Chapter 210: Blue Wind Imperial Family vs Burning Heaven Clan (III)

The Profound Notification echoed across the arena, and the air buzzed with anticipation. The final match of the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament was here—Yun Che of the Blue Wind Imperial Family versus Fen Juebi of the Burning Heaven Clan. 

Yun Che stood at the edge of the stage, a smirk playing on his lips. He knew what was at stake. If he won, the Burning Heaven Clan wouldn't take the loss lightly. Their pride couldn't bear the humiliation of being relegated to the losers' bracket. Worse still, they might resort to sabotage or even an ambush tonight. 

Yun Che's gaze flickered to Fen Duanhun, whose simmering rage was palpable even from a distance. If Fen Juecheng's smug demeanor was any indication, he was already fanning the flames, pouring oil on the fire of his father's fury. A clash tonight wasn't just possible—it was inevitable. 

Not that Yun Che minded. 

"Yuu-kun, be careful," Retsu said in a low voice. Her eyes stayed on Fen Juecheng, who lounged as if victory was assured. "He might try something underhanded." 

Yun Che gave a casual shrug, punching his fists together with a confident grin. "I'm ready for whatever they throw at me. Cheat or not, I'll take care of this match and send the Burning Heaven Clan packing." 

Without hesitation, he leaped onto the stage, his every move exuding calm confidence as the crowd erupted in cheers. This was it—the moment of reckoning.

Observing Fen Juebi, he can finally take a good look at him. Just like his brother, they shared a similar scarlet coloured hair only Fen Juebi is a bit shorter compared to his elder brother's long hair.

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[Name: Fen Juebi]

[Level: 38 (Eight Level Spirit Profound Realm)]

[Age: 20]

[Laws: Fire]

[Affiliation: Burning Heaven Clan]

[Fen Juebi was the second son of Fen Duanhun, the Burning Heaven Clan Master, and the younger brother of Fen Juecheng. Unlike Fen Juecheng, whom Yun Che had previously spared, Fen Juebi carried a more aggressive and vindictive nature. He had also taken it upon himself to manipulate his younger brother, Fen Juechen, planting seeds of hatred against Yun Che to further his own schemes. 

Originally, Fen Juebi had been set to lead the elites of the Burning Heaven Clan in this tournament. However, his ambitions clashed with Fen Juechen's, resulting in a fierce clan battle to determine the leader. Fen Juebi ultimately emerged victorious, solidifying his role and ensuring his brother's opposition was silenced—for now. 

In the original timeline, Yun Che was meant to face Fen Juebi during the Quarter Finals, a battle steeped in tension and escalating stakes. However, due to the unexpected participation of Retsu and Cang Yue in the current timeline, the confrontation between Yun Che and Fen Juebi had shifted, making it the final match of the Second Round instead.]

[PS: He used Steroids to boost his power levels by two matching Peak Spirit Profound Realm.]

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"Wait, Level 38? Shouldn't his level be at Level 48?" Yun Che frowned, puzzled by the discrepancy in Fen Juebi's supposed strength. The information didn't match up. According to his understanding, Level 38 correlated to the Eighth Level of the True Profound Realm, while Fen Juebi was clearly at the Eighth Level of the Spirit Profound Realm.

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[Ding… The discrepancy lies in the leveling system. The system's scaling aligns with the host's perspective. To clarify:]

[Beginner's Profound Realm in the host's terms corresponds to Levels 1 to 10.In this world, Elementary Profound Realm marks the start of cultivation, effectively beginning at Level 1.As a result, the system adjusts the displayed levels to align with the local understanding by subtracting 10 levels from its original scaling.]

[For example:]

[Grand Perfection Sky Profound Realm in this world is equivalent to Level 60, whereas the system would display it as Level 70 under its original terms.]

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"Oh, got it," Yun Che nodded. "So, the Divine Origin Realm for people in this world actually starts at Level 91, right?"

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[Correct. According to the system's scaling, the Divine Origin Realm begins at Level 100.]

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"Then Wrath's strength back then was supposed to be at Level 96, right? But how was it so ridiculously strong?" Yun Che muttered, recalling how his Dragon Form and Heretic God Arts combined had barely scratched the Mechanical Isu Dragon Wrath.

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[Ding… Host should remember that Divine Origin Realm operates on a fundamentally higher energy system. While Wrath's level was technically 96 after the adjusted scaling, it utilized Divine Energy stored in Huan Xueli's core. This energy surpasses the host's capabilities, even with your Heretic God Arts in Dragon Form.]

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"Noted," Yun Che said, shaking his head. "So, from now on, I'll stick to this scaling where levels for people in this world are shown with the minus 10 adjustment. The realm names stay the same, but the numbers will reflect their local perspective."

Fen Duanhun's expression was grim, his tone sharp as he addressed his son. "You must win this match, no matter what. Yuange was humiliated by Princess Cang Yue, and Jin'er's defeat against Unohana Retsu has already brought shame upon us. You are all we have left!" His eyes burned with intensity. "This session has already solidified our rank as fourth among the Four Major Sects. But if you lose to that Yun Che brat… we won't even place in the top four. Fifth or even lower… Such humiliation is absolutely unacceptable for the Burning Heaven Clan. Do you understand me?" 

Fen Juebi nodded, his lips curling into a sneer. "Rest assured, Father. Against any of the six others, I might have to tread carefully. But Yun Che?" He chuckled derisively. "That trash relied purely on luck to make it this far. He doesn't even deserve to stand on the same stage as me. If I can't defeat him, then I might as well not show my face again." 

He paused, his grin widening, eyes gleaming with a hint of malice. "Besides… I have my methods. Victory is certain." 

Fen Duanhun nodded slowly, his expression still tense. Though Yun Che's abilities had shocked him repeatedly, he remained steadfast in his belief that Fen Juebi would emerge victorious. Yet, his voice carried a heavy caution as he addressed his son.

"It's good to see your confidence, but remember, self-assurance must never give way to arrogance. Arrogance blinds the eyes and dulls the senses. When you face Yun Che, you must not underestimate him. Yesterday, he revealed an unpredictable movement—a flaming leg technique that even I couldn't fully discern. Moreover, he demonstrated an unusual level of fire manipulation. It is uncertain whether his abilities could counteract our Burning Heaven Fire. Most importantly, he has not yet revealed the full extent of his strength. You must proceed with care!"

Fen Juebi let out a dismissive chuckle, his expression brimming with disdain. "Father, you're overthinking it. That 'flaming leg' was nothing more than a basic technique, flames coating his leg—how could it possibly compare to our clan's 'Burning Phantom Illusion'? Even if it's refined a hundredfold, it's useless in the Sword Discourse Arena, which will be entirely engulfed in our Burning Heaven Fire, leaving no blind spots."

He paused, his tone growing more confident. "As for his fire control, the flames he released yesterday were clearly the lowest-grade profound fire. There's no way it could compare to the Burning Heaven Fire! If you're suggesting he might restrain my power, you might as well say I could easily dominate his."

Fen Duanhun's brow furrowed deeply at his son's arrogance, his voice turning cold and grave. "Juebi, heed my words: this match carries the honor of our entire Burning Heaven Clan. If you lose, the shame will stain our name for generations. Worse still, you will become the sinner of our clan. If that happens… even I may not be able to forgive you."

His father's stern warning finally pierced through Fen Juebi's overconfidence, prompting him to straighten his posture and nod with uncharacteristic seriousness. "Father's instructions are clear. In this match, regardless of how weak the opponent may seem, I must not hold back. Victory is the only option." 

As Fen Juebi stepped away, he leaned close to Fen Juecheng, his eyes narrowing with malice. In a low, conspiratorial tone, he asked, "Big brother, the match is about to begin. Shall I cripple his legs, burn his face off, or perhaps… turn him into an eunuch?" 

"Burn his face off," Fen Juecheng answered without a moment's hesitation, his voice cold and resolute. "If anyone questions it, we'll simply call it an unfortunate accident during the match." 

"I won't disappoint you, big brother," Fen Juebi whispered, a sinister grin spreading across his face as he licked the corner of his lips. His voice dripped with malice as he added, "To me, this isn't just a competition—it's an incomparably thrilling game." 

From within his robes, Fen Juebi revealed a small bottle of blood-red pills, their sinister glow catching the light. Without hesitation, he downed the entire bottle, swallowing its contents in one swift motion. He could feel the power surging within him, though he knew it would take a moment to reach its full effect. Winning this match wasn't just about pride; it was about making Yun Che suffer in every way possible. 

As the final moments ticked away, Fen Juebi leapt onto the Sword Discourse Arena, his movements sharp and confident. Yun Che mirrored his step, arriving simultaneously at the center of the stage. A tense thirty-meter distance stretched between them, the air thick with anticipation as the audience waited for the final battle of the day to begin.

Yun Che stood with casual confidence, his hands in his pockets, exuding an air of complete nonchalance. Yet, the faint grin on his face revealed something else entirely—a distinct mix of disdain, mockery, and a trace of dark amusement that bordered on cruelty. His relaxed demeanor contrasted sharply with the seething determination in Fen Juebi's eyes. 

To Fen Juebi, Yun Che was nothing more than a pitiful insect, a stepping stone to restore the Burning Heaven Clan's tarnished honor. In his mind, victory was inevitable, and once he crushed this upstart, he would turn his attention to Yun Che's companions. His thoughts lingered particularly on Unohana Retsu, her veiled beauty described in glowing terms by his brother. The mere idea of making her a personal trophy brought a sadistic smile to his face. 

But in Yun Che's eyes, Fen Juebi was a mere child playing with fire—arrogant, delusional, and entirely predictable. His reliance on the pills and the borrowed might of his family's techniques only underscored his lack of true strength. Yun Che recognized the telltale signs of steroid-induced overconfidence and knew Fen Juebi's surge of power would burn out soon enough. This fight was over before it began. 

"Do you think Yun Che has any chance of beating Fen Juebi?" 

"Not likely. Fen Juebi's profound strength and his Demon Flame Blade give him a huge advantage. Plus, he's Fen Duanhun's second son!" 

"But what if he loses? If Burning Heaven Clan is kicked out of the top four, it would be a historic humiliation." 

"I doubt it. They won't let that happen. Fen Juebi is their last hope." 

"Still, that Yun Che… he's hiding something. You can see it in his eyes." 

"Look! Fen Juebi has drawn the Demon Flame Blade! Isn't that a Sky Profound Weapon? He's pulling out all the stops." 

For the Burning Heaven Clan, this was more than just a fight—it was their last chance to salvage their reputation. But for Yun Che, this was just another step in his game.

Even though the two fighters on the Sword Discourse Arena had yet to exchange a single blow, the tension in the air was palpable. The crowd fell into a hush, their anticipation almost audible as they watched the final match of the Second Round about to unfold. Seeing both combatants ready, the announcer wasted no time. He raised his hand and declared: 

"The final match of the Second Round… Blue Wind Imperial Family's Yun Che versus Burning Heaven Clan's Fen Juebi!" 

A low hum rippled through the arena. 

Fen Juebi let out a sinister laugh, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent. "Heh! If you had chosen to stay off the stage and surrender outright, I might've felt a bit lost. But lucky for me, you decided to come up here and face me. Of course, it's already far too late to back out now. Today will be a day you'll never forget, Yun Che… the day you regret ever crossing me." 

Yun Che let out an exaggerated sigh, slipping his hands lazily into his pockets. "Ugh… another chatty bastard." 

The casual dismissal made Fen Juebi's face twist with rage. His earlier composure cracked as he gritted his teeth and snarled, "You…" 

Yun Che's slight smirk only grew wider. It was clear to everyone watching: this wasn't just a fight of strength—it was a battle of wits and nerves, and Yun Che was already getting under Fen Juebi's skin.

"Begin!" 

The referee's call echoed across the arena, the tension crackling like static in the air. 

Yun Che stood casually at one end of the shattered battlefield, his posture relaxed, though his sharp eyes scanned his opponent. Across from him, Fen Juebi smirked, his confidence palpable. 

"Yun Che," Fen Juebi said, his voice dripping with arrogance, "I advise you to heed my warning. Give up now while you still can." 

Yun Che gave a lazy shrug. "I'll take my chances." 

"Haha! Fighting with only your legs? Do you even know how to throw a punch?" Scarlet flames erupted across Fen Juebi's body, spiraling wildly before concentrating onto the Demon Flame Blade. The searing light reflected off the surrounding profound energy barrier, illuminating the arena in a hellish glow and sending waves of scorching heat into the air. The intensity was overwhelming, and the crowd shifted uneasily as the oppressive aura pressed against them. 

With a deft flick of his wrist, Fen Juebi commanded the flames to surge outward in a blinding burst of brilliance. From the swirling inferno, humanoid figures began to emerge, each one a vivid replica of himself, forged entirely from roaring scarlet flames. 

As the figures solidified, Fen Juebi's true body shimmered, becoming illusory, while an overwhelming number of his likenesses seemed to materialize from the sea of scarlet fire. The clones multiplied rapidly, transforming from a handful into a dozen, then multiplying further into several dozen fiery duplicates. 

Though mere illusions formed from the profound flames, the clones were crafted with such precision and detail that distinguishing them from the original was nearly impossible. Their movements mirrored Fen Juebi's perfectly, leaving Yun Che facing a dazzling array of identical enemies. 

The audience watched in awe and apprehension, captivated by the display. 

"Is this some kind of mirage art?" one spectator whispered. 

"No," another murmured. "It's an illusion technique. But with this many—how could anyone tell which is real?" 

The "clones" moved in unison, circling Yun Che like a predatory pack. Fen Juebi's triumphant laughter echoed through the arena. 

"Let's see how you handle this, Yun Che!"

"Wow, he can use Shadow Clone Technique?" Yun Che mused.

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[Ding... Not exactly.] 

[The Burning Heaven Flame Mirages is an advanced technique requiring the user to separate part of their fire and control into a flame core inside each clone. This allows the clones to act semi-independently, mimicking the user's movements and abilities. The more energy channeled into a clone, the more durable and powerful it becomes. However, each clone can only access about 1/5 of the controller's power and energy reserves. As a result, they can execute only a few techniques before defaulting to hand-to-hand combat.] 

[The technique has a significant weakness: creating a single clone consumes half of the user's profound energy. Summoning multiple clones compounds this cost, severely straining the user's energy reserves. Obvious results can be seen during Fen Jin's match where he created premature clones and ended up becoming easy targets for Retsu. In this match, Fen Juebi has likely consumed a special stimulant or profound pill to mitigate this and sustain the additional burden of creating stronger clones.] 

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"Ah, I see. So, they're just over-glorified cannon fodder in the end," Yun Che said, smirking as he was kind of disappointed with the technique. The system confirmed its weakness during Retsu's match where Fen Jin conjures them and Retsu easily taken them out with a single swing.

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[Ding… Do you wish to copy this technique?]

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"Nope," Yun Che replied nonchalantly. "I'd rather create a version that's stronger and perfect. This one has a glaring weakness—it's ridiculously inefficient. Half your energy for just one clone? No thanks,"

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[Suit yourself.]

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Gasps rippled through the audience. Even Fen Duanhun, sitting in the Burning Heaven Clan's viewing box, widened his eyes in astonishment. As Spirit Profound Realm cultivators, creating a single flame clone at this level is already a feat requiring immense effort and control… but he's conjured more than a dozen!

"What… what did Juebi take to achieve this?" Fen Duanhun muttered under his breath, his expression darkening with realization. 

Looking at the current situation beneath his eyes, Yun Che was basically forced into a hopeless corner and probably could not endure for a few breaths of time either, which meant that Fen Juebi's easy and perfect victory was already a forgone conclusion. Fen Juecheng smiled faintly: "Tsk, Second Younger Brother's Burning Phantom Mirages actually had already reached such a level, shocking even the older brother me."

"The reason why Juebi's profound strength had not increased in these past three months, was because he was training his profound flames and Burning Phantom Mirages. Otherwise, he would have definitely reached the ninth level of the Spirit Profound Realm. When father told me this before we left, I hadn't even taken it to heart. However, I never thought that he had actually reached such a realm; I'm afraid that even Jin'er may not be his match. I, too, have misjudged him. Seems like I was worrying for nothing earlier. Yun Che, be prepared to be humiliated."

"You asked for this!" Fen Juebi's smirk deepened as his profound strength surged even higher, the flames around him roaring in response. The clones moved forward, their forms flickering with volatile energy. 

"These aren't ordinary clones!" Fen Juebi sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Each one is stronger than anything your pathetic imagination could handle. Do you understand now, Yun Che? You're facing the true might of the Burning Heaven Clan!" 

The heat in the arena intensified as the crowd watched, wide-eyed. The stage was set for a clash of fire and fury. Yun Che, however, remained unshaken, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos before him.

Without missing a beat, Fen Juebi raised the Demon Flame Blade high, and the scarlet flames around him surged into a massive vortex. His clones followed his movements, each raising their own fiery blades in perfect synchronization. The flames coalesced into an enormous fireball, larger than anything the audience had ever seen, pulsing with a ferocious intensity that made the entire arena tremble. 

The heat radiating from the fireball was unbearable, causing spectators to shield their eyes from the blinding light. Waves of heat distorted the air, and murmurs of disbelief rippled through the crowd like an uncontrollable tide. Fen Juebi is ending the fight in a single move.

"Is this even possible?" someone whispered in awe. "How much profound energy does this guy have?" 

In the Burning Heaven Clan's seating area, Fen Duanhun abruptly stood, his expression unreadable but his eyes locked on the stage with a mix of pride and unease. 

Forming a Burning Heaven Fire Blast… after conjuring more than a dozen clones? Fen Duanhun clenched his fists. How much energy does Juebi possess? 

The fireball grew even larger, its sheer power pressing down on the arena like an impending catastrophe. Fen Juebi sneered, his voice cutting through the fiery maelstrom. 

"Yun Che, do you understand now? Resistance is futile! Burn and regret standing against the Burning Heaven Clan!" 

"Is that… Burning Heaven Fire Blast?" someone whispered, their voice trembling. 

Yun Che's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the growing inferno. "Holy..." he muttered, tilting his head. 

"Is he crazy?! That attack will destroy the entire arena!" an audience member shouted. 

Fen Juebi ignored the outcry, raising his voice triumphantly. "Take this! And regret your decision to oppose the Burning Heaven Clan!" 

Yun Che struck a pose before he grins. "Bring it on!!!"

With a roar, Fen Juebi hurled the massive fireball toward the center of the arena. It hit with an earth-shattering explosion, flames and debris surging outward in a fiery maelstrom. The impact annihilated what was left of the arena's surface, leaving a smoldering crater. 

Luckily, the newly reinforced barrier contained the destruction, its shimmering energy field holding firm under the immense pressure. 

The arena was a scene of devastation, the once-pristine battlefield now a smoldering wasteland of charred debris. Fen Juebi stood tall, his smirk wide with vindication. The Burning Heaven Fire Blast, an ultimate move amplified by the collective strength of his clones, had unleashed a cataclysm that seemed impossible to survive. 

"That should be enough to deal with that arrogant pest," Fen Juebi muttered, his breathing ragged. He had poured everything into this final gambit, and the strain was evident. 

Fen Duanhun's elation was barely contained as he leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Finally… shame a talent like that had to perish. Maybe we can scavenge the arena for the treasure or his spatial ring." 

The crowd was buzzing with speculation. 

"Is he really dead? No one could have survived that…" whispered a member of the Frozen Cloud Asgard, her usually icy demeanor shaken. Xia Qingyue, sitting nearby, clenched her fists tightly but quickly composed herself, refusing to betray any emotion. 

"Why… why am I worried?" she wondered silently, her mind racing. "He's not allowed to die… not yet. I need answers." 

Little Fairy's veiled expression betrayed a moment of unease, but she too quickly calmed herself. On the royal seating zone, Cang Wanhe glanced anxiously at his daughter. 

"Yue'er… Che'er… is he…" 

Cang Yue's expression was calm, almost serene, as she replied, "Don't worry, Father. Che'er is too smart for something like this to kill him." Her unwavering belief in Yun Che was clear. Nearby, Retsu and the others in Yun Che's entourage barely stirred, their confidence in him unshaken.

Fen Juebi's eyes darted to the Profound Display, the indicator showing the match's status. Yun Che's name was still lit, signaling he was alive and still in the fight. Fen Juebi's smug expression twisted into frustration. It took his whole support of his clones to utilize that move and Yun Che somehow survived.

"Yun Che! You coward! You're still alive, aren't you?! Come out and face me!" 

In his desperation, Fen Juebi hurled fireballs wildly, aiming to flush out his opponent. His clones scattered, probing through the wreckage for any sign of life. Then, spotting a large boulder that stood suspiciously intact, Fen Juebi snarled. 

"Over there!" 

With a commanding gesture, he directed a barrage at the boulder, reducing it to rubble. 

As the smoke cleared, a familiar voice echoed across the battlefield. Before a pair of hands raised in mock surrender.

"Wait! I'm warning you! Back off!" 

The unmistakable tone of Yun Che rang out, teasing and full of life, from somewhere within the debris. Fen Juebi's triumphant grin faltered as the realization hit him: Yun Che had managed to evade the worst of the attack. 

The audience erupted in cheers, their tension released as Yun Che's unscathed figure confirmed his survival. Fen Juebi, now visibly shaken, could only glare in disbelief as his supposed victory crumbled before his eyes.

"Come out, Yun Che! You can't hide forever in this tiny arena. My clones will find you and annihilate you! Stop wasting my time and just concede!" Fen Juebi scanned the smoke-filled battlefield, his fiery clones prowling through the wreckage. 

"Ugh… death by some overconfident jerk," Yun Che muttered to himself, reclining against a shattered chunk of the arena. He adjusted his position slightly, smirking despite his feigned exhaustion. 

"Last chance, Yun Che! Show yourself, or my clones will drag you out and beat you into submission! Toss away any weapons while you're at it!" Fen Juebi sneered, his voice filled with malicious glee. 

From behind another boulder, Yun Che shouted back. "I won't throw away my weapons but I promise I won't use them." 

Jasmine materialized on his shoulder, arms crossed, her expression unimpressed. "So, how long do you plan on playing possum?" 

"Just long enough," Yun Che replied with a grin. "Besides, I've decided I won't need my legs to deal with this guy."

He suddenly had an idea.

"System, mind setting the mood with some NSYNC? Play 'Bye Bye Bye,'" Yun Che grinned, his excitement palpable as he punched his hands. 

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[Ding…Scanning host's memories: Playing song: Bye Bye Bye by NSYNC] 

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As the song's iconic beat dropped and the harmonies reverberated through the arena, heads turned in confusion and curiosity. The language of the song was unlike anything they had heard before—alien yet oddly captivating. Yun Che's body had essentially become a living speaker, amplifying the unfamiliar tune across the arena. 

The audience buzzed with murmurs. 

"What is this strange melody?" 

"Is it a cultivation technique?" 

"No, it's… it's just music! But from where?" 

Even Retsu, Cang Yue, and Mio exchanged glances, their surprise mirrored in their expressions. Though Yun Che had taught them some basic English, these lyrics were far beyond their current grasp. They made a mental note to expand their studies later—Yun Che always seemed to have another trick up his sleeve. 

Among them, only Nemu remained composed, her lips curling into the faintest smile. English had been embedded in her mind by the system, and as the song played, she silently admitted to herself that she rather enjoyed the rhythm. 

Xia Qingyue's eyes widened as she processed the scene. A battle accompanied by music? She had heard of Zither cultivators who could use musical notes as weapons, but this was unlike anything she'd ever witnessed. It wasn't technique or artistry—just an odd, almost frivolous tune. 

Around her, other fairies of the Frozen Cloud Asgard wore similar expressions of curiosity and unease. Little Fairy frowned slightly, making her own assumptions. "Could this be… a song from the Dead Spirit Realm?" she muttered under her breath. 

Amidst this confusion, Jasmine couldn't hold back her exasperation. "What… what kind of song is this?" she demanded, her tone a mix of bewilderment and irritation, her sensitive ears picking up every beat and word. 

The sheer audacity of the spectacle left the audience divided between baffled amusement and utter awe. And yet, Yun Che moved seamlessly to the rhythm, as though the song had become an extension of his very essence.

"It's a classic from my world," Yun Che replied with a smirk. "Don't worry about the lyrics, Jasmine. English might be foreign to you, but the vibe? Timeless." He rotated his shoulders, the mischievous gleam in his eyes growing sharper. 

The music swelled, building to the chorus. With a flourish, Yun Che struck a relaxed pose, channeling theatricality as he added, "Well, Jasmine, as a hero from my world used to say…" He paused dramatically, savoring the moment. 

"Here we go... Maximum Effort!" 

Jasmine raised an eyebrow. "You're impossible." 

Yun Che emerged from the smoke with a fluid side flip, landing gracefully in front of Fen Juebi. His smirk was razor-sharp, brimming with confidence as he dusted himself off, unfazed by the destruction around him. 

Fen Juebi sneered, trying to mask the growing unease in his chest. "Finally, you stop hiding like a rat. Whatever this sound you make, it won't help you! But I'll give you that much credit. But surviving my last attack doesn't mean you'll survive this next one. You're outmatched! These clones still have enough energy to mow you down." 

He thrust his arm forward, commanding his clones. "Attack him! Tear him apart!" 

The clones, now numbering in dozens, began forming weapons from Fen Juebi's spatial ring. Swords, spears, axes, and other tools of destruction materialized in their hands as they charged toward Yun Che in a relentless horde. 

Yun Che was impressed. Fen Juebi can equip his fire clones with real weapons as long as he had some inside his spatial ring. Perfect for coordinating a raid or invasion.

The audience held their breath, some leaning forward in their seats. 

"Does he have a plan? Without any weapons?" someone whispered. 

Yun Che chuckled and picked up a jagged piece of rock from the rubble. "All right, then. If weapons are off-limits, I'll just improvise." With a flick of his wrist, he hurled the stone with uncanny precision at one of Fen Juebi's clones. 

The rock pierced the clone's head, shattering it into fiery fragments that disintegrated into the air. Yun Che smirked. "That's one down… and plenty more to go."

The audience's eyes widened in astonishment. Yun Che wasn't using the music as a distraction or even as a weapon; it was more than that. The song was a condiment, enhancing the flavor of his performance. Each move, every strike, was perfectly synchronized to the beat, creating a spectacle unlike anything the crowd had ever witnessed.

It reminded Yun Che of a film from his previous world, where the protagonist dispatched hordes of enemies with graceful, brutal efficiency while epic classical music played in the background. The rhythm wasn't just for show—it amplified the energy of the moment, making his movements appear almost choreographed.

"This… this is insane!" one spectator gasped. 

"He's fighting to the music!" 

"Who is this guy?!" 

The reactions from the sects watching were a mix of awe and disbelief. Ling Yuefeng stared with wide eyes, unable to look away. Xuanyuan Yufeng's expression was unreadable, but her slight gasp betrayed her intrigue. Even Ling Jie was captivated, his eyes sparkling with admiration as he muttered, "Boss! You're so cool!" 

Fen Juebi, on the other hand, was fuming. This wasn't a fight; this was a spectacle, a mockery! The clones he had painstakingly created were being decimated one by one as if they were part of Yun Che's dramatic performance. 

"Stop playing around!" Fen Juebi roared, his frustration boiling over. But his anger only fueled Yun Che's smirk as dismantle another clone clean in the head.

Fen Juebi's eyes widened in shock as Yun Che effortlessly dismantled one of his clones with a single strike. The realization that Yun Che had uncovered the clones' weakness sent a wave of unease through him. Desperation etched across his face, Fen Juebi conjured more clones, hoping to overwhelm Yun Che through sheer numbers. 

Undeterred, Yun Che darted toward the nearest clone, snatching a dual-blade from its grasp. In a fluid motion, he slashed the clone across its midsection, causing it to explode in fiery fragments. Another lunged at him from behind, but Yun Che swiftly countered, stabbing the blade into its back. With a powerful twist, he spun and slashed through the clone, disintegrating it into embers. 

Two more advanced simultaneously, their movements synchronized. Yun Che smirked, adjusting his grip on the dual-blade. He drove the weapon through the head of one clone, striking its fiery core. Without hesitation, he raised his leg and delivered a precise kick to the hilt, forcing the blade through to the other side and impaling the second clone behind it. Both crumbled into flames. 

Another clone wielding a spiked chain mallet charged forward. Yun Che rolled beneath its swing, disarming it with a sharp yank. Now armed with the spiked weapon, he turned its force against the remaining clones. 

The chain whipped through the air with devastating speed, smashing into several clones in rapid succession. With each impact, the fiery apparitions dissolved into ash, their weapons clattering to the ground. The arena erupted in murmurs of awe as Yun Che moved with lethal precision, dismantling the swarm with nothing but sheer skill and ingenuity as if he was dancing in the battlefield.

The crowd gasped, unable to look away. Despite his supposed disadvantage, Yun Che displayed a level of adaptability and hand-to-hand combat mastery that left even the most seasoned fighters in stunned silence. The chained mallet swung in a deadly arc, obliterating another clone as its spiked head found its mark. 

"Is he... fighting without using his legs at all?" one spectator muttered in disbelief. 

"You could've used your big moves and finish them all!" Jasmine sounded.

"Hell no, these clones are chumps, and I wanted to play using my hand-to-hand combat!" Yun Che smirks as he took down another Fen Juebi clone.

Fen Juebi's confidence wavered as his clones fell one after another. Yun Che, relentless and composed, proved that resourcefulness and skill could overcome any numerical advantage.

Yun Che moved with a fluid grace, his movements on the battlefield almost resembling an intricate dance with the accompaniment of the mysterious music. Fen Juebi, in a desperate frenzy, conjured more and more clones, each one more erratic than the last. Undeterred, Yun Che countered their attacks with calculated precision. He grabbed the spiked mallet's head, flipping it to use the handle as an impromptu weapon. With a powerful swing, the chain lashed out, slamming into a clone and obliterating its fire core in a burst of embers. 

Each time a clone disintegrated, Fen Juebi felt a pang of loss, his control over the battle slipping further away. 

"Damn you, Yun Che…" He gritted his teeth.

Spotting a fallen knife, Yun Che swiftly retrieved it and plunged it into the head of an approaching clone, destroying it with a decisive blow. Two more clones lunged at him in tandem, their attacks perfectly timed to catch him off guard. Yun Che tossed the knife into the air and, with an agile backflip, evaded their assault. 

"People's elbow!" he shouted with a cheeky grin, bringing down his elbow onto one of the clones in a move straight out of a wrestling playbook. The fiery apparition crumbled under the force. Catching the knife mid-air, he spun and hurled it at the second clone, the blade striking its core with pinpoint accuracy and destroying it instantly. 

"Wow, Danna-sama is amazing at hand-to-hand combat," Mio remarked, her tone both impressed and amused. 

"Muu, I wish I could join him in a street fight like that," Retsu sighed wistfully, her eyes gleaming with excitement. 

"If an entire army were sent after Che'er... he could probably dismantle them without even breaking a sweat," Cang Yue murmured, her eyes wide with astonishment. 

Cang Wanhe, seated nearby, nodded with a faint smile of disbelief. "Yue'er, you had better treasure him. A man like that, who can casually treat a battlefield as his playground, is one in a million. I'd wager it would take more than an army to even slow him down." 

The emperor's words echoed the sentiments of the spectators, many of whom were still recovering from the spectacle. Even Xue Ling, who had watched countless battles in her time, found herself stunned. "Incredible," she muttered, her usually composed expression replaced with awe. "To face dozens of clones with nothing more than scavenged weapons... and to do so with such ease..." 

The sheer skill and creativity Yun Che had displayed left an indelible impression on everyone present. Where others would have been overwhelmed by numbers, he had turned the battle into a stage for his ingenuity and resilience.

The crowd erupted into cheers as Yun Che dismantled clone after clone, each victory more thrilling than the last. Though the clones bore the likeness of Fen Juebi, their sluggish reactions betrayed their limitations. Yun Che exploited this flaw, relying on precise, weapon-based hand-to-hand combat to turn the tide of the battle. 

One clone attempted a sneak attack from behind, but Yun Che sidestepped effortlessly, spinning around to swing the chained mallet directly into its face. The impact shattered the clone into fragments of fire, eliciting another wave of applause from the captivated audience. 

Fen Juebi's frustration mounted as Yun Che continued to dominate, his unorthodox style proving far superior to the mindless onslaught of clones. It was clear to all watching: Yun Che was in complete control of the battlefield.

Xia Qingyue's gaze sharpened as she observed Yun Che's unconventional approach. He wasn't using any grand or devastating techniques to annihilate the clones en masse; instead, he dismantled them one by one, each movement fluid and deliberate, as if performing an intricate dance. The crowd marveled at his mastery of hand-to-hand combat. 

If the clones had been real humans, the battlefield would have been a grotesque scene of blood and carnage. Instead, each clone disintegrated into harmless embers upon destruction. Yun Che's smirk grew as Fen Juebi's strategy became evident: tire him out by overwhelming him with numbers. Yet, Yun Che skillfully turned the plan on its head, taking down clone after clone without even dipping into his Spirit Force, relying solely on raw instinct and stamina. 

Fen Juebi conjured yet another wave of clones, desperate to regain control of the match. Yun Che caught one mid-charge, gripping it tightly before repeatedly smashing its face with the spiked head of the mallet until it dissolved. With a quick twist, he disconnected the mallet's head from its chain and stepped back, gauging the next target. 

"Metadona, from outside the box!" he shouted, grinning as he lined up his aim. With a sharp kick, he sent the spiked sphere flying through the air, striking a clone dead center. 

"Goal!" Yun Che exclaimed, raising his arms triumphantly as the clone disintegrated on impact, drawing laughter and cheers from the enthralled audience. 

Even Xia Qingyue, known for her stoic demeanor, found herself slightly taken aback by Yun Che's playful yet deadly efficiency. He wasn't just winning—he was putting on a performance, and everyone watching knew that Fen Juebi's plan was crumbling faster than he could summon reinforcements.

Yun Che rolled deftly across the arena, snatching up two knives from the ground. Without missing a beat, he twisted one clone's arm until it snapped, then sliced its neck with a brutal flourish. To the shock of everyone present, he drove the second knife straight into the clone's crotch making it screeching in pain. 

The reaction was immediate and visceral. Across the arena, male spectators winced, many instinctively clutching their own groins as if feeling the phantom pain themselves. 

"Rascal… you…" Little Fairy muttered, covering her veiled mouth in astonishment. Striking that particular area was an unspoken taboo, and yet Yun Che had used the dirty tactic without hesitation. Chu Yueli, sitting nearby, shielded Nezuko's eyes from the display as though sparing her innocence. 

The audience was abuzz, murmurs rippling through the crowd. Never had they seen such an audacious and shameless method in combat. Yet it worked, and Yun Che wore a smirk as if daring someone to question his approach. 

Three more clones charged at him, but Yun Che acted quickly, scooping up another knife and holding all three blades with precision. With a sharp flick of his wrists, he launched the knives at the oncoming clones, each one hitting its target dead-on. The clones disintegrated instantly, leaving faint embers in their wake. 

The remaining clones faltered, their advance slowing. Fen Juebi, connected to his creations, felt a creeping dread. That fear rippled through the clones like a chain reaction, causing their movements to become erratic and hesitant. 

Another clone lunged at Yun Che, but he moved with effortless precision. He sidestepped its attack, driving his knife straight through its arm, rendering it useless. Before it could react, he followed up by slashing through its legs, immobilizing it. With a swift, powerful kick to its neck, the clone shattered into embers, disintegrating on the spot.

From the stands, Fen Juecheng's face turned crimson with anger and disbelief. The clones were supposed to overpower Yun Che with their enhanced defenses, forcing him into submission. Instead, they had become props in what was rapidly turning into Yun Che's theatrical performance. 

Yun Che's grin widened as he turned Fen Juebi's clones—and, by extension, the Burning Heaven Clan—into a spectacle of humiliation. Fen Duanhun's face flushed with anger, his fists clenching at his sides. The Burning Heaven Clan's advanced technique, Burning Heaven Steps, which he had proudly boasted about, was now reduced to nothing more than a sideshow act. 

"Damn you, Yun Che!" he growled under his breath, his frustration boiling over. Fen Juebi, equally enraged, sent another clone to attack, but Yun Che moved with calculated precision, stabbing the clone repeatedly in its arms and legs before dismantling it entirely. He seemed to deliberately taunt Fen Juebi, his actions mocking the effort behind the clones. 

Fen Juebi's patience snapped. "Enough! All of you, attack!" he roared, summoning every clone at once in a desperate bid to overwhelm Yun Che. 

Instead of faltering, Yun Che's excitement grew. With a gleam in his eye, he retrieved the chain and handle of a previously destroyed weapon. Scanning the debris, he found another broken handle and quickly attached it to the chain, improvising a weapon resembling nunchucks. 

"Come on, big fella!" Yun Che taunted, his grin unwavering as he deftly attached the chains properly to secure his improvised weapon. 

With a swift flip, he evaded the incoming strikes of several clones, his movements fluid and precise. Landing gracefully, he swung his weapon in a perfect arc, the chain and blunt ends moving as if an extension of his own body. The nearest clone barely had time to react before the strike connected—directly to its head. 

CRACK! 

The clone disintegrated instantly, its fiery essence dispersing into the air. The audience gasped as they realized the sheer efficiency of his tactics: one precise hit was all it took to obliterate each clone.

The crowd erupted in murmurs as they watched his ingenuity. The makeshift weapon spun in his hands with practiced ease, its fluid motions mesmerizing. Even Retsu's eyes sparkled with admiration at his battlefield creativity, while Nemu began scribbling furiously in her notebook, documenting his ability to adapt under pressure. 

Yun Che moved like a dancer in the chaos, his new weapon carving a path through the oncoming clones. Each strike shattered them with ease, leaving trails of disintegrating embers in his wake. His movements were precise, almost elegant, as he targeted weak points with uncanny accuracy. 

Finally, as the last clone lunged at him, Yun Che struck with a decisive blow. He swung the nunchucks with such force that he shattered the clone's leg, launching it skyward. With a sharp turn, he caught its descent and slammed it into the arena floor, its fiery core disintegrating on impact. 

The arena fell into stunned silence for a moment, before the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Yun Che stood amidst the dissipating embers, his demeanor relaxed, as if the entire battle had been a casual warm-up. 

Fen Duanhun's face darkened with shame, his pride wounded. Yun Che had not only decimated every clone but had also exposed the limits of their technique to a roaring audience of thousands. The Burning Heaven Clan had been thoroughly humiliated.

Yun Che smirked as he casually tossed the nunchucks aside. The discarded weapon caught the attention of several martial enthusiasts in the crowd, who seemed eager to leap onto the stage and study its ingenious design. However, the Heavenly Sword Villa guards stationed nearby quickly blocked any attempts, maintaining order around the arena. 

With a dramatic flourish, Yun Che rolled up his sleeves, revealing a curious contraption strapped to each arm. The audience leaned forward in anticipation, murmurs of intrigue rippling through the crowd. 

Suddenly, with a sharp snikt, three gleaming blades extended from each gauntlet, resembling claws. He admired his work with a mischievous grin. "Ahhh…" he squealed theatrically, channeling a figure from his world—Wolverine, a warrior known for his indestructible claws and fierce combat prowess. 

Unlike the fictional hero's natural claws, Yun Che's were mechanical, an improvised marvel of craftsmanship. The crowd gasped in amazement, stunned by yet another unexpected display of his creativity. 

"If Fen Juebi wants more clones…" Yun Che said, flexing his hands to test the balance of the claws, "...then I'll go full Wolverine on them." 

For a moment, he broke into a playful roar, mimicking the iconic growl of the character he was embodying. Then, with a cheeky grin, he quipped, "Come on, Fen Juebi!" 

"Damn you, Yun Che! Damn you!" Fen Juebi's roar fill the air as more and more clones emerging but instead of panicking. Yun Che smirks even further. He made the Wolverine gauntlets but never had the chance to test them. Not to mention these clones didn't even provide XP but they do made fun targets.

---------------------

In front of Yun Che stood more than two dozen fiery clones, their blazing forms illuminating the arena. Fen Juebi, though triumphant in appearance, was visibly fatigued. His shoulders heaved, and beads of sweat rolled down his face. Why is this draining me so much? he thought, his confidence wavering slightly. Conjuring the clones had taken more out of him than he had anticipated.

Yun Che, however, was as calm as ever. He glanced at the flaming doppelgängers before him, then at Fen Juebi. A smirk tugged at his lips. To him, these clones were nothing more than cannon fodder—pawns in a desperate game. He flexed his fingers, his Wolverine claws retracting with a metallic snikt.

But instead of sticking to the claws, Yun Che reached into the air, summoning a new weapon from the system. The weapon materialized in his hand, its sleek and deadly form catching the light—a modified handgun with a distinct design. 

"What do you call this one?" Jasmine's voice echoed in his mind, her curiosity piqued as she observed the weapon from Retsu's shoulder. 

"I call it a Deagle," Yun Che replied with a sly grin, his tone laced with satisfaction. 

"Odd name," Jasmine remarked, though her interest was unmistakable. 

Yun Che raised the gun, inspecting it briefly. It was powerful, precise, and designed for moments like this—a creation meant to turn overwhelming odds into nothing more than target practice. 

He shifted his gaze to the army of clones advancing toward him and muttered under his breath, "Let's see how many I can take out with a single clip." 

"Well, let's do this. Maximum Effort." He smirks. With that, he aimed the Deagle at the nearest clone, its glowing barrel ready to unleash devastation.

----------

[The Quincy Version of the Desert Eagle.]

[The Desert Eagle or simply Deagle is a single-action, gas-operated, semi-automatic pistol capable of chambering modified .50 Action Express bullets, the largest centerfire cartridge of any magazine-fed, self-loading pistol and famous for other large caliber chamberings.]

-------------

With over a dozen flaming clones surrounding him, Yun Che made a quick decision. His semi-automatic Quincy crossbow required two hands, and the HDR Sniper Rifle was impractical for close combat. So, he pulled a sleek handgun from the system—a weapon he'd recently purchased and personally modified. It was a perfect blend of power and convenience for this particular scenario. Despite his general dislike for firearms, he decided to make an exception, intending to toy with the clones while entertaining the crowd. 

The audience's murmurs grew louder as they caught sight of the strange weapon. 

"What is that?" one asked, leaning forward in their seat. 

"It's not a bow, nor a blade… but it's not against the rules either!" another exclaimed, referencing the tournament's allowance of unconventional weapons, provided they weren't poisonous. 

After all, even Retsu's Parasol Air Gun had been permitted. 

Then, the first shot rang out. 

BOOM! 

The explosive sound reverberated across the arena, silencing the murmurs in an instant. The fiery clone closest to Yun Che disintegrated on impact, the core on its forehead shattering like glass. 

The crowd erupted into astonished whispers. 

"Did you see that? It doesn't even have a string or mechanism!" 

"And it's one-handed! What kind of weapon is that?" 

Fen Juebi's eyes widened in disbelief. What is this strange contraption? he thought as Yun Che surged forward. 

"This might be the last one. Songs are fun, but they're just for the show," Yun Che said with a smirk. "System, play Like A Prayer by Madonna." 

--------------------

[Ding… Playing Madonna - Like A Prayer]

-----------------------

As the iconic tune filled the arena, the audience once again fell into a mix of confusion and intrigue. The mysterious melody, so unlike anything they had ever heard, sparked divided opinions. Some frowned at the loud, foreign sound, dismissing it as an unusual distraction tactic or an odd cultivation art. Others, unable to understand the lyrics but entranced by the rhythm, couldn't help but enjoy the unexpected performance. 

Fen Juecheng and Fen Duanhun clenched their fists, their faces dark with fury. To them, the battle had devolved into a disgraceful spectacle—Yun Che's personal stage, mocking everything the Burning Heaven Clan stood for.

With a grin and the song on full blast, Yun Che launched himself into the fray. The Deagle barked again, another clone obliterated with pinpoint accuracy. He flowed seamlessly between shots and melee strikes, switching to his claw blades whenever a clone got too close. He moved like a predator, his sharp claws glinting under the arena's light, tearing through clone after clone. 

The audience watched in stunned fascination as Yun Che's dance unfolded. He darted between fiery figures, claws flashing and bullets roaring. For distant targets, a single shot from his handgun was all it took. For closer ones, he slashed with brutal efficiency—sometimes one strike, sometimes two or three—but the result was always the same. 

Fen Juebi could only stand frozen, his confidence wavering as Yun Che turned his seemingly overwhelming army into a mere spectacle.

Some clones managed to close in and strike at Yun Che, their weapons landing direct hits. Yet, the results were baffling—even to the clones themselves. Their blades and spears didn't so much as scratch him, let alone pierce his cloak. In fact, their attacks felt to Yun Che like being poked with dull sticks, entirely incapable of causing harm or even discomfort. 

The audience gasped in disbelief, murmuring among themselves. 

"What is he made of? Even the sharpest weapons can't pierce him!" 

"Is this some kind of armor technique? Or is his body just… invulnerable?" 

Fen Juebi's smirk faltered as he observed his clones failing miserably. Yun Che casually brushed off their attacks, his expression more amused than concerned. 

The truth was more astounding than anyone could fathom. Yun Che's Dragon God Body had elevated his defense to monstrous levels, making him impervious to attacks beneath the Peak Sovereign Profound Realm, and the Dragon God Marrow granted him unparalleled regeneration and healing. On top of that, the Great Way of the Buddha, modified by the system, negated all physical damage below Level 100. To make matters even more absurd, his body had now reached the Lower Rank Saint Body, placing him leagues beyond what his opponents could comprehend. 

He's basically invulnerable. 

Little Fairy, watching from the stands, couldn't help but recall the grueling sessions he had endured to strengthen his physical resilience. She remembered vividly how Yun Che had relied on her strength to cultivate his body's defense, subjecting himself to endless beatings to temper his endurance. But now, her full power wouldn't even faze him—her attacks would simply bounce off. 

Still, a smirk tugged at her lips. That doesn't mean I'll stop disciplining him when necessary. 

She knew that while she couldn't harm his body, she could still rely on Haki to make him feel pain when he stepped out of line. The thought of keeping him in check with her own methods brought her a measure of satisfaction, even as Yun Che continued to dominate the battlefield with his seemingly indestructible form.

Half a year ago, Yun Che was far from the formidable figure he now displayed. Back then, his body defense was so lacking that a single strike from Little Fairy, delivered after his shameless request to see her underwear, had left him severely injured—teetering on the brink of death. But now? His resilience was leagues ahead, transforming him into an untouchable force. 

If Yun Che's body has grown this strong… Little Fairy mused, her expression calm but her thoughts racing. Then what about Retsu? She shares his secrets, his transformations. Could she also have attained invulnerability? And what of the others? His so-called flock? Her sister? That peculiar girl with the butterfly clip… 

The thought made her grip her sleeve tighter, a rare flicker of unease passing through her usually composed demeanor. 

Meanwhile, Yun Che continued his relentless assault on the Burning Heaven clones. A clone's weapon shattered in his grasp, and it lunged at him barehanded in desperation. He countered effortlessly, slicing off its arm with his claws before firing a shot straight through its head, reducing it to ash. Another clone attempted a sneak attack, leaping at him from behind. With a swift motion, Yun Che snatched up a discarded sword, letting the clone impale itself on the blade as it fell. 

"Get him!" Fen Juebi's voice cracked as he barked orders, his confidence faltering. 

But the chaos only intensified. More and more clones swarmed Yun Che, their numbers growing to absurd proportions. Yet, they were no match for him and as if on que for the chorus of the Madonna song, he carved through them as if they were mere paper figures. His claws tore through their forms, and his immense physical strength sent them flying with every blow. When the ground became too crowded, he leapt into the air, firing precise shots from above, each bullet finding its mark and obliterating his enemies. 

From the stands, Retsu bit down on her handkerchief, her restraint barely holding. The urge to leap into the fray and fight by his side was almost overwhelming. Watching Yun Che in action ignited a thrill she couldn't suppress, though she knew she needed to stay back for now. 

The clones' attempts to overwhelm Yun Che were futile. They piled onto him, but he shrugged them off with ease, breaking through their lines with raw power and calculated precision. Each stab of his claws targeted their critical cores, often destroying them in a single hit. In moments of pure cheek, Yun Che even aimed for their "nuggets," eliciting winces and murmurs of sympathy from the male audience members watching. 

The scene left the spectators in awe. 

"This is insane," muttered Ling Yuefeng, his sharp gaze fixed on the battle. Beside him, Xuanyuan Yufeng's eyes shimmered with a rare intensity, unable to tear her gaze away from Yun Che's prowess. She was eyeing on his claw mechanism. It was just like her Hidden Blade mechanism. She was asking herself. How did Yun Che knew to create such things?

Ling Yun clenched his fists, his mind racing to devise strategies for the upcoming round of 32. How can anyone beat him? he wondered bitterly. 

Meanwhile, Ling Jie was captivated. "Boss Yun… he's amazing!" he exclaimed, practically idolizing Yun Che on the spot. 

The effect wasn't limited to the Ling family. Mai and Mei couldn't take their eyes off Yun Che, their expressions betraying awe and admiration. Yuanba, for his part, was caught between admiration and jealousy, stealing glances at Mai and noticing how her gaze lingered on Yun Che. 

The battlefield became a stage where Yun Che reigned supreme, each move solidifying his dominance and leaving the audience utterly mesmerized as he fights horde of clones accompanied by an epic song.

Yun Che sliced through a clone with ruthless efficiency, tossing his Deagle into the air as he delivered a flurry of claw strikes. He caught the falling gun mid-spin and fired a perfect shot to the clone's head, obliterating it. Only a few clones remained between him and Fen Juebi, and his relentless combo of shooting and claw attacks left them no chance to retaliate. Each precise strike and shot shattered their cores, leaving destruction in his wake. 

Fen Juebi's expression darkened as he retreated, his frustration mounting. The clones couldn't touch Yun Che, but he wasn't ready to concede. A sinister idea formed in his mind, and his lips curled into a malevolent grin. He noticed the fallen clones had left behind their flaming cores—volatile remnants of their creation. 

"If I can't kill you directly," Fen Juebi snarled, channeling his profound energy, "then let the fire do it for me!" 

Gathering the energy from the scattered cores, he launched a desperate, devastating attack. "Yun Che! Die!" he bellowed, triggering an enormous explosion. The arena was instantly engulfed in a raging inferno, the signature Burning Heaven Flames surging outward in a fiery tempest. 

The audience gasped in unison, shielding their faces from the heat. Even those who doubted Fen Juebi's skill believed Yun Che couldn't survive such an onslaught. Whispers spread through the crowd, predicting Yun Che's demise despite his earlier dominance. Some shook their heads in pity, murmuring that he had put up a good show before the inevitable end. 

Fen Juebi smirked triumphantly, the flames reflecting in his eyes. If Yun Che died, the Burning Heaven Clan could always claim it was an accident. 

Just then, as if perfectly timed, the song's final note echoed across the arena. The flames burst outward with a deafening roar, revealing Yun Che leaping from the inferno, his body unscathed. His triumphant jump seemed choreographed to the music's crescendo, and he landed with a grin that radiated confidence. 

The entire arena fell into stunned silence. 

The flames hadn't even singed him. 

Gasps of disbelief rippled through the crowd. Fen Juebi's smirk vanished, replaced by wide-eyed shock. The Burning Heaven Clan's elders were frozen, their expressions a mix of horror and incomprehension. The other sects, the fairies, and even figures like Cang Wanhe and Qin Wushang stared in open astonishment. To them, it was as though Yun Che had just defied the laws of nature. 

As Yun Che strode forward, his foot caught on a fallen clone's disintegrated remains, sending him sprawling face-first onto the arena floor. 

The silence broke with an awkward hush. 

"Ara…" Retsu sweat-dropped, her hand lightly covering her face in mild exasperation. Kon, on the other hand, was rolling on the floor, laughing uncontrollably, his voice carrying across the stunned arena. 

Cang Yue shook her head with a soft chuckle, while Mio pressed a hand to her lips, trying her best to stifle a giggle. Even so, her shoulders betrayed her amusement. Nemu, ever composed, maintained an indifferent expression, though her eyes glimmered faintly with intrigue. 

"Rascal…" Little Fairy muttered, shaking her head in fond disapproval. 

Xia Qingyue let out a soft sigh, though a subtle twitch at the corner of her mouth hinted she wasn't entirely unaffected. The other fairies exchanged hesitant glances, unsure whether to laugh or remain composed. 

"Onii-chan is funny!" Nezuko giggled, clapping her hands together with delight. 

The crowd was enveloped in silence, the air thick with mixed emotions. Some were still reeling from the breathtaking spectacle Yun Che had put on, while others struggled to suppress laughter at his unexpected tumble. 

They didn't know whether to celebrate his awe-inspiring performance or laugh at the abrupt comic relief. Either way, Yun Che had left an indelible impression on everyone present.

"Oh, come on, man!" Yun Che groaned, pushing himself up. "After all that, people will only remember the fall!" 

Dusting himself off, he calmly stored his claws and Deagle, turning his attention back to Fen Juebi. Despite everything, he stood there grinning, escaped the Burning Heaven Blast, having just dismantled dozens of clones and survived an inferno, now standing face-to-face with his opponent. 

Fen Juebi stared at him, trembling—not just with rage, but with something far more potent: fear.