Chereads / Rebirth in Against the Gods with The Ultimate System / Chapter 208 - Chapter 207: The Shocking Moment

Chapter 208 - Chapter 207: The Shocking Moment

After a grueling day of matches, Yun Che had clinched his fourteenth victory with his usual flair, while Retsu's fourteenth opponent bowed out after a brief exchange, clearly realizing further resistance was futile. As for Cang Yue, her opponent outright refused to step into the arena after witnessing her prowess in the previous matches—especially her defeat of the feral Wu Lie. 

With their flawless record of 14 wins each, they stood one victory away from advancing to the prestigious top 32. 

"One more victory, Little Yue." Yun Che placed a reassuring hand on her head, his tone filled with quiet confidence. 

Cang Yue nodded, her eyes fixed on the tournament board displaying their cumulative wins. The sight filled her with both disbelief and pride. 

"To think we've made it this far… The top 32," she murmured, her voice trembling with excitement. "The Imperial Family could only ever dream of such a privilege." 

On the royal platform, Cang Wanhe and Qin Wushang were visibly overwhelmed. The emperor, hands trembling, repeated under his breath like a mantra: 

"Top fifty… Top fifty… Top fifty…" 

For Qin Wushang, this achievement felt surreal. "The top fifty in individual rankings... I didn't dare to even dream of this," he muttered, his voice thick with emotion. His long-time aspiration had been to see their sect break into the top hundred—a goal they had not only surpassed but obliterated. 

And now, thanks to Yun Che, Retsu, and Cang Yue, the Imperial Family had ascended to a position of prominence they could have never imagined. 

"Yue'er, bless us with miracles upon miracles," Cang Wanhe whispered fervently, gazing at his daughter with a mixture of awe and gratitude. 

Even Xia Yuanba, who had won his fourteenth match, stood out as a rising star. With Yun Che's elimination of Blue Wind Profound Palace's elites, Yuanba had carried the palace's banner single-handedly. His raw strength and determination had earned him the respect of his peers and his mentors alike. 

The collective prayer of the Blue Wind Imperial Family and Profound Palace was clear: Let Yun Che and Yuanba avoid facing each other before the top 32. 

As things stood, Yuanba was no longer just a representative; he was a shining beacon for the palace. And when this tournament concluded, they were ready to grant him whatever he wished as a symbol of their gratitude and pride. The pearl of the palace was what he had become. 

Qin Wushang was nearly beside himself with joy. His protégé, Xia Yuanba, had come so far, and he silently vowed to shoulder any wish Yuanba might have for their sect. "Whatever you want, Yuanba, it's yours," he whispered under his breath, his expression radiating pride. 

Xue Ling's lips curved into a soft, proud smile as she watched the display. Her thoughts drifted to the shy and quiet girl Cang Yue had been just months ago—a girl who had longed for things she believed she could never have. Working tirelessly to cure her sick father and finding representatives for the Imperial Family. But that timid girl had transformed into a warrior who now stood tall, not just for herself, but for her family. 

She remembered the rebellion vividly. The way Cang Yue had returned, resolute and fearless, bursting with a powerful aura that reignited the spirit of the loyal soldiers. That moment had tipped the balance, allowing her father's forces to reclaim their honor and her companions saved his life. Cang Yue had stood at the forefront, her presence a beacon of hope for all. 

Now, seeing her fighting on the grandest stage for the honor of her family, Xue Ling felt a deep sense of pride. She wished she could fight alongside Cang Yue, as her protector, her ally—if only to ensure that nothing could ever dim her radiance again. 

Little Fairy shared in that pride, her expression soft but filled with admiration. She, too, remembered the moment when Cang Yue had begged Yun Che and Retsu to fight for the Blue Wind Imperial Family. That desperate plea had been the start of her journey. Through relentless training, with guidance and support, Cang Yue had unlocked her potential and achieved something far greater than even she had imagined. 

And now, here she stood—a warrior who no longer relied on others to carry her burdens. She had fought for her family, for her father, and for herself. And for that, Xue Ling and Little Fairy couldn't be prouder.

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Meanwhile, back in the Blue Wind Imperial Family seating zone, Retsu noticed Cang Yue's jittery demeanor and leaned in to pat her head gently. "Ufuu… Relax, Little Yue. We've got this. All of us." Her soft smile exuded calm and confidence. 

Cang Yue grinned back, her resolve firming up. "I can hardly wait. I've come this far… There's no way I'm letting this slip now." She tilted her head back and downed a stamina and mana potion in one go, the rush of vitality reinvigorating her body and mind. 

Then, the next round's matchups were displayed. 

For a brief moment, the entire arena was silent. The atmosphere shifted dramatically as everyone's eyes locked onto the board, their breaths catching. 

Cang Yue froze mid-motion, her fingers tightening around the empty potion vial. Even Cang Wanhe and Qin Wushang, seated in the royal platform, were struck speechless, their faces a mix of shock and disbelief. 

Xue Ling, in her own section, stared unblinkingly at the display. She couldn't tear her gaze away, as though doing so might confirm this wasn't real. 

Gasps rippled through the audience as the realization set in. The entire arena buzzed with murmurs and astonished whispers. The stakes had just reached a new level, and no one could look away.

The announcement reverberated through the arena, electrifying the atmosphere as the crowd erupted into a frenzy. 

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Blue Wind Imperial Family – Yun Che -----versus---- Burning Heaven Clan, Fen Juebi

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The clash of two heavyweights had every spectator on the edge of their seats. The Burning Heaven Clan's elite would now face the Imperial Family's most unpredictable and powerful fighter. Fen Juecheng's grin widened, his confidence blooming. This was his chance to watch Yun Che brought to his knees through his brother's strength. 

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Blue Wind Imperial Family – Unohana Retsu -----versus---- Burning Heaven Clan, Fen Jin

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The shock doubled as the second matchup pitted Retsu against another of the Burning Heaven Clan's best. Retsu, calm and unshakable, was a force no opponent could take lightly. Fen Jin, however, was infamous for his ruthlessness, making this a collision no one wanted to miss. 

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Blue Wind Imperial Family – Cang Yue -----versus---- Burning Heaven Clan, Fen Yuange

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The announcement of the final matchup sent the arena into chaos. Gasps echoed as the crowd absorbed the weight of the pairings. Cang Yue, the Imperial Family's rising star, would face Fen Yuange, a prodigious talent of the Burning Heaven Clan. 

As the announcement reverberated through the arena, the crowd erupted into a thunderous wave of reactions, each voice adding fuel to the growing tension. 

"Unbelievable! The Blue Wind Imperial Family has been the underdog for years, and now all three of their representatives are up against the Burning Heaven Clan! This is their chance to prove their strength!" one spectator exclaimed, his voice full of awe. 

"That Yun Che guy is a monster! If anyone can take down Fen Juebi, it's him!" a Burning Heaven Clan disciple shouted, his tone tinged with nervous admiration. 

"The Burning Heaven Clan is one of the Four Great Sects for a reason. There's no way some upstarts from the Imperial Family are going to take them down!" another supporter retorted confidently. 

"This is insane! Three matches between the Imperial Family and the Burning Heaven Clan? It's like the tournament saved the best for last!" a spectator remarked, his excitement palpable. 

"Honestly, the Burning Heaven Clan might win, but you can't deny how far the Blue Wind Imperial Family has come. It's going to be an intense fight either way!" someone chimed in thoughtfully, their voice barely audible over the din. 

"This is the most exciting matchup of the tournament so far. It's like watching a battle for supremacy!" another yelled, the sentiment rippling through the crowd. 

"This could be a turning point for the Imperial Family. If they win, they'll silence their critics for good!" one voice declared with fiery conviction. 

"The Burning Heaven Clan's pride is on the line. If they lose, it'll be a massive blow to their reputation!" someone else speculated, a mix of dread and curiosity in their tone. 

The arena buzzed with energy, the spectators' voices overlapping into a chaotic symphony of anticipation. Wagers were placed, arguments broke out, and loyalties were fervently declared. The air was charged with excitement and unease, the impending clash between the Blue Wind Imperial Family and the Burning Heaven Clan turning the arena into a living, breathing battleground of expectations. 

It wasn't just three individual matches anymore—it was a war. A decisive battle between the Blue Wind Imperial Family and the Burning Heaven Clan. 

"Ara, all of us are fighting the Burning Heaven Clan? Quite a coincidence," Retsu mused, sipping her tea with a calm smile, her gaze flickering between her family members.

"Oddly, Nee-sama. Very odd," Nemu agreed as she sipped her own tea, her tone thoughtful. The situation certainly seemed too perfectly aligned, but there was no backing down now.

Yun Che, ever the opportunist, grinned widely. "Kind of, I get to fight that prick's brother, Fen Juebi. Not a bad pairing." He cracked his knuckles. "Time to beat the living hell out of them. Beating Fen Juechen was just the first step."

He had already enraged the Burning Heaven Clan during the dragon cave skirmish by defeating Fen Jueheng for making Cang Yue cry and daring to make a move on Retsu. That act alone had been a blow to their pride. Then, he went on to overpower Fen Juechen, sending shockwaves through the clan. Now, standing before Fen Juebi, Yun Che's intentions were clear—he was poised to take down all three brothers in one sweep, a devastating punch in the gut that would shatter their reputation and send a resounding message across the clan.

Cang Yue's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Fighting against the elites of the Four Great Sects again... It's almost like a challenge I've been waiting for. I don't need to fear them anymore. Anyone who wants to stop us has to go through us. Four Great Sects or not." Her words were heavy with conviction, a sharp edge to them.

Mio, fanning herself lazily, smirked. "Looks like they drew the short end of the stick, ufuu." Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked at the tense faces of their opponents.

The stakes couldn't be higher. If the Burning Heaven Clan swept all three matches, they would end the Imperial Family's unprecedented run and cement their dominance over them. But if the Imperial Family triumphed, it would be a resounding message to the sects of the Blue Wind Empire: the once-overlooked imperial lineage had risen to prominence. 

The attendees roared with anticipation, their voices merging into a deafening cacophony. It was a battle of pride, power, and honor. Every sect, elder, and spectator was riveted, fully aware that history was about to be made.

The atmosphere grew heavy as murmurs swept through the crowd. Many questioned the legitimacy of the matchups. The idea that the Blue Wind Imperial Family would face off against the Burning Heaven Clan in a clean sweep of pairings seemed almost ludicrous. 

Yun Che sighed, his expression a mix of frustration and amusement. When the same scenario had unfolded with the Cloud Mountain Sect just days ago, no one so much as blinked. Some had even mocked the Blue Wind Imperial Family's opponents, sneering at their supposed misfortune for facing them. But now, with the Burning Heaven Clan involved, the entire arena seemed to have lost its mind.

"It has to be rigged!" one spectator whispered. 

"This can't be a coincidence, three of them paired with the elites of Burning Heaven Clan" another muttered, their eyes darting toward the sorter, as though it could be the source of foul play. 

But the profound sorter was renowned for its precision, incapable of being tampered with. The officials confirmed its integrity, leaving the crowd with no choice but to accept the results. 

The other sects sat in stunned silence. The reality that two of the tournament's most formidable factions would eliminate each other was shocking. While some sighed in relief, happy to avoid either group, others recognized the significance of the battles to come. At this rate, attaining a good rank is all in their minds.

Not just one but all three at the same time.

"It's like the heavens are testing them," one elder from a minor sect mused. 

Fen Moji clenched his fists, his expression darkening as he considered the repercussions. Losing to the Blue Wind Imperial Family—a group they had long looked down upon—would be an unforgivable disgrace for the Burning Heaven Clan. If all three of their elites failed to secure victories, it would mean not just humiliation but elimination from the prestigious round of 32. 

He glared at the gathered figures, especially at the calm expressions on Yun Che, Retsu, and Cang Yue. His thoughts turned to the clan master who is the father of both Fen Juecheng and Fen Juebi. Who would undoubtedly demand an explanation. He was certain that once word reached him and drastic measures would follow. 

Turning sharply, Fen Moji hissed to a subordinate, "Send word to the clan master immediately. Tell him the situation demands his presence." 

As the subordinate hurried off, the murmurs in the audience began to shift. The crowd, sensing the growing tension, became a mix of supporters and opportunists. 

"I'll put my money on the Burning Heaven Clan. They're still one of the Four Great Sects!" a man declared confidently, clutching a bag of coins. 

"You're underestimating the Blue Wind Imperial Family. Have you been watching them? Those three are no joke!" another argued, slamming down his bet. 

The betting stalls buzzed with activity, as excitement rippled through the crowd. The upcoming matches felt like more than a battle of strength—they were clashes of pride, strategy, and willpower. 

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Meanwhile, at the Blue Wind Imperial Family's seating zone, Yun Che sighs. 

"Let them send whoever they want," Yun Che said with a smirk. "They won't change what's coming." 

"Maybe I can possess someone and make a bet on us. Kon-sama is going to be rich!" Kon declared, nudging Yun Che with his elbow. "Oi, teme... lend me a couple of coins." 

Yun Che gave him a side-eye, unimpressed. "Dude, really?" he sighed, crossing his arms. "We've got the system and millions of coins in our possession. Wealth doesn't mean anything at this point." 

"Maybe I can bet on my own?" Mai muttered, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. But then she shook her head firmly. "No, Father always said no gambling before he passed. I won't earn money that way to raise Mei. I've already made more than enough with the noodle shop." 

Her resolve was clear, though Yuanba beside her couldn't help but smile faintly. He had considered gambling too—briefly. But he knew it wasn't the right way. As Qin Wushang's direct disciple, he already had everything he needed, but he wanted to earn something meaningful for Mai. Something that wasn't given to him, but achieved on his own. 

Mai glanced at him, noticing his thoughtful expression, and smiled as if Yuanba was thinking of gambling. "Don't even think about it, Yuanba.." 

"Sorry, Mai… I won't gamble," Yuanba said, grinning sheepishly as he raised his hands in a defensive gesture. "I'll find my own way. One you'll be proud of." 

Mai huffed, crossing her arms with an exasperated sigh. "Good. At least you've got some sense. Unlike something…" she muttered, casting a pointed look at Kon. 

Yuanba laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. He might be younger than Mai, but that didn't mean his curiosity wasn't occasionally at odds with her watchful eyes. 

Watching the exchange, Yun Che chuckled, shaking his head. "Looks like you're starting to learn, Yuanba. Soon enough, you'll know exactly what it means to have someone other than your master watching your every move." 

Kon groaned dramatically, throwing his arms into the air in exaggerated frustration. "You're all way too uptight! A little fun never hurt anyone!" 

Yun Che grabbed Kon on his plushy head. "Yeah? How about you focus on staying out of trouble instead of plotting get-rich-quick schemes?" 

"Oi! This is a punishment! A beating! Toy abuse!" Kon shouted, his tiny plushy hands flailing dramatically, tears comically streaming down his face. 

"Oh, shut up!" Yun Che retorted, chucking a small coin at him. It hit Kon squarely, causing him to topple over with a soft plush sound, face-first into the tatami. 

Mei couldn't help herself, bursting into laughter at the scene. Kon's over-the-top antics had broken the tension, drawing chuckles from the entire group. 

Retsu adjusted her sleeves with calm precision, her serene aura unshaken. "Ufuu, we will win, for Little Yue after all," she said softly, her tone gentle yet resolute. 

Cang Yue gripped her three swords, her eyes steely with determination. "They underestimated us before," she said, her voice firm. "They won't get that chance again." 

At the royal seating zone, Cang Wanhe sat frozen, his face pale. His heart raced as the implications dawned on him. "The sorter must be mistaken… surely, this can't be happening." 

Beside him, Qin Wushang clenched his fists, his expression a mix of disbelief and resolve. "No… it's real. This is no error. The sorter did its job perfectly. But for this to happen…" His voice trailed off as he exchanged a glance with the Emperor. 

The Blue Wind Imperial Family, once considered unremarkable, now stood on the grand stage against one of the Four Great Sects. It was no longer just about advancing to the next round. It was about proving their worth to the entire empire. 

All eyes were on the arena.

Fen Juecheng smirked with malicious intent, his mind swirling with schemes to empower his side. If his plan worked, the Burning Heaven Clan elites, including his brother, would crush the Blue Wind Imperial Family and humiliate them in front of the empire. 

Meanwhile, murmurs swept through the stands as the peculiar matchups became the center of attention. The Burning Heaven Clan's elders and participants had already made their way to Emperor Cang Wanhe, with Ling Wugou, the tournament's host, stepping in to mediate the situation. 

In the span of minutes, the scene had grown tense as Yun Che, Unohana Retsu, Cang Yue, and their opponents stood before the gathered elders. The crowd watched with bated breath, wondering if the Burning Heaven Clan would push for some kind of unfair change to the matchups. 

Second Elder Fen Moji, the escort of the Burning Heaven Clan, addressed the situation on behalf of his sect. "The stakes are high, and the proximity of these matches raises concerns. We wish to ensure fairness," he said, though his words carried an edge of veiled accusation. 

Ling Wugou's voice, calm but authoritative, cut through the air. "The profound sorter is flawless. It operates beyond bias or interference. The pairings are final and will not be altered under any circumstances." His gaze swept over the Burning Heaven Clan elders, making it clear he would tolerate no further objections. 

The tension was palpable. The Burning Heaven Clan elders exchanged glances, but they knew they had no ground to stand on. The matches were set, and altering them would risk the credibility of the tournament. 

"We are not here to change the decided pairings," Fen Moji spoke with a steely edge, his voice carrying across the arena. "However, we propose a change in the order of the battles."

Cang Wanhe, acted as the representative for his family. "Do continue."

Fen Moji's gaze swept over the gathered crowd, his expression unreadable. "Since all of the juniors here have completed their fourteen battles with a flawless streak of fourteen wins, we suggest that the final battle be held at the peak of noon, after all other battles have concluded."

Yun Che's senses sharpened immediately. The Burning Heaven Clan had ulterior motives. He could see the plan unfold in Fen Moji's eyes—the desire to turn the battle into a spectacle, a one-on-one showdown where all three of them would face off, one by one. It was a strategy to break them, to humiliate the Blue Wind Imperial Family in front of everyone. They wanted to showcase their power by taking down the Imperial Family, one match at a time.

"Isn't this a change of the rules?" Cang Wanhe asked, raising an eyebrow as he turned to Ling Wugou.

Ling Wugou's calm demeanor never faltered. "No. The rules remain the same. We merely propose a different structure. The battles between your juniors will take place at the peak of noon, after all the other matches are concluded. They will be a single battle, witnessed by all, followed by another. Just as in the round of 32."

"I see," Cang Wanhe said, nodding slowly. He turned to Qin Wushang, who also gave a quiet nod in agreement. Then, Cang Wanhe's eyes fixed on Fen Moji. "If that is the case, we will draw lots to decide who will go first."

"Since the clan has suggested, it's only fair that we decide who goes first," Qin Wushang spoke with authority, his voice carrying a calm but resolute tone, anticipating the Burning Heaven Clan's possible objection.

"Please… by all means," Fen Moji gritted his teeth, clearly displeased, but unable to do anything to oppose the decision.

Cang Wanhe stepped forward, his hand steady as he drew the numbers. The fates of the battles were sealed with a simple pull.

Ling Wugou's voice rang out, clear and decisive. "The order of the matches is as follows: Princess Cang Yue against Feng Yuange, followed by Unohana Retsu and Fen Jin, and concluding with Yun Che against Fen Juebi. Do we have an agreement?"

Fen Moji, though clearly frustrated, nodded in reluctant acceptance. "We do."

Ling Wugou nodded in turn, moving swiftly to finalize the details. "The arena will be restructured to accommodate the request of the Burning Heaven Clan, as agreed upon by the Blue Wind Imperial Family. The rules remain unchanged. The losers will be placed in the lower 32 category, while the winners will advance to the round of 32."

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, anticipation building. The stakes had been set.

"The battle between the Blue Wind Imperial Family and the Burning Heaven Clan will commence one hour after all other battles have concluded," Ling Wugou declared, signaling the end of the discussion.

"Very well," Fen Moji relented, though the venom in his tone was unmistakable. "We will prepare as needed." 

As the Burning Heaven Clan's members retreated, the arena buzzed with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. The air felt heavy with tension, as the crowd sensed the stakes had just been raised.

Yun Che exchanged a look with Cang Yue and Retsu. "Looks like they tried to squirm their way out of this, but it didn't work."

Retsu's voice was calm, but her eyes glimmered with resolve. "Ufuu, I have a feeling they might play dirty."

Cang Yue's grip on her three swords, tightened. She knew what was coming as she will be the first match. Fen Yuange might be a top elite, but she'll be prepared.

Across the arena, Fen Moji's mind raced. The Blue Wind Imperial Family had proven themselves capable and full of tricks. They needed a new strategy. "Juebi," he muttered, his voice cold and serious, "you have to use the forbidden art. It's the only way to stand a chance against that brat." His eyes hardened as he turned to the Burning Heaven Clan's prideful elite, Fen Juebi. "If we don't have one of you advance to the round of 32, our clan will suffer irreparable humiliation."

Fen Moji's frustration was palpable. He could already feel the weight of the consequences if they failed here. The Burning Heaven Clan couldn't afford another defeat. Not this early. The clan leader would never accept it.

Fen Juebi smirked, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous glint. "Don't worry, elder," he said with a sinister chuckle. "I have plans to defeat each and every one of them. All we need to do is pin them down, and they'll crumble in no time."

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As the announcement rang out, the atmosphere in the arena resumed until reached a fever pitch. The battles had concluded, and now the crowd was buzzing with excitement, knowing the next matchups would be nothing short of legendary.

Xia Qingyue, Shui Wushuang, and Wu Xuexin of the Frozen Cloud Asgard advanced to the round of 32, securing their spots with calm and skill. Likewise, Ling Jie and Ling Yun, along with Xiao Kuanglei, emerged victorious. But the true surprise came when Xia Yuanba—despite all odds—advanced as well. His win was nothing short of a miracle, and it sent Qin Wushang into an ecstatic frenzy. For the first time in history, the Blue Wind Profound Palace had made it into the round of 32.

Qin Wushang's heart swelled with pride as he considered the implications. If Yuanba could continue his streak, advancing to the round of 16, the quarterfinals, and beyond, it could mark the Blue Wind Profound Palace's most glorious moment. And to top it off, Yuanba was the youngest among the batch—only the same age as Ling Jie, making his achievements all the more impressive.

But the real attention of the arena was fixed on the upcoming showdown between the Blue Wind Imperial Family and the Burning Heaven Clan. Ling Wugou's voice boomed through the air, announcing that the three highly anticipated battles would commence in one hour. The stakes had never been higher, and the crowd erupted into cheers, their voices splitting between those supporting the underdog Blue Wind Imperial Family and those backing the elite warriors of the Burning Heaven Clan.

The rules remained unchanged: victory meant advancing to the round of 32, with the losers relegated to the lower ranks. But the real drama was in the pairings. Three battles between the two factions—Yun Che versus Fen Juebi, Unohana Retsu versus Fen Jin, and Cang Yue versus Fen Yuange—would be the main highlight of the day. It was a collision of powers, each side determined to prove their dominance.

The audience's excitement grew, as whispers and bets spread through the stands. Some supported the Blue Wind Imperial Family, with its surprising strength and fierce determination. Others were loyal to the Burning Heaven Clan, whose reputation and elite fighters were well-known.

"Brother-in-law! Mai! Sisters-in-law! I did it! We advanced to the round of 32!" Yuanba's voice boomed as he bounded back into the seating zone, his excitement lighting up his face. 

"Not bad, you runt!" Yun Che smirked, reaching out to ruffle Yuanba's hair in a brotherly gesture. 

"Congratulations, Yuanba…" Mai said softly, a faint blush on her cheeks, while Mei, standing beside her, puffed her cheeks in annoyance, her lips forming a playful pout. 

"Thank you, Mai," Yuanba replied, scratching the back of his head with a bashful smile. 

The others exchanged amused looks, sensing the subtle but growing connection between the two. Yun Che cleared his throat loudly, snapping their attention back. "Ehem…" 

Mai quickly averted her gaze, cheeks burning, while Yuanba awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. 

"So, uh… Brother-in-law," Yuanba started, his tone shifting, "what about you? Your battles with the Burning Heaven Clan are about to begin." 

"Me? Don't worry about it," Yun Che replied with a confident grin. "We just need to handle things like usual. No big deal." 

Cang Yue, however, was quieter, her hand unconsciously tightening around the hilt of her sword. This was more than just another battle—it was their gateway to the round of 32. The Burning Heaven Clan wasn't just another opponent; they were a symbol of everything that had stood in her family's way. The thought of Fen Juecheng alone was enough to stoke the embers of her hatred, erasing the last shred of respect she had once harbored for the clan. 

She took a deep breath, trying to shake off her nerves. She had faced Wu Lie's monstrous rampage and emerged victorious, though the toll on her body had been steep. She still felt the strain from using so much of her Haki in that battle. And yet, despite it all, she knew she couldn't falter. She would lead the charge and fight first. If she won, she'd claim her spot in the round of 32 and light the path for her companions. 

"Here," Yun Che said, his voice cutting through her thoughts. He handed her two potions, their contents shimmering faintly. "You'll need these." 

"Thank you, Che'er…" Cang Yue murmured, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush. Without hesitation, she drank the potions, feeling the surge as her stamina and mana restored to their peak. 

Yun Che's confident grin didn't falter. "Show them what the Blue Wind Imperial Family is made of, Yue'er." 

Her grip on her swords tightened, and with renewed determination, she nodded. "I will."