The sun was still low in the sky when Lin Feng prepared to leave. The elders had wasted no time in assigning him the task, and Lin Feng, though excited, couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that lingered in the air. This mission was his chance to truly prove himself, but it also came with its own risks. The south, where the troublemaker resided, was known for its dangerous cultivators and chaotic political landscape.
Lin Feng, now clad in a simple yet elegant set of robes that highlighted his growing cultivation, stood at the gates of the Lin family estate. A group of elite guards, led by one of the family's trusted commanders, awaited him. Their expressions were serious, knowing the significance of the task ahead. Lin Feng's eyes scanned their faces, feeling the weight of their scrutiny. This wasn't a mission for the unprepared. The Lin family was entrusting him with something important, and he couldn't afford to fail.
The commander, a stern woman named Lin Mei, stepped forward and bowed. "Master Lin Feng, we have prepared everything for your journey. Our forces are ready to depart at your command."
Lin Feng nodded, his determination unwavering. "Let's not waste any more time. We head south immediately."
The group mounted their horses, and with a signal from Lin Feng, they began their journey. The road to the south was long, winding through treacherous terrain, dense forests, and villages that had long been caught in the crossfire of conflicts between local factions. But for Lin Feng, this was more than just a journey through dangerous lands; it was a chance to test his newfound abilities and prove to the Lin family that he was no longer the waste they had once believed him to be.
---
As the days passed, Lin Feng spent his time training, refining his cultivation techniques, and studying the Heavenly Thunderstrike skill that the system had unlocked for him. Each practice session left him feeling more connected to the energy of the world, more attuned to the power that surged within him. The feeling of thunder coursing through his veins was exhilarating, a force that promised destruction in the right hands.
The group passed through several villages on their way, many of which had suffered from raids or skirmishes with local cultivators who were either rogue or aligned with factions that didn't favor the Lin family. Lin Feng's keen senses could feel the tension in the air, but he also noticed something else—whispers of his name. Even in the farthest corners of the southern regions, word of his victory over Chen Wei had spread.
One night, as they camped by a small river, Lin Mei approached him, her expression unreadable. She was a formidable cultivator in her own right, having reached the peak of the Qi Condensation stage. Yet, Lin Feng sensed that she, like many others in the Lin family, was quietly evaluating him.
"Master Lin Feng," she said softly, "you've been performing admirably, but this task isn't like the one you faced before. The cultivator you're after is ruthless and far stronger than you may realize."
Lin Feng turned his gaze toward her, his face set with resolve. "I've heard rumors of his strength. A rogue cultivator named Li Yuan, correct?"
Lin Mei nodded. "Yes, Li Yuan is no ordinary cultivator. He was once part of a major sect but was exiled after committing unforgivable acts. He's since built a following of like-minded individuals and has been terrorizing the southern regions for years. The family believes it's time to put an end to his rampage."
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed. "And they believe I am the one to do it?"
She studied him closely before answering. "The family believes in your potential. But I've seen cultivators stronger than him fall to their arrogance or overconfidence. Be cautious."
Lin Feng stood, the weight of her words sinking in. He was no longer the weakling who had to rely on others. The system had granted him power, and with it, he would carve out his own path. But Lin Mei's words were a reminder that overconfidence could be as dangerous as weakness.
"I appreciate your warning," he said, his tone calm but resolute. "But I'm ready."
The next day, the group continued their journey, drawing closer to their destination. Lin Feng felt the air change as they neared the heart of the southern region. The oppressive atmosphere grew thicker, and the trees began to look more twisted, their branches contorted like hands reaching for the sky.
---
The first sign that they were getting closer to Li Yuan's stronghold came when they encountered a small group of his followers. The group was ruthless, attacking without warning, and showing no mercy. Lin Feng observed them closely as they fought against his guards, noting their ferocity and the chaotic nature of their attacks. They weren't just skilled cultivators; they were fanatics, driven by a bloodlust that came from years of lawlessness.
Lin Mei led the charge, her sword flashing with precision as she cut down the first few attackers. Lin Feng's guards fought valiantly, but the disparity in numbers and strength was clear. Lin Feng, however, remained calm. The situation was chaotic, but it wasn't beyond his capabilities.
The system's interface flickered in his mind, urging him to act. Without hesitation, Lin Feng activated the Heavenly Thunderstrike. He channeled his Qi, focusing it into the palms of his hands. The air crackled, and in a single motion, he unleashed a devastating bolt of thunder that arced across the battlefield, striking down the attackers with pinpoint accuracy.
The ground trembled beneath his feet, and the sound of thunder echoed through the trees. The force of the strike was so powerful that the surrounding trees were blasted into splinters. The remaining attackers faltered, their faces a mix of fear and disbelief. The tide of the battle had shifted in an instant.
Lin Mei watched with widened eyes, clearly impressed by his mastery of the technique. Lin Feng's power was undeniable now, and the system's rewards were already showing their worth.
When the last of the attackers fell, Lin Mei turned to Lin Feng. "Impressive. I didn't expect you to unleash such power so quickly."
Lin Feng lowered his hands, the crackling energy still lingering in the air. "I told you I was ready."
With the skirmish over, they continued on their path, the tension in the air thickening. It was clear that Li Yuan's forces were no longer just a rumor—they were real, and they were dangerous. The true test was still ahead, and Lin Feng was determined to face it head-on.