The forest gave way to a rocky terrain as Lin Feng and his group approached the rumored location of Li Yuan's stronghold. The air grew heavy, charged with the faint essence of hostility and danger. Lin Feng's steps were steady, but his mind was sharp, analyzing every detail of their surroundings. This was not a place where one could afford to be careless.
Standing on a ridge overlooking a wide valley, Lin Feng spotted it—a fortress hidden between jagged cliffs, its walls fortified with dark stones. The rogue cultivators' lair exuded an aura of defiance, its very presence daring anyone to invade. Flags bearing Li Yuan's symbol—an ominous black claw—fluttered in the wind, a stark contrast against the dreary landscape.
"We've found it," Lin Mei said, her voice quiet but resolute. "Li Yuan's den."
Lin Feng nodded, his gaze fixed on the stronghold. "Then it's time to end this."
---
The group retreated into the cover of the trees to strategize. Lin Feng knelt, tracing a rough map of the fortress onto the dirt with a stick. His guards and Lin Mei formed a tight circle around him, their expressions grim yet determined.
"There's no way to charge in directly," Lin Mei pointed out, her brow furrowed. "Li Yuan's forces will see us coming from a mile away."
"We don't need to charge in," Lin Feng replied calmly, his voice carrying an unexpected authority. "We'll divide our efforts. A diversionary force will attack from the front, while the rest of us infiltrate through the cliffs behind the fortress."
One of the guards, a burly man named Zhao Tian, spoke up. "The cliffs are dangerous. Scaling them without alerting the sentries will be nearly impossible."
Lin Feng smirked faintly. "Let me worry about the sentries. You just focus on the climb."
The plan was set. Lin Feng assigned half of the guards to create a commotion at the gates while he, Lin Mei, and the rest would climb the cliffs under the cover of night. It was a bold strategy, but Lin Feng knew boldness was their only chance against Li Yuan.
---
Night fell swiftly, cloaking the valley in darkness. The diversion team began their assault, launching firebolts and creating explosions near the gates. The fortress responded immediately, its defenders scrambling to repel the attack. Shouts and clashing metal filled the air, the chaos echoing through the valley.
Meanwhile, Lin Feng and his group moved silently along the base of the cliffs, their figures barely visible against the shadows. The climb was treacherous, each step demanding precise balance and unwavering focus. Lin Feng led the way, his body moving with surprising agility for someone who had once been called a waste.
About halfway up, Lin Feng spotted the first sentry—a man perched on a rocky outcrop, scanning the surroundings. Without hesitation, Lin Feng activated his system. A menu appeared before his eyes, offering a list of abilities. He selected Silent Shadow Step, a movement technique that allowed him to blend seamlessly into the darkness.
His body became a blur as he approached the sentry, who didn't even have time to react before Lin Feng incapacitated him with a precise strike to the neck. The man crumpled silently, and Lin Feng gestured for the others to follow.
Lin Mei gave him an approving nod as they passed the unconscious sentry. "Impressive. You're learning quickly."
"Let's keep moving," Lin Feng replied, his focus unshaken.
---
Reaching the top of the cliffs, the group found themselves on a narrow ledge overlooking the fortress courtyard. Lin Feng crouched low, observing the scene below. The guards at the gates were fully occupied with the diversion, but the courtyard was still patrolled by a handful of sentries.
Lin Feng turned to Lin Mei. "We'll split up. You take the left side and disable those sentries. I'll handle the ones on the right. Move quickly and stay quiet."
Lin Mei gave a curt nod before vanishing into the shadows. Lin Feng activated Silent Shadow Step again, his movements as fluid as a predator stalking its prey. Within moments, the courtyard was cleared, and the group regrouped near a side entrance to the fortress.
"Now comes the hard part," Lin Feng said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We find Li Yuan."
---
The interior of the fortress was dimly lit, its corridors narrow and winding. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and burning torches. Lin Feng led the way, his senses heightened. Every creak of wood and flicker of light felt like a potential threat.
As they navigated deeper into the fortress, they encountered pockets of resistance—small groups of rogue cultivators who tried to bar their path. Lin Feng's guards fought valiantly, their swords and spears clashing against the rogue cultivators' weapons. Lin Mei's graceful movements were a blur as she struck down enemies with precise, calculated attacks.
Lin Feng, meanwhile, relied on his system-enhanced techniques. The Heavenly Thunderstrike proved devastating in the confined spaces, its electrical arcs tearing through multiple enemies at once. The power surged through him with each use, but he remained mindful not to overextend himself. This was only the beginning.
---
Finally, they reached the central chamber—a vast, cavernous hall illuminated by a massive chandelier of glowing crystals. At the far end of the room, seated on a throne carved from black stone, was Li Yuan.
The rogue cultivator regarded them with an expression of calm amusement, as if he had been expecting them all along. His dark robes seemed to absorb the light, and his aura was suffocating, filling the room with an oppressive energy that made even Lin Feng hesitate for a moment.
"So, you've made it this far," Li Yuan said, his voice echoing in the chamber. "I must admit, I'm impressed. But tell me, Lin Feng—do you truly believe you're ready to face me?"
Lin Feng stepped forward, his sword drawn, the determination in his eyes unwavering. "I didn't come this far just to turn back now."
Li Yuan chuckled, rising from his throne. "Good. Then let's see if you're worth my time."
The rogue cultivator raised a hand, and the air around him rippled with dark energy. Lin Feng felt the pressure immediately, a suffocating force that threatened to crush him where he stood. But he refused to falter. Drawing upon the power of the Heavenly Thunderstrike, he charged forward, his blade crackling with electricity.
Li Yuan met his attack head-on, their blades clashing with a deafening roar. The impact sent shockwaves through the chamber, shattering nearby furniture and scattering debris. Lin Feng gritted his teeth, pouring all his strength into the strike, but Li Yuan barely seemed fazed.
"You've improved," Li Yuan remarked, his tone almost mocking. "But you're still no match for me."
The battle intensified, the room becoming a whirlwind of lightning and shadow. Lin Feng fought with everything he had, but Li Yuan's experience and raw power were undeniable. Each clash of their blades pushed Lin Feng closer to his limit.
But just as despair threatened to take hold, Lin Mei and the guards joined the fray, their combined efforts creating an opening. Lin Feng seized the opportunity, channeling all his energy into a final, desperate strike.
The Heavenly Thunderstrike roared to life, its power amplified beyond anything Lin Feng had ever achieved before. The blade struck true, piercing through Li Yuan's defenses and forcing the rogue cultivator to retreat.
Li Yuan's expression darkened, his amusement replaced by anger. "This isn't over," he growled, his form dissolving into shadows. "We'll meet again, Lin Feng. And next time, you won't be so lucky."
As the last remnants of Li Yuan's presence faded, Lin Feng collapsed to one knee, his chest heaving with exhaustion. The battle was over—for now.
But Lin Feng knew this was only the beginning of his journey.