Chương 78: Chapter 78: How I Met Your Ice Sister

Yun Che's inner world expanded at an astonishing pace as he delved deeper into his cultivation realms. Each new stage seemed to breathe life into his sanctuary. He couldn't help but marvel at the continuous transformation that was unfolding within.

In the Earth Profound Realm, his island had thrived, growing larger with each passing moment, and his spirit tree had flourished, adorned with countless leaves. As he advanced into the Sky Profound Realm, his island's dimensions dwarfed its previous size, now spanning a staggering 25 kilometers in diameter. Yun Che watched in awe as his spirit tree expanded, its branches lush with leaves, but something peculiar had occurred. His Zanpakuto orbs, once orbiting the island, now danced gracefully around the spirit tree's canopy, as if compelled by an unseen force to remain near its center.

The most intriguing development, however, unfolded when Yun Che reached the Second Realm of the Great Way of the Buddha. His pagoda, still gleaming silver, had grown both in height and stature. It seemed to symbolize his spiritual progress, though it retained its metallic hue for now. The land beneath it had also expanded to accommodate the growing structure.

Then, a sudden tremor shook the plains, and water began to surge from the area surrounding his spirit tree. The flowing water gracefully shaped itself into a vast and radiant lake. Upon closer inspection, Yun Che noticed that the water possessed a soothing, purifying aura.

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[Ding… The system has created a Divine Water Fountain at the center of the lake. This water can be used to heal injuries, restore spirit powers, and banish fatigue. It is essential for the rapid growth of spirit animals and herbs in this world. With the Divine Water lake's creation, the host can now cultivate herbs throughout the inner world.]

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Yun Che was astounded by the breathtaking transformation of his inner world, especially the emergence of the Divine Water Lake. It was a reservoir of life itself, rendering the need for Health and Mana potions obsolete. However, he knew that bringing this divine water into the real world would unleash chaos. It was a power too potent to be wielded beyond these ethereal boundaries. Hence, he decided to reserve his newfound elixir for the betterment of his fellow humans in the real world.

The newly completed lake, now resembling a magnificent fountain with its vibrant waters, marked a turning point in Yun Che's growing inner world. It was time to build a special sanctuary for Jasmine, offering her peace and seclusion from the outside world. Moreover, Yun Che thought it could also serve as a second home for his close friends, Retsu and Kon, if they ever wished to stay.

With this in mind, Yun Che began to plan the structure that would take shape within his expanding realm. It was to be a place that not only provided Jasmine with a serene retreat but also stood as a symbol of the profound bonds he had formed on his incredible journey.

An idea ignited within him, and he turned to the system with a request, "System, can you fashion a manor reminiscent of the Kuchiki Manor from the world of Bleach?"

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[Ding…System can build it for 5000SP. Complete with everything including furniture based on the data from Bleach compendium.]

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The moment Yun Che declared, "Just deduct the points; I hardly know how to spend them anymore," the landscape of his inner world shifted dramatically. A magnificent manor materialized beside his spirit tree, reminiscent of Kuchiki Byakuya's iconic dwelling. Complete with a serene lake, expansive courtyards, and majestic traditional Japanese structures, it was a vision straight out of a grand anime saga. He intentionally had it constructed without walls, feeling their redundancy in his own spiritual realm.

The swift transformation left the spirits who witnessed it in utter disbelief. The manor's sudden appearance felt as though it had been uploaded directly from a game's modded data, and they couldn't fathom the speed of its inception.

Hebi, her eyes sparkling with excitement, couldn't contain her admiration. "Master, your prowess never ceases to amaze!"

Gently ruffling Hebi's hair, Yun Che remarked, "I can't have you all constantly lounging on the grass, can I?"

Saru slid an arm around Yun Che's shoulder, her voice teasing, "Well, we always retreated to our own realms for rest, but now that there's this splendid manor, it seems we've got an upgrade in accommodation."

Yun Che chuckled, "Go on, pick a room. I guarantee there's space aplenty in that place."

Without hesitation, Hebi darted towards the manor, her voice echoing with glee, "I claim the first big room!" Saru, not to be outdone, chased after her, protesting, "Hebi, that's not fair!"

Watching their playful squabble, Yun Che couldn't help but muse, "It's like taking care of children, and I'm not even a father yet."

As he pondered, a melodious voice whispered, "It's because they all hold a special affection for you, Milord." Turning, he was met with Shirayuki's entrancing gaze and her tender smile.

Noting her presence, Yun Che queried, "Shirayuki? You surprised me.

She responded with a touch of playfulness, "On this rare occasion, with the others preoccupied and the younger ones off on their own antics, I finally have you all to myself." Slowly, she nestled closer, resting her head on his shoulder, cherishing their intimate moments of solitude.

Yun Che's hand caressed Shirayuki's head affectionately as he confessed, "Shirayuki, I've missed you too. But I'm actually here to witness the arrival of a new family member."

Shirayuki, her curiosity piqued, inquired, "A new member?"

Yun Che nodded with excitement, "Yes, a new Zanpakuto Spirit. It was supposed to greet me here." An uncharacteristic chill suddenly enveloped their inner world, capturing the attention of everyone within it. The frigid air swept through their surroundings, announcing the arrival of a brand new entity. After twenty breakthrough levels, the anticipation had reached its peak.

From above, a mighty roar resonated from the depths of the system's core, filling their senses with awe. The frigid air grew even more intense as a massive ice dragon emerged, gliding gracefully towards the gushing lake. What astonished them was that the lake, despite the dragon's icy presence, remained untouched, possibly owing to its divine properties. The dragon's body was a magnificent creation of ice, complete with massive wings extending behind it.

As Shirayuki gazed upon the ice dragon, her expression shifted into a subtle frown, a feeling from her distant past washing over her. It was a sensation she had lost for centuries, and though she couldn't quite place it, she continued to observe the unfolding scene.

Unaware of Shirayuki's inner turmoil, Yun Che grinned and commented, "Right on cue."

The ice dragon hovered in midair, its colossal wings causing billows of frigid mist to envelop the lake. Upon closer inspection, it became evident that this dragon was not only massive but also crafted entirely from ice. Slowly, the dragon's gaze turned towards Yun Che and Shirayuki, who stood beneath its majestic form.

"Are you the one who seeks to wield me, young one?" An enchanting voice emanated from the dragon, unmistakably female. This revelation puzzled Yun Che, for Hyourinmaru's original spirit had always been depicted as male. So, why had this new spirit taken on a feminine form?

As Yun Che contemplated the enigmatic presence of the ice dragon before him, Shirayuki found herself clutching her heart once more. She struggled to shake off an overpowering sense of familiarity that seemed to wash over her. Being an ice spirit herself, encountering another of her kind should have felt normal, but this sensation was inexplicably nostalgic.

Yun Che, his gaze unwavering, spoke with unwavering determination, "If you allow me to wield your power, I promise to treat you as I do all my other Zanpakuto spirits—as family."

The dragon responded with a hint of intrigue, "An unusual pledge for one so young. Nevertheless, I look forward to dwelling under your care." Then, her icy gaze shifted toward Shirayuki, who was struggling internally. "Curious. Why do I sense familiarity with you? Have we crossed paths before?"

Shirayuki shook her head, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "No, I'm sorry. I've never encountered a dragon before. Yet, I too feel that strange sense of connection in your presence."

"Familiarity, you say?" Yun Che interjected, his curiosity piqued. "Shirayuki, do you have any knowledge of Hyourinmaru?"

Once more, Shirayuki shook her head, her confusion deepening. "I don't. I can't explain it, but this sensation is unmistakable. I've never laid eyes on this dragon before."

"It appears that you may not have encountered my true form," the dragon mused cryptically. Without warning, a brilliant light enveloped her, and she transformed into a human figure.

Hyourinmaru's transformation was nothing short of breathtaking. She stood before Yun Che and Shirayuki, her presence exuding an air of elegance and enchantment. Her attire was a masterpiece—a flowing icy blue dress adorned with intricate details, and atop her head, a delicate ice tiara sparkled with ethereal charm. A snowy-white cloak, seemingly spun from the purest ice crystals, draped gracefully over her figure.

Lavender tresses cascaded down to her knees, framing a face of mesmerizing beauty. Her icy blue eyes held an otherworldly allure, her nose was impeccably sculpted, and her lips seemed to radiate a tantalizing charm. But what left them both in awe was her immaculate, ethereal pale skin that seemed to accentuate every enchanting aspect of her being.

Her form was a work of art—a perky bosom and an hourglass figure that could inspire epic poetry and the downfall of empires. She was the very embodiment of beauty and grace, standing there in her human form, a vision that could captivate hearts and ignite the imagination.

Hyourinmaru's beauty surpassed that of the most enchanting flowers, and she embodied the very essence of frost and ice's breathtaking allure, akin to Shirayuki herself. Her presence was a living testament to the captivating power of ice's elegance and the ethereal charm it could bestow upon a form. As she stood there, her beauty was a testament to the sublime artistry of the frozen world, a vision that left all who beheld her entranced by her icy grace and enchanting radiance.

The transformation left Yun Che and Shirayuki in awe, as they beheld the breathtaking visage of Hyourinmaru's human form.

Yun Che, though initially taken aback by Hyourinmaru's stunning beauty, soon picked up on something extraordinary. He glanced at her and then shifted his gaze toward Shirayuki, a sense of realization slowly dawning on him. "Lavender hair and icy blue eyes... Don't tell me..."

Shirayuki, her heart racing, couldn't help but tremble as she gazed upon Hyourinmaru's true humanoid form. The nostalgic feelings that had long lain dormant within her began to surface, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Hyourinmaru, sensing a connection, looked deeply into Shirayuki's eyes. "You... Who are you? Why do I feel as though I've known you before?"

Shirayuki was overwhelmed by emotions she thought were sealed away for centuries. It was impossible. She had moved on, locked away those memories, but now, they surged back with a force she couldn't control. Unconsciously, she spoke words that had long vanished from her lips, words she had never used with anyone else.

Tears streamed from her eyes, and she covered her mouth in an attempt to contain the tumultuous feelings. "Nee...sama?"

Hyourinmaru's eyes widened as she floated closer to Shirayuki, struggling to accept the impossible truth. Slowly, she looked into Shirayuki's tearful eyes, and memories began to resurface. They were fragmented, mere flashes of moments, but they were enough to stir something deep within her.

Tears welled up in Hyourinmaru's eyes as she gently touched Shirayuki's cheeks, her voice quivering as she whispered, "Shira...yuki?"

With that, the floodgates holding back Shirayuki's emotions crumbled, and she cried tears of joy, pulling Hyourinmaru into a tight embrace. The inner world fell into a hushed silence, the echoes of Shirayuki's heartfelt cries filling the realm. Hebi and Saru, who had arrived to witness the extraordinary reunion, stood in the manor's yard, silently observing the powerful emotions unfurling before them.

Mizu and Kaze, accompanied by Kon on the phoenix's back, arrived silently in the midst of the emotional reunion. Initially perplexed by their big sister's loud cries, they were held back by Old Man Zangetsu, who acted as their surrogate uncle. He patiently explained the situation to them, leading to their own tears of joy.

Shirayuki, her cries of happiness muffled by Hyourinmaru's cloak, continued to pour out the emotions she had suppressed for far too long. For centuries, she had been alone, often shedding silent tears in her own realm, reliving the tragic day that had shaped her existence. On the surface, she projected an aura of cool detachment, but beneath it all, she struggled to contain the torrent of emotions unleashed by this long-awaited reunion with her elder sister.

Yun Che observed the emotional scene unfold before him, silently connecting the dots. The moment he had laid eyes on Hyourinmaru's humanoid form, he had sensed the uncanny similarities between the two sisters. It was beyond belief, but it was becoming clear that Hyourinmaru was indeed Shirayuki's elder sister.

Yet, the puzzle remained—how could this be? Hyourinmaru was originally depicted as a male Zanpakuto spirit in the anime. To unravel the mystery, Yun Che decided to consult the system, and the answer he received left him in shock.

According to the system, Benihime's spirit had merged with Hyourinmaru before Yun Che's advancement to the Spirit Profound Realm. This fusion had given rise to a new spirit, born from the blending of the two Zanpakuto spirits. Strikingly, this new spirit was, in fact, the original Hyourinmaru, the one that existed before the merging took place. The ice dragon within Hitsugaya Toushirou's soul had been Hyourinmaru before the fusion. Consequently, the merging process had effectively restored Hyourinmaru to its original form.

However, one question continued to nag at Yun Che. "But how is that possible? Zanpakuto spirits are born within their Shinigami hosts and dies with them. So, technically, Sode No Shirayuki was born from Kuchiki Rukia's soul. How could she have had an elder sister?"

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[Ding... In response to the host, Kuchiki Rukia gave birth to Sode No Shirayuki from her soul. However, both spirits were born long before she became Kuchiki Rukia's Zanpakuto.]

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Yun Che chose to silently observe the touching reunion of the two sisters, recognizing the depth of longing and pain that had been concealed beneath Shirayuki's sweet smile. For too long, she had harbored a deep desire to see her sister once more, and now that moment had finally arrived, catching them both by surprise.

The sisters embraced by the lakeside, tears flowing freely, and the waters of the lake seemed to empathize, allowing their emotional release to unfold without interruption. Yun Che, sensing the significance of the moment, discreetly withdrew to give them the space they deserved. Finally, the two long-lost sisters had found their way back to each other, their moments of sadness brought to a heartfelt end.

Amidst the reunion, Shirayuki turned to Yun Che with a heartfelt expression. "Thank you, Yuuki-sama, for bringing my sister back to me."

Yun Che offered a warm smile and replied, "Nature works in mysterious ways, Shirayuki. It was the system that brought her to you." He couldn't help but reflect on the day he acquired Benihime. Had he chosen to retrieve Benihime back then, he wondered, would any of this have transpired? He was grateful for the choices he had made.

Hyourinmaru turned her gaze toward Yun Che, gratitude shining in her eyes as she spoke, "I, too, am grateful to you, Milord. Thank you for reuniting me with my sister. I've waited for this moment for so long, for my sister to trust you with her life, and I have decided to do the same." She lowered her head slightly, her gesture symbolizing her trust and acceptance of him as her master.

Yun Che, with his characteristic grin, spoke earnestly, "The honor is mine, Hyourinmaru. If you don't mind, there's a question I'd like to ask."

Hyourinmaru regarded him with curiosity, her voice warm and inviting, "It would be my honor to answer your question. What is it, Milord?"

Yun Che took a deep breath, carefully choosing his words. "You can answer now or later, as you wish. It's just... I'm curious about how you came to be Shirayuki's elder sister."

Hyourinmaru seemed to anticipate his question, and she replied, "If you wish to know, I'll gladly explain." As she spoke, the other spirits gathered around Yun Che, along with Old Man Zangetsu and his little Phoenix, all curious about the unusual bond between the sisters. Shirayuki nodded in agreement, signaling that she didn't mind sharing the truth now that they were reunited and she fully trusted her master. It was time for everyone to learn the full story.

Hyourinmaru took a deep breath, preparing herself to share their rare and poignant history. "The truth is, both of us are rare dual-spirit Zanpakuto. We were born during the earliest era of the Shinigami, a time when wielding both Ice and Snow was considered the most formidable combination. Our master at the time was a legendary Shinigami, revered for her power and mastery of this unique dual-spirit Zanpakuto. She was renowned as the strongest in the realms of ice and frost, her abilities unmatched."

Seeing her distress, Yun Che raised his hands in a calming gesture. "If you're not ready to continue, you don't have to."

Shirayuki, resolute, chimed in, "Jealousy." Her words were firm, and she encouraged Hyourinmaru to proceed.

Hyourinmaru nodded her appreciation and resumed her narrative. "Our master's strength and knowledge became a double-edged sword. Central 46, the secretive order of the Shinigami, viewed her as a threat once they discovered the extent of her power and the secrets she uncovered. They manipulated her, using her as a pawn until they deemed her knowledge too dangerous. When she grew closer to uncovering their hidden truths, they ordered her execution. That's when Nee-sama and I were cast aside, no longer needed."

Her voice grew strained as she continued, "To protect me from the same fate, Nee-sama sealed away my soul. She fought valiantly against Central 46, nearly decimating their forces. Ultimately, she fell, bombarded by fire-based Kido spells."

Shirayuki closed her eyes momentarily, her voice laced with grief. "I witnessed Nee-sama's gradual decline under those relentless attacks. She met her end with a serene smile, knowing that she had saved me. When a Zanpakuto spirit perishes, their soul will never be reincarnated into another Shinigami. As for me, I was reborn to a new master. For hundreds of years, I waited for the day when Nee-sama would return. However, when I sensed the presence of another Hyourinmaru's reincarnation, it was not her, and I was devastated. Still, I clung to the promise Nee-sama had made to me—that one day, we would be reunited."

Shirayuki couldn't help but feel a disconnect when she first encountered the previous Hyourinmaru, who had been born to Hitsugaya Toushirou. Although the male Hyourinmaru possessed the same icy powers that were inherent to her nature, he was not her true elder sister. She could sense the differences, the subtle distinctions that set them apart. It was not the familiar warmth, the deep bond, or the shared memories that she had longed for. It was as if the core essence of her beloved sister was missing.

Yet, Shirayuki accepted this reality with a heavy heart. She knew that the male Hyourinmaru was not to blame for the circumstances that had led to their separation. The world of Shinigami and Zanpakuto was complex, filled with mysteries and the whims of fate. In the end, she chose to seal away those conflicting emotions and memories, locking them deep within her heart for thousands of years.

For centuries, she had moved forward, adapting to her new existence, and finding solace in her duty as a Zanpakuto spirit. But beneath her composed exterior, a part of her had always yearned for the day when she could be reunited with her true sister—the one who shared not only her powers but her very essence. And now, that day had finally come.

Shirayuki once harbored a deep-seated resentment toward Shinigami. The actions of Central 46, their manipulation, and their betrayal had fueled her anger and bitterness. She couldn't help but associate all Shinigami with the injustice she and her sister had suffered. In her eyes, they were all part of the system that had torn her away from her beloved sibling.

However, as centuries passed, she came to realize that not all Shinigami shared the same malevolent intentions. She encountered Shinigami who showed kindness, compassion, and a genuine desire to protect the living world. Slowly but surely, her perception began to shift. She understood that the actions of a few did not define the entirety of the Shinigami race.

Shirayuki learned that, like any group, Shinigami were diverse, each with their own motivations and beliefs. She found solace in the knowledge that there were individuals among them who possessed good hearts and noble intentions. It was a realization that allowed her to let go of her all-encompassing hatred, making room for understanding and the possibility of reconciliation.

Shirayuki turned her gaze toward Yun Che, her eyes bright and warm. "Now, I have been reincarnated into you, Milord. Your kindness and actions remind me of Nee-sama from long ago. Yet, when I saw that Nee-sama had also been reborn within you, I realized how much I owed you. Thank you, Milord, for bringing Nee-sama back to me."

Yun Che responded with determination in his eyes. "It's alright, Shirayuki. The natures of Shinigami and humans are intertwined in many ways. As long as I'm alive, I will never let you two be separated again. Mark my words."

Hyourinmaru's gaze softened as she expressed her gratitude. "Thank you for bringing me back, Milord. This ice dragon now owes you her life."

She continued, "Ahh, Hyourinmaru. That's my new name from now on. This ice dragon will protect you and your family. In gratitude for reuniting me with my sister, I entrust my name to you."

Yun Che contemplated for a moment before offering, "You know, Hyourinmaru is quite a mouthful for casual conversation. How about I give you a nickname, something easier for me to address you by?"

Shirayuki's eyes widened in surprise. "A nickname?"

Yun Che nodded, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Yes, every spirit here has one. Except for Shirayuki, because her name is already perfect." As he uttered these words, a rosy blush painted Shirayuki's face. She bashfully buried her face into her sister's chest. Observing this, Hyourinmaru let out a soft sigh. She couldn't help but ponder on the bond forming between her younger sister and their master. What did he possess that captured her sister's heart so deeply?

After pondering for a moment, Yun Che declared, "Then it's settled. If your sister is Shirayuki, I'll nickname you Kuroyuki. It's fitting for the snow sisters."

Hyourinmaru, or Kuroyuki as she was now affectionately termed, nodded in acceptance. "Kuroyuki it is then. I'm eager to understand the bond between you and my sister." There was an undercurrent of curiosity in her voice, hinting at her desire to know more about the enigmatic bond between them.

"Why don't you two spend some time catching up? I need to return to the real world. When you're ready, we can begin training." Yun Che stated, knowing the importance of giving the sisters their space. Plus, there was an urgency nagging at the back of his mind, a lingering worry about the real world.

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[Ding… Hyourinmaru and Sode No Shirayuki have merged back into a twin-spirit ice and snow type Zanpakuto. Host can now wield both Zanpakutos simultaneously. Hyourinmaru can use Shirayuki's world as her own world from now on.]

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As Yun Che prepared to return to the real world, he couldn't help but smile as he observed his other spirits eagerly gathering around Kuroyuki. They began introducing themselves to her, each one brimming with enthusiasm. It was a heartwarming sight to witness his extended family growing and bonding in his inner world.

As he walked on, he spotted Kon, the lion plushy, perched on a rock, his tiny form shaking with emotion.

"You're shedding tears?" Yun Che teased.

With a huff, Kon wiped his tears away defiantly. "Of course not! Lions never cry."

Yun Che chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Alright, brave lion. Let's head back before Jasmine decides to give us an earful."

Kon groaned, "Do I have to? I was just starting to enjoy myself here." There was a playful whine in his voice, even as his plushy feet moved to follow Yun Che.

Yun Che fought back a laugh when he witnessed Kon being chased by the playful Phoenix, Mizu, and Kaze. "Unless you want to end up being chewed by the Phoenix again," he teased, knowing how their spirited interactions could get.

Kon vividly recalled his recent escapade and quickly hopped onto Yun Che's shoulders. "Let's not waste any time, buddy. What are you waiting for?"

"Alright, alright," Yun Che chuckled, indulging the lion plushy. "Jinzen, log out." With those words, he gradually faded from the inner world. Kuroyuki watched him disappear.

As Kuroyuki observed Yun Che's departure from the inner world, her thoughts began to drift. She couldn't help but reflect on the man who had unexpectedly entered her life. It was not merely curiosity that piqued her interest; something deeper was at play.

She found herself drawn to his kindness, his unwavering determination to reunite her with Shirayuki, and his willingness to create a space where they could be together. Even though she had only just met him in this new form, she felt a stirring within her that went beyond her usual spirit instincts. It was an emotion, a profound attraction, that a spirit like her wasn't supposed to feel.

Kuroyuki couldn't deny the burgeoning connection she felt toward their enigmatic master. In the depths of her being, she knew that her journey alongside Yun Che was bound to be filled with surprises and, perhaps, the blossoming of feelings that defied the boundaries of their existence. The world of spirits and humans had always been one of mysteries, and now, she was about to embark on an entirely new kind of adventure—one that involved not only protecting her master but also discovering the complexities of her own heart.

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Returning to the arena, Yun Che and Kon found Jasmine deep in conversation with the spirit. It was evident that she was genuinely curious about the purpose of the trial.

Jasmine's gaze shifted to them as they reappeared. "Oh, you're back?"

Yun Che began recounting the events that had unfolded in his inner world, leaving Jasmine visibly shocked. The tale of his expanding inner world, the divine water lake, the phoenix's rebirth, and the addition of Kuroyuki were all met with astonishment. She resolved to introduce herself to the phoenix spirit when she next entered the inner world.

Regarding the manor in his inner world, Jasmine remarked, "Looks like I'll finally be able to sleep on a proper bed this time. I was going to ask you to build me one, but forget about it."

He chuckled and patted her head, which earned him a rare warm look from her. "Well, at least everything is now over, and I can focus back on cultivating again." Jasmine was gradually opening up to him, and he noticed her annoyance had diminished over time.

Thinking that everything was now complete, Yun Che turned his attention back to the spirit. "Hey, Phoenix Spirit. The trial is now done. Can you send me back to the real world?"

The spirit pondered for a moment before replying, "It's impossible."

Yun Che furrowed his brow. "Impossible? Why?"

"Only failures are ejected immediately to the real world. Since you passed the test, you are given the time to cultivate for a month. Even if you were to master the arts instantly, you still have to stay here for a month," explained the phoenix spirit, sealing his way out for the time being.

"Damn it, I'm stuck here for a month? Great… perks for being too OP," Yun Che sighed, his mind already racing with thoughts.

Jasmine finished her questions and settled down beside him. "So, what are we going to do for a month?"

Yun Che paused, his mind racing with possibilities. Ever since he had unlocked the Phoenix flames, he had been harboring a few ideas and moves to utilize this newfound power. Furthermore, with the ability to cultivate techniques from various anime he had watched, he realized that he could upgrade his Black Leg Fighting style significantly.

But there was another matter that he hadn't delved into yet – the development of his Haki. This mysterious power had piqued his interest, and a month's time in this realm could provide him with the necessary space and focus to cultivate it.

As a mischievous glint lit up his eyes, he said, "Let me think... We could..."

Suddenly, his gaze shifted to Kon, who felt a sense of impending doom wash over him. An uncomfortable sensation settled in the pit of his plushy lion stomach.

Still staring at Kon, Yun Che continued, "Hey, Phoenix Spirit, can you conjure weaker opponents in here?"

The phoenix spirit's fiery eyes widened in curiosity. "I could conjure some for you. What do you need them for?"

Yun Che directed his question to Jasmine, and together, they cast sinister smiles in Kon's direction. He could feel their gazes bearing down on him, and a sense of dread gripped his plushy heart.

Panicking, Kon shouted as he was chased by Yun Che, "What do you both want with me? No... no... I won't do anything funny anymore. No!!!" His panicked cries marked the beginning of a month-long lion training regimen that would prove to be quite the ordeal.