The sky slowly cleared as the storm faded, but the tension in Feng Yuntian's heart remained heavy. He could feel the weight of what had just transpired. His body screamed for rest, but his mind was already racing, trying to piece together the implications of the battle. The cloaked figure wasn't just a powerful opponent—he had been sent with a purpose.
As Li Xue and the disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect surrounded him, their eyes filled with awe and concern, Feng Yuntian forced himself to stand straighter, suppressing his exhaustion. Despite his impressive power, Feng Yuntian was still at the Early Foundation Establishment stage. The Skyshatter Codex had amplified his strength, allowing him to hold his ground, but it had taken nearly everything he had to defeat the cloaked figure.
"Senior Brother, are you sure you're okay?" Li Xue asked again, her voice soft but filled with worry. She stepped closer, offering her support.
"I'm fine," Feng Yuntian responded, though his body protested every movement. His spiritual energy had been severely depleted, and the strain of channeling celestial lightning had pushed his Foundation Establishment to its limits.
One of the disciples whispered, "He defeated that figure... but who was that? His power was unreal..."
Feng Yuntian's gaze shifted to the scorched earth where the cloaked figure had stood. The dark energy that had threatened to consume him was gone, but the lingering sensation of being watched remained. There was no doubt now—his past life's secrets, the power of the Skyshatter Codex, had drawn dangerous attention. And this wouldn't be the last attack.
"We must return to the sect," Feng Yuntian said, his voice firm but low. "There's more to this than meets the eye."
Back at the Heavenly Sword Sect, the atmosphere was tense. The elder disciples and the sect's masters had sensed the celestial battle from afar and were waiting for answers. As Feng Yuntian approached the gates, Sect Master Chen, a towering figure with years of wisdom behind his eyes, stepped forward.
"Feng Yuntian," Elder Chen said, his voice calm but filled with concern. "What happened out there? The heavens themselves shook."
Feng Yuntian bowed slightly, though the effort strained his weary body. "An enemy appeared—one of great power. He sought to destroy me, but I managed to overcome him."
The Sect Master's expression darkened. "This was no ordinary foe. His power was far beyond what most Foundation Establishment cultivators can face. Who sent him?"
"I don't know for sure," Feng Yuntian replied carefully. "But it's clear that someone knows of... certain things."
Elder Chen's gaze narrowed. He had suspected there was more to Feng Yuntian than met the eye, but this confirmed it. "The sect must prepare. If such beings are after you, we cannot let down our guard."
Feng Yuntian nodded. He understood the gravity of the situation. The sect had sheltered him, but now his presence might bring danger to their doorstep.
"I will handle it," Feng Yuntian said, his voice steady despite the storm in his heart. "This is my burden to bear."
That night, as the sect fell into a restless slumber, Feng Yuntian sat alone in his chamber. His body ached, his energy depleted, but his mind was restless. The battle had pushed him to the edge, and the limits of the Early Foundation Establishment were clear. His cultivation was formidable for someone of his level, but it would not be enough in the battles to come.
He stared at his hands, feeling the faint remnants of celestial energy still coursing through his body. The Skyshatter Codex had resonated with him in ways it never had before. It wasn't just a technique—it was a profound, ancient power that had recognized his determination.
Feng Yuntian closed his eyes and reached deep into his spiritual sea. His next goal was clear—he had to push beyond Foundation Establishment. The Golden Core stage awaited, but it was a monumental leap, one that required intense preparation and insight.
And he didn't have much time.