Chapter 35: CHAPTER 35: The Abyssal Core: A Battle Beyond Limits
The Abyssal Core: A Battle Beyond Limits
The figure stepped forward, the oppressive darkness around him coiling like living tendrils. His presence alone caused the cave walls to tremble, and the ground cracked under the weight of his malevolent aura. His crimson eyes burned into Zhang Xin's, a chilling smirk twisting his lips.
"I am Xian Wuying," he declared, his voice echoing with a thousand whispers. "The Abyss's chosen harbinger. You may have defeated the generals, but I am far beyond their strength. Your triumph ends here."
The crystal above the altar pulsed violently, feeding dark energy into Xian Wuying. The air grew colder, and the team instinctively formed a defensive circle around Zhang Xin.
Zhang Xin raised the Eclipse Blade, its golden glow clashing against the overwhelming darkness. "Xian Wuying, your reign ends now! We won't let you corrupt our world!"
With a wave of his hand, Xian Wuying unleashed a torrent of shadow tendrils that surged toward the team like ravenous serpents.
The First Assault
"Defensive positions!" Zhang Xin commanded.
Lian Hua and Xiaobo moved swiftly. Lian Hua's Petal Sword Technique created a storm of razor-sharp petals, slicing through the tendrils. Meanwhile, Xiaobo conjured blazing firewalls, burning the shadows before they could reach the group.
"These shadows are endless!" Xiaobo grunted, sweat dripping from his brow.
Mei Lan spread her hands, a calming blue light emanating from her, soothing the team's fatigue and reinforcing their stamina. "Stay focused! We've faced worse!"
Yuxin joined in, her Frost Lance technique freezing the advancing tendrils. "They're just distractions! We need to focus on the Abyssal Core!"
Zhang Xin nodded. "Chen Bo, Wei Luo, find a way to destabilize the altar! We'll hold him off!"
Chen Bo and Wei Luo exchanged glances, their silent understanding solidified through countless battles. Chen Bo dashed forward, his movements a blur, while Wei Luo slammed his hands into the ground, summoning massive earth pillars to shield his teammate.
Xian Wuying's Wrath
"You dare to defile the Abyssal Core?" Xian Wuying growled. He raised his hand, and the shadows coalesced into a monstrous form—a towering creature with claws that shimmered with dark energy.
"Keep him distracted!" Zhang Xin ordered, stepping forward to face the beast. The Eclipse Blade shone brighter, its light clashing violently with the darkness.
Lian Hua joined him, her movements graceful yet lethal. "You're not facing him alone, Zhang Xin!"
The beast roared and lunged, its claws slicing through the air. Zhang Xin blocked the blow, the force pushing him back several steps, but Lian Hua leaped in, her sword finding its mark on the creature's side.
The beast howled, its form momentarily flickering.
"Focus your attacks!" Zhang Xin yelled, darting forward to land a devastating strike across the beast's chest. Xiaobo and Yuxin combined their flames and frost, weakening the creature further.
The Altar's Secrets
Meanwhile, Chen Bo reached the altar, his sharp eyes scanning its intricate runes. "These symbols… They're drawing energy from the land to power the Abyssal Core. If we disrupt the flow—"
"Say no more," Wei Luo interrupted, slamming his fist into the ground. Earth spikes erupted around the altar, shattering some of the runes.
The Abyssal Core shuddered violently, its glow flickering. Xian Wuying's eyes widened. "No! You will not interfere with the Abyss's will!"
With a wave of his hand, he sent a blast of dark energy hurtling toward Chen Bo and Wei Luo. Mei Lan, seeing the danger, stepped forward and raised her hands, conjuring a shimmering water barrier that absorbed the impact.
"Keep going!" Mei Lan shouted, her voice strained. "I'll cover you!"
Chen Bo gritted his teeth and leapt onto the altar, slashing at the remaining runes with his daggers. "Almost… there!"
Unleashing the Core's Power
Xian Wuying roared, his form swelling with power. "If you wish to destroy the Abyssal Core, then you will face its full wrath!"
The crystal exploded with dark energy, enveloping Xian Wuying in a cocoon of shadow. When the energy subsided, he emerged transformed—a towering figure with wings of black flame and a blade forged from pure darkness.
"This is my true form," Xian Wuying declared, his voice echoing with raw power. "Despair, for you shall all fall before me!"
Zhang Xin tightened his grip on the Eclipse Blade, its glow intensifying in response to the overwhelming darkness. "We've come too far to lose now! Everyone, focus your strength!"
The team rallied, their combined attacks converging on Xian Wuying. Fire, ice, petals, and earth struck him from all directions, yet his dark aura absorbed most of the impact.
"We need more power!" Xiaobo shouted. "He's too strong like this!"
Zhang Xin closed his eyes, reaching deep within himself. The words of Qiyuan echoed in his mind: "The Ancient Stone holds untapped power, waiting for you to awaken it."
The Awakening
Zhang Xin held the Ancient Stone high, its glow merging with the Eclipse Blade. "Ancient Stone, grant me your strength! Let the light banish the darkness!"
The stone responded, unleashing a radiant surge of energy that enveloped Zhang Xin. His blade transformed, its golden light turning into a blinding white flame. His aura surged, radiating an overwhelming sense of purity and hope.
"Zhang Xin…" Lian Hua whispered, awe in her voice.
With newfound power, Zhang Xin charged at Xian Wuying, their blades clashing in an explosion of light and darkness. The cavern shook violently, the energy from their battle threatening to collapse it entirely.
"Now! Strike the Abyssal Core!" Zhang Xin shouted.
Chen Bo delivered the final blow to the altar, shattering the remaining runes. The Abyssal Core cracked, its dark energy spiraling out of control.
Xian Wuying screamed, his form unraveling as the core's destruction drained his power. "This is not the end! The Abyss will rise again!"
With a final, brilliant strike, Zhang Xin pierced Xian Wuying's heart, his form dissolving into the light. The Abyssal Core shattered completely, releasing a wave of pure energy that cleansed the land of its corruption.
A New Dawn
The team staggered out of the collapsing cave, the first rays of dawn greeting them. The once-corrupted land began to heal, life returning to the withered trees and barren soil.
"We did it," Mei Lan said, her voice soft with relief.
Zhang Xin looked at the Ancient Stone, now dim but peaceful. "The Abyss has been sealed for good. But we must remain vigilant. Evil will always find a way to return."
The group nodded, their bond stronger than ever. Together, they walked back toward the Zi Xuan Sect, ready to face whatever challenges the future held.