Lin Feng stood atop a small hill, looking down at the camp nestled in the valley below. The area was surrounded by wooden walls, with torches illuminating the guards patrolling the perimeter. He could hear the faint sound of conversation and laughter drifting up from the camp.
Behind him, Zhao Tian and a group of cultivators waited silently. Among them were ten Nascent Soul experts Lin Feng had summoned through the system, their auras strong and steady. The tension in the air was thick, but Lin Feng's expression remained calm.
Zhao Tian stepped forward and spoke softly, "Young Master, there are about a hundred people in the camp. Most of them are low-level cultivators, with a few stronger ones leading them. We're ready to attack on your command."
Lin Feng nodded, his gaze never leaving the camp. "We'll divide our forces. Zhao Tian, take twenty men and circle around to the eastern side. Wait for my signal before attacking. The Nascent Soul cultivators and I will lead the main force from the front."
Zhao Tian gave a small bow. "Understood, Young Master."
Lin Feng tightened his grip on his sword. This was his first real confrontation, and he could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. Yet, there was also a spark of excitement.
[Mission Activated: Defeat the camp leader. Reward: 300 System Points.]
The system's prompt rang in his mind. Lin Feng exhaled slowly. "Move out."
---
The attack began with a sudden explosion. Lin Feng raised his sword, activating the Heavenly Flame Sword Technique. A surge of flames burst forth, engulfing the camp's front gate and blasting it open. Splinters of wood flew through the air, and the sound of chaos erupted as guards scrambled to respond.
Lin Feng charged in, leading the Nascent Soul cultivators. His sword, wreathed in flames, cut through the first wave of defenders. Each swing was precise, and the overwhelming strength of his technique left his opponents unable to retaliate.
On the eastern side, Zhao Tian's team climbed the walls and launched their own assault. The camp's defenders were caught off guard, and the combined attacks from both sides left them in disarray.
Lin Feng's eyes scanned the battlefield. He moved with calculated precision, striking down opponents one by one. The system interface highlighted key enemies, allowing him to focus on the most dangerous threats.
A group of cultivators rushed toward him, but Lin Feng didn't hesitate.
"Blazing Slash!"
A wave of fire swept across the battlefield, forcing the attackers back. Smoke filled the air as the flames consumed their weapons, leaving them defenseless.
---
At the center of the camp, the leader stood watching the chaos unfold. He was a tall man with sharp features and a commanding presence. His expression darkened as he saw his forces crumbling.
"This is what the Lin family sends to challenge me?" he muttered, unsheathing his blade. His aura surged, revealing the strength of a seasoned cultivator.
Lin Feng noticed the man immediately. With swift movements, he made his way toward him, cutting down the remaining defenders that stood in his path. The two locked eyes, the tension between them palpable.
"You've caused enough trouble," Lin Feng said, his voice steady. "It ends here."
The leader smirked, his tone laced with mockery. "A young one like you thinks he can stop me? Let's see if you can survive."
They clashed in an instant. Sparks flew as their weapons met, the impact sending shockwaves through the air. Lin Feng's strikes were quick and precise, while the leader's attacks were heavy and forceful.
For a moment, the two seemed evenly matched. The leader pressed forward with a powerful strike, forcing Lin Feng to leap back.
"You've got some skill," the leader admitted grudgingly. "But you're too inexperienced."
Lin Feng's grip on his sword tightened. The system's voice guided him once again:
[Enemy technique detected: Weak point identified in his defensive stance.]
Lin Feng smirked. "Is that so?"
He feinted to the right, drawing the leader's blade in that direction, then struck with precision at the weak point. His sword found its mark, leaving a deep wound on the leader's side.
The man staggered back, his expression a mix of pain and disbelief. "How…?"
Lin Feng didn't give him time to recover. With a final strike, he brought the battle to an end.
---
As the last of the defenders fled, the battlefield grew quiet. The camp was in ruins, the flames from Lin Feng's earlier attack still flickering in the night. Zhao Tian approached, his expression calm but determined.
"Young Master, the battle is over. We've secured the camp," he reported.
Lin Feng nodded, his expression unreadable. "Good. Gather the spoils and tend to the wounded. We leave at dawn."
Zhao Tian gave a small bow and turned to carry out the orders. Lin Feng opened the system interface, the familiar blue screen appearing before him.
[Mission Complete: Defeat the camp leader.]
[Reward: 300 System Points.]
A sense of accomplishment washed over him, but he knew this was only the beginning. There were greater challenges ahead, and he would need to grow stronger to face them.
---
Far away, in a dark chamber lit only by faint candlelight, a figure sat in silence. His expression was hidden, but his presence was suffocating.
A subordinate knelt before him, his voice trembling. "The camp has fallen. The Lin family's forces were responsible."
The figure chuckled softly, his tone cold. "Lin Feng… It seems you're full of surprises. But don't get too comfortable. Your journey has only just begun."
---
Lin Feng stood amidst the wreckage of the camp, the flickering flames casting long shadows around him. He tightened his grip on his sword and looked to the horizon. A new sense of determination filled his heart.
"This is only the first step," he muttered. "I'll make my mark on this world, no matter what it takes."