Wei Liang sat in the dim light of his dormitory, the Abyssal Core Shard resting on his palm. Its faint, rhythmic pulse seemed to resonate with the Qi in his dantian, like it was calling out to him. The System's earlier analysis played in his mind: Enhances Qi control and shadow techniques… but risks imbalance.
He stared at the shard, weighing the risks and rewards. If his spiritual root truly had hidden potential, could this artifact help unlock it?
"Only one way to find out," he muttered, closing his fingers around the shard.
The System chimed softly.
[Warning: Abyssal Core Shard absorption may destabilize spiritual root. Proceed with caution?]
Wei Liang took a deep breath. "Proceed."
The shard's glow intensified, and a surge of cold energy coursed through his body. His vision blurred as the Qi in the shard merged with his own, its dark essence coiling like smoke through his meridians.
Pain flared in his chest, and his spiritual root flickered erratically. He gritted his teeth, focusing on stabilizing the flow. The System's voice cut through the haze.
[Appraising changes… Stabilizing root…]
The pain eased slightly, replaced by a strange, creeping sensation in his dantian. It felt as if a door had opened, revealing a faint, untapped reservoir of power.
[Spiritual Root Updated: Low-Grade Earth Root (Adapted—+10% Shadow Affinity).]
Wei Liang opened his eyes, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. His body felt lighter, his Qi flowing more freely than before. But there was something else—an undercurrent of darkness, subtle but present.
---
Morning Training with a Difference
The next day, Wei Liang joined Zhang Fei and Han Xun in the courtyard for training. Elder Cai was overseeing sparring matches, his gruff voice booming as disciples paired off.
"Zhang, you're with Han," Elder Cai barked. "Wei Liang, you'll spar with… Lin Ziyan."
The courtyard fell silent, all eyes turning to Wei Liang. Lin Ziyan stepped forward, his smirk as sharp as his blade.
"Again, farmer?" he said mockingly. "Didn't you learn your lesson in the duel?"
Wei Liang said nothing, drawing his sword and taking a steady stance. This time, something felt different. His senses were sharper, his Qi steadier. The Abyssal Core Shard had left its mark, and he was ready to test it.
Jin Yue, the inner disciple overseeing the session, raised his hand. "Begin!"
Lin Ziyan moved first, his speed as overwhelming as ever. Wei Liang barely deflected the initial strike, but instead of retreating, he countered with a sudden lunge. His blade grazed Lin Ziyan's side, earning a hiss of annoyance.
The spectators murmured. Wei Liang's movements were faster, his strikes more deliberate.
"Don't get cocky," Lin Ziyan snarled, channeling Qi into his blade. He unleashed a powerful overhead slash, but Wei Liang sidestepped at the last moment, his instincts sharper than before.
The System's voice echoed in his mind.
[Shadow Affinity Detected: Enhancing reflexes and agility.]
Wei Liang pressed the attack, his blade flickering through Lin Ziyan's defenses. For a moment, it seemed like he had the upper hand—but Lin Ziyan's experience quickly turned the tide. He feinted left, then struck right, his Qi-infused blade slamming into Wei Liang's shoulder.
Wei Liang stumbled but recovered quickly, his sword raised once more.
"Enough!" Jin Yue called, stepping between them. "The match is over."
Lin Ziyan lowered his blade, his smirk returning. "You're improving, farmer. But you're still far below me."
Wei Liang bowed slightly, his expression calm despite the ache in his shoulder. "Maybe for now."
As Lin Ziyan walked away, Jin Yue approached Wei Liang. "You've grown stronger," he said quietly. "But don't let haste cloud your judgment. Strength built too quickly can crumble just as fast."
Wei Liang nodded, though his thoughts were already on his next steps.
---
That evening, as Wei Liang meditated near the Spirit Mirror Pool, he sensed someone approaching. Opening his eyes, he saw Elder Lin standing nearby, her jade-green robes glowing faintly in the moonlight.
"You've changed," she said, her voice calm but probing.
Wei Liang frowned. "What do you mean?"
She gestured toward him. "Your Qi has a shadowy undercurrent now. It's subtle, but noticeable to someone with my experience. Where did you gain this affinity?"
Wei Liang hesitated, unsure whether to reveal the Abyssal Core Shard. Finally, he decided to trust her.
"I absorbed something… from the Verdant Wastes," he admitted, pulling the shard from his satchel.
Elder Lin's eyes widened slightly. "An Abyssal Core Shard? Do you realize how dangerous these artifacts are?"
"I know," Wei Liang said, his tone firm. "But it's helped me. My Qi flows better now, and I feel… stronger."
Elder Lin studied him for a moment before nodding. "You've taken a great risk, but the fact that you're still standing means your foundation may be stronger than I thought."
She stepped closer, her gaze serious. "But be careful. Shadow techniques are powerful, but they can corrupt the mind if overused. Balance will be key to your progress."
Wei Liang bowed. "Thank you, Elder Lin. I'll keep that in mind."
As she walked away, Wei Liang stared at the shard in his hand, its faint glow flickering like a warning.
---
Over the next few weeks, Wei Liang threw himself into his training. The combination of the System's guidance, the Abyssal Core Shard's influence, and his growing determination allowed him to ascend to the fifth layer of the Qi Gathering Realm faster than he ever expected.
During sparring matches, his shadow affinity made his movements unpredictable, earning him grudging respect from both peers and elders. Even Lin Ziyan seemed to regard him with less mockery, though the tension between them remained palpable.
One evening, as Wei Liang meditated near the Spirit Mirror Pool, the System chimed.
[Progress Update: Qi Gathering Realm, Fifth Layer.]
[Next Target: Ninth Layer. Prepare for breakthrough into Body Tempering Realm.]
Wei Liang exhaled slowly, his breath steady. The path ahead was long, but for the first time, he felt like he could truly compete.
The Abyssal Core Shard pulsed faintly in his satchel, a reminder of the risks he had taken—and the power still waiting to be unlocked.