The victory at the martial arts tournament allowed Lin Feng to successfully step into the Third Layer of Martial Warrior Realm. His name spread rapidly across Qingyun Town, and people were filled with curiosity and admiration for this once-obscure youth. However, Lin Feng was not carried away by this sudden glory; he knew well that he still had a long way to go before becoming a true powerhouse. After all, on the path of martial arts, the Martial Warrior Realm was merely a beginning.
Early one morning, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the tree leaves, spilling onto the ground to form patches of golden light. As usual, Lin Feng came to the woods outside the town to practice. This forest was quiet and serene, his favorite place for cultivation on ordinary days.
At this moment, Lin Feng was striving to break through to the Fourth Layer of Martial Warrior Realm. Following the cultivation technique of the Breeze Formula, he guided the internal energy within his body to circulate through his meridians, hoping to further widen them and enhance the storage and flow of his internal energy.
Just as Lin Feng was fully concentrated on his cultivation, a burst of fierce fighting and a woman's cries for help suddenly echoed from not far away. Shocked, Lin Feng immediately stopped practicing and dashed toward the direction of the sound.
He saw a group of bandits surrounding a woman. The woman was dressed in a light blue long dress, her long hair fluttering in the wind. Though she was in a dangerous situation, her eyes were filled with determination and unyielding spirit. She possessed the cultivation of the Eighth Layer of Martial Disciple Realm, but facing the siege of this group of bandits, she was gradually starting to struggle.
Without a single moment of hesitation, Lin Feng shouted out, "Stop right there!"
Startled by the sudden roar, the bandits all turned their heads around. The bandit leader possessed the strength of the First Layer of Martial Warrior Realm, and he said viciously, "Kid, don't meddle in other people's business, or you won't make it back alive!"
Lin Feng sneered, "In broad daylight, you dare commit such evil deeds. Today, I'm going to teach you scoundrels a good lesson!"
With that, Lin Feng flashed forward, rushing into the group of bandits like a ghost. Executing the newly mastered Breeze Formula, his fist techniques were like the wind and his leg techniques like lightning, instantly knocking down several bandits who only had the cultivation of the Martial Disciple Realm.
Seeing that the situation was turning bad, the bandit leader personally swung his saber and slashed at Lin Feng. Lin Feng dodged sideways and smoothly kicked the bandit leader in the abdomen. Letting out a miserable scream, the bandit leader crashed to the ground.
Seeing their leader knocked down, the rest of the bandits were so frightened that they fled in all directions.
Lin Feng dusted off his clothes, walked up to the woman, and asked with concern, "Are you alright, miss?"
The woman raised her head, looked at Lin Feng with gratitude, and said, "Thank you, young master, for saving my life. My name is Liu Yan."
Lin Feng smiled and said, "Seeing an injustice on the road, one naturally ought to lend a hand. There is no need for such formality, miss."
Liu Yan looked Lin Feng up and down carefully, seeing that he was tall and slender, with a handsome face and eyes that revealed firmness and daring. A trace of favorable impression could not help but rise in her heart.
"Young master's martial arts are formidable. May I ask where you learned your skills?" Liu Yan asked curiously.
Lin Feng pondered slightly and said, "To tell you the truth, I owe my martial arts today entirely to a fortuitous encounter."
Following that, Lin Feng briefly told Liu Yan about his experience of awakening the Destiny System.
Upon hearing this, Liu Yan opened her mouth wide in astonishment, "There is actually such a miraculous thing in this world! Young master is truly deeply blessed by fate."
Lin Feng smiled and said, "Miss Liu Yan, I see that you also practice martial arts. I wonder why you encountered this group of bandits today?"
Liu Yan sighed and said, "I originally came to these woods to look for a certain herb to refine into pills and enhance my cultivation. I never expected to run into this band of thugs. If young master hadn't stepped in to save me, the consequences would have been unthinkable."
Lin Feng nodded, "So that's how it was. In that case, miss must be extra careful from now on."
Liu Yan suddenly said, "Young master, I have always yearned for martial arts. Seeing your formidable martial skills today, I wonder if you might offer me a few pointers?"
Lin Feng readily agreed, "Of course. Being able to exchange martial arts insights with you is also my honor."
From then on, Lin Feng and Liu Yan frequently gathered in this forest, practicing together and sparring with one another.
During the process of cultivation, Lin Feng discovered that although Liu Yan's cultivation was not high, her understanding of martial arts was quite unique. She was always able to spot problems from subtle details and put forward her own insights.
Under Lin Feng's guidance, Liu Yan's cultivation progressed rapidly, and she soon broke through to the Martial Warrior Realm. Her martial techniques became increasingly exquisite, and her internal energy grew ever deeper.
As time passed, the affection between Lin Feng and Liu Yan gradually warmed. They were no longer merely partners in martial arts; they had become each other's spiritual pillar.
On this day, Lin Feng and Liu Yan were practicing in the woods as usual. Suddenly, the system's voice rang out in Lin Feng's mind: "New mission issued: head to the Netherworld Valley to find the lost secret manual. This manual will be of immense help for the host to break through to the Grand Master Realm."
Lin Feng felt a shock in his heart. The Netherworld Valley was an extremely dangerous place; rumors said that powerful monster beasts frequented the valley, and the terrain was complex with traps everywhere.
However, Lin Feng did not back down. He told Liu Yan about the mission.
Liu Yan said without the slightest hesitation, "Brother Lin, I want to go with you."
Lin Feng said with worry, "Liu Yan, this trip to the Netherworld Valley is fraught with danger, and I don't want to drag you into a perilous situation."
Liu Yan looked at Lin Feng with firm eyes, "Brother Lin, we have been through so much together. Do you still doubt my strength? Besides, no matter what dangers we encounter, I am willing to fight side by side with you."
Looking at Liu Yan's resolute gaze, Lin Feng was deeply moved and said, "Alright, then let us head to the Netherworld Valley together."
With that, the two packed their belongings and embarked on a journey full of unknowns and challenges.