Between the mirror-like clear lake waters, a figure in pale cyan sat quietly on the surface of the water, hands resting on his legs, eyes closed.
Only when Dan Feng entered did he slowly open his eyes. That pair of cyan-green pupils fixed intently on Dan Feng in the distance.
"After these years of daily training, your spear technique has nearly reached the pinnacle." The High Elder 'Dan Feng' murmured softly, his voice echoing through the space, sounding extremely ethereal.
"So today, you're asking me to defeat you?" Dan Feng looked at him. In an instant, Cloud-Piercer appeared in his hand, ready to strike at the High Elder 'Dan Feng' at any moment.
"I hope you can defeat me today. After all, over these years, I've taught you with all my heart and soul." The High Elder 'Dan Feng' was slowly lifted by the undercurrents below as he rose. A Cloud-Piercer identical to the one in Dan Feng's hand then appeared in his grasp.
The tense atmosphere of battle stretched like a taut string, ready to snap at the slightest touch.
This was a duel of spear techniques. Their styles were so mirror-like in similarity that each could instantly counter the other's moves, resulting in a deadlock.
The long spears in their hands intertwined through the air. Every clash unleashed powerful shockwaves.
These shockwaves rippled outward across the calm water surface like waves, at times even stirring up surging torrents.
The vast space seemed entirely dominated by this fierce exchange, leaving only the intense rivalry between Cloud-Piercer and Cloud-Piercer.
"As expected, your spear technique has now reached parity with mine." While steadily blocking Dan Feng's thrusting spear tip, the High Elder 'Dan Feng' praised without reservation.
His voice rang clear in this extremely quiet space, conveying genuine recognition of Dan Feng's skill.
The corners of Dan Feng's mouth lifted slightly as he replied, "You're too kind. It's all thanks to your excellent teaching—using pain every day to make me remember the essentials of spear technique." His words carried a hint of teasing, yet also revealed gratitude for the High Elder 'Dan Feng's' strict instruction.
As he spoke, Dan Feng suddenly exerted force, attempting to flick away his opponent's Cloud-Piercer.
His movement was swift and precise, as if he had already anticipated the High Elder 'Dan Feng's' reaction.
However, the High Elder 'Dan Feng' remained exceptionally calm. His gaze locked tightly onto Dan Feng's actions. Just as Dan Feng's spear was about to make contact with his Cloud-Piercer, he agilely stepped back, skillfully evading the strike.
"In the midst of battle, distraction is the greatest taboo—this saying truly isn't empty words." The High Elder 'Dan Feng' shook his head, then spoke to Dan Feng in a serious tone: "One battle to decide the winner—meet move with move. How about it?"
Dan Feng nodded. He understood that their current levels of spear mastery were roughly equal. Continuing like this would yield no victor in the short term, and before long, his stamina would surely fall short of the High Elder 'Dan Feng's'. This arrangement was perfectly fair for him.
Both infused their battle aura into their Cloud-Piercers. With a single move, the outcome would be decided. Although the High Elder 'Dan Feng' had slightly more battle aura than Dan Feng, for just one strike, the extra amount held no meaning.
In the next instant, both figures vanished from their spots, as if no one had ever stood there.
Dan Feng's eyes caught sight of the High Elder 'Dan Feng' shifting in the same instant. The opponent's spear tip was thrusting straight toward him.
At that moment, the Heavy Abyss Pearl on the tassel of Dan Feng's Cloud-Piercer suddenly burst with dazzling golden light. An overwhelming surge of Imaginary energy instantly flooded the entire space.
Seeing this, the High Elder 'Dan Feng' revealed a faint, almost imperceptible smile. He slowly lowered the left hand he had kept hidden behind his back.
He used his own power to control the Heavy Abyss Pearl on Cloud-Piercer.
Under Dan Feng's astonished gaze, his hand seemed to unlock some kind of cheat—gripping Cloud-Piercer, he flicked away the High Elder 'Dan Feng's' Cloud-Piercer.
Then Cloud-Piercer pierced straight into the High Elder 'Dan Feng's' body.
"I was already a dead sinner. Though this body was manifested by your system, my consciousness remains intact. I have passed all my spear technique to you. Now, this consciousness of 'Dan Feng' should come to an end." Under Dan Feng's stunned gaze, the High Elder 'Dan Feng' drew closer and closer.
No blood flowed. Instead, faint pale-cyan light particles scattered from him.
"Your spear technique is complete. It's time for me to go." The High Elder 'Dan Feng' grasped Dan Feng's Cloud-Piercer and guided it toward his own dragon heart.
The moment Cloud-Piercer touched the dragon heart, the pale-cyan light particles that the High Elder 'Dan Feng' had become fully merged into Dan Feng's body.
[Ding, Imbibitor Lunae Spear Technique True Transmission Learning Complete]
[Pending Learning — All Martial Proficiency]
[Congratulations, Host. You have received the entrustment from Imbibitor Lunae 'Dan Feng'. Progress bar has reached 50%]
[Obtained Cloud Chant Healing Spell]
[Cloud Chant Healing Spell: Difficult and miscellaneous ailments, wounds—all are no problem. Merely requires rest and recuperation]
[50% remains until full-power High Elder strength is achieved. Please continue working hard, Host]
[System Prompt: Given the Host's current immense strength, you are fully capable of walking sideways in this world. Even so, proceed with caution]
At that moment, white lotuses bloomed irregularly all around, adding a touch of different color to this mirror-like world.
"Healing technique? Isn't this an ability only a full-power High Elder should possess?" Dan Feng looked in surprise at the prompts popping up on the system panel.
His thoughts were still stuck on the idea that a full-power High Elder had been split by Abundance and Propagation, which was why he felt puzzled.
But he didn't dwell on it too much. His current strength was already sufficient to stand firm in this world. He only needed to protect the important people by his side.
With that thought, Dan Feng exited the space, ready to sleep and set out early the next morning.
...
The next day, Dan Feng and Roxy arrived at the Adventurers' Guild and headed straight for the Red Dragon subjugation request.
[Subjugate Red Dragon — Kill any one Red Dragon to complete]
[Reward: 50 Ranoa gold coins]
The reward was set very reasonably. After all, the slain Red Dragon belonged to them—they could sell all its materials to the Adventurers' Guild, which would amount to a huge sum.
Without hesitation, Dan Feng tore down the Red Dragon subjugation request and took Roxy to register with the staff.
"Hello, registering a request." Dan Feng said calmly, handing over the request slip.
The staff member took it and glanced at it casually—at first unconcerned, but then startled.
"The Red Dragon subjugation request? Lord Imbibitor Lunae, are you sure?" The staff member looked at Dan Feng before her and asked timidly.
She had worked here the whole time and was well aware of just how crazily Dan Feng and Roxy had taken on requests during the break. She knew their strength. Still, the Red Dragon's reputation as the world's most powerful monster was simply too overwhelming, so she felt compelled to remind them.
"Confirmed." Dan Feng nodded.
Upon receiving the confirmation, the staff member no longer hesitated. She quickly registered the request and then said to Dan Feng and Roxy, "S-rank requests can be submitted at any Adventurers' Guild—no need to come specifically to this one."
"Understood."