The journey back to the sect was somber yet determined. Yan Rui, Wu Qian, and Lian Yuxi traveled through the winding paths of the Abyss with their senses heightened. Although the Nexus's stabilization had quieted the chaos of the region, an unspoken tension lingered in the air.
When they finally emerged from the Abyss and stood once more under the open sky, the trio took a moment to breathe deeply. The sunlight warmed their faces, chasing away the oppressive cold that had clung to them during their time in the Abyss.
"Home sweet sect," Wu Qian muttered, slinging his massive sword across his back. "I can't say I missed the Abyss. I'm ready for some normal food and a proper bed."
Lian Yuxi smiled faintly. "Don't get too comfortable. If what we learned is true, our time to rest will be short."
Yan Rui remained silent, his thoughts consumed by the visions and knowledge he had gained from the Nexus. The image of the Ethereal Abyss Gate, a structure pulsating with untold power, loomed in his mind. Whatever secrets it held, they were tied not only to the Abyss but to the fate of the entire world.
---
When they returned to the Verdant Sky Sect, the atmosphere was markedly different from when they had left. Disciples bustled around the grounds, training harder than ever. The sect's elders moved with purpose, their expressions grim.
"What's going on?" Wu Qian asked, stopping one of the disciples as they passed.
The young man hesitated before replying, "There's been an increase in demonic beast activity near the outer regions. Elder Shen believes it's connected to disturbances in the Abyss. The sect leader has ordered heightened vigilance."
The trio exchanged knowing looks. It seemed their mission had caused ripples that were already being felt beyond the Abyss.
---
As they approached the inner sanctum, Elder Shen appeared, his piercing gaze sweeping over them. "You've returned," he said, his tone neutral. "What have you uncovered?"
Yan Rui stepped forward. "We found the Abyssal Nexus. It's more than just a source of power—it's tied to the Abyss itself. Stabilizing it prevented a larger catastrophe, but we uncovered something even more dangerous: the Ethereal Abyss Gate. If the Abyss is a prison, that gate is the lock—or the path to something much worse."
Elder Shen's eyes narrowed. "The Ethereal Abyss Gate… It's been spoken of in ancient texts, but most believed it was a myth. If it truly exists, and you've glimpsed its connection to the Abyss, this matter is more dire than we thought."
---
In the sect's main hall, the trio relayed their findings to the sect leader, Grandmaster Tian Zhen. The elderly cultivator listened intently, his serene demeanor unshaken even as the implications of their discovery became clear.
"The Ethereal Abyss Gate…" Tian Zhen murmured, stroking his long beard. "If the Nexus revealed its location to you, Yan Rui, then it has chosen you as its intermediary. But such a path is fraught with peril. You must not tread it lightly."
"I understand, Grandmaster," Yan Rui replied. "But if the Abyss is stirring, and the gate is tied to that awakening, we can't ignore it. We need to prepare."
Tian Zhen nodded. "Indeed. The Verdant Sky Sect will support you, but this journey is yours to lead. You've proven yourself capable, Yan Rui, and I have no doubt you will continue to grow."
---
After the meeting, Yan Rui, Wu Qian, and Lian Yuxi returned to their quarters. The familiarity of the sect's surroundings was comforting, but none of them could truly relax.
"Do you think the sect understands what we're up against?" Lian Yuxi asked, sitting cross-legged in Yan Rui's courtyard.
"They understand enough," Yan Rui said. "But this isn't something the sect can solve for us. The Ethereal Abyss Gate is a path we have to walk ourselves."
Wu Qian leaned against a pillar, his arms crossed. "So, what's the plan? We've got some time before we dive back into the Abyss. How do we make sure we don't end up as footnotes in some history book?"
Yan Rui thought for a moment before replying. "We focus on three things. First, we train. The Nexus showed me techniques that can enhance our cultivation, but they'll require effort to master. Second, we gather resources—anything that can give us an edge. And third…"
He paused, his gaze distant.
"We need allies," he continued. "The Abyss isn't just dangerous to us. If we can unite others who understand the stakes, we'll have a better chance of surviving what's ahead."
---
Over the next few weeks, the trio threw themselves into preparation.
Yan Rui spent countless hours meditating with the Celestial Vault, exploring the fragments of knowledge the Nexus had imparted. He began to understand the flow of Abyssal energy, learning how to harness it without succumbing to its corrupting influence.
Lian Yuxi delved into the sect's archives, searching for information on the Ethereal Abyss Gate and any references to the ancient civilization Yan Rui had glimpsed. Her sharp mind and determination uncovered several texts that hinted at a forgotten alliance of sects who had once stood against the Abyss.
Wu Qian, meanwhile, focused on physical training, pushing his body to its limits. He forged new techniques to channel his brute strength, incorporating insights from Yan Rui's visions into his combat style.
---
One evening, as the three gathered in Yan Rui's courtyard, Lian Yuxi spoke up. "I found something interesting today. There's a sect far to the east—the Crimson Star Sect. According to the texts, they were part of the alliance that fought against the Abyss centuries ago. If they still exist, they might have knowledge or artifacts that can help us."
Wu Qian raised an eyebrow. "The Crimson Star Sect? I've heard of them. They're not exactly friendly. You think they'll just hand over whatever they've got?"
Lian Yuxi smirked. "That's why we have Yan Rui. He's good at convincing people."
Yan Rui chuckled. "We'll see. If the Crimson Star Sect has ties to the Abyss, it's worth investigating. But first, we finish our training here. The Ethereal Abyss Gate won't wait forever, and neither will whatever's stirring inside it."
---