Chapter 200: The Second Round (III)

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Blue Wind Imperial Family – Cang Yue ------versus------- Jiangyu Sect, Ling Mang

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Cang Yue stepped confidently into the arena, her expression full of excitement as she turned to Yun Che and Retsu. "It's my turn. I'm quite excited. Wish me luck!" she said, her voice full of enthusiasm.

However, just moments later, Cang Yue was walking back down the steps with a disappointed look on her face.

"Blue Wind Imperial Family Cang Yue – Wins!" the announcer declared, though his tone lacked any real excitement.

"That was fast," Yun Che commented, raising an eyebrow as he looked at Retsu.

"He conceded," Cang Yue sighed, her voice tinged with frustration.

"…." Yun Che and Retsu exchanged a glance, then stifled their laughter. "Pfff…."

Cang Yue, her cheeks puffing out in a pout, crossed her arms. "Muuu… It's not funny!" she huffed, clearly not pleased with how things turned out. Her opponent had conceded before the fight had even begun, leaving her victory without any challenge.

Yun Che chuckled and placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Little Yue. You still win. Your opponent is at Fifth Level Spirit Profound Realm, and you defeated Ling Feiyu of the Heavenly Sword Villa. Maybe the others are just too scared to face you."

"That's right!" Retsu chimed in, her voice warm. "You've built up quite a reputation already. Not everyone is brave enough to face you in the arena."

Cang Yue sighed, though a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "I guess it's not the worst thing to win without a fight… but I was hoping for a real challenge."

"You'll get one soon enough," Yun Che reassured her, giving her a wink.

Yun Che's second match was a quick victory. His opponent, a spear-wielding practitioner at the fifth level of the Spirit Profound Realm, charged in with all his might. But Yun Che barely had to move—his Diable Jamble wasn't even necessary. A swift Mutton Shot and the spear flew from his hands, ending the match in a single strike. The crowd roared with surprise at how effortlessly he had taken control of the fight.

Retsu's match was just as swift. Her opponent, a dual sword practitioner, tried to overwhelm her with quick strikes, but Retsu simply used her air gun to blow him away. He had barely gotten a chance to strike before she had already neutralized him.

Cang Yue, too, was dominating her opponents. In her second match, her opponent tried to push her into a defensive position, but after just a few exchanges of blades, he conceded, recognizing the futility of continuing. Her third and fourth matches followed the same pattern: a few moves, a quick counter, and victory.

With each match, their streaks were becoming legendary. The announcer's voice rang out in the arena:

"…Blue Wind Imperial Family's Yun Che wins!" 

"…Blue Wind Imperial Family's Unohana Retsu wins!" 

"…Blue Wind Imperial Family's Cang Yue wins!"

Their victories were stacking up, one after another, and the participants were growing more wary of the trio. Not all of them conceded right away, but after a few exchanges, they realized they were no match for the Blue Wind Imperial Family's overwhelming power. Whenever they thought they had a chance, their moves were easily countered, and defeat was inevitable. The crowd's excitement grew, as the Blue Wind Imperial Family's dominance became undeniable. It was clear that they were on a different level—surpassing even the four sects in both skill and allure.

Du Ming and his brothers were loud and relentless, their enthusiastic cheers for the Blue Wind Imperial Family ringing through the stands. "Let's go, Princess Cang Yue! Show them what you've got!" Du Ming shouted, his voice booming with pride. The brothers followed suit, their cheers infectious as they chanted Yun Che, Retsu, and Cang Yue's names. Their loyalty was unwavering, and their energy drew curious glances from other spectators.

But then, in her next match, Cang Yue's confidence was put to the test.

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Blue Wind Imperial Family – Cang Yue ------versus------- QingLong Sect, Lin Yueru

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Cang Yue's eyes narrowed as she faced Lin Yueru, the top contender from the QingLong Sect. The difference in their fighting styles couldn't be more pronounced: a close-range sword user against an expert archer, known for her overwhelming energy arrows. Cang Yue had seen how Lin Yueru defeated her previous opponents, her energy arrows raining down on them like a storm. It was a daunting sight, but one that didn't deter Cang Yue.

Yun Che was intrigued. Lin Yueru's archery skill reminded him of a low-rank Quincy, with precision and relentless long-range attacks that could keep any opponent on edge. She was a striking figure in her QingLong Sect robes, her presence commanding attention as she stood with the composed confidence of a practiced archer.

Lin Yueru had an athletic, graceful build that seemed perfect for her role, with a tall, slender frame that allowed her swift movements and precise strikes. Her slight purple black hair was tied in an elegant high ponytail that cascaded down her back, catching the light as it moved with her. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, were a deep, stormy gray that seemed to pierce through her opponents with ease. Her gaze held a mix of pride and disdain, as if sizing up every opponent and already foreseeing their defeat. Lin Yueru wore a distinctive azure sash around her waist, adorned with the QingLong Sect's emblem, symbolizing her place among their elite. Not to mention, she is the same age as Cang Yue herself.

At the seventh level of the Spirit Profound Realm, she was not only formidable in skill but also among the rare women who had advanced to the second round. Her presence on the battlefield was striking, her aura radiating a refined but intense strength that hinted at both her mastery and her ambition.

"You got this." Yun Che's voice was calm, reassuring. He gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder, and Cang Yue nodded with determination. She wasn't going to back down. Not now, not in front of everyone.

As she stepped onto the arena, Lin Yueru's eyes gleamed with a mix of arrogance and disdain. She adjusted her QingLong Sect robes, the fabric billowing in the wind, before looking at Cang Yue with an expression full of contempt.

"I've seen how you defeated Ling Feiyu," Lin Yueru said, her voice dripping with superiority. "But you're a sword user. A sword can't possibly match the power of my long-range attacks. Concede now, Princess Cang Yue. I'm giving you a chance."

Cang Yue's lips curved into a confident smirk. "Never."

Lin Yueru let out an exaggerated sigh, her tone mocking as she summoned her bow with a flourish. Her fingers gripped the string, but there was something unsettling about it—Cang Yue noticed that she didn't have any arrows prepared.

Her opponent sneered, her eyes narrowing. "Don't think you can beat me just because you've defeated some sword users. I'll make you a living target, Princess." Her words were laced with venom, but Cang Yue stood her ground.

"Oh? You're not going to shoot?" Cang Yue's voice was laced with challenge, her stance firm. "Do it if you can."

"Begin!"

Cang Yue barely had time to react as Lin Yueru leaped high into the air, releasing a rapid shot of energy arrows directly at her. Instinctively, Cang Yue raised her sword, Wadou Ichimonji, slicing through each arrow with precision. But Lin Yueru's barrage didn't relent, forcing Cang Yue to deflect shot after shot, her arm tingling from the repeated impact.

Suddenly, Cang Yue noticed Lin Yueru was nowhere to be seen. She quickly sharpened her focus, straining to pick up any hint of her opponent's location, but Lin Yueru's mocking voice echoed around the arena. "Good luck finding me. Detection won't help you," she taunted.

Unfazed, Cang Yue activated her Eagle Vision, her gaze sharpening as she scanned the surroundings, and Lin Yueru's cloaked form appeared, faintly outlined in the air. But her opponent was quick and agile, vanishing in an instant and reappearing in new positions. Every time Cang Yue detected her, Lin Yueru fired from a different blind spot, keeping her off balance.

Cang Yue gritted her teeth, parrying each arrow while Lin Yueru's taunts filled the arena. It was a relentless game of hide-and-seek.

"Ha! What did they expect? A mere sword-user going up against our top archer from the QingLong Sect? It's like handing her an easy win," one of the sect's disciple sneered, crossing his arms smugly.

"I'd be surprised if she lasts another minute. The Blue Wind Imperial Family must be regretting this one," another chimed in with a dismissive laugh.

"Did they really think a princess could just waltz in and handle QingLong's elite? Lin Yueru will have her pinned down in no time."

"You can tell she's out of her depth already. She can't keep up with someone who attacks from a distance like that," a third muttered to his friend, who nodded in agreement.

"Guess the Blue Wind's winning streak had to end sometime," a spectator scoffed. "Might as well end it here."

"Princess Cang Yue's bound to fall—she's no match for our top marksman!" A fellow member of her sect shouted.

"Yuu-kun…" Retsu's gentle voice held a trace of worry as she glanced at him, her gaze flicking between Yun Che and the ongoing battle.

Yun Che simply chuckled, the corners of his mouth lifting in a confident smile. "Don't worry, she knows what she's doing," he assured Retsu, his eyes steady on Cang Yue as she stood her ground. "Every moment she's out there, she grows stronger. This isn't something she'll run from."

His unwavering faith in Cang Yue seemed to ease Retsu's concern, and she nodded softly.

An arrow shot straight toward her shoulder, but Cang Yue was ready. Her Haki flared, coating her skin and nullifying the impact with ease. The arrow struck but glanced off harmlessly.

"You—! That arrow should have pierced your shoulder!" Lin Yueru shouted in disbelief, her frustration visible.

She fired again, aiming at Cang Yue's hands and legs to disable her, but each arrow met the same fate, deflected by the protective energy coating and her modified Isu battle kimono. Not a single arrow penetrated, and Lin Yueru's anger only grew.

The crowd murmured in astonishment, eyes wide as Cang Yue's form seemed almost impervious, her Busoshoku Haki shielding her from each of Lin Yueru's relentless arrows. Though the barrage continued, the spectators knew the shield couldn't hold forever; sooner or later, a perfectly aimed shot might find its mark. 

"Is she untouchable?" one disciple muttered, his eyes filled with a mix of admiration and disbelief. 

Lin Yueru herself gritted her teeth in frustration, realizing the limits of her attacks, yet determined to keep up the assault. She pulled back her bowstring once more, eyes narrowing. "Let's see if that shield will hold much longer, Princess," she muttered, infusing her next arrow with a surge of energy as the crowd held its breath.

"Hmph. If regular arrows won't do, maybe these will…" Lin Yueru smirked, drawing an explosive arrow from her quiver. The moment she fired, Cang Yue's Haki screamed, warning her of the danger. She leapt aside just as the arrow struck, erupting in a powerful explosion that shook the arena.

Realizing she couldn't stay on the defensive forever, Cang Yue reacted with lightning speed. Barrages of explosive arrows rained down around her, each narrowly missing as she dodged. Then, with a flash of determination, she activated her second cultivated Rokushiki technique.

"Soru!" In a blink, she vanished from the epicenter of the explosions, reappearing clear on the other side of the arena. The crowd gasped in astonishment, the sudden speed catching them off guard.

"So fast!" murmured a spectator, awestruck as Cang Yue blurred across the field, avoiding each attack effortlessly.

But Lin Yueru's smirk didn't fade. "Speed alone won't win this, princess," she sneered, drawing more explosive arrows and firing rapidly. She grinned, watching Cang Yue dart around the arena. "Keep running, princess! You can't dodge forever," she taunted, pulling back another explosive arrow. "Speed alone won't save you."

Cang Yue darted forward with Soru, her speed blurring her outline as she attempted to close the gap between herself and Lin Yueru. But every time she neared, Lin Yueru vanished like a shadow, reappearing at another edge of the arena, bow drawn and another arrow aimed.

The crowd marveled at Lin Yueru's fluid movement, whispers of awe circulating as she repeatedly evaded Cang Yue's advances. Her agility, paired with her impressive camouflage techniques, demonstrated why the QingLong Sect held such a formidable reputation, positioned just below the four major sects in prestige and power.

"She's toying with her," one disciple from another sect commented, watching Lin Yueru skillfully keep her distance.

"QingLong Sect's techniques are really something," another chimed in, nodding in agreement. "With that level of control over stealth and movement, it's almost impossible to pin her down. No wonder they're ranked so high."

"She's wasting her energy trying to avoid the inevitable," one spectator whispered with a smirk. "Once she tires out, it'll be over."

"Right? She's on borrowed time now. The QingLong Sect is just toying with her!" another added, chuckling at Cang Yue's desperate maneuvers.

But Cang Yue's expression remained calm, her movements fluid and precise. She expertly anticipated each blast, her Haki sensing every incoming arrow even before they reached her. The crowd watched, surprised by her resilience but confident in Lin Yueru's advantage.

"You're only delaying your defeat!" Lin Yueru shouted, but Cang Yue was focused. Her movements weren't just for evasion—they were calculated, adapting to every angle of attack.

"That princess is more resilient than I thought," one disciple muttered, almost begrudgingly impressed.

"But look at Lin Yueru," another countered. "She's still in control. Princess Cang Yue's just stalling."

Cang Yue's eyes narrowed. She wasn't simply stalling—she was waiting. She knew she couldn't match the archer in range, but she only needed one opening to end it.

"Are you okay?" Yuyun's voice echoed in Cang Yue's mind.

"This match feels impossible without ranged attacks," Cang Yue replied, frustration filling her thoughts. She could sense her opponent, but Lin Yueru's speed and relentless attacks kept her at bay. "At this rate, I'll tire out, and my Haki won't hold forever."

"Santoryu has a ranged technique, you know?" Yuyun reminded her gently.

Cang Yue hesitated, knowing exactly what Yuyun meant but feeling uncertain. "I've tried it before, but it's hard to execute. I can't seem to grasp its mantra."

"Understand it, Little Yue. Focus and repeat," Yuyun encouraged her. Cang Yue closed her eyes, repeating the mantra in her mind, concentrating deeply. Images of the technique, the movements, and the focus it required flashed through her thoughts.

She whispered the mantra to herself, "Eyes, nose, ears, tongue, body, and mind."

Across the arena, Lin Yueru sneered, mistaking Cang Yue's stillness for surrender. "Finally giving up? The Blue Wind Imperial Family falls easier than I expected." With a triumphant grin, Lin Yueru unleashed a volley of explosive arrows, intending to end the match decisively.

But Cang Yue didn't run this time. Calmly, she deflected each incoming arrow with her sword, sending them spiraling away to explode behind her. The crowd gasped, eyes widening as they saw her newfound confidence.

"Those six senses—each has its own strength then separated to three," Cang Yue muttered to herself, feeling her focus deepen. She surged forward, her speed overwhelming. Lin Yueru leaped back and fired an explosive arrow, but Cang Yue caught it mid-air with a steady hand and threw it aside, her calm, unbreakable gaze fixed on her opponent.

"Good, bad and neutral."

"What are you babbling about?" Lin Yueru yelled, loosing three arrows at Cang Yue, who merely shifted her body aside, dodging them effortlessly.

Cang Yue continued, her voice calm and focused. "The eighteen senses, each refined or defiled, aligning as thirty-six desires." A newfound clarity surged within her as the mantra's meaning crystallized in her mind.

"Enough!" Lin Yueru snarled, shooting a furious barrage of arrows, each one aimed to overwhelm. But Cang Yue stood unmoving, watching the arrows as if she already knew their paths. Her sword flicked once, deflecting a single arrow while the rest passed harmlessly around her.

Cang Yue took a deep breath, her voice resolute. "Thank you, Lin Yueru. This battle gave me what I needed." She began to gather her energy, a powerful aura radiating from her as she fully embraced the mantra. With each of the thirty-six desires aligning, she felt a flow of strength—steady, unwavering. She focused this energy into her blade, which now glowed with a fierce intensity.

"Ittoryu..." she called, her voice reverberating across the arena. "Sanjuroku Pound Ho! (36 Pound Phoenix)"

With a sweeping motion, she unleashed a massive energy wave from her sword—a sharp, circular arc in shape of a Kirin force that tore through Lin Yueru's arrows and left her nowhere to escape. The crowd erupted in shock as the powerful blast grew, cutting through everything in its path. The impact was staggering, reminiscent of the legendary slash that had once decimated Emperor Profound masters in Gao Ling City. Even the spectators from the Four Great Sects stood frozen, realizing the sheer power Cang Yue had achieved in a single strike.

Ling Yuefeng's words, "She really is his disciple," barely reached the ears of those around him, but the shock on the faces of the Heavenly Sword Villa elders said it all. They marveled at the sheer scale of Cang Yue's sword wave, a technique reminiscent of Dracule Mihawk's legendary strikes. Even their own sword techniques couldn't match the power or size of the wave Cang Yue had unleashed. The elders exchanged glances, deeply unsettled by the sight of such destructive potential from a single sword.

Ling Yun gripped the arms of his chair, his knuckles white as he processed what he'd just seen. The precision, power, and sheer dominance of the sword wave that had decimated the arena left him awestruck. Overwhelming Cang Yue with attacks had proven futile; she had harnessed a power beyond their expectations.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd as whispers of awe and envy passed from one spectator to the next. "First the dragon tornado, now this dragon sword wave," someone muttered, glancing at Cang Yue with both fear and admiration. Each technique was a testament to the formidable training she had received from the legendary Dracule Mihawk. The crowd could barely fathom what other powerful secrets lay hidden within her mind, a well of skills she had yet to reveal.

Some among the onlookers felt a pang of greed, unable to resist the allure of her knowledge. Imagine possessing such mastery over sword techniques—wielding a power that could level opponents effortlessly. But as quickly as these thoughts surfaced, they vanished, tempered by the reality of the situation. No one dared act on these desires, not with the looming presence of Mihawk, a figure capable of unmatched devastation. To challenge her was, in essence, to challenge the power behind her, and that was a risk no one would take lightly.

From the sidelines, Xia Qingyue and her peers exchanged glances, both feeling a deep chill as they watched Cang Yue command the arena with raw, untamed power. Little Fairy, reflecting on the transformation of her once-timid friend, couldn't hide her amazement. In just two months, Cang Yue had gone from a reserved princess to a formidable warrior capable of unleashing powerful techniques with surprising skill and precision.

"If this is what just two months of training with him can accomplish... what would happen if she continued for half a year? A full year?" she wondered aloud to herself, her heart caught between admiration and curiosity.

Turning her gaze back to Yun Che, who stood quietly observing Cang Yue with Retsu, Little Fairy found herself pondering his true nature. Beneath the playful facade, there was a profound, almost mysterious strength that seemed to mold everyone around him. An extremely powerful master who hides in plain sight. "Just who in the world are you, rascal?" she murmured, her mind racing with questions as Yun Che's influence became increasingly undeniable.

Cang Yue's technique wasn't just powerful—it was overwhelmingly vast. They realized that a single slip against her could mean facing an attack that could fill the entire arena. Xia Qingyue and her teammates exchanged wary glances, already contemplating strategies and countermeasures should they be called to confront her.

Even Cang Yue was taken aback by the scope of her own power. Her understanding of the technique was that it compressed the energy of her focus and desires into a single point on her blade. Her mind turned to the teachings from the memory tome of the Three Swords: each sword could unleash devastating force. With all 36 desires embodied in a single sword, she could produce what they called the "36 Pound Phoenix." But what if she wielded the full power of 'three' swords?

The thought struck her like a bolt of energy, her body shivering at the possibility. Combining the energy of three swords could result in an "108 Pound Phoenix," a single release of unimaginable power.

In Cang Yue's mind, Yuyun's voice sounded elated. "Little Yue, you did it!" This was her first successful attempt, but she knew there was room for her technique to grow, to become even more powerful.

Across the arena, Lin Yueru's scream filled the air as Cang Yue's energy wave surged toward her. She tried to steady herself, but Cang Yue was already closing the distance, her speed enhanced by Soru. Desperation filled Lin Yueru's face as she stumbled back, fear overtaking her.

"Please… Please…" Lin Yueru stammered as Cang Yue's next move drew closer.

"Sober up—Stimulus Strike!" Cang Yue announced, her blade slicing through the air.

"I concede! I concede!" Lin Yueru cried out, but her words fell on deaf ears. Cang Yue appeared before her in a blur, her sword slicing through Lin Yueru's bow with ease. Lin Yueru screamed, bracing herself for impact as Cang Yue's blade stopped mere centimeters from her face. The shock hit her hard, and Lin Yueru collapsed in a faint, her spirit broken.

Cang Yue sighed, tapping her shoulder lightly with her sword. "Already fainted? Flying slash attacks aren't *that* uncommon," she remarked before stepping away, leaving her opponent vanquished in more ways than one.

The announcement echoed through the arena: "Blue Wind Imperial Family's Cang Yue – Wins!!"

A wave of stunned silence followed, with disbelief plastered across the faces of the QingLong Sect's elders. "Impossible… we lost?" one elder murmured, the weight of Lin Yueru's defeat sinking in. The confident expressions of those who had mocked Cang Yue faded, replaced with reluctant admiration as they realized their own underestimation.

In the royal balcony, Emperor Cang Wanhe smiled with quiet pride, restraining himself from any grand display of triumph. Instead, he enjoyed the poetic justice of watching those who'd belittled his family's strength shift uncomfortably in their seats. Patience, restraint, and humility had been his family's virtues, and now, without boasting or fanfare, Cang Yue had shattered expectations.

Cang Yue stepped down from the arena, resheathing her sword as the exhilaration of her victory began to settle. Yun Che met her with a thumbs up and an approving grin.

"Ufufu… good work. Onee-san is proud," Retsu praised softly, patting Cang Yue's head.

Cang Yue let out a deep sigh, feeling the mix of exhaustion and accomplishment. "Somehow, I won," she murmured, the adrenaline still lingering in her veins—a feeling she hadn't experienced so strongly since the fierce battle during Wrath's invasion.

Yun Che nodded in agreement, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You did—and that girl put up a real fight. It's impressive to see someone master the bow and arrow to that level. Makes you realize this world still has a lot to offer," he mused thoughtfully.

Cang Yue smiled, glancing back toward the arena where her opponent had fought so skillfully. "Yes… I think I learned a lot from her, too," she admitted.

Though Cang Yue's victory had caught everyone off guard, especially those who had dismissed her as the Blue Wind Imperial Family's weakest link, her display of skill silenced any lingering doubts.

Meanwhile, in the Blue Wind Imperial Family seating, Mio was only half-paying attention, deeply engrossed in her Divine Cooking Manual while nibbling on rice crackers. "Did Yue'er win?" she asked, peeking up briefly from her reading.

"Hai, Mio-neesama. Yue-sama won spectacularly," Nemu replied with an approving smile, flashing an "okay" sign.

Mio nodded in satisfaction. "As expected from Yue'er. I wish I could've seen it…"

"Mio-neesama," Nemu interjected, "you could have watched if you weren't so buried in that cookbook."

Mio's eyes narrowed, puffing up in playful frustration. "Nemu-chan! I have to beat Ret-chan in our next cook-off. I won't lose to her again!"

"But you lose every time, Mio-neesama," Nemu replied flatly.

"Nemu-chan, one more word and I'll tie and string you up with my webs," Mio threatened with a mischievous smile.

"Kyaa… gomenasai!" Nemu pretended to run away, her stoic expression betraying the laughter in her eyes, while Mio chuckled behind her.

Elsewhere in the seating zone, Mei sat enjoying sushi from their bento lunch, thoughtfully packed by Retsu. "Big sis, this is so fun!" she said, nudging her older sister Mai, who was glued to another arena with a look of concern.

"Yuanba, you can do it…" Mai murmured to herself, her gaze unwavering. Across the arena, as Yuanba struggled through his own match, he somehow felt her quiet encouragement, spurring him on to find the strength for a final push.

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As their names were called again, Yun Che, Retsu, and Cang Yue stepped forward, their every move attracting the gaze of the spectators. Their matches had started to draw attention with every passing round, and now, the moment they entered the Sword Discourse Arena, it was as if the entire arena shifted its focus solely onto them. Even when disciples from the Four Major Sects were competing on nearby arenas, their eyes still instinctively darted to Yun Che, Retsu, and Cang Yue.

The fifth, sixth, seventh, eight, nineth and tenth.

Victory, victory and victory.

It didn't take long for the crowd to witness what they were capable of—victory after victory, with barely any effort. Their movements were swift and precise, with no wasted energy. Each time they won, the reactions from the crowd would evolve: startlement, astonishment, shock, then horror as they realized how outmatched their competitors were. By the time the tenth match rolled around, the spectators were almost numb to their overwhelming prowess.

The Blue Wind Imperial Family had become the talk of the event. The cheers for Yun Che, Retsu, and Cang Yue were deafening, but even Xia Yuanba, despite not being part of their immediate team, had caught the crowd's attention with his impressive victories. The Blue Wind Profound Palace, too, began to rise in stature, but for now, it was Xia Yuanba who became the focal point—his wins becoming a symbol of the new powerhouse emerging on the stage. His master, Qin Wushang couldn't help but smile from ear to ear.

Even those from the Four Major Sects, who once thought little of them, had to take notice.

The memories of the first day of the Ranking Tournament still lingered in the minds of the audience, particularly the burst of laughter that erupted when Yun Che, Retsu, and Cang Yue stepped onto the stage for the Profound Strength Assessment as True Profound Realm contenders. At that time, many believed it was just another joke, an unlikely trio with no chance of standing out among the elite disciples of the top sects. But now, as the tournament progressed, those same skeptics were forced to swallow their words.

With each match, Yun Che, Retsu, and Cang Yue defied expectations in ways no one could have anticipated. The once mockable underdogs were now a force to be reckoned with, their victories so impossible and miraculous that they silenced their critics with a series of resounding slaps to the face.

They showcased devastating techniques and weapons that seemed to put entire sects to shame. Yun Che's barrier-shattering 'Flaming Leg', Retsu's ground-shaking 'Parasol Thrust', and Cang Yue's powerful 'Kirin Tornado' and 'Sword Wave'—each attack was a spectacle of unimaginable power, leaving their opponents, and the audience, in stunned disbelief. Time and time again, they pulled off victories with minimal effort, effortlessly defeating disciples from the most prestigious sects.

As the tournament entered the second round of group stages, Yun Che, Retsu and Cang Yue remained unbeaten, securing victories in all ten of his matches. With their finale send shockwaves across the tournament. But what shocked everyone the most was their composure—there was no tension in their movements, no sign of exhaustion or desperation. They were entirely at ease, relaxed as if they were in the middle of a friendly spar, rather than a battle for the championship. For the audience, this only deepened their respect and awe for the trio.

In the second round, the dominance of Yun Che, Retsu, and Cang Yue was even more apparent. With ten consecutive victories each, they swept through their opponents with effortless precision. For Yun Che and Retsu, drawing their weapons had been almost unnecessary; Yun Che often finished his matches with sheer presence and technique alone, while Retsu used her parasol with surprising versatility, transforming it into a club or shield and even using her air gun to push back opponents. Cang Yue, however, drew her single and double swords—but no one yet had been able to force her to reveal her full, three-sword Santoryu style.

The trio's sheer power was undeniable, yet they hadn't even needed to tap into their full strength, making their path to victory look almost casual. The audience was astounded: how could three fighters from the Blue Wind Imperial Family, often underestimated and ridiculed in previous tournaments, be performing at such an unmatched level?

Not to mention they managed to surpassed a lot of opponents while in the strength of True Profound Realm!

As they racked up victory after victory, Cang Wanhe, the emperor of Blue Wind Imperial Family, watched with pride and disbelief from his seat. When Yun Che won his tenth match, followed swiftly by Retsu and Cang Yue's triumphs, Cang Wanhe could no longer contain his emotions. He stood up, momentarily overcome with tears. With ten wins under each of their belts, even if they were to lose the remaining five matches, they would still place within the top hundred in the individual rankings. And remarkably, their group ranking had the potential to soar into the top fifty—an unimaginable feat for the Blue Wind Imperial Family.

For the first time in history, the Blue Wind Imperial Family had shattered expectations. They had not only achieved what many thought was impossible but had opened the door to newfound respect among the powerful sects. Qin Wushang, the overseer of the Blue Wind Profound Palace, was equally moved, realizing that this moment could launch their reputation to unprecedented heights, and perhaps even secure a place in the top fifty.

As Cang Yue stepped down from the arena after her tenth victory, an overwhelming wave of emotion washed over her. She placed both hands over her mouth, trying to contain the tears that threatened to spill. She looked at Yun Che and Retsu standing nearby, their faces calm but proud. Her vision blurred as she turned her gaze toward her father, her heart swelling with gratitude and a deep sense of accomplishment.

In her heart, she screamed silently, "Father, are you seeing this? We carried our family to the top hundred rankings… Father, your dream has truly been fulfilled. With this single triumph, our Blue Wind Imperial Family will no longer be ridiculed by others. Father, are you seeing this…? Are you seeing this…?"

The weight of years of struggle and ridicule, the longing to prove herself, all condensed into this single, profound victory. Cang Yue felt her father's pride with each beat of her heart.

"Hey now, you all right?" Yun Che placed a gentle hand on Cang Yue's head, his voice calm and warm. But Cang Yue couldn't hold back her tears.

"Did you get hurt or anything?" Retsu asked, her tone laced with worry, as she leaned in to check on her.

Cang Yue shook her head, her voice trembling. "No… I'm fine. *Sob* It's just… I can't believe we've made it this far. If I hadn't managed to bring you two along, we would've never met, and Father would still be bedridden. Our family would still be a laughingstock, and… I could've lost him by now. I'd still be just… a tool, a pawn…" Her voice broke, and fresh tears spilled down her cheeks, overwhelmed by how much her life had transformed.

"Shh… it's all right. We were meant to meet you. That's why we came to the New Moon Profound Palace. And now look where we are," Yun Che reassured her, a proud glint in his eyes.

Retsu nodded, reaching out to stroke her hair. "Yes, Little Yue, you saved the palace, and now, you've saved your family. This victory was yours. We're with you every step of the way. You're our family, too. So from here on, you're never alone."

With those words, the weight of years of struggle felt lighter. She was no longer carrying it alone. Cang Yue finally let her sobs turn into a relieved smile, comforted by the presence of her closest family.

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At the Burning Heaven Clan's seating area, Fen Juecheng sat seething, his face twisted in barely-contained rage as he watched Yun Che, Retsu, and Cang Yue reveling in their victories. Despite knowing their true strength, his heart burned with resentment. Coming to the Heavenly Sword Villa had been a mistake, he thought bitterly; here, he was forced to watch them claim victory after victory, unable to lift a finger. He wanted to see them humiliated, crushed underfoot by their opponents, yet instead, they had taken the spotlight, their skill overshadowing every other disciple from the Four Major Sects.

"These past two rounds… it's practically been his own stage show," he muttered through gritted teeth, clenching his fists as he saw the cheers surrounding them. "Their strength may be immense, but they've yet to encounter anyone who truly knows how to shatter it."

"Tsk," came a voice beside him. Fen Juebi, his younger brother, smirked at the scene below. "When you're as strong as he is, it's almost… irritating. But imagine if they made it to the top thirty-two?"

Fen Juecheng's eyes gleamed. "You're suggesting…?"

Fen Juebi's smirk widened, a malicious glint in his eye. "If he is unlucky enough to face me, well…" He licked his lips, his voice dripping with venom. "It would be a pleasure to ruin a so-called 'freak genius.' And if I'm matched with one of his female companions? Let's just say there are ways to leave a mark that he'd never forget."

Fen Juecheng's lips twisted into a dark smile, his resentment easing slightly at the prospect of Fen Juebi's plan. "Then let's hope fate brings you to face them. A little taste of humiliation is exactly what they need."