Chapter 45: A Chaos Nexus...?

The rush of chaotic energy coursing through Feng Lin was electrifying. Every fiber of his being hummed with newfound power as the Chaos Core fused with his essence. He clenched his fists, feeling the surge of strength and agility pulsating within him.

[System Notification: Chaos Core Bonded – All Stats Increased by 15% Temporarily.]

[Current Stats:

Strength: 2,127 (+15%)

Agility: 1,552 (+15%)

Spirit: 2,300 (+15%)

Perception: 977 (+15%)

Luck: 80 (+15%)]

Feng Lin couldn't help but grin, excitement bubbling inside him. He was stronger now, not just physically but mentally, as the Chaos Core sharpened his senses. The potential he felt was intoxicating, but he reminded himself to stay focused.

Yan Mei watched him closely, her eyes sharp. "Feng Lin, are you alright?"

He nodded, the energy still buzzing beneath his skin. "This core... It's something else. I feel stronger than ever," he said, his voice trailing off as he took in their surroundings. The walls of the temple, inscribed with chaotic symbols, seemed to react to the energy flowing through him now.

Yan Mei stepped closer but kept her usual distance, her gaze uncertain. "We're going to need that power. This place isn't done with us yet."

Zhen, studying the inscriptions on the walls, nodded in agreement. "These markings… they seem ancient, tied to the energy here."

As Feng Lin's body adjusted to the surge of power, the Chaos Nexus within him began to respond. The bond was growing stronger. He could feel the core expanding his understanding of chaos as if unlocking a deeper part of the system.

[System Notification: Chaos Core Synchronization – 35%.]

"Then we should keep moving," Zhen said, his voice steady. "The longer we stay here, the more dangerous it gets."

The three of them moved deeper into the temple, their path illuminated by the flickering chaotic symbols that seemed to pulse with life. The deeper they ventured, the more unnatural the architecture became. The walls twisted at impossible angles, and the air grew thick with ancient energy, making it harder to breathe.

The eerie silence was broken by a low rumble that reverberated through the temple. The ground beneath their feet trembled, and the walls shuddered as something massive stirred in the shadows.

Feng Lin tensed, his hand gripping the hilt of his Chaos Rune Sword.

From the darkness ahead, massive stone golems lumbered into view, their glowing eyes fixed on the intruders. Each one was covered in the same chaotic markings that adorned the temple walls, their stone bodies pulsing with an unnatural energy.

"More guardians," Yan Mei muttered, her eyes narrowing.

"These aren't ordinary golems," Zhen said, taking a step back. "They're infused with some kind of energy. Be careful."

Feng Lin stepped forward, feeling the resonance between the golems and his own chaotic energy. "I'll take the lead," he said, activating his Shadowstep skill, disappearing in a blur.

He reappeared behind the first golem, his Chaos Rune Sword glowing as he unleashed a Void Slash. The powerful strike carved into the golem's stone body, sending cracks spider-webbing across its surface. But the creature didn't fall; instead, it turned to face him, its glowing eyes burning with renewed fury.

"They're tougher than they look," Zhen shouted, deflecting a blow from another golem with his own weapon.

Yan Mei joined in the fray, launching a barrage of energy blasts at the joints of the golems. Her precise attacks weakened the creatures, slowing their movements.

[System Notification: Chaos Will Skill Activated – Mental Resistance Boosted.]

Feng Lin felt his mind sharpen as the system bolstered his defenses. He could see the golems' movements more clearly now, their weaknesses exposed. With another swift Shadowstep, he appeared beside the weakened golem, driving his blade deep into its core.

The creature shuddered before collapsing into rubble.

"One down!" Feng Lin called, already moving toward the next.

Zhen and Yan Mei redoubled their efforts, targeting the weak points of the remaining golems. Their coordinated attacks overwhelmed the stone guardians, and soon the last of the golems fell to pieces.

[System Notification: Golems Defeated – 4,000 EXP Earned.]

Feng Lin blinked in surprise as the system's notification flashed across his vision. "That's a lot of experience for a few golems," he muttered to himself.

Yan Mei dusted off her hands, her expression unreadable. "Let's keep moving. That might not be the last of them."

Feng Lin nodded, though his mind was still focused on the system. His experience points had jumped significantly, and the Chaos Core's synchronization was steadily increasing. There was no doubt now—this temple held secrets directly tied to his destiny, and perhaps the key to unlocking the full potential of his chaotic powers.

As they ventured deeper into the temple, the air grew colder and the chaotic energy more oppressive. Feng Lin's senses were on high alert, the core within him reacting to every flicker of energy in the ancient structure.

In the distance, the faint glow of something immense loomed ahead. Whatever it was, Feng Lin could feel its pull, as if the temple itself was leading him to the heart of its chaotic power.

But there was no telling what awaited them in the darkness.

The narrow passageways of the temple gave way to a vast chamber, its ceiling stretching impossibly high into the darkness. At the center of the room stood a massive, ancient monolith, pulsing with chaotic energy. Strange symbols and patterns danced across its surface, casting eerie shadows on the walls.

Feng Lin felt the pull of the monolith immediately, the Chaos Core within him responding to its presence. It was as if the monolith was calling to him, beckoning him closer. The chaotic energy swirling around it was palpable, almost suffocating in its intensity.

[System Notification: Chaos Nexus Detected.]

[Warning: Proximity to Chaos Nexus May Cause Unstable Reactions.]

Feng Lin's eyes narrowed. "A Chaos Nexus... this must be the source of the energy in the temple."

Zhen moved cautiously toward the edge of the chamber, his gaze fixed on the monolith. "I've never seen anything like this. The power radiating from it... It's overwhelming."