Chereads / Celestial Arbiter: Rise of Xin Tian / Chapter 22 - Chapter 23: Descent into the Forgotten Abyss

Chapter 22 - Chapter 23: Descent into the Forgotten Abyss

With the Sun-Moon Empire now under Spirit Hall's rule, Xin Tian wasted no time before setting his sights on the next target—the Forgotten Abyss. A land shrouded in mystery, it was said to be the resting place of fallen gods, lost legacies, and powers that defied mortal comprehension.

A Journey into the Unknown

Inside Spirit Hall's newly established capital in the Sun-Moon Empire, Xin Tian and his top officials gathered. The system's latest reward had revealed previously unknown information about the Forgotten Abyss.

Bibi Dong studied the ancient texts provided by the system. "The abyss is said to be an endless chasm beneath the world, a place where even gods feared to tread. Legends claim that those who enter never return."

Qian Daoliu frowned. "If that's true, why do we go?"

Xin Tian's golden eyes gleamed. "Because legends also speak of divine artifacts buried deep within. Artifacts that could elevate Spirit Hall beyond even the gods themselves."

A heavy silence filled the chamber.

The unknown was dangerous—but Xin Tian had already proven that his power defied the rules of this world.

With a wave of his hand, the expedition force was decided:

• Xin Tian – Leading the mission personally.

• Bibi Dong – As Spirit Hall's Empress, ensuring control over their expansion.

• Qian Daoliu – One of the strongest Titled Douluo, bringing divine insight.

• Shadow Syndicate Elite – Masters of stealth and information gathering.

• Duskblight Legion – Spirit Hall's strongest warriors.

With preparations complete, Spirit Hall's airships set course for the Forgotten Abyss.

The Abyss Reveals Itself

Days later, as the fleet soared over the western edges of the continent, an unnatural storm engulfed the skies. Dark clouds churned, and lightning flashed in eerie green hues.

Then, through the mist, the Forgotten Abyss came into view.

A gargantuan chasm, wider than any kingdom, split the land apart. No bottom could be seen—only endless darkness that seemed to swallow light itself. Ancient ruins clung to the edges like the last remnants of a civilization long erased from history.

A strange pressure filled the air, far beyond anything the Douluo Continent had ever felt.

Bibi Dong clenched her fist. "This place… is alive."

Xin Tian nodded. "And it's waiting for us."

The airships halted above the abyss. Xin Tian took a step forward, activating his Celestial Arbiter Martial Soul. Divine energy surged around him, stabilizing the space.

Then, without hesitation—he jumped.

Descent into Darkness

As Xin Tian plummeted into the abyss, the world around him changed. Gravity twisted. Space distorted. His divine senses were muted, something that had never happened before.

Then—he saw them.

Phantom figures, remnants of spirits long forgotten, drifted through the abyss. Their eyes glowed with ancient knowledge, their forms flickering between reality and illusion.

A voice whispered in his mind.

"Celestial Arbiter… why have you come?"

Xin Tian remained unfazed. "To claim what was lost."

The phantoms trembled. "Then face the Trial of the Forgotten Gods."

The First Trial: Judgment of the Gods

A golden light flashed. The abyss shifted, transforming into a battlefield of endless ruins. Before Xin Tian, twelve figures materialized—each radiating god-like power.

They were not illusions.

They were fallen gods who had once ruled the heavens, now bound to this abyss.

One stepped forward, his voice like rolling thunder.

"You who claim dominion over heaven and earth—prove your worth. If you fail, your existence will be erased."

Xin Tian's smirk did not waver. "Then let's begin."

Golden flames erupted around him as he drew his Eclipse Sword, divine energy flooding the battlefield. The twelve gods charged forward—

The battle for godhood had begun.

End of Chapter 23