Chapter 62: Battle Royale?

When Cang Yue heard the shocking revelations within her mind, she was left utterly speechless. The magnitude of the impending calamity was beyond her comprehension. It was difficult to believe, but she knew that Yun Che wouldn't fabricate something so dire. Her voice trembled as she asked, "Then, what are we going to do?"

Yun Che replied flatly, "Nothing."

"Nothing?" Cang Yue was perplexed. In the face of imminent disaster, she expected some sort of plan to counter it.

"I mean, you are going to do nothing. But it's a different story for us. If we succeed, we'll become targets for the seven great powers of New Moon City, including the Wu Clan. By tonight, we will no longer be disciples of the New Moon Profound Palace," Yun Che explained further.

Cang Yue processed this information silently, realizing the gravity of their situation. She finally managed to say, "Then, it means..."

"We will leave the palace and travel to our next destination. However, we still owe you the promise of becoming your champions, right?" Yun Che reassured her with a warm smile.

Cang Yue was left speechless, her thoughts filled with the whirlwind of emotions. The past three weeks had been the most memorable and enjoyable moments of her life. She had learned to make true friends who accepted her for who she was, regardless of her status or strength. If they left, she would be alone once more, without genuine friends. They were the only ones who saw her for herself, and the thought of their departure weighed heavily on her heart.

Suddenly, she felt a reassuring grip on her trembling hand. Looking down, she saw Yun Che's hand holding hers tightly, as if he didn't want to let go. She couldn't bear to see them leave, but she was powerless to stop them. The fate of the palace now rested in their hands.

"Junior brother Yun... I..." Cang Yue began, but her words were interrupted by the announcer's voice, announcing the arrival of the great sects at the main palace.

"Shh, they have finally arrived. It looks like the plan is about to begin," Yun Che whispered softly, his eyes fixed on the arriving guests.

At this moment, the central figure of the event, the newly appointed Palace Chief of New Moon Profound Palace, Qin Wuyou, had made his entrance. Qin exuded an air of calm and wisdom, and his clear eyes hinted at profound depths of knowledge. He appeared to be an extraordinary individual, yet beneath his serene exterior, he couldn't shake off the words Yun Che had spoken earlier in the day. If they held any truth, then the powers gathered here harbored the intent to end his life. But, as the show must go on, Qin Wuyou took his seat, and the representatives of the major sects followed in a prearranged manner.

"It's ironic. This palace is doomed now that I've ascended to this position. To think that the traitor Wu Nie plotted this before," Qin Wuyou mused silently. He maintained a façade of composure, but his eyes remained fixed on Elder Wu Nie, filled with anger and frustration. Wu Nie had sealed the palace's fate.

One by one, the representatives of the seven great powers introduced themselves to Qin Wuyou. He greeted them warmly, hiding the turmoil within him. He longed to expose their treachery to the world, but Yun Che had cautioned him against taking any compromising actions. Now, he had to swallow his anger and accept their presence as they secured front-row seats to witness the palace's impending doom.

In the original storyline, some of the seven powers had sent emissaries, while others were too arrogant to attend in person. However, this time, all the powers were represented by their sect leaders. Yun Che had been correct; they sought a front-row view of the impending catastrophe, and the New Moon Profound Palace's fate was sealed in their eyes.

The atmosphere inside the Main Palace was thick with anticipation, as all eyes were on the central platform. Cang Yue's grip tightened on Yun Che's hand, her emotions a tumultuous sea of worry, sadness, and regret.

As the various sect leaders made their grand entrances, their robes swaying and their auras powerful, a palpable tension hung in the air. Each entrance was grander than the last, and it was clear that this was not just an event, but a display of power and dominance.

However, as the sect leaders took their seats, there was a noticeable shift in the arena. Eyes darted around, sizing up potential threats, allies, and those who might hold vital information. It was clear that beneath the veneer of civility, there were undercurrents of suspicion and intrigue.

Qin Wuyou maintained his calm and collected demeanor, greeting each leader with grace and respect. Yet, beneath the surface, his mind raced. Yun Che's revelations weighed heavily on him, and the knowledge that treachery lurked within his own ranks stung deeply.

Yun Che leaned closer to Cang Yue and whispered, "Watch the players, not the game." His words were cryptic, but they held a deeper meaning, urging her to observe the subtle nuances and dynamics between the various powers.

As the evening wore on, with the leaders engaging in a mix of idle chitchat and veiled barbs, Yun Che's attention remained laser-focused. Every gesture, every word, every glance was cataloged and analyzed, as he pieced together the larger picture of the intricate web of intrigue that lay before him.

As all the invited guests took their seats, the atmosphere in the main palace grew tense. The members of the Xiao Sect's Branch Sect and the Burning Heaven Clan's Outer Sect were positioned at the top, while the representatives of the other five major sects followed. Behind them was the seat of New Moon City's Governor, Murong Hang. Despite his prestigious position, he showed no signs of discontent with his seating arrangement. He understood that when it came to the seven major sects, even a city governor had to be exceedingly cautious and respectful. They held the power to quash any opposition from lesser sects with ease.

For the medium-sized clans that received invitations, they dared not provoke even the slightest conflict. Rarely did they witness a gathering of the seven major sects, let alone consider offending any of them. They trembled with fear and trepidation, grateful for the opportunity to be present.

Qin Wuyou, as the new leader of New Moon Profound Palace, was expected to be treated with the highest respect at his appointment banquet. The sect leaders of the seven major powers, including Iron Spear Clan, Seven Deadly Sword Pavilion, Stormy Profound Palace, Profound Heart Sect, Cloudy Sun Sect, and the Burning Heaven Clan, all personally attended the event.

Yun Che couldn't help but wear a sly smile as he observed the heads of these major sects gathered in one place. His resentment towards the Xiao Clan simmered beneath the surface, fueled by their past actions and their potential future endeavours. In New Moon City, however, the circumstances were different. He didn't need to seek them out; they had willingly presented themselves, like lambs to the slaughter.

With all the guests seated, the moment had arrived for the banquet to commence. Qin Wuyou returned to his seat, holding a wine cup in his hands. Just as in the original story, he began his speech, maintaining a calm demeanor despite the simmering anger within him.

The disciples from the seven major sects fixed their sights on the elite members of New Moon Profound Palace, their intentions clear. These were no ordinary disciples; the seven powers had brought their very best to face the New Moon Profound Palace on this day.

Then, the sect leader of the Xiao Branch Sect suddenly rose to his feet, and a hushed silence swept over the crowd. Qin Wuyou calmly replied, "Please, go ahead and speak your mind."

"This sect leader wishes to change the way the banquet is conducted. You know, try a different set of rules this time," the sect leader of the Xiao Clan Branch said smugly, a self-satisfied glint in his eyes.

"We support Sect Leader Xiao's proposal. It'll be boring to see the same thing over and over again," chimed in the Burning Heaven Branch sect leader, his words laced with sarcasm as he hinted at the humiliating losses the previous palace master had suffered, with all ten matches ending in defeat. Palace Master Qin couldn't help but clench his fists beneath his robe, his pride stung by the reminder.

The Xiao Clan Branch sect leader continued, unveiling their true intentions. "Then this time, we propose a fight between True Profound Realm warriors. Recently, my son broke through to the first level of the True Profound Realm. This banquet is the perfect opportunity for him to test his strength."

"What a coincidence," the sect leader of the Profound Heart Sect responded slyly, "we've also brought our elites from the True Profound Realm. This is the perfect chance for them to test their mettle against each other." His words were met with unanimous support from the other sect leaders. Qin Wuyou felt a sense of dread creeping over him. He had not been informed that the banquet would be filled with True Profound Realm warriors. It was as if they had all conspired beforehand. If he refused, he would be humiliated in front of the entire New Moon City. The problem was, he hadn't prepared any True Profound Realm warriors. Even if he had, they stood no chance against the elites of the seven great powers, each of which had brought five disciples as opponents, totaling thirty-five formidable adversaries for the New Profound Sect.

The sect leader of the Xiao Clan seized the moment to taunt Qin Wuyou further. "Well, what's your answer, Sect Leader Qin? We've brought True Profound Realm warriors with us. You must have prepared yours as well, right? Or did Sect Master Qin not prepare anything at all?"

Qin Wuyou hung his head in resignation, realizing there was nothing he could do. It was true; he had made no preparations. He was being publicly humiliated by the Xiao Sect leader, and there was no denying that none of the other sect leaders had noble intentions to begin with.

Amidst the tense atmosphere, Yun Che was grinning like a Cheshire cat. This was the perfect moment. He sent a telepathic message to Retsu, "Retsu, it's showtime."

Just as Qin Wuyou was about to respond, a voice rang out from the audience, catching everyone's attention.

"Actually, he did," the voice proclaimed, drawing the gaze of all the sect leaders and the audience alike. The source of the voice was none other than...

"Yun Che, what are you doing?!?" Cang Yue suddenly shouted beside him, her usual decorum forgotten as she addressed him by name for the first time, discarding the usual honorifics.

"Don't worry, girl. I've got this," Yun Che reassured her with a sly grin before turning his attention back to the arrogant sect leaders.

The unexpected turn of events left the room buzzing with anticipation, and all eyes were fixed on Yun Che as he prepared to make his move.

The echoing halls of the banquet arena filled with murmurs as everyone's eyes darted toward Yun Che, the young disciple who had only recently made waves in the New Moon Profound Palace. The unexpected interruption from such a novice in front of these major sect leaders was audacious to say the least.

Standing defiantly, the confidence emanating from Yun Che was palpable. The slight smirk on his face and the glint in his eyes made the atmosphere in the room grow taut.

"What nonsense are you spouting, young one?" The Xiao Sect leader sneered, looking down on Yun Che. The disdain in his eyes was evident.

Before Qin Wuyou could respond, Yun Che took a step forward. "Sect leader Xiao, you seem eager to test your disciples against True Profound Realm warriors. Well, what if I told you that the New Moon Profound Palace has not just one, but two newly advanced True Profound Realm warriors ready for this challenge?"

Laughter erupted from the tables of the seven major sects. "You? And who else? One of your fellow novices?" mocked the leader of the Burning Heaven Clan's branch.

However, Yun Che's calm and composed demeanor silenced the laughter. "Myself and Junior Sister," he gestured toward Retsu, who rose from her seat, her expression as calm and determined as Yun Che's.

A murmur of disbelief spread through the crowd.

Qin Wuyou, recovering from his shock, nodded slowly, "If they are willing to represent our Palace, I give them my blessing."

"You, a junior dare to be brazen. Who do you think you are?" The collective gaze of disdain from all the sect masters and their disciples fixed upon Yun Che and Retsu. The New Moon Profound Palace disciples, however, found themselves perplexed. They had somehow forgotten about the spectacle Yun Che had caused three weeks ago. Most of the rumors they had heard were greatly exaggerated, and they didn't put much stock in them. Those who had witnessed Yun Che and Retsu's prowess firsthand wore knowing smiles. If the ones about to fight were indeed Yun Che and Retsu, then perhaps there was hope yet to restore their honor.

Qin Wuyou glanced at Yun Che and Retsu, who were standing in the New Moon Profound Palace disciples' seating area. A smile of realization crept across his face. He had momentarily forgotten that Yun Che and Retsu were in a league of their own, surpassing even his own elites. He maintained his composure and spoke up.

"Oh, esteemed sect masters, it's true that I have prepared my own elites. Due to time constraints, only a few were available for this occasion. Please forgive my earlier oversight." Qin Wuyou's words conveyed an air of regained dignity, his secret hope residing in Yun Che's ability to humble their rivals during the upcoming bout.

The Xiao Sect master, now flustered, hadn't expected Qin Wuyou to have his own elite fighters. He had hoped to humiliate Qin Wuyou through a legitimate means if he had no elites at his disposal.

Curiosity piqued, he asked, "Then, Palace Master Qin, would you kindly introduce your elites to us?"

With a gracious nod, Qin Wuyou responded, "Of course. The one who just spoke is Yun Che, and the young woman beside him is Retsu." As his words left his lips, the entire room's attention shifted swiftly to Yun Che and Retsu. Once again, they found themselves at the center of a rapt audience's gaze. Some puzzled over why they weren't adorned in the palace's robes but instead wore unconventional attire.

"But," one sect master chimed in, his tone condescending, "aren't they just Peak Nascent Profound Realm cultivators? Are you underestimating us?" The collective agreement of nodding heads from the sect masters and the audience seemed to affirm his point. Yun Che and Retsu had been concealed by the residual effects of the system's earlier deception.

Qin Wuyou countered, a hint of mockery in his voice, "As I said, these are the fighters I've managed to prepare. Unless the esteemed sect masters are unable to send forth warriors to compete against them." His words hung in the air, a challenge and a taunt rolled into one.

"Hmph, then we have no problem if Palace Master Qin wishes to send them. In fact, we could start the banquet right now," replied the Xiao Sect leader, his tone dripping with nonchalance. He could sense the simmering hostility in Qin Wuyou's voice but chose to disregard it. After all, this was to be his final night, and he was willing to indulge the palace master's brazenness.

But Qin Wuyou wasn't quite finished. "Not yet, Sect Masters. If you can change the rules, then I can change them as well," he declared, earning the undivided attention of all the sect masters, who had no choice but to listen since they had proposed the rule changes themselves.

"What changes do you have in mind, Palace Master Qin?" inquired the sect master of the Burning Heaven Clan. The sect masters, previously at a loss for words, watched as the once-speechless junior regained his confidence.

Qin Wuyou remembered his earlier conversation with Yun Che, the proposal he had heard from the young man.

"Let's have a tag team battle royale," he boldly announced.

The entire main palace fell into a stunned silence. The term was foreign in this world, and none of the sect masters or disciples could grasp its meaning. When Palace Master Qin proposed it, confusion rippled through the audience.

"Palace Master Qin, could you please elaborate?" The sect masters exchanged puzzled glances, baffled by the unfamiliar terminology. This was the first time they had heard such a phrase, and they were eager to understand its implications.

Qin Wuyou, with a condescending air, addressed the audience. "My apologies, I should have explained sooner. It's a recent term I've come across, and I forgot to clarify its meaning. Please forgive my oversight."

He continued, "A tag team battle royale is essentially this: all seven sects, including the New Moon Profound Palace, will station their elite fighters in the eight corners of the arena. Each team will send one representative into the arena to fight against each other. The one who loses the ability to fight can call upon their team members to continue in their stead. The last team standing emerges as the victor."

The realization dawned upon the audience as they grasped the concept, but the Xiao Sect master couldn't resist one final taunt. "Ah, I see. But are you sure you want to send those two in there? We wouldn't want to appear as bullies due to your elites' lack of cultivation and numbers," he sneered, earning nods of agreement from the other sect masters.

"Oh, don't worry. They'll manage. If they lose, this Qin knows they did their best." Qin Wuyou said with a big smile but inside he was smiling evilly. He couldn't wait to watch the bullied became the bully.

"Then, you can't blame us if anything happens in the arena," one of the sect masters chimed in, their tone laced with veiled warning.

"I can say the same to you, Sect Masters. This Qin forgives and forgets. I hope the Sect Masters can do the same," Qin Wuyou replied with an air of magnanimity, his gaze steady and unwavering.

The Xiao Sect master publicly swore, "Oh, don't worry. If anything happens, we won't interfere. We swear in the name of the heavens." Confidence dripped from his words, as if there was no way their esteemed sect would lose to these young juniors.

With a final exchange of words, Qin Wuyou called upon all sects to prepare their respective corners, signaling the imminent commencement of the battle.

"Hmph, about time. Let's go, Retsu. Showtime," Yun Che declared, ready to jump into the arena. However, their determination was met with an unexpected gesture of restraint as Cang Yue held their hands.

"Yun Che, Retsu, please be careful," Cang Yue pleaded with a look of concern, realizing that if they stepped onto the arena, they might never return to her side. All she could do now was offer her heartfelt wishes for their safety and success.

"We will," they both replied in unison, conveying their gratitude and determination. With that, they unleashed their extraordinary speed, employing Flash Step to vanish from Cang Yue's side and appear in the arena with shocking swiftness. The sudden display left the audience and sect masters alike awestruck, their astonishment growing with each passing moment.

"These two are not simple," the sect masters mused in silent agreement. Their speed was uncanny, defying the limits of Nascent Profound cultivation. If they had reached this stage, it was a testament to their exceptional abilities, and they were clearly more than simple peak Nascent cultivators.

As the anticipation in the arena reached a fever pitch, the announcer's voice rang out, "Contestants, the battle will commence shortly. Please prepare yourselves." The disciples began speculating eagerly on which of their peers would step onto the stage, unaware of the extraordinary showdown about to unfold before their eyes.

"Ano... young master, can I take this veil off? It's not easy for me to navigate in fights with this on," Retsu whispered, her voice a soft, pleading murmur.

Yun Che hesitated for a moment, remembering the trouble that always seemed to follow whenever her beauty was revealed. "Are you sure? You know what happens if the entire audience sees your beauty, right?" he cautioned, concern tingeing his voice.

A playful purr escaped Retsu from beneath the veil. "Ufuu.... They might gawk at it, but you're the only one who can thoroughly enjoy it," she teased.

Yun Che blushed momentarily, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. "Fine... Just make sure to practice veiling yourself when this is over. You know I easily get jealous when someone looks at you," he admitted with a smirk.

"Hai~~~~" Retsu cheerfully nodded, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she finally took off her veil, unveiling her breathtaking beauty to the world. The reaction was immediate and overwhelming. The audience, the disciples, the sect masters—all were struck speechless and stunned to the core. Never before had they seen a woman of such extraordinary beauty, and it left them utterly speechless. Her beauty was indescribable, an ethereal presence that seemed to transcend mortal comprehension.

Men lost their focus, their eyes glued to her radiant presence, while women couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Cang Yue, who had already witnessed Retsu's allure, remained composed, though she couldn't deny feeling a touch of inferiority in the face of such beauty. Murong Ye, who stood with his father, was struck by her enchantment, realizing she surpassed even Lan Xuorue in beauty. He now regretted his previous arrogance and wished he had befriended her instead.

Yuanba, never having seen his brother-in-law's fiancée, was equally taken aback. The veil had indeed hidden her true beauty, and he found himself amazed by her stunning appearance as if he were witnessing his elder sister. Even the normally unshakable sect masters weren't spared from her charms, their desires suddenly stirred as if they were seeing a woman for the very first time. They had encountered countless beauties in their lives, but Retsu's allure was beyond anything they could have imagined.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted as their clothes began to change, seemingly dissolving in an invisible blaze. This spectacle captivated the audience once more, drawing the attention of Qin Wuyou and Cang Yue. These two always knew how to create and stir up trouble for themselves. Only Yuanba remained unfazed, having seen this transformation before. As for Yun Che, he opted not to wear a haori, instead donning his standard Shinigami uniform, with the only difference being the red strap across his torso, reminiscent of Kurosaki Ichigo's shihakushou. He had grown accustomed to Zangetsu as his default Zanpakuto and now wielded a different one, kept in a sealed form resembling a standard katana.

Once the transformation was complete, Retsu emerged wearing a black shihakushou with an obi cinched at her waist. Her waist-length, braided black hair cascaded gracefully to the ground as she stood there, a vision of elegance and strength. She also wore the Eleventh Division Haori Yun Che had given her when he reached the Earth Profound Realm. When she donned it, Yun Che could see the memories of her past life as the Eleventh Division captain flooding back. It was a reminder of her peak strength at that time.

Additionally, she had her Zanpakuto hanging gracefully in nodachi mode on her right shoulder, adding to the air of mystery and power that surrounded her. Coupled with her unparalleled beauty, her appearance left the audience utterly mesmerized, rendering her truly indescribable in their eyes.

The arena was now graced by their transformed presence, and the audience couldn't help but be captivated by the otherworldly aura emanating from the duo.

Yun Che, clad in his Shinigami attire, exuded an aura of enigmatic power as he stood alongside Retsu on the arena. The deep ebony fabric of his robe billowed around him, giving him an otherworldly presence. The robe was adorned with intricate crimson designs that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, contrasting sharply with the darkness of his attire. His obsidian hair fell gracefully around his shoulders, framing a face that held an air of quiet determination. His eyes, a captivating shade of crimson, gleamed with an intensity that hinted at hidden depths of strength and resolve. Yun Che's posture exuded confidence and poise, and his every movement seemed to carry an otherworldly grace. In his Shinigami attire, he appeared as a harbinger of both martial might and supernatural mystique, a formidable presence that demanded respect and reverence on the arena.

Unohana Retsu's beauty was a mesmerizing presence as she stood upon the arena. Her long, ebony hair flowed like a silken waterfall, framing delicate features set within a flawlessly fair complexion. Her sapphire eyes held a deep wisdom, exuding confidence forged through countless battles. Her lithe yet curvaceous figure spoke of both grace and strength, draped in a martial attire that accentuated her elegance. With a robe that clung to her form and a sash cinched at her waist, she was a captivating blend of femininity and martial prowess. Retsu's presence on the arena commanded attention, her beauty a striking complement to her formidable skill, leaving all who beheld her in awe.

A hushed awe settled over the audience as they laid eyes upon Yun Che and Retsu's extraordinary attire. These outfits seemed to defy the realm of existence itself, a stark departure from anything they had ever seen. It was as if they had stepped out of a different dimension altogether.

The sect masters, renowned for their knowledge and discernment, found themselves utterly speechless as they witnessed the incredible abilities of these two newcomers. Their astonishment deepened as they scoured their collective memory, realizing that there was no record, no mention, no trace of Yun Che and Retsu ever existing before. It was as though these two remarkable individuals had materialized out of thin air, rewriting the narrative of martial prowess and mystique within the realm of their understanding.

"Who are these two, Palace Master Qin?" The Xiao Sect master's inquiry hung in the air, mirrored by the curious gazes of every sect master in attendance.

Qin Wuyou's response was intentionally vague, designed to pique their interest even further. "These two are recent additions, having joined only a month ago. They are the disciples of the New Moon Profound Palace."

The enigmatic aura surrounding Yun Che and Retsu only fueled the sect masters' curiosity, leaving some of them silently plotting to recruit these exceptional newcomers in the future.

As the elites from the seven sects gaped at the two extraordinary individuals, Yun Che couldn't resist a sly grin. He raised his fist and punctuated the moment with a punch to his palm. "Well…Well…Well…. Shall we begin?" His words were charged with anticipation and challenge, setting the stage for a thrilling battle royale about to unfold.