Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Weight of Power
The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange hue over the ruined fortress. Xiao Yan stood amidst the wreckage, his breath heavy but steady. The battle with Xie Mo had drained him physically, but it had also filled him with an unsettling sense of power. He felt stronger than ever, yet something gnawed at him from within.
Su Mei approached cautiously, her eyes still wary. "You've defeated him," she said, her voice distant. "But at what cost?"
Xiao Yan didn't answer immediately. His mind was consumed by the system's constant whispers, urging him to push forward. Every victory brought a rush of power, but also a darker, more persistent pull.
> "Warning: Soul corruption detected. Recommend cessation of life force absorption."
The system's words echoed in his mind, but Xiao Yan ignored them. What was a small price to pay for the power to defeat anyone in his path? He had a goal—one that was worth any cost.
"Let's go," he said gruffly, turning away from the fallen Xie Mo. "There's no time to waste."
Su Mei, however, didn't move. She watched him with concern, her brow furrowed. "You're not the same. Before, you… you had a fire in your eyes. Now, you're just cold."
Xiao Yan's eyes flickered, but he quickly masked his emotions. "It's nothing." He snapped, his tone sharper than intended. "We have bigger things to focus on."
Su Mei fell silent, though the concern in her gaze remained. Xiao Yan could feel it, but he didn't have the luxury to care. The system had given him a glimpse of his future—a future where nothing would stand in his way.
As they traveled deeper into the Black-Corner Region, Xiao Yan's mind was consumed by his growing strength. He had become addicted to it. Each life he took, each battle he won, was a step toward something greater. But even now, deep inside, a part of him wondered if he was sacrificing more than just his enemies.
> "Next target: Zhi Yi, 8-Star Dou Zong. Challenge quest activated."
The system's message jolted him from his thoughts. Without a word, Xiao Yan set his gaze forward. The path was clear, but the cost of walking it was becoming harder to ignore.
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