Chapter 104: Legacy of the Abyss

Lysar's voice snapped Li Yang back to the present, "Your father's aura persists. Keep moving." A chuckle rumbled in Li Yang's chest as he pondered whether his father had also met the same pitfall, a shared fate between father and son. 

Lysar teased, "Hurry along. Are you still reminiscing your father's embarrassing moments?"

Li Yang grinned, "Let's press on." The maze's intricate layout befuddled them. Not knowing which layer they currently traversed only made the path forward more inevitable. Out of the corner of his eye, Li Yang noticed bats and snakes approaching. However, the ever-vigilant Lion-Eagle swiftly thwarted any danger, keeping Li Yang safe.

Stumbling into a vast room, inscriptions on the wall caught his attention. It read 'Level 96'. Astonishment painted his face, "Could we truly be on the 96th floor?" The room was bare and devoid of clues. Without further delay, they ventured onwards.

Reaching a stairway entrance, a majestic creature stood sentinel. It was a unicorn, its single horn shimmering with latent power. Battle was inevitable. Lion-Eagle, fierce and relentless, lunged, effectively subduing the creature. In a swift motion, Li Yang encapsulated the defeated unicorn into a card, adding to his arsenal.

Guided by his father's lingering essence, Li Yang and Lion-Eagle valiantly fought through countless challenges. With every layer they conquered, Li Yang grew in strength and skill. They faced beasts of shadows, creatures made of flames, and even illusions attempting to deceive them. Each time, Li Yang's strategic prowess combined with Lion-Eagle's brute force ensured their victory. 

The deeper they delved, the more intricate the labyrinth became. Twisting corridors, secret doorways, and traps awaited them at every turn. However, the bond between Li Yang and Lion-Eagle strengthened with each challenge, making them an almost invincible pair. 

Many times, they would find themselves in rooms with cryptic puzzles, holding the key to the next layer. Using a combination of wit and brute force, they'd always find a way through. Along the way, Li Yang also stumbled upon ancient inscriptions and relics, shedding light on the Abyss's history and its creators.

The challenges weren't just physical. Many layers tested Li Yang's mental and emotional strength. Rooms filled with illusions of his past, his fears, and even possible futures attempted to deter him. But his unwavering resolve, coupled with Lysar's guidance, saw him through.

At last, after what seemed like both an eternity and a fleeting moment, they arrived at a grand chamber with an inscription: 'Level 300'. Catching his breath, Li Yang glanced around, realizing that this journey was far from over.