Chương 215: Chapter 214: Offended Again?

Xue Ling gritted her teeth as she dodged another powerful strike from Kuang Long, her feet barely staying steady against the force of his assault. The immense weight of his weapons and the sheer speed with which he attacked left her little room to retaliate, but her agility and swordsmanship were more than enough to keep her from being overwhelmed. The battle had been going on for what seemed like hours, and yet, she still hadn't shown any signs of tiring.

Kuang Long, on the other hand, was relentless. His weapons—his shield and mace—crashed against her defense time and time again, each strike testing the limits of her endurance. Her sword was slowly chipped from the constant attacks. He seemed to enjoy the challenge, his face twisted into a sadistic grin as he pushed her further and further back.

Xue Ling's breath came in sharp bursts, but she remained focused, her sword always in perfect alignment as she parried and blocked, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Her mind was clear, and her body moved almost instinctively, each maneuver a graceful dance of life-or-death precision.

Yun Che watched from a distance, his eyes narrowing in admiration. Xue Ling was holding her own against a man like Kuang Long without any of her extra advantages. No Haki, no special techniques beyond her own, and still, she was pushing back against a powerhouse like him.

"Impressive," Yun Che muttered under his breath, his hand resting on the hilt of his own sword. Despite the growing tension of the battle, he knew Xue Ling had the heart and the skill to see it through.

Kuang Long's voice rang out again, cruel and mocking. "Is this all you've got, little girl? I thought I was fighting someone worthy! You're just a child playing with toys!"

The general smirked, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent. He fused his mace and shield, activating internal devices hidden within his armor. The two pieces locked together, forming a deadly, ultimate melee weapon. A sharp blade extended from between the shoulder plates, and a long, sturdy shaft emerged, ready for combat.

"You forced me to do this, little girl. Take this and scram!" Kuang Long roared, swinging the makeshift spear towards Xue Ling with brute force.

The spear missed, but its explosive head detonated upon impact with the ground, sending a shockwave that staggered Xue Ling, causing her to lose her balance for a moment.

The spear's explosive properties were devastating—any impact with a solid surface triggered an explosion, with larger, more powerful blasts resulting from heavier strikes. Even a glancing blow could wreak havoc, and the mechanism was designed to allow continuous explosions even if the blade itself were destroyed. The force of the blast left a massive crater, dust and debris scattering in all directions.

Emerging from the smoke and flames, Xue Ling remained unscathed, her sword raised in defiance. In the blink of an eye, she closed the distance between herself and Kuang Long, her form a blur of motion as she aimed for a decisive strike, her spirit unwavering despite the chaos around her.

Kuang Long swung his battle spear with terrifying force, aiming for Xue Ling with all his might. In a single, ruthless downward slash, the spear collided with her sword, and with a sickening crack, it shattered her blade into pieces. The weapon that Ma Tsu had so carefully forged for her lay broken at her feet.

"In the end, looks like your weapon is just kindling to me," Kuang Long taunted, a malicious smirk curling his lips as he gazed down at the shattered remnants of Xue Ling's sword.

"Bastard!" Xue Ling hissed in fury, throwing the hilt of her broken sword aside. The sword wasn't just a weapon to her—it was a gift from Ma Tsu, a symbol of her strength. To see it destroyed so easily, so ruthlessly, stung deeply. Cang Yue's words echoed in her mind. Ma Tsu from the villa is a scammer after all... The realization hit her hard, but she didn't have time to dwell on it.

"Are you well?" Yun Che's voice cut through the chaos as he appeared at her side, concern lacing his tone.

"Yes… I've lost my sword," Xue Ling replied, her expression determined despite the setback. "I can't fight him without a weapon."

Yun Che nodded, his eyes narrowing as he materialized a katana from thin air and handed it to her. The blade was striking, with a sleek, black handle and a cross-shaped guard. The lacquered sheath gleamed with an elegant sheen, and the irregular midareba pattern of the blade was mesmerizing.

"This…" Xue Ling marveled at the beauty and craftsmanship of the katana, her fingers brushing the blade's edge with reverence.

"I'll explain later. Just fight him and show me what you've got as Cang Yue's protector," Yun Che urged her, his voice firm. Without waiting for a response, he turned to continue his assault on the enemy crew with Nezuko by his side.

"Yes!" Xue Ling affirmed, her resolve solidifying as she gripped the katana tightly. With a fluid motion, she unsheathed it, the blade shimmering in the dim light.

Kuang Long, still smirking, scoffed at her new weapon. "What's the difference between this stick and your broken sword? No matter what you have, I'll just snap it like I snapped your other weapons."

Xue Ling's gaze hardened, her grip tightening around the katana as she prepared for the next round. She wasn't about to let him underestimate her again.

Kuang Long roared as he brought his massive spear down in a crushing arc, its weight enough to cleave through stone and steel. Xue Ling braced herself, gripping the hilt of her katana with both hands. Her mind raced, but she trusted Mihawk's sword. She had witnessed firsthand the unyielding sharpness of Cang Yue's blade, and if this weapon was crafted by him, it would not fail her.

The spear struck with an explosive force, generating a shockwave that rattled the deck and sent splinters flying in every direction. Kuang Long smirked, certain the frail-looking sword would shatter under the sheer force of his attack.

Clang!

To his utter disbelief, the katana held firm. The impact was entirely absorbed, and the blade stood unyielding, its surface pristine without being chipped. Xue Ling didn't even flinch as the vibrations dissipated harmlessly through the sword.

"What…?!" Kuang Long gasped, his smirk replaced by wide-eyed shock. "How is this possible?! My spear weighs a tonne! It's been honed to perfection over decades!"

Xue Ling's eyes widened as she took in what had just happened. The power behind Kuang Long's attack was immense, yet the katana felt light, steady, as if it had nullified the force entirely.

"This sword…" she murmured in awe.

From the sidelines, Yun Che—still in his Mihawk guise—nodded approvingly. "Just like Yue'er's," he said with a smirk. "It absorbs vibrations, dispersing the force. You won't feel the aftereffects of even the heaviest strikes. That blade isn't just sturdy; it's a shield."

Xue Ling glanced down at the katana in her hands, her admiration growing. "Such an exquisite sword…" she whispered, her resolve strengthening. She wondered if she could keep it—a weapon like this could be her ultimate edge.

Kuang Long growled, regaining his composure, and raised his spear for another strike. But this time, Xue Ling met his glare with a newfound confidence. The sword had given her more than an advantage—it had given her belief in herself.

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As Xue Ling clashed with Kuang Long, her new katana meeting his overwhelming strength blow for blow, Yun Che—cloaked in his Mihawk persona—stood calmly before Fen Moli, Xiao Heng, Ling Mu, and their combined forces. The silvery moonlight bathed the battlefield, casting long shadows over the rocky plains where the forces of the Burning Heaven Clan, Xiao Sect, and Heavenly Sword Villa had gathered.

The air was thick with tension, the oppressive aura of the assembled men surging like a tide. At the forefront of the horde stood Fen Moli, his robes flickering with spiritual fire. Beside him was Xiao Heng, his spear shimmering with the swirling energy of condensed wind. Ling Mu of the Heavenly Sword Villa completed the triad, his blade glowing faintly with a sharp, chilling blue aura. Behind them, their disciples and Kuang Long's men formed a dense formation, their collective power humming with suppressed energy.

Facing them stood a solitary figure, the infamous Dracule Mihawk, with Nezuko floating serenely at his side. Cloaked in black, his hawk-yellow eyes gleamed with calm, predatory intent. Yoru, his massive cross-shaped blade, rested on his back, a silent testament to his unparalleled strength. The sheer presence of the man was enough to send shivers through the combined forces, despite their overwhelming numbers.

"You must be mad to face us alone," Fen Moli sneered, his voice filled with disdain and confidence. "The combined might of the Burning Heaven Clan, Xiao Sect, and Heavenly Sword Villa will crush you like an insect."

Yun Che in his Mihawk guise tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. His piercing gaze scanned the gathered forces as though they were little more than pieces on a game board.

With a roar, Fen Moli raised his hand, summoning a tidal wave of flames that surged toward Mihawk. Xiao Heng followed swiftly, his spear unleashing a spiraling torrent of wind energy, while Ling Mu's blade slashed through the air, sending arcs of sharp, blue energy streaking toward the lone swordsman. The combined assault was a spectacle of power, threatening to engulf everything in its path.

Unmoved, Mihawk smirked as he drew his blade. Raising it effortlessly, he channeled green energy along its edge, activating Way of Binding #62: Absorb. A barrier of shimmering green light burst forth, forming an energy shield that encased both himself and Nezuko.

The gathered forces watched in stunned disbelief as their attacks collided with the shield, only to be absorbed and dissipated into harmless flashes of light. The shield didn't merely block the assault—it transformed the kinetic energy of the combined attacks, channeling it directly into Mihawk's blade. The blade began to glow ominously, an aura of green and black energy flickering to life and intensifying with each absorbed strike. As the process reached completion, the blade became wreathed in a flaming energy, crackling with overwhelming power.

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[Way of Binding #62 – Absorb)

[The spell is used on an object to absorb kinetic energy from attacks below or same level as the user. Stronger attacks can only absorb half of their power. Once the absorb gauge is full, the host can release the stored kinetic energy in the form of energy blasts.]

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"What… what is this?!" Fen Moli exclaimed, his flames extinguished as his eyes widened in shock.

"He absorbed our attacks…?" Ling Mu muttered, his grip on his sword tightening as fear crept into his voice.

Xiao Heng's jaw clenched as his spear trembled in his grasp. "That blade… it's turning our strength into his weapon!"

Yun Che's smirk deepened as he held the shield steady, the stored energy in his sword pulsing like a coiled serpent ready to strike. His calm demeanor and effortless defense sent a clear message: no matter their numbers, they were nothing before him.

"Well, thank you for charging up my sword," Yun Che said with a smirk, the blade in his hands radiating an ominous energy as the kido gauge reached its peak.

"Impossible!" Fen Moli snarled, his voice trembling with fury as he summoned another surge of flames. "Do not falter! Attack, all of you!"

The disciples hesitated only momentarily before rushing forward, their weapons blazing and their auras flaring. Mihawk remained unmoving, his posture calm as the first attacker approached. Then, in a flash, he disappeared.

Yoru became a phantom of destruction, cleaving through the enemy ranks with terrifying precision. Each swing of the blade sent disciples sprawling, their weapons and spirits shattered alike. The sheer force of his strikes was enough to crush morale, turning bold charges into frantic retreats.

Fen Moli roared, pouring his spiritual energy into a massive fiery phoenix. The blazing construct streaked toward Mihawk with a deafening screech, illuminating the night sky. Simultaneously, Xiao Heng and Ling Mu launched a coordinated attack, exploiting what they believed to be blind spots. Xiao's spear shot toward Mihawk's flank, while Ling Mu's sword descended from above in a deadly arc.

Yun Che Mihawk's golden eyes glinted with faint annoyance. "Foolish."

With a single swing of Yoru, Yun Che unleashed the stored kinetic energy in a trio of devastating sword arcs. The central slash surged forward like a tidal wave, while two diagonal arcs flared outward at 45-degree angles. The fiery phoenix disintegrated mid-flight, its brilliance extinguished in an instant. Xiao Heng's spear splintered upon contact, and Ling Mu was hurled backward, blood spraying as he crashed to the ground in a crumpled heap.

The cascading energy didn't stop there. The arcs ripped through the ranks of disciples, cutting down scores of attackers at once. The force tore through the deck of the flying ark, leaving splintered wood and shattered formations in its wake.

Nezuko, giggling mischievously, joined the fray. She leaped high into the air before crashing down among the disciples like a meteor, the impact sending shockwaves across the battlefield. Groups of men were hurled like ragdolls, their cries of panic echoing as some were flung overboard, vanishing into the endless sea below.

The battlefield descended into chaos, a symphony of destruction orchestrated by the unshakable calm of the Strongest Swordsman and his Heaven's Child.

The three elders, along with a handful of Sky Profound Realm disciples, remained standing amidst the wreckage. Their faces paled, disbelief etched into their expressions. A single attack—that was all it took to scatter their forces and dismantle their confidence.

Fen Moli, now desperate, enveloped himself in raging flames. With a primal roar, he charged directly at Mihawk, his voice trembling with both fury and fear. "Die, swordsman!" he bellowed, striking down with every ounce of his strength.

Yun Che raised Yoru, meeting the blow with almost disdainful ease. Sparks erupted as the impact briefly illuminated the battlefield, but Fen Moli's raw force was no match for the unyielding skill of the Strongest Swordsman. With a subtle twist of his wrist, he disarmed Fen Moli, sending the elder's weapon skidding across the ground.

Fen Moli staggered back, his desperation reaching its zenith. Bloodlust burned in his eyes as he sacrificed a portion of his blood essence, his body trembling under the strain. The flames surrounding him turned a deep, ominous purple as he summoned his ultimate technique.

"Forbidden Heavenly Dragon!"

A colossal, serpentine dragon of purple flames erupted from his hands, roaring as it barreled toward Mihawk with earth-shaking ferocity. Unlike the technique of the clan master's second son, Fen Juebi, this dragon seethed with tenfold intensity, devouring the air with its oppressive heat. It was Fen Moli's last gamble—a move that would cripple his cultivation for years to come but might ensure victory.

Yun Che, however, remained unfazed. His smirk widened as he watched the fiery construct approach. "Fire? How convenient," he muttered to himself.

With a single, decisive motion, he stabbed the dragon's snout with Yoru, halting its advance. The battlefield fell silent for a moment, save for the crackling flames and Fen Moli's disbelieving gasp.

"Impossible!" Fen Moli's voice quivered.

Yun Che's Mihawk guise smirk deepened as he channeled his strength through Yoru, diverting the dragon with a calculated sweep. The blazing construct twisted in midair before hurtling back toward Fen Moli's forces.

The elder could only watch in horror as his own forbidden technique annihilated what remained of his men. The dragon's flames consumed them utterly, leaving nothing but ash and scorched ground in its wake.

Fen Moli stumbled, his body trembling with exhaustion and despair. His strongest technique, his blood essence, years of cultivation—gone. All for nothing. His knees buckled as he fought to remain standing, his mind racing for an escape from the demon before him.

"Strength without control is nothing," Yun Che said, his voice calm but sharp. With a single, devastating slamming slash, he sent a shockwave rippling through the battlefield. The force scattered the attackers, sending them reeling. Yet, a few of the men, driven by desperation, foolishly pressed forward.

Yun Che steadied his stance, gripping his sword with both hands and raising it over his shoulder. With deliberate precision, he unleashed a slow, horizontal circular sword wave. Despite its measured pace, the energy within the wave was immense, dismantling the entire advancing force in one sweep.

"Heaven's Might Sword Formation - Heavenly Star Frenzy!"

A voice rang out from above as Ling Mu descended, releasing countless sword waves toward Yun Che. In response, Yun Che calmly raised his sword and summoned his energy shield, absorbing each attack effortlessly. The shield shimmered with power, reflecting Ling Mu's assault back into harmless dissipations.

Xiao Heng and Ling Mu quickly retreated, dragging Fen Moli to safety behind the lines. From there, they barked orders to their remaining men, commanding them to swarm Yun Che. But as the horde advanced, Yun Che met them head-on with a devastating combination attack.

Sliding into the ranks, Yun Che unleashed a powerful energy sword wave that scattered the crowd. Following through, he swung his blade like a massive club, slamming it into the ground and triggering a triple shockwave effect that rippled through the attackers. Without pausing, he slid forward again, releasing a vertical sword wave that tore through the battlefield, slicing cleanly through the housing of the main arc.

The remaining men retaliated with their profound arts, launching a barrage of energy attacks toward Yun Che. Undaunted, he raised his sword once more, forming his absorption shield. The shield absorbed the incoming assaults, converting their energy into a crackling, menacing glow around his blade.

At that moment, Nezuko stepped into the fray. Adopting Ling Mu's technique, she activated the Heaven's Might Sword Formation - Heavenly Star Frenzy, releasing an onslaught of sword waves into the crowd. Ling Mu watched in shock as Nezuko effortlessly wielded his signature move, annihilating scores of Kuang Long's men with each wave. The battlefield became a storm of devastation, as father and daughter fought side by side, their combination overwhelming the enemy forces.

Yun Che stepped back momentarily, gathering his energy before releasing a series of horizontal and vertical sword waves. A massive triple wave attack followed, obliterating everything in its path. He pointed his blade toward the remaining attackers and said coldly, "For daring to threaten Cang Yue, this is mercy enough."

He crossed his blade in an X-formation, releasing two devastating horizontal sword waves, followed by another vertical slash that cleared the field in front of him. In a final act of dominance, Yun Che lunged forward in a stinger-like maneuver, releasing a massive circular black and green sword wave that consumed everything in its radius.

As the dust settled, the battlefield lay in ruins. Xiao Heng and Ling Mu, battered and broken, struggled to rise but froze when Yun Che's icy gaze fell upon them. The remaining disciples, their courage shattered, dropped their weapons and fled in panic, their auras dimming as terror overtook them. Victory belonged to Yun Che and Nezuko, their power and precision an unstoppable force

Yun Che's Mihawk guise sheathed Yoru with a deliberate motion, the metallic slide echoing across the battlefield. "You dared to challenge me with numbers," he said, his tone filled with disdain.

"Hawk Eyes!!" Xiao Heng's furious roar echoed across the battlefield as he launched himself into the air, his body propelled by the Heavenly Eagle Art.

"No! Don't!" Ling Mu's voice rang out, filled with desperation, but it was too late. Xiao Heng, consumed by the rage of losing his men, had already charged his spear, its tip glowing with a fierce aura of condensed wind energy.

"Heavenly Eagle Limitless Strike!" Xiao Heng cried, unleashing a series of aerial strikes as a massive eagle silhouette formed behind him, its wings spreading wide. But he wasn't done. Fueling his assault with his blood essence, he poured everything into a final, devastating attack. His spear hummed with the gathered power of the realm's winds as he ascended higher before diving down like a meteor.

"Forbidden Divine Wind Slash!" Xiao Heng roared, unleashing a monumental slash that ripped through the air, its force warping the atmosphere as it barreled toward Mihawk.

Yun Che, standing unflinching, let out a soft sigh. "Fool…" he murmured under his breath, his golden eyes narrowing with pity for the doomed warrior.

Calmly, he drew Yoru. The massive blade gleamed darkly in the moonlight as Mihawk whispered a single word, his voice barely audible amidst the chaos.

"Samidare…(Slash Riot)"

In an instant, Yoru unleashed a devastating black slash, an arc of pure annihilation that consumed the Forbidden God Wind Slash as if it were nothing. The destructive energy didn't stop there—it continued forward with relentless precision, carving through the air and striking Xiao Heng mid-flight.

"Arghhh…" Xiao Heng's scream was brief, his body vaporized in a flash of dark energy. The black slash dissipated into the night sky, leaving behind nothing but silence and the stunned faces of those who bore witness.

Even Xue Ling and Kuang Long momentarily halted their battle, their gazes locked on the aftermath of Mihawk's overwhelming power. The sheer magnitude of the attack sent a chill through everyone present.

The battlefield seemed frozen in time, the only sound the faint whistle of the wind as Yun Che lowered Yoru back to his side, his expression unreadable.

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[Ding, Congratulation for defeating Level 60: Xiao Heng of the Xiao Sect]

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"A Xiao Sect elder, defeated just like that…" Ling Mu muttered through gritted teeth. Around him, the surviving men hesitated, their courage drained. The thought of fighting the strongest swordsman alive now seemed nothing short of suicide.

"Windy!" Nezuko squealed cheerfully, floating in a playful circle around Yun Che, her carefree demeanor contrasting sharply with the grim battlefield.

Ling Mu's heart sank further. Fen Moli lay heavily injured, Xiao Heng had been obliterated, and now he was the only elder left standing. The swordsman had dismantled their combined assault with terrifying ease, and even the girl—a supposed Heaven's Child—had turned his own techniques against his men.

The weight of inevitability crushed him. There was no path to victory. Returning empty-handed was not an option either—the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Sword Villa would never forgive such failure. If he was going to perish, he would do so fighting, with every ounce of strength and pride he had left.

"Heavenly Sword of Extreme Lightning!" Ling Mu roared, summoning the last of his energy. Hundreds of lightning-infused sword beams erupted from his blade, streaking through the air like a storm of celestial fury aimed at Mihawk.

Nezuko, still floating beside Yun Che, raised her tiny hands. Without a word, countless lightning sword beams materialized around her, mirroring Ling Mu's attack perfectly. The beams clashed midair, lighting up the battlefield with crackling energy.

Ling Mu froze, his mouth agape. She had copied his technique perfectly—with a single glance.

"That little brat…" he whispered in disbelief. "She really is the Heaven's Child…"

The lightning storm dissipated, leaving Ling Mu standing alone amidst the wreckage, his technique utterly neutralized. Despair washed over him as Nezuko giggled innocently, floating back to Yun Che's side, who remained motionless, his piercing golden eyes fixed on Ling Mu like a hawk assessing its prey.

"Sword Spirit Doppelganger!" Ling Mu clasped his hands together, his energy surging as he performed the advanced technique. A shimmering figure separated from his form, solidifying into a perfect replica. Unlike the lesser clones of Fen Juebi during the tournament, Ling Mu's Sword Spirit Doppelganger was a flawless imitation—equal in strength, speed, and skill to the original.

"This is my last gambit," Ling Mu muttered to himself, his confidence swelling. "The Sword Spirit Doppelganger is unmatched, a complete and perfect technique! No one can replicate it, not even the Heaven's—"

His words were cut short by a sudden, playful interruption. Next to Yun Che, Yoruko—affectionately known as Nezuko—clapped her hands together, mimicking Ling Mu's movements with uncanny precision. Her energy rippled as a mirror image of herself emerged, identical in every way.

Ling Mu's jaw dropped. The impossible had just happened.

Yun Che, maintaining his Mihawk persona, crossed his arms, his lips curling into an amused smirk. "That's the thing about geniuses like her," he said, his voice laced with pride. "They can't master high-level techniques, but they don't need to. They can mimic any sword level technique from this world, even your so-called 'unmatched' techniques."

"Nezuko, desu!" Yoruko cheered, her excitement evident.

"Desu!" her doppelganger echoed, matching her tone and expression perfectly.

Yun Che's smirk widened as a thought crossed his mind—Nezuko's doppelganger might just be the perfect tool to appease both Xue Ling and Chu Yueli. The utility of her mimicry was limitless, but there was one crucial drawback to the technique.

The Sword Spirit Doppelganger relied entirely on proximity to its creator. If Yoruko moved too far from the doppelganger, the connection would sever, and the copy would dissipate instantly.

"This is going to be fun to experiment with," Yun Che murmured to himself, his golden eyes glinting with amusement. "But it's not without its limits."

Yoruko, oblivious to Yun Che's internal musings, giggled as her doppelganger mirrored her playful movements, both of them twirling in unison.

Yun Che's smirk deepened as he observed Yoruko and her doppelganger in action. While the Sword Spirit Doppelganger technique was undeniably impressive, he was acutely aware of its second critical flaw: the clone lacked Yoruko's unique ability to copy techniques.

Unlike Yoruko herself, whose half step Origin Realm nature allowed her to mimic any move she observed, the doppelganger was limited. It functioned as a high-powered decoy, possessing the same strength as the original but lacking the adaptive brilliance Yoruko brought to the battlefield.

"This is no Libra," Yun Che muttered under his breath, recalling the celestial entity he left behind in the sanctuary that could split itself into equal yet fully autonomous counterparts. "Her nano faux doppelganger is not more like her Terminatrix body—strong, yes, but just a shadow of the real thing."

The doppelganger excelled in raw combat, serving as a better version of conventional cannon fodder, but in the hands of someone as versatile as Yoruko, it was ultimately inferior. For all its strength, it was unable to replicate her most dangerous asset: the power to observe and adapt.

Still, Yun Che couldn't help but chuckle. "Even as cannon fodder, it's leagues above anything this world has seen," he mused. "Ling Mu doesn't stand a chance."

Yoruko, as carefree as ever, giggled alongside her clone, blissfully unbothered by its limitations. Meanwhile, Ling Mu, still frozen in disbelief, couldn't hide the despair creeping across his face. He had bet everything on his perfect technique, only to see it mimicked flawlessly—and now there were two Heaven's Children standing before him, ready to dismantle his every plan.

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Xue Ling steadied her breathing, gripping the sword Mihawk had given her. Despite her best efforts, Kuang Long's impenetrable defenses had her at a stalemate. His thick armor shrugged off her strikes, and his shield blocked any attempt to break his stance. The man was a fortress, and she was growing frustrated.

"Having trouble?" Mihawk's calm voice cut through the tension as he stepped beside her. Kuang Long visibly stiffened, deploying his shields and further reinforcing his armor. The swordsman had just obliterated the elders from three major sects, and his daughter was effortlessly dismantling Ling Mu. This was no ordinary man.

"Lord Mihawk?" Xue Ling asked, a note of concern in her voice. "Where is Nezuko?"

"Having fun," Yun Che replied, gesturing casually toward Nezuko, who was gleefully playing with Ling Mu, her doppelganger mirroring her every move.

"Why… why are there two of her?" Xue Ling blinked, taken aback by the sight of Nezuko and her clone overwhelming Ling Mu.

"She copied one of his techniques," Yun Che explained, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Xue Ling's eyes narrowed as realization dawned. "The Sword Spirit Doppelganger? That's a Heavenly Sword Villa technique… Who is that person?"

"Someone named Ling Mu," Yun Che said with a shrug, as though the man was beneath his notice.

"Ling Mu…" Xue Ling muttered, recalling the name. Her gaze hardened as her thoughts shifted. The Heavenly Sword Villa's involvement with Cang Yue had been suspicious from the start. "The villa had better have an explanation for this," she said firmly, her tone laced with anger.

"I recommend you finish your battle before we get into this conversation," Yun Che suggested, his tone sharp but calm.

"It's impossible," Xue Ling sighed, her frustration evident. She kept her guard up as Kuang Long remained impenetrable. His defenses were too strong, and her current cultivation level simply wasn't enough to break through.

Yun Che pulled a small red pill from his pocket and tossed it to her. "Eat this."

Xue Ling caught it mid-air and examined it with a raised eyebrow. "What is this?"

"Eat it and find out," he replied casually. His nonchalant demeanor, coupled with her trust in him, made her swallow the pill without hesitation.

Moments later, a surge of power coursed through her body. Xue Ling's eyes widened as her strength exploded, her aura shifting dramatically. "This…"

"The Attack Boost Pill," Yun Che explained with a smirk. "It'll raise your attack power by two levels for ten breaths. Should be enough, right?"

"More than enough," Xue Ling replied, a confident grin spreading across her face. Ten breaths were all she needed to turn the tide.

"You! How?! Your aura is at the Sixth Level of the Emperor Profound Realm!" Kuang Long bellowed, his voice filled with disbelief.

"That's not for you to know," Xue Ling shot back, her tone cold and defiant. Empowered by the pill, she boosted her speed, gripping her sword tightly as she prepared to strike. Her movements became a blur, and Kuang Long's once-impervious defense no longer seemed so invincible.

Kuang Long cowered behind his armor, his shield raised, but Xue Ling no longer cared. The sharpness of Mihawk's gifted sword was all she needed to end this battle.

"Dilute Mist: 'Faint'," she whispered in her language, invoking a special skill taught by Cang Yue. Since she didn't understand Japanese, she requested the name in her language. It was a technique she could never fully utilize before, lacking a sword capable of sustaining its delicate precision. But now, with Mihawk's blade in her grasp, the impossible became effortless.

"Impossible... how? How did you ascend to the Sixth Level of Emperor Profound Realm?" Kuang Long stammered, his voice laced with panic.

His words were cut short as Xue Ling's speed blurred. The world seemed to pause as she dashed forward, her movement fluid and precise. Her blade glinted in the moonlight as it delivered a swift horizontal slash.

She stopped behind Kuang Long, sheathing her sword in one smooth motion.

For a moment, silence hung in the air. Then, with a loud crack, the invincible armor protecting Kuang Long shattered under the immense pressure of the attack, scattering into pieces.

Kuang Long staggered backward, falling to the ground, his face pale with disbelief. Xue Ling turned to face him, her calm composure now radiating quiet triumph.

"To think I was once bullied by you," Xue Ling said with a soft sigh, her voice steady as she stared down at the defeated Kuang Long.

"Damn you! Little girl! Huarghhh!" Kuang Long roared, his desperation boiling over as he lunged at Xue Ling with his spear, his last shred of strength channeled into one final, reckless attack.

Xue Ling, calm and unshaken, shifted her stance. She closed her eyes briefly, murmuring the name of a technique she had long admired but only now could perform.

"Cutting Timely Rain."

In a flash, she dashed past Kuang Long in a single, seamless motion, her sword cutting through him with such precision that it appeared almost effortless. As she halted, her stance resolved into a poised ending—both hands gripping her sword, held overhead with the blade perfectly parallel to her back. It was a technique she had learned from observing Cang Yue during the tournament, now executed flawlessly with Mihawk's gifted blade.

Kuang Long froze mid-stride, his body trembling before he crumpled backward, the spear slipping from his grasp.

As the effects of the pill faded, Xue Ling felt her strength revert to the Fourth Level of the Emperor Profound Realm. She calmly resheathed the sword, a faint smile gracing her lips as she marveled at how light and precise the blade felt in her hands.

At the same time, on the battlefield nearby, Ling Mu raised his sword, pouring every ounce of energy he had left into a final, desperate attack. His face twisted with rage and desperation as he bellowed, "I must kill this child! Even if I fall, she must go with me!"

He unleashed the Heavenly Star Frenzy, summoning hundreds of sword auras that rained down like a storm, seeking to overwhelm Nezuko. The air crackled with power as the area around her was engulfed in relentless strikes.

But Nezuko—or rather, Yoruko—remained unfazed, her expression playful as she weaved through the storm of sword auras with uncanny agility.

Ling Mu, now utterly consumed by his resolve, roared, "Heaven's Might Absolute Sword—Moon Break!" He executed a lightning-fast charge, aiming to strike her down in a single, decisive blow. His attack was swift, precise, and fueled by everything he had left.

Yet, in the moment his blade was about to connect, Nezuko struck first.

Effortlessly mirroring the technique she had just witnessed, she executed it herself, with her doppelganger following suit. The two moved in perfect synchronization, unleashing devastating strikes that carved a glowing X-shaped slash across Ling Mu's body.

Time seemed to freeze as Ling Mu staggered, blood spraying from the intersecting wounds. His sword fell from his grip, clattering uselessly to the ground. Behind him, Nezuko stood giggling, her doppelganger by her side, mimicking her joyful laughter.

Ling Mu's vision blurred as he crumpled to his knees. The last thing he saw before collapsing was the Heaven's Child and her eerie clone, both grinning innocently, as though they had merely been playing a game.

Nezuko's doppelganger dissipated into a wisp of energy as she giggled and flew happily toward her master, her childlike glee a stark contrast to the devastation left in her wake. Ling Mu knelt on the ground, his body broken and his pride shattered. His laughter, low and bitter, echoed faintly in the ruined battlefield.

He knew it was over. They had lost.

The Heavenly Sword Villa, the Xiao Sect, and the Burning Heaven Clan—once pillars of power and arrogance—had been crushed in a single night. Their combined might, their countless disciples, and their supposed superiority had proven futile. They never stood a chance, not against him.

The swordsman's presence had turned the tide of the battle before it had even begun. And Ling Mu's greatest shame? He couldn't even defeat the swordsman's small daughter.

"Picking a fight with the Imperial Family? Picking a fight with my disciple?" Yun Che's voice was calm, yet it carried a chilling weight that made Ling Mu freeze in place. Before Ling Mu could react, Yun Che vanished in a blur, reappearing right in front of him.

Ling Mu flinched, his heart pounding in his chest as he stared into Yun Che's cold, piercing yellow eyes. The swordsman's presence alone felt suffocating, as if a mountain had descended on him.

"I'll be paying your Great Elder a visit for this one," Yun Che said softly, his words sharp as a blade. "Trying to touch Cang Yue… that will be the downfall of your Heavenly Sword Villa."

He didn't bother drawing his sword. He didn't need to. His sheer presence spoke volumes—a reminder of how insignificant Ling Mu's actions had been in the face of overwhelming power.

Ling Mu gritted his teeth, trembling but unable to move. He knew he had lost, utterly and completely.

With a dismissive turn, Yun Che walked away, his cloak billowing behind him. "You're not even worth ending," he added coldly, his back to Ling Mu.

Ling Mu dropped to his knees, the weight of humiliation and defeat pressing down on him as the man he once dared to challenge disappeared into the night.

"This was the greatest mistake of our lives," Ling Mu muttered hoarsely, blood trailing from the corner of his mouth. Chasing after the princess, attacking her companions, believing their strength was enough to defy fate—it was all a folly of arrogance and underestimation.

He cast a weary glance toward Kuang Long's fallen form, defeated by Xue Ling, and the remnants of their shattered armies. His thoughts raced bitterly: They should have known better.

The figure of Mihawk stood tall in the distance, his presence like a mountain casting an unshakable shadow over the battlefield. The image of Xue Ling standing victorious, Nezuko flying around her master with joy, and the endless destruction they had wrought burned into Ling Mu's fading vision.

"This moment… will mark the first step in the fall of the three sects. Not even the great elder can defeat him." he whispered with a faint, bitter smile before collapsing forward, his laughter fading into silence.

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

"You beat him?" Yun Che asked as he arrived at Xue Ling's side, his Mihawk persona still exuding an air of calm dominance.

"Yes, despite the level difference. I managed to make up for it," Xue Ling replied, her breath steady though her body showed signs of exhaustion. "The sword you gave me gave me the edge I needed, and that pill boosted my power temporarily. Shame I couldn't keep its effect longer." She sighed, recalling the fleeting moment when her strength had surged to that of a sixth-level Emperor Profound Realm cultivator after consuming the red pill.

Yun Che smirked, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You misunderstand the Attack Boost Pill. It doesn't raise your cultivation—it temporarily amplifies your attack power for a solid ten long incense sticks' worth of time. Next month, when you're ready, you can consume another one of the pills I gave to Yue'er and push your power closer to the peak of the Emperor Profound Realm."

"It's that simple…?" Xue Ling mused as she remembered she skipped an entire realm in a span of a month using those pills. At the same time, she glanced at the sword in her hand and reflecting on the raw power she had wielded.

"You wench!" Kuang Long's voice cut through the moment, ragged and filled with venom. Emerging from the debris, his armor shattered and his body bloodied, his eyes burned with hatred. "You dare defeat me?! If I must fall, then I'll take all of you with me!"

Kuang Long's hands glowed ominously as he activated the explosive seals embedded within his body. The runes lit up, crackling with unstable energy. His surviving men, recognizing his intent, scattered in terror, abandoning their injured leader as the air filled with the hum of imminent destruction.

"You bastard!" Xue Ling snapped, her grip tightening on the katana as she prepared to strike.

But Yun Che was faster. With a flash of movement, he stepped forward, his yellow eyes gleaming coldly as his sword cut through the rising tension.

"I'm really sorry about this…" Yun Che murmured, raising his sword with deliberate precision. With a sudden, explosive burst of speed, he executed a stinger-like thrust that sent Kuang Long staggering backward. The force of the attack left a trail of raw energy rippling in its wake.

Power surged from Yun Che's form as he lifted his sword above his shoulder, the blade humming with concentrated energy. The air around him seemed to ripple under the immense pressure. "You should think things through before deciding to throw away your life," he said with a sigh, his tone almost disappointed.

With a swift and fluid motion, Yun Che unleashed a devastating slash. The energy erupted from his blade in a green-black wave of destruction, arcing toward Kuang Long with overwhelming power.

"Impossible… I am the… general… of the Blood… Divine… Hall…" Kuang Long's voice faltered, his words drowned in the surge of energy. His form was obliterated as the slash tore through him, leaving no trace behind.

The energy wave continued its path, slicing cleanly through the massive galleon. The ship groaned and splintered, engulfed in the radiant green-black aura. Moments later, the entire vessel erupted in a fiery explosion, sending shockwaves rippling through the sea. The colossal slash soared upward like a massive pillar of energy, lighting up the night sky with its brilliance.

Xue Ling stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief. It had taken all her strength, skill, and the boost from Mihawk's pill to defeat Kuang Long after an arduous battle. Yet here was Mihawk—Yun Che—erasing him and his entire army with a single, effortless and powerful energy strike.

She turned to look at him, the realization hitting her like a wave. This wasn't just a swordsman. Before her stood the greatest swordsman in the world, a force of nature capable of obliterating armies with a single blow. The shattered remains of Kuang Long's army and galleon sank into the sea, leaving a stunned silence in their wake.

The battlefield was eerily quiet now, save for the sound of crackling flames and the distant rush of the ocean below. The once-proud armies of the three sects were no more. In a single night, their forces had been annihilated. Xue Ling stood amidst the wreckage, her sword still in hand, watching as the remnants of the battle clung desperately to life.

Survivors scrambled onto a small flying ark, their faces pale with fear. Some clung to its edges, trembling as they looked back at the devastation behind them. The rest of the fleeing forces—a pitiful few compared to their initial might—managed to escape into the night.

Smaller arks descended to the darkened waters below, rescuing the scattered survivors—those who had fallen from the destroyed flagship and those thrown into the sea during the relentless onslaught. Yun Che's sharp senses told him the exact toll: out of everyone aboard the two massive arks, only thirty percent remained.

His gaze swept over the remnants of the combined three sects, battered and broken, clinging desperately to life. The proud warriors who had come with arrogance and overwhelming numbers were reduced to scattered survivors, their leaders slain, and their will crushed.

"If I hadn't intervened…" Yun Che thought, his expression unreadable. The Blue Wind Imperial Family would have perished tonight.

That truth weighed heavier than any battlefield death.

The survivors would return to their sects—empty-handed and humbled. Thirty percent lived to tell the tale, a living warning etched in their souls. Their general was gone, their elders were lost, and the power of the three sects shattered in a single night.

Yun Che watched the fleeing arks disappear into the horizon. Letting them live is enough. The message had been delivered. Should they ever dare to rise again, they would face annihilation.

Xue Ling turned to Yun Che, his Mihawk persona still commanding an aura of unshakable dominance. She watched him carefully. He could have obliterated them all, wiped out every last one without a second thought. Yet, he chose to let the survivors flee.

"Why did you let them go?" she asked softly, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and disbelief.

Yun Che glanced at her, his golden eyes glinting in the moonlight. "A message," he replied simply, his voice cold and resolute. "If they dare try again, they won't be as lucky next time."

Xue Ling understood. The survivors of Kuang Long's army, the broken remnants of the three sects, would carry word of this massacre. They would spread fear of the swordsman who crushed their armies and shattered their pride.

The flying ark disappeared into the horizon, carrying with it the tale of their defeat. As the night wind carried away the last remnants of smoke and ash, Xue Ling sheathed her new katana and sighed.

The message had been sent, loud and clear. If they dared to challenge the swordsman again, there would be no escape.

The Xiao Sect's higher ups were annihilated. Burning Heaven Clan and Heavenly Sword Villa will be next.

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

After the massive galleon ark belonging to the Mercenary City's Blood Divine Hall was obliterated, Yun Che—still in his Mihawk persona—soared through the skies. Behind him sat Yoruko, nestled in Nezuko's body, her small arms gripping his cloak tightly. Flying alongside them was Xue Ling, her expression a mix of awe and lingering concern.

She couldn't believe what had just transpired. They had taken down Kuang Long, one of the most feared figures in the Mercenary City. It was a feat that should have been impossible, yet here they were, returning victorious. Despite the triumph, her thoughts raced with unease. Mercenary City was a haven for Emperor Profound Realm cultivators and Tyrant Profound Realm experts, many of whom had mastered spatial travel. Retaliation seemed inevitable.

Still, Yun Che in his Mihawk calm demeanor was unwavering.

"Mercenary City might seek revenge," Xue Ling said, worry lacing her voice. She couldn't help but feel a heavy burden on her shoulders. "The Blue Wind Empire is insignificant to them, and I've read that the Blood Divine Hall is only one of the twelve divine halls of the city. If they come for retribution…"

Yun Che remained unshaken. His calm, steady voice broke through her worries. "It's nothing I can't handle."

Xue Ling turned to look at him, eyes widening slightly at his confidence. Yun Che's expression was resolute. "Mercenaries are mercenaries. The divine halls don't bother with one another unless there's profit to be gained. If their elders or even their hall master come seeking trouble…" He smirked faintly, his eyes glinting with an edge that spoke of absolute certainty. "Then I'll simply pay their city a visit."

His words carried the weight of his current strength—a strength that crushed armies and silenced sects in a single night. Not to mention her—the hidden Eight Level Sovereign Profound Realm expert, Mio. With the power at his disposal, Mercenary City was not an unconquerable threat.

Yun Che's mind was already moving ahead. Soon, he thought, I'll speak to Chu Yueli and secure several Sovereign Profound Realm cores from Xuyi's ring. I can create another Heavenly Star or two. That should be enough to ensure Cang Yue's family is protected.

"I thank you for handling this on our behalf," Xue Ling said, her voice sincere, though she couldn't stop the flush creeping onto her face as her gaze lingered on his back. The scene before her—a fatherly figure carrying Yoruko—looked so much like a family, and the thought stirred something unfamiliar within her.

As they landed back on the Imperial Family's Ark, Yun Che composure remained as though nothing extraordinary had occurred. Xue Ling marveled at his nonchalance. If not for him, the Imperial Family would have faced the wrath of the Blood Divine Hall. Now, the blame lay squarely on Mihawk, but she found solace in the fact that even the Mercenary City wouldn't dare provoke the name Dracule Mihawk.

"I had my fun," Yun Che's Mihawk persona remarked, adjusting his hat as he turned to leave. "I'll resume napping now."

"Napping?" Xue Ling blinked, incredulous. The strongest swordsman in the empire preferred to nap after such a monumental battle?

"Papa likes to nap a lot!" Yoruko chirped cheerfully, her voice breaking the tension with its lightheartedness.

Yun Che—still in Mihawk's guise—smiled faintly and patted Yoruko's head. Then, as he prepared to take flight once more, Xue Ling couldn't help but ask, "You're not taking Nezuko with you?"

He glanced back at her, his golden eyes softening. "She's fine with Yue'er and you. She hasn't been causing any trouble, has she?"

"She doesn't," Xue Ling replied, a small smile gracing her lips. "But she's an active one."

"She is," Yun Che agreed, his tone light. "I trust you can look after her if Yue'er isn't around."

"I can, if I'm not too busy with this Grand Imperial Protector task—or when Yue'er decides to pass her to Chu Yueli," Xue Ling said, her tone laced with a faint hint of jealousy.

The silence stretched between them, awkward and heavy, before Yun Che decided to shift the conversation. "What about your sword?"

Xue Ling snapped out of her lovestruck moment, her expression shifting to one of mild regret. "It doesn't matter. I can just take a new sword from the armory."

"What about the sword I lent you? You seemed fond of it," Yun Che said, his tone curious yet deliberate, referring to the sleek black-and-gold-handled blade he had given her during their battle.

Xue Ling hesitated, then pulled the sword from her waist. With reluctant hands, she held it out to him. "Thank you for lending me this."

She truly admired the weapon. It was lighter than anything she had wielded before, its balance perfect for her style. She loved the way it allowed her to execute her moves with precision and grace. Yet, she didn't feel it was right to keep it.

Yun Che smiled faintly beneath his Mihawk guise and gently pushed the blade back toward her. "Keep it. I made it specifically for you. The black lacquer on the handle and the uneven tempering of the blade were crafted with care. It's extremely light—perfect for you."

Xue Ling blinked, startled by his words. "You… made this for me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Mm." He nodded. "It suits you better than anyone else."

"This... Please... I couldn't... A sword like this—I can't accept it," Xue Ling stammered, her hands trembling as they gripped the light blade. She vividly recalled how effortlessly it handled during her fight with Kuang Long. It felt like wielding a branch—swift, agile, yet impossibly durable. Even against Kuang Long's formidable strikes, the blade held firm, unlike her previous sword forged by the renowned Ma Tsu, which had shattered. This weapon wasn't just a tool; it was a masterpiece.

"The 50 Skillful Grade blade: Yubashiri—or Snow Chaser. It's a rank lower than Yue'er's swords in grade, but its strength is comparable. It should serve perfectly as a replacement for your sword," Yun Che explained, his voice steady and calm in his Mihawk persona. He mused at the name of the sword, ironically depicting her rivalry with Chu Yueli.

"Lord Mihawk… please, this is too much…" Xue Ling protested, her voice shaky with disbelief.

"Please, I insist," Yun Che interrupted, his tone carrying a quiet finality. "Take it as a gift for caring for Yue'er and my daughter."

Xue Ling's hands trembled further as she finally accepted the sword. Slowly, she drew it from its sheath, and her breath caught in her throat. The blade was stunningly elegant—its black surface adorned with thin, intricate gold patterns, understated yet regal. But more than its beauty, what shocked her was its weight—or rather, its lack thereof. The sword was impossibly light for its durability and power. She couldn't help but marvel at how such a weapon could exist.

Then, curiosity took over. Her gaze shifted to Yun Che, and she hesitated before asking, "If I may… What grade are Yue'er's swords?"

Yun Che, still in his Mihawk guise, shrugged nonchalantly. "Three of the 21 Great Grade Blades."

Xue Ling's eyes widened in shock. "Great Grade Blades?" Her voice wavered, and her grip on the Yubashiri tightened. "Then… this sword…"

"It's one of the 50 Skillful Grade Blades, also known as an Emperor Profound Realm sword," Yun Che answered calmly.

"Emperor?!" Xue Ling gasped, her disbelief palpable. In her hands, she held a Throne-level treasure—an item so rare and precious it could rival the most sought-after artifacts of the Empire.

"Yes," Yun Che confirmed with a nod, his demeanor calm yet authoritative.

Xue Ling stared at the blade, overwhelmed. She had never expected such a gift—a weapon not only exquisite but of immense power. It was far more than she felt she deserved. Yet, as she looked up at Yun Che, his confidence in her abilities and his gratitude for her care left her speechless. Finally, she bowed her head slightly in respect and whispered, "Thank you, Lord Mihawk. I'll wield it with honor."

"Then… Yue'er's swords?" Xue Ling gulped, her voice barely above a whisper. The sheer magnitude of the gift she had received made her wonder just how extraordinary Cang Yue's swords must be.

"Tyrant Profound Realm Grade," Yun Che answered casually, as if discussing the weather.

Xue Ling froze, the words sinking in. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Tyrant Profound Realm? That level was nearly unheard of—swords of such grade were considered priceless treasures of nations, guarded fiercely and rarely seen by mortal eyes.

Yun Che, noticing her stunned silence, smiled faintly. "Before you ask, yes…" He paused deliberately, his voice taking on a calm, almost mischievous tone. "The blade I carry behind me is a Sovereign Profound Realm grade sword—one of the 12 Supreme Grade Swords."

The revelation hit Xue Ling like a thunderclap. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she struggled to process his words. A Sovereign Profound Realm sword? The sheer existence of such a weapon was mythical, let alone in the hands of one man. And this same man had casually handed her an Emperor Profound Realm sword—a blade that, in any other context, would be hailed as a National Treasure and fiercely coveted by entire kingdoms.

Her gaze fell back to the Yubashiri in her hands, its beauty and power radiating in the fading sunlight. She finally managed to stammer, "This… this sword could shake nations. And you're just… giving it to me?"

Yun Che shrugged nonchalantly, as if it were no big deal. "A sword should serve its wielder, not gather dust. You've proven you're worthy of wielding it. Besides," he added with a faint smirk, "it's just a sword compared to the battles you'll face."

Xue Ling was left speechless. In her hands was not just a weapon but a responsibility—one she resolved to bear with honor.

"Behave now, and listen to your big sister Yue and your Haha," Yun Che sighed, his tone softening as he gently ruffled Yoruko's hair. Beneath the guise of Nezuko, she nodded enthusiastically, her energy radiating a playful innocence. For all her mimicry, she seemed to truly enjoy the role of his persona's "daughter."

"Hai!!" she chirped, earning a small, amused smile from him.

Turning to Xue Ling, Yun Che's expression shifted slightly, adopting the composed gravitas of his Mihawk persona. "Take care, Fairy Xue Ling. Watch over Yue'er and Nezuko for me."

Xue Ling hesitated, then softly corrected, "Just Xue Ling… or Ling'er if you prefer." A faint blush crept up her cheeks, her eyes shimmering with unspoken feelings.

Yun Che faltered inwardly. Despite the stoic mask he maintained, her words struck a chord. Ling'er? Such an intimate name. For her to offer it willingly spoke volumes of the trust and admiration she harbored for him. Even the Emperor himself would not have dared address her so familiarly. Even Ling Yuefeng didn't have the privilege despite her being the former Heavenly Sword Villa's top disciple.

"I see," he replied simply, his tone neutral, though his thoughts swirled with conflicting emotions.

"Are you not going to cheer Yue'er at the tournament?" Xue Ling asked curiously, her voice soft but inquisitive.

Yun Che, maintaining his Mihawk persona, stood tall and calm. "I am watching her from a distance," he replied, his voice steady and thoughtful. "She's doing well, growing stronger with each passing moment. Besides, she has her friends, you and Yueli watching over her. Thank you for protecting her today—you and Yueli both."

Xue Ling smiled at his words, a mixture of pride and joy warming her chest. "Yes… it is my honor, Lord Mihawk," she replied, though a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. She enjoyed being seen as a protector, much like Chu Yueli, but hearing him call Yueli's name so casually stirred a twinge of jealousy. Cang Yue had once told her that in Nezuko's culture, addressing a woman by her name without honorifics implied intimacy. The thought made her heart race slightly.

"Just Mihawk," Yun Che corrected gently, breaking her thoughts. "I am no lord—just a wandering swordsman."

Xue Ling's blush deepened, and her heart skipped a beat at his words. "Then… it is an honor, Mihawk," she said, her voice trembling ever so slightly. Saying his name without honorifics felt like a significant step forward, and inwardly, she was thrilled. To her, this was a chance to bridge the gap between them—a small but meaningful advancement.

Yun Che's stoic expression softened slightly as he nodded. "Send my thanks to Yueli as well," he said, his tone calm and sincere.

"Oh, I will," Xue Ling replied, though a hint of reluctance lingered in her voice. She couldn't deny that Yueli held a special place in his mind, but she wasn't about to back down. After all, Nezuko called her Haha—mother—a bond she held close to her heart. If there was a chance to forge something deeper with this man, she wouldn't let it slip away easily.

"Will I… ever see you again?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, tinged with a hopeful vulnerability.

"Who knows," he answered cryptically before activating his flash step, disappearing in an instant.

Xue Ling stood motionless, staring at the spot where the enigmatic swordsman had vanished. Her heart felt light, yet heavy at the same time. He had saved the Imperial Family, wiped out Kuang Long and his men, eliminated the disguised members of the Burning Heaven Clan, and, in doing so, shifted the blame away from the Imperial Family. And yet, amid all of that, he had given her a sword—a gift more precious than anything she had ever received.

And he stole my heart while he was at it.

"Haha is red like a tomato!" Yoruko teased, breaking Xue Ling's reverie.

"Little rascal! What is a tomato?" Xue Ling retorted, her composure breaking as Nezuko's playful laugh echoed through the air. Before she could grab her, the small figure flew off to the ship's hull, her mischievous giggles trailing behind her.

Xue Ling turned back to the horizon, a smile tugging at her lips. For all the chaos and danger of the day, she felt a sense of peace she hadn't known before. She could even tolerate letting Chu Yueli take care of Nezuko tomorrow; after all, she had spent this day fighting alongside the mysterious and unmatched Mihawk.

In the distance, Nezuko hummed happily to herself as she made her way to the Imperial Dining Hall of the ark. Mission accomplished, she thought with glee. Master will definitely reward me with headpats.