The morning sun cast a golden glow over the battlefield, illuminating the remnants of the destroyed camp. Lin Feng stood at the center, his sword sheathed, as Zhao Tian approached him with a list of the spoils collected from the defeated enemies.
"Young Master, we've gathered all the valuables," Zhao Tian reported. "Spirit stones, weapons, and cultivation manuals. There's also a storage ring from the leader—it might hold something useful."
Lin Feng took the ring, infusing it with a trace of spiritual energy to unlock it. Inside, he found a variety of items: spirit stones, medicinal herbs, and, most importantly, a jade slip.
He picked up the jade slip and examined it carefully. As his spiritual sense entered, lines of ancient text appeared, detailing a high-tier cultivation technique: Crimson Shadow Steps.
"A movement technique?" Lin Feng muttered to himself.
Zhao Tian noticed the slip in Lin Feng's hand and spoke. "That's a valuable find, Young Master. A technique like that can increase your speed and make your movements unpredictable in battle."
Lin Feng smiled faintly. "Indeed. It's perfect for what's to come."
The system's voice echoed in his mind:
[New mission detected: Investigate the source of the camp's activities. Reward: 500 System Points.]
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed. "It seems our work isn't done yet. This camp wasn't acting on its own—they were part of something larger."
---
After a brief rest, Lin Feng and his group set out, following the clues left in the camp. The jade slip not only contained a technique but also a map pointing to a hidden stronghold deep within the mountains.
The journey was treacherous, with narrow paths and dense forests making progress slow. Along the way, Lin Feng took the opportunity to study the Crimson Shadow Steps.
He practiced the technique in short bursts, his movements becoming faster and more fluid with each attempt. The system provided guidance, correcting his form and maximizing the efficiency of his energy use.
By the time they reached the base of the mountain, Lin Feng's mastery of the technique had reached a rudimentary level.
Zhao Tian observed his young master with admiration. "Young Master, your progress is astounding. Most cultivators would need months to grasp even the basics of such a technique."
Lin Feng smirked. "That's the advantage of having a system. But let's not get complacent. We're heading into unknown territory."
---
The hidden stronghold was well-concealed, with its entrance disguised as part of the mountainside. Lin Feng signaled for the group to halt and observed the area carefully.
Several guards patrolled the entrance, their auras indicating they were Foundation Establishment cultivators. Beyond them, Lin Feng could sense the presence of stronger individuals inside.
Zhao Tian leaned closer and whispered, "There are about fifteen guards outside, but the real threat lies within. How do you want to proceed, Young Master?"
Lin Feng's gaze was sharp. "We'll deal with the outer guards quietly. Once we're inside, we'll adapt to the situation."
With that, he activated the Crimson Shadow Steps. His figure blurred as he moved with lightning speed, appearing behind the first guard before the man could react.
A swift strike to the neck rendered the guard unconscious. Lin Feng moved to the next target, his movements precise and silent.
The Nascent Soul cultivators followed his lead, quickly subduing the remaining guards without raising an alarm.
---
Inside the stronghold, the air was thick with the scent of incense and damp stone. The group moved cautiously, their steps muffled as they navigated the dimly lit corridors.
Lin Feng's spiritual sense picked up a gathering of cultivators in a large chamber ahead. He signaled for the group to stop and whispered, "Wait here. I'll scout ahead."
Using the Crimson Shadow Steps, Lin Feng approached the chamber undetected. Peering inside, he saw a dozen cultivators seated around a table, discussing their plans.
At the head of the table sat a man with a commanding presence, his aura indicating he was a Golden Core cultivator. Beside him was a map, marked with locations that included not only the camp Lin Feng had destroyed but also other villages and towns.
"It seems they're planning more raids," Lin Feng thought to himself.
He returned to his group and relayed the information. Zhao Tian frowned. "A Golden Core cultivator will be a tough opponent, even with our numbers."
Lin Feng's expression was calm. "We have the element of surprise. I'll deal with the leader. The rest of you handle the others."
---
The attack was swift and decisive. Lin Feng charged into the chamber, his sword blazing with fiery energy. The cultivators at the table barely had time to react before the battle began.
The Nascent Soul cultivators engaged the enemies, their combined strength overwhelming the Golden Core leader's subordinates.
The leader rose from his seat, his expression one of fury and disbelief. "Who dares attack my stronghold?"
Lin Feng smirked. "Your plans end here."
The leader drew his weapon, a long spear radiating a golden light. He lunged at Lin Feng with incredible speed, but Lin Feng's mastery of the Crimson Shadow Steps allowed him to evade the attack effortlessly.
They exchanged blows, their weapons clashing with a force that shook the chamber. Lin Feng's movements were unpredictable, his speed and agility giving him the upper hand.
The leader growled in frustration. "You're just a brat! How can you be this strong?"
Lin Feng's eyes glinted with determination. "Because I'm not fighting alone."
He activated a technique he had recently learned: Heavenly Flame Burst. A surge of fire erupted from his sword, engulfing the leader in flames.
The man let out a cry of pain as the flames burned through his defenses. Lin Feng seized the opportunity, delivering a final strike that pierced the leader's chest.
---
As the battle ended, Lin Feng surveyed the chamber. The enemy cultivators had been defeated, and Zhao Tian's team was collecting the spoils.
Lin Feng approached the map on the table, his expression serious. "This isn't over. These raids are part of a larger plan. We need to find out who's behind this."
Zhao Tian nodded. "What are your orders, Young Master?"
Lin Feng clenched his fist. "We'll return to the Lin family estate and prepare. This is just the beginning."
---
Far away, in a grand palace surrounded by clouds, a figure sat on a throne, their face obscured by shadows.
A subordinate knelt before them, their voice trembling. "The stronghold has been destroyed, and the leader was killed. The attackers were led by someone named Lin Feng."
The figure chuckled softly. "Lin Feng… How interesting. Let's see how far he can go."
---
Lin Feng stood at the entrance of the stronghold, looking out at the horizon. His journey was far from over, but he felt a newfound sense of purpose.
"This world is full of dangers," he muttered to himself. "But I'll carve my path and become stronger than anyone."
The system's voice echoed in his mind once more:
[Mission Complete: Investigate the camp's source. Reward: 500 System Points.]
A small smile played on Lin Feng's lips as he stepped forward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.