The descent into the Echoing Abyss grew more treacherous. The path narrowed further, the air growing colder and heavier with each step. The hum of energy reverberated through their bones, intensifying the unease gripping their hearts.
"We've faced a Nexus before," Zhu Yan said, his voice strained. "Why does this one feel… alive?"
Li Feng didn't answer immediately. His Abyssal Gaze revealed the swirling energy ahead, writhing like a living entity. Unlike the previous Nexus Points, this one seemed to react to their presence, its pulses growing more erratic the closer they got.
"It's not just alive," he said finally. "It's aware."
Lin Yue stumbled, catching herself against the rocky wall. "Aware? What does that even mean?"
"It means," Xu Mei said, her voice sharp, "that whatever's down there knows we're coming."
Li Feng tightened his grip on his spear. "And it's preparing for us."
The path ended abruptly at a wide, jagged ledge overlooking a massive cavern. Below, the Nexus Point burned with a dark crimson light, its tendrils of energy spreading like veins through the cavern walls.
But it wasn't the Nexus Point alone that caught their attention. Surrounding it were figures—corrupted climbers, their twisted forms kneeling as if in worship. At the center stood a massive creature, its body a grotesque amalgamation of flesh and stone, with glowing red veins snaking across its frame.
"A Tier-3 creature," Li Feng muttered, his jaw tightening.
Zhu Yan cursed under his breath. "We barely managed a Tier-2 beast. How the hell are we supposed to fight that?"
"We don't have a choice," Xu Mei said, drawing her Mirage Blade. "If we don't destroy that Nexus, this corruption will keep spreading."
Lin Yue's voice wavered. "But… how do we even get down there?"
Li Feng scanned the cavern, his Piercing Sight picking out weak points in the energy patterns. "There's a path along the western wall. It's hidden, but we can use it to get closer without being seen."
Zhu Yan glanced at the creature below. "And then what? Walk up and say hello?"
"No," Li Feng said, his voice firm. "We take out the corrupted climbers first. If we're lucky, we can weaken the creature by cutting off its support."
The group moved along the hidden path, their movements silent and deliberate. The oppressive energy pressed against them, making every step feel like wading through quicksand.
As they neared the edge of the cavern, Lin Yue whispered, "There are at least twenty of them. Can we handle that many?"
"We don't need to fight them all at once," Li Feng said. "Zhu Yan, you'll create a distraction. Draw them toward the eastern side of the cavern. Xu Mei and I will pick them off one by one while Lin Yue provides barriers and support."
"And the big guy?" Zhu Yan asked, jerking his thumb toward the Tier-3 creature.
Li Feng's gaze darkened. "Leave that to me."
The plan was set in motion. Zhu Yan launched a fireball into the center of the corrupted climbers, the explosion scattering them in confusion. As they turned toward the source of the attack, he unleashed another burst of flames, luring them away from the Nexus Point.
Xu Mei moved like a shadow, her Mirage Blade flashing as she struck down the distracted climbers with precision. Li Feng followed suit, his spear striking true as he exploited their blind spots.
Lin Yue's barriers intercepted stray attacks, shielding her teammates as they worked methodically to thin the enemy's numbers.
But the Tier-3 creature wasn't idle. It let out a deafening roar, its massive form lumbering toward the group.
"Li Feng!" Xu Mei shouted. "It's coming your way!"
Li Feng turned to face the creature, his Abyssal Gaze revealing its weak points. Its chest glowed faintly where the corrupted energy was most concentrated.
"Go for the core," he thought, steadying his breathing.
The creature lunged, its massive claws tearing through the ground as it charged. Li Feng dodged to the side, his spear striking at its leg. The weapon glanced off the thick stone-like hide, barely leaving a scratch.
"It's too tough," he muttered, frustration mounting.
The creature roared again, swinging its massive tail. The impact sent Li Feng flying into the cavern wall, pain lancing through his body.
"Feng!" Lin Yue screamed, raising a barrier to shield him from a follow-up attack.
Li Feng staggered to his feet, blood dripping from a cut on his forehead. His Abyssal Nexus pulsed, a notification appearing:
[Consume Abyssal Points to Enhance Weapon?]
He didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
His spear glowed with a dark crimson light as Abyssal Points flowed into it, the energy amplifying its strength.
"This ends now," he said, his voice cold.
The creature lunged again, but this time, Li Feng met its charge head-on. His spear pierced through its arm, the enhanced weapon cutting through the corrupted energy coursing through its body.
The creature howled in pain, its movements growing sluggish as its energy began to destabilize.
"Xu Mei! Now!" Li Feng shouted.
Xu Mei darted forward, her Mirage Blade striking at the creature's exposed core. The blade sank deep, the corrupted energy exploding outward in a blinding flash.
The Tier-3 creature let out one final roar before collapsing, its body disintegrating into ash.
A notification appeared on Li Feng's Abyssal Nexus:
[Tier-3 Beast Defeated.]
[Abyssal Points Gained: +300.]
[Combat Rating Increased: +3.]
The cavern fell silent, the oppressive energy dissipating as the Nexus Point dimmed. Li Feng approached the glowing core, his Abyssal Nexus activating automatically.
[Nexus Point Stabilized.]
[Abyssal Points Gained: +200.]
The warmth of the energy spread through his body, sharpening his senses and strengthening his resolve.
Xu Mei joined him, her expression wary. "Is it over?"
"For now," Li Feng said, his gaze fixed on the remnants of the Nexus Point. "But this was just a small part of something much bigger."
Zhu Yan approached, his flames flickering faintly. "You mean there's more of this corruption out there?"
Li Feng nodded. "And we're going to stop it."
Lin Yue stepped forward, her face pale but determined. "How?"
"We get stronger," Li Feng said simply. "And we find out who—or what—is behind this."
The group exchanged glances, their resolve hardening. The battle in the Echoing Abyss was over, but their journey had only just begun.