The evolution was complete in seconds. What Kaelith had given him—already precious beyond measure—had been deconstructed, analyzed, and rebuilt into something transcendent.
The new technique didn't just absorb and purify abyssal cores. It could devour any form of energy. Tables, floors, pencils, air—everything contained energy according to Einstein's E=mc². The Divine-Grade version could extract that energy, purify it completely, and convert it into cultivation advancement with zero loss.
Additionally, while analyzing the technique itself, Vaelor's Absolute Insight had comprehended the method Kaelith used to transmit it. The consciousness-to-consciousness information transfer protocol. The way spiritual energy could carry complex data directly into another's mind.
And of course, he'd immediately upgraded that as well.
[Mind-Touch Transmission (Basic) → Divine Consciousness Impartation (DIVINE-GRADE)]
The improved method didn't require physical contact. It could transmit entire technique systems instantaneously. It could even guide the recipient's comprehension, helping them understand and integrate the knowledge far faster than normal learning.
Vaelor's consciousness reached out, touching Kaelith's mind gently—not invasively, but with clear intent that she could accept or reject.
She gasped, feeling the connection form. What—?
Then the upgraded Energy Devouring Scripture flooded into her consciousness. Not just the technique itself, but complete comprehension of its principles. Guidance on execution. Insights into optimization for her specific physiology and cultivation base.
The transmission took three minutes—during which Kaelith sat frozen, her ice-blue eyes wide and unfocused as her mind processed the impossible volume of perfect knowledge being carefully integrated.
When awareness finally returned, she stared at Vaelor with an expression mixing shock, awe, and something approaching existential terror.
"How?" she whispered. "What? When?"
Her thoughts were fragmented, struggling to organize. "That technique... it's not what I gave you. It's... it's..."
"Divine-Grade," Vaelor supplied calmly, taking a sip of his cherry wine. "I upgraded it. The original was functional but limited. This version can absorb energy from any source—not just abyssal cores. Rocks, water, air, even light itself. Complete purification with zero energy loss."
Kaelith's mouth worked soundlessly for several seconds.
"You... upgraded... in three minutes..." She couldn't form complete sentences.
"Also upgraded the transmission method," Vaelor added conversationally. "I don't need physical contact anymore. Can send techniques directly to your mind from a distance, complete with comprehension guidance. Much more efficient."
He met her shocked gaze with calm satisfaction. "Consider it a gift. Fair exchange for what you shared. And a token of appreciation for trying to save humanity from apocalypse."
Kaelith continued staring, her normally sharp mind reduced to stunned incomprehension.
What kind of monster have I allied with?
Not just combat power. Not just cultivation talent. But the ability to receive a technique, comprehend it completely, upgrade it to Divine-Grade, and then improve the very method of transmission itself—all in the time it took to drink wine?
In her previous life, she'd been called a Monster Genius. She'd reached heights most couldn't imagine.
But this... this was beyond any classification she knew.
Heaven-Defying? Transcendent? No... he's something else entirely. Something the classification system doesn't account for because it shouldn't be possible.
Finally, she found her voice. "Thank you. Sincerely. This..." She gestured helplessly. "This is worth more than everything in my family's treasury combined. Divine-Grade techniques don't exist in the current era. The knowledge was lost in the Cataclysm."
"You're welcome." Vaelor's smile was genuine. "Use it well. If you're going to prevent the apocalypse, you'll need every advantage possible."
Kaelith took a long drink of wine, trying to calm her racing thoughts. A decision crystallized—one she'd been considering but had hesitated to commit to.
"There's a ruin," she said quietly. "The same one where I found that absorption technique in my previous life. It's hidden in a restricted zone—requires extensive preparation to access safely. I was planning to retrieve certain artifacts before they fell into enemy hands."
Her ice-blue eyes locked onto his. "I'll take you there. When I've made proper preparations. The treasures inside... if you can comprehend and upgrade them like you did this technique..."
She didn't need to finish. The implications were clear.
"I'd appreciate that," Vaelor acknowledged.
Their food arrived, interrupting the moment. The waitress set down multiple plates of expertly prepared dishes—the grilled fish, steamed shrimp, and what appeared to be some kind of beast meat medley that smelled incredible.
"Chef's special recommendation," she announced proudly. "Braised Void Stalker with imported spices. Enjoy!"
As she departed, Kaelith deactivated the privacy ward temporarily—no point maintaining it while eating, and the ambient noise would cover any casual conversation.
They ate in companionable silence for several minutes, both processing the exchange that had just occurred.
Finally, Kaelith spoke again. "I have dozens of advanced martial techniques in my family's collection. High-grade methods I learned in my previous life. I'll transmit them all to you."
She raised a hand before he could respond. "But you should understand something: to become a true powerhouse—someone who can stand at the absolute peak—you can't rely solely on other people's techniques. You need to create your own system. Something that perfectly matches your unique capabilities and comprehension."
"Use what I give you as inspiration. Foundation. Raw material. But forge your own path. Your own martial arts. Your own signature style."
Vaelor nodded slowly, understanding the wisdom. "Agreed. I've been working toward that already, but more reference material will accelerate the process significantly."
"Good." Kaelith finished her steak, then reactivated the privacy ward. "Then let's begin."
She placed her hand near Vaelor's temple—not touching, using the upgraded transmission method he'd shared. "I'm sending everything I currently have access to. Family techniques I'll need to retrieve from our archives first, but I'll transmit those later through secure network."
Her consciousness reached out, and a flood of martial knowledge poured into Vaelor's mind.
Techniques for spear combat, sword arts, unarmed styles. Movement methods, defensive formations, offensive combinations. Energy circulation patterns, Intent synchronization frameworks, Domain construction principles from her previous life's peak comprehension.
Dozens of sophisticated techniques—ranging from 4-Star to 7-Star grade—transferred in rapid succession.
Vaelor's Absolute Insight immediately began cataloging everything, identifying useful elements, noting innovative applications, cross-referencing principles between different styles.
Perfect, his consciousness observed with scholarly enthusiasm. These will provide excellent foundation for synthesizing original techniques. Multiple approach philosophies, different Intent combinations, various energy manipulation methods...
I can extract the core principles from each, identify complementary synergies, and forge something entirely new.
The transmission completed after approximately ten minutes. Kaelith pulled back, looking somewhat drained from the mental effort but satisfied.
"That's everything I have immediate access to," she said. "Use them well."
"I will." Vaelor's expression carried genuine gratitude. "This alliance is proving extremely productive for both of us."
Kaelith smiled—small, but real. "Indeed. You get martial resources and cultivation methods. I get upgraded Divine-Grade techniques and access to someone who can actually grow strong enough to matter when the apocalypse arrives."
She raised her wine glass. "To mutually beneficial cooperation?"
Vaelor raised his own glass, clinking it gently against hers. "To preventing the end of the world."
They drank, sealing the alliance properly.
As they finished their meal and prepared to depart, Kaelith made one final comment: "I'm going to nurture you properly. Not just share techniques, but actively support your growth. Because right now?"
Her ice-blue eyes carried absolute conviction.
"You're the only person I've met—in either timeline—who might actually have the potential to face that God-Tier entity and survive."
Vaelor said nothing, but his golden eyes gleamed with quiet determination.
Three years until apocalypse. That gives me time. Not much, but enough.
And with these resources, these techniques, this alliance...
I'll be ready.
They left the tavern together, two exceptional prodigies who'd just exchanged secrets that would reshape their futures—and potentially the world's.
Neither noticed the hooded figure in a distant corner who'd been observing their booth with unusual interest, despite the privacy ward that should have concealed them completely.
The figure's lips curved in a knowing smile before dissolving into shadows that shouldn't exist in a well-lit tavern.
TO BE CONTINUED...