The dark forest stretched endlessly under the veil of night, only broken by the occasional flashes of light from the looming Heavenly Abyss Mountain. Xuan Li and Mei Xue were rushing through the dense terrain, their footsteps swift and determined.
Mei Xue kept glancing at Xuan Li, her expression troubled. His movements were slightly slower than usual, and she could sense that something was off. His once fluid and effortless motions now seemed forced, as if he were holding something back.
"Xuan Li," she called out, her voice tinged with concern. "Are you okay? Your speed has decreased drastically."
Xuan Li didn't look at her but forced a small smile. "I'm fine. Don't worry."
In truth, Xuan Li was barely keeping pace. His body was wrapped in the faint glow of his Flow Technique, but it was nowhere near its peak form. I can only use the constant flow variation now... he thought grimly. Before laying my foundation, this technique was effortless. Now, I'm using everything I have just to keep up. At least my physical state is still decent. I can handle an early-stage Level 1 warrior without my foundation, but anything beyond that would be dangerous.
The two pressed on, the mountain drawing nearer with every step. The oppressive aura of chaotic energy grew heavier, pressing down on them like an invisible weight. The air itself seemed to buzz with tension.
By midnight, Xuan Li and Mei Xue reached the base of the Heavenly Abyss Mountain. The sight before them was awe-inspiring and terrifying in equal measure.
The mountain loomed like a giant, its surface scarred with jagged rocks and swirling with chaotic energy. Thunder cracked above them, striking the peak repeatedly, lighting up the entire area in flashes of blinding brilliance. There were no monsters in sight, as if even the most fearsome creatures dared not approach.
Mei Xue gazed up at the mountain, her face pale. "Xuan Li... I think you've chosen the wrong day for this."
Xuan Li turned to her, puzzled. "Why do you say that?"
Mei Xue took a step closer to him, her voice lowering as she explained. "According to legend, when there's a thunderstorm like this, it means the plant on this mountain—the one you're after—has bloomed. The flower signifies that the plant has matured. But for some reason, this is not tolerated by the heavens. That's why the mountain is struck by the heavens' wrath during this time. Whatever you're planning, give up for now. It's too dangerous."
Before Xuan Li could respond, Verdris's voice echoed in his mind, calm but firm. "Disciple, this is a rare opportunity. The Ethereal Starvine blooming is a once-in-a-thousand-years event. In this state, its benefits are immense, far greater than when it's unbloomed. You must seize this chance."
Xuan Li frowned slightly. "But what about the heavenly wrath?" he muttered under his breath.
"Leave that to me," Verdris replied confidently. "The chaotic energy here amplifies my reach. I'll shield you from the worst of it, but you must hurry. Once the bloom ends, the plant's power diminishes, and the heavens' fury will fade."
Xuan Li clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. He took a deep breath, the weight of his decision settling over him. "Okay. Now or never," he murmured, his tone low but resolute.
Xuan Li activated Constant Flow, his body enveloped in a faint blue, starry aura. He felt the chaotic energy around him pressing down, but his cosmic energy began to sync with it, creating a tenuous balance.
Mei Xue's voice pulled him back. "Xuan Li! Wait!" she called, panic evident as she realized his intention.
But before she could say more, there was a resounding bang. Xuan Li launched himself forward, dashing toward the mountain at an astonishing speed. The ground cracked beneath him as his energy pushed him upward.
"Xuan Li!" Mei Xue yelled again, her voice echoing in the night, but he was already too far ahead.
As Xuan Li began his ascent, the chaotic energy grew denser, wrapping around him like an invisible storm. Each step felt heavier than the last, the oppressive aura testing his endurance. Thunder cracked above, each strike illuminating the jagged path ahead.
"Disciple," Verdris's voice rang out again. "The higher you climb, the stronger the chaotic energy will become. Let your cosmic energy flow naturally. Do not fight the chaos—merge with it. Only then can you withstand the mountain's wrath."
Xuan Li nodded inwardly, focusing on Verdris's instructions. He allowed his cosmic energy to flow outward, intertwining with the chaotic currents around him. Slowly, he felt the pressure ease slightly, enough for him to keep moving.
Back at the base, Mei Xue hesitated. Her heart raced as she stared at the fading figure of Xuan Li, now just a speck against the massive mountain. Why is he so reckless? she thought, frustration and worry battling within her.
She bit her lip, clenching her fists. "Damn it, Xuan Li. I'm not going to stand here and wait for you to get yourself killed."
Summoning her thunder energy, she enveloped herself in a crackling aura and started her own climb, determined to catch up to him.
Higher up, Xuan Li encountered the first manifestation of the mountain's chaotic energy—a swirling mass of energy shards, each one cutting through the air with deadly precision. The shards rotated in a violent storm, blocking the path ahead.
Xuan Li narrowed his eyes, his mind racing. This is no ordinary energy... it's chaotic will. It's alive.
He slowed his breathing, calming his mind. Following Verdris's guidance, he let his cosmic energy extend outward, forming a thin barrier around him. Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the storm.
The energy shards sliced toward him, but his cosmic barrier deflected them, though not without effort. Each shard that struck sent vibrations through his body, testing his control. He grit his teeth, focusing solely on maintaining his flow.
"Just a little more..." he muttered, pushing forward step by step.
As Xuan Li emerged from the storm, the mountain's summit came into view. At the center of the peak, amidst swirling chaos, stood the Ethereal Starvine, its silvery leaves glowing faintly under the thunderous sky. Atop the plant was the elusive bloom—a flower that shimmered like a star, exuding an aura of pure, unrestrained energy.
For a moment, Xuan Li stood in awe, his breath catching in his throat. But his master's voice snapped him back to reality.
"Disciple, the bloom is within reach, but the heavens will not allow you to take it so easily. Prepare yourself—this is where the true trial begins."
Xuan Li's gaze hardened, his determination unshaken. "I'm ready," he whispered, taking his first step toward the summit.