The crowd erupted into an uproar. No one had anticipated such a seismic shift in the tournament's standings.
The semi-finals were set: Xia Qingyue, Xia Yuanba, Yun Che, and Unohana Retsu—four dark horses, none of whom had ever made a name for themselves in any previous tournaments. And yet, they had defied all expectations, eliminating the top three sects one by one, leaving only Frozen Cloud Asgard as the last remaining powerhouse from the previous top four.
The fall of Ling Yun was particularly shocking. While some had doubted his chances of winning, most had at least expected him to reach the finals. For him to be eliminated before even setting foot in the top four was a development that no one had foreseen.
----------------------
Losing Category Set
First Match
Xiao Sect, Xiao Kuanglei------ versus-------- Blue Wind Imperial Family, Cang Yue
Second Match
Heavenly Sword Villa, Ling Jie-------versus--------- Heavenly Sword Villa, Ling Yun
---------------------
The crowd's excitement surged once more as anticipation for the upcoming battles grew. Among them, one match in particular stood out—Cang Yue versus Xiao Kuanglei of the Xiao Sect.
Now that her true cultivation had been revealed, there was little doubt about the outcome. Cang Yue's strength was undeniable, and victory seemed almost assured. The audience was eager to see just how overwhelming her power would be against an elite of the Xiao Sect.
However, another clash was drawing attention—Ling Yun's next fight. Despite his crushing defeat against Yun Che, there was no denying that he had far surpassed his younger brother, Ling Jie. Many believed he would dominate his next opponent, securing his place in the battle that truly mattered—a showdown against Princess Cang Yue, a warrior at the Peak Earth Profound Realm.
Ling Yun stumbled, his body battered and bruised, his mind still reeling from the overwhelming defeat he had just suffered. He had been so sure that this tournament would be the moment he would humiliate Yun Che, the one he had viewed as an insignificant challenger. Yun Che was supposed to be just a stepping stone, a pawn to his greater ambitions—to pull the goddesses to his side, to solidify his position at the top of the tournament. But now, all his plans lay in ruins.
Ling Yun couldn't believe what had just happened. He had lost—to a True Profound Realm dark horse. Or was Yun Che's strength truly that of a mere True Profound Realm cultivator?
The undeniable reality was that both his and his brother's swords had been utterly destroyed by Yun Che. And with his humiliating defeat, Heavenly Sword Villa was officially eliminated from the top four.
The organizers hung their heads in shame, their expressions stiff and unreadable. The greatest sword sect in the empire had not only fallen—they had been cast down by two factions they had long scorned. To lose against the Blue Wind Profound Palace was already inconceivable. But to also lose against the Blue Wind Imperial Family—a faction they had never considered a true rival—was an insult they could not stomach.
Ling Yuefeng silently took flight, leaving the arena without a word. Shame and disgrace weighed down on his shoulders like a mountain. His two most promising disciples, his very own sons, had both fallen before even reaching the semi-finals.
But the one who bore the heaviest shame was Ling Yun.
He was the last tournament's champion, the one who had stood above all others. Last time, he had won decisively, barely needing more than a handful of moves to secure victory against the last contender, Mu Lingxue of the Frozen Cloud Asgard. This time, he had thrown everything he had—even his strongest moves—yet he had still failed to defeat Yun Che.
But even as his body protested with every step, something inside him refused to let go. His pride, his ego, still burned brightly, and Ling Yun's resolve hardened. He had lost once, yes—but that was not the end. He refused to accept defeat. He had fallen, but he was not finished. Not yet.
With gritted teeth, Ling Yun pushed himself upright. His hands trembled, his energy depleted, but he made his way back toward the arena, his eyes locked on the figure of Yun Che descending from the stage amidst the wreckage. The air was thick with the whispers of the crowd, their disbelief still hanging in the air like a dense fog.
He won't rest until those goddesses belong to him and him alone.
Ling Yun stormed back toward the arena, his face twisted in rage despite being heavily injured. He had been sent flying by Yun Che's last attack, humiliated before the entire crowd, and yet he refused to accept the truth. His pride, his delusions, and his obsession with the heavenly beauties blinded him to reality.
He lost the match, his pride and the honor of carrying his sect. Kicking them from the top four and lost the Celestial Yuan Yang swords.
But his greatest pain was losing the three heavenly beauties.
"Why… Why can't I have those three?! Why do you deserve them?!" he howled, his voice echoing across the stands.
People began to whisper, their gazes shifting from shock to pity. What once was admiration for the young prodigy of Heavenly Sword Villa was now nothing more than disdain. Ling Yun wasn't acting like a proud warrior—he was acting like a madman.
Still, he stormed onto the stage, his breathing ragged, his profound energy flaring wildly. But before he could do anything else, the tournament officials moved in, restraining him before he embarrassed himself any further.
He had lost.
And yet, in his mind, he still thought he could claim Yun Che's fiancées like objects to be won.
Yun Che sighs.
Then, Yun Che took a step forward as his Divine Rapiers diminished, his expression unreadable. As he spoke, his voice carried across the entire arena by the Profound Screen—steady, powerful, and absolute. Unaware that every word will be broadcast across the arena despite he was only talking to Ling Yun.
"Listen here, you delusional idiot."
The words cut through the murmurs of the crowd, silencing them entirely.
Yun Che stepped forward, his gaze sharp and unwavering. "What do you think those women are?" His voice carried an edge of disdain, cutting straight through Ling Yun's delusions. "Do you honestly believe that defeating me would somehow win them over? That women are nothing more than prizes for the victor? Do you think they're that cheap?"
Ling Yun's face contorted, his mouth opening as if to argue, but no words came out.
"Men and women were created by god as equals," Yun Che continued, his voice unwavering. "They are twin halves of each other. A man finds comfort in a woman, just as a woman finds comfort in a man. But clearly, they found no comfort in you."
Gasps rippled through the crowd as Yun Che's words cut deeper than any sword ever could.
"And yet here you are, thinking that just because you won, they would switch sides? That loyalty, respect, and trust mean nothing?" Yun Che scoffed, shaking his head. "Is loyalty not even a thought in your head?"
He continued, his words striking deep into the hearts of those present. "An extremely pious man once said, 'The best treasure a man can hoard? It is a virtuous wife who pleases him whenever he looks towards her and who guards herself when he is absent from her.' So, even if you won them over by killing me, can you live with the fact that they hated you? I'll be impressed if you can live the first ten seconds in their presence."
Retsu, Mio, Nemu and Cang Yue felt warmth rush to their cheeks, their hearts fluttering at Yun Che's words.
==============
Xia Qingyue's gaze softened as she pieced together the fragments of her past with Yun Che. His actions had always been unpredictable, but now, she understood why.
Back then, he had been married to her against his will—not because he was unworthy, but because he was never meant to be the man by her side. A man she wasn't supposed to marry as he claimed. And yet, despite that, he had done the unthinkable. He had given her his Heavenly God Spiritual Veins, ensuring her cultivation path would be smooth, purging her body of impurities so that her future would be limitless.
He had pushed her away—not out of hatred, but so she wouldn't feel indebted to him. He had freed her, expecting nothing in return. Giving her the choice to divorce him or not. He had always known their marriage was nothing more than a promise, one that she had followed through with only out of duty. And he despised that.
Yet now, she stood before him, no longer bound by obligation with his blessing. She had cultivated not just to grow stronger, but to prove herself to him—to show that she had become who she was today because of him.
She thought she had understood Yun Che but seeing his unpredictable actions all this time….
She was wrong.
-----------------
Little Fairy's cheeks turned red as memories of the past flooded her mind. The moment her rascal had given her empty life meaning. She, once a woman who saw men as nothing more than trash, now found herself caring for a man unlike any other.
Back then, she had been cold, detached, and indifferent to the world. But then he had come along. He had healed her wounds, both the visible and the unseen. He had bonded with her, not as a man trying to win her over, but simply as someone who cared.
He had never once taken advantage of her despite her body reacted to him. Never once looked at her with greed or desire during their travels despite countless men fell to her. The only times he touched her body was during the instantaneous healing session. To the point she wonders if she had any womanly charms at all.
Instead, he had protected her when she needed it most. He had healed her without expecting anything in return. He gave her a family other than her only sister. And when the time came, he had even saved her sister in the Tomb of the Moon Empress, sparing her from a sorrow that might have consumed her.
Now, as she looked at him, she realized something. She hadn't fallen for him because of his strength. Nor for his power, nor for his wealth.
She had fallen for him because of the way he valued the women in his life. How he valued her.
-------------------
Retsu, Mio, and Nemu blushed deeply at Yun Che's words of him finding comfort in them, their hearts stirred by the depth of his devotion. He had never treated Retsu as a mere servant. To him, she was a companion, an equal, a woman to be cherished—just like Mio and Cang Yue. And now, Nemu had been welcomed into that bond.
He didn't just protect them—he empowered them. He ensured they had the strength to defend themselves, reminding them that they were not possessions, but virtuous women whose loyalty to him was a choice, not an obligation. In return, he entrusted them with his safety, giving them the right to eliminate any who dared threaten their love.
But what set him apart was his fairness. He favored none, loved equally, and valued all. Even with Kon, his so-called rival, he fought, bickered, and laughed, yet still treated him with the same unwavering loyalty he showed to the women in his life.
Cang Yue's thoughts drifted back to the first time she met Yun Che. He had teased her, but he had also protected her. He had stood between her and Murong Ye, defending her without hesitation despite not knowing her at that time. And now, he was here, fighting in this tournament for her sake.
He had never once asked for anything in return. Yet, he had given her everything—the strength to stand beside him and the power to shape her own destiny. He had helped her reclaim her father's throne and saved life. He had even unlocked the inheritance from the Moon Empress that was rightfully hers, ensuring that she had the future she deserved.
And still, he asked for nothing. He didn't do it for power, nor for glory or to control the empire through her. He did it because he loved her. Because that was the kind of man he was.
Even if he showed affection to Retsu, Mio, Little Fairy, Nemu, and Xia Qingyue, one thing was clear—he would always be fair. No favoritism. No power struggles. Just love, loyalty, and trust.
Mio's chest tightened as she thought back to the moment he saved her from herself. She had once been a monster, a being of chaos feared across realms—the Spider of Calamity. At first, she thought she would follow him because she was his servant. That was all she had known when she accepted the contract between them.
But Yun Che never treated her that way.
Instead, he gave her something she thought was lost forever—sanity, love, and a purpose beyond destruction. He surrounded her with sisters, a family, people who freed her from the madness and prison that once consumed her.
She wasn't just his follower anymore. She sees herself as his future wife.
-------------------------
Nemu had watched everything from the moment she was summoned into this world. Unlike the others, she hadn't chosen this life—she had simply awakened to it. Yet, for three months, Yun Che visited her every single day. Not because he had to. Because he cared.
And then, he had done the impossible.
He had given her something no one else could—a real soul. He had turned her from a mere creation into a living being. He had granted her the chance to become a true Shinigami, a warrior with her own purpose and a chance to grow stronger. And above all, he had given her a family. An elder sister to guide her. A place to belong.
Nemu didn't need riches or power. She didn't need grand gestures.
All she wanted—was his love.
=================
Meanwhile, Ling Yun trembled with frustration, his delusions crumbling under the weight of Yun Che's truth. But Yun Che wasn't finished yet. His voice remained calm, yet each word was like a sharp blade cutting through Ling Yun's ignorance.
"You might be strong, but you're awful when it comes to treating women," Yun Che said, his gaze unwavering as he remembered Ling Yun desired his fiancées for their beauties. "Women are our companions, our equals—the ones who carry us to this world, give us heirs, and stand beside us. They are our home and beacon when we're lost."
His words rippled through the arena, leaving many stunned. Some nodded in silent agreement, while others—especially the women—felt a newfound respect for him.
"Do you know?" Yun Che continued, his voice carrying across the silent crowd. "The world, the whole of it, is a commodity. And the best of the commodities of the world… is a virtuous wife—a woman who is loyal, kind, and devoted to her husband."
Ling Yun's breath hitched, but Yun Che wasn't finished.
"How do you see those three? As trophies?" Yun Che asked, his gaze piercing through Ling Yun's soul. "Do you only see their beauty? Do you think you own them? Or did they choose you?"
The words hit like thunder, shaking Ling Yun to his core.
"You chose them because they looked beautiful to you," Yun Che continued, "but did you ever ask for their affections? Did you ever consider their feelings? Do they feel safe with you?"
Ling Yun's fists clenched. His pride, his arrogance—everything inside him was rebelling against Yun Che's words.
"I am the young master of the villa! I don't need their affections! I can protect them!" Ling Yun snapped.
Yun Che merely shook his head, his expression filled with disappointment.
"Is that enough?" he asked. "Do you think that by showering them with riches, you can buy their hearts? That might work on women who value wealth over all else, but not them. They choose love, loyalty, and trust."
His next words were like a final, crushing blow.
"They made their choice, mate. You can't force them into choosing you. And killing me in the arena? That won't win their affections. In fact…" Yun Che smirked coldly. "It might just make them take revenge by killing you instead."
Ling Yun stiffened, his face draining of color.
Yun Che turned away from him, his final words carrying a quiet yet unshakable conviction.
"A truly wise man once said, 'The best of you is the best to his family.' And I…" he glanced toward Retsu, Mio, and Cang Yue—his gaze filled with warmth as he quote that man. "I am the best to my family."
Yun Che's voice carried across the arena, strong and unwavering. "Be kind to women, Ling Yun. Without expecting anything in return." His gaze locked onto his defeated opponent, but his words were for everyone.
Ling Yun snarled, his frustration boiling over as he spat out his resentment. "Without expecting anything in return? We shower them with riches, offer them power and cultivation, and yet they still abandon their loved ones! That's how they treat us! They may have beauty, but their hearts are rotten!" His voice rose with bitter indignation. "They never listen, yet they talk as if they know everything!"
His words echoed through the arena, but instead of sympathy, he was met with a growing wave of hostility.
The women in the audience stiffened, their eyes narrowing with disdain. Murmurs of discontent spread like wildfire, and an unmistakable air of anger settled over them. To them, Ling Yun had just reduced their worth to mere possessions—things to be bought and controlled.
Ling Yun's eyes darted toward the stands, only to find countless women glaring at him, their expressions dark with anger. Some looked outright disgusted, others whispering furiously among themselves. Even his own sect's female disciples had their faces twisted in disbelief and resentment.
Unbeknownst to him, with each word he spoke, he wasn't just exposing his own arrogance—he was turning every woman in the crowd against him. He had not only lost the battle, but also the last shred of respect they might have had for him.
Yun Che's voice was steady, carrying an air of wisdom that commanded the attention of everyone in the arena. "Not all of them. Indeed, they were made from the ribs of man, and the uppermost rib is the most curved. If you attempt to straighten it, it will break. But if you leave it be, it will remain as it is." His words rang out, weaving through the silence like a blade cutting through fog.
"Women, like men, are flawed. They may disappoint you at times or even commit mistakes that seem unforgivable. But before you cast judgment, look into a mirror and ask yourself—what do you see? Are you without fault? Are you any better?" He let the question linger, his gaze sweeping over the stunned audience. "It is your choice to stay or to leave, but never should it be your right to force them into submission. However, isn't it better to guide them into righteousness?"
He exhaled, his expression unreadable. "You cannot demand a woman's love, nor can you expect her loyalty as if it were owed. A woman follows a man for her own reasons—whether it be for safety, fear, stability, love, pleasure, or happiness. But the truth remains: she must choose to stay. Love cannot be bought, nor can it be taken—it is only given, freely and willingly. If you're a righteousness man, she will follow you to gates of paradise itself. If she is a virtuous and righteous woman, love and loyalty will come naturally. God favored these women, Ling Yun. Harm them, expect karma retribution in the future."
A hush fell over the crowd. The weight of his words settled deep in their hearts, forcing them to reflect. This was not just a lesson for Ling Yun—it was a truth for all men.
The arena was silent, captivated. Even the air felt heavier, as if the entire world held its breath.
Yun Che smiled, his expression neither mocking nor arrogant, but filled with understanding. "Women have their own nature, just as men do. Some may be beautiful and strong, others gentle, some independent, others nurturing. No woman will ever be everything a man desires—because that is not how they were meant to be. A wise man does not try to reshape her into his ideal. Instead, he learns to cherish her as she is. Complete her as she completes you. To love her for her strengths, and to accept her for her flaws."
"Good men are those who treat women with kindness and affection, as opposed to those who abuse and harm them at will." Yun Che grins. "And which one are you?"
"They chose me and not you. Out of love, devotion and loyalty. Whether you're a young master or not, I am determined to protect them even if it cost my life." With it, Yun Che walked away.
"They will do the same."
Ling Yun fell on his knees. The silence shattered into an uproar. Murmurs spread like wildfire, whispers turning into awe-filled conversations, admiration blooming among the crowd.
His words weren't just heard in the arena—they echoed throughout the Blue Wind Empire. The message was clear: respect, kindness, and patience. And in that moment, Yun Che's name was no longer just that of a warrior or a genius.
It became the name of a man who valued women.
A hushed silence fell over the arena. The women in the crowd felt something stir within them—an unfamiliar feeling of being truly valued.
Even Xia Qingyue widened her eyes, staring at him as if seeing him for the first time. Little Fairy and Chu Yueli were speechless. Xue Ling and Lin Yueru listened with rapt attention.
They never knew Yun Che held such a deep and virtuous view of women. He wasn't kind because he sought to charm them or collect them.
He was kind… because he was taught that way.
Yun Che's words weren't just about beauty, nor power, nor status. He spoke of true companionship. Of respect. Of devotion.
A realization settled in their hearts.
===================
Yun Che could feel the weight of countless stares pressing down on him as he walked back. It wasn't the usual type of gaze filled with desire or lust—no, this was something else entirely. Admiration. Reverence. As if they were seeing him in a different light.
He sighed inwardly. Great, now I've somehow become the empire's spokesperson for women's rights.
Before he could fully process what had just happened, Mio and Retsu launched themselves at him, tackling him into a warm, affectionate hug.
"Ufuu… Yuu-kun, you really value us that much." Retsu murmured softly, her voice laced with emotion.
"Mouuu… Danna-sama, you're too good for us," Mio pouted, her cheeks flushed as she snuggled into his chest. "It's just perfect!"
Yun Che let out a long breath. "Well, I had to knock some sense into that idiot. He was treating you girls like objects, as if you were trophies to be won and forced into submission."
Cang Yue crossed her arms, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "And you do realize your little speech was broadcast across the entire empire, right?"
Yun Che froze. "Wait… what?"
"The Profound Stones recorded everything and relayed it all over the Blue Wind Empire," Cang Yue sighed dramatically. "Do you even realize what that means?"
Yun Che's eyes widened in horror as the realization hit him. "Ah… crap."
Yun Che blinked, realization dawning upon him. His words had been broadcasted. Not just to the audience before him, but to countless ears beyond these walls. His intent had been to humble Ling Yun, but in doing so, he might have sparked something far greater.
For too long, women had been seen as possessions—bought with wealth, power, or cultivation. But now, his words rang through the hearts of many. A seed had been planted. A revolution, perhaps, where women would no longer be measured by what they could offer to men, but by their own strength, their own worth.
Even so, Yun Che could only hope that this change led them to value themselves—to stand with dignity, rather than selling their worth cheaply, like so many did in his previous world. Where honor and self-respect were often discarded for fleeting validation on a screen.
For now, though, he let out a quiet sigh. The storm had been set in motion. Whether for better or worse, only time would tell.
Cang Yue smirked. "That's your fault for valuing us so much."
A familiar voice echoed in his mind, laced with hidden amusement. "You rascal, you really have a way with words."
Little Fairy, even behind her veil, was undoubtedly blushing.
Chu Yueli, normally composed and unreadable, found herself restless. Yun Che's words echoed in her mind, stirring something unfamiliar. If only Mihawk shared his values…
Her fingers tightened slightly at the thought. What if… what if she could embody those ideals? Not just as an Asgardian disciple, but as a woman of virtue and strength, a woman worthy of standing beside someone like him.
After all, a man of unwavering conviction needed a woman just as resolute. If she could be righteous, if she could be truly virtuous—not just in title, but in heart—perhaps, just perhaps, she might one day catch the eye of that solitary swordsman.
She needed to have faith as Yun Che did say God favors a virtuous and righteous woman. If she can be one, one day the heavens will favor her and answer her prayer.
Xue Ling and Lin Yueru exchanged glances, both secretly contemplating how they had perceived Yun Che before today. Xue Ling might be able to implement these values to be virtuous to Mihawk. Maybe if heaven wills it….
Lin Yueru in particular felt her face heat up as she remembered the time she had outright called him a pervert over a misunderstanding. Now, seeing the depth of his character, she realized how wrong she had been.
This man… really is different.
Yuanba stood frozen, his mind replaying Yun Che's words over and over again. Something deep within him shifted. He had always been protective of Mai, but now, he vowed to cherish her—to truly treat her with the kindness and respect she deserved.
Mai, on the other hand, found herself blushing at his sudden silence. Is he actually taking this to heart? She smiled to herself, determined to show Yuanba what it meant to be with her. If he ever faltered, well… she wouldn't hesitate to knock some sense into that thick skull of his.
Meanwhile, Yun Che let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Ahaaa…"
Jasmine, listening from within his mind, finally spoke. "Whoever this so-called wise man is, he's certainly changed the way people see women from now on through you." She exhaled, as if reluctantly acknowledging the weight of his words.
Yun Che's lips curled into a small smile. "He isn't just some wise man. He is the man who taught me the ways of living—the values I've held onto even in my previous life. And I fully intend to carry them into this one."
Jasmine frowned slightly. "You say that, but you've barely even seen the full harshness of this world. You think you can hold onto such ideals while trying to survive?"
Yun Che's grin widened. "Who says I can't do both? I plan to level up in this world while staying true to my values. Strength doesn't have to come at the cost of honor."
There was a moment of silence before Jasmine finally relented. "Hmph. Maybe I should ask you more about this man you admire so much. Was he your master or something?"
Yun Che chuckled. "Something like that. His words have been passed down for centuries, just like the profound teachings of this world. But the difference is… his values weren't just rules to follow. They were meant to be lived—taught through time, tested by hardship, and proven through action. The world changes as thousands of years have passed but that doesn't mean one can't live without values."
Jasmine was quiet for a moment, absorbing his words.
Perhaps… there was more to Yun Che's past than she had originally thought.
The match ended not only with Yun Che's overwhelming victory but also with a profound lesson left in its wake. His words resonated across the arena, challenging deep-seated beliefs and shaking the foundation of how women were viewed in this world.
Ling Yun, battered and broken, was escorted away to tend to his injuries. Yet, despite his physical defeat, his obsessive ideals remained unshaken. His loss had humiliated him, but whether he would truly learn from it was another matter entirely.
One thing, however, was certain—if Ling Yun ever crossed the line again, Yun Che would be there to beat some sense into him once more.