Bab 205: Chapter 204: The Second Round (IV) - Yun Che vs Fen Juechen
The next day unfolded without a hitch. Over breakfast, Yun Che filled his girls in on the brewing issue with the Heavenly Sword Villa, his tone casual despite the gravity of the situation.
"They wanted me?" Cang Yue asked, her voice tinged with shock, her wide eyes fixed on Yun Che.
"Seems like your new powers have caught more attention than you'd hoped," Yun Che replied with a small smirk, clearly unfazed. "The Grand Sect Master himself has taken an interest in you."
"Let them try," Mio huffed, her crimson eyes flashing with resolve. "I'll feed them to my spiders if they dare make a move."
"Ufuu~ After the tournament, Yuu-kun, please just say the word, and we can wipe this place out," Retsu chimed in sweetly, her serene smile at odds with the menace in her words.
"Nee-sama, you're being scary again," Nemu said flatly, sipping her tea as though this was a normal morning topic.
"Teehee, sorry, and its Nee-chan!" Retsu giggled as she patted Nemu's head affectionately.
Yun Che leaned back, a calm yet determined expression on his face. "Don't worry about it. If they try anything, we'll deal with them when the time comes. For now, focus on the tournament. Let's keep our momentum."
"Ufuu, did you get a nice little chat with Xia Qingyue last night?" Retsu teased, her tone light but clearly aimed at stirring up the group. The moment she spoke, the other women turned to Yun Che, each wearing a pout that ranged from playful to pointed.
Yun Che felt a bead of sweat slide down his temple. "Uh… I guess that didn't escape your senses, huh?" he chuckled nervously.
"Ufuu, of course not. We detected your aura… and hers," Retsu said, her calm yet inquisitive gaze urging him to elaborate. Mio crossed her arms, visibly irritated as she puffed her cheeks, while Cang Yue glanced away with a soft huff, and Nemu tilted her head in curiosity.
Jealous women are indeed something.
"Fine, fine," Yun Che sighed, surrendering to the inevitable. "Turns out, she still kept the marriage certificate. Honestly, I didn't expect that. Knowing her, I thought she'd have destroyed it by now."
Retsu's lips twitched, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. "Tsk. She's still Yuu-kun's wife? Maybe I should challenge her to get rid of it."
"Maybe she still cares about you? Hmph," Mio muttered, her irritation clear. Xia Qingyue's lingering connection to Yun Che was clearly a sore spot for her.
"Who knows? I didn't really get to know her that well back then," Yun Che replied with a shrug. "She's always been a mystery. But lately, she's been nosier about who I am. Feels like she's trying to figure me out."
"Anyway, that girl is still an odd one," Yun Che said with a sigh, leaning back slightly. "I hope I didn't meet her too early. She looked like she was ready to beat me up just to make me talk."
Retsu crossed her arms and huffed lightly. "I hope she faces me instead. I still owe her a test before I can acknowledge her as the first wife." Her calm but sharp words carried an undertone of rivalry.
Nemu, already engrossed in her thoughts, quietly began accessing the system's database for information on Xia Qingyue. Meanwhile, Mio leaned back in her chair, a smirk playing on her lips. "I wouldn't mind testing her myself. Let's see if her strength matches her attitude."
Cang Yue, however, looked a little uneasy. "I'm not sure if I could defeat her if it came to that," she admitted, her voice tinged with worry.
Yun Che glanced at her, offering a reassuring smile. "Don't stress about it. If any of you do face her, just try not to stir up too much trouble or reveal anything unnecessary. We've got a lot going on already."
The group exchanged silent agreements, though the competitive spark in their eyes said they had their own plans. Xia Qingyue, whether she realized it or not, had unknowingly stirred a storm that was brewing in Yun Che's camp.
He paused for a moment, his expression growing more serious. "Still, what's really on my mind is the group me and Kon covered last night. Those people… their designs, their aura—everything about them feels out of place. That's what I'm more curious about."
"What kind of people?" Cang Yue asked, her curiosity piqued. The question drew the attention of the other women at the table.
Yun Che leaned back in his chair, recalling the events of the previous night. "A princess carriage, much like yours," he began. "From the way it was constructed and designed, I assumed the person inside was royalty. But here's the strange part—their escorts were dressed in ancient European-style clothing. Ornate, with dark purples, gold accents, and frilled designs. Even their carriage didn't match anything I've seen in the Blue Wind Empire, and the crest on it was completely unfamiliar."
"Other empires, perhaps? But their fashion sounds way out of place," Mio mused, resting her chin in her hand.
"Could be. Who knows? Still, they managed to attract the attention of thousands of hollows," Kon chimed in, casually munching on his breakfast.
"How is that possible?" Cang Yue asked, a frown crossing her face.
"That's what's odd," Yun Che said thoughtfully. "And it wasn't just their attire or the fact that they were targeted. Some of them demonstrated abilities that I haven't seen before. It's almost like they belong to a completely different world."
"Could it be a hidden empire or secret realm?" Nemu suggested, sipping her tea.
"Maybe," Yun Che speculated. "I've considered the idea of a hidden continent. This world is massive, and we only know of the three major continents. There could be lands isolated by vast oceans, where civilizations grew differently. It might explain their strange appearance and the unfamiliar crest."
He paused, glancing out the window as if searching for answers. "There's another thing," he added, his tone shifting. "The spiritual aura of the person in the carriage… It was unique. Somehow, it resonated with my own energy. It's hard to explain, but it felt… harmonious."
Switching to Japanese for Retsu, Mio, and Nemu, he added, "It's like someone with a special kind of Reiatsu. Almost like a synchronization of spiritual energies."
Retsu raised an intrigued eyebrow, while Mio narrowed her eyes in deep thought. Nemu tilted her head slightly, as if processing Yun Che's revelation before exchanging a knowing look with Retsu.
"Someone else who can use Reiatsu? A mortal?" Retsu murmured, her voice tinged with curiosity. "That explains why the hollows were so relentless. They must have been drawn to that person's unique energy."
Nemu nodded in agreement, her analytical mind already piecing things together. "You didn't stay to investigate, Yuu-sama?" she asked softly.
Yun Che shook his head, his tone casual. "Didn't bother to. I completed the quest and ensured their safety. That was enough. No reason to linger." He then turned his attention to Cang Yue, his expression more serious. "Expect royal guests in the future, Little Yue. Whoever that person is, they're bound to return. This wasn't just some random encounter."
Cang Yue nodded thoughtfully, her gaze steady. "I'll be prepared if they do," she replied, her tone calm but resolute.
The rest of the group exchanged glances, silently agreeing not to dwell further on the matter for now. Their immediate focus was the tournament. But Yun Che couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter had only scratched the surface of something much larger.
And while the conversation moved on, Yun Che knew one topic would linger in their minds for a while longer—Xia Qingyue. The threads connecting her to his life seemed far from untangled, leaving a sense of unfinished business hanging in the air.
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On the second day of the tournament, the energy in the arena was palpable, even more intense than the day before. The crowds were so overwhelming that the Heavenly Sword Villa had no choice but to impose entry restrictions. To accommodate those unable to enter, they activated the Profound Display, a series of floating screens powered by profound energy that projected the matches to eager spectators gathered outside.
Among the crowd, Yuanba entered the arena once again, accompanied by Mai and Mei to the Blue Wind Imperial Family seating zone. Yun Che noticed how worn-out Yuanba looked, a clear sign of the effort it took to make multiple trips between Blue Wind Imperial City and the tournament grounds. Yun Che, unwilling to let Mai feel guilty about the strain, casually tossed Yuanba Stamina and Mana Potions.
"Here," Yun Che said with a grin. "That should top you off. Wouldn't want her to worry."
Yuanba caught it, his face lighting up with gratitude as he drank it. The potion's effects were instant, restoring his energy and stabilizing his profound energy flow. "Thank you, Brother-in-law!" Yuanba exclaimed, visibly revitalized. Yun Che couldn't help but admire Yuanba's determination—hundreds of miles just to ensure Mai and Mei could experience the tournament.
Today marked the eleventh to fifteenth matches, crucial rounds that would determine which contestants would advance to the final Round of 32 scheduled for the next day. The stakes were higher, and so was the anticipation.
Yun Che felt an icy chill crawl down his spine, an involuntary shiver that had nothing to do with the weather. Slowly, he turned his gaze toward the source of the unsettling sensation, only to meet Xia Qingyue's piercing stare from across the arena. Her usually serene, distant expression was now ablaze with a fiery intensity, one that could melt steel and freeze fire at the same time.
"What is with that girl....?" Yun Che muttered under his breath, trying to suppress a nervous chuckle. The memories of their tense encounter last night flashed through his mind. Clearly, whatever he'd said—or avoided saying—had pushed her patience to its absolute limit.
Her gaze didn't waver, her amethyst eyes locked onto him with such sharp focus that he half-expected her to unleash an ice storm in the middle of the arena. It was as though she were silently telling him, You will answer me. One way or another.
"Looks like I've gone and pissed her off for real this time," Yun Che grumbled, scratching the back of his neck with a mix of unease and amusement. He could almost feel the frost forming under his boots just from the weight of her glare.
The thought of facing her in the arena was even more daunting now. Not because of her skill—though that was formidable—but because of the sheer determination blazing in her eyes. If it came down to it, he wouldn't put it past her to freeze him solid, drag him out of the ring, and interrogate him on the spot.
"Why do I always have to deal with the scary ones? Moreover, why's a scary one has to be my wife?" he muttered to himself.
Still, her burning intensity was unnerving. Even as the tournament crowd roared around him, Yun Che felt like he was standing alone, a lone ember under her glacial storm. The thought made him chuckle bitterly. "Odd woman indeed."
As Yun Che prepared for the day's battles, a Profound Notification chimed above them. Glancing at it, his eyes widened in surprise before a smirk spread across his face. This was going to be interesting.
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Blue Wind Imperial Palace – Yun Che ----versus---- Blue Wind Profound Palace – Fen Juechen
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Fen Juechen. The name itself carried a heavy weight, one filled with malice and vengeful ambition. Before everything spiraled into the chaos of the Realm of the Gods in the real novel, he was the prime villain of the Blue Wind Empire, his name whispered with both fear and disdain.
In the original timeline, Fen Juechen's first significant defeat came at the hands of Yun Che within the Blue Wind Profound Palace, a moment that would forever alter his path. Originally, his goal was to meet Fen Juebi, to prove that he could outmatch him, but Yun Che, through his interference for picking on Xia Yuanba, prevented that meeting and ultimately became the object of Fen Juechen's hatred. That singular act of vengeance would become the fuel for everything that followed.
After his defeat, Fen Juechen's thirst for revenge only grew, becoming more consuming with each passing year. Yun Che's interference was the catalyst that set Fen Juechen down an even darker path. However, unlike most villains, Fen Juechen had an unyielding will to rise from the ashes of his defeat. His vengeful heart led him to the Burning Heaven Clan, a place where Yun Che annihilated and decimated everything in his path just because Xiao Lingxi begged Yun Che to spare him. Everyone was annihilated but him. Spared, he uncovered something far greater than just power — a secret that would tie him forever to a lineage far older than his own.
Through his twisted journey, Fen Juechen uncovered the secrets of the Eternal Night Royal Family and the tomb of their king, hidden deep within an ancient sacred ground. It was here that Fen Juechen's ambitions reached their peak. The king's spirit attempted to possess his body, hoping to use his vengeful energy as a vessel. But Fen Juechen, ever stubborn and driven by rage, overthrew the king's spirit and absorbed its power. What followed was an even greater hatred for Yun Che, but the true change came when his aunt, Xiao Lingxi, appeared before him.
Xiao Lingxi, the gentle soul, tried to reach Fen Juechen, urging him to let go of his vengeance, to not allow it to consume him entirely. But even her pleading could not stop the inevitable—Fen Juechen's fate was sealed when Xuanyuan Wentian, the grand Swordmaster of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, set his sights on him. The original plan was to use him to gain the power of the ancestor and The vile Swordmaster possessed him thus using him as nothing more than a puppet for his own schemes. Ultimately making Fen Juechen the scapegoat villain in a much larger and darker plot.
It was fascinating, in a bitter and twisted way, that the man who had once been the first ranker of the Blue Wind Profound Palace, the top disciple admired by many, had devolved into a mere pawn.
Now, in this tournament in the new timeline, to think that Fen Juechen, this once proud and powerful figure, might be involved in the same arena as new variation of Yun Che — a man who had been the catalyst for his ruin — was both ironic and chilling.
"Looks like this might be my chance to alter his fate," Yun Che muttered under his breath, a sly grin forming on his lips. If Fen Juechen was destined to awaken the power of the Eternal Night Royal Family's king, then Yun Che planned to change that destiny—by taking the tomb and its secrets for himself.
"Well," he said, standing and stretching leisurely, "I better make my way. Looks like I'm up first."
"Have a safe fight!" Retsu called out, her voice warm with encouragement.
As Yun Che turned to leave, Nemu, who had been uncharacteristically silent during breakfast, suddenly stood. "Yuu-sama, wait…" Her soft voice carried an unusual weight, stopping him in his tracks.
"Hm?" He turned to her, arching a brow. "Anything you need, Nemu?" He ruffled her hair affectionately, earning a faint flicker of a reaction on her otherwise stoic face.
Nemu looked up at him, her violet eyes meeting his directly. "I have some questions I need to ask… Would you spare me a moment?"
Yun Che paused, intrigued by her serious tone. "All right," he said, crossing his arms. "What's on your mind?"
He could sense this wasn't idle curiosity—it was something more. Deciding to indulge her, he gave her his full attention.
Nemu considered him for a moment, her green eyes studying him carefully, before finally asking, "What is sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia?"
Yun Che blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected question. "Isn't that the scientific term for brain freeze?" he replied casually, rubbing his chin as he thought about it.
Nemu's lips curled into the faintest hint of a smile before she continued, "What does DNA stand for?"
"Deoxyribonucleic acid," Yun Che answered without missing a beat, though his brow furrowed slightly. "What's with this sudden line of scientific questions?"
Ignoring his question, Nemu took another step closer. "How many cells are there in the human body?" she asked, her tone unwavering.
"Uh… around ten to the power of twenty-three? Wait—why are you asking me this?" Yun Che tilted his head, his curiosity growing.
Nemu's smile lingered as she asked again, "How many possible combinations exist for a Rubik's Cube?"
Yun Che let out a small laugh, realizing she wasn't going to explain herself just yet. "If my math is right—and it usually is—there are about 43 quintillion combinations," he answered confidently. "Seriously, Nemu, where is this going?"
Without missing a beat, she moved to her final question. "An instrument that records, analyzes, summarizes, organizes, debates, and explains information; that is illustrative, non-illustrative, hardbound, paperback, jacketed, or unjacketed; with foreword, introduction, table of contents, index; intended for the enlightenment, understanding, enrichment, and education of the human brain through the sensory route of vision… sometimes touched. What is it?"
Yun Che blinked at the absurdly detailed description before smirking. "That's one way to describe a book," he replied, his eyebrow arching. "Okay, Nemu, now you have to tell me—"
Before he could finish, Nemu stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a quiet embrace. For a moment, Yun Che was caught off guard, but the warmth in her action made him soften.
"Hey now…" he said gently, placing a hand on her head. "Are you okay?"
Nemu said nothing, her expression calm but her embrace speaking volumes. Whatever had prompted the questions, Yun Che could tell she had found what she was looking for.
"Hai, thank you…." Nemu said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, before leaning up to place a sweet good luck charm on Yun Che's cheek. The unexpected gesture made Yun Che blink in surprise, while Retsu, Mio, and Cang Yue exchanged warm smiles as they observed the rare display of affection from Nemu.
With a slight bow, Nemu gracefully stepped back, returning to her sister's side with a small, satisfied smile on her face. She was right—he was the only one who could answer her line of questions. The book about science facts he had given her wasn't just a gift; it was proof of his curiosity and intelligence. She hadn't expected him to already know its contents so thoroughly.
"What was that about?" Yun Che muttered, scratching the back of his head as he watched her retreat. Her random line of questions still puzzled him.
"Ufuu…" Retsu chuckled softly. "Nemu tested Ling Yun last night with those same questions to make him give up on her. To him, it was impossible but she told me only 'you' could answer them, Yuu-kun. She said you're much smarter than him."
"No wonder it was all science facts," Yun Che mused, shaking his head with a faint grin. "I guess I passed the test?"
"With flying colors, Yuu-kun," Retsu teased, enjoying her sweet little sister's blushing reaction.
Nemu, her cheeks tinged with a rare pink hue, glanced away, silently confirming Retsu's words with the smallest of nods. Yun Che smirked, a mix of amusement and affection filling his expression. Whatever doubts or worries Nemu might have had, they were clearly gone now.
"Big brother, do your best!" Mei cheered, her small voice filled with unwavering confidence. Yun Che smiled and reached out to gently pat her head, the affection in his gesture undeniable. Looking at her more closely, he couldn't help but notice just how much she resembled her older sister—a perfect spitting image, only younger and more innocent. Unlike her older sister, however, Mei didn't seem particularly interested in Yuanba, her gaze fixed firmly on Yun Che.
"Mei-chan!" a cheerful voice called out. Mei turned to see Nezuko—or Yoruko, as she was sometimes called—flying toward her, accompanied by Chu Yueli. Apparently, Nezuko had spotted Mei and begged Chu Yueli to bring her along. Unable to refuse, Chu Yueli had agreed.
The moment the two girls met, they fell into a whirlwind of childish excitement, their laughter and chatter drawing smiles from everyone around. Meanwhile, Cang Yue, ever the gracious host, offered some tea to Chu Yueli.
Much like her sister before her, Chu Yueli's reaction was almost comically stunned as she tasted the treats prepared by Mio and the tea brewed by Retsu. She savored each sip with wide eyes, visibly impressed. Mai, on the other hand, could only gape at the scene before her. To her, it was almost surreal—seeing the legendary Fairy of Frozen Glass, Chu Yueli, casually sitting and enjoying tea alongside the dignified Princess Cang Yue and the radiant Heaven's Child, Nezuko.
Feeling distinctly out of place among such exalted figures, Mai fidgeted nervously. Meanwhile, Chu Yueli and Nezuko lingered for a short while before excusing themselves. As they left, Chu Yueli couldn't resist shooting a playful look at Xue Ling, who was seated near the Emperor. Xue Ling's face darkened, her expression twisting in jealousy as she watched Nezuko bask in the moment with Chu Yueli by her side.
"Onii-chan, gambarre!" Nezuko yelled supporting her master.
Yun Che stepped into the arena, his mood lifted from the earlier moment with Nemu and the eager anticipation of the crowd. Today's first opponent was Fen Juechen—a figure whose fate would take a darker turn in the original timeline. But Yun Che had plans to alter that path, starting with this match.
From the viewing stands, Qin Wushang let out a deep sigh. He knew the outcome of this fight before it even began. Fen Juechen, proud and determined as he was, stood no chance against Yun Che. The palace master of the Blue Wind Profound Palace had already witnessed the devastating defeats Yun Che had handed to opponents like Feng Bufan. This match would likely be no different.
"Juechen," Qin Wushang called, his voice heavy with resignation, "if you value your dignity and your future, I advise you to concede."
Fen Juechen scoffed, his pride stung by the suggestion. "Concede? Since when did we, as disciples of the Blue Wind Profound Palace, become cowards who run from a fight? Have we fallen so far that we surrender before even trying?" His words were sharp, laced with defiance, and his gaze burned with resolve.
The palace master's plea only deepened Fen Juechen's disdain. It was clear to him that Qin Wushang's focus had always been on Xia Yuanba, not him. Despite his victories and status as the son of the Burning Heaven Clan's master, Fen Juechen felt like an afterthought—a shadow standing beside Xia Yuanba's growing light.
Qin Wushang's face darkened as he replied, "You misunderstand me, Juechen. This isn't about cowardice. It's about understanding the difference between bravery and recklessness. You saw what Yun Che did to Feng Bufan. If you're determined to provoke him and meet the same fate, so be it."
Fen Juechen clenched his fists. "I have my reasons," he declared firmly. "I will not concede—not to him. My pride as the son of the Burning Heaven Clan's master demands I stand and fight. I won't be remembered as the one who yielded."
Qin Wushang sighed again, shaking his head in resignation. "Very well. Go if you must."
Without another word, Fen Juechen strode toward the arena. His determination was unwavering, his pride unyielding. Whether it was bravery or folly, only the battle ahead would reveal.
Fen Juechen's eyes narrowed, fixed first on Yun Che, then shifting toward Fen Juebi, who sat among the Burning Heaven Clan's delegation. His elder brother sat there, calm and composed, but to Fen Juechen, his presence was a sharp reminder of his own failure. Their last clash had ended in humiliation—a heated argument followed by an arena duel in their clan that left Fen Juechen defeated and broken. That defeat had been the catalyst for his departure from the clan, and the wound it left on his pride had never healed.
"Fen Juebi…" Fen Juechen muttered under his breath, his fists clenching at his sides. "We will settle the score right here, right now. Yun Che… you're just a stepping stone. The so-called dark horse of this tournament—I'll do whatever it takes to crush you. No one stands between me and him. Not even you."
On the other side of the arena, Yun Che stood relaxed, a small smirk tugging at his lips. From his shoulder, Jasmine appeared in her mini soul form, settling comfortably as she observed the tension between the two combatants. Her crimson eyes glinted with curiosity. "He's burning with desire to defeat you," she remarked, her voice carrying both interest and amusement.
"Front-row seat, huh?" Yun Che replied with a teasing grin. "Yeah, I've figured out his deal. He's not really here to fight me; I'm just the obstacle standing between him and his vengeance against Fen Juebi. Problem is, if I beat him—and I will—his hatred will just turn to me. If I let him win, though, his arrogance will inflate, and he'll think it was all his own power. Either way, I can't let him advance. Not in this timeline."
Jasmine raised a delicate eyebrow. "You speak as if you know his entire story."
Yun Che shrugged, his tone light but edged with certainty. "Let's just say I know how this all plays out, doll face. If the world runs the way it's supposed to, I'd meet him during the Blue Wind Profound Palace visit. But that didn't happen this time around, so here we are. Trust me, whatever happens here, he'll hate me. That's just how it is."
Jasmine gave him a sharp look but didn't press further. Yun Che's cryptic knowledge always left her intrigued and frustrated in equal measure. For now, she decided to enjoy the spectacle about to unfold.
"Just go easy on him," Jasmine sighed, her tone laced with reluctant acceptance.
"Depends on how he defines 'easy,'" Yun Che replied with a nonchalant shrug.
The atmosphere in the arena was electric. The anticipation was palpable as the spectators eagerly awaited the clash. This wasn't just a fight—it was a showdown between two figures with equally commanding reputations. On one side was Fen Juechen, the top-ranked disciple of the Heavenly Profound Ranking and the son of the Burning Heaven Clan Master. On the other stood Yun Che, the dark horse representing the Blue Wind Imperial Family, a man whose meteoric rise had captivated and mystified the audience.
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"Look, big bro! Seems our foolish third brother is representing the Blue Wind Profound Palace. I heard he's their number one," Fen Juebi sneered, his tone dripping with mockery. "Guess the loser's still alive."
"Hmph, so that's where he ended up," Fen Juecheng replied, his gaze flickering to Fen Juechen. "Why were you two arguing back then, anyway?"
Fen Juebi leaned back with a smug expression. "Father wanted someone from the younger generation to lead the clan in this tournament. Naturally, as the eldest, I was chosen. But he thought he was more capable. We argued, it escalated, and we settled it with a duel in the arena. He lost."
Fen Juecheng snorted, unimpressed. "Strength alone doesn't make someone capable. His arrogance was bound to fail him."
Fen Juecheng's gaze drifted toward Yun Che, standing calm and confident in the arena. He studied him carefully, wondering how his younger brother would fare against this infamous dark horse.
"Hahaha… after that, he vowed not to return to the clan until he beat me in the tournament," Fen Juebi continued with a chuckle. "Saves me the trouble of tracking him down. If he's got the strength, let him deal with Yun Che first."
Fen Juebi's eyes locked onto his brother's, a silent, bitter tension sparking between them. Fen Juechen's determination to settle their score was evident, but Fen Juebi could only smirk, knowing that their fateful clash was drawing nearer.
If he won.
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"Quite a reputation he has," Jasmine commented, her crimson eyes glowing as she extended her Observation Haki across the arena.
"Right? Fen Juechen's entire motivation boils down to settling a score with his second brother, Fen Juebi," Yun Che explained, his tone casual. "He lost to him in the clan's arena and couldn't handle the shame, so he left to join the Blue Wind Profound Palace. His whole goal was to climb the ranks, reclaim his pride, and challenge Fen Juebi again."
"But instead, he's here, facing you before they can even cross paths again," Jasmine said, shaking her head, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.
"Yup," Yun Che said, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "And look at them—throwing invisible insults at each other from across the arena. It's practically a silent drama playing out in the middle of this tournament."
Jasmine chuckled softly. "For someone so focused on revenge, he sure picked the wrong opponent to start with."
"Guess he'll figure that out soon enough," Yun Che replied, rolling his shoulders as he prepared for the match to begin. "Time to see if Fen Juechen lives up to his reputation—or if his grudge with Fen Juebi has left him blind to what's really in front of him."
Fen Juechen stood tall, his eyes burning with intensity as he fixed his gaze on Yun Che. "Yun Che… My matter is with my brother. I'm giving you a chance to concede. Don't test my patience and get in my way."
Yun Che let out a long, exaggerated sigh, his expression shifting to one of sheer boredom. "Ha… and? So, I'm supposed to just back off because you asked? That's cute."
"You—" Fen Juechen's growl was sharp, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
Once Fen Juechen entered the Blue Wind Profound Palace, his rise was meteoric. Taking the first position on the Heavenly Profound Ranking from the moment he stepped in, he became an untouchable force within the palace. His dominance was not merely a matter of skill—it was bolstered by his shocking background, which cemented his status as a god-like figure among the disciples. To many, he was the ideal to aspire to, an untouchable prodigy whose name inspired awe and fear in equal measure. None dared to provoke him; none even considered it.
Yet here was Yun Che, standing before him, speaking to him as though he were nothing more than an annoying obstacle. Yun Che's dismissive tone and brazen attitude were like a slap across Fen Juechen's pride, a pride so carefully cultivated in his untouchable position.
It was an insult Fen Juechen would not forgive, and the tension in the arena grew thick as the two faced off.
"Look," Yun Che interrupted, shrugging lazily, his hands still buried in his pockets, "not gonna happen. Just because you ask me 'nicely' doesn't mean I'm going to accept. Besides, I have my own reasons for advancing. Spare me the drama, and let's get this over with."
Fen Juechen's grip on his weapon tightened, his fury now visible in the tremor of his arms. "You… I am warning you—"
"Sigh…" Yun Che sighs, rolling his eyes. "Listen, man. I don't care about your vengeance or your personal sob story. I'm here to win for someone who actually matters to me. So yeah, let's skip the chit-chat and get to the part where I kick your ass."
Fen Juechen's patience snapped. "I am going to destroy you!"
"Right…" Yun Che quipped with a shrug. He didn't even bother reaching for his weapon, his confidence palpable.
The referee raised his hand and brought it down sharply. "Begin!"
"You're courting death!!" Fen Juechen roared, his voice echoing across the arena as the crowd erupted into cheers and gasps of anticipation.
The match began with an electrifying surge of energy. Fen Juechen charged forward, his fist radiating with profound energy, a blazing embodiment of his fury and unyielding pride. Every step he took reverberated with his determination to crush the opponent standing in his way.
Yun Che, however, remained unfazed, his expression calm, almost bored. As Fen Juechen's fist rocketed toward him, Yun Che casually raised a leg, meeting the strike head-on.
The moment their attacks collided, a shockwave rippled across the arena. The sheer force of Yun Che's power caught Fen Juechen off guard. The gust of tyrannical energy blew him back, his footing unsteady as he was forced to retreat. Despite summoning his profound energy in a desperate attempt to brace himself, Fen Juechen couldn't resist the overwhelming force. He was hurled back, skidding across the arena floor until his momentum was halted by the barrier.
The audience gasped in unison as Fen Juechen struggled to regain his balance, his stance momentarily thrown into disarray.
In stark contrast, Yun Che remained rooted to his original position. His feet hadn't budged an inch, his upper body perfectly still. It was as if Fen Juechen's full-force assault had been nothing more than a mild breeze to him.
The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by scattered murmurs of disbelief.
Fen Juechen's right hand trembled slightly, a dull ache radiating up his entire arm. The shock of what had just transpired settled heavily in his chest. 'This power…' His mind raced. 'This shouldn't be possible for someone at the True Profound Realm.'
The humiliation of the moment burned hotter than the pain. He, a fifth ranker of the Spirit Profound Realm, had been forced into retreat by a single strike. The eyes of ten thousand spectators bore down on him, each one a silent witness to his disgrace. His deeply rooted arrogance, once his shield, now felt like a brittle shell cracking under the weight of the moment.
Yun Che stood casually, a mocking smirk playing on his lips. "This is the strength of the Heavenly Profound Ranking's number one? Honestly, I expected more. Kind of disappointing." He shrugged, his tone as dismissive as his posture.
In the original novel, Yun Che's decisive victory over Fen Juechen became a turning point in the narrative. Fen Juechen's arrogance and dismissive attitude toward Xia Yuanba, who was Yun Che's close friend and a normal disciple, played a crucial role in setting the stage for their clash. Setting his vengeance towards Yun Che.
In this timeline, Xia Yuanba, despite his seemingly naive demeanor, held an untouchable position within the Blue Wind Profound Palace due to his master's influence and the respect he commanded. The palace's strict policy of non-discrimination ensured Xia Yuanba was treated equally, allowing him to flourish without prejudice. Even someone as prideful as Fen Juechen, the number one on the Heavenly Profound Ranking, refrained from directly antagonizing Yuanba—a testament to the weight of Qin Wushang's authority.
Fen Juechen's face twisted with rage, his eyes narrowing into cold slits. His earlier "You're courting death!" had been laced with mockery, but this time, it was venomous, filled with a chilling intent to kill.
"You're courting—death!!!"
A fiery crimson light flared in Fen Juechen's hands. With a burst of energy, he summoned the eight-foot-long Burning Heaven Sword. Its blade blazed with an intense, fiery glow, a testament to its origin as the Burning Heaven Clan's sect weapon. The crowd erupted into a frenzied roar, the atmosphere electric.
"That's the Burning Heaven Sword!" someone in the audience exclaimed.
The tension in the air thickened, the clash now taking on a symbolic weight. To the crowd, this wasn't merely Yun Che versus Fen Juechen—it was the Imperial Family standing against the Burning Heaven Clan.
Yun Che, still utterly composed, raised a single finger and crooked it toward Fen Juechen in a mocking gesture. His smirk widened. "Come at me, bro!"
Fen Juechen's fury erupted as he charged forward, the Burning Heaven Sword blazing like a meteor aimed directly at Yun Che.
"YOU'RE COURTING~~~ DEATH~~~!"
The words dripped with rage and killing intent, each syllable echoing Fen Juechen's humiliation and fury. Flames surged along the crimson blade, roaring with his profound energy, as he swung it with all his might.
Yun Che stood calmly, his hands tucked lazily into his pockets, sidestepping the incoming attack with effortless precision. His composure only served to further enrage Fen Juechen.
The crimson sword ignited brighter, its flames roaring as it arced fiercely toward Yun Che's head, slicing through the air with an ear-piercing screech. The searing heat surged forward, overwhelming to most—but Yun Che barely seemed to notice. To him, it was more comforting than threatening.
Just as the fiery blade was about to make contact, Yun Che extended a single finger, his expression unchanged.
Clang!
The collision echoed like a thunderclap across the arena. Fen Juechen's burning blade, roaring with all his strength, was brought to an abrupt halt by Yun Che's single finger.
The audience froze, their jaws dropping in collective disbelief.
"What… just happened?" someone in the crowd murmured. The crowd collectively gasped, their disbelief palpable.
"One finger… just one finger?!"
The silence that followed was deafening, as every spectator struggled to process what they had just witnessed.
Fen Juechen's face twisted in shock and indignation. The full power of his Burning Heaven Sword, an artifact imbued with the pride of his clan, had been stopped as if it were a child's toy. The searing flames licked at Yun Che's hand but left no mark, no burn—just the faint shimmer of profound energy surrounding his finger like an unyielding barrier.
The flames danced furiously around the blade, but Yun Che stood still, unscathed and unbothered, the faint shimmer of his profound energy effortlessly nullifying the heat and force.
Fen Juechen's eyes widened in shock. His strongest attack—fueled by both his profound energy and the pride of the Burning Heaven Clan—had been rendered useless. He gritted his teeth, refusing to believe what had just occurred.
Without a word, Yun Che flicked his finger.
The immense force from that simple motion sent Fen Juechen stumbling backward, his footing lost, and his aura of rage faltering. The arena erupted into chaos as the crowd processed the sheer absurdity of what they had witnessed.
"Look, dude, it's just pointless at this rate," Yun Che said, his tone dripping with boredom as he dodged another wild swing.
Fen Juechen's attacks grew more frantic, but Yun Che didn't budge. Using only his fingers, he parried every incoming strike with ease, not bothering to counter or even take a proper stance. The crowd fell silent, watching in stunned disbelief.
Yun Che wasn't just winning—he was toying with the heir of the Burning Heaven Clan and the so-called number one of the Blue Wind Profound Palace.
From his seat, Qin Wushang sighed deeply, his expression weary. Fen Juechen's performance wasn't just a personal humiliation; it was a disgrace to the palace itself. He had warned him to concede, and now he could only hope Xia Yuanba might salvage their reputation.
Fen Juechen, meanwhile, was unraveling. His attacks grew more reckless, his breathing heavier. The horror in his eyes deepened as Yun Che's profound energy suddenly flared, forcing him off balance. In one fluid motion, Yun Che seized the balance point of the Burning Heaven Sword and kicked it cleanly from Fen Juechen's grasp.
Before Fen Juechen could react, Yun Che's foot drove into his abdomen with devastating precision. The impact sent Fen Juechen hurtling backward, crashing onto the arena floor with a muffled cry of pain.
"YUN~~CHE~~I'LL KILL YOU!!" Fen Juechen roared, his voice echoing like that of a wounded beast. His entire body radiated a feral killing intent, causing the air around him to tremble.
The crowd remained frozen, not daring to make a sound.
Fen Juechen staggered back to his feet and lunged again, swinging wildly. Yun Che barely moved, using the same infuriatingly calm demeanor to deflect the blows with a single finger.
"Fight me seriously!" Fen Juechen snarled, his strikes growing wilder with each swing. "Don't you dare mock me!"
"Mock you?" Yun Che replied, sidestepping another clumsy strike with a sigh. "You're doing a fine job of that yourself."
Fen Juechen's frustration boiled over, and he poured every ounce of his profound energy into a final desperate attack. His sword erupted in flames as it came crashing down with a ferocious glow, aimed squarely at Yun Che's shoulder.
A deafening shockwave rippled through the arena as the blade struck.
When the dust settled, Yun Che remained in the exact same spot, entirely unscathed. The Burning Heaven Sword rested on his shoulder as if it had struck an unyielding wall—without a scratch, without a drop of blood.
The crowd erupted in a cacophony of gasps and stunned murmurs, their disbelief palpable. Some rubbed their eyes as if trying to confirm they weren't hallucinating, while others exchanged incredulous whispers. Even the elders in attendance, seasoned warriors with decades of experience, found themselves leaning forward in shock, struggling to comprehend how a mere True Profound Realm disciple had casually withstood such a devastating attack. Fen Juechen's eyes widened in disbelief.
"You're wasting your strength, man" Yun Che said, brushing imaginary dust from his shoulder. "At this rate, people are going to think I'm bullying you."
The casual tone of his words cut deeper than any attack could have.
"Look, man, I'll give you a hint. You waltz into the palace after your argument with your brother, losing to him. Then, you took first place and arrogantly acted like you owned the spot. Let me ask you this, have you even improved? You've just been coasting because you're the son of the clan leader. To me, you're nothing but a washed-up brat who thinks he owns the place just because you had a fight with your brother. Go somewhere else and become number one without even earning your place," Yun Che sighed, his tone filled with disinterest.
Fen Juechen gritted his teeth, his anger flaring as he charged again. His movements were slower now, his energy rapidly draining. The humiliation was unbearable. Having come from the Burning Heaven Clan, he had dominated the Blue Wind Profound Palace until now, but facing Yun Che, a mere True Profound Realm disciple, he had been utterly crushed. He hadn't even been able to injure Yun Che, and worse, his Burning Heaven Sword had been received unarmed.
"I'll kill you… kill you… KILL YOU!!!" Fen Juechen's howls became increasingly hoarse and desperate.
Yun Che's response was casual, his voice laced with boredom. "Alright, if you insist."
With a flick of his wrist, Yun Che redirected Fen Juechen's next strike, sending him stumbling forward. Before Fen Juechen could recover, Yun Che closed the distance in an instant. He struck with an open palm to Fen Juechen's chest, not enough to harm, but enough to send him skidding backward across the arena floor. It was clear now: Yun Che was mopping the floor with him, and the crowd watched in stunned silence, unable to believe the one-sided display.
The members of the Burning Heaven Clan gritted their teeth in frustration, their faces darkened with a mix of anger and shame. This was absolute humiliation—one of their own, even if technically part of the Blue Wind Profound Palace, was being utterly dismantled in front of thousands. Qin Wushang could only sigh, disappointment etched across his face. Fen Juechen had not only embarrassed himself but dragged the reputation of the Burning Heaven Clan down with him. Among the crowd, some of the clan members openly condemned Fen Juechen for his arrogance and lack of preparation, while Fen Juebi, his second brother, could hardly contain his laughter, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle of his despised sibling's downfall.
Meanwhile, those watching couldn't help but notice Yun Che's restraint. He hadn't even bothered to use his Diable Jambe, the flaming kick technique that had earned him victories in earlier rounds. Some of his previous opponents, though defeated, felt a small sense of pride that they had at least made Yun Che to use his signature skill. In contrast, Fen Juechen hadn't even warranted that effort—Yun Che had barely moved beyond casual evasion and blocking. It became increasingly clear to the audience: Yun Che wasn't just dominating; he was holding back.
"Stand down," Yun Che said firmly, his voice carrying across the hushed crowd. "You're outmatched, and you know it. There's no shame in conceding."
Fen Juechen struggled to his feet, his breathing ragged. His sword trembled in his hand as he glared at Yun Che, his pride warring with the truth. But Yun Che's unwavering gaze and calm demeanor left no doubt about the outcome.
The arena was cloaked in an uncomfortable silence, the weight of Fen Juechen's humiliation pressing heavily on the crowd. The Blue Wind Profound Palace disciples, once filled with pride for their number one, now hung their heads low, unwilling to meet the gazes of the spectators. Even the emperor and Qin Wushang exchanged resigned sighs, the scene before them painfully clear. Yun Che hadn't gone out of his way to humiliate Fen Juechen; his effortless evasion and simple counters spoke volumes, his dominance evident without him even breaking a sweat.
Fen Juechen's fists trembled with suppressed rage as he glared at Yun Che, his pride shattered but his hatred only intensifying. "I swear, I'll kill you!" he spat, his voice trembling with frustration.
But his words carried no weight. His frenzied sword swings grew sloppier, each attack more desperate than the last. The once-mighty heir of the Burning Heaven Clan was reduced to flailing in defiance. Yun Che continued to sidestep with ease, his movements precise and efficient, his expression hardening with every misstep from Fen Juechen. The message was clear to everyone present: Fen Juechen's defeat was no longer a matter of "if," but "when."
"This is just… lowkey sad," Yun Che muttered with a sigh. With a swift, calculated motion, he disarmed Fen Juechen with a kick, sending his sword clattering across the arena floor. He followed up with a light push of his leg, shoving Fen Juechen backward and forcing him to stumble. "Stand down. Final warning."
Yun Che turned and began walking away, his indifference cutting deeper than any insult. The audience murmured, the message clear: Fen Juechen had lost, and Yun Che wasn't even trying.
"Don't you dare walk away from me!" Fen Juechen roared, his voice trembling with humiliation and rage.
Without looking back, Yun Che waved lazily. "Don't worry, man. I'm planning to beat Fen Juebi next. Might as well start rooting for me."
"You bastard! Yun Che, if you dare—if you dare beat him—I'll have my revenge on you! Do you hear me?!" Fen Juechen's voice cracked, desperation pouring out of him.
Yun Che paused, half-turning to glance over his shoulder, a faint grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Good luck with that, man. Really."
But then Fen Juechen made his fatal mistake. "I swear... even if I have to use your family! Revenge will be mine!"
The grin on Yun Che's face evaporated instantly. His body stiffened, and the air around him grew heavy with an oppressive, suffocating aura. His mind raced, unbidden memories flashing of a time when Xiao Lingxi and Xiao Lie had suffered in the later novel, all because of someone's twisted thirst for revenge.
Yun Che's shoulders trembled, not with fear but with suppressed fury. Slowly, he turned back to face Fen Juechen, his expression now void of the humor it once held. His voice, cold and sharp, cut through the arena like a blade.
"Say that again," he growled. "I dare you."
Yun Che's voice dropped, his anger simmering before it erupted like a volcano.
Fen Juechen sneered, but his triumph was short-lived as Yun Che's aura flared with raw, unbridled fury. "You can insult me, threaten me, badmouth me, or talk all the crap you want. I'll brush it off as empty noise," Yun Che began, his tone steady but dark. "But if you dare bring my family into it…" His mind flashed to his grandfather and Xiao Lingxi, the people who had loved and accepted him unconditionally. In another time, another world, they had suffered because of his enemies' twisted vendettas.
"You've made this personal," Yun Che growled, his words laced with a deadly promise.
Without another word, he moved. His speed was terrifying, his punch faster than Fen Juechen could process. The strike landed square on Fen Juechen's face, the impact reverberating through the arena. The force sent him flying, slamming against the barrier with a sickening crunch before he crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
The arena fell into stunned silence. The audience, the participants, and even the other sect leaders were frozen, jaws agape. Retsu, Mio, and Nemu exchanged wide-eyed glances, not expecting this sudden burst of wrath. Even Little Fairy, who usually maintained her stoic demeanor, sighed quietly, while Xia Qingyue stared, clearly taken aback. For someone to anger Yun Che to this extent was unheard of.
Cang Yue sighed deeply, her gaze lingering on Fen Juechen's defeated figure. She couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Once, before Yun Che entered her life, she had admired Fen Juechen from afar—a figure of unparalleled skill and rank, someone she believed was forever beyond her reach in terms of martial way no matter how much effort she put in.
But now, seeing him reduced to this—a man consumed by anger, arrogance, and self-destruction—shattered that image completely. To think the person she once regarded so highly could fall so low was disheartening. Fen Juechen wasn't the noble figure she had once idealized but a cautionary tale of wasted potential and unchecked pride.
Jasmine materialized on Yun Che's shoulder, crossing her arms. "Did you really have to punch him like that?" she asked, though she wasn't entirely unsympathetic.
Yun Che exhaled deeply, the fury in his eyes gradually fading. "I held back enough not to kill him," he muttered, his voice steady but carrying an undertone of irritation. He took a moment to regulate his breathing, the faintest trace of suppressed anger still lingering before the system gently calmed his emotions back to normal.
"Barely," Jasmine quipped, her tone laced with both criticism and acknowledgment of his restraint.
"Well, I didn't see anyone else stepping in to shut him up," Yun Che replied, rolling his shoulders as if shrugging off the tension. With a casual glance toward the arena exit, he added, "Let's just call it… a warning."
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
Nora_Danish
Nora_Danish New Chapter so soon? Yup
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
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