Chapter 65: Main Battle?

Stepping onto the stage, Yun Che felt the weight of the situation pressing down on him. These elites, handpicked from the seven sects, were no mere pushovers. They were the cream of the crop, the best the New Moon City had to offer.

Arrogance oozed from one of the geniuses as he addressed Yun Che and Retsu. "You two are clearly clueless about the world's hierarchy. Challenging us is sheer audacity."

"Having defeated the elites from our sects, why not engage in some friendly competition with us?" another one chimed in.

The audience watched in breathless anticipation, aware that this clash would be a spectacle unlike any other. These challengers were no joke, and the outcome was far from certain.

Yun Che couldn't help but wonder about Xue Ju, a newcomer to his knowledge. A well-built, arrogant individual, he seemed to hail from a branch of the Burning Heaven Clan. Yet, Yun Che knew that beneath their bravado, these young geniuses were nothing but arrogant brats who believed in their own hype.

Xiao Luocheng, seemingly the leader of this group, began his condescending remarks. Before Yun Che could respond, he turned to Retsu, offering her the choice of participation.

"Retsu, would you like to join me in this fight, or would you prefer to sit it out?" Yun Che inquired.

"I'll stand by your side, young master," she replied with a smile, her eyes filled with unwavering determination. Yun Che smiles as to him her loyalty knows no bounds. His gaze shifted to the group of so-called geniuses. The names they bore were like echoes from the past, triggering a strange familiarity. These were the very individuals the original Yun Che had challenged and fought against. In this timeline, they had risen to become True Profound Realm warriors. He couldn't help but wonder how they'd fare against him now. The stage was set for a showdown between the past and the present, and the audience eagerly anticipated the outcome.

As the third round of the banquet commenced, tensions ran high on the stage. Qin Wuyou watched with a mixture of concern and determination, ready to step in if the situation demanded it, heavenly oath or not.

Without warning, an attack lashed out toward Yun Che and Retsu, its source none other than the Xiao Sect's genius, Xiao Luocheng. A whip crackled through the air, but both Yun Che and Retsu swiftly evaded the assault.

A whip? Yun Che mused, noting the weapon's origin. It belonged to Xiao Luocheng, a name not unfamiliar to him. In another life, Yun Che had bested and humiliated him. The memories of reading this fight surged forth, reminding Yun Che of past confrontations and deceptions. Now, here stood Xiao Luocheng, holding a whip, with his pride clearly still wounded.

"You think you're so righteous, attacking our disciples like that? Allow me to enlighten you about the rules of our world." Yan Ming's voice was dripping with disdain.

Xiao Luocheng, never one to miss an opportunity for grandstanding, chimed in, "In New Moon City, the title of 'Genius' belongs solely to me. You two? Just a pair of upstarts, not even worthy of the title."

Xue Ju, his towering presence emanating dominance, countered, "Self-proclaimed genius? After we're done here, we'll see who truly deserves that title." His remark prompted a mix of nods and sneers from the other young elites.

Xiao Luocheng, ever the strategist, proposed, "Let's keep them at bay. Their strength lies in close combat. Maintain distance, pester them. Soon, they'll crumble."

The tension was palpable, as each side measured up the other, strategizing their next move in this high-stakes game of power and prestige.

The relentless barrage continued, a storm of techniques and maneuvers aimed to overwhelm and exhaust. But Yun Che and Retsu weren't ordinary opponents. Their resilience and agility defied expectations, making them seem almost invincible to the barrage.

As the attacks continued to rain down upon them, Xiao Luocheng relentlessly wielded his whip against Yun Che, attempting to restrict his movements. Yet, Yun Che displayed remarkable agility, evading each lash with ease. Simultaneously, Retsu faced a barrage of spear thrusts, sword slashes, and profound arts that kept her on the defensive. The strategy was clear: harass and exhaust them until they could barely move, leaving them vulnerable.

Suddenly, amidst the chaos, a distinct sound pierced the air, followed by a colossal explosion. All eyes darted to where Yun Che stood, or at least, where he had been moments ago. Dust and debris obscured the view, and for a fleeting moment, the audience and the geniuses thought they had finally landed a hit.

Feng Guanyi, a prodigy from the Storm Profound Palace, wore a triumphant smirk. "No one can evade my precision," he declared, pride evident in his voice. His technique was known to be lethal, said to incapacitate even those of the Spirit Profound Realm.

But the silence was shattered when, emerging from the haze, Yun Che stepped out, seemingly unharmed, brushing off a few specks of dust from his robes.

The collective gasp from the audience was almost audible. Whispers spread like wildfire, as onlookers questioned what they had just witnessed.

"How?" Yan Ming's voice trembled with disbelief. He had seen Feng Guanyi's technique fell many, but Yun Che stood there, looking almost bored.

Yun Che's smirk added to the mounting tension, "Did you really think that was enough?" The mocking tone, the unabashed confidence, turned the tables once more, reminding everyone just who they were dealing with.

Tensions escalated as the battle raged on. Tie Hengjun, now seemingly a far cry from his former self, took charge of the assault, wielding his spear with a renewed ferocity. Yun Che managed to dodge his attacks with ease, his agile movements frustrating Tie Hengjun's attempts to land a blow. Yan Ming's protests fell on deaf ears, as his ally focused solely on his relentless pursuit. The stadium echoed with the clangs of weapons and the shouts of combatants. Yun Che, effortlessly dodging Tie Hengjun's relentless spear thrusts, found himself not only fighting his opponent's skills but also their towering arrogance.

Retsu, on the other hand, had her hands full with Lu Zhannan, the so-called "Cold Blooded" of their group. Despite his initial intention to kill her, he found himself increasingly frustrated as Retsu elegantly parried all his attacks with a single throwing knife. Her grace under pressure was nothing short of captivating. With every clash, she deftly deflected Lu Zhannan's attacks with just a throwing knife, a stark contrast to his hefty weapon. The audience was on the edge of their seats, every move, every dodge, every parry drawing gasps and cheers.

Yun Che's keen perception allowed him to analyze their tactics. From a distance, Xiao Luocheng, Feng Guanyi, and Yan Ming continued to pelt him with long-range attacks, while the others harried him and Retsu up close.

From the stands, Xiao Tiannan's frustration was palpable. His face was a deep shade of red, veins popping at his temples. He had expected this to be a demonstration of his sect's superiority, but the tables were turning, and not in his favor. He shot up from his seat, his voice piercing through the sounds of the ongoing combat, "Luocheng! Enough of this child's play. Annihilate them!"

His shout seemed to reverberate in the arena, like a king giving his decree. The fighting momentarily paused, with all the sect elites regrouping, a clear intent in their eyes.

The disciples moved into formation, a palpable sense of concentrated power building up. A deadly silence fell upon the arena, with only the sounds of the disciples channeling their profound energy filling the air. The atmosphere grew heavy with tension, a storm brewing in the midst of the arena.

Qin Wuyou, sensing the shift in energy, started to rise, concern evident in his eyes, ready to step in if needed. But the elders from the nearby palaces held him back, signaling for him to wait and trust in Yun Che and Retsu despite the worry they had in their eyes as well.

It was clear, the real battle was about to begin. And the arena would bear witness to a showdown for the ages.

Retsu and Yun Che appeared next to each other and observe the situation. It's finally time for them to counter attack. This time they didn't dodge or do anything at all.

As the deafening explosions filled the arena, the shockwaves reverberated through the city, causing tremors that could be felt by its inhabitants. It seemed as though Yun Che and Retsu were about to be consumed by the relentless onslaught from the geniuses, whose shouts and claims of glory filled the air.

Cang Yue and Yuanba, in the spectator stands, could only watch in despair, their voices echoing the fear gripping the audience. It appeared that there was no way for Yun Che and Retsu to survive the overwhelming barrage of attacks.

However, as the dust and smoke began to clear, an incredible sight left everyone in awe. Two figures emerged from the epicenter of the explosions, completely unharmed, and seemingly untouched by the devastation that had just unfolded.

Yun Che casually rubbed his nose and slung his katana over his shoulder, his demeanor one of nonchalance. Retsu, too, calmly removed the dust from her robes as if she had just walked through a gentle breeze.

"All that noise, and not a scratch," Yun Che remarked, his voice dripping with nonchalance.

Retsu, on the other hand, was dusting off her robes, seemingly more bothered by the dirt than the barrage of attacks she had just faced. "Young master," she quipped with a wry smile, "They seem to have confused quantity with quality."

The palace was plunged into stunned silence. Cang Yue and Yuanba could only gape at the two figures standing strong in the arena, their amazement beyond words. The reaction was immediate. The silence in the arena was broken by murmurs of disbelief. How could two people withstand the collective might of the best geniuses of New Moon City?

Cang Yue, with tears of relief in her eyes, whispered, "Incredible." Xia Yuanba was beaming with pride. "That's my boss for you!" he boasted to anyone within earshot.

However, not everyone shared their sentiment. The young prodigies, once the center of attention and admiration, were now painted with shock, embarrassment, and anger. Xiao Luocheng, with his ego bruised, shouted in disbelief, "This is impossible! Our combined force should have obliterated you!"

Yun Che smiled, the cold edge to his eyes evident. "It appears your calculations were a bit... off. Or perhaps, you just underestimated us."

The geniuses were left speechless, their arrogance shattered, as they witnessed the seemingly invincible duo before them. The battle had taken an unexpected turn, and the tide had shifted dramatically in favor of Yun Che and Retsu.

"Chee, All right, you had your fun. Now it's our turn," Yun Che said with a sly grin, cracking his fingers.

"You dare??!!?" Xiao Luocheng suddenly drew his whip towards Yun Che once more, but Yun Che acted swiftly. He drew his katana in a graceful motion and deftly deflected the tip of the whip.

Xiao Luocheng couldn't believe his eyes. His whip, known for its precision, had been deflected effortlessly. "Since you use a whip to attack me, it's only fair if I do the same as well, right?" Yun Che said as he pointed the blade horizontally at his opponents and then placed his hand on it.

The audience gasped, their curiosity piqued. "What is he doing?" they whispered among themselves, their attention fixed on Yun Che. Their shock was far from over, as Yun Che began to slide his hand along the blade. To their amazement, the sword suddenly emitted a vibrant red light, transforming into something they had never seen before. Yun Che's blade evolved into a six-part segmented weapon, each segment wider than the one preceding it, with two pick-like protrusions on the front and back of each segment. The front protrusions were notably longer than the ones on the back. The blade's upper side was jet black, while the lower part gleamed a pristine white.

Yun Che's Zanpakuto transformation left the entire arena astounded. The segmented blade, unlike anything they had ever seen before, gleamed with a menacing red aura. The audience was left speechless, their eyes locked on this otherworldly weapon. Whispers and murmurs spread throughout the crowd as they tried to comprehend what they were witnessing.

"What in the heavens...?" whispered one of the sect elders, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Xiao Luocheng, who had been so confident just moments ago, felt a shiver run down his spine. "What is that thing?" he muttered under his breath.

Yun Che raised his segmented blade, its six sharp segments gleaming menacingly in the arena's light. "Now, shall we continue?"

Retsu, not to be outdone, flicked her wrist, and a single throwing knife appeared in her hand. It may have looked insignificant in comparison to Yun Che's awe-inspiring weapon, but her calm and confident demeanor spoke volumes.

The other geniuses exchanged uneasy glances. This battle had taken an unexpected turn, and they now faced an unknown weapon, a masterful swordsman, and a woman who had effortlessly handled them before.

"Stay focused," Yan Ming of the Cloudy Sun Sect warned his companions. "We still outnumber them. We just need to coordinate our attacks better."

Xue Ju of the Burning Heaven Clan agreed. "They may have surprised us, but they won't hold out for long."

Xiao Luocheng, still reeling from his previous attack's failure, gritted his teeth. "No matter the weapon, it's the wielder's skill that counts."

"True," replied Yun Che with a smirk, "let's put that to the test." He then flicked his wrist, sending the segmented blade slashing through the air, its movements unpredictable and deadly.

"Now, try to dodge this. Roar! Zabimaru!" Yun Che shouted, his voice echoing through the arena, while he swiftly drew his blade to the front. The audience's shock grew exponentially as they witnessed the extraordinary capabilities of Zabimaru. The segmented blade extended rapidly towards Xiao Luocheng, who happened to be the furthest away from Yun Che. What was even more astonishing was that the segmented sections appeared to multiply as they stretched further, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.

Xiao Luocheng, still reeling from the earlier shock, was caught off guard. He barely had time to react before the blade's tip reached him.

*Slash!

"Arrgghhh!!!!" A piercing cry of pain erupted from Xiao Luocheng as Zabimaru's tip slashed through his shoulder like a hot knife through butter. What intensified the agony was the relentless assault of the segmented parts. They sliced through his shoulder again and again, creating a gruesome symphony of torment that echoed through the arena. Finally, the tip of the blade struck the wall on the opposite side of the arena with tremendous force, leaving an indelible mark.

The arena echoed with Xiao Luocheng's agonized screams as Zabimaru's segmented blade continued its relentless assault. Blood sprayed in crimson arcs, painting the ground with his suffering. He crumpled to the floor, clutching his mangled shoulder, unable to stand the excruciating pain.

The audience gasped in horror at the brutality of Yun Che's attack showcased the incredible power of Zabimaru, leaving no doubt that this was a weapon to be reckoned with in the hands of a master swordsman. This was no longer a battle for pride or honor—it was a gruesome spectacle of violence. Even those who had been cheering for Xiao Luocheng were now silent, stunned by the sudden turn of events.

Xiao Tiannan's face contorted with rage. He had endured humiliation after humiliation at Yun Che's hands, but now his own son lay on the ground, bloodied and broken. His murderous intent was palpable, and it sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to meet his gaze.

The arena was silent, the only sound being the soft whisper of the segmented blade as it danced in the air. The way the blade moved, each segment flowing seamlessly with the other, was like watching a snake slithering in the grass, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Elder Ya Yii leaned forward, her keen eyes studying the blade. She had seen countless weapons in her time, but never anything like this. "Such a design," she murmured, "It's not just for show."

Indeed, the segmented nature of the blade offered Yun Che a flexibility and range that a standard sword couldn't. He could lash out, turning offense into defense in an instant. The blade could stretch, bend, and curve, making it impossible to predict its trajectory.

Retsu watched with keen interest. She knew Yun Che's capabilities, but even she hadn't seen this transformation of his blade. The battlefield tension was palpable, and the audience was on the edge of their seats. Each movement, each feint, each parry was a dance of precision and skill.

Yun Che's voice, cold and challenging, cut through the tension. "Come then, let's see if you can handle the dance of the Snake Tail." The name he gave to his transformed blade was apt, given its appearance and deadly sting.

The audience gasped, realizing the sheer genius of such a weapon in group combat. Each segment acted independently yet cohesively, allowing Yun Che to attack multiple targets or defend from several angles simultaneously.

The geniuses, once brimming with arrogance, now moved with caution. Their combined strength had been easily deflected by Yun Che's former weapon; with this new, enigmatic blade, they were in uncharted territory. The geniuses knew they were in for a battle unlike any other. They had faced a formidable opponent, yes, but now they were dealing with a weapon that was a mystery, a dance of death that could lash out from any direction.

In the audience, Cang Yue clutched her chest, her heart pounding. This was no longer just a battle for pride or honor. It was a dance of life and death, and the entire New Moon City bore witness to its rhythm.

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

As the others witnessed the incredible capabilities of Zabimaru, they quickly spread out, keeping a cautious distance from Yun Che. It was a mesmerizing sight to behold – Yun Che was effortlessly wielding the segmented blade both as a sword and a whip, his control over it leaving everyone in awe. The blade extended and retracted at his will, moving left and right in a synchronized dance. Yun Che's extensive practice with Zabimaru had honed his precision and control, surpassing even Renji in terms of the number of attacks and mastery over the weapon. His control was so perfect that he prevented the lethal tip of Zabimaru from endangering the audience.

With a swift motion, Yun Che retracted Zabimaru back to its original form, his gaze once again fixated on the geniuses.

"Holy shit, this is fun! It's like controlling a whip with a chainsaw at the same time," Yun Che exclaimed while marveling at Zabimaru, still exhilarated by the weapon's capabilities. He had practiced extensively with Saru and Hebi, but the thrill of wielding Zabimaru was unmatched. Before leaving the manor, Yun Che had entered the Jinzen to swap Zangetsu for Zabimaru, knowing it would be more suitable for a group battle like this.

The audience couldn't help but share in his amazement. "That's not a sword, but it has the hilt of a sword, and the shape is..." they muttered, their astonishment growing with each passing moment. Yun Che had already surprised them with his unique combat style and unexpected strength, but now, he wielded a segmented whip-like blade that defied convention. What else did he have up his sleeve?

"Sate sate sate… Let's finish this, Retsu," Yun Che declared, holding Zabimaru in front of him before releasing it once more toward the direction of the geniuses. His attack created a thunderous explosion, sending each and every one of them scattering.

"Hai, young master," Retsu replied, gripping her Zanpakuto. Although Minazuki was not a combat-oriented Zanpakuto in its Shikai state, Retsu was prepared to use her asauchi as a deadly weapon if needed. However, she chose to keep her knife at the ready, eager to use it to dismantle her opponents. Her gaze fell on Xue Ju, her chosen target. Yun Che, on the other hand, had his eyes locked on Xuan Yu.

Xuan Yu's eyes widened in fear as he realized he had become Yun Che's prime target. The atmosphere grew thick with tension, each moment feeling like an eternity.

"Where do you think you're going?" Yun Che's voice boomed as he unleashed Zabimaru with unyielding precision toward Xuan Yu. The latter narrowly dodged the initial strike, but Yun Che, showcasing his masterful control, redirected the blade seamlessly.

Slash!

A chilling scream echoed throughout the palace as Zabimaru found its mark, tearing into Xuan Yu's back. Yun Che, with swift finesse, retracted the blade, causing the force to fling Xuan Yu out of the arena like a discarded ragdoll.

Retsu, in the meantime, was a blur of motion against Xue Ju. Her movements were a blend of elegance and brutality; each attack was calculated and deadly. Before Xue Ju could even register what was happening, Retsu had effortlessly severed his nerve veins. With a swift application of her kido, she propelled him out of the arena, sending him crashing against the opposite wall with a force that left the audience in stunned silence.

However, the brief moment of triumph was interrupted by Yan Ming's enraged shout, "You... take this!" Unleashing his fire profound art, he directed a ferocious torrent of flames directly at Yun Che. The intense inferno swallowed Yun Che, casting a foreboding shadow across the arena and leaving the audience in anxious suspense.

"Did you really think...?" Yan Ming's words trailed off, interrupted by the sudden, deadly swish of Zabimaru. Without any warning, the blade burst forth from the flames, striking him squarely in the gut.

"URRRGHH!" Yan Ming's breath was forced out of him as though he'd been punched by a titan. The blade, relentless, shoved him out of the arena and slammed him into the wall. Like a snake retreating to its den, Zabimaru pulled itself back into the fiery embrace from which Yun Che emerged.

Brushing off the lingering flames from his robe with the same nonchalance one would brush off dust, Yun Che remarked with a smirk, "Well, that didn't work." He casually slung Zabimaru behind his head, a clear testament to his prowess.

"Monsters," Cang Yue whispered, both in awe and trepidation, having witnessed the astounding capabilities of both Yun Che and Retsu.

In another corner of the arena, Retsu squared off with Lu Zhannan, who unleashed every profound art he possessed in a desperate bid to overcome her. His intent was clear: to display his cold, heartless nature. Yet, in a cruel twist of fate, he found himself facing someone who epitomized those traits even more fiercely.

A mischievous giggle escaped Retsu's lips, "So you're the infamous 'cold and heartless'? The one who sows chaos and bloodshed wherever he treads?" Retsu's enhanced senses had picked up whispered tales from the audience, painting a picture of a man who preferred to cripple his opponents rather than grant them a merciful end.

Lu Zhannan's face darkened, irritation evident in his eyes. He might have been ruthless, perhaps even the most feared in many circles, but he had one glaring weakness: his speed couldn't match Retsu's.

Retsu continued to parry Lu Zhannan's relentless attacks with ease, her throwing knife a blur as she deflected his sword strikes. Despite his reputation, he was no match for her precision and agility.

*Stab!

Lu Zhannan couldn't react in time as Retsu moved with a swiftness that defied comprehension. Her knife found its mark, stabbing directly into his heart, but she didn't go all the way through. She left him crippled, yet she didn't deem it necessary to end his life.

"In your next life, don't even think about challenging someone stronger than you. 'Cold and heartless'? You don't know the true meaning of those words," Retsu declared with an icy tone, her words cutting deeper than any blade. Withdrawing her knife from his wounded chest, she left Lu Zhannan sprawled on the floor, drowning in his own pool of blood.

The audience watched in silence, struck by the chilling display of Retsu's mercilessness. It was a stark reminder that in this ruthless battle, even those who were considered cold and heartless might meet someone even colder and more heartless than themselves.

-----

Qin Wuyou and the supreme elders of the New Moon Profound Palace watched the unfolding battle with a mix of awe and relief. Awe, because they were witnessing the incredible power and skill of Yun Che and Retsu, two individuals who had joined their ranks as outsiders. Relief, because it was becoming clear that Yun Che and Retsu had the upper hand, despite facing some of the most renowned geniuses of the New Moon City.

Qin Wuyou's eyes shone with pride as he watched Yun Che and Retsu confidently handle their opponents. He had taken a risk by inviting them to participate in the banquet, and that risk was paying off in ways he could not have imagined. The New Moon Profound Palace was not only regaining its lost honor but also gaining newfound respect and recognition.

The sect masters sat in the upper tiers of the arena, their faces contorted with anger and frustration as they witnessed the battle unfolding below. What had started as a display of the geniuses' power and arrogance had quickly turned into a nightmare for them. Yun Che and Retsu, two outsiders, were systematically dismantling their most promising disciples.

Rage burned in the eyes of the sect masters as they watched their disciples fall one by one under the relentless assault of the two interlopers. It was a blow to their pride and a humiliation they could not bear. The geniuses they had so proudly presented were being defeated with ease, and their reputation was being tarnished in the process.

-----

Tie Hengjun watched as Yun Che approached, his earlier arrogance giving way to a more composed demeanor. Without hesitation, he moved closer to Yun Che and respectfully cupped his hands in greeting.

Yun Che raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Hmm, what now?" he asked.

Tie Hengjun remained collected and replied, "I recognize you as a man with a cruel but righteous heart. I've observed how you've incapacitated everyone but spared their lives in the end. I'm not foolish enough to challenge you. So, I concede." He offered a respectful bow as he spoke.

Yun Che's eyes widened in surprise. He had misjudged Tie Hengjun earlier, and this unexpected show of wisdom and humility took him aback.

"Hengjun!!! If you dare concede, then I will kill you right now," Feng Guangyi's enraged voice suddenly rang out from behind.

Tie Hengjun's response was unwavering, "Then kill me. At least I know my own limits." He spoke with an air of acceptance, as if he had made peace with the possibility of his own death.

"You!!!! Arrrgghh." Feng Guangyi raised his profound art, intent on attacking Tie Hengjun, but Yun Che was quicker, intervening before Feng Guangyi could carry out his threat.

"Attacking an unarmed man? You're quite despicable, aren't you," Yun Che remarked with a cold tone. With a wave of Zabimaru, he struck Feng Guangyi directly in the torso, sending him flying toward the arena seating area. The impact of Yun Che's strike not only crippled Feng Guangyi's cultivation but also destroyed his dantian.

Tie Hengjun couldn't help but be perplexed. He had initiated an attack on Yun Che without warning, yet now Yun Che had not only protected him from Yan Ming's assault but also crippled Feng Guangyi's cultivation in the process.

"Sometimes, the greatest victory is in avoiding unnecessary battles," Yun Che explained, his voice carrying a note of respect. "You recognize your limits and don't resort to desperate fights like these fools. I wholeheartedly respect that. If our paths cross again, let's share a drink together."

Yun Che gazed at Tie Hengjun with warmth in his eyes as he retracted Zabimaru.

"Then, it's a promise, Brother Yun," Tie Hengjun replied, sealing their newfound camaraderie with a handshake and a whispered secret shared between allies.

"A friendly piece of advice," Yun Che began, his tone sincere, "After this, start a new life. Somewhere far from here. Leave this palace quietly once this battle is over."

Tie Hengjun was taken aback by the gravity of Yun Che's words. He didn't immediately question why but chose to absorb the advice in silence.

"You'll understand soon enough," Yun Che continued, "but leave as soon as you can. I don't want your life wasted here. Go and spread your wings, Brother Tie."

Tie Hengjun felt a surge of gratitude toward Yun Che. He had gained newfound respect for this formidable opponent who had shown him unexpected kindness.

"Then, until the day our paths cross again, Brother Yun," Tie Hengjun said with a heartfelt smile, cupping his hand in farewell. With those words, he dashed toward the exit. The Iron Spear Clan disciples tried to stop him, but he moved faster than the eye could follow. Even his sect master was left speechless, assuming that Tie Hengjun had returned to the clan.

As Tie Hengjun vanished from sight, Yun Che watched him go with a sense of satisfaction, hopeful that this man had taken his advice to heart and would find a better life beyond the confines of the clan. One day, both will see each other again.

Yun Che and Retsu approached the last man standing, Xiao Luocheng, who was clutching his severely injured shoulder from the Zabimaru strike. His rage was palpable as he threatened revenge.

"You… Now you've done it. You dare cripple this genius. The Xiao Clan won't let you go. We will hunt you down and destroy this palace of yours after this," Xiao Luocheng seethed, his anger getting the better of him.

"Really? Then why don't you take a front-row seat when that happens?" Yun Che retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. With a swift motion, he tossed Xiao Luocheng into the air.

"What are you going to do?!?" Xiao Luocheng was dumbfounded as his body soared through the air, his fate hanging in the balance.

Without a word, Retsu drew her knife and made a series of precise slashes, targeting Xiao Luocheng's meridians and nerve veins. She ensured he suffered a fate worse than death – a crippled body and shattered cultivation.

When Retsu finished her work, Yun Che grabbed Xiao Luocheng by the neck and delivered a resounding bitch slap to his face.

*Slap!

"You DARE!!! You even crippled my cultivation. I swear I will KILL YOU TWO!" Xiao Luocheng's face turned crimson, not from embarrassment, but from the sheer humiliation of being slapped.

*SLAP!

"Ah... AH... AHHH... YOU… YOU'RE GOING TO DIE…!!!" Xiao Luocheng shouted, his rage unabated despite the stinging pain in his cheek.

"Shut up," Yun Che declared, silencing him with one final, powerful slap. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he sent Xiao Luocheng hurtling out of the arena. The final round ended not with a bang, but with the resounding echo of a slap – a symbol of the humiliation that had befallen Xiao Luocheng.

The entire arena was engulfed in a heavy, stunned silence. Yun Che and Retsu had emerged victorious, defeating all seven of the dazzling disciples who had entered the arena. The rest of the sect masters watched with a mixture of fury and helplessness as their prideful disciples fell one by one, their sons left crippled, humiliated, and tossed around right before their eyes.

Xiao Tiannan, in particular, seethed with rage. His son's fate had unfolded in a humiliating spectacle, and he burned with an intense desire to enter the arena and exact a brutal vengeance upon Yun Che and Retsu. But even in the depths of their anger, there was a glint of greed in the eyes of the sect masters. The capabilities displayed by Yun Che's blade and Retsu's technique had piqued their interest, and they contemplated the possibility of torturing the two before delivering the deaths they believed the intruders deserved.

Qin Wuyou couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of happiness and pride as he witnessed the defeat of the seven geniuses from the seven other sects by Yun Che and Retsu. The joy in his heart was palpable, and a proud smile graced his face as he watched his disciples' remarkable performance.

The victory of them both not only reaffirmed his faith in their abilities but also brought immense honor and prestige to the New Moon Profound Palace. They had proven themselves as some of the most formidable talents in the New Moon City, showcasing the fruits of their relentless training and dedication.

However, beneath the surface of his elation, Qin Wuyou couldn't shake off a growing sense of worry. He recognized the potential repercussions of this resounding victory. The other sects, bruised and humiliated by the defeat of their best and brightest, were unlikely to let this go without retaliation. Qin Wuyou knew that they might seek vengeance, and he was deeply concerned about the safety of his Yun Che and Retsu in the face of such hostility.

Yun Che and Retsu, sensing the volatile atmosphere, began to make their way toward the exit, intending to leave the arena to face the next phase of their plan. But just as they were about to escape the tension-filled arena, a commanding voice rang out, cutting through the stillness like a thunderclap.

"STOP RIGHT THERE, YOU MURDERERS!!!!"

All eyes turned to the source of the voice, and a hushed anticipation settled over the arena as the unknown speaker stepped forward.