The anomaly had stabilized, leaving a quiet tension in the air. Other climbers cautiously approached the now-dormant Energy Pillar, their expressions a mix of awe and envy as they glanced at Li Feng's group.
"Let's move before we become a target," Xu Mei whispered, her grip on the Mirage Blade firm.
Li Feng nodded. "We've gained enough for now. Zhu Yan, gather your strength. Lin Yue, keep an eye on the surroundings. We'll take the safest route back."
As they began to retreat, Zhu Yan stumbled slightly, fatigue evident in his movements. "Hey, Feng, remind me to never fight a Tier-2 aberration again without a good night's sleep and a full meal."
Li Feng smirked. "I'll add it to your to-do list."
The group moved swiftly through the forest, careful to avoid other climbers. The tension of the anomaly's collapse had left everyone on edge, and Li Feng didn't want to risk another confrontation.
Back at their dormitory, the team collapsed into chairs and beds, exhaustion taking over.
"That was insane," Zhu Yan said, throwing himself onto the couch. "First the trial, and now this? Can we get a day off from almost dying?"
Xu Mei sat at the table, methodically cleaning her blade. "If you want a day off, you're in the wrong place. The tower isn't going to wait for us to catch up."
Lin Yue nodded quietly. "We did well, though. I think… we're starting to understand how to work together."
Li Feng leaned against the wall, his Piercing Sight flickering as he reviewed the events. The Celestial Points and Combat Rating they had gained were significant, but the anomaly itself had raised more questions than answers.
His Abyssal Nexus pulsed softly, delivering a message:
[Analysis Complete: Nexus Points within the anomaly have been fully absorbed. Residual energy detected in local environment. Further investigation recommended.]
He frowned. "The Energy Pillar wasn't just an anomaly. It was connected to something larger. The residual energy suggests there's more to uncover."
Xu Mei looked up. "You think there's another anomaly nearby?"
"Possibly," Li Feng replied. "Or it could be something else entirely. Either way, we need to be prepared."
The next morning, the academy was abuzz with news of the anomaly. Students and instructors alike speculated about the aberration, the Energy Pillar, and the climbers who had emerged victorious.
Li Feng's group found themselves at the center of attention, their names whispered in hallways and classrooms.
"I don't like this," Xu Mei muttered as they walked through the training grounds. "People are watching us too closely."
"Let them watch," Zhu Yan said with a grin. "We earned this attention."
Lin Yue looked uncomfortable. "But what if they start targeting us? Not everyone is going to be friendly."
Li Feng's eyes scanned the crowd, his Piercing Sight picking up subtle energy fluctuations in certain individuals. "Stay focused. If anyone tries to challenge us, we'll deal with it. For now, we need to train."
The group entered the training hall, a vast space filled with various equipment and simulated environments designed to push climbers to their limits.
"Alright," Li Feng said, addressing his team. "We've gained Celestial Points and Combat Rating, but that's not enough. We need to learn how to use them effectively."
Xu Mei nodded. "What's the plan?"
"First, skill upgrades," Li Feng said. "The Celestial Screen allows us to enhance our abilities using CP. It's time to see what we can unlock."
Each member of the group accessed their Celestial Screens, reviewing their options.
Zhu Yan grinned. "Flame Mastery, huh? Sounds like it'll make my fire attacks even stronger. Costs a lot of CP, though."
Xu Mei examined her options. "Blade Dance Technique… increases speed and precision in combat. I'll take it."
Lin Yue hesitated before selecting Barrier Fortification, a skill that would make her defenses more resilient.
Li Feng's Abyssal Nexus presented him with unique options:
[Abyssal Enhancement: Upgrade Abyssal Gaze for greater clarity and range. Cost: 100 AP.]
[Abyssal Forge: Unlock advanced fusion capabilities. Cost: 150 AP.]
He chose to upgrade Abyssal Gaze, feeling its power expand as the upgrade completed.
[Abyssal Gaze Upgraded: Greater Range and Detailed Energy Scanning Unlocked.]
As they trained, an unexpected visitor entered the hall.
Feng Wei, a well-known Tier-2 climber with a reputation for ruthlessness, approached. His team followed closely behind, their expressions smug.
"Well, if it isn't the rising stars," Feng Wei said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Heard you took down a Tier-2 aberration. Impressive, for rookies."
Zhu Yan stepped forward, bristling. "What do you want, Feng Wei?"
Feng Wei smirked. "Relax, I'm just here to congratulate you. Of course, if you're feeling confident, we could always spar. A friendly match, to see how far you've come."
Li Feng met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "We're not interested in showing off. Save your challenges for someone else."
"Oh, but I insist," Feng Wei said, his tone turning colder. "You've caught the academy's attention, but I want to see if you're worth the hype."
Xu Mei stepped forward, her Mirage Blade gleaming. "We don't have time for your games."
Feng Wei's smirk widened. "Then make time. Or are you afraid?"
Li Feng's Abyssal Gaze activated, analyzing Feng Wei's energy. His Combat Rating was higher than anyone in their group, but his energy flow revealed weaknesses—imbalances that could be exploited.
"Fine," Li Feng said finally. "But let's make it interesting. If we win, you leave us alone. Permanently."
Feng Wei laughed. "And if I win?"
Li Feng's eyes narrowed. "We'll discuss that if it happens."
The sparring match drew a crowd, the training hall filling with students eager to see the confrontation.
Feng Wei's team faced off against Li Feng's, their energy flaring as the match began.
Zhu Yan engaged first, his flames clashing against Feng Wei's energy attacks. Xu Mei followed, her blade moving in a blur as she targeted his teammates. Lin Yue provided support, her barriers deflecting incoming strikes.
Li Feng stayed back, observing the battlefield with his enhanced Abyssal Gaze. He spotted a momentary lapse in Feng Wei's defenses—a chance to strike.
He moved quickly, his spear glowing with Abyssal energy as he closed the distance. Feng Wei barely had time to react, his smug expression replaced with shock as Li Feng's attack bypassed his defenses.
The crowd gasped as Feng Wei staggered back, his energy faltering.
"You… how did you—"
"Strategy," Li Feng said coldly. "You rely too much on brute strength."
Feng Wei's team faltered, and Xu Mei's final strike ended the match.
The crowd erupted into cheers and whispers, the balance of power in the academy shifting visibly.
Li Feng turned to Feng Wei. "Remember our deal. Stay out of our way."
Feng Wei's glare burned with humiliation, but he nodded reluctantly before retreating with his team.
As the crowd dispersed, Zhu Yan let out a triumphant laugh. "That was amazing! Did you see his face?"
Xu Mei smiled faintly. "We made our point. But this won't be the last challenge."
Li Feng nodded. "No, it won't. But now they know we're not to be underestimated."
Lin Yue looked at him with quiet admiration. "What's next?"
Li Feng's gaze turned toward the tower, its distant peak shrouded in mystery.
"We keep climbing."