The void spurred, and churned as if it was a stormy ocean. Waves made of the void crashed against Yang Kai at this moment, occasionally revolving around him. After several breaths the violent fluctuations grew more intense, only adding to the awe of those present. That is, aside from myself that is. But I could hear the gulps that the others made, clearly indicating that this was no normal breakthrough to the 8th rank.
"He really lives up to his namesake, Void." Martial Beast Great Emperor muttered as he watched on, half in horror and half respect.
The waves of void continued their brutal beating upon Yang Kai. However, Yang Kai remained of steady mind and took each hit. But, only I, Li Wu Yi and Su Yan managed to see the underlying effects of what was happening.
At first glance, it may seem like these void waves are attacking Yang Kai. That would be accurate to say is the case. However, with each swell the Void weakens and is absorbed by Yang Kai. It is clear that he is comprehending something new related to the Dao of Space.
Even still that wasn't all that was happening at the moment. In fact, I highly doubt anyone else could possibly sense it, perhaps my Aunt Yang Xue, but no one else would. Yet, I could see it clear as day, and as brilliant as a light in the darkness.
There was another Dao present within the void, The Dao of Time! Within the Space of the Void was the Flow of Time. Two incredibly esoteric powers, each of which are significantly powerful on their own. However, as strong as they are, neither can exist without the other, seeing this sight play out before me I could clearly see this event.
I came here with memories from my previous life, each of which helped out in some small way. I even knew the fundamentally inseparable relationship between Time and Space. Space can not exist without the flow of time. Similarly the Flow of Time requires Space to flow. And to truly master one of these Daos to their absolute limits, one must master both of them. Even with my knowledge that confirmed this fact for me, well in advance of this situation, seeing it happen before my eyes... Well, it's an indescribably different feeling, but to sum it up, both my space and time Daos are undergoing some significant changes, but I have to hold them back, even if only for a little bit.
~ Several Days Later ~
After so long, the void trembled with shock waves. Each filled with enough power to make the average cultivator tremble, if not fall unconscious at the very least. Anyone below the 4th rank would have likely exploded upon contact with a single one of these waves. Even with my strength, Smiles decided it best to shield me as well. Though I was still able to read the flow of energy quite easily with my eyes. But that might have been a bit of a mistake...
After what seemed like a nearly endless number of these waves, calling them ripples would be insulting to their sheer intensity, one final, massive wave, no, it was a surge of power radiated outward in all directions. And then, it stopped expanding.
Just as everyone recovered from that final surge, the surge fell back upon Yang Kai. In that same moment, The Void World appeared, even if only a phantom image, it was enough for me to infer what was about to happen. After all, the waves did seem inextricably linked together.
"Mother Smiles, the waves are going to come back in the reverse direction soon. Father is going to use them to reinforce his Small Universe." I whispered to Smiles.
"Huh? How do you... Oh you're right? How did I not sense that?" Smiles said, putting up a protective barrier behind us as well.
"It is a simple matter for me, I'll spare the lengthy explanation for a later time if you wish, but I am able to see the true appearance of this phenomenon. It's also likely that Martial Uncle Li Wu Yi, and Aunty Yang Xue have sensed something off as well. Just not as much as I." I explained, without too many details, returning my attention to what was happening now.
And sure enough, without much delay, each wave of energy that had been released, came flooding back, faster, stronger and more fierce than before. It was also at this time, that I saw the threads of fate in Yang Kai's Small Universe, upon seeing them, I smirked slightly as if I achieved something great myself.
Wave after wave, each came back and formed a seemingly impenetrable yet highly flexible barrier. At a glance it is easy to tell that his resistance to the Ink Force has risen significantly. Still nothing like that of my own, since mine legit empowers me as I am exposed. There really isn't anything better than that, aside from making it faster of course.
And then the final wave returned, completing the barrier around Yang Kai's Small Universe, and then it expanded in size until it came to a stop. At this point chain-like structures started to form as if to restrict the growth any further. However, the red threads of fate obliterate those chains with ease. In fact the energy used to craft those chains ended up being absorbed completely into Yang Kai's Small Universe. Causing a calm, yet chaotic surge of power to radiate outwards from Yang Kai's body, as the image of Void World vanished from sight.
Yang Kai stretched and tested all of his joints and muscles. Then looking around he let out a laugh and a smile. "That was quite interesting. This realm is definitely a bit different than the 7th. Though, the only real difference is the amount of power. I feel fantastic, albeit a little exhausted after all of that." He said, confidently, quickly replacing his torn up clothing. And he did that in an instant, I barely saw it.
"Congratulations Void, this truly is quite the accomplishment. To think I just managed to breach into the 7th rank, and you're already at the 8th rank." Iron Blood Great Emperor laughed.