Li Feng struggled to his feet, still feeling the effects of his battle with Hunter. His ribs ached, his muscles screamed, and his Qi was nearly depleted.
Yet standing before him was Elder Mo, a man whose presence alone commanded the very air around him.
"Follow me," the old master said, turning without another word.
Li Feng hesitated for only a moment before forcing himself to move. His instincts told him—this was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss.
They walked in silence, weaving through the alleyways before reaching an abandoned temple on the outskirts of the city. The wooden doors creaked as Elder Mo pushed them open, revealing a vast courtyard bathed in moonlight.
"Sit," Elder Mo commanded.
Li Feng obeyed, lowering himself onto the cold stone ground.
The old master studied him for a long moment before speaking.
"You carry an ancient inheritance," he said. "Yet you know nothing of its origins, its dangers, or its true power."
Li Feng clenched his fists. "Then teach me."
Elder Mo let out a dry chuckle. "Boy, do you think knowledge is given freely?" His expression hardened. "The path of cultivation is one of trials, blood, and sacrifice. If you wish to walk it, you must prove your worth."
Li Feng met his gaze without flinching. "What do I have to do?"
The old master raised a single finger. "Survive the night."
Before Li Feng could ask what he meant, Elder Mo suddenly flicked his sleeve.
Boom!
A powerful force crashed into Li Feng's chest, launching him backward. He barely managed to flip midair before slamming into the temple wall.
Coughing, he forced himself up. "What the hell—"
Then he froze.
The shadows in the temple began to move. From the darkness, creatures emerged—twisted, humanoid beasts with glowing red eyes and elongated claws. Their bodies flickered like phantoms, but the killing intent they radiated was all too real.
Li Feng's breath caught. "Wraiths…?"
Elder Mo's voice was calm. "These are spiritual remnants—trapped souls that prey on the weak. Kill them, or be devoured."
Li Feng barely had time to react before the first wraith lunged at him.
Instinct took over.
He twisted his body, narrowly dodging the strike. His mind raced—his Qi was low, and his body was still recovering. If he wanted to survive, he had to fight smart.
Another wraith charged. Li Feng gritted his teeth and countered with a sharp punch infused with the remnants of his Qi.
Boom!
His fist connected with the creature's chest, causing it to screech in pain before dissipating into black mist.
One down.
But three more took its place.
Sweat dripped down Li Feng's forehead. His stamina was fading, but he couldn't stop now. He focused, trying to recall the movement from his earlier fight—Celestial Flowing Steps.
He stepped lightly, weaving between attacks, striking only when necessary. His body moved like water, flowing effortlessly.
Yet the wraiths kept coming.
Elder Mo watched silently, his eyes unreadable.
This wasn't just a test of strength. It was a test of endurance. Of willpower.
Li Feng panted, his body aching. How much longer?
The last wraith lunged—its claws inches from his throat.
In that instant, something inside him snapped.
The Eternal Star Legacy pulsed within him.
A surge of power erupted from his core, his Qi roaring back to life. Without thinking, he raised his hand—and a blinding golden light burst forth.
The wraith let out a terrible shriek before being obliterated in an instant.
Silence filled the temple.
Li Feng gasped for breath, his vision blurring. His entire body trembled from exhaustion, but he was still standing.
Elder Mo stroked his beard, nodding in approval. "Not bad."
Li Feng managed a weak glare. "Not bad? I almost died!"
The old master chuckled. "And yet, you did not." He stepped forward, placing a hand on Li Feng's shoulder. "Your inheritance is awakening, boy. And with proper guidance, you may yet become something great."
Li Feng swallowed. "...Then will you train me?"
Elder Mo's eyes gleamed. "That was only the first test."
Li Feng groaned. Of course it was.
But deep inside, excitement burned.
This was only the beginning.