"Heart of the World: The Rise of the Eternal Guardian"

The colossal shadow entity, now identified by the system as the Abyssal Warden, loomed before the group. Its deep red eyes burned with hatred, and the runes across its body pulsated in rhythm with the Abyssal Core behind it.

Xiao Tian tightened his grip on his sword, stepping forward to face the creature alone. "Focus on the core! I'll keep this thing occupied."

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Splitting the Task

Renxue hesitated but nodded, her golden aura flaring. "Be careful, Xiao Tian. We'll destroy the core as quickly as we can."

Mei Lan grinned, flames sparking in her hands. "Let's melt that thing into nothing!"

Ling'er froze the ground ahead, creating a path to the core. "I'll shield us from any interference."

Zhao Yue and Feng Yue flanked the group, their shadowy and illusory powers ready to disrupt any approaching threats. Yueling followed at the rear, her healing light keeping everyone invigorated.

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The Duel

The Abyssal Warden roared, the sound shaking the chamber. It lunged at Xiao Tian, its massive claws tearing through the air. Xiao Tian dodged swiftly, countering with a powerful slash of his divine blade. The strike cleaved through the Warden's dark aura, but the creature barely staggered.

"You're stronger than I expected," Xiao Tian muttered, his eyes narrowing.

The Warden retaliated, unleashing a shockwave of abyssal energy. Xiao Tian raised a golden barrier, the energy dispersing harmlessly. As he prepared his next attack, the system chimed:

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[New Skill Unlocked: Abyssal Purge]

Effect: A concentrated strike that purges abyssal energy from its source.

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Golden light surged through Xiao Tian's sword as he activated the skill. The energy condensed into a radiant beam that struck the Warden, tearing through its defenses.

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Destroying the Core

Meanwhile, the others reached the Abyssal Core. Renxue drove her spear into its surface, golden light spreading across its dark shell. Mei Lan's flames followed, cracking the core's outer layer.

"Almost there!" Ling'er called, reinforcing their efforts with icy blasts.

As the core began to collapse, a desperate howl echoed from the Warden.

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Victory

With a final coordinated attack, the Abyssal Core shattered, and the Warden dissolved into black mist. The ruins fell silent as the oppressive aura lifted.

Xiao Tian joined his companions, his voice steady. "The rift is sealed, but this was only a warning. We must prepare for what's coming."