The Shadow Abyss swallowed the light as the Spirit Hall army descended further into its depths. The oppressive atmosphere weighed heavily on their spirits, but Xin Tian's divine aura radiated like a beacon, pushing back the darkness. The sound of boots crunching on jagged rocks echoed through the narrow pathways, accompanied by the distant hum of malevolent energy.
Xin Tian led the vanguard, his expression calm but focused. Behind him, Hu Liena and Xie Yue followed closely, their weapons ready. Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu stayed with the main force, ensuring the rear was secured against ambushes.
The First Encounter
As the group entered a vast cavern illuminated by a faint crimson glow, shadows began to shift unnaturally. From the darkness, cloaked figures emerged—members of the Obsidian Order. Their leader, a tall man with silver hair and cold eyes, stepped forward.
"So, the mighty Spirit Hall dares to intrude upon our sacred grounds," he said, his voice laced with disdain. "You've come far, but this is where your journey ends."
Xin Tian stepped forward, his golden eyes meeting the man's icy gaze. "You've defied the heavens long enough. Your schemes end here."
The man smirked. "We shall see."
With a wave of his hand, the cloaked figures attacked. They moved with unnatural speed, their weapons glinting with dark energy.
The Battle Begins
Xin Tian summoned his Eclipse Sword, its radiant edge cutting through the darkness like a blade of light. His strikes were precise, each one neutralizing an enemy with ease. Beside him, Hu Liena unleashed her Fox Enchantment, disorienting the attackers, while Xie Yue's twin blades danced like a whirlwind of steel.
The clash of weapons and the cries of battle filled the cavern. Despite their skill, the Obsidian Order's forces were no match for Xin Tian's divine power. However, their numbers were vast, and the battle dragged on.
As Xin Tian cut down another opponent, his system activated.
[System Notification]
22. Danger Alert: High-Level Energy Surge Detected.
1. Source: Chaos Fragment Activation at 50%.
2. Action Recommended: Advance immediately to disrupt the ritual.
Xin Tian turned to Hu Liena and Xie Yue. "Hold the line here. I'll stop the ritual."
Hu Liena hesitated but nodded. "Be careful."
Without another word, Xin Tian activated Void Walker, phasing through the battlefield and heading toward the source of the energy surge.
The Ritual Chamber
At the heart of the Shadow Abyss lay a massive chamber, its walls inscribed with ancient runes glowing with dark energy. In the center of the room, a jagged black crystal floated above an altar, pulsating with chaotic power. Surrounding it were hooded figures chanting in an unknown language.
At the head of the altar stood a woman clad in obsidian armor, her presence exuding malice. Her crimson eyes locked onto Xin Tian as he entered.
"So, you're the Celestial Arbiter," she said, her voice cold and mocking. "I've heard much about you. Let's see if you live up to the tales."
Xin Tian's gaze didn't waver. "Surrender, and you may yet be spared."
The woman laughed. "Spare me? Foolish child. The Chaos Fragment will soon awaken, and when it does, even the heavens will bow before its power."
She raised her hand, and the runes on the walls flared. The chanting intensified as the crystal began to crack, releasing waves of destructive energy.
The Confrontation
The woman lunged at Xin Tian, wielding a spear of pure darkness. Xin Tian summoned his Celestial Bow, firing arrows of divine light to intercept her attacks. Their clash shook the chamber, the contrast between light and darkness creating shockwaves that sent debris flying.
The system chimed mid-battle:
[System Notification]
23. Emergency Protocol Activated: Divine Resonance Mode Unlocked.
1. Duration: 5 Minutes.
2. Effect: Synchronizes all martial souls, granting temporary access to their combined power.
Xin Tian activated Divine Resonance, his aura exploding outward as all eleven of his martial souls manifested simultaneously. The sheer power of their combined presence brought the chanting to a halt, and the Obsidian Order members faltered in fear.
The woman's eyes widened. "Impossible! How can one man wield such power?"
Xin Tian didn't reply. He raised his hand, summoning Eclipse Sword and Void Walker in a seamless fusion. The blade shimmered with celestial energy as he charged forward, slicing through her defenses with ease.
Disrupting the Ritual
As the woman fell, her body dissipating into shadows, Xin Tian turned his attention to the crystal. The cracks had spread, and chaotic energy poured out in violent waves.
"System," Xin Tian said, his voice steady despite the chaos around him. "Can this be stopped?"
The system responded:
[System Notification]
24. Solution Detected: Absorb the Chaos Fragment using Divine Convergence.
1. Warning: High risk of instability. Success depends on user's willpower and divine affinity.
Xin Tian stepped forward, his determination unwavering. "I'll take the risk."
He activated Divine Convergence, his body glowing with golden light as he reached out to the crystal. The chaotic energy surged toward him, threatening to overwhelm him, but Xin Tian's divine aura held firm.
The process was agonizing, every fiber of his being strained as he absorbed the fragment's power. The system's voice guided him, its calm tone a lifeline amidst the storm.
[System Notification]
25. Chaos Fragment Absorbed Successfully.
1. New Ability Unlocked: Chaos Purification.
2. Spirit Power Elevated to God-King Level.
The crystal shattered, its energy dissipating harmlessly. The chamber fell silent, the oppressive darkness replaced by a tranquil light emanating from Xin Tian.
Victory and Aftermath
As Xin Tian emerged from the chamber, the remaining Obsidian Order members fled in terror. The Spirit Hall forces cheered as they realized the battle was won.
Bibi Dong approached Xin Tian, her expression a mix of pride and relief. "You've done it. The Obsidian Order is finished."
Xin Tian nodded, his gaze distant. "This was only the beginning. There are greater threats out there, and the heavens' work is never done."
Bibi Dong placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then we'll face them together."
As the Spirit Hall army began their journey back, Xin Tian couldn't shake the feeling that this victory had set something greater into motion. The heavens had chosen him, and his path was far from over.
End of Chapter 12