Chapter 403: Deep End of the Abyss

Xu Yang and Wushuang gazed into the terrifying abyss that had just swallowed the mountain's peak. It seemed endless, and from its depths emanated a unique aura, unlike anything either of them had ever encountered.

"Perhaps the secret we're searching for, the disappearance of Xiao Hua, and the attack on Ji Ye—all the answers to these mysteries are hidden deep within this abyss!"

As Xu Yang spoke, Wushuang felt a growing apprehension. She knew he wouldn't ignore the abyss, yet the aura emanating from below sent shivers down her spine.

"Go back and wait for my news first."

Xu Yang gave Wushuang this instruction purely out of instinct, unaware that his underlying concern was the unknown risks she might face if she accompanied him into the depths.

This abyss was truly terrifying.

Even someone as powerful as Xu Yang wasn't confident he could emerge unharmed. In such a perilous place, he couldn't possibly allow Wushuang to risk it with him; it was far safer to send her away with an excuse.

However, Wushuang found this utterly impossible.

"You understand, our time together might be limited. I can't possibly let you face this danger alone. Even if it means death, I will be with you."

Wushuang's resolve once again astonished Xu Yang.

They exchanged no more words; their eyes met, and in that shared gaze, they seemed to fully understand each other's unspoken thoughts.

Xu Yang no longer tried to dissuade her, instead nodding gravely. He wanted Wushuang to understand that he, her man, possessed the strength to protect her, and no matter the peril, he would ensure her safety.

Without further hesitation, and after sending a soul message to the Empress, they both plunged simultaneously into the endless, dark abyss.

During their descent, nothing unusual occurred at first, perhaps due to a strong connection with the outside world. However, once they plunged past two thousand meters, an inexplicable sense of dread rapidly enveloped their souls.

Xu Yang was not entirely unfamiliar with that aura; in a daze, he felt as if he had been transported back to the moment he became trapped within the illusory boundary of the Endless Tower.

"If I'm not mistaken, this should be the passage leading back to the real world. However, it doesn't appear to be fully open yet!"

Seeing Xu Yang's resolute expression, Wushuang naturally believed him. However, if this place truly was a passage, then everything that was about to unfold would likely exceed her wildest expectations, and her role would be quite limited.

They continued their descent for an unknown duration until they finally landed steadily in an underground space bathed entirely in an eerie blue light. It was chilling, bizarre, and unfathomable—more akin to a realm from the imagined underworld.

"What a terrifying place. I can feel my human essence power being immensely suppressed here."

"Indeed, I feel the same. The difference is, here, I can more clearly sense the fluctuations of my original power. This means my previous hypothesis can likely be confirmed: this place is undoubtedly the closest point in the entire fantasy world to the real world."

"I'm impressed you discovered my presence so quickly, Xu Yang. You truly haven't disappointed me."

Just then, a sudden, familiar voice echoed in their ears. Xu Yang and Wushuang simultaneously turned around, only to see Ji Ye, his face stained with blood, slowly materialize before them.

"How did you become like this? Who did this to you?"

"Aren't you looking for your Xiao Hua? Take a closer look at who I truly am."

At that moment, Ji Ye, who had been cloaked in black, lifted his hood. To Xu Yang and Wushuang's utter astonishment, the figure before them possessed Xiao Hua's exact silhouette, yet spoke with Ji Ye's unmistakable voice.

"Xiao Hua, what in the world is happening? What have you all endured?"

"Hahahaha, Xu Yang, haven't you always wished to return to the real world? Very well, now you face a choice."

In that very instant, without any warning, Wushuang was silently transported from Xu Yang's side to stand beside Xiao Hua, who remained cloaked in black. Xu Yang hadn't detected even the slightest fluctuation of aura during the entire process.

Xiao Hua and Wushuang now stood simultaneously before Xu Yang, a clear choice presented by an unknown, mysterious powerful entity.

"Are you implying that I can only take one of them out of this fantasy world?"

"You've only guessed half correctly. The other half of the answer is that the one you forsake will be condemned to eternal suffering."

Strangely, both Xiao Hua and Wushuang remained perfectly calm, smiling serenely as they looked at Xu Yang, as if they would have no regrets regardless of his choice. Simultaneously, the cold voice emanating from Xiao Hua's form gradually soared into the void, and Ji Ye's spectral form quickly solidified independently.

"Young Master, quick, escape! He's not Ji Ye at all; Ji Ye has been killed by him!"

Xiao Hua's voice resonated once more, revealing her true soul's will.

Xu Yang, of course, completely trusted everything Xiao Hua had just told him.

"So that's it. If I'm not mistaken, you are the master who created this world—the Carefree Daoist Lord, aren't you?"

"Hahahaha!!"

The voice, now possessing Ji Ye's spectral form, merely laughed wildly, offering Xu Yang neither an affirmative nor a negative reply.

"Although you are powerful, I must remind you that within the confines of the Endless Tower, whether in the fantasy world or the real world, your current strength is insufficient to contend with me."

Xu Yang sneered, "I have never compromised with any opponent, no matter how powerful they may be, even if they transcend gods. I, Xu Yang, remain fearless. As for the choice you've presented me, I will create a third answer."

Ji Ye's spectral form seemed immensely intrigued by Xu Yang's defiance.

"Heh, you remain as confident as ever. Then I shall see if your strength truly matches your conviction."

In the next instant, Xiao Hua and Wushuang were completely bound by a spectral blue spatial seal. Though neither sustained any injury, their movements were utterly restricted.

与此同时, the spectral form, bearing Ji Ye's exact silhouette, surged towards Xu Yang with immense pressure.

Although it was merely a spectral aura, each of its movements unleashed a terrifying suppressive force, far exceeding that of the Black Dragon King.

Xu Yang was again certain that this soul power was inextricably linked to the will of the Carefree Daoist Lord.

The opponent, it seemed, had no intention of utterly crushing him; he still appeared to be engaged in a game.

However, Xu Yang merely responded to the spectral form with a faint smile.

"You believe yourself to be the strategist, but in truth, everyone else is merely a pawn."