Old Wolf Head stared at the flame in his hand, his initial indifference hardening into gravity. His blue robe billowed without wind, and waves of milky-white Dou Qi rolled over his body.

Chen Feng flicked his wrist, and the Zi Yan immediately shot out, hurtling toward his opponent.

The dirt on the ground churned up as if plowed by an iron share, leaving a deep trench. Under the scorching heat of the flames, the edges of the trench were scorched black, wisps of cold smoke curling off them.

The trajectory of this hidden strike was particularly treacherous. If Old Wolf Head dodged, the flames would rush straight into the ranks of the unprepared mercenaries. Judging by the flame’s destructive power and temperature, anyone it touched would surely perish.

Old Wolf Head cursed inwardly. Dou Qi condensed in his palm. His internal Dou Qi had already reached the solidification stage; even a casual punch carried the force of Dou Qi. But now, gathering it into his palm showed how deeply he feared Chen Feng’s insidious attack.

At that very moment, Chen Feng moved, treading the Phantom Crane Steps, surging forward like a shadow.

Old Wolf Head met the incoming flames with a direct palm strike, then leaped backward, throwing a punch into the air.

This punch was aimed perfectly. If Chen Feng didn't alter his course, he would crash directly into the opponent’s fist. Just this alone revealed the terrifying judgment and reaction speed of a fifth-level Doushi.

Chen Feng saw the rapidly expanding fist before him, a slight smile curling his lips. His charging body suddenly vaulted into the air, then swooped down onto Old Wolf Head like a dark silhouette.

Seeing Chen Feng leap airborne, Old Wolf Head suddenly recalled the legends surrounding this youth—this boy possessed a Dou Technique that allowed him to fly!

If the boy gained the advantage from above, Old Wolf Head would have no choice but to endure the assault!

Realizing this, Old Wolf Head dared not hold back. He let out a furious roar, and a powerful surge of Dou Qi erupted from him, forming a wall of solidified energy that blocked Chen Feng’s path.

“Blood Wolf Howl!” Old Wolf Head suddenly bellowed, thrusting both fists outward.

As he shouted, a savage wolf’s head, bearing sharp teeth, seemed to materialize at his fists, lunging to bite at Chen Feng’s wrist.

Chen Feng knew his opponent had unleashed a Dou Technique and dared not hold back. With a muffled “Peng!”, the muscles across his entire body swelled multiple times, reaching the state of Bao Qi (Berserk State).

In the Bao Qi state, Chen Feng condensed all his strength into his right fist, colliding head-on with Old Wolf Head’s strike: “Huang Yao!”

Huang Yao meeting “Blood Wolf Howl”—an otherworldly Dou Technique crashing against the skills of the Fist Emperor!

“Boom…” A deafening roar erupted. Where Chen Feng’s and Old Wolf Head’s fists met, a blinding light flashed, followed by an explosive discharge of powerful airflow.

The mercenaries standing nearby felt as if their faces were being sliced by blades, the immense airflow filling them with dread.

The massive recoil from the explosion sent Chen Feng tumbling backward several times, flinging him far onto the ground.

“The strength of a fifth-level Doushi is truly formidable!” Chen Feng spat out a thread of blood and stood up, saying, “Indeed.”

Old Wolf Head remained rooted to the spot, his footing unchanged, yet a deep pit, seven or eight meters in diameter, had formed beneath him.

Superficially, Old Wolf Head was motionless, while Chen Feng was sent flying, seemingly gaining the upper hand. In reality, his chest was churning violently. A searing, fiery energy was surging through his meridians, spreading throughout his body and causing numbness.

A hidden force—a subtle attack—from Chen Feng’s strike had burrowed into his system!

This was the fruit of Chen Feng’s two months of diligent study at the library. When he first learned Huang Yao, he had once sent Gu Bo flying, inflicting deep suffering from fiery burning. However, that flame was merely the separated state of his vortex power, not true flame damage. This time, Chen Feng had transformed the Zi Yan and driven it into his opponent’s body with solid force.

It was an internal, hidden attack; an unwary opponent would suffer a grave loss.

Old Wolf Head swallowed the blood rising in his throat, stealthily tucking his trembling right fist into his sleeve. He then jumped clear of the pit’s perimeter. “I didn’t expect someone so young to possess such cultivation. Let’s call this bout a draw!”

Chen Feng nodded, aware that although he had forced out strength exceeding his normal limits through Bao Qi, his body had also been injured by the opponent’s “Blood Wolf Howl.” His internal vortex energy was now chaotic, and his breath was disordered.

It seemed there was still a gap between his power and that of a fifth-level Doushi. Still, he hadn't unleashed Orochinagi or Yatagarasu, so he wasn't at his absolute peak. Yet, there was no guarantee Old Wolf Head hadn't held back trump cards either. Therefore, declaring the fight a draw was the best outcome.

He pulled out a vial of rapid stamina recovery potion and downed it. Over the past two months, Elder Yi had concocted many such potions for Chen Feng, using the medicinal herbs Chen Feng possessed as payment.

These potions were undeniably effective. A recovery agent like the one he just consumed could restore his full stamina in just ten minutes after entering the Bao Qi state.

After taking the potion, Chen Feng felt some relief internally and relaxed his body back to its normal state.

“Since it’s a draw…” Old Wolf Head started to say something more, when a hearty laugh suddenly cut through the air.

Hearing that laugh, Chen Feng’s pupils contracted sharply, and a surge of rage shot up to his forehead. He shouted a name: “Feynon…”

After the Rookie Selection Tournament, Feynon had hunted him, leaving a deep impression. If Stanley hadn’t arrived in time, he might already be… But after the tournament, both he and Goenitz were imprisoned by His Majesty Shomon. Could he have been released?

“Hahaha… I didn’t expect you to still remember me,” Feynon chuckled, slowly descending from the sky.

The Young Captain, seeing Feynon land, displayed a strange expression and spoke, “Lord Feynon…”

Feynon ignored him and looked at Chen Feng. “I didn't think that in just two months, you would grow to such a degree that you could trade blows with Old Wolf Head!”

Although Old Wolf Head didn't recognize Feynon, his attire suggested he was a royal magus. Assuming His Majesty Shomon knew about his fight with Iori Yagami and had sent someone to mediate, he quickly inquired, “Magister, Iori Yagami and I were merely settling a private matter…”

Feynon cut him off. “I know. Isn’t it about Denny, Moko, and your Deputy Captain being killed by him? I was the one who told my dear son about those things!”

“So it was you!” Chen Feng gritted his teeth, realizing this man was behind everything. This fiend must have used some secret method to convince Judy and the Young Captain that he had treacherously murdered Denny and Moko, thus fueling their hatred.

“I want you dead!” Chen Feng raised his hand and sent a bolt of Zi Yan toward him. Feynon grinned wickedly, his body instantly becoming light, and he began to fly swiftly into the distance.

“Don’t run!” Chen Feng knew clearly that the opponent’s goal was to lure him into a chase, leading him straight into an ambush. However, the rage in his heart was impossible to quell. With a muffled “Peng!” beneath his feet, a large burst of flames erupted, and he shot off like an arrow loosed from a bow, pursuing after him!

……………………………………………………………………………………………

Old Wolf Head turned to look at the Young Captain, his face stern.

“Who was that just now?”

“I don’t know, I only know his name is Feynon, and he is a member of the Royal Chief Magus Corps…” the Young Captain stammered.

“And he was the one who told you Iori Yagami killed Denny and Moko?” Old Wolf Head, seeing the reactions of Chen Feng and Feynon, had already grasped some of the situation.

The Young Captain nodded. “He brought a memory crystal and asked me to watch it. It recorded the process of Iori Yagami killing Denny and Moko. Afterwards, he gave me a packet of medicine, saying if I made Iori drink it, he would give me a low-grade sacred artifact as repayment…”

“You… Fool!” Old Wolf Head trembled with anger, falling silent. He turned toward the direction Chen Feng and Feynon had disappeared, his Dou Qi swirling as he followed far behind, murmuring to himself: “This Feynon fellow is trying to use his own son as a knife, engaging in a scheme of killing by proxy. The news that Iori Yagami has come to the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group must have already spread. If he is killed by Feynon tonight, the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group will certainly be implicated…”

The more he thought, the more anxious he became. His body transformed into a streak of light, leaping over rooftops as he gave chase! …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Chen Feng controlled the vortex energy within his body, flying through the air. Intense hatred flooded his mind, threatening to drive him mad.

He couldn’t fathom how Feynon, who was supposed to be locked in prison, had escaped. And why would he go to such lengths to kill him? What was his objective? Moreover, if he simply wanted Chen Feng dead, he could have attacked directly based on their known cultivation levels; why the elaborate maneuvering…

He had used Bao Qi during the fight with Old Wolf Head, significantly depleting his stamina. However, after taking the recovery agent, he had almost fully recovered by this point in the day.

Feynon was a fifth-level Wind Magus, extremely fast. Even though Chen Feng pushed his own speed to the maximum, he couldn't catch up. Yet, the opponent seemed to be deliberately waiting for him, maintaining a consistent distance—close enough to watch, but just outside the range of a long-range attack.

The two flew one behind the other, soon arriving outside the city. Chen Feng glanced down at the expanse of ancient, towering trees below. It seemed the opponent’s goal was to lure him here to be killed in secret.

But Chen Feng felt no fear. Possessing the Mai-Kuu (Dancing in the Sky skill), he was not afraid of aerial attacks from a magus. Furthermore, relying on his peak second-level Doushi strength combined with Fist Emperor techniques, killing a fifth-level magus was still a possibility.

The reason for his confidence was that he knew his opponent’s strength, while his opponent knew nothing about him.

He had revealed some strength at the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group, but that was Bao Qi Huang Yao. He had never deployed Orochinagi in front of these people. If he unleashed Orochinagi, even if Feynon flew fast, he probably couldn't escape.

Feynon flew toward a mountain valley and vanished into the dense woods. Chen Feng followed without hesitation, plunging into the pursuit.

The crescent moon hung in the sky, but the moment they entered the woods, it became pitch black. However, having reached the Doushi level, his hearing and sight were sharp; this darkness did not impede his vision at all.

Landing softly on the ground, he looked up and immediately saw three figures standing not far ahead.

The first was Feynon, wearing a triumphant, knowing smile. Beside him stood a burly man whom Chen Feng recognized instantly: Goenitz, the sixth-level Doushi who had ambushed him during the tournament!

On the far edge stood a white-robed magus. This magus appeared to be only a fourth-level Magister, yet for some reason, Chen Feng felt the greatest apprehension toward him. He sensed a distinct aura of danger emanating from this person.

This was experience gained from constantly living on the edge of life and death—a natural intuition for peril.

“Is this him?” the white-robed Magister asked doubtfully, looking at Chen Feng.

Feynon replied, “Yes, indeed! Don’t underestimate this little fellow. I just saw him fight Old Wolf Head of the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group and actually withstand the ‘Blood Wolf Howl.’”

“Hmm?” Suspicion flickered across the white-robed Magister’s face, but he quickly added, “You two move quickly, but don’t kill him yet. Find a way to restrain him. Although he didn’t ingest the potion I prepared, greatly reducing its effect, with a little effort, we can make him obediently spill everything he knows!”

Feynon nodded. “Then I’ll leave it to you!” He exchanged a look with Goenitz, and the two slowly advanced.

Chen Feng seemed to ignore the approaching Feynon and Goenitz. After thinking hard for a moment, he suddenly looked up at the white-robed Magister and declared, “A Spirit Mage!”

The white-robed Magister started, then smiled broadly. “Oh, not bad, you know quite a bit. Correct, I am a Spirit Mage!”

Seeing the admission, Chen Feng understood the situation clearly. It seemed Feynon and Goenitz wanted to uncover his secrets, which was why they had sought out this Spirit Mage.

No wonder he felt that sense of danger from the white-robed Magister; he was the most insidious and powerful type of Spirit Mage. Spirit Mages could bypass conventional defenses during combat, using pure mental waves to attack. If the victim’s willpower wasn't strong, the result would be mild mental confusion or, worse, instant death.

Now that Chen Feng had reached the Doushi level, his Zi Yan defense could ward off fourth-level magic attacks, but it could not block psychic assaults. This type of magic was bizarre and subtle; often, one was already ensnared before sensing the attack.

A fifth-level Magus, a sixth-level Doushi, and a fourth-level Spirit Magus!

It appeared today’s battle would be exceptionally brutal.

But the more challenging the odds, the more exhilarated Chen Feng became. His blood circulation accelerated, and his body instantly achieved its optimal state.

………………………Free Below………………………

Final Call: There are less than three hours remaining. If you have Monthly Tickets, please use them quickly, or they will go to waste! If you don't have any, don't worry; after 12 o'clock, the new month begins, and you’ll have new Monthly Tickets. I implore everyone to cast your tickets my way! During the National Day period, Monthly Tickets are doubled—please spare one for Old Cliff! Thank you!

Also, with National Day approaching, Mid-Autumn Festival is next. Old Cliff wishes all friends a happy holiday, happy family reunions, good health, and longevity…

Here are some Mid-Autumn Festival blessings copied from the internet, please forward them: I can’t wait any longer; I’ve decided to lead the entire nation in wishing you and your family an early Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! All the texts you receive in the next few days were arranged by me. I am very low-key, you just need to know, don't spread the word! The moon is round, the flowers are fragrant; take care of your health. Fish swim, birds chirp; may you laugh happily every day. With a book in hand and wine in your cup, may good luck be yours daily! More joy, less sorrow, happiness is essential. May the Mid-Autumn Festival bring you the overflow of spring breeze, the care of family, the nourishment of love, the favor of the God of Wealth, the loyalty of friends, my blessings, and the eternal shining of the star of fortune! The moon knows the loneliness of the stars; the clouds know the shyness of the sunset glow; the butterfly knows the fragrance of the flowers; the wind knows the tenderness of the grass; your tears know the bitterness in my heart; and you know my blessings! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! Don’t say I’m heartless; I’ve at least sent you a text message worth one tenth of a yuan, risking battery drain and electromagnetic radiation danger. I’m doing this without considering the consequences, just to wish you an early Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! Mid-Autumn Festival is coming, and a hundred flowers are fragrant. This one message brings six fragrances: First fragrance sends you a money tree, second fragrance sends you a benefactor’s support, third fragrance sends you good work, fourth fragrance sends you freedom from worries, fifth fragrance sends you a box full of money, and the sixth fragrance sends you eternal health. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! Mid-Autumn Festival is almost here. Buying you a Mercedes-Benz is too expensive; inviting you for overseas travel is wasteful; treating you to a big meal hurts the stomach; sending you a rose causes misunderstanding; kissing you is inappropriate. So, I can only wish you happiness via text—that’s practical! According to the special Mid-Autumn Decree, you are sentenced to life imprisonment of happiness, deprived of the right to be depressed for life, and fined the surrender of all illnesses and worries. This verdict is final; execute happiness forever immediately! Court adjourned! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! By a pool of clear water, fish for a few idle ones, savoring life’s gains and losses, letting your mind wander beyond the mundane world. Drink a pot of old wine, make a group of friends. Although one is in the Jianghu and their body isn't their own, remember not to overwork yourself. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival. Occasional busyness does not mean forgetfulness. With the arrival of autumn, may your mood be bright. The greetings you missed before are now compensated in this message; all my concern is condensed into this text: Blessings to you, my friend, Happy Mid-Autumn Festival. Gentle wind, nourishing rain, beautiful flowers, a round moon—may your happy life be sweet every day! Winter passes, spring arrives, time flows like water and smoke; the Mid-Autumn Festival is here again! Time flows, life must be enjoyed! Let me say goodbye with care, wishing you a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival. Let me send you sweet mooncakes, along with a heart full of blessings! Be the first to wish you well! The bright moon is priceless; high mountains hold deep sentiment. May your life be as round and complete as the fifteenth moon, bright and clear! (To be continued. For future developments, please visit wwwncom for more chapters, support the author, and support genuine reading!)