Eternal Rebirth: I Ascend with Every Death

The air around Mirror Lake was unnaturally still. The water's surface reflected the world above with perfect clarity, as if it were a portal to another realm. Li Tian's breath came in slow, measured puffs as he stood at the edge, his reflection staring back at him. But there was something wrong. His reflection—his own body—was darker, corrupted, a faint shadow clinging to his limbs like a sickness spreading through his veins. His irises flickered between their natural hue and a deep, abyssal black.

"Corruption: 12%."

The system's voice chimed in his mind, distant yet ever-present. He clenched his fists. Every time he fought, every time he died and returned, he could feel the abyss creeping closer. Was this truly the price of power?

A rustle from the trees snapped him back into focus. The moment he turned, a dagger whizzed past his ear, barely missing him. Figures emerged from the misty woods, clad in dark robes, their faces obscured by masks carved with abyssal runes. Abyss Hunters. They moved with precision, surrounding him, weapons drawn.

One of them, a tall warrior wielding twin curved blades, spoke first. "The vessel walks freely. Unacceptable."

Li Tian narrowed his eyes. "Vessel?"

Another hunter, clad in crimson armor, stepped forward. "You reek of the abyss. Surrender, and we will grant you mercy."

A dry chuckle escaped Li Tian's lips. "Mercy? Is that what you call it?"

Without another word, they attacked.

The first came from his left, slashing in a downward arc. Li Tian dodged, twisting his body and countering with a swift palm strike to the attacker's chest. The hunter staggered back, but before Li Tian could press the advantage, another lunged at him from behind. He barely ducked in time, the blade slicing a few strands of his hair.

The battle became a blur of movement. Li Tian danced between blades, dodging, countering, striking. Yet, for every enemy he struck down, another took their place. The hunters fought as one, their coordination impeccable, their intent singular—to take him down.

His breathing grew heavier. His body screamed in protest, exhaustion weighing him down. Then, suddenly, his vision flickered.

A memory.

---

He was standing in a grand hall, its stone walls adorned with intricate murals depicting ancient battles. Before him, kneeling, was Xiao Chen. His once-proud friend had his head bowed, his shoulders tense. A hooded figure loomed above him, their voice a low whisper.

"You wish to prove your loyalty?"

Xiao Chen swallowed hard. "Yes."

A dagger gleamed in the dim light. The hooded figure extended it toward him.

"Then kill him."

Li Tian's heart pounded. Who was he supposed to kill? Who had Xiao Chen betrayed?

His vision blurred again, returning him to reality.

A blade sliced into his shoulder. Pain burned through his nerves, snapping him back into the fight. He gritted his teeth, twisting away before the hunter could drive the blade deeper.

"Health: 63%."

He had to end this now.

Summoning the last of his strength, he unleashed a devastating kick to the ground, sending a shockwave that forced the hunters back. His hands moved instinctively, tracing runes in the air—runes he shouldn't have known. Dark energy crackled around his fingers, swirling into a sphere.

One of the hunters gasped. "He's using abyssal arts!"

Li Tian didn't stop. He released the energy, watching as it erupted outward, consuming the hunters in an explosion of darkness. When the dust settled, the battlefield was silent. The hunters lay motionless, their bodies dissipating into shadow.

His chest rose and fell rapidly. He had won.

But then, the lake responded.

The water, once still as glass, rippled violently. A deep, guttural groan echoed from its depths. Ice crept across the surface, trapping Li Tian's feet in place. His breath hitched.

A shadowy hand, massive and clawed, rose from the depths, reaching for him.

"System Warning: Entity Detected."

Before he could react, the ice cracked beneath him, and he was pulled into the abyss.