Chapter 28: The Shadow Abyss Clan
The team ventured deeper into the Core Formation World, following the gate's qi currents to a crystalline valley where peaks floated like islands in a golden sea. The Nine Worlds Ascension Art scroll guided Li Wei, its World Resonance Seal syncing with the valley's qi to reveal a hidden shrine. The shrine, carved from starlit stone, held a qi nexus—a source of the beast tides' unrest. Sealing it would stabilize the gate, but the Shadow Abyss Clan's presence darkened the horizon.
As they approached, a dozen black-robed cultivators emerged, their qi laced with corrosive darkness. Their leader, Xin Mo, a mid-Core Formation prodigy, wielded a Voidfang Blade that absorbed light. His eyes locked onto Li Wei. "The World Key is ours," he sneered. "Hand it over, or perish."
Yang Kai's Starlit Blade flared, but Xin Mo's aura suppressed even Mei Lan's Core Formation qi. Li Wei's Spirit Sense detected a trap—shadow formations hidden in the valley's mist. He signaled Lin Xue, who cast Cloud Veil Formation to obscure their team. Su Chen's Frost Phoenix Tempest froze the mist, slowing the clan's advance. Huo Shen's Blaze Fist ignited the air, but Xin Mo's blade sliced through, its dark qi corroding everything.
Li Wei activated Starweave Barrier, its net of light blocking Xin Mo's strike. He countered with Heartflame Strike, the fiery qi burning with his tribulation-forged resolve. The blow grazed Xin Mo, who laughed. "A Foundation Establishment ant dares challenge me?" He unleashed a Void Abyss Slash, a wave of dark qi that shattered the ground.
Lin Xue's Mist Bind Array trapped Xin Mo's subordinates, while Mei Lan's Jade Lotus Palm shielded the team. Li Wei used Celestial Tide Flow, dodging the slash and striking with Ninefold Pulse. The nine waves staggered Xin Mo, but his Core Formation qi overwhelmed Li Wei, hurling him against a peak. Blood trickled, but the scroll's voice urged: The Nine Worlds are one.
Li Wei channeled World Resonance Seal, syncing with the valley's qi. His Heartflame Strike blazed brighter, forcing Xin Mo back. Yang Kai and Su Chen joined, their combined attacks driving the clan into retreat. Xin Mo's parting words chilled: "The Crimson Lotus Sect will crush you next."
The team sealed the shrine's nexus, stabilizing the gate. But the scroll warned of the Shadow Abyss Clan's deeper plans—merging the Nine Worlds for chaos. Li Wei's core glowed, his resolve hardening. The Core Formation World was a battlefield, and he was ready.