Immortal Ice Empress: Path to Vengeance

After several hours of enlightenment, Maria finally opened her eyes and revealed a bright smile. During her enlightenment, she clearly felt the comprehension of her Light Dao increase explosively, and she even began the creation of a unique Light element ability.

The ability that she was creating took the black hole scene as the foundation, but it was slightly different. She doesn't have the strength to forcefully suck in all the light around her like a black hole, nor does she have an affinity for darkness, so going that route is out of the question.

However, she took that as a base and found a way to absorb the surrounding light in her hands and then discharge it as an attack. That's only the beginning of this ability, though, because if she can properly absorb light from her surroundings, then the possibilities are endless. She can strengthen her body, release powerful long-range attacks, have a nearly endless supply of light she can use, and so much more.

However, the problem with this ability is that it's mentally taxing. With her current strength and comprehension, Maria could probably only keep this ability active for a few seconds before fainting.

Now that her enlightenment was over, Maria was able to get a good look at her surroundings and immediately noticed she was standing on a giant cloud. The sky was exceptionally bright, and she saw a large golden palace in the distance.

"Did I pass? Did I make it up the stairs? Wait. Were those stairs even important in the first place?" Maria thought out loud, but nobody answered.

"Well, I guess if I want answers, that golden palace will be my best bet."

Maria then began walking towards the golden palace in the distance, and when she finally got close enough to enter, the same feminine voice entered her head like last time.

"Congratulations on passing the Steps of Comprehension. It seems your natural affinity towards the Light Element and your comprehensive ability are high enough to qualify for my inheritance. Now, to receive my inheritance and become my successor, you must prove to me that you aren't just a pretty face. The Cultivation World is rough, and one must not only possess talent but drive and resolve to reach the top! Show me your resolve, candidate!"

Maria didn't give much thought to the words the voice said, but she was excited that she had a shot at becoming this person's successor and receiving their inheritance. From how the stairs were capable of putting her in a state of enlightenment and seeing how grand everything was, Maria had high expectations.

Since she's gotten confirmation that this golden palace is the continuation of whoever inheritance she's in, Maria opened the door of the palace and was immediately blinded by a bright light!

When she opened her eyes, she was on a platform in the sky.

"Your first test is to complete the ability that you comprehended earlier! You have one week! If you fail to complete it within a week, you'll be kicked out of my inheritance space and barred from ever entering again! Good luck, candidate!"

The feminine voice spoke again, much to Maria's shock.

"Huh? That's it? You do know that I've almost completed the basics for that ability, right? It shouldn't take me more than a few days to complete it! Plus, where's the danger and possible death you talked about earlier?! Those stairs didn't have a hint of danger, and neither does this test! Was that just a lie?! Is this a scam?! Mira told me one time never to take things at face value, and all of this gold and grandness kind of makes it feels like you're overcompensating for something. GASP! Don't tell me you're jealous of my body?! Tsk! How can a powerful cultivator like you be so petty? But you shouldn't worry about being flat. As long as you have a nice face, I'm sure someone will love you." Maria voiced her opinions and could've sworn she heard the sound of something popping.

"Well, whatever. I'll complete this silly test for you. When I'm done, I can even give you some pointers on how you can increase your breast size!"

"..."

Maria then spent the next few days perfecting the basics of her ability. After she was done, Maria lifted her hand, and instantly, the surrounding light began to gather around her hand, forming a ball of light.

Although it wasn't the effect Maria was going for exactly, she knew she had reached the basics. Right now, she reached the first stage of her ability, Light Transference, or so she dubbed it!

In this stage, Mira is able to control some of the surrounding Light and transfer it into whatever form she wants it to be. The light that she takes control of and transfers isn't actually her power, despite having control over it. When she releases her control, the Light will return to where she took it from.

The next stage that she came up with, the Light Absorption Stage, is where she'll be able to turn the surrounding Light into her own power. Although there will be limitations on its uses and won't directly increase her strength, it will allow her to recover some of her energy to keep fighting partially.

The third Stage, Light Snatch, will allow her to steal the surrounding Light to increase her strength partially. She'll be able to recover her energy reserves more, discharge the stolen Light Element to create a powerful attack, use it to strengthen her body for a short amount of time, or anything else.

The last stage, Light Devourer, will be able to absorb the surrounding light, almost like a black hole, and will be hers to do as she wishes. She can use it to increase her comprehension, to attack, defend, heal, etc. It's hers to do what she wants.

Maria used the last few days to come up with these stages and also to reach the first stage. She knew that even if she could comprehend and use Light Devourer right now, it would basically be useless to her. So instead, she separated this ability into stages. This way, she'll be able to use a limited portion of Light Devourer's effects without having to deal with the backlash due to her lack of strength.

When she gets stronger, so will this ability.

"...Congratulation, candidate, for passing this test and completing your ability! You will also receive a bonus reward for dividing your ability into stages so that you can use it at your level of strength. Should you fail any of the next tests, you'll receive your reward before you're thrown out, but should you successfully become my successor; then I'll give you a little surprise that doesn't come with my inheritance.