The ancient tunnel trembled beneath Ye Tian and Yue Qing's feet.
The moment they crossed the glowing archway beneath the ruin's heart, a massive shift occurred. The stone walls peeled back like receding waves, revealing a circular arena bathed in crimson light. In its center stood a hulking figure—
Not flesh. Not spirit.
But something in between.
"INTRUDERS. BOUND SOULS. YOU MAY NOT PASS WITHOUT TRIAL."
The construct's voice boomed like falling mountains. Etched all over its armor were glowing runes—half mechanical, half divine. A sigil on its chest matched the seal on Yue Qing's cursed mark.
"It's bound to my bloodline," Yue Qing whispered. "This... was meant for me."
System Notification – Ye Tian
[Abyssal Trial Activated: Shattered Balance]Objective: Survive for 5 minutes while staying within 10 meters of your Soul-Bonded Partner.Success Reward: Weapon Upgrade or Shared Skill UnlockFailure: Memory Corruption, Soul Instability
"Well," Ye Tian cracked his knuckles, "guess we're officially partners."
"Just don't fall behind," Yue Qing shot back, her hand glowing with violet sigils.
The Ruin Guardian charged—faster than its size suggested. Every strike split the floor, launching waves of corrupted spiritual energy.
Ye Tian darted left, slashing with his rune-sword.
Yue Qing spiraled around him, her chains erupting like snakes to bind the construct's limbs.
The system HUD glowed:
Will Merge: ActiveSynchronized Dodge SuccessfulDamage Boost +15% from Partner's Resonant Pulse
They moved like mirrors. A dance forged in pain and survival.
But just as they gained the upper hand—
[WARNING: MEMORY ANCHOR DETECTED]
The construct's chest split open.
Inside, a memory crystal hovered, glowing with eerie familiarity.
FLASHBACK:
A voice echoed from the crystal.
"If you're seeing this… then you are either cursed like me, or bound to one who is."
A man's silhouette appeared—young, proud.
"My name was Xuan Lie. Once the Abyss nearly consumed me, but I left behind this Treial for those who still walk the line between hatred and love."
"To rise… you must accept not only your strength, but each other's liabilities."
"Only then will the Abyss bend."
The vision shattered.
Trial Complete.
System Reward Interface
[Choose Reward:]
Abyssal Weapon Core – Refine your current weapon with soul-bound upgrades.
Shared Skill: "Soul Cross Slash" – A joint attack executed when Will Merge is active.
Ye Tian looked at Yue Qing. "Your call."
She hesitated. "The blade will make you stronger."
"And the skill makes us unbreakable," he replied.
Her eyes softened.
"Then... let's make them fear us."
[Soul Cross Slash Acquired]
Meanwhile, Aboveground – The Azure Sky Sect
Elder Zhao Lei slammed down the scroll.
"You're telling me the Abyss showed signs of a Trial Awakening?! After decades?"
A scout trembled. "Yes, Elder. And… an unknown pair triggered it. They fought as one."
Zhao Feng, standing at the edge, narrowed his eyes.
"It's him."
"Ye Tian is alive."
"And he's no longer weak."