Chapter 73: Shadows of the Abyss

The air was heavy with the lingering scent of abyssal mist, a chilling reminder of Mo Tian's presence. The chamber that once echoed with the roars of the Abyssal Dragon now lay in eerie silence. Jin Long leaned against Yue Lan, his breaths ragged, his muscles aching from the relentless battle.

"Jin Long, we need to get you somewhere safe," Yue Lan whispered, her eyes scanning the area for any lingering threats.

Jin Long shook his head, his gaze fixed on the spot where Mo Tian had vanished. "He's still out there. And he knows about the Celestial Keys now."

Yue Lan's jaw clenched. "Which means he'll be coming for them. And we don't even know how many he already has."

Jin Long's eyes narrowed. "We need to regroup and gather information. If Mo Tian is hunting the Celestial Keys, then we need to find them before he does."

Yue Lan nodded. "There's someone who might have answers."

Jin Long raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"The Oracle of the Lunar Shrine," Yue Lan said. "She's said to be able to peer into the Void and see glimpses of the future. If anyone knows where the Celestial Keys are hidden, it's her."

Jin Long pushed himself off the wall, steadying himself. "Then we head to the Lunar Shrine."

Yue Lan hesitated, glancing down at Jin Long's trembling hands. "Are you sure you're ready for another journey? You just fought against Mo Tian, and the Core's energy is still unstable."

Jin Long clenched his fists, feeling the Genesis Core pulse within him. "I can't rest now. Mo Tian is getting stronger. We can't afford to waste any time."

Yue Lan sighed but nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. "Alright. Let's move."

---

The path to the Lunar Shrine was treacherous, winding through dense forests and jagged mountains. Shadows loomed over them, the trees twisting as if they were watching, listening.

Yue Lan led the way, her whip at the ready. Jin Long followed closely behind, his senses on high alert. The Genesis Core continued to pulse within him, but each surge of power felt more erratic, more difficult to control.

"Are you feeling alright?" Yue Lan asked, her eyes flicking back to him.

Jin Long wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. "I'll be fine."

But even as he said it, a wave of dizziness washed over him. He stumbled, catching himself against a tree.

Yue Lan rushed to his side, concern evident in her eyes. "Jin Long, you're pushing yourself too hard."

Jin Long gritted his teeth. "I don't have a choice. If I don't master the Core's power—"

"You'll lose yourself to it," Yue Lan finished, her voice firm. "The Core is powerful, but it's also volatile. You need to find balance, or it will consume you."

Jin Long's fists clenched, frustration simmering beneath the surface. "How can I find balance when Mo Tian is out there, gaining strength?"

Before Yue Lan could respond, a rustling echoed from the shadows. The trees trembled, and a chilling wind swept through the forest.

Jin Long's eyes sharpened. "We're not alone."

From the darkness, shadowy figures emerged—warriors cloaked in abyssal mist, their eyes glowing with a crimson light. At the forefront was a tall, imposing figure—a man clad in dark armor, a cruel smile twisting his lips.

"Well, well," the man said, his voice dripping with malice. "If it isn't the Core Vessel himself. Mo Tian sends his regards."

Jin Long stepped forward, drawing his sword. "If Mo Tian wants me, he can come himself."

The man chuckled. "Oh, he will. But for now, I'll be more than enough to deal with you."

Yue Lan stepped beside Jin Long, her whip crackling with electricity. "You'll have to get through both of us."

The man's smile widened. "Good. I was hoping for a warm-up."

With a wave of his hand, the abyssal warriors lunged forward, their weapons gleaming with dark energy. Jin Long tightened his grip on his sword, feeling the Genesis Core surge within him. The battle was far from over, and the abyss had only just begun to reveal its true depths.