Chapter 31: Shadow of the Abyss

The air in the arena grew deathly still. The dark sigil above pulsed like a beating heart, casting an ominous glow over the battlefield. Jiang Cheng felt an unnatural pressure weighing down on him, not just physically but spiritually. This presence… It's not just a demonic technique. It's something far more ancient.

Luo Qingfeng stood in the crater, his body trembling violently. The black veins across his skin thickened, his muscles convulsing as if something inside him was struggling to break free. Then, a low, bone-chilling voice resonated from his mouth—but it was not his own.

"He… has been chosen."

Jiang Cheng's eyes narrowed. This is no longer a battle between disciples. Something else has taken control.

Luo Qingfeng's lips twisted into a grotesque smile. His irises turned pitch black, and a dark flame ignited around his body. He took a step forward, and the entire arena trembled.

The elders watching from above exchanged concerned glances.

"This… this is beyond demonic cultivation," one muttered.

"That sigil… I've read about it in ancient records. It belongs to something even the Celestial Sects feared in the past," another elder whispered.

"Should we interfere?"

Elder Bai from the Heavenly Sword Sect clenched his fists. "If Jiang Cheng can't suppress him soon, we'll have no choice."

Meanwhile, Jiang Cheng took a deep breath, adjusting his stance. If I hesitate now, whatever is inside Luo Qingfeng will spread its influence further. I have to end this.

With that thought, he activated Heaven Blitzing Step, vanishing in a blur.

A thunderous explosion echoed as he reappeared in front of Luo Qingfeng, his palm glowing with the power of Mountain Collapsing Palm.

Boom!

The strike landed directly on Luo Qingfeng's chest, sending him skidding backward. The ground cracked under the force. But instead of showing pain, Luo Qingfeng merely tilted his head—and laughed.

"You think such a crude technique can harm me now?"

Before Jiang Cheng could react, a shadowy arm shot from Luo Qingfeng's back, stretching unnaturally as it clawed toward him.

Jiang Cheng dodged at the last moment, but a searing pain erupted in his side. The mere touch of the shadow left a burning sensation on his skin.

Not just physical damage… It's attacking my soul!

Luo Qingfeng's voice distorted. "Your resistance is impressive, but it is futile. The abyss claims all in the end."

Jiang Cheng's gaze turned cold. "Then I'll sever the abyss itself!"

He raised his hand, summoning his sword, Azure Tempest. A sharp hum resonated as the blade drank in his qi, glowing with a brilliant silver light.

Luo Qingfeng's smile faltered for the first time.

Jiang Cheng pressed his fingers against the sword's surface, channeling his energy through it. "Let's see how the abyss fares against celestial steel!"

With a single motion, he unleashed Heavenly Severance, a technique designed to cut through even the strongest defenses.

A crescent arc of light slashed through the battlefield, illuminating the darkened sky.

Luo Qingfeng raised his arms to block, but the moment the celestial energy made contact with his corrupted flesh—

Ssssss!

A hideous screech echoed as smoke rose from his arms. The darkness receded slightly, and for a moment, Luo Qingfeng's real voice surfaced.

"Jiang Cheng… Help me…"

But the abyss wasn't done with him yet. The sigil in the sky flared, and an unseen force forced him upright, his body convulsing as more dark tendrils burst forth.

The elders watching could no longer stay silent. Elder Bai stood abruptly. "Enough! This presence is a threat to all of us!"

Just as they prepared to intervene—

Boom!

Jiang Cheng stepped forward, his aura surging. "I said I'd handle this!"

His voice carried such dominance that even the elders hesitated. A golden glow surrounded him as he activated Vajra Diamond Body, reinforcing himself against the corrupting energy.

Luo Qingfeng lunged forward, his corrupted arms twisting into monstrous claws.

Jiang Cheng met him head-on. Their clash sent shockwaves throughout the arena, shaking even the spectators in the stands.

Luo Qingfeng struck with wild, chaotic power, his attacks fueled by the abyss itself. But Jiang Cheng was precise, his swordplay honed through countless battles. Every movement countered the darkness, slicing away at the corruption piece by piece.

Then, Jiang Cheng saw his opening.

With a swift motion, he switched to Soaring Dragon Slash, his sword moving like a divine meteor descending from the heavens.

The blade cleaved through Luo Qingfeng's chest.

A moment of silence followed.

Then—

Screeeeech!

The darkness inside Luo Qingfeng shrieked, unraveling like a severed puppet's strings. The sigil in the sky flickered, its power severed by Jiang Cheng's attack.

Luo Qingfeng collapsed, his body returning to normal—lifeless, yet peaceful.

Jiang Cheng exhaled, gripping his sword tightly. It's over.

Or so he thought.

Because deep beneath the arena, something stirred.

And far away, in a hidden temple where robed figures knelt before a black altar, a single voice echoed.

"The abyss has noticed him."