Chapter 195: The Awakening Empress (II)

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As the two fell into the flower field under the massive tree, Mio's beauty captivated Yun Che, and in that moment, he couldn't resist. Gently, he pulled her close, their lips meeting in a tender kiss that felt like it was meant to last forever. Mio's hands wrapped around his head, deepening the kiss.

"Danna-sama, I really love you… I really do," she whispered between kisses, her eyes full of adoration.

Yun Che smiled warmly, feeling the sincerity of her love. "The feeling's mutual, Mio." He cherished her sweet gestures, grateful for every moment they shared.

Just as Mio's affection started to escalate, she shyly requested, "Danna-sama… just a little taste, please…" It was clear she was ready to take things further, especially with the romantic atmosphere that seemed to encourage them.

But, of course, fate had other plans.

"Ano… Yuu-kun? Are you done with your date with Mio-chan?" Retsu's sweet, yet ominous, voice echoed in their minds.

Mio sighed in frustration, knowing her moment had been ruined. "Ret-chan! I was getting to the good part!"

"What kind of good part, Mio-chan? Is it good?" Retsu's voice took on a darker, suspicious tone.

"Anoo… nothing… sort of…" Mio awkwardly tried to cover her tracks, her sweat-dropped face betraying her guilt. She was about to break a rule that Retsu firmly set.

Sensing the tension, Yun Che quickly intervened, hoping to diffuse the situation. "Well, since you called, is there something you need?" He gave Mio a subtle glance, letting her know he had her back.

Mio silently thanked him for saving her from Retsu's wrath. It might be easier after they were all married, but for now, there were rules, and Retsu wasn't the type to let anything slide.

"Can you two come back to the palace? Something's happened," Retsu's voice carried an unmistakable urgency, shifting their attention completely.

"What kind of something?" Yun Che asked, while Mio, now curious, perked up.

"Look toward the palace," Retsu urged, her tone filled with concern.

Yun Che and Mio turned in the direction of the Blue Wind Imperial Palace, only to see a massive swirling storm converging right above it. The sight left them both speechless.

"Oooo… that's not good. Looks like that kiss will have to wait, Mio," Yun Che remarked, his focus now on the impending danger.

"Muu… I was hoping for a full course," Mio pouted, though she quickly quieted down, mindful of Retsu.

"Anyway, let's head back," Yun Che said, marking their location before taking off toward the palace. Mio held onto his hand tightly, knowing something serious awaited them. Despite the urgent call, she felt their bond growing stronger, and that was enough to keep her spirit high.

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"Is this your way of settling matters? Attacking innocent maidens just because you lose? Is this your way?!" Cang Yue spat, her fury igniting as she watched Mei Mei fall to Fire Lion Technique just now.

In response to her anger, her eyes turned a brilliant gold, and a golden aura burst from her body. The sky darkened, swirling clouds gathering ominously above the central palace, causing everyone, including her father, to be bewildered. Cang Wanhe couldn't hide his shock as the skies darkened and thunder roared, as if a calamity was about to strike. Moments later, a heavy rain poured down on the Imperial City.

"Haha, (mother)… it's raining!" Nezuko exclaimed, pointing at the sudden downpour.

Xue Ling was enjoying a peaceful day with Nezuko when she sensed something odd in the distance towards the Imperial Palace. She glanced toward the palace and saw a storm brewing at its center, the dark clouds swirling ominously. "Rain? How…" Her bewilderment mirrored that of everyone else around her. She quickly used her profound energy to shield herself and Nezuko from the unexpected downpour.

"Oi, look at the palace! Something happened!" a passerby shouted, drawing the attention of those nearby.

"The clouds… they're swirling above the palace," another replied, pointing at the unusual sight.

Xue Ling's eyes widened as she took in the scene. The swirling clouds and the sudden storm were clear signs that something significant had occurred at the palace. Her mind raced with possibilities and concerns, the urgency of the situation pressing upon her.

Without wasting another moment, she gathered Nezuko in her arms and hastily made her way toward the palace. Her protective barrier kept them dry, but her thoughts were anything but calm. She had to find out what had caused this unnatural phenomenon and ensure the safety of Cang Yue.

"Something has happened," Xue Ling thought, her eyes narrowing as a sense of urgency filled her chest.

"Haha?" Nezuko tilted her head curiously, sensing the shift in Xue Ling's mood.

"Hold on tight, Nezuko. Haha will fly a bit faster now," Xue Ling responded gently, holding Nezuko tighter as she increased her speed. Nezuko giggled with delight, loving the sensation of speeding through the air, blissfully unaware of the danger that awaited them.

As they soared faster, Xue Ling's thoughts grew heavier. She prayed that nothing catastrophic had happened in her absence. If the Imperial Palace was in danger, it could mean a larger threat than mere assassins. The storm swirling above the city gave her an ominous feeling.

"First the assassins and now this. Please, don't let anything happen," she whispered under her breath, pushing her limits as she flew with Nezuko towards the darkening sky.

Their outing was cut short, and whatever awaited them at the Imperial Palace would determine their next move.

As Xue Ling flew faster, the skies above the Imperial City grew darker and more ominous. The swirling storm centered on the Imperial Palace, its unnatural presence filling Xue Ling with dread. She held Nezuko close, her heartbeat quickening as the winds howled around them. Nezuko, sensing the tension but still trusting, clung tightly to Xue Ling, her eyes wide but curious.

"Haha, why is the sky so dark?" Nezuko asked, her voice small and innocent amidst the chaos.

Xue Ling smiled softly, though her thoughts were racing. "It's just a storm, Nezuko. Hold on tight, and we'll get through this quickly."

In her heart, Xue Ling knew this was no ordinary storm. Something serious had happened at the palace, and the timing couldn't have been worse. Both she and Chu Yueli had been distracted, focusing on their own struggles over Nezuko, while something sinister brewed back at the Imperial City. Now, she could only hope they weren't too late.

Pushing herself harder, Xue Ling increased her flight speed, the wind rushing past her as Nezuko squealed with joy, enjoying the thrill despite the looming danger. The Imperial City came into view quickly, and Xue Ling's sharp eyes caught sight of the dark clouds swirling directly above the palace. Lightning flashed, followed by a deep rumble of thunder that echoed through the sky.

"Something has happened at the palace," Xue Ling murmured to herself, her grip tightening on Nezuko as they descended toward the city.

As they neared the palace gates, Xue Ling could feel a powerful energy radiating from within, chaotic and threatening. Guards and civilians around the palace alike looked panicked, some running toward safety as thunder roaring in the skies, while others gathered outside the palace walls, murmuring in fear. The source of the disturbance seemed to come from deep within the palace itself.

"What in the world happened here…."

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Back in the palace, Cang Xingwu looked at the skies, shocked by the sudden downpour. His gaze returned to Cang Yue, whose bangs covered her eyes, her expression furious, seemingly oblivious to the rain around her. Oddly, none of the rainwater touched her, as if she were protected by an invisible cloak. Even her clothes remained dry.

"Yue'er," her father muttered, his eyes fixed on his daughter, both awe and concern evident in his voice.

Cang Yue's voice suddenly deepened, her eyes sharpening as she glared at her cousin. "Not only did you refuse to accept defeat, but you also broke the rules and involved an innocent girl."

The crowd in the courtyard widened their eyes as Cang Yue's hair darkened and rapidly grew until it reached her heels.

"Little Yue… what is this…?" her father wondered aloud, unaware of the changes overtaking his daughter.

Even Retsu and Nemu widened their eyes, barely able to process the rapid transformation. They had witnessed Cang Yue transition between her Yin Lunar Body and her normal form before, but never this quickly. This change rendered her almost unrecognizable, except for the familiar features. Her hair was now a dark cascade, her eyes a blazing gold, but it was unmistakably still her, only more intense, more powerful.

The atmosphere grew heavy with her presence, and the golden aura surrounding her seemed to pulse with raw energy. It was clear to everyone that this was not an ordinary transformation; it was a revelation of Cang Yue's true potential, a glimpse of the empress within her.

"Still, you desire victory? Such greed. You dare declare before this Empress that you seek a fair duel?!" Everyone who saw Cang Yue's piercing eyes felt an overwhelming urge to submit. She referred to herself as 'this Empress' and exuded the aura of a powerful ruler. Her eyes were a brilliant gold, with vertical pupils resembling those of a demon.

Cang Yue's hair was completely black, her eyes gold with vertical pupils, and her aura burst forth in a golden blaze. It was as if a dormant personality had taken over, her posture now that of a formidable empress.

Seeing the fear in Cang Xingwu's face, Cang Wanhe realized what his daughter was capable of. If he allows this, she will end up killing him. He stood up and shouted, "Yue'er! Please stop this!"

Her father's voice rang out, but she ignored it, her focus fixed on Cang Xingwu. "You're an outrageous fool who would trample innocent maidens as if they were worms. Such insolence is unforgivable before this Empress!"

"Please… have mercy on me…" Cang Xingwu quaked, slowly backing away from Cang Yue's enraged form.

"Although this empress doesn't desire bloodshed, you leave me no choice. We shall personally end your life!" Her aura exploded, covering the entire courtyard and causing water to burst from the ground. She raised her arms horizontally and shouted, her voice doubling with a mysterious deeper and double tone,

"Justice be done!"

In an instant, water converged on her palms before bursting upward, forming two majestic water dragons. The dragons' movements were swift and graceful, as if Cang Yue had practiced for hundreds of years. The onlookers, shocked, fell to the ground as the serpentine creatures ascended, exuding authority.

Cang Wanhe and the others were astonished. Their princess, known for her timidness and prowess in sword arts, now demonstrated mastery over water arts, summoning two guardian serpentine dragons.

The water dragons Cang Yue summoned were awe-inspiring and formidable, exuding an air of both grace and power. Their bodies were composed entirely of crystal-clear water, shimmering and reflecting the light, making them appear almost ethereal. Each dragon was massive, stretching over thirty feet in length, with their serpentine bodies undulating with fluid grace.

Their heads were adorned with sharp, majestic fins that swept back like a crown, accentuating their regal presence. The dragons' eyes glowed with an intense azure light, piercing and intelligent, giving the impression of ancient wisdom. They possessed four long, sharp fangs that protruded from their mouths, menacing yet elegant.

Running along the length of their bodies were rows of delicate, translucent scales that caught the light, giving off a soft, radiant glow. Fins ran down their spines, adding to their majestic appearance, while their long, sinuous tails flicked gracefully through the air.

Antennae-like tendrils extended from their heads, swaying gently as if sensing the energy around them. The dragons moved with a fluidity and precision that suggested centuries of practiced mastery, their every motion deliberate and powerful.

As they descended upon Cang Xingwu, their presence was overwhelming. The water dragons coiled around him with an effortless strength, binding him tightly yet gracefully, their bodies shimmering and glistening in the downpour. The entire scene was accompanied by the roar of thunder, heightening the sense of awe and authority that emanated from Cang Yue and her majestic water dragons.

Accompanied by thunderous roars, Cang Yue exuded the authority of a true Empress, surpassing even her father. Cang Wanhe vividly saw the aura of a powerful woman behind Cang Yue, someone who looked remarkably similar to her, embodying strength and regality. The entire scene left the onlookers in awe of Cang Yue's transformation and the formidable power she wielded.

Nemu widened her eyes before turning to her sister. "Nee-sama! Yue-sama has never used water dragons before. She's never even practiced any water-based arts. It's exactly like one of our destruction kido."

"I don't know, Nemu-chan…" Retsu shook her head, equally confused by Cang Yue's sudden transformation. The timid girl they knew had never shown such a domineering personality. Could this fight have triggered something deep within her?

"Please, let me go!" Cang Xingwu shouted, the water dragons coiling around him, awaiting their mistress's command to execute him.

"Wu'er!!" His father, Cang Lingwu, shouted after his initial shock, his voice trembling with fear and desperation.

"Yue'er, what kind of power and spirit is this?" Cang Wanhe asked, still unable to believe his eyes.

"Let my son go!" Cang Lingwu demanded, jumping forward in an attempt to assert his authority. His strength, at the fifth level of the Earth Profound Realm, should have been enough to deal with Cang Yue. Or so he thought.

Cang Lingwu drew his sword in a desperate attempt to free his son, slashing toward Cang Yue's with all his might. His blade, however, was stopped cold by a shimmering water shield that materialized around her. Despite its liquid appearance, the barrier held firm, rendering his attack utterly futile.

"What is this?! You're supposed to be in the Peak True Profound Realm!" Cang Lingwu's voice trembled with frustration and disbelief as he struggled to extract his sword from the impenetrable shield.

Cang Yue's golden eyes locked onto him, her expression one of utter disdain, as if a mere insect had dared to challenge her.

"This Empress," she began, her voice resonating with an otherworldly authority, "does not answer to the likes of you."

Cang Lingwu's face contorted with fear and rage, realizing too late the immense power standing before him. The water shield shimmered, a testament to the profound strength Cang Yue now commanded.

With a flick of her wrist, Cang Yue sent a pulse through the water shield, dislodging the sword from her barrier and sending Cang Lingwu stumbling backward. His eyes widened as he saw the raw, untamed power she wielded.

"You dare approach and challenge us? Courting death!" Cang Yue's voice rang out, filled with cold authority. With a mere glance, she halted Cang Lingwu in his tracks, as if an invisible force pinned him to the spot. The courtyard fell silent, everyone speechless as they watched Cang Yue restrain the king without so much as batting an eye.

Possessed by her newfound power, Cang Yue raised her hand, and a massive hand made of water formed, grabbing the king of the remote kingdom and binding him before her. His personal guards tried to rush to his aid, but a single sharp look from Cang Yue stopped them in their tracks, paralyzing them with fear.

Cang Yue's aura of supremacy was undeniable. Her golden eyes glowed with a fierce intensity, and the powerful water dragons hovered menacingly, ready to strike at her command. The entire scene exuded an overwhelming sense of awe and dread, as the timid girl they once knew now stood before them as an empress of unparalleled power.

Fear crept into everyone as if they were staring into the eyes of the Empress herself—the legendary Empress of the Blue Wind Empire.

Retsu sensed that Cang Yue was emanating a faint but unmistakable Haoshoku No Haki. The aura sent chills down the spines of everyone in the courtyard. Nemu, ever observant, noted that Cang Yue's new personality wielded her power with calculated precision. She restrained rather than attacked outright, yet any sign of aggression would compel her to execute those who opposed her. An oppressive golden aura surrounded her, further heightening the tension.

"Bow down..." Her words were enough to force the personal guards to their knees, as if their existence was reduced to that of mere insects. The Cang Family outer members, who had attempted to oust Cang Yue from the Empire's throne, fell silent, overwhelmed by her authority. At this moment, she was now the Blue Moon Empress of the Blue Wind Empire, her power of authority surpassing even her father's.

Retsu and Nemu widened their eyes, recognizing the oppressive aura as a form akin of Spiritual Pressure, dominating the wills of others. Despite being a novice in Haoshoku No Haki, Cang Yue wielded its power with the expertise of masters like Yun Che, Mio, and Retsu.

Cang Yue's words were not mere threats. The water dragons and the massive fist tightened their grip on Cang Xingwu and his father. The pressure was palpable, and everyone could feel the intensity of her resolve.

"You dare made these people oppose this Empress?" Cang Yue's voice rang out, cold and unwavering. The dragons coiled tighter, and the water fist clenched harder, signifying the impending doom for those who dared defy her.

The entire courtyard was engulfed in a tense silence, broken only by the sound of thunder and the pattering rain. Cang Yue stood as the embodiment of absolute power, her presence a testament to the legacy of the Blue Wind Empire's most formidable ruler.

Xue Ling arrived with Nezuko in her arms in the skies. Her eyes widened in shock seeing Cang Yue was no longer the Cang Yue she knew. She has become someone vile and cruel. "Yue'er…"

"Dragons!" Nezuko shouted with sparkling eyes seeing such majestic creatures.

"Yue'er!" Her father's pleas were entirely ignored as she prepared to execute those who had abused her authority. Xue Ling was preparing to put Nezuko down before trying to appeal to Cang Yue. Before she could act, two figures emerged through the heavy rain, revealing Yun Che and Mio. They had arrived as soon as Retsu contacted them, cutting their date short.

"Ara… did we miss something? What happened to Yue'er?" Mio asked calmly, observing Cang Yue's dominant stance. Both she and Yun Che coated themselves with Haki to avoid their clothes getting wet.

The Empress mode of Cang Yue paused, her eyes locking onto Yun Che. "You…" Her voice, layered with its dominant undertone, resonated as she stared at him.

Yun Che glanced around, seeing the prostrating crowd before letting out a sigh. His expression relaxed, and he gestured towards Cang Yue. "Little Yue… stop this… You're abusing your authority."

"They are the ones who defied this Empress…" Cang Yue's Empress Mode responded, her eyes flicking back to the offenders.

"I know… I know… Just let it go," Yun Che's voice was soft, almost pleading. "An Empress should allow people to repent, right? Your authority is important, but showing mercy is also a sign of true strength. They're jerks, sure, but let it go this time, okay?"

His words, like a soothing balm, reached her. The tension in Cang Yue's posture eased, and the fierce light in her eyes dimmed. Slowly, she lowered her hands, her power receding as she exhaled deeply. Closing her eyes, she allowed his voice to guide her back from the edge.

"Very well…" Her words spark relief to others around her.

"For you, my Emperor, I'll comply." she finally murmured, the steel in her voice softened by an undercurrent of affection. The words weren't just a concession; they were a testament to the unique bond they shared.

The crowd gasped in unison, stunned by the sight before them. Cang Yue, in her formidable Empress Mode, had actually backed down. Not only had she let go of her wrath, but she had also referred to herself as "I" instead of the usual imperial "this Empress." It was a rare glimpse into the depths of her respect and affection for Yun Che. Despite her unyielding exterior, she remained, at her core, the compassionate and kind Cang Yue.

"Emperor?" Yun Che echoed, his voice laced with curiosity.

"You are my Emperor, right?" Her Empress Mode softened slightly, though there was a flicker of doubt in her gaze.

Yun Che studied her carefully, realizing that this dominant personality still held traces of Cang Yue's former self—her memories, her emotions, and most importantly, her love for him. If she called him her Emperor, it was because, deep down, this new persona shared that same bond, though perhaps with a more commanding twist. He couldn't afford to provoke her in this volatile state, especially when she was still learning to control her newfound power.

"Kind of," Yun Che replied with a cautious smile, playing it safe. The last thing he needed was to trigger another surge of power that could spiral out of control. He knew better than to underestimate the raw strength of Cang Yue's Empress Mode. If she could utilize this power during the tournament, she could easily beat anyone.

"That will suffice," she responded with a sigh, the regal authority in her voice softening. Her eyes flicked toward her trembling cousin. "Cang Xingwu, from now on, reform your ways and clean up your act. Even this Empress can grant mercy. That goes for all of you."

She was referring to the others whom she suppressed with her aura alone.

As she spoke, her golden aura began to fade, the fierce energy that had once surrounded her dissipating like a retreating storm. Cang Yue's body swayed, her strength ebbing away with the departure of her Empress persona. Before she could fall, Yun Che was there, catching her with ease. He held her close as her hair returned to its natural color and length, the transformation complete.

The once oppressive atmosphere began to lift. The water dragons and the colossal fist, symbols of her unleashed power, dissolved into the rain, releasing their captives. Cang Xingwu and his father crumpled to the ground, their faces pale, their bodies trembling from the sheer force they had narrowly escaped.

The courtyard fell into a stunned silence. The onlookers, still reeling from the intense display, watched as Yun Che cradled Cang Yue protectively. The fierce, overwhelming energy that had filled the air was gone, leaving behind a calm, subdued quiet. The rain continued to fall, washing away the remnants of the confrontation, as if the heavens themselves were cleansing the turmoil that had just unfolded.

Mio stepped forward, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaotic scene. "Well, that was certainly something," she remarked, glancing at the fallen Cang Xingwu and his father.

"Yue'er!" Her father, Cang Wanhe, ran toward her, disregarding the mud puddles splashing onto him. None of his escorts dared to follow, still reeling from the effects of Cang Yue's Haoshoku outburst. He reached her, his face etched with worry. "Yun Che, what happened to my daughter? What is happening here?"

"Yuu-kun." Retsu and Nemu teleported to his side as Yun Che shielded Cang Yue from the rain. Despite standing under the downpour, her golden aura had kept her completely dry.

"Ret-chan, what happened to Yue'er?" Mio asked, her confusion evident as she observed the situation. They had arrived to find a transformed Cang Yue, a domineering empress where their timid friend once stood.

"I have no idea…" Yun Che admitted, equally perplexed by Cang Yue's sudden transformation. "This new mode of hers… I don't know how she gained it or when."

"Yue'er!" "Onee-chan!"

Yun Che looked up to see Xue Ling descending from the sky with 'Nezuko' in her arms still wearing the checkered kimono she borrowed from Cang Yue. They landed softly before the group, concern etched on their faces. Seeing Cang Yue passed out stirred Xue Ling's protective instincts.

"Lady Xue Ling…" Yun Che addressed her as she approached, her expression worried. She had been away for the day and didn't expect any of this to happen. She knew the outer Cang Family was visiting, but had chosen to accompany Nezuko, prioritizing her over the guests.

"What happened to her? I came because of the storm and this happened… Tell me…" Xue Ling's question mirrored Cang Wanhe's.

"Let's get Yue'er inside first. She needs rest." Yun Che said, lifting Cang Yue gently and ushering the others to follow. He nodded to the group, carrying her with ease. He glanced at the outer Cang outer family, who were still stunned and subdued. Whoever these people are, they managed to pissed Cang Yue off to the point where she developed a new powerful personality.

The only question in his head was, why had it emerged now? And how did it trigger the emergence?

The onlookers slowly dispersed, their minds reeling from the sight of Cang Yue's transformation and the overwhelming presence of the Empress. Cang Xingwu and his father, drenched and humiliated, were left in the muddy courtyard to contemplate their actions and the mercy they had been granted.

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Retsu and Nemu rushed over to Mei Mei, their swift movements betraying their calm exteriors. Gently lifting the unconscious maid, Retsu couldn't help but glance at Cang Yue. To think this humble maid had been the catalyst for awakening the dormant powers within Cang Yue.

Retsu had saved Mei Mei in the nick of time, her protective Kekkai shielding the maid from the fiery onslaught. Yet, she hadn't anticipated it would be the spark to unleash such terrifying strength from Cang Yue.

Cradling Mei Mei carefully in her arms, Retsu exchanged a silent nod with Nemu before following Yun Che and the others, who were retreating from the brewing storm. She knew Cang Yue well enough—after all this was over, the first name on her lips would be Mei Mei.

The bond between them had always been more than mere servant and mistress. Now, it seemed that bond had just unleashed a storm.