The Void Temple stood quiet, its ancient halls humming faintly with energy. Xiao Tian knelt in front of the Void Compass fragment, its jagged edges pulsing with dormant power. The artifact was incomplete, yet it emanated a potential that could shake realms.
Elder Taixu appeared behind him, his spectral form flickering like a faint shadow. "The Void Compass fragment is powerful, but raw. It needs a vessel strong enough to contain its energy, and you will forge that vessel yourself."
Xiao Tian's silver eyes sharpened. "How?"
"You will learn Void Forging, the art of creating weapons and artifacts infused with Void energy," Taixu said. "But forging requires materials. To craft the vessel, you must retrieve Voidsteel, a rare ore found only in the Crimson Shard Mine."
Xiao Tian stood, his resolve firm. "Where is it?"
Taixu gestured, and a portal of swirling red and black energy opened. "The mine lies in a realm plagued by molten beasts and rogue cultivators. The Voidsteel veins are guarded by fire elementals, and even a minor mistake during extraction will destroy the ore. This task will test every skill you've learned."
Xiao Tian nodded, his expression calm but determined. "I won't fail."
---
Arrival at the Crimson Shard Mine
Xiao Tian stepped through the portal, emerging in a dark, oppressive cavern. The air was thick with heat, and the walls glowed faintly with veins of molten ore. The distant sound of growls echoed through the tunnels, accompanied by the faint hiss of steam.
Activating Shadow Veil, Xiao Tian melded into the shadows, his presence fading as he moved deeper into the mine. His silver eyes scanned the glowing walls, searching for the distinct shimmer of Voidsteel.
"This place reeks of danger," Xiao Tian muttered, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his Void Qi blade.
---
First Encounter: Fire Elemental
As Xiao Tian turned a corner, a low growl reverberated through the tunnel. From the shadows emerged a massive creature—a fire elemental with a molten body that radiated intense heat. Its glowing red eyes locked onto Xiao Tian, and it let out a deafening roar.
The elemental lunged, its claws slashing through the air. Xiao Tian activated Void Steps, flickering to the side just as the attack crashed into the wall, sending molten rock flying.
He countered with a strike of his Void Qi blade, but the weapon barely scratched the elemental's fiery hide.
"Physical attacks won't work," Xiao Tian thought, his mind racing.
The elemental charged again, spewing a wave of fire. Xiao Tian flickered away and activated Void Chains, binding the creature's limbs. The chains glowed faintly as they held the beast in place, but the heat radiating from its body began to melt the bindings.
Channeling all his Void Qi into a concentrated strike, Xiao Tian leapt toward the elemental, aiming for its core. His blade pierced through, extinguishing the creature in a burst of ash and smoke.
Xiao Tian landed lightly, his breathing steady. "One down."
---
Harvesting Voidsteel
Deeper in the mine, Xiao Tian found a glowing vein of Voidsteel embedded in the rock. The ore shimmered with an ethereal light, its surface cool to the touch despite the surrounding heat.
Xiao Tian knelt by the vein, remembering Taixu's instructions. Harvesting Voidsteel required precision; a single misstep could destroy its delicate structure.
He channeled Void Qi into his hands, steadying his energy as he began to extract the ore. Each strike of his blade was calculated, the glowing fragments falling into his satchel one by one.
The process was slow and grueling. The oppressive heat of the mine drained Xiao Tian's energy, and the faint whispers of unseen fire spirits gnawed at his concentration. Yet, he persevered, his movements deliberate and precise.
After what felt like hours, Xiao Tian secured a sizable amount of Voidsteel.
---
The Ambush
As Xiao Tian turned to leave the mine, a group of rogue cultivators appeared, their weapons drawn. Their leader, a tall man with a scarred face and a wicked grin, stepped forward.
"Well, well," the leader said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Looks like we've found a lucky miner. Hand over the Voidsteel, and we might let you live."
Xiao Tian's silver eyes narrowed. "If you want it, come and take it."
The cultivators laughed, but their leader's expression hardened. "Kill him."
The group charged, their attacks coordinated and fierce. Xiao Tian activated Void Steps, flickering out of their path and countering with swift strikes. His blade sliced through the first two attackers, their bodies collapsing in a heap.
The leader growled, his Qi flaring as he lunged with a fiery spear. The two clashed, Void Qi meeting flame in a burst of light. Xiao Tian parried the strike and disappeared with Shadow Veil, reappearing behind the leader.
With a decisive blow, Xiao Tian struck the leader's spine. The man collapsed, his weapon clattering to the ground. The remaining cultivators fled in panic, their courage shattered.
Xiao Tian stood amidst the fallen, his breathing steady. "Weak."
---
Return to the Void Temple
The portal shimmered as Xiao Tian stepped back into the Void Temple, the Voidsteel securely stored in his satchel. Elder Taixu awaited him, his spectral form glowing faintly in the dim light.
"You've done well," Taixu said, his tone even. "The Voidsteel you've retrieved is of excellent quality. You've proven your ability to adapt under pressure."
Xiao Tian nodded. "What's next?"
Taixu gestured toward the Forge of the Void, which now glowed with an intense light. "Rest for now. Tomorrow, you will learn the art of Void Forging. It is an arduous process, but if done correctly, the result will be unmatched."
Xiao Tian clenched his fists, his resolve unwavering. The path to power was long and treacherous, but he would face it without hesitation.