The group trekked deeper into the forest, their steps cautious as the dense foliage seemed to whisper secrets of lurking danger. Every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs kept them on edge. After the previous encounter, a silent understanding had formed among them—there was no room for carelessness.
Li Feng led the group, his Piercing Sight scanning the surroundings for energy trails or hidden threats. His thoughts churned as he considered the new function unlocked in his Abyssal System.
System Notification:
New Function Unlocked: Abyssal Forge (Tier-1)
Description: Combine lesser items or skills to create superior ones. Success rate increases with Abyssal Points investment. Next upgrade at 10,000 AP.
"Li Feng," Xu Mei's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "You've been quiet. What's on your mind?"
He hesitated before answering. "Just trying to figure out the limits of my system."
Zhu Yan snorted from behind. "Limits? You make it sound like you're invincible. Don't forget, we're still the ones keeping your back covered."
Li Feng smirked but didn't reply. He had no intention of revealing the full extent of his Abyssal System just yet.
As the group approached a clearing, a faint humming sound reached their ears. Lin Yue stopped abruptly, her eyes wide. "Do you hear that?"
Zhu Yan frowned, his hand instinctively reaching for his weapon. "Yeah. What is that?"
Li Feng activated his Piercing Sight and spotted it immediately—a faint glow emanating from a crystalline structure embedded in the ground. Surrounding it were three beasts, each radiating a palpable aura of strength.
System Notification:
Energy Pillar Detected. Absorption Possible. Beasts Protecting Pillar: Tier-2 (High).
The others saw it too, their expressions hardening.
"Another Energy Pillar," Xu Mei muttered. "But those beasts..."
Lin Yue bit her lip. "Can we take them on?"
Li Feng weighed their options quickly. "We don't need to fight all three. I'll distract two while you take down the one nearest the pillar. Once it's clear, we absorb the energy and retreat."
Zhu Yan raised an eyebrow. "Sounds suicidal."
"It's either that or leave empty-handed," Li Feng shot back.
"Fine," Xu Mei said, her grip tightening on her Mirage Blade. "But if you die, I'm taking credit for the strategy."
The plan unfolded with brutal precision.
Li Feng darted forward, a sudden flare of Abyssal energy surging through his limbs. The two larger beasts roared and lunged at him, their powerful forms ripping through the ground.
"Come on," he muttered under his breath, leading them away from the Energy Pillar.
Meanwhile, the others attacked the lone beast. Xu Mei's blade gleamed as it struck the creature's flank, drawing a bellow of pain. Zhu Yan's flames followed, scorching its hind legs and forcing it to retreat.
"Lin Yue, barrier!" Xu Mei shouted.
A shimmering wall appeared, cutting off the beast's escape route. Trapped and enraged, it lashed out wildly, but its movements were sluggish—evidence of its waning strength.
Li Feng, on the other hand, was struggling. The two beasts were relentless, their coordinated attacks forcing him to rely on every ounce of his agility.
"Damn it," he hissed as he narrowly avoided a swipe that would have torn him apart. His spear felt like a toothpick against their massive forms.
System Notification:
Abyssal Forge Available. Suggestion: Combine Abyssal Points with Current Weapon to Temporarily Enhance Damage.
Li Feng hesitated for only a moment before mentally confirming.
Abyssal Forge Activated. Spear Upgraded: Abyssal Edge (5 Minutes).
The spear in his hands shimmered, its edge glowing faintly with dark energy. When the next beast lunged, he struck with all his might. The enhanced weapon sliced through its thick hide, eliciting a howl of agony.
The second beast faltered, its movements cautious as it regarded its injured companion.
"Now's my chance," Li Feng muttered, sprinting back toward the Energy Pillar.
The others had managed to take down their target by the time he returned, though they looked worse for wear. Xu Mei had a gash on her arm, and Zhu Yan's flames flickered weakly—signs of overexertion.
"The pillar's clear," Xu Mei said, panting. "You better make this worth it."
Li Feng didn't waste time. He placed his hand on the crystalline structure, feeling the familiar warmth of energy surging into him.
System Notification:
Energy Absorbed: +200 Abyssal Points.
Combat Rating Increased: +2.
He turned to the others. "Your turn. The Celestial Screen will let you absorb it, but be prepared—it won't be easy."
Xu Mei stepped forward, her expression wary. As her hand touched the pillar, she let out a sharp gasp, her body trembling from the strain.
"Focus," Li Feng urged.
One by one, they absorbed the energy, their Combat Ratings increasing alongside their Celestial Points.
As the group rested, Xu Mei looked at Li Feng. "How do you handle it so easily?"
Li Feng shrugged, choosing his words carefully. "Guess I'm just built different."
Zhu Yan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure. Must be nice being the golden boy."
Lin Yue, however, seemed lost in thought. "This Energy Pillar... why is it here? And why do these beasts protect it?"
Li Feng's expression darkened. "Good questions. But the more important one is: how many more are out there?"
The group fell silent, each of them contemplating the path ahead.
For Li Feng, however, the silence was filled with anticipation. His Abyssal System was just beginning to reveal its potential, and he knew that the deeper they ventured, the more dangerous—and rewarding—the journey would become.
System Notification:
Accumulated Abyssal Points: 1,250.
Next System Upgrade Available at 10,000 Points.
As they moved out, Li Feng couldn't help but smile faintly. The abyss was calling, and he was more than ready to answer.