The wind roared past Li Feng's ears as he plummeted through the mist, his body spinning uncontrollably.
Pain radiated through his back from Hunter's devastating strike. He struggled to steady himself, but the air was too thin, his Qi reserves too low.
Am I going to die like this?
No.
He refused.
Clenching his teeth, he forced his mind to focus. The Starcore pulsed in his grip, its celestial energy flickering faintly.
If it could protect me from the Starbeast's trial…
He gritted his teeth and channeled the energy into his body.
The moment he did—
A golden aura erupted around him!
His descent slowed as the energy coalesced around his limbs. He felt something awaken deep within his meridians—a technique engraved into his inheritance.
Starforged Art: Skyshatter Glide!
Li Feng's body twisted midair, and with newfound control, he shifted his weight, redirecting his fall. His descent wasn't stopped entirely, but he was no longer at the mercy of gravity.
The mist parted, revealing a massive ancient forest beneath him. Towering trees stretched toward the heavens, their branches woven together like an unbroken sea of green.
I need to land safely!
With the last of his strength, he angled himself toward the thickest part of the canopy.
CRASH!
Branches snapped, leaves scattered, and his body tumbled through layer after layer of foliage before he finally slammed into the forest floor with a heavy thud.
For a long moment, there was only silence.
Then—
Pain.
Li Feng groaned, rolling onto his back. His entire body ached, but he was alive.
He opened his palm, revealing the Starcore, still glowing faintly.
A weak chuckle escaped his lips. "Not bad… for falling off a mountain."
But his moment of relief was short-lived.
A deep, guttural growl echoed from the shadows.
Li Feng's breath caught. His body was battered, his Qi reserves were dangerously low, and now he wasn't alone.
Golden eyes gleamed in the darkness.
From the underbrush, a creature unlike any he had ever seen emerged.
It resembled a massive black wolf, but its fur shimmered like flowing shadows, and its claws dripped with dark mist. It wasn't just a beast… it was a corrupted spirit.
A Netherfang Wolf.
Li Feng tensed. Too soon… I haven't recovered yet!
The wolf snarled, lowering itself into a predatory stance.
Li Feng forced himself to his feet, pain flaring through his body. He had no choice.
He would have to fight.