Dragons and Monsters

"It's good to see everyone again," Kate said warmly after landing, her gaze sweeping across familiar faces.

Standing nearby was none other than the Martial Beast Great Emperor himself. Kate's eyes widened in surprise. "!! Greetings, Martial Beast Great Emperor!" she said immediately, bowing respectfully.

"Hmm, it's good to see you looking well now," Mo Huang said, his presence both imposing and reassuring.

"Thanks to the Great Emperor's generosity, this junior has managed to attain her current achievements," Kate said sincerely.

"No problem," Mo Huang replied with a slight nod. "Now that you've broken through to the Pseudo-Emperor Realm, the rest depends on your Dao. Even as a Divine Spirit, you must carve out your path. Your bloodline ability will guide you, but without a Dao to follow, advancing further will be challenging."

Jiu Feng, who stood nearby, added, "As a Divine Spirit, focusing on your bloodline's innate abilities will make it easier for you to find your path."

"I see. Thank you for the senior's teachings," Kate said humbly, bowing again.

Mo Huang studied her thoughtfully. "I do have something I want you to do for me," he said, his tone steady but carrying a weight of expectation.

"What does the Great Emperor require? As long as it is within my power, I will do everything I can," Kate said resolutely, her expression determined.

"I want to see what it looks like the fusion of Dragon and Phoenix," Mo Huang said, his tone filled with curiosity and authority.

"I see. Then please, enlighten me," Kate responded, taking a deep breath. "It's been a long time since I last transformed. I don't even know how I look now."

She steadied herself, her voice echoing with resolve. "Pharygon Transformation!" she shouted, her body glowing in a blinding violet hue.

Moments later, an awe-inspiring 80-zhang Violet Dragon appeared, its golden horns gleaming brightly, and intricate golden features lining its majestic form. The dragon soared into the sky with a thunderous roar that seemed to shake the heavens themselves. Suddenly, a pair of massive sky-blue wings erupted from its back, trailing blue flames that flickered ethereally.

The sight left everyone in stunned silence, even the Martial Beast Great Emperor, Mo Huang.

"Is that a dragon with wings?!" Mo Xiao Qi exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.

"Those are Phoenix Wings," Jiu Feng said, her tone carrying both awe and analysis. "And the blue flames at the end of her horns... that's definitely Phoenix Fire."

"Then the fire on her tail is that Phoenix Fire too?" Mo Xiao Qi asked, eyes wide with amazement.

"With a roar like that, anyone in the Star Boundary will know of her presence now," Li Wu Yi said solemnly.

"You're right," Mo Huang admitted, his expression serious yet impressed. "I underestimated her."

"Okay, you can come down now," Mo Huang said, folding his arms. "I don't like looking up while talking."

Kate circled gracefully before descending at Mo Huang's command.

"Yes, sir," Kate replied, her voice resonating through her majestic form as she descended.

When she landed, she reverted to her human form, though traces of her transformation lingered her golden horn remained, her dragon claws shimmered with violet scales outlined in gold, and ethereal blue flames flickered as wings on her back.

Mo Huang tilted his head, studying her with interest. "Why is your human form different?"

Kate glanced at her reflection in a nearby pond, her unique appearance filling her with a mix of pride and curiosity.

"To answer the Great Emperor's question, my transformation is too powerful, so this junior can't really go from 100 to 0 instantly," Kate explained, her tone humble yet earnest.

"I see," Mo Huang responded, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "So you need to take it slow, but with time, you'll eventually gain full control."

As he spoke, Kate's ethereal blue wings of Phoenix Fire began to flicker and burn out, dissipating gracefully into the air.

"Is the Phoenix Source you found an Ice Phoenix?" Jiu Feng asked, her keen eyes narrowing.

"Yes," Kate replied. "I found a Golden Dragon Source and an Ice Phoenix Source."

"I see," Jiu Feng said with a knowing nod. "So that's why the color scheme of your transformation is like that. The violet does it come from you?"

"Yes, sir," Kate confirmed, her tone steady.

"Later, someone will pay us a visit," Li Wu Yi said suddenly, his gaze shifting toward the horizon.

"Indeed," Mo Huang mused, his expression turning contemplative. "I wonder what I should do when they arrive."

"Father, who's coming?" Mo Xiao Qi asked, curiosity lighting up her face.

"MO HUANG!!" a thunderous voice echoed across the Spirit Beast Island.

"Someone dares to shout Father's name!" Mo Xiao Qi exclaimed in surprise, her face reflecting equal parts curiosity and concern.

"Protect Xiao Qi," Mo Huang commanded firmly.

Immediately, Jiu Feng and Li Wu Yi moved to shield Mo Xiao Qi as Mo Huang ascended into the sky, his aura radiating power and authority.

"What do the Elders of the Dragon Clan want with me?" Mo Huang asked, his tone cold and intimidating.

"We cannot be mistaken. A clansman was here," the Fourth Dragon Elder declared. "That dragon roar it is strange!"

"Where is our clansman? Have you not learned anything since that last incident?" the Dragon Clan's Great Elder demanded, his tone accusatory and sharp.

"Kate, come up here," Mo Huang said, gesturing for her to ascend.

Kate hesitated briefly but then flew to Mo Huang's side, her expression composed as she greeted the elders respectfully. "Do the Seniors have any advice for this junior?"

"Dragon Claw?" the Dragon Elders collectively gasped, their surprise evident.

Noticing their reaction, Kate instinctively hid her hand behind her back.

"You truly are of the Dragon Clan," the Second Great Elder declared, his eyes scanning her with interest. "Come with us to Dragon Island you are better suited there."

"This could be my chance to get Zhu Qing to eat the Flowery Bead," Kate thought to herself, a flicker of calculation in her mind. "But there is also the matter of the Martial Beast Great Emperor. How do I navigate this without offending anyone?"

"I'm sorry, but I have yet to repay the Martial Beast Great Emperor for sheltering me. Moreover, this junior is not a pure Dragon," Kate said respectfully, her voice calm but firm.

"I can't afford to offend a Great Emperor. The Star Boundary is far larger than the Dragon Island," she thought to herself, carefully weighing her words.

"What do you mean, 'not a pure Dragon'?" the Dragon Clan's Great Elder asked, his gaze sharpening as his curiosity deepened.

"This junior stumbled upon both a Dragon Source and a Phoenix Source," Kate explained. "During the refining process, I merged the two, resulting in my current state as a hybrid of the two Divine Races."

"SUCH DISRESPECT!" roared the Second Dragon Elder, her voice thunderous. A violent surge of explosive Qi erupted around her, shaking the surrounding air as the tension escalated dangerously.

Sensing the incoming danger, everyone braced for a fight. Jiu Feng stood protectively near Mo Xiao Qi, her expression grim, while Li Wu Yi quickly acted, teleporting Mo Xiao Qi back to her house to ensure her safety.

The air grew heavier as both sides prepared to act.

After a tense staredown, Jiu Feng and Li Wu Yi stepped forward, positioning themselves beside Mo Huang.

"Now it's four against three. Let's see who prevails this time," Mo Huang said with a confident smirk.

"Don't forget, we have two Great Emperor-level cultivators on our side," retorted the Fourth Dragon Elder, his tone equally sharp.

"Then let's test that," Kate interjected coldly, stepping forward as her gaze locked onto the Fourth Elder. With a dismissive gesture, she commanded, "Go down."

The Fourth Elder's expression shifted as his body began to descend, seemingly against his will, though at a slow, deliberate pace.

"Bloodline Suppression!" the three Dragon Elders exclaimed in unison, their shock evident.

"What kind of Dragon Source did you refine?!" the Second Elder demanded, struggling against the invisible pressure.

"I can't reveal that to you," Kate replied sharply as she activated the second stage of her Pharygon Transformation. Her claws gleamed, her horns burned with ethereal flames, and her vibrant phoenix wings spread wide, radiating power.

"Dragon claws, blazing horns... and phoenix wings?!" the Dragon Elders exclaimed, their voices laced with astonishment and disbelief.

The Great Elder clenched his fists, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "Ugh... This bloodline suppression it's grown even stronger. This girl's hybrid bloodline is monstrous," he thought to himself.

Mo Huang chuckled, his confidence growing. "Look who's at a disadvantage now," he remarked.

He cast a sidelong glance at Kate and nodded in silent acknowledgment. "I underestimated her far too much. It seems I'm getting old if I failed to see her potential from the start," Mo Huang mused.

The tension crackled in the air as the balance of power visibly shifted.

"Second Elder!" Kate called out firmly.

"What is it now?" the Second Dragon Elder responded, his tone still carrying traces of irritation.

"Five years," Kate said calmly. "Within a maximum of five years, someone who possesses the Ancestral Dragon Source will come."

The Second Elder frowned deeply. "How do you know that?"

Kate's expression was unwavering. "He will bring monumental changes to Dragon Island and the Star Boundary as a whole," she stated.

The Great Elder narrowed his eyes, skeptical but intrigued. "And why are you so certain?"

Kate smiled faintly. "I know many things, including knowledge about the original Dragon Clan," she replied.

Her words immediately captured everyone's attention.

"I also know the locations of the Dragon Emperor and Phoenix Empress Sources," she added, her tone casual but commanding.

The elders exchanged hesitant glances.

"Don't worry," Kate reassured them. "I'm both Dragon and Phoenix. I have no reason to deceive you."

Mo Huang folded his arms, his curiosity piqued. "How do you know these things? And how can you speak with such certainty?"

Kate turned to him and explained, "It's thanks to the sources I refined. The remnant memories they held revealed these secrets to me."

The Great Elder nodded slowly, his expression contemplative. "So, the memories were imprinted in the source itself? That does make sense."

Kate nodded. "The Great Elder is wise. That's exactly how I know. Do you believe me now?"

The Second Elder snorted. "Those are just your words."

"Then let me tell you something almost no one knows," Kate countered. "In the main Dragon Palace, there's a Void Corridor that leads to a small world."

The reaction from the Dragon Elders was immediate and unmistakable. Their stunned expressions confirmed the truth of her statement.

Mo Huang observed them carefully. "Judging by their reactions, she's telling the truth," he thought to himself.

"I see," the Great Elder finally said, his voice carrying more respect. "I will believe you."

"Since you are both Dragon and Phoenix, and clearly on par with us, how about coming back to Dragon Island with us?" the Great Elder offered.

Kate shook her head gently. "I'm sorry, but I still have many matters to attend to here. However, I will visit when I have the time, as I know exactly where to find Dragon Island."

"Then we'll leave this matter here for now," the Great Elder agreed.

"Before you go," Kate said, tossing a Flowery Bead toward the Second Elder, "please give this to Zhu Qing."

The Second Elder caught it, inspecting it curiously. "And what is this?"

"It's a Flowery Bead," Kate explained. "Once she eats it, she will feel the presence of the Ancestral Dragon Source when he arrives."

"I see," the Second Elder replied, nodding as he stored the bead.

After some time on Dragon Island:

"Do you trust that girl?" the Second Elder asked, breaking the silence.

"Of course," the Great Elder replied firmly. "There's no reason for her to lie, and I've already investigated this matter thoroughly."

The Second Elder furrowed his brow. "What about the Flowery Bead? If she truly inherited remnant memories, she could know about the past, but predicting the future like Zhu Qing's involvement is suspicious. Have you examined the Flowery Bead?"

The Great Elder nodded slightly. "I did. It contains only the essence of the Ancestral Dragon Source and no malicious aura. However..."

"However?"

"There's an absurd amount of Love Qi infused in it," the Great Elder said with a faint blush.

The Second Elder raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "Heh, that's certainly interesting. Let's bring Zhu Qing and settle this matter."

Not long after, Zhu Qing arrived, her demeanor calm as she paid her respects. "Does the Great Elder have any advice for me?" she asked.

"Here," the Second Elder said, tossing the Flowery Bead toward her. Zhu Qing caught it effortlessly, inspecting it curiously.

"Eat that Flowery Bead," the Second Elder instructed. "About two years from now, you'll leave the island to search for someone."

Zhu Qing's eyes narrowed slightly. "May I ask who this someone is?"

"You'll know when the time comes," the Great Elder interjected. "Once you feel it, there will be no mistaking it. Now go."

"This junior understands. I'll take my leave," Zhu Qing replied respectfully before flying away, her silhouette fading into the distance.

Meanwhile, on Spirit Beast Island:

"Looks like your luck isn't bad, obtaining a source on par with the elders of Dragon Island," Mo Huang remarked, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "What are you planning now?" he asked, his gaze steady.

"I want to learn Space Principles," Kate responded confidently.

"Space Principles?" Mo Huang raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you can handle that?"

"I can teach you," Li Wu Yi interjected, "but it won't be easy. Space Principles are incredibly difficult to grasp."

"Thank you!" Kate said eagerly. "I don't have to worry. Heavenly Dao loves me dearly."

Li Wu Yi smirked. "We'll see about that. Come with me. Let's see how fast you can comprehend it." He walked out of the gazebo, Kate following closely behind.

Once they reached an open area, Li Wu Yi tossed a dark stone toward Kate. "Here, this contains the basics of Space Principles," he said.

Kate caught it, her eyes lighting up as she examined it. "This stone is rich with Space Principles," she noted. "Please watch me." Without hesitation, she sat down and began studying the stone intently.

After half a day, Mo Huang, who had been observing silently, turned to Li Wu Yi. "What do you think?"

Li Wu Yi's expression was thoughtful. "She wasn't lying. The Dao of Space is indeed compatible with her," he admitted.

Suddenly, Kate's Phoenix Wings flared into existence, shimmering with a radiant light.

"I'll use the Phoenix part of my bloodline to activate its abilities," Kate thought, channeling her energy.

"What?!" Li Wu Yi exclaimed, his eyes widening. "Her comprehension of the Space Dao has doubled!"

Mo Huang crossed his arms, a rare smile appearing on his face. "This girl is truly something. Yang Yan really sent us an exceptional seedling."

After a week, Kate completed the basics of Space Principles under Li Wu Yi's guidance. "I'm done!" Kate announced happily, holding up her hand as a faint spatial ripple danced around it.

Li Wu Yi and Mo Huang approached her, the latter landing nearby with his usual composed demeanor.

"To thank you, Great Emperor, I'll share knowledge that even someone like you might find interesting," Kate said, smiling confidently.

Mo Huang raised an eyebrow. "Ho, nothing has moved my heart since I became a Great Emperor. Let's see what you've got."

Kate chuckled nervously. "Since the Great Emperor doesn't lack materials, and I'm currently quite poor, how about a forecast?"

"Anything is fine," Mo Huang replied, his tone calm but curious.

Kate took a deep breath. "Fu Zhun," she said, causing the atmosphere to shift as everyone's expressions turned serious.

"In the next five years, Master Li Wu Yi should keep a close watch on his soul clone in that maze. The same accident from before will happen again," Kate said, her words shocking the group.

Before she could continue, Mo Huang was suddenly in front of her, his gaze sharp and commanding. "What do you mean?" he demanded, a hint of nervousness betraying his usual composure.

"Sir, please calm down," Jiu Feng interjected, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Mo Huang stepped back but didn't lower his guard. "Continue," he said firmly.

Kate nodded. "Someone will steal a bride, causing great havoc on Dragon Island," she said, her words drawing a sharp intake of breath from Li Wu Yi.

"Is this related to the great changes you mentioned to the Dragon Elders?" Li Wu Yi asked.

"Yes," Kate confirmed. "When your soul clone senses any disturbance, take advantage of it immediately."

Mo Huang's eyes narrowed. "How do you know all this?"

Kate hesitated before bowing deeply. "I can't say how, but I hope the Great Emperor will trust me. This junior's circumstances are far more complex than they seem."

Mo Huang studied her for a moment before speaking. "I'll trust you for now, but if I discover you've deceived me, not even the Dragon Island will be a safe haven for you." With that, he turned and flew away.

"Wu Yi, take care of her," Mo Huang instructed as he disappeared into the distance.

"Yes, Sir," Li Wu Yi replied before turning back to Kate. He tossed several dark stones her way. "These contain everything I know about the Dao of Space. Since you're determined to master it, learn it all in one go. I'll test you when you're done."

"Yes, Master!" Kate said eagerly, catching the stones and examining them.

"This material could keep me busy for fifty years, even with the help of the Dao Warming Spirit Lotus and my Phoenix Bloodline," Kate thought, her resolve unwavering. "It seems they want to keep me here to verify my claims, but that's fine. At least I can fully master Space Principles."

Years Later, in the Celestial Emberlake

"I didn't think that the more I learned about Space Principles, the faster I could comprehend others!" Kate exclaimed, tossing another black stone onto an ever-growing pile. "All right, next one!" she said, her energy undiminished despite years of study.

As she prepared to pick up another stone, a sudden ripple in the air caught her attention. A small void crack appeared, delivering a message.

"From Big Sis Jiu Feng? I wonder what it's about?" Kate thought, using her Divine Sense to read the contents.

"What! The demons are invading the Star Boundary?" Kate exclaimed, a spark of excitement lighting up her eyes. "Yu Ru Meng, here I come!"

Without hesitation, she flew out of the Celestial Emberlake. As she soared through the skies, her mind raced. "Now, with my progress in the Dao of Space, I can finally see the Seal Senior Li created," she thought, approaching a shimmering barrier in the distance.

Hovering before it, Kate extended her hand, her expression resolute. "Break!" she commanded, and the seal shattered like delicate glass, fragments sparkling briefly before fading into nothingness.

Reaching inside, she grabbed the Small Sealed World contained within the barrier. Holding it steady, she shouted, "Contain!"

The Celestial Emberlake around her trembled as it responded to her will.

"The Celestial Emberlake's level is too high!" Kate gritted her teeth, feeling the immense pressure of the undertaking. But her determination didn't waver. "But I can do this! The Celestial Emberlake hasn't taken root in the Star Boundary yet!"

Channeling her strength and the mastery she'd gained over Space Principles, Kate forcefully pulled the Celestial Emberlake into the Small Sealed World, her voice echoing with resolve.

With one final push, the Emberlake vanished, safely contained within the sealed world. Kate steadied herself, letting out a long breath.

After Some Time

Kate hovered in the sky, feeling an unusual emptiness in her body. "I feel like my body is completely drained," she thought to herself. With a soft sigh, she murmured, "I better recover first," before descending gracefully to the ground.

Over the next few days, Kate focused on recuperating her strength. Once she felt ready, she made her way toward the Spirit Beast Island's western territory.

"If I remember correctly, there's a Cross-Territory Array somewhere here," she mused aloud, her gaze scanning the area as she flew. Recalling her preparations, she added, "Senior Li also gave me the token to activate the teleportation array."

Flying around, her eyes narrowed as she searched for the array's location. Suddenly, a realization struck her.

"Hmm? Of course! Why did I forget that?" Kate exclaimed, changing direction and heading straight for the largest gazebo on the island.

Upon arrival, her suspicions were confirmed. "I'm right; the array is here," she said with satisfaction. Holding up the token, she activated the teleportation array. In a flash of light, she vanished, reappearing moments later in the Western Territory.