Master the Abyss, starting from an apprentice priest.

Chapter 576 Promotion! Styx Apostle (7k)

Outside Fafnir, amidst the "scars".

Luo Xiu has passed through the seal and descended to the deepest part of the "scar"—

The place where he is now was once the site where three "high-ranking demons" broke out, and the broken territory of "Silver Blood Calamity Dragon" Hogmoth was also nearby. The deep spiritual energy accumulated here has been lingering for a long time.

This is also where the physical forms of those high-ranking demons were shattered and their spirituality was scattered. The profound spirituality is gradually fading, but it is still quite strong, enough to overshadow the disturbance of spirituality that may be emitted due to the ascension of the [Abyss].

Luo Xiu thought to himself, and finally stood still in a dark, deep cave. He raised his right hand, and the engravings of a sword and a dragon claw appeared on the back of his hand.

A deep red, swirling circular magic circle appeared at Luo Xiu's feet. His figure rapidly became illusory and blurred within it, and soon disappeared from the real world.

……

Holy Abyss.

When the faded colors returned to his sight, Luo Xiu had arrived at his loyal "Sacred Abyss," where he sat enthroned on the golden throne.

The royal palace before him—the one that had been extensively damaged in the fierce battle with Helmond, the "child of the dragon god"—had now been largely repaired. Apart from some missing furnishings that made it appear somewhat empty, it no longer looked so chaotic.

His apostles are highly efficient—after Indis advanced to the fifth level of the [Crimson Lotus] destiny, he had no other external missions in the past two days and mainly stayed in the Holy Abyss.

Under Intis's leadership, the restoration of the main hall was completed quickly, a testament to the effectiveness of Intis's leadership.

After Indis, a "Faceless One" of the Holy Court, successfully advanced to the fifth level of destiny, she gained real authority at the transcendent level. She no longer needed to rely entirely on the "Lord of the Holy Abyss" to exercise her authority, but could do so through her own power.

This is a positive development.

Luo Xiu was thinking about these things, but he was just letting his mind wander. He then suppressed these irrelevant thoughts in his mind, lightly tapped the armrest with his right hand, and popped out a hidden compartment beneath the golden throne.

【The Lock of the Gods】—Luo Xiu had already picked up the divine object placed in the hidden compartment and placed it in his palm.

The surface of the black crystal still radiated a scorching heat, and dark red flames occasionally burst forth from the dozen or so cracks on it. In the [Divine Prison Lock] panel, its sealing power had increased compared to before, now standing at 48%.

The seals on Helmond, the "Child of the Dragon God," and Hastia, the "Spirit of Authority," remain relatively stable at this value. They are currently unable to affect the outside world, and Luo Xiu has also sensed that the "Dragon Flame Demon Sword," which he left inside the "Chains of Divine Imprisonment," has obtained enough of Helmond's divine blood.

Luo Xiu stood up from the throne.

Just like before, Luo Xiu imbued the [Divine Prison Lock] with a sufficiently rich spirituality, and after "activating" it, the temperature on its surface began to rise rapidly, and a surging crimson color burst forth from those deep cracks.

The [Divine Prison Lock] had begun to disintegrate, and Luo Xiu then threw it out—right in front of him, the suspended divine object immediately "opened up" completely, and the fragmented crystals spiraled along the central axis, revealing the vortex gate leading to the depths.

"Roar……"

"..."

In Luo Xiu's ears, it seemed as if he could already hear the roar of Helmond, the "child of the dragon god".

He then stepped forward until he entered the vortex gate and entered the interior of the [Divine Prison Lock].

……

Inside the lock of the gods.

Luo Xiu's vision was once again obscured by a thick, surging fog of light.

But through the blinding fog, he could see the blurry outline of Helmond, the “child of the dragon god”—hundreds of divine chains cast from the “sky” of the Divine Prison Locks were still imprisoning and binding him, preventing him from moving an inch, and his aura was even weaker than when he last saw him.

Stepping into the fog, Luo Xiu walked forward.

The deeper he went, the more he could hear Helmond's still struggling, weak roars. There was also the voice of Hastia, the "Spirit of Authority" and "King of the Dragonborn," who seemed to be saying something about "Durant's bloodline," but Luo Xiu ignored these voices.

Until he came before Helmond.

He finally saw it—in front of Helmond, in that deep depression in the ground, there was blood that had accumulated to a silvery color, steaming with thick mist.

The spirituality within is so intense, and although it is not the same scarlet color as the "River Styx," its aura is equally profound, sharing the same origin as the aura of the "Abyss."

The demonic sword remained deeply embedded in Helmond's heart, fresh dragon blood still dripping from top to bottom. Helmond continued to emit low, guttural roars, his struggles causing the divine chains binding him to clang heavily.

"Um……"

Standing before the pool of blood, Luo Xiu gazed at Helmond and the deep pool formed by his blood. He gradually transformed his spirituality into the dark erosion of the Abyss and slowly stepped into the pool of blood.

"I will bathe..."

He began to chant—

"The cradle of the Mother River, the origin of life..."

"Let me reshape myself inside and out, let me cleanse my body and bones..."

"..."

—That is the art of the [Abyss]'s destiny, the chant of "bathing in the River Styx"!

This was to test whether Helmond, as the heir of the Abyss, possessed blood with the same potency as the River Styx.

And, in order to complete the advancement quest [The Path of the Black Abyss], this is the final advancement requirement.

—Wow!!

As Luo Xiu finished chanting, he heard a sound like flowing water.

That was the voice of Helmond's blood—a deep red light gradually rose from the silver pool of blood, and Luo Xiu, bathed in it, felt a burning and scalding heat on his skin.

The technique of "bathing in the River Styx" did indeed work.

In Luo Xiu's most direct perception, he seemed to feel his own blood "flowing out," while Helmond's blood was "flowing in." And moments later, his control panel appeared before him, displaying brand new content—

You have been bathed in the River Styx.

[You have been bathed in the blood of Helmond, a tributary of the River Styx. The Mother of the Styx bestows upon you a gift of mercy: your "Strength" attribute increases by 43 points, your "Constitution" attribute by 52 points, your "Divinity" attribute by 38 points, and your "Perception" attribute by 40 points.]

The attribute boosts gained through "Bathing in the Styx" will last until the cooldown of this "Bathing in the Styx" event ends.

[You have received the 'Sanctuary's Protection'—the Mother of the Styx has blessed you. If you die in any way while in the 'Seven Abyss' map, you will consume one 'Sanctuary's Protection' and resurrect on the banks of the nearby Styx.]

[Cooldown time for "Bathing in the River Styx": 14 days]

【…】

—The "Bathing in the River Styx" technique did indeed work!
When Luo Xiu saw these displayed on the panel, he couldn't help but feel excited. These attribute increases weren't much for Luo Xiu at his current level, but what surprised him even more was that the blood of Helmond, the heir of the Abyss, could indeed be considered a "tributary of the River Styx"!
In this way, there will be no need to worry about anything else when pursuing the next promotion.

Luo Xiu thought to himself, then confirmed that he was fully prepared—

He took out the 'Obsidian Key' used for promotion from his bracelet and then opened the mission panel.

Among them, the advancement quest for the Abyss—the Path of the Black Abyss—is already complete.

The attribute values ​​gained from "Bathing in the River Styx" have exceeded the 100 points required by the [Path of the Black Abyss].

"call……"

Luo Xiu then let out a long sigh of relief.

Next, the panel was given a "Done" indication.

【…】

[Advancement quest completed: The Path of the Abyss (Nightmare Difficulty)]

You have hunted three 'Calamity' level Abyssal Beasts, or killed and devoured at least one 'Higher Demon';
You have summoned a 'higher-ranking demon' once and entered into a complete pact with it;
You have received the baptism of the Mother of the Styx through the 'Bathing in the Styx' technique and gained sufficient attribute points.

You have proven with this that you are qualified to go further.

[The task is being settled...]

[Completion Rewards: Base Experience +120000, Skill Slots +10, Skill Points +10, Free Attribute Points +50]

Bathed in the blood of the River Styx, He has granted you permission to ascend.

You will have an audience with the 'Obsidian Gate'.

【…】

—Wow!!

When Luo Xiu finished browsing, a dazzling, blinding light suddenly burst forth from the panel.

His figure was completely swallowed by the light, and he could no longer see anything. Only a low, indistinct murmur echoed in his ears, leading his consciousness to the spiritual sea that belonged to the Abyss.

……

As the feeling of being in swaddling clothes dissipated, Luo Xiu once again felt grounded.

He had arrived at the spiritual sea belonging to the Abyss, but now Luo Xiu felt as if he were in a giant furnace.

What met his eyes was a series of surging crimson hues—fierce flames churning endlessly, and a rugged, iron-cast, crimson road stretching deeper into the distance from before him. The air was filled with a violent, raging, and terrifying atmosphere, along with ferocious roars from unknown sources.

This time, the aura of violence was even more intense than when he came here last time to advance to the fourth level of the [Abyss] destiny, "Demon Mentor." Looking down, the deep abyss remained unfathomable, as if trillions of eyes were staring at him with malice.

"……call."

Luo Xiu let out another long sigh of relief.

He knew that advancing the Abyss to the Saintly level this time would be far more difficult than advancing to the "Fourth Destiny Path" before. So he calmed his mind and stepped onto the scorching iron-cast red steps, heading towards the end of the Obsidian Gate.

on the way.

He saw on both sides a blur of fighting, with demons and servants of the Abyss appearing and disappearing, leaving only terrifying echoes and a surging sound like the River Styx churning around him.

Among those voices were eerie whispers that Luo Xiu couldn't understand, carrying a strong sense of persuasion. Luo Xiu could clearly feel something pulling him down and into ruin.

But Luo Xiu was now able to isolate himself from these influences, and he finally arrived at the obsidian-forged gate, before the Obsidian Gate belonging to the Abyss—

Chains blazing with ghostly flames bound the door, and like all the Obsidian Doors, a heavy lock hung in its center.

Luo Xiu took out the key, stepped forward, and handed it into the lock.

Then, he heard the sound of chains snapping—all the chains binding the Obsidian Gate broke, and the heavy doors swung open.

A massive, torrent of spiritual energy poured in from the other side of the door—it surged through Luo Xiu, transforming into a new power that flowed into his body!
【…】

You have opened the Obsidian Gate and glimpsed the world beyond.

You have lost the "Obsidian Key"

【…】

Suddenly, new content popped up on Luo Xiu's screen—

[Spiritual Ascension! You have advanced to the fifth level of destiny!]

[You have achieved a fundamental upgrade]

[Level cap increased to: lv.60] [Skill "Abyssal Engraving" level increased to lv.5]

The skill "Dark Erosion Affinity" has been upgraded to level 5.

[You have acquired the following feat: Abyss Saint (Legendary, Milestone)]!
[The effects of the existing feats with the same effect, Radiant Saint (Legendary, Milestone) and Abyssal Saint (Legendary, Milestone), are active at 50%.]

[Saint of the Abyss (Legend, Milestone): You have ascended to the Holy Throne. The threads of spirituality are slowly unfolding before you; you have entered a new realm, gradually gaining insight into the so-called 'transcendent' origin.]

[Your all attributes receive a base bonus of +30, and your "Health," "Mana," "Physical Attack," and "Spell Attack" will all receive an additional 50% increase. Your "Defense Reduction" will receive an additional 100% increase.]

This perk only has 50% effectiveness.

【…】

You have acquired the skill: Demon Summoning (Abyss, lv.1)

[You have acquired the skill: Demon Summoning, skill upgraded!]

[You have acquired the skill: High-Rank Demon Summoning (Abyss, lv.1): You have mastered 'demons'. Now, you can forge deeper pacts with them.]

Your "Perception" attribute has increased by 120 points, and you have gained 1 "Demon" contract slot. Demons you contract will have all their attributes increased by 30%.

【…】

You have acquired the skill: Abyssal Authority (Abyss, lv.1)

[Abyssal Authority (Abyss, lv.1): After ascending to the Holy Throne, you gradually understand and become able to wield the power belonging to "Authority".]

[Your Tier I Authority Slots +2]

【…】

The moment the Obsidian Key opened the Obsidian Gate, these things quickly appeared on Luo Xiu's panel.

Even though he was already a Saint of the sixth level of the [Radiance] destiny, this time he also advanced [Abyss] to the level of Sainthood. In Luo Xiu's real experience, it was a tremendous improvement, like being reborn.

The spiritual energy gushing out from behind the obsidian gate had completely engulfed Luo Xiu, his vision was completely filled with crimson, and he felt as if he were being enveloped by raging flames.

Facing this strange feeling, Luo Xiu stepped firmly towards the door, one step at a time.

Until he finally passed through that deep, surging tide, like a tsunami—

The frenzied surge of spiritual energy finally subsided somewhat. Although Luo Xiu could still feel the excruciating pain emanating from his body, he could now see the outline of the Obsidian Palace, burning with ghostly flames, before him.

Three obsidian pillars stand there, symbolizing that Luo Xiu can choose three paths to advancement.

Luo Xiu stepped forward and came to the three obsidian pillars.

In his eyes, he saw ancient, shimmering, dark characters engraved on it. They were demonic script, and there were also demonic patterns that sealed the power of the Abyss like totems.

The characters and patterns possessed a strange power; when Luo Xiu gazed at them, a low murmur would echo in his mind.

That was a seductive, depraved murmur.

The Abyss will never give up on tempting him to truly fall into it... Luo Xiu knew this deeply. But he remained clear-headed—the spirituality of Radiance protected him, and indeed, those deep, decadent temptations gradually distanced themselves from him.

Luo Xiu had arrived at the first obsidian pillar.

He reached out and lightly pressed his hand on the surface.

The corresponding promotion path then appears on the panel—

[Having advanced to the fifth level of the "Abyss" destiny, currently acquiring a profession...]

Your profession is "Demon Mentor," and you will be promoted to "Demon Lord."

[To confirm your promotion, please touch the Obsidian Pillar]

【…】

"Demon Lord" is the first class available for advancement.

It is also the preferred profession to advance from "Demon Mentor" and a normal profession. Its ability is to add another Demon Contract slot. In addition to the one slot of "Demon Mentor" and the one slot obtained by the skill "High-level Demon Summoning" obtained by advancing to the fifth level of destiny, there can be a total of three Demon Contract slots.

However, aside from being able to contract more demons, there are no other significant bonuses. This is the limitation of ordinary professions, and it is not Luo Xiu's best choice.

Luo Xiu walked toward the second obsidian pillar.

The surface of this pillar was empty, except for jet-black, sun-like patterns etched upon it. Luo Xiu reached out and touched it—

- Om!

A powerful surge of spiritual energy emanated from the surface of the obsidian pillar.

As Luo Xiu touched the surface of the obsidian pillar, obscure, ancient, and profound characters gradually emerged on it—

Along with Luo Xiu's interface, new content also appeared.

[Unlocking hidden class...]

[Condition 1 must be met: Your first destiny path is not the 'Abyss', and you have already advanced to above the 'Fivefold Destiny Path']

[Condition Two: You have established a contract with a 'Higher-Rank Demon']

You have discovered a hidden class – “The Saint of the Filthy Sun”!
【…】

This is the first "hidden profession"!
In Luo Xiu's previous life, this was the easiest hidden class to meet the requirements for, according to the information he knew about the Abyss. It was also known by players as the "traitorous ninja class".

The requirement is to make the Abyss the second destiny path, while the first destiny path must have already advanced to the fifth level of destiny path before the Abyss.

Choosing this hidden profession and advancing to "Saint of the Filthy Sun" will make [Abyss] the first destiny path, while relegating Luo Xiu's original destiny path [Radiance] to the second destiny path.

The corresponding level will also change—by advancing to become a "Saint of the Filthy Sun," Luo Xiu can directly undergo another advancement, becoming a "Grand Lord of the Filthy Sun" of the "Sixfold Destiny," inheriting and transforming some of the abilities from the [Radiant] Destiny.

However, the [Radiant] Destiny will degenerate, reverting to the fifth level of Destiny, and will no longer be able to achieve new advancements.

This results in an explosive increase in strength for the "Saint of the Filthy Sun" at the same level. Furthermore, their next advancement to "Grand Lord of the Filthy Sun" and "Lord of the Filthy Sun" grants them extremely high buffs from the Abyss and the River Styx within the Sevenfold Abyss map, allowing them to single-handedly take on three other Saints of ordinary classes!
This is a method of advancement through raising venomous insects.

Normally, [Radiance] and [Abyss] cannot coexist, but it is a special case for Luo Xiu. Therefore, "Filthy Sun Saint" is a hidden class that only he can trigger.

However, its ability and the effect of advancing through this path are similar to those of other destinies. Other destinies—such as the Necromancer Bishop of the Lost who fell into the Abyss—become "Saint of Blasphemy" through this path, and then "Great Lord of Blasphemy" and "Lord of Blasphemy".

In the previous versions 2.0 and 3.0 of the [Abyss], the power of the [Abyss] was explosive, often because many other Saints who originally had "sixth or seventh destiny" entered the [Abyss] through this method and became "XX Grand Lords" or "XX Rulers".

Although the upper limit of this promotion path is visibly low once it leaves the "Sevenfold Abyss", it is undoubtedly the fastest way to advance to a higher level of the [Abyss].

However, Luo Xiu clearly did not intend to choose this option.

Although "Saint of the Filthy Sun" is a hidden class, its price contradicts Luo Xiu's pursuit. After confirming the hidden class content carried by the second obsidian pillar, he walked towards the third obsidian pillar.

It was engraved with a totem composed of patterns resembling eyes and blood. Luo Xiu reached out and touched it, and his eyes were instantly filled with a blood-red hue—

[Unlocking hidden class...]

[Condition 1 must be met: Discover and hunt down the 'Abyss' progenitor, and have plundered a portion of its remaining divinity]

[Condition Two: You have established a contract with the 'True Ancestor Demon']

[Condition 3 must be met: You have truly defeated at least one 'True Ancestor Demon']

[Condition 4: Complete the promotion if your attribute value exceeds the promotion task requirements by more than 50%]

You have discovered a hidden class – “Styx Apostle”!
—“Apostle of the Styx”!
This is the hidden profession that Luo Xiu is preparing to advance to!
More accurately, it is a functional profession—but it will be particularly effective in the coming “Scarlet Surge” and “Upside Down”.

Because of its ability, it can truly connect with the "Styx" at any time—thus being regarded as an existence equal to the "Lord of the Abyss" and the "Styx" in the eyes of the Abyss Beasts, demons, and extraordinary beings who serve the Abyss.

This is almost a form of "primitive worship".

Luo Xiu, who has memories of his past life, happens to know how to advance to become a "Styx Apostle".

He thought to himself, and then reached out his hand again, his palm completely pressed against the obsidian pillar in front of him.

Wow——! ! !
The heavy sound of rushing water rang out once again, and new content appeared on Luo Xiu's panel!

[You have obtained the hidden class: Styx Apostle (lv.1)]!
[Level Inheritance for the Lower-Rank Class "Demon Mentor (lv.40)"]

The "Styx Apostle" has been upgraded to level 40, but has lost the "Demon Mentor" class.

An unprecedented sense of power surged within Luo Xiu; he sensed a tremendous transformation taking place within him, both inside and out.
Every bone and flesh, even every cell, is enjoying this sublime transformation.

Meanwhile, new content was appearing on Luo Xiu's panel.

[Gained the "Apostle of the Styx" class skill: Guidance of the Styx (Abyss, lv.1)]

[Guidance from the Styx (Abyss, lv.1): You are an apostle of the Styx, an agent of the will of the Abyss and the Styx. You will provide guidance—thousands of Styx's children, abyssal beasts, and demons will obey your commands and tread the path you have chosen.]

【…】

[Acquired the "Styx Apostle" class skill: Feast on the Blood Hunt Path (Abyss, lv.1)]

[Feast at the Blood-Hunting Path (Abyss, lv.1): You are an Apostle of the Styx, and the power of life and death is in your hands. The Abyss Beasts and Demons you kill will not be able to be resurrected through the Styx. If you permit, they will become your servants after being resurrected through the Styx.]

The number and strength of followers obtained through the "Feast on the Blood Hunt Path" have an upper limit, depending on your "Divinity" and "Strength" attributes.

【…】

[Gained the "Apostle of the Styx" class skill: Blood River's Raging Tide (Abyss, lv.1)]

[Blood River's Raging Tides (Abyss, lv.1): Can only be used once every 24 hours. As an Apostle of the Styx, you are the agent of the Styx's will and possess the authority to exercise the Styx's power.]

Centered on you, summon the projection of the "Styx" domain to descend over a vast area. Within this domain, all domains below your level that are not created by you will be covered, transformed, or destroyed.

All abyssal beasts and demons under your command within the area will receive a 30% increase in all attributes and one chance to revive after death during the duration of the Styx's domain.

【…】

When all the information about advancing to "Styx Apostle" appeared, the soaring, scarlet flames of tribulation resurfaced in Luo Xiu's eyes once again.

The entire interior of the Sea of ​​Spirituality began to shake violently. Luo Xiu could feel an invisible force irresistibly driving him away from the Sea of ​​Spirituality.

The vision before his eyes then shattered.

The obsidian palace, along with the colossal pillars that bore the power, rapidly dissipated and vanished in the gradually blurring vision. Everything in the Sea of ​​Spirituality was burned to ashes in the soaring flames of calamity.

His eyes darkened.

Before losing consciousness, he clearly knew—

The advancement of [Abyss] is complete.

……

(End of this chapter)