A Land United
As planned, Gandhi's forces of Peace completely crushed the Heavenly Sword Villa and converted it in record timing without alerting the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region. Afterwards, Gandhi went on to complete his mission and spread peace to every corner of the Blue Wind Empire. While Yun Che's marriage preparations continued, he followed in Gandhi's footsteps and did the same.
In the end, their peace crusade led to the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range where Gandhi subdued every last beast and marched onto the Phoenix Clan. Using Yun Che's legacy, he was able to breach past the barrier and into the land beyond.
"This place… resonates with peace." Gandhi observed, taking in the air. "To think that such a holy place exists."
"I… wouldn't consider it all that." Yun Che raised an eyebrow. "However, the people here are mostly good. Turning them into believers of peace shouldn't be too difficult."
"As you are more familiar, proceed. Let us see if you've improved from your last attempt of conversion."
"It will not take long."
Yun Che flew ahead, descending right at the centre of the Phoenix Clan. He began to spread the gospel of peace while Gandhi observed from afar. They did not deny him… and all seemed well. Then, he sensed something and flew in its direction.
Gandhi followed, only to find Yun Che tearing up at the sight of a graceful woman and little baby.
"Yuechan…"
"Yun Che?"
Gandhi turned around, deciding to let them have their moment. He descended on the highest peak of the region, a mountain. As he rested upon it… he began to recall his own past. His wife and sons, which he had once loved so dearly. In the end, despite all his followers who embraced peace, he was alone.
Alas, he only needed one love… peace.
For peace, he gave everything.
But what did peace give him?
… That was yet to be seen.
Gandhi's determination and will couldn't waver, however, not even in the face of all the challenges against him. He was determined to make peace into a reality, for all. Even if it meant throwing aside everything… including himself. Especially himself.
He had conceded to that from the moment he smashed that baby into the ground.
…
"Gandhi… your endless wisdom led me to my love and the child we had." Yun Che eventually met with Gandhi, after quite some time. "I thought… I had lost her forever."
"I am pleased to hear that." Gandhi nodded, smiling slightly. "There is no greater joy than being reunited with one's love."
"Also… everyone has embraced peace here, you needn't worry." Yun Che added, stroking his chin. "I know this may not be the most formal question but… have you ever had a woman in your life?"
"Only one…" Gandhi acknowledged, standing up. "I, too, were a lustful youth once upon a time. Passionate, jealous and possessive even. I had long since grown out of that shell…"
"Is she…"
"She is in an unreachable place." Gandhi replied, frowning slightly before smiling. "On the road to peace, women would only prove to be a distraction for me. It is good that I have already experienced that way of life and no longer have the desire for it."
"Come on, Gandhi… we can get you a beautiful woman." Yun Che grinned slightly. "A man of the world such as yourself only deserves the best in life."
"No."
"...Suit yourself, Master." Yun Che nodded. "Though your intentions are good, you ought to live for yourself sometimes."
"I live for peace." Gandhi replied, shaking his head.
"That's precisely what I'm talking about… ah, nevermind. It's just I'm grateful for all that you've done for me." Yun Che stated in a heartfelt tone. "I want you to experience the same happiness, it's the least that I could do."
"Peace… true peace, for all living things and the prosperity that comes from it would make me happy."
"I suppose… you are the Divine Prophet for a reason." Yun Che nodded, smiling slightly. "Since you entrusted me as the Champion of peace, I will not fail you. I will tackle every challenge you throw at me… I will slaughter all those who deny your peace… and I will convert those who embrace it. Until the universe knows true peace, I will not rest!"
"What is the purpose of peace if you do not rest and bask in it?" Gandhi countered, shaking his head slightly. "Go and get married, enjoy the company of those close to you and prepare for the crusade that is to come. Once we expand outside of the Blue Wind Empire, there will be no time for rest. People will deny peace at every corner…"
"And we will crush them all." Yun Che nodded. "Isn't that right?"
"I will wait for you in the capital."
Gandhi flew away.
"What is the purpose of peace if you do not rest and bask in it…" Yun Che thought, frowning slightly. "That's exactly what I'd ask you, Master… do you truly have no one left in your life? After you achieve peace, what will you do? Do you even know?"
Yun Che sighed.
"The one spearheading our Peace is truly the maddest man of them all. A true saint who gives himself to the world and gains nothing from it."
~
Before Yun Che's marriage ceremony, the entire Blue Wind Empire had been liberated, except for the two divine spirits which lived within its borders. While Gandhi was intrigued by their existence, he didn't confront them quite yet, focusing on consolidating his power and achieving true peace within his Empire.
Before the marriage could go through, however, there was a minor disturbance as the Master of Ceremonies announced a certain name that wasn't invited.
"The Thirteen Prince of the Divine Phoenix Empire… Feng Xichen."
Gandhi scratched his bald head. 'The Divine Phoenix Empire? Hm.'
He went on to 'humbly' explain the Profound Ark and important information regarding the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament. But then… he put forward quite the grave matter to the Blue Wind Emperor, who was still publicly considered the Empire's ruler. However, everyone within the Blue Wind Empire knew Gandhi was the true overlord.
"While the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament is one half of the reason why I've arrived here… the other concerns your newly anointed son-in-law's bloodline. Or rather, my Divine Phoenix bloodline."
Gandhi turned to Yun Che. "What is this about, your Phoenix flames?"
"Yes… seems so." Yun Che nodded.
"Prince Xichen, I must ask you, have you heard of true peace?" Gandhi asked, leaving his seat.
"Who is this bald old man?" Feng Xichen raised an eyebrow. "Sit back down, you nobody. I did not address you… did I?"
"What did you call the Divine Prophet, you ingrain?" Yun Che countered, drawing the Executioner of Peace. "Choose your next words wisely."
"Bald old man. Isn't that what he is?"
"You son of a whore… Lord Gandhi, permission to enlighten these brainless fools?" Yun Che glanced at Gandhi.
"Granted."
BOOOM.
BOOOOOOOOM.
BOOOM.
DUTT. DUTT.
SLAP. SLAP.
Within seconds, Yun Che absolutely pulverised Feng Xichen and his bodyguards, leaving only the prince alive. Then, he pierced the prince with the Executioner of Peace and finally enlightened him.
"Now go on, spread the word of peace before I end your miserable life."
Yun Che kicked him away.
"Yes… I will spread peace to all corners of the world!" Feng Xichen promised, flying away.
"That was hasty of you." Gandhi remarked. "Such an act could bring the wrath of the Divine Phoenix Emperor."
"My bloodline has already attracted his attention. It was inevitable, Master. But… so is the peace that we will bring to their precious Divine Phoenix Empire."
"It can't be helped… we must look to the weaker nations and strengthen our position from there." Gandhi sighed. "War must be waged, a long war which will involve many losses even on the Empire of Peace."
"Everyone is ready to give their lives for your great cause." Yun Che smiled, raising the Executioner of Peace. "Isn't that right, believers of peace!?"
"Yeah!!!"
"For prosperity… for peace… for our Divine Prophet!!!"
"All defiers of true peace must embrace the truth or perish in their defiance!!!"
"All hail the Empire of Peace!"
"All hail its enlightened believers!"
"All hail the Divine Prophet!!!"
Gandhi genuinely smiled as he looked upon all his followers.
"For True Peace!!!"
He raised his hand and endless adoration followed.
"For True Peace!!!"