The first rays of dawn painted the mountains in hues of gold and crimson.Mo Tianxue opened his eyes, stretching his limbs after three months of relentless isolation and training.The mountain air, once sharp and biting, now invigorated him, filling every pore with clarity and energy.
His body had been honed through meditation, combat drills, and the infusion of the poisonous plant's essence.The red-black glow of his Abyssal Qi pulsed steadily within him, a constant reminder of his mastery.
"Three months… and finally, I have reached the first stage.Abyssal Qi Adept – Beginner."
He surveyed the mountainside, letting his senses extend outward.The valley below stretched in a tapestry of forests, rivers, and a small village tucked quietly among the hills.Smoke spiraled lazily from chimneys, and the faint sounds of daily life drifted up to his perch.
"The village… this will be the seed of the new Crimson Abyss,"he murmured.
Descending the rugged paths, Tianxue moved with purpose, each step measured and silent.The villagers went about their routines, unaware of the dark, calculating eyes watching from the forest.
He crouched atop a gentle hill overlooking the village, letting his Abyssal Qi pulse faintly through the ground.Even in its Beginner state, the energy whispered to him, revealing the subtle strengths and weaknesses of those around him.
"Patience… observation first. The right people will come to me willingly."
His eyes scanned the villagers.An elderly blacksmith moved with deliberate strength, hammering iron with unmatched precision.A young hunter practiced in the forest, agile and sharp-eyed, catching small prey with uncanny skill.Two sisters carried water from the stream, their synchronized movements revealing discipline and resilience beyond their age.
"Yes… some will be valuable.Others… may need persuasion, guidance… or fear."
Tianxue stepped closer, letting his presence remain hidden.He flexed his fingers, feeling the Abyssal Qi Adept – Beginner flowing through him like molten fire.Even the slightest pulse of energy could intimidate, persuade, or attract those sensitive to power.
"I will test them… subtly. Their reactions will tell me who can endure my teachings."
He lingered near the blacksmith's forge, allowing his gaze to rest on the rhythmic strikes of hammer against iron.The old man's energy was strong, disciplined, unwavering—a perfect candidate for guidance, if he could be convinced.
The hunter moved through the trees, unaware of the watchful eyes.Tianxue mirrored his movements from a distance, matching the agility and sensing the Qi within the youth.
"Potential… immense potential. But raw and unrefined. He will need direction…and fear to temper his arrogance."
From the outskirts, he observed the sisters.Their resilience and focus caught his attention. Though inexperienced in combat, their synchronized effort and mental fortitude suggested great adaptability.
"Strength comes not only from power… but from will. They may yet serve as the foundation of the Crimson Abyss."
Night fell, and the village lights flickered like scattered stars.Tianxue descended silently, weaving through shadows, staying just beyond the perception of the villagers.He let his aura touch the earth subtly, a gentle reminder of the force that lingered nearby.
"I must approach carefully… one by one.The strongest first, the others will follow once the foundation is set."
He crept closer to the forge, speaking softly as if to himself, yet the words carried power.
"Old man… your skill is remarkable.The world is changing. You will need a guide, a purpose, a direction.Join me, and your strength will shape the future."
The blacksmith paused, glancing toward the forest instinctively, sensing something he could not see.Tianxue withdrew, letting a subtle aura of respect and dominance linger in the air.
"He noticed me… good. That is the first step."
In the forest, he extended his senses toward the hunter.A flicker of his Abyssal Qi brushed the youth's mind—enough to spark curiosity, excitement, and subtle fear.
"You are capable… stronger than you think.Follow me, and you will surpass every limit you imagine."
The sisters, still at the stream, felt a strange pull in their hearts, a mixture of awe and trepidation.Tianxue allowed just enough energy to touch them, hinting at the power and knowledge they could attain under his guidance.
"Patience… all will come.Strength is not forced… it is nurtured, awakened, guided."
He retreated to the hilltop, observing from above.The village seemed peaceful, yet beneath the surface, seeds of the Crimson Abyss were taking root.
"The first disciple… the strongest, must be secured.Then the others… one by one.By the end of the year, this village will pulse with power and loyalty."
Tianxue allowed himself a small smile, white hair gleaming in the moonlight.
"Three months of training granted me power.Three months more, and I will have followers.And with them… the Crimson Abyss will rise once more."
He closed his eyes, feeling the subtle responses of the villagers—the spark of potential in each one, waiting for the right moment to ignite.
"The first disciple, the hunter, the blacksmith, the sisters…I will test them, guide them, break them if necessary.And when they emerge, they will serve as the pillars of the new empire."
The mountains stood silent, yet alive, as if acknowledging his vow.Mo Tianxue's mind sharpened, plotting and anticipating every step.
"I have survived betrayal, death, and exile.I have mastered the Abyssal Qi.Now… nothing will stand in my way."
He descended from the hill, moving through shadows like a ghost, unseen and untouchable.Every pulse of his energy, every movement, was deliberate, calculated, precise.
"Soon… the first disciple will kneel.Soon… the foundation of the Crimson Abyss will be laid.And Murim will remember my name."
The Blood Moon faded into the night, replaced by the first rays of dawn.Mo Tianxue's eyes blazed with determination, his Abyssal Qi Adept – Beginner flowing steadily within him.
"Three months of training… complete.Now begins the era of the Crimson Abyss, and the world will tremble."