Chapter 103

Cang Yue had a bright smile on her face when she's on her way back to her room.

Her talk with Issei proceeded quite nicely and she managed to apologize properly to him this time for doubting him before.

But it's kind of nerve-wracking being gazed by 5 beautiful women at once like that when she's having her talk with Issei...

Well, at least she managed to convey her words properly this time and also granted permission to try and take the test to enter the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> later.

Suddenly, the moment Cang Yue still in her thoughts, behind her, a surprised voice sounded. "Princess Cang Yue?"

The one who called her was a youth who appeared cultured and refined of about twenty-three years old. Dressed in red, with a red flame crest embroidered on the chest. He looked at Cang Yue with a smile, and his gaze showed hints of surprise... and infatuation.

Hearing his voice, Cang Yue frowned, turned around, and politely replied. "So it was Young Master Fen, what a coincidence."

Fen Juecheng walked over. With a smile mixed with joy and elegance, he slightly bowed towards Cang Yue and laughed. "Juecheng should be the one calling this a coincidence because Juecheng finally made a successful bet. Juecheng went through many troubles to earn the right to visit the <Heavenly Sword Villa> this time, and my sole reason for it was to see Your Imperial Highness. As I thought, Your Highness did indeed personally make a visit. Juecheng is extremely elated."

Fen Juecheng's eyes were entirely fixated on Cang Yue like a glue.

He participated in the previous Blue Wind Ranking Tournament where he placed fourth. Princess Cang Yue attended the tournament and her beauty captivated Fen Juecheng. Fen Juecheng immediately afterward went to the Blue Wind Emperor and sought her hand in marriage. The Emperor did not consent but also did not refuse, saying the princess was too young. Fen Juecheng was probable to succeed the <Burning Heaven Clan> Clan Master and they were a very good match.

However, it was later discovered that the Third Prince Cang Shuo had obtained the backing of the <Burning Heaven Clan> partly due to Fen Juecheng's infatuation. The Emperor and the princess turned against Fen Juecheng's marriage proposal but they did not outright refuse. Fen Juecheng regularly came to the imperial palace under the guise of various reasons and, under the arrangements set up by Third Prince Cang Shou, come into contact with Cang Yue. When he meets her, he would express his goodwill and intent to marry her using various methods.

But his backing died so does the chance of Fen Juecheng getting Cang Yue's hand in marriage depleted almost immediately to zero... He's frustrated but there's nothing he could do since there's a rumor that she got the backing of the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>.

His sect might be one of the major clan but if someone asked him if his clan is capable of destroying the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> or not, then he would say no immediately... Their best outcome is only mutual defeat...

At least that's what he thinks since it is extremely difficult for the other sects to gain information from there. For one, they can't send a spy to their sect since they are extremely strict in choosing their disciples and they're also quite hidden from the outside world...

They don't know how but every time they send someone to spy on their sect, that person is never heard of again...

And secondly, their sect might be the fewest in terms of sect members but their strength is quite solid.

Last but not least, their Grand Sect Mistress has supposedly already reached the peak of <Emperor Profound Realm>... Their sect also seems to be cultivating a profound art that leaning towards women and Yin art. Their resources are also not that many considering that their sect is quite small... So there's absolutely no reason for the other major sect to make them their enemy out of nothing.

Unless they're lusting over their beauty which is basically the only good thing in their opinion...

Unknown to the world, the current <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> strength is rising greatly. They just needed a little bit more time and they will be equal with them and perhaps even surpass them... Nay, they will surely surpass them when the time comes.

Obviously Issei doesn't count since he's basically an anomaly of this world...

"Young Master Fen, that's kind of you." Cang Yue forced out a smile: "It's getting late, I need to go back to my room. Then excuse me, young master Fen."

Fen Juecheng did not pester her any further, and slightly bowed. "Then I won't be taking anymore of Your Highness' time. I will make another visit at a later time."

Cang Yue casually nodded once and started walking towards her room once again but her good mood was ruined after seeing Fen Juecheng...

Feng Juechen face becomes twisted once Cang Yue is out of his sight.

"Heh, Cang Yue Cang Yue... I've already patient enough waiting for you... But after this tournament, I'll be sure to have my way with you!"

The exhilaration from subduing a woman is way better than simply obtaining a woman. This is what was inside his mind but ever since he loses his backer inside the Imperial family, he started losing his patience...

Then he also went back to his room...

...

Ling Yuefeng who heard that Issei is basically staying in the same courtyard with Chu Yuechan popped a vein because of jealous he is... He wanted to go straight to Issei place but he knows that it would change nothing since Chu Yuechan herself said that it's fine for Issei to stay there...

He took a deep breath to calm himself down and started formulating a plan inside his mind... So far they got nothing on Issei... He is completely unknown, a clean sheet. It's as if he just suddenly appeared in this world without any warning whatsoever.

The only sightings that have been reported are just him traveling here and there but that's basically not the information that he needed... What he needed to know is his strength, his background, his profound art skill, etc.

Even he who's at the 5th stage of <Emperor Profound Realm> is unable to see through his strength... Now that he thinks about it, he also couldn't sense the other fairies cultivation. But that's not really that weird since there's an artifact that could hide the wearer cultivation realm from being known.

That kind of artifact is quite rare and as far as he knows, only <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> possess that artifact amongst the major sect... It is a special artifact they created on their own...

That artifact name was <Pearl of Frozen Deception> if he recalls correctly...

<Pearl of Frozen Deception> could perfectly suppress the wearer's profound strength level at will! Not only could it suppress, but it was also not concealment that could be easily detected. If one does not deliberately use profound energy to closely examine this unremarkable necklace, even a Throne would find it extremely difficult to discover. Back when Xia Qingyue was in <Floating Cloud City>, her true profound strength had also been concealed by this <Pearl of Frozen Deception> hence she doesn't really attract too many attention other than her beauty.

But didn't this artifact quite rare? How come there's suddenly 6 of them now? Ling Yuefeng couldn't help become curious but since that artifact usage is only to hide the wearer's cultivation it is not really sought after... He decided to think about this later on...

That artifact is indeed quite rare since the materials needed to make them is quite scarce but that all change when Issei provided them with more than enough materials to make at least 1000 of them... Even now all of the disciples from the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> are wearing that artifact.

This is also one of the reasons why those people from the <Xiao Sect> were taken by surprise after they find out about Chu Yuechan cultivation realm... The other reason is Issei taught them to hide their strength so even those at the <Tyrant Profound Realm> would find it difficult to see through their cultivation base.

Only recently that they understand why those profound beasts often bring some offerings to their sect... It's because their mysterious sect elder is a true Dragon King...

More often than not, the profound beasts carry some rare metal and herbs... Now they're quite rich in terms of resources and even could rival the 4 sacred grounds already.

If the world were to know of this then they would've done everything they can to get their hands on these treasures, especially those 50kg of <Purple Veined Divine Crystal>... Not that it would be possible since Issei is there...

Xuanyuan Yufeng also has similar thoughts with Ling Yuefeng, as in she felt a bit angry knowing that Issei is staying at the same courtyard with Chu Yuechan and the others.

She also receives the same report as Ling Yuefeng about Issei... In other words, a complete miss... None whatsoever...

She started thinking just how she will get the chance to meet him alone... She wanted to see just what kind of face Issei has and her curiosity almost gets the better of hers but thankfully she managed to hold it in.

She wanted to use her background but decided not to for now...

...

Cang Yue is not the only one who wanted to meet with Issei. Yun Che being one of them but unlike Cang Yue, he doesn't know where the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> is located.

He can't ask the villa servants either since it's fine for Cang Yue who's basically a princess and a girl to ask about them but it's not the same for Yun Che who's a nobody and a man at that...

The villa servants won't risk angering the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> and the villa master so they won't tell him.

Yun Che doesn't know that Cang Yue just returned from their courtyard either so he can only give up for now and look for another chance to meet Issei...

He's not that close with Cang Yue either... He tried to flirt with her but she seems completely oblivious or just plainly ignored his advances. His handsome face or sweet talk has no effect on her at all... It's like he's talking into a brick wall.

Usually most women he talked to always have some sort of reaction but she is so indifferent to his advances... Like she never even thought of him as the opposite gender in the first place and that hurt his pride quite a bit...

Their relationship is only that of a senior sister and junior brother. Just like her relationship with Yuanba.

Although, her relationship with Yuanba seems closer compared to his... They're not close like a lover or anything but more like a real brother and sister...

Xia Yuanba also wanted to meet Xia Qingyue but he's not in a rush... He's been told by Xia Qingyue not to call Yun Che his brother-in-law anymore to his confusion. She said she's not married to Yun Che anymore much to his surprise.

He asked Yun Che about this but the latter also confirmed his big sis words... He doesn't know what to say anymore after this... His brother-in-law is not his brother-in-law anymore...

Yun Che only patted him on the back saying let nature take its course and all that...

...

9 in the morning. The next day, Heavenly Sword Villa's Sword Discourse Arena.

The main stage of the Sword Discourse Arena and the thirty other small sword arenas were all circular in shape. The main stage was three hundred meters long and the small stages were close to sixty meters long. The Sword Discourse Arena was the place used by Heavenly Sword Villa disciples for sparring. It was also where the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament was held. Currently, the seats around the main stage were already filled with people. In front of each seat was a plaque that indicated the group that was present.

Yun Che's group noticed the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> group since they're like a phoenix amongst a pack of chickens...

Yun Che clenched his fist feeling nervous because even now he can't still measure Issei's strength at all... He also can't sense the fairies strength either...

Xia Yuanba who saw Xia Qingyue smiled widely and waved his hand at her. Xia Qingyue also returned his wave back much to the onlookers' shock...

What? Since when those ice-fairies would be willing to wave back towards a random man? They started observing Xia Yuanba more closely just what's so special about him...

They all then went to their respective spot...

Suddenly, a loud and clear sound of screeching swords could be heard from midair. Everyone lifted their heads instinctively and saw that there were suddenly a hundred swords about three hundred meters above them.

The floating swords seemed to have a mind of their own and started dancing around in the sky. The screeching sounds of the swords broke the silence of the skies and the sounds were extremely sharp. After circling the stage for a few rounds, they halted in midair above the main seat and arranged themselves neatly.

Below the floating swords, a white-bearded elder walked out slowly, greeted with cusping fists, and spoke in a clear voice: "This old one is Heavenly Sword Villa's Sword Baptizing Pavilion's Elder Ling Wugou. I am glad to meet all the heroes and outstanding youths today. I represent our Villa to thank everyone for turning up at Heavenly Sword Villa. This year's Blue Wind Ranking Tournament..." He continues his speech...

Ling Wugou is a senior member of the Heavenly Sword Villa, the Elder of the Baptizing Pavilion. He acted as the host of the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament several times and was fair and just.

When he finished, Ling Wugou's usual pre-match brief had almost already finished too. Suddenly, his voice grew higher and each of his words was deafening: "This year's Blue Wind Ranking tournament's witness comes from Profound Sky Continent's <Four Great Sacred Grounds>, the mighty Heavenly Sword Region's Elder Ling Kun! With Elder Ling Kun's strength and birthplace, I believe no one would doubt Elder Ling Kun's qualifications and authority."

When the four words "Mighty Heavenly Sword Region" came out, everyone was instantly stunned; especially those who had been to the tournament before. The hearts of those who have heard of the legendary "Mighty Heavenly Sword Region" beat faster as they all gasped… Mighty Heavenly Sword Region was one of the legendary Four Great Sacred Grounds! When hearing this name, even all the Sect Masters all felt an invisible form of pressure.

If someone from the Sacred Grounds came to stand as a witness, what kind of level would he be at… Who would dare do anything funny during the battles?

It has long been rumored that <Heavenly Sword Villa> and <Mighty Heavenly Sword Region> had some relationship and the Elder that came this time also bore the Ling surname. This inevitably proved something to the people.

While the other onlookers' and sects are feeling awed by the appearance of Elder Ling Kun from the <Mighty Heavenly Sword Region>, there's no change that could be found from the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>.

If it was them before meeting Issei then they might be feeling awed as well but the current them have a wider outlook on the world now.

Their elder himself is a True Dragon along with Chu Yuechan who's basically a half Dragon. It will take more than some measly <Mighty Heavenly Sword Region> to make them feel surprised and awed now.

"Mighty Heavenly Sword Region? What kind of place is it?" The surrounding audience's reaction made Xia Yuanba very curious.

"...A place that's thousand times stronger than Heavenly Sword Villa… Don't ask any more questions." Yun Che whispered.

"Ahh!?" Xia Yuanba's eyes grew wider than an ox.

When Ling Wugou shouted, a green attired middle-aged man stood up beside him and nodded slightly. At the moment he stood up as if attracted by an invisible force, all eyes were instantly gathered upon him… He looked to be about forty to fifty years of age, with an average built and expressionless face.

As he sat down, everyone's eyes seemed to be repelled away as they all fell in different places. Instantly, everyone's heart was filled with deep respect and fear… It was no wonder he came from one of the sacred grounds. The level this Ling Kun was at, was completely incomprehensible by anyone there but one group of people...

In the eyes of most onlookers' here, he might seem mystical but in the eyes of Chu Yuechan's group he's nothing much... Sure his cultivation might be at the 6th level of the <Tyrant Profound Realm> but they're not feeling intimidated in the slightest...

Perhaps it's because they have their Elder here with them... They've already asked Issei in curiosity why he doesn't breakthrough after all this time from the <Emperor Profound Realm> but his answer left them stupefied... "It's because I don't need to" Is what he said to them...

They can only nod dumbly, half-understandingly and half-bewilderedly...

What did he mean by that? But then it hits them... If even the profound beasts like the <Zinogre> and the <Narugakuruga> who's at the peak of the <Tyrant Profound Realm> is serving him like he's their Master, then how powerful is he? Chu Yuechan doesn't really know, but she knows for sure even if all of them combined together won't be able to put a single scratch on him

Chu Yuechan who can sense Issei's strength to a certain extent told them that Issei's strength doesn't lie solely in his cultivation base. If she has to describe it with words, then she will only use 1 word... Immeasurable...

Even the Azure Dragon himself said that he is the Dragon race True King much to their awe...

"Now, let this old man declare the prize of this Ranking Tournament."

Ling Wugou's words, made everyone focus their gaze back onto him again and listened earnestly. The prize for every single ranking tournament was different. They only heard Ling Wugou read on: "Third place in the ranking tournament's individual rankings, will receive one <Purple Striped Dragon Heart Pellet>. Second place in individual rankings will receive three drops of <Purple Veined Marrow Quenching Fluid>..."

"... First place in individual rankings, will receive a Sky Profound Artifact, Dragonscale Armor, that originates from the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region."

"WHOAA"

The moment the prize for the first place was announced, the entire audience immediately clamored as if hot oil in a pan, and couldn't die down for a long while.

Sky Profound Artifact… Dragonscale Armor!

"There are only three protective armors of the Sky Profound rank in the entire Blue Wind Empire. Moreover, none of them could match up to this Dragonscale Armor." Burning Heaven Clan's Great Elder Fen Moli said with emotion.

"However regrettably, this Dragonscale Armor is merely used to dazzle our eyes. With Ling Yun here, who could win against him. From what I see here, this may be a great gift that Ling Kun brought from the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, as a means to instigate our eyeballs while taking advantage of this situation. In the end, it'll still be something of their possession." He said with pity.

Ling Wugou continues to inform them of the rest of the prize reward... While everyone there is awed and amazed by the generosity of the reward this year. Chu Yuechan calmly poured some tea personally for Issei.

Her cold gazes instantly turned gentle and limpid the moment she laid her gazes upon Issei... She serves him just like a dutiful wife. On the other side, Chu Yueli calmly peeled some oranges for him...

Issei felt a little awkward being treated this way by them and to make the matter more awkward, he can feel Xia Qingyue's hands on his shoulders massaging him... He tried to stop them but they said they insist much to his dismay... If he refuses them more adamantly here then he might injure their pride and reputation so he can only choose to let them be...

Shui Wushuang and Xu Wuexin can only sigh in defeat since they're too late in the game... They can't really go against their senior masters and Xia Qingyue is the fastest of them both... But next time they won't be so slow!

It's not like Issei is never treated this way by his wives but it's just felt weird for him being treated like this by other people he considered friends...

Chu Yuechan and the others don't really care about the prizes but since they could get "Free" stuff then they would gladly take it. It won't hurt for having more treasures at hand after all... And besides, the treasures back in the sect belongs to their sect Elder and they don't want to keep relying on him all the time...

They've already feeling eternally grateful of him and it is their turn to pay him back... They're sure this tournament prizes won't really mean much to him but at least it's a start...

Ling Yuefeng who always has his gaze on Chu Yuechan clenched his fist so hard that it turned completely white feeling jealousy enveloping his whole body... And he's not the only one... Most men who saw this scene had their eyes bloodshot and they're feeling extremely envious of Issei.

Some women, such as Xuanyuan Yufeng is also feeling jealous of Chu Yuechan's group...

Their room is separated but Ling Yuefeng arranged so that he could gaze upon Chu Yuechan's figure all the time.

(AN: Imagine a huge colosseum, kind of).

Ling Wugou's declaration continued: "Top ten forces in the ranking tournament, after the tournament, will be qualified to explore the <Heaven Basin Secret Realm> in teams."

"The top ten forces in the ranking tournament, after the exploration of <Heavenly Basin Secret Realm>, will have the opportunity to see the "Demon" Sealing Ritual carried out personally by Elder Ling Kun of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region with their own eyes."

Issei is not interested in the tournament prizes but he's interested in this <Heavenly Basin Secret Realm>.

<Heavenly Basin Secret Realm> is a secret realm controlled by the <Heavenly Sword Villa>. Its entrance portal is located deep within the northern section of the Heavenly Sword Mountain Range. No one knows where the Heaven Basin Secret Realm came from, aside from the various rumors that said it was a solitary domain opened by a super-strong practitioner who had reached at least the Sovereign Profound Realm, who brought it to the Blue Wind Empire for unknown reasons.

It contains innumerable resources and treasures and at the same time, it also contains immeasurable danger. The realm is immeasurably huge. Nobody has been able to travel to the end. The environment also changes every time the realm is opened.

The villa has unknown methods of detecting when the basin portal will open. It opens once every 3 years. Before it would open up every ten years but eventually dropped down to five years until dropping to the current three.

The basic can only take at most fifty people at a time. The top ten ranking sects in the <Blue Wind Ranking Tournament> get to explore it with five people per sect. When opened, the portal remains for seven and a half minutes. People can only explore the realm for two days, after which everybody will be teleported out against their will. If they are dead, they will remain in the realm.

Chu Yuechan explained to Issei seeing that his interest seems to be piqued...

Issei who heard her explanation nodded to himself. He wanted to see if there's something special in that place that could increase the pace of his recovery.

"The time hath come. Now, this old man declares, this session of <Blue Wind Ranking Tournament> officially begins!"

The enormous Sword Discourse Arena immediately became quiet. One could only see the figure of Ling Wugou waver, he had already flown up into the air. Leaving a line of a hazy grey phantom, he landed on the dead center of the Sword Discourse Arena in the blink of an eye. There, a gigantic Profound Assessing Stone already stood in place.

"This session's Ranking Tournament has a total of five hundred and thirteen sectoral forces to be ranked and involves one thousand five hundred and thirty participating disciples. The age of every single participating disciple must not be younger than sixteen, and must not be over twenty. Anyone not within this age range will be immediately kicked out. Now begins the lot drawing of the Ranking Tournament. Before the number is drawn, one must be tested for age and profound strength, and then let everyone know the names of the younger generation's outstanding individuals as well… Now, participating disciples called on by this old man, come up immediately for profound strength assessment and lot number drawing."

In every single session of the ranking tournament, the profound strength assessment had always been an essential process. However, what this profound strength assessment truly tested for was not profound strength, but was instead age. After all, the ranking tournament had an extremely tight restriction toward the participating disciple's age.

"Skyblade Clan's Li Badao, Ji Hong, Ye Changqing!"

The three whose names were called by Ling Wugou immediately walked down from the seating, and put their palm on the profound assessing stone one by one. The resulting age was respectively 19, 20, and 20, the respective profound strength ranks were <Spirit Profound Realm> rank three, <Spirit Profound Realm> rank two, and <Spirit Profound Realm> rank two. Afterward, they drew their own Ranking Tournament numbers on the side and returned to their seats.

"Thunderbolt Mountain's Wu Mu, Wu Feiran, Wu Qingyun!"

"Skyriver Cloud Pavilion..."

"Moon Worshipping Sect..."

"Divine Cloud Isle..."

...

Waves after waves of participating disciples, with sects as units, came up and carried out profound strength assessment as well as the number drawing. Same as previous sessions, most of the participating disciple's age all grouped at 19 and 20. 18 years olds were already very rare, and 17 extremely so. As for sixteen… Nearly half of the disciples had already gone up, but there's still wasn't even one.

Moreover, over ninety percent of these participating disciples had a profound strength centralized between the first level of the Spirit Profound Realm and the fifth level of the <Spirit Profound Realm>. Ones that surpassed the fifth level of the <Spirit Profound Realm> didn't even reach one-tenth.

To be able to step into the Spirit Profound Realm under the age of twenty, even if it was in the Imperial Capital of the <Blue Wind Empire>, one would be considered as the genius within geniuses. Even for the Blue Wind's number one Profound Palace, there were merely three people, including the foreign Fen Juechen.

For those small cities like <Floating Cloud City> and <New Moon Profound Palace>, one wouldn't even dare to imagine it. But in here, it could only be reduced to ordinary. And for young profound practitioners of the fifth level of the <Spirit Profound Realm> and above, they would be the prodigies blessed by heavens within prodigies blessed by heavens, as well as the top-level group of the ranking tournament.

They didn't know Xia Yuanba who's from the <New Moon Profound Palace> is already at the 8th level of the <Sky Profound Realm>. It's because they thought they're not worth being worried about since their palace is indeed has been the weakest in the tournament so far... So they never bothered sending a spy or gather information for it.

"I heard the Xiao Sect is no more... What a sad fate for them... It seems that Heaven really is envious of those that are talented and prosperous." One of the sect elders said out loud.

"Indeed... But what caused their downfall in the first place?" One of them asked in wonder.

"Nobody knows but the remnants of the Xiao Sect but even they don't want to tell anyone the secret behind their sect downfall either... It's like they're really afraid of something else altogether even when some of them are threatened they are still tight-lipped..." One of them who has some knowledge behind the scene answered.

Their discussing went on while Chu Yuechan smiled softly under her veil while her gazes linger on Issei... Not even in their wildest dream that the one who's responsible for the Xiao sect destruction is the man before them.

They didn't know just how did he destroy the Xiao sect in a short amount of time but they somewhat knew that Issei is the one behind it...

"Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace's Shui Wushuang, Wu Xuexin, Xia Qingyue."

Amongst the Four Major Sects, Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace had the lowest number of disciples. Because when <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> chooses their disciple, not only was it restricted to females, they also had extremely strict requirements for aptitude, talent, as well as appearance. And hence, if one were to talk about the average strength of disciples, even <Heavenly Sword Villa> couldn't match that of <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>.

At the same time, every single one of the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace's disciples was as beautiful as blossoming flowers, the number one beauty "Chu Yuechan" who had made countless young and talented men infatuated, had precisely come from the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>.

"Elder Ise, Senior Masters. We excuse ourselves." Xia Qingyue's group paid their courtesy before they walked forward...

As expected, when <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace's> three female names were called out, the entire surrounding was immediately filled with the echoing of continuous gulping. The young disciples that had the ability to arrive at this place have already established themselves as the pinnacle of their territories, so it could be said that they had all kinds of beautiful women at their disposal.

But how could ordinary women compare to the quality of <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace's> female disciples? They had natural ice auroras floating around them that enhanced their dreamy atmosphere even more. Their face was covered by a veil so there was no way to see their true face. The gazes of the young disciples all concentrated upon Xia Qingyue, Shui Wushuang, and Wu Xuexin's beautiful faces and figures, staring for so long that their wide eyes had almost become vertical as if their spirit had left their bodies.

Even though they're wearing a veil, that didn't stop them from imagining just what kind of otherworldly beauty lies beneath that veil...

Xia Yuanba was about to say "Big Sis" out loud but Yun Che who's by his side managed to stop him from doing so.

"Shh…" Yun Che quickly silenced him and said in a low voice: "I know that you wanted to greet your big sis… And remember what I said? You can call me brother-in-law in private but in public, you cannot. <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace's> female disciples are forbidden to marry. If someone else hears about something, it would be detrimental to her. We too, would receive unnecessary attention."

Xia Yuanba promptly covered his mouth with both hands, nodded repeatedly, and did not dare to yell out loud.

Xia Yuanba is accustomed to calling Yun Che with "Brother-in-law" suffix so Yun Che let him be...

Cang Yue who's by their side smiled wryly since it seems that even though Xia Yuanba has the highest cultivation base of them here, he's still a bit too gullible and innocent...

Her expression all revealed an indescribably complex emotion seeing Yun Che who's fixedly stared at Xia Qingyue... It's not that she's jealous or anything. She doesn't have any feelings towards Yun Che after all.

What she had in mind is that she already knew about their so-called marriage is basically just a facade... She already asked Xia Qingyue herself the other night feeling curious but her response is as she guessed... Xia Qingyue only married Yun Che out of obligation and they're already divorced since she herself already ripped their marriage certificate.

"I would be thankful if you don't mention that we're husband and wife to the public since we're not really married to each other anymore." Xia Qingyue told her that.

Cang Yue nodded understandingly when she heard her words... It seems that it's Yun Che's blessing that they're not really married to each other or he would be wearing a green hat in the near future...

Regardless of whether or not they had real feelings for each other, regardless of whether or not they were truly husband and wife… She was still his wife… They were officially married, paid respects to heaven and earth, paid respects to their elders, with heaven and earth as a witness... But since she said they're already divorced then it's another story.

Yun Che's gaze fell upon Xia Qingyue's back as his heart pounded… It had been a year and a half since he'd last seen her and she had clearly grown taller. The original incomparably slender and graceful delicate body had become even more perfectly beautiful. Just looking at her from the rear was enough to imagine what kind of peerless beauty she had become… Once she took down her veil, her face had perhaps become even more breath-taking since long ago.

Does he regret taking Chu Yueli's offer back then? Maybe a little... After all, which man doesn't want a beautiful wife? But he won't go back on his words and will keep his promise... But he still needs to meet with Issei though...

The results of the profound strength of the three disciples from Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace were quickly announced:

Shui Wushuang - 20 years old - <Sky Profound Realm> level 6th!

Wu Xuexin - 20 years old - <Sky Profound Realm> level 6th!

Last but not least...

Xia Qingyue - 17 years old - <Sky Profound Realm> level 10th!

In that instant, the audience went silent... And then, suddenly, a large wave of exclamations were set off.

The audience, both old and young, male and female, Even Ling Yuefeng from the <Heavenly Sword Villa> or Ling Kun from the <Heavenly Mighty Sword Region>, instantly stood up from their seats and looked at the notification revealed by the Profound Assessing Stone with astonished expressions.

This level, was like a grenade, exploding in front of the eyes and hearts of the countless participating disciples, causing them to be completely dumbfounded. They could not believe what they saw and did not regain their senses for a long while. Because, to them, it was basically an incomprehensible reality.

Even Yun Che's group who's already prepared for this are slackjawed... What the hell? Xia Qingyue is one thing but for the other 2 being at the <Sky Profound Realm> as well... Only Cang Yue and Xia Yuanba seem calmer since she has already expected this... With Issei help then the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> will rise to higher heights without a doubt...

When she found out about his connection with the Phoenix she already suspected that his identity is not simple at all... And how easily he solved her father's "illness" is proof that he is anything but simple...

But along with it, her determination to be accepted to the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> grow stronger... Which person wouldn't want to become strong such as Xia Qingyue's and the others? Not to mention the man she adores is also in that sect...

When she thought up to this point, her cheeks blushed deeply...

While Xia Yuanba has a simpler thought: "Uwaaaah... Big sis is really amazing!" Xia Yuanba's eyes filled with stars, as he let out an exaggerated yell.

He's really happy that his big sis is so powerful and that's all that matters... He doesn't have complicated thoughts such as envy or schemes like most people. In a way, he's more innocent and pure even compared to the girls from the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>...

But this is a perfect personality for him since his special veins that Issei gifted to him needed for him to stay benevolent and kind... That way his cultivation will soar indefinitely as long as he stays this way...

What!!! The 3 of them are at the <Sky Profound Realm> already!? Not only that, Xia Qingyue who's still seventeen years old is already at the peak of the <Sky Profound Realm>!

"Is there a mistake with the Profound Assessing Stone?!"

"Don't joke around! That stone must be broken!"

"Ahhh! Please tell me it's broken! If they're really at that realm then what for do they participate in this tournament?! Might as well go take the prizes and go home already!"

These kinds of words are shouted here and there because they're in total disbelief... Don't joke around! A <Sky Profound Realm> cultivator below the age of 20 is extremely monstrous! Especially for Xia Qingyue!

Even those from the <Four Sacred Grounds> might not be able to produce a <Sky Profound Realm> peak cultivator below the age of 20! Needless to say about the other lower rank sects...

They can only scream in dissatisfaction or this tournament would have no meaning at all! If their cultivation is really at that stage already then the winner is already set in stone... No doubt about it!

The number one expert in the younger generation, Ling Yun, when he was seventeen, he was at the ninth level of the <Spirit Profound Realm>. And this girl's talent is actually far surpassing Ling Yun by miles apart... No, their disparity is like heaven and earth!

Their hope and wishful thinking went crashing down when the judge confirmed that there's nothing wrong with the Profound Assessing Stone... A lot of the participant's face went pale like a dying ember...

Some were having a great chance of entering the top 10, they're not aiming for the 1st place since they thought the winner has already decided already which is being Ling Yun himself but that's still acceptable since their cultivation is not that far apart... At most he's only at the <Earth Profound Realm> so they can still accept it if he came up as the winner, but when taking Xia Qingyue's group into account... They started to waver... Is there any point for them in cultivating at this point?

The enticement of being in the top 10 is too great and while some seem to have given up, some started having more determination more than ever to enter the top 10.

Xia Qingyue's group despises those that have given up just because of this small setback... Just like their Elder once said, judging someone's strength solely based on their cultivation realm is not a good thing. That kind of judgment will only create a setback for yourself if you deem something as impossible without giving it a proper attempt.

If you lose then you lose, there's no shame in it. You just need to become stronger by putting a greater effort into your training... What doesn't kill you just makes you stronger.

They're not even having a deathmatch in this competition but they've already lost their will to compete just like that... Pathetic...

"In the younger generation, among the male practitioners, no one is stronger than Ling Yun. But this girl, Xia Qingyue easily squashed him down even without lifting a finger..." Qin Wushang sighed. He looked at Xia Yuanba's figure, and once again sighed in his heart: 'Xia Qingyue and this guy, are really monstrous siblings... One of them is at the 8th level of the <Sky Profound Realm>, while the other is at the 10th level of the <Sky Profound Realm>...'

Thankfully they still have hope in taking the 2nd place in the tournament with Xia Yuanba here... As for Yun Che... Perhaps he might be able to enter the top 10 as well... But he doesn't have too high hopes for him... It's not that he looks down upon Yun Che but fact speaks louder than words...

Their cultivation base is too far apart... Yun Che is only at the 5th level of the <Spirit Profound Realm> while the opponents are at the <Sky Profound Realm>...

Even if someone thinks with his foot they can see just which one will come out as the winner if they were to really fight...

Sure Yun Che is capable of defeating those that have a higher cultivation base than him but that's only limited in the same realm opponents...

Not long after <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>, Ling Wugou finally shouted out Heavenly Sword Villa's name... The crowd instantly hope for a miracle and thought that maybe Ling Yun is also already at the <Sky Profound Realm>? But deep in their hearts they already know that it's impossible...

"Heavenly Sword Villa, Ling Yun, Ling Feiyu, Ling Jie."

Ling Yun walked forward and put his hand on top of the stone...

Ling Yun - 20 years old - <Earth Profound Realm> level three.

And just like that... The rowdy crowd sigh in disappointment... Ling Yun is indeed quite talented since he is the 2nd strongest amongst all the contestants here with <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> being the strongest...

As for Ling Feiyu and Ling Jie, their cultivation is only at the <Spirit Profound Realm>...

Ling Yun slowly removed his hand from the Profound Assessing Stone and slowly left... Although he felt a bit lost knowing that Xia Qingyue's group is far above him, he doesn't lose sight of his path which earned a little bit of respect from Xia Qingyue's group.

No one would belittle him even if he doesn't take 1st place in this tournament since his foes are just too abnormal...

"In the previous tournament, Ling Yun, who was merely seventeen years old, took the top spot with ease. In this tournament... He won't have the chance any longer... *Sigh* It is time for the younger generation indeed..." Qin Wushang sighed.

"We can only put our hope in you, Junior brother Yuanba." Cang Yue patted Xia Yuanba on the back.

"O-Oh, okay, I will try my best... But I don't want to fight big sis though..." He nodded shyly while scratching the back of his head.

"It doesn't matter... You can just surrender if you were to face off against her later... Don't worry too much. As long as you can enter the top 10 it's already more than enough." Qin Wushang said.

"That's right, Yuanba. Just take it easy." Yun Che patted him on the back as well.

Xia Yuanba nodded firmly after being encouraged by them.

There's no need for him to fight his own elder sister or her friends... Although Yuanba doesn't really know why he suddenly achieves breakthrough one after another, he can still guess that it must have something to do with Issei.

After all, his big sis keeps reminding him to be grateful towards her sect Elder inside her letters... Xia Yuanba is not stupid, he's just innocent and naive so he can find some relation with his sudden rise in "Talent" must be because of Issei.

He decided to just surrender when he's about to be faced with his big sis group... He's quite confident that he should be able to reach 4th rank at the very least and that's more than enough just like Qin Wushang said.

"Blue Wind Imperial Family..." After shouting the name, Ling Wugou suddenly paused. After fixating his eyes on the name list for a moment, he continued to shout with a weird tone of voice. "Yun Che, Xia Yuanba."

Although the Blue Wind Imperial Family's placing in the ranking tournament wasn't that great, it was still the Imperial Family! It controlled the largest amount of political power within the Blue Wind Empire! As a result, when the name "Blue Wind Imperial Family" came out, it immediately caught the attention of the entire audience. But after the name "Yun Che" and "Xia Yuanba" came out, Ling Wugou's gaze had then left the name list and did not announce the next name.

There was only this two name.

"It's our turn." Yun Che immediately got up and walked towards the Profound Assessing Stone while Xia Yuanba followed suit.

The surroundings immediately echoed with the sound of whispers.

"Eh? What's going on? Only two of them?"

"Looks like it… What the hell! The Imperial Family seriously only sent two people to participate in this year? It was probably influenced by the turmoil within the Imperial Family?"

"Hush, don't speak nonsense. Perhaps this 2 person's profound strength is so high that it is enough for the Imperial Family to just send two people. After all, the power rankings of the sects depend on their highest-ranked disciple."

Although the last one said that, it sounded a bit sarcastic... There's no way there will be another anomaly other than the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>, right?

But why is this big guy's name sounds familiar? Xia?

Yun Che and Xia Yuanba walked down from his seat and walked in the midst of everyone's line of sight.

From Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace's seating area, Chu Yueli frowned a little after seeing Yun Che because he seems a little bit familiar but soon she ignored him completely: "It's your little brother's turn, Qingyue." She said towards the silent Xia Qingyue.

"Oh? He is that Xia Yuanba?" Chu Yuechan and the other's interest is piqued by the sight of the big guy... Isn't he too big already? Is he really Qingyue's little brother and not the other way around? They thought weirdly inside their minds.

"En." Xia Qingyue smiled thinly watching the nervous Xia Yuanba. Even though his strength is already at the 8th level of the <Sky Profound Realm> he still looks quite nervous, probably because he's not used to be in the limelight.

As for that man beside him, it must be that Xiao Che who changed his name to Yun Che... Not that she cares about it in the first place.

"...That person already at the 8th level of the <Sky Profound Realm> in this short amount of time..." Jasmine mumbled inside the <Sky Poison Pearl>.

"His profound vein has been changed by Ise... It was clearly the <Tyrannical Emperor's Divine Veins> before right dear?" Xun'er asked Jasmine to which the latter nodded affirmingly.

"Indeed... It was clearly the <Tyrannical Emperor's Divine Veins> before. There's no doubt about it but this baddy seems to change it..." Jasmine said with narrowed eyes at Issei's figure.

She's really curious about Issei's true identity...

Yun Che - 17 years old - <Spirit Profound Realm> 5th level.

Once this result came out, the entire audience reaction is just "Not bad"... His cultivation can be considered quite good but compared to Xia Qingyue and Ling Yun's group then he's still pale in comparison.

But aren't they too arrogant by just sending two participants in this year's tournament? Sure Yun Che cultivation is not bad but they can't be this arrogant, right?

Then it's Xia Yuanba's turn to put his hand on top of the <Profound Assessing Stone>.

Xia Yuanba - 16 years old - <Sky Profound Realm> 8th level.

Silence... Complete silence...

Then the whole arena exploded with shock!

"What!!!" All of them exclaimed out loud.

First, it was that Xia Qingyue, now it's this Xia Yuanba! Wait... Xia Yuanba, Xia Qingyue? Xia surname? Could it be?!

Everyone who's present there instantly had their gazes homing in at Xia Qingyue.

One of them steeled themselves to ask her: "U-Ummm, please excuse this junior rudeness but perhaps by chance are fairy Xia and that Xia Yuanba..." That person looks back and forth from Xia Yuanba to Xia Qingyue.

The meaning behind his question is clear... Are the two of you related?

"Yes, he is my little brother." Xia Qingyue nodded calmly at that person's question.

*Hisssss!!!*

They all hissed in shock! To think that they're brother and sister! Two abnormal siblings!

"Ahhhh! I wanna die! Is there any point in participating anymore?! Is there any point in cultivating anymore! I'm already 20 this year but my cultivation is only at the <Spirit Profound Realm>! Where is the justice in this!?"

One by one they shouted in despair seeing that some 16 years old brat already far surpasses them...

The various major sects leader started contemplating some plans... If they could make this Xia Yuanba as their sect disciple then it would be extremely beneficial for their sect...

If not then... Forget it... They couldn't afford to offend the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>...

Some wanted to cut the grass before it grows fully but decided not to since Xia Yuanba is Xia Qingyue's little brother... What if they get caught in the process? Their sect will meet their doom...

"Little brother, if you join our sect we will provide you all the best resources available and even make you our core disciple!" One of the sect leaders extended an invitation towards Xia Yuanba.

Then another one... And so on...

But Xia Yuanba refuses them politely saying that he will stay with the <New Moon Profound Palace>.

They can only sigh in disappointment...

But then they set their gaze on Qin Wushuang. If they can't recruit Xia Yuanba then they should just make a connection with his palace. That way they can benefit some profit by befriending them when their palace does rises in this mainland...

There's no way that Xia Yuanba won't make a name for himself so it's the 2nd best choice for them all...

Qin Wushang's face bloomed like a flower being flattered by everyone from all side and Cang Yue also smiled happily.

...

"...The first round of group fights will continue for three days, and there are thirty small groups in total. Within each group, there is an average of fifty or so disciples who will be taking part in the competition. All fifty competitors from each group will have to participate in twelve full fights, and the top ten ranked disciples from each group, which will come to a total of three hundred disciples, will then enter the second round of group matches.

The thousand and two hundred disciples who do not enter the second round will then move on to the subsequent area to take part in ranking fights. However, other than the affiliated sects, nobody will take notice of the ranking matches in this second area..."

"The second round of group matches will have a total of three hundred competing disciples, and like before, it will continue for three days. Each disciple will have to finish a full fifteen fights! After which, rankings will be made based on the number of fights each disciple wins.

The first hundred spots will be listed, as well as the thirty-two strongest. Subsequently, those who did not make it into the top hundred will similarly be transferred to the secondary arena. The rankings for the thirty third to the hundredth competitors will thus be completed. If there is anyone who is dissatisfied, they can challenge a competitor who is higher ranked than them in the secondary arena. The challenged must accept the challenge, and if the challenger wins, they will then take the ranking of the person who has lost….. In the main arena, elimination matches for the thirty-two disciples who have won the most fights will then commence."

"These rankings, are all rankings of the participating disciples. The ranking of the sect forces will be ranked based on the final rankings of their disciples..."

"...When fighting, a person loses when he/she falls onto the ground for more than ten breaths of time or when he concedes the match! No matter for what reason, any competitor who takes more than thirty breaths of time to go up on stage will be seen as admitting defeat… Now, this old man declares that the <Blue Wind Ranking Tournament> has officially begun!"

Ling Wugou continues to introduce this tournament rules but everyone spirit is quite low because of the appearance of the 4 monsters in this tournament... But some are still in high spirits since there's still a chance for them to enter the top 10 ranks even though it's quite slim.

After Ling Wugou's voice fell, a large area of profound energy fluctuation came from all around. On top of the thirty small Sword Discourse Arenas, transparent profound energy protective screens appeared simultaneously.

These profound energy barriers could isolate the two competitors such that their profound energy would not affect the surroundings when both parties were in combat. At the same time, to a certain extent, it also sets a restriction on the area in which both parties would fight.

Thirty well prepared middle-aged men also flew up and descended to the side of the thirty small Sword Discourse Arenas. These were the referees for the first round of small group matches. And these thirty people, could all use the "Profound Floating Technique", which meant that they were all Sky Profound Realm experts. This fact made many observing disciples to immediately go slack-jawed.

The thirty small Sword Discourse Arenas were evenly spread out around the main Sword Discourse Arena. To the practitioners watching, from any seat, the circumstances of each small Sword Discourse Arena could be plainly visible just by shifting their gazes a little.

Following the appearance of the thirty judges and the profound energy barriers, the numbers of sixty disciples flashed brightly at the same time. Very quickly, sixty competitors climbed onto their respective Sword Discourse stage and the first match was officially begun...

...

"Quick look! It's big sis!"

Xia Yuanba suddenly gave a surprised shout and pointed towards the ninth Sword Discourse Arena.

A quarter of an hour passed by, and the ninth Sword Discourse Arena had already finished three matches. During the fourth match, a completely veiled Xia Qingyue appeared on the Sword Discourse Arena and caused the ninth Sword Discourse Arena to become the center of attention through the entire arena… Whenever a disciple from any of the Four Major Sects appeared, they would definitely become the focal point.

Opposite Xia Qingyue, a twenty-year-old youth walked up. However, his expression was terrible. Within his heart, he was inwardly complaining about his bitter lot. His profound strength was only at the fourth level of the <Spirit Profound Realm>, and within group nine, he was in the upper-middle tier, but never did he expect to get a disciple of the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> as his first opponent.

However, his opponent was only a young girl of seventeen. He simply could not lose face by admitting defeat even if their disparity is like heaven and earth, so he could only brace himself and pull out his sword, "Illusory Sword Clan's Han Yunzhi requests this fairy to bestow unto him some guidance!"

As his voice fell, he stepped forward and thrust his sword outward. From the start, he was already using his strongest ultimate move, the "Sword of Three Lives". The surging sword aura coagulated into three sword blossoms, and the power of each of the three points all attacking towards Xia Qingyue.

Xia Qingyue's gaze was tranquil and calm. Her feet had not moved. Facing Han Yunzhi's sword aura, her snow-like right hand moved gently…

Whoosh!

A cold wind breezed past and cut at Han Yunzhi's face like numerous blades of knives. His sword aura was defeated in a matter of seconds and it was as if his entire body had been plunged into the extremities of a frozen prison. His four limbs were impossibly rigid and he was made to stagnate there, kept in his pose of wielding a sword and rushing forward. Let alone being able to continue brandishing his sword, he couldn't even move his fingers at all.

In the blink of an eye, a layer of gorgeous hoar frost extended from his sword's tip to cover his entire body.

Luckily Xia Qingyue held back or this person would instantly be turned into an ice statue...

All the sect disciples who were seeing the might of Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace's <Frozen Cloud Art> for the first time were all stunned. Isn't it too overpowered? Just one wave of her hand and that guy is almost frozen stiff?

"I… admit... defeat…" Han Yunzhi's mouth trembled as he squeezed out those three words.

He was clinging to blind hope that perhaps her cultivation just a fake or something along the line... Never would he thought that he will be defeated with just 1 move...

"Illusory Sword Clan's Han Yunzhi admits defeat, Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace's Xia Qingyue wins!"

At the loud verdict of the referee for the ninth Sword Discourse Arena, the ice on Han Yunzhi's body disappeared. All at once, he fell to kneel on the ground. After taking in large gulps of air, he looked at Xia Qingyue with eyes filled with insurmountable respect and a little bit of fear before weakly walking off the Sword Discourse Arena.

"So strong... Big sis is actually so strong." Xia Yuanba stared with his eyes wide open feeling awed by Qingyue...

'...You're one to say even though you're also very strong' Is what's on Yun Che and the others mind...

Xia Yuanba also defeated most of his opponent by 1 move just like Qingyue... But his situation is more frustrating compared to the latter.

While Xia Qingyue and the other girls' opponents all lose in 1 move, Xia Yuanba here let his opponent hit him once with their attack and knocked them out in 1 punch... What's more horrifying for his opponent is that their attack couldn't put a scratch on his body.

It's like they're hitting on a steel plate rather than a human flesh!

Even their hands went numb when their attack landed on his body... Some were thinking to attack from a distance but they're only wasting their energy and in the end, they have no choice but to surrender...

Xia Yuanba is cultivating defensive profound art called <Profound Diamond Body>. The cultivation art is quite suitable for him who's quite slow in movement speed.

It increases his defense and attack at the same time but it slows down his movement.

Yun Che weapon is a greatsword and he's more normal compared to Xia Qingyue and Xia Yuanba. At least his opponents still put up a fight even though they still lose in the end.

The sun had already begun to set, and thus, the curtains closed for the matches on the first day. More than two thousand matches had undergone on thirty arenas. Within these many matches, there would definitely be some there were spectacular and thrilling, but the atmosphere is rather bleak and lackluster for the arena side where Xia Qingyue's group and Xia Yuanba competition is held...

Those who are on their side of the arena lost all the will to compete and some even directly surrendered the moment they're faced off against them...

Just like that, the battle for the day is over without any surprise...

...

Yun Che's group is on their way back to their courtyard...

At this time, in front of them, five white-clothed, fairy-like figures flowing with ice spirits slowly walked over. With a single glance, it looked as though five goddesses had descended from the clouds, allowing people to slightly feel as though they had arrived at the realm of immortals.

Looking at them, Yun Che was slightly startled, and he subconsciously stopped walking.

"Ah... it's big sis!" Xia Yuanba pointed at Xia Qingyue.

"Big sis, big sis!"

Growing up with Xia Qingyue, who was such a world-class beauty, and adding that he had a few screws loose in his brain, Xia Yuanba had a rather strong immunity to beautiful girls.

These stunning girls from the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>, coupled with their extraordinary temperament, were enough to cause even elders who were rich in experience to be trapped in a daze for a long while, let alone energetic youths. But Xia Yuanba was completely untroubled in this area, immediately shouted out of delight, and lightly sprinted towards Xia Qingyue, as though he did not notice the other girls from the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> around her.

"Yuanba?" Xia Qingyue felt happy being reunited with her little brother.

Xia Yuanba's giant figure stopped before Xia Qingyue, and his expression was filled with excitement. The last time they meet was when Xia Qingyue is visiting him at the <New Moon Profound Palace> so it's been a while since the last time they met.

But this time Yuanba doesn't hug Xia Qingyue like before since he's more tactful now.

"I miss you big sis! Oh, and you're really amazing back then in the arena! " Xia Yuanba said like an excited child.

"You're amazing as well." Xia Qingyue smiled at him and patted his shoulder.

"Hehehe, compared to you big sis, I'm nothing much. I have seen all your matches. If dad were to know that you have become so incredible now, he will definitely be unbelievably happy… Big sis, are you doing well over there? Is anyone bullying you? When are you returning home…" The excited Xia Yuanba poured a large bunch of words onto Xia Qingyue.

"Oh right, big sis. Brother-in-law is with me as well!" He suddenly thought of something and pointed at Yun Che behind him. He already forgot that they're basically not married to each other anymore because of how excited he is...

When he brought up "brother-in-law", Shui Wushuang and Wu Xuexin, who was beside Xia Qingyue, gave a sidelong glance at the same time, revealing similar weird looks. Chu Yueli and Chu Yuechan frowned at Yun Che.

Chu Yueli frowned because he finally remembered just why this man looks so familiar, turns out that he is that brat Xiao Che while Chu Yuechan frowned because she already heard of this man from Chu Yueli's mouth and it's nothing good...

Issei said he wanted to sightsee around the area hence he's currently not with them much to their disappointment... They wanted to accompany him but he told them to go take a rest and doesn't leave a room for negotiation so he left just like that...

So they're kind of in a bad mood right now.

"Eh?" Xia Yuanba gave Yun Che a glance, and then, shifted his gaze back at Xia Qingyue. He scratched his head and finally remembered.

He can only smile wryly while feeling unsure of what to do now... Brother-in-law said to just let nature take its course but... What to do now? I messed up...

Chu Yueli clearly heard Xia Yuanba's words as well. She shifted his gaze and looked at Yun Che: "You changed your name? No matter, you better still remember our agreement with each other. Don't forget what you said back then." Although Chu Yueli is a bit astonished seeing Yun Che here, but she doesn't think much because she has a bad impression at this man...

Their first meeting is a bad first impression after all... Watching him cuddling with another woman on his wedding night is not something to be proud of... And Yun Che also realizes this as well.

The whole sect knows of this so-called "Agreement" but not Cang Yue and Qin Wushang.

But since they're basically an outsider they don't want to poke their heads into this...

Yun Che took a step forward and said respectfully. "Yun Che, a disciple of <New Moon Profound Palace>, is happy to meet the fairies of <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>. Back then in <Floating Cloud City>, this disciple did indeed have the name Xiao Che, but currently, this disciple is now named Yun Che. And don't worry senior Chu Yueli, I still remember my promise."

"Hmph! It's good that you remember." Chu Yueli scoffed at him.

Yun Che scratched his cheek because it seems that he's being hated by the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>... Not that he really mind though.

"Yuanba, take good care of yourself and father." Xia Qingyue told Xia Yuanba in a gentle voice.

"Awhh… Big sis, I still have so many things to tell you... But okay... See you later big sis! If I do meet you in the arena later then I will give up directly!" He grinned at her to which earned a grin from Xia Qingyue as well.

Then they left...

Yun Che facepalmed because he forgot to ask about Issei but he's not in a rush at the moment and besides, they will be staying here for the next 5 days anyway... No rush.

...

Issei returned at night. He's disappointed because there's nothing special around this area... It seems that <Heavenly Basin Secret Realm> is the only thing left to check.

He found some more <Purple Veined Divine Crystal> location but since that thing is not that really useful he's not really interested... But maybe he should take it later when he had the chance to do so.

When he returned to the courtyard, he saw Chu Yuechan and the others are waiting for him.

"Welcome back, Ise." Chu Yueli said gently.

"Um? What all of you doing here?" Issei frowned a little seeing them still awake at this time.

"We were waiting for you." This time Chu Yuechan answered.

"*Sigh* I told you to take a rest but nevermind... Let's go back." Issei sighed helplessly.

"En" All of them answered obediently like gentle housewives welcoming their husband return.

With Issei in the lead, they entered their respective room...

Before Issei entered his room, he narrowed his eyes at the corner of the courtyard. The distance from his place to that spot was quite far but he can still saw someone hiding there...

That person shuddered greatly when he sensed Issei's gaze on him. Then Issei also looks at another direction and found another person in hiding as well.

"Scram!" Issei said in a low voice but both of them could clearly hear his words. It's as if Issei's voice sounded directly inside their minds.

They hurriedly leave the courtyard.

"Ise, what's wrong?" Chu Yuechan who just entered her room heard the little commotion that's happening outside her room.

"It's nothing, just some rats." Issei answered her.

"Rats?" Chu Yuechan narrowed her eyes and saw a shadow of 2 people leaving their courtyard in time.

They're sent here by Ling Yuefeng and Xuanyuang Yufeng respectively to observe as a spy but they never thought that they will be found out by Issei right away... To make matters awkward, they never realize there's another "Friend" of them stationed nearby.

They then reported back to their respective bosses...

She scowled realizing that she let her guard down too much that she couldn't even sense those 2 "Rats" presence just now.

Her beautiful eyes unconsciously turned into slits for a brief moment because she thought that she let Issei down for not realizing their presence sooner.

"Don't mind it too much." Issei who sensed her spiking aura calmed her down with just a few sentences.

"En." She nodded but deep inside she's still feeling angry. There should be only one person who would send a spy to their place and she knows just exactly who they are...

She will remember this.

...

On the second and third day, the first round of the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament continued.

In this first round of group stages, Yun Che was indeed quite lucky. In the group of fifty people that he was in, not only were there no disciples from the Four Major Sects, the strongest practitioner was only at the fifth level of the Spirit Profound Realm. But of the six disciples that were at the fifth level of the Spirit Profound Realm, he did not even meet a single one. Within three days, he fought twelve battles and the strongest expert he met was only at the fourth level of the Spirit Profound Realm… With his undefeated streak of twelve wins, he entered the top 300 rankings, entering into the second round of group stage matches along with Xia Yuanba.

Without any suspense, Xia Qingyue's group won without breaking a sweat. Even before the match started, their opponents already forfeited hence they have more free time...

After the first round of group stages ended, Xia Yuanba pumped his fist and cheered. Cang Yue was beaming, and Qin Wushang could not contain his smiles. Because this was the first time ever that the disciples representing the Blue Wind Imperial Family made into the second round of group stages! The first time a disciple entered into the top three hundred rankings!

"I will immediately send the news to the Emperor. He will be very happy upon receiving this news." Qin Wushang said in an incomparably emotional way. Without waiting any further, he found a corner to send the news to the Emperor.

While on Issei's side, they have a calm and tranquil expression since it's of no surprise to them that they will win this tournament... But their sight of serving Issei made all of them men howl in jealousy while the women swooned...

Although they can't see Issei and the girls' faces, they know that they must have an otherworldly visage underneath their veils and mask.

"This is too wonderful Junior Brother Yuanba, Junior Brother Yun Che. You have established a new ranking record for disciples representing the Imperial Family. After Father receives news of this, he will certainly be very happy." Cang Yue clapped while her brows curved into two beautiful crescent moons.

Yun Che went into a daze seeing her face but soon he smiles bitterly because he knows that Cang Yue doesn't hold any feelings for him... Aiss... Thankfully I still have my little aunt back at home...

But he's not the only person who went into a daze after looking at Cang Yue smile. Not far away, Fen Juecheng was looking at her as well... He decided to take her as his after this tournament. Even if it's by force!

...

On the fourth day of the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament, the second round of group stages officially started. At the same time, the one thousand and two hundred disciples that were eliminated in the first round went to the secondary venue in the rear hills to compete for the rankings below the top three hundred. It was only that the ranking tournament at the secondary venue had a far smaller audience. Both the quality and atmosphere of the secondary venue could not compare to that of the main venue.

The second round of group stages was likewise held on the thirty little sword arenas. Even though the number of participating disciples was condensed to only three hundred, every person had to fight a full fifteen matches! At the same time, even though this round of group stages was still by "group matches", the competitors were no longer divided into groups. Everyone's opponent was no longer restricted to a small range and could be drawn from the entire set of disciples who had entered into the second round. This allowed the highest chance of making sure that everything was fair.

However, there was no such thing as absolute fairness. Even though the second round was not divided into groups, the opponent that was selected for every match was still something to watch out for. If someone originally had the ability to rank within the top hundred but was so unlucky as to encounter opponents from the Major Sects for all fifteen of his/her battles, then he/she could only cradle his/her head and cry in pain. There was no way to logically debate against that. And someone else, whose strength was only average but only met opponents who were below average, could manage to win all his battles.

They all had one thing in common inside their minds... "Please don't let us faced off against that group of monsters!"

Of course, they can only hope and left their fate to their destiny...