As the day concluded, Yun Che couldn't help but notice a shift in the atmosphere. Women who had barely acknowledged him before now flirted openly in his presence, casting playful glances his way. He sighed, already feeling the weight of unintended consequences. However, his personal space remained well-guarded.
Surrounding him were Retsu, Nemu, Cang Yue, Mio, Lin Yueru, and Xue Ling, their presence an unspoken barrier against any approaching admirers. Adding to this protective circle was Little Fairy, her icy aura alone enough to freeze the confidence of anyone daring to come too close.
As they prepared to leave, Retsu, Mio, and Nemu adjusted their Uchikatsugi before stepping forward. They were about to exit the seating zone when, suddenly—
A figure descended from the skies.
The moment his feet touched the ground, the air grew heavy. He appeared to be in his forties or fifties, his expression unreadable, his long blue locks flowing behind him. His robe denoted a high-ranking elder, but what caught everyone's attention was the crest on his shoulder—a symbol that sent chills down the spines of those present.
Mighty Heavenly Sword Region.
The once-lively arena fell into a dead silence. The moment his presence registered, the applause abruptly ceased, and all whispers died out. The atmosphere was so tense that even the drop of a needle could have been heard. Everyone held their breath, waiting to see what this illustrious yet fearsome figure from the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region intended.
He took a step forward, his gaze falling upon Yun Che and his group.
"Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, Ling Kun." His introduction was calm, yet it carried the weight of absolute authority.
The pressure in the air was suffocating. Both Yun Che and Retsu tensed immediately, instinctively preparing for the worst. Nemu's expression darkened. Should things escalate, Mio might be forced to unveil her full power, something Yun Che hoped to avoid. He had no interest in causing unnecessary chaos… yet.
Still, deep inside, Yun Che smirked.
This man… This conniving, sinister individual, hiding treachery behind his calm façade.
Ling Kun's presence here was no coincidence. He was attending the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament under the guise of a neutral witness. But Yun Che knew the truth. This was the man responsible for Xuanyuan Yufeng's rise in power—the very reason she was feared.
And from the way he carried himself, it was obvious.
He had no idea… that his vengeful and obsessive niece was already dead.
----------------------------
[Ding…]
[Name: Líng kūn]
[Age :100+]
[Level: Level 76 (6th Level Tyrant Profound Realm)]
[Affiliation: Mighty Heavenly Sword Region]
[Rank: Ninth Elder]
[Description: The uncle of Xuanyuan Yufeng. A man whose presence alone carried an ominous weight, like the first crack before an avalanche. In the original timeline, he had been the one to discover Xia Qingyue's Nine Profound Exquisite Body—a celestial-grade constitution so rare that it defied reason. He had witnessed its abnormal mastery over profound energy and instantly saw it for what it was: a treasure to be exploited.
Because Xia Qingyue had not fought Ling Yun, the opportunity for him to recognize her talent had yet to arise. Fate had diverged, but for how long? He will sell this very knowledge to Ye Xinghan of the Sun Moon Divine Hall for 1.5 kilograms of Purple Veined Divine Crystal—a deal sealed in cold ambition. That one transaction had set off a chain of tragedies in the real novel:
Xia Qingyue, kidnapped and teleported away to the Realm of the Gods. Gong Yuxian and Grand Asgard Mistress, slain, leaving Frozen Cloud Asgard leaderless. Yun Che, forced into the role of Asgard Master, left to pick up the broken pieces.
[PS: With Xuanyuan Yufeng converted to your side, she is now harmless. However, this event will eventually happen without her. Unless you do something about this?]
-----------------------------
Yun Che's smirk widened.
Uncle of Xuanyuan Yufeng? He could work with this.
Ling Kun might be an ambitious snake, but he was also an opportunity. If Yun Che played this right, he could use this man to keep an eye on his enemies while making sure that Xia Qingyue's fate was altered. There was no way he'd allow her to be snatched away to the Realm of the Gods—not on his watch. She would grow alongside him, not be used as a bargaining chip for someone else's gain.
Looks like he'd be doing her another favor.
At that moment, Ling Kun made his move. His presence, though subtle, commanded attention. It was as if an invisible force had pulled every gaze toward him. Conversations ceased, breaths were held, and the atmosphere thickened with tension.
"Young man, you are called Yun Che?" Ling Kun asked, his tone light and almost friendly.
Yun Che's steps halted slightly. Feigned surprise crossed his face before he responded with a humble nod.
"Yes, I am Yun Che. I wonder if Senior Ling has something to say to me?"
Ling Kun's gaze swept over the group surrounding Yun Che, his expression unreadable.
"This must be the infamous Unohana Retsu… and the Imperial Princess Cang Yue," he mused, his eyes lingering on them before shifting towards Nemu and Mio, their veiled faces an enigma even to his sharp perception.
But then, his attention landed on Xue Ling and Lin Yueru.
Promising talents.
Ling Kun's gaze sharpened, though his expression remained unreadable. He had come here expecting to witness potential talents, but what stood before him far exceeded his expectations.
His eyes first landed on Xue Ling. Her meteoric rise had already reached his ears—ascending from Mid Sky Profound Realm to Fourth Level Emperor Profound Realm in just one month was something unheard of in these outer territories. Such monstrous growth would have made her a legend in most sects.
However, to him, it was merely mediocre. A 27-year-old Throne was nothing special when compared to the younger generation of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, where prodigies had already reached the Tyrant Profound Realm by their early twenties. She was powerful for this realm, but among true elites? She still had a long way to go.
Then, his gaze shifted to Xia Yuanba. His brows furrowed slightly as he studied the young man standing tall, with Mai and Mei trailing behind. The two girls were mortals, irrelevant to his interests, but Xia Yuanba was something else entirely.
Defeating Ling Jie was no small feat. That sudden, overwhelming burst of power had caught Ling Kun's attention. What exactly was it? A unique constitution? A latent ability yet to be fully uncovered? His golden aura was unlike anything seen in common profound practitioners. Ling Kun smirked internally. If this was truly an anomaly, he would uncover the truth. He made a mental note to consult the ancient archives for any clues.
And then—his eyes widened slightly.
Two more figures emerged.
One was veiled beneath a large sun hat, her presence shrouded in mystery. There was something different about her, but for now, he set her aside.
The other…
His breath hitched for the briefest moment seeing the little one in her arms.
Nezuko.
Even among cultivators who had seen all manners of beauty, he had never seen a child this unnaturally breathtaking. Ethereal, divine, almost surreal. What kind of lineage could produce such an existence?
The whispers weren't an exaggeration.
Heaven's Child.
A Grand Perfection Sky Profound Realm genius—at such a young age? It should have been impossible, yet here she was, standing before him.
Ling Kun's lips curled into a smirk.
The talents had gathered before him. Yun Che, Xia Yuanba, Unohana Retsu, the veiled ones with unknown potential.
And above all— Nezuko, the Heaven's Child.
This…
This was an opportunity.
If played correctly, he might just be able to pull these talents under his wing.
Retsu, Cang Yue, Nemu, and Mio stood close to Yun Che, their gazes sharp and unwavering as they stared at Ling Kun. The air around them felt heavy, a silent warning that they were not about to entertain pleasantries with someone from the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region. Yun Che's hatred for this so-called sacred ground had long since become theirs as well. They understood better than most that its members were nothing more than schemers, willing to sacrifice anyone or anything for their own gain.
Though their expressions remained neutral, their bodies were tense, ready to react at a moment's notice. Retsu and Mio, the strongest among them, subtly shifted their footing, prepared to engage should the need arise. Nemu and Cang Yue, though capable, knew that they were not yet strong enough to stand against someone like Ling Kun. Even so, their determination was unwavering.
Ling Kun, for his part, remained calm, as if the silent hostility directed toward him was nothing more than a passing breeze. His voice was steady, almost casual, as he spoke.
"You are currently a disciple of the Profound Palace set up by the Blue Wind Empire's Imperial Family, correct?"
Yun Che exhaled slowly, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips before he answered.
"No. I currently represent the Blue Wind Imperial Family, but I am not tied to the palace at all. Xia Yuanba is… but he does not represent the Blue Wind Imperial Family. Only I and my companions stand under their name."
With that, he gestured toward Unohana Retsu, who bowed slightly in acknowledgment. She remained poised and graceful, but beneath her serene exterior, she was ready to act. Mio, too, had already measured the distance between herself and Ling Kun, mentally preparing for the worst and revealed her full power. Yun Che knew them well—if Ling Kun made a single misstep, they would strike without hesitation.
For now, he intended to keep things civil, but that could change in an instant.
Ling Kun's gaze swept over them all, calculating and assessing, until his eyes landed on Nezuko. His expression shifted ever so slightly, lips curling into a smirk that Yun Che did not like.
"All of these women are your companions? Including… this little one?"
The moment his finger lifted toward Nezuko, the entire atmosphere changed.
Xue Ling stiffened beside them, her instincts screaming at her. She wasn't naïve. She understood exactly what that lingering gaze meant.
Ling Kun wasn't just curious.
He was interested—in Nezuko, in Yun Che, in Retsu, and even in Xia Yuanba.
Yun Che's response was immediate, yet hollow. "Yes." His voice carried a tone of false politeness, carefully masking the disdain brewing beneath the surface.
Ling Kun nodded slowly, as if he had already anticipated the answer. Then, without hesitation, he delivered words that sent a shockwave through the entire Sword Discourse Arena.
"Well, are you interested in joining our Mighty Heavenly Sword Region? I am extending this to your companions as well. Mainly this water fairy and this little one."
The moment the words left his lips, the entire arena fell into stunned silence. It was as if time had momentarily stopped. Then, the murmurs began—hushed at first, then growing into a deafening uproar.
Qin Wushang's eyes widened in disbelief, his composure utterly shattered. Cang Yue, who had been standing steadfast beside Yun Che, visibly tensed. Even Ling Yuefeng, the leader of the Heavenly Sword Villa, stood frozen, his face unreadable as he listened from above.
It was unthinkable. The Mighty Heavenly Sword Region—one of the legendary Four Great Sacred Grounds—had extended an invitation.
To Yun Che and his companions.
To refuse an offer like this was unimaginable for most. The Mighty Heavenly Sword Region was a supreme, almighty existence in the Profound Sky Continent. To be chosen meant being acknowledged as one of the greatest talents in the land. Even a mere servant from the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, should he step foot in the Blue Wind Empire, would be revered as a renowned master, possessing status greater than that of an emperor.
The very idea of being recruited by one of the Sacred Grounds was a fantasy beyond reach for most geniuses. Even Ling Yun, once heralded as the most talented young swordsman in the empire, had never dared to dream of such an opportunity.
But Yun Che?
To him, the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region was nothing more than a den of tyrants, cloaked in grandeur but driven by control and oppression. Their so-called genius disciples were merely products of their power—forced into submission, trained under an iron grip.
Their influence spanned across the entire continent, pressing weaker nations beneath their might. Blue Wind Empire, the smallest and weakest of the seven empires, had suffered under their shadow for centuries through the Heavenly Sword Villa. It was a place so distant from the Four Great Sacred Grounds that most people never even saw a trace of their existence in their lifetimes.
Yet today, the unthinkable had happened.
A nineteen-year-old youth stood at the center of it all. Recruited alongside Unohana Retsu, Princess Cang Yue and Nezuko.
And the most feared, most legendary force in the Profound Sky Continent had extended their hand to him.
The Frozen Cloud Asgard party moved gracefully through the crowd, their pristine white robes standing out like drifting snow. The moment they caught sight of Ling Kun, they halted.
Little Fairy—Chu Yuechan—cast a worried glance at Yun Che. She knew he wouldn't act recklessly, yet the mere presence of this man made her uneasy. Ling Kun was not someone they could take lightly. She silently prayed that Yun Che would not provoke him.
From a distance, Xia Qingyue observed, her heart tangled in emotions. If Yun Che accepted the offer and followed Ling Kun, he would withdraw from the tournament—and with that, she would lose her only reason to cultivate and prove herself to him. Her grip tightened around the sleeve of her robe. She had worked tirelessly, pushing herself beyond limits, all for him. If he left, what would remain of her purpose?
Nearby, Chu Yueli was equally tense. The way Ling Kun's gaze lingered on Nezuko filled her with dread. If he took Nezuko away, what would become of the child? Would she forget her mother? Would she be forced to discard her past and become nothing more than a tool for the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region? She clenched her fists beneath her long sleeves, her composed face betraying nothing—but deep inside, she burned with concern.
All around the arena, eyes were locked onto Yun Che's party.
Shock. Envy. Amazement. Jealousy. Disbelief.
In the Burning Heaven Clan's seating area, Fen Juecheng's expression turned hideous. His hands balled into tight fists as he glared at Yun Che from the shadows. His sect had been humiliated before they could even make it into the round of 32, a disgrace they would never forget.
Yun Che had severely injured Fen Juebi, crushing his reputation. He had shamed the Burning Heaven Clan, disgraced their name, and—worst of all—he had shown them an art they did not dare cross.
Unohana Retsu's mysterious arts.
He had seen it—twice.
The art that obliterated Cang Shuo.
The art that obliterated the Forbidden Burning Heaven Dragon at full power.
Now, he sees her wielded water as an iced blade, more terrifying than fire.
And now, Yun Che had revealed his manipulative mastery of fire, the art surpasses the Burning Heaven Clan's most sacred techniques.
Fen Juecheng's hatred burned. But if Yun Che truly became a member of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, then even his father, Fen Duanhun, would have no choice but to bow his head in deference.
If Yun Che joined them, he would stand above all in the Blue Wind Empire.
No one—not even the emperor himself—would dare offend him.
Even if Fen Juecheng was absolutely certain he could kill Yun Che, he knew one thing for certain:
He could never, ever afford to do it. Killing a member of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region…
Would be the death of the entire Burning Heaven Clan.
Many in the audience held their breath, their gazes fixated on Yun Che.
Would he accept?
To them, it was an obvious choice. The Mighty Heavenly Sword Region offered far more than just Dragonscale Armor. It promised prestige, wealth, and a legendary reputation—a dream beyond the grasp of most profound practitioners. Bearing the crest of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region was a badge of supremacy, something few in this world could ever attain.
Among the crowd, Mai felt her heart sink.
If Xia Yuanba joined the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, there was no way she could follow. She was just a mortal. A simple girl, standing beside a boy whose talent could shake the world.
Her hand tightened around his. Her fingers trembled as she cursed herself for being so weak.
If he wanted to leave, what could she possibly do to stop him?
Standing nearby, Qin Wushang exhaled deeply, his face a mixture of awe and disbelief.
"The Mighty Heavenly Sword Region… even I do not dare to dream of such a place," he murmured, his voice filled with respect. He turned toward Yuanba and shook his head in wonder. "Even they have taken notice of him… I can no longer predict what his future holds. He has surpassed the limits of the Blue Wind Profound Palace. Perhaps only the Four Great Sacred Grounds are worthy of nurturing his talent. Hahaha… Just knowing him will probably be something I'll be proud of for the rest of my life."
His laughter was warm, but Mai felt cold inside.
The invitation was something people would kill for. Even the strongest profound practitioners in the empire would be green with envy. She should have been happy for Yuanba.
Yet, all she felt was fear.
Fear that he would leave her behind.
He was only sixteen, yet he had already earned the right to step into a world beyond her reach. His future was an endless sky, stretching far beyond the small world she belonged to.
Would he still return to a place like Blue Wind Empire?
Would he still return… to her?
Yun Che, however, remained unfazed. His brow twitched slightly before a smirk crept onto his lips. Of course they would offer.
It had happened in the original story. But this time… this time, things were different.
He had shown them Diable Jambe, wielded the power of firebending, and conjured his own divine weapons—the Divine Rapiers.
Cang Yue had wielded three swords, Retsu had demonstrated her parasol and waterbending, and Yuanba had revealed his golden aura power. The audience might think this invitation was for him alone, but Yun Che knew better.
Ling Kun wasn't just extending this courtesy to him. He was offering it to Retsu, Cang Yue and Yuanba. The others didn't matter.
But Yun Che…
He did not share the elation and excitement that everyone expected from him. If he thinks Ling Kun can rope him to that forsaken place…
He was wrong.
Ling Kun's expression did not shift, but the flicker of intrigue in his eyes did not go unnoticed.
Yun Che's face, however, remained shockingly calm. There was no hesitation, no excitement—only a quiet, unshakable resolve.
Taking a step forward, he bowed slightly and spoke with courtesy.
"Many thanks to Senior Ling for thinking so highly of this junior. However, I currently represent the Blue Wind Imperial Family and have no thoughts of leaving yet. Furthermore, there are many matters I have yet to resolve. Though my heart may long for such an opportunity, I cannot bring myself to abandon my responsibilities. I can only thank Senior Ling for his kindness and generous intentions."
His words echoed across the silent arena.
Retsu, standing at his side, did not hesitate. Her voice was gentle yet firm, carrying the weight of unwavering loyalty. "This junior is the same. I am used to following Yun Che. If he stays, then I shall remain as well. This one's heart is devoted to her family."
Cang Yue stepped forward, her royal grace evident despite the resolute tone in her voice. "This one follows her master and her family. This junior has no intention of leaving either."
The moment hung in the air, and then—
"I… I am a member of the Blue Wind Profound Palace." All eyes turned to Xia Yuanba, his voice uncertain at first. But then, his grip on Mai's hand tightened, and when his gaze met hers, the hesitation vanished.
"I… I have no intention of leaving."
Mai's breath hitched. She stared at him, her heart pounding.
Yuanba had refused the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region—the very opportunity that could have given him unmatched power, prestige, and a future beyond imagination—for her.
For a mere mortal girl with no talent.
Yun Che's words echoed in her mind—his promise that the prayers of virtuous and righteous women would always be answered. They met for almost two weeks, but never did she feel strong feelings for a single man.
Despite Yun Che is better looking than Yuanba, her feelings were strong for the latter instead.
Tears welled in her eyes as she squeezed Yuanba's hand back.
He had made his choice. If he sacrificed such prestige for her, she made a resolve not to stay weak anymore. Once the matter of her restaurant is done, she will bring Mei to Cang Yue's palace to begin training.
Yun Che let out a small sigh, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him as he was waiting for Nezuko. "Nezuko is just a child. She may be powerful, but she still needs her parents with her."
Ling Kun's brows furrowed slightly. "Parents? Who… is—"
Before he could finish, Xue Ling stepped forward, her movements calm yet decisive. At the same time, Chu Yueli emerged from the crowd, her posture elegant but firm. Behind her, Gong Yuxian made a subtle motion, attempting to stop her, but the Frozen Cloud Asgard elder refused to back down.
Ling Kun's eyes widened as he looked between the two women. "Two?" His expression twisted into mild confusion before sharpening with curiosity. "Which one is the real mother?"
Yun Che sighed internally. These two really do overstep when it comes to Nezuko.
Now, the entire arena was going to descend into chaos over a gigantic misunderstanding. It was already enough that Dracule Mihawk was believed to be married to Chu Yueli—but now Xue Ling was involved as well? What was next? Would people start debating who was the first wife? The second? Would they now argue over who Nezuko's real mother was?
Then, the bombshell dropped.
"We're both her mothers."
Their words struck like thunder, leaving the entire arena in stunned silence.
Even Cang Wanhe and Qin Wushang could only stare, mouths slightly agape. Since when had Xue Ling become Nezuko's mother? Had she been secretly involved with Mihawk all along? Or had she merely been pretending not to know him to keep his identity hidden?
Speculations ran wild.
This revelation didn't just confirm Chu Yueli as Dracule Mihawk's wife—it now tied Xue Ling into the equation as well. Did this mean the two women were actually sister-wives? And if so, since when?
Even more mind-boggling—was this why Xue Ling had protected Cang Yue? Because Cang Yue's master was her husband and she had been acting as the princess's guardian all along?
The whispers spread like wildfire.
Before the rumors could spiral further, Xue Ling spoke again, her voice unwavering. "We can't let her go without her father's consent. We obey our husband's wishes, and he will not allow her to leave without accompaniment."
Chu Yueli nodded beside her, glancing at Xue Ling with silent understanding.
The two women, once distant, were now working together, standing as a united front. Both silently apologized to Mihawk for using his name again—but neither hesitated.
Ling Kun's gaze sharpened. "Her father? Are you saying that her father is that swordsman? This Dracule Mihawk that everyone has been talking about?"
He had heard whispers of the mysterious, terrifying swordsman, but he remained unaware that Mihawk was the very same figure responsible for the disappearance of the sacred ground's missing disciples—those he had carelessly dismissed as having been lost to white-masked beasts.
And now, before him, stood the women who claimed to be the mothers of the Heaven's Child—and the wife(s) of that very swordsman.
Yun Che's response was completely beyond everyone's expectations. The entire arena seemed to freeze for a moment as countless eyes locked onto him in sheer disbelief.
Had he gone mad?
To be invited by the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region—one of the legendary Four Great Sacred Grounds—was an honor beyond comprehension, an opportunity that even the most talented geniuses dared not dream of. And yet… he had rejected it. Not only him but all of them.
Ling Kun's invitation had been met with a collective refusal.
Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire among the crowd. Many looked at Yun Che as though he were a fool or a lunatic. He had willingly chosen to remain in the insignificant Blue Wind Imperial Palace over a future of unimaginable prestige and power.
Yet, to the surprise of many, Ling Kun did not show the slightest hint of anger.
Instead, he let out a calm, almost amused laugh.
"Hahahaha! Good! Very good! Even though you are young, you are neither arrogant nor impatient. You remain composed and rational, unfazed by temptation. That is rare."
His gaze swept over Yun Che's companions.
"A shame, truly. Not just you, but the Water Fairy, Princess Cang Yue, and Xia Yuanba… Even the Heaven's Child herself, Nezuko. I cannot take any of you without consent. What a pity."
Yun Che clicked his tongue quietly.
Ling Kun was a master at keeping up appearances.
Despite having lost four major talents in one go, he had skillfully masked his disappointment behind a composed and benevolent façade. His pride surely couldn't swallow this, yet he forced himself to endure it.
Then, Ling Kun's eyes gleamed with something deeper—an unshaken persistence.
"Let me make something clear," he continued, his tone casual yet carrying an unmistakable weight. "I did not invite you because of your raw talent alone. While your abilities are indeed impressive in this small empire, within the Sacred Grounds, you may not even be considered extraordinary."
Yun Che narrowed his eyes slightly. Where is he going with this?
"The reason I wanted you in the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region…" Ling Kun's voice took on a subtle edge of admiration, "…is because of the way you wield your blades."
Silence fell over the arena.
"Long ago, the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region had a dual-sword division. However, as time passed, it faded into obscurity. Our disciples became singular swordmasters, refining their techniques to absolute perfection. But your technique… It is unique. Masterful. And it has the potential to resurrect what was lost."
His gaze then flickered toward Unohana Retsu.
"The Water Fairy… If she were to share her art with us, we could form an entirely new school within our ranks."
Then, he looked to Cang Yue.
"With her, we could refine the art of wielding three swords simultaneously, creating an unprecedented style."
Finally, his eyes landed on Xia Yuanba.
"And you, with your raw, explosive strength… You could revolutionize unarmed combat within our ranks."
Then, he turned toward Nezuko.
A quiet, almost reverent pause followed before he spoke again.
"As for the Heaven's Child…"
A chilling hunger lurked beneath his words.
"With our resources, we could raise her to the Monarch Realm in just two years. A seven-year-old at the Sovereign Profound Realm… That alone would shake not just this empire but the entire continent."
The Mighty Heavenly Sword Region craved that glory.
Xue Ling and Chu Yueli stood by Nezuko. Refusing to even entertain the idea of letting the small one go to the sacred ground. Despite the major misunderstanding that sealing them as the wives of Dracule Mihawk.
Ling Kun's words carried an undeniable weight, and the entire arena hung onto every syllable.
"From all of you, I see the potential for reformation, for the creation of entirely new departments." His eyes gleamed with restrained ambition. "It is inappropriate for me to ask who your master is, but I hope that when you do join the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, you will be able to shape its future alongside your companions. If you can accomplish this… becoming an elder-ranked figure of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region is not out of reach."
A ripple of shock spread through the audience.
Elder-ranked figure of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region.
Those few words alone sent shivers down the spines of even the most powerful figures present. Not even Ling Yuefeng, the master of Heavenly Sword Villa, was qualified to meet an elder of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region.
This was an opportunity beyond comprehension—an offer that could elevate Yun Che and his companions into legends.
Yet, despite the enormous weight of Ling Kun's words, Yun Che's expression remained calm. He did not falter, nor did he show the slightest hesitation.
"Senior Ling's graciousness, this junior will remember well." Yun Che's voice was steady, unfazed by the pressure. "Once I have finished my unfinished business, I will think deeply about your offer. I am speaking for all of us here."
A murmur spread through the audience. Many expected him to outright refuse once again, but instead, Yun Che had left the possibility open. It was a calculated response.
Ling Kun's sharp gaze locked onto him for a moment before he let out a low chuckle.
"Good!"
He did not appear angered in the slightest. Instead, he nodded in admiration. "I respect your decisiveness. If that is your answer, then I shall not force you."
With a casual flick of his finger, a deep purple-colored jade stone—roughly the size of a fist—soared through the air toward Yun Che. He caught it effortlessly.
Ling Kun's expression remained composed as he continued, "This is a special Sound Transmission Stone. As long as we are within a hundred and fifty kilometers of each other, you can use it to communicate with me. If you ever decide to join the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, send me a message. I will personally guide you to us and take you to meet the Venerable Sword Master.
His gaze swept across Yun Che's group once more.
"I believe the Venerable Sword Master would be very interested in how you wield your swords. Should any of your companions change their minds, they may also reach me through you."
The crowd erupted into hushed whispers.
Despite being rejected not once, but twice, Ling Kun remained unshaken. Instead, he left Yun Che with a direct means of contacting him—something unheard of.
Many people felt their hearts burn with envy, some to the point where they nearly coughed up blood in frustration. This was a favor beyond measure.
Yet, Ling Kun was not worried.
He was absolutely confident that Yun Che would reach out to him. It was only a matter of time.
The invitation to the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region was a temptation no young profound practitioner could possibly resist.
And when Yun Che eventually accepted… his companions would follow.
With a final glance at Nezuko, Ling Kun soared into the sky, disappearing beyond the horizon. His departure left a lingering tension in the air, though Yun Che noted the particular way his gaze had lingered on Nezuko before he left.
-------------------------
The moment he was gone, a furious voice cut through the silence.
"Li'er! What were you thinking?!"
Gong Yuxian's voice was sharp, filled with reprimand as she turned on Chu Yueli. "You just put not only yourself but possibly all of Asgard at risk!"
Chu Yueli lowered her head slightly, but her voice remained firm. "I'm sorry, Mother. But I couldn't just let him take Nezuko."
"Sigh…" Gong Yuxian exhaled in exasperation. "You've done it again. It was already enough of a scandal when you let everyone believe you were Nezuko's mother. Now, you've dragged Grand Imperial Protector Xue Ling into it as well. What is wrong with you two?"
Chu Yueli did not respond. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she stood silently, absorbing the weight of her mother's words.
Nearby, Little Fairy watched quietly, sighing to herself. Losing her Ice Heart had changed Chu Yueli. The woman once renowned for her unshakable calm and ethereal grace was now prone to bursts of emotion—especially when it concerned Mihawk or Nezuko.
And that was dangerous.
This new Ice Heart—one driven not by absolute tranquility, but by repressed emotions now running unchecked—was unpredictable. If she didn't learn to control it, it could drive her to heights of power even beyond her current limits. Little Fairy wasn't sure yet whether that was a blessing or a curse.
Gong Yuxian, having calmed slightly, rubbed her temples and sighed again.
"At least Ling Kun didn't take offense…" she muttered, more to herself than anyone else.
She knew Chu Yueli was rash when it came to Nezuko, but this was different. Where had the composed Fairy of the Frozen Glass gone? The one who was known not only for her legendary beauty but for her unshakable poise?
Yet, every time Nezuko was in danger, that icy composure shattered like fragile glass.
A troubling thought crossed her mind. Was Nezuko truly her daughter?
Or had Chu Yueli simply become something else entirely because of her?
Chu Yueli didn't seem to care about offending Ling Kun. She didn't even mind offending a Sacred Ground. The only thing occupying her mind was Nezuko's smile. That small, innocent expression was the last warmth in her otherwise cold heart. Losing it would rip away the one thing that made her feel human again.
Even if it meant compromising with Xue Ling, she didn't care—as long as she had what she truly wanted. Nezuko and Mihawk. If that meant sharing them with Xue Ling, so be it.
At the same time, Xue Ling glanced at Chu Yueli and sent her a silent word of thanks. Once rivals, the two women had now become bound together as protectors of Nezuko. Their shared determination blurred the lines between rivalry and sisterhood.
And perhaps, one day, the rumors that they were wife sisters—with Mihawk as their husband—would no longer be just speculation.
---------------------
Lin Yueru furrowed her brows, glancing at Yun Che with suspicion. "Yun Che, why would you surrender the chance of entering the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region? To even refuse such a land of dreams, you must have some extremely important reasons, right?"
Yun Che shrugged, his expression relaxed. "Nope, I just hate those bastards."
Lin Yueru blinked in surprise. "Judging from your tone, you must really hate them."
Xue Ling crossed her arms, observing him with interest. Yun Che's outright disdain for a Sacred Ground was unexpected, even for her.
"Yup," he nodded nonchalantly.
"Hmph… If Danna-sama allows it, I would kill that annoying man," Mio huffed, folding her arms indignantly.
Retsu sighed, shaking her head slightly. "You read my mind, Mio-chan."
"Mio-sama, Nee-sama, we are not allowed to cause trouble." Nemu's quiet voice reminded them, but the tone suggested she, too, found Ling Kun irritating.
"I'm surprised he accepted our rejection so easily." Cang Yue finally spoke, her expression contemplative.
Yun Che smirked. "No, he didn't."
That statement caught everyone's attention. Even Xue Ling and Lin Yueru, who had been calm until now, turned to him with intrigue. Chu Yueli, who had remained quiet, also showed a hint of surprise.
"Eh? But you clearly rejected him," Lin Yueru pointed out, puzzled.
Yun Che's smirk deepened as he looked at her. "Did you really think a Sacred Ground would just accept rejection from a 'lower nation' like ours? From people like us?"
The weight of his words settled over the group, a cold realization creeping into their thoughts.
"I assume he might try to kidnap Nezuko or force one of us to submit," Yun Che said, his voice carrying a cold edge. His words sent a chill through the group as they realized the gravity of the situation. Yuanba, as if instinctively understanding, tightened his grip on Mai's hand. He had already rejected Ling Kun's offer for her sake, but if Yun Che was right, then Ling Kun might resort to using Mai as leverage against him.
"Nezuko can be considered a powerful talent. Imagine jumping from Peak Earth Profound Realm to Peak Sky Profound Realm in a week. Which Sacred Ground wouldn't want her?" Yun Che continued. In reality, people had only just begun to comprehend Cang Yue's true cultivation level, let alone Yoruko's, which had risen alongside his own. "I assume he doesn't plan to leave this place without Nezuko."
Xue Ling and Chu Yueli immediately tensed. Nezuko was the easiest target. They knew that against a Sixth Level Tyrant Profound Realm like Ling Kun, their mere Throne-level powers were useless. No matter how strong they were, they were nothing before a monster like him. Worse, if they opposed him outright, they wouldn't just be putting themselves at risk—they would be dragging the Blue Wind Imperial Family and Frozen Cloud Asgard into ruin with just one refusal. Right now, they were only spared because of Mihawk's reputation.
"If he even tries anything…" Mio murmured darkly, her eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. She was more than ready to crush Ling Kun if the need arose.
"Don't worry…" Yun Che smirked, raising the Sound Transmission Jade that Ling Kun had given him. Without hesitation, he crushed it in his hand, shattering it into dust.
He already despised that man in the original story. There was no way he would let him off the hook now. Ling Kun had just signed his own death warrant.
With his presence here, Yun Che saw an opportunity—a way to take control of this alternate world, reshape its future, and change the fates of those around him. Saving Frozen Cloud Asgard, saving Qingyue… and preventing the disasters to come.
Tonight, his plans would begin.
"I was hoping for one peaceful night… no issues or anything," Cang Yue sighed as they made their way back to the Grand Imperial Ark.
"Sorry to break it to you…" Yun Che smirked, his mind already focused on executing the next part of his plan.
"Really…" Cang Yue exhaled again, already sensing trouble.
"You girls just stay back tonight," Yun Che instructed as he began his preparations.
Cang Yue let out another sigh. "Issues every night… I thought everything about us was already over." But knowing Yun Che, the matter of Ling Kun was far from settled.
"Ara~ No army like last night?" Mio asked excitedly.
"Nope…" Yun Che's response made her shoulders slump in disappointment. She had been looking forward to testing her dark powers again.
"Typical elders?" Retsu mused, concerned that Ling Kun might have others lurking around.
"Nope…" Yun Che shook his head.
"Anything at all, Yuu-sama?" Nemu inquired, tilting her head.
"There's something… but I won't handle things extravagantly like every single night since the tournament began. I'll deal with Ling Kun silently. Nothing a bunch of illusions can't handle," Yun Che hinted, his eyes glinting with mischief.
"Ara~" Retsu smiled. He really does think of everything. She was relieved that he was doing his best to protect her, Mio, Cang Yue, and even extending that protection to those around them. She kissed his cheeks as thanks and to be careful. Not wanting to lose, Mio, Nemu and Cang Yue did the same.
"Well, the matter of Ling Tianni has already stirred the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region. With the so-called 'death' of Xuanyuan Yufeng, Ling Kun hasn't found anything yet… but since he's here, I'll pay him a visit tonight. Otherwise, he might endanger your opponent, Retsu," Yun Che stated.
Retsu's eyes widened. Ling Kun might endanger Xia Qingyue?
"Ara… that would be bad, right?"
"Don't worry, I'll deal with this quietly. I hope he prefers to play a game." Yun Che smirked before leaping off the Blue Wind Imperial Family Ark.
"Qingyue and the Frozen Cloud Asgard better appreciate this," he muttered, a wicked grin forming on his lips. With a flick of his wrist, his outfit shifted, morphing into a dark coat with a hood.
Time to visit him.
"Where in the world are you going?" Jasmine's voice rang in Yun Che's mind, laced with suspicion.
"Well, you could say… visiting our guest from before," Yun Che replied nonchalantly, his pace steady as he moved through the darkness.
"That visit might not be a good one," Jasmine guessed, narrowing her eyes in thought.
"I'll be silent," Yun Che reassured her. Then, with a smirk, he added, "Besides, aside from us, someone else knows about the Nine Profound Exquisite Body."
Jasmine's expression changed instantly. How…?
"That knowledge should only exist in the Realm of the Gods," she muttered.
Yun Che shrugged. "I guess you're not the only Ascended Human in this realm who possesses that knowledge."
Jasmine frowned at his words. Someone else from the Realm of the Gods? This was unexpected. If what he said was true, she would have to find out more about this mysterious entity. It wasn't like Lin Xin, whose memory loss concealed the truth of his origins.
"Let me guess… you're going to silence that guest," Jasmine stated, raising an eyebrow at him.
Yun Che smirked, the glint in his eyes confirming her suspicions. Having prior knowledge had its perks. If he secured this guest now, he could prevent an event that might drastically alter the future.
Tonight, the game begins.