Facing the Abyss as a Demon Cultivator

"My awakened profession is Dragon Knight (S)," Zhang Qingshan revealed without hesitation. "As for my talent, it's a bit lacking, Dragon Heart (A)."

"Dragon Knight, huh?" Chu Xiu mused, stroking his chin.

He wasn't surprised that Zhang Qingshan had awakened an S-rank profession. With his high energy level, it was only natural.

Among the S-rank professions, Dragon Knight was considered outstanding. It wasn't necessarily the strongest, but its versatility was unmatched.

From the get-go, a Dragon Knight received a dragon egg. Even unhatched, it could channel magic, enabling long-range magical attacks. Some special eggs could even cast healing and buff spells, essentially providing a powerful innate support.

Dragon Knights themselves were physically formidable, possessing a wide array of close-combat skills. They had practically no weaknesses.

Once the dragon hatched, they entered their prime, their strength skyrocketing.

The Dragon Heart talent was equally potent and well-rounded. It boosted physique, strength, vitality, and even increased adaptability to [Traits], reducing the risk of deviation during evolution.

This combination gave Qingshan immense potential, at least in the early and mid-game. Many major factions would be willing to invest in him.

"Congratulations," Chu Xiu said sincerely. "What level are you now?"

"Level 7, almost 8."

Chu Xiu nodded, the answer within his expectations.

Qingshan was naturally talented, and more importantly, individuals with high initial energy levels like him received early investments from schools and factions. His starting point was far superior to Chu Xiu's, so reaching level 7 wasn't surprising.

"What are your plans next?" Chu Xiu asked with a smile.

"I plan to grind some dungeons and max out my level, then attempt the Rank advancement trial before we enter the Abyss again," Zhang Qingshan replied.

Chu Xiu froze, his brows furrowing. "You're attempting the Rank advancement so soon? With your talent, there's no need to rush, is there?"

The Rank advancement trial became available at level 9. Clearing it granted promotion to D-rank.

Statistically, the success rate for the D-rank trial was 74.4%, significantly higher than the Awakening trial.

However, this data was misleading. Most challengers spent years, even a decade, honing their skills at F-rank before attempting it. They maximized their skill proficiencies, equipped themselves with high-grade gear, and only then took on the trial.

Even with an S-rank profession, rushing into the Rank advancement trial was incredibly risky for Zhang Qingshan.

Zhang Qingshan chuckled. "I have no choice. Our generation is overflowing with geniuses. That's probably why we got stuck with such a high-level ghoul world for our Awakening trial."

"You might not know this, but the investments we receive are divided into three parts. Initially, they only provide minimal resources. After passing the Awakening trial, we get the second batch. Only by reaching D-rank before the next Abyssal incursion do we receive the third wave!"

"Each wave of investment is significantly larger than the last, especially the final one. That's when they truly consider you worthy of investment! Guilds, corporations, and the government will bet big on you."

"Geniuses like Ye Junlin are all preparing for the Rank advancement trial. To put it bluntly, if you're not at least D-rank, you're not even qualified to sit at the table."

Zhang Qingshan's words made Chu Xiu frown. He hadn't anticipated such fierce competition.

"Why the rush to eat meat? Isn't it better to develop slowly and steadily?" Chu Xiu advised.

He himself was determined to claim his share of the spoils, but he valued his friend's life above all else.

Zhang Qingshan simply laughed heartily at Chu Xiu's advice. "Ah Chu, have you forgotten our childhood dreams?"

"To achieve that dream, we have to seize every opportunity. How else can we succeed?"

Chu Xiu's mouth opened and closed, memories resurfacing.

They were seven or eight years old, playing in the park with their mothers.

Spring flowers bloomed, and koi swam gracefully in the artificial lake.

Then, the sky tore open, and countless Abyssal creatures surged through.

Back then, the anti-air defense system wasn't as comprehensive. Security guards and police could only smash open weapon cabinets, fighting back with machine guns and shotguns. Childhood memories were often hazy, but Chu Xiu vividly remembered the uncharacteristic panic on the adults' faces. They shoved and jostled, fleeing in terror. The air filled with frantic footsteps and screams. He vaguely recalled his mother's frantic calls.

Swept away by the chaotic crowd, they lost sight of their mothers. All they could do was cling to each other, like two tiny boats tossed about in a raging storm.

Fortunately, they didn't encounter any Abyssal creatures. But the hour they spent consumed by helplessness and fear remained etched in their minds. It was a memory Chu Xiu doubted he'd ever forget.

From that day on, in every "My Dream" essay assignment, Qingshan would resolutely declare his ambition: to unite humanity, permanently repel the Abyss, and free everyone from fear.

As they entered middle school, such essays became less frequent. Chu Xiu dismissed it as a childish fantasy. He never imagined Qingshan still clung to it.

Silence fell over Chu Xiu.

He admired compassion but didn't want his friend to be defined by it.

Qingshan wasn't a saint, but his actions would mirror one's. This was equally troublesome, as it meant he'd likely meet his end in the Abyss.

To Chu Xiu, a trustworthy friend with exceptional talent was no less valuable than a Legendary-grade item.

Finally, Chu Xiu sighed. "With your talent, if you take it slow, you'll eventually reach the top, live in a mansion, and enjoy the finest things in life. Isn't that better? I know you don't care about such things, but you have to consider Chu Qin."

He tried to appeal to Qingshan's emotions, using his girlfriend as leverage.

To his surprise, Zhang Qingshan smiled proudly. "Xiao Qin supports me fully. This is her dream too. We made a pact. Even if one of us falls in the Abyss, the other will continue striving towards this goal."

Chu Xiu was speechless.

So, I'm the bad guy now?

He rubbed his forehead, sighing heavily.

Seeing Chu Xiu's exasperation, Zhang Qingshan chuckled. "Why are you acting as if I'm already dead? Have some faith in me."

"With me around, you won't die that easily," Chu Xiu retorted, rolling his eyes. "I'm just annoyed that I have one more thing to worry about."

Zhang Qingshan burst into laughter. "Then I'll be counting on you to watch my back."

Changing the subject, he asked playfully, "Hey, boss, want to run a dungeon together?"

"No," Chu Xiu refused without hesitation.

"Huh? That quick to reject?" Zhang Qingshan blinked in surprise. "Not even going to consider it?"

"Not happening."

Chu Xiu glanced at Zhang Qingshan with a helpless look.

His friend was incredibly loyal, sometimes to a fault.

Even before Zhang Qingshan stepped through the door, Chu Xiu knew his intentions.

He wanted to bring him along on a dungeon run.

However, Chu Xiu had no intention of wasting his time with them.

The rewards were already meager, and they'd have to be split four ways.

From Zhang Qingshan's perspective, Chu Xiu's refusal stemmed from a desire to avoid holding him back. Judging by the way his thick eyebrows furrowed, Chu Xiu knew his friend was racking his brains, trying to figure out how to persuade him without hurting his pride.

As expected, Zhang Qingshan spoke up after a moment, a smile on his face. "Ah Chu, didn't we agree to explore the Abyss together? Why are you changing your mind now?"

His words brought a smile to Chu Xiu's face.

You too, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, resorting to emotional manipulation?

But the smile quickly vanished, replaced by a serious expression.

"Qingshan, I think you're being disingenuous," he stated.

"What?" Zhang Qingshan was taken aback. His face flushed red as he hurriedly explained, "Ah Chu, I'm not..."

Chu Xiu raised a hand, silencing him.

"I'm not blaming you. I know you mean well."

"But let me ask you this: is your so-called ideal like those cheesy shonen manga, where everyone jokes around, and everything magically works out after a few inspiring speeches?"

"Since the Abyssal invasion began, how many people have shared your ideal? How many have succeeded?"

"Or do you believe your talent surpasses theirs?"

Zhang Qingshan was speechless.

Chu Xiu continued relentlessly, "Let me be blunt. Compared to true powerhouses, you're nothing! In your current state, instead of focusing all your effort on improving yourself, you're worried about helping me? Do you even have the right? Has an S-rank profession gone to your head?"

"I..." Zhang Qingshan swallowed, at a loss for words.

Chu Xiu looked at him intently. "Qingshan, I don't want your ideal to be just a grand delusion. I want it to be a well-thought-out plan, backed by logic and reason. Otherwise, you're being irresponsible, not just to yourself but also to Qin Jie, who's following you wholeheartedly."

(End of Chapter)