Chapter 92: What is it that you truly desire?

"Three-month agreement? What are you talking about, rascal?" Little Fairy's voice wavered with confusion and a hint of apprehension. What contract could Yun Che possibly be referring to? What had transpired three months ago that she couldn't recall?

Yun Che dispelled his hollow mask and his bankai before storing Zangetsu back into his inner world, his expression solemn and determined. With a deep breath, he confronted her directly. "You seriously don't remember?"

As Yun Che's words hung in the air, fragments of memory began to coalesce in Little Fairy's mind. She remembered the snowy landscape, the unfamiliar yet comforting presence of Yun Che and Retsu, and the pivotal moment when she made a decision that would alter the course of her life.

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Three months ago...

Yun Che laid out his conditions before her, his gaze steady and unwavering. "These are my conditions. So, what say you?"

In that moment of contemplation, Little Fairy weighed her options. Three months might seem like a short span of time, but it held the potential to shape her future in profound ways. Despite her initial resistance, the prospect of breaking through and finding healing beckoned to her. Moreover, the opportunity to legally pummel Yun Che into submission offered a tantalizing allure.

After a pause, she finally spoke, her voice firm yet tinged with uncertainty. "I agree. Three months, and then we go our separate ways."

"Three months, and then we go our separate ways," echoed the solemn agreement.

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But now, as she revisited those words in the present, her eyes widened with realization. Yes, she had desired separation from Yun Che three months ago, driven by her own fears and uncertainties. Yet, in the intervening time, she had formed bonds with Retsu and Cang Yue, bonds that transcended mere comrades. They became sisters. And, most significantly, she had discovered the depths of her feelings for Yun Che, feelings she couldn't deny or ignore.

The realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. Was this truly the parting she desired? Was she willing to sacrifice the newfound connections and newly discovered love she had found in exchange for freedom?

Caught in the whirlwind of conflicting emotions, Little Fairy grappled with the weight of her decision, unsure of the path she should tread.

"What happened three months ago?" Cang Yue's voice cut through the tense atmosphere, drawing the attention of both Kon and Retsu. With a sense of urgency, she sought to unravel the mystery that hung over their group. Retsu turned to her, her gaze steady as she proceeded to recount the events that had transpired.

As Cang Yue listened to the story, her eyes widened in disbelief. The tale painted a picture of complex emotions and unspoken agreements, leaving her torn between shock and indignation. She felt the urge to confront Yun Che, to demand answers and accountability for his actions. But Retsu's firm grip on her shoulders anchored her in place, a silent reminder of the delicate balance at play.

"Sister Retsu..." Cang Yue began, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Retsu, aware of the turmoil raging within her friend, spoke with a calm assurance. "Sister Yue, Young Master is keeping his promise to her. Right now, it depends on her choice."

Cang Yue grappled with conflicting emotions, torn between her loyalty to her friend and her desire to intervene. She understood the weight of Little Fairy's decision and knew she had to respect it, no matter how difficult it was.

Meanwhile, Kon's glare bore into Yun Che with unmistakable hostility. His words dripped with venom as he issued a warning. "Bastard, if you kick her out, I'll kick your ass. I won't forgive you for making her cry."

Little Fairy remained silent, her gaze cast downward as her bangs obscured her eyes. In the quiet moments that followed, she reflected on the journey they had shared over the past three months. She had found solace and companionship in their company, shedding the burdens of her past to embrace a newfound sense of belonging. They had become more than allies; they were family.

But now, faced with the prospect of parting ways, she couldn't help but question if this was truly what she desired. Had she grown so accustomed to their presence that she couldn't bear the thought of separation? Was there a place for her in a world without them?

As she grappled with these thoughts, uncertainty gnawed at her heart. The bonds they had forged were strong, but were they strong enough to withstand the test of time and distance? 

"No, I don't want this," she whispered to herself, the words echoing in her heart like a solemn vow.

"Rascal... You don't need me anymore?" Her voice quivered with emotion as tears began to trickle down her cheeks. Each tear felt like a testament to the cracks forming in the facade of her icy demeanor. For the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to feel the weight of her emotions, to confront the pain of potential loss.

Yun Che approached her quietly, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the storm of her turmoil. With a gentle touch, he placed his hand atop her head, a silent gesture of reassurance. Little Fairy, lost in her own sea of emotions, looked up to meet his gaze, her tear-filled eyes locking with his.

"I do need you. I want you to stay, actually," he confessed, his voice soft but resolute. "You've become an integral part of our group, bonded with us in ways we never imagined. But I can't hide the truth from you. Keeping our promise means setting you free, even if it breaks my heart to do so."

As he wiped away her tears, she felt a pang of sorrow grip her heart. His words struck a chord within her, reminding her of the bittersweet reality they faced. She sank to her knees, overwhelmed by the weight of her conflicting emotions, the ache of impending separation tearing at her soul.

Yun Che knelt beside her, his touch a lifeline in her moment of despair. With a tender gesture, he lifted her chin, his eyes locking onto hers with a gravity that sent shivers down her spine. In that moment, she saw a depth of sincerity in his gaze, a sincerity that mirrored the feelings she harbored deep within her own heart.

"But I fulfilled my promise to you, Little Fairy," he continued, his voice firm yet gentle. "Now, I ask you this..."

Caught in the intensity of his gaze, she held her breath, waiting for his next words with bated anticipation. In that fleeting moment, as their eyes met in silent understanding, she realized that their bond transcended mere promises and contracts. It was a bond forged in the fires of adversity, tempered by shared experiences and unwavering trust.

"What is it that you truly desire?" his voice resonated with a quiet intensity, echoing the unspoken question that lingered between them, beckoning her to confront her deepest desires.

Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Little Fairy leapt towards Yun Che, her fists pounding against his chest in a flurry of feeble blows. Each strike was fueled by her frustration and sorrow, yet lacked the strength to inflict any real harm. She sobbed uncontrollably, her tears mingling with the dirt and blood on his body, a testament to the depth of her anguish.

Yun Che stood still, allowing her to vent her pent-up emotions, his stoic demeanor a pillar of support amidst her storm of feelings. He bore her strikes with quiet acceptance, understanding the pain that gripped her heart. Retsu and Cang Yue watched silently, their hearts heavy with empathy for their friend's turmoil.

"You're a rascal!!!! And I hate you!!! I really... really hate you!!!" she cried out between sobs, her voice choked with emotion.

Her fists gradually slowed, the intensity of her blows waning as her tears continued to flow. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to stop, her grief and frustration pouring out in a torrent of raw emotion.

"You and your jokes!!!! Your teasing!!! Sob* Sob*"

As her assault dwindled, she collapsed against him, her head resting on his chest as she wept unabatedly. In that moment, it became clear that she didn't want to part ways with them. They had become her family, her home, the anchor to her tumultuous existence.

"Do you even need to ask?!?!" she cried out, her voice echoing with a mixture of anguish and determination.

Yun Che smiled tenderly, his heart swelling with warmth at her heartfelt declaration. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a comforting embrace. In that embrace, she found solace, reassurance, and the unwavering support of those who had become her true companions.

In that moment, she realized that she was no longer bound by a promise or a contract. She stayed with them because she wanted to, because they had become an irreplaceable part of her life. And as they stood together, united by the bonds of friendship and love, Little Fairy knew that she had found her place in the world, among those who accepted her for who she truly was.

As Yun Che held her in his arms, he couldn't help but notice the softness of her body and the sweet fragrance of her hair, reminiscent of Grayfia Lucifuge. Lost in the moment, he didn't expect her voice to break through his reverie, emanating from his chest.

"How long are you going to keep holding me, you rascal?" Her voice carried a hint of playfulness, despite the lingering traces of sadness.

Yun Che chuckled softly, tightening his embrace. "Ara, have you calmed down? Your body feels incredibly soft, you know."

"You... rascal!! *smack*" Her slap landed lightly on his chest, a playful reprimand for his teasing. Slowly withdrawing from his embrace, she wiped away her tears, regaining her composure.

Unfazed by her playful retaliation, Yun Che smiled warmly at her. He knew her well enough to understand that this was her way of expressing her affection, even amidst their lighthearted banter.

She glanced at him, her cheeks tinted with a healthy blush, before turning away to hide her embarrassment. Despite the tears she shed moments ago, she now seemed lighter, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, freeing her from the burdens of her suppressed emotions.

"Sister YueChan!!!" Cang Yue's sudden embrace caught her off guard, tears streaming down her cheeks. Little Fairy returned the hug, gently stroking her hair to comfort her.

"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere," she reassured Cang Yue, her voice filled with warmth and affection. Retsu joined their embrace, wrapping her tails around them, reinforcing the bond they shared.

"No matter how far apart, we are sisters now," Retsu declared, her words resonating with unwavering sincerity.

Meanwhile, Yun Che watched the scene unfold with a sense of contentment, a wide smile gracing his lips. Seeing these girls, who had become like family to him, embracing each other filled his heart with joy.

On his shoulder, Kon appeared, offering a playful remark. "Chee, Lucky bastard."

Yun Che chuckled, turning to face the tiny fox. "I heard you wanted to beat my ass for making her cry just now."

Kon's sheepish expression betrayed his embarrassment as he stammered, "Oh... ahahaha... you heard that?"

Yun Che's casual remark drew a chuckle from Kon. "Dude, I heard everything. You don't have to beat my ass anymore. She's already done it."

Observing the contented expression on Little Fairy's face, Kon couldn't help but comment, "Looks like she finally found a place where she belongs, right?"

Yun Che nodded in agreement, his thoughts drifting to the hardships she endured in the original timeline. Her expulsion from her sect, especially while pregnant, had left a bitter taste in his mouth. It was a stark reminder of the cruelty that existed in their world.

Approaching the group, Yun Che was taken aback when Little Fairy expressed her gratitude. "Rascal, thank you," she said earnestly.

Perplexed by her sudden gratitude, Yun Che asked for clarification. "Hmm? For what?"

"For giving me a family. A place to return to," Little Fairy explained. "Despite my strength, I was lonely in my sect even when my sister was around. Following you and Sister Retsu gave me the chance to be myself."

Throughout her journey, Little Fairy had often found herself conforming to the expectations of her sect and the desires of her sister. Yet, amidst the pressure to fit into their mold, she had never stopped to question whether this was truly what she wanted for herself.

Now, standing amidst her newfound companions, she realized the depth of her longing for something more. Their bond had given her a sense of belonging she had never experienced before, a sense of freedom to be herself without the weight of others' expectations.

Yun Che listened attentively, realizing the significance of their bond. "It goes without saying," he replied solemnly. "Bonds aren't just important; they're what bind us together, far more valuable than any treasure."

With a heavy heart, Yun Che turned to address the girls. "But this time, sorry to break it to you girls. Little Fairy, I have a request."

Surprised by his serious tone, Little Fairy responded with unwavering trust. "Me? If it's within my ability, I'll do it."

Yun Che took a deep breath before dropping the bombshell. "Little Fairy, although this might be sudden, I need you to return to your sect."

The atmosphere crackled with tension as Yun Che's unexpected request reverberated through their group, prompting a cascade of emotions from each member.

Kon's vehement outburst shattered the silence. "Bastard!! You wanted her to return to her sect that much?"

Cang Yue's tightening embrace around Little Fairy conveyed her turmoil. "But… Yun Che... she wanted to stay."

"Young master? Why?" Retsu's inquiry mirrored the confusion etched on her face as she wrapped her fox tails around Little Fairy.

Little Fairy's tearful response pierced through Yun Che's heart like a dagger. "Rascal… So you really don't need me anymore"

"*Sigh...It's not like that." His sudden response earned everyone's attention back to him. "It's like this, Little Fairy. When are you supposed to return to your sect?"

Little Fairy wiped her tears and said, "My sect? I am supposed to return… ahh… Three months ago." She suddenly remembered that she was supposed to return to her sect after obtaining the item to fix the poison in her body.

"Yes, as you can see. Little Fairy was supposed to return three months ago but because of me and Retsu. She had to stay with us and postponed her return back to the sect."

Kon decided to ask for them. "What happens if she doesn't return?"

"We have to remember that Little Fairy is the leader of the Seven Fairies of Frozen Cloud Asgard. Someone like her has an extremely high status in her sect. So imagine someone of that much importance didn't return back on the day she was supposed to."

Cang Yue slowly said, "The sect leader will send someone to find her." Even for her, if she didn't tell the Palace master about her departure, someone would be bound to search for her.

"Now, you get it. If she was seen with anyone, especially me, she would be punished severely by her sect, as they tend to frown upon males involving with their disciples. Even if I am not here, she will be asked to return to the sect to prepare for the upcoming tournament." The rest of them seemed to understand the situation, but Cang Yue was kind of reluctant to let Little Fairy go. Even if she was officially a member of their little group, Cang Yue still felt a pang of attachment towards her. Retsu slowly unwrapped her tails from around them before letting her go.

"But…," Little Fairy hesitated, her voice barely a whisper.

Yun Che smiled reassuringly at her and said, "I know you wanted to travel more with us. But eventually, we will meet in the Imperial City for the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament, and I trust all of you are going to be there. So, just stay and lay low in the sect for two months' time."

Retsu said with a calm smile, "We're on our way to the Imperial City anyway. So let's meet there, Sister YueChan."

Cang Yue wasn't willing to let her go, but she didn't mind as long as she could meet her again. "Hnnn, I don't want you to go, Sister YueChan. But please be at the tournament."

Little Fairy slowly nodded at Yun Che's request for their sake. "Hnnn, I'll comply. I will return to the sect and lay low for a while. Just promise me, rascal."

He looked at her seriously. "Anything…"

"Please be there. My sisters. Rascal and even Kon. Promise me we will meet at the tournament." Little Fairy's voice trembled with emotion. If none of them showed up, then she'd be devastated. Who knows what could happen in two months?

Yun Che tapped her shoulder and showed her his reassuring smile. "Of course, you're one of us now. We're a family. And I intend to keep my promise."

"Well then, looks like it's time for me to go. Make way to the Imperial City and wait for me. Sister Retsu and Sister Yue, take care of this rascal here," Little Fairy said, her voice carrying a mix of determination and fondness.

"We promised," Cang Yue said to her, her eyes reflecting both sadness and hope.

"Don't worry, young master will be okay. I am keeping a close eye on him," Retsu reassured, wrapping a tail around Yun Che as if to emphasize her point.

As Little Fairy was preparing herself, Yun Che suddenly appeared next to her and lifted up her hand.

"Rascal?" She didn't resist Yun Che's touch, her curiosity piqued.

He pointed to her spatial ring and channeled some modified pills. The same pills he had given her to breakthrough into the Seventh Level of the Emperor Profound Realm in the first place.

"Something for you. Consume it once a week, and your cultivation should reach the Half Step of Tyrant Profound Realm. Breaking through into the Tyrant Profound Realm is quite hard, so I'll help you break through two months from now. Train your haki diligently during this time. You should reach the Advanced stage for both haki if you train diligently," he explained.

Little Fairy nodded, taking his advice to heart before he gave her another item.

"And here, wear this."

"Rascal, this is...?" Little Fairy recognized the necklace immediately. It was Cang Yue's necklace, the same one she had used to mask her aura back in the Profound Palace.

"This originally belongs to Cang Yue, but she doesn't need it anymore, and I asked for it from her. I made some modifications to it, and I am giving it to you. It should mask your aura back to the Peak of Sky Profound Realm. We wouldn't want the sect to go crazy about your sudden power-up," Yun Che explained.

Little Fairy understood him, and she saw Cang Yue nodding in agreement. She put on the necklace, and her aura was masked back to the Peak of Sky Profound Realm.

"Hnn, I will," Little Fairy said, her gaze softening as she looked at Yun Che. This rascal of hers had been helping her ever since they met. His kindness and compassion had opened up a new feeling in her heart, one she couldn't quite name.

"Fly in this direction. It should be safe, and you should arrive back at the Asgard by tomorrow," Yun Che instructed, using the system's mapping to determine the safest route to the Frozen Cloud Asgard. He pointed her towards the path, confident in her ability to handle any encounters with human experts in the Empire.

She gave Retsu and Cang Yue sisterly hugs, expressing her gratitude and affection before turning to Kon. Despite his perverted tendencies, he had protected them in the past, and she acknowledged that with a friendly punch.

Turning towards Yun Che, she said, "Rascal, please protect everyone." He responded with a thumbs up, while Cang Yue wiped away tears and Retsu waved goodbye. Though Retsu seemed composed, a hint of sadness lingered beneath her exterior.

Yun Che petted Retsu's head reassuringly, promising, "Don't worry, we'll see her again."

Retsu nodded, resting her head on his shoulder, while Kon waved from his other shoulder. Just as Little Fairy was about to take off, she suddenly turned back and ran towards Yun Che.

"What's wrong? Did you forget something?" he asked, puzzled.

*Chu*

Yun Che felt something soft on his left cheek as Little Fairy pulled his shoulder and pointed her head towards it. He was stunned, realizing that she had just kissed him on the cheek.

Kon teared up and exclaimed, "Lucky Bastard!!!"

"Ara-ara…" Retsu squealed, enjoying the unexpected display of affection.

"Sister YueChan, no fair!! So bold!! Shameless!!" Cang Yue shouted playfully, her cheeks flushed with amusement. Little Fairy ignored their reactions as she infused her Frozen Snow Dance Steps with Haki and flew off in the direction Yun Che had indicated.

As she departed, they couldn't help but notice her face was as red as a tomato. A forty-year-old woman acting like a high school girl? Indeed, it was a sight to behold.

Retsu saw his shocked expression before smirking. "Ara-ara, young master. Are you that shocked?"

"Well, I didn't expect she would do that," Yun Che muttered, his face turning red as he pointed it in another direction. Retsu couldn't help but find his embarrassed expression adorable, reminiscent of when he first confessed to her. "Young master, you look really cute when you're embarrassed. That's why I love you so much." Taking advantage of his stunned state, Retsu planted another kiss on his right cheek.

"If Sister Retsu and Sister YueChan did that, then I'm going to do it too." Cang Yue's sudden declaration caught Yun Che off guard as she leaped towards his left cheek and landed her own kiss. However, the close proximity overwhelmed her with embarrassment, causing her to pass out in his arms.

Kon, meanwhile, lamented, "Lucky Bastard!!! Why do the girls only go for you? This isn't fair," tears of frustration streaming from his eyes.

"Hueeehhh." Cang Yue's face flushed red, but she wore a satisfied smile as well. Her boldness reminded Yun Che of a certain someone who fainted upon meeting her idiotic blonde love interest. 

"Why are the sisters so bold today?" Retsu smiled, holding onto Yun Che's arm and resting her head on his shoulder. With both Cang Yue and Retsu clinging to him, Yun Che sighed, "Sigh, what in the world happened to these girls?"

Regaining his composure, Yun Che affectionately petted Retsu's head and said, "All right, all right. Let's get out of here before the experts show up. The system detected a mass amount of human experts on their way here."

"They're really a bother. Just when I'm about to have my 'young master' moment. Maybe I should annihilate them," Retsu mused, wrapping him in her tails possessively.

Sighing at her antics, Yun Che relented, "Hai hai, you can have all the moments you want after we get out of here."

"Really?! Then where are we going?" With Cang Yue passed out, Retsu planned to cocoon Yun Che in her tails and indulge in some cuddling.

"Even though we promised to go to the Imperial City, we're taking an alternate route. We're heading to the Wasteland of Death." Yun Che's choice raised eyebrows, as the Wasteland of Death was considered a high-level area in the Empire.

"Wasteland of Death? Sounds exciting, let's go!!!" Kon's excitement was palpable as he shouted from Yun Che's shoulder, his plushy hand pointing ahead.

Retsu summoned Minazuki as Yun Che lifted the unconscious Cang Yue in a princess carry, and they boarded the spirit beast before disappearing from the area.