Entering the Underground Cave

October 31.

Name: Su Yi

Realm: Third-Rank Martial Artist

Blood Qi: 1255/1299 Cal

Mentality: 619 Hz/629 Hz

Bone Tempering: 177 bones (100%), 29 bones (30%)

Knowledge: Mid Grade Combat Method—Falling Blossom Sword—Major Achievement {Optimization +2}; Mid-Grade Footwork—Cloud Step—Major Achievement {Optimization +2}; Basic Cultivation Method—Tempering Method {Optimization +4}; Horse Stance {Optimization +1}—Standing Void Realm; Basic Fist Technique—Major Achievement;

Basic Leg Technique—Major Achievement; Basic Sword Technique—Major Achievement {Optimization +1};

Energy: 312005 points

Damage Status: 20.33%

Ignoring the turmoil of the outside world, Su Yi continued cultivating combat methods and honing his realm.

He had finally brought his control over the combat method's burst power to around 50%. It was time to enter the Abyss.

After making arrangements with Wu Kuishan and agreeing on a departure time, Su Yi stood before the mirror, his thoughts inexplicably tangled. The day had finally come.

Su Yi could not put his current feelings into words. Was it fear, or excitement? He had prepared for so long, yet before setting off, he still felt an inexplicable dread.

He rubbed his face hard and muttered, "Su Yi, there's no turning back for you now. This was your own choice."

That was right. There was no turning back. He himself had cast aside the path of becoming an ordinary person.

Then he would keep walking. Keep walking all the way.

The constant mental reinforcement gradually hardened Su Yi's gaze. It was only the Abyss.

"Many people enter the Abyss the moment they Breakthrough to Third-Rank. I'm already at Third-Rank High Stage, with Blood Qi as high as 1300 Cal. Even an ordinary Third-Rank Peak only has around 1000 Cal.

"I've even tempered my Bone Marrow, mastered my combat methods, and my weapon is C-Grade Alloy. Among Third-Ranks, who can compare to me? They can go—so what does an invincible Third-Rank like me have to fear?"

Su Yi opened his eyes, and his entire presence surged.

When Su Yi appeared before Wu Kuishan, Wu Kuishan was stunned.

They had not seen each other for only a few days, yet when they met again, Su Yi was brimming with vigor, radiating the aura of one who stood alone against all!

Had his essence, qi, and spirit become one?

But Su Yi had not walked the invincible path, had he?

Invincibility at Third-Rank had to be fought for. One had to truly fight until no one dared question it before one could possess such an aura.

Wu Kuishan had originally planned to let Su Yi enter the Abyss a few times, then arrange for him to walk the Third-Rank invincible path after reaching Third-Rank Peak.

"What is this?"

Faced with Wu Kuishan's confusion, Su Yi held his head high and thrust out his chest, his confidence reaching its peak. "Teacher, I was invincible to begin with. Why would I need to walk some invincible path?"

What terrifying confidence!

Was Su Yi invincible at Third-Rank?

He had fought far too little. There was simply no reference point at all—what gave him the right to believe he was invincible?

The overwhelming confidence Su Yi displayed left Wu Kuishan somewhat speechless. Were young people these days all this wild?

From the look of things, Su Yi completely believed that he was invincible in the Third-Rank realm. Otherwise, his essence, qi, and spirit would not have become one.

Such confidence was a good thing. With his essence, qi, and spirit as one, the path to Grandmasterhood could be considered open to him in the future.

Still, Wu Kuishan was somewhat worried. It would not be good for this brat to become too swollen with confidence on his first trip into the Abyss.

Wu Kuishan gave Su Yi a long, deep look and said gravely, "Confidence is a good thing, but don't become overconfident. Don't underestimate any Abyss Warrior."

"Of course."

Wu Kuishan said no more. He had already said what needed to be said—and what did not—countless times.

Wu Kuishan drove Su Yi toward the Abyss entrance.

After driving for more than ten minutes, he suddenly stopped and called for Su Yi to get out.

Though he had mentally prepared himself, Su Yi was still shaken to the core.

A military restricted zone built from barbed-wire fences that stretched beyond sight. A guard every three steps, a sentry every five—soldiers stood everywhere, holding guns on alert!

Looking through the gaps in the wire fence, tanks could be seen everywhere, with virtually no opening to slip through.

Cannons and rocket launchers also flashed into view from the various defensive fortifications.

And these were merely the military forces visible to the eye.

Wu Kuishan led Su Yi toward the gate. The defenses there were equally tight; weapons inside were already trained on them.

Several martial artists of no less than Third Rank stood at the entrance, vigilantly sweeping their gazes over them.

"Demon City Martial University, Weapon Academy's Wu Kuishan, accompanied by Magic Martial Academy student Su Yi, requesting entry into the abyss!"

"Documents. Entry permit!"

A Military Department martial artist swept his sharp, imposing gaze over the two of them.

Wu Kuishan was meticulous as ever, taking out his identification and the entry permit he had applied for.

The entry permit had been prepared for Su Yi. After all, it was his first time here; he would not need it in the future.

Once someone had entered and a record had been made, they would only need their Martial Arts Certificate the next time.

Su Yi also took out his Martial Arts Certificate for verification, and his bag had to be inspected as well.

Su Yi had learned the basic rules in class: technological products were not permitted inside the abyss.

His bag contained only two sets of clothes and some Healing Pills.

He had long since put on his custom-made Leather Armor and boots, carried his sword with him, and stored all his other valuables in the storage room.

There was nothing he should not have brought, so the inspection was quickly completed.

Once the inspection ended, the soldier who had checked them gave a military salute.

"For the defense of our homes and nation, for humanity—we fight! Return in triumph!"

That resounding roar inexplicably stirred Su Yi's emotions, and the blood in his veins began to boil.

The soldier did not lower his arm until Wu Kuishan and Su Yi had disappeared into the depths of the base. These were Abyss Warriors!

Outside, martial artists were divided into Blood Qi martial artists and combat martial artists.

But here, they were divided into surface martial artists and Abyss Warriors!

Only those who charged into the abyss were true heroes!

"How does it feel?"

Wu Kuishan walked half a step ahead of Su Yi and asked calmly.

"A little heavy. All of a sudden, it feels like the burden on my shoulders has become much greater!"

Wu Kuishan said solemnly, "That is what it means to be a martial artist!"

Su Yi nodded without speaking and continued following Wu Kuishan forward.

Along the way, the base's interior was heavily guarded. Sentries stood everywhere, everyone carried guns, and martial artists could be seen at every turn.

Su Yi even saw a murderous-looking unit withdrawing, their bodies covered in blood. Perhaps they had just come off the battlefield.

After walking for five or six minutes, they finally reached their destination: a metal hall guarded even more heavily than before!

There were still large numbers of soldiers stationed here, along with many more martial artists.

Wu Kuishan spoke with the other side for a while. Soon, a perfectly seamless alloy door within slowly opened.

"This is the door leading underground, and also the final line of defense."

Having just left the passageway, they entered another enormous, empty hall!

At the center of the hall stood a huge display screen.

Continuing to purchase Cultivation Energy Stones, unlimited quantities!

Purchasing the hearts of Mid-Rank Abyss Warriors.

The Fourth Defense Entrance is in critical condition! Mid-Rank martial artists urgently needed for defense!

Purchasing all kinds of spirit fruits and medicinal herbs, primarily Hundred-Tempering Fruit, Vein-Shaping Flower, Luosheng Fruit...

After one glance, Su Yi withdrew his gaze.

Wu Kuishan explained beside him, "It's like our mission system. Most Martial University missions come from here. As long as you obtain something in the abyss, if it has value, you can exchange it at the Military Department or at designated purchasing locations."

A few minutes later, they finally reached the end of the mission hall.

An enormous alloy door blocked the path to the abyss.

The entire door was bronze in color and nearly ten meters tall, fused with the surrounding alloy walls. Only a smaller door, a little taller than a person, had been opened within it.

"Is this the abyss entrance?"

Su Yi was somewhat puzzled. Wasn't there supposed to be an Energy Passage like a spatial vortex?

Wu Kuishan explained, "We built this door. The original entrance was a passage resembling a spatial vortex.

This door was forged from A-Grade Alloy. Even a High Rank would need some time to break through it. Everything is for the sake of resisting invasions by abyssal creatures."

Su Yi understood. Although he had read the original novel and carefully recalled its contents, there were still many details he had not remembered clearly.

An A-Grade Alloy door ten meters tall—how many resources must that have taken?

Martial artists were also stationed at the door.

There were not many people—only two, both middle-aged martial artists. One was tall, while the other was even more rugged.

Seeing Wu Kuishan arrive with someone, the Tall Martial Artist smiled and nodded at him. "Old Wu, is this your student? He's got quite the presence."

Wu Kuishan nodded with a light smile.

The Rugged Martial Artist stared at Su Yi, seeming to find him familiar. After a moment's hesitation, he called out, "Su Yi?"

Su Yi froze for a moment, then nodded.

The Rugged Martial Artist broke into a broad grin and praised him repeatedly. "Not bad. A fine prospect."

The Tall Martial Artist was stunned and hurriedly asked, "Zuo Gang, he's Su Yi?"

Over the past few days, they had also heard that Magic Martial Academy had produced a Prodigy Youth who had created a new Tempering Method, though he had never seen a photograph.

Zuo Gang shot him an annoyed look. "Yes!"

The Tall Martial Artist looked at Su Yi with keen curiosity and smiled. "As expected of Magic Martial Academy's prodigy. You're already at Third-Rank High Stage."

Su Yi had heard this sort of praise far too often. He smiled politely in response.

Wu Kuishan waved a hand and urged, "All right, let us go in first."

"What's the rush?"

The Tall Martial Artist snapped back at Wu Kuishan irritably, but he still took Su Yi's Martial Arts Certificate. He explained as he did so, "Everyone has to be checked the first time they come in. There won't be any need next time.

"Be careful after you enter. Since it's your first time in there, no one expects you to kill enemies. Don't try to show off—remember to act within your limits."

The Tall Martial Artist was rather long-winded, but his concern was plain.

After passing through the small door, Su Yi finally saw the entrance to the Underground Cave. Like a whirlpool in water, it floated in midair.

The Tall Martial Artist looked at the two of them and slowly said, "Return safely!"

"Don't worry!"

Wu Kuishan answered, taking the lead up the steps. With a look, he signaled Su Yi to follow.

The thousand-meter-long Energy Passage was not very long, and they crossed it quickly.

Leaving the passage, they entered a not particularly large alloy building.

Wu Kuishan did not stop, and Su Yi followed him straight out of the building.

The instant he stepped outside, Su Yi lost himself for a moment and looked up at the "sun" in the sky.

"Sure enough, it's huge!"

It seemed to hang directly above their heads, incomparably enormous.

Su Yi felt as though it might fall at any moment.

So this is the Immortal Source. One day, sooner or later, I'll destroy it!