*Chapter 3: The Abyss is a Forge*
The Abyssal Ravine was vast — a scar upon the earth, hidden from the eyes of the world. Legends called it cursed, a place where light itself refused to enter. But to Shen Li, it had become something else entirely.
A crucible.
Three days had passed since his rebirth. In that time, he had fought beasts of shadow, endured poisonous mists, and learned to refine his newfound cultivation method — the *Starforged Foundation*.
He was no longer at the bottom of the ravine, but climbing — slowly — toward a shaft of dim light far above.
Each level of the abyss was different. The first held lost spirits and Yin beasts. The second — where he now stood — was filled with twisted vegetation and creatures mutated by ancient spiritual fallout. Their blood was toxic, their Qi corrupted.
But Shen Li had adapted.
He stood before a fallen stone gate, half-buried in vines. On the arch, ancient runes glowed faintly.
*"A formation..."* he whispered.
He placed his hand on the gate. A jolt of energy surged into his body. Memories not his own flickered in his mind — of sect members in robes of starlight, meditating here long ago.
"This… was once part of the Heavenbreaker Sect," he realized.
Suddenly, Shen Li saw visions: a hidden mountain buried in clouds, a temple sealed by time, and at its heart… the true Heavenbreaker Legacy.
The orb shattered.
The chamber fell still.
He stood, fists clenched.
*"So it wasn't just me who was betrayed. My entire sect… my bloodline…"*
The resolve in his eyes turned to steel.
"I will rebuild the Heavenbreaker Sect. Stone by stone. Art by art. And I will unmask the ones who destroyed us."
A roar echoed in the distance — a predator had caught his scent.
He turned, robes rippling in the breeze of his rising aura.
*"Come, then."*
*"The Abyss is no longer my prison."*
*"It is my forge."*
The gate responded. The runes flared, recognizing the jade shard fused in his soul. With a low rumble, the gate creaked open, revealing a hidden chamber.
Inside, dust and silence reigned. But in the center stood a stone pedestal, upon which rested a scroll and a glowing orb.
Shen Li stepped forward, eyes wide.
The scroll was bound in celestial silk — untainted by time.
He unrolled it carefully.
*"Heavenbreaker Martial Path — First Movement: Starcrushing Palm."*
His breath caught.
A long-lost technique of the Heavenbreaker Sect. Not just a martial art — but one that channeled celestial force through pure will and soul resonance.
He absorbed the technique, meditating for hours. Images flooded his mind — a giant palm formed of starlight, capable of reducing mountains to dust.
When he opened his eyes again, the chamber trembled.
But the orb on the pedestal began to flicker violently.
He reached for it.
The moment his fingers touched it, the orb cracked — and a voice echoed through the chamber.
*"To the one who bears the shard… our sect fell not to war, but betrayal. If you are worthy, ascend. Reclaim what was lost."*
A shockwave burst outward.