Chapter 22: The Ranking Tournament Begins
Blue Wind Profound Palace....
Due to the approaching the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament, the entire Blue Wind Profound Palace was extremely busy. Today was the scheduled day for everyone to depart for the Ranking Tournament.
In accordance with Cang Yue's wishes, the list of participating disciples now included the name of a newly returned disciple that had supposedly gone into seclusion and successfully had a breakthrough into the Earth Profound Realm. As such, it was only three days ago when Itachi returned that the list of all the participating disciples had been finalized.
At this time, with hurried steps, Qin Wushang, the Palace Chief, personally left for the personal courtyard of the princess, to let her know that they were ready for departure.
"Greetings, Princess, the disciples are ready to depart. Is the new recruit going to come with us or….?"
Cang Yue nodded in a relieved manner: "Okay then, you should leave first. I will personally bring brother Itachi to the outer courtyard."
Qin Wushang could feel the excitement hidden underneath her calm exterior. She had been quite distressed for the last few months. Although, this person had seemingly promised to arrive before the tournament. Yet, Qin Wushang didn't have that much hope, he had even prepared for a few disciples for that situation which if not for the sudden appearance of Itachi being an Earth Profound Realm cultivator, it would surely have created much more dissent among the other disciples.
"Very well, Your Highness." Qin Wushang said respectfully before leaving.
….........................…..
It was the time of early morning when Itachi woke up from his sleep, he had spent the last three days simply resting his mind. It had been almost two years since he had arrived in this strange new world. And, right from the beginning, he had started thinking around the various different approaches that he could use to obtain strength efficiently while at the same time trying to avoid all the nuisances that Yun Che had unnecessarily gotten himself into. Itachi did believe that so far, he had actually managed everything in a good enough manner. However, if he had learned one invaluable lesson from his life as a shinobi, it was that individual strength itself may not always be enough to overcome every obstacle, and even if it could be, it might turn oneself into a hollow and egotistical shell of himself. As such, now that he gained enough power, it was time for him to establish some connections.
Itachi's musing was interrupted by a knock before the elegant voice of the princess sounded out: "Brother Itachi, it is time to leave."
Itachi opened the door before he was greeted by the sight of the Princess. He greeted her simply: "Greetings, your highness."
Cang Yue nodded elegantly before her expression turned slightly mischievous: "No need for such formality. Please just call me, Sister Yue."
Itachi merely smiled: "As you say, Miss Yue."
At his immediate agreement, Cang Yue grew a bit flustered before she abruptly turned: "Let's go then."
Itachi smiled lightly before following the elegant princess towards the outer courtyard.
When Itachi arrived at the place of departure, he nodded at the palace chief, Qin Wushang, who seemed to be observing him quite intensely. "Greetings, Palace Chief Qin,"
"Di…..Disciple Itachi!"
Qin Wushang observed the figure in disbelief even though he had already been made aware of the fact. It was still difficult for him to grasp the existence of such a young Earth Profound Realm cultivator. However, his disbelief soon turned into extreme joy as he further realized the implications of what it could mean for their palace.
Qin Wushang had already been made aware of Itachi's appearance beforehand. But for the only other disciple present, his expression was filled with even more astonishment… If Itachi had been a spirit profound cultivator, he would have been merely a talented strong cultivator. However, Earth Profound realm was a realm that was almost considered unreachable for youngsters in this kingdom. Those who did reach it could be considered as the genius among geniuses. As such, the disciple simply tried to hid his surprise while deciding to keeping his mouth shut.
Qin Wushang glanced at the disciple's abnormal expressions, letting out a sigh in relief. He had been a bit worried about the ego of these youngsters getting in the way. After all, Itachi could barely be considered a disciple of their palace, considering the fact that he had been seen here today for the first time, so possible challenges against his participation was already something he had considered and expected. However, it seemed Itachi's strength had really convinced him.
At this time, a youth of about seventeen or eighteen years of age, dressed in black, with a hard looking face walked in front of the gathered party, his gaze was filled with arrogance. This was Fen Juechen, young master of the burning heaven clan who was participating in the tournament only for the sole purpose of defeating his brother Fen Juebi so that he could prove himself. As soon as he arrived, his gaze lingered at Itachi for an instant, before his eyes somewhat widened. After a few moments of staring at him, he abruptly shot his fist towards Itachi as a cluster of flames suddenly ignited on top his fist.
Qin Wushang was just about to stop them when Cang Yue gestured at him to stop, then silently shook her head at him
Facing Fen Juechen's deliberate and sudden strike, Itachi didn't even move from his position. However, as Fen Juechen was just about to reach him with the flaming fist, his eyes morphed into the Sharingan, as a dreadful blood red pattern emerged, showing four tomoe, blazing straight into Fen Juechen's eyes.
Fen Juechen, who had suddenly attacked Itachi without a thought, finally felt his fist connect with Itachi's form. However, instead of the usual feeling of smashing something fleshy, his fist seemed to pass through his form. Yet, he simply sneered before looking around. However, the moment he observed his surroundings, a sudden chill went through his spine.
Instead of the courtyard where Fen Juechen had previously been standing, it was an unfamiliar, desolate and dry wasteland with no sign of life as far as he could see or sense. The entire land seemed to be enveloped with a strange gloomy red hue with a bloody moon that hung in the sky. The scenery around him had already convinced him that he was in a dream as he tried to wake himself up to no avail. Suddenly, he was interrupted by a gust wind, immediately making him alert as he tried to muster his courage.
However, when Fen Juechen tried to access his profound energy, to his abrupt horror, he couldn't muster even an ounce of profound energy, almost as if he had become a crippled mortal. After failing to call forth his profound energy he immediately glanced at the cause of the wind before his vision was covered up by the oncoming blow of a flaming fist which strangely enough was similar to his own technique that he had just tried using against Itachi.
Fen Juechen tried to block the attack with his hands in front of his face yet was entirely unable to resist the gust of tyrannical power along with the burning fire that accompanied it. He was forcefully smashed onto the ground as his mind went into disarray for a while. He felt as if all of his facial bones had been broken. He screamed like a pig in slaughter as his facial skin was burned apart by the flames. He tried to raise his head to look at the seemingly villain who had done this to him expecting to see Itachi. However, as he raised his head he saw nothing except the same wasteland all around him with the gloominess that accompanied it.
"W-what-t's going o-on…..". Fen Juechen's pleading question remained unanswered before he was smashed apart by another fist. This time he was sure that there wasn't any unbroken bone left in his face. He screamed like a man who had encountered the reaper of death.
"Ah!Ah!…..W-who are you…you bas-stard….come out…..Ah! Ah! Ah! "
However, there was still no answer, only flaming fists, on his face, on his chest, on his legs, on his thighs….until no place on his body had been left unburnt or unbroken all the while he kept screaming in unbearable pain. He had even tried to kill himself, however, to his horror, he simply wasn't able to. Time seemed to go on forever, and his pain along with it, never ending and unbearable.
At this time, he had even stopped asking instead simply choosing to plead instead: "Ah! Please Let me go!…..Ah"
The never ending hell seemed to go on forever as Fen Juechen closed his eyes, trying to endure the pain until suddenly the fist that Fen Juechen had been expecting to be hit with, didn't appear. As if he had been granted the chance to become an immortal, opening his eyes, he immediately shouted with gratitude in a pitiful voice:
"Oh! Great one! Thank you for your heavenly mercy! This insignificant junior will remain forever grateful towards your...…"
However, instead of the gloomy hell where Fen Juechen had expected to finally see the invisible god of death that he had offended, he found himself back at the courtyard at a little distance from a man who he had attacked ….some 'days' ago. He had even almost forgotten about Itachi.
Fen Juechen glanced around himself immediately noticing his embarrassing position, trying to understand if he had lost his mind. The new disciple called Itachi still stood in his original position while Fen Juechen himself seemed to be standing in front of him in a somewhat crouching posture with his two hands joined together, still burning with the flaming fist. It almost seemed like he was paying respects to an elder.
Itachi's sudden voice jolted him out of his confusion: "Young master Juechen, even though I have helped you in training your flaming fist technique all these 'days' in the 'bloody' night there is still no need for you to use the flaming fist technique to pay me respects. A normal greeting would suffice. Though, do let me know if you need more training? …."
Fen Juechen stared at Itachi, his mind still reeling with absolute confusion as well a sense of terror, looking at those knowing eyes as well as listening to Itachi's strangely humiliating words towards himself, he was sure of the fact that Itachi was the one who had done all that torture to him.
Fen Juechen awkwardly retracted his hands canceling his flaming fist technique before abruptly standing up. Ignoring the utter confusion in the crowd around him, he tried to muster his courage as he responded with the most respectful face he could manage; saying in a deferential tone of voice: "N-no, Yo-oung M-master It-tachi, that t-training should be enough…..I understand now."
Itachi merely nodded his head at the response, his face calm before he turned and said to a bewildered Cang Yue: "Let's depart your highness, now that everyone is here."
Cang Yue glanced at Fen Juechen in curiosity, she was sure his terror had been apparent to not just her but everyone around her as well. Just why was he that afraid of Itachi. However, she would just have to give up on her curiosity for now.
"Uhm, Y-yes, sure…"
Fen Juechen ignored the weird looks directed at him by the other disciple before quickly running towards his flying profound beast. He couldn't care less about his image right now not as long as he was far away from that demon. He even thought about giving up on the tournament altogether. However, in the end, he still persevered to participate.
Soon, Itachi along with the others had also boarded their respective profound mounts, leaving the palace through the skies.
The flying beasts provided by the palace were the Earth Profound Realm Snow Eagles. After boarding it, Itachi picked a decent spot to meditate to pass the time along the journey. As soon as he sat down, Jasmine's voice echoed in his mind, her curious tone apparent to him: "That was quite uncharacteristic of you, Itachi…". Hearing no response from him, she continued: "You usually don't bother to even interact with annoyances like 'him', simply choosing to avoid them instead. Yet, today you just scared the hell out of that man. What the hell did you show him with those bloody eyes? Is there a specific reason for such an act or have you finally lost your seemingly perfect control over your emotions?"
Itachi's reply contained a bit amusement: "If only I could bring myself to act uncharacteristically sometimes, it would make both of our paths ahead so much easier. You are right though, I did not 'intimidate' him for no reason. As for what I showed him, it was just a scenario where his own technique was repeatedly used against him for a few days… "
Hearing Itachi's answer Jasmine said in a pleased tone of voice: " Hmm, 'Intimidation' is putting it way too mildly then. Not that I care, I actually like you better this way. Your so called emotional control is really infuriating sometimes. I wonder though, what are you plans for that 'insect' to even have to act out of 'character' for once? "
Itachi merely said in a light voice: "I am not sure just yet."
Jasmine immediately conveyed her annoyance with Itachi's response: "You don't ever give a proper answer, do you? Uhhmm! You are infuriating. I have got nothing to do here. With the the way I have been detoxifying this poison non-stop for two years straight I think I will probably get cured before you find the materials needed to reconstruct my body. Can't you atleast satisfy my curiosity a few times?… "
Itachi slightly frowned, feeling a little helpless he decided to change the topic asking her instead: " I know you heard everything during the day I confronted that 'soul remnant' with Chu Yuechan. I have not forgotten what you said that time about me seemingly able to 'subdue' her after reaching the Emperor Profound realm. That just came out of nowhere, completely uncharacteristic of you as well, unless , of course, at the time you weren't as asleep as you previously said.."
Jasmine laughed with a haughty expression as she responded with a proud voice as if she had obtained some great victory: "Hehehe, I guess I gave myself up with that remark. Though, I just couldn't help teasing you with that comment." She laughed like an evil witch before continuing: "At first, I was really scared of that man. Then, he restricted me inside the pearl but after a while, I noticed I could still observe the happenings outside. I never expected that he would be trying to get you to 'subdue' a woman and you rejecting him made me almost want to strangle you to death. Still, that was just something that I would expect out of someone like you. You were lucky that you didn't die after your refusal. Although, considering your stoic attitude, that man should have asked Chu Yuechan to 'subdue' you instead of the other way around….hahaha!"
Itachi's face twitched a few times before he sighed: "I am not stoic. I just prefer to act without emotional attachment. It's better this way. It's too easy for us to feel something; impossible to not feel anything, and harder to feel yet still remain unbothered."
Jasmine abruptly stopped laughing, seemingly sensing the hidden sorrow in his tone although she doubted even he knew that. She stayed quiet for a seconds before saying in a light tone: "Why did you not follow his will? It was quiet clear that even Chu Yuechan might have come to accept the situation atleast eventually. After all, there was no fighting against him. Yet, you rejected it without hesitation, endangering your own life. I know that things turned out to be fine in the end. Still, you didn't know that then. I want to know why you endangered your life for something that would be considered so small in the world of cultivators? "
Itachi remained silent for a while, thinking about her question. If he was completely honest with himself he wasn't sure why. He still replied after a moment of thinking: "I am not sure. You know before we met each other, I got married to this woman named Xia Qingyue. I only spent some three days with her. However, I still tried to at least fulfill what I believed to be my duty as a husband. I think I did not realize it then but I did it for more than just mere duty. As I said, it is too easy for us to feel something if we invest ourselves too much in others. Somebody once told me that those who possess these eyes of mine feel more strongly towards others whether it be love or hatred. And, extreme love can very easily turn to extreme hatred. I have always been able to keep that hatred at bay because I have only ever truly interacted and loved a select few. It's easier that way. I simply don't wish to fall to that cursed of hatred...that has plagued so many of the ones who have possessed these eyes…"
Itachi's words surprised Jasmine greatly. She had never heard such unsure words from him. She had always secretly admired his will power. Obviously, she had looked down at him when she had just met him. However, that perception had changed quite rapidly. And, it wasn't just his strange abilities or even his eyes that she made her admire him. It was his way of cultivation, his attitude, his personality and his will power. It was Itachi himself as a person that fascinated her; his unique personality filled with righteousness and justice, quite like her brother. Her brother had eventually fallen because of his obsession with a woman. She had always thought Itachi's infallibility to women made him a better man than even her own brother, yet his emotionless nature sometimes unnerved her. His response this time had somewhat calmed her worries as she smiled and said in a lighthearted tone: "I can say with certainty that you are as far from falling for that curse as you can be. And, also…." She hesitated before continuing: "Forgive me for not telling you that I was aware of that encounter…"
Itachi shrugged: "It's fine."
Jasmine smiled at his non-chalant response, her voice abruptly turned slightly mischievous: "Since you are being so forthcoming today, what are you actually going to do about her?"
Itachi stayed quiet for a few seconds before replying: "Nothing."
Jasmine said in an exasperated voice: "I know you don't seem to be afraid of dying but, I am. I doubt with the strength that person seemed to possess he would just go away without keeping an eye out for your actions. You promised that you would at least try, and doing nothing is equivalent to not trying at all."
At first, Itachi had felt mildly surprised at Jasmine's sudden interest in his non-existent romantic life. But, with her self assumed conclusion that Yun Che was still out there somewhere creepily observing him to see whether Itachi was actually even trying to do something, Itachi finally understood why she was being so persistent about Chu Yuechan. Of course, there was no way that Jasmine would know that Yun Che was really gone now, never to interfere with his path ever again. However, it made complete sense to him that Jasmine would be afraid of Yun Che. After all, Jasmine was a genuine Divine Master realm cultivator. Hence, she had probably realized how dreadful Yun Che truly was. As such, in her opinion it obviously seemed much better to sacrifice one measly woman for the sake of their continued survival except she couldn't know that Yun Che was truly gone and even if he had been alive he wouldn't have killed either of them.
Now that he was much clearer about her motives, Itachi asked her in a curious tone of voice: "You are right, I guess. So, since you are a young gir-I mean woman, what do you think I should do?"
Jasmine blinked her eyes before she said in an annoyed tone of voice: "I don't know, maybe tell her what you like about her or something. Just do something."
Itachi said in an amused tone of voice: "Okay then, I will do so, now let me concentrate on meditating, you should continue with whatever you usually do."
Jasmine said in a happy tone of voice: "Hm, right, I will go into 'recovery mode' then."
Finished speaking, Itachi's mind became silent once again, letting him return his concentration to the Great Way of the Buddha while the profound beast he was on rapidly flew towards the Heavenly Sword Mountain Range.
——————————————————
"...Heavenly Sword Villa is situated within the main summit of the Heavenly Moutain Range. The entire Villa stretches on for more than twenty five kilometers...…"
Up high above, the Profound Eagle had already begun its descent as Cang Yue explained to the participating disciple apart from Itachi and Fen Juechen. By the time they arrived, it was already nearing evening. The start of the ranking tournament was scheduled to be tomorrow afternoon.
As they were speaking, the Profound Eagle had already descended at the entrance of the Heavenly Sword Villa.
There were only five people; Cang Yue the princess, Qin Wushang the elder, Itachi, one disciple at the Spirit Profound Realm Level five, and Fen Juechen who was at the Spirit Profound Realm seven.
Qin Wushang stepped forward towards the entrance and said: " I am Qin Wushang and I have come this time to attend the ranking tournament."
The Heavenly Sword disciple guarding the entrance gate glanced at Qin Wushang before noticing Cang Yue, he promptly said: "Is this Blue Wind Royal Family's Blue Moon Princess?"
"Yes." Cang Yue slightly nodded while handing over the invitation letter and the name list at the same time. "We five came here to represent the Imperial Family and participate in this time's ranking tournament."
The disciple politely said: "Esteemed guests, please come in."
The group quietly followed the directions to reach the assigned courtyard.
….......…
Frozen Cloud Asgard's courtyard at Heavenly Sword Villa
"Senior sister, you haven't left Frozen Cloud Asgard for an entire year now. Why did you take the initiative to come to the ranking tournament this time?" Chu Yueli's eyes shifted as she asked the question that she had been wondering about in her heart ever since leaving Frozen Cloud Asgard. However, she already had an inkling of the answer; she merely asked to confirm her speculation.
Chu Yuechan's eyes shone like crystals. Her voice appeared much more soft and ethereal yet it was filled with even more coldness now: "The Grand Palace Mistress has tasked me with an important mission this time. You should already have guessed it by now. She has given her approval to arrange a meeting with Itachi. However, she has instructed me to arrange it back at the sect."
"Really, but that's almost unprecedented. There has never been such an occurrence before...." Chu Yueli's voice contained a hint of shock.
"How is Qingyue? Will she be fine participating in the tournament? Be sure to let her know that she must not overexert herself. " Chu Yuechan changing the topic abruptly.
Chu Yueli said in a somewhat worried tone of voice: "She seems to be fine, for now atleast. I have already repeatedly told her that should she feel the slightest bit unwell during any battle she should forfeit immediately without any hesitation. However, what are we going to do about her condition? Our best doctor back at the sect hasn't even been able to identify what could possibly be wrong with her. And due to the existence of the 'Heavenly God's Spiritual Veins', outsiders cannot be allowed to examine her. "
Chu Yuechan said at this time, her indifferent voice contained some hope: "You should already understand. He is the only one who might be able to do something regarding her condition. That's why it is even more important for us to arrange this meeting as soon as possible. Xia Qingyue is the future of our sect. For now, there is no need to be too worried about her immediate condition since it is not affecting her speed of cultivation. I am sure everything will be alright once he examines her."
"I hope you are right, sister. "Chu Yueli sighed in her heart, she really hoped her sister turned out to be right. After all, she had high hopes for Qingyue. Still, Qingyue's condition could turn worse at any time.....
…...................…..
The next day, Heavenly Sword Villa's Sword Discourse Arena.
The main stage of the Sword Discourse Arena and the thirty other small sword arenas were all arranged in a circular formation. This was where the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament was always held. Currently, the seats around the main stage were already filled with people. In front of each seat was a board that indicated the representative group.
"It's nine. It is about to start." Qin Wushang spoke softly.
Suddenly above the main arena, an elder walked out slowly, and spoke in a clear voice: "This old one is Heavenly Sword Villa's Sword Villa's Elder Ling Wugou. I am glad to meet all the heroes and outstanding youths today. I represent our Villa to thank everyone for turning up at Heavenly Sword Villa. This year's Blue Wind Ranking Tournament..."
Itachi tuned out the redundant explanation, sensing someone's constant gaze on himself, he directed his attention at the stands of the Frozen Cloud Asgard, and he was greeted by not one but two familiar stares. Even with the thin veil hiding their insurmountable beauty, Itachi could immediately identify the women as Xia Qingyue and Chu Yuechan along with Chu Yueli too beside them.
Itachi slightly smiled at them both before nodding in a gesture of light greeting. He could already sense that Chu Yuechan had already reached the Tyrant Profound realm, meaning she must have absorbed quite a significant amount of the Ice Phoenix blood. Xia Qingyue too had reached the late stage Earth Profound realm on her own which was much better than compared to Yun Che's timeline, meaning she too had properly utilized the Purple Veined Heaven Crystals that Itachi had given her as a parting gift.
Xia Qingyue had been feeling anxious observing Itachi. He seemed to appear at the Earth Profound realm. From what she had been told by her master, one year prior, he had still been at the Spirit Profound Realm level Five. In the period of an year, she had almost gotten over her shock of learning that Itachi had already almost caught up to her in terms of profound strength. However, now seeing it for herself had renewed the helplessness that she had first experienced upon learning about Itachi's rapid advancement. Unwittingly, her frozen heart that she had diligently cultivated for the past two years rippled once again after almost two years and once again the cause was the same man. However, before she could delve even further into the hole of self-pity, she saw Itachi's slight smile towards her and most of her anxiety immediately melted away. With renewed vigour, she steeled her heart for the upcoming battle against Itachi that she felt was destined to occur. Her pearl eyes reflected her resolve as she stared at Itachi.
Unbeknownst to Xia Qingyue, Chu Yuechan too was observing Itachi, her cold eyes gazed at him sparkling in a complicated manner, her mind reminiscing the events of that day, an year ago.
Suddenly, at this time, their attention was taken away due to Ling Wuguo's words announcing the arrival of a middle-aged man at the main arena. This person was Ling Kun of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region.
"....…..This year's Blue Wind Ranking Tournament's witness comes from Profound Sky Continent's Four Great Sacred Grounds —— Mighty Heavenly Sword Region's Elder Ling Kun!"
Ling Kun simply sat down at his seat without giving much attention to the proceedings. It was an inbred arrogance originating from a deep feeling of superiority as a member of a Sacred Ground.
Chu Yuechan slightly narrowed her eyes at Ling Kun. Now that she had crossed into the realm of overlords she finally understood the vast difference between thrones and overlords. Yet, after observing this Ling Kun for a few seconds she could say confidently that she could easily win against him in a fight. Such was the power that she had gained from the Ice Phoenix blood, it was far too potent. After observing the increase in her own profound strength, she could finally understand how Itachi could so easily fight against realms above his own. Like her, he too possessed a potent bloodline including the Fire Phoenix and Dragon God, atleast that she knew of.
"Now, let this old man declare the prize of this Ranking Tournament. Third place in the ranking tournament's individual rankings, will receive one 'Purple Striped Dragon Heart Pellet'. Second place in individual rankings, will receive three drops of 'Purple Veined Marrow Quenching Fluid' And, ... First place in individual rankings, will receive a Sky Profound Artifact, Dragonscale Armor, that originates from the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region. Top ten forces in the ranking tournament, after the tournament, will be qualified to explore 'Heaven Basin Secret Realm' in teams.The top ten forces in the ranking tournament, after the exploration of 'Heavenly Basin Secret Realm', will have the opportunity to see the 'Demon' Sealing Ritual carried out personally by Elder Ling Kun of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region with their own eyes.""
Itachi ignored the commotion caused post the declaration of the prizes. The rewards were utterly useless for him. His body itself was much stronger than that Sky Profound Armor right now. There was no need to go into the Heaven Basin Secret Realm. The only thing worth significance for him here was the so-called Demon Sealing Ritual but for an entirely different reason than just observation.
Ling Wugou's declaration continued: "This session of Blue Wind Ranking Tournament officially begins now!"
The enormous Sword Discourse Arena immediately became quiet as a gigantic Profound Assessing Stone had already been placed on the centre of the Main Arena with Ling Wugou beside it.
"Now, participating disciples called on by this old man, come up immediately for profound strength assessment and lot number drawing."
"Skyblade Clan's Li Badao, Ji Hong, Ye Changqing!"
….......…
Time passed as the participating disciples came in groups to be assessed as called upon by. Most of the participating disciple's age all grouped at 19 and 20.
Xiao Clan…..
Xiao Kuanglei, 20 years old, Spirit Profound Realm level nine.
Xiao Zhen, 20 years old, Spirit Profound Realm level nine.
Xiao Nan, 18 years old, Spirit Profound Realm level six.
Burning Heaven Clan….
Fen Jin, 20 years old, Spirit Profound Realm level nine.
Fen Juebi, 20 years old, Spirit Profound Realm level eight.
Fen Yuange, 19 years old, Spirit Profound Realm level seven.
'There haven't been many changes in the lineup of the four main sects. It is almost the same, nothing new there. Although...' Itachi mused silently in his mind as the Frozen Cloud Asgard's turn came up.
"Frozen Cloud Asgard's Shui Wushuang, Wu Xuexin, Xia Qingyue."
The results of the profound strength of the three disciples from Frozen Cloud Asgard were quickly announced:
Shui Wushuang , 20 years old , Spirit Profound Realm level nine.
Wu Xuexin , 20 years old , Spirit Profound Realm level nine.
However, everyone's eyes was entranced to the third Frozen Cloud Asgard disciple instead, the young girl whose face was hidden by a veil.
Xia Qingyue , 17 years old , Earth Profound Realm level seven.
The audience had suddenly gone crazy over the revelation as a large wave of exclamations were set off. Even Ling Yuefeng, Villa master, from the Heavenly Sword Villa looked at the information revealed by the Profound Assessing Stone with an astonished expression. Xia Qingyue's profound strength was not that surprising. What shocked him was her age… Ling Yun, when he was seventeen, he was only at the ninth level of the Spirit Profound Realm.
Ling Yun who hadn't been expecting such a situation stared at Xia QIngyue with a fascinated gleam in his eyes. He was considered to be the prodigy of the Blue Wind Kingdom yet a girl much younger than him had actually surpassed him in terms of cultivation. This was really an incomprehensible matter to him igniting his fighting spirit as well as curiosity.
"Seventh level of the Earth Profound Realm… I thought Ling Yun would be the only one... would could possibly contend with you." Cang Yue's murmured disbelievingly, as she took in a deep breath. She had really thought Ling Yun alone would be the only one who would be comparable to Itachi's level
Listening to her murmur, Itachi simply told her: "There is still no one."
Cang Yue's face twitched slightly, she sometimes thought that Itachi was perhaps a bit too arrogant. However, remembering the way Fen Juechen had been scared off by him she wasn't sure if it was just arrogance.
In the meantime, the participants of the Heavenly Sword Villa had been announced as well.
Ling Yun 20 years old Earth Profound Realm level three.
Ling Feiyu 19 years old Spirit Profound Realm level nine.
Ling Jie 16 years old Spirit Profound Realm level six.
Right after Heavenly Sword Villa, the 'Blue Wind Profound Palace's turn came up. As a sign of 'nominal respect', the Royal Family was always the last to be called upon.
Itachi slowly stood up from his seat along with Fen Juechen and Feng Bailin, the other disciple who had come with them.
From Frozen Cloud Asgard's seating area, Xia Qingyue, who had regained her tranquil demeanour, widened her beautiful eyes carrying a trace of anticipation.
Xia Qingyue slowly muttered, then shook her head gently: "Master, you said he was at the Spirit Profound realm level five the last you saw him, correct?"
Chu Yueli looked at Itachi for a while and then said softly: "That's right."
Feng Bailin 19 Years old Spirit Profound Realm level five
Fen Juechen 19 Years old Spirit Profound Realm level eight
As Itachi's turn came up, he lightly sent his profound energy into the profound gathering stone.
Itachi 17 years old Earth Profound Realm level three.
As soon as the result, the entire audience became excited. Subsequently, the sounds of exclamations appeared nonstop. Nobody had been expecting anyone special to come from the Blue Wind Profound Palace. Yet, Itachi had possibly become one of the three strongest contenders in the tournament completely disrupting their previous expectations.
"Who is he? I have never heard of him before….." On Heavenly Sword Villa's side, Ling Yun spoke with a face full of shock..
A hint of extreme surprise flashed across Ling Yuefeng's face. He closely examined Itachi with an analyzing look in his eyes. After all, he was the sect master of the strongest sect in the Blue Wind Kingdom, he was supposed to regularly be informed about the youngsters with the most potential so that he could maintain the status of his sect yet even he had never heard of Itachi before today. Even worse, he had never heard much about Xia Qingyue either.
"Being able to Reach the Earth Profound Realm anonymously makes him a talent more than worthy of our attention, unfortunately, he has come too early, he should have remained hidden for a little bit longer. Xia Qingyue is still part of Frozen Cloud Asgard after all." Ling Yuefeng said with a strange glint in his eyes.
On the Frozen Cloud Asgard's side, Xia Qingyue heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. She had already known that Itachi had reached the Spirit Profound realm in a single year. Hence, she had been concerned that he might have left her too far behind with that speed of cultivation. But it seemed the situation wasn't too hopeless. Although, she knew that comparison wasn't ideal yet she still couldn't help it.
Chu Yuechan too observed Itachi from the distance, she had spent a long time with him. And, she knew that he possessed too many tricks with him especially his most unique clone technique, she wouldn't be surprised if that was actually a clone instead of the real Itachi.
Itachi walked back to his seat with the token that displayed: 1201 while the other two had subsequently gotten their own.
"The first round will last for three days with thirty groups of 50 participants each. The top ten ranked disciples from each group, which will come to a total of three hundred disciples, will then enter the second round of group matches. The second round of group matches will have a total of three hundred competing disciples and after fighting at least fifteen opponents based on the ranking the top thirty-two participants will go on to the final round that will consist of these final 32 participants. ...When fighting, a person loses when he falls onto the ground for more than ten breaths of time or when he concedes the match! No matter for what reason, any competitor who takes more than thirty breaths of time to go up on stage will be seen as admitting defeat… Now, this old man declares that the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament has officially begun!"
After Ling Wugou's voice fell, on each of the thirty small arenas, transparent profound energy barriers appeared simultaneously along with the presence of a referee for each of the arena, and thirty battles simultaneously began on each of the arenas.
".…..Itachi will be competing on Arena 12, and his number is 1201. Fen Juechen will be competing on Arena 9 and his number is 921..."Qin Wushang whispered to Cang Yue.
Itachi tuned out Qin Wushang's explanation to Cang Yue. His mind wandering towards Xia Qingyue instead. One of the significant reasons as to why he had bothered coming to this tournament was her.
The Knowledge of the inexplicable way their fates were bound together by the will of the Ancestral Goddess provided him with a perpetually unwelcome sensation of being tied to invisible chains. It was just another curse cast upon him, not unlike the so-called Uchiha's curse of hatred that he had spent almost the entirety of his life fighting against. He simply did not want to be the one responsible for dictating her destiny. However, this unseen thread of fate that tied her to him wasn't something that he could destroy with brute strength alone. The time that he had spent with her had given him some hope that perhaps his situation wasn't as hopeless as Yun Che's. He also did not believe that the Ancestral Goddess meddled with the very fabric of existence just for the sake of fulfilling the wish of a mere lesser avatar of herself. Yun Che might have been forced to accept that as truth because he had lost too much to even think otherwise. However, Yun Che merely did not want to consider the alternative that he was no different from Xia Qingyue, a mere pawn in whatever goal the Ancestral Goddess meant to achieve. Still, with the meddling of a being at her level, all of Itachi's so-called planning could very easily come undone. Although, Xia Qingyue played a instrumental role in Yun Che's rapid growth, especially for his descent into the path of a devil yet Itachi still believed the various 'Lucky' encounters around him had also been a result of Ancestral Goddess's meddling. Xia Qingyue was created as a means to direct Yun Che's bad karma so that his path would remain unhindered. It simply meant that she was the only medium through which the Ancestral Goddess could exercise her will upon this reality. If only he could somehow discover the way to segregate the Ancestral's Goddess's will from Xia Qingyue.
Anyhow, Itachi has already made some pretty big deviations in the timeline so far which should have caused enough disruptions to be noticed by her yet nothing that had happened so far around him brought him to suspect any kind of intervention by a 'higher power' which in turn made him doubt if the Ancestral Goddess was actually there or something was actually wrong with her, which would ultimately be good for him. The only way to confirm for sure was to test the very person whose existence had been created by her for the sake of meddling in this reality---Xia Qingyue. With that confirmation, Itachi could finally be assured to leave for the Realm of Gods without worrying if Xia Qingyue would somehow follow him by means of some 'meddling'. He wasn't going to leave her behind but it would definitely take her much longer to break through into the Divine realm and taking her there before she reached that realm would not be safe especially considering the nature of her physique.
While Itachi contemplated about his future course of action, occasionally responding to Cang Yue's inquiries and exclamations regarding the ongoing battles, the first day passed on with no fights between him and his opponents. With Itachi's superior cultivation, all of his opponents so far had decided to forfeit without a fight, choosing to preserve their strength instead.
The dusk signaled the end of the day one of the tournament as Itachi's group along with the others left for their respective assigned courtyard.
The second and third day too proceeded in a similar manner as the first round of the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament came to an end.
Without any suspense, Xia Qingyue, Itachi, and Ling Yun were the only ones who were easily able to clear the first round of group stages with undefeated streaks. Most of their opponents surrendered without a fight. Fen Juechen too had passed into the second round with a few defeats although the Feng Bailing had been unable to proceed into the second round.
Cang Yue was beaming all the time, and Qin Wushang could not contain his excitement from breaking out on his face. Because this was the first time ever that the disciples representing the Blue Wind Imperial Family made into the second round of group stages!
"This is too wonderful, brother Itachi. You have established a new ranking record for disciples representing the Imperial Family. After Father receives news of this, he will certainly be very happy.….I know that there is not much I can offer you but I still sincerely want to thank you." Cang Yue's was filled with extreme gratitude as she gently gazed at Itachi. However, she soon noticed that his attention seemed to be somewhere else right now.
Cang Yue was sitting in their assigned courtyard with Itachi. Qin Wushang had already retired for the night. She had even invited Fen Juechen but he had rejected her immediately with an unnatural expression.
Suddenly, Cang Yue heard Itachi's late response to her previous offer, letting her know that he had actually been listening to her: "Then… Miss Yue, can you fulfill a request of mine?"
"Hn? What kind of reward do you want?" Cang Yue blinked her beautiful eyes, intrigued.
"Be a worthy princess when the opportunity comes." Itachi slightly turned his head towards with an intensely serious expression.
"Huh, What do you mean?" Cang Yue looked at Itachi, her beautiful face extremely confused with his strange words yet the following words brought a sudden shiver to her spine.
"I am not sure. Only that you should become what you believe to be a worthy princess. It definitely won't be easy. Still, that is all I hope you can do and, remember this: if you try, you will always have my shadows supporting you."
Cang Yue smiled self-deprecatingly before she replied with a somewhat pitiful tone of voice: "I am afraid that you might be overestimating my capability, Brother Itachi. I neither have the talent nor the resources to become a worthy princess."
Cang Yue's response brought a sudden smile to Itachi's normally indifferent face as he said: "You are right. But, you have something even more precious than either of those."
Cang Yue glanced at Itachi, her exquisite face filled with confusion as well as slight blush as she asked: "And, W-what is that?"
"That is for you to discover."
Itachi simply left her with these words. His strange and mysterious words hardly made any sense to her. Yet his eyes as he spoke seemed to be able to pierce through her very soul, capable of perceiving even her hidden desires. That was the moment she finally realized that Itachi was much more than he seemed to be, making her even more curious to solve his mystery.
On the fourth day of the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament, the second round of the group stages had officially started. At the same time, the one thousand and two hundred disciples that were eliminated in the first round went to the secondary venue in the rear hills to compete for the rankings below the top three hundred.
The second round of group stages was likewise held on the thirty little sword arenas. Each participant had to fight fifteen random opponents to be eligible to pass into the final round.
Itachi's first opponent today was already standing in front of him.
"Blue Wind Profound Palace's Itachi versus Water Dragon Pavilion's Mu Zhengye!"
As soon as the name Itachi rang out, Cang Yue's immediately spoke with a nervous and excited manner: "Brother Itachi, it's your turn."
Itachi stood up casually before slowly advancing up to the 12th Arena.
The surroundings immediately echoed with roars of excitement as well as laughter over Mu Zhengye's misfortune.
Itachi showed no response to the surrounding voices as they filled his ears. He silently gazed at the opponent before him. He was at the Spirit Profound realm level seven.
"Match, start!!"
As soon as referee's voice landed, Mu Zhengye swung his sword with a ferociously weight as a water dragon emerged advancing towards Itachi.
The water dragon that came toward him lacked the profound strength necessary to even scratch him yet Itachi merely sidestepped having already predected it's trajectory beforehand as Itachi's gaze instead focused on his opponent's eyes.
Mu Zhengye had barely registered the fact that Itachi had seemingly dodged his ultimate strike before he suddenly found himself staring at a strange blood red pattern in his eyes that started turning and turning…..
In the outside world, Mu Zhengye had already fallen on the ground with a blank look in his eyes unable to stand up even after sometime confusing the onlookers.
"Mu Zhengye has been down for ten breaths of time! Blue Wind Imperial Family's Itachi wins!"
Itachi leisurely walked back from the Sword Discourse Arena, while Mu Zhengye was still blankly laying, unable to get up for a good while. Only after a long time had passed, did his two other clan members go up and drag him down with reddened faces.
"What's going on? He lost without even been physically hit… "
"Hm, seems like he lost his will to fight against a much stronger opponent, it's really just too humiliating for the sect."
As soon as Itachi sat down, Cang Yue immediately hugged him suddenly congratulating him. She really was a bit impulsive and naive. With Itachi's superior cultivation it would be almost impossible for him to lose. However, at the time, he suddenly felt a slight hint of killing intent coming toward him…Itachi immediately turned his head in a flash, his cold gaze meeting the owner of the emitted killing intent…Fen Juecheng…..Itachi smiled lightly. He really wasn't even worth mentioning. In fact, the entire Burning Heaven Clan wasn't even worth much now, atleast, it wasn't a threat.
The second round proceeded like a raging fire. A mere three hours had passed, and already many matches had been concluded. When faced with someone from the Four Major Sects or someone like Itachi, Ling Yun, Ling Jie, or Xia Qingyue their opponents would directly forfeit without even having the thought of fighting...
"Group twelve's fortieth match Blue Wind Imperial Family's Itachi vs Sun Jade Sect's Zen tan!"
Itachi's gazed indifferently swept across at his opponent who had chosen not to forfeit. Itachi wasn't really here to battle with these sect disciples. He was simply here to observe the various fights to copy various techniques using the Sharingan to further the see extent to which the Sharingan could help him in this world. So far, he had been quite busy continuously using his Sharingan to analyze varied techniques being utilized although most of these were mortal level. Still, that is exactly why it was easier to experiment with these. Yet, this ignorant opponent had decided to disrupt his arduous task. His cultivation was too superior to any of his opponents unless they possessed some heaven defying legacy or physique it would be almost impossible to contend against him. The corner of Itachi's mouth slightly twitched as he said: "It seems if I don't get a bit rough…I won't have peace..sigh…So, be it."
"Match start!"
"I'm not going down without a---" Right after the referee's voice landed, Zen tan lifted the enormous blade and rushed toward Itachi while roaring loudly. In midst of many's cry of shock, Itachi held back Zen Tan's sword with his bare hands, instantly smashing his own blade against him.
Bang!!
Along with an extremely heavy sound, Zen Tan flew out of the arena with the shattered pieces of his blade as he violently smashed onto the profound energy barrier behind him as he slid down along the profound energy barrier, and slumped down onto the ground losing consciousness.
Everyone who was watching this lost their voice, and even the referee could not react in time.
Itachi sighed slightly before he expressionlessly walked off the Sword Discourse Arena.
The referee hurriedly announced: "Blue Wind Profound Palace's Itachi, wins!"
"Father, did you see that?" Ling Yun had been observing that battle quite closely since Itachi was his potential competition in this tournament.
"Mmm." Ling Yuefeng nodded slightly
Ling Yun nodded gently "I am really curious, he, who is simply a disciple from the Blue Wind Profound Palace, with no advantages in resources and profound arts, is actually able to contend with us … Just how does he do it? Unless he's just that talented and gifted to this extent? "
Ever since the official start of the ranking tournament, Itachi and Xia Qingyue had received an extremely high level of attention. After the two continuous instant victories, the level of attention Itachi received shot up in a vertical slope.
Itachi's subsequent battles mostly had his opponents giving up without exception.
Third match..."….Blue Wind Profound Palace's Itachi wins!"
Fourth match…"...Blue Wind Profound Palace's Itachi wins!"
Fifth match…"...Blue Wind Profound Palace's Itachi wins!"
Itachi continued accumulating victories until finally he had won eleven of his matches out of the overall fifteen.
Cang Yue's eyes at this time held an inexplicable brilliance as well intense emotional turmoil as she looked at Itachi. Her vision was become more and more blurry, as she said in her heart: 'Father, I wish you could see this occasion …. Brother Itachi has carried us to the top hundred rankings… Father, your dream has truly been fulfilled.'
Soon, the dusk had already arrived signaling the end of this day of the tournament.
…....
Next day…
Since yesterday's eleven consecutive wins in the second round of group stages, Itachi's victories within the group stage had not stopped, rather, it continued on after every match within each and every shocked shout.
Fifteenth match, which was also the last match:
"...Blue Wind Profound Palace's Itachi wins!"
"Blue Wind Profound Palace's competing disciple Itachi, second round of group stages, complete victory in all fifteen matches, directly advances to tomorrow's elimination rounds!"
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Itachi90aizen
Itachi90aizen Hey! Everyone I am back....Suddenly.... As I said before this fanfic won't be dropped....Let me know your thoughts...although this chapter sets up this arc....
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