Btth: Xiao yan with killing system

The heart of Zhi Yi's fortress was a vast chamber, its walls covered in ancient runes that seemed to glow faintly. The air hummed with energy, and Xiao Yan could feel his senses sharpened by the system's influence. Yet, despite the overwhelming power that flowed through him, the nagging unease in his chest only grew stronger.

Su Mei walked beside him, her expression tense as she scanned the surroundings. "This place is too quiet," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Something's off."

Xiao Yan didn't reply. He could feel it too—the oppressive atmosphere that seemed to choke the air out of him. It wasn't just the fortress; it was Zhi Yi's presence. Even without seeing him, Xiao Yan knew the Dou Zong was close. The system had been silent, but he could still sense its watchful eyes, calculating, waiting.

Suddenly, the world around them seemed to shift. The runes on the walls flared to life, casting an eerie red glow across the chamber. The ground beneath them trembled, and the walls distorted, stretching and twisting in impossible angles. Xiao Yan's vision blurred, and the sensation of vertigo hit him like a physical blow.

> "Illusion detected. Host's mental stability compromised."

Xiao Yan shook his head, trying to clear the disorienting effects of Zhi Yi's illusion techniques. The system's voice rang louder in his mind, but it was no match for the overwhelming mental assault that Zhi Yi unleashed.

A figure emerged from the shadows, tall and cloaked in robes of deep crimson. His face was hidden behind a mask, but his presence was unmistakable. Zhi Yi.

"You're more resilient than I expected, Xiao Yan," Zhi Yi's voice echoed through the chamber, reverberating off the walls. "But you're still too weak. Do you really think you can control this power?"

Xiao Yan's breath quickened, his body tensing. Zhi Yi's illusion techniques twisted the chamber around them, making it nearly impossible to discern what was real. But the system's cold voice grounded him, reminding him of his mission.

> "Skill available: Void Step, enhanced for illusion combat."

Xiao Yan clenched his fists. His body blurred with speed as he activated Void Step, cutting through the illusions with sheer force of will. With every step, reality bent around him, and the oppressive feeling of Zhi Yi's presence grew weaker.

Zhi Yi seemed amused, his mask tilting slightly as he watched. "Interesting. But your power is still incomplete. Let's see how you handle this."

Suddenly, the entire chamber shattered. Walls, floor, ceiling—all of it collapsed into an endless void, leaving only the two of them standing in a dark, boundless expanse.

Xiao Yan's mind raced. He was no longer fighting in reality; he was fighting within his own mind. And as the system's warnings grew louder, he realized the price of his ambition was far greater than he had ever imagined.

> "Warning: Host mental stability at 20%. Recommended retreat."

But there was no retreat. Xiao Yan steeled himself, his eyes burning with determination.

"I won't stop," he muttered to himself, ignoring the system's pleas. "Not until I've reached the top."

The battle had only just begun.

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