Zhang Xin and his team, victorious but weary from the encounter with Hei Qiang, had just taken their first steps back when a chilling, almost mocking laugh filled the dark chamber.
"So, these are the trespassers who defeated my underling, Hei Qiang," a deep, sinister voice reverberated through the Shadowed Abyss, shaking the very ground beneath them.
They turned to see a towering figure emerging from the shadows, a figure wreathed in a dark aura and clad in robes that seemed to twist and writhe as if alive. This was no ordinary demon; his aura radiated with immense, ancient power. His dark eyes gleamed with intelligence and malice.
"Welcome to my domain. I am Lu Xiang," he introduced himself with a cruel smile, "master of this maze." Lu Xiang was infamous for his powerful cultivation, honed over centuries, and his mastery of the Labyrinth Technique, which was known to ensnare even the strongest warriors and separate them from their allies, leaving them defenseless.
With a flick of his wrist, Lu Xiang activated his maze technique. Shadows warped and shifted around the group, transforming the solid ground beneath them into an unending network of twisting paths and shadowy walls. One by one, Zhang Xin and his teammates felt themselves pulled into different paths by the shifting shadows, separated from each other before they could react.
Zhang Xin's Confrontation with Lu Xiang
Alone in the endless dark maze, Zhang Xin raised his sword, alert and ready. The faint whispers of his teammates' voices faded as the maze stretched around him, leaving him isolated in silence. Suddenly, Lu Xiang's figure emerged from the shadows, his grin mocking.
"You possess the map, do you not?" Lu Xiang asked, his voice an echo that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. "That ancient relic holds more secrets than you know. Only a fool would bring such a thing here."
Zhang Xin narrowed his eyes, keeping his guard up. "If you know of the map, then you understand what we're here for. Step aside, or I'll have to force my way through."
Lu Xiang laughed, his aura intensifying. "Oh, I don't intend to kill you… yet. I simply want to see if you're worthy of holding that relic." With a sudden burst of speed, he charged toward Zhang Xin, his form blurring as he activated his Shadow Step Technique.
The Battle with Lu Xiang
Lu Xiang attacked with precision and ferocity, each strike aimed to overwhelm and break Zhang Xin's defenses. His dark energy filled the maze, creating afterimages that left Zhang Xin guessing which attacks were real and which were illusions. Zhang Xin struggled to keep up, the weight of Lu Xiang's power pressing down on him with each clash.
Calling upon his inner strength, Zhang Xin summoned Ling Yan's spirit, her golden aura merging with his own to boost his energy. With each swing of his Eclipse Blade, he unleashed beams of light to counter the demon's dark energy.
The two clashed in a deadly dance of shadow and light, the maze warping around them with each strike. Finally, Zhang Xin found an opening and unleashed a powerful Celestial Slash, his sword blazing with radiant energy as it struck Lu Xiang.
But rather than falling, Lu Xiang merely laughed and staggered back, his grin widening. "Impressive… but still lacking." With a wave of his hand, he created a final burst of dark energy, throwing Zhang Xin back.
"Consider this a test, young warrior," Lu Xiang sneered. "You and your allies may have escaped my maze, but I know where you are now. And I'm far from the only one who will be watching you." With that, he vanished into the shadows, his presence leaving a chilling emptiness behind.
The Aftermath
After what felt like an eternity, Zhang Xin and his teammates regrouped, each of them bearing injuries from their isolated battles within Lu Xiang's maze. Xiaobo's expression was dark, his hands clenched. "I don't think we'll be able to leave this place easily, Zhang Xin. Lu Xiang knows we're here… and he won't let us go without a fight."
Zhang Xin gave a resolute nod. "Then we'll heal, strengthen ourselves, and be ready. I won't let this place trap us."
He reached into his robes and pulled out a small, ancient stone—the Ancient Stone Realm, a relic that contained a small pocket dimension for cultivation and healing. "Everyone, step inside. We'll use this to restore our strength and prepare for what's coming."
Together, they entered the Ancient Stone Realm, a serene space filled with the essence of earth and vitality. The team settled in, beginning their cultivation and drawing upon the energy of the realm to heal their wounds and replenish their strength. Here, in the safety of the ancient realm, they would be able to regain their full power for the battles that lay ahead.
Meanwhile, in the Demon Realm
Lu Xiang approached to demon leader, Fanhua, a towering figure wreathed in dark flames. His expression was unreadable, but the power radiating from him filled the chamber with an oppressive energy.
"What news, Lu Xiang?" Fanhua's voice was like thunder, his red eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Lu Xiang bowed. "The map has revealed itself. It is in the hands of a mortal warrior named Zhang Xin and his team. They possess great strength, but they are vulnerable."
Fanhua's lips curled into a malicious grin. "Then we shall ensure they don't leave our realm alive." He raised his hand, summoning four of his highest-ranking demons, each a master of their own deadly art.
The Four High-Rank Demons
1. Yin Feng - A master of Wind Blades, his attacks come with blinding speed, creating gusts that slice through flesh and armor alike. He is known for his agility and ruthless precision.
2. Huo Yan - Wielder of the Inferno Technique, he summons flames that burn hotter than ordinary fire, with dark energy that intensifies the heat. His infernos consume everything in their path, leaving only ashes behind.
3. Lei Hu - Skilled in the Thunder Strike, his attacks are charged with lightning energy, giving him the ability to strike with immense force. His presence alone generates a crackling aura that disrupts any defensive technique.
4. Mo Xue - Known as the Blood Demon, she uses Blood Manipulation to control the blood of her opponents, weakening them from within. Her skills allow her to drain life energy directly, feeding on her victims' strength.
Each demon bowed before Fanhua, their eyes filled with bloodlust as they received their orders.
"Find Zhang Xin and his companions," Fanhua commanded, his voice filled with dark intent. "Bring them to me. The map they possess will be ours."
The four demons set out immediately, their forms vanishing into shadows as they made their way to the Shadowed Abyss.
In the Ancient Stone Realm
As Zhang Xin and his teammates cultivated, Zhang Xin could sense the weight of their situation, knowing powerful enemies were on their trail. He spent the next few days honing his sword techniques, meditating on his connection with the Eclipse Blade, and strategizing with his teammates on how best to face the four demon generals.
"We don't know when they'll strike," Zhang Xin told his friends, his gaze firm, "but we'll be ready when they do. Each of you has your strengths—use them wisely, and don't let them separate us again."
Ling Yan nodded in agreement, her spirit form flickering by his side. "The Abyss is dark, but together, we bring light. This is our strength."
Their cultivation in the Ancient Stone Realm brought them back to full power, their bodies and spirits renewed. As they emerged from the realm, they steeled themselves, knowing that the Shadowed Abyss would soon become their battleground.
With renewed strength, Zhang Xin and his team prepared to confront the four high-ranking demons sent by Fanhua.