The wind had settled, but an eerie stillness lingered in its place. A slow breath escaped into the cold mountain air, forming a thin mist. The body felt lighter than ever before, unburdened by the constraints of conventional martial arts. Something beyond mere techniques had been created.
Yet, something still eluded him.
The Finality Beyond Gods: Zenith Extermination.
To complete the martial path, more than mastery was needed. Enlightenment was the key.
Instincts led the way, guiding each step down from the mountain peaks into the depths of the unknown. After hours of travel, the entrance of a deep, yawning chasm came into view—the Whispering Abyss. Legends spoke of the abyss as an ancient scar left by a battle between gods and demons. It was said that those who entered either never returned or emerged changed beyond recognition.
A smirk formed, black hair swaying slightly while gazing down. "This looks fun," came the quiet mutter. The excitement was genuine. Places like these had only existed in manhwa before, but now, standing before one in reality, the thrill sent a shiver through the spine.
"Master, we must proceed with caution," said a voice behind him. It was Elder Huo, an old martial expert assigned by the sect to observe. Despite his age, Elder Huo had witnessed countless prodigies, yet something about this young warrior unsettled him. It wasn't just the carefree attitude but the aura of sheer dominance carried effortlessly.
A stretch, a crack of the neck, then a step forward. "I don't do caution, old man. I do experience."
The moment a foot touched the first step descending into the abyss, a gust of wind howled past, carrying with it a chorus of whispers. They were unintelligible at first, but upon focus, fragments of speech became clear.
"He walks the path... but does he understand?"
"A body of contradiction... neither divine nor demonic."
The playful smile never wavered. "Ah, the classic ominous warnings. That means I'm in the right place."
As the descent continued, the darkness thickened, swallowing even the faintest traces of light. Elder Huo hesitated but followed. The abyss was known to test one's mind, unraveling hidden fears and forcing warriors to face their deepest truths. However, there was no sign of hesitation here.
After several minutes, the path widened into a vast underground cavern. At its center lay a massive obsidian altar pulsating with crimson light. Ancient runes lined its surface, exuding a mixture of divine and demonic energy.
"This is it," came a whisper, eyes gleaming with interest. A hand reached out to the altar. The moment fingers made contact, a surge of energy coursed through the body—pure, raw power clashing within. The Supreme Martial Eyes, still dormant, twitched as if sensing the overwhelming force.
A sudden voice echoed through the cavern, far more distinct than the whispers before.
"Child of contradiction... your fate was sealed long before your birth."
A shadow emerged from the altar, forming into a towering figure. It had no definite shape—shifting between a horned demon, a celestial god, and a humanoid entity wreathed in flames. Its gaze locked onto the intruder, pressing down like a mountain of divine authority.
Elder Huo dropped to his knees, unable to withstand the aura. But the warrior simply cracked his knuckles.
"Sealed fate?" came the amused reply, grinning. "Sounds boring. Let's rewrite it."
With those words, the cavern trembled, and the shadow lunged forward.