Instant Breakthrough

Meanwhile, outside the cave, Ye Xi Yun hovered in the air, keeping a vigilant watch over the mountain. Suddenly, the entire structure shimmered and began to vanish before her eyes. "Huh? What's going on with the mountain?" she muttered, her brows furrowing in confusion. Though the outline of the mountain remained faintly visible, its form had become entirely transparent.

"What kind of divine technique is this?" Ye Xi Yun whispered, her voice laced with awe and unease.

At that moment, Kate and the Mysterious Being ascended from the mountain, floating high into the sky. The Mysterious Being's radiant form illuminated the area with vibrant, shifting colors. "Are you ready?" it asked, its calm voice echoing with authority.

Kate took a deep breath, her determination firm. "Yes."

"Then I'll begin now," the Mysterious Being replied. It raised its hand toward the heavens, and a small, radiant orb appeared in its palm. The orb shot upward with incredible speed, piercing the sky. Moments later, the orb expanded, unfolding into an immense, glowing vortex that stretched in all directions.

Kate squinted, shielding her eyes from the intense brilliance. "Is that... a portal?"

"Indeed," the Mysterious Being said with a nod. "But don't let your curiosity distract you. Focus now."

Down below, Ye Xi Yun's eyes widened as the entire sky over the Shadowed Star transformed. The vortex's presence was overwhelming, a phenomenon beyond her comprehension. "What kind of heaven-defying ability is this?!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.

As she scanned the sky, she could feel the immense power radiating from the technique. "The entire sky of the Shadowed Star is engulfed by this technique. What's more, I can't make sense of anything neither its nature nor its limits. This transcends mortal understanding," Ye Xi Yun thought, her astonishment mounting with every second.

The vortex pulsed with an ominous hum, signaling the beginning of something extraordinary.

As the vortex spread across the sky, its radiant glow and overwhelming pressure were felt by cultivators all over the Shadowed Star.

In Shadow Moon Hall, an elder meditating in seclusion abruptly opened his eyes. "What is this presence? It's neither from the heavens nor from the laws of this star!" His voice trembled, and he rose to his feet, gazing at the sky through his chamber window. Moments later, his disciple barged into the room. "Elder Qian! The sky what's happening?"

At the Flowing Cloud Valley, hundreds of cultivators gathered, pointing to the sky with a mixture of awe and fear. "Is it the end of the world?" one whispered. "I've never seen the Shadowed Star like this!"

At the peak of Star Emperor Mountain, Sect Master Qi Tian Che stood with his Great Elders, all gazing at the swirling vortex in the sky. The air was thick with pressure, and the usually serene mountain trembled faintly under the strain.

"This power… it defies the natural order," Qi Tian Che muttered, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Send word to the disciples. Maintain vigilance. If this force threatens My Stay Emperor Mountain, we will act."

Great Elder Bai Xi nodded solemnly. "Sect Master, could this be an omen of fortune or destruction?"

Qi Tian Che didn't reply immediately, his gaze locked on the growing anomaly. "Whatever it is, the Star Emperor Mountain will not bow. Prepare for anything."

The mountain fell silent, its greatest powers bracing for the unknown.

After some time, a colossal force descended from the vortex, slamming into Kate with the weight of a mountain. "UGHH! I can do this!" Kate gritted her teeth, her mind racing as she struggled against the overwhelming pressure of the Heavenly Tribulation. Her body trembled under the relentless onslaught, wounds tearing open only to be mended by the golden blood coursing through her veins.

"WHAT THE HELL?! THIS HURTS SO MUCH!" she screamed internally, her voice cracking under the strain. It felt as if her very flesh was being torn from her bones, only to regenerate and be ripped apart again in an unending cycle. "Is this how it feels to get skinned alive and then healed just to be skinned again?!" she thought bitterly, every fiber of her being ablaze with pain.

Despite the agony, Kate clenched her fists, summoning all her willpower. "I can't give in! I won't give in!" she resolved, enduring the torment with an unyielding spirit. The sky above rumbled ominously, as if challenging her resolve, while the golden blood continued its tireless work of keeping her body intact.

"This breakthrough is more violent because I want you to grow stronger," the Mysterious Being said, its voice calm yet filled with an undeniable authority.

"What's up with the sudden motivational talk?" Kate retorted, her tone sharp despite the strain she was under. "I'll get stronger, not because of you, but so I can finally tell you how much you've messed with me!"

The Mysterious Being chuckled lightly. "I see."

Before Kate could respond further, a massive pillar of foreign Qi descended from the vortex, its energy radiating an entirely different essence. "UGHHH!" Kate cried out as she braced herself, desperately trying to resist the overwhelming force. Her attempts to hold it back were futile the sheer power of the Qi struck her full force, driving her straight into the ground.

The impact was cataclysmic, creating a massive crater around her as dust and debris erupted into the air. Kate coughed, her body trembling under the force. "Damn it... this is insane!" she thought, feeling the crushing pressure pinning her down. Her golden blood pulsed through her veins, working tirelessly to keep her body intact as the tribulation continued its relentless assault.

"Wait, I can further my cultivation of the Everlasting Dominating Fist with this!" Kate thought, a spark of determination igniting in her mind. She gritted her teeth and made a daring decision, halting her use of Saint Qi.

The moment she did, her body rebelled violently. Skin sloughed off her frame, her mouth filled with the metallic taste of blood, and crimson streams flowed from her eyes, nose, and ears. The agony was unimaginable, yet she clenched her fists, her resolve unshaken. "I can do this!" she thought fiercely, refusing to falter.

"Hmm," the Mysterious Being mused, observing her struggle with a hint of satisfaction. "This will indeed be a good opportunity for her to grow."

The entity's thoughts drifted deeper. "My goal of strengthening Yang Kai is just one piece of the larger scheme. He may be unable to traverse the boundaries of the Universe Tree, but he is vital for helping this queen fulfill her plans."

It observed Kate's unwavering effort, the fire in her eyes even amid unbearable pain. "What I need from you, girl, is strength real strength earned through trial and suffering. I cannot simply hand it to you. Power gifted without effort would leave you hollow, easily crushed by enemies with a stronger foundation."

The Mysterious Being's form flickered faintly, its multicolored light casting a divine glow around the battered Kate. "Prove you can endure this. If you do, the universe itself will kneel before your might."

After a month, Ye Xi Yun floated near the now-transparent mountain, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Why is no one investigating this place?" she murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief. "It's been a month. The first changes alone should have drawn cultivators from all over the Shadowed Star."

Her sharp gaze flicked toward the towering pillar of strange Qi that dominated the area. It had started to fade, the ethereal energy slowly dispersing into the heavens. "Looks like she's done," Ye Xi Yun muttered, her expression softening slightly.

Still, a lingering sense of unease crept into her thoughts. "Whatever technique caused this... it suppressed the entire star's perception. Even I felt a weight pressing down on me." Crossing her arms, she hovered quietly, waiting for Kate to emerge, her curiosity about the mysterious woman now stronger than ever.

As Kate lay on her back, staring at the fading light of the dissipated vortex, her thoughts wandered.

"No matter how one looks at it, that Mysterious Being has helped me a lot," she reflected. "If she hadn't cursed the Void Archive, I'd probably be unimaginably strong by now. But because of her, I gained the ability to traverse multiple universes... That alone is invaluable."

Her musings were interrupted as Ye Xi Yun arrived, gracefully descending from the sky. "Looks like you're all right," Ye Xi Yun said, a faint smile on her face.

"Yeah, thanks to you and that Mysterious Being," Kate replied, forcing a weary smile.

"No worries. I didn't do much. It's that Mysterious Being's actions that made the difference," Ye Xi Yun admitted, glancing at the now tranquil sky. "Do you have any plans moving forward?"

Kate pushed herself up slightly, her body still aching. "No. For now, I'm planning to stabilize my cultivation and consolidate everything I've gained."

Ye Xi Yun's eyes lit up with an idea. "Then how about joining me? This Queen could guide you further."

Kate nodded after a moment of thought. "Then I'll be in your care," she said, her tone polite. However, her mind whispered another thought. I know I'll meet Yang Kai in the future... at most, within five years.

"But I have one request," Kate added after a pause.

"What is it?" Ye Xi Yun asked.

"I'll be your disciple in name only, and I want you to keep my identity a secret. You can mention having a disciple, but I want my details to remain confidential," Kate explained, her gaze serious.

Ye Xi Yun considered this and nodded. "I see. What you said makes sense, especially since you seem connected to... beings of extraordinary power."

"Exactly," Kate replied, relieved.

"I agree to your terms," Ye Xi Yun said, offering a small smile. "Welcome, then, my secret disciple."

After some time, at a random mountain peak, Kate glanced around, taking in the tranquil surroundings.

"Where are we?" she asked.

"We're at Spirit Mountain Peak," Ye Xi Yun replied, her tone calm and steady. "For now, you should focus on resting. I'll have someone fetch some pills to aid in your recovery."

"Thanks, Master," Kate said as she sat down, her body still aching but her resolve strong. She began circulating her energy to expedite her recovery.

"For now, concentrate on regaining your strength," Ye Xi Yun said. "Once you're ready, I'll teach you the secrets of the Origin Returning Realm and the fundamentals of Shi."

Kate's eyes lit up at the mention of Shi. "Then I'd better finish recovering quickly," she said, determination evident in her voice.

However, as she closed her eyes to meditate, her thoughts wandered. Looks like this might take a little longer than I hoped. So many of my techniques and treasures have improved significantly. Stabilizing everything won't be easy, she mused, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. Still, this progress is worth every challenge.

After a month, Ye Xi Yun observed Kate carefully, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Kate, are you sure you're fine? You broke through six Minor Realms and two Major Realms in one go," Ye Xi Yun said, her tone laced with worry.

"I'm okay," Kate replied with a small smile. "You know that mysterious being didn't just push my cultivation forward; it also reinforced my foundation, right?"

Ye Xi Yun nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. That kind of breakthrough usually risks instability, but with the foundation you've gained, it's different." She paused, her tone shifting to a more instructive one. "In that case, let's move forward. I'll teach you about Shi and how to progress with it."

Kate straightened her posture, a spark of anticipation in her eyes. "I'm ready, Master."

After a year, Kate and Ye Xi Yun sat comfortably on Spirit Peak Mountain, sharing tea under the serene sky.

"Master, did Ge Qi head to the auction house?" Kate asked, her curiosity evident.

"Yes," Ye Xi Yun replied, setting her teacup down gracefully. "I sent him there to auction a Star Emperor Token in exchange for the Flowing Flame Flying Fire. My soul still needs to recover, and with the Flowing Flame Sand Field opening, it's the best opportunity to secure what I need."

"I see," Kate said thoughtfully. She gave a reassuring smile. "But don't worry, Master. With how hard you're working, I'm sure even better medicine will come your way."

Before Ye Xi Yun could respond, Ge Qi arrived, his expression brimming with excitement. "Mistress, I've returned with Soul Cleansing Divine Water!"

Ye Xi Yun shot to her feet, her usually composed demeanor cracking. "Really?!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with hope and disbelief.

"Yes," Ge Qi confirmed with a nod. "I obtained it from a young man named Yang Kai."

At the mention of the name, Ye Xi Yun's expression froze. Ge Qi continued, "Also... I'm not entirely certain, but I'm convinced the Starry Sky Great Emperor is with him."

Ye Xi Yun's eyes widened, excitement flashing across her face. "Yang Kai... and the Starry Sky Great Emperor?" she murmured, her mind racing at the implications.

"Looks like Master will finally heal her injuries. Master should go and refine the Soul Cleansing Divine Water and meet that young man immediately," Kate said with a calm yet encouraging tone.

"You're right!" Ye Xi Yun agreed, her determination clear as she swiftly left to begin her preparations.

Watching her master disappear into the distance, Kate leaned back and gazed at the vast sky. A faint smile appeared on her lips. "Looks like we'll meet sooner than I thought," she murmured.

Her thoughts drifted as she pondered her own situation. I have about 117 thousand years of lifespan now... It's slowly becoming excessive here in the Heng Luo Star Field. But when did it start growing like this?

She furrowed her brow. Does gaining more power extend my lifespan? Or is it because of the universes I travel to each with its own flow of time?

After a moment, she shrugged, letting the thought fade. I don't know, and I don't care. It's good either way. A small chuckle escaped her as she continued to watch the sky, her mind calm but brimming with anticipation.

"I have the Sources of the Dragon and Phoenix, but Yang Kai obtained something related to the two sources in the Tong Xuan Realm," Kate mused as she stood up, determination gleaming in her eyes. "I'll copy that first before moving forward."

She paced thoughtfully, her gaze distant. "When I arrived in this Martial Peak universe, that Mysterious Being cursed the Void Archives' original capability to copy entire planets. But it managed to copy the Tong Xuan Realm before the curse took effect," she said, a small smile forming. "What's more, the Void Archives already contains copies of the Dragon and Phoenix sources. That means I technically have two sets now."

Kate clenched her fists, her resolve unwavering. "With this foundation, copying the inheritance Yang Kai has will bring my understanding of the Dragon and Phoenix to a whole new level."

"For now, let's cultivate more and wait for Master to recover," Kate thought to herself, sitting cross-legged and channeling her energy. "If I remember correctly, she'll step in and help Yang Kai when the time comes. Better to be fully prepared for what's ahead."

She closed her eyes, focusing on her inner energy, as the serene Spirit Peak Mountain became her haven for growth.

After three months, Kate opened her eyes to find Ye Xi Yun standing before her.

"Looks like you were deep in cultivation," Ye Xi Yun remarked.

"Yes, Master. I'm trying to understand the Dao of Space," Kate replied, catching Ye Xi Yun by surprise.

"The Dao of Space is profoundly mysterious. I advise against pursuing it—it might hinder your cultivation progress," Ye Xi Yun cautioned.

"Master is worried I'll divide my focus too much, right? Don't worry, I have some tricks up my sleeves," Kate assured her with a confident smile. "Besides, I don't strictly follow a Dao since I rely on the Gate of Babylon for most of my techniques" Kate thought to herself.

Ye Xi Yun nodded thoughtfully. "I see. On another note, I'm planning to meet this Yang Kai and confirm whether the Starry Sky Great Emperor is truly with him. Would you like to accompany me?"

Kate shook her head gently. "Sorry, Master, but I have something else to take care of."

"All right, if that's your decision," Ye Xi Yun said, before turning to leave. "Take care of yourself while I'm away."

"I will, Master," Kate replied, watching as Ye Xi Yun departed, her mind already shifting to her next steps.

"I almost don't need fire or darkness techniques anymore since I can manipulate those elements freely," Kate muttered to herself, a small smirk on her face. "But I guess I should focus on finishing the Finger of Flowery Sword Technique. I'm so close to mastering it."

With that decision made, Kate turned and headed to her room, her steps filled with purpose.

After two weeks, in the newly established High Heaven Sect, Ye Xi Yun approached Yang Kai with a composed demeanor.

"Sect Master, I need your permission to use the Starship," she said with a slight bow.

Yang Kai raised an eyebrow. "You want to use the Starship? What for?"

"I want to fetch someone," Ye Xi Yun explained. "She's my disciple, and I wish for her to stay here in High Heaven Sect."

Yang Kai nodded thoughtfully. "If it's the Great Elder's request, then let's go and fetch your disciple."

"Thank you, Sect Master," Ye Xi Yun said with a faint smile, her tone filled with gratitude.

After some time, Yang Kai stood on the bridge of the Starship, staring intently at the screen displaying their destination.

"I could use this Starship to return to the Tong Xuan Realm and bring everyone here," he thought. "Once they're in the Star Field, they'll have far greater opportunities, and Little Senior Sister can stay by my side."

His thoughts wandered further. "Then there's also what Kate mentioned about waiting for me. Where exactly is she? Is it a realm? Or some hidden place?"

As he mulled over the possibilities, an old memory resurfaced, interrupting his train of thought.

"Senior Brother, don't forget to treat Kate appropriately," Su Yan's gentle voice echoed in his mind.

"Senior Sister is right!" Xia Ning Chang's equally firm voice followed.

Confused, Yang Kai had asked them back then, "Why? Isn't she my enemy?"

Their response had been in perfect unison, "Just do what we said! We want her as a sister!"

The memory left Yang Kai sighing in resignation. "Why did I suddenly remember that?" he muttered. "Looks like I have no choice but to work on getting Kate to fall for me if I'm going to fulfill my wives' strange request."

A sly grin formed on his face as he added, "Right, there's also Qing Luo. My plate just keeps getting fuller."

"Right, what is the realm of Great Elder's disciple?" Yang Kai asked curiously.

"She's currently at the Origin Returning Realm, 3rd Stage," Ye Xi Yun replied calmly.

Yang Kai's eyes widened in shock. "HUH?! Doesn't that mean Great Elder and her disciple are at the same realm?!"

"Yes," Ye Xi Yun confirmed with a slight nod. "She's currently consolidating her realm, which is why she didn't accompany me here."

Yang Kai let out a breath of relief and excitement. "I see! That's great! With her, our High Heaven Sect has another Origin Returning Realm Peak Stage cultivator!"

Ye Xi Yun smiled faintly. "Sect Master is correct. It's a significant addition to the strength of the sect."

The moment the Starship landed at Serene Spirit Peak, Yang Kai's senses tingled with an unfamiliar life aura. "Hmm? This life aura..." he muttered to himself, frowning slightly.

Ye Xi Yun, standing beside him, turned to him and said, "Then I'll go now, Sect Master."

Yang Kai paused for a moment before replying, "Wait, I'll come with you."

Ye Xi Yun looked at him with a slight smile. "If Sect Master wants to."

Meanwhile, inside a room, Kate, who had been sensing the arrival of the starship, stood up from where she had been preparing. "Hmm, looks like they've arrived," she said to herself, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she quickly got ready to depart.

Not long after, the two met outside, the tension between them thickening as they finally stood face to face again. The air was charged with anticipation as both parties exchanged looks.

"Good job on arriving quicker than I anticipated," Kate said, her voice calm yet laced with an edge.

"So it's really you," Yang Kai said, his expression both surprised and curious.

"Do the two of you know each other?" Ye Xi Yun asked, glancing between them, sensing some tension.

"Yes, she—" Kate began to explain, but was quickly interrupted.

"She's my wife!" Yang Kai blurted out proudly.

"Huh!" Ye Xi Yun exclaimed, taken aback by the sudden revelation.

"The hell do you mean 'wife'?" Kate retorted sharply, her eyes narrowing in disbelief.

"Out of my five wives, she's the problematic one," Yang Kai added with a cheeky grin, oblivious to the growing tension.

Without warning, Kate vanished in an instant, her speed so fast that Yang Kai barely had time to react. She appeared in front of him, attempting a punch aimed at his face. But Yang Kai, ever vigilant, saw it coming and managed to block it at the last second. However, the force of her strike was overwhelming. He was sent crashing into a boulder, the impact rattling his bones.

"Don't do that again," Kate warned coldly, her voice laced with authority. "You can't even defeat me. You're not qualified."

Turning her back on him, she walked toward the Starship with purposeful steps.

"Master, let's go," Kate said without even sparing him another glance.

Ye Xi Yun looked worriedly at Yang Kai, her gaze shifting between him and Kate as she followed. "But Sect Master..." she began, clearly concerned for her companion.

"Ugh, that punch really hurts this time!" Yang Kai thought to himself, rubbing his chest where Kate's fist had connected. "She's above my cultivation now... How did she manage that?" He couldn't help but wonder, his thoughts swirling in confusion.

Yang Kai slowly stood up, brushing the dust off himself with a grimace. He took a moment to steady himself before making his way toward the starship. His body still ached from Kate's punch, but he pushed through it. The shock of her power lingered in his mind. How did she get so strong?

Once near the starship, he turned to face the group. "Everyone, let's head back towards High Heaven Sect first," Yang Kai commanded, his tone firm but still filled with a sense of urgency.

As they boarded the ship, he took a seat and popped a few healing pills, his eyes closed as he allowed the medicine to work. He wasn't sure how much longer he could ignore the toll his body had taken. But there was something more pressing on his mind Kate's sudden surge in strength. How had she surpassed him so quickly?

"Master, are you okay?" Ye Xi Yun asked softly, concerned for her Sect Master as she took a seat nearby.

"I'm fine," Yang Kai replied, his voice steady despite the lingering pain. He didn't want to worry them further, but his thoughts kept returning to Kate. What is she hiding?