CHAPTER 12: The Abyss Speaks

As they approached a vast chamber, a series of carvings on the walls caught their attention. Intricate and aged, they depicted scenes of a great civilization that had once thrived in harmony with the Abyss. The carvings told a story of hubris—the rise of a mighty kingdom that sought to master the Abyss's power, only to be consumed by it.

Chen Hao traced a finger over the engravings, his voice filled with awe. "This place… it's more than a dungeon. It's a graveyard of ambition."

Xiao Feng nodded, his fingers brushing against the carvings. "The Abyss is not merely a place. It's a being—alive, aware, and judging."

The Words of the Abyss's Keeper

At the heart of the chamber stood a massive stone obelisk, its surface etched with glowing symbols. Above it, an inscription in ancient runes pulsed with faint light. Xiao Feng approached, his fingers skimming the surface of the obelisk.

The words etched into the stone seemed to echo in his mind, clear and resonant:

"To walk the Abyss is to confront the soul's deepest shadows. Only those who master their fear and embrace their truth shall claim its treasures. The Abyss does not bow to power—it yields to understanding."

The words struck Xiao Feng like a thunderclap. His blindness, which had always been a source of struggle, now felt like a metaphor for something greater. He realized that true vision wasn't in the eyes but in the heart and mind.

Chen Hao read the words aloud, his voice trembling. "The Abyss yields to understanding… What does it mean, Xiao Feng?"

"It means we must become one with this place," Xiao Feng replied. "Not conquer it, but understand it—accept it as it is."

The obelisk pulsed once more, and a hidden passage opened behind it.

The Treasure Room

The air grew colder as they entered the treasure room. It was a sprawling hall, glittering with gold, jewels, and artifacts of immense power. The room seemed alive with energy, the treasures humming faintly as if they possessed wills of their own.

Chen Hao's eyes widened as he scanned the wealth before him. "This could fund armies, build kingdoms…"

Xiao Feng, however, remained still, sensing something amiss. "It's not just treasure," he said softly. "It's a test."

Before he could elaborate, the shadows around them began to shift. Figures emerged—dark-cloaked beings with glowing eyes and weapons forged from obsidian. The Watchers had returned, but this time they were not alone.

The Dark Trial

One of the dark figures stepped forward, its voice like a low growl. "The treasures of the Abyss are not for the unworthy. Xiao Feng, blind summoner, we test you. Can you navigate the Abyss without sight, without sound, without light? Can you trust yourself to escape its grip?"

Chen Hao drew his sword, stepping in front of Xiao Feng. "You'll have to go through me first!"

But Xiao Feng placed a hand on his shoulder. "No, Chen Hao. This is my trial."

The Watchers raised their hands, and the room plunged into utter darkness. Xiao Feng could feel the energy shifting, the room itself becoming a maze of shifting walls and traps.

He closed his eyes, focusing on the mark on his palm. "Lei Long, guide me."

The dragon's presence surged within him, a steady beacon in the chaos. Xiao Feng moved with purpose, his steps guided by intuition and the dragon's energy. He could feel the traps before they activated, hear the faintest shifts in the air as walls moved to block his path.

A Fight for Survival

Meanwhile, Chen Hao fought valiantly against the dark beings. His blade clashed with their obsidian weapons, sparks flying as he held them at bay. "Xiao Feng, whatever you're doing, do it faster!" he shouted, his voice strained.

Xiao Feng pressed forward, his focus unwavering. The maze seemed endless, but he trusted in himself and in Lei Long. Finally, he reached the heart of the room—a pedestal holding a single, glowing crystal.

As he touched it, the darkness lifted, and the Watchers froze.

A New Path

The leader of the Watchers stepped forward, bowing slightly. "You have proven your worth, Xiao Feng. The Abyss acknowledges you not as a conqueror, but as an equal. The treasures are yours to claim—but know this: they come with a price. The Abyss will call upon you when the time comes."

Chen Hao sheathed his sword, breathing heavily. "I've had enough of this place and its tests. Let's take what we need and go."

Xiao Feng picked up the crystal, its light warm and soothing. "This is the real treasure," he said softly. "Knowledge, understanding… and the will to see beyond limitations."

As they left the treasure room, the Abyss seemed to hum with approval, its ancient energy retreating into silence.

But Xiao Feng knew their journey was far from over. The words of the Abyss's keeper lingered in his mind, a constant reminder of the trials yet to come.