Kapitel 198: Chapter 197: The Dark Side

Cang Yue's heart raced as she found herself back in her moon world, her sanctuary within. The serenity of the space was at odds with the turmoil in her mind. The last memory that flashed before her eyes was Mei Mei, her loyal personal attendant, being struck down by a flaming lion from her cousin.

"Mei-Mei…" she whispered, her voice trembling with worry. The image of Mei Mei's lifeless form haunted her. Cang Yue clenched her fists, feeling helpless. She didn't even know how she had been ejected into the moon world, nor what had happened in the real world afterward.

Her overwhelming concern for her friend pushed every other thought aside. She needed to leave this place, return to reality, and make sure Mei Mei was safe.

Then, Cang Yue found herself standing in an ethereal world of shifting moonlight, her mindscape echoing with stillness. She felt a strange pull toward a large mirror that stood in the middle of the kaleidoscopic space, its surface shimmering like water. Tentatively, she reached out to touch it, only to feel the cool ripple of liquid beneath her fingertips.

"What is this?" she murmured to herself, puzzled. "Why is there a mirror in my mind?"

As she stared at her own reflection, something shifted. The reflection smirked—a wicked, knowing grin that Cang Yue had never seen on her own face.

"Kyaa!" she gasped, stepping back in shock.

"Oh? Am I really that shocking?" the reflection purred, its voice low and eerily calm. It moved on its own, stepping away from the mirror, while Cang Yue stood frozen in place.

"You... how are you talking?" Cang Yue demanded, her eyes darting around as if expecting Yuyun's mischievous presence. "Is this one of your pranks, Yuyun? If it is, it's not funny!"

But a soft, almost mocking chuckle came from the mirror. The figure within wasn't just mimicking her; it was something else entirely. The reflection's movements were sharp and unapologetic, lacking the grace and poise Cang Yue always held.

"No, it's not Yuyun. It's just me... the other you," the reflection said with a smug smile.

"What are you…?" Cang Yue breathed, her voice uncertain. The reflection's form began to change, the serene features twisting into something darker. The hair grew impossibly long, flowing down to the heels, while her eyes flickered between black and a cold, glowing gold. The figure was wearing the same clothes as her, but something about her aura was completely different—untamed and dangerous.

"Well, Little Yue, is this how you'd prefer I look?" the reflection teased, sitting back with one leg crossed over the other in a relaxed yet defiant pose—something entirely inappropriate for someone of her royal standing. But this reflection didn't care for such trivialities.

"Who are you?" Cang Yue asked again, her heart racing with apprehension.

The reflection smirked. "I am you. Sort of. As our emperor decreed... I am Shin Yue. Your darker half."

"Shin Yue?" Cang Yue repeated, trying to wrap her mind around it.

"Think of me as your demon side, born from our mother's sealed darkness and Haoshoku, and powered by the feather of Huan Xuyi," Shin Yue explained with a casual wave of her hand. The way she spoke, as if all of this were common knowledge, unsettled Cang Yue.

"Demon side? Sealed darkness? I don't understand." Cang Yue's confusion deepened.

Shin Yue chuckled again, the sound dripping with amusement. "You really don't know what our mother did to protect us? She split us. You are the good side, the pure and kind Cang Yue... while I am your dark side. Mother did it to stop us from being consumed by worldly desires, like our brothers."

Cang Yue's brow furrowed, her confusion giving way to a sharp wariness. "Dark side? What does that even mean?"

Shin Yue leaned forward, her eyes glinting with a dangerous gleam. "It's simple. You won't kill. You hesitate, hold back. But I won't. I can do all the things you're too afraid to do."

"Are you... are you going to take over my body?" Cang Yue tensed, fear creeping into her voice.

"Pfft… No, no. Don't worry about that. I've been programmed not to. It seems the Moon Empress thought ahead and made sure I couldn't possess you," Shin Yue mused, looking around the mirrored world. "I guess this giant mirror is some kind of seal to keep me from taking over entirely."

Cang Yue let out a small sigh of relief, but it didn't completely ease her mind. "So, you're just... here?"

"Exactly. I'm a part of you, Little Yue, officially of course." Shin Yue said with a sinister smile. "Whether you like it or not..."

"Then, you are actually… protecting me?" Cang Yue ventured, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Shin Yue smirked, leaning back with an air of confidence. "It was meant to be. Your anger just now triggered the fusion between your internal darkness, Haoshoku, and the main catalyst—the Personality Matrix inside the feather you gained from the Moon Empress."

"Personality Matrix?" Cang Yue's brow furrowed in confusion.

"Think of it as a set of commands developed by the Moon Empress to safeguard you in the future. Somehow, it merged with your darkness and Haoshoku to create me—a separate consciousness within your soul." Shin Yue spoke.

Cang Yue's eyes widened as the pieces began to fall into place. "So you're the darker version of me."

"Spot on, Little Yue. You possess no evil in your heart, while I hold none of your kindness. We are two halves of the same coin. If you need to execute someone but hesitate, I will act without a second thought," Shin Yue stated with chilling calmness.

"No! That's wrong…" Cang Yue's heart raced at the implication of such brutality.

"Not to me, Little Yue. I won't harm innocents, but I won't hesitate to destroy those who oppose us. We embody the will of the Empress," Shin Yue replied, her tone unnervingly serene.

Cang Yue shook her head. "No! Give them a chance to repent."

"In this world? Repentance? Really?" Shin Yue scoffed, her eyes narrowing as if evaluating Cang Yue's naivety. "Do you remember what happened back in the cave during Feng Xu'er's rescue? You spared those men, and they came back to attack you. You were lucky that Sister Yuechan intervened. And those loyal to your father? They sought to kill you. If I had this power back then, I would've dealt with them myself especially that traitorous brothers of ours. I'd behead them myself if it were up to me."

Cang Yue felt a chill run down her spine at the thought. "I… I can't… please…" she whispered, struggling against the darkness that threatened to engulf her heart. The idea of violence and revenge felt foreign and abhorrent, leaving her grappling with an overwhelming sense of dread.

"Listen to me, Little Yue," Shin Yue urged, her voice softening momentarily. "You can't afford to be naive. This world is filled with danger, and sometimes mercy leads to betrayal. It's not weakness to acknowledge that sometimes, you must be ruthless to protect what you cherish."

"But that's not who I am!" Cang Yue protested, her resolve flickering. "I refuse to become a monster, even if it means putting myself at risk."

"Then we are at a stalemate," Shin Yue stated, a hint of frustration lacing her voice. "But remember, I will always be here. Whether you like it or not, I am now a living part of you. However, don't expect any mercy from me."

"Shin Yue, is it?" Cang Yue took a deep breath, the weight of her new reality settling in. "You are a part of me. I can respect that, but please… before you do anything drastic, let's discuss it first. Hear my pleas before you bestow judgment on them."

"Fine… I'll listen to your pleas," Shin Yue replied, her tone sharp but with a hint of concession. "But remember, if they strike back, I won't hesitate to end them."

"Understood," Cang Yue nodded, her resolve strengthening. "I've seen enough situations where sparing someone only leads to betrayal."

"I'll consult you before making any decisions, Little Yue. Just know that if it comes to it, I will take over your body to save you. I won't do it forcefully, at least." Shin Yue chuckled, her aura pulsing as if eager to be unleashed. "Now, let's see what you're really capable of."

The glass barrier that had kept Shin Yue contained shattered as she stepped out of the mirror, her form a darker reflection of Cang Yue. With long black hair cascading down her back and piercing golden eyes, she regarded Cang Yue with a wicked smile. "I want to see what the real Cang Yue is capable of."

"You..." Cang Yue kept her guard up.

Shin Yue raised her hands, and ice spikes materialized in the air, hurtling toward Cang Yue. Reacting instinctively, Cang Yue summoned her swords and countered the icy barrage with a powerful burst of haki, deflecting the projectiles.

"Oooo… feisty. That's how I like it," Shin Yue taunted, her smirk widening. She retracted the ice, swirling it around her before channeling it into a towering water tornado. The water coalesced into twin serpanoid dragons, mirroring the majestic creatures she had summoned in the real world.

"You… that's just not fair!" Cang Yue exclaimed, preparing her swords for the impending clash. Facing her alternate self, who wielded ancient arts, felt like a daunting challenge. She had to fight not only against Shin Yue's power but also her deep-rooted knowledge of battle.

"Fairness? That's just a concept in your mind. All I care about is winning—dead or alive. Fair? I prefer overkill," Shin Yue declared, her eyes glinting with mischief. She commanded the dragons to unleash a barrage of sharp water jets toward Cang Yue.

Darting to avoid the incoming attacks, Cang Yue's heart raced. Even in this Moon World, Shin Yue displayed an ease with her powers as if she belonged here. "Ah, the Moon World. It's been a while," Shin Yue mused, seemingly at home in the surreal landscape.

"You know about this place?" Cang Yue managed to ask, her focus split between the battle and the revelations unraveling before her.

"I was born here," Shin Yue responded, her demeanor shifting to one of cool confidence. "Well, my original construct, anyway. I was created to protect Huan Xuyi's successor—you. But since I merged with you, I've overwritten that order. I can choose whether to protect you or not, since I am now a part of you. I could take over your body completely and become Cang Yue if I wanted, but kindness isn't my forte, Xueruo." Shin Yue explained, nonchalantly draping herself over the water dragon like a throne.

Cang Yue felt a chill at Shin Yue's words, the weight of the decision looming heavily. She knew she had to outmaneuver her darker self, not just in power, but in spirit.

Cang Yue barely had time to react as Shin Yue smirked, the air around her contracting ominously. Instinct took over, and she leaped just before the explosion erupted beneath her.

"She can make the air explode?" Cang Yue thought, her heart racing.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Shin Yue's voice was laced with mockery. "It's amazing what they could do in ancient times. I wonder what other tricks I can pull..." She snapped her fingers, and another explosion tore through the air.

Cang Yue darted aside, narrowly avoiding the blast. "You—you're copying the Moon Empress's techniques!" she shouted.

"Details, details, Little Yue... You mastered the Santoryu; I mastered *this*," Shin Yue replied, snapping her fingers again. The air around Cang Yue detonated, forcing her to roll out of the way.

"Impressive," Shin Yue mused, "but not enough."

With a flick of her wrist, torrents of water materialized from the air, converging on Cang Yue. She braced herself, coating her twin swords with haki and forming a shimmering energy shield. The water crashed against her defenses like a relentless storm, sharp jets splitting off and forcing her to move. She used Soru to dash between the attacks, dodging with precision.

"You!" Cang Yue shouted over the chaos. "Aren't you supposed to protect me?!"

"Protect you?" Shin Yue's tone dripped with disdain. "Who said I had to?"

Cang Yue's frustration mounted. Shin Yue acted like a spoiled child—a dark queen reveling in chaos. Her mind flashed back to Yuyun's warning: the personality matrix inside the feather was designed to install itself within her, meant to guide and protect her when the time was right. But something had gone wrong. Shin Yue, her hidden dark side, had merged with it.

"The personality matrix…" Cang Yue murmured, starting to piece it together.

"I told you," Shin Yue interrupted with a grin. "The construct was a guideline. But I get to choose whether I follow it or not."

With a wave of her hand, Shin Yue conjured a massive vortex of water, the spiraling force threatening to consume Cang Yue whole. She dodged just in time, only for Shin Yue to summon a towering tornado of water. The Moon World itself seemed to bend to her will as Cang Yue darted away, trying to find an opening.

Using Soru, Cang Yue closed the gap between them, only for Shin Yue to counter with her twin water dragons. They lunged forward, shooting a sharp jet of water directly from their maws. Cang Yue twisted mid-air, barely avoiding the onslaught, her heart pounding.

"You... how are you using these arts?" Cang Yue demanded, frustration and disbelief evident in her voice. "Yuyun said it would take me hundreds of years to master them!"

"Silly, Xueruo," Shin Yue taunted, her voice dripping with condescension. "I am a part of you. Sure, you might have needed hundreds of years, but I merged with the personality construct in the feather. Remember? That little artifact contains everything, including a fully realized version of all the arts. I didn't need to learn them. I unlocked them."

She crossed her legs in a casual, unladylike manner, a stark contrast to the proper and graceful demeanor that Cang Yue always maintained. The sight made Cang Yue's blood boil.

"You cheat!" Cang Yue spat, gripping the hilts of her three katanas, feeling the familiar surge of Santoryu energy pulsing through her veins. She knew what she was up against now—her dark side, infused with all the powers she had chosen to reject in favor of focusing on Santoryu and Rokushiki. She will have to spend years training, knowing that mastering the Heavenly Arts from Huan Xuyi that would take at least hundreds of years of cultivation. And now, here was her dark counterpart, who had bypassed all of that, effortlessly wielding the elemental powers she had forsaken.

Shin Yue's cold grin widened, her form shimmering with the ethereal glow of the mystical water arts. "You can't defeat me, Xueruo," she said, her voice venomous but calm. "The water dragon arts are in my blood—a gift from Huan Xuyi herself. The arts you turned away from? They're now mine."

Cang Yue felt her pulse quicken as Shin Yue's aura flared. It wasn't just her own reflection anymore—this was a living, breathing manifestation of everything she had refused to become. A version of herself that embraced ruthlessness, power, and domination. Shin Yue didn't hesitate, didn't flinch at the idea of destruction. And yet, Cang Yue couldn't allow her own darkness to consume her.

"I may have turned away from those arts," Cang Yue growled, readying her swords, "but that doesn't mean I can't stand against them."

Shin Yue's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Oh? And how do you intend to stand against power you've never understood? You rely on honor, on grace—while I relish in the destruction you fear to embrace."

With a fluid motion, Shin Yue raised her hand, the water around her forming into twin serpentine dragons that twisted and coiled, ready to strike. "Prepare yourself, Little Yue. Let's see if your Santoryu can survive the might of the Heavenly Water Arts."

Cang Yue's grip tightened, her gaze fierce as she steeled herself. "I don't need to understand them to defeat you." The familiar power of Santoryu surged within her, and she braced for the fight of her life against the very darkness she had buried.

Without another word, Cang Yue launched herself forward, her swords cutting through the air with blinding speed. She spun and slashed, her attacks swift and precise. The moonlight glinted off her blades as she struck, the silent world around them amplifying each movement.

But Shin Yue was ready. With a swift gesture, she summoned a torrent of water from the lunar surface, which spiraled into the form of a massive dragon. The creature roared silently in the vacuum of the Moon World and lunged at Cang Yue, its fangs bared and claws reaching. Cang Yue's swords clashed against the dragon's watery body, the impact sending ripples through the otherwise still world.

The Moon World shifted subtly with each blow, its shadows growing longer and more twisted. Cang Yue pressed her attack, her strikes becoming more aggressive, but Shin Yue moved like the water she commanded, dodging and deflecting with ease. With a flick of her hand, Shin Yue sent the water dragon crashing down on Cang Yue, who barely managed to block the onslaught with her swords, the force pushing her back across the lunar surface.

Breathing heavily, Shin Yue smirked at her twin. "You've become stronger. No longer the weak Cang Yue who hides behind everyone."

"I had practice," Shin Yue replied, her smile widening. She raised her hand, and the water dragon split into dozens of smaller serpents, each one darting towards Cang Yue with deadly speed.

Cang Yue's eyes narrowed. She leaped into the air, spinning her swords in a rapid spiral. "Oni Giri!" she shouted, cutting through the serpents with a powerful cross slash. The serpents evaporated into mist, but Shin Yue was already conjuring another attack.

With a flick of her wrist, Shin Yue summoned another dragon, larger and more fearsome than before. It charged at Cang Yue, who met it head-on with her swords. The collision was immense, sending tremors through the Moon World.

For a moment, it seemed as though the dragon would overpower Cang Yue, but she gritted her teeth and pushed back with all her strength. With a final, decisive slash, she sliced through the dragon, causing it to dissolve into a cascade of water droplets that sparkled like stars against the backdrop of the moon.

Shin Yue's dragons dissipated into mist, the energy around her flickering out. "Oh my... looks like I'm all out of juice. Desperate times call for desperate measures." She smiled lazily.

Cang Yue's eyes flashed with determination. "Now's my chance!" With a burst of speed, she dashed toward Shin Yue, her swords gleaming with Haki. The moment was perfect—her dark counterpart was defenseless. As she closed in, Shin Yue smirked.

"Okay, I give up." Shin Yue raised her hands in mock surrender, the smirk never leaving her face. She casually conjured a small water bubble, sitting on it as if lounging in a recliner, completely at ease.

Cang Yue skidded to a halt, her swords poised to strike, eyes wide with disbelief. "You..." she muttered, shocked by Shin Yue's audacity. She had started the battle, only to dismiss it as if it were nothing. Shin Yue knew Cang Yue wouldn't strike an unarmed opponent—even if that opponent was her twisted reflection.

"Xueruo won't attack an unarmed woman, right?" Shin Yue taunted, clasping her hands together in a mock display of innocence. To make matters worse, she flashed Cang Yue's own signature puppy-dog eyes—the very expression that always melted Yun Che's resolve.

Cang Yue gritted her teeth, her swords still raised. "You… give me one good reason why I shouldn't strike you down right now!" she demanded, her voice taut with frustration.

Shin Yue tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Because I'm pretty?" She poked her tongue out, effortlessly pushing Cang Yue's blade away with just a fingertip.

"Pretty, my neck!" Cang Yue snapped, her patience wearing thin, yet she kept her guard up, refusing to lower her swords.

Shin Yue giggled, her teasing reaching new heights. "Hey, I'm you. Insult me, and you're insulting yourself. Besides, look at me—these curves, these 'melons and hips,' as you like to call them. Admit it, you've used these assets to seduce Yun Che more than once. So, tell me, has Little Xueruo finally ditched her innocent act? Are you still a blushing virgin, or...?" Shin Yue struck a sultry pose, her smirk growing wider.

Cang Yue's face turned crimson, her grip on her swords faltering. "You! I am not that vulgar!" she stammered, her composure slipping as Shin Yue's provocations hit their mark.

"Ah? Are you still a virgin then?" Shin Yue smirked.

"We're supposed to be fighting!" Cang Yue growled, her anger clashing with the embarrassment Shin Yue's teasing provoked. "Why am I letting you distract me like this?!"

Shin Yue simply laughed, her demeanor exuding complete control.

"Because, Little Yue... you know I'm right and don't blame me for having such a flustered good twin side. That's all you. If I were in control, I'd have him begging for me, bed him so thoroughly that he'd only ever need you." Shin Yue teased, kissing her fingers in a scandalous manner.

"You will not! He's mine!" Cang Yue stammered, her face burning with embarrassment.

"Bold, aren't we? Perv..." Shin Yue grinned, relishing in Cang Yue's discomfort.

"You!" Cang Yue blushed furiously, her imagination running wild and slipping out of control. Shin Yue conjured a hand fan from thin air, waving it casually in front of her face, either trying to playfully dismiss Cang Yue's reaction or perhaps testing her patience.

"Well, you passed," Shin Yue said with a playful smirk, mockingly clapping her hands. "And I'm here to stay. Don't worry, I won't take over your body without consent, but if you ever find yourself in a bind or if you get too angry, I'll step in. Anger, by the way, is one of those fun triggers that can let me take over if you aren't careful," she added, her voice dripping with amusement.

"Besides, killing me won't rid you of me. As long as you're alive, so am I." Shin Yue fanned herself nonchalantly, as if the intense battle moments ago had been nothing more than a passing whim.

Cang Yue, still flustered, swallowed hard, knowing now that controlling her emotions was more important than ever. She stored her weapons, feeling a weight settle in her chest as the reality of her situation became clear. "Shin Yue, right?" she asked, her voice hesitant.

"Yes, ma'am," Shin Yue said with a mocking salute. "Your dark twin, separated from your heart by dear mother to give birth to Lan Xueruo. I hated that you became the dominant side, but I suppose I owe you for giving me this chance to live again, even if I'm just your other side." Shin Yue's smirk was wicked, but there was a strange, almost begrudging respect behind it as she continued to fan herself.

Cang Yue sighed, storing her swords fully now, knowing there was no undoing what had been done. She thought of others who shared similar bonds, like Retsu's Yachiru or Yun Che's Hoyuu. Shin Yue was a part of her now, like a shadow that could never be severed. This was who she was—both Lan Xueruo and Cang Yue, light and dark, combined. Acceptance was the only way forward.

"You don't resent me or Mother for casting you aside?" Cang Yue asked softly, still unsure if her twin harbored any deep-seated bitterness. She worried Shin Yue might act like an abandoned child seeking vengeance. After all, her mother had separated her kind and vile sides, giving control to the kind side—Cang Yue herself—while suppressing the darker aspects, which had now manifested as Shin Yue.

Shin Yue shrugged. "I was asleep the entire time, so I can't exactly hold a grudge, can I? I only woke up when everything merged back together. I've got all your memories now, the power of the Moon Empress but from what I know, my job is to protect you, and that's what I'm going to do—but it's going to be my way." She snapped her fan shut with a flick of her wrist, pointing it directly at Cang Yue with a devilish smile. "You'll learn to appreciate my methods soon enough."

Cang Yue took a deep breath, knowing she had to live with this new reality. Shin Yue's way of protecting her might be unconventional—perhaps even dangerous—but it was something she had to trust, even if it made her uneasy. "I'll have to keep my emotions in check," she thought, already feeling the delicate balance she'd have to maintain or risk Shin Yue taking over.

Cang Yue nodded, still processing everything. The personality codex of Huan Xuyi ensured that Shin Yue's primary command was to protect her, not to seek vengeance or harbor hatred. It amazed her that her mother's profound art had suppressed the evil in her heart, keeping it dormant rather than following the typical path of it taking control. Now, she had a dark twin who didn't need to usurp her body but instead lived as a reflection of her—one with mastery over ancient arts. Someone, for now, she couldn't defeat.

"Fine," Cang Yue sighed, relenting. "As long as you behave and we can work together." She accepted the existence of Shin Yue, knowing that, as long as she remained the dominant personality, she could keep her in check.

"I'll try," Shin Yue said, her tone nonchalant. "Oh, before you wake up?" She added with a mischievous grin.

Cang Yue raised an eyebrow, sensing something was off. "What now?"

"I used all of your Moon Energy just now..." Shin Yue revealed with a casual shrug, earning an instant reaction.

"You what?!" Cang Yue's fury was palpable.

"Hey, mystical arts need Moon Energy," Shin Yue said, waving her fan as if the situation wasn't all that serious. "I don't have my own, so I borrowed yours."

"Do you know how long it took me to gather that energy?!" Cang Yue fumed. "The Mirror of the Moon God isn't even complete yet, and you used all of it in a single battle?! Weeks of collecting pure Moon Energy, gone in less than an hour!"

Shin Yue simply stuck out her tongue, completely unfazed by her twin's outrage, like a spoiled princess brushing off responsibility. "Well, sorry... but that's not my problem. What's yours is mine. We share the same body, remember?"

"Sorry doesn't bring them back!" Cang Yue shouted, her frustration boiling over as she thought about all the nights she'd spent painstakingly gathering that energy, only for it to be burned through in a moment of reckless combat.

Shin Yue, utterly unapologetic, just fanned herself again, watching Cang Yue's frustration with a smirk. "Oh, hush now, you little sour puss. Your energy is my energy as well. Or more like our energy. Just gather them back like you used to. It's not that hard."

"You sound like you're the one gathering them!" Cang Yue snapped in frustration.

"Well, good luck regathering them," Shin Yue smirked, stretching out on a water bubble. "I'm going to sleep. Don't wake me up unless you've got more Moon Energy to spare." With that, Shin Yue grinned and disappeared into the mirror's void.

Cang Yue stammered in disbelief. "Mou! It took me days to gather that energy, and she just used it all without even blinking!" She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. The situation was absurd, but she had to think clearly. Her flaring Haki and anger during her fight with her cousin had inadvertently triggered the merge of energies with her dark side and Huan Xuyi's personality matrix, creating Shin Yue—an expert in the ancient arts that Cang Yue had chosen to forgo.

In truth, Cang Yue was secretly relieved her reserves of Moon Energy had depleted. She wasn't sure she could've completely defeated Shin Yue. Her dark twin had surrendered only because she had run out of energy. For now, that meant Cang Yue was safe, but she would definitely ask Yuyun to set up a filter on her Moon Energy. Shin Yue would have to ask for permission before using it again.

Speaking of Yuyun...

"So, that's Shin Yue?" a voice asked. Yuyun materialized beside Cang Yue.

"Yuyun?" Cang Yue jumped, startled.

"I was watching. Shin Yue was right, though. She used up all your reserves—every bit of that twenty-five percent you'd managed to gather," Yuyun said, shaking her head. "Those ancient mystical arts she pulled off need Moon Energy, and a lot of it. It's derived from the Apple of Huan Xuyi, after all."

"Guhhh..." Cang Yue groaned. "Does she even realize how long it took me to collect that much?" Shin Yue was wild, like a rebellious reflection of the person Cang Yue could have been if she'd chosen a more stubborn path.

"Well, it's a full moon tonight. You can gather it again later," Yuyun said, trying to sound optimistic.

"But I need to sleep tonight! I have to train tomorrow, and I didn't even start today's training because of all this. Now I'll have to meditate all night just to scrape together a sliver of energy!" Cang Yue exclaimed, her exhaustion catching up with her.

Yuyun gave her a look of pure disbelief. "Wait... You know you don't have to meditate to gather Moon Energy, right?"

Cang Yue blinked, confused. "What?"

Yuyun sighed, looking exasperated. "You don't need to stay awake or sit in meditation to gather Moon Energy. As long as your body is exposed to moonlight, it'll absorb the energy on its own. You could be sleeping and still gather it."

Cang Yue's jaw dropped. She had been meditating for hours under the moonlight, thinking it was the only way to fully absorb the energy. "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?!"

"I did tell you," Yuyun said, narrowing her eyes. "Weren't you listening when I first guided you?"

"I... um..." Cang Yue looked away sheepishly. She had been so focused on doing things her own way that she'd completely overlooked the guidance Yuyun had given.

"Next time, listen properly," Yuyun sighed, shaking her head and pinching Cang Yue's cheek "To think the successor of Huan Xuyi can't even follow simple instructions…"

"I am *sowwy*..." Cang Yue pouted, stretching out each word.

Yuyun crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe I should follow Yun Che's suggestion and put you through some Spartan training."

Cang Yue's eyes widened in horror. "Please don't! Have mercy on me…" she begged, her voice taking on a pleading tone as she flashed her best puppy-dog eyes.

Yuyun sighed, unimpressed. "You know those eyes don't work on me."

"Points for trying?" Cang Yue muttered, her usual trick backfiring.

"Fine," Yuyun relented with a half-smile, "but now you have to accept the reality that Shin Yue has mastered the ways of the Moon Empress. She knows things you don't, and that can be a real advantage. Why not see this as an opportunity? You can continue being the swordswoman, and let Shin Yue handle the mystical arts. There will be times when you need her to assert authority in ways you can't."

Cang Yue frowned, listening intently. "But... what if she goes overboard?"

Yuyun smiled reassuringly. "That's why you instruct her, guide her, just like how Retsu and Yun Che handle their other halves. You're still the dominant personality. Let Shin Yue take control when necessary—use her skills, her knowledge. If you trust her enough and set the right boundaries, I'm sure she won't push things too far. It's all about balance."

Cang Yue sighed, realizing Yuyun had a point. She didn't have to fight Shin Yue for control; she could use her dark twin's strengths. "You're right… I just need to find a way to work with her instead of against her."

"Exactly," Yuyun nodded. "She's not your enemy, Yue. She's your other side—use her as your ally."

"To think the personality I saved to protect you would end up merging with your vile side and create Shin Yue," Yuyun said, shaking her head slightly. "You better be grateful to my master. If it weren't for her hidden line of code, Shin Yue might've become your worst enemy, and you'd be forced to fight her for control over your body."

Cang Yue nodded, feeling a chill run down her spine. "I don't really get what you mean by 'code,' but whatever it was, it's allowing me to talk to Shin Yue without her trying to wrestle control away from me."

"Normally, Little Yue, if you had to fight Shin Yue for control, you wouldn't stand a chance. That construct contains thousands of years of combat experience and knowledge, and now your dark side has merged with it. Right now, she lacks the strength, but if she wanted to, she could potentially control the entire world."

Cang Yue swallowed hard. "She… could do that?"

Yuyun nodded. "Yes. She gained a lot from the Apple of Eden. But don't worry, the line of code I mentioned—the one that protects you and compels her to obey Yun Che—is the only thing keeping her from going rogue. I'll create a filter to stop her from using your Moon Energy without your consent. Those Heavenly Water Arts she wields can only be performed using that energy. She'll still need your permission."

Cang Yue breathed a small sigh of relief. "So... water is the only Heavenly Art she can use?"

Yuyun smiled faintly, shaking her head. "No, Little Yue. There's more: Heavenly Fire, Earth, Wind, Thunder, Light... even the Heavenly Dark Arts. The feather holds far more knowledge than you realize—thousands of years' worth of hidden arts that the Moon Empress gathered. In fact, some arts are ones she never mastered herself."

Cang Yue's eyes widened. "That feather holds all of that?" she murmured, awestruck.

"For now, focus on what you need: Santoryu and Rokushiki," Yuyun advised. "That alone will make you one of the strongest mortal cultivators below the Divine Realms. As for the Heavenly Elemental Arts, you can ask Shin Yue to teach you when the time comes. But remember, it'll take hundreds of years to truly master them."

Cang Yue nodded, absorbing the enormity of what she'd learned. Despite her frustration with Shin Yue, a part of her was grateful for the knowledge and power she now had access to. Her day off might've been wasted, but tomorrow, she could regroup and start anew, knowing that Shin Yue wasn't an enemy—but a powerful ally waiting to be tapped into.

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

Shin Yue reclined within her mirrored seal, listening to the conversation between Cang Yue and Yuyun. She couldn't help but smirk, nodding as she processed the layers of control set in place by the Moon Empress. Normally, as Cang Yue's dark side, she would've relished in wresting control. The darker tendencies within a person were naturally more powerful, more visceral, but Huan Xuyi had been clever. The Empress had built a safeguard into the construct that now governed Shin Yue's actions, forcing her to obey Cang Yue and Yun Che.

"Tch, as if she knew all along I'd absorb the construct. Crafty woman," Shin Yue muttered, begrudgingly acknowledging the brilliance of the countermeasure. She had expected to dominate, to become the controlling force. Yet, after absorbing Cang Yue's memories, she found herself slowly agreeing with her good side—perhaps against her will, but still. Cang Yue's goals, her drive, had an undeniable pull.

"This... is oddly interesting," Shin Yue thought, crossing her arms. "Helping you out might not be as boring as I thought, Xueruo. I suppose I need you alive for my own sake, after all. I'll protect you, but don't expect me to go easy on you if you act like a weakling."

The last part she muttered under her breath, almost as if she needed to remind herself to maintain an edge. Shin Yue wasn't about to let herself get too soft.

Her attention shifted as she mused over the upcoming Blue Wind Ranking Tournament. The memories flickered before her, showing flashes of the competition, the thrill of combat. A mischievous grin spread across her face. "Now this… this could be fun," she thought. "Maybe I can convince Xueruo to let me borrow her body for a little while. No killing, sure, but I could still blow off some steam. Show those mortals what real power looks like."

The idea of participating in the tournament stirred excitement in Shin Yue. She might be forced to follow the rules, but that didn't mean she couldn't have her fun. "I'll just have to convince Little Yue it's in our best interest," she whispered to herself, already plotting how to slip into control when the time was right.

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

Cang Yue slowly opened her eyes, blinking as she adjusted to the sight of her beloved family surrounding her. She was immediately showered with warm hugs from the girls, their affection overwhelming her. Despite the comforting atmosphere, her first thought was of Mei Mei, her personal attendant.

"Mei Mei… Is she?" she murmured, her voice laced with concern.

Retsu, always gentle and soothing, leaned in to reassure her. "She's fine, Little Yue. She's resting now. There's no need to worry."

Cang Yue let out a deep breath of relief, her tension easing. Knowing Mei Mei was safe and sound allowed her heart to settle. It was a relief unlike any other, and she felt the weight lift from her shoulders. She looked up and noticed Yun Che's concerned but slightly amused expression.

"You were only out for an hour, I thought you'd at least passed out for three days." Yun Che said, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Cang Yue groaned softly, rubbing her temples. "It felt like much longer… Shin Yue used all the Moon Energy…"

The mention of "Shin Yue" caught Yun Che's attention, Cang Yue seems to be aware of her dark counterpart. He simply smiled and sat beside her.

Rather than feeling sore or drained, Cang Yue was surprised by how rested she felt. It was as if she had woken from a long, refreshing nap rather than a taxing event. The tension in her body was gone, and though her Moon Energy was spent, her spirit was intact.

"I thought I'd be hurting all over," Cang Yue said softly, "but it's as if I've just been sleeping."

Mio grinned, playfully teasing her, "Must be nice to nap while the rest of us worry."

Cang Yue chuckled, grateful to be surrounded by people who loved her. Despite everything, she was back with her family, safe and sound, and Mei Mei was alright. That was all that mattered now.

"Onee-chan!" Nezuko exclaimed, her childlike voice filled with affection as she nestled further into Cang Yue's arms.

Nezuko floated towards Cang Yue's embrace, the little girl's eyes were filled with warmth and familiarity, clearly growing attached to her. Cang Yue smiled softly, her sisterly instincts kicking in as she hugged Nezuko close knowing full well of her identity. The tender moment was soon interrupted by Xue Ling, who appeared right behind Nezuko, visibly exhausted after giving her a tour of the palace.

"You really worried me," Xue Ling said, her voice carrying the weight of her concern. It was clear from her expression that she had been genuinely anxious about Cang Yue's condition.

"I'm sorry," Cang Yue said, bowing her head slightly in apology.

Xue Ling softened, giving her a gentle pat on the head. "It's fine, as long as you're safe."

Cang Yue, noticing the change in Xue Ling's attire, grinned and decided to shift the conversation. "I see you've taken quite a liking to that kimono."

Xue Ling glanced down at the elegant garment, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "Yes, it's much more convenient than my usual attire. My movements feel freer." She twirled lightly, showing off the kimono, clearly enjoying the change. "I might ask you for more designs later."

Cang Yue laughed lightly. "I'll be more than happy to provide."

Curious, she raised an eyebrow. "So, what fake name did you come up with this time?"

Xue Ling straightened up proudly, her eyes twinkling. "I decided on Kie. It's short and easy to say."

Yun Che, who had been quietly observing, suddenly chimed in with a grin. "Kie, huh? That's quite the coincidence."

Xue Ling tilted her head, wondering what he meant. "What do you mean?"

Yun Che smiled, his voice softening as he explained, "Nezuko's real mother… her name was Kie as well."

Xue Ling's eyes widened in surprise. She had heard Nezuko's tragic story from Cang Yue, but the detail about her mother's name had never been mentioned before. For a moment, the connection hit her deeply. It was an unexpected coincidence, but a meaningful one. Turning her gaze towards the little girl on Cang Yue's lap, Xue Ling's expression softened. She had already developed a bond with Nezuko, but now there was an added layer of care.

"I never knew…" Xue Ling whispered, feeling an even stronger sense of responsibility towards the child.

Her thoughts briefly flickered to Chu Yueli, her rival in love and care. But in this moment, that rivalry seemed insignificant compared to the deep affection and protection she felt for Nezuko. Xue Ling made a silent promise to herself that she would do everything she could to protect this child—just as she had protected Cang Yue. Even if it meant sharing her affections, she would make sure Nezuko grew up surrounded by love.

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

As Cang Yue entered the Grand Hall with Yun Che, Xue Ling, and little Nezuko by her side, she was greeted with a sight that puzzled her—her relatives, the Cang Outer family, prostrating themselves in fear. At the forefront were her cousin, Cang Lingwu, and his son, Cang Xingwu, both bowing deeply before her father, Cang Wanhe. The scene was strange, even unsettling, as it was clear they were desperate for mercy.

"Brother, please… spare our lives," Cang Lingwu begged, his voice trembling as he knelt before Cang Wanhe. His son mirrored his actions, head low in submission.

Cang Wanhe remained calm, his expression neutral. "It is not for me to decide," he replied coolly, casting a glance at his daughter. Despite his calm demeanor, the king took no joy in seeing his once-arrogant cousin and nephew reduced to begging for their lives. However, he knew that this was a consequence they brought upon themselves.

Cang Yue, seeing her father, quickly moved past the bowing figures to embrace him. "Father?" she asked softly, still puzzled by the situation unfolding before her.

"Yue'er… you've finally woken up. I was worried," Cang Wanhe said, wrapping his arms around her. He looked at his daughter with both pride and a tinge of fear, remembering the powerful and unyielding figure she had become just before collapsing into unconsciousness.

"I'm fine, Father. It was just a… short nap," Cang Yue smiled, trying to ease his worry. As she glanced around the hall, she noticed the way the palace servants and guards avoided making eye contact with her, as if they feared her. She wondered what kind of figure Shin Yue—the Empress persona—had appeared to them as.

Turning to Yun Che, Cang Wanhe sighed with relief. "Yun Che, I owe you my thanks for bringing her back safely."

Yun Che waved off the praise with a smile. "Honestly, she brought herself back. We were just there when she woke up. Don't worry, she's as healthy as a horse."

Suddenly, the voices of Cang Lingwu and his followers rose again, this time addressing Cang Yue directly. "Empress Cang Yue!" they called out in unison, their tone reverent but laced with fear.

"Eh?" Cang Yue blinked, clearly taken aback. Even Yun Che and Xue Ling looked surprised at the sudden change in address. Empress? Since when?

"Please spare our lowly lives," Cang Lingwu pleaded once more, his voice trembling as he and his entourage remained bowed low.

"Please, cousin, spare me!" Cang Xingwu, who had previously dared to challenge her, now spoke with the utmost timidity. His former arrogance was nowhere to be seen.

Cang Yue sighed deeply, still disoriented by this shift in how they viewed her. **Empress?** she thought to herself, wondering just how much her Shin Yue persona had influenced their fear. She glanced briefly at her father and then at Yun Che and Xue Ling, unsure of what to say.

"Don't worry about it," she said, waving her hand dismissively. She had no interest in doling out punishments or addressing their sudden submission. "I just want to prepare for tomorrow." With that, she made it clear that she wasn't interested in their groveling, nor did she have the time to deal with them.

The tension in the room lifted, but it was clear the fear remained. As the prostrated members of the Cang family hesitantly raised their heads, they were met with the serene, calm gaze of the woman who had once been their equal, but now stood far above them in both power and authority. Cang Yue, however, simply focused on the day ahead, eager to move past the drama and return to a sense of normalcy.

Cang Lingwu, ever shameless, attempted one last desperate gambit. "Empress... if I may, I could recommend a husband candidate..." he began, his words dripping with opportunism. Even Cang Wanhe, normally composed, widened his eyes in disbelief at his cousin's brazenness. After everything—his defeat at the hands of Cang Yue, his life spared at the last moment—he still had the audacity to try and curry favor with her.

Cang Yue sighed, raising her hand in a gesture to stop him. "That will be all, dear uncle," she said calmly, though her patience was clearly thinning. "Father can take things from here. I am no empress. I am just the Princess."

Her tone was polite but firm, and she added with a gentle sigh, "Please don't recommend any more things—or people—to me. I have my own choices." With that, she laced her fingers through Yun Che's hand, making her decision as clear as day.

Cang Lingwu's face contorted in frustration, his teeth grinding audibly as he saw his plans crumble. He had failed to manipulate the emperor, offended the princess, and now stood on the verge of complete humiliation. Desperation flickered in his eyes, but before he could speak again, Cang Yue dismissed him with a final warning. "That will be all, uncle. Any more words, and you can see yourself out."

As Cang Lingwu and his son prepared to withdraw, Nezuko, watching the scene from Xue Ling's lap, giggled. "Hehe, those uncles are funny," she said innocently, her laughter cutting through the tension.

Cang Xingwu, who had been sulking beside his father, suddenly froze as his eyes fell on Nezuko. "Father… isn't that..." he began, recognizing the child in front of them. His voice trembled. "The Heaven's Child… and…" His gaze shifted to the imposing figure standing behind Cang Yue. "Grand Imperial Protector Xue Ling."

Cang Lingwu's face grew even more contorted with bitterness. Seeing Xue Ling, a woman of immense power and influence, standing with Cang Yue, he realized how gravely he had miscalculated. "If only I had recruited her sooner..." he muttered under his breath, regretting the missed opportunity to gain her allegiance.

Yun Che, watching Cang Lingwu's bitterness with some amusement, leaned closer to Cang Yue. "I never expected him to be that shameless."

"Sigh… He still is," Cang Yue replied, her expression softening into a nostalgic smile. "I remember him trying so hard to force my father to cast my mother out after I was born. He should be grateful I've ignored his past offenses."

"Your patience is extraordinary," Yun Che remarked, genuinely impressed by her resilience. She had endured so much from her family and still carried herself with grace and dignity.

"I have my mother to thank for that," Cang Yue said with a serene smile. Holding Yun Che's hand, she felt a sense of calm and purpose, ready to face whatever came next alongside the people she loved. Cang Yue sighed, feeling the weight of the day's events settle over her. "Still, it's been such an odd day off. I didn't even get to train."

Yun Che chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. "Well, all's well that ends well, I guess."

Cang Yue's pout deepened as she remembered the news she had overheard earlier. "I heard your date with Mio went well. Something about finding a new home for us? What, is the manor not enough?" she teased, but there was a trace of genuine curiosity.

Yun Che smiled warmly and took her hand. "Little Yue, I wanted a home just for us. No status, no politics or responsibilities. Just a simple, quiet home where we can live peacefully, away from the world."

Cang Yue's lips softened into a small smile at the thought. "You make a good point. Even Yoruko had fun today—she and Xue Ling fought side by side. Why is it that I was the one stuck dealing with my shameless uncle?"

Yun Che chuckled again, knowing how much she had to endure. "At least you gained Shin Yue," he reminded her, trying to ease her mood.

"True," Cang Yue admitted, though with another sigh. "At least I gained that. But I still didn't get to train, and Shin Yue burned through all of my energy. Now I have to rest under the moon to recover."

"Well, everyone's safe and sound. You did great," Yun Che said, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Let's just get some rest. Tomorrow's a new day, and the second round of the tournament awaits."

Cang Yue nodded, her expression softening. "You're right. I suppose rest is all I can do for now." She glanced up at him with a playful smirk. "Shall we head back to the manor? I'm sure I'll need all the energy I can gather for tomorrow's battle. I just hope Shin Yue doesn't decide to take over without my permission again."

Yun Che grinned at her, knowing that Mio, Retsu, and Nemu were already preparing dinner as the perfect closure to their unusual day off. "Understood, my lady," he said, escorting her back to the manor where their family awaited, ready to unwind together before the challenges of tomorrow.

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

Ling Tianni sat on the throne, his long grey hair flowing past his shoulders, his sharp eyes fixed on the Profound Display before him. The man, clad in gold robes with white linings, radiated authority. His voice, laced with barely restrained fury, echoed in the chamber. "Is this true?"

In front of him, kneeling, was his son, Ling Yuefeng.

"Yes, Father," Ling Yuefeng replied, bowing lower. "We failed to secure the Heaven's Child. Our top assassins, along with their sect master, were wiped out. This... is the worst possible outcome since you emerged from seclusion."

The armrests of Ling Tianni's throne cracked under the force of his grip. His cold gaze shifted to the image on the Profound Display. "Xue Ling did this?" His voice was sharp, filled with disdain. "That traitor to our sect?"

Ling Yuefeng quickly corrected, "Not her alone, Father. The Chu sisters were involved."

"The Chu sisters? And Gong Yuxian?" Ling Tianni frowned, his mind racing.

"No confirmation of her involvement. The Chu sisters aided the Heaven's Child and Xue Ling. Rumors suggest that Chu Yueli may be the child's mother, and that her spouse is the swordsman, Dracule Mihawk."

Ling Tianni's hand tightened on the throne's armrest, splintering the wood. "Mihawk? The swordsman they speak of? And Xue Ling is now his second wife?"

"Yes. It seems Xue Ling and Chu Yueli are connected to him in ways we hadn't anticipated. Their daughter… they believe the Heaven's Child may be hers. The resemblance to Chu Yueli is undeniable."

Ling Tianni's eyes narrowed, fury simmering beneath his composed exterior. "Xue Ling, once a Fifth Level Sky Profound Realm, now stands nearly as my equal? Her power has grown far beyond expectations."

Ling Yuefeng's voice trembled slightly. "Yes, Father. She is now a significant threat."

Ling Tianni's mind turned to the growing storm within the Imperial Palace. "What of the palace? Has there been any word about the disturbance?"

"Yes, Father," Ling Yuefeng said as he activated the display, revealing the image of a massive storm and torrents of dragon-shaped energy. "It seems Princess Cang Yue has awakened an… Empress side, connected to the Moon Empress' tomb."

Ling Tianni shot up from his seat, scrambling to a nearby bookshelf. He pulled out an ancient tome, flipping through its pages. His face darkened with each passage he read. "This... This power, it cannot be."

Ling Yuefeng kept his head bowed. "Father, it appears that her master left her with knowledge from the Tomb of the Moon Empress."

Ling Tianni's hands shook, his mind struggling to accept the implications. The Moon Empress was a figure of legend, her power immense and feared. For Cang Yue to inherit even a fragment of that power... "If she fully awakens this power, she could destroy everything. The Empire itself would crumble."

Ling Yuefeng remained silent, awaiting his father's orders.

"These arts… they resemble the lost Heavenly Arts," Ling Tianni's eyes widened as realization struck him. The tome gained from the Moon Empress's tomb must have held those forgotten arts, long sought after since the ancient times. His expression shifted from shock to greed, his eyes sparkling with desire. "We must have her. Princess Cang Yue must be captured at all costs. We will extract the Heavenly Arts from her, even if it means dissecting her mind."

Ling Yuefeng, still kneeling, frowned. "But what of her master? And her protectors—Xue Ling and the Chu sisters? They are formidable."

Ling Tianni's gaze hardened. "We'll do it discreetly. If necessary, I'll rally the other sect masters. If we can coordinate, we can hold off her master, Xue Ling, and the Chu sisters long enough for me to use the Profound Extractor on her." His voice was dripping with ambition, already imagining the power he could gain from such an artifact.

Ling Yuefeng knew better than to question his father when he was like this. "Understood," he replied.

Ling Tianni leaned back in his throne, deep in thought, already scheming how to coax the other sects into a coordinated effort to capture the princess. The allure of the Heavenly Arts was too great, and he knew others would not resist joining him in such a venture.

His thoughts were momentarily interrupted as he turned back to Ling Yuefeng. "And what of the matter with your wife?"

Ling Yuefeng's face darkened. "The potion's effects have worn off. Xuanyuan Yufeng has regained her memories."

Ling Tianni's eyes flickered with cold anger. "If she returns to the Sacred Ground and speaks of what's happened, the entire sect could face annihilation. We cannot afford that, not with her uncle arriving for the Demon Sealing Ceremony after the tournament."

Ling Yuefeng's heart sank. He knew what his father was implying. His wife had become a liability, and that meant only one thing.

"She must be silenced," Ling Tianni said, his voice low and menacing. "Do something about it, Yuefeng. If you can't control her, I will end her myself."

Ling Yuefeng clenched his fists, frustration and fear surging through him. He nodded stiffly. "Yes, Father."

As the conversation drew to a close, neither of the men noticed the faint shadow lurking outside the chamber, silently listening to every word. With the information gathered, the shadow slipped away into the darkness, unseen and unheard.