Seo Joon reached a level few outer disciples had ever touched.
When he emerged, the sect fell silent.
His ranking rose dramatically.
For the first time, inner sect scouts began observing him.
Yoo Hae-In approached him directly.
"You're interesting," she said calmly. "Let's fight someday."
Seo Joon simply nodded.
Seol Ah watched from afar, sensing the beginning of new relationships and future complications.
That night during cultivation, something changed.
The Abyssal Heart pulsed differently.
A deeper layer awakened.
Seo Joon's spiritual space expanded into endless darkness where faint ancient symbols appeared.
A new ability formed:
Abyss Devouring Flow — the power to absorb hostile energy.
But the price was greater strain on his mind.
Seol Ah realized the truth.
"The Abyss is evolving with you."
His path was becoming more dangerous