บท 204: Haki Vs Swords

As night descended over the land, a tranquil calm settled across the region. The warm, evening breeze brushed against Raja's skin as he walked toward the Frozen Cloud Asgard. The contrast between the outside warmth and the biting cold energy emanating from the Asgard's courtyard was stark. He stopped at the edge of the courtyard, pausing for a moment to take in the sight of the glistening palace. The ornate pillars and the delicate ice sculptures that adorned the grounds spoke of a power both ancient and elegant. Yet, Raja's focus was not on the grandeur. He called out, his voice calm yet filled with purpose, seeking an audience with Xia Qingyue and Xiao Lingxi.

"I wish to speak with both of you," Raja said, standing at the threshold of the courtyard. His voice echoed through the icy expanse, resonating in the stillness of the night.

From within, the two figures emerged—Xia Qingyue, the Frozen Cloud Asgard's jewel, and Xiao Lingxi, her ever-loyal companion. They walked toward Raja, their robes billowing in the cold air. With a soft smile, they embraced Raja, a moment of warmth in the chilling atmosphere.

"Big Brother Raja!" Xiao Lingxi exclaimed, her voice filled with joy.

As they talked about everything and he explained why he want Lingxi not to participate.

" How are the Chu Sisters, I want meet them?" Raja inquired, his eyes shining with genuine concern.

Xia Qingyue's expression became slightly distant. "The Chu sisters are well, but... as for Frozen Beauty Senior Master (Chu Yuechan), it is impossible for you to meet her. She does not like interacting with outsiders." Her voice was calm, but there was an undertone of sorrow in it.

Raja smiled softly at her words. "I see. But I would still ask you to relay my request to her, Qingyue. I would very much like to see her after all this time."

The Frozen Cloud Asgard was a place of reverence, a sanctuary for those who admired the beauty of its inhabitants—the Frozen Cloud Fairies. On any given day, people would gather before the gates of the Asgard to catch a glimpse of these ethereal beings, but no one dared to approach them. The air was thick with awe and respect.

Xia Qingyue's gaze softened when Raja made his request. She opened her mouth to refuse again, but before she could say another word, a soft voice interrupted her.

"Let him enter."

Xia Qingyue and Xiao Lingxi both turned in surprise, recognizing the voice immediately. It was Chu Yuechan.

Raja's eyes glimmered with recognition as he heard Chu Yuechan's voice. He gave Xia Qingyue a reassuring smile. "Thank you for relaying my message," he said. Without waiting for a response, he stepped forward, entering the courtyard.

The path leading to Chu Yuechan's room was quiet, save for the soft crackling of the wind against the ice. Raja reached the door and paused for a moment. He took a deep breath before stepping into the room.

Inside the room, the pale light of the moon illuminated the figure of Chu Yuechan. She stood still, her presence almost otherworldly, her gaze as cold as the surrounding ice. The air itself seemed to freeze in her presence.

She turned her gaze toward Raja as he entered, her expression stern and unreadable. "What is it that you wish to discuss?" she asked coldly, her voice like ice cutting through the air.

Raja, however, was undeterred. He approached her slowly, his footsteps quiet on the cold floor. Reaching her, he gently embraced her from behind, his hands resting on her delicate form. He leaned in, his voice a whisper. "You may not wish to see me, We were never meant to be separated."

Chu Yuechan froze, her body going rigid under his touch. But before she could react, Raja tilted her face gently toward him, and with a deep sigh, kissed her passionately.

For a moment, the room seemed to shudder as if the very air itself was responding to their reunion. Chu Yuechan's icy exterior melted in his embrace, and her resistance faltered. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to surrender to the moment, accepting the fate she had long tried to escape.

Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity, Chu Yuechan pushed Raja away, her face flushed with conflicting emotions. With a sharp motion, she slammed the door shut behind him, leaving Raja standing alone outside.

Xia Qingyue, who had been waiting just outside, eyed him with a knowing look. "Did you anger her?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.

Raja, rubbing the back of his neck, smiled sheepishly. "No, we merely had a peaceful conversation," he replied.

Xia Qingyue's eyes narrowed slightly. "Make sure you tell Yun Che to be cautious in his upcoming match with Ling Jie. Ling Jie is not someone to be underestimated," she warned, her tone suddenly serious.

Meanwhile, in a faraway corner of the empire, Ling Kun, a high-ranking executive from the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, stood before a jade tablet, preparing to send a transmission. The deal he had been working on for days was about to come to fruition.

"Young Hall Master," Ling Kun's voice came through the transmission, "I have found the Nine Profound Exquisite Body you were seeking. In exchange, I require 1500 grams of Purple Veined Divine Crystals."

The Young Hall Master, a figure of great power, responded quickly. "I can gather the requested amount within two years. Consider it done."

Ling Kun smiled in satisfaction. This was a rare and profitable exchange—one that would greatly benefit him in the future.

The day had finally arrived. It was the tenth day of the Ranking Tournament, and the matches for the 5th to 8th places were underway. These were the losers from the previous day's Quarterfinals: Ling Feiyu, Shui Wushuang, Xiao Kuanglei, and Fen Juebi.

However, Fen Juebi was nowhere to be seen. His injuries from his earlier confrontation with Yun Che were too severe, and he was unable to participate in the match.

The matches were intense, but in the end, Shui Wushuang defeated both Ling Feiyu and Xiao Kuanglei, claiming 5th place. Ling Feiyu triumphed over Xiao Kuanglei to secure 6th place, while Xiao Kuanglei was ranked 7th. Fen Juebi, despite his absence, was ranked 8th.

This marked the first time in centuries that the Xiao Sect and the Burning Heaven Clan had not placed in the top 4. The audience murmured in surprise, sensing that something unprecedented was happening in the tournament.

The crowd eagerly awaited the semifinals. Ling Yun was expected to take 1st place, but the competition for the other top spots had become fiercely unpredictable. Yun Che and Ling Jie were both considered young super-geniuses, and their upcoming match promised to be a battle for the ages.

The second semifinal match between Ling Yun and Xia Qingyue was also highly anticipated, though it was widely assumed that Ling Yun would emerge victorious.

Before the duel began, Ling Jie stepped forward and called out to Yun Che with a playful grin. "Boss Student, if you can defeat me using your full strength, I will consider you my brother," he said, referencing Raja's past interaction with him.

Ling Jie then unsheathed his weapon, the Celestial Yang Sword, a Sky Profound Weapon that shone brightly under the arena's lights. The audience gasped in awe at the sight of such a legendary weapon.

Yun Che, despite lacking a weapon of his own, remained unfazed. His body radiated confidence as he activated Ryou Haki, coating his fist with a formidable aura. He was ready for the battle, his mind sharp and focused.

The battle began with both combatants charging at each other. Ling Jie's sword cuts cleaved through the air, creating waves of oppressive force. Yun Che responded with his own powerful strikes, countering each move with precision.

Ling Jie's speed was astounding, his movements a blur. But Yun Che, using his mastery of the Six Styles, dodged and countered with superhuman agility and flexibility. Ling Jie's frustration grew with every failed strike.

Ling Jie unleashed his ultimate sword technique, the "Heavenly Star Frenzy," summoning a barrage of over a hundred Celestial Yang Swords. The attack was devastating, but Yun Che met it with his own counterattack, the Six Styles Ultimate Rokuogan, shattering the swords effortlessly.

Ling Jie, desperate, attempted his ultimate move, the "Sword Brilliance of Extreme Lightning." His sword blurred with speed as he aimed for Yun Che's shoulder. But Yun Che, with his Ryou Haki and Observation Haki, blocked the attack and countered with a devastating punch, forcing Ling Jie to retreat.

Just as Ling Jie began to retreat, Ling Yun intervened, throwing him the Celestial Yuan Sword. The swords resonated as they fused their energies, greatly increasing Ling Jie's strength. His aura shifted dramatically, and Yun Che prepared for the next phase of their battle, sensing the change.

The battle was far from over.