Heaven’s Forsaken System

Chapter 17: Descent into Oblivion

Shen Liang tumbled through the abyss, the weight of reality peeling away as the void consumed him. The celestial envoy fell alongside him, their golden aura clashing violently against the abyssal tendrils that surged around them. The battlefield had shifted—no longer bound to the mortal realm, they had plunged into a realm where time and space twisted like living things.

[System Notification: Entering Forbidden Zone – Abyssal Depths]

Shen Liang's mind reeled. This was deeper than he had ever ventured, deeper than any mortal should. The abyss no longer whispered—it roared, its presence a crushing tide against his thoughts. But even here, in the heart of nothingness, he refused to submit.

The celestial envoy stabilized first, their robes billowing as golden sigils formed beneath their feet, halting their descent. They extended a hand, and divine chains erupted from the void, racing toward Shen Liang with terrifying speed.

Shen Liang twisted in midair, his own power rising to meet the challenge. The abyss responded, forming spiraling tendrils of shadow that clashed with the chains in a violent storm of light and darkness.

"You do not belong here," the envoy intoned, their voice carrying the weight of divine decree. "This power will unmake you."

Shen Liang's lips curled into a smirk. "Then watch as I remake myself."

With a surge of will, he embraced the abyss fully, letting its power course through him unchecked.

The very air trembled under the force of their clash. The envoy's golden chains snapped forward like lightning, each strand imbued with celestial authority, seeking to bind Shen Liang in their radiant embrace. But the abyss fought back, responding to his will. Tendrils of pure darkness coiled around the chains, devouring them before they could reach him.

Shen Liang landed on a floating platform of jagged obsidian, the abyss molding the battlefield to his presence. The envoy hovered above, their golden sigils expanding into vast, intricate runes that pulsed with divine energy.

"You wield power, but you lack direction," the envoy stated, their voice cold and measured. "Even the abyss demands a purpose."

Shen Liang chuckled, rolling his shoulders. "Purpose? You think I seek validation from the void?" His abyssal tendrils slithered around him, twisting into jagged spears. "I forge my own path."

With a flick of his wrist, the spears launched forward, cutting through the abyssal storm like falling stars. The envoy countered, forming a shield of divine radiance that shattered the first wave of attacks. But Shen Liang wasn't finished.

[System Alert: Abyssal Command – Authority Increasing]

His control over the abyss deepened, the darkness coalescing into a singularity above his palm. The swirling black mass pulsed like a living heart, growing denser with every passing second. The envoy's expression flickered—was that concern?

"I see now," they murmured, more to themselves than to him. "You are not just wielding the abyss. It is recognizing you."

Shen Liang smirked, but before he could strike, the envoy unleashed their full power. The entire space around them ignited with golden fire, a divine storm that engulfed the battlefield.

[System Warning: Celestial Domain Expansion Detected]

The void screamed as divine law asserted itself. Shen Liang felt his power wane, the abyss recoiling under the overwhelming force of celestial order. The envoy raised their hand, and the golden storm condensed into a massive spear, its form crackling with raw judgment.

"This ends now," the envoy declared.

The spear descended.

Shen Liang had seconds to react. Summoning all of his abyssal energy, he threw himself forward, colliding with the celestial weapon in an explosion that tore through the abyss itself. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the void, distorting reality.

For a moment, there was only silence.

Then, the abyss roared.

[System Notification: Abyssal Sovereignty – Emergency Override]

Shen Liang's eyes snapped open, burning with abyssal fire. His body was weightless, floating amidst a swirling storm of shattered space. The envoy hovered before him, their robes tattered, their golden aura flickering. They had not expected him to survive.

Neither had the abyss.

A voice, deeper than time itself, echoed through the void.

"The abyss has chosen. Rise, Abyssborn."

The power within him surged, no longer a force he merely commanded—it was now a part of him. The darkness bent to his will, reshaping the battlefield. The envoy braced themselves, realization dawning in their gaze.

Shen Liang extended his hand. The abyss obeyed.

The final battle had begun.

End of Chapter 17.