"Boom!" A tempestuous transformation erupted in his dantian, a surge of power rivaled only by the T7 itself surged through him like floodwaters. The cyclone energy condensed violently in an instant.
"Tink... tink... tinkle..."
As droplets multiplied, the central vortex swelled, raw energy pooled toward it like water into a whirlpool. Once all energy coalesced into this vortex again, it would signal his successful promotion.
Following intuition's guidance, Chen Feng directed the Heavenly Dragon Yang Fruit's energies to near completion when suddenly things went awry.
That elusive translucent droplet reappeared spectrally from nowhere, burrowing into his dantian and ravenously absorbing the incoming energy!
The overwhelming power stream proved insufficient for this drop's appetite!
Chen Feng furrowed his brows in bewilderment before a burning anger ignited in his chest. If left unchecked to absorb indefinitely, this promotion would surely fail - who knew when another chance might come? With a grim resolve, Chen Feng swallowed the other half of the Heavenly Dragon Yang Fruit.
The moment it entered his body, an immense power surge erupted. Clenching his teeth, he steered this energy toward the translucent droplet.
It wants to devour? Let it gorge itself until it's satiated...
Yet when the energy reached the droplet, it transformed into a bottomless void. Instead of collapsing under pressure, its absorption grew even more frenzied.
Without hesitation, Chen Feng yanked out Elder Yi's 17 vials of energy elixirs and downed them all in one go.
If promotion required it, he'd drain another hundred bottles without pause! This ascension couldn't fail at any cost!
Tensing every muscle with focused concentration, Chen Feng felt the elixirs' potency burning through him like wildfire. The 17 vials indeed worked wonders - though less refined than Heavenly Dragon Yang Fruit energy, their chaotic nature made control nearly impossible. While one bottle would be manageable, this massive intake left Chen Feng drenched in sweat from the infernal sensation.
"Calm down... control it slowly..." he mentally chanted to himself.
Yet maintaining composure proved extremely difficult as violent internal forces tore at him mercilessly.
"Boom..." Just then, his dantian erupted with cataclysmic vibrations. The translucent droplet finally buckled under dual pressure from the Heavenly Dragon Yang Fruit and elixirs, beginning its retreat.
Chen Feng's eyes brightened - this thing must have learned its lesson about greed. It dared not advance further now.
Just as he prepared to drive it back into his meridians, the droplet suddenly vanished only to reappear in the center of the newly formed energy vortex!
"This..." Chen Feng nearly bled from frustration. That droplet was a mad beast! If it went berserk at the vortex's heart, would his cyclone even survive?
As the translucent droplet entered the vortex core, the previously pitch-black cyclonic energy began transforming - becoming transparent itself!
Within less than a breath, all dark liquid in his dantian turned crystalline clear.
"What... what just happened?" Chen Feng's mind reeled as he sensed this transformation. When all dark droplets converted to transparency, the vortex structure paradoxically became even more stable.
This reinforced cyclone now spun with wild intensity, absorbing residual energy and devouring remaining forces at an exponential rate.
An hour later, every last shred of energy was absorbed into this new crystalline vortex forming a far steadier transparent energy core.
Feeling these changes, Chen Feng knew he'd solidly entered the Battle Sage realm. Moreover, this translucent droplet continued greedily absorbing energies, hinting at further breakthroughs ahead.
More perplexingly, this newly formed transparent vortex showed no discrimination in its absorption - it hungrily consumed all elements indiscriminately!
Previously when cultivating to form either the Grasshopper's Green Flame or the Eight Spirits' techniques, only fire element energy had been absorbed. Now this vortex devoured any and all elemental properties without distinction.
"This... what kind of monstrous vortex is this?" Chen Feng muttered. Yet this unselective absorption accelerated cultivation by over three times!
Absorbing ambient energy was akin to mining - not every stone was ore, requiring careful selection before extraction. But now his translucent vortex bypassed the entire screening process entirely, greedily siphoning any fire, water, lightning or earth attributes it encountered.
If someone were nearby, they'd see thick white mists of elemental energy continuously funneling into Chen Feng's body at an almost forced pace.
Three hours later, as his dantian's translucent vortex ceased absorbing, Chen Feng leapt skyward in the night like a drifting leaf. After soaring over two meters high and landing softly, he smiled to himself. Closing his eyes for inner sensing, his face suddenly lit up with fierce elation.
"I've reached peak second-tier Battle Sage..."
Unbelievably, this promotion using the Heavenly Dragon Yang Fruit combined with 17 energy vials' chaos had leapfrogged him two levels directly!
Taking deep breaths to calm himself, Chen Feng's cheeks flushed red. After attaining Battle Sage status, his internal cyclonic forces had fully liquefied - this liquidated power was at least ten times stronger than previous gaseous forms.
Now he understood why killing those two Battle Sages had been such a stroke of luck! The power gap between Battle Sage and Battle Warrior was incomparable. Once the cyclone solidified into liquid form, one's speed and awareness underwent qualitative metamorphosis - akin to celestial chasms separating the two tiers.
No wonder ten ninth-tier Battle Warriors couldn't guarantee defeating even an initial tier Battle Sage!
"Now let me test this Azure Flame..." Thinking so, Chen Feng extended his finger. "Boom!" A flame erupted from his fingertips.
Staring at the roaring fire made him widen his eyes in shock - "Why... has the azure flame turned violet..."
The purple flame danced wildly on his fingers, its temperature and vigor suggesting it was twice as powerful as before! But why had the flames changed color?
Red plus blue equals purple... Could this be related to that translucent vortex?
A sudden realization struck Chen Feng like a lightning bolt in his mind. Suppressing his excitement, he stood straight.
"Let's see if it works..." His fingers trembled slightly from anticipation.
"One Hundred and Fourteenth Technique: Savage Bite!"
Chen Feng roared as a violet flame erupted on his fist toward the target.
"Boom!" Three meters away, a massive two-person-hug tree split in half before being reduced to ash by the purple flames within moments.
His courtyard remained under strict lockdown with no servants allowed entry despite the loud commotion.
"One Hundred and Eighteenth Technique: Dark Hook Hand!" After executing Savage Bite, Chen Feng flicked his right hand. A violet flame spiraled along the ground toward another tree, "Boom!" The trunk exploded into splinters.
Looking at his palm's burning purple flames, Chen Feng laughed maniacally.
"Haha... haha..."
Savage Bite was a Grasshopper King technique while Dark Hook Hand belonged to the Eight Spirits. Using both simultaneously proved this translucent vortex now transcended elemental distinctions!
Combining techniques like the Great Serpent Fang with the Eight Maidens in battle would render one invincible!
The more Chen Feng contemplated, the stronger his excitement grew. A rosy flush rose on his previously pale face.
"If I can wield Grasshopper King and Eight Spirits' techniques together, perhaps... could I also execute other King of Fights moves?" The thought ignited a brilliant idea in Chen Feng's mind. His excitement was now completely unleashed, as if he'd discovered an unblocked golden path before him.
"I will!" Clenching his fists tightly, Chen Feng's eyes burned with determination.
After reviewing all learned techniques including Phantom Crane Steps, Savage Bite and Great Serpent Fang, the sun had already risen high when Chen Feng donned his transformed black steel armor and concealed his cultivation at ninth-tier Battle Warrior level.
This promotion to Battle Sage absolutely couldn't be known to His Majesty. Though he didn't understand why this thought occurred naturally, an underlying unease about his current situation made him cautious.
Maintaining a ninth-tier Battle Warrior status aligned perfectly with his circumstances.
After thoroughly checking everything was in order, Chen Feng exited the courtyard. Morning sunlight warmed his face as he squinted slightly and strode along the path.
Entering last night as an eighth-tier Battle Warrior yet exiting now at peak second-tier Battle Sage - if this got out people would think him dead rather than believe it!
"Master," a middle-aged man approached. This was His Majesty's appointed steward.
"What?" Chen Feng replied coldly.
He harbored no fondness for these arrangements from His Majesty. Every person in the courtyard had been specifically placed there, including so-called "guardian" soldiers - likely all meant as surveillance against him.
But Chen
didn't care about these things. Since he needed minimal contact with others, nothing could be leaked anyway.
All cultivation was done within that secluded courtyard barring everyone else.
At first some tried to defy this order for his safety and entered the courtyard forcibly. But Chen Feng had crushed one's skull without hesitation, ending all further attempts at intrusion immediately.
Strength spoke louder than commands - Chen Feng understood this better than anyone.
Since His Majesty had granted him both this house and these servants, it implied he held full dominion over their lives. Anyone violating his orders would be executed to maintain his privacy and autonomy.
The steward's legs trembled involuntarily as he answered the question, fear obviously genuine. This cold young man who'd crushed a guard's skull without batting an eye was immense psychological pressure on any ordinary person.
"It... it is like this master," the steward stammered out nervously, "His Majesty sent word for you to appear at palace today regarding some rewards."
"Understood." Chen Feng replied as he turned away.
Once his figure disappeared beyond sight, the steward exhaled heavily and wiped sweat from his brow.
"Steward, what exactly is our master's background?" A maidservant finally couldn't contain her curiosity any longer.
"Background?" The steward's eyes widened in alarm. "I don't know, but His Majesty specifically ordered us to monitor him - whenever he leaves the manor we must follow and report his every move. That alone suggests his status is quite high."
"I heard yesterday they were saying our master is so young yet incredibly powerful! He won first place at the novice contest... Not sure if that's true," the maid asked.
The steward turned sharply toward her, eyes fierce. "Want to live? Then ask no more about your master!"
The maid flinched visibly before nodding quickly. "Yes!"
Exhaling heavily once more, the steward glanced at the rising sun and hurried along Chen Feng's path.
"Father," the seventh prince was supported by a servant toward His Majesty.
"For no reason. Just rest properly and we'll discuss everything after you recover." His Majesty spoke with regal authority.
"No! You reward this Eight Spirits who injured me so badly? Grant him manor property... Father!" The seventh prince's voice trembled with outrage.
"Enough!" His Majesty's brows shot up as imperial aura erupted from his presence.
Seeing this, the seventh prince dared not speak further. He pushed away the supporting servant with a slap to the ground and limped out alone.
After the prince departed, His Majesty finally relaxed his features.
Rising from his high seat, he stared at an embroidered landscape painting on the side wall, cold determination flashing in his eyes.
"Anyone obstructing my grand plans... dies!" He resolved silently.
Exiting his manor, Chen Feng climbed into a carriage.
His current reputation in the capital was scorching hot - traveling openly would invite unwanted complications.
Hooves clattered against stone-paved roads, soon arriving at palace gates. Disembarking with a servant's guidance, Chen Feng entered His Majesty's study.
"Your Majesty, Eight Spirits has arrived," the servant announced.
"Sit..." His Majesty glanced at Chen Feng but showed no irritation over his unbowing posture. "Today I've summoned you to discuss reward fulfillment - you may freely select any low-grade saint weapon from empire's armory and read in empire's library for ten days."
"Oh," Chen Feng responded indifferently with no reaction.
At this nonchalant attitude, His Majesty chuckled. "For you overseas cultivators, our texts are naturally trivial! Yet yesterday's flying combat technique was both astonishing and intriguing..."
By mentioning the aerial maneuver, His Majesty clearly noticed Chen Feng's unrestrained display of Sky Dancing Technique during emergency yesterday.
"Oh flight techniques," Chen Feng quickly fabricated a cover story, "require specific flame martial energy to function."
His previous eerie Azure Flame had impressed everyone deeply. This explanation inadvertently added credibility to his claims.
Within his sleeve, His Majesty clenched his fist tightly. "So that's how it is... Ha ha! You obviously dismiss low-grade saint weapons and secret techniques as insignificant but since you won first place rewards must still be given - otherwise our Loric Empire would seem ungrateful. Besides, you'll represent us in the Four Kingdoms Novice Tournament."
"Actually," Chen Feng said without thinking, "perhaps let me spend more time studying at empire's library? I'd like to examine how my techniques compare with standard cultivation methods!"
"Excellent!" His Majesty readily agreed.
Though imperial library did house many martial techniques, they were mostly human-tier or lower. Real earth-tier secrets weren't stored there obviously.
But books weren't what mattered - Chen Feng needed theoretical understanding of cultivation itself.
Though possessing King of Fights techniques was comparable to best martial arts, he lacked comprehension of cultivation principles and breakthroughs.
Everything relied on intuitive mastery with no self-innovation. Since he didn't grasp the deeper meanings behind moves, their power merely correlated directly to strength levels - more force meant greater impact.
This wasn't optimal technique application though. True skill maximized output while minimizing input. Relying purely on brute force when employing techniques rendered them ineffective compared to unskilled combatants.
Just as in car racing - the vehicle with highest horsepower doesn't necessarily win. A racer who understands fundamental mechanics and how to achieve maximum performance with minimum power would always surpass those lacking this knowledge.
Thus Chen Feng had resolved first to fully comprehend this world's cultivation system before refining his methods further.
While King of Fights techniques formed a complete system, different paths could lead to same destination. Borrowing insights from local cultivation practices would certainly aid progression.
Seeing His Majesty's easy agreement, Chen Feng smiled. "Then when may I begin?"
"This library," His Majesty laughed, tossing over an emerald-shaped token, "you may access it anytime with this."
Chen Feng examined the token but found his host's expression strange. Nevertheless he stood up and said, "I'll go now" while turning to leave.
With higher cultivation came reduced reverence for His Majesty. Moreover Chen Feng sensed something peculiar about the emperor himself - even if respectful, any potential threats could not be avoided by courtesy alone. Better to act true to his nature instead.
"Oh," a voice caught him as he exited, "the Four Kingdoms Novice Tournament will occur in three months. We'll depart in two."
"Understood." Chen Feng nodded and left.
"A rude fellow indeed!" His Majesty mused watching the departing figure before frowning suddenly. "Stanley!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Heavy-armor clad Stanley materialized from a side corridor.
"From today onward," His Majesty ordered, "you must shadow Eight Spirits constantly without being detected."
"Yes, sire!" Stanley exited and immediately pursued Chen Feng with a faint trail of smoke following his path.
Chen Feng walked alone toward the palace exit.
The imperial library stood near royal palaces guarded by heavy forces making it easily identifiable. He headed straight there without asking directions.
Luxuriously adorned from outside, this six-story structure stretched nearly 70 meters high covering an area equivalent to modern stadium grounds - truly a marvel in his previous life.
Two rows of armored soldiers lined the entrance.
"Library premises - commoners forbidden!" The lead soldier barked as Chen Feng approached.
Chen Feng didn't want to waste words with these people. He raised the token in his hand and was about to step inside when a soldier called out, "Stop! The token you're holding is for the Challenge Gate - please use this entrance instead!"
"Challenge Gate token?" Chen Feng blinked in confusion before suddenly remembering the Emperor's strange smile earlier that day. He shook his head ruefully. So even reading books here required certain conditions after all. That explained why His Majesty had agreed to his request so readily.
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PS: I just spoke with another author a while ago, which left me feeling quite distressed.
Since uploading this novel, we've received much support from many friends. It's currently achieved certain success, and I'm truly grateful to every reader who supported this book - it was your collections and recommendations that kept Laoye going through the entire writing process. Now that the paid chapter has started, you're still there behind me with monthly votes encouraging updates...
So let me say clearly: the success of The King Of Fighters belongs just as much to you readers as it does to myself. What's painful though is despite being a VIP novel for over thirty days now, Laoye can barely afford basic living expenses from subscriptions alone. This other author explained how site wages and subscription percentages work - once I calculated it out, I almost cried. After covering rent and utilities, the money earned just about covers food costs with nothing left for even buying clothes...
It's actually quite desperate - even novels with less than one hundred daily recommendations get more subscribers than me. Are my readers all using pirated copies?
Over thirty thousand collections yet subscriptions are only around 1/40th of that! It's enough to make my heart sink.
Since the paid chapters began, Laoye hasn't said a single harsh word about piracy. Honestly, I know everyone has their own struggles in life - but still, I humbly request you support this book through subscriptions if at all possible. If you can afford subscriptions for other novels, please consider doing so here as well.
Everyone knows my situation this month: unemployed with serious illness while my computer and phone both broke down yet I never stopped updating. Even after recovering physically, I kept writing like crazy knowing how exhausted it made me - really! When you sleep less than five hours daily for over a month straight, even the strongest body will break.
I once competed in bodybuilding and won third place at the Shaanxi Provincial competition with excellent physical conditioning. During training I could bench press 120 pounds with both hands, but now... sigh - my body's completely broken down. The other day when I tried pushing thirty kilograms at the gym it nearly killed me...
Please support this book through subscriptions. Even if you read all chapters finished, it probably won't cost more than twenty RMB total. But that twenty RMB would be helping a struggling unemployed youth with his King Of Fighters dream and his writing aspirations! Otherwise Laoye can barely afford food or find the energy to write...
The only official site for this novel is "**Chinese Web**". All other sites including Huanshi, Kanshuwang, Xiaoshuowang et al are pirated copies! Please support Laoye at ** - thank you!
Finally, I checked some pirated websites and nearly every top 100 recommendation list has this book listed. Frustrating indeed - looks like most readers still prefer pirated copies!!! (To be continued... For the latest chapters please visit www**com to support authors through official channels)