Chereads / The Supreme Cultivator: Destiny Beyond the Stars / Chapter 30 - Chapter 30: A Hidden Power Unleashed

Chapter 30 - Chapter 30: A Hidden Power Unleashed

Chapter 30: A Hidden Power Unleashed

The days following Xiao Feng's arrival in Serenity Valley passed quietly. His body slowly recovered from the injuries sustained during his turbulent journey through the portal. The swirling energies of the Heavenly Realm had left deep gashes across his side, but thanks to the rich spiritual energy in the valley, his recovery was swift. He spent most of his time in the small house Lei and Mei had lent him, meditating and quietly restoring his strength. The Spirit Saber Realm cultivation base within him pulsed powerfully, though he kept it well-hidden. Lei and Mei, both with cultivation bases far below his, couldn't sense his true strength and had assumed he was only slightly injured—possibly a wandering cultivator with limited abilities.

On the morning of the third day, Xiao Feng felt the familiar surge of power flow through his veins. His injuries had fully healed, and his strength was returning. The collision of time and space fabrics during his travel had left a lasting impact on his body, but now that he was back in peak condition, he was ready to venture further into the valley.

"Are you feeling better?" Mei asked as she arrived with Lei at his door. Her soft, curious eyes studied him.

Xiao Feng smiled faintly. "Much better. Thank you for your help. I think I'm ready to take a look around the valley."

Lei grinned. "Great! There's a training center not too far from here. It's not one of the famous ones, but it's decent enough. We usually go there to practice and learn new techniques."

Mei nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, it's a good place for cultivators like us. Not too high-profile, so we can train in peace without drawing attention from the more powerful sects or families."

Xiao Feng agreed to accompany them, more out of curiosity than necessity. Although the training center wouldn't offer him much in terms of cultivation techniques—given his far superior level of strength—he was interested in seeing how the locals trained in this part of the Heavenly Realm.

As they walked toward the training center, Xiao Feng remained quiet, taking in the serene beauty of Serenity Valley. The spiritual energy was potent here, much more so than on Earth, though it still paled in comparison to the higher regions of the Heavenly Realm where he had once cultivated. He could sense the presence of other cultivators in the area, most of them far below his level. However, he kept his Spirit Saber Realm energy suppressed, not wanting to attract attention.

When they arrived at the training center, Xiao Feng was struck by how modest it was. The building was plain, with only a handful of cultivators practicing outside. Unlike the grand academies and sects he had encountered in the past, this place was low-key, its students likely from humble backgrounds. Despite its modesty, the atmosphere was lively, with young cultivators exchanging techniques and sparring.

As soon as they entered, several people turned to greet Mei and Lei. It was clear that the two of them were regulars here. A few of the cultivators cast curious glances at Xiao Feng, but most quickly returned to their practice, assuming him to be an ordinary newcomer.

However, there were a few who didn't seem pleased with Xiao Feng's presence. One of them, a tall, broad-shouldered young man with an arrogant demeanor, approached the group with a sneer. His eyes lingered on Mei before narrowing at Xiao Feng.

"So, who's this?" the man asked, his voice dripping with disdain. "A new friend of yours, Mei?"

Mei stepped forward, her tone polite but firm. "This is Xiao Feng. He's been staying with us for a few days. He's new to the valley."

The man's gaze flickered between Mei and Xiao Feng, jealousy evident in his expression. "New, huh? Doesn't look like much of a cultivator. Mei, you should be careful about who you bring around. Not everyone belongs here."

Lei frowned but remained silent. It was clear that this wasn't the first time this man, whose name was Wu Han, had tried to assert himself over Mei. Several of his friends, standing behind him, snickered in support, their eyes gleaming with the same arrogance.

Xiao Feng said nothing, his calm expression unchanging. He wasn't here to pick a fight.

However, Wu Han wasn't done. "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" he taunted. "Or maybe you're just too weak to even speak up in front of real cultivators."

The tension in the air grew as other cultivators in the training center began to gather, sensing an impending conflict. Most of them sided with Wu Han, who was known to be one of the stronger fighters in the center. They had no idea who Xiao Feng was, and to them, he looked like just another nobody.

Mei stepped in, trying to diffuse the situation. "Wu Han, stop it. Xiao Feng's just recovering from an injury. There's no need for this."

Wu Han's eyes lit up with mock surprise. "Oh, he's injured? That makes sense. I knew there had to be a reason why you were sticking around him, Mei. Let me guess, he's some charity case?"

At this point, Xiao Feng's patience was wearing thin. He glanced at Wu Han, his eyes cold. "Enough," he said quietly, but with an authority that made several of the onlookers flinch. "I'm not interested in fighting you."

Wu Han smirked. "Oh, really? Because it looks like you're too scared to fight." He stepped closer, his aura flaring. "Tell you what, I'll give you one chance to back off and apologize to everyone here for wasting our time. Otherwise, you won't leave here in one piece."

Xiao Feng's expression remained impassive. He could have ignored the challenge, but the truth was, he was growing tired of Wu Han's arrogance. He didn't enjoy conflict, but he also wasn't one to let others trample over him.

"Fine," Xiao Feng said, stepping forward. "If you want a fight, I'll give you one. But don't say I didn't warn you."

The crowd erupted in excitement. Everyone cheered for Wu Han, convinced that Xiao Feng stood no chance. To them, he looked too ordinary to be of any threat.

The fight began.

Wu Han charged at Xiao Feng, his fist glowing with spiritual energy as he aimed a powerful punch at Xiao Feng's chest. However, the moment Wu Han moved, Xiao Feng vanished from his sight. The crowd gasped in confusion as Wu Han's punch hit nothing but air. Xiao Feng reappeared behind him in an instant, his body moving so quickly that Wu Han didn't even have time to react.

"What—" Wu Han stammered, turning around only to find Xiao Feng gone again.

Xiao Feng's "Boy Step" technique was flawless, allowing him to move faster than anyone at Wu Han's level could perceive. To Wu Han, it was as if Xiao Feng had become a ghost, appearing and disappearing at will. The crowd watched in stunned silence as Wu Han flailed around, unable to land a single hit on his opponent.

Xiao Feng wasn't even trying.

With a single, effortless movement, Xiao Feng appeared in front of Wu Han and landed a light tap on his chest. To the untrained eye, it looked like a gentle nudge. But the force behind it sent Wu Han flying backward, crashing into the ground with a loud thud. The crowd gasped as Wu Han lay there, groaning in pain.

Xiao Feng stepped forward, his voice cold. "Next time, think before you act."

The crowd fell silent. No one dared to cheer for Wu Han anymore. It was clear that Xiao Feng wasn't someone to be trifled with. Mei and Lei exchanged glances, realizing that their new friend was far more powerful than they had ever imagined.

As Xiao Feng walked away from the defeated Wu Han, the crowd parted to let him pass. They now understood that this seemingly ordinary young man was anything but weak.