Phoenix Rising in the Eternal Abyss

Xie Wushen stood alone on his balcony, gazing out over the endless sea of clouds below. The wind whispered against his robes, but his mind was far from serene.

Images of her refused to fade.

The way she had ascended the Dragon's Gate—frail but unyielding. The way she had met his gaze at the peak, honeyed eyes streaked with exhaustion but filled with defiance.

His fist clenched at his side.

"Master! Master!" A bright, excitable voice shattered the quiet.

Xie Wushen sighed as a small, inky-black dragon darted from his sleeve, its serpentine form twisting in the air.

"You finally found someone with a Heavenly Phoenix Body!" The little creature nearly spun in circles from excitement, its silver eyes gleaming.

"It seems so." Xie Wushen muttered, but the words felt heavier than he intended.

The girl's image resurfaced in his mind—the sheer determination in her movements, the way she had collapsed at the finish line yet refused to bow. She was not weak. He exhaled sharply, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

His fist lashed out—crack!

The wooden railing beneath his hand splintered, fragments crumbling into the wind.

"Annoying." His voice was low, almost a growl.

The little dragon hovered just out of reach, unfazed.

"You need to go get her, Master!" It chirped eagerly. "All you have to do is dual cultivate with her, and your illness will finally settle down!"

Xie Wushen's red eyes darkened.

"Forget it." His tone was cold, dangerous. "I didn't need anyone to get me to where I am now, and I won't need anyone in the future. Especially not a woman."

The little dragon clicked its tongue in exasperation. It had witnessed too many scheming women try to worm their way into its master's favor—desperate, shallow attempts to claim his love, to gain his recognition.

But this girl…

"She seemed different, though," the dragon mused, settling onto his shoulder. "You must have noticed it too, Master. She wasn't the slightest bit interested in you."

Xie Wushen froze.

A flicker of something—annoyance? Irritation?—twisted in his chest.

The little dragon, oblivious to the sudden shift in mood, continued happily, "If anything, I'd say she was cozying up to Jiang Yuefeng instead! He seemed—"

Whoosh—

The dragon barely had time to yelp before Xie Wushen snatched it by the throat and flung it toward the open balcony.

It twisted mid-air, barely catching itself before tumbling off the edge.

"Annoying."

The words left his lips again, but this time, the irritation burned deeper.

Without another word, Xie Wushen turned sharply on his heel and stormed out, the door slamming shut behind him.

—x—

Lian Yu's first official day as a disciple of the Black Dragon Sect began at dawn. The moment the morning bells rang across the mountain, she was roused from her sleep.

The wooden room she had been given was simple—barely more than a bed, a table, and a small meditation mat—but it was hers. After years of being a mere servant, having even this small space felt surreal.

She changed into her new sect robes—black silk with embroidered silver dragons coiling along the sleeves, marking her as a new recruit—before stepping out into the crisp mountain air.

The sect grounds were even more breathtaking in the light of day. Towering pavilions, cascading waterfalls, and ancient training arenas carved into the mountainside stretched as far as she could see. Disciples moved in groups, practicing their techniques, sparring, or deep in cultivation.

For the first time in her life, she belonged to something greater.

She had no illusions—survival here would not be easy. But she had fought her way into this sect, and she wouldn't let anyone take this opportunity from her.

She was about to head toward the outer disciple training area when—

Thud!

A sudden force shoved her forward, and she stumbled, barely catching herself before hitting the ground.

Laughter rang out.

Lian Yu turned sharply, her gaze meeting a group of sneering female disciples.

She recognized their uniforms—outer disciples, but ones ranked higher than newcomers like herself. Unlike the fresh recruits, their robes bore red sashes, signifying their seniority.

"Look at her," one of them, a tall girl with raven-black hair and sharp, fox-like eyes, sneered. "Walking around like she's someone important, just because she got a bit of attention."

A second girl, a petite blonde, smirked. "She must think she's special, since Jiang Yuefeng was carrying her like some delicate flower. Or maybe she thinks she can climb into Xie Wushen's bed next?"

Lian Yu's jaw tightened.

So this was what it was about. The rumors had already begun to spread.

Jiang Yuefeng had carried her in plain view of everyone. Xie Wushen had acknowledged her existence. That was all it took for envy to turn into hostility.

"I don't care about either of them," she said evenly, not bothering to deny their accusations further.

"Lies," the black-haired girl scoffed, stepping forward. "Girls like you always play innocent, but in the end, you'll do anything to rise higher." Her eyes gleamed with malice. "But don't get ahead of yourself, or we'll make sure you don't rise at all."

The blonde girl giggled. "Maybe we should help remind her where she belongs."

Lian Yu's fingers curled into fists. They weren't going to let her walk away.

The black-haired girl lunged first, aiming to slap her. Lian Yu reacted purely on instinct—ducking low before pivoting to the side.

But before she could counterattack—

A sharp voice cut through the air.

"That's enough."

The group froze.

Lian Yu turned to see Jiang Xue standing there, arms crossed, golden eyes gleaming with amusement.

"J-Jiang Xue!" the black-haired girl stammered, eyes widening.

Jiang Xue smirked. "Picking on the new girl already? That's pretty pathetic."

The blonde girl's face twisted. "We were just putting her in her place—"

Jiang Xue stepped forward, and suddenly, the air around them grew heavier.

The pressure of her qi flared—controlled, refined, and overwhelming.

The girls shrank back instantly.

Jiang Xue tilted her head. "I don't remember any of you being qualified to decide her place."

Silence.

Then, the two girls bowed stiffly before turning and scurrying away, their pride wounded but their fear greater.

Once they were gone, Jiang Xue turned to Lian Yu.

She gave her a long, unreadable look before finally saying, "You really have a talent for making enemies, don't you?"

Lian Yu sighed. "I didn't ask for that."

Jiang Xue scoffed. "You don't have to. Jealousy is its own beast."

Lian Yu hesitated. "Why did you help me?"

Jiang Xue smirked. "Because you earned it."

Lian Yu blinked.

"I said I'd make sure you didn't belong here," Jiang Xue admitted, folding her arms. "But after that fight yesterday, I've changed my mind." Her golden eyes gleamed. "You're strong. You're not just some lucky girl with a rare body type. You actually have potential."

Lian Yu followed Jiang Xue through the sprawling sect grounds, taking in the grandeur of the Black Dragon Sect in its full glory. The sun hung high in the sky, casting golden light over the towering pagodas and stone pathways lined with dragon-etched pillars.

Jiang Xue moved with the confidence of someone who belonged, her steps firm and unhurried. "Since you're here to stay, you might as well learn the important places," she said, tossing a glance over her shoulder. "You wouldn't want to embarrass yourself by wandering into restricted areas."

Lian Yu scoffed. "Is that your way of looking out for me?"

Jiang Xue smirked. "Think of it as an act of mercy."

Lian Yu rolled her eyes, but deep down, she was grateful.

As they walked, Jiang Xue pointed toward a vast training ground where disciples sparred in fierce one-on-one battles. Their attacks sent waves of energy rippling through the air, swords clashing, and flames igniting as cultivators honed their techniques.

"This is the Combat Arena," Jiang Xue explained. "Outer and inner disciples train here daily. If you want to move up in the sect rankings, this is where you prove yourself."

Lian Yu watched as a disciple was sent flying backward, skidding across the stone before groaning in defeat. A senior disciple stood over him, shaking his head.

"No mercy?" Lian Yu muttered.

Jiang Xue chuckled. "In this sect? Never."

They continued down a long, winding path until they reached an expansive medicinal hall built into the side of the mountain. The air here was thick with the scent of herbs and elixirs, and disciples in white robes moved swiftly between wooden shelves lined with glowing bottles.

"The Alchemist Pavilion," Jiang Xue announced. "You'll want to remember this place. If you get injured—which you will—you come here." She gave Lian Yu a sideways look. "Or you could make friends with an alchemist and get some recovery pills for free."

Lian Yu snorted. "I'll keep that in mind."

The next stop was the Sect Library, an imposing multi-story building carved into the cliffs. The entrance was guarded by two stone dragon statues, their eyes glowing faintly with protective enchantments.

"This is where all the sect's techniques and manuals are stored," Jiang Xue said. "But don't get excited. Outer disciples like us aren't allowed on the upper floors."

Lian Yu raised an eyebrow. "And let me guess—Xie Wushen has access to everything?"

Jiang Xue scoffed. "Of course. The stronger you are, the more privileges you get."

Lian Yu sighed. The sect's hierarchy was clear—power ruled everything.

They finally arrived at the heart of the sect, where an enormous black pagoda stood, piercing the sky like an obsidian blade.

Lian Yu's breath caught. The tower was massive, far taller than any structure she had seen before. It seemed almost endless, stretching up into the heavens, its top shrouded by clouds.

"What is this?" she asked, awe creeping into her voice.

Jiang Xue smirked. "This is the Tower of Ascension."

Lian Yu turned to her, waiting for an explanation.

"It's a challenge tower," Jiang Xue continued, nodding toward the monolith at the base of the structure. "Each floor presents a new challenge—combat trials, illusion tests, endurance tests. The further you go, the harder it gets."

Lian Yu followed her gaze to the tower rankings carved into the black stone.

She immediately spotted a name at the very top.

— Xie Wushen – Floor 90

Her stomach twisted. "He got to level ninety?" she asked incredulously.

Jiang Xue crossed her arms. "Of course. No one's ever reached the top. The 100th floor is said to hold a trial no one has been able to pass."

Lian Yu studied the other names. Jiang Yuefeng and Wu Yilan were ranked high as well—Floors 75 and 77, respectively.

"Anyone can challenge the tower," Jiang Xue explained. "But if you don't make it past the first ten floors, you'll be considered a disgrace."

Lian Yu raised an eyebrow. "So, no pressure?"

Jiang Xue chuckled. "Oh, definitely pressure. You'll have to climb it eventually if you want to prove yourself."

Lian Yu stared at the looming tower, determination flickering in her chest. She gazed up at the Tower of Ascension, its peak lost in the clouds. The mere thought of climbing it sent a thrill through her veins.

Ninety floors… Xie Wushen reached ninety.

The monolith beside the tower recorded the rankings of the sect's strongest. Most disciples never made it past floor ten, and yet, Xie Wushen had reached the ninetieth floor, a feat unmatched by anyone in the Black Dragon Sect.

Lian Yu clenched her fists.

She would challenge the tower—just not yet.

She was too weak now. Her combat skills were rough, and she still hadn't fully grasped the power of her Heavenly Phoenix Body.

When she entered the tower, it would not be to fail. She would climb as high as possible, and when she did… she would leave her name on that monolith for all to see.

Jiang Xue watched her, amusement flickering in her golden eyes. "You're thinking about it, aren't you?"

Lian Yu exhaled. "Of course. But I'm not rushing in just to embarrass myself."

Jiang Xue smirked. "Good. At least you have some common sense. Most new disciples get cocky and challenge the tower too soon. They don't last five minutes."

Lian Yu didn't doubt it.

Jiang Xue crossed her arms. "Before you even think about stepping foot in there, you need techniques. You're too raw. No matter how much potential you have, without proper skills, you won't even survive the first few floors."

Lian Yu nodded. "Then let's go to the library."

The Sect Library was a towering structure, carved directly into the side of the mountain. Its massive stone doors were adorned with ancient runes, pulsing faintly with restrictive enchantments. Two stone dragon statues flanked the entrance, their eyes glowing as if watching those who entered.

Lian Yu and Jiang Xue stepped inside, the air thick with the scent of old parchment and the faint hum of spiritual energy. Rows upon rows of wooden shelves stretched endlessly, each lined with scrolls and manuals, their covers shimmering with protective formations.

The library was divided into four floors, each with increasing levels of restricted techniques:

First Floor – Basic martial arts, common techniques available to all outer disciples.

Second Floor – Mid-tier techniques, requiring contribution points or approval from an elder.

Third Floor – High-level sect techniques, reserved for inner disciples.

Fourth Floor – Forbidden and secret techniques, only accessible to the strongest of the sect.

Lian Yu already knew where she was allowed—the first floor.

Jiang Xue leaned against a nearby shelf, her expression unreadable. "Pick wisely. You only get access to a few techniques as a new disciple, and you'll need to train hard to master them."

Lian Yu wandered through the aisles, her fingers trailing along the scrolls. Each had a title engraved in glowing characters, detailing different skills.

'Iron Wind Fist'—a close-range combat technique that enhances physical strikes.

'Shadow Step'—a movement technique that allows short bursts of speed.

'Dragon Fang Palm'—a qi-based palm strike with concentrated force.

None of them felt… right. She frowned, stepping deeper into the shelves. There were dozens of techniques, yet none of them called to her.

Inside her dantian, the little phoenix stirred, letting out a soft, curious chirp.

Then, as if drawn by something unseen, her feet moved on their own. She stopped in front of a dust-covered shelf, set slightly apart from the rest.

One single scroll rested on the lower shelf, half-buried beneath other manuals. Unlike the others, its surface was old and faded, almost forgotten.

'Blazing Feather Arts.'

The little phoenix in her dantian chirped loudly, its excitement rippling through her veins.

Lian Yu's breath caught. She didn't know why, but this… this was the one.

She reached out and took the scroll.

The moment her fingers touched the parchment, a surge of heat pulsed through her palm, as if the scroll itself recognized her.

Jiang Xue raised an eyebrow. "That one?"

Lian Yu nodded.

Jiang Xue shrugged. "Well, your instincts better be right, because once you choose, there's no switching for a while."

Lian Yu wasn't worried. She could feel it—this technique belonged to her. She opened the scroll, her eyes scanning the words.

Blazing Feather Arts was a fire-based cultivation technique, one that emphasized speed, agility, and explosive power. It revolved around condensing phoenix flames into sharp feathers, which could be used as weapons or enhanced movement.

Lian Yu's heart pounded. It was perfect.

Jiang Xue peeked over her shoulder. "Interesting. Not the most powerful technique here, but it suits you."

Lian Yu rolled the scroll up and tucked it under her arm. "It's not about power. It just… feels right."

Jiang Xue smirked. "Then you'd better start training fast. The sect doesn't wait for the weak."

Lian Yu glanced around the library one last time before following Jiang Xue out.