Defiance of the Fall

Pervert , - Catheya huffed as she retracted the icicle from his side , but a small smile spread across her face as she straightened her back .

It felt like a knot in her heart had been undone , a weight on her shoulders lifted . He wasn’t satisfied . It wasn’t just a fling . She’d merely been influenced by his almost insane drive as he conquered one Red Zone after another , making her focus on their cultivation rather than their relationship .

Of course , that didn’t mean everything was solved . If nothing else , there was the issue of them being apart for years . They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder , but it also brings danger . Accomplished men never lacked women trying to sneak into their hearts and into their bedchambers . She trusted Zac , but she didn’t trust all the little skirts around him .

The biggest threat was obviously Iz Tayn . She had a terrifying background , and the bits and pieces she’d managed to extract from the demon indicated she was beautiful beyond compare . Her sheltered upbringing seemed to have left Iz naïve to the matters between men and women , but it was just a matter of time . What if that seed of friendship bloomed into something else?

Catheya would have to sear her image into her man’s mind , so all the temptations on the outside would only make him think of her , of their time together in this place .

She resumed her cultivation , releasing her Dao into the surroundings . It didn’t take long for that feeling to return . Catheya didn’t know what changed , but it was even closer . Clearer . And she didn’t reject it . Catheya opened her heart and let the world connect .

Vastness , power , and stability filled Catheya as her Dao resonated with the world . The falling snowflakes started to rotate , and their gentle swirl soon turned into a massive vortex that spread farther and farther . Soon , it covered the whole island , yet it hadn’t reached its limits . She could sweep through the whole world for a moment , but a painful sense of exhaustion prompted her to drag back her consciousness .

The connection was cut , yet Catheya felt she could reinstate it whenever she wanted . She looked up at the dissipating winds with interest , not caring that she’d just lost more than half her Miasma .

What was that? - Zac said with shock . - Was that you? -

Harmonization , - Catheya muttered to herself before turning to Zac with a grin . - You’re really my lucky charm . I really should repay you . -

Zac looked confused , but a smile spread across his face as he glanced at the titan far in the distance . - You said he’d just fed? -

We have some time . -

Zac stepped through the gate , appearing on the teleportation square in his Draugr form . He couldn’t even remember the chill of the Everfrost Isles , only the heat . Catheya had always been passionate , but she had really gone all-out the past month . They’d spent two extra weeks inside the Red Zone , and he hadn’t even noticed .

I need to enter seclusion , - Catheya hummed to the side .

Ah? - Zac said , dragged out of his dreamlike state .

Will you be okay on your own? - Catheya asked with a smile that spoke volumes .

Maybe one more mission? - Zac ventured , his blood stirring at the thought .

Catheya playfully fiddled with his fingers as she leaned closer , but Zac froze when he only got a small peck . - Next time . -

Zac inwardly grumbled , but she needed to do this . Catheya had grasped a great opportunity , and it was time for her to figure out how to make the most of it . To think she’d suddenly learn the elusive ability of Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization . It was much rarer than intent or technique and generally considered impossible to train . Attaining harmonization was considered a matter of talent and fate , like stumbling onto a lucky opportunity .

The ability was quite impressive . Catheya had become one with the world when she entered that state . More importantly , it allowed her to draw upon a small part of the environment’s power , augmenting her strength while saving on energy consumption . Even when just having grasped the new ability , Catheya’s skills had gotten around 10% stronger . Given enough time , that number was sure to increase .

It was a free boost akin to having a second Cultivation Manual , but it wasn’t without limitations . The biggest problem with Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization was that it wasn’t always useful . In Catheya’s case , she could only really draw upon the skill when the Heavens and Earth were aligned to her path . In other words , an icy and deathly environment . The better the match , the more power she could extract from her surroundings . In contrast , the effect was almost negligible in environments not aligned with her Dao .

But what if you could turn the world around you into an image of your Dao?