Into the Evernight

Chapter 15: Into the Evernight

The expedition to the Ruins of Evernight began under a moonless sky. A small but determined group, led by Sect Mistress Li Qing, made their way through the dense, mist-laden forests that marked the outskirts of the forbidden ruins.

The party consisted of handpicked cultivators from the Jade Serpent Sect, Blazing Forge Clan, and Whispering Pines Sect, along with a few rogue cultivators who had been persuaded by the promise of survival—or vengeance. Each member carried talismans designed to ward off the corrupting influence of the Abyss, but the air around them grew heavier with every step.

The First Threshold

By dawn, the group reached the edge of the Ruins of Evernight. Towering black spires jutted out of the ground like jagged teeth, their surfaces covered in ancient, glowing runes that pulsed faintly with a sickly green light. The land around the ruins was barren, the soil cracked and lifeless.

Li Qing raised a hand, signaling the group to halt. "We've reached the outer boundary. The Abyssal energy here will test your resolve. Stay close, and do not stray from the path."

Elder Fang stepped forward, her weathered hands clutching an ancient map. "The Ruins are divided into layers, each more dangerous than the last. The texts we seek are likely in the central sanctum, where the Abyss's influence is strongest."

A young rogue cultivator scoffed. "How do we even know the texts exist? This could be a wild goose chase."

Li Qing's gaze was icy. "You can leave if you doubt us, but understand this: Zhao Rui won't stop. If we fail here, there will be no place left to hide."

The rogue cultivator fell silent, his discomfort clear.

The Whispers Begin

As the group ventured deeper, the oppressive atmosphere weighed on them. Shadows seemed to move at the edge of their vision, and faint whispers echoed through the air.

"Do you hear that?" one of the Blazing Forge disciples asked, gripping his sword tightly.

"It's the Abyss," Elder Fang replied. "It preys on your fears and desires. Ignore it, or you'll fall before we even begin."

The whispers grew louder as they reached a shattered gateway, its massive stone doors ajar. A faint, eerie light spilled out, illuminating a long, spiraling staircase that descended into the earth.

"This is it," Elder Fang said. "The true entrance to the Ruins."

The Descent

The staircase seemed endless, each step dragging the group deeper into darkness. The air grew colder, and the whispers became more distinct, their voices seductive and insidious.

Li Qing pressed a hand to her chest, where her protective talisman glowed faintly. She could feel the Abyss testing her will, its voice promising power and freedom from her burdens. She gritted her teeth and pushed the temptation aside.

Behind her, a Blazing Forge disciple faltered. His eyes glazed over as he muttered incoherently. "If I had power… I could have saved them… I could…"

Before anyone could react, the disciple stepped off the staircase, vanishing into the shadows below. His scream was short-lived.

"Keep moving!" Li Qing commanded, her voice sharp. "Do not listen to it!"

The loss cast a pall over the group, but they pressed on, their determination outweighing their fear.

The First Trial

At the bottom of the staircase, the group entered a vast chamber filled with broken pillars and pools of stagnant water. Strange symbols glowed faintly on the walls, their light casting eerie reflections.

Elder Fang studied the symbols, her brow furrowed. "This is a trial chamber. The Abyss uses these to test intruders. We must proceed carefully."

The ground trembled, and a massive figure emerged from the shadows. It was a guardian forged of Abyssal energy, its form a grotesque amalgamation of flesh and stone. Its hollow eyes glowed with malevolence as it let out a guttural roar.

Han Tie stepped forward, his fiery aura flaring. "I'll handle this!"

He charged at the guardian, his flaming war hammer striking with explosive force. The creature staggered but quickly retaliated, its claws raking through the air with terrifying speed.

The rest of the group joined the fight, their attacks coordinated but strained. The guardian's Abyssal energy seemed to absorb some of their strikes, its wounds healing almost as quickly as they were inflicted.

"This isn't working!" one of the Jade Serpent disciples shouted.

Elder Fang raised her voice. "It's a trial! There's always a condition to overcome it. Look for the key!"

Li Qing scanned the room, her eyes falling on a set of glowing runes etched into the far wall. She sprinted toward them, dodging falling debris and the guardian's thrashing limbs.

"Keep it busy!" she shouted.

As the others fought to hold the guardian at bay, Li Qing reached the runes. She placed her hand on them, pouring her spiritual energy into the symbols. They began to glow brighter, and the guardian let out an agonized scream.

The creature's form started to dissolve, its Abyssal energy dissipating into the air.

A Moment of Respite

The chamber fell silent, the oppressive atmosphere lifting slightly. The group gathered near the now-dim runes, their exhaustion evident.

"That was just the first trial," Elder Fang said grimly. "It will only get harder from here."

Han Tie wiped sweat from his brow, his expression a mix of frustration and respect. "You were right, Elder Fang. The Abyss doesn't just test your strength—it tests your mind."

Li Qing nodded. "We need to stay sharp. Every step we take brings us closer to the truth—and closer to Zhao Rui."

The group rested briefly before continuing deeper into the Ruins, their resolve unshaken despite the dangers ahead.

Unbeknownst to them, shadows flickered in the distance. Zhao Rui's agents had entered the Ruins, their presence a dark omen for what lay ahead.