry, and the competition was fierce. Lin Feng would face not only his peers but the aspirations of his lineage.
The competition would determine who among the Lin family would be chosen. The stakes were high, for their family was affiliated with the Di faction of the Star Seeking Sect. It was a coveted position that granted them freedom to nominate their representatives.
As the day of the competition dawned, Lin Feng found himself face to face with Lin Meng. He had survived the year, but his memories remained obscured. The amnesia had safeguarded him, leaving no trace of his encounter with Zephyr.
The competition unfolded, revealing Lin Feng's prowess. His training bore fruit, and he navigated each challenge with precision. The gap between him and his competitors was apparent, and he progressed with ease.
Lin Meng's strength was evident as well, but his experience was insufficient to match Lin Feng's honed skills. Lin Feng couldn't afford to underestimate him, however, for experience was often the great equalizer in such contests.
As the competition progressed, Lin Feng surpassed his peers until the semifinals. There, he encountered Lin Meng, a confrontation that was as much about strategy as it was about strength.
"You've grown stronger, Lin Feng," Lin Meng remarked, a faint smile on his lips.
"As have you," Lin Feng replied, his tone respectful. It was a dance of words, a careful balance between maintaining the charade and revealing his true understanding.
The battle that ensued was intense, their energies clashing like titans. Lin Feng used his advanced techniques and keen perception to outmaneuver Lin Meng, who fought valiantly but couldn't overcome his rival's strategy.
In the end, Lin Feng emerged victorious, but he could see in Lin Meng's eyes that he had left an impression. The exchange had not been one-sided, and Lin Feng couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with his rival.
The competition dwindled to its final moments, and the victors were decided. Lin Feng, Lin Meng, Lin Murong, and Qin Xiaqi would be the chosen representatives to join the Star Seeking Sect. Xiaqi secured the first position, Meng the second, and Feng the third.
As the journey to the sect awaited them, Lin Feng knew that a new chapter was beginning. He was ready to embrace his destiny, protect the legacy of the stars, and uncover the truth that lay within the heart of the sect.
The following days were a whirlwind of preparations and anticipation. Lin Feng found himself reunited with Lin Meng, and though he knew that Meng's memories were clouded, he couldn't shake the feeling that their paths were destined to intertwine.
As they stood on the threshold of their new adventure, Lin Feng exchanged a glance with Lin Meng. In that unspoken moment, they shared an unbreakable bond—a bond that would shape their destinies as they journeyed into the realm of the Star Seeking Sect.
The journey to the Star Seeking Sect was a tapestry of anticipation and uncertainty. Lin Feng's heart thrummed with a mixture of excitement and caution as he and his fellow representatives embarked on this path of discovery. The uncharted territory before them held secrets, challenges, and a promise of growth. Lin Feng's eyes were fixed on the horizon, his determination unwavering. He was prepared to navigate the trials that lay ahead, to harness the legacy of the stars, and to uncover the truth that would shape not only his destiny but the fate of worlds.