The forest's dim canopy parted to reveal a faint, golden glow in the distance. The hum of raw energy filled the air, vibrating through their bodies as they approached.
When they reached the source, all four stood frozen in awe. Before them was a towering column of golden light, pulsating like the heartbeat of the earth itself. The Energy Pillar, as it was known to the world, seemed alive, its glow casting surreal shadows over the mossy ground.
"An Energy Pillar," Xu Mei whispered, gripping her Mirage Blade tightly. "It's even more incredible than the archives described. Pure energy, condensed and waiting to be tapped into."
Zhu Yan let out a low whistle. "I've heard about these, but seeing one… Damn, it's overwhelming."
Li Feng's Celestial Screen (CS) flickered as a familiar notification appeared, but his Abyssal System called it by a different name:
[Abyssal Notification: Nexus Point Detected. Absorb Energy to Gain Abyssal Points.]
'Nexus Point,' Li Feng thought, letting the term sink in. His system always provided a deeper understanding of the world, and this name felt more fitting—like it was part of something greater.
"Does your CS say we can absorb it?" Lin Yue asked hesitantly.
Xu Mei nodded. "Yes, but there's a warning. It mentions strain, and it's not clear how much energy we'll gain."
Zhu Yan frowned. "Figures there's always a catch. Let me guess: maybe we will be under some kind of pressure as the CS merge the external energy with our bodies so that means it is directly related to gaining CR or if this thing only gave CP then cann't the CS directly absorb it?"
Li feng also nodded approving that his thoughts were same
Li Feng studied the group. Their CS systems would allow them to absorb energy from the pillar, but it came with limitations. Unlike his Abyssal System, which could draw energy effortlessly, they would have to endure significant strain and would gain only a fraction of the energy available.
"We need to do this," Li Feng said, his voice steady. "If we want to survive, we need to grow stronger."
Xu Mei narrowed her eyes at him. "And you're just ready to jump in? What if the strain is too much?"
"I'll go first," Li Feng replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. "If it's dangerous, at least the risk is mine. If it works, we'll all benefit."
Zhu Yan crossed his arms. "Your call, man. Just don't keel over on us."
Li Feng approached the pillar, the hum of energy growing louder in his ears. Placing his hand on its surface, he activated his Abyssal System. The process began immediately, and warmth surged through him.
[Absorption Initiated. Abyssal Points Gained: +200.]
The energy flowed into him seamlessly, invigorating his body without resistance. The strain others would face was nonexistent for him. He felt stronger, sharper, as if every muscle and bone had been fortified. His CS displayed his Combat Rating (CR), which had risen by one point alongside the Abyssal Points he gained.
'So this is the real advantage,' Li Feng thought, stepping back from the pillar. 'Effortless absorption, double the rewards, and no strain. And it increases my strength directly.'
"That… wasn't bad," he said, masking his satisfaction. "Your turn."
Xu Mei approached cautiously. Her CS guided her as she activated the absorption process. A faint golden glow surrounded her, but the strain was immediate. Sweat dripped down her face, and her breathing grew heavy.
"This… is… harder than it looks," she gasped, her voice tight with effort.
Zhu Yan and Lin Yue followed, each enduring similar struggles. Unlike Li Feng, whose absorption was smooth and rewarding, they had to endure the process, gaining only half the points and experiencing intense fatigue.
When it was over, Zhu Yan slumped to the ground, panting. "That… was brutal. I got 100 CP, but it feels like I just fought a Tier-2 beast."
Xu Mei nodded, wiping her forehead. "Same here. And my CR only went up by one. It's progress, but the strain…"
Lin Yue looked pale but composed. "I got about 90 CP. But it's exhausting, and the CR increase feels… small for the effort."
Li Feng kept his thoughts to himself. The difference was stark. While the others gained both Celestial Points (CP) and a slight Combat Rating (CR) boost, their progress came at a cost. His Abyssal Nexus not only doubled his rewards but made the process effortless.
Zhu Yan eyed Li Feng warily. "You absorbed that like it was nothing. Care to explain why?"
Li Feng shrugged. "Maybe it's my Piercing Sight. It lets me see the energy flow more clearly, so I know where to focus."
Xu Mei gave him a hard look but didn't press the issue. "It doesn't matter. What matters is we're stronger now. CP can help us upgrade skills, strengthen our bodies, or even purchase equipment once we're back in civilization. But out here, survival is all that counts."
Li Feng nodded. CP, while valuable, was limited in its utility without the proper facilities. Equipment, special elixirs, or training manuals—all required CP to unlock, and each contributed to growing CR. But for now, gaining strength through these pillars—or Nexus Points, as his system called them—was their best option.
As the group prepared to leave, Zhu Yan muttered, "I still don't trust how easy it was for you, Feng. But if you can keep us alive, I'll let it slide."
Li Feng said nothing, his gaze on the forest ahead.
The journey deeper into the woods was tense. Every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves set their nerves on edge. Li Feng's Piercing Sight remained active, scanning for threats and searching for more Nexus Points.
When they finally stopped to rest, Xu Mei took charge. "We'll set up a watch rotation. Li Feng, you're first. The rest of us need to recover."
Li Feng nodded, his spear resting beside him as the others settled down. As the quiet of the forest enveloped him, he reflected on the day's events.
His Abyssal System was more than a tool—it was an advantage so profound it set him apart from everyone else. The ability to absorb Nexus Points with ease, gaining both strength and Abyssal Points at double the normal rate, made him the linchpin of the group.
But it also made him a target.
"They can't know," he murmured to himself. "Not yet."
The faint hum of energy from the distant Nexus Point still echoed in his mind. Its warmth had faded, replaced by a cold determination.
"This is just the beginning," he thought, his eyes narrowing. "The Abyssal Nexus is my path to the top, and I won't let anyone—or anything—stop me."