Retsu and Xia Qingyue unknowingly locked eyes from afar, a silent grudge simmering between them. This was a battle they had both long awaited—a clash between wife and fiancée, each determined to prove herself. Yun Che could only sigh. This was not a fight he could resolve.
"No fair! How come Retsu gets to fight her?" Mio pouted, crossing her arms.
"Ufufu~ I entered the tournament for a reason, didn't I?" Retsu chuckled, tilting her head playfully. "I might as well enjoy it. Besides, I've always wanted to fight the woman who stole the 'first wife' title from me."
Yun Che sweatdropped. "That title really means a lot to you, huh?"
"Of course…" Retsu's smile was sweet—too sweet. "And yet, some woman had the audacity to take it from me. Don't worry, I promise I won't hurt her..." She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "Too much."
Yun Che sighed. "Well, I'll leave it to you..."
"Ah? Brother-in-law, why do you look so serious?" Xia Yuanba asked in confusion. "Aren't you happy that Big Sis won? Wait… if she won, then that means she'll be facing Sister-in-Law next, right?"
Rather than excitement, Yun Che's expression remained calm—almost solemn.
He shook his head, offering a faint smile. "It's nothing… I already knew she would be this strong. It's not surprising at all, really."
"Hehe, but I sure didn't expect it!" Yuanba grinned, clenching his fists. "If Father hears that Big Sis has become this amazing, he'd be overjoyed! And if Mother heard about it…"
The moment he mentioned "Mother," Yuanba's voice wavered. His cheerful expression dimmed, and his gaze darkened slightly. "She would definitely be pleased too..." He muttered quietly.
Yun Che's eyes softened. If only he knew… If only I could tell him that his mother is still alive.
But… not yet.
With a reassuring smile, Yun Che patted Yuanba's back. "I'm sure she would be. I know she would."
Standing nearby, Mai watched the exchange in silence. She never knew Yuanba had such a difficult past. A part of her wanted to ask, to learn more, but… that would be prying into something too personal.
She would wait.
Whenever Yuanba was ready to tell her, she would be there to listen.
--------------------
Quarter Final Third Match
Heavenly Sword Villa Ling Jie -----versus----- Blue Wind Profound Palace – Xia Yuanba
------------------
Yun Che eyed the name before him. Originally, he was supposed to face Ling Jie, but now, it was Yuanba who would take his place. He sighed. The Yuanba from his original world had been a towering, bulky figure—almost a giant. But here, his physique was more balanced, muscular rather than overwhelmingly massive. He looked less like the exaggerated version from the manhwa or 3D animation and more like a normal, toned version of Trunks.
"It's my turn again!" Yuanba declared, punching his fists together with determination.
Mai looked at him with a supportive gaze. "Be careful, Yuanba!" she urged, her voice filled with concern.
If they hadn't met Mai back then, Yuanba might have fought solely for the honor of his profound palace. But now, he had a different reason—a personal one. He wanted to win for Mai, just as Yun Che was fighting for Cang Yue.
"Don't worry, Mai. I'll win this!" Yuanba reassured her, waving his hand before standing up.
Before he could step forward, Yun Che called out, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "Yuanba."
"Yes?" Yuanba turned, wondering what his brother-in-law had to say.
Yun Che glanced toward the arena before speaking. "This one might be tough. You're up against Ling Jie from the Heavenly Sword Villa. You won't be able to take him down with just one punch—both of you are at similar strength levels. Just do your best, and I'll see you in the next round."
Yuanba nodded firmly. "I will, brother-in-law. I'll win—and when we meet again, I'll show you how far I've come!" His resolve burned bright. Then, as if remembering something, he hesitated. "But… you'll be facing Ling Yun, right?"
Yun Che smirked. "Nah, don't worry about him. Focus on your own fight. Mai is watching, after all." He nudged Yuanba's side playfully, gesturing toward Mai, who was busy preparing sushi for Cang Yue, Lin Yueru, Xue Ling, and the Chu sisters.
Meanwhile, Nezuko had caused yet another stir—this time by using the Sword Spirit Doppelganger to materialize a copy of herself, stunning the Chu sisters. Xue Ling and Chu Yueli each had their own Nezuko to spend time with, while Mei gleefully played tag with two identical Nezukos, all while chasing after Yun Che's newly conjured purple flaming ball. If Nezuko ever used this technique outside the tent, the entire arena would be in for another shock. And after everything that had already happened, they had certainly seen enough surprises.
"Brother-in-law!" Yuanba stammered, his face burning with a deep blush.
Yun Che grinned, poking his side again. "Why not take this chance to impress her? A woman like Mai wants someone strong—someone who can protect her."
"I…" Yuanba's face turned red as he stammered.
"Go on and show her you've got the full package to bring her home as your wife," Yun Che teased with a grin.
"I-I haven't even thought that far yet!" Yuanba sputtered, his blush deepening. He had only just started getting to know Mai, and here was his brother-in-law already talking about marriage.
"It's better to tie the knot early and make your relationship official. Put together a dowry and ask her to marry you. If I could marry early… why can't you?" Yun Che continued his relentless teasing.
Yuanba sighed, his thoughts turning serious. "Brother-in-law… Mai wants to open a sushi shop, join the faction with her sister, and restore her parents' shop. I want to give her the chance to build her life before thinking about marriage."
Yun Che nodded. "A family girl who thinks about her sister and parents is rare. Don't let her slip away. Marry her as soon as possible and take good care of her."
"But…" Yuanba hesitated, still weighing his options.
Yun Che clapped a reassuring hand on his back. "If you're unsure, then start by learning how to be a proper husband first. Once you marry her, it's your duty to protect, provide for, and care for her." He smiled. "And if you're worried about protecting her, then become as strong as possible. She might not be able to cultivate now, but I can help her. Give it a few years, and she'll be a powerful genius. I'm sure she wants to stand beside you as an equal."
"Really?" Yuanba's eyes widened in surprise.
Yun Che patted his back again. "Besides, the stronger her cultivation, the harder it will be for her to conceive. It might take years for the two of you to have a child. That's why I suggest you marry her before her chances become even lower."
"I… I didn't know that," Yuanba said, his shock evident.
"That's the risk of becoming a cultivator," Yun Che explained. "You gain power, but at the cost of making it harder to have descendants. Not impossible—but difficult. So don't just play around with her feelings. Make it clear. Marry her instead of stringing her along, okay?"
"I will…" Yuanba nodded firmly, determination settling in his heart.
"Good. I've lectured you enough," Yun Che chuckled. "Now go and win this match. If not for your palace, then for her."
Yuanba grinned, the fire in his eyes reigniting. "I'll win this! See you in the next round!"
------------------------
This historic showdown was bound to be a match brimming with suspense—a duel between two competitors of equal profound strength, making history as the youngest participants ever in the ranking tournament.
Qin Wushang met Yuanba before he stepped into the arena, his gaze filled with pride. Yuanba had already surpassed expectations, breaking into the top 32, then the top 16, and now standing among the top 8. Even if he lost here, it would still be the greatest achievement in the history of the Blue Moon Profound Palace. A boy he had only picked at the last moment, just days after coming of age, had proven to be his best decision yet. He silently thanked the heavens that Yuanba had avoided facing Yun Che or the Four Great Sects early on. Now, his next opponent was none other than Ling Jie of the Heavenly Sword Villa.
Xia Qingyue gazed at the arena, her expression unreadable. She hadn't expected her brother to have grown this strong—especially when, at the time she left, he had barely reached the Third Level of the Elementary Profound Realm.
He had told her that Yun Che trained him and helped boost his strength, but seeing it firsthand was something else entirely. Still, she couldn't help but feel a pang of worry. Ling Jie was no ordinary opponent.
Yet, at the same time, a part of her was curious—just how powerful had Yuanba become?
"Yuanba… just stay calm and relaxed. You've already proven yourself as the best in our palace. Bringing us to the top eight is more than I could have ever hoped for. No matter the outcome, this is your crowning achievement. I am already proud of you," Qin Wushang said sincerely. Should Yuanba won, not only he best as the youngest contender and advanced into the top four, a place Blue Wind Profound Palace could only dream of achieving.
"Don't worry, Palace Master. I will win this," Yuanba replied with determination. He glanced at Qin Wushang before shifting his gaze to Mai. He would win—for his master, for his brother-in-law, for his sister… and most of all, for her. He only wished his father were here to witness this moment.
Thanks to Yun Che altering his constitution and guiding him, Yuanba had come a long way. Now, he stood at the peak of the world's grandest stage. The once-bullied boy from Floating Cloud City had risen to become one of the top geniuses of his generation.
Yuanba had already stepped onto the Sword Discourse Arena. Moments later, Ling Jie ascended as well, standing sixty meters away, his usual cheeky grin in place.
"Hehe. Good morning! You must be Xia Yuanba," Ling Jie greeted with a playful smirk.
Yuanba raised an eyebrow. "And you must be Ling Jie."
Ling Jie grinned wider. "You know Princess Sis and Boss, right?"
"Princess Sis? Boss?" Yuanba echoed in confusion.
"Princess Cang Yue and Yun Che," Ling Jie clarified.
Yuanba hesitated for a brief moment before responding carefully, "Yun Che is my brother-in…arms, and Princess Cang Yue is a good friend." He made sure not to accidentally call Yun Che his brother-in-law.
Ling Jie pouted. "I'm jealous that you get to be friends with her! Then it's decided—you and I shall be the best of brothers since we're the same age!" His eyes gleamed with excitement. "Now, let's give them a match to remember. Are you ready, brother?!"
Ling Jie's voice wasn't particularly loud, but it carried across the arena, reaching Ling Wugou's ears just as he was about to announce the names and affiliations of the fighters.
Hearing Ling Jie call Yuanba his "bestest brother," Ling Wugou couldn't help but wonder what kind of relationship these two had. Were they long-time friends? Close comrades? He had no idea they had only just met.
Ling Jie grinned mischievously and declared, "Bestest brother, if you win against me, I'll call you Big Brother for my whole life. But if I win, you have to call me Boss!" He puffed out his chest with pride. "I, Ling Jie, am a true man! My words carry weight, and I never go back on my promises. Only cowards would!"
Yuanba hesitated. Boss? That was a title he reserved for Yun Che, rather than calling him "Brother-in-Law." He had no intention of calling anyone else that.
"No, thank you. Let's just focus on fighting," Yuanba replied, shaking his head.
Ling Jie pouted but quickly regained his enthusiasm. "But Brother, you didn't disappoint me! Everyone's cheering for you, just like they cheered for me. After all, we're the youngest participants here. One day, we might even be as strong as Nezuko! Actually… if she entered the tournament, we'd probably have no choice but to surrender and let her win. You know Nezuko, right?"
"Uh… she sits with me sometimes," Yuanba answered awkwardly.
"So envious!" Ling Jie sighed dramatically. Then, his eyes gleamed with excitement. "But I never expected you to fight your way into the semifinals and end up facing me. Hohoho, this is a great opportunity!" He grinned slyly. "By the way, you share the same family name as Fairy Xia, don't you?"
"Yes?" Yuanba answered, a little confused.
"Great!" Ling Jie's expression sharpened. With a swift motion, he swiped his spatial ring, summoning a beautifully crafted white jade sword case. It was the Earth Profound Weapon he had used in all his previous matches. As his fingers traced over the smooth, gleaming surface, his usual playful smile took on a more serious edge.
"Even if I win today, I don't stand a chance in tomorrow's match," Ling Jie admitted. "Big Bro is on another level, and I might even have to fight Boss. So, I'll give it everything I've got in this match! I want the world to remember my, Ling Jie's, brilliance!" His eyes burned with determination. "To earn the right to be my boss, you have to completely defeat me while I'm at full strength! But if you lose… hmm, maybe I'll consider letting you be my little brother instead!"
"Okay!" Yuanba nodded without hesitation, his expression turning serious. "If I can't even defeat you, I have no right to be your boss. Since that's the case, bring out your sword. I'll show you true strength!"
Determined, he clenched his fists. I'll win this match… and face Brother-in-Law tomorrow!
Ling Jie's fingers brushed lightly over the sword case, and with a soft click, it opened. A brilliant orange glow flickered to life as an exquisite golden-orange sword, five feet and five inches long, shot into his hands.
As soon as the orange sword touched the ground, a lingering sword cry echoed through the air. A powerful yet restrained sword force spread outward, filling the entire Sword Discourse Arena within moments. It wasn't aggressive, nor was it overbearing—but its piercing strength was undeniable.
Even those seated at the farthest edges of the arena felt the calm yet overwhelming presence of the sword force. It drew their attention involuntarily, their gazes locking onto the glowing orange blade. If one looked closely, they would notice the air around the sword subtly distorting, as if space itself was bending under its presence.
"What kind of sword force is this? I've never seen anything like it… Wait! An orange-colored sword—could it be…?"
"The Celestial Yang Sword!!"
"That's right! It really is the Celestial Yang Sword, one of Heavenly Sword Villa's legendary Sky Profound Divine Swords! They say Ling Yun subdued the Celestial Yuan Sword at the age of seventeen… But Ling Jie is only sixteen, and he's already mastered the Celestial Yang Sword?!"
The Celestial Yang and Celestial Yuan Swords were not weapons crafted by any mortal swordsmith—not even the legendary Ma Tsu. They were divine treasures obtained by Heavenly Sword Villa, passed down through generations. Now, passed down to Ling Jie and Ling Yun.
"Heavenly Sword Villa truly breeds geniuses one after another. Ling Yun is already an extraordinary prodigy, second only to Princess Cang Yue… But to think Ling Jie would surpass even him! With sons like these, Ling Yuefeng can live the rest of his days in absolute pride."
"With the Celestial Yang Sword in his hands, there's no way Xia Yuanba stands a chance."
Yuanba had never heard of the Celestial Yang Sword before—he never used weapons himself. But the moment it was unsheathed, he felt its overwhelming presence. The murmurs of the crowd, filled with awe and disbelief, made it clear that this sword was anything but ordinary.
For seasoned warriors, this wasn't just a sword—it was a world-shaking Sky Profound weapon!
For the first time in this year's Ranking Tournament, a Sky Profound weapon had finally appeared!
Meanwhile, Yun Che, watching from the sidelines, could only sweatdrop. Seriously? The whole crowd is losing their minds over a Sky Profound sword?
He glanced at Cang Yue, who had wielded three of the famed Meitō—swords of the 21 Great Grade, equivalent to Tyrant Profound weapons in this world. Yet no one had batted an eye. Why? Because they had no clue about their true rank or origin.
Even Xue Ling and Chu Yueli hadn't reacted, simply because Mihawk's forged swords given to them had already redefined their understanding of blades. Compared to those, a mere Sky Profound sword was nothing more than a decent weapon.
Yun Che sighed to himself. Ignorance is bliss, huh?
Yuanba took half a step back. With a casual wave of his hand, a simple-looking sword suddenly descended from the sky from his spatial ring. It was a longsword with a black leather-wrapped hilt and a metal bar for a handguard, encased in an orange scabbard with a navy-blue strap meant to be worn across the chest. Though unassuming in appearance, the moment it landed, it did so with a resounding boom, embedding itself halfway into the ground.
Yuanba stepped forward, gripping the hilt with both hands before pulling it out. With a slight exertion of force, the sword whistled through the air, dislodging itself amidst a swirl of crushed stone. The very act of drawing it sent a wave of force lunging toward Ling Jie, carrying an overwhelming, mountain-like momentum. He straps the scabbard behind him and bind the strap around his chest.
"Thank you, Brother-in-Law," Yuanba said, his voice steady.
Throughout the entire tournament, he had never once wielded a weapon. But last night, Yun Che had placed this sword in his hands, saying something about how it suited his image—something about "Trunks," though Yuanba hadn't quite understood the reference.
Now, standing in the arena, with the weight of battle upon him, he finally drew it for the first time.
"Sword of Hope," he muttered, the name Yun Che had given it.
The crowd stirred, whispering among themselves. Compared to the Celestial Yang Sword's radiant brilliance, Yuanba's weapon appeared utterly ordinary—no aura of power, no legendary reputation. Just a simple longsword, its design unfamiliar and unremarkable.
"What kind of sword is that?"
"Is he seriously planning to fight the Celestial Yang Sword with that?"
"Ridiculous! That thing looks like a common blacksmith's work—there's no way it can match a Sky Profound weapon!"
Yet, despite the doubts and sneers, Yuanba stood firm, gripping his sword with unwavering resolve.
To the eyes of the spectators, the Sword of Hope remained nothing more than a common weapon—devoid of aura, far inferior to the Celestial Yang Sword. Compared to Ling Jie's radiant Sky Profound blade, Yuanba's sword seemed almost laughable.
Its overwhelming momentum, though impressive, failed to suppress the Celestial Yang Sword's quiet dominance. Instead, the sword's calm, controlled energy effortlessly split apart Yuanba's force, dispersing it like wind scattering leaves.
The difference between their weapons was like fine steel versus straw. In terms of sheer power, Yuanba was at an undeniable disadvantage.
Yet, despite this, his stance never faltered. His grip never wavered.
With a single swing of his sword, the air itself howled, the force behind it enough to send a deafening gust sweeping through the arena. His eyes locked onto Ling Jie's, unwavering.
"Come, brother!" Yuanba roared, his fighting spirit igniting like a blazing fire.
"First match of the Semifinals: Blue Wind Profound Palace, Xia Yuanba versus Heavenly Sword Villa's Ling Jie…
Match start!"
Ling Yun watched the battle with a serious gaze. Xia Yuanba…
A complete unknown before the tournament, he had entered just days before its start—yet now, he stood among the top eight, facing none other than Ling Jie. Both were the youngest contenders, both had crushed their previous opponents with overwhelming force. But now, pitted against each other, the same methods might no longer work.
Earlier that morning, Ling Yun had received a letter from his father. His father and grandfather wouldn't be attending today's match due to unforeseen circumstances, but his father's message was clear:
"Yun'er, if Jie'er is at a disadvantage, intervene. We cannot allow Heavenly Sword Villa's ranking to fall any further."
Ling Yun's grip on the letter tightened momentarily. Then, as though understanding something unspoken, he nodded slightly. I understand.
Suddenly—
RIIIPPP!
Space itself seemed to tear apart. Ling Jie swung the Celestial Yang Sword, and the very air split with a deafening shriek. The surface of the Sword Discourse Arena, built to withstand countless battles, was sliced open like tofu.
Even from three hundred meters away, the sheer force of the strike sent a chilling sensation through the audience, as if an invisible blade hovered at their backs.
Ling Jie did not hold back.
Yuanba's eyes sharpened as the devastating sword energy surged toward him. With both hands, he swung the Sword of Hope in a sweeping arc. His profound energy surged, coiling around the blade like an invisible storm, and his entire presence exploded with power.
Then—
BOOM!
The two forces clashed in a collision so intense it sent shockwaves rippling across the arena. The profound energy barrier trembled violently, struggling to contain the sheer destruction unleashed. The ground beneath them cracked and splintered like fractured glass.
The faint orange glow of Ling Jie's sword energy relentlessly cut through the air, carving destruction in its wake, while Yuanba's heavy sword stormed forward, tearing apart the battlefield with its raw might.
Through the chaotic whirlwind of force, their gazes met—
One, as piercing as the edge of a blade. The other, as unshakable as a mountain.
For the first time in this match, both fighters felt it—
Shock.
The spectators, breathless, watched with widened eyes, unable to look away. The battle was only beginning.
"So… so strong! Even from here, I can feel that terrifying sword energy!" A sect disciple who had placed in the top hundred exclaimed, his voice trembling.
"I felt it too! Ling Jie… he's actually this powerful? In his previous matches, he never even went all out! No—he didn't even use half his strength! If that strike had been aimed at me, I wouldn't have stood a chance! Is… is he really only at the sixth level of the Spirit Profound Realm?"
"As expected, the people of Heavenly Sword Villa are monsters! But… but this Xia Yuanba actually took that head-on?!"
"Who is Xia Yuanba!? Blue Wind Profound Palace has never even made it into the top 1500, and now he's carrying them into the top eight like it's nothing just those freaks from the Blue Wind Imperial Family! Where did this guy come from?"
"Isn't he the disciple of Palace Master Qin Wushang?"
"Wait—Xia? As in…the same family name as Xia Qingyue? The Frozen Cloud Asgard finalist?"
"They are related! Could it be… he's as powerful as his sister, who crushed Xiao Kuanglei with ease?!"
The sheer magnitude of Ling Jie's sword force, the unrestrained sword intent, and the Sky Profound might of the Celestial Yang Sword had transcended everything seen in yesterday's quarterfinals. Even the elders, seasoned warriors who had seen countless battles, were visibly shaken.
"Not only has he subdued the Celestial Yang Sword, but he's also drawing out at least sixty percent of its true power," Xiao Juetian murmured, his deep voice laced with disbelief. "His future accomplishments will surely surpass even Ling Yun's…"
Yet as his gaze shifted to Xia Yuanba, he found himself at a loss for words.
Ling Jie's strike should have been unstoppable. It had been infused with the raw might of a Sky Profound sword—one of Heavenly Sword Villa's most revered treasures.
And yet…
Xia Yuanba had taken it head-on.
With nothing but an ordinary, rankless sword.
For the first time in this tournament, Xiao Juetian had no idea how to evaluate what he had just witnessed.
Qin Wushang watched the battle with a solemn expression. He had never seen Xia Yuanba fight so seriously before. All this time, Yuanba had refused to take up a weapon, relying solely on his fists. Now, out of nowhere, he wielded a sword—against Ling Jie, no less, a prodigy who had mastered the Celestial Yang Sword.
An amateur swordsman… standing toe-to-toe with one of Heavenly Sword Villa's finest?
Qin Wushang exhaled slowly. He no longer understood just how powerful Yuanba had become.
Bang!!
The moment the two weapons clashed, a deafening explosion rippled through the arena. Both fighters were blown backward from the sheer force. Ling Jie, reacting instantly, planted his foot against the ground and launched forward like a streak of lightning. His entire figure flickered—his presence vanishing like mist in the wind—
And with it, so did the Celestial Yang Sword.
"So fast!" Yuanba's eyes widened. Ling Jie's movements and swordplay far exceeded his expectations, moving at a speed his eyes could barely track.
He didn't even bother trying.
Instead, he felt for Ling Jie's sword intent and swung wildly, pouring his profound strength into the Sword of Hope. The air itself seemed to split as arcs of sword rays erupted outward, breaking apart in rapid succession. His sword swept across the space where Ling Jie stood—
Only to cut through a faded afterimage.
At the same time, a razor-sharp chill crept up the back of his neck.
He's behind me!
Yuanba concentrated, his figure flickering—vanishing into an afterimage of his own.
Ssshhh!!
The orange-yellow sword energy tore through the space where Yuanba had stood, leaving a black scar in the air. Ling Jie's blade split through the remains of Yuanba's illusion, slicing it cleanly in two.
But before Ling Jie could react, Yuanba had already reappeared—ten meters away—
Charging forward like an unrelenting storm.
His sword pulsed with energy. Yuanba unleashed a devastating energy sword strike.
Ling Jie, undeterred, compressed his profound energy, focusing it into a razor-thin slash.
BOOM!!!
Their blades collided once more. The profound energy barrier quaked. The entire arena trembled as their power surged.
The windstorm conjured by Yuanba's heavy sword twisted into a long, spiraling tornado at the center of the Sword Discourse Arena. Below their feet, cracks and fissures spread like veins through stone.
Debris—massive chunks of the broken arena—were lifted into the air by the force of their strikes, firing off like arrows in every direction.
The entire audience could only watch in awe.
Qin Wushang's eyes widened in shock.
How?!
Yuanba had never cultivated any movement techniques—he relied purely on brute strength. And yet, here he was, wielding a sword for the first time, moving with surprising agility.
From the stands, Yun Che watched with interest. This version of Yuanba was nothing like the clingy, muscle-bound dunce he remembered from the original world. He was not huge like the original. He was tall, slender, muscular, his frame was built like a fortress—but it was a more refined kind of strength, his physique closer to that of Future Trunks.
But the most surprising part?
Yuanba wasn't using any real sword techniques.
He was a complete novice.
Every movement, every strike—it was all raw power. He didn't know how to swing a sword properly, nor did he care. He simply swung with brute force, blocking Ling Jie's rapid slashes with nothing but overwhelming strength. No one could even count how many orange-yellow sword lights had been shattered—Ling Jie's attacks were so fast, yet not a single strand of Yuanba's clothing had been cut.
At first glance, the fight seemed like a deadlock. Ling Jie was the one constantly attacking, but in his mind, he was complaining nonstop.
"What the hell is this guy?!"
Yuanba's sword swings were slow—painfully slow compared to a true swordsman. By the time Yuanba completed one swing, Ling Jie could have slashed a dozen times over.
And yet…
Each time Ling Jie struck, Yuanba casually blocked it with one powerful sweep of his sword. A single counterstrike from Yuanba was enough to nullify dozens of his own attacks. Ling Jie had to retreat after every exchange, or else risk being completely overpowered.
Even with the Celestial Yang Sword in hand, he couldn't risk taking Yuanba's attack head-on.
Every time Ling Jie thought he had found an opening, his sword only cut through an afterimage—Yuanba had already moved. Then, without fail, a devastating counterattack would come, forcing him back once more.
"He's dodging… but he's just barely dodging. He's moving at high speed without using any actual techniques!"
Ling Jie had assumed he could easily shatter Yuanba's rankless sword. But the more they clashed, the more he realized—that thing wouldn't break.
Not only was the sword impossibly sturdy, but it didn't even vibrate in Yuanba's hands. It was as if the impact meant nothing to him.
The audience murmured in disbelief.
A rankless sword… matching a Sky Profound Sword?
Ling Jie gritted his teeth. He absolutely could not afford a direct clash.
Yes, he was confident he could cut through Yuanba if he landed a clean hit. But if Yuanba landed even one counterstrike—
He would lose half his life. The more they fought, the more Ling Jie understood—Yuanba wasn't someone he could face in a head-on battle. Ling Jie had always been the aggressor in every fight. His sword was fast, sharp, and absolute—any opponent caught within his range was forced into checkmate almost instantly.
But right now— That wasn't happening.
Xia Yuanba stood firm, like an immovable demon god. Every time Ling Jie closed the distance, Yuanba swung his sword—not with finesse, but with raw, overwhelming power.
And that power— Even with the Celestial Yang Sword in hand, even with all of Ling Jie's skill— He couldn't withstand it.
His attacks, usually so free and domineering, now felt restrained—almost hesitant. For the first time, Ling Jie felt a sensation he had never experienced before in battle.
It wasn't fear. It was powerlessness.
And that realization sent a chill down his spine. Because before Yuanba, he had never met an opponent who wielded a mere rankless sword—
And still made him struggle.
Clang!
In the brief moment the Celestial Yang Sword and the Sword of Hope touched, following the sword's impact, Ling Jie leapt very far away. When he landed, the Celestial Yang Sword pointed upwards in the air as a loud shout came out from Ling Jie's mouth: "Heaven's Might Sword Formation —— Heavenly Star Frenzy!"
The Celestial Yang Sword shot into the sky, glowing even brighter as it ascended. Then, like a mirage, its light split apart—dozens of identical Celestial Yang Swords materialized in the air.
Tens became hundreds.
The swords rained down like chaotic meteorites, each one carrying a razor-sharp aura that could cut through steel like paper.
This was Heavenly Star Frenzy—a technique Yun Che had seen countless times before. Even Nezuko had copied it once for fun. But for Xia Yuanba, this was his first time witnessing such a terrifying formation.
His eyes widened at the countless glowing swords. Around the arena, young profound practitioners paled at the sight.
How could anyone stop this?!
Yuanba's brows furrowed slightly, but he showed no fear.
If he were weak, maybe he would have panicked. But he wasn't weak.
And Mai wouldn't want a weak man.
Yun Che had told him that last night. And more importantly, Yun Che had given him a lesson.
A simple one.
Concentrate… and release.
Yuanba took a deep breath. His profound energy surged, flooding into his sword.
The Sword of Hope crackled with energy. "Brother-in-law said… concentrate power in the sword… make it sharp… then release it…"
Yuanba's grip tightened. His feet planted firmly. His raw strength condensed into one devastating strike.
"SHINING SLASH!!"
A blinding blue arc erupted from Yuanba's blade, slicing through the air like a tidal wave.
The moment it made contact—
CRACK!
The first wave of Celestial Yang Swords shattered instantly.
CRACK!!
Another wave collapsed into nothing.
Like fragile icicles meeting a raging storm, every glowing sword was torn apart—shattered, then obliterated, reduced to nothing but sparkling dust.
In less than two breaths—
It was over.
Not a single blade had touched Yuanba.
The only thing left was the real Celestial Yang Sword—hurtling backward, before slamming back into Ling Jie's hands.
The entire arena fell into stunned silence.
Ling Yun's face twisted in shock.
"Wh... WHAT?!?!"
His heart pounded as he clenched his fists. "Heavenly Star Frenzy… was broken... that easily?!"
Ling Kun, who had remained silent for the past ten days, suddenly spoke. His sharp, hawk-like eyes locked onto Xia Yuanba.
"He has completely unleashed the true might of a longsword…" His voice was indifferent yet edged with intrigue. "And yet, he's only an amateur… Who is this boy?"
On the sidelines, Xia Qingyue widened her eyes.
Her brother—
The one who was once weak. Spoiled. Easily bullied. Now, here he was, standing tall, effortlessly dismantling one of the strongest sword formations in the world.
She turned her gaze toward Yun Che, who sat calmly in the Blue Wind Imperial Family seating area, watching the battle unfold.
"Is this… the result of your training?"
Meanwhile, Qin Wushang still couldn't believe what he had just witnessed.
A sword amateur… a complete novice… had just obliterated hundreds of sword lights as if they were nothing.
"Heaven's Might Sword Formation… possesses a power capable of smiting the heavens." Qin Wushang muttered to himself. "No man… no warrior should be able to face it without fear."
He shook his head in disbelief.
"In this world, the only thing that should be able to restrain Heaven's Might Sword Formation… is a heavy sword."
And yet, Yuanba had done it—with a rankless longsword. An amateur slash with no hidden technique.
How?!
The entire audience was stunned. A technique that should have been unstoppable had been shattered—effortlessly.
And yet…
It wasn't over.
Mai's fingers clenched tightly as she watched the battle unfold. Her heart pounded against her chest—Yuanba was actually keeping up. No, not just keeping up… he was dominating in his own way.
Even Yuanba himself was stunned. That single slash—just one technique taught to him by his brother-in-law, Yun Che—had been enough to shatter one of the most formidable sword formations in the tournament.
"Trust in your strength," Yun Che had told him the night before. "Your power alone is enough. You don't need fancy techniques. Just focus, and release it."
At the time, Yuanba had thought it was just some casual advice. He had never believed he could match the likes of Ling Jie, let alone push him back. But now, standing in the middle of the Sword Discourse Arena, his heart was racing with a strange excitement. This was real. He could fight.
His hands tightened around the hilt of the Sword of Hope. It was a nameless, rankless weapon—but in his hands, it felt like an extension of himself.
Up on the Sword Discourse Arena, Ling Jie had already leapt high into the air, catching the falling Celestial Yang Sword with a single swift motion. His body twisted midair. His sword gleamed, radiating a terrifying brilliance.
In that instant—
His entire body became one with the sword light. A flash of pure speed—
Ling Jie was already in front of Yuanba.
Heavenly Sword Villa's ultimate instantaneous sword technique —— Sword Brilliance of Extreme Lightning!
The Heavenly Star Frenzy from moments ago had been nothing more than a feint. This—this was Ling Jie's true finishing move, the attack he had been carefully building up!
Yuanba tightened his grip on the Sword of Hope, bracing himself. But Ling Jie was too fast. His movement blurred past the limits of Yuanba's reaction time—before he could even register the attack, the Celestial Yang Sword was already upon him, a brilliant streak of sword light piercing forward with terrifying precision.
SHNK!
A sharp pain exploded in Yuanba's left shoulder as Ling Jie's blade sank into his flesh. Blood sprayed into the air. The audience gasped, some already convinced that the match had been decided. Mai screamed in fear and worry seeing him draw blood.
But then—
Ling Jie's eyes widened in shock.
Something was wrong.
The Celestial Yang Sword had easily pierced Yuanba's protective profound energy, cut through flesh, and even reached the bone—but that was where it stopped.
No, not just stopped. It refused to go any further.
It felt as if he had struck an unbreakable wall of iron. The overwhelming force he had poured into this finishing blow should have torn straight through his opponent. Instead, the tip of his Sky Profound weapon—a sword that could cut through solid monoliths like tofu—had been halted.
Yuanba stood firm, blood dripping from his shoulder, but his expression remained steady. He shows a painful expression at first, but he kept his cool as Yun Che said that should he show he was in pain, Mai would get worried.
From the seating area, Yun Che simply smiled.
It worked.
The modifications he had made to Yuanba's Tyrannical Emperor's Divine Veins had paid off. No longer did those veins twist and corrupt their wielder into a raging tyrant. No longer was raw power a curse.
Instead, Yuanba's strength had been refined—honed into something unstoppable. His body was now an impenetrable fortress of steel. A living wall of unyielding power.
And Yun Che had already seen the potential of this strength before.
During that fateful moment when Mai was in danger, Yuanba had awakened—his rage igniting a golden aura around him, an aura that had forced even the heavens to acknowledge his will. His desire to protect had unlocked a power far beyond anything he himself had imagined.
Despite it was only a false version of it.
Ling Jie gritted his teeth. He had landed his finishing blow—and yet, Yuanba was still standing.
"Ara… Yuanba-san has grown stronger. Whatever modifications you made back then, Yuu-kun, it seems they've finally borne fruit," Retsu remarked, her sharp gaze fixed on the battle.
Yun Che nodded, his expression calm yet pleased. "They have. Back then, his unique profound veins were like a locked gate—unawakened, they hindered his progress, preventing him from advancing like normal cultivators. The modifications bypassed that limit, allowing him to grow. But his strength isn't just from the changes I made. It's his will. His desire to protect and become stronger has pushed him forward… and now, with Mai at the center of his heart, he'll only continue to grow. He's finally found his reason to fight."
His eyes shifted toward Mai, who sat among the spectators, worry written all over her face. She was an ordinary mortal, untouched by cultivation, yet she had captured Yuanba's attention—a man who had never so much as looked at a woman before, except for his own older sister. Yet now, to him, Mai was the most beautiful woman in the world.
Back in the arena, Ling Jie was still reeling from shock. His mind screamed at the impossibility of it all—he had landed a direct strike, had felt his sword penetrate flesh—yet Yuanba stood as if he hadn't been wounded at all.
Before Ling Jie could fully regain his composure, Yuanba's Sword of Hope roared through the air.
"Shining Slash!"
With a single powerful swing, a violent air current erupted, sending an overwhelming force surging forward. Ling Jie hurriedly retreated, unleashing wave after wave of sword energy in resistance. But it was useless—his attacks were sliced apart as easily as paper before a storm.
The sheer force of the Shining Slash made his chest tighten. His inner organs quaked violently from the impact. One move. Just one. And it had overpowered him completely.
Ling Jie staggered backward, barely managing to land on his feet. He took several more steps before he finally steadied himself. His breathing was ragged. A thin line of blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
From the Heavenly Sword Villa's seating area, Ling Yun's brows furrowed deeply. Then, all at once, he stood up, his voice booming across the arena.
"Little Jie, take this!!"
A sword, thin and elegant, streaked through the sky, suffused with a bizarre cyan light. Like a shooting star, it traveled over three hundred meters in an instant. It passed through the profound energy barrier without resistance, landing smoothly in Ling Jie's waiting hand.
The moment his fingers wrapped around the hilt, the arena shifted.
A powerful resonance erupted from his grasp—the Celestial Yang Sword and the newly acquired cyan sword simultaneously let out an excited cry, as though recognizing each other after a long separation.
Their orange and cyan auras intertwined, merging together like twin flames, intensifying with each second. The energy they exuded surged wildly—not two separate entities anymore, but a single, unified force, resonating as if they had been waiting for this moment for centuries.
"This is… Big Brother's Celestial Yuan Sword!" Ling Jie whispered in shock.
He gripped the cyan sword in one hand and the orange sword in the other. At that moment, he felt something stir—a connection, deeper than mere ownership. The once-proud swords, which had never truly submitted to anyone, now seemed to acknowledge him as their rightful wielder. A blood-bound union.
Ling Jie slowly lifted his head. The usual brash excitement of a sixteen-year-old was gone. His once-fiery sharpness had settled into a cold, focused determination.
Yun Che's brows knitted slightly, an unfamiliar sense of vigilance rising in his heart since he was quite worried for Yuanba. The Ling Jie standing before Yuanba was no longer the same. His entire aura had shifted—not from his own power alone, but from the two swords in his hands.
"Oh? So they finally decided to use the true Yuan Yang Combination?" Yun Che murmured, eyes narrowing slightly as he glanced at Retsu.
"Isn't that the same technique used in the arena back in Gao Ling City?" Retsu asked, intrigued.
Yun Che shook his head. "Not quite. That was only a crude version. The real Yuan Yang Combination requires the Celestial Yuan and Celestial Yang Swords to unleash its full potential. Without these specific swords, the technique wouldn't be nearly as effective."
He paused before adding, "It's like Little Yue's Nitoryu. Anyone can wield two swords, but not everyone can truly master the Nitoryu Arts. Those who do… become something else entirely."
According to the system, for the Heavenly Sword Villa, swords were not mere weapons. They were a way of life. Three legendary Sky Profound Swords stood at the pinnacle of their legacy:
The Limitless Sword
The Celestial Yuan Sword
The Celestial Yang Sword
These weapons were revered as sacred treasures across the Blue Wind Empire. While the Celestial Yuan and Celestial Yang Swords were technically weaker than the Limitless Sword, they were designed to be wielded together. In unity, they could unleash a power rivaling that of the Limitless Sword itself. Yet, for hundreds of years, no one had ever been able to subdue both.
That is—until now.
The Limitless Sword had been wielded by Ling Yuefeng—until recently.
The Celestial Yuan Sword had been claimed by Ling Yun three years ago.
The Celestial Yang Sword had belonged to Ling Jie alone.
But now, under Ling Yun's spiritual prompting, the Celestial Yuan Sword had temporarily submitted to Ling Jie. For the first time in history, one person wielded both blades, activating the true Yuan Yang Combination compared to crude efforts from villa members. Especially when the villa's elder fought his Dracule Mihawk persona back in Gao Ling City.
Yun Che exhaled a quiet sigh.
What a waste.
The so-called greatest sword, the Limitless Sword, had been destroyed just the other night. Chu Yueli and Little Fairy had shattered it effortlessly in their battle against the villa master showing the disparity and power of the Tachikaze katana and no one knew about it other than those who involved that night. Should the audience learn that the so-called "supreme weapon" had been utterly wiped out by Chu Yueli's Tachikaze, the entire arena would flip into chaos.
With two Sky Profound Realm swords in Ling Jie's hands, Yuanba couldn't help but feel a tinge of unease. One sword was already formidable… but two? He had faith in his overwhelming strength, but could he withstand such an onslaught?
"How would Brother-in-law handle this?" Yuanba thought, gripping his sword tightly.
In front of him, Ling Jie held the Celestial Yuan Sword in his left hand and the Celestial Yang Sword in his right. The cyan and orange swords crossed in front of his body, forming an X-shaped seal of energy. The surrounding space rippled like disturbed water, waves of sword force radiating outward. A sharp, icy determination settled in Ling Jie's gaze as he spoke:
"Brother Yuanba, you are even stronger than I imagined. Now I understand why your previous opponents ended up in such a miserable state after only a few of your simple punches. You have raw, overwhelming strength... but you're still an amateur with the sword."
He took a deep breath before continuing, his grip tightening.
"I hold two Sky Profound Swords. In terms of weapons, I have an immense advantage. Even if I defeat you, there is no glory in such a victory. But without my brother's Celestial Yuan Sword… I wouldn't stand a chance."
Yuanba remained silent, his mind racing for a way to overcome the disadvantage. He knew that his strength alone might not be enough—his body could withstand a single strike, but the pain of Ling Jie's previous attack still burned in his memory. If another direct hit landed… even his toughened physique might not endure.
Then, he recalled Yun Che's words from the night before.
"Strength alone isn't always enough, Yuanba. A blade is only as strong as the will that wields it. Trust yourself. Trust your instincts. And trust your sword."
Yuanba exhaled, his grip on the Sword of Hope steadying. He wasn't just fighting with brute strength. He had a weapon of his own.
Meanwhile, Yun Che's eyes narrowed slightly from his seat. Though his words seemed casual, his gaze was serious.
Ling Jie was stronger. Much stronger. Even if both share similar cultivation, Yuanba was still an amateur.
Now that he had merged the Celestial Yuan and Celestial Yang Swords, their complementary strengths amplified each other multiple times over. The sheer force of their resonance surged through the air, causing even the onlookers to feel the pressure.
Ling Jie flicked his wrists slightly.
A single, effortless movement.
Ling Jie standing in the arena now… was no longer the same opponent from before. With his profound strength and sword intent fully unleashed, he was like a mountain peak rising into the heavens, his sword's edge capable of sweeping across the world.
RIIIP!!
The Celestial Yang Sword shot from Ling Jie's hand, gliding through the air like liquid light, cutting an ethereal path toward Yuanba. At the same time, Ling Jie's body flickered—a mirage of movement—his form vanishing within the shimmering distortion of the battlefield.
A phantom. A ghost. A swordsman unseen.
The sword light in his hands became a fine line, so thin and sharp it disappeared, hidden within the very gaps of space itself.
Two swords.
One in front, one behind.
One from the left, one from the right.
Their trajectories converged, a pincer strike closing in with deadly precision.
To any onlooker, this was a battle of a true master versus an amateur—an artist against a brute.
From thirty meters away, the sword tips already felt as if they were at Yuanba's throat. Even Yun Che, watching from the sidelines, found his vision blurring; he couldn't track the Sky Profound Swords anymore. They weren't just weapons—they were whispers of death, formless and cold, honed to an edge beyond compare.
This time, Yuanba didn't attempt to crush them with brute force. He knew these swords were too sharp, too fast. If he simply tried to repel them, they could slice through the shockwaves of his sword swings with ease.
The Yuan Yang Combination was not just a technique. It was an art. A fusion of precision, synergy, and overwhelming power. Compared to the Celestial Yang Sword alone, it was exponentially more dangerous.
"HAA!!"
Yuanba swung the Sword of Hope with all his might.
A surge of force exploded outward, scattering the approaching sword beams like shattered glass. At the same time, he leaped back, retreating out of their immediate range. His gaze flickered downward, fixing on his weapon.
Still intact. Not even a scratch. Even he was shocked seeing the durability of the Sword of Hope.
But he could feel it—he was on the defensive. Ling Jie's attacks were relentless, raining down like a storm of blades. For every strike Yuanba blocked, three more followed. His body was littered with cuts, shallow at first, but growing deeper and deeper. Blood trickled down his arms and legs. Mai was trembling with fear seeing him getting hurt and wanted nothing more to jump on stage just to nurse his wounds.
If this continued…
He would be in trouble.
Ling Jie, still pressing the assault, narrowed his eyes.
That sword…
Despite its lack of a visible rank, despite being just a "rankless sword", it was enduring far beyond reason. Even as Yuanba faced the relentless assault of two Sky Profound Blades, he did not falter.
From the stands, the Heavenly Sword Villa elders and officials exchanged bewildered glances.
What kind of sword was in Yuanba's hands?
It lacked the overwhelming power of divine weapons, yet it was proving to be indestructible. A sword that should have shattered under the sheer force of the Yuan Yang Combination was instead standing firm.
Was this weapon on par with Princess Cang Yue's three legendary blades?
The thought sent a flicker of unease through Ling Jie's heart.
The power of two Sky Profound Swords combined was something no rankless blade should be able to withstand—and yet, it was. Had it not been for that sword, Yuanba would have already lost this battle.
With his twin blades, Ling Jie had dominated their exchanges so far. He had suppressed Yuanba completely, giving him no time to breathe. The Celestial Yuan Sword in his left hand hummed with power as he brought both swords together, crossing them before his chest.
Orange and cyan auras surged, intertwining and growing stronger until they became blinding pillars of light.
"Heaven's Might Absolute Sword…
MOON BREAK!!"
A deafening roar erupted from Ling Jie.
The twin swords unleashed a massive explosion of energy—two beams, one cyan, one orange, fused into a blinding cross-shaped sword wave, slicing through the battlefield like a divine judgment descending from the heavens.
In sword sects, power was not merely about sharpness—it was about speed.
For Heavenly Sword Villa, speed was the true king.
A fast body coupled with a fast sword strike meant complete dominance over the battlefield. Instantaneous kills. Absolute control.
The Heaven's Might Absolute Sword consisted of seven devastating forms. Half a year ago, Ling Jie had already mastered the fearsome Sun Pierce technique—one of the Villa's most formidable attacks.
Yet, the Moon Break was even faster.
And now, it was being executed with the Yuan Yang Combination—a fusion of two legendary swords, their strengths multiplied exponentially.
A strike that no opponent had ever endured and walked away from.Ling Jie had already been very close to Yuanba. Yuanba only saw the flash of a cyan-orange beam tip, and then there were two Sky Strength Sword Forces within two feet of him…
The tip of Moon Break struck against the Sword of Hope as Yuanba desperately raised it in defense.
BOOM!
The storm of sword force detonated, sending violent shockwaves rippling through the air. The instant the cyan and orange sword tips collided, an explosion of energy erupted.
Sword beams rained down like a violent tempest. Yuanba gritted his teeth and tried to deflect them, but the sheer number overwhelmed him.
SLASH!
Blood burst from both his shoulders as twin gaping wounds tore open, crimson spraying into the air. His body buckled under the pain, forcing him to one knee.
"Yuanba…"
A quiet, trembling voice reached his ears.
Mai.
She was horrified, hands clenched over her mouth as she stared at his injuries in shock. Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried deep anguish.
"You promised you wouldn't get hurt…"
Yuanba's breath was ragged. His vision blurred. The pain was excruciating.
And Ling Jie stood above him, victorious.
He pointed one of his twin swords forward, his expression cold yet respectful.
"Give it up, brother." His voice was unwavering. "You can't defeat me when I wield the true Yuan Yang Combination."
Yuanba's fingers tightened around the Sword of Hope. He gritted his teeth, trying to push through the pain. But no matter how much strength he had, no matter how tough his body was—
This was different. This was beyond him.
The cuts weren't just deep—they were a reminder of the gap between them.