The Art of Chaotic Divinity

Chapter 20: Night of the Full Moon!

Before long, Ling Feng mastered the footwork of Flashing Steps, and only then did he open the manual for The Ninefold Ocean-Guarding Fist.

In no time, Ling Feng finished perusing the contents on the tattered manual. He slowly closed his eyes, clearing his mind of any distractions.

Due to the partial damage to the fist technique manual, comprehending its techniques proved to be significantly more challenging compared to mastering the Flashing Steps.

Ling Feng summoned the first divine inscription of the Heavenly Dao, and his understanding reached its peak. Gradually, he entered a state of deep meditation.

After a long while, Ling Feng opened his eyes, and a gleam of brilliance sparkled within them.

Swoosh!

With a graceful ascent, Ling Feng's body unfolded, his fists dancing in the air, causing a whirlwind to stir up clouds of dust. The Ninefold Ocean-Guarding Fist was executed with precision, each move and technique seamlessly flowing from one to the next.

The first move: New Moon Emerges from the Deep Sea!

The second move: Azure Moon Hangs in the Vast Sky!

The third move: Great River Accompanies the Rising Tide!

...

The eighth move: Vast Sea of a Thousand Fathoms!

As his fist swept through the air, a hunting and rustling aura enveloped his entire being. A fierce and piercing intent emanated, giving rise to an unparalleled, sturdy fist radiance. It tore through the hurricane, unleashing a thunderous assault that seemed to sweep across a thousand feet, carrying an overwhelming momentum that echoed for miles.

"There's also the killing move of the ninth move, Azure Dragon Subdues the Vast Sea, so challenging to comprehend."

Coming to a standstill, Ling Feng withdrew his fist and exhaled slowly. He had successfully reconstructed the eight preceding fist techniques; only the final move remained, necessitating further reflection.

Nevertheless, with nine days ahead, Ling Feng felt no sense of urgency.

"Simply practicing the eight moves of the Ninefold Ocean-Guarding Fist once nearly depleted more than half of my true qi. This set of fist techniques is indeed not simple."

Ling Feng once again sat cross-legged, clearing his mind of distractions. He activated the Wenxian Qi Refining Technique, patiently restoring his true qi before resuming the refinement of his martial techniques and footwork.

Repeatedly following this routine until nightfall, with the profound sea of clouds and the starry sky overhead, Ling Feng returned to the bamboo tower. Ready to summon the divine inscription of the Human Dao and elevate his cultivation.

In the middle of the month, a full moon hung high in the sky, casting its radiant glow across the heavens.

As soon as Ling Feng returned to the bamboo tower, he noticed Duanmu Qingshan sitting cross-legged in the courtyard. A dark green aura enveloped him, and a hint of green energy flickered on his face.

He was seen with a furrowed brow, as if enduring intense pain.

Raising his gaze, Ling Feng realized that tonight was the night of the full moon.

Under the full moon's influence, when Yin energy reached its peak in the world, Duanmu Qingshan, who had persistently resisted the sword energy within, bore hidden injuries that eroded his internal organs. Over time, a cold energy accumulated within him. The culmination of Yin energy also marked the eruption of cold energy.

"Damn it, I got too absorbed in cultivation and forgot." Ling Feng quickly moved, leaping to Duanmu Qingshan's side. His hands moved swiftly, retrieving a row of golden needles from his bosom. He hastily inserted twelve golden needles into Duanmu Qingshan's back, barely managing to suppress the cold energy.

"How are you, Master?" Ling Feng supported Duanmu Qingshan and asked with concern.

"Hehe, the old ailment is acting up again. I thought that with the medications you prepared for me during this period, it wouldn't flare up anymore, but unexpectedly..." Cold sweat dripped down Duanmu Qingshan's forehead.

Supporting Duanmu Qingshan, Ling Feng guided him into the bamboo tower. After settling him onto a cushion, Ling Feng checked his pulse and then spoke with a serious tone, "Master, I was overly optimistic before. I didn't anticipate the severity of the hidden injuries within your body."

Furrowing his brow, Ling Feng spoke slowly, "I initially believed that with my prescription and monthly acupuncture sessions, we could completely eliminate that hidden injury. However, it seems that the hidden injury is triggered during the full moon, causing a burst of cold energy and reaccumulating strength. With this cycle, no matter how skilled my acupuncture is, it's impossible to eradicate the hidden injury at its root."

Duanmu Qingshan shook his head, smiling wryly, "I haven't held much hope for this. At least, your medicine can extend my life for a few more years, and that's sufficient."

"Master, don't worry. I have a way to deal with the cold poison." Ling Feng quickly said, "We just need to find the Moon Spirit Flower, and it can suppress the cold poison within you. As long as the cold poison doesn't flare up for a few months, and we eliminate the hidden injury in your dantian, dealing with the mere cold poison won't be a challenge at all."

"Moon Spirit Flower?" Duanmu Qingshan furrowed his brows, pondering for a moment. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, "This flower only blooms during the full moon, hence its name. I remember now, there's such a spiritual flower on the cliff behind Xingyun Peak."

"The back mountain of Xingyun Peak?" Ling Feng rubbed his nose. Today was the night of the full moon, and if they missed it, they would have to wait for another month.

"Alright, I'll go now!" Ling Feng glanced at Duanmu Qingshan and spoke earnestly, "Master, wait for me here. I'll be back shortly."

Duanmu Qingshan quickly stopped Ling Feng, "No, I can't assist you through the sect leader's token right now. In case something..."

"There's no need for concern; I'll exercise caution," Ling Feng reassured with a faint smile. The Moon Spirit Flower bloomed exclusively on the night of the full moon. This meant he had to gather it tonight. However, on this very night, Duanmu Qingshan was destined to endure the onset of the cold poison.

Given the circumstances, he acknowledged that he had to take the risk and attempt it regardless of the challenges ahead.

Touched by an emotion, Duanmu Qingshan gazed deeply at Ling Feng. Suddenly recalling something, he swiftly opened his storage ring. A radiant flash later, a collection of light-blue wings emerged, floating in front of Ling Feng.

"Due to your current cultivation level, you can't employ true qi to manifest wings. This artifact is known as the Clear Spirit Wings. It enables flight, with significantly lower true qi consumption, and it's notably faster."

Duanmu Qingshan imparted the incantation to activate the Clear Spirit Wings to Ling Feng. Gritting his teeth, he added, "Be extremely cautious on this journey. You're my last hope!"

"Rest assured, Master!" Ling Feng nodded firmly.

Determined to keep himself alive, Ling Feng recognized the importance of reclaiming the second half of the Profound Art of Acupuncture and Moxibustion from the Yan family in the Eastern Capital. This quest also held the key to unraveling the mystery of his own identity. No matter the challenges ahead, he couldn't afford to meet his end.

"Then I'll be on my way," Ling Feng said.

Gripping the Clear Spirit Wings, Ling Feng turned and rushed out of the bamboo tower. Following the incantation Duanmu Qingshan had shared, he infused true qi into the wings.

The wings unfurled with an automatic rhythm, positioning themselves seamlessly behind Ling Feng as if they were a part of him. With rapid and robust strokes, they effortlessly lifted him into the air.

"I'm really flying!" Ling Feng felt a surge of joy, then turned his gaze toward Xingyun Peak and soared in that direction.

In the quiet of the night, disciples of martial sects were usually engaged in breath cultivation within their rooms. As a result, there were rarely any individuals moving outside.

This provided Ling Feng with an opportunity. Taking advantage of the night, he flew all the way to the back mountain of Xingyun Peak.

The Clear Spirit Wings emitted a subdued glow, akin to that of a firefly in the night. This subtle illumination ensured that Ling Feng could navigate without drawing undue attention.

Ling Feng rushed to the top of Xingyun Peak's back mountain. Then, with a single leap, he descended directly from the peak.

As his body rapidly descended, his gaze swept through the cliffs, searching for any trace of the Moon Spirit Flower.

The Clear Spirit Wings behind him continued to flap, ensuring a stable flight through the air. Ling Feng didn't overlook any crevice or broken wall, carefully investigating each one as he descended.

Suddenly, a thick fog enveloped the surroundings. Ling Feng flapped his wings, breaking through the mist. He continued his search for about half an hour.

"Hmm?"

A gleam of light caught Ling Feng's eyes. Within the mist ahead, a delicate radiance akin to moonlight revealed itself—the unmistakable aura of the Moon Spirit Flower!

"Found it!"

Ling Feng's heart leaped with joy. With a powerful beat of his wings, he soared towards the Moon Spirit Flower. Nestled in the crevice of the cliff, a small blossom of moon-white hue revealed itself. Soft halos adorned it, emitting a gentle mist.

"This is it!" Ling Feng held his breath, reaching out to pluck the Moon Spirit Flower.