Chapter 3: Into the Abyssal Rift
The Abyssal Rift was darker than Jian Chen imagined, the oppressive mist clinging to his skin like a cold, damp shroud. The faint glow of the moon barely penetrated the jagged rocks and twisted trees surrounding him. Each step forward felt heavier, the air thick with an ominous energy that made his heart race.
In his hand, the ancient black ring he had retrieved from the altar seemed to pulse faintly. Its surface was cool to the touch, and the intricate patterns etched into it almost felt alive, shifting imperceptibly under his fingers. He didn't know what kind of power it held, but the presence of Tian Luo, the Demonic Emperor, was still vivid in his mind.
"This place reeks of decay and desperation," a voice echoed suddenly, startling Jian Chen.
He stopped in his tracks, glancing around wildly before realizing the voice came from the ring.
"Tian Luo?" Jian Chen asked hesitantly.
"Of course. Who else would speak to you in such a desolate place?" Tian Luo's voice was both mocking and commanding. "Tell me, boy, what are you doing here? Surely even a fool like you can sense this place is dangerous."
Jian Chen swallowed hard, his pride refusing to let him falter. "I'm looking for a way to grow stronger. If this place is dangerous, then it must hold opportunities as well."
Tian Luo let out a low chuckle. "Opportunities, you say? The Abyssal Rift is a graveyard of opportunities. Many have come seeking power, only to leave as corpses—or not at all."
Despite the warning, Jian Chen pressed on, his determination outweighing his fear. He knew that returning to the Jian Clan as he was would only invite further ridicule and scorn.
The deeper he ventured, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. The trees grew twisted, their bark gnarled and blackened as though burned by some ancient fire. The ground was littered with bones—both human and beast. Jian Chen avoided looking too closely, but the sight only reinforced how perilous this place truly was.
A sudden growl snapped him out of his thoughts. From the shadows, a low-tier spirit beast emerged—a Shadowfang Wolf. Its glowing red eyes locked onto Jian Chen, hunger and malice radiating from its presence.
Jian Chen's body tensed as he instinctively reached for a weapon, only to remember he had none. He cursed under his breath, realizing how unprepared he was for such a situation.
"You're pathetic," Tian Luo's voice sneered. "You can't even defend yourself against a beast of this level."
Jian Chen gritted his teeth. "Then help me! If you want me to prove myself, I can't do it if I die here."
There was a pause, followed by a grudging sigh from Tian Luo. "Very well. Consider this your first lesson."
Jian Chen felt a sudden surge of energy flow from the ring into his body. It was cold, sharp, and overwhelming, like a torrent of icy water coursing through his veins. His vision sharpened, and his body felt lighter, faster.
"The Chaos Art," Tian Luo explained, "isn't just about absorbing energy. It's about controlling it. Focus your mind and feel the energy around you. Draw it in."
The wolf lunged, its jaws snapping dangerously close to Jian Chen's neck. He dodged instinctively, his movements faster than he thought possible.
"Good," Tian Luo said. "Now, strike."
Jian Chen clenched his fist, his body moving as though guided by instinct. He slammed his hand into the wolf's side, and to his astonishment, a faint ripple of energy surged from his palm. The wolf yelped in pain, stumbling back.
"That's the Chaos Palm," Tian Luo explained. "A crude version, but effective enough for now. Absorb its Qi while it's weakened."
Jian Chen hesitated for a moment before placing his hand on the injured beast. He focused, feeling the energy within the wolf, and willed it into his own body. The sensation was strange—both exhilarating and unsettling—as the beast's life force flowed into him.
The wolf's struggles weakened until it lay motionless, its body turning cold. Jian Chen stepped back, breathing heavily, his body tingling with the influx of Qi.
"That… that was incredible," Jian Chen said, his voice filled with both awe and exhaustion.
"It was nothing," Tian Luo replied dismissively. "That was a mere fragment of the Chaos Art's potential. You're still weak—barely worth my time. But you have a spark, and that's more than I can say for most."
Jian Chen nodded, determination hardening his gaze. "I'll become stronger. I'll master this power."
"We'll see," Tian Luo said. "For now, continue deeper into the rift. There's something I want you to retrieve."
"What is it?"
"A fragment of an ancient inscription left behind by the Chaos Sovereign. It holds a deeper understanding of the Chaos Art—something you'll need if you're to survive what's ahead."
Jian Chen nodded, his resolve unshaken. With the power of the Chaos Art now flowing within him, he felt a flicker of hope for the first time in years.
As he pressed on, the terrain grew harsher. The mist thickened, and the faint glow from the ring became his only guide. Hours seemed to pass as he navigated through the treacherous rift, evading spirit beasts and traps hidden among the rocks.
Finally, he came to a clearing. In the center stood a monolithic stone slab, its surface covered in glowing runes. The air around it crackled with energy, the inscriptions shifting and shimmering as though alive.
"This is it," Tian Luo said. "The Chaos Inscriptions. Touch them, and they will reveal a fragment of their knowledge."
Jian Chen approached cautiously, his heart pounding. As he reached out, the runes flared brightly, blinding him momentarily.
When the light faded, a stream of information flooded his mind—symbols, techniques, and concepts far beyond his current comprehension. It was overwhelming, but amidst the chaos, one thing became clear: the path of the Chaos Art was one of defiance, a path that challenged the heavens themselves.
As Jian Chen withdrew his hand, the runes dimmed, leaving the slab cold and lifeless.
"You've taken your first step," Tian Luo said, his tone approving. "But this is only the beginning. The power of chaos is vast, and if you falter, it will consume you."
Jian Chen stood silently, his gaze unwavering. "I won't falter. I'll keep moving forward, no matter the cost."
Tian Luo's laughter echoed faintly. "Good. Then let us see how far you can go."
With the knowledge of the Chaos Inscriptions etched into his mind, Jian Chen turned back toward the path he had come, the weight of his destiny pressing on his shoulders. The journey ahead was perilous, but for the first time, he felt ready to face it.