Chapter 38: Arriving At Northern Moon

Jiang Feng sat cross-legged, his eyes shut tight, his breathing uneven. Deep within his chest, what seemed to be an illusionary dragon coiled itself, devouring the remnants of spiritual energy that lingered in the medicinal liquid coursing through him. He couldn't say when the dragon had appeared; he only noticed it after practicing his breathing technique again.

"Senior, is this the Dragon Tempest?" Jiang Feng asked, his voice calm despite the flicker of shock in his tone. His recent experiences had hardened him. After killing a member of the Celestial Shadow Church—burning the man alive—and surviving one peril after another, his mentality had begun to shift. The fear and hesitation of his past had dulled, replaced by a steely resolve.

"It should be," the ancient voice of the Codex echoed in his mind, its tone steady and contemplative. "Dragons are magical creatures with unparalleled physical power and a deep connection to spiritual energy. True Dragons were among the top ten chaos beasts, the original ancestral spirits of all dragon species. Their existence is tied to the primal order of the world."

Jiang Feng opened his eyes briefly, gazing inward with his spiritual sense. The dragon remained coiled, its shimmering scales faintly glowing as it consumed the remaining energy. Its eyes were closed, giving it an almost serene appearance. The absorption process was swift, and when the last trace of energy vanished, Jiang Feng felt his muscles strengthen slightly, though it was hardly significant—likely due to the low potency of the spiritual energy.

For a long while, Jiang Feng continued to observe the dragon, searching for any changes. None came.

"You must prepare yourself well," the Codex spoke again, its voice quieter now, almost fatigued. "Once you reach the great circle of the Foundation Stage, your reverse cultivation path will likely attract tribulation lightning again. Such is the consequence of defying the natural order of cultivation. Be mentally prepared." The voice began to fade, but before vanishing entirely, it added, "It's fortunate you refrained from using that dagger. It spares you from unnecessary trouble in my absence."

As the Codex's presence dimmed, Jiang Feng let out a long exhale. His thoughts churned, chaotic and restless. The weight on his shoulders was immense—his blacksmith heritage, the draconic power slumbering within him, and the relentless pursuit of the Celestial Shadow Church. Each new challenge threatened to overwhelm him, dragging him into an abyss of uncertainty.

But amidst the turmoil, a spark of resolve ignited within his heart. No matter what, I will face everything head-on. Even if I must step into the depths of chaos, I will not falter.

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Feng steadied his thoughts. The air around him shimmered as the Skyforge Flame within his body activated, transforming the gathered spiritual energy into infernal energy that coursed through his veins, strengthening him from within.

By the time morning came, the camp was alive with movement. The villagers packed their belongings, ready to continue their journey. The closer they drew to Northern Moon Village, the less wildlife they encountered—a sign of the growing human presence in the region.

Seven days had passed since they left Lin Village. It was midday when Lin Rou received word from one of his scouts. Shortly after, they encountered a contingent of two hundred Essence Condensation Stage experts from Northern Moon. The group was led by a tall, middle-aged man with a bald head and a commanding presence. His sharp aura radiated strength, and his powerful build was evident in every step he took, the ground thudding faintly beneath his feet.

The warriors accompanying him were clad in gleaming silver armor, their entire bodies encased in intricate plating. On the chest of each set of armor was an emblem: a full moon, beneath which a wolf howled, its posture fierce and unyielding. Their disciplined march spoke of rigorous training and unwavering loyalty.

The bald leader stood out, his aura rivaling even that of Lin Moyi. He rode a massive horse, the largest Jiang Feng had ever seen. The beast's muscular frame and thick legs were a testament to its immense power, each step steady and deliberate as it carried its rider forward.

The armored leader raised his voice, addressing the group with authority. "I am captain Situ. This is the Tenth Situ Squad of Northern Moon Village. We've been dispatched to escort you safely back."

His gaze fell on Lin Moyi as the elderly man stepped forward, still gripping his staff with an air of quiet dignity.

"Captain Situ greets you, Elder Lin Moyi," the man said, bowing his head respectfully.

Lin Moyi nodded in acknowledgment, his expression calm but resolute.

The group had arrived at a vast clearing, devoid of trees for miles. In the distance, a massive city rose against the horizon, though it was still far away. The sun cast long shadows as General Situ's contingent drew closer, their presence a reassuring sight for the weary villagers.

-

Captain Situ surveyed the group of travelers before him, his sharp eyes betraying a flicker of curiosity. He had heard the rumors—word of the Celestial Shadow Church pursuing this ragged band of villagers had reached his ears. Yet, he had not been told why, nor had he asked. As a soldier of Northern Moon's capital, it was not his place to question orders. His duty was clear: obey commands and ensure their safe passage.

"Tenth Squad, assume protective formations! Move out!" Captain Situ barked, his voice cutting through the crisp air. Tugging the reins of his massive warhorse, he turned it around with practiced ease and began leading the way toward Northern Moon.

His squad moved with precision, fanning out to encircle the villagers in a defensive perimeter. Their movements were fluid, their demeanor disciplined, and their vigilance unwavering. The metallic glint of their silver armor reflected the midday sun, their watchful gazes scanning the surroundings for any potential threats. The heavy thud of boots and hooves echoed in the clearing as the caravan began its march.

"Let's go!" Lin Moyi called out, raising his hand to signal the villagers. The group stirred into motion, their steps hurried yet cautious, following closely behind the squad.

Jiang Feng, who had been deep in meditation moments earlier, opened his eyes and rose to his feet. He fell in step beside Lin Rou, whose tired yet familiar smile greeted him.

"You don't look so good," Jiang Feng remarked, his eyes shifting briefly to the colossal structure looming in the distance—the towering gates of Northern Moon.

Lin Rou chuckled faintly, shaking his head. "It's been a long seven days. Rest has been a luxury I couldn't afford. Still, this experience might just be what I need to break through to the Fourth Level." His voice carried a mixture of weariness and hope, though the dark circles under his eyes betrayed how much the journey had taken from him.

"Congratulations in advance," Jiang Feng replied with a small nod, though his mind was elsewhere. His thoughts drifted back to the dragon coiled within his chest. A brief but unsettling tremor had passed through it earlier, only to vanish without explanation.

Lin Rou's expression turned serious as he glanced at Jiang Feng. "You're really strange, you know that? Your cultivation speed is... unnatural. Too fast. Once we get to Northern Moon, Father insists that you learn to suppress your draconic aura. You'll also need to lay low." His tone carried a weight of caution, as if he were delivering a warning that couldn't be ignored.

Jiang Feng met his gaze, silently urging him to continue.

"The large clans and sects in Northern Moon aren't like what you've faced so far," Lin Rou explained, his voice lowering slightly. "They're powerful, ancient, and their influence runs deep. The Celestial Shadow Church is already enough of a nightmare to deal with. If you draw the attention of one of the old freaks from those factions... not even my father would be able to protect you."

The warning hung heavy in the air, and Jiang Feng nodded slowly, absorbing the gravity of Lin Rou's words. The prospect of entering Northern Moon—a hub of power, wealth, and danger—filled him with both anticipation and unease.

Still, he couldn't ignore the fire burning in his chest, a fierce desire to grow stronger, to overcome every obstacle in his path. I'll face whatever comes my way, he thought, his gaze hardening. No matter who stands before me.

The march continued, the towering gates of Northern Moon growing larger with each step. The air around them felt heavier, charged with the latent power of the city that lay just beyond the horizon.