The jagged, unstable terrain of the Fractured Abyss radiated chaos as Xiao Tian moved deeper into its core. The faint glow of shards littered the ground, each pulsing with raw, untamed energy. The Void Compass in his hand vibrated, its runes spinning faster, guiding him toward an ominous rift in the distance.
As he approached, the air grew heavier, pressing against his Void Core. A low growl echoed through the space, sending a ripple of tension through the fractured ground. From the center of the rift, a shadowy figure began to materialize, its form twisting like a living void.
"You've taken from the Abyss, and now it will take from you," the shadow hissed, its voice chilling and reverberating.
Xiao Tian's silver eyes narrowed. "If you think this place can hold me, you're mistaken."
---
The First Confrontation
Without warning, the shadow lunged forward, its form stretching and solidifying into sharp, bladed tendrils. Xiao Tian activated Void Steps, flickering out of its path and reappearing behind it. His Void Qi blade glowed as he swung it toward the shadow's center, but the blade passed through harmlessly.
The shadow laughed darkly, reforming a few meters away. "You cannot strike what cannot be touched."
"I'll find a way," Xiao Tian replied, his tone icy.
The shadow raised its hand, summoning dark tendrils from the rift. The ground trembled violently as the tendrils writhed toward Xiao Tian. Activating Shadow Veil, he blended into the darkness, evading the chaotic assault.
---
Analyzing the Enemy
Reappearing on higher ground, Xiao Tian extended his senses, observing the shadow's movements. Amidst its shifting form, he noticed a faint, flickering glow at its core. "So even shadows have weaknesses," he murmured.
The shadow seemed to sense his intent, unleashing a burst of chaotic energy that rippled through the Abyss. Xiao Tian leapt into the air, narrowly avoiding the blast. Channeling Void Qi into his blade, he aimed directly for the glowing core.
The blade struck the edge of the shadow, causing it to let out a guttural roar as its form wavered momentarily. "You'll regret that," it snarled, retaliating with a wave of energy that sent Xiao Tian skidding backward.
---
The Warden Arrives
The ground trembled once more, and from the depths of the rift emerged a towering Void Warden. Its massive frame was composed of jagged, obsidian-like stone, and its crimson eyes burned with malevolence. The shadow merged with the Warden's form, enhancing its already formidable presence.
The Warden roared, the sound reverberating through the Abyss. It charged at Xiao Tian, its colossal arms swinging with devastating force. Xiao Tian activated Void Steps, flickering out of harm's way as the Warden's strike shattered the ground where he had stood.
"This thing is no ordinary beast," Xiao Tian muttered, his silver eyes scanning for an opening.
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Exploiting Weaknesses
The Warden's massive size made it slow, but its attacks were destructive and relentless. Xiao Tian used Void Chains to bind its legs, momentarily halting its advance. Using the opening, he flickered upward with Void Steps, aiming for the faint glow of the core embedded in its chest.
His blade struck the Warden's exterior, causing cracks to form, but the creature retaliated with a surge of chaotic energy. Xiao Tian was forced back, landing gracefully on a ledge as he recalibrated his strategy.
"The core is buried too deep," he thought. "I need more power."
Drawing upon the Dominion Core within him, Xiao Tian infused his blade with enhanced Void Qi. The weapon glowed brightly as he charged toward the Warden, dodging its chaotic blasts with precision. He leapt onto its chest, driving his blade directly into the core.
The Warden let out a deafening roar as its form destabilized, cracks spreading rapidly across its body. With a final surge of Void Qi, Xiao Tian shattered the core entirely, reducing the Warden to a burst of light and shadow.
---
The Abyssal Shard
Amid the rubble, a shard pulsing with raw energy glowed faintly. Xiao Tian approached it, extending his Void Qi to probe its power. The shard radiated chaos, its energy both alluring and dangerous.
"This shard... it's far stronger than the others," he observed. Placing his hand on it, Xiao Tian began to absorb its energy. The chaotic currents surged into his Void Core, colliding violently with the Dominion Core.
The pressure was immense, threatening to tear his cultivation apart. Xiao Tian closed his eyes, visualizing his Void Core as a vortex. Guiding the shard's energy carefully, he harmonized the chaotic currents, allowing them to merge seamlessly.
A resounding crack echoed through the Abyss as Xiao Tian's Void Core expanded. The barrier to the Peak Foundation Realm shattered, and Void Qi erupted from his body in a radiant pulse.
"Peak Foundation Realm," Xiao Tian murmured, his voice steady despite the immense power coursing through him.
---
The Void's Warning
As the Abyss began to stabilize, a deep, otherworldly voice echoed around him. "You've taken what was not yours, child of the Void. The power you wield will demand its price."
Xiao Tian's silver eyes glinted with defiance. "Let the Void try. I'll carve my own path."
The Void Compass activated, its runes spinning rapidly as it created a portal back to the Void Temple. Xiao Tian stepped through, leaving the Abyss behind as the rift collapsed into itself.