The Abyssal Arcane Realm was shrouded in an eternal twilight, the sky a strange mix of muted colors, swirling together like an abstract painting. The air held an otherworldly glow that cast eerie shadows over the land.
Rui and Ning Xiao walked side by side, their steps in sync, though neither of them knew exactly how long they had been traveling. It could have been weeks, or perhaps even months since Rui’s breakthrough.
Rui had stabilized his cultivation, and the power of his Rune Soul was now a steady and formidable force within him. He could feel it resonating with his every thought and movement, a constant surge of energy that had become an integral part of him.
his transformation wasn’t just about gaining power; it had also brought a deeper understanding of the world around him, a heightened awareness of the forces that governed his existence.
Ning Xiao walked with quiet confidence, her sharp eyes scanning the landscape as if she knew something Rui didn’t. There was a sense of purpose in her stride like she had a destination in mind.
But despite Rui’s subtle attempts to probe, she had remained silent, revealing nothing of their destination. The only clue lay ahead—a massive ziggurat that loomed in the distance, ancient and imposing.
As they drew closer, the details of the ziggurat became clear. Its stone steps were immense, each one intricately carved with patterns and glyphs that glowed faintly, as though they held a hidden power.
The structure was old, so old that time had worn its surface, yet it still exuded an aura of strength and mystery. Rui could feel a deep, resonant hum coming from the ziggurat, vibrating through the ground and into his bones.
“This place…” Rui began, glancing at Ning Xiao, searching her expression for answers. “What do you know about it?”
Ning Xiao looked at him, her face unreadable.
“It’s one of the oldest structures in this realm.”
She replied, her voice calm and measured.
“Built by a civilization that’s been lost to history, even to those who live here. It’s said to contain many secrets—treasures, knowledge, maybe even remnants of gods who once walked these lands.”
Rui frowned. There was more she wasn’t telling him. “And you’ve been here before?”
“Not exactly,” Ning Xiao said with a slight smile. “But I’ve heard enough to know that we won’t be the only ones interested in what lies within.”
When they reached the base of the ziggurat, the entrance loomed before them, a yawning portal into darkness. The air here was different—thicker, with the scent of ancient stone and something else, something sharp and metallic, like blood. They shared a glance, then stepped inside, their movements cautious.
The interior of the ziggurat was vast and shadowy, the only light coming from the glowing glyphs on the walls. The air was heavy, thick with the weight of history and the presence of something powerful, something that had waited in the dark for a very long time.
As they ventured deeper, the corridors twisted and turned, leading them into chambers filled with broken relics and statues. The place was empty, obviously having been looted for a long time, leaving nothing behind.
They had just entered a large chamber when voices echoed through the corridors, sharp and clear. Rui and Ning Xiao tensed, exchanging a glance before moving silently toward the sound, their footsteps barely making a sound on the stone floor.
In the center of the chamber stood two figures, each radiating a distinct and formidable aura. One was a man with dark skin, his body covered in elaborate tribal tattoos that seemed almost alive, shifting and writhing with every movement.
The other figure was a woman dressed in familiar attire since it was similar to that of Ning Xiao’s. She stood with a regal air, her eyes sharp and calculating as she took in the chamber.
The man noticed Rui and Ning Xiao first, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.
“Who are you?”
He demanded, his voice rough, carrying a hint of danger.
“What are you doing here?”
Ning Xiao didn’t flinch, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her weapon.
“We could ask you the same question.”
She replied, her tone steady and calm.
The woman wearing similar clothes to Ning Xiao’s stepped forward, her gaze locking onto Ning Xiao with a flash of recognition.
“You’re from the Crimson Moon Sect,” she said, her voice tinged with curiosity. “I didn’t expect to see someone like you here.”
Ning Xiao gave a small nod, acknowledging the woman’s words.
“I didn’t expect to meet a junior here. However, this place isn’t our world, nor our sect. Keep your distance.”
The woman backed off with caution, cold sweat drenching her back as she knew she couldn’t mess with her.
The tension in the air was thick, the four of them sizing each other up, each one aware of the potential for conflict. But before the situation could escalate, the woman raised a hand, her voice cool and measured.
“We’re all here for the same reason,” she said, looking between them. “There’s no need for unnecessary fighting. This place has been run dry through the countless explorations, there is no reason for us to fight.”
The man with the tribal tattoos grunted, clearly not fully convinced, but he relaxed his stance slightly. “Fine,” he muttered. “But stay out of my way.”
Rui and Ning Xiao exchanged glances, nodding in agreement, though both remained on guard. They knew that in a place like this, alliances were temporary, and betrayal could come at any moment.
Rui and Ning Xiao quickly split from the others, not wanting to mingle with them. As they walked the atmosphere remained tense but manageable. Eventually, they entered a vast hall filled with towering statues, each one depicting a different figure—warriors, scholars, kings—all from a long-lost era.
The energy in the room was overwhelming, almost suffocating, and Rui felt his Rune Soul-stirring within him, reacting to the powerful forces around them.
As they moved deeper into the hall, they spotted another figure standing before one of the statues, his back to them.
The figure noticed their approach and turned towards them, his eyes opening wide for a moment as if in recognition. Rui felt a strange sense of familiarity, but he couldn't place where he had seen this man before.
The man’s long white hair cascaded down his back, his robes torn into rags that barely concealed his gaunt frame. There was a weary, almost ethereal quality to him, as though he had endured countless battles and struggles, yet his eyes held a piercing sharpness, a clarity that suggested a mind honed through hardship.
The laguz shone with a vivid dark blue color on his forehead, while a serene atmosphere resonated from him.
For a long moment, they stared at each other in silence, the air thick with tension.
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"Rui…"
The man’s voice was soft, almost a whisper, but it carried a weight that made Rui’s heart skip a beat. The way he said his name, with a mix of surprise and something else—respect?—only deepened the mystery.
Rui’s brow furrowed in confusion.
"Do I… know you?"
He asked cautiously, his hand instinctively hovering near the hilt of his sword. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he truly knew this man.
The man’s lips curled into a faint, almost sad smile.
"It has been a long time. We haven’t crossed paths since the Academy. You’ve changed much since then, Guang Rui, but I suppose it was inevitable."
His voice carried a note of nostalgia as if recalling a distant memory.
Rui’s eyes widened as realization slowly dawned on him.
"Han Feng…?"
He murmured, barely believing the words as they left his lips. Rui took a step back, struggling to reconcile the image of the man before him with the memories he had of the arrogant, hot-headed student from the Academy.
Han Feng nodded slightly, his expression inscrutable.
"Yes, it’s me. Though I doubt I resemble the person you once knew."
It was obvious that Rui wouldn’t associate the man in front of him with the bastard of the imperial family. An arrogant prick who used his power to get what he wanted, even attacking the poor and flaunting his wealth.
The Han Feng in front of him looked like a kind man, even more than that, his clothes suggested the fact that he was part of the Peasants sect, especially the small round gourd around his waist.
Han Feng observed Rui with a composed gaze, his eyes reflecting a depth of understanding that unnerved Rui. There was no trace of the old arrogance or malice, only a serene acceptance of the past.
"It's surprising, isn't it?"
Han Feng said softly, his voice tinged with a quiet resignation.
"I would not have believed it myself, back in the days when I thought power was all that mattered. But time... time has a way of humbling even the most stubborn of souls."
Rui narrowed his eyes, still on guard, but the tension in his body began to ease as he sensed no hostility from Han Feng. Instead, there was a strange sense of kinship, as if they had both been forged by their experiences into something new, something more.
Ning Xiao, who had been silently observing the exchange, stepped forward, her hand still resting lightly on her weapon.
"Rui, do you know him?"
She asked cautiously, her eyes flicking between the two men.
Rui nodded slowly.
"We were... acquaintances, back when I had just awakened and attended the academy."
He replied, his voice carefully neutral. He turned back to Han Feng, a mixture of curiosity and wariness in his gaze.
“Well, at least we found someone who can be of use now. Is he trustworthy? His cultivation has just reached the core formation rank, but he managed to forge a golden core, which is a great achievement.”
Ning Xiao commented casually, her eyes examining Han Feng from top to bottom.
Rui was surprised by her words, realizing that Han Feng had indeed reached the third rank, which was very surprising since he didn’t seem to possess the necessary talent to progress this fast back then.
Han Feng offered a small, almost humble smile at Ning Xiao's words, his once arrogant demeanor now absent. The transformation was stark, a testament to the trials and tribulations he must have faced. He nodded, acknowledging her assessment without the slightest hint of pride.
"Time and experience have taught me many things. Power is not the only measure of a person. Sometimes, the will to endure and learn is far more important."
Rui studied Han Feng closely, trying to reconcile this new version of the man with the one he remembered. The Han Feng he once knew had been a tyrant, a self-serving noble who cared for nothing but his advancement.
But the man before him now… there was wisdom in his eyes, a depth of understanding that Rui found himself respecting, despite his better judgment.
“Your progress is impressive,”
Rui admitted, his tone measured.
“But why are you here, in the Abyssal Arcane Realm? Isn’t it too risky? Did you come here with the support of the peasant's sect?”
Han Feng’s gaze flickered, his expression momentarily clouded with a complex mix of emotions.
“It’s true that I’ve come here as a member of the peasant’s sect. I have become the direct disciple of Lord Gao Peng. In the beginning, he didn’t want me to come here, but I asked him to send me over. I’m seeking redemption…”
He said softly, his voice tinged with regret.
“After the academy, I realized how hollow my ambitions were. I’ve come here to atone, to find something that can help me become stronger and worthy.”
Ning Xiao’s expression softened slightly after hearing his speech, though her hand remained on her weapon.
Rui on the other hand heaved a sigh of relief. He could confirm some things with this revelation. He had heard that Gao Peng had just advanced to the ninth rank before his transport to the realm, but he didn’t expect Han Feng to become his disciple.
Everyone who was able to enter the Abyssal Arcane Realm was talented in one way or another. It was Han Feng’s fate to enter and encounter him here.
“All right, you can come with us but don’t expect me to trust you completely. You’ll have to earn that.”
Rui said finally, his tone cautious.
Han Feng nodded, his expression calm and understanding.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
Ning Xiao, who had been silent during the exchange, stepped forward, her gaze still sharp as she studied Han Feng.
“You’ll have to pull your weight if you’re with us,” she said, her voice steady but carrying a clear warning. “We’re not here to babysit anyone.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Han Feng replied with a small smile, his demeanor humble and respectful. “I’m here to help in any way I can.”
With the tension slightly eased, the three continued their exploration of the ziggurat. The ancient structure was mostly barren, its treasures long since plundered by those who had come before.
The corridors were silent, the air thick with the scent of dust and age, but Rui could still feel a faint hum of energy beneath the surface, like the echo of a once mighty power.
As they ventured deeper into the ziggurat, Rui decided to use his [Identify] and [Understanding] abilities, even though the system wasn’t fully active.
Over time, he had learned to rely on these abilities independently, as they were intrinsic parts of his cultivation. These powers allowed him to analyze the environment and discern hidden details that others might miss.
Rui focused his mind, channeling his Runic energy to enhance his perception. His vision sharpened, and the world around him seemed to slow down, revealing intricate patterns and hidden auras that were usually imperceptible to the naked eye.
The walls of the ziggurat, which appeared plain and worn to others, were suddenly alive with faint, glowing symbols—ancient runes that held remnants of lost knowledge.
Using [Identify], Rui could see the lingering traces of those who had passed through the ziggurat before them—powerful cultivators, ancient beings, and even creatures from other realms. Each trace told a story, revealing the challenges and dangers they had faced. However, most of the information was fragmented, like scattered pieces of a puzzle that had long since been broken.
As they walked, Ning Xiao remained quiet, her expression focused. Rui could sense that she knew more about this place than she was letting on, but she kept her thoughts guarded, revealing nothing to Rui or Han Feng.
Despite her silence, Rui couldn’t shake the feeling that she was leading them to something specific, something she had known about all along.
The deeper they went, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. The air grew thicker, charged with an ancient power that seemed to hum through the very walls. Even Han Feng, who had been calm and composed, began to show signs of unease, his gaze darting around as if expecting something to emerge from the shadows at any moment.
After what felt like hours of navigating the labyrinthine corridors, Ning Xiao finally came to a halt before a section of the wall that seemed no different from the others. But as Rui used [Identify], he saw a faint, hidden symbol that glowed with soft, ethereal light, pulsing gently in the darkness.
The symbol was old, older than the rest of the runes they had encountered, and it resonated with a powerful, almost sentient energy.
“This is it.”
Ning Xiao said quietly, more to herself than to the others. She reached into her robe and pulled out a small, intricately carved jade amulet, an artifact that seemed to hum with its power.
She placed the amulet against the wall, and for a moment, nothing happened. Then, with a low rumble, the wall began to shift, the ancient stone moving aside to reveal a hidden passageway.
The entrance was narrow, barely wide enough for one person to pass through at a time, and it descended steeply into the darkness below.
Rui exchanged a glance with Ning Xiao, who nodded slightly, a silent confirmation that this was where she had been leading them all along. Han Feng, for his part, seemed intrigued but cautious, his earlier humility giving way to a more guarded demeanor as the unknown loomed before them.
The passageway led to a chamber deep within the heart of the ziggurat, a place untouched by time or the looters who had ravaged the rest of the structure. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and something else, a faint, sweet fragrance that seemed to hang in the air like a lingering memory.
At the center of the chamber was a small, unassuming pool of liquid that shimmered with a soft, golden light. The liquid seemed to pulse with life, casting a warm glow that filled the room with a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
“The Fountain of Youth,” Ning Xiao whispered, her voice tinged with awe and reverence. “It’s said to be a source of pure, condensed energy, capable of extending life, enhancing cultivation, and even healing the gravest of wounds.”
Rui felt a surge of energy just standing near the pool, his Rune Soul reacting to the potent energy emanating from the liquid. It was as if the very essence of life had been distilled into this small pool, a treasure beyond comprehension.
Han Feng’s eyes widened in disbelief as he took in the sight. He didn’t expect something like this here.
Ning Xiao stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the pool.
“This is what we’ve come for.”
She said, her voice steady but filled with a quiet intensity.
“This liquid is more than just a fountain of youth—it’s a source of immense power, one that could tip the balance of any conflict or cultivation path.”
Rui remained silent, his mind racing as he considered the implications. He knew that such a treasure would be sought after by countless others and that possessing it would paint a target on their backs.
But more than that, he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something Ning Xiao wasn’t telling him—something about the true nature of this liquid and why she had been so intent on finding it.