Chapter 41: The Gathering of the Qing Family
After Xiao Feng's decisive victory against the head of the Qing family, word spread quickly throughout the powerful families in the region. Despite the show of strength, many within the Qing family remained skeptical of Xiao Feng's ability to stand against the looming threat of the Third Supreme. A meeting was called the next morning, gathering the elders, key family members, and Xiao Feng himself to discuss their next steps.
In the grand hall of the Qing mansion, the family head sat with a serious expression. The atmosphere was tense as the elders exchanged worried glances. Xiao Feng remained calm, waiting patiently for the discussion to begin.
The head of the family finally stood, addressing the room. "We all witnessed Xiao Feng's power firsthand yesterday, but we cannot overlook the fact that the Third Supreme is at Spirit Sovereign Level 7, and some reports even suggest that he has reached Level 8. The gap between them is significant."
Elder Qing Yi, a stern figure known for his cautious nature, spoke up. "While Xiao Feng's strength is undeniable, taking on someone at the peak of Spirit Sovereign Level 7 or 8 is a different matter altogether. Are we prepared to face the consequences if this doesn't go our way?"
Xiao Feng rose from his seat, his voice steady and assured. "I understand your concerns. The Third Supreme is strong, but I've already surpassed Spirit Sovereign Level 5. I am confident that within two years, I will reach Spirit Sovereign Level 7. By then, I will be ready to face him."
The room fell silent for a moment, the elders exchanging glances. Elder Qing Yi still looked unconvinced, but the head of the family nodded slowly, acknowledging Xiao Feng's confidence.
"There is another matter to address," the head of the Qing family said. "The engagement between the Zhao family's young master and Qing Yu. The alliance is crucial for both families, and if the engagement is broken, it could lead to a conflict we are not ready for."
Xiao Feng's eyes narrowed at the mention of Qing Yu's engagement. He turned to the family head and asked, "When is the marriage supposed to take place?"
The head of the family hesitated. "There are still two years before the wedding date."
"Two years is more than enough," Xiao Feng replied with a faint smile. "I'll reach Spirit Sovereign Level 7 by then, and I will deal with the Third Supreme myself. As for the Zhao family, the engagement will not happen."
The room erupted in murmurs, with many of the elders unsure of how to react to Xiao Feng's declaration. But the head of the family, though still concerned, seemed to accept Xiao Feng's plan.
"Very well," the family head said. "But you'll need resources to continue cultivating at this pace. What do you need?"
Xiao Feng handed over a list of rare herbs and ingredients needed for refining special pills to aid his cultivation. The Qing family immediately mobilized their connections, sparing no effort to gather the resources for him. Over the following months, the ingredients were delivered to Xiao Feng, who refined potent pills and dedicated himself to training day and night.
During this year of cultivation, Xiao Feng made tremendous progress. After months of intense effort, he finally broke through to Spirit Sovereign Level 7. His aura was overwhelming, his power now rivaling even the most elite cultivators in the region. But his cultivation wasn't the only area in which he was growing stronger. The second form of the Void Step Technique was proving to be a far greater challenge than he had anticipated.
The second form of the Void Step Technique, unlike the first, was not just about increasing speed. It involved transforming the kinetic energy generated by rapid movement into devastating potential energy, which could be unleashed in a single, powerful blow. The technique required not just speed but an incredible amount of control and precision.
Over the next four months, Xiao Feng focused on mastering this second form. However, despite his efforts, he could not fully grasp its intricacies. The power it promised was immense, but the energy consumption was equally taxing. While Xiao Feng could use the first form of the Void Step to move so fast that even a Dao Seeking Realm cultivator couldn't keep up, the second form turned that speed into a forceful blow capable of shattering defenses. However, the sheer energy required made it impossible for Xiao Feng to use the second form more than twice in a single day.
"It's still not enough," Xiao Feng muttered to himself after a particularly exhausting training session. "I need more control."
Despite not having fully mastered the technique, Xiao Feng's current understanding of it gave him a significant edge in battle. Even two uses of the second form in a day were enough to turn the tide against most opponents. His confidence grew, but so did his awareness of the challenges ahead.
The elders, who had initially doubted him, now spoke in whispers of his power. His cultivation at Spirit Sovereign Level 7, combined with his growing mastery of the Void Step Technique, made him one of the strongest figures in the Heavenly Realm. However, Xiao Feng wasn't satisfied.
With his newly acquired strength, Xiao Feng felt ready to take on any challenge. Even the Third Supreme seemed like a surmountable obstacle. But Xiao Feng's ambitions extended beyond that. His gaze was set on the greater forces at play, the hidden powers that existed beyond the Third Supreme, and perhaps even the First and Second Supremes.
As he continued to stabilize his cultivation, Xiao Feng felt the familiar pull from the mysterious stone once again. His consciousness drifted as he was transported back to the realm of the ancient holographic figure.