The Trial of the Dark Abyss 

Chapter 67: The Trial of the Dark Abyss 

— Han Feng silently passed through the deep forest of the Western Region, his black and purple robes were looming in the shadows around. Not long after a leap to Rank 4, the movement of energy within his body was akin to the arch of a terrifying stream. Each step he took was lighter, each movement more lethal. But he realized that brute strength would not suffice. He couldn't stop at this, rather, he required unique treasures, Gu, to fortify himself and get ready for the tribulations that were sure to come. [Blinded by ancient data, Han Feng saw a giant black hole lying ahead, regarded as Dark Abyss by local cultivators.] They also mentioned that there were natural resources hidden in this ravine that could increase a Gu Master strength immensely. Yet there were also many dangers, those Gu beasts and spiritual entities who had devoured an unknowable amount of ignorant cultivators. Han Feng lowered his head, and his purple pupils glimmered faintly. "But if it were easy, it wouldn't be worth it," he whispered, then leaped into the abyss. It was a short drop, a few seconds, after which his feet landed on one of the stone platforms, jutting from the cliff wall. Immediately upon arriving, he was hit with an unusual presence. Miasmatic energy in the form of black clouds permeated the surrounding environment with a vile and dense scent. Han Feng utilized his spirit perception. He could sense creatures thrumming in the shadows. And then came a shrill yelp out of the stillness. A Gu beast, like a black wolf covered in a thick red venom with poisonous claws lunged out from the shadows towards him. Han Feng moved his hand with no delay. The Dark Chaos Gu was activated in an instant, forming a blade of black energy that cut through the air. The wolf never had a chance. Its body was split in two in an instant and its dark blood flooded the floor. "The first of many," Han Feng said, with a cold chuckle. He darted through the abyss, avoiding ambushes and hacking everything that came near. They explored for several hours before our boy Han Feng found what he was looking for. At the centre of an underground clearing, a thumping stone hovered over an altar of bones. This was also a Dark Essence Crystal, a legendary material that could evolve dark-type Gu to a new dimension. But he was not alone. A shiver ran through the cave with a cold laugh. "I never thought I would find myself someone around here that was as brazen as I am." Han Feng looked back, to see a man in black and white robes, with a skull symbol on his chest. He instantly realized what the emblem was—the Celestial Corpse Sect! The man smiled. "I will be generous." Leave the crystal and I will let you live. Han Feng squinted his eyes and chuckled. "Try to catch me if you can." With a blink, both of them hurtled forward at the speed of light, the actual challenge of the Dark Abyss commenced.