The morning air was crisp as Xin Tian departed Spirit Hall, his silhouette glowing faintly with divine energy. The mission to investigate the Obsidian Order was one of utmost importance, not only for Spirit Hall's security but also for his own pursuit of justice and balance.
As he traversed the path leading toward the mountains, his thoughts drifted to the challenges ahead. The Obsidian Order was no ordinary faction. Their leaders were rumored to be spirit masters of great power, and their network spanned the entire continent.
The System's Insight
The system's voice broke his concentration:
[System Notification]
9. Mission Update: Shadows of the Obsidian Order
1. Primary Objective: Locate and infiltrate the Obsidian Order's base.
2. Secondary Objective: Defeat any leaders encountered.
3. Reward: Divine Spirit Artifact – Celestial Crown.
4. Bonus Reward: Unlock Martial Soul Fusion Ability.
Xin Tian's expression remained calm, but his resolve hardened. The rewards from the system were always extraordinary, and unlocking a Martial Soul Fusion Ability could prove invaluable in the battles to come.
The Hidden Base
By evening, Xin Tian arrived at a dense forest shrouded in mist. His system highlighted faint traces of spirit energy leading deeper into the woods.
"This must be the place," he muttered, activating Void Walker to conceal his presence as he moved silently through the trees.
The forest opened into a clearing, where a hidden entrance was carved into the side of a mountain. Guarding it were several high-level spirit masters, their black robes marked with the insignia of the Obsidian Order.
Xin Tian smirked. "Let's see how strong they are."
A Flawless Assault
Using Soul Mirror, Xin Tian copied the strongest techniques of the guards, turning their own abilities against them. He summoned Celestial Bow, firing arrows of light that pierced through their defenses.
One of the guards, a Spirit Sage with a venomous scorpion martial soul, roared in defiance. "Who dares to intrude upon the Obsidian Order?"
Xin Tian responded with calm authority, his voice carrying the weight of the heavens. "I am Xin Tian, the Celestial Arbiter. Your organization has disrupted the balance of this world for too long. Surrender, or face judgment."
The guards attacked in unison, but Xin Tian activated Godly Mandate, his divine aura suppressing their movements. With a single strike of his Eclipse Sword, he defeated them, leaving them incapacitated but alive.
The Inner Sanctum
Inside the mountain, the base was a labyrinth of dark corridors illuminated by eerie, flickering lights. Xin Tian moved swiftly, his senses heightened.
In the central chamber, he encountered a figure shrouded in black armor. The man's aura was oppressive, his spirit power radiating at the peak of Spirit Douluo.
"So, you're the one causing trouble for my subordinates," the man said, his voice cold and menacing.
Xin Tian drew his Eclipse Sword. "I seek justice, not trouble. Stand aside, or be judged."
The man laughed. "Justice? Don't make me laugh. The Obsidian Order answers to no one, least of all some self-righteous child with delusions of grandeur."
The Battle
The man's martial soul materialized—a massive black dragon wreathed in flames. His spirit rings glowed ominously: two yellow, two purple, four black, and one red.
Xin Tian's system activated:
[System Notification]
10. Combat Mode Activated
1. Opponent Level: Peak Spirit Douluo (Level 89)
2. Warning: High-level techniques detected. Exercise caution.
The black dragon roared, unleashing a wave of fire that consumed the chamber. Xin Tian countered with Void Walker, phasing through the attack and striking with Eclipse Spear, a weapon bestowed by the system.
The clash shook the mountain, each exchange of blows creating shockwaves. Xin Tian activated Celestial Purge, cleansing the area of the black flames and forcing his opponent back.
Finally, summoning the full power of his Divine Convergence, Xin Tian merged his martial souls, their combined might creating an ethereal phoenix that engulfed the black dragon in divine flames.
With a final strike, Xin Tian pierced through his opponent's defenses, leaving him defeated but alive.
A New Discovery
As the battle ended, Xin Tian noticed a glowing orb embedded in the chamber's altar. The system analyzed it immediately:
[System Notification]
11. Analysis Complete:
1. Item: Obsidian Core
2. Description: A key artifact used by the Obsidian Order to channel dark energy.
3. Function: Unlocks the location of the Obsidian Order's main headquarters.
Xin Tian grabbed the Obsidian Core, his mind racing. The Obsidian Order's true base was still out there, and this was only the beginning.
The System's Reward
As he exited the base, the system rewarded his efforts:
[System Notification]
12. Mission Complete: Shadows of the Obsidian Order
1. Rewards:
1. Divine Spirit Artifact: Celestial Crown – Enhances mental clarity and increases spirit power regeneration.
2. Ability Unlocked: Martial Soul Fusion – Harmony of Heaven and Earth.
The Celestial Crown appeared above Xin Tian's head, its golden light radiating divine authority. His new ability, Harmony of Heaven and Earth, allowed him to fuse any two martial souls for a temporary burst of unparalleled power.
Returning to Spirit Hall
Back at Spirit Hall, Xin Tian reported his findings to Bibi Dong and the elders.
"This Obsidian Core will lead us to their true headquarters," Xin Tian concluded.
Bibi Dong's eyes gleamed with determination. "Good work, Xin Tian. We'll prepare for the next phase of this mission. But be cautious—the Obsidian Order won't take this lightly."
Xin Tian nodded. "Let them come. The heavens have already judged them unworthy."
End of Chapter 9