As the flames of the domain receded, the air became still. The once-turbulent stairs now lay in eerie silence, their fiery glow extinguished. Xiao Feng stood at the summit with Chen Hao beside him, the golden mark of the Fire Flower shimmering faintly on Xiao Feng's palm.
The energy of the flower lingered within him, like a burning sun resting deep in his soul.
Chen Hao let out a low whistle as he sheathed his sword. "That power suits you, Xiao Feng. You've earned it."
Xiao Feng nodded, his calm expression unwavering. "This flower will aid us, but we cannot lose focus. The Shadowed Abyss still holds many secrets—and dangers."
Chen Hao turned and glanced down the ruined staircase. Zhang Kai and Fang Yi were sprawled at its base, their pride shattered alongside their strength.
Zhang Kai's Desperation
Zhang Kai struggled to his feet, his face contorted with bitterness and shame. Fang Yi groaned beside him, too weak to move.
"This isn't over!" Zhang Kai snarled, his voice laced with fury. "The Fire Flower should have been mine! You stole it, Xiao Feng!"
Chen Hao stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Haven't you had enough, Zhang Kai? You've lost. Accept it and move on."
Zhang Kai's eyes burned with hatred. "You think this is the end? I'll find a way to surpass you—no matter the cost."
Before Chen Hao could reply, Xiao Feng spoke, his tone even but firm. "Power without purpose leads only to ruin, Zhang Kai. Learn from this defeat, or it will consume you."
Zhang Kai clenched his fists, but he said no more. He turned sharply, dragging Fang Yi with him as they disappeared into the shadows of the Abyss.
"Let them go," Xiao Feng said softly. "Their path is their own to walk."
Chen Hao sighed. "People like Zhang Kai never learn. Let's just hope he doesn't drag others down with him."
The Path Forward
With the Fire Flower's trial completed, the domain began to shift. The stairs crumbled away, revealing a narrow path leading deeper into the Abyss. Xiao Feng turned toward it, his unseeing gaze unwavering.
"Lei Long tells me the true heart of the Abyss lies ahead."
Chen Hao frowned, eyeing the darkness warily. "And what's waiting for us there?"
Xiao Feng tilted his head slightly, as if listening to a distant voice. "A greater trial. Perhaps… a revelation."
Chen Hao groaned. "Of course, it can't be easy. Lead the way, then. You're the guide here."
Together, they descended into the depths of the Shadowed Abyss. The light from above faded behind them, and a strange, chilling stillness enveloped the path. The walls of the Abyss were carved with ancient runes, faintly glowing with a ghostly blue light.
Chen Hao traced the carvings with his fingers as they walked. "These runes… they're older than any I've ever seen. What is this place?"
"This is not just a trial ground," Xiao Feng replied. "It's a resting place—of something ancient and powerful."
The temperature dropped as they ventured further. Their breath became visible in the cold, and faint whispers echoed through the dark tunnel. Chen Hao tightened his grip on his sword.
"Did you hear that?"
"Yes," Xiao Feng replied calmly. "The Abyss speaks."
The Guardian Awakens
After what felt like hours of walking, they emerged into a massive underground chamber. The ceiling stretched so high it was lost in shadow, and at the center of the room sat an enormous stone altar. A statue loomed behind it—a monstrous figure carved from obsidian, its claws reaching toward the sky.
The statue's eyes suddenly flared with crimson light. The ground trembled, and an ancient voice boomed through the chamber.
"Who dares trespass upon the Sacred Abyss?"
Chen Hao stumbled back, his face pale. "What… what is that?"
Xiao Feng remained calm, stepping forward. "We mean no disrespect. We seek only answers."
The crimson light in the statue's eyes intensified, and the ground shook violently. From the shadows, a massive figure began to emerge—a guardian forged of stone and fire, its form towering over them.
"You seek answers, but only the worthy may receive them. Face me, and prove your strength!"
The guardian swung its massive arm, sending a wave of molten energy crashing toward them.
"Move!" Chen Hao shouted, leaping to the side as the ground erupted.
Xiao Feng raised the Beast Caller's Flute to his lips, summoning the power of Lei Long. Lightning crackled through the chamber, striking the guardian's arm and halting its attack.
"Chen Hao!" Xiao Feng called. "Focus on its legs! I'll target its core."
Chen Hao nodded, charging forward with his sword blazing. "On it!"
The battle began in earnest. Chen Hao struck with precision and speed, his sword cutting through the guardian's stone-like legs, while Xiao Feng unleashed Lei Long's fury. The lightning dragon's energy coiled around the guardian, searing its molten joints.
The guardian roared in rage, slamming its massive fists into the ground. The shockwave knocked Chen Hao off his feet, but Xiao Feng stood firm, his unseeing gaze locked on the enemy.
"This ends now," Xiao Feng murmured, raising the flute once more.
The melody that followed was haunting and powerful, resonating through the chamber. Lei Long's energy surged, forming into a colossal spear of lightning.
"Now, Chen Hao!"
Chen Hao pushed himself to his feet, his sword glowing with every ounce of his strength. Together, they struck.
The lightning spear pierced the guardian's core as Chen Hao's blade struck its chest, shattering the obsidian surface. The guardian let out a final, ear-splitting roar before collapsing into rubble.
The Revelation
As the dust settled, the chamber grew silent. The statue's crimson light faded, and the stone altar began to glow with a soft, golden light.
Xiao Feng stepped forward, sensing something powerful emanating from the altar.
Chen Hao, panting heavily, followed. "What now?"
The light coalesced into a scroll, hovering gently above the altar. Xiao Feng reached out and grasped it. As his fingers touched the scroll, his mind was flooded with visions—ancient battles, powerful summoners, and a monstrous entity sealed within the depths of the Abyss.
"This scroll…" Xiao Feng whispered, his voice heavy. "It contains the history of the Abyss—and the location of its greatest secret."
Chen Hao looked at him, wide-eyed. "And what is that?"
Xiao Feng turned toward him, his expression serious. "A weapon. A power so great it could shake the world itself."
Chen Hao's face paled. "And let me guess… we're going to find it, aren't we?"
Xiao Feng nodded slowly. "Yes. But we're not the only ones searching for it. Others will come—stronger and far more dangerous than Zhang Kai."
Chen Hao let out a slow breath, his grip on his sword tightening. "Then we better be ready. This is only the beginning, isn't it?"
Xiao Feng smiled faintly, the golden mark on his palm glowing softly. "Yes. And our real journey starts now."
The two stood in the silent chamber, unaware that their every move was being watched by unseen eyes lurking in the darkness of the Abyss.