Early the next morning, Feng Xiao made his way to the forested mountains behind the Feng Clan. This area was reserved for clan members who sought seclusion for meditation or training. Today, however, Feng Xiao was here on a specific mission: to locate and gather an elusive herb called Spirit Wind Grass, known for its ability to enhance qi circulation. The elders recommended it for young cultivators who were developing their own techniques, as it would help them control and expand their qi reserves.
As he entered the dense forest, Feng Xiao admired the tall trees and the calm atmosphere. The morning mist clung to the ground, and sunlight filtered through the branches, creating patterns of light and shadow. He took a deep breath, feeling the pure qi of nature around him.
"I should have enough time before anyone else comes here," he thought aloud.
He scanned the area for signs of Spirit Wind Grass. The herb grew only in shaded spots and had thin, delicate leaves that fluttered even without wind. Feng Xiao had learned about it in the clan's herb archives and knew it wasn't easy to find.
Suddenly, he heard a sound—a faint rustling to his right. He turned, his senses heightened. Out from the shadows stepped Feng Mei, dressed in a lighter robe suited for the forest. She looked as surprised to see him as he was to see her.
"Feng Mei?" Feng Xiao asked, eyebrows raised. "What brings you out here so early?"
She gave him a faint smile. "I could ask you the same thing. I didn't expect the clan's 'rising star' to be roaming around in the forest."
He chuckled. "I'm looking for Spirit Wind Grass. The elders say it can help stabilize qi flow."
Feng Mei nodded, her expression softening. "I've used it before. It's useful, especially for controlling frost qi like mine. I can help you find some if you want."
Feng Xiao didn't expect this offer, but he accepted with a grateful smile. "I'd appreciate that. I know it grows in shaded areas, but I'm still learning."
They walked side by side, occasionally exchanging glances and small smiles. Feng Mei was quieter than usual, and Feng Xiao sensed that there was something on her mind. After a while, she finally spoke.
"Feng Xiao, I want to ask you something…about that last fight." She hesitated before continuing. "When we clashed, you used a shield made of pure fire qi. I've never seen anyone in the clan use a technique like that. Did you…create it yourself?"
He nodded, recalling the Crimson Ember Shield technique he had developed. "I studied some of the clan's defensive techniques but adapted them to my style. My comprehension ability helps me understand the flow of qi, so I created my own shield based on what I saw."
Feng Mei looked impressed. "That's incredible. It's rare for someone to create a new technique on their own."
Feng Xiao smiled, scratching the back of his head. "I guess I got lucky."
They continued searching for herbs, the conversation shifting to cultivation techniques. Feng Mei mentioned her own experiences with the Frost Moon Sword Technique.
"It's a family technique, passed down through generations," she explained. "The Frost Moon Sword Technique allows me to infuse my sword with frost qi, creating a chilling aura. But there's also a hidden move called Ice Lotus Bloom. It's powerful but requires complete control over frost qi. I'm still working on mastering it."
Feng Xiao nodded, listening with genuine interest. He had seen the Ice Lotus Bloom in their battle—a massive lotus of ice that exploded with frost energy. He respected her dedication and admired her honesty about her progress.
Just then, Feng Mei's gaze shifted, and she pointed. "There! Spirit Wind Grass!"
Following her direction, Feng Xiao spotted a small cluster of herbs with thin, fluttering leaves. He knelt down to gather them carefully, making sure not to damage the roots. He placed them in a small pouch, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
"Thank you, Feng Mei," he said, looking up at her. "I couldn't have found it without your help."
She shrugged. "No need to thank me. It was nice… spending time like this."
Before he could respond, a sudden gust of wind swept through the forest, carrying a sense of foreboding. Both of them immediately sensed it—a disturbance in the qi around them. Feng Xiao's instincts kicked in, and he raised his hand to silence Feng Mei.
"Someone's coming," he whispered, his voice tense.
From the shadows, three figures emerged, their robes bearing the crest of the Black Serpent Clan, a rival clan known for their brutal methods and underhanded tactics. Feng Xiao recognized the leader—Jiang Wei, a notorious cultivator who had caused trouble for the Feng Clan before.
"Well, well," Jiang Wei sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Feng Clan's 'prodigies' wandering alone in the woods. This is just too convenient."
Feng Mei took a defensive stance, her hand on her sword. "What do you want, Jiang Wei?"
He laughed, his companions joining in. "What do I want? Simple. You two have something I need—Spirit Wind Grass and… a bit of revenge."
Feng Xiao clenched his fists, sensing the hostility radiating from Jiang Wei. His Heaven-Defying Comprehension kicked in, analyzing Jiang Wei's movements and aura. He could tell that Jiang Wei was a skilled cultivator, but he wasn't unbeatable.
"Stay behind me, Feng Mei," he said, stepping forward. "I'll handle him."
She frowned, gripping her sword. "You don't need to protect me. I can fight too."
Jiang Wei sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "How cute. The little Feng Clan brats think they can stand against me."
Feng Xiao didn't waste any more words. He summoned his qi, focusing on a technique he had been refining in his mind—Blazing Serpent Strike. It was a swift, powerful punch infused with fire qi, mimicking the speed and precision of a serpent's strike.
Jiang Wei smirked, clearly underestimating him. But as Feng Xiao unleashed the Blazing Serpent Strike, a wave of fire qi surged forward, hitting Jiang Wei in the chest with surprising force. Jiang Wei staggered back, his expression shifting from arrogance to shock.
"Not so weak after all, huh?" Feng Xiao said, his tone calm but firm.
Jiang Wei growled, his eyes narrowing. He drew a blade from his belt, its edge gleaming with dark energy. "You'll regret that, boy!"
He rushed forward, slashing with speed and aggression. Feng Xiao dodged each strike, his Heaven-Defying Comprehension allowing him to predict Jiang Wei's movements just before they happened. His focus sharpened, and he shifted to a defensive stance, summoning the Crimson Ember Shield again. The fiery barrier absorbed each hit, weakening Jiang Wei's dark energy with each clash.
Meanwhile, Feng Mei took advantage of Jiang Wei's distraction. She moved to the side, her sword glowing with frost qi as she prepared to strike. "Feng Xiao, now!"
He understood her cue and dispelled his shield, dodging to the side. In one swift motion, Feng Mei launched Ice Lotus Bloom, sending a concentrated blast of frost qi toward Jiang Wei. The frosty lotus exploded around him, encasing his arms and legs in ice, immobilizing him.
Jiang Wei's expression twisted in frustration, his eyes wide with shock and fear. "You…how dare you!"
With a final push, Feng Xiao unleashed another Blazing Serpent Strike, this time aiming directly at Jiang Wei's chest. The force of the punch shattered the ice and sent Jiang Wei sprawling backward, his body hitting the ground with a thud.
The remaining Black Serpent Clan members hesitated, glancing nervously at each other before retreating into the forest, leaving their defeated leader behind.
Feng Mei let out a sigh of relief, lowering her sword. "That was… intense."
Feng Xiao grinned, feeling a rush of exhilaration. "Not bad for a 'humble herb gatherer,' right?"
She rolled her eyes, but there was warmth in her gaze. "I guess you're more than just a herb gatherer after all."
They shared a laugh, the tension of the battle melting away. As they made their way back to the clan grounds, Feng Xiao felt a newfound sense of camaraderie with Feng Mei. The experience had deepened their bond, and for the first time, he felt they were truly on the same path.
As they walked together, Feng Mei's hand brushed against his. She quickly pulled it back, her cheeks flushed, but Feng Xiao couldn't hide his smile. There was something comforting in knowing they would face the journey ahead—together.