Foundation

After five years, Kate opened her eyes, her expression filled with frustration. "I only managed to reach the First Order of the Saint Realm. This is too slow," she thought, her disappointment evident.

As she stretched and glanced out of the ship's viewing panel, a massive celestial body came into view. Her eyes widened in shock. "What the... is this the Shadowed Star?" she asked aloud, her voice laced with disbelief.

"I thought its size was exaggerated, but this... this thing is far too huge to be a planet," Kate muttered, her mind racing. She paused, contemplating the unique structure of this world. "Right, I can't really rely on my old knowledge here. This planet doesn't even have a star, yet it's brimming with Qi and even a Star Source," she added thoughtfully, a mix of intrigue and confusion crossing her face.

"Ah, I remember now they call planets 'stars' here," Kate said with a small sigh. Regaining her focus, she issued a command, "For now, let's head down near the Dragon Cave Mountain."

The Ship of Light hummed softly as it adjusted its trajectory, flying gracefully toward its new destination, leaving a streak of luminous brilliance behind it in the vastness of space.

Kate landed silently behind the mountain range, the cool wind brushing past her. She took a deep breath and steadied herself. "First, list the problems," she muttered, her voice firm. A hologram materialized in front of her, projecting her current issues.

"Problem one: I'm broke and need Saint Crystals. Problem two: I'm not safe here either," Kate stated, watching as the hologram listed her concerns. She crossed her arms, pondering the next steps. "That's all for now," she added with a sigh.

Her eyes narrowed as she considered her options. "How do I earn quickly? I'm not an alchemist or an artifact refiner," she mused aloud. The weight of her situation was apparent. Then, an idea struck her, and a mischievous smile crept onto her lips. "Looks like I'll have to rely on the oldest trick in the book to earn big," she decided, determination shining in her eyes.

Without wasting another moment, Kate leapt down the mountainside gracefully. Behind her, the Ship of Light shimmered softly before dissolving into golden dust, disappearing like a fleeting dream.

After wandering through the winding paths of the forest, the quiet air was broken by muffled voices.

"Hey, what do you think we should do about tomorrow's arrangements?" one man asked, his tone uncertain.

"Let's just practice so we can make sure we're accepted," the other replied. Their conversation was abruptly cut short when the man on the right was flung violently into a nearby tree.

"HEY! WHAT HAPPENED?!" the remaining man shouted, panic setting in. Before he could react, four shimmering golden gates appeared around him, each releasing a Noble Phantasm aimed directly at his vital points. His companion, still groaning against the tree, found himself restrained by golden chains the unbreakable bonds of Enkidu.

Emerging from the shadows of the treeline was Kate, her appearance completely altered, disguised as a man. "It's good that I've mastered the Isolation of One's Heart Technique. This level of transformation even fools their senses," Kate thought smugly to herself.

Her eyes, cold and unrelenting, locked onto the terrified men. "Hand over all your Space Rings," Kate commanded, her voice calm yet brimming with authority.

The two men trembled, their fear evident as they scrambled to obey. Without hesitation, they surrendered their Space Rings, tossing them at her feet.

Kate's lips curved into a faint smirk as she picked them up. "Not bad. This should cover the basics for now," she thought, her plan moving smoothly forward.

Kate left immediately, her figure vanishing into the dense forest. Not long after, the glowing gates and Noble Phantasms dissolved, turning into golden dust that scattered into the air.

After some time, she landed in a secluded spot, the rustling of leaves the only sound around her. "For now, I'll continue robbing them before heading into a town," Kate muttered, her expression serious as she began planning her next moves.

Just as she was about to settle down, a sudden notification appeared in front of her, floating in midair: Anchored Universe Event.

"Huh? What's an Anchored Universe Event?" Kate asked aloud, confusion flashing in her eyes. Before she could fully process the message, the world around her began to shatter. The scenery cracked like fragile glass, fragments breaking away and revealing a dark void underneath.

"What is going on now?!" Kate thought frantically as she felt herself plummet into the abyss, her body weightless yet gripped by an overwhelming sense of dread.

"Huh? Where am I?" Kate muttered, her voice echoing faintly in the stillness around her. She turned in place, her gaze sweeping the surroundings, but all she could see was an endless sea of stars twinkling in a vast void. The only solid thing beneath her feet was a massive platform, its surface smooth and metallic, stretching out endlessly in all directions.

"This… doesn't make any sense. Where is this place?" she murmured, a mixture of awe and unease creeping into her voice. Her brow furrowed as she stepped cautiously forward, the faint hum of energy from the platform vibrating under her soles.

"Huh? Where am I?" Kate muttered, her voice echoing faintly in the stillness around her. She turned in place, her gaze sweeping the surroundings, but all she could see was an endless sea of stars twinkling in a vast void. The only solid thing beneath her feet was a massive platform, its surface smooth and metallic, stretching out endlessly in all directions.

"This… doesn't make any sense. Where is this place?" she murmured, a mixture of awe and unease creeping into her voice. Her brow furrowed as she stepped cautiously forward, the faint hum of energy from the platform vibrating under her soles.

Before Kate could process her surroundings further, a massive hologram flickered into existence above the platform.

"This is a Universe Anchored Event," the words glowed in radiant letters, accompanied by a calm, mechanical voice. "Here, you will battle various individuals from across the anchored universes. In each fight, you may only use one type of power. Victory grants you Anchored Universe Cards, which can be used to enhance your strength and abilities."

Kate's eyes lit up as she read the announcement, her initial confusion giving way to eager anticipation. "I see… this sounds interesting," she said, clenching her fists. A grin crept across her face as adrenaline surged through her veins.

"Then let's start!" she shouted, her voice echoing into the endless void, her excitement uncontainable as she prepared herself for whatever was to come.

A sudden beam of light shot toward the platform, illuminating the endless sea of stars. Kate's body tensed as she instinctively readied herself.

"Here it comes!" she muttered, her gaze locked on the descending light.

As the beam reached the platform, it transformed midair, materializing into the form of a man. The energy dispersed, revealing none other than Yun Che, his aura radiating overwhelming confidence and battle-hardened strength.

"I see," Kate said, her voice steady but her heart pounding with anticipation. "So, you're the one I need to fight."

She clenched her fists, her stance shifting slightly as she prepared herself. The platform shimmered beneath their feet, the stage set for the clash of titans.

"Hmm?" Kate muttered, her brow furrowing. "Looks like he doesn't recognize me… Is he just a clone?" she thought, her mind racing.

But before she could process further, Yun Che was suddenly right in front of her, his speed almost incomprehensible.

"What?!" Kate exclaimed, startled, as she instinctively raised her arms to defend. However, instead of the expected punch, Yun Che seized her wrist with an iron grip.

With a swift, fluid motion, he hurled her toward the ground.

"YOU!" Kate shouted, struggling to break free, but his strength was overwhelming.

Her body slammed into the platform with such force that the impact echoed, causing her to bounce off the surface like a ragdoll. Gritting her teeth, she steadied herself midair, her eyes blazing with both pain and determination.

"So this is the strength I'm up against," she thought, her adrenaline spiking as she prepared to retaliate.

Before Kate could make her move, the sound of Yun Che's rapid footsteps echoed toward her like a countdown.

"You think I'm this easy to—" Kate began, but her words were cut off.

"EMPYREAN DANCE OF THE PHOENIX WING!" Yun Che roared, his voice resonating with power.

Brilliant phoenix wings of blazing flames erupted from his back, illuminating the dark platform. With a single, swift motion, he propelled himself toward Kate, the heat and energy distorting the air around him.

"Crap, I can't think of anything!" Kate panicked, her thoughts racing.

The fiery wings slammed into her before she could react, engulfing her in a vortex of scorching energy. A deafening explosion followed, shaking the platform as flames and smoke erupted outward, leaving Kate obscured within the fiery aftermath.

Panic was evident on Kate's face as she hastily opened hundreds of Gates of Babylon, firing a relentless barrage of Noble Phantasms at Yun Che. The chaotic, uncontrolled attack reflected her inexperience in combat, each projectile launched without precision or strategy.

"Calm down... Focus!" Kate thought, forcing herself to collect her thoughts even as the relentless gates continued their assault.

Yun Che darted through the barrage with incredible speed, dodging the gleaming weapons that rained down on him. But the sheer volume of attacks proved overwhelming. A single blade grazed him, breaking through his defenses.

"Got you!" Kate muttered, regaining a sliver of composure.

The barrage intensified, and Yun Che's movements slowed as more attacks struck true. His form began to flicker and distort, shadowy tendrils unraveling from his body. With one final hit, Yun Che's silhouette dissolved into shadows, dissipating into nothingness.

Kate stood amidst the aftermath, her breathing ragged, as the Gates of Babylon slowly closed around her.

"Curses! Yun Che scared me to death!" Kate thought to herself, clutching her chest to calm her racing heart. She straightened her posture, brushing off the dust from her clothes.

Above her, the hologram reappeared, its letters glowing brightly in the void.

"Congratulations! You have defeated Level 1 of the challenge. Would you like to proceed to Level 2 or claim your rewards?"

Kate smirked, a spark of determination flickering in her eyes. "No need for a break. I'll continue," she said confidently, her voice echoing across the vast platform.

The hologram shimmered, displaying her choice as the words "Level 2 Initiated" blinked into existence. Kate rolled her shoulders, preparing for the next battle.

"Bring it on," she muttered, her earlier fear now replaced by resolve.

A violet star-shaped polygon materialized in the sky, radiating an ominous glow.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Kate thought, her gaze narrowing as tension crept into her frame. She flexed her fingers instinctively, only to realize that the Gates of Babylon were sealed.

"What? I can't use the Gates anymore?" she muttered, panic flashing momentarily before she steadied herself. "No worries. This is a good opportunity to test my other techniques in real combat," she reassured herself, determination hardening her resolve.

As the violet star pulsed, a figure descended gracefully, her presence suffocating. A woman with regal poise, golden armor, and an otherworldly aura stepped forward.

Kate's eyes widened as recognition struck her like a bolt. "Wait, is that…?" she murmured, her heart sinking as the figure's cold gaze met hers.

"The Herrscher of the Void!" Kate thought to herself, a mix of awe and dread washing over her.

"This is bad," Kate thought, her instincts screaming at her to retreat. She tried to put some distance between herself and the Herrscher of the Void, but her body refused to move.

"Crap! I can't move! Did she seal the space?" Panic surged through her as she struggled against the invisible force binding her in place.

"AGGGH!" Kate roared, summoning her resolve as she unleashed the True Art of Mara, dark, innate energy erupting from her core like a storm. The surge of power shattered the oppressive space around her, and she staggered back, gasping for air.

But relief was short-lived. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of four spears hovering in the air, positioned at the cardinal directions.

"Oh no!" Kate shouted, dread sinking in as the spears glowed ominously. In a flash, they released an ethereal barrier that enveloped the space around her. The air inside began to twist and fracture, space itself splitting apart in chaotic ripples.

"I can't survive this if I don't act now!" Kate thought desperately, her mind racing as the Herrscher of the Void watched her with an icy, amused expression.

To her shock, Kate saw her hand detached and falling through the air. Her heart sank as her gaze followed it, only to spot her own body below.

"EH?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with disbelief.

"KYAAAAAA!" Kate screamed in pure horror as realization dawned. Her head was no longer attached to her body, plummeting toward the ground.

Just as the terror peaked, everything went black.

"AHHHH!" Kate jolted awake, her scream echoing through the dim cave. She was drenched in sweat, her chest heaving as her wide, horrified eyes darted around the space. Her trembling hands reached for her neck instinctively, finding it intact.

"It... it was just a nightmare?" Kate whispered, her voice shaky. But it felt so real. The pain, the panic it had burned into her memory like it was no illusion.

Clutching her knees to her chest, she tried to calm her rapid breathing. "What was that? Was it... the Herrscher of the Void? Or something else entirely?" she muttered, shaken to her core.

"Hey, what's going on?" a voice called out, sharp and filled with concern. Kate barely registered it over the roaring energy coursing through her body.

A figure rushed to her side and knelt beside her, her presence radiating authority and composure. "Junior! Are you all right?" the woman asked, her tone urgent as she placed a steadying hand on Kate's shoulder.

Kate, trembling from the overwhelming power, barely managed to nod.

"You're breaking through?" the woman continued, her sharp eyes examining Kate's condition. Moments later, her expression darkened. "Junior, your foundation can't handle this breakthrough! You'll tear yourself apart!"

"I can take it!" Kate ground out between gritted teeth, her resolve unyielding despite the pain.

The woman hesitated, then nodded firmly. "Very well. Then I'll help you ease it."

With a wave of her hand, a radiant light filled the cave, illuminating it in a dazzling array of colors. The vibrant energy intertwined with Kate's turbulent aura, softening the chaotic surges within her.

"Hmm?" Kate thought, startled. "It feels like my Saint Qi is being suppressed, contained even..."

Realizing what the woman was doing, Kate refocused, channeling her energy inward to stabilize herself. "All right, let's do this!"

While the chaotic energy surged and the woman worked to stabilize Kate, the cave was suddenly bathed in a brilliant, multi-colored light. The source of the radiance materialized before them a figure composed of swirling, glowing particles, its very presence illuminating the cave like a celestial phenomenon.

Kate squinted against the light before recognizing the figure. Her frustration boiled over. "You! What are you doing here?" she shouted, her voice strained yet sharp.

"Kate, are you okay?" the Mysterious Being asked casually, as if unaware of the tense situation.

Ye Xi Yun froze, her hands still channeling stabilizing energy into Kate. Her eyes widened in shock as she instinctively recoiled. "What is this presence? It feels more overwhelming than even the Great Emperor..." she thought, sweat forming on her brow. Yet, she kept herself steady, wary of showing weakness.

Kate, however, had no such reservations. "Are you trying to get me killed?!" she yelled, her frustration boiling over. "Giving me this much power all at once without warning? What were you thinking?"

Ye Xi Yun's gaze darted between Kate and the glowing figure, utterly baffled. "She dares speak to such an entity this way?" she thought, her heart pounding.

The Mysterious Being let out a sound like a chuckle, its body shimmering with shifting hues. "All right, my bad. I might have gone a bit overboard," it said, almost apologetically. "It's just that I've been preoccupied these past few years—too many enemies showing up all at once. I wanted to oversee your progress personally."

"Oversee my progress?!" Kate shot back, her anger momentarily distracting her from the strain on her body. "You're overseeing me into an early grave!"

"But I'm here now, aren't I?" the Mysterious Being countered, its tone light and unconcerned, as if it were all a trivial misunderstanding.

Ye Xi Yun's expression shifted, a mix of awe and confusion. "Who or what is this entity... and why does this Junior seem so familiar with it?"

Kate groaned, trying to push down the chaotic energies swirling within her. "If you're so concerned, then fix this mess!"

The Mysterious Being tilted its head, shimmering faintly. "Fine, fine. Let me help you out. Stay still for a moment, will you?"

"Here," the Mysterious Being said, extending its shimmering hand. A radiant golden orb emerged, pulsating with immense energy. "This is Yang Kai's foundation when he was at your current cultivation level. As an apology, I'll directly promote you to the Origin Returning Realm, Third Stage. Oh, and don't worry I'll personally oversee your tribulation."

Kate froze, staring at the orb with disbelief. "Huh? You can just give cultivation like that?!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with both awe and skepticism.

Ye Xi Yun, still steadying herself after the overwhelming presence of the Mysterious Being, stared in shock. "What kind of entity is this? To claim it can simply bestow cultivation and even a solid foundation... It defies every principle of the martial path."

Her thoughts raced as she observed the surreal exchange. "Even the Great Emperors wouldn't have this level of mastery over cultivation itself. Is this truly something beyond the comprehension of our world?"

The Mysterious Being's light shimmered as it glanced briefly at Ye Xi Yun. "Little girl, step aside. I'll handle this one's breakthrough myself," it said casually, as though dismissing any doubt of its capability.

Ye Xi Yun hesitated, her mind caught between awe and unease. But eventually, she stepped back and bowed deeply before leaving the immediate area. "To witness something like this... This junior can only retreat and hope to understand it later," she thought, retreating to observe from a distance.

Kate raised an eyebrow as she glanced between the orb and the being. "Wait a minute. If you're so almighty, why do I get the feeling this is going to be painful?"

The Mysterious Being let out a sound resembling a chuckle. "You'll see soon enough," it said with a glimmer of amusement, the golden orb beginning to descend toward Kate.