Unexpected Break Through

In the middle of the desolate land, where Shin and Kate practiced their magic, Kate suddenly shot into the sky, her energy radiating like a blazing beacon.

"Kate, what are you doing?!" Shin shouted, his voice laced with panic.

Hovering high above, Kate glanced at the massive portal forming above her. Its swirling void mirrored the sky itself, shimmering with an otherworldly glow.

"So, this is what happens when you break through in another universe. The heavens will follow you," Kate thought, bracing herself.

"Shin! I'm about to break through to the Saint Realm! Don't interfere!" Kate shouted down, her voice echoing across the barren land.

Suddenly, a colossal bolt of thunder struck her, lighting up the sky and forcing her downward.

"Arghh!" Kate groaned, struggling to stabilize herself mid-air. "I can still take this," she muttered, her determination unwavering.

The portal above continued to expand, crackling with energy. Moments later, another bolt of thunder descended, this time twice as powerful as the first.

"ARGHHH!" Kate screamed, her body convulsing as the raw energy coursed through her.

On the ground, Shin clenched his fists, his face etched with worry.

"Kate!" he called out, resisting the urge to intervene.

"What's happening to her?!" Cecily asked, her voice trembling.

"This... this is a heavenly tribulation," Merlin muttered, his expression grim. "She's challenging the heavens themselves to ascend."

"But can she survive it?" Maria asked, fear in her voice.

Above, Kate's resolve burned brightly as she prepared for the next wave of thunder. "I won't let this stop me," she thought, her energy surging despite the overwhelming pain.

"Grandpa, you came!" Shin exclaimed, relief and concern in his voice as Merlin approached the scene.

"Of course," Merlin replied, his gaze fixed on the swirling portal in the sky. "That thing is visible from the capital. I'd wager it's visible from nearly everywhere in the kingdom."

"What is that granddaughter of mine doing at this hour!" Melinda scolded as she hurried to join them, her face a mixture of worry and frustration.

"So this is what she meant when she said 'breaking through,'" Merlin muttered, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

"Did she tell you something she didn't tell me?" Shin asked, glancing at his grandfather.

"We demanded that she explain her main power, and she finally told us," Merlin admitted, his tone serious.

"Then why didn't you tell me anything?!" Shin demanded, his frustration spilling over.

"Because Kate specifically requested it," Merlin explained calmly. "She said that if you knew, it might distract you. Worse, it could cause you to be rejected by the very power you wield now."

Shin's anger faltered as he absorbed Merlin's words, casting his eyes upward to where Kate was enduring the heavenly tribulation.

"She... she was worried about me?" he murmured.

"That girl carries far more weight than she lets on," Merlin said solemnly. "But this... what she's attempting... it's beyond reckless. It's the kind of thing that could either elevate her or destroy her."

Shin clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he watched another thunderbolt rip through the sky, slamming into Kate's defiant form.

After what felt like an eternity, Kate thought to herself, "I've been struck by lightning about 28 times now." Her body ached all over, and as she glanced down at her clothes, she grimaced.

"Good thing I wore my battle dress, but it's damaged now," she noted, sighing internally. Her focus shifted upward as a golden circular formation began to take shape in the sky.

"Is this the last one? The Saint Qi Baptism," she pondered, bracing herself for the final ordeal.

Gathering her resolve, Kate shouted down, "Grandma! Bring some clothes after this last one!" Her voice carried over the desolate land, drawing the worried gazes of everyone below.

The golden formation solidified, and a massive, pillar-like beam of Saint Qi descended from the heavens, slamming into Kate with overwhelming force. The sheer pressure pushed her back, and she crashed into the ground with a resounding impact, creating a crater upon landing.

Despite the pain and exhaustion, Kate clenched her fists and gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stand against the baptismal torrent. The Saint Qi was merciless, pressing down on her as though testing her will.

"I can't give up now," Kate thought fiercely, her eyes burning with determination. She channeled her remaining energy, enduring the purification and transformation as the golden energy enveloped her. The baptism continued, a brilliant display of power visible for miles around.

"It's already been 10 hours since her breakthrough started," Shin said, his voice laced with worry. He glanced up at the massive golden pillar of light in the distance, its glow unwavering. "And it's been about five hours since her last announcement. She's been enduring that pillar of light for so long. Is she okay?"

Merlin stroked his beard thoughtfully, keeping his gaze fixed on the scene. "It's normal for a cultivator like her to endure a Heavenly Tribulation. Kate herself mentioned that the stronger the tribulation, the stronger the cultivator will become upon succeeding."

Shin's concern wavered slightly, curiosity taking over. "So, if she pulls through, she'll be even stronger than she is now?"

Merlin nodded, his expression serious. "A cultivator doesn't abide by the laws of our common sense. Their path defies conventional limits. Achieving godhood is not out of reach for someone of her level at least, that's what she told me."

At Merlin's words, the surrounding group stared at him in shock.

"Godhood?" they echoed in unison, their surprise palpable as the reality of Kate's potential power sank in. The idea that someone they knew could one day surpass mortal limitations left them both awestruck and uneasy.

Give me the Darkness Seed, Kate thought to herself as she reached out. The black orb emerged from the Gate of Babylon, pulsing ominously in her hand. Without hesitation, she swallowed it whole.

"This will hurt again," she muttered under her breath, bracing herself.

The moment the seed settled within her, an unbearable agony surged through her body. It was as if her very soul was being shredded into countless fragments, each piece torn apart and burned simultaneously. A searing heat and an icy chill battled for dominance within her, spreading through her veins like molten lava mixed with shards of glass. Her vision blurred, flickering between vivid flashes of darkness and blinding light, as her mind wrestled with the chaotic force unleashed by the seed.

Her chest heaved as if the air had turned into lead, making every breath a monumental effort. The overwhelming sensation of being pulled in multiple directions at once like her spirit was being unraveled brought her to her knees. Her fingers clawed at the ground involuntarily, seeking stability that eluded her as the pain intensified.

The seed's essence began to merge with hers, invading every corner of her being. Her heart pounded wildly, each beat sending shockwaves of raw power and excruciating torment through her. It wasn't just physical pain; it felt like her very existence was being rewritten, forcing her to endure the primal chaos of transformation.

Through gritted teeth, Kate forced herself to endure. This is the price, she thought. To control the darkness, I must first let it consume me.

After some time, the enormous pillar of light began to shrink, its brilliance fading until it finally vanished, taking the sky-splitting portal along with it.

"It's finished," Shin said, a wave of relief washing over him as he prepared to rush toward Kate. Merlin followed suit, but before they could take another step, Melinda stepped in front of them, arms outstretched.

"Didn't you hear what Kate said?" Melinda scolded, her voice sharp. "You two brainless fools!"

Both Shin and Merlin froze in their tracks, their eagerness replaced by sheepish expressions.

"Miss Kate specifically asked for clothes. Have you already forgotten, Shin?" Cecily chimed in, her tone exasperated but with a hint of amusement.

"Right!" Shin exclaimed, slapping his forehead in realization.

"Of course, how could we forget?" Merlin added quickly, a nervous chuckle escaping him.

The two of them spoke in unison, bowing slightly toward Melinda. "We're sorry about that!"

Melinda sighed, shaking her head as she gestured for Cecily and Maria to follow her. "Come with me, girls. Let's make sure she has what she needs."

With that, Melinda, Cecily, and Maria began walking toward where Kate had landed, their determined strides contrasting with the guilty looks still plastered on Shin and Merlin's faces.

After some time, the three women reached the edge of a massive crater, its depths scorched and cracked from the intense energy. In the middle, Kate lay motionless, her breathing steady but shallow, her eyes open yet distant. Though conscious, she didn't have the strength to lift even a finger.

"Hurry!" Melinda urged, her voice tight with worry as they quickened their pace, carefully descending into the crater.

As they reached Kate, Cecily immediately knelt beside her, gently brushing dirt and debris from her face. "Miss Kate, we're here," she said softly, her voice filled with concern.

Maria and Melinda wasted no time cleaning Kate's injuries and changing her into fresh clothes. The effort was meticulous but swift, each movement showing the care they had for her.

Once Kate was tended to and comfortable, Maria stepped away and activated a communication device. "Shin, the preparations are done. Open the gate we're bringing her home," she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for hesitation.

Within moments, a shimmering portal appeared above the crater, ready to transport them back to safety.

The next morning, Kate slowly opened her eyes, greeted by the familiar glow of her panel.

"Ugh, new notifications?" she muttered, brushing her silver-white hair out of her face as she sat up. She flexed her fingers and stretched slightly, surprised at how quickly her body felt responsive. "This is good. The last time I used a Seed, I couldn't even get up the next day. Looks like I'll actually be able to make it to school."

After a quick routine, she headed to the kitchen, where the rest of the household was already seated.

"Good morning, everyone," Kate said as she sat down, picking up her utensils to eat.

"Is it okay for you to move now?" Melinda asked, concern still etched on her face.

"How are you feeling?" Merlin added, his gaze scanning Kate for any signs of lingering weakness.

"I'm okay now," Kate said, taking a sip of water. "Since I've reached the 3rd Order of the Saint Realm."

"3rd Order Saint Realm?" Shin repeated, his interest piqued.

"Yes," Kate confirmed, placing her fork down to explain. "The Saint Realm is divided into three levels. Right now, I'm at the 3rd Order, the starting point of this stage."

"What are you going to do now?" Shin asked, leaning forward.

"I'm planning to min-max my skills," Kate replied with a slight smirk, returning to her meal.

"Min-max?" Melinda asked, puzzled.

"It means I'll focus on maximizing my strengths while minimizing inefficiencies in my abilities," Kate clarified, her silver hair glinting slightly in the morning light. "I need to consolidate my foundation before taking on anything bigger."

Everyone exchanged looks, a mix of awe and concern for the evolving power in their midst.

"Right, before I forget," Shin said, breaking the momentary silence, "why did you chant during yesterday's practical lesson?" His curiosity was evident.

"Huh? You chanted?" Merlin asked, raising an eyebrow as he turned toward Kate.

"Of course," Kate said nonchalantly, shrugging. "I'm not that all-powerful."

"What do you mean by that?" Shin pressed.

"It's because I don't have a technique connected to water," Kate explained, leaning back slightly. "To use the water element, I have to chant. I can't manipulate it freely like I can with fire or darkness."

"Darkness?" Everyone said in unison, their voices tinged with surprise.

"What do you mean darkness?" Merlin asked, his tone more serious now.

"My profound veins come from the Heretic God," Kate stated plainly, but her words hit like a bombshell.

"The Heretic God? What do you mean by that?" Shin asked, his confusion growing.

"As in your veins?" Merlin clarified.

"Yes," Kate confirmed. "My veins are inherited from a god in another universe. The Heretic God possessed profound veins tied to six elements: fire, water, lightning, darkness, wind, and earth."

She paused, letting the gravity of her statement sink in before continuing. "So far, I've acquired the Fire and Darkness Seeds. With them, I can completely manipulate those elements and am immune to their effects."

Her explanation left everyone stunned.

"You mean to say," Merlin began, processing her words carefully, "you're immune to fire and darkness? Completely?"

Kate nodded. "Yes. And once I acquire the other seeds, I'll have the same level of control and immunity over their respective elements. That's why, for now, water requires more effort—it's not part of my core power yet."

The three could only sit in silence, their expressions a mix of amazement and disbelief.

"Don't worry," Kate began, sensing the growing tension. "My immunity works like this: I'm immune to a sword's sharp edge, but I can still be hurt by its blunt force."

Shin tilted his head thoughtfully. "So, if I hit you with my fist coated in fire, the fire wouldn't hurt you, but my punch still would?"

"Exactly!" Kate said with a light laugh. "That's a good way to explain it."

"Alright, let's talk about the land you mentioned," Melinda interjected, steering the conversation back to practical matters.

"Oh, you don't need to worry about that anymore. Forget I ever said it," Kate replied with a playful smile that made it unclear if she was joking or not.

Melinda sighed deeply, clearly unconvinced. "Don't do anything reckless," she warned.

Kate held up her hands in mock surrender. "I won't, Grandma. You don't have to worry." She paused, her expression turning serious. "But..."

Everyone's focus sharpened at the sudden shift.

"But what?" Merlin asked, his voice calm but cautious.

"Since I just broke through, I have to stabilize my foundation," Kate explained. "That means I won't be using mana for a while. And now that I've entered the Saint Realm, my Qi has evolved into Saint Qi."

"So your Qi got stronger again?" Shin asked, already anticipating the answer.

"Yes," Kate confirmed. "Which means I need to be mindful of my strength. If I'm not careful, even a casual physical attack could kill someone like they were an insect."

"Then I'll stick with you for now," Shin offered without hesitation.

"That's a good idea," Merlin agreed with a nod.

Melinda clicked her tongue. "Tch, it's because you're too powerful that even your weakest attacks could be fatal here."

"For now, I want you to explain something to me," Melinda said, her tone suddenly grave. "This 'darkness' power of yours does it have any connection to the demons here?"

The room fell silent, and the atmosphere grew heavy. Even Kate's playful demeanor faded as she took a moment to consider her response.

"Hmm, I don't know if it has a connection," Kate began, her voice steady but contemplative. "But I do have multiple demonic techniques."

Her words caused an audible gasp from everyone.

"What do you mean by 'demonic techniques'?" Melinda asked, her voice tense with concern.

"Demonic techniques are cultivated through... unconventional and cruel means," Kate explained in a serious tone. "For instance, killing someone to absorb their Qi or assaulting a girl to steal her Yin Qi."

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of her revelation sinking in.

"Do you want me to show you?" Kate asked, her face calm but tinged with a hint of hesitation.

The three exchanged worried glances before Melinda broke the silence. "Then... can you show it to us?"

"Alright," Kate replied, standing up and stretching her hand forward. "This technique is called the True Art of Mara. I'll only channel Qi to demonstrate it, no mana involved."

Violet Qi, outlined with an ominous black aura, began to gather around Kate's palm. The energy pulsed in waves, filling the room with a suffocating pressure. Everyone dropped to their knees, unable to withstand its oppressive force.

"Thi-this Qi..." Melinda stammered, her face pale. "Why does it feel so evil?"

Kate immediately dispersed the dark energy, her palm returning to normal as the room's atmosphere lightened.

"I'm sorry," Kate said, moving quickly to heal everyone with a wave of warm energy. "Was that too much? I only intended to show you a glimpse."

Melinda, recovering her breath, shook her head. "Too much? Kate, that technique isn't just dangerous it feels like it could devour souls."

"That's why I don't use it unless necessary," Kate admitted, her tone somber. "It's not just a technique; it carries the will of something ancient and malevolent. That's why I must master it, so it doesn't control me."

Shin, still trembling slightly, looked at Kate with a mixture of awe and fear. "How can you even wield something like that and stay... yourself?"

Kate smiled faintly. "Because I know who I am. And I know who I fight for."

"That line is corny," Kate said with a small smirk. "But I do have treasures to suppress it, so don't worry too much."

Merlin's face remained serious. "That technique feels more evil than the demons themselves."

"That's normal," Kate replied. "This world is quite peaceful compared to mine. In my world, the Martial World thrives on strength, where the strong rule and the weak suffer. Fighting to the death is common, and there are people far stronger than me old monsters who can part seas and create mountains with a flick of their fingers."

The room was silent, everyone processing her words.

"But rest assured," Kate said with confidence. "Since I'm here, I'll do my best to ensure none of that chaos ever reaches this place."

Melinda exhaled slowly, her posture relaxing slightly. "We'll hold you to that."

"One more thing," Kate said, her tone shifting to curiosity. "Does this world have a Star Source?"

Her question caught everyone off guard. "Star Source?" Merlin asked.

"Yes," Kate explained. "A Star Source is a celestial energy that sustains the life of a world. In cultivation worlds, it's what fuels cultivation paths, spiritual beasts, and even the natural elements themselves. I noticed this world is abundant in Mana, but what about its core energy source? Is there a Star Source here?"

Everyone exchanged uncertain glances.

"I've never heard of such a thing," Melinda admitted.

Kate frowned, deep in thought. "If this world doesn't have one, it would explain why cultivation techniques like mine feel so foreign here. No Star Source would mean no celestial balance for techniques like Qi refinement."

"Could Mana be this world's equivalent?" Shin suggested.

"Possibly," Kate said with a shrug. "But I'll need to confirm it myself. If there is a Star Source, it could unlock more pathways for cultivation... or reveal deeper threats."

"Deeper threats?" Merlin asked, his brow furrowing.

"Yes," Kate said grimly. "If a Star Source exists, it could attract entities or powers that would want to consume it. And that would spell disaster for this world."