As the blade pierced his brow once more, excruciating pain erupted in Feng Wuchen's consciousness. When his vision cleared, the scene had transformed entirely.
He found himself adrift in primordial chaos. At its heart loomed a colossal structure—a nine-tiered obsidian tower shaped like a sword thrusting toward the heavens. Thick chains, each wider than a barrel, bound all but the first level. Even from this distance, malevolent energy radiating from the tower made his soul tremble.
"Dragon Abyss..." Feng Wuchen whispered, recognizing the very artifact that had triggered Yao Ji and Han Xiang's betrayal.
The tower's presence now felt disturbingly intimate, as if it were an extension of his being. Pieces clicked into place—"So when I self-detonated, you absorbed the energy to preserve my soul. Clever..."
**CLANG!**
Chains on the second level began rattling violently. Memories flooded back—the first unshackling had unleashed a sword-crazed madman who slaughtered countless Heavenly Sovereigns. Was this tower a prison for such monsters?
Before panic could take root, the chaos coalesced into a cloaked figure. The man's face hid beneath greasy black hair, yet his voice boomed with authority: **"Back to your cage!"**
The chains stilled instantly.
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"Who... What are you?" Feng Wuchen demanded.
The figure ignored him. **"Since Dragon Abyss chose you, you're worthy to inherit my legacy—the path of the ultimate swordsman."**
"Legacy? Swordsmanship?" Feng Wuchen's pulse quickened. Swords were the supreme weapons across all realms—no wonder he'd been betrayed for this power.
**"Kneel and receive your destiny!"** Crushing pressure forced him downward.
Yet Feng Wuchen stood unbowed, eyes blazing. **"The only ones who ever made me kneel are dead. Not even gods command my submission—let alone a fading specter!"**
The pressure intensified. **"A cripple with shattered veins dares defiance? Only I can rebuild your cultivation!"**
"Rebuild my veins?" Feng Wuchen laughed bitterly. **"Nothing comes free. Why did Dragon Abyss bind itself to me?"**
The pressure vanished. The figure's lips twitched approvingly. **"Pride worthy of a prodigy. See that tower? Make it your Spiritual Veins, and even Divine-grade veins will pale in comparison."**
"Using a prison-tower as veins? Preposterous!" Yet temptation stirred. With power surpassing his Heavenly Sovereign prime, he could exact vengeance...
**"Enter and conquer Blazing Sun—the first sword. Survive its refinement, and Dragon Abyss becomes your foundation."** The figure gestured to the tower's gaping maw. **"Fair warning—it'll feel like being skinned alive."**
Without hesitation, Feng Wuchen strode inside. The first chamber held only a floating crimson blade. As he grasped its hilt, scorching runes seared into his mind—**《Art of Heaven-Slaying Swords》**.
**BOOM!**
The tower shuddered, then plunged into his dantian. The sword erupted like wildfire, charring his meridians.
"ARRGH!" His scream echoed as the cloaked man's voice returned:
**"Merge with Dragon Abyss—or die. I'll grant minimal aid. Remember: Each tower level holds a sword and its murderous master. Three years until the next seal breaks. Either dominate its sword... or be slaughtered."**
Agony cycled between consciousness and oblivion. Memories fused—Lin Wan's sneering face materialized:
**"Did you truly think I'd love a parentless mongrel? Your veins served their purpose—making me a dual-vein prodigy. Rot here as the cripple you are!"**
"LIN WAN! I'LL DESTROY YOU ALL!" His vow pierced the torment.
When consciousness finally stabilized, the figure's fading voice whispered:
**"You've survived... Barely. Nurture Blazing Sun through battle and bloodshed. Grow stronger before the next seal breaks... or perish."**