Three days flew by in the blink of an eye, during which the training of the four companions went remarkably well. Yun Che had expected only Kon and Retsu to emerge as the strongest candidates due to their incredible mastery of cheat skills, but to his surprise, Little Fairy and Cang Yue weren't far behind. With newfound confidence and skills honed to perfection, they now embarked on a mission to the lair of a fearsome beast, bidding a quiet farewell to the villagers who had come to hold a special place in their hearts.
The burden of fighting the hidden power looming over their world was not for the villagers to bear, so only the clan head and his family were privy to their departure. Yun Che, ever the benevolent mentor, had bestowed his precious XP pills Mark II upon the Feng children to aid in their cultivation alongside their parents. He admit he had some sort of connection with the Feng family. He even Tearful goodbyes were exchanged, and Little Fairy, though she hid her emotions well, was perhaps the saddest of them all. She reassured the Feng children that they would meet again in the future, providing them with a glimmer of hope.
Their journey continued as they soared on Cang Yue's majestic white eagle toward the heart of the mountain, where the formidable BOSS awaited. Kon was fast asleep, unaware that his lion form and haki abilities drained his reaitsu like a tap pouring water.
As the wind rushed past them, Little Fairy turned to Yun Che, her haki-coated hand gleaming like a beacon of power. "So, can anyone cultivate this kind of power?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Yun Che, with his usual calm demeanor, replied, "Nahh, I wouldn't bet on it."
Puzzled, Little Fairy probed further, "Why not?"
Yun Che fixed his gaze upon her and explained, "Yes, even though Haki exists within all human beings, there's no specific art or method to unlock it. Even for those who haven't embarked on the path of cultivation. Except for us, you two are the only ones in this world who have successfully cultivated haki."
Little Fairy continued her line of questioning, her haki-coated hand still a source of fascination. "So, you're the only one who can awaken these abilities?"
Yun Che maintained his fabricated story with a hint of mystery. "Yes, I can awaken your haki. The success of cultivating them, though, ultimately depends on you two. So technically, I am the only one who can initiate the awakening process." He had spun an elaborate tale, initially claiming that he could awaken their haki by injecting his powers into them, but the truth was that the system itself was responsible. Activating their haki had been relatively straightforward, with the system effectively handing out this extraordinary power to whomever Yun Che deemed fit. The system had revealed that humans in this world had the potential to wield haki, but their generations had gradually lost access to it. No matter how talented they were, they could never awaken their haki in their lifetimes.
Little Fairy nodded in surprise, still observing the haki coating her hand. "Nonetheless, achieving the basic stage in observation and intermediate stage in armament in just three days is nothing short of a miracle."
Yun Che rolled his eyes and chuckled, his playful spirit emerging. "You girls had it easy. It usually takes three months to master the basic stage and nearly two years for the advanced stage for ordinary humans. But you two managed to perfect the basic stage in just three days."
After awakening their haki three days ago, both of them had struggled to control their newfound abilities. They could sense the intent and energy signatures of the nearby village and the forest animals, which had initially overwhelmed them. Yun Che had to suppress their inner willpower and release it gradually, allowing them to gain control. After a few hours, they had finally grown accustomed to the sensation of haki. Yun Che had a unique method to provoke them – he used a paper fan to lightly strike their heads while they were blindfolded.
Little Fairy, accustomed to battle, could detect the intent behind Yun Che's paper fan strikes and adeptly dodged them. Still, he managed to land a few hits in retaliation for her previous full-strength attacks during their training. He explained that Observation Haki primarily relied on intent and was more about dodging. Cang Yue, on the other hand, took more time to adapt. She had been repeatedly struck by the paper fan due to her initial inability to dodge the attacks. She admitted that she could sense the intent but couldn't avoid it. With time, she finally learned to dodge the strikes.
Armament Haki, on the other hand, had been relatively easy for them to grasp. They channeled their willpower into their hands and weapons, noticing how their skin and weapons began to shine with haki. However, Yun Che warned them that excessive use of haki could drain their stamina and make them tire more quickly, advising them to use it only when necessary.
According to the system, basic Observation Haki enhanced their senses, allowed them to read intents, detect auras, and predict attacks within a small range. Intermediate Observation expanded their sensing range, while advanced users could briefly glimpse into the future.
Armament Haki, at the basic level, fortified their bodies, granting them the ability to interact with intangible beings. It also empowered their weapons. Intermediate practitioners, on the other hand, achieved an even more profound level of hardening, rendering both their bodies and weapons akin to polished obsidian, gleaming with dark potency.
At the advanced level, practitioners could employ precision internal strikes, channeling their Haki within a person to trigger an internal explosion. Another advanced technique involved projecting an outer force with every contact of their fist or weapon. These advanced techniques were a luxury reserved for Retsu, Kon, Little Fairy, and Cang Yue for the time being.
As for Conqueror's Haki, at the basic level, it injected fear and provocations into opponents. The intermediate stage could render those with weak willpower unconscious, while the advanced stage had the ability to affect even those with strong willpower, forcing them to submit to fear while remaining conscious. Those with the strongest willpower, however, could resist its effects.
Retsu, with her sharp intellect, quickly advanced to the Intermediate stage in both Observation and Armament Haki, with Yun Che's guidance. It didn't take her long to evade all of his paper fan strikes, as she had a natural talent for relying on her instincts. With her Intermediate Observation Haki, she could see incoming strikes before they were executed, allowing her to dodge his attacks with precise timing. Yun Che cautioned her that overly early reactions based on future predictions could render them ineffective, as opponents could adapt and change their tactics. He emphasized that while predicting was valuable, it could be futile when facing adaptable foes.
In the case of her Intermediate Armament Haki, it took her only a day to master it completely, and her ability to transform her arm, clothes, and weapons into the shiny black substance was truly astonishing.
As for her Haoshoku Haki, its initial release had been startling. Her first use had caused her haki to radiate outwards, knocking out all the animals in the forest, instilling fear in both Little Fairy and Cang Yue, and causing Kon to pass out. After apologizing profusely, she honed her control through target practice with the local demon beasts. Combining her slaughter aura and Haoshoku, she had become an intimidating force to be reckoned with.
Yun Che suddenly heard Retsu's voice in his mind, a clear indication that she wanted to discuss something privately, away from Little Fairy and Cang Yue's ears.
She inquired, "Young master? Perhaps we could teach Sister Jasmine how to use haki. I'm sure she's curious about it."
Yun Che patted her head and replied, "Way ahead of you, my dear. I already taught her in the trial area during our private time. She was very eager to learn, and it turns out she possesses haki herself."
Retsu's eyes widened in astonishment. "She has..."
"Yes, Haoshoku No Haki. Jasmine had a tumultuous past, and her willpower likely awakened it over time. When I unlocked her haki, it was unleashed as well. I spent a month training her, much like I did with you, and she reached the intermediate stage of Haoshoku No Haki within just ten days. She attained the advanced stage on the day the phoenix released the last of its soul to transport us out of the trial zone. In addition, she rapidly progressed to the Intermediate stage in both Observation and Armament Haki within three days."
Retsu smiled and gazed at the sky above them. "Sister Jasmine is truly a genius, isn't she?"
Yun Che nodded with admiration. "Indeed, she is. With the exception of you and Kon, she's the only one who achieved the Intermediate stage in less than a month. For the first time ever, I've seen her enjoy learning new skills. I am sure she looks forward to learning more in the future."
"Kon is an Intermediate stage Haki user as well?" Retsu asked in surprise.
"For Busoshoku, yes. I'm impressed he managed to turn his entire lion body black with it. However, his Kenbunshoku is still at the intermediate stage. But then again, you two had a bit of an advantage with the system, although you both worked hard to master your haki. Even Kon surprised me by not being foolish for once." Yun Che couldn't help but chuckle as he recalled their intense training sessions.
Retsu rested her head on Yun Che's shoulder, a playful smile gracing her lips. "Ara... ara... That's just how we were born, young master. It's not as if we had a choice. So, does Kon possess Haoshoku No Haki as well?"
Yun Che shook his head, glancing at Kon, who was snoring contentedly on the eagle's back. "No, according to the system, he lacks the required willpower and killing intent to awaken Haoshoku No Haki. And honestly, it's probably a good thing. Imagine a lion plushy knocking girls out and defiling their bodies. We definitely don't want that."
Retsu shot a stern look at Kon, causing him to shiver in his sleep. "He'd better not even think about it. I'll personally take care of him if he does. So, what are the current stages of Sister YueChan and Sister Yue?"
Yun Che shifted his focus back to their companions. "In terms of their training, their observation mode is approaching the intermediate stage. Their sensing range has expanded significantly. They've also managed to use the intermediate stage of Busoshoku, allowing them to infuse their weapons with it, although it's still relatively weak."
Retsu smiled and inquired, "So, are they considered ready to join the fight?"
Yun Che nodded confidently. "Yes, they are capable of assisting us in this battle."
Retsu nestled her head on his shoulder, and Little Fairy, observing their closeness, couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. She coughed deliberately, interrupting their intimate moment.
She turned her head, her expression indicating her discomfort. "You two have been awfully quiet for a while. Do you have any information about this 'being'?"
Yun Che cleared his throat and regained his composure. "Ah, right. Ordinary humans can't command hollows, but I suspect something is controlling them, forcing them to attack the village. If I'm correct, we might be facing an Intermediate Greater Hollow this time."
Retsu tilted her head cutely. "Intermediate stage Greater Hollow?"
Yun Che explained further, "In our world, we call them 'Adjuchas'."
Little Fairy blinked, unfamiliar with the term. "Adjuchas? This is the first time I've heard a different name for these hollows. First, it was Menos, then Gillians, and now Adjuchas?"
Yun Che continued, maintaining a serious demeanor. "Adjuchas are intermediate Greater Hollows, but I don't know their exact cultivation level yet. They are hollows who still retain their monstrous form but have attained intelligence similar to humans. A single Adjuchas-type Hollow has the potential to wreak havoc on this entire empire if it wishes. If I'm right, we might be facing even greater danger this time."
Sensing Yun Che's grave concern, Retsu held his hand and asked, "Young master, are you sure about going through with this?"
Yun Che reassured her, "Yes, it's a matter of the continent's future. If this Hollow were to make a breakthrough in the future, it would spell disaster. I'll be fine."
Kon chimed in, trying to project confidence. "Hmph, if you run away, I'll handle things. I've got to test out my new black-coated lion form."
Yun Che couldn't help but tease Kon about his past failed attempts in that form. "Yeah, says someone who passed out after just a few minutes last time."
"Korra! I can control it now, you know. Can't have you and the ladies stealing the spotlight from me." Kon retorted with a hint of bravado.
Yun Che playfully grabbed Kon's head, making a plushy sound. "Well, this guy might be a bit dim, but he certainly adds a touch of liveliness to the situation."
Yun Che traced the residual reaitsu left behind on the phoenix's ruins, indicating that one of the Menos had escaped his earlier confrontation. The trail led them deeper into the mountains, prompting Yun Che to instruct Cang Yue to guide her eagle in that direction.
The intensity of the reaitsu grew as they approached their destination, causing Cang Yue to wake from her slumber. Thanks to their mastery of Haki, they were able to resist some of the pressure, though the heaviness of the atmosphere in the area was undeniable.
"It looks like we're getting close," Yun Che noted as they reached a mountainous area resembling a massive crater. The rocky terrain provided ample cover for concealing the hollows. Retsu and Yun Che both sensed multiple reaitsu signatures emanating from the area, suggesting that a considerable number of hollows had congregated there.
"Let's disembark here. We're probably..." Yun Che's words were abruptly cut short as a sudden attack from below caught them off guard.
"ROOOAARR!"
"Darn it!" All of them were thrown from the eagle as a colossal centipede-like hollow burst from the ground, attempting to bite them. In a flash, Yun Che drew his Zangetsu, unleashing a sword wave that cleaved the mask of the gigantic hollow. Despite its size, it was still below the Spirit Profound Realm. Cang Yue promptly sealed her eagle and joined Little Fairy in flight, as she was the only one without the ability to fly.
Almost immediately, more hollows emerged from the depths of the earth, likely alerted by the centipede's attack. They swiftly found themselves embroiled in a battle against the hollow horde. Cang Yue and Little Fairy, having honed their Haki, unleashed swifter and more powerful attacks, thanks to their ability to detect intent and concealed signatures. Their coordination was flawless, but Retsu outpaced them all. She leaped from hollow to hollow, her haki and kido-infused hand transforming into a razor-sharp blade. For larger hollows, she simply pummeled them with devastating punches that turned them to dust. Occasionally, she flung haki-enhanced throwing knives with unerring precision, dispatching her targets in a single strike. Under her control, Haki proved to be an overwhelmingly potent force.
Not one to be outdone, Kon shifted into his lion form and began launching fireballs from his wings, each infused with Haki for added potency. Yun Che had taught him how to harness Haki in his attacks, significantly amplifying their destructive power. It was a spectacle of overpowered techniques, with each member of their group eager to test their newfound abilities. Yun Che, accustomed to their antics, employed more conventional methods to deal with the lower-level hollows.
Cang Yue marveled, "Incredible! I never knew Haki was this powerful."
Yun Che unleashed another sword wave, repelling the Gillians that emerged in response to their attack. "It only gets better when you master the advanced version in the future. This is just the tip of the iceberg."
A resounding "ROOOARRR" echoed as a group of Menos suddenly appeared in their path. While floating in the sky, Yun Che suggested, "Why don't you two give it a shot?"
Little Fairy and Cang Yue exchanged glances, nodding with smiles on their faces. They accelerated toward the Menos, and one of them fired a cero directly at Little Fairy. In response, she summoned an ice shield and infused it with Haki. To her astonishment, the shield didn't shatter upon impact like it had previously. The cero didn't even inflict any harm.
With newfound confidence, they continued to engage the Menos, demonstrating the strength of their Haki-enhanced abilities.
Cang Yue's excitement was palpable as she leaped towards a nearby Menos and unleashed her sword art against it. In the past, she had struggled to defeat even a regular Menos due to its tough skin despite its lower level. Now, her attacks were proving effective, slicing through its flesh like a hot knife through butter. She marveled at the fact that her once-feeble attacks were now making an impact. Little Fairy experienced a similar revelation, as her ice shots punctured the Menos with greater ease compared to her previous encounters.
Kon transformed into a streak of light, soaring through the hollows while hurling fireballs in all directions. Thanks to the enhanced durability provided by Haki, the hollows struggled to inflict harm upon him. In the midst of the chaos, Kon shouted, "Take that! No one can defeat the legendary KON-SAMA!"
Yun Che couldn't help but chime in, "Shut up! You look like an idiot yelling like that."
Kon continued his exuberant assault, leaping from hollow to hollow and reducing them to pieces. Meanwhile, Yun Che, Little Fairy, Cang Yue, and Retsu unleashed a barrage of Haki-infused attacks that tore through the hollows with devastating efficiency.
Under the relentless assault of their group, the number of hollows dwindled at a rapid pace, decreasing faster than they could emerge. Yun Che's experience bar steadily increased, nearing the halfway point of the third bar. Although the progress was slow, it remained consistent.
Yun Che proposed, "Let's push them back to the center," but his intention was interrupted by an unfamiliar sensation.
Suddenly, an overwhelming spiritual pressure weighed down on them, causing Little Fairy and Cang Yue to struggle to remain upright. Although Yun Che and Retsu were immune to such pressure, it posed a significant challenge to the two maidens. Kon promptly jumped onto Yun Che's shoulder to evade the pressure, as he had not yet cultivated the Absolute Suppression skill and lacked the means to counter such overwhelming spiritual pressure.
Little Fairy slowly regained her footing and relied on Yun Che for support, questioning the source of the intense pressure. "What is this pressure? It's like facing a powerful expert."
Retsu frowned, her hand resting on her Zanpakuto hilt. "Young master, the pressure is intensifying."
Yun Che smiled, raising his Zangetsu behind his head. "It's here."
Suddenly, multiple rifts tore open in the sky, emitting a substantial spiritual pressure. The rifts coalesced into a massive garganta, causing Yun Che and his group to remain vigilant. Gillians of varying ranks began emerging from the garganta, including second-stage Gillians.
One particularly imposing figure addressed them, saying, "Humans have become bold recently. Since you're here, spare me the trouble of hunting you and claim whatever lies within that mountain."
As the being emerged from the rift, Yun Che and his group were taken aback. The hollow was colossal, standing above them in a human-like form. It had a humanoid appearance, complete with arms, legs, and armored gauntlets. The creature's body was covered in white armor-like skin with a long, red-lined tail. Its white mask bore four blade-like horns and a diamond-shaped mark on its forehead. Yellow eyes stared out from the mask's sockets, revealing a skull-like mouth, and a gaping hole marred its chest.
The sight was unsettling, prompting Yun Che to contact the system and request an assessment of the hollow's strength. His expression darkened upon receiving the results, and the others could sense his unease.
Little Fairy couldn't hide her shock as she asked, "What is that thing?"
Cang Yue clung to Retsu's arm, her voice trembling. "Sister Retsu, I don't think I can fight that thing."
Retsu looked equally concerned as she asked Yun Che, "Young master, any insights?"
Yun Che maintained a serious expression and replied, "I'm not sure, but it seems our opponent is stronger than I anticipated."
Retsu inquired, "How strong is it?"
Yun Che urged her to scan the hollow, saying, "Check it out for yourself." Retsu conducted a scan and widened her eyes, gripping Yun Che's hand as they both received the same notification, which left them equally shocked.
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[Level 85, Fifth Level of the Tyrant Profound Realm Intermediate stage hollow, Adjuchas.]
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