The Promised battle

It was the bright morning of the tenth day of the ranking tournament.

There was unanimous agreement among the audience that in the first match of the semi-finals Itachi would win easily yet they were still excited to see how much strength he would actually need to show. After seeing Itachi's unfathomable strength against Fen Juebi yesterday, no one dared to even think that he would lose to Ling Jie. In his match with Fen Juebi, even though it was the first time he had revealed his terrifying strength, he still left a deep impression on everyone's mind. The second match, however, was more of a point of debate since Xia Qingyue possessed a higher cultivation yet Ling Yun was much more experienced compared to her.

Itachi and Ling Jie both already stood on top of the Sword Discourse Arena when Ling Jie greeted him with a slight smile: "Hello there, Brother Itachi. I know I cannot win against you but still I wish to fight you."

Itachi's indifferent expression turned into a slight smile before he said "Very well.":

Ling Jie held out his hand and swiped his spatial ring as an entirely golden orange thin sword that was approximately five foot and five inches flew into Ling Jie's hands. A buzzing sword intent spread throughout the Arena.

"Celestial Yang Sword!!"

Itachi already knew about all that he needed to know about that sword, unfortunately with his superior cultivation unless he intentionally restricted his profound strength barely anyone in this arena could even possibly injure him. Hence, he could only suppress his strength to that of an Early Earth Profound Realm cultivator which was still much greater than Ling Jie's strength.

Itachi lightly waved his hand as a simple looking sword appeared in his hand, his eyes also turned into the three-tomoe Sharingan pattern.

Itachi's sword exploded with an absolutely overbearing aura stifling the audience around as it started splitting apart the Celestial Yang Sword's energy utterly suppressing it.

Itachi stood calmly at his position as he said: "Come."

"First match of the Semifinals: Blue Wind Profound Palace's Itachi versus Heavenly Sword Villa's Ling Jie… Match start!"

"Not only did Jie'er immediately reveal the Celestial Yang Sword, his aura also does not have the least bit of complacence. It looks like he really values this battle with Itachi." Ling Yuefeng slowly said as he looked at the two people on the Sword Discourse Arena.

Ling Jie's sword swept across the air , as it cleaved the air. Even in the first strike itself, Ling Jie used his full strength. Facing the sword energy that was sweeping towards him, Itachi's eyes tracked the trajectories of sword strikes coming at him from different directions as he used a single hand to sweep his sword across the incoming torrent of energy, welcoming the Celestial Yang Sword's sword energy with matched strikes of his own.

"Boom!!"

The sharp and tyrannical forces loudly came together with a loud bang. A frightening windstorm of profound energy disclosed without restraint. The profound energy barrier suddenly trembled. Like spiderwebs, cracks instantly rushed out on the arena's stone floor below feet of the two opposing members.

The faint orange colored sword energy was unceasingly torn apart by Itachi's unrelenting sword strile containing the force of Heavenly Wolf Slash.

The audience around the Sword Discourse Arena were even more inexplicably horrified as they widened their eyes one after the other witnessing Itachi's simple looking swords strikes being unleashed in such a precise manner destroying every single one of Ling Jie's moves systematically as if he knew where Ling Jie was going to strike beforehand.

Bang!!

The final sword force finally dispersed, Ling Jie was also sent backwards to the edge of the arena from the impact while Itachi remained exactly where he was, his expression tranquil. 

Ling Jie did not lament his loss, he immediately stepped off the ground with his back foot. However, before he had even took a step forward he felt movement behind him as he saw the Itachi in front of him disappear in an afterimage.

"So fast!" Ling Jie was slightly shocked as he barely had time to react before he felt a flaming sword come at him from behind. Whether it was Itachi's movement speed or sword speed, they both far exceeded his expectations, to such an extent that even his eyes could not catch up.

Itachi's sword swept straight towards Ling Jie's figure, meeting Ling Jie's sword head on with multiple strokes.

Bang!!

With its great swings and body, each strike shattered a few, or even a dozen different lines of frenzied yet dazzling sword light. The profound energy barrier again shook violently. 

Every time Ling Jie thought that he had at last seized an opening, what pierced was always Itachi's afterimage, and Itachi's subsequent counterattack would always make him feel that he was surrounded by danger.

The mix of ear-piercing tearing sounds and ear-shattering booms fiercely smashed into everyone's eardrums and souls. In their exchanges, Ling Jie's situation kept deteriorating.

Boom!!

Until finally, Ling Jie's sword left his hand as he was stuck by Itachi's indirect strike. Even though Ling Jie dodged it with an incomparable speed, he was still sent flying backwards by the created aftermath of the strike.

Ling Jie did not have much strength. Hence, he resolved to use a final strike as cyan and orange sword beams converged into two crescent moons, then the sword beam directly hurtled towards Itachi.

Instead of dodging the strike Itachi merely unleashed a more complete Heavenly Wolf Slash--as a gigantic deep black crescent shaped sword slash met Ling Jie's strike. 

"Wh… What!!?" Ling Yuefeng immediately stood up, exclaiming uncontrollably.

Boom!!

The two sword beams clashed in mid air. When Ling Jie's sword strike clashed against the crescent shaped black sword energy, it shattered completely and disappeared without a trace in a blink of an eye. Gradually, the cyan and orange colors decreased within the light, and in the end, they completely disappeared, leaving the black crescent shaped strike , which was not even depleted by much, that fiercely flew straight towards Ling Jie.

Ling Jie moved a large distance away, dodging the attack by a hair's breath while being incomparably fatigued befoe he collapsed on the ground in exhaustion.

Heaven's Might Absolute Sword —— Moon Break, was actually destroyed by Itachi in such an easy manner. Just who in the world was this man? Even his brother wouldn't be able to do it that easily in a direct confrontation.

"So strong…I Surrender." Ling Jie unconsciously said softly. 

"Heavenly Sword Villa's Ling Jie surrenders. Blue Wind Profound Palace's Itachi wins! He will advance to tomorrow's Grand Finals!"

After Ling Wugou announced the results of the match, and cheers rang throughout the arena. Although, the outcome of the battle had already been preordained yet the dazzling battle still left the audience breathless, cementing Itachi's position in the finals as well as in their thoughts.

At that point, Ling Kun, who usually was very silent, stood up from his seat and looked at Itachi. 

Everyone held their breaths as they waited to see what this mighty elder that came from the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region wanted to do.

"Young man, you are called Itachi?" Ling Kun looked at Itachi as he asked calmly.

Itachi's expression remained calm as he nodded and replied: "Yes, I am Itachi."

"You are currently a disciple of the Profound Palace set up by the Blue Wind Kingdom's Imperial Family, right?" Ling Kun asked.

"Yes."

Ling Kun nodded slowly before saying: "Well, are you interested to join our Mighty Heavenly Sword Region?"

This one question of Ling Kun's, echoed through the ears of everyone, causing great shock. Qin Wushang was stunned, and so was Cang Yue. Even Ling Yuefeng was shocked motionless. Every person in the audience revealed an expression of deep astonishment.

Mighty Heavenly Sword Region. One of the Four Great Sacred Grounds, an almighty existence in the Profound Sky Continent. If one was able to enter the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, he must be one of the top profound practitioners currently in existence. 

Itachi waited for a moment before he replied calmly: "Many thanks to Senior Ling for thinking so highly of me. However, I am still a disciple of the Blue Wind Profound Palace and has no thoughts of leaving yet. Furthermore, there is still much left for me to do here. "

Itachi's answer was completely out of everyone's expectation. Everyone stared at him and wondered if he had gone mad… 

Ling Kun, however, was not angry, and instead laughed peacefully: "Hahahaha, good! Even though you are young, you are not arrogant, nor are you impatient. You are not flustered, nor are you rash. This is indeed rare. The reason I want to bring you into Mighty Heavenly Sword Region is not because of the talent you displayed. The reason I want to bring you in is because of the beautiful way you handle the sword… However, if that is the case, I shall not force you. Here, take this!"

Ling Kun flicked his finger and a piece of a deep purple colored jade stone the size of a fist horizontally flew out and was caught by Itachi.

Ling Kun withdrew his palm and said coolly: "This is a special Sound Transmission Stone that is able to communicate with me as long as we are within a distance of a hundred fifty kilometers. If you eventually decide to join our Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, drop me a message."

Inwardly, Itachi smirked at receiving the sound transmission jade from Ling Kun as he returned to his seat.

After some time, Ling Wugou came to the center of the Sword Discourse Arena once again, and announced the start of the second match. 

Itachi's Sharingan analyzed the density of Xia Qingyue's profound energy just before the battle started  which appeared almost half a great realm above the strength that she had displayed in Yun Che's timeline yet the question remained, would she need to reveal her ability to use a domain to defeat Ling Yun, which would in turn surely expose her Nine Profound Exquisite Physique to Ling Kun...However, it did not take long for his question to be answered. 

The battle slightly exceeded Itachi's expectations. Xia Qingyue's growth was much more than he thought it would be. Ling Yun who had proved to be quite a hassle for Xia Qingyue in Yun Che's timeline was defeated by her with the least effort on her part. However, considering that her cultivation was almost four small realms above even Ling Yun, the outcome was still expected. Moreover, she didn't even need to use her domain against him. Hence, her physique was still not exposed yet.

With the outcome of the second match, the two people who would be competing in the final match of this Ranking tournament was finally displayed…

Blue Wind Profound Palace's Itachi ---- versus ----- Frozen Cloud Asgard's Xia Qingyue!

......

It was late in the dark of the night surrounded by a blanket of light moonlight, Xia Qingyue sat silently beside the lotus pond, deep inside her own thoughts. Tomorrow was supposed to be the day of the final match of the tournament.

Just then a sudden chilly wind blew, and an enchanting figure appeared next to her without much sound. Xia Qingyue lowered her gaze, stood up, and then bowed. "Senior Master."

Chu Yuechan nodded in acknowledgement and said after a moment, her tone unusual:  "Qingyue, you have done really well so far. Did you meet with Itachi?"

".." Xia Qingyue was astounded, and did not immediately answer. She said after a moment of hesitation: "I did."

"Once tomorrow's match ends, I will meet with him as per the Mistress's instructions. If it goes well, he might end up coming with us to the Frozen Cloud Asgard. You are Frozen Cloud Asgard's future pillar and hope. The position of Asgard Mistress will also belong to you in the future. There is no need for me to remind you of his prowess as a medical practitioner. Hence, I hope that he will examine you to check the reason for your unusual condition. It will be better if it is done in our home instead of here with so many prying eyes."

Xia Qingyue felt a stir in her mind when she heard Chu Yuechan's words: "Thank you, Senior Master."

Chu Yuechan watched Xia Qingyue for a short while with a complicated gaze before saying: "Qingyue, for the battle tomorrow, do not underestimate your opponent, and even more importantly, do not assume that victory is in your hands. With regards to his true abilities, I can say with absolute certainty that he has barely used most of his abilities, even if you utilize everything against him, you will still find it difficult to win and that is only if his cultivation is actually what it appears to."

Xia Qingyue glanced up with astonishment in her moon-like beautiful eyes: "Senior, Master, do you mean to say that his profound strength could be much higher than what he is showing? But, I just met him the other day and I did not feel anything strange about him. However, I also have my domain as a final trump card, rest assured I will not be complacent and use it, if necessary. "

Chu Yuechan nodded her head slightly before she said, remembering her time with Itachi: " With your domain, it is true that under the Sky Profound Realm, there isn't anyone who can be your match. However, he is a formidable opponent. Most of all, his battle experience along with his strange eyes are really almost allows him to predict your movements beforehand. Forget about you, even I am far from his level... This battle tomorrow, will be not be anything like the other ones. These are not words without reason. In fact, even if you lose, I would not be too astonished. "

Hearing Chu Yuechan's words, Xia Qingyue's beautiful eyes were filled with extreme astonishment. She had never heard this master of her speak about anyone in such a manner. It almost appeared to her as if she admired…Itachi. Chu Yuechan's heart was like profound ice, and with a cold personality, she usually hardly spoke. This was the first time that she has heard this Senior Master that she revered speak so much. And every word she said, was giving a young man an extremely good assessment... So high that it seemed like an impossible assessment. If she had not heard it directly from Chu Yuechan, it would be impossible for her to believe that it had happened.

"Yes, I will remember Master's advice." Xia Qingyue said softly. Then, she hesitated slightly before she asked: "Qingyue has a presumptuous question to ask, Master..."

Chu Yuechan focused her gaze upon Xia Qingyue: "You wish to know why I understand him so well?"

Xia Qingyue nodded her head hesitatingly: "Yes..."

Chu Yuechan turned around before she waited for a few moments and said faintly: "You already know about how I left the Asgard with Yueli to protect him as per the agreement. However, there was not much protection that he needed from us. However, I did get to understand him as a person as well as his prowess as a cultivator.  He was the one who even ended up saving my life. It was also because of his assistance that I could break into the Tyrant Profound Realm so quickly."

Xia Qingyue did not say anything for a long time, for she was unable to believe everything she had heard.

Even Chu Yuechan herself wasn't sure why she told this to Xia Qingyue. Perhaps, it was because deep within her heart, she saw something similar in her eyes.

Chu Yuechan abruptly changed the topic, her cold voice carried some gentleness: "When I first saw Yueli teach you the Frozen Cloud Arts, you had a very strong desire to obtain greater power. But, now something seems different. Can you tell me the reason?"

Xia Qingyue was startled, before she told her about her mother's story of disappearance to a place called the 'Realm of Gods' and her eventual meeting with Itachi while omitting many of the details around that encounter.

"I see. I suppose Itachi was the reason for the change in your mindset then." Chu Yuechan's face turned a little gentler.

Xia Qingyue was speechless before she said: "I didn't say anything like that, Master. "

For the first time in a long time Chu Yuechan contained a hint of mirth before she said: "You didn't need to….He does have that effect on people. Don't be nervous, I have changed too in a certain manner. As long as you remain true to the Frozen Cloud Asgard. Just let this remain between us."

"Mn..." Xia Qingyue nodded slightly before raising her snow white face to look at the waning moon in the sky.

"Do your best then. "Chu Yuechan finally before she disappeared in the dark of the night.

…........ 

The next day, Heavenly Sword Villa's Sword Discourse Arena.

The sun had yet to rise, but the Sword Discourse Arena was already completely packed. This day was the concluding day of the Ranking Tournament, and the two parties in the final battle was an unprecedented pair of a young man and woman who were merely seventeen years of age.

One was Itachi, who was almost completely unknown among the populace the  yet consecutively defeated opponents with profound strengths far surpassing his, and ultimately, miraculously charged into the final battle. In every one of his fights, he had brought about more or less legendary flair. He was the first ever disciple in the True Profound Realm to have participated in the Ranking Tournament, and furthermore, the first ever True Profound Realm participant to have charged into the finals!

And the other one was Xia Qingyue, who had revealed her true strength yesterday, defeated Ling Yun, and astonished everyone present. After yesterday's battle, she had become the Blue Wind Empire's number one genius. Furthermore, she had replaced Ling Yun, and became the number one of the younger generation. In the future, she would definitely become a king class expert whose name would shake all of Blue Wind.

And Heavenly Sword Villa, which had always taken the leading role of this decisive battle in the past, had been reduced to mere spectators this time. Ling Yuefeng had arrived very early, but he just sat silently the entire time, and didn't say a word. Ling Yun, who had lost the fight yesterday, also appeared next to Ling Yuefeng. He was similarly silent, but his expression was very tranquil; at least on the surface, it seemed like he hadn't taken much of a blow from yesterday's loss.

Of course, it wasn't that he was too weak, but that his opponent was so powerful she completely exceeded everyone's expectations.

Today, there were originally two battles scheduled in the Sword Discourse Arena. The first battle was the fight for the third and fourth places, but this fight had directly concluded when Ling Jie conceded the match in advance. Ling Yun, who had originally been expected to take first place, thus ranked third. 

"... The final battle of the ranking tournament: Blue Wind Profound Palace's Itachi, versus Frozen Cloud Asgard's Xia Qingyue. May both contestants ascend the Sword Discourse Arena!"

Ling Wugou declared loudly at the center of the Sword Discourse Arena.

"Brother Itachi, good luck!" Cang Yue said with excitement.

Itachi merely nodded at her before walking towards the stage and stood opposite Xia Qingyue who too had ascended the platform.

Although, Xia Qingyue had a thin ice veil covering her face, making him unable to see her expression. Yet, her eyes reflected all of her thoughts to him. It was already enough for him to understand that she was much different than before. The coldness in her eyes that was so prevalent as in Yun Che's memories was replaced with tranquility as well as a certain sense of determination. And, that was all Itachi wished to accomplish with his actions towards her in the past. A slight nudge to deviate her minds and in turn, her eventual actions from the destined path set for her. So, that he could liberate both of their fates.

Xia Qingyue silently too was observing Itachi. Recalling her senior master's words and observing Itachi's demeanor now, she finally noticed the confidence that Itachi always seemed to possess now renewed with a quiet sense of terrifying power too. It was his confidence and the silent acceptance of the world around him along with his usual indifference that had made her initially curious to know his thoughts. Never did she imagine at the time that the crippled young man she had been married to in farce would turn out the most mysterious man that she did ever meet who would keep occupying her thoughts even after two years. Now, the trajectory and height of the two's lives, both had already turned upside down.....To her, it almost seemed like an inexplicable setup by fate...

"Why did you really come to participate in the Ranking tournament, Itachi? " Xia Qingyue asked suddenly her eyes shining with a knowing look. 

"Shouldn't you know already?…Promises are meant to be kept after all… " Itachi said simply while looking into Xia Qingyue's eyes, smiling faintly.

Xia Qingyue's expression seemed hesitant as she said: "However, I can now clearly see that you are much stronger. And, if so, what's the point of--?" 

Not allowing for Xia Qingyue to finish, Itachi said interrupting her : "Remember this: There is only one reason for which I am here: to untie what has been tied by fate. That was the promise I made to myself and to fulfill that, it matter little how weak or strong I am. I would have been here regardless. However…you are not wrong… I am definitely a lot stronger than you but remember that this battle can only be won using our will....."

Xia Qingyue became even more confused with Itachi's words as she said: " …Our wills….I guess I will just have to ask you what you really mean after I defeat you.... "

Itachi merely gazed at her with a tranquil expression before he said: "So, you can."

"Blue Wind Profound Palace's Itachi against Frozen Cloud Asgard's Xia Qingyue… Battle start!!"

Immediately after, a chilly aura spread throughout the arena instantly encompassing the entire battlefield as snowflakes started falling from the sky covering the arena in several layers of hazy aura. Knowing her situation, Xia Qingyue made the first move. She gracefully extended her hand, and a sheet of ice rapidly formed beneath Itachi's feet. Itachi, however, remained unfazed. With a swift motion, he merely used his Sharingan to judge the possible flow of profound energy and leaped backward, avoiding the encroaching ice, almost as if he disappeared.

Xia Qingyue didn't give up and merely continued with her assault, sending razor-sharp ice shards hurtling towards Itachi using Frozen Cloud Arts. He expertly dodged and weaved through the projectiles, displaying impeccable control over his movements as his Sharingan rapidly flashed while his hands formed a layer of wind blade around them, directly cutting some shards apart. His dance on the battlefield was mesmerizing, as if he was a martial artist performing a deadly ballet while knowing the in advance where the bullets were actually coming from.

The entire arena had already turned quiet as they watched Itachi expertly weaved through all of Xia Qingyue with impeccable precision and remarkable elegance without appearing to use any sort of profound techniques at all.

Cang Yue who saw Itachi's mesmerizing battle with Xia Qingyue finally acknowledged the fact that she and Itachi belonged to two completely different worlds. He was just too superior to her. Something she had known already, yet the lament that came with the realization made her melancholic about her own silly little wish.

The Sword Discourse Arena was shrouded in an expectant hush as Itachi and Xia Qingyue faced each other in this epic battle that seemed one sided for now yet the excitement wasn't any lesser due to that. The slighlty dark clouds that hovered above in the sky cast a dim glow upon the battleground, creating an ethereal atmosphere for their encounter.

At this time, Xia Qingyue she was merely expending her profound energy with her attacks not being able to even reach Itachi finally backed away a few metres creating some distance.

In response, Itachi finally made a move too as he held his hand forward, fingers splayed. He summoned his profound energy, which rippled outward like a gentle breeze, carrying with it a subtle, awe-inspiring presence. The dense ice profound energy around the arena resonated with his 'Heretic Soul' aura, the submitting to the embodiment of the Creation God of elements.

Xia Qingyue noticed the change in the atmosphere immediately as she narrowed immediately, and responded to the subtle energy with a fluid motion. Her palm swept gracefully, and in an instant, a crystalline dome of ice formed around her, sparkling like a thousand diamonds. The elegance of her move mirrored the Frozen Cloud Arts she had cultivated to perfection.

As their energies clashed, a subtle tremor coursed through the arena, causing the spectators to hold their breath in anticipation.

The ice dome held for a second before it started melting as a red flame started spreading across the radius of the dome, its intricate patterns unable to resist the gentle yet stifling pressure. 

Xia Qingyue's composure remained unshaken as she maintained her protective stance, her eyes locked onto Itachi's, revealing a glint of curiosity about the change in the ice profound energy. She had already known about his proficiency with the fire element as he previously displayed already. However, she was sure for a moment Itachi's body exuded a lot of ice profound energy which seemed even superior to her own.

Xia Qingyue finally said with a hint of self-mockery: "It seems I overestimated myself a bit. I didn't think I wouldn't be able to even faze you a bit."

"Actually, your strength has exceeded my expectations even in the previous round itself. This is merely a test to see how far you can go. Try everything to test your limit against me. That is the only way to go beyond yourself.Now, let me ..."Itachi said, his crimson eyes glowing, raised his hands in an intricate pattern. His movements were a testament to his mastery of the fire techniques from both worlds, as he used a technique reminiscent of his previous life's flame jutsu. As he channeled his energy, a blazing inferno erupted from his palms, forming a magnificent phoenix-shaped firestorm.

The flames danced and swirled around him, imbued with an ethereal, almost spiritual quality. The heat radiating from the flames was palpable, and they painted the arena with their vibrant crimson hue.

In response, Xia Qingyue gracefully glided backward, her movements as fluid as a snowflake on the wind. Her elegant form and control over ice manifested as a powerful defense. With a wave of her hand, she conjured an intricate lattice of ice, an intricate structure that seemed to mirror the phoenix's grace but in a different element.

The ice lattice absorbed the fiery onslaught with grace and poise. The Phoenix Flames, when met with Xia Qingyue's Frozen Cloud Asgard, transformed into delicate crystalline structures that hung in the air like frozen sculptures. The arena became a tableau of fire and ice, the clashing elements an embodiment of their respective strengths.

The spectators watched in awe as the two combatants demonstrated not only their raw power but also their finesse and control over their chosen elements. It was a battle that transcended the physical; it was a dance of elements, a testament to the mastery of their profound arts.

The vapor from the clash completely covered their figures before it instantly evaporated in the heat of Itachi's flames.

Xia Qingyue was breathing heavily at this time as she still stood in her exhaused state, her radiant face a bit paler as her veil seemed slightly out of place exposing the just a bit of her heavenly beauty to the world. However, not for long, as she immediately fixed it sensing the intense gazes from all over the arena. 

Itachi, now fully aware of Xia Qingyue's abilities, decided to push her to her limits while still maintaining his Earth Profound form.

With a commanding gesture, Itachi activated his Dragon God's domain. It was a manifestation of his absolute authority and dominance. The arena quaked as the atmosphere itself seemed to bow to his presence.

Xia Qingyue who had seemed resolute so far finally couldn't bear it as she knelt on the ground as one of her knees touched the ground. Even while in that posture she decided to unleash one final strike before activating her domain. The arena's icy terrain surged, creating powerful barriers of ice and frost that spiraled upward like towering spires.

The very air crackled with tension as Dragon God's domain met with the incoming storm of ice.

Xia Qingyue's determination shone through as she maintained her stance, her icy defenses holding strong against the oppressive domain Her profound strength, while lower in realm, was not to be underestimated. The spectators could feel the intensity of her willpower as she fought to keep herself intact.

However, she knew she couldn't hold on for long as such there was a single choice to make. Immediately, the ice profound energy in the arena started becoming extremely reactive as a quiet chilly aura exuded out of her presence. She had finally decided to unleash her domain as a last resort.

Xia Qingyue's usual cold indifference was replaced by a certain sense of serenity as she said: "It's strange, Itachi. Usually, I wouldn't fell glad about losing….yet you being able to reach at such a level just as you said then is amazing. I have no choice but to use this….."

The Sword Discourse Arena stood in anticipation as the battle reached its zenith. Xia Qingyue seemed to prepare for the ultimate exchange. But this round held an unexpected twist as Itachi decided to use one of his most potent techniques. And, the reason why he had bothered to fight Xia Qingyue in such an extensive manner. However, for his plan to work, he needed to atleast try and release her domain. 

As soon as he sensed the change in the profound energy in Xia Qingyue's aura without allowing others to suspect anything strange with a swift and fluid motion, Itachi activated his Mangekyou Sharingan, his eyes swirling into a hypnotic pattern. This was a technique Xia Qingyue had never encountered before, a genjutsu known as Tsukuyomi.

Xia Qingyue found herself enveloped in a strange realm, where her surroundings twisted and distorted before changing into a blank void. As she gathered her bearings she noticed another presence beside her.

Itachi, too was alongside her looking strangely confused while obseving his surroundings. 

As Xia Qingyue regained her composure, she immediately asked: "I-itachi, where are we exactly?"

Itachi remained silent for a while, his gazed intent at the void around them: "You remember I can unleash illusion on others. It was supposed be one of them."

Xia Qingyue said in astonishment: "I didn't know much about that. However, why do say it was supposed to be like that? Isn't this void an illusion?"

Itachi's expression turned a bit serious: "I have complete control over my illusions. However, I cannot control much….It's as if…."

Before Itachi could finish his explanation, both of them became alert as they heard a distorted voice filled with a primordial chill resonating throughout the entire voice as if coming from everywhere.

"Hhaaahah…Have you come here to end what that Yun Che started, mortal human….Using my vessel to reach this place was a clever move on your part…However, what can you even do here in my world of wills? …"

Xia Qingyue glanced sideways at Itachi before she scooted a little bit closer to him feeling uncomfortable with the strange terrifying voice.

Instead of replying to the voice, Itachi turned to Xia Qingyue: "Do you trust me? You have been some problems with your cultivation, right? The reason is actually that voice. The battle was merely a means to draw her out. Forgive me for not telling you this sooner. However, knowing that would have been worse for you. "

Xia Qingyue's eyes widened as she thought about how her master wanted Itachi to examine her strange state. Yet, here he had already examined her and even found the root cause of the problem. She tried to calm herself while absorbing his words before she sighed as her eyes glazed with a gentle look and she said: "It's really hard to understand you. Yet, I trust you completely. Thank you for trying to help me. "

"We will talk later…..First, let's deal with the root of your problem…"Itachi merely responded with a firm nod as he took her milky white palm in his own and both of them turned towards a distorted figure forming in the void in front of them.