Rebirth in Against the Gods with The Ultimate System

Standing before the imposing main gate of the Blue Wind Profound Palace, Yun Che and Cang Yue faced a minor dilemma. While Cang Yue initially harbored the desire to enter the palace under her true identity, the weight of her association with Dracule Mihawk forced a change of plans. In order to maintain discretion and avoid unnecessary attention, she reluctantly reverted to her original disguise as Lan Xueruo, concealing her true nature as Mihawk's disciple and the Blue Moon Princess of the Blue Wind Empire.

The Blue Wind Profound Palace, the greatest profound palace in the Blue Wind Empire, was located in the heart of the Blue Wind Imperial City. Nestled at the foot of a modified mountain, the palace sprawled across the lower levels of the Blue Wind Imperial Palace, occupying a vast area that extended below the first level. Established one thousand eight hundred years ago by Huan Xuyi, also known as the Moon Empress, it served as a center for developing the Blue Wind Empire two hundred years before her passing.

Since then, the Blue Wind Imperial Family had taken responsibility for its maintenance. The palace was directly supervised and supplied by the royal family. Every year, it adopted a policy of accepting three of the most distinguished disciples from each profound palace within the Blue Wind Empire.

To reach the Imperial Palace, one had to traverse the Blue Wind Profound Palace's vast grounds. The palace covered a 100-kilometer radius of the Imperial City, serving as the first layer of defense for the Imperial Palace. The rest of the city sprawled outside the palace walls, expanding to a 300-kilometer radius. Small towns and villages also flourished beyond the Blue Wind Imperial City. The sheer size of the place left Yun Che astonished.

According to the system, the palace's interior was divided into three levels: the Outer Palace, the Middle Palace, and the Inner Palace. The Outer Palace housed fifty-four thousand disciples, the Middle Palace accommodated three thousand, and the Inner Palace, the most exclusive tier, had only a hundred disciples. Those who entered the Inner Palace received the greatest attention from the Imperial Family, enjoying excellent resources and the best conditions during their stay. Upon leaving, they were extended an invitation to join the imperial family. Joining the Imperial Family brought not only high positions but also wealth and glory to their entire family.

However, despite its prestige, the Blue Wind Profound Palace's strength was minuscule compared to other major sects in the Blue Wind Empire. No one from the palace or the Blue Wind Imperial Family had ever managed to enter the top one hundred in the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament.

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In the regular course of events, Yun Che would have joined the Blue Wind Profound Palace following his encounter with the Phoenix Clan and the dragon cave. However, given that he spent less time on his journey and emerged stronger than the original, he saw little reason to tread the same path as his predecessor. Instead of going through the routine of challenging outer disciples, gradually ascending to an inner disciple, and ultimately becoming a representative for the Blue Wind Imperial Family, the current Yun Che opted for a more straightforward approach.

Yet, despite choosing an easier route, there was something within the palace that piqued his interest before embarking on their training the next day.

"(Heh? This place is really huge.)" Amidst the grandeur of the Blue Wind Profound Palace's entrance, a sudden burst of Japanese voices caught Yun Che and Cang Yue by surprise. Their heads turned to find Kon perched nonchalantly on Yun Che's shoulder, exuding an air of self-satisfaction.

"(What the hell are you doing here?)" Yun Che questioned in Japanese, prompting a response from the spirited Kon.

"(Korra, just tagging along for a stealthy date with Yue-neesan. Got a bit bored, you know?)" Kon's smug expression conveyed his mischievous intentions.

"(More like avoiding being used as a sparring dummy by Nemu, am I right?)" Yun Che teased with a knowing grin.

"(No way! That girl kept testing her hand drills on me! The training room will be a godsend to escape her constant attacks.)" Kon denied, attempting to shake off any notion of vulnerability.

"(Sure...)" Yun Che spoke as he rolled his eyes. He was hell bent on making sure Nemu will keep on drilling this guy's head.

Amused by the banter, Yun Che couldn't help but roll his eyes at Kon's antics. Meanwhile, Cang Yue expressed her frustration at not comprehending their conversation, having scored dismally low on a recent Japanese language test Yun Che devised for her. "I really wish I could understand the language you two used."

"Don't worry; you'll understand Japanese soon enough," Yun Che reassured Cang Yue, a comforting smile on his face.

"It'll be an honor for Yue-neesan to learn under Kon-sama," Kon proclaimed proudly while standing on Yun Che's shoulder, adopting an air of self-importance.

"Right," Cang Yue replied with a sheepish smile before Kon disappeared into Yun Che's robes, presumably satisfied with his newfound influence.

"Kon's right. This place is huge; I'll give you that. To think this place was built by cultivators or humans alike," Yun Che remarked, expressing his awe at the grandeur of the Blue Wind Profound Palace. It was a city within a city, a testament to the prowess of its creators.

"Your realm isn't this big?" Cang Yue inquired, curious about Yun Che's home realm.

"It was bigger than this. Way huge. Imagine having thirteen states before reaching the main palace, with each state consisting of thousands upon thousands of people," Yun Che shared, offering a glimpse into the scale of his original realm, the Dead Spirit Realm, and subtly alluding to the expansive Seireitei.

"Goodness," Cang Yue exclaimed, wide-eyed in shock. Before she could inquire further, a figure descended from the skies of the palace.

"We've been expecting you, Princess Cang Yue. I see you've donned your Middle Palace robe once again," the figure spoke with a soft tone.

"I am still a Middle Palace disciple as Lan Xueruo, Vice Palace Master. Yun Che, this is Vice Palace Master Qin Wushang," Cang Yue introduced. Clad in white with gold linings, Qin Wushang appeared to be a young middle-aged man with long hair and red eyes. He could easily be mistaken for a palace disciple if one failed to discern his true status.

Yun Che promptly tapped into the system's database to gather information about the Vice Palace Master, Qin Wushang, and prepare for their interaction. As Yun Che delved into the system's database to glean information about Qin Wushang, the Vice Palace Master of the Blue Wind Profound Palace, a holographic display materialized before his eyes.

The holographic image portrayed a man of dignified bearing, clad in white with gold linings, showcasing an air of authority. Qin Wushang's age was disclosed — a staggering fifty years — yet he appeared far younger than his chronological years. The information revealed that he was the older brother of Qin Wuyou, surpassing him by a dozen years.

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[Qin Wushang]

[Vice Palace Master of the Blue Wind Profound Palace]

[Level: 63 (Third Level Sky Profound Realm)

Description: Qin Wushang had achieved the remarkable feat of entering the Sky Profound Realm at the age of fifty, signifying his exceptional talent and cultivation prowess. This accomplishment not only bolstered his own abilities but also significantly extended his lifespan.

In the real story, Qin Wushang had played a crucial role, supporting Yun Che by permitting him to train for the Inner Palace competition and granting access to invaluable Inner Palace resources.

==================

"You must be Yun Che, my brother has shared quite a tale about you," Vice Palace Master Qin Wushang acknowledged with a respectful bow, adhering to the decorum instilled by his younger sibling. The younger Qin had detailed Yun Che's exploits, recounting the conflicts, the downfall of his elder, the existence of a giant bone snake and the annihilation of the seven sect masters. He also emphasized the need for courtesy should Yun Che encounter esteemed figures.

"Seems like Grand Palace Master Qin enjoys storytelling," Yun Che responded with a grin, harboring no disrespect towards Qin Wushang, considering the support he had rendered in the main story.

"More like you gave him a job he can't escape. We've dispatched numerous elders to oversee the areas now under the jurisdiction of the New Moon City, transforming it into a domain for the Blue Wind Imperial Family and the Blue Wind Profound Palace," Qin Wushang explained before expressing gratitude. "Thank you for saving the palace and my brother's life in New Moon City. You even propelled him into the Sky Profound Realm. How did you manage that?" he inquired, acknowledging Yun Che's role in his brother's extraordinary advancement.

"I have my ways," Yun Che replied, maintaining an air of mystery.

Qin Wushang continued, addressing Yun Che's exploits, "The one who obliterated the seven sects in New Moon City, quelled the rebellion a few days ago. Your feats are worthy of a hero's title, especially given your involvement in recent events."

"It was all Cang Yue's doing; I merely assisted with my companion," Yun Che deflected the praise, smiling at Cang Yue, who blushed in modest denial.

Qin Wushang raised another topic, mentioning Yun Che's devoted companion. "My brother spoke of another involved party, a devoted woman. Where is she now?"

"She's currently in training with her sister. As for my reluctance to take credit, I prefer a peaceful life with my fiancées. Being a hero isn't my cup of tea, and I'd rather keep a low profile," Yun Che explained his disposition.

"I understand," Qin Wushang nodded, acknowledging Yun Che's humility. Seizing the opportunity, he extended an invitation for Yun Che to join the Blue Wind Profound Palace. "With your strength, this place might seem too weak for you. However, your presence could easily secure our position within the Top 100 in the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament. I can offer you an inner disciple rank or even the position of direct disciple under my guidance."

Yun Che, however, declined without hesitation. "I appreciate the offer, but I have to decline. I've accepted Cang Yue's invitation to represent the Blue Wind Imperial Family alongside my companion."

"A missed opportunity then. I might have to instruct my disciples to yield should they encounter you," Qin Wushang playfully remarked, acknowledging the vast difference in strength.

"Nah, where's the fun in that?" Yun Che played along with Qin Wushang's jest.

"You do realize that's blatant bullying?" Qin Wushang humorously pointed out.

"It's not if I hold back," Yun Che grinned, and Cang Yue offered a sheepish smile. It was a stark reality that their strength might make encounters with opponents weaker than them seem like blatant bullying.

Suddenly, a figure entered their zone, jumping from the rooftop and landing before them. Yun Che and Cang Yue widened their eyes in recognition. Clad in a unique white robe with black innerwear, the figure couldn't conceal his muscular body and shoulder-length silver hair.

"Master... I finished the daily task you gave me," he began speaking before breaking into unbridled happiness. "Is that... Brother in... I mean, Boss!!! Senior sister Xueruo!!!"

"Junior brother Yuanba!" Cang Yue exclaimed.

It was indeed Xia Yuanba, who proceeded to hug Yun Che and lift him off the ground, prompting a happy grunt from Yun Che. "Yuanba, my boy!" Yun Che shouted before delivering a friendly punch to his stiff muscles. "What are you doing here?"

"Aha... I..." Yuanba stammered, and Qin Wushang stepped in to explain. "My brother sent him over to me a few months ago. He is now my direct disciple."

"Wow, Sixth Level Spirit Profound Realm? Someone's working fast," Yun Che praised, impressed by Yuanba's progress.

"Ahaa... I was going to surprise you," Yuanba rubbed the back of his head. In this timeline, his life had taken a turn for the better. The Qin brothers were his masters, his cultivation had improved, and Yun Che had even helped boost his power. Yuanba owed his entire transformation to Yun Che, and now, he wouldn't be afraid of bullying anymore, as he could stand up for himself.

"Guess I have to watch my back in the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament, huh?" Yun Che jested, and Yuanba raised his hand in defense, acknowledging that he would never be able to beat his brother-in-law in a fight.

"Uhh... I am not sure I could join yet... I am still fifteen," Yuanba grinned, aware of the age limit for the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament. Despite having the required strength, he wouldn't be eligible to participate.

"*Sigh... He might be able to join in the next four years. Shame indeed," Qin Wushang sighed, realizing that while Yuanba could potentially join the tournament in the future, he might be too old by then. Shaking his head, he continued, "Well, matters aside, we can move to see the Palace Master. I am sure he'll be delighted to see you, despite the current circumstances."

"Circumstances?" Yun Che wondered.

Qin Wushang began, "He was mysteriously attacked months ago and couldn't perform his duties well. Not that he rarely bothers about the matters of the palace."

"Goodness, who attacked him?" Cang Yue wondered.

"I don't know... He was caught in an explosion placed in his chamber but he managed to escape in time. However, the poison gas he inhaled was too much for him to bear, and he was bedridden. It was the reason he couldn't defend your father during the rebellion and execution," Qin Wushang continued. Yun Che nodded in understanding; the palace master had been Emperor Cang Wanhe's secret protector. The moment he was bedridden, the emperor became vulnerable. Xiao Wuyi exploited this by plotting an assassination attempt on the palace master, causing chaos during the rebellion, and suppressing the high masters of the Blue Wind Profound Palace.

"He was the emperor's protector, but a failed assassination attempt on him caused him to be bedridden for good," Qin Wushang revealed the truth to Cang Yue and Xia Yuanba. Both were shocked to learn that the palace master was the emperor's protector, but Yun Che maintained an indifferent expression. As for Yuanba, he gritted his teeth, feeling helpless during the rebellion, despite Qin Wushang specifically asking him to stay put. He was even more restless when he heard Cang Yue had returned, and the fight to save the emperor had begun. However, he was suppressed during the mysterious outburst that knocked everyone below the Earth Profound Realm out. The rebellion was over by the time he regained consciousness.

"Could it be the Heaven Decimating Orb?" Yun Che spoke internally before turning to Qin Wushang. "Is the gas green?"

"How do you know?" Qin Wushang widened his eyes, surprised that Yun Che knew about the properties of the paralyzing poison gas, unaware that Yun Che had taken a direct hit the day before.

"Well, my master fought someone who used the same method yesterday. He developed a cure to counter it and gave them to me should I encounter such threats," Cang Yue chimed in.

"This... we can save him?!" Qin Wushang was aware of Cang Yue's master, a man unparalleled in strength and intellect. Despite his praises, he was unaware that the master Cang Yue spoke of was present.

"Just bring us to him," Cang Yue spoke, and Qin Wushang was ever grateful that someone knew how to counter the poisons. However, the Palace Master was currently bedridden under heavy guards, and he had to make an appointment before these two could see him.

As they strolled through the Blue Wind Profound Palace, Yun Che turned toward Xia Yuanba and remarked, "I see you're having fun here."

"I am! I was even approached by this Kui Yang who wanted to beat me up for becoming Vice Palace Master's direct disciple," Yuanba spoke with a cheerful tone.

"And?" Yun Che inquired, remembering the main story where Kui Yang was supposed to bully Xia Yuanba, his roommate, and steal his resources.

"I beat him up," Yuanba nonchalantly said, as if it was a routine occurrence. The once-bullied guy had become strong enough to defend himself.

"Justified," Yun Che mused, realizing that Yuanba had taken care of Kui Yang, a task he was originally supposed to do.

"Where's sister-in-law?" Yuanba asked, referring to Retsu, who was always with Yun Che.

"She's training her sister right now, but somehow, I detected her rage aura back at the palace. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's settled now," Yun Che casually mentioned, familiar with Retsu's fiery temperament. He suspected someone had tried to seduce her, only to be met with a swift and forceful response.

"I see Senior Sister Xueruo is stronger as well," Yuanba observed, unaware of Cang Yue's true cultivation, as Yuyun had suppressed her aura, making her actual strength unknown.

"Ufuu… just a little, Junior Brother Yuanba," Cang Yue grinned.

"So, are you joining this palace?" Yuanba asked, assuming Yun Che might follow a similar path as in New Moon Profound Palace.

"Nahhh… I am here as a guest… Plus, I kind of want to claim a favor. Wouldn't want to cause any trouble like last time," Yun Che explained, anticipating the potential chaos he could cause.

As they engaged in lively conversation, a figure noticed them from afar, and his eyes fixated on Cang Yue. "Is that… Sister Xueruo?"

However, before he could approach with joy, his expression darkened as he noticed Cang Yue escorted not only by Xia Yuanba but also by Yun Che himself. Both had humiliated him in the past, and his father had sent him to this place to repent for his actions. Now, both of them were here as well? He gritted his teeth, crushing the fan in his hand as he muttered, "Why are those bastards here?!"

===============

"What's going on here? First, Young Master Ling Jie passes out with a swollen arm, and now Young Master Ling Yun? Is someone in the Imperial Palace holding a grudge against them?" One of the attendants near Ling Yun spoke, his concern evident.

"Reports say that Young Master Ling Jie challenged Princess Cang Yue's fiancé and got beaten by him. Young Master Ling Yun insisted we shouldn't pursue the matter to avoid offending the princess," another attendant explained.

"We've become a laughingstock. No one dared to offend us before, but now we can't even offend the princess because that cursed swordsman is her master," complained the third.

"There's nothing we can do; it was the sect master's command," the second attendant sighed.

Ling Yun slowly regained consciousness, recognizing the interior of the flying ark belonging to the Heavenly Sword Villa. Instead of recalling the terrifying encounter with the Grim Reaper, the first thing that came to his mind was the beauty of the nameless enchantress. A sudden desire overwhelmed him, urging him to find her again as soon as possible.

The attendants noticed him waking up and quickly approached. "Young Master, you finally woke up. We were worried sick when…"

"Where is she?" Ling Yun spoke with a low, intense tone.

"What?" The attendants attempted to respond, but Ling Yun had already grabbed their robes, pulling them closer. He shouted, "Where is the Heavenly Goddess?"

"Young Master, what are you talking about?!" The attendants asked in confusion.

"The goddess! The beauty that surpassed the realms of this world. Where is she?!?" Ling Yun demanded to know about the braided beauty.

"Young master, we found you passed out in the Imperial Garden; you've been here ever since. There was no goddess," the attendant explained.

"No… no…" Ling Yun widened his eyes. Could it be that the goddess was a mere illusion? Ling Yun immediately jumped from his bed, bolting out of the ark's deck and back to the Imperial Courtyard.

"Young master…" The attendant shouted, but Ling Yun had already disappeared.

Ling Yun reappeared back at the Imperial Garden after running back here at full speed, seeing the garden that he remembered. The lakeside where the goddess walked. "I refuse to believe it's all an illusion. She talked to me. She was there. She's probably waiting for me… Yes, that was it. She wanted to test me if I can be a good husband to her."

Before he could look around, a voice entered his ears, soothing like a heavenly melody. "Mouuu… That Ret-chan…. She forgot the soy sauce I made for today's breakfast. Well, I did forget to tell her to bring it. Teehee." The figure he saw was none other than Mio herself.

Ling Yun, still reeling from the embarrassing encounter with Retsu, suddenly found himself gazing upon another heavenly figure. His eyes widened as he beheld a breathtaking sight. The newcomer, Mio, possessed an aura of elegance and charm that rivaled any celestial being. Her black hair adorned with a red headband knot in full bloom and a butterfly hairclip exuded an air of sophistication. She wore a luxurious black and red kimono with a yukata style, accentuated by white frills. A red obi with an orange outline, adorned with red frills and a black strap, completed the ensemble. She concealed a folding fan in her bosom, adding a mysterious allure to her appearance.

Her enchanting dark yellow eyes, cascading shoulder-length hair, luscious red lips, and a cute button nose framed a porcelain face that effortlessly captured the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to gaze upon it. Mio's breathtaking beauty possessed a mesmerizing quality, capable of outshining any flower or fairy, akin to the allure of the evening skies. Ling Yun couldn't help but feel the same sense of awe that had gripped him when he encountered the goddess moments ago.

Mio's hourglass figure, comparable to the goddess's, stirred envy among women, as her presence embodied the epitome of cuteness. The delicate curves of her form seemed to defy earthly standards, leaving Ling Yun marveling at the perfection before him. The ethereal beauty of both the goddess and Mio challenged his preconceived notions of loveliness, presenting him with a choice between the embodiment of divine allure and the epitome of adorable charm.

Caught between two extraordinary figures, Ling Yun felt an overwhelming sense of awe and disbelief. The villa's most beautiful women paled in comparison to Mio's charm and allure. Ling Yun could only marvel at the sight before him, realizing that destiny had led him to two ethereal beings who defied his previous understanding of beauty.

"Another… another Heavenly Goddess?!" Ling Yun shouted and Mio heard him shout.

"Huh..? Who in the world are you?" Mio spoke before she flickered her fan and covered the lower part of her face. Retsu had warned her to wear her veil, but she was too preoccupied with the soy sauce to listen.

"What… what … is your name, dear Heavenly Goddess?" Ling Yun asked in hopes of gaining the name of this one. Retsu had told her and Nemu in the inner world about this guy. Should she come out, she should be careful of this one. "Ahh… you're the monkey Ret-chan was talking about."

"Why should I give you my name?" Mio spoke with a cold tone devoid of courtesy. "Why? I only wish to know the name of the Heavenly Goddess in front of me," Ling Yun pestered desperately.

"My name is given to me by my dearest husband. Why should I give it to the likes of you?" Mio countered back with a cold tone. Retsu was right; she wasn't enjoying any of the men's attention on her. She only enjoys Yuuki's attention, which is the only one she seeks. As for others, it was disgusting and nauseous.

"Husband? The Heavenly Goddess is married?!" Ling Yun shouted. Both goddesses he met both have stated their loyalty and hearts are already devoted. He failed to gain the first one, and now this? Now, he wanted nothing more than to kill their spouses so he could have them.

"Yes, please leave me be; I have places to be," Mio spoke before she slowly walked away.

"No… she is too beautiful… Too beautiful… I lost the first goddess; I am not losing this one…" Ling Yun spoke internally before he fell on fours again before climaxing for the second time. "Arrgghhh…."

"That's…" Mio sensed the smell before her face full of dread. She shouted towards him. "Have you no shame?! Goodness…"

"Muu… Next time, Mio-chan. Please don't forget any more things." Mio spoke internally.

"Please…" Ling Yun began to beg and prostrate, but his wish only invoked anger from Mio. "Please leave him and become my wife instead. Your life is even better as I am the Heavenly Sword Villa's young master. I can get you anything you desire!"

Then, he instantly offered, "I will give you anything… everything…. As long as you agree to be mine. Heavenly Goddess please…"

Hearing this, Mio's anger peaked. Is she being thought of as a loose woman who leaves her beloved for this one? "Well…" She spoke as her cute charm was replaced with the aura of dread. "Would you kindly…."

Ling Yun was about to be ecstatic only for him to feel her aura of dread as black lightning surrounded her. "Give me your life?"

Her eyes glowed red, and the silhouette of the Spider of Calamity appeared behind her, releasing pressure even Ling Yun was unable to handle. First, the grim reapers, now this? With it, Mio spoke with a dark tone. "My dearest husband is someone I devoted myself to. Someone who is my entire world, where my loyalty and heart lie. You are not that man."

Instead of suffocating him with pressure, Mio shot a black lightning bolt at Ling Yun, and he instantly passed out. She just shot him with her version of Haoshoku No Haki.

"Pervert…." Mio spoke out in disdain.

"Ara… my soy sauce… Maybe I can cook something for Danna-sama and Yue'er for lunch." "Yosh…. I'll have Ret-chan help me out." Mio's mood changed before she smiled to herself and went back to the inner world.

=========================

"Why is Mio getting mad all of a sudden?" Yun Che detected Mio's anger and wondered about the sudden change. First, it was Retsu, and now, Mio. Instead of worrying, he decided to let it be. "Well, I am sure it's fine."

Leading them into the inner palace, Qin Wushang escorted them to see various disciple halls in the palace. The place was indeed huge, like stepping into another city, and there were only a hundred disciples in this vast area. Arriving at the central plaza of the inner palace, he turned around to Yun Che's company and said, "Can you three wait here while I make arrangements with the palace master for a moment? Be sure not to cause any trouble."

"Right… How bad could it be?" Yun Che nodded alongside Cang Yue and Yuanba. Qin Wushang took flight as he headed to the administration palace.

"You bastards... what the hell are you doing here in this palace?" A sudden voice sounded behind them, and Yun Che instantly sweatdropped. "Oh, come on, I came here as a guest and trouble comes soon after?"

"You really are a trouble magnet," Kon remarked before Yun Che tapped his robe to shut him up.

As if waiting for the moment, Yun Che noticed someone was following them, and it was indeed none other than Murong Ye himself—the sissy boy he and Retsu flicked back in New Moon Profound Palace before Yuanba took him down. Accessing the database confirmed that Murong Ye was in the Blue Moon Profound Palace as well. "The sissy boy? I thought I dealt with you back in the New Moon Profound Palace. I am sure Yuanba here has taught you a lesson."

"You… What the hell are you doing with Lan Xueruo? Why are you two holding hands?" Murong Ye asked with a jealous tone, noticing Yun Che holding Cang Yue's hand all the time. The latter, however, blushed as she hadn't noticed.

"I am accompanying her, of course. Isn't that what couples do?" Yun Che spoke with a word that only fueled Murong Ye's anger.

"Couples? Couples?! You two slept with each other...?" Murong Ye accused with anger, and Cang Yue blushed furiously, confirming his suspicions. Yun Che and Cang Yue looked at him with odd expressions as his definition of a couple was way off.

"If it's literally… Yes?" Yun Che spoke without remorse, his answer dissatisfying Murong Ye and escalating his anger.

"You…! You! Give Xueruo back….!" Murong Ye shouted, drawing his sword and pointing it toward Yun Che. Three of them remained unfazed, their cultivation surpassing him by a large margin. Even Cang Yue, who used to be afraid of him, looked at him with pity.

"Wow, Little Yue, looks like you have two suitors fighting for you in one day. Yesterday, it was different." Yun Che spoke, and Cang Yue sheepishly laughed. Feeling overwhelmed by jealousy, Murong Ye shouted before attempting to hack Yun Che with his sword. Xia Yuanba was ready to deal with Murong Ye again, but Yun Che had already stepped forward.

"Yosh, let me show you how it's…" Yun Che punched his hands together, about to employ the same move as before, and Yuanba was ready to strike. However, something else happened. Cang Yue somehow gracefully moved in front of him, grabbing Murong Ye's blade with her middle finger and thumb to stop it in its motion. Being a master in Kenbunshoku No Haki allowed her to see any attack's trajectory and act accordingly.

"Sister Xueruo?" Murong Ye widened his eyes as Cang Yue managed to block his blow entirely with an unfazed expression. She sighed before speaking with a tone of pity. "Murong Ye, why are you acting like this? The only reason I tolerated you back then was because your father is the governor, and I wished to lay low. Now, we're in the Blue Wind Profound Palace, please refrain from seeing me ever again, as I do have someone I adore truly."

Cang Yue slowly let go before Murong Ye spoke with a delusional tone, causing all three of them to look at him with odd expressions. "He… has bewitched you, isn't he… he has bewitched you. I'll save you from him, sister Xueruo. I'll save you so we can be together again!"

Instead of suppressing him, Cang Yue moved in front of him before forming a flicker and flicked his forehead. Yun Che and Yuanba were reminded of where Retsu easily flicked Murong Ye back then.

*Flick

"Huarrggghhh…" Murong Ye shouted before his sorry self was sent flying like a ragdoll across the plaza, causing other disciples to look at them. Attacking in broad daylight is quite common here, so some didn't even bother them.

"Little Yue, you're supposed to control your strength. You might damage his brain more than it already is." Yun Che sweat-dropped, but Yuanba gave her a thumbs up.

Cang Yue realized for a moment that she kind of went overboard, but instead of feeling guilty, she grinned and stuck her tongue out. "Ah… I forgot. Did I do well?"

Yun Che patted her head, earning a blush from her. "Well, you're not as scared as you used to be, and you do flick well. Retsu might be proud of you."

Cang Yue grinned before she spoke, "Ehee… I won't make it a habit, but I can't let someone insult you while not doing anything."

"Senior sister, you…" Yuanba noticed for a moment that Cang Yue's strength was indeed stronger, but he just couldn't get a read on it. He was shocked that it had surpassed him again. He was confident that he was stronger than her, but that's not what it looked like.

"She's stronger than she looks, Yuanba." Yun Che patted the poor boy's back before another voice entered his ears.

"Well, well… you do have talent. Perhaps you are the one I need to control the outer palace." The owner of the voice was a man not older than twenty with yellow hair, escorted by an older man.

"Oh, come on, man…" Yun Che sighed as trouble seemed to follow another. He sighed again before he spoke with a bored tone. "Who are you?"

The figure flicked his fan, revealing an annoyed expression. This was the first time people had acted brazenly in front of him.

"How rude… You don't know who I am? As members of the inner palace, everyone should know me. I am Feng Baiyi, son of the Western Plains Great General, an elite rank 36 inner disciple. This is my bodyguard, Uncle Fang."

Observing the aftermath of Murong Ye's beating, he cunningly saw an opportunity to exert influence through subtle intimidation. "You just beat up Murong Ye, and his cousin won't take this insult lightly. Especially such acts committed by top disciples like Xia Yuanba and Lan Xueruo. And who are you?"

"You can call me Mr. Prince." Yun Che refused to give out his current name, as he was already in enough trouble, similar to how Sanji kept his identity secret when Crocodile wanted to know him. Cang Yue giggled at the choice of the name, wondering why, out of all the possible names, he went with Mr. Prince. As for Xia Yuanba, he thought the name sounded cool.

Feng Baiyi shot him an annoyed look. "Mr. Prince, huh? Tell you what, you three join my faction, and I'll put in a good word for you and protect you from his cousin. What do you say?"

"Get a load of this guy." Kon sounded from Yun Che's coat as he suddenly came out from it and sat on Yun Che's shoulder.

"Brother-in-law, what's this…?" Xia Yuanba was shocked to see a talking lion doll.

"He's Kon, kind of a talking doll." Yun Che explained, as Kon suddenly wanted to reveal himself. He had told him that no one would mind since he was just a doll, and talking dolls aren't considered an odd thing in this world.

"What? Did you tremble before the might of Kon-sama?" Kon sounded towards Yuanba, who still looked at him with a bewildered expression.

"I… Kon-sama?" Yuanba spoke with confusion in his eyes.

"Hoo, I like you, gaki. Wanna be my lackey?" Kon suddenly sounded like a mob boss recruiting his followers.

"No thanks…" Yuanba instantly declined before turning towards Yun Che. "Brother-in-law, is he some kind of pet?"

"Korra! Kon-sama is not a pet. Tell him, Yun Che… Tell him how mighty and awesome I am." Kon spoke with a smug expression.

"He's not a pet..." Yun Che sighed.

"Yeah, tell him…" Kon smugly crosses his plushy arms.

"He's a slave…" Yun Che spoke in a low tone as if he was underestimating him.

"Korra!" Kon threw his plushy punch again, and Cang Yue giggled while Xia Yuanba looked with a bewildered expression at the talking doll. As for Feng Baiyi, his expression was pretty much beyond anger as his presence didn't even register in their eyes. Despite his curiosity about the talking doll, there were much more important matters to attend to.

Sensing his anger, Yun Che simply declined, "No thanks, we won't be long anyway."

"You do realize that Murong Yi is an inner disciple as well." Feng Baiyi attempted to intimidate him, but Yun Che just brushed him off with a bored look, "So?"

"I never knew you could be such an impudent one. You should accept my offer. Wouldn't want some talented people like you three to lose their lives in an unfortunate accident," Feng Baiyi threatened. His followers were numerous, and this kid had just outright refused him. Perhaps he had grown tired of living.

"That guy didn't just threaten you, right?" Kon mused.

"Yeah, he just did," Yun Che responded with a bored expression before turning to Feng Baiyi. "Look, man, if you try anything, we'll respond. I will respond. If you don't believe me, try it and see what happens."

"Do let me say this. If you play stupid games, be prepared to receive stupid prizes," Yun Che spoke, essentially delivering a threat. Feng Baiyi's expression went beyond annoyance; anger had taken control of him. No one had threatened him before, and today, someone had crossed the line.

"Come on," Yun Che said as he ushered Cang Yue and Yuanba away.

Feng Baiyi crushed the fan he held in his hand before turning towards the middle-aged man next to him. If someone dared to deny him like this, then there was no need for that person to exist in this world anymore. "Uncle Fang, find a secluded area and take care of him."

The latter nodded before leaping above.

Sensing a shadow following them, Yun Che and Cang Yue became wary, their Haki detecting a hostile presence tailing them. Yuanba remained oblivious to the situation. Yun Che turned towards Kon. "Kon, there's a fly behind us. You won't mind swatting it down, right?"

"Why the hell do I have to do it? It's just a low Earth-level fly," Kon complained.

"Just do it or I'll send you to Nemu for a drill inspection," Yun Che lightly threatened the plushy, who immediately showed a look of dread.

"Anything but that!" Kon exclaimed before transforming into a streak of light.

"Brother-in-law, where is Kon-sama going?" Yuanba asked, clearly confused.

"Swatting down a fly," Yun Che replied, and Yuanba took it literally.

"His master might come after us later," Cang Yue whispered with a low tone.

"Let him try. I think I might need to prepare some stupid prizes after all," Yun Che muttered to himself.

==================

As Feng Baiyi's bodyguard silently navigated the shadows, as ghostly wraith leaping effortlessly from rooftop to rooftop, an abrupt chill crept over his body. Before he could react, an icy grip seized him, draining the vitality from his very essence. The life drained from his eyes and froze into a fragile sculpture of ice. Pulled by gravity, he plummeted to the ground below, shattering into a million pieces upon impact.

Kon, streaking through the air like a comet, finally arrived at one of the rooftops. Frustration etched on his plushy face, he realized his prey had vanished into thin air. "What the hell? I took the trouble of hunting him, and he's gone. Probably scared out of his wits by ore-sama's power. Must've rattled his bones. Oh well," Kon muttered to himself, dismissing the lost pursuit. He turned to resume his search for Yun Che, blissfully unaware that warm, icy energy lingered ominously behind him, tracing his every move.