182 Chapter 181: Day Two (III)

 The festivities continued into the second day of the tournament, but this time, the atmosphere crackled with excitement and anticipation. Yun Che's team had become the talk of the arena, defying all expectations with their outstanding performances on the battlefield. From the youngest to the oldest spectator, none dared to underestimate them now.

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Blue Wind Imperial Family – Yun Che ----versus------ Jade Mountain Palace – Du Ming

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"Looks like it's my third match. I hope this one didn't give up after I went overboard," Yun Che remarked with a sheepish sweatdrop as his name flashed on the screen. Reflecting on his previous match, where he accidentally kicked his opponent through the barrier in a single shot, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. It wasn't entirely his fault. The organizers should have built sturdier barriers.

"Ufuuu... you did kick someone through the barrier," Retsu teased, her hand delicately covering her lips through her veil, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"I appreciate the concern for my honor, but you didn't have to go that far. You're lucky they didn't disqualify you for destroying the barrier," Cang Yue chimed in, eliciting giggles from the others.

"Hai... hai… Ojou-sama," Yun Che responded playfully, earning him a playful pout from Cang Yue. But amidst the banter, a question lingered in Yun Che's mind: why was Du Ming so eager to challenge him despite his previous actions? It took courage to step up after witnessing such a display of power.

Moreover, Du Ming's cultivation wasn't to be underestimated; at the Fourth Level Spirit Profound Realm, he posed a formidable opponent. And the metallic helmet adorning his face added an air of mystery to his demeanor, leaving Yun Che curious about the motives behind his challenge. As he prepared for his upcoming match, Yun Che couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Du Ming's challenge than met the eye.

Yun Che found himself amused as a robust figure approached him, their entire head covered by a metallic helmet. The oddity of the situation struck him as the figure, dressed in palace robes, sported a peculiar mask resembling a bull's head. The mask's sharp horns and menacing expression lent an air of mystery and danger to the robust man's presence. Despite the intimidating appearance, the figure approached Yun Che calmly, drawing attention from the entire arena. Once again, Yun Che's arena became the focal point as top disciples completed their battles, all eyes now fixed on him and his enigmatic challenger.

The tension crackled in the air as the confrontation unfolded between Yun Che and the enigmatic Du Ming, adorned with his formidable bull-headed helmet. As their arena fell silent in anticipation, Du Ming's words cut through the stillness, dripping with determination and a hint of madness.

"I've been waiting to fight you, Yun Che," Du Ming declared, his voice muffled by the metallic mask. "Don't think you're special just because everyone here adores you!"

Yun Che's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about? I don't even know who you are."

Undeterred, Du Ming pressed on, his eyes blazing with fervor. "I'm here to represent all the men who couldn't win the hearts of beauties like you. I'll rid this world of your kind, and then everyone can have their chance!"

With a resounding call, the match began, and Du Ming swung his massive axe with formidable strength. Yun Che leaped aside, narrowly evading the devastating blow as the axe embedded itself into the stone floor of the arena. To Yun Che's surprise, Du Ming effortlessly lifted the weapon again, ready to continue his relentless assault.

Yun Che couldn't help but be taken aback by the intensity of Du Ming's attack and his vehement declarations. Internally, he weighed his options, contemplating whether to bring an end to the confrontation swiftly.

"Die! Good-looking people like you shouldn't exist!" Du Ming's words rang out as he swung his axe once more, his determination unyielding.

Reacting with agility, Yun Che adjusted his tactics, aiming his strike higher, directly at Du Ming's bull helmet. With a resounding impact, the helmet was sent flying, landing with a clatter on the arena floor. As the spectators and participants alike gazed on in astonishment, Yun Che's eyes widened as he beheld Du Ming's true face.

"Very well, take a look at my face. The face all beauties avoid. The face where men like me suffers against men like you."

With the mask removed, Du Ming's appearance was revealed—a sight that elicited uproarious laughter from the entire arena. His large, round head, prominent chin, and perpetually gruff expression created a comical spectacle, and his unkempt black hair added to his rugged appearance.

For a brief moment, silence blanketed the arena, as if the spectators were collectively processing the absurdity of the situation. Then, like a tidal wave, laughter erupted, echoing off the walls as tears streamed down cheeks and bellies ached from the force of amusement.

Laughter erupted like a wave through the arena, echoing off the walls as Du Ming's appearance became the unexpected source of amusement for the spectators. Unable to contain their delight, the crowd roared with laughter, their merriment contagious as jests and jeers filled the air.

"Hahaha! Look at his face! I could burst from laughter alone!" cried one spectator, barely able to contain his delight, while another exclaimed, "Heavens above! Have you ever seen anything like it? Hahaha!" Their laughter mingled with the buzz of conversation, creating a jovial atmosphere that filled the arena.

Even Yun Che couldn't help but crack a smile at the unexpected turn of events. But amidst the laughter, there lingered a sense of empathy for Du Ming, whose appearance had become the subject of ridicule. "Yun Che, just finish him off and spare us the sight of that face!" someone shouted amid the uproar, their words met with nods of agreement from those around them.

"Ara… I've never seen a face quite so unique," Retsu remarked, her hand delicately covering her mouth to stifle a laugh, while Mio's concern was evident as she chimed in, "Should we be laughing? I feel bad, Ret-chan."

Cang Yue remained speechless, her heartstrings tugged by a pang of sympathy for Yun Che's opponent. Being subjected to ridicule solely due to his appearance was cruel, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that Yun Che didn't share the same fate.

"To think someone could have a face like that, Nee-sama," Nemu murmured, her voice filled with a mixture of wonder and pity, while Kon erupted into laughter, rolling uncontrollably on the kotatsu table. Du Ming's appearance had become the centerpiece of amusement, drawing laughter from every corner of the arena.

In the Frozen Cloud Asgard section, the beauties were taken aback by the sight of something so unique that even Little Fairy was rendered speechless. Nezuko couldn't contain her laughter, emitting adorable giggles that filled the air. However, Chu Yueli intervened, gently reminding her that it was rude to laugh at someone's misfortune. Nezuko's laughter ceased at Chu Yueli's reprimand, and she nodded in acknowledgement, her smile replaced with a more solemn expression as she too was holding a giggle. 

Amidst the laughter, Yun Che maintained a stoic expression, though inside, even Hoyuu couldn't contain his amusement within the inner world. While he fought to keep a straight face, the absurdity of Du Ming's appearance threatened to break his resolve. However, he held back, respecting his opponent who had bravely stepped into the arena to face him.

"I've been waiting to face people like you. Those handsome faces… They make me sick! I'll eradicate all the handsome faces in this arena, starting with you!" Du Ming's voice rang out, filled with bitterness and frustration. "Do you have any idea what it's like to live with this face?! To endure the stares, the rejection from beauties, the ridicule from childhood? My childhood friend even abandoned me, thinking I was a freak?!!"

"Stop screwing around!" Yun Che's voice thundered through his arena, his frustration palpable as Du Ming continued to blame him for his misfortune. Yun Che couldn't help but feel a twinge of agreement; even in his original world, people suffered due to society's obsession with looks and wealth. However, what irked him most was Du Ming's attempt to shift responsibility onto him. "Why the hell does this have to do with me?!"

"If you want to blame anyone, blame yourself for not wanting to change!" Yun Che's retort was sharp, laced with irritation.

"Blame myself? Even my mother hated my face. How can people like me even exist? I had to wear that mask, pretending to be the savior for those rejected," Du Ming shouted, his frustration boiling over. "All because of people like you, bullying us for our appearance! I've had to run and hide from those who wanted to beat me just for being so ugly!"

As Du Ming continued his tirade, Yun Che charged towards him, his patience wearing thin. "If I kill handsome guys like you, maybe I can live freely! Yun Che!"

"Why the hell should I care?!" Yun Che's voice rang out as he launched a powerful kick directly at Du Ming's face, causing blood to spurt from his nose as he tumbled comically across the arena. The crowd erupted into cheers, but Yun Che's action wasn't motivated by mockery of Du Ming's appearance. It was a response to his incessant self-loathing and blame-shifting.

Watching from the sidelines, Little Fairy, Chu Yueli, and Xia Qingyue couldn't help but feel uneasy. While they didn't witness Yun Che laughing at Du Ming, they were unsure if Yun Che's actions bordered on bullying, especially considering Du Ming's continuous provocations.

Meanwhile, Retsu and the others sighed, realizing that the situation had devolved into a farce, one that might unfairly paint Yun Che as the aggressor despite Du Ming's initial provocation.

"Why should you not care?!" Du Ming's voice echoed through the arena, his face bloodied from Yun Che's powerful kick. "People like you should be responsible for this!"

"Shut up! My face is my own! Don't blame me if people like me for who I am!" Yun Che's response was sharp, his frustration evident.

"Don't you understand my feelings before you kicked my face?" Du Ming's voice cracked with emotion, garnering sympathy from many in the crowd. Some began to regret their earlier laughter, realizing the depth of Du Ming's pain. Yet, despite the growing pity, Yun Che remained resolute.

"Rascal, you're being seen as a bully right now," Little Fairy's voice sounded in Yun Che's mind, reminding him of the perception forming around him. While some pitied Du Ming, others saw Yun Che as the aggressor, a perception he couldn't afford in the fierce world of the profound arena.

"How is this my fault?" Yun Che sweatdropped, torn between the pressure of public opinion and his own determination to win. In the profound arena, victory was paramount, and he couldn't afford to let sympathy sway him from his goal. Despite the growing pressure, Yun Che knew he needed to prevail, no matter the cost.

"*Sigh…. I'll end this stupid and pointless accusation," Yun Che gritted his teeth, his frustration boiling over as he slowly advanced towards Du Ming. This wasn't the final battle of the day he had hoped for, and this guy was really starting to piss him off.

"As long as people like you exist, I can't be with anyone," Du Ming's words rang out, but Yun Che wasn't about to let him have the last word.

"Shut up…" Yun Che retorted sharply as he closed the distance, his steps purposeful and determined. "Your face is really an abomination to this world. It shouldn't even exist in the first place."

"Then, you should just die, Yun Che!" With a roar, Du Ming raised his axe, aiming to cleave Yun Che in half, but Yun Che dodged with lightning speed, flipping in the air and targeting Du Ming's face with a flurry of precise kicks.

"Oeil"

"Naz"

"Joue"

"Bouche"

"Dentz"

"Manton…" Yun Che muttered under his breath as each kick found its mark, striking Du Ming's eyes, cheeks, nose, mouth, teeth, and chin with unrelenting force. The crowd watched in astonishment as Yun Che's hyper-speed kicks blurred before their eyes, each strike aimed with deadly accuracy as Du Ming stumbled backwards.

As he stopped, Du Ming stumbled again, his face bloodied and pleading for mercy. "Please… please stop…" he begged, but Yun Che wasn't finished yet. Gripping Du Ming's shoulders, he leaped into the air, locking onto his target with a sinister smirk.

"Parage… shot..." Yun Che's grin was showing as he unleashed a barrage of hyper-speed kicks, each one striking a different section of Du Ming's face with relentless precision. The crowd held their breath as they witnessed the ferocity of Yun Che's attack, unable to comprehend the sheer speed and power behind each strike. The speed was so fast that it blurs as he attacks.

Cang Yue's eyes widened in disbelief as she witnessed the lightning-fast flurry of kicks unleashed by Yun Che. It reminded her of the Party Table Kick Course back in the Phoenix Clan and Blue Wind Profound Palace. As for Retsu and the others, they understood that Yun Che must have had a reason for his relentless assault.

Even Little Fairy's Observation Haki failed to keep up with the sheer speed of Yun Che's kicks. It started with six kicks, then doubled to twelve, and seemed to increase exponentially from there. Xia Qingyue, renowned for her ice-cold demeanor, couldn't hide her astonishment at Yun Che's incredible speed. If she couldn't keep track of his movements, then who could?

Yun Che's display of power left Xia Qingyue in awe. First, he had a kick that could shatter barriers, and now he was delivering hyper-speed kicks with deadly accuracy. The question lingered: what other hidden talents did Yun Che possess? Yuanba's mention of a giant boned snake and mysterious binding arts only added to the mystery surrounding Yun Che's abilities.

As the barrage of kicks came to an end, Yun Che delivered a final blow that sent Du Ming flying towards the barrier, bloodied and defeated. The referee hesitated to declare Yun Che the winner, fearing backlash for allowing such a one-sided match to take place.

"Hmph, taste the classiness of that," Yun Che smirked, his confidence unwavering as he turned away from the arena and made his way back to his seating zone. As he walked, he couldn't help but notice the varied reactions from the crowd—some looked at him in awe, impressed by his skill and dominance, while others regarded him with contempt, viewing his actions as nothing more than bullying.

But Yun Che paid no heed to the criticism. He had fought with skill and strategy, emerging victorious against his opponent. If they couldn't accept that, then they could screw off for all he cared. His focus remained unshaken as he settled back into his seat, ready to await his next challenge with the same determination and confidence as before.

"Brother... Aniki… You don't have to be so hard on him," Yuanba voiced his concern, but Yun Che remained unfazed as returned back to his seating zone.

"I did him a favor," Yun Che stated simply, leaving Yuanba puzzled. How could such a brutal beating be considered a favor?

"Yuu-kun, don't you think it's a little too much?" Retsu voiced her concern, aware of the growing perception of Yun Che as a bully.

"Don't worry about it. He'll appreciate it once he sees his face tomorrow. I did him a favor he won't forget. That's what Parage Shot is for," Yun Che smirked cryptically, leaving Cang Yue and the others intrigued.

"What is this Parage Shot?" Cang Yue inquired, but Yun Che remained evasive.

"You'll see tomorrow." Yun Che merely mused as he didn't dive into details how Parage Shot works but he was sure Du Ming would appreciate his handiwork tomorrow.

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Blue Wind Empire Unohana Retsu ------- Versus -------- Eastern Sea Region Sect – Ming Zhu

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"Ara, it's my turn…" Retsu spoke, her eyes widening with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. It seemed she would be facing yet another shield user, but this opponent was unlike any she had encountered before. Towering over her, Ming Zhu's ensemble included imposing iron plates covering his front and back, with large pearls embedded in smaller plates for devastating blunt attacks.

"Good luck, Retsu," Yun Che offered a reassuring pat on her head.

"Ufuu…" She planted a kiss on his cheek before striding confidently towards her designated arena. With a graceful leap, she positioned herself for optimal speed, ready to face whatever challenge lay ahead.

Her opponent greeted her with a chilling smile as he took his place on the stage.

"Unohana Retsu! You may be a beautiful flower, but consider yourself lucky to face me, Ming Zhu! The invisible shield warrior, undefeated in 61 battles without shedding a drop of blood!" Ming Zhu's boast echoed across the arena, his Profound Aura of the Sixth Level Spirit Profound Realm lending an intimidating aura to his words.

"Ara…" Retsu couldn't help but sweatdrop at the oddball she found herself matched against. Nevertheless, she raised her parasol to her shoulder, determined to face this challenge head-on without resorting to unnecessary violence.

"Hahahaha," Ming Zhu's laughter boomed as he slammed his pearl shields together, signaling the start of the match.

With lightning speed, Ming Zhu launched a barrage of attacks at Retsu, each strike aimed to overwhelm her defenses. But Retsu remained composed, her relaxed expression belying her focus as she deployed her parasol shield. With each impact, the parasol absorbed the force of Ming Zhu's attacks, hardening with every blow and rendering his assaults futile.

She uses normal wave on her parasol and Ming Zhu blocked it. It seems this one had some ability to face her but it won't be enough.

Undeterred, Ming Zhu increased the intensity of his attacks, but Retsu's parasol continued to absorb the energy and vibrations, shielding her from harm. With precision and grace, she countered, closing the parasol and delivering a powerful strike from above. Ming Zhu moved to block, but the force of the impact proved too much, causing his own shield to recoil and strike him in the face, drawing a trickle of blood and shattering his undefeated streak without shedding a drop of blood.

"You… you made me bleed…. You dare make me bleed!" Ming Zhu's voice reverberated with fury as he pounded his shield fists together signaling that he was now in rage. Retsu maintained her calm demeanor, unfazed by his outburst. To her, it seemed odd for someone to become so enraged over a few drops of blood.

"Ming Zhu! Calm down!" His sect elder's urgent shout echoed across the arena, a warning to those who knew the consequences of Ming Zhu's unchecked anger. Suddenly, white flames enveloped Ming Zhu's body, a manifestation of his boiling rage. The audience gasped in shock at the sight, but Retsu remained composed, her expression unchanged.

Ming Zhu's escalating flames cast a shadow of seriousness over the arena, but for Retsu, they only served to highlight the true nature of her opponent. Far from finding him amusing, she saw through his facade of intimidation to the brutality that lay beneath. In previous battles, she had witnessed Ming Zhu's relentless onslaught, his attacks veering from competitive to downright cruel. He seemed to revel in inflicting pain upon his opponents, turning their fights into personal torture chambers.

As Ming Zhu's flames surged higher, Retsu remained calm. The audience watched with bated breath as the tension in the arena reached its peak. Ming Zhu's flames raged on, a stark contrast to Retsu's composed stance.

"Take this and burn to hell!" Ming Zhu hurled fireballs at Retsu, each one crackling with intense heat and deadly intent. But with a simple wave of her parasol, she extinguished the flames, revealing the fireballs to be nothing more than flaming pearls. Another gasp swept through the crowd as they witnessed Retsu's effortless defense against Ming Zhu's fiery onslaught.

However, Retsu saw through Ming Zhu's deceptive tactic. His flaming pearls weren't just meant to singe her clothes or scorch the arena around them; they were meant to trap her, to corner her in a fiery inferno from which she couldn't escape. Yet, with a wave of her parasol, she thwarted his plan before it could even begin.

To Retsu, Ming Zhu's actions were more than just cheap tricks; they were a cowardly attempt to manipulate and overpower his opponent through fear and intimidation.

"Hahaha… you make me bleed! Die!" Ming Zhu continued his relentless assault, his fire shield fists raining down upon Retsu. But she remained unfazed, calmly parrying each blow with her parasol. Ming Zhu's frustration grew as his attacks proved futile against Retsu's effortless defense.

Unable to contain his rage any longer, Ming Zhu leaped into the air, intent on unleashing a devastating attack. But to his surprise, Retsu didn't retreat. Instead, she positioned her parasol like a baseball bat and swung with precision, slamming Ming Zhu's head like a baseball.

Ming Zhu flew into the end stage with a resounding crash against the barrier, but he wasted no time in getting back on his feet, his determination undiminished as he resumed his relentless assault on Retsu. To the watching audience, it was clear that this battle was becoming increasingly one-sided, with Ming Zhu's relentless attacks barely making a dent in Retsu's defenses.

"You dare stop my attacks, you bitch! Take it like a true cultivator!" But despite his efforts, Ming Zhu's insults and furious onslaughts seemed to fall on deaf ears as Retsu continued to repel his attacks effortlessly. With each wave of her parasol, the flames dissipated, leaving harmless pearls in their wake. Ming Zhu's exhaustion was evident, his futile attempts to defeat Retsu only serving to amuse her further.

In a final desperate attempt, Ming Zhu reignited the flames on his shield arms, launching a barrage of attacks at Retsu with renewed ferocity. "You won't survive my Fire Pearl Fist, Unohana Retsu!" his voice echoed across the arena, his fists ablaze as he charged towards her with unwavering confidence. His sect members watched with bated breath, anticipating a swift victory.

But Retsu remained unfazed, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to Ming Zhu's fiery rage. With a graceful motion, she closed her parasol, signaling her readiness to face his onslaught head-on. Catching Ming Zhu off guard, she leaped into action, her movements swift and precise as she prepared to meet his attack with her own skill.

The clash of their forces resonated through the arena like thunder, drawing gasps from the spectators. Retsu's parasol met Ming Zhu's pearl shield with a resounding clang, the impact sending shockwaves rippling through the air. To the astonishment of all, the supposedly impenetrable shield shattered under Retsu's relentless assault, its fragments scattering like glittering raindrops.

The Eastern Sea Region Sect, renowned for their mastery of the pearl shield technique, could only watch in disbelief as their champion fell before Retsu's unmatched strength. Ming Zhu, stunned by his defeat, crumpled to the ground, unconscious and defeated.

"Why... Our shields were supposed to be the strongest," Ming Zhu muttered weakly before succumbing to unconsciousness.

"Gomen-nee (I am sorry...)" Retsu, her victory secured, offered a quiet apology before gracefully departing, her parasol shielding her from the harsh glare of the sun.

The audience erupted into murmurs of amazement, marveling at Retsu's remarkable display of skill using that parasol of hers. It was not the flashy techniques or profound arts that won her the match, but rather her mastery of the basics – impeccable timing, precision, and sheer force of will.

As Retsu made her way back, whispers of admiration followed in her wake. For in a world where martial prowess often relied on grandiose techniques and flashy displays, she stood as a testament to the power of simplicity and sheer determination.

"That Ming Zhu is kind of amusing," Yun Che remarked with a wry smile, recalling his previous world similar battle and its predictable outcome.

"Ufuu... smacking the shield like a gorilla doesn't make it all powerful," Retsu quipped, her tone carrying a hint of amusement as she met Yun Che and Cang Yue on the arena grounds.

"But it does make for amusing moments," Cang Yue chimed in, her grin infectious as she joined the conversation. Despite the intensity of the battles that unfolded before them, she found humor in the quirks of their opponents.

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Blue Wind Imperial Family – Yun Che --- Versus ---- West Island Profound Sect – Ming Xue.

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"Ah... Yuu-kun, your opponent is a woman?" Retsu's voice held a hint of skepticism as she observed Yun Che, uncertain of how he would handle the upcoming match. Despite her own prowess, she couldn't help but wonder if Yun Che underestimated his female opponent.

"I won't go overboard. Don't worry," Yun Che reassured, though his tone betrayed a lack of concrete information about his adversary.

"Well... don't go too hard on her," Cang Yue chimed in, offering her own advice with a mixture of concern and amusement.

"What do you girls think I am?" Yun Che chuckled, a bead of sweat forming on his brow as he made his way toward the arena.

As Yun Che stepped into the arena, the anticipation in the air was palpable. The audience watched with bated breath, curious to see how he would fare against his female opponent. For in the world of martial arts, gender was no barrier to strength, and Yun Che was about to face a test unlike any other.

Moreover, some are worried that he resort to the same violence he showed Du Ming.

As Ming Xue strutted onto the stage, her provocative demeanor drew immediate attention. With cream skin, captivating blue eyes, and long pink hair cascading down her slender frame, she exuded a tantalizing allure. Her attire, a blend of traditional martial robes and fantasy-style elegance, accentuated her curves, while the glint of a long spear hinted at her combat prowess. Despite her beauty, Ming Xue felt overshadowed by the veiled elegance of Frozen Cloud Asgard and Princess Cang Yue, fueling a simmering resentment.

Yun Che, unfazed by her charms, met her gaze with a nonchalant demeanor. "This is the first time I've fought a woman in this arena," he remarked, his tone casual.

Ming Xue smirked, confident in her allure. "So, you're Yun Che. I believe I can easily defeat you, just like every other man I've faced," she purred, her voice dripping with seduction.

Yun Che raised an eyebrow. "Spear users are rather common in my experience," he replied dryly, unimpressed by her tactics.

Undeterred, Ming Xue unleashed her secret weapon, striking a series of provocative poses and sensually shedding her cape to reveal more of her figure. The men in the arena erupted into cheers, reveling in her daring display, but Yun Che's expression remained unchanged. To him, a woman resorting to such tactics held no allure; she was merely a female instead of a woman.

Meanwhile, Retsu and the others seethed with frustration, watching as their beloved was subjected to such crude seduction manipulation. Some women voiced their disapproval, condemning Ming Xue's underhanded tactics, while mostly men marveled at her audacity. Xia Qingyue's gaze flickered with a mix of disdain and curiosity, while Little Fairy clenched her fist, her irritation palpable. Nezuko's innocent eyes were shielded by Chu Yueli, shielding her from the spectacle of moral degradation unfolding before them.

"What do you think of my figure?" Ming Xue provocatively folded her arms, emphasizing her bountiful mounds. "They're a thing of beauty, aren't they?"

Yun Che raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by her attempts at seduction. "Seduction? Really?" he muttered to himself. He had faced far more subtle and effective attempts from his spirits, Mio and Retsu, none of which had swayed him, for now.

As Ming Xue attempted to exploit his distraction, she lunged with her spear, aiming for a quick and sneaky attack. But Yun Che effortlessly intercepted her, catching the spear with a single hand and holding it with casual ease. With a deft twist, he snapped the blade, sending Ming Xue stumbling backwards in shock.

"I've seen better seductive attempts than you," Yun Che remarked dryly, recalling Mio's failed efforts to seduce him. Despite her revealing attire and suggestive gestures, it had barely registered on his radar. He even slept it off much to her dismay.

Realizing her failed tactic, Ming Xue's confidence wavered, replaced by fear as Yun Che smirked at her. She scrambled to cover herself with her robes, her earlier bravado evaporating in the face of his dominance.

"Don't blame me for what happens next," Yun Che warned, his smirk widening as he clasped his index and middle fingers together. Ming Xue's eyes widened in recognition, realizing it was the same move he had used on his unfortunate previous opponent. Subconsciously, she brought a hand to her bottom, shuddering at the memory of the impact.

"Kyaaa!!! I concede!!!" Ming Xue shrieked in terror, surrendering in a panic as she fled from the arena, her fear of becoming undesirable as a wife consuming her thoughts.

"He'll make me undesirable as a bride!" Ming Xue shouted as she fled towards the door under the arena to escape from him. The women all over the arena subconsciously hold their bottoms as well. That technique can make it impossible to seek a husband anymore if he uses it on them.

Such a perverse and underhanded technique.

Yun Che blinked in surprise at her sudden retreat, puzzled by her reaction. "Uhhh, what?" he muttered, bemused by the turn of events.

Shrugging nonchalantly, he made his way back to the seating zone, contemplating the bizarre encounter. The girl had fled in fear at the mere sight of his finger technique, a reaction he had not anticipated despite he didn't intend to use it on her. He resolved never to use it on a woman, lest he inadvertently scare them away.

Besides, Little Fairy looked like she wanted to kill him if he tried to use it on a woman and she might break his fingers repeatedly if he dared to use it.

Retsu and the others breathed a sigh of relief witnessing Yun Che's encounter with Ming Xue. They couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his ability to ward off such underhanded tactics, praising him silently for thwarting her attempts at seduction.

However, Yun Che couldn't shake off the disappointment from his previous matches. His victory over Du Ming and Ming Xue had been marred by accusations of brutality and perversion. As a result, his subsequent opponents conceded without putting up a fight. It was a hollow victory for him, leaving him with a sense of defeat despite winning the battles.

He acknowledged that he had gone too far with his aggressive tactics, particularly in destroying the barriers and unleashing a flurry of hyper-speed kicks on his opponent and that hidden finger jutsu. His actions had likely intimidated his opponents to the point where they didn't even want to face him in battle, opting instead to concede defeat.

Similarly, Retsu's formidable display of shattering her opponent's shield with her sword led to her next three opponents conceding before the match even began. None dared to face her once she drew her weaponized parasol, knowing they stood no chance against her skill and strength.

Cang Yue faced a different challenge; after defeating her last opponent, her superiority was so evident that her third, fourth, fifth, and sixth opponents conceded one after another, realizing they had no hope of matching her prowess as their cultivation was lower than her last opponent. Each member of the Blue Wind Imperial Family had become a force to be reckoned with, leaving their opponents trembling at the mere thought of facing them in battle.

With thirty-three victories secured, the Blue Wind Imperial Family had one final battle before earning a well-deserved day off. Tomorrow would be reserved for determining the lower five hundred rankings, meaning those who had lost in the previous two days would battle it out for their standings. Cang Yue was confident that the arena would be nearly vacant, as most spectators had come to witness the top contenders of the Blue Wind Empire prove their mettle. As for the lower-ranking matches, only the sects themselves would likely take interest.

Yun Che had plans for the day off, and Cang Yue intended to focus on her training. They had no intention of attending the matches tomorrow. Even Xue Ling, the Prime Imperial Protector, had been relieved of her duties for the day by Emperor Cang Wanhe, allowing her to focus on her new imperial legion back at the palace. However, she seemed eager to spend time with Nezuko, despite the rumors circulating about Chu Yueli being her mother. Xue Ling knew Nezuko was the only child of the swordsman Mihawk, and she was determined to get to know the girl better.

Maybe took the role of her mother/guardian.

Fen Juechang ground his teeth in frustration as Yun Che's unstoppable advance seemed inevitable. Now, he had to strategize for the next round, which would be filled with high-level disciples. Determined, he began plotting his next move, already contemplating whom to approach for bribes and alliances.

Ling Yun was hoping to face Unohana Retsu to impress her, knowing it would please both her and Mio. He wanted to face Yun Che as well to kill him. On the other hand, Ling Yun's brother, Ling Jie was eager to face Yun Che himself, seeking revenge for his previous defeat at Yun Che's hands back in the palace. He yearned for payback and was determined to settle the score in the arena. Now, both of them had advanced to the second round of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Xia Yuanba took a seat beside him, having also secured his place in the next round with twelve victories. His sister and the other top disciples of the sect had likewise advanced. Even Fen Juechen advanced as well. He saw that Fen Juebi had advanced as well and he wanted nothing more than to face him. With two representatives from the Blue Wind Profound Palace advancing, except for Feng Bufan, who had met Yun Che earlier than anticipated, Qin Wushang couldn't help but smile, pleased with their achievements.