Lin Feng stood still, the cool morning mist swirling around him, his mind a storm of realization and power. The world had shifted beneath his feet. Bai Xuemin, the so-called son of destiny, lay dead, his rainbow-colored threads of fortune now Lin Feng's to wield. Yet Lin Feng couldn't afford to grow complacent. His journey had only begun, and allies, as well as his own strength, would determine whether he remained free.
He turned to Elder Shui and Shi Gong, the two who had stood beside him through trial and bloodshed. With a thought, Lin Feng summoned the System Panel, the blue screen flickering to life before him. His gaze settled first on Elder Shui, and the panel filled with information.
Name: Shui Meilin
Cultivation: Rank 5, Initial Realm
Bloodline: None
Supreme Physique: None
Attribute: Water
Special Ability: Ocean's Pulse
Age: 40
Luck: Orange
Lin Feng's eyes lingered on the details. Elder Shui was a seasoned warrior, her power refined over years of discipline and hardship. Her special ability, Ocean's Pulse, was a potent force that could crush and overwhelm her enemies like the relentless tides. Despite lacking a bloodline or a supreme physique, her aura radiated wisdom and loyalty.
Orange luck, Lin Feng thought, his brow furrowing. A solid fortune, but not unbreakable. He couldn't help but feel a pang of worry for her. The heavens were fickle, and even strong fates could be eroded by misfortune. But he respected her nonetheless, both for her unwavering loyalty and her quiet strength.
He met her gaze, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Elder Shui," he said, his voice warm, "you've always been a rock I could rely on. Thank you for everything."
Elder Shui inclined her head, her expression serene but her eyes betraying a glint of pride. "Young Master," she replied softly, "it is my honor to serve you." Although she did not know why Lin Feng was happy just by killing a rank one by their hands, but it was not her place to ask.
Next, Lin Feng focused on Shi Gong. The System Panel shifted, displaying the warrior's profile with cold precision.
Name: Shi Gong
Cultivation: Rank 4, Middle Realm
Bloodline: Giant Bloodline
Supreme Physique: Mountain's Heart Physique
Attribute: Earth
Special Ability: Earthshaker's Might
Age: 37
Luck: Red
Shi Gong's profile was a testament to raw, unstoppable power. His Giant Bloodline gave him an incredible physical presence just as he suspected, while the Mountain's Heart Physique rendered him nearly impervious to attacks this is unexpected someone with remarkable bloodline as well as supreme physique, he has the aptitude for reaching Rank 6 immortal realm, if Lin Wei would have acquired him becoming the patriarch of the Starfall clan would have been too complicated . His special ability, Earthshaker's Might, was a destructive force capable of leveling mountains.
Shi Gong, sensing Lin Feng's focus, thumped his chest in a salute, his face a mask of unwavering resolve. "Young Master, your strength inspires us all," he said, his voice deep and solid, like the earth itself.
With the assessments complete, Lin Feng felt the weight of his companions' trust settling over him, fortifying his resolve. But he knew that he couldn't rely on them alone. He needed to grow stronger, to stand on his own in this world that sought to bind him.
He exhaled slowly and sat down once more, preparing for the breakthrough he had long awaited. The energy in his dantian surged, a raging storm of fire and force. The Dragon Fire roared within him, fierce and untamed, like a beast desperate to be set free.
We crave freedom, you and I, Lin Feng thought, feeling the heat of his flames radiate through his core. This world wants to chain us, to crush us under the weight of destiny and heaven's will. But we are different. We defy the heavens.
The flames seemed to respond, pulsing and flaring with an intensity that bordered on madness. It was as if the Dragon Fire shared his yearning, his dream of breaking free from all bonds. Lin Feng clenched his jaw, sweat beading on his forehead as he channeled the energy, forcing it to condense into something more potent, more powerful. His veins felt like rivers of molten fire, each beat of his heart sending waves of agony coursing through his body.
The Dragon Fire fought him, wild and unyielding. It wasn't just a source of power—it was a force of nature, as rebellious and fierce as Lin Feng himself. It seared his insides, testing his will, challenging him to prove that he was worthy of wielding such strength.
You won't break me, Lin Feng thought, his teeth gritted against the pain. You are a part of me, and together we will rise.
The struggle was brutal, each second an eternity of torment. The flames wanted to consume him, to burn him from within, but Lin Feng refused to yield. He drew upon his desire for freedom, the one thing that defined his existence, and molded the fire to his will.
"Is this all you have?" he growled, his voice raw and defiant. "Show me your fury! I'll tame it and make it mine!"
The flames roared louder, a conflagration of defiance and rage, but slowly, gradually, Lin Feng's iron will prevailed. He condensed his Qi, forcing it into a brilliant, golden core that pulsed with life and power. The breakthrough teetered on the brink of failure, but with one final push, he succeeded.
A thunderous crack split the air, and a shockwave erupted from his body, scorching the ground around him. The mist evaporated in an instant, driven away by the sheer heat of his power. Lin Feng's eyes snapped open, glowing with a molten, golden light. His aura surged, fierce and undeniable, marking his ascension to Rank 3.
He stood, his breath ragged but his spirit unbroken. The Dragon Fire had settled within him, a force now tempered and refined. Yet it remained a wild, living entity, echoing his desire to remain unbound.
Elder Shui and Shi Gong approached, awe and respect shining in their eyes. Elder Shui, her water aura shimmering gently, gave him a proud smile. "Young Master," she said, her voice full of admiration, "you've done it."
Shi Gong clapped a heavy hand on Lin Feng's shoulder, his face lighting up with a rare grin. "You're incredible," he said, his voice reverent.
Lin Feng met their gazes, and for a moment, a warmth bloomed in his chest. Yet deep within, his Dragon Fire pulsed, a reminder of the battle yet to come. He had won a victory today, but the road ahead was long, and he knew the heavens would not take his defiance lightly.
But Lin Feng was ready. He had tasted the thrill of true freedom, and he would never relinquish it. Not for the heavens, not for fate, and certainly not for anyone who dared to stand in his way.