# Chapter 4: Elegy (Legendary Gem)
The battle had ended, but the aftermath was far from over.
Su Xiao stood amidst the ruins, his blade still humming with residual energy. The body of the Archbishop of the Abyss lay before him, slowly dissolving into particles of dark blue smoke that rose and dissipated into the air. The ground was scorched, craters marking where powerful spells had clashed against his blade techniques.
He took a deep breath, feeling the familiar sensation of his Cyan Steel Shadow Energy receding back into his core. The battle had been intense, but the rewards would be worth it.
[You have defeated: Archbishop of the Abyss (Eighth Rank)]
[Obtained: 35,000 Paradise Coins]
[Obtained: Legendary Chest x1]
[Obtained: Soul Crystal (Large) x3]
[Obtained: Abyss Reputation Fragment x5]
Su Xiao's expression remained neutral as he reviewed the notifications. The Legendary Chest was the main prize, but he was more interested in the Abyss Reputation Fragments. Those would be useful for trading at the Honor Shop later.
He sheathed his blade and began walking through the battlefield, collecting any remaining loot. Bubu Wang appeared beside him, sniffing the ground for any hidden treasures. The dog's nose twitched as it located a small, glowing object buried beneath a pile of rubble.
"Good boy," Su Xiao said, bending down to retrieve it.
It was a gem, pulsing with a soft, melancholic light. The color shifted between deep blue and pale silver, as if it contained the essence of a sorrowful night sky.
[Elegy (Legendary Gem)]
[Quality: Legendary]
[Effect: When embedded in equipment, grants the following properties:]
[1. Increases all damage dealt by 8% when the target's health is below 50%.]
[2. Upon defeating an enemy, there is a 15% chance to release a wave of mournful energy, reducing the attack power of nearby enemies by 10% for 10 seconds.]
[3. Passive: Elegy's Lament — When the wearer's health drops below 20%, automatically triggers a protective barrier that absorbs damage equal to 15% of maximum health. Cooldown: 24 hours.]
[Equipment Requirement: Eighth Rank or above]
[Rating: 650]
[Introduction: A gem forged from the tears of a dying star, carrying the weight of countless farewells. Those who wield it shall know the sorrow of endings, but also the strength to begin anew.]
Su Xiao examined the gem carefully. It was a solid piece of equipment, especially for a frontline fighter like himself. The damage increase against low-health enemies synergized well with his aggressive fighting style, and the protective barrier could be a lifesaver in critical moments.
"Not bad," he muttered, storing the gem in his inventory. He would decide later whether to use it himself or sell it in the Trade Market.
Bubu Wang barked, drawing his attention to a nearby structure that had partially collapsed. Through the rubble, Su Xiao could see the faint glow of a teleportation array — the Law-Destroying Teleportation Array, to be precise. It was still active, humming with residual energy.
He approached it cautiously, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. The array was circular, about three meters in diameter, with intricate runes carved into the stone floor. The symbols were ancient, predating even the Second Era: Alchemical Civilization.
"This must be how they moved between layers," Su Xiao said, more to himself than to Bubu Wang.
He stepped onto the array, and immediately, the runes flared to life. A surge of energy washed over him, and the world around him blurred.
When his vision cleared, he found himself in a different part of the ruins. The architecture here was older, more decayed. Vines crawled up the walls, and the air was thick with the smell of damp stone and ancient dust.
A notification appeared before him.
[You have discovered: Inner Sanctum of the Abyss Cathedral]
[This area contains high-level threats. Proceed with caution.]
Su Xiao's eyes narrowed. High-level threats meant more loot, but also more risk. He checked his equipment and supplies, ensuring everything was in order.
"Bubu Wang, stay alert," he said.
The dog growled softly, its ears perked and eyes scanning the shadows.
They moved forward, navigating through the crumbling corridors. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional drip of water and the crunch of debris under their feet.
After several minutes of walking, they emerged into a large chamber. The ceiling was high, lost in darkness, and the walls were lined with ancient murals depicting scenes of battle and sacrifice. At the center of the chamber stood a pedestal, upon which rested a single object — a book bound in black leather, with a symbol that seemed to shift and writhe when looked at directly.
[Abyssal Codex (Mythical Item)]
[Status: Sealed]
[Warning: Attempting to unseal this item may attract the attention of powerful entities.]
Su Xiao's instincts screamed at him to be careful. This was no ordinary item. It radiated a malevolent energy that made even his skin crawl.
But before he could decide what to do, a voice echoed through the chamber.
"So, the Law Destroyer has finally arrived."
Su Xiao turned, his blade already half-drawn. Standing at the entrance to the chamber was a figure cloaked in shadow, their face obscured by a hood. Two glowing red eyes stared at him from within the darkness.
"Who are you?" Su Xiao asked, his voice calm but alert.
The figure chuckled, a sound that was both amused and menacing.
"I am but a humble guardian of this place. And you, Kukulin Bai Ye, are an intruder."
The figure raised a hand, and the shadows in the room began to coalesce, forming into solid shapes. Dozens of shadowy figures emerged, their forms flickering and unstable, but their intent clear.
"You will not leave this place with the Codex," the figure said. "Surrender now, and I may let you live."
Su Xiao's response was to draw his blade fully, the edge gleaming with a cold light.
"Let's see if you can back up that threat."
The battle was about to begin.