Chương 156: Chapter 155: The Execution

In the heart of the Blue Wind Imperial City, an oppressive stillness hangs in the air as the entire city braces for an impending execution. The once vibrant streets now echo with an eerie silence, guarded by vigilant soldiers patrolling the deserted avenues. Shops, once bustling with life, remain tightly shuttered. Within the grandeur of the imperial palace, officials move with solemn determination, meticulously preparing for the unfolding spectacle. The usual opulence of the palace is overshadowed by somber tones, casting a pall over the city draped in a collective sense of foreboding, anticipating the impending event.

High above the clouds, Yun Che scans the Imperial City with his Sharingan, perched atop a hovering white eagle flanked by his companions, ensuring the safety of the area. Having traversed non-stop for almost an hour, they arrive with just another hour before the scheduled execution. However, martial law has been enforced, evident in the soldiers patrolling the streets, a measure taken presumably to quell any uprising in support of the former emperor's restoration. Yun Che breaks the silence, stating, "It appears the city is under lockdown."

"Why the heightened security just for an execution?" Retsu questions, her Eagle Vision scanning the area, joined by Mio and Cang Yue. The latter, however, is taken aback, noticing the soldiers exhibiting a red intent, marking them as hostile toward her. The soldiers have fallen victim to her brother's manipulation.

"Probably to prevent a civil war between the former and current emperors' supporters. Moreover, I could assume they are looking for Little Yue," Yun Che remarks, noting the red intent, signifying hostility towards anyone allied with Cang Yue.

"Little Yue? Why?" Retsu inquires.

"I'll let her tell you that part," Yun Che responds, turning towards Cang Yue, whose expression turns solemn.

"I refused to support any one of my brothers for the throne. We don't even have the same mother. I was just a daughter from a different mother. A commoner mother," Cang Yue reveals, dropping a bombshell that leaves the group wide-eyed. Cang Yue, carrying royal blood but tainted by her mother's commoner lineage, is scorned by her brothers, who arrogantly label themselves purebloods.

"Father has three wives, and I am the only one born from the third wife. The name Lan Xueruo was given to me by my mother in honor of being born to her. It meant pureness from the corruption, and she hoped that I grew up away from such things. Cang Yue was my imperial name given to me by my father," Cang Yue begins narrating her story. According to her, the first and second wives were married to her father by influential families as mere tools to bear him children. It was a contracted marriage with no feelings involved. While they gave him six sons, none of them felt any familial bond or love between spouses.

"After Mother passed away, I was treated like an outcast by my stepmothers. All I wanted was their love and support, but all they gave me was scorn and disdain. To them, I was just a mere breeding tool for advantageous marriages. They even tried to marry me off to please the four sects. It was the main reason I ran from the Imperial Palace. I am the daughter of a commoner wife, after all. Mother had no influential background or backbone, so they hated anyone with a status below them. I am no different." Yun Che's group grits their teeth, realizing the pain Cang Yue endured coming from a broken imperial family—powerful but broken. Then, they recall her given name, Lan Xueruo.

"Should we call you Lan Xueruo? It is your late mother's given name, after all," Yun Che asks.

Cang Yue smiles before responding, "I've decided to accept who I am. I can't change that. That is for sure. Cang Yue was given to me by my father, the only parent I have left and the only one who loves me. While my brothers corrupted themselves in worldly pleasures, I remained neutral, only wishing for his health to prosper. I might be Lan Xueruo, as my mother wanted me, but I am always Cang Yue. Besides, Mio calls me Yue'er, Yun Che and Retsu call me Little Yue, and Kon calls me Yue nee-san. Everyone loves my name and I won't change that."

"In other words, he might look for me, as my elder brother probably wanted to whore me out to the Xiao Clan to gain their support, and him being emperor means I have no say in this. Once father passed on, I will have to obey him, or death will follow soon." Cang Yue spoke as she trembled, but her worries were soon calmed as she was held in a group hug from both Mio and Retsu.

"You know that won't happen as long as I am here," Yun Che spoke, his determination etched on his face as he looked into Cang Yue's eyes. He promised not to let her feel abandoned and vowed to treat them all fairly.

"We won't let them take you, Yue'er. I'll destroy this whole place if I have to," Mio declared with fierce determination, her eyes ablaze with a protective fire.

"Onee-san will protect you. Count on it," Retsu smiled, her confidence shining through like a beacon of reassurance.

"Kon-sama as well. Nee-san," Kon declared, joining the chorus of assurances with unwavering loyalty.

"Thank you, everyone. It kind of made me feel better," Cang Yue spoke, tears falling from her eyes. Her father might be the blood family she has in this world, but she didn't forget the family she forged in her adventures: Yun Che, Retsu, Mio, Kon, Lin Xin, Xueli, and the Feng Family from back then, not to mention Chu Yuechan, who treated her as a blood sister as well. She had a family all this time.

"But, there is one question I need an answer to," Yun Che wondered, then continued, "You don't trust your political rivals easily."

"Yun Che, I don't understand," Cang Yue was confused.

"Look, your older half-brother easily ascended to the throne by seizing former Cang Shuo's power easily. He gained the support of all your half-brothers and staged a coup in a single night. It doesn't make sense if he was able to gather those powers in a short time unless…" Yun Che spoke, before revealing, "Unless both of them decided to work together against your father."

Cang Yue was entirely speechless, but she understood what he meant. The powers Cang Shuo gained somehow easily supported her half-first brother, and with it, he easily ascended. So, working together might be the only way he could have achieved this.

"Think about it, Cang Shuo probably accompanied Fen Juecheng back then to gain his support and tried to sell you out. It means he wanted to work together with Cang Lin to overthrow your father and fight for the throne later. However, I killed Cang Shuo back then, causing his influence to fall to your older brother, and he ascended to the throne easily after gathering those powers under one single banner. It means should either one of them perish, the other party's influence should fall to the other," Yun Che concluded.

"However… from the data gained from my world, none of the brothers trusted each other, so…" Yun Che wondered before his mind suddenly remembered something. It might be a chance, but it was still a chance. A chance that Cang Shuo himself might still hold the evidence they need. Since he's dead, there might be something useful he still had and always kept close to him.

"Little Yue, do you still have Cang Shuo's spatial ring? We might be able to find something in there," Yun Che asked, and Cang Yue procured the ring of her dead half-brother.

Seeing the ring on her hand, Yun Che asked Cang Yue, "Have you checked it?"

She shook her head as she replied, "No, he's already passed on. I was planning to make a small grave and bury this without disturbing its contents. I was trying to honor him despite what he did to me."

Yun Che smiled before he kissed her forehead. "You really are pure snow, Little Yue. Looks like the name Lan Xueruo suits you well." The princess blushed as Yun Che took the ring and had Little White land somewhere far so they could examine the contents of the spatial ring.

Finding a place overlooking the city from afar, they landed on a mountainside before Yun Che spilled the contents of the ring. There were weapons, cultivation arts, armor, a massive amount of money, and stacks of piled documents. Determined to find evidence, they went through the letters and documents and shock came across Yun Che and Cang Yue's expressions. Running a system scan on the documents, Yun Che reached a conclusion.

"These documents… it's a forgery. Your father was indeed framed. Thank goodness you kept the ring." The rest of his party were shocked as they read each and every one of the documents within Cang Shuo's ring. The forged letters along with the emperor's seal were the fake proof they needed to accuse him of treachery. No wonder they could ascend to the throne without any resistance. Now, they wanted to kill Cang Wanhe before someone could dig up the truth. Even if someone could, Cang Lin now has the power.

"How barbaric," Retsu commented, expressing her disdain for those willing to forge lies to gain power.

"If we do this, I wish to string that fake emperor with my threats," Mio spoke, unaware that the fake emperor is Cang Yue's own brother. When she realized it, she was afraid that Cang Yue might take offense at her remark. "No offense, Yue'er."

Cang Yue just shook her head. "No, really… that man is not my brother the moment he betrayed our… I mean, my father."

Yun Che began to scan the letters using his Sharingan to skim them and gather information. Basically, the letters contained fake descriptions of the emperor wishing to sell the Empire to the so-called Dragon Empire. It looked legal, but it was all fake—fake enough to overthrow a sick emperor. Cang Lin had a copy of his own and used it to ascend. As each of them read the documents, Cang Yue was determined to present these fake documents to prove her father's innocence, but there was no proof of Cang Lin and Cang Shuo's treachery.

Then, Yun Che's eyes caught something amidst the documents. "A Profound Imagery Stone? Why is this one here, and it looks like it's filled with something."

"This is…." As soon as the Profound Imagery Stone displayed its content, the rest of them widened their eyes. Someone kept a backup plan should his plans be thwarted. Seeing the images, Cang Yue refused to believe her first and third brother had planned this betrayal.

Yun Che made his conclusion. "I knew it, Cang Shuo didn't trust your first brother at all and decided to record this to use it against him once they overturned your father. With it, taking the throne for himself and killing your brother as the traitor."

Then, he smirked as he spoke of Cang Shuo's deed. "Looks like your brother might have redeemed something for himself, whether he wants to or not."

Restoring the recordings back into the stone, Yun Che handed it towards Cang Yue. "This is it, Little Yue. This might be the thing we need to restore your father's reputation and prevent his execution."

Now, they might actually have a plan to prevent his death. With it, the rest of his girls began preparing themselves as they were now going to make enemies of an entire faction. "The city's under lockdown; we need to get to your father fast and show this to the people. This could easily change the opinion of the people towards him."

Seeing the system timer, they only had half an hour left. Yun Che immediately hastened. "We need to get to him fast."

"What's our next move, Yuu-kun?" Retsu inquired as they huddled together to strategize.

Yun Che began outlining his initial plan, offering a word of caution to Cang Yue. "Little Yue, we have to be stealthy and make our way to the Imperial City's Square. If you show yourself right now, he will move in for the capture, and should you resist, he will kill your father. We have to make it to the square and show the Profound Imagery Stone to the rest of the city."

"Why not show them right now?" Kon suggested.

"And risk them killing Little Yue's father? We show them after we rescue him. Cang Lin doesn't need to know about the dirt we carry to bring him down," Yun Che remarked before pulling out the Apple of Eden. He planned to use the apple to enhance the Profound Imagery Stone to display not only the square but the entire city.

He continued, "Once inside, we need to split up. Kon, you will travel with Little Yue. The rest of us will separate and approach the square from all angles. Once everything's ready, execute the plan."

"Hai..." All of them nodded, and Cang Yue found renewed determination to save her father and quell this rebellion.

"Don't worry, Little Yue. We'll rescue your father. Put your faith in us." Yun Che activated the invisibility function of the Apple of Eden, allowing them to enter the city undetected. As long as they stayed together, they wouldn't break the invisibility spell.

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Inside the palace, an air of tension clung to the seven imperial protectors surrounding Cang Lin as they slowly advanced towards the execution area. The atmosphere among them was strained, and one of the protectors, a woman named Xiu Ling, displayed a subtle expression of contempt, different from the rest of her male comrades. She wore a martial robe in regal red and gold, emphasizing her role as a guardian. She exuded a mature aura, her cultivation at the Initial Sky Profound Realm marking her as one of the elite protectors.

Xiu Ling, the only woman among the Imperial Protectors of the royal family, possessed a timeless beauty that commanded attention within the Imperial Palace. Her dark hair cascaded down her shoulders until her waist, framing a face adorned with eyes as deep as the night sky. With an ample bosom and a mature figure that exuded grace, her allure was heightened by an elegance that mirrored the disciples of the esteemed Frozen Cloud Asgard. Originating from the prestigious Heavenly Sword Villa, Xiu Ling, along with her fellow Imperial Protectors, stood as vigilant guardians of the Imperial Family, her beauty a testament to both strength and refinement.

Unlike other protectors who favored contracts, Xiu Ling willingly served the Royal Family. Instead of becoming a spy for the Heavenly Sword Villa like some protectors, she cherished her role as the Imperial Protector, especially when assigned to safeguard the emperor's only daughter. Believing in the emperor's goodness, witnessing him on the verge of execution shook her loyalty and sparked internal conflict as she questioned the justice of his fate.

"Xiu Ling?" questioned one of her comrades.

"This isn't right. We are executing our former emperor. I somehow knew that this isn't right," Xiu Ling replied, her doubt evident in her words.

"What choice do we have? The evidence is right in front of us. I don't know what to believe anymore," spoke one of her male comrades, reflecting the internal conflict within the group.

Xiu Ling bowed her head in silent contemplation, grappling with mixed feelings about the treatment of the emperor. While she hadn't joined the coup, she had followed Cang Lin's orders, even participating in the suppression of the Blue Wind Profound Palace. Her expression reflected more than contempt; it carried a sense of refusal.

As the luxurious carriage, escorted by imperial protectors, arrived alongside another carriage, an old man in chains was pulled out. The group then ascended the stairs onto the execution tower. The Imperial Army held the crowd at bay, preventing supporters of Cang Wanhe from entering the execution area. Cang Yue, witnessing this from a distance, appreciated the loyalty of those who still believed in her father's innocence.

The unfolding scene set the stage for a confrontation between loyalty and doubt, with Xiu Ling torn between her duty and a growing sense that something was amiss.

Yun Che's party navigated the rooftops, maintaining a coordinated route to avoid breaking their invisibility. The approach allowed them to bypass prying eyes, ensuring a discreet journey towards the city square. Meanwhile, the square itself buzzed with activity as people and soldiers gathered to witness the impending execution of the former emperor.

The vastness of the city became apparent, with a nearly thirty-kilometer distance from the main gate to the square. Cang Yue hitched a ride with Retsu, soaring through the skies to reach the square in record time. As they arrived, they observed the growing crowd, including influential families occupying specially designated seats.

"This… what do they think is this? A show?" Mio, unimpressed by the morbid spectacle, remarked on the crowd treating the execution like a show.

"How barbaric…" Retsu voiced her disdain, aligning with Mio's sentiments.

"Oi..oi… Do these people really believe those fake documents? Are they going to kill the old man for this?" Kon's voice emanated from beneath Yun Che's cloak.

"I don't know. In this world, people believe almost anything," Yun Che replied. The harsh reality was that strength and power played a pivotal role. The strongest dictated the law, while the weak endured oppression – a common scenario even in his own world.

Cang Yue's fists clenched as she spotted Cang Lin at the center, surrounded by her so-called brothers. The emptiness of the third seat, once occupied by the late Cang Shuo, reinforced the disconnection she felt with her siblings. The unity of her brothers against their father shattered any lingering familial sentiment, and Cang Yue no longer considered them as such.

Yun Che sighed, recognizing the grim reality that death as entertainment persisted even in this world. The disturbing fact was that some people in the kingdom supported the execution, highlighting Cang Lin's backing among certain factions.

Cang Wanhe, led to the top of the execution tower, reflected on his reign over the Blue Wind Empire. Despite his efforts, the appreciation he sought never materialized. Tears welled in his eyes as he considered his fate and worried about Cang Yue's future.

"Is this my fate? What will happen to Yue'er?" Cang Wanhe pondered, his heart heavy with sorrow. As he was forced to his knees, his gaze turned to the skies, questioning the uncertain path that lay ahead.

"Father…" Cang Yue, witnessing her once-respected father in his current state, struggled to accept the harsh reality. His weakened appearance, coupled with the injuries inflicted upon him, struck a painful chord in her heart. The once-adored emperor, now treated with disdain, compelled Cang Yue to yearn for a way to leap to his rescue.

Then, Cang Yue decided to take matters into her own hands. Despite Yun Che holding her back, she gently removed his hand, a determined smile on her face. "Yun Che, I'm sorry... I can't bear it any longer," she whispered. Her intention was clear – she would reveal herself to clear her father's name. Even Retsu and Mio failed to grasp her plan.

"No!" Yun Che's silent plea echoed, but Cang Yue leaped from the roof, dispelling the invisibility cloak that concealed her. The sight of the princess caused a ripple of recognition through the crowd.

"Isn't that…" Someone in the crowd voiced recognition, and soon the realization spread like wildfire. People began to give her space, treating her presence like that of a swan gracing them with her appearance. Cang Yue's beauty was renowned throughout the Blue Wind Empire, and now, in the midst of the crowd, her identity became unmistakable.

"It's her!" The crowd erupted into shouts, and all eyes converged on her. Cang Yue, aware of the attention, no longer cared about maintaining her anonymity. Armed with the truth, she faced her elder brother with newfound courage.

"That's Princess Cang Yue!" The crowd erupted into shouts, and instantly, all eyes were fixed on her.

"She returned? Is she here to witness the traitor's execution?"

"Yue'er… Why… Why did you return? You were safe over there…" Cang Wanhe gritted his teeth, torn between joy and worry. Seeing his daughter here meant she was putting herself in danger, but a glimmer of relief crossed his eyes, knowing she still cared for him. His late wife's wish for their daughter to grow up away from the chaos and corruption seemed to have been in vain.

"Yue'er… Why … at a time like this?" As Xue Ling, the imperial protector, beheld Cang Yue's unexpected return, conflicting emotions surged within her. Clad in her red and gold martial robes, Xue Ling struggled to reconcile her duty as the imperial protector with the solemn promise she had made to protect Cang Yue.

A myriad of thoughts raced through Xue Ling's mind as she observed the princess's arrival. A surge of loyalty and the weight of sworn allegiance clashed with the personal vow she had made to the third queen shield Cang Yue from harm.

Eyes from all directions were onto Cang Yue as Yun Che and the others remained hidden, using the apple's invisibility function. They weren't ready to reveal themselves yet unless Cang Yue came to harm. If she was willing to do this, then she probably knew what she was doing and she can protect herself should things go south. Nodding to the others, they proceeded to get close to the execution tower. Instead of receiving gazes of gratitude for her return, the rest of her imperial brothers continued to look at her with scorn and disdain, treating her like filth.

Cang Lin, seated at the center, instantly spoke with an enhanced voice. "The imperial sister has returned. A lot has happened since you were gone. Our father is a traitor to the empire, and I am now the emperor of the Blue Wind Empire. Now, come to us, little sister. Today marks the new era of the Cang Family."

As Cang Yue heard such claims, her gaze was filled with disgust. They were nothing but a bunch of hypocrites and liars, willing to watch their father be executed based on mere lies. Cang Yue gritted her teeth and spoke, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Lies…"

"Sister…?" Cang Lin somehow knew his sister wouldn't accept his accusations easily. No matter, he meant to agitate her anyway.

"Bunch of lies!!!" Cang Yue shouted, her voice enhanced with her Haki and profound energy.

"You dare accuse father of such things?! Deep down, you know father didn't do any of those things. You wanted the throne because father refused to choose you! Or the third brother!"

As the exchange between Cang Lin and Cang Yue escalated, the people started to doubt her. All of the royal family supported her brother while the princess remained with her father. He was clearly the traitor of the empire, and the princess supported him? The loyalists among the people took this time to remove any traces of the old emperor, even if they had to betray the princess.

"The princess is a traitor!" Cang Lin's loyalists began accusing her, and more followed. Cang Lin smirked, intending to kill two birds with one stone today – his father and slowly defame his own sister.

"She is not!! The former emperor is not a traitor!" Some of the people began shouting in her defense. The square turned into a chaotic sea of conflicting voices, torn between loyalty to the new emperor and the desperate plea of a princess trying to save her father.

As tensions heightened within the Imperial City's square, a profound struggle unfolded between the loyalists of the current emperor, Cang Lin, and those supporting the ousted former emperor, Cang Wanhe, who happened to be Cang Yue's father. Caught in the crossfire, Cang Yue found herself in the unenviable position of being torn between familial ties and the political chaos that gripped the empire.

"You stand with a traitor!" shouted a Cang Lin supporter, his voice filled with disdain, as he confronted a loyalist of Cang Wanhe. "The true emperor is Cang Lin, and you're blind not to see it!"

A loyalist of Cang Wanhe retorted, "Cang Lin may have the throne, but he has deceived many. her father was a true ruler, and we won't abandon the true ruler of the Blue Wind Empire."

Cang Yue, somewhat shocked that there were those who still supported her father despite being influenced by her conniving first brother, decided to take a stance. Protected by the people around her, she drew Shisui and Shusui, launching attacks at the soldiers blocking her. Her strikes were precise and meant to incapacitate rather than kill, as she was wary of the impact it could have on public opinion.

As the conflict within the Blue Wind Empire escalated, Cang Yue, torn by the turmoil surrounding her father's impending execution, opted for a different approach. Unwilling to resort to lethal methods that might tarnish her reputation and the legacy of her family, she sought to carve a path through the soldiers, aiming to get closer to the execution tower where Yun Che and the others could potentially intervene.

"Your struggle is useless, sister. The traitor is going to die today whether you like it or not. He is willing to sell this empire and even plans for the other empire to an invasion to this city. Why can't you just see that?" Cang Lin taunted, attempting to sway public opinion against Cang Yue.

"Lies, you and third brother planned this!" Cang Yue shouted, her voice carrying across the chaotic square. Some of the loyalists began to call her out as a traitor, while others passionately defended her. The neutral bystanders, caught in the crossfire, had no idea whom to believe, and the soldiers found themselves struggling to maintain order as tensions flared among the crowd.

"Feast your eyes, Imperial sister. The father you respected is nothing more than a traitor." Cang Lin's proclamation echoed across the space, reaching Cang Yue and everyone present.

"He is not! You framed him so you can take the throne!" Cang Yue's retort cut through the tension, challenging her brother's deceit.

"Where is your proof then? It matters not. The future is now, Imperial sister. I am destined to rule, whether you like it or not! If you're not, well… hanging might be suitable to end you." Cang Lin's smirk conveyed a cruel certainty as soldiers closed in around Cang Yue. Yun Che and the others stood guard nearby, ready to reveal themselves. Despite preparing to engage the soldiers, they hesitated, unwilling to tarnish Cang Yue's reputation now that her identity was exposed.

"Please… first brother… I'll listen.. I'll obey… just stop this…" Cang Yue's desperate plea echoed, a last-ditch effort to appeal to her brother's humanity.

"If the future won't convince you. Then, I will just show you!" Cang Lin's arrogance fueled his determination.

"Please…. Stop this…" She pleaded once more, her voice a desperate plea for mercy.

"Hmph, do it!" Consumed by his own ambition, Cang Lin, unaffected by his sister's pleas, gave the cold order to the executioner. The executioners positioned themselves beside Cang Wanhe, their blades descending towards his vulnerable neck.

"I am sorry, Yue'er." Cang Wanhe's soft voice, picked up by Cang Yue's Haki, conveyed both regret and a father's love as the dreadful moment approached.

"Father!!" Cang Yue's desperate cry echoed, and in an instant, she dropped all her swords, collapsing on her knees, her will to fight shattered.

"Please… just stop…" Cang Yue pleaded, pouring her heart into the plea.

As the execution loomed, Yun Che shouted to his companions. "Retsu! Mio! Kon! It's now or never!

"Little Yue, snap out of it!" Retsu implored her sister, finding her lost in the depths of despair.

"Please…. Please…" Cang Yue continued to wrestle with her anguish.

"Kon, protect her!" Yun Che commanded before accelerating towards the execution tower. Retsu and Mio teleported to the right and left, leaping towards the tower. They trusted Kon will be able to protect Cang Yue. The crowd below comprised many innocent people, limiting the use of powerful attacks.

"Aye, sir!" Kon declared before possessing one of the soldiers, creating a protective shield around Cang Yue.

"Capture her!" The soldiers closed in, prompting Kon to take a defensive stance, using the possessed soldier as a barrier.

"Nee-san! Run, I'll hold these bumps back!" Kon shouted, delivering powerful kicks to the soldiers with his possessed legs.

"Stop this…." Cang Yue, still paralyzed with despair, couldn't shift her eyes away as the executioners' blades inched closer to her father's neck.

"Stop resisting, princess. We are under orders to capture you." The soldiers warned, only to face a formidable kick from Kon.

"Stay away from her!" Kon's defiant shout echoed.

"Traitor! Kill him!" The army commander ordered Kon's execution, but his agile movements deftly avoided any incoming attacks.

Despite all this, Cang Yue remained submerged in despair as her mind reached a breaking point. The blades were poised to claim her father's life, and in her tortured state, something within her snapped.

Then, she released a blood-curling scream.

"STOP THIS!!!!"

Cang Yue's scream reverberated through the air as an unconscious burst of Conqueror's Haki emanated from her, shattering the surroundings. The shockwave was so potent that it almost enveloped the entire Imperial City.

The outburst instantly forced the executioners to pass out, miraculously ignoring Cang Wanhe as the aura somehow passed around him, leaving him unharmed.

As the aura enveloped Cang Lin, he was overwhelmed with fear, falling to the ground with trembling legs. The aura felt akin to a heavenly king, and he was nothing more than an ant beneath its imposing presence. The might of a formidable ruler, and his source of fear somehow came from the commoner sister he had just ridiculed.

As for the rest of her brothers, they immediately succumbed to Cang Yue's overwhelming Haki, collapsing to the ground as they proved unable to withstand the sheer force of her spiritual energy. Their lower cultivation levels left them defenseless against the potent influence of her Haki.

"What is this power? It's oppressive," one of the imperial protectors strained to say as they resisted the force of the overwhelming aura.

The aura washed over the imperial protectors, and while it didn't render them unconscious, they keenly felt the weight of its dominating presence. Xiu Ling, on the other hand, was the most astonished. The seemingly gentle princess she had been protecting had unleashed an aura reminiscent of a ruling monarch. Even with her higher cultivation, she sensed the potency of Cang Yue's power—a force capable of subduing even someone of Xiu Ling's strength.

"Yue'er… What has happened to you?" Xiu Ling questioned, her voice tinged with both concern and awe as she observed the unprecedented transformation in the once meek princess. The mystery of Cang Yue's newfound strength hung in the air, leaving everyone around her in awe and uncertainty.

Xiao Sect elders and sect masters, alongside the Burning Heaven Clan, immediately rose from their seats, having felt this kind of power before. Although their levels were higher than hers, and they were not as affected, their lower-ranking members lost consciousness as the burst passed over them.

"This power… it's the same as his presence."

"The Imperial Princess is the wielder of that technique?!" The sect masters of the Xiao Clan and Burning Heaven Clan widened their eyes as they felt the overwhelming aura reminiscent of Dracule Mihawk back at the tomb of the Moon Empress. Now, someone else possessed a similarly formidable presence. Despite her lower cultivation level compared to theirs, the intensity of her aura hinted at a cultivated technique.

A technique so potent that it compelled everyone to lose consciousness through sheer force of will alone.

"We must obtain it. We must…!" These were the greedy thoughts running through their minds as they schemed to acquire that technique from Cang Yue. They couldn't approach her right now, to avoid being caught in the civil war within the Imperial Family. Still, that didn't mean they wouldn't try to obtain her through legal means.

Yun Che, Mio, Retsu, and Kon immediately halted in their tracks as Cang Yue's Haoshoku No Haki outburst was felt by them. Although it didn't affect them directly, the power unleashed by the novice in such a technique was considerable, reminiscent of Luffy's outburst in Marineford, where his emotional response triggered a powerful burst. This time, Cang Yue's emotional outburst affected her Haoshoku No Haki.

Below, the soldiers surrounding Cang Yue instantly lost consciousness, collapsing to the ground alongside innocent bystanders and people gathered to witness the execution. Her outburst didn't discriminate; it affected anyone within the blast area. Whether loyal soldiers, supporters, or innocent bystanders, all fell victim to the unconsciousness-inducing power of her burst. As the people around her succumbed to the sudden sleep, a few unaffected bystanders wondered why most of the spectators had suddenly passed out. The burst was powerful but seemed random in terms of its targets. The scene left a lasting impression on those who remained conscious, witnessing many people collapsing simultaneously.

However, those closest to Cang Yue felt the outburst the most, experiencing the strongest effects of the blast. Yun Che predicted that those nearest to her would remain unconscious for at least a few days to a week. The burst wasn't potent enough to be lethal; otherwise, Cang Yue might have accidentally killed those around her. The intriguing aspect of Haoshoku No Haki was that only those who could see and feel it understood that it had been used, and they could witness the burst attack. For those who couldn't see it, they merely wondered how the people suddenly fell unconscious. No one knew it was Cang Yue who had released it, except for Yun Che and his companions, along with the sect masters who recognized the power.

As the aftermath of the outburst settled down, Cang Yue found herself surrounded by unconscious bodies of people and soldiers. She, too, fell to her knees as the mental toll of such a outburst overwhelmed her. Unmindful of those around her, she slowly stood up, walking at a turtle's pace towards her father high above the platform. Her eyes were lifeless, but her burning will to save him remained undiminished.

"Father…" Cang Yue muttered as she pressed forward, her steps slow and resolute despite the throbbing pain in her head.

"Yue'er… Just stop, let them handle it. The pain in your head is too much," Yuyun urged within her inner world.

"I can't…. I have …..to ….. save him," Cang Yue insisted, her voice determined even as her eyes seemed to lose their will.

"You leave me no choice, forgive me, Yue'er," Yuyun muttered, making a tough decision. She forcefully disconnected Cang Yue's consciousness, shutting her down to prevent further damage to her mind. Despite Cang Yue's reluctance, Yuyun trusted Yun Che to handle the situation and save her father. Now, she turned her attention to repairing the damage caused to Cang Yue's mind by the Haoshoku outburst. Yuyun vividly remembered the pain she endured during her own Haoshoku No Haki awakening; releasing an outburst that covered the entire city would have been an excruciating experience.

Then again, Yuyun was proud of Cang Yue at the same time as the didn't expect the fragile girl has such a powerful willpower.

As Cang Yue passed out, her swords dropped, and Kon immediately rushed to support her collapsing form. He carefully cradled her, and the dropped swords instantly retracted into her inner world.

"Nee-san!" Kon called out in concern as he held her, realizing the toll the outburst had taken on her.

Kon swiftly retrieved a vial of Divine Water from his inventory and carefully poured it into Cang Yue's mouth. The soothing elixir was meant to alleviate the mental pain she had endured, preventing it from lingering for an extended period. The healing process had begun, but the road to recovery might take a while.

Amidst the chaos, Kon found himself surrounded by the conscious soldiers, their cultivation at the Earth Profound Realm. Prepared to defend Cang Yue, he adopted a defensive stance, but to his surprise, the soldiers formed a protective guard around her.

"What do you want?" Kon growled, eyeing the soldiers warily.

"Please let us protect her. We are the former emperor's guards. We will ensure her safety. Please trust us," one of the soldiers spoke. Kon, using his Eagle Vision, scanned them, discovering that their intent was marked in blue – a sign of sincerity and non-hostile. Convinced by their genuine allegiance, Kon nodded, leaving Cang Yue in the care of these loyal soldiers while he focused on protecting both her and the guards.

His attention shifted to those with conscious soldiers with red intent, ready to discern lies. Kon became determined to safeguard Cang Yue, targeting soldiers who tried to deceive their way through. As he confronted the liars, they protested, but Kon remained resolute in exposing their true allegiance.

"Protect the Imperial Princess. Don't let anything happen to her!" The loyal soldiers formed a protective formation around Cang Yue, showing unwavering loyalty to her and her father.

Cang Lin, struggling to comprehend the sudden turn of events, slowly rose and approached his father, drawing his blade intending to finish the job.

"Kill her!" Cang Lin shouted, commanding his high-ranking soldiers to move against Cang Yue. However, Kon unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks.

"Stay away from Nee-san!" Kon declared, his swift and powerful kicks landing with precision. Committed to sparing both soldiers and civilians, he refrained from using bending attacks. Nonetheless, Kon demonstrated formidable prowess, dispatching dozens of Earth Profound Realm soldiers effortlessly. Even against low-rank Sky Profound Realm soldiers, a single well-placed kick from Kon proved devastating, turning the tide of the confrontation.

Cang Lin stood in disbelief as Cang Yue's powerful outburst incapacitated his lower-ranked soldiers, leaving only the Earth Profound Realm soldiers and a few lower-ranked Sky Profound Realm fighters. Frustration welled up in him, and he decided to take personal action, drawing his sword to strike his prisoner. However, before he could make a move, a golden strap materialized, binding him on the spot.

"What in the witchcraft is this?! Release me at once!" Cang Lin demanded, struggling against the mysterious force that held him captive.

Below the execution tower, Yun Che, accompanied by Mio and Retsu, arrived. The aftermath of Cang Yue's Haoshoku outburst had cleared the lower-ranking soldiers, leaving Kon to handle their defense. Cloaked and unrecognized, Yun Che faced off against the remaining foes who sought to reach Cang Yue.

This time, he was blocked by seven early Sky Profound Realm cultivators, judging by their appearance. These are probably the Imperial protectors of the Cang Family.

"Who are you?" one of the imperial protectors question but Yun Che and the others remained quiet.

"Men, prepare to kill this one for obstructing the Imperial Guards," the commander ordered, and they readied their weapons.

"Charge!" The commander's command echoed, but Yun Che intercepted the attack. With a single punch, he shattered the commander's armor and sent him hurtling into a nearby building.

Two of the imperial protectors swiftly moved towards Mio, while the other two closed in on Retsu. As anticipated, Mio and Retsu, each a formidable force in their own right, easily dispatched the imperial protectors. Following Cang Yue's explicit instructions not to kill them, Mio and Retsu skillfully incapacitated their opponents. These imperial protectors, bound by duty but no match for the overwhelming prowess of Mio and Retsu, were efficiently subdued without lethal force.

The next assailant attempted a swift strike, but Yun Che deftly slapped the weapon away. A powerful palm shot under the assailant's chin sent him soaring into the air.

The final opponent, a female guard, froze in fear as she witnessed Yun Che effortlessly defeating her Sky Profound Realm comrades. When Yun Che turned his attention to her, a palpable fear gripped her, and she couldn't react before a gentle palm on her stomach sent her flying across without causing harm.

Yun Che's formidable strength reverberated through the tumultuous atmosphere, momentarily hushing the chaos enveloping the execution tower. Seizing the opportunity, he approached the fallen woman and swiftly activated his Sharingan, delving into her intentions and loyalty. Her hesitation in the recent skirmish intrigued him, prompting a thorough scan to discern her true allegiance.

As Retsu and Mio swiftly moved, chaos erupted around them. They engaged with soldiers, creating a stark contrast between the quiet aftermath and the ongoing commotion. Unconscious bodies lay scattered, and remaining soldiers struggled to confront the determined duo. Loyalty clashed with chaos, intensifying the scene around the execution tower.

"You… You don't appear to be someone of harm. What is your name?" Yun Che inquired, studying the female figure before him as somehow discover her intent color was blue instead of red, indicating the woman before him didn't have the slightest intention on fighting him.

Struggling to stand, the female imperial protector, Xiu Ling, responded, "I am Xiu Ling, the Imperial protector for the Cang Imperial Family."

Yun Che probed further, "Are you here to stop me from rescuing Cang Wanhe?" He eyed her closely, trying to discern her intentions.

"I… I don't know… I have no choice. I have to obey the emperor's decree," Xiu Ling confessed with a trace of sadness in her voice.

Yun Che persisted, "Are you here to harm Cang Yue?" He needed assurance about her loyalty, and the princess's safety was paramount.

Xiu Ling was visibly shaken at the mention of Cang Yue's name. "No! I wouldn't! I am her guardian protector. It's always been. I am the one who protects her from the shadows. I promised the late third queen to protect her. Please… I don't wish to harm her. I never wanted to. I watched her grow, and my loyalty is only to her."

Yun Che, attuned to the sincerity in her words, instantly trusted her. He turned his back and instructed, "Then, go and protect her. If you are who you say you are, there are still dozens of soldiers loyal to her and her father, and there are those who still want to capture her."

"But…" Xiu Ling hesitated, torn between loyalty to the royal family and protecting Cang Yue. She feared being branded a traitor.

Sensing her internal conflict, Yun Che offered a solution. "Don't worry about Cang Wanhe and that emperor. I'll deal with them. Go and fulfill your duty for her mother."

Her doubts eased, Xiu Ling nodded and swiftly headed towards Cang Yue's position.

"Imperial protector Xiu Ling!" The remaining soldiers hesitated as the female imperial protector stood before them. Unsure of her allegiance, they doubted their ability to confront a Sky Profound Realm cultivator. Xiu Ling raised her hands, signaling that she had no intention of fighting them. Her purpose was clear – to return to Cang Yue's side.

"Don't worry. I didn't come here to capture her," Xiu Ling assured as she made her way towards the unconscious Cang Yue.

"Thank you for protecting her," Xiu Ling expressed her gratitude to Kon, who simply nodded, recognizing the sincerity in her words.

"Yue'er… I am sorry… I should be there by your side. I couldn't even be your proper protector. Please… forgive me," Xiu Ling spoke with a tinge of regret, embracing the unconscious princess. In her arms, Cang Yue looked vulnerable, and Xiu Ling felt a profound responsibility for the girl she had promised to safeguard.

As an older sister figure, she had always stood by Cang Yue's side as she was ignored by other family members, but circumstances had changed. In her father's absence, she was all the princess had. Now, she was determined to stand by Cang Yue's side, irrespective of the consequences. The trust she had in Cang Yue was unshaken, and the bond they shared had transcended the political turmoil that surrounded them.

Xiu Ling's heart ached at the sight of Cang Yue in such a state. The princess, who had grown stronger over the years, now seemed fragile and in need of protection. She wished to accompany Cang Yue to the New Moon City, but it was the princess's wish for her to stay.

Seeing Cang Yue in this vulnerable state shattered Xiu Ling's heart. She felt a renewed commitment to protect her, to be the guardian that Cang Yue deserved. The promise she made to Cang Yue's late mother echoed in her mind, and she vowed to keep that promise, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.

"Xiu Ling! What are you doing? Capture the princess!" Another Imperial protector shouted as Xiu Ling defiantly cradled the unconscious Cang Yue in her arms.

"I am her protector. I will defend her as I was ordered to. If you want to capture her, then it will be over my dead body!" Xiu Ling declared with unwavering determination, her loyalty to Cang Yue shining through.

"You... good... then, I will present you as the traitor to the Imperial Family," the other Sky Profound Realm practitioner threatened as he descended, intent on seizing Cang Yue. Xiu Ling prepared to attack, but before she could make a move, a swift kick intercepted the descending cultivator, slamming into his chest and sending him flying effortlessly across the area.

Xiu Ling couldn't believe her eyes. The soldier who had just single-handedly protected Cang Yue had effortlessly defeated a Sky Profound Realm cultivator. The shock lingered as she managed to utter a single word to him, "You…"

"Don't forget Kon-sama is still around!" Kon's voice rang out confidently.

"Kon-sama?" Xiu Ling repeated, the realization dawning on her. She had never known this seemingly ordinary soldier in the army possessed such strength. He had easily dispatched a Sky Profound Realm practitioner with a single kick. Questions swirled in her mind. Who was this man? Was he a cultivator who had concealed his abilities in plain sight?

With Cang Yue's outburst just now, she had shown to the people that she is not a force to be reckoned with.

Beneath the ominous presence of the execution tower, Yun Che, Mio, and Retsu swiftly dealt with the remaining soldiers. The symbol of injustice loomed over them, but Yun Che's smirk signaled the impending end to the facade.

"It's about time we end this," he declared, prompting Retsu to take flight. Drawing her sword with precision, she sliced through the execution tower, severing its ties to the ground. Simultaneously, Mio leaped gracefully, wrapping Cang Wanhe in a protective cocoon-like web. With a gentle descent, she carefully released the former emperor from his bindings.

The collapsing execution tower created chaos around the square, with debris scattering in the air. Cang Lin and the executioners were left ignored, their roles in the charade forgotten amidst the crumbling structure.

With Cang Wanhe safely secured, Yun Che, Retsu, and Mio soared toward the Imperial Palace, not far from the square. Landing in the palace courtyard, Yun Che needed a moment of tranquility to tend to Cang Wanhe's injuries. As palace guards attempted to subdue them, Retsu and Mio swiftly neutralized the threat, ensuring a peaceful and private space for the healing process to commence.

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

[Ding… Objective Complete]

[Spouse Mission Complete – Rescue Cang Wanhe.]

[XP: SP:]

[Ding…. New Achievement Achieved: Future Father-in-Law – Rescue Cang Wanhe from a terrible fate.]

[Reward: 500,000 XP and 25,000 SP]

[New Frame Unlocked]

The frame shows Yun Che holds a thumbs up alongside Cang Wanhe with Cang Yue smiling nearby.

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

"Emperor Cang Wanhe?" Yun Che called out as he swiftly severed the bindings that restrained Cang Wanhe. With a cloak concealing his features, Yun Che appeared as an enigmatic figure, his identity shrouded in mystery. Immediately, he invoked a healing Kido to mend the external wounds and bruises that marred the former emperor's body.

Cang Wanhe, still recovering from his ordeal, coughed before raising a skeptical gaze. "Who are you? And why would you rescue me?"

"I am a friend of Cang Yue, and it was at her behest that I came to your aid," Yun Che explained, his words carrying a tone of sincerity. Retsu and Mio joined him, having effortlessly subdued any soldiers who attempted to impede their progress. The trio, along with Cang Yue, stood united in their quest for justice.

Cang Wanhe, grateful for the unexpected rescue, acknowledged the support he had received. "My gratitude. It seems there are still those who believe in my innocence."

"In fact, there are quite a few of us, swayed by Cang Yue's conviction," Yun Che assured him, emphasizing the pivotal role Cang Yue played in orchestrating the rescue.

Cang Wanhe, however, expressed the grim reality of his situation. "It is too late. The people have already deemed me a traitor, and convincing them otherwise seems impossible."

"Well, let's show them the truth."

Yun Che, undeterred, revealed the Apple of Eden, leaving Cang Wanhe perplexed by the alien object. With a determined declaration, Yun Che aimed to wield the artifact's power to reveal the truth to the entire city. As the device held the potential to project images and recordings citywide, Yun Che was poised to unveil a revelation that could reshape the perception of the people.

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

[Ding … Uploading complete.]

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In a grand display, Yun Che raised the Apple of Eden into the air, casting a golden light that enveloped the entire city. The radiant glow spread across the landscape, signaling the revelation about to unfold. As if illuminated by divine intervention, images and recordings from the Profound Imagery Stone began to play, projecting the truth uncovered within Cang Shuo's ring onto the world.

In a stunning display of power, Yun Che raised the Apple of Eden into the air, and an ethereal golden light radiated across the entire city. It was no ordinary use of the artifact; projecting the images and recordings to the entire populace required an immense amount of energy. Normally, the Apple of Eden operated without the need for Radiant energy, but this extraordinary circumstance demanded more.

As the light enveloped the city, Yun Che's Radiant energy was drawn upon, and the Apple of Eden absorbed half of his stored energy. Empowered by this infusion, the artifact transformed, becoming a beacon of truth that illuminated the shadows cast by deception.

The scenes didn't just unfold in front of the palace; they cascaded across the entire city, akin to images and videos going viral on the internet. The soldiers, imperial protectors, advisors, and citizens in the vicinity found themselves captivated by the unfolding truth.

The recordings revealed everything about Cang Lin and Cang Shuo—the reality behind the rebellion, the clandestine dealings, the theft of the emperor's seal, and even the attempted assassination on the former emperor. Shockingly, it delved deeper, exposing Cang Lin's sinister crimes, including assault, coercion, bribery of palace officials, and gathering supporters through unethical means. Even the involvement of other princes in supporting these malevolent deeds was laid bare for all to witness.

Cang Wanhe, too, found himself taken aback by the extent of the conspiracy woven by his first and third sons. The revelations painted a stark picture—one that affirmed the betrayal, framing, and false accusations leveled against the former emperor. The truth had finally emerged, dispelling the shadows of deceit that had clouded the empire.

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

[Ding… Congratulation for the host for achieving the achievement 'Caught in 8K Ultra HD'. Laid the truth to the world by linking a Profound Imagery Stone into the Apple of Eden display function.]

[Due to the host has attained Lower Saint Body, all achievements rewards will be increased by five times as well as the rewards.]

[New Rewards updated.]

[XP: 250,000 SP: 50000]

[New Frame Unlocked]

The frame shows Yun Che with a camera recording and with a gold 'Caught in 8K' logo.

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The city was plunged into a shocked silence as the damning footage played on repeat, casting the shadow of treachery over the once-revered Cang Lin and his cohort, Cang Shuo. The intricately detailed voices discussing a nefarious alliance with the Dragon Empire echoed through the streets, exposing their betrayal of the Blue Wind Imperial City.

The revelation hit the people like a tidal wave, shattering the carefully crafted image of the traitorous brothers. It was a narrative that unraveled before the eyes of the masses, unveiling the sinister plotting and deceit that had been concealed for so long. The authenticity of the footage was unquestionable, leaving no room for doubt about the brothers' guilt.

The loyal soldiers of Cang Yue breathed a collective sigh of relief as the innocence of the former emperor, Cang Wanhe, was reaffirmed. On the other hand, those who had pledged allegiance to Cang Lin found themselves in a precarious situation, desperately trying to salvage their tarnished reputation.

Imperial protectors stood among the crowd, witnessing the damning evidence unfold. Some clung to denial, defending the authenticity of the clip, but their feeble arguments crumbled in the face of overwhelming public opinion. The profound imagery stone, a backup plan carefully devised by Cang Shuo, had become the instrument of justice, revealing the truth and turning the tides of allegiance in favor of Cang Wanhe and Cang Yue.

Yun Che's masterful manipulation of the recorded evidence served as the linchpin for a profound shift in the empire's power dynamics. The once-divided city, mired in uncertainty and deception, now found itself standing united against the true traitors who had conspired against their own blood.

The meticulously documented dealings, discussions, and activities of Cang Lin and Cang Shuo, intended to frame and bring down Cang Wanhe, had backfired spectacularly. Cang Lin, with his face in ruin and his image as an emperor shattered, witnessed the consequences of his own betrayal unfold before his eyes.

As the Profound Imagery Stone revealed the treacherous plot, Cang Yue stirred from her unconscious state. Yuyun had disconnected her mind momentarily to shield her from the Haoshoku backlash, but Cang Yue, determined to settle matters, had requested to be awake for a brief moment. Now, with a mild headache and the pain subsided, she found herself cradled by Xiu Ling, her trusted imperial protector.

"Xue Ling…" Cang Yue's whisper carried a genuine smile, grateful for the loyal presence of her protector.

"Yue'er, are you okay? Are you hurt?" Xiu Ling inquired with concern, her eyes reflecting a mix of relief and guilt.

"I am fine, just a mild headache. Don't worry. Thank you," Cang Yue reassured her, acknowledging the sincere devotion of her imperial protector. As Yuyun had already repaired the major damage caused by the Haoshoku outburst, Cang Yue knew that with proper rest, she would make a full recovery.

"I... I betrayed you. I shouldn't... I..." Xiu Ling began to apologize profusely, burdened by guilt.

Cang Yue gently silenced her, a firm expression on her face. "Mouu… Don't worry about it. You came to my side and kept me safe." Cang Yue reassured her, brushing away any lingering guilt. The allegiance to Cang Lin was now water under the bridge. Xue Ling had proven her loyalty when Cang Yue faced threats from rebels, and the former imperial protector had come to her aid and protected her without hesitation.

"Yue'er… I promised to never abandon you… Please… Please let me stay by your side from now on," Xue Ling vowed with sincerity.

Cang Yue nodded with a warm smile, grateful to have her most trusted protector back by her side. "Where is father…?"

"That man rescued him and brought him into the palace. To think that the first prince and the third prince had the audacity to do this. The former emperor wasn't the one who betrayed the kingdom; it was them. It was them all along. To think that I…" Xue Ling expressed her frustrations, but Cang Yue gently silenced her.

"Shhhh… I know… I know all about it. Just bring me to him," Cang Yue weakly spoke, placing her finger on her guardian's lips. She didn't wish to hear the details; the truth had been laid bare in the Imperial City. With a nod from Cang Yue, Xue Ling cradled her and brought the princess back to the Imperial Palace, where Yun Che had taken Cang Wanhe moments ago.

"Yare… yare.. it's about time," Kon commented, observing the aftermath of the revealed truth. The recording had put an end to the civil fights across the city. While some still refused to believe its authenticity, most people had instantly accepted the truth. Escorted by Kon, Cang Yue, with Xue Ling by her side, returned to the Imperial Palace.

As they entered the palace, Yun Che was in the midst of treating Cang Wanhe, offering him a health potion alongside Mio and Retsu. Weakened but determined, Cang Yue spoke, "Father…"

"Yue'er…" Cang Wanhe had tears in his eyes as he saw his beloved daughter finally home. This wasn't the sight he wished her to see, but he was glad she returned in the time of need.

Xue Ling brought Cang Yue to his side, and Cang Yue weakly walked to him before throwing herself into her father's arms. Seeing her forcing herself, Xue Ling tried to protest. "Princess… please…."

"You returned…. Thank you… for still believing in me…" Cang Wanhe cried as he hugged Cang Yue. When he had no one to believe him, Cang Yue came home and restored his honor and status. Now, the truth has been laid, and he could return to his former post as an emperor.

The father and daughter shared a poignant moment of crying and silence as they embraced each other once again. Both now found solace in each other's arms, reassured that everything would be fine, thanks to the intervention of Yun Che. His actions laid bare the truth in the city, rescuing the former emperor and quelling the rebellion that threatened to tear the city apart.

Cang Yue silently decided that she should express her gratitude to Yun Che in a more tangible way—perhaps with a hug and a heartfelt kiss for his heroic act today. This new family of hers had not only saved her father but had also been there for her, much like how they had rescued the New Moon Profound Sect back then. Cang Yue couldn't find the words to fully convey her appreciation to Yun Che, Retsu, Mio, and Kon for this pivotal moment. They didn't act as heroes for the sake of glory; their actions were driven solely by their devotion to her.

"Cang Yue!!!!" The palace doors instantly opened, revealing the lone Cang Lin still bound by Retsu's restraints. His eyes were red from anger as he kicked the door, demanding to see Cang Yue and Cang Wanhe. The loyal soldiers and imperial protectors who had seen the truth instantly sprang into action, standing guard before Cang Lin. He was basically a lone man against an entire army. Even Xue Ling drew her sword as well.

"Lin'er…" Cang Wanhe affectionately called his son despite the madness that had consumed him. Seeing the depths of Cang Lin's insanity, the father sighed, acknowledging that his son was beyond salvation.

"First brother…" Cang Yue whispered, a glimmer of hope in her voice as she sought to reason with her sibling, attempting to reach the humanity that might still linger within him.

"You dare soil my reputation. All that hard work! You whore of a sister, I have one last thing to do. I challenge you! This time for the throne. If I win, I will free that man, and you and your friends will leave this empire. Never come back!!" Cang Lin's words carried a desperate edge, accompanied by a surge of aura, indicating the Peak of the Spirit Profound Realm.

Hearing the vile insult hurled at their sworn sister, Retsu and Mio's anger flared, and they yearned to confront this traitorous brother.

Having lost everything, Cang Lin had succumbed to madness, convinced that he could reclaim everything by challenging his sister. Unbeknownst to him, dozens of loyal defenders stood ready to protect Cang Yue. His words, laced with madness, revealed his shattered mind. Even if he were to win, he intended to tarnish Cang Yue's reputation.

"Bastard…" Kon was about to attack, but Yun Che restrained him with a firm grip on the shoulder. Yun Che declared his intent to handle Cang Lin, and it seemed that both Retsu and Mio were eager to deal with him as well. However, a tug on Yun Che's cloak revealed Cang Yue, standing up with determination in her eyes.

"No… let me…" Cang Yue weakly spoke, her eyes resolute, as if she was determined to settle this once and for all.

"Little Yue…" Yun Che trusted her and nodded, signaling Retsu to release Cang Lin. Seeing Cang Yue's determination, Yun Che believed she could bring an end to this madness.

As Cang Lin was released, consumed by a desire to kill Cang Yue and salvage what remained of his crumbling empire, Cang Yue, barely able to stand and trembling all over, gave him a reassuring smile. Even as protests arose from Xiu Ling and others, Cang Yue, with a determined aura, silenced them. The soldiers and imperial protectors stepped aside, allowing Cang Yue to confront her mad brother, a clear indication of who held the true power in that moment.

Cang Lin quickly adorned an Earth Profound armor, a formidable treasure retrieved from his spatial ring. This armor had the capability to withstand attacks from even an Earth Profound Realm. Drawing his imperial sword, he felt confident that Cang Yue's blade wouldn't be able to pierce through the protective metal layers.

In Cang Yue's weakened state, it seemed almost impossible for her to penetrate Cang Lin's formidable defense. Even if he had been defeated by the others, he was confident in emerging victorious against his feeble sister.

Observing Cang Lin's stance, concern flickered across the faces of Yun Che and the others. They worried about Cang Yue engaging in a fight when she could barely stand, shaking uncontrollably. However, when they looked into her determined eyes, Yun Che gave Retsu, Mio, and Kon a reassuring nod. He had witnessed the owner of the three-sword style achieve victory from seemingly hopeless situations, and he believed Cang Yue could do the same.

"I promised myself that I won't lay harm to my family, but if that blood family dares to harm father…," Cang Yue paused, her eyes filled with determination. "Let me settle this…"

"It seems that you have grown… Can you even fight me while barely standing?!" Cang Lin provoked her, mocking her weakened state. Cang Yue, with trembling legs, raised her right hand, and Wado Ichimonji materialized from her inner world.

Inside the palace, Cang Yue panted, her legs shaking from the lingering effects of the Haoshoku outburst. Although Kon had administered some Divine Water, alleviating the pain, she still needed more rest. Yun Che made a mental note to grant her the Fully Rested perk later to heal her mental prowess.

Witnessed by the surviving imperial guards, protectors, advisors, Yun Che, Retsu, Mio, and Kon, as well as Xiu Ling and Cang Wanhe, Cang Yue took her stance, ready for the impending confrontation. Cang Wanhe, torn between the love for his children, hoped that this battle would mark the end of the so-called rebellion, designating the true successor of the empire.

As the air crackled with tension, the atmosphere in the palace held its breath, awaiting the resolution of the familial turmoil. The clash between siblings, once united by blood, was now inevitable, and the onlookers could feel the weight of history hanging in the balance.

"Hahaha… look at you right now? Can you even stand properly? You're barely even conscious! Can you even take one of my attacks?" Cang Lin taunted.

"Yuyun, I made a promise… I swore that I won't cut my own family members," Cang Yue spoke internally, seeking guidance from her internal advisor.

"Yue'er…. Swords are just tools to channel your will, your power, and your spirit. If you mean it, you can even cut through a steel body. If you don't will it, it can't even cut through a sheet of paper let alone your own family. It all depends on you…." Yuyun's wisdom echoed internally. Cang Yue had a split second to reflect. Her family members were the ones she cared about, who had grown up with her. While they might be related by blood, if betrayal came through, they no longer deserved to be considered family. Last time, she was afraid of her brothers and left everything behind to escape a terrible fate.

Not anymore.

Yun Che had been with her through thick and thin, teaching her the value of love and care. Retsu, Little Fairy, and Mio had shown her the importance of sisterhood, while Kon had been a loyal friend. Xiu Ling was a part of her childhood, and her father was the only one who truly cared for her.

These were the people she wouldn't harm. The rest...

Pointing her sword at him, Cang Yue declared, "It doesn't matter. I won't run away this time." Despite her determined look, she struggled to control her panting.

"So, you've prepared yourself to die? Very well! In your next life, don't ever disobey your elders!!!" Cang Lin drew his sword, closing the distance with a chilling killing intent. He intended to end the life of his sister once and for all. However, Cang Yue calmly re-sheathed her sword and positioned it vertically by her side. Pushing her concentration to its highest state, she muttered under her breath.

"Ittoryu Iai (One Sword Style Resheath)"

As time seemed to come to a standstill, Cang Yue muttered her internal mantra, "Swords are tools of my will. What I want to cut, I will cut."

"Take this and know your place!!" Cang Lin shouted, but to his surprise, he widened his eyes as his target was already gone. Even the surrounding witnesses, excluding Yun Che's party, were shocked.

Cang Yue had appeared behind him, having covered a significant distance in the blink of an eye. Before the emperor could react, she resheathed her sword, leaving an air of astonishment in her wake.

"Shishi Sonson (Lion's Song)" She muttered and then…

Spurt!!

Cang Lin's body was sliced vertically, blood erupting from him and staining the air. Unnoticed by him, Cang Yue had executed a brutal slash from the right side of his stomach to his left shoulder. While the attack alone wouldn't be fatal, it had cunningly passed through his Dantian, instantly rupturing it and crippling his cultivation irreversibly.

The Earth Profound Realm armor, a symbol of his once formidable defense, shattered under the sheer force of Cang Yue's sword slash. Layers upon layers of steel were pierced through by her blade, leaving everyone, even the witnesses, including Xiu Ling and Cang Wanhe, in wide-eyed disbelief. Despite her weakened state and the formidable armor, Cang Yue had slashed through it with astonishing precision.

Cang Lin's eyes widened, the light fading before he fell to his knees, blood still spurting from his wounds. Moments later, he crumpled to the ground.

The onlookers were left in shock. They hadn't even seen Cang Yue draw her sword; she had moved with such speed and precision that their eyes couldn't keep up. The lingering question in their minds was when she had unsheathed her blade.

"I thank you, dear brother," Cang Yue uttered before she, too, sank to her knees, breathing heavily. Though blood-related, the fine line between betrayal and filiality had been crossed.

Cang Wanhe closed his eyes, acknowledging the justice served. Cang Lin had reaped what he had sown—betraying the empire, attempting to kill his sister. Despite the gravity of his actions, Cang Wanhe felt gratitude that Cang Yue, despite everything, had shown mercy by sparing his life. Cutting through his Dantian was a fate worse than death, and she had chosen not to inflict the latter upon him.

Xiu Ling swiftly leaped towards Cang Yue, her hands supporting the princess's shoulders. Though still conscious, Cang Yue questioned whether she had made the right choice. In the forest, facing Cang Shuo's betrayal, she couldn't bring herself to harm her own brother. Yet this time, she was certain she had done the right thing—she had spared Cang Lin's life, and that felt like enough.

"Just rest, Little Yue. We'll take it from here. It's over," Yun Che's reassuring voice echoed as he knelt beside her. Gently, he cast a binding Kido—a sleeping spell—allowing her the rest she deserved. With a serene smile, Cang Yue succumbed to sleep in Xiu Ling's arms, marking the definitive end of Cang Lin's rebellion.

The once kind and gentle Cang Yue had now emerged from the shadows of her former self, stronger and better. The trials she faced had transformed her into a resilient force to be reckoned with.