Lin Feng's achievements had not only shaken the Black Lotus Sect's disciples but also begun to ripple outwards to attract the attention of neighbor sects. The precarious balance of power in this region, the sudden rise within a sect as feared as the Black Lotus of an Outer Disciple-this had not gone unnoticed.

The first sign of external interest came with a Summit Invitation, a yearly gathering of sect representatives that usually discussed alliances, rivalries, and mutual concerns. This time, the Crimson Sky Pavilion, one of the most prestigious sects in the region, held the summit.

Elder Shen chose Lin Feng to accompany him to this summit, citing his great potential as a rising force within the sect.

The Crimson Sky Pavilion was a wonder of cultivation architecture, with its towering pagodas precariously set on floating platforms amidst a sea of clouds. Led by Elder Shen and a few other disciples, Lin Feng went up the stairs leading to the central hall and looked around at the array of gathered cultivators.

Dozens of sects were represented; their robes and banners marked their allegiances. The air was polite on the surface, but beneath, an undercurrent of rivalry vibrated.

Lin Feng noticed all the eyes that turned to him, some curious, others calculating. Among them was Jiang Yan, a genius from Crimson Sky Pavilion, who had sharp intellect and mastery of Wind Blade Arts. She stood amidst her peers, and respect beamed from her very presence.

Their eyes met briefly, but Lin Feng's expression remained tranquil, betraying nothing of his intrigue.

---

Formalities of the summit were disrupted as a loud voice boomed across the hall.

"So, this is the genius of the Black Lotus Sect?"

Lin Feng turned to see a youth come forward. Wearing the red-and-gold robes of the Burning Forge Sect, he smiled confidently, his arrogant strut like the walk of a man who always got what he wanted. The Burning Forge Sect's foremost disciple, Lei Yu, had the reputation of being one to pick fights.

"I've heard stories about you, Lin Feng, but I rather doubt that it is that exaggerated, really." Lei Yu had a sneer in his voice. "The Black Lotus Sect isn't really conventional after all."

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Lin Feng did not change expressions. "And the Burning Forge Sect is known for their big mouths. Guess every sect is good at something."

A titter of laughter swept through the crowd as Lei Yu's face darkened.

"You have a sharp tongue," Lei Yu said, taking another step closer. "Let's see if your skills match. A friendly duel, here and now."

Elder Shen's eyes flicked to Lin Feng; his silent nod was all the permission he needed.

Lin Feng stepped forward, calm and slow. "Very well. Let's see what the Burning Forge has to offer."

---

The courtyard before the hall was soon opened up for the duel as the crowd formed a large circle around the two fighters.

Lei Yu drew his weapon, a huge greatsword covered in flames. His aura flared, the air around him distorting with heat.

Lin Feng stood unarmed, his hands at his sides.

“You’re not even going to draw a weapon?” Lei Yu sneered.

Lin Feng sneered, "You are not worth one."

The match began with Lei Yu attacking first. His great sword smacked the ground where Lin Feng had been just a while ago. Lin Feng moved as agile as a ghost. With his Phantom Steps technique, he dodged Lei Yu's powerful strikes with simplicity.

"Stop running!" Lei Yu bellowed, sending a wave of scorching, fiery qi onto the grounds.

Lin Feng activated the Thousand Veil Technique, creating multiple illusions that darted around the battlefield. Lei Yu’s strikes hit nothing but air, his frustration growing with each miss.

“You’re predictable,” Lin Feng said, his voice echoing from multiple directions.

Lei Yu's anger boiled over, his aura erupting into an inferno. The flames consumed several of Lin Feng's illusions, but the real Lin Feng remained hidden, watching and waiting.

The moment Lei Yu overextended himself, Lin Feng struck. A tendril of black qi lashed out, wrapping itself around Lei Yu's wrist and forcing him to drop his sword. Before Lei Yu could recover, Lin Feng appeared behind him, his dagger pressed lightly against the back of Lei Yu's neck.

"Yield," Lin Feng said, his voice calm but firm.

Lei Yu froze, pride battling with survival instinct. After a moment of tension, he nodded.

The crowd erupted into murmurs; several were impressed by Lin Feng's skill.

---

The duel over, Jiang Yan approached Lin Feng, her expression indistinct, though her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“You handled that well,” she said. “But you’ve made an enemy of the Burning Forge Sect. Lei Yu won’t forget this.”

Lin Feng inclined his head slightly. “Enemies are inevitable on the path to power.”

Jiang Yan smiled faintly. “Perhaps. But power also requires allies. Consider that, Lin Feng.”

With that, she walked away, leaving Lin Feng to ponder her words.

---

That night, the Elder Shen summoned Lin Feng to one chamber of the Crimson Sky Pavilion. The elder's face didn't reveal any emotion. He motioned for Lin Feng to take a seat.

"You left quite an impression today," he said. "But impressions have their dangers. The Burning Forge Sect won't take this humiliation so lightly."

Lin Feng returned the elder's gaze. "Let them come. I'll deal with them."

Elder Shen laughed, though there was no warmth in the sound. "Your confidence borders on arrogance. Be careful, Lin Feng. The world is great, and the enemies you make now may haunt you later."

Lin Feng nodded, though his resolution did not falter.

---

By the time the conference ended, Lin Feng began to contemplate the events that had taken place: his name now had an echo well outside of the Black Lotus Sect; ripples were spreading throughout the world of cultivation.

But recognition begets dangers: enmity was only but a starter-the Burning Forge Sect was leading, and Jiang Yan's cryptic words implied there was more to it.

In his quarters, Lin Feng sat cross-legged, the black qi swirling around him like a storm. Before him lay the Soul Devourer Manual, the dark runes pulsating faintly.

"This is the path I've chosen," Lin Feng whispered. "Let the world come. I will devour it all."