Demon Invasion

Meanwhile in the Western Territory

"Is everyone okay?" Yang Kai asked, scanning the group.

"Brat, what took you so long?" Li Wu Yi demanded, his tone sharp.

"I met a Demon King," Yang Kai replied, his words sending shockwaves through the group.

"WHAT?!" everyone exclaimed in unison, their surprise evident.

Before the tension could escalate further, Yang Kai and Li Wu Yi simultaneously felt a ripple of Space Principles in the air. Moments later, a figure materialized Kate.

"Kate!" Yang Kai exclaimed, relief washing over him.

"Senior, is it true that the Demons are invading?" Kate asked, her focus entirely on Li Wu Yi.

"She ignored me!" Yang Kai thought, a vein throbbing in his forehead.

"Yeah," Li Wu Yi confirmed, "four of the Great Emperors are currently engaged in a battle at the Demon Gate."

"Hey, Kate, where have you been? I searched for you all over the Star Boundary and only heard scattered news," Yang Kai asked, trying to mask his irritation.

But Kate's attention shifted. "Why is Princess Lan Xun of the Star Soul Palace here?" she inquired, her tone neutral but inquisitive.

Yang Kai's face darkened. "She completely ignored me again!" he fumed internally.

Lan Xun, noticing the exchange, observed the dynamic. "She's completely ignoring Senior Brother Yang... do they have a history?" Lan Xun thought to herself, intrigued.

"We who have connections to the Great Emperors were kidnapped," Lan Xun explained calmly.

"I see," Kate nodded. "Then we must gather an army immediately. This is likely just the beginning."

"That's right," Li Wu Yi agreed. "Yang Kai and I will notify everyone while assembling an emergency force."

"Then I'll head to the Northern Territory to retrieve something," Kate said.

"Okay, but I need you back as soon as possible," Li Wu Yi instructed. "There are only three people here who understand Space Principles, and we'll need you."

"Understood," Kate replied before taking off toward the Northern Territory.

"How about coming with us?" Yang Kai called out, but Kate vanished without so much as a glance back.

"Junior Brother, do you know her?" Lan Xun asked curiously.

"This is the first time I've seen her, Is she also from a lower world?" Lan Xun pressed.

"She's one of my wives," Yang Kai said matter-of-factly, causing Lan Xun's expression to stiffen slightly.

Yang Kai decided to shift focus. "Back to the topic, the Great Emperors want us to gather all the masters of the three territories."

"I better head back to the High Heaven Palace," Yang Kai said, brushing off the awkward tension.

"Go," Li Wu Yi said firmly, signaling for him to act quickly.

Meanwhile, in the High Heaven Palace

Kate had arrived much earlier. Standing by the Cross-Territory Array, she waited patiently, a thoughtful look on her face.

"I'll use the same technique I used with Xu Yue to feed her the Flowery Bead," Kate thought to herself, her resolve firm as she prepared for the next steps.

"Right now, Yu Ru Meng is undoubtedly much stronger than me within Martial Peak's power system," Kate thought to herself, analyzing the situation. "Even with the use of Gate of Babylon or the True Art of Mara, I might barely win. But the biggest problem is that Yu Ru Meng is a Saint—her control over the World Force is a significant obstacle."

Kate's mind raced through potential strategies. "How about tricking her? What if I give her the pill, claiming it's under the command of the Flower Shadow Great Emperor?"

A small smirk formed on her face as a plan started to take shape. "Let's try to trick her first before resorting to a fight."

Her resolve was firm as she prepared for the next encounter, ready to test her cunning against Yu Ru Meng.

Not long after, Yang Kai, Yu Ru Meng (disguised as Li Shi Qing), the Iron Blood Great Emperor, and his disciple Lin Yun'er arrived. Kate immediately approached them with purpose.

"Are you the disciple of the Flower Shadow Great Emperor?" Kate asked directly, her gaze fixed on Yu Ru Meng.

Yu Ru Meng hesitated for a moment, maintaining her disguise. "Huh? Uh, yes. What do you want from me?"

Kate spoke firmly. "The Flower Shadow Great Emperor headed somewhere and instructed me to give you this pill. She emphasized that you must refine it immediately."

Yang Kai's brows furrowed as he observed the exchange. "What is this girl doing?" he thought to himself, trying to recall if he'd seen anything similar before. Then, a realization struck him. "Wait... Does that mean this girl will be one of my wives?"

Yu Ru Meng, still wary, asked, "My master said so?"

Before she could question further, Yang Kai stepped forward. "Give me that," he said, taking the Flowery Bead from Kate's hand.

Turning to Yu Ru Meng, Yang Kai held the bead up and said in a sweet, coaxing tone, "Here, say ah."

Yu Ru Meng blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Yang Kai's demeanor, but then complied and swallowed the Flowery Bead.

Kate let out an internal sigh of relief, her plan unfolding better than she had anticipated. "This is much easier than fighting her. Thanks to Yang Kai for helping me out," she thought with a slight smirk, knowing she had avoided direct conflict.

After sometime Kate left the group

"Now that's done I better head to Ji Yao," Kate said. "Or I can just stay here," she thought to herself as she headed toward the High Heaven Peak, Yang Kai's place.

In Yang Kai's house, Kate sat down, lost in thought. "At this war, I better not fight," she murmured. "But what I should do is become a Great Emperor. But how? I can't steal Yang Kai's opportunity," she pondered, frustration flickering across her face.

"Everyone should be gathering in the Western Territory," she mused. "I'll just stay here for now," she added with a resigned sigh.

"I better cultivate the Terminus Script that was given to me by the furnace-looking artifact," Kate thought to herself as she sat down cross-legged. Closing her eyes, she began to focus her energy, delving into the profound techniques of the Terminus Script.

After a month, a space beacon arrived at Kate.

"A message?" Kate said as she opened her eyes from her meditation. She read the message with her divine sense. "Looks like they're having a hard time and are asking me to help," Kate thought to herself.

"Hahaha, I better send a reply," Kate said as she quickly sent out two space beacons. "With this, I can just—" Kate began but was abruptly interrupted.

"Huh? Where am I? Did I get teleported?" Kate thought to herself, looking around in confusion.

"Girl, what do you mean you won't help?" Li Wu Yi said as he approached her.

"How?! How did you manage to teleport me here?" Kate asked, her voice filled with shock.

"Yang Kai has a cross-territory array in his room for emergency escapes," Li Wu Yi replied, his tone stern.

"This is not the time! You're under Yang Kai now!" Li Wu Yi added, his voice firm.

"Tch!" Kate exclaimed in frustration as she turned and walked away.

After some time in Tiger Roar City:

"I thought I wouldn't end up here," Kate said, looking around the bustling city.

Suddenly, Su Yan descended gracefully beside her. "Junior Sister, I thought you wouldn't participate?" Su Yan asked curiously.

"I'm not. Senior Li sent me here," Kate replied. "But I won't help I'm currently studying my bloodline talent."

"I see," Su Yan nodded. "But, Sister, have you been giving out Flowery Beads? Why do I sense it on Li Shi Qing?"

"Yu Ru Meng? Please don't pay attention to it for now," Kate said, brushing it off. "It's just that she'd lose her Primordial Yin while in the Demon Realm, so I gave it to her early."

"Demon Realm?" Su Yan said, startled. The thought immediately triggered worry in her. That means Husband will be in the Demon Realm!

"I know what you're thinking, but don't do anything rash," Kate said, noticing Su Yan's expression. "Instead, I want you to do something for me."

"Hmm? What is it?" Su Yan asked.

"I want Senior Sister to tell everything to a person named Ji Yao... is that her name?" Kate said, as though trying to recall.

"Third Senior Sister Ji Yao?" Su Yan clarified.

"Yes, that's her. Please invite her to a gathering with the others and talk about me. Make sure to mention the Flowery Bead to her, about the future, and ask her to forget everything. This way, she might approach me," Kate explained.

"Is Third Senior Sister not with Husband?" Su Yan asked curiously.

"She is, but we didn't talk much during my time. I want to connect with her better this time," Kate admitted with a faint smile.

"I see. Then I'll do it for Junior Sister Kate," Su Yan said, nodding in agreement.

"How about the Divine Spirit named Zhu Qing?" Su Yan asked.

"I already gave her one," Kate replied. "In the Star Boundary, Yang Kai managed to fish three wives."

"Then can I ask about the next?" Su Yan inquired further.

"Hmm, Yang Kai will manage to fish two more in the Outer Universe, specifically in Yin-Yang Heaven," Kate said with a knowing look.

"So that makes it nine. What about Junior Sister Kate? Where did Husband fish you?" Su Yan asked, catching Kate off guard.

"We met at the Ink Battlefield," Kate said, her voice softening Su Yan noticed the sudden shift in Kate's mood.

Sensing the change, Su Yan quickly altered the subject. "Then please wait for the good news about Third Sister Ji Yao," she said as she prepared to leave.

"I'll wait for it. Thanks, Senior Sister," Kate said with a smile.

As Su Yan flew away, Kate muttered to herself, "Why is she more talkative today?" She shook her head and walked away.

Sometime later, in the city market, Kate's hand suddenly became entangled by golden chains.

"Eh? Enkidu?" Kate exclaimed, surprised.

"Senior Sister Luo?" Kate turned to see Shan Qing Luo appearing behind her, wrapping her in a warm hug.

"Oh, Senior Sister? You tricked me in the Starting World when we first met," Shan Qing Luo whispered teasingly. "But I did make the group quite famous. When Sister Yan'er told me everything, I disbanded the group," she added.

"I see. Then you have my thanks," Kate said sincerely.

"But I can see that you're enjoying Enkidu," Kate remarked with a sly grin.

"Indeed, so I must thank you," Shan Qing Luo said with a light laugh as the Enkidu around Kate's hand disintegrated into golden dust.

"Sister Yan'er already told us about the situation. I only came here to thank you," Shan Qing Luo said warmly.

"I see. Then Senior Sister must return since I am also quite busy," Kate said, bowing slightly.

"I see, then I'll go now," Shan Qing Luo said as she took off, flying gracefully into the sky.

After some time, Kate arrived at the city walls.

"What is happening? Why are there so many people gathered?" Kate thought to herself as she heard Yang Kai's commanding voice booming over the crowd.

"The war between the two races is different from one-on-one battles between cultivators!" Yang Kai shouted. "There must be a clear law on the battlefield!"

He continued with stern authority, "Those who refuse the orders of a supremacy can be killed! Those who flee before the battle can be killed! Those who disturb the morale of the army can be killed! Those who retreat after the battle can be killed! Those who don't try their best can be killed! This is the duty of the Army Supervisor!"

"So ruthless," Kate murmured, observing the crowd's reaction.

More people ascended the city walls, and the sight of multiple beheaded heads displayed before them caused a wave of murmurs to spread through the crowd.

"We have no choice but to fight," someone in the crowd whispered with despair.

"I better go to the headquarters first to report my arrival," Kate thought to herself, deciding not to linger any longer. With that, she flew away towards her destination.

"Hmm, that's quite a strong life aura," Yang Kai mused, sensing her presence. "She's here."

At the City Hall, Kate looked around.

"Hmm, no one is here?" she muttered, noticing the eerie silence. Suddenly, a series of massive explosions echoed in the distance.

"Are the demons attacking?" Kate wondered, heading toward the battlefield.

As she arrived at the city walls, she perched herself on the edge and began observing the battle unfold. "This is a moment to watch," Kate thought, her expression calm as chaos erupted below.

Not long after, one of the Army Supervisors approached her, his demeanor furious.

"Hey! You must fight, or I'll kill you!" he shouted, his voice brimming with authority.

Kate didn't even glance at him, her gaze fixed on the battle below.

"Tch! Then die!" he roared, lifting his sword and swinging it down at her with all his might.

Without looking, Kate caught the blade between her fingers. A moment later, the man's head exploded in a gruesome display.

"Just a pesky human trash," Kate said coldly, her tone indifferent as she resumed watching the battlefield.

In the midst of the fight below, Yang Kai caught sight of the incident.

"THAT WITCH!" he fumed internally, his eyes blazing with fury.

"HOW DARE SHE DO THAT!" Yang Kai thought as he continued slaying demons with increasing ferocity.

After killing thousands of demons and creating a temporary lull in the battle, Yang Kai flew toward Kate, his expression blazing with fury. He grabbed her by the front of her clothes, lifting her slightly off the ground.

"KATE! WHY DID YOU KILL THAT MAN AND IGNORE A COMMAND FROM THE HIGHER-UPS?!" Yang Kai shouted, his voice echoing across the battlefield.

The outburst caught everyone's attention, even the demons paused their assault, looking curiously at the pair.

"What are those two doing?" Shan Qing Luo asked from the battlefield.

"I don't know," Su Yan replied.

"This is an opportunity!" Xue Yue interjected.

"You're right!" Su Yan agreed, and the three of them used the momentary distraction to cut down more demons.

Meanwhile, in the air above, Kate looked at Yang Kai with disdain, her gaze making him feel insignificant despite his anger. Her lips curled into an evil smile.

"So what?" Kate said coldly. "A piece of good-for-nothing human trash like him has no right to order me around."

Her words only fueled Yang Kai's fury. "YOU!" he exclaimed, his grip tightening momentarily. But then, he exhaled sharply and shoved Kate backward, letting go.

"If you do that again, I'll punish you," Yang Kai warned, his tone more measured but still brimming with irritation.

"As long as they don't disturb this Queen, I won't do anything," Kate replied, brushing off his threat. Her voice turned sharp. "And don't you dare to order me around even a Great Emperor has no authority over me."

"Overestimating yourself," Yang Kai muttered as he turned and flew back to the battlefield.

Kate watched him go, a smirk forming on her lips. "Doing evil things really makes one feel alive," she thought to herself. She let out a long sigh, her expression shifting as her mind wandered.

"Being a researcher for thousands of years, then rebelling and being thrown out here... all I want now is to do anything I please, regardless of the consequences. At this point, even God yes, with a capital G can't stop me."

Her gaze shifted to the distance as her thoughts deepened.

"But it all changed when that mysterious being cursed the Void Archives," she murmured, her tone tinged with bitterness.

"But it's also because of that being that I'm currently here," Kate thought to herself. "I think I've already thought about this." She let out a frustrated sigh. "Because of that being, I can't think of anything else."

The annoyance grew as she reflected further. "But it is true. Ever since I came to this universe, I haven't really used my mind much most problems can be solved by brute force."

She sighed deeply, letting the frustration out. "This is boring," Kate muttered, flying upward and leaving the area. "I have no time for this. I'd better cultivate the Terminus Script," she thought as she ascended.

After a few days, Yang Kai and Li Wu Yi arrived at a gazebo where Kate had been staying. Black orbs floated around her, radiating an ominous and dangerous aura.

"What are those black orbs around her?" Yang Kai asked, his voice low with caution.

"I don't know, but they give off a dangerous aura," Li Wu Yi replied, his gaze narrowing as he observed the orbs. Everything the orbs touched disintegrated into dust.

"What kind of divine ability is she trying to comprehend?" Li Wu Yi wondered aloud.

As they watched, Kate opened her eyes and smirked. "My Destruction Dao finally broke through to Level 2. Now I can practice the Genesis Script," she thought to herself.

When she noticed Yang Kai and Li Wu Yi, she greeted them casually. "Huh, Yang Kai and Senior Li?"

"Kate, what kind of divine ability are you cultivating?" Yang Kai asked.

"I've chosen my Dao," Kate replied simply, her tone cold yet resolute.

Li Wu Yi frowned. "Enough with the small talk. I've heard you refuse to join the fight. Is that true?"

"Indeed, Senior is correct," Kate said without hesitation.

"Why?" Li Wu Yi pressed further.

"Because I don't want to," Kate replied, her eyes meeting his without flinching. "Like I told you the other day, even the Great Emperors cannot command me."

Her gaze shifted to Yang Kai, a sharp glint in her eyes.

"Then may I know why you're doing this?" Li Wu Yi asked, his tone still probing.

"Because that's what I want right now. The war is boring. I'd rather cultivate here than waste time there," Kate answered flatly.

"I see," Li Wu Yi said, his expression hardening. "Then as Supreme Commander, I will have to punish you."

Kate smirked, rising slowly. "Well, you can try. At the very least, with the two of you, I won't be bored for a while. But be prepared to bleed," she said, her voice tinged with menace.

After a tense staredown, Kate made the first move, dashing toward Yang Kai with blinding speed, her fist aimed directly at him. Yang Kai instinctively raised his arms to block, but midway through the punch, Kate's form shifted. She activated her first-level transformation, her appearance altered by fiery horns and a dragon claw.

"What?!" Yang Kai shouted in shock, just as her punch connected. The force sent him crashing into a nearby wall.

Before Yang Kai could recover, Li Wu Yi sprang into action, bending the space around Kate in an attempt to immobilize her. However, Kate let out a ferocious roar as she transformed into her final form, still humanoid but exuding overwhelming power. The roar shattered the distorted space, nullifying Li Wu Yi's technique.

Yang Kai regained his footing and retaliated by firing multiple Moonblades at Kate. Yet, before they could reach her, the attacks disintegrated upon contact.

"What?!" Yang Kai exclaimed in disbelief.

"Space principles are only useful if you're escaping or stronger than your opponent," Kate said coldly.

Suddenly, multiple Gates of Babylon materialized around her, releasing Enkidu, the golden chains, which surged toward Li Wu Yi and restrained him.

"What are these chains?! They block my use of Emperor Qi!" Li Wu Yi shouted, struggling in vain against the bindings.

"These artifacts come from another universe," Kate explained calmly. "They do not rely on Qi, rendering them invisible and deadly to cultivators who rely on detecting energy."

"That's… dangerous," Li Wu Yi muttered, still grappling with his restraints. "As cultivators, we're always alert to things imbued with Qi. Weapons without it ones we dismiss as mundane can become fatal."

Kate turned her attention fully to Yang Kai, striding toward him. She grabbed him by the collar and hoisted him off the ground effortlessly.

"You're always strong, able to fight those with higher cultivation than yours," Kate said, her tone laced with mockery.

Yang Kai struggled but glared at her defiantly. "How is it that you're suppressing me? We share the same source. How can you be stronger than me?"

"It's simple," Kate replied, a wicked smile playing on her lips. "I've become a Divine Spirit now. My source's purity is far higher than yours."

But to her surprise, Li Wu Yi appeared on Kate's right side and delivered a powerful punch to her face. The impact forced Kate to release Yang Kai and sent her crashing into the pillar of the gazebo.

"How did you get away?" Kate demanded, wiping the corner of her mouth.

"Those chains of yours suddenly turned to dust," Li Wu Yi replied, standing firm. "I guess you can't sustain them for long."

"Tch," Kate muttered in annoyance.

Yang Kai, still catching his breath, thought to himself, I can't tell Senior Li about Kate's tricks. My wife would kill me if I did.

"I don't have time to deal with this," Li Wu Yi said, his tone firm yet diplomatic. "I'll allow you to do what you want, but you can only attack once within my territory. How about it?"

"Is the situation on Senior's side really that bad?" Yang Kai asked.

"Yeah," Li Wu Yi admitted with a sigh. "We're short on an army, and the demons aren't letting up."

"I see," Yang Kai said, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Then how about letting me go instead?"

"No can do," Li Wu Yi replied firmly. "You're the leader here in Tiger Roar City. You have to stay."

Kate, her expression unreadable, finally spoke up. "Okay, I'll agree to attack once on your behalf. But just once." As she said this, her dragon and phoenix features dissolved into violet dust, returning her to her human form.

"Now, now," Li Wu Yi said with a faint smirk. "I'll save that as a trump card for when things get dire."

"Fine," Kate said with a wave of her hand. "Just send me a message when you need me."

Tch, this girl's attitude has completely changed ever since she gained her strength, Li Wu Yi thought to himself. Then, glancing toward Yang Kai, he added with a teasing tone, "Well, maybe it's because she's related to you?"

Yang Kai frowned but remained silent as Kate brushed past them both, leaving the gazebo.

But the three did not realize that, in the mansion near the gazebo, a pair of keen eyes observed their fight.

"I see, so that's how it is," Su Yan muttered as she watched the scene unfold.

"Did Sister Yan discover something?" Xue Yue asked, glancing at her curiously.

"The keys given to us by Junior Sister Kate can only be used by one person," Su Yan said thoughtfully. "If a fight breaks out between Junior Sister Kate and Husband, we can assist him by using the keys she entrusted to us just like how Luo'er helped Senior Li."

"But even with Junior Sister Kate's strength, Husband can't win if they fight now," Xue Yue said, her tone heavy. "Even if we help, the odds are against him."

"Are we really going to fight alongside Husband when the time comes?" Xue Yue asked cautiously.

"Of course!" Shan Qing Luo declared with conviction. "She's doing everything she can to keep Husband alive, even at the expense of her own feelings. The least we can do is support her."

"Sister Luo has a point," Xue Yue agreed, nodding. "But how did she become this strong? Even with her knowledge of Husband's secrets, it shouldn't have been enough to reach this level. And those strange secret techniques where do they come from?"

"I don't know," Su Yan admitted. "Maybe she hasn't told us everything about her origins or her abilities."

"The only thing we can do now is become stronger ourselves," Su Yan said resolutely. "That way, we can truly help Husband when the time comes."

"Sister Yan is right!" Shan Qing Luo said, determination shining in her eyes.

Suddenly, a soft voice interrupted their conversation.

"Excuse me... uh, am I feeling out of place here?" Ji Yao said timidly, stepping forward with an awkward smile.

"Third Sister, please wait a moment. We're discussing how to help Husband defeat Kate," Su Yan said, her tone serious.

"It's okay," Ji Yao replied. "I just don't understand—why would the two of them even fight?"

"Third Senior Sister, please keep this a secret. This is something only Husband's wives know," Shan Qing Luo said cautiously.

"Eh? You don't need to tell me such secrets," Ji Yao said, waving her hands nervously.

"To be honest, Junior Sister Kate is from the future," Su Yan revealed, her voice calm yet weighty.

"Huh? Are you serious?" Ji Yao asked, her expression stunned.

"Yes. Do you want me to make an oath to prove it?" Su Yan asked.

"No, I believe you, Junior Sister Su Yan," Ji Yao replied, shaking her head. "Then, what kind of divine ability did she use to come back?"

"She didn't tell me exactly, but it required her to kill everyone across the 3000 Worlds," Su Yan said, her words striking Ji Yao like a bolt of lightning.

"Is... is this true?" Ji Yao asked anxiously.

"Yes. She showed me the future herself," Su Yan replied.

"What if it's just an illusion?" Ji Yao pressed, grasping for hope.

"No, I'm certain. Junior Sister Kate sacrificed everything just to return. She killed all of Husband's wives, their children, and even her own parents," Su Yan explained, her voice heavy with sorrow.

"Do you know the peak of the Martial Dao?" Su Yan suddenly asked.

"The Great Emperor?" Ji Yao guessed.

"No, it's the Creation Realm," Su Yan corrected, shocking Ji Yao.

"Creation Realm..." Ji Yao repeated in disbelief. "Then why did she come back?"

"On our wedding night, Kate was the last wife Husband visited. He told her everything," Su Yan began, her voice trembling. "But then, someone attacked. Husband... Husband was killed."

Su Yan's words struck like a dagger, leaving everyone silent.

"Due to this, Kate came back in time to save him," Xue Yue added. "But since she had to kill everyone to do so, she now refuses to have anything to do with him."

"I see..." Ji Yao murmured, trying to process the revelations. "So she knows everything that will happen even the Demon Invasion? Is that why she doesn't want to help?"

"But Junior Brother Yang Kai will die?" Ji Yao said aloud, her anxiety growing.

"Because of her knowledge, we can now detect Husband's future nine wives," Shan Qing Luo said, surprising Ji Yao further.

"Wha- what did Junior Luo say?" Ji Yao stammered, worry written all over her face.

"Junior Sister Kate has been giving out something called Flowery Beads. They allow us to identify the other sisters who are destined to be Husband's future wives," Shan Qing Luo explained.

"When she arrived here, she had already given out two Flowery Beads: one for Sister Zhu Qing of the Dragon Clan and one for Yu Ru Meng of the Demon Clan," Su Yan added.

"Demon Clan?" Ji Yao echoed in surprise.

"I haven't received one... am I not one of them?" Ji Yao thought to herself, glancing at the three with a hint of regret.

"Junior Sister doesn't interfere with our relationships. She only gives out a bead when a connection to Husband has already been made," Xue Yue clarified.

"What if Junior Sister Kate decides to add another?" Shan Qing Luo speculated.

"I don't think so. She won't do that," Su Yan replied firmly.

Not long after, someone entered the room. "Excuse me, Madams, but Senior Bing Yun has requested Senior Ji Yao to return," the servant announced.

"Master?" Ji Yao and Su Yan said in unison, exchanging surprised glances.

"Then please excuse me," Ji Yao said, standing to leave as everyone bid her farewell.

After half a day, Ji Yao arrived in the main hall of Ice Heart Valley.

"Master, did you call for me?" Ji Yao asked as she respectfully paid her homage.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed someone seated with her eyes closed. Hair as white as the heavens with star-like streaks at the ends, skin pale and flawless like a pearl, and dressed in an elegant violet gown Ji Yao immediately recognized the figure.

"Is that... Kate Apocalypse? The one who will kill everyone?" Ji Yao thought, her heart uneasy.

"I've called you here to serve as this young lady's confidant," Bing Yun, the Ice Heart Valley Sect Master, declared, leaving Ji Yao stunned.

"Does Master mean...?" Ji Yao hesitated.

"Yes. I want you to retreat from the battlefield and follow this young lady," Bing Yun confirmed.

"Then this disciple shall obey Sect Master's command," Ji Yao said with a bow, though questions filled her mind.

"Good. Then we're done here. I need to return to the battlefield," Bing Yun said, turning to leave.

"Good luck, Master," Ji Yao said, watching her depart before shifting her attention to Kate.

She stepped forward cautiously and addressed her. "Senior, my name is Ji Yao of Ice Heart Valley. From today onward, I will be your confidant," Ji Yao said as she bowed deeply.

Kate remained motionless, her eyes still closed, offering no reaction.

"Is she... sleeping?" Ji Yao thought, her gaze lingering on Kate.

Suddenly, a powerful aura began to radiate from Kate, forcing Ji Yao to instinctively step back.

"Is she cultivating?" Ji Yao wondered, noticing frost beginning to spread from Kate's chair, encasing it in ice.

In an instant, Kate's eyes opened, revealing a piercing gaze. Behind her, the shadowy form of her Pharygon Transformation emerged, accompanied by a deafening, otherworldly roar.

Ji Yao's heart trembled as the sound reverberated through her, disrupting her focus and even her Emperor Qi.

"This roar... it's so overwhelming that it disturbed my very core!" Ji Yao thought, her breath caught in her chest as she stood frozen in shock.

"Huh? Senio—" Kate stopped herself mid-sentence, her expression softening. "Are you okay?" she asked, her tone calm and deliberate.

"This girl is very shy, and it took the two of them hundreds of years to finally be together," Kate thought to herself. "I think Ji Yao is the weakest of the wives' lineup, but her sincerity stands out."

"I'm okay," Ji Yao responded quickly, recomposing herself before introducing herself once more.

"When the Ice Heart Valley was in danger, Yang Kai saved a girl, right?" Kate asked, her words catching Ji Yao off guard.

"What? How does she know that? And what does she want to do with that information?" Ji Yao wondered, her thoughts racing.

"Senior is correct," Ji Yao cautiously replied. "It's just that she's currently in the Western Battlefield."

"I see," Kate said, her voice calm but purposeful. "Then I'll meet her later and give her something."

Ji Yao hesitated but couldn't suppress her curiosity. "I'm sorry for my presumptuous question, but may I know why Senior is looking for her?"

As they walked out of the main hall, Kate turned her head slightly and asked, "You're close with Su Yan, right?"

"Yes, Junior Sister Su is very close to me," Ji Yao said, unsure of where the conversation was heading.

"Then you must know Yang Kai, or at least the relationship between them," Kate said with a knowing smile. "She might have told you something, perhaps even things she shouldn't have."

Ji Yao blinked in confusion.

"In the Star Boundary, Yang Kai has three wives: one from the Divine Race, one from the Demon Race, and one from the Human Race," Kate explained. Her next words struck a chord with Ji Yao. "And that one from the Human Race? She's from the Ice Heart Valley."

Ji Yao's heart skipped a beat, excitement blooming in her chest.

"Could it really be me? Out of everyone, I have the deepest connection to Junior Brother," Ji Yao thought to herself, her emotions swirling as her face turned red.

Kate turned and caught Ji Yao's expression, her lips curling into a mischievous smile.

"I can read it from her face how happy she is," Kate mused inwardly, her amusement evident in her gaze.

Ji Yao noticed the smile and grew flustered. "I-Is there something on my face?" she asked awkwardly, her face now fully flushed.

Kate chuckled softly but didn't reply, leaving Ji Yao to stew in her thoughts.

"I'll just call you Sister, is that okay?" Kate said as Ji Yao caught up to her, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"Yes, then I'll call you Sister too. Or... is that too soon?" Ji Yao asked hesitantly, her expression earnest.

"It's okay. Here, I'll give you something," Kate replied, her words sparking excitement in Ji Yao.

"What is it?" Ji Yao asked eagerly, her anticipation plain as day.

Kate raised her hand, and a shimmering Gate of Babylon materialized above her palm, glowing with a radiant golden light. "This is called a Gate of Babylon," Kate explained. "And this golden light is the Babylon Key."

As she spoke, the golden light flew towards Ji Yao, gently touching her forehead and forming a Violet Lotus Tattoo.

"What... was that?" Ji Yao asked, her hand instinctively reaching to touch her forehead.

Kate leaned closer, placing a hand lightly on Ji Yao's head. "Here, I'll teach you how to use it."

Moments later, Ji Yao's eyes lit up with understanding. "I see, so that's how it is!" she exclaimed. Her gaze then shifted, a look of realization dawning on her. "Huh? Isn't this the same weapon used by Junior Brother's other wives?"

"Yeah," Kate admitted casually. "I gave them those."

Ji Yao stared at her in awe, her admiration growing.

"Then let's go," Kate said suddenly, launching herself into the sky.

"Where are we going, Sister?" Ji Yao asked, quickly following after her.

"To the battlefield," Kate replied with a sly grin. "Let's try out the thing I just gave you."