The swirling energies of the portal dissipated as Xiao Tian stepped into the Void Temple. His silver eyes glimmered faintly, the raw power of the Ebon Spire's Heart still surging within his Void Core. Elder Taixu's spectral form appeared beside him, his expression unreadable.
"You've returned," Taixu said, his voice calm. "And yet, the corruption of the Spire lingers. Its power will serve you well, but only if you maintain control."
Xiao Tian nodded, his tone cold. "The Spire was a stepping stone. What's next?"
Taixu raised a hand, and the Void Compass floated forward, its runes glowing with a steady light. "The Compass has aligned with another realm. This one is more dangerous, not for its monsters, but for its inhabitants."
Xiao Tian's gaze sharpened. "Cultivators?"
"Indeed," Taixu replied. "This realm is a convergence point, a battlefield where sects, rogues, and mercenaries vie for supremacy. The Void Compass has identified an Ancient Abyssal Beast within this realm. Its core holds the power you need to ascend."
"Let them fight among themselves," Xiao Tian said, his grip tightening on his Void Qi blade. "I'll claim what's mine."
---
Arrival in the Battleground Realm
The portal opened to a chaotic battlefield. Xiao Tian emerged onto a jagged plateau overlooking a massive valley teeming with activity. Camps of cultivators were scattered across the terrain, their banners fluttering in the wind. Faint clashes of weapons and bursts of elemental energy echoed from below.
The air was thick with hostility, the Qi here saturated with the remnants of countless battles. Xiao Tian scanned the landscape, his silver eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. "A war zone," he muttered.
Activating Shadow Veil, Xiao Tian descended into the valley unnoticed. He passed groups of cultivators locked in heated arguments or skirmishes, their focus entirely on their rivals. Despite their distraction, Xiao Tian could sense their strength—Foundation Establishment, some on the verge of Core Formation.
"None of them matter," Xiao Tian thought. His focus remained on the Void Compass, its runes glowing brighter as it guided him toward the Abyssal Beast.
---
An Unexpected Encounter
As Xiao Tian moved through the valley, he heard the clash of weapons nearby. Curiosity piqued, he concealed his presence and approached. A group of cultivators from rival sects were locked in battle, their techniques colliding in bursts of light and energy.
At the center of the fight stood a man clad in silver armor, his aura sharp and commanding. He wielded a massive sword with ease, his strikes cutting through his opponents with ruthless efficiency. Beside him, a woman with twin daggers moved like a shadow, her strikes precise and deadly.
"They're strong," Xiao Tian observed, his gaze lingering on the silver-armored man. "But reckless."
The fight ended quickly, the victors standing over their fallen foes. The man turned to his companions, his voice carrying authority. "The Ancient Beast lies ahead. We move now."
Xiao Tian stepped into view, drawing their attention. The man's eyes narrowed. "Another scavenger. Who are you?"
Xiao Tian's expression remained cold. "Someone you don't want to cross."
The woman scoffed. "Bold words for someone wandering alone."
"Enough," the man said, raising his hand. "If you're after the beast, we have no quarrel. But if you interfere... you'll regret it."
Xiao Tian smirked faintly. "Then stay out of my way."
---
The Beast Awakens
The group moved ahead, but Xiao Tian followed at a distance. The Void Compass pulsed stronger, confirming the Ancient Beast's proximity. They reached a massive cavern, its entrance glowing faintly with chaotic energy.
Inside, the Ancient Abyssal Beast stirred. Its massive form was a grotesque fusion of stone and shadow, its crimson eyes glowing with rage. The air grew heavy as its roar echoed through the cavern, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
"It's awake," the silver-armored man said, drawing his sword. "Spread out and attack."
The group launched their assault, elemental techniques and spiritual weapons striking the beast. Xiao Tian remained still, observing the fight. The beast's thick hide absorbed most of the damage, and its counterattacks sent cultivators flying.
"This isn't their fight to win," Xiao Tian thought, stepping forward. Activating Void Steps, he flickered past the cultivators, his blade aimed for the beast's side. His strike left a shallow cut, but it was enough to draw its attention.
The beast roared, lunging at Xiao Tian with its massive claws. He evaded effortlessly, countering with a precise slash to its leg. The cultivators hesitated, watching him in awe.
"Don't just stand there," Xiao Tian said coldly. "If you value your lives, keep it distracted."
---
The Breaking Point
The battle raged on, the cultivators struggling to land meaningful blows. Xiao Tian's strikes grew sharper, targeting weak points in the beast's armor. But the pressure of the fight pushed his Void Core to its limits, the chaotic energy of the Dominion Core threatening to spiral out of control.
"This is it," he thought, feeling the barrier to the Core Formation Stage tremble. "It's now or never."
The beast lunged at him, its jaws wide open. Xiao Tian stood his ground, channeling all his energy into his Void Core. The barrier cracked, then shattered as a surge of energy erupted from him. His silver eyes glowed brighter, his aura expanding as his cultivation ascended to the Core Formation Stage.
With newfound strength, Xiao Tian moved like a shadow, evading the beast's strikes with ease. His blade radiated Void Qi as he struck its exposed core. The beast roared in agony before collapsing, its massive form disintegrating into shards of light.
---
A Tense Aftermath
As the dust settled, the remaining cultivators turned their attention to Xiao Tian. Their expressions were a mixture of awe and fear. The silver-armored man stepped forward, his grip on his sword tightening. "You've grown stronger... but that power won't go unnoticed."
Xiao Tian sheathed his blade, his expression impassive. "Let them notice."
Without another word, he turned and walked away, the Void Compass guiding him toward his next destination.