章節 60: Chapter 60: Wonders?

"Man... I just want to be a useless, lazy bum for once," Yun Che lazily muttered as he dragged the club-mode Zangetsu behind him. They were currently wandering through the New Moon Profound Palace's jungle, on the hunt for profound beasts to use for their lunch. Simultaneously, they kept an eye out for any wandering hollows, hoping to level up. However, it seemed futile as hollows were scarce, probably hunted down by disciples patrolling the area.

"You... people would kill to have your cultivation method. Instead of striving to be the best, you want to be a useless, lazy bum?" Jasmine's voice sounded, as she walked alongside Yun Che and Retsu.

"Hey, I've had my share of hardships in my previous life. Can't a man be lazy for once?" Yun Che retorted. Surprisingly, after her run-in with the system, Jasmine's haughtiness had mellowed. She was still somewhat haughty, but it was more of a controlled Tsundere demeanor compared to her original personality.

"Retsu, you mustn't learn a thing from this lecherous idiot. Hmph, it's a good thing that woman didn't follow you this time, or else I might never have been able to come out of your world," Jasmine sighed with relief. She had spent far too long stuck in Yun Che's inner world, and the presence of Little Fairy had been bothering her ever since.

"She's right, young master. Being lazy isn't good for your health," Retsu chimed in with a giggle.

Yun Che couldn't help but question Jasmine, "Can you drop the 'lecher' part? Is a month in my world really that bad?"

"No, but Hoyuu keeps pestering me. I've had to hide in Shirayuki's world, which is cold and filled with snow. So what happened this morning?" Jasmine inquired during their walk. When she retreated into hiding, she couldn't observe the outside world, relying on Retsu and Yun Che to update her on recent events, which, so far, had been rather uneventful.

"So, who is she?" Jasmine suddenly asked.

"Who is who?" Yun Che inquired, genuinely puzzled by her question.

"Judging from the pattern of you meeting women on your journey, I doubt you went up to every woman and proclaimed your love," Jasmine concluded, making her own assumptions.

"What on earth do you take me for?" Yun Che sweatdropped, not quite sure where she was going with this.

"A lecher?" She accused him, not mincing words.

"A lecher is a bit of an exaggeration! But, seriously, who are you referring to, and what pattern are you talking about?" Yun Che countered, needing more information to understand what she was getting at.

"So," Jasmine began, "your aunt is the 1000th reincarnation of the ancestral god, and she was originally Yun Che's aunt as well, with powers that activated the Mirror of Samsara to bring you here?"

Yun Che nodded, acknowledging her question. "Yes, that's correct. She was Yun Che's original aunt, and her powers played a crucial role in my arrival here. The original Yun Che had a second life in a mirrored universe. In that reality, he died from suicide to prevent others from taking the Sky Poison Pearl."

"The original Yun Che had a second life in a mirrored universe?" Retsu repeated, her voice filled with astonishment.

"Like yours?" Jasmine chimed in with her own surprise. "And the Sky Poison Pearl came from this mirrored universe?"

Yun Che continued to unravel the complex web of his existence. "Yes, it seems that both the original Yun Che and I were reincarnated from alternate realities. His second life came from the mirrored Azure Cloud Continent, while I came from a different universe. When I was reborn, the Sky Poison Pearl was forced to acknowledge me as its eternal master, binding it through the system. This bond stripped the pearl of its poison abilities but retained its anti-poison or detoxifying properties."

Retsu listened intently as Yun Che explained the intricate details of his connection to the Sky Poison Pearl and its mirrored universe origins. She was captivated by the story, and even Jasmine found herself absorbed in the tale.

Jasmine and Retsu absorbed this information, piecing together the puzzle of the Sky Poison Pearl.

"But," Yun Che added, "there's more to the story. The original Yun Che used up the toxicity of the Sky Poison Pearl for revenge and eventually died. His death caused the pearl to split into two halves. One remains with me, and the other is here in the Azure Cloud Continent of this mirrored universe. The system instructed me to find the missing poison half and reunite them. However, it's still missing a Poison Spirit to fully control its toxicity and unleash its full power. Even if I obtain the complete pearl, it won't reach its full potential. So, the system proposed using a Zanpakuto Spirit, specifically Zanpakuto Ashisogi Jizō or Leg Cutting Jizo, to create a new Poison Spirit. This would overwrite Ashisogi Jizō completely and give birth to a new Poison Zanpakuto—a potent fusion of Zanpakuto and the Sky Poison Pearl."

The weight of the decision hung heavily in the air as Yun Che finished explaining the intricate plan the system had presented to him. The fate of Ashisogi Jizō or the creation of this new Poison Zanpakuto. While parting with Ashisogi Jizō was a difficult prospect, Yun Che reasoned that he had little use for it at the moment. With a firm resolve, Yun Che faced his uncertain path, knowing that it was the only way to unlock the true power of the Sky Poison Pearl.

Jasmine nodded in understanding, but a name caught her attention, "Yun Gu?"

"You might want to sit down for this," Yun Che said with a mysterious glint in his eyes. "Yun Gu is the mirrored universe version of Yun Che's second life's master. He was the one who found the pearl in Yun Che's second life, cultivated the Miracle of Life, and passed on all of it to Yun Che when he died, intending to seek revenge."

Jasmine's usually composed face transformed, her eyes widened, and her lips parted in genuine surprise. The atmosphere in the room became electric. "Yun Che, do you even grasp the enormity of what you've just mentioned?" Her voice quivered slightly, revealing her shock.

Yun Che leaned forward, his voice hushed with intrigue. "The Miracle of Life? It's just a name now, but it used to be one of the most coveted and lost manuals in the aeons of the Realm of the Gods."

"How... how can you say that so casually?!?" Jasmine was dumbfounded, realizing the gravity of what he was talking about.

"Young master, what is this Miracle of Life?" Retsu asked, her curiosity piqued as she wanted to gain more insight into this incredible revelation.

"The Miracle of Life is a life scripture of this world, Retsu," Yun Che explained, his eyes filled with excitement. "Basically, it's a manual for a cure for everything. Imagine if we could learn this manual and merge its knowledge with our Kaido. The possibilities would be limitless."

Retsu's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. Her Kaido recovery was still not complete, and she was in the process of relearning it from Yachiru. "The Miracle of Life? That could be the key to mastering our Kaido at an entirely new level!"

Yun Che nodded in agreement, appreciating her enthusiasm for the possibilities. "Exactly, Retsu. The potential is awe-inspiring. It is one of the incredible things that I discovered."

Jasmine took a deep breath, attempting to collect herself. "The Miracle of Life is not just 'an incredible thing'. It's a legendary tome, whispered about in secret corners of our world. Generations of profound practitioners have sacrificed everything, even their lives, in the mere hope of catching a glimpse of its wisdom. And you speak of it as if you've just mentioned the weather!" Jasmine's voice held a blend of amazement and reproach.

He scratched his head sheepishly, "I didn't mean to sound dismissive. It's just that with everything that has transpired, some things tend to... well, blend into the background."

Jasmine shook her head, a faint smile appearing on her lips. "Only you, Yun Che, could stumble upon one of the universe's greatest mysteries and then treat it like a footnote in your adventures."

Yun Che chuckled, realizing the absurdity of the situation. "Well, when you put it that way, it does sound a bit ridiculous."

Retsu nodded, her mind racing. "If we were to integrate its teachings with our Kaido, the possibilities could be endless. Not just healing but enhancing the body's natural capabilities, perhaps even slowing the ageing process or revitalizing the old."

Yun Che smirked, "I knew the mention of it would spark that genius mind of yours."

Retsu gave a playful roll of her eyes, "Always the flatterer, aren't you?"

Yun Che grins as he pets her head and continues his explanation, his eyes filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "' The Miracle of Life' was the one the original me obtained from his second life through Yun Gu. He had memorized the third and fourth versions of it. However, his master had also created his own version, a complete human understanding of the manual, rather than a divine one. When I was reincarnated by the system, it absorbed Yun Che's soul, extracted the crucial contents, and items, and vaporized the rest of his soul. It was quite harsh, you see. So, I didn't even get his memories, as the system erased them to prevent memory overload, both on my side and his."

As they contemplated the incredible potential hidden within the Miracle of Life, Jasmine, Retsu, and Yun Che realized that they were on the verge of unlocking a secret that could change the course of their destinies forever.

"You... it means..." Jasmine's eyes widened as she grasped the significance of their discovery. "You're carrying half of the ancient Miracle of Life."

"Yeah," Yun Che confirmed with a wry smile, leaning in closer as if sharing a forbidden secret. "The system managed to extract the third and fourth versions of it from Yun Che's memories. It simplified some parts for me, and that's how I developed the 'Miracle of Life, Cure of Everything (Simple Version) - Chapter One (How To Open Complete Profound Veins for Idiots).'" He showed Jasmine the first chapter of the revised manual, but her inability to read English left her sighing in frustration, her curiosity piqued yet unsatisfied.

Jasmine was left speechless, her eyes fixed on the divine scripture turned simple manual. "Is this the reason you could instantly master everything? You're like a hidden treasure trove of potential."

Yun Che continued to share their secrets, his voice hushed with the weight of their discoveries. "That's how I acquired the ability to open all profound ways instantly. And for the impurities, I simply vaporized them with my Spirit Force. According to the system, there's much more to uncover, so I've left it for now. Even the healing, mana, and stamina potions came from the Miracle of Life. The system streamlines things for me, and it's currently deciphering the remaining content of the fourth and final volume. But, it can only extract 1% of the total 50% of the current Miracle of Life manual. It's no different from learning Kaido or Healing Spiritual Arts. Mastering the Miracle of Life could elevate Retsu's mastery of Kaido to a new level."

"You speak of these secrets so casually, as if they weren't a matter of life and death. If the Realm of the Gods discovered this, you'd be hunted relentlessly," Jasmine concluded, her tone grave.

Yun Che shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, I have to level up before I can even consider facing the Realm of the Gods."

Jasmine couldn't help but sweatdrop at his seemingly carefree attitude. "Is leveling up your sole motivation?"

Yun Che grinned mischievously, his eyes glinting with determination. "Well, for now, I'm counting on the system to develop 'dunce manuals' for me. That's my best bet."

Jasmine's tone turned serious once more as she unveiled another shocking revelation. "Your aunt has become the unawakened Ancestral God. She managed to revive Yun Che, but instead, summoned you. You've inherited what Yun Che was meant to have."

The current 'Yun Che' smiled softly as he watched the birds in the distance. "I sympathize with the guy, but everything I am right now is because of him. Retsu is alive because of him. I exist because of him." Jasmine couldn't help but wonder what kind of person the original Yun Che was before Yuuki took possession of his body.

The conversation veered towards the women Yun Che had encountered. "So, what about those two, Chu Yuechan and Cang Yue? You seem to be unusually interested in them. Are their identities as mysterious as Xiao Lingxi's? Could they have some hidden divine essence within them?"

Yun Che leaned back, pondering the question. "Honestly, I'm as clueless as you are. The system hasn't revealed much about them. All I know is that it has tagged them as 'Milestone Girls.' It's a term the system uses to designate remarkable women who might play significant roles in my future, much like Xiao Lingxi, you, and the two new girls." He introduced Jasmine to the concept of Milestone Girls in this extraordinary world they found themselves in"

Even Xia Qingyue?" Jasmine inquired, intrigued by the system's assessment of her as a Milestone Girl.

"Even her," Yun Che confirmed. "With my interference and knowledge of her mother's secrets, who knows what the future holds for her?"

Jasmine then questioned him about Retsu, who had been summoned by the system.

"Retsu was summoned by the system to exist in this world once more. However, based on my observations, she has formed strong bonds with those girls and influenced their paths. Have you noticed how Xiao Lingxi, you, and Chu Yuechan care for her? She has become an important figure in their lives, aside from me. Now, she's even become friends with Cang Yue," Yun Che pointed out, highlighting Retsu's role in the lives of the Milestone Girls.

"So, the Sky Poison Pearl and The Miracle of Life. Are those the only things you obtained from the original Yun Che?" Jasmine asked once more.

"Kind of, I wish I could access most of his... Ecchi content," Yun Che mused aloud, recalling the time when he had read from the novel and stumbled upon the chapter about the mirrored version of Su Ling'er and discovered how perverted he had been to her.

"Ecchi content?" Jasmine inquired, her understanding of the term lacking, but her reaction was notably different from Retsu's, who was blushing furiously.

Yun Che quickly tried to explain, "It's nothing, really. Just a vague description from the system about that guy. His memories were vaporized, and there's nothing I can do about it." He shrugged, attempting to downplay the topic.

"I see... there's so much for me to process today," Jasmine sighed, realizing she still had much to learn, including Yun Che possessing the Miracle of Life manual.

"At least it's better than my morning," Yun Che mused, recalling the rather brutal training session Little Fairy had subjected him to earlier.

"Well..." Yun Che began to recount the "wonderful" events of his morning, offering Jasmine a glimpse into the chaos that had unfolded.

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Morning arrived without warning, yet the New Moon Profound Palace was on high alert. The night prior had been one of the most bizarre incidents to ever befall the sect. Disciples from across the palace swarmed the courtyard, eager to investigate the source of the previous night's tremors. Even the palace's supreme elders were drawn into the inquiry.

Without any prior warning, a massive crescent moon-shaped trench had emerged in the palace's square. Witnesses claimed a blue light had suddenly appeared out of thin air, striking the courtyard with no trace of profound energy usage. It was as if the cause was untraceable and impossible to identify.

Meanwhile, Yun Che slumbered blissfully, oblivious to the chaos he had inadvertently caused by defeating the orc. He assumed it would be a normal morning, but as he drifted in and out of sleep.

"Young master, it's morning. Please wake up." Retsu's sweet and alluring voice gently roused him from his slumber.

"I don't wanna go to school, mom," Yun Che randomly mumbled in his sleep, his voice a groggy protest.

"Mouuu, if you don't wake up, I'll kiss you." Retsu's voice took on a playful tone as she tried to coax him out of bed.

"Zzzzz…" Yun Che stubbornly kept on sleeping, as if daring her to carry out her threat. However, before Retsu could make good on her promise, another voice chimed in.

"Yun Che, it's time for training," came another voice, equally alluring but with a hint of sternness.

Yun Che's eyes fluttered open, and he gazed up at the beautiful figure before him. A mischievous grin crept onto his face. "Little Fairy, you perv. I never knew you were that bold." He teased, his words laced with humor.

As for the snow fairy, her bangs veiled her eyes, hiding the faint blush that crept onto her cheeks when she heard him speak such heartfelt words about her. But her reaction didn't go unnoticed.

"That's it!" Yun Che suddenly found himself yanked by the right ear, and he tumbled unceremoniously out of bed, landing with a thud on the floor. Clearly, the owner of that voice had zero tolerance when it came to him.

"Owowowow… All right, all right, I'm up, I'm up…" Yun Che groaned as he opened his eyes, only to see Retsu giggling while a stern-faced Little Fairy glared down at him.

"You spend every morning lazing around without training. We're starting right now," Little Fairy declared, dragging Yun Che by the ear toward the door. He attempted to make an excuse about needing a shower, but Little Fairy was having none of it.

"Training comes first," she stated firmly as she continued to pull him. Retsu followed closely behind, giggling at the sight.

"NOOO!!!!" Yun Che's protests echoed throughout the morning.

After a rigorous training session, Retsu used her healing kido arts to help Yun Che recover. They sat by the courtyard's fountain, both breathing heavily. Compared to Yun Che, Retsu seemed to be in much better shape.

"Owow… Little Fairy, could you have held back just a bit?" Yun Che groaned, his body aching from the beating he had received. Little Fairy had been merciless, even though she was kinder and held back when it came to Retsu.

"This is a blatant case of male mistreatment!" Yun Che exclaimed with exaggerated indignation, only to be met with a snowball squarely hitting his face.

Splat!

He opened his mouth to retort, but was swiftly interrupted as an even larger snowball engulfed him. Defeated, but laughing, Yun Che emerged from the snowy assault, realizing he might as well use some of it as a makeshift ice pack. The snowy skirmish had turned into an amusing morning ritual.

"Shut your mouth, that's your punishment for causing such a ruckus last night," Little Fairy reminded him, recalling the commotion he had caused.

"I couldn't help it. He was threatening my family. Anyone who threatens the ones I care about will meet their end," Yun Che defended himself. He did, after all, eliminate the orc in the most bizarre manner possible.

"Does that include me, young master?" Retsu asked, though she already knew his answer.

"That goes without saying. Anyone who threatens you, Yuanba, and my family will have to face my blade. Count on it," Yun Che declared with a grin before Retsu jumped up and hugged him tightly.

Little Fairy fell silent. She had never experienced the feeling of protecting someone she cared about. Since she began cultivating, all she had focused on was herself, growing stronger on her own to protect her own family as well. Born without anyone to rely on, she had managed to successfully cultivate the Frozen Cloud Arts. Now, hearing Yun Che speak of defending those he cared about, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. She was strong enough to protect others, but she had never known the feeling of being protected since the event where Yun Che was supposed to protect her didn't happen.

She abruptly stood up and said coldly, "I'm going to my room to cultivate. You two can do as you please," before quickly retreating to the manor.

"Young master, is Sister Yuechan all right?" Retsu looked concerned as she watched Little Fairy's retreating figure.

"Who knows?" Yun Che replied absentmindedly, unaware that his words had stirred something within Little Fairy's heart.

In her room, Little Fairy leaned against the door, gazing at Yun Che and Retsu still in the courtyard. "Rascal, am I one of the people you care about?" She whispered to herself, her heart conflicted.

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In the present time, Yun Che and Jasmine found themselves strolling around the forest outside the palace, preparing for their regular Hollow-killing spree. Retsu had been training with them all morning, and it seemed Little Fairy had delivered quite a thorough beating to Yun Che but Retsu somehow came out unscathed.

"So, she had you beaten all morning?" Jasmine asked him, her voice filled with amusement that she struggled to suppress.

"Yeah," Yun Che admitted with a sigh, "but at least today I managed to break through a level because of her."

Jasmine couldn't help but grin at his predicament. "If you keep this up, she might mistake you for a pervert who enjoys getting hit."

Yun Che scratched his head, contemplating his options. "It's the only way, Jasmine. If I had any other method, I would try it. Somehow, Little Fairy was entirely ruthless this morning. Did I say something to tick her off?"

As they strolled through the forest, Retsu smiled at them, appreciating the casual banter between her master and Jasmine. Little Fairy, meanwhile, remained in the manor, engrossed in her cultivation.

"So, what are we going to do today?" Jasmine asked, looking forward to their activities.

Yun Che explained his plans. "Originally, I was planning to level up and hunt for some beast meat. Retsu wanted to try cooking a different set of meals this time. I thought I could teach her how to make Yukihira Style Beef Stew."

Retsu's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yatta! Please teach me how to cook it."

Yun Che suggested another idea. "Maybe we can coax Little Fairy with it, considering how she treated us this morning. Perhaps a good meal will help us understand why she's been so cold."

Jasmine gracefully vanished into the forest, leaving Yun Che and Retsu to continue their discussion. However, their tranquility was soon interrupted by the approach of a familiar voice.

"Junior brother! Junior sister!" The voice called out from a distance, drawing closer.

Retsu's eyes widened in surprise. "Sister Cang… I mean Sister Xuorue, what are you doing here?" She asked her friend, seemingly oblivious to their current surroundings.

Cang Yue chuckled softly, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Me? Oh, I was on my contribution mission. Are you two on a mission as well?"

"Nah…we're hunting," Yun Che replied casually.

Cang Yue raised an eyebrow, puzzled by their response. "That's it? No mission to collect contribution points?" She inquired, her curiosity evident.

Retsu appeared equally puzzled. "Contribution points?" she asked, seeking clarification.

Cang Yue explained, "Contribution points can be exchanged for weapons, items, healing pills, or cultivation arts. You two don't want to exchange them for anything?"

Yun Che shrugged nonchalantly. "Nope, those points don't mean much to us."

Cang Yue couldn't help but sigh at their indifference to something most disciples valued. "I guess you two have a different perspective on this."

Changing the subject, she asked, "Have you heard about the giant trench that appeared this morning? Rumors are swirling about experts fighting and causing the trench to emerge. Some even say it might be the birth of a treasure. Do you know anything about it?"

Yun Che tried to appear nonchalant, avoiding giving away his involvement. "Well, who knows?"

Cang Yue continued with her questions. "Have you heard about the commotion your names caused at the contribution hall this morning? Disciples are gathering to see which missions you two will choose. Some are even planning to form groups with you. But none of you showed up this morning."

Retsu blinked in surprise. "What did we do, Sister Yue?"

Cang Yue explained the situation. "Apparently, disciples are in a frenzy, eager to team up with you or learn from you. They're squabbling over who you'll choose to join. It's become quite the spectacle."

Yun Che whistled in amusement. "Even when we're not there, trouble seems to find us."

Retsu added, "Those leeches are always clinging to the strong."

Yun Che chimed in, "We have no interest in gathering points. Our focus is on hunting for food and training. Whatever they want to do is none of our concern."

Cang Yue nodded in understanding. "Well, in that case, would it be too much to ask for your help from time to time?"

Yun Che replied with a casual grin, "Sure, we've got plenty of time to spare."

"Thank goodness. Let me finish this mission first before getting back to you two. See you later, Junior brother and sister," Cang Yue said, bowing to them with a happy expression. It seemed like she was about to earn big rewards from her mission.

As Cang Yue left, Jasmine suddenly reappeared out of nowhere. "So, did anything happen while I was away?"

Yun Che filled her in. "Oh, just Cang Yue asked for our help with her contribution mission. So, shall we begin our killing spree?" He readied Zangetsu for action.

Jasmine, always up for a challenge, added, "Then, whoever kills fewer Hollows has to cook lunch." She disappeared into the woods once more, her competitive spirit driving her.

"Sister Jasmine, Young master, I'm not losing to you two again!" Retsu exclaimed and vanished, leaving Yun Che behind.

Yun Che chuckled at their competitive spirit. "Oh, you two are so on." He stored Zangetsu and swiftly used his Flash Step to follow them into the woods, eager to join in the hunt.

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As the evening sun cast its warm, golden hues over the tranquil courtyard of their sect, Yun Che, Retsu, and Little Fairy sat around a low table, sharing a meal together. The aroma of the stew filled the air, its tantalizing scent causing Little Fairy to raise an intrigued eyebrow.

"Is this your new menu for today, Retsu?" she asked, her curiosity piqued as she took her first cautious spoonful.

Retsu nodded, a hint of pride in her voice. "Yes, young master taught me how to cook it."

Little Fairy, tasted the stew and immediately gave her compliment. "It is splendid as always."

Yun Che nodded in agreement, casting a subtle glance towards Retsu as if silently asking for her support. They had both noticed Little Fairy's uncharacteristic coldness during her morning training sessions, and it was time to address it.

"Sister Yuechan," Retsu inquired with genuine concern as she ladled more stew into Little Fairy's bowl, "are you okay?"

Little Fairy blinked, momentarily taken aback by the question. "Hnn? Why wouldn't I be?"

But Yun Che wasn't one to let things slide. He leaned forward, his voice gentle yet firm. "You were kind of cold this morning, though." He recalled how her demeanor had been unusually distant and frosty toward him during their practice. Little Fairy had her reasons, and she wasn't sharing.

An internal battle raged within Little Fairy as she struggled to evade their concern. She couldn't bring herself to admit that she had felt a pang of jealousy when Yun Che had protected Retsu the previous night and showered her with attention this morning. After all, they were lovers, and it was only natural for them to be affectionate with each other.

"Rascal, I am fine," she retorted, but her voice wavered slightly, betraying her true emotions.

Yun Che, ever perceptive, refused to be fooled by her facade. He adopted a more serious tone, his eyes locked onto hers. "No, you're not."

Little Fairy found herself at a loss for words, trapped in Yun Che's unwavering gaze. Her usual strong-willed composure crumbled under his scrutiny. "Since when am I that easy to read? I am really getting sloppy," she admitted to herself, her frustration mounting.

"Sister Yuechan, we're your friends," Retsu chimed in, her voice filled with genuine concern as she reached across the table to hold Little Fairy's hand. "We can help you with whatever is bothering you."

Little Fairy hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. She finally let out a sigh and confessed, "It's nothing, really. It's kind of petty."

The air grew heavy with anticipation as they waited for her to elaborate, their camaraderie drawing them closer, their bond as friends strengthening in the face of unspoken troubles. Yun Che, ever the mediator, spoke up with a reassuring smile, "Still, just tell us. Communication is the key to a happy family."

As the conversation continued, Little Fairy couldn't help but mutter under her breath, her words almost lost in the soft evening breeze. However, Yun Che and Retsu's keen ears caught every syllable.

"Family... You two really cared for me," she confessed, her voice filled with a mixture of vulnerability and gratitude.

Yun Che's grin widened, his eyes warm with affection. "Of course, you're our Little Fairy after all."

But then, a question arose, one that seemed to hang in the air before Little Fairy decided to retract it. "Then, rascal, if I were threatened and powerless, you would protect me, right? You know what, never mind." She brushed it off, as if fearing her own vulnerability.

Yun Che's response was swift and unwavering. "What kind of question is that? Of course, we would." Retsu nodded in agreement. They were resolute in their commitment to her well-being.

Little Fairy's eyes met Yun Che's, a subtle acknowledgment in her gaze. Maybe he was right; maybe she did want to be protected, to feel the warmth of their care and concern. It had been so long since she allowed herself to be vulnerable, to lean on others.

"My cultivation is sufficient—" She attempted to counter, but Yun Che cut her off.

"Even if that's the case, we would still protect you," he insisted. "Even if you lost your cultivation and were surrounded by tens of thousands of beasts, we would protect you all the way, even if I have to carry you most of the time." His words held a deep sincerity, a promise echoing the dedication of the original Yun Che.

Little Fairy couldn't help but challenge him, trying to shift the focus away from her vulnerability. "Ohh, you and your words. Me losing my cultivation? I probably can kill more beasts than you can."

Yun Che flashed a mischievous grin. "Hey, I can be faster than you are, you know. Remember my transformation?"

A playful smile tugged at Little Fairy's lips as she held back a giggle. Her rare smiles and laughter were emerging more frequently, a change attributed to the newfound warmth within her new ice heart. Yun Che had begun to notice her unspoken desires, the need for his attention during their training sessions. He sighed inwardly, resolving to ease the tension between them in the days to come.

"Sister Yuechan, you're really cute when you smile," Retsu complimented, causing a light blush to spread across Little Fairy's cheeks as she attempted to regain her composure.

She sighed, a mixture of exasperation and fondness in her tone. Little did she know that these two could read her like an open book, their friendship deepening with each passing moment. Tomorrow's training promised to be a different experience, with newfound camaraderie and a lighter atmosphere, as they continued to grow closer in their unique bond.

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Over the next three weeks, Yun Che dedicated his mornings to intensive training sessions with Retsu and Little Fairy. She pushed them to their limits, ensuring they broke through to the Sky Profound Realm. The training also served as an outlet for her pent-up frustration from Yun Che's constant teasing. Occasionally, she used her profound arts and hand-to-hand combat skills against him, although she had started holding back more since their dinner conversation. Their unique bond had made progress during this time, and they could now converse easily with one another, as if another ice barrier had been melted.

To pass the time, Yun Che and Retsu attempted to attend some of the palace's lectures, but they found them dreadfully boring. What they did find amusing, however, was the way female disciples would flock to Yun Che's side, eager to get to know him better. Who could resist a strong man capable of defeating a True Profound Realm master with ease? Despite their best efforts, most of these disciples were kept at bay by Retsu's intimidating presence. The only exception was Cang Yue, who was in disguise and had managed to become close to them. It puzzled many that she seemed so familiar with Yun Che and Retsu, as if they had been friends for a long time.

As for Murong Ye, he could often be seen glaring at them from a distance. His previous defeat had left him humiliated, and he had tried to use his father's influence against them. However, with the support of Qin Wuyou and Cang Yue, he had been silenced.

One day, in the Contribution Hall, disciples eagerly gathered to receive their mission assignments. These missions ranged from guarding important resources to exploring dangerous territories in search of rare materials. Yun Che and Retsu were highly sought-after as mission leaders due to their exceptional skills and reputation within the sect.

Excitement filled the hall as the mission assignments were announced. Disciples of varying backgrounds and skill levels vied for the opportunity to join Yun Che and Retsu on their missions. Some sought to gain valuable experience and earn more merit points, while others hoped to learn from the best. However, it quickly became apparent that some disciples were merely trying to attach themselves like leeches.

In the end, Yun Che and Retsu turned down all the offers, opting instead to take only Xia Yuanba and Cang Yue on their contribution missions. While Yuanba embarked on his own mission, Yun Che and Retsu set their sights on high-ranking missions equivalent to the coveted 'S' class. These missions demanded warriors of at least the Spirit Profound Realm or Peak True Profound Realm and promised substantial contribution points. Initially, their requests were met with rejection, as 'S' class missions were notorious for their danger and high mortality rates. However, Yun Che and Retsu remained unwavering in their determination to take on these challenging tasks.

Cang Yue couldn't help but worry about their choice to tackle the 'S' class missions. However, her worries soon transformed into awe and astonishment as she witnessed Yun Che and Retsu handling these missions with such ease that they appeared mundane. To them, it was as if they were on a leisurely stroll, and she was merely a companion along for the ride. In the span of just one week, they successfully completed all the 'S' class missions, reaping an abundance of contribution points. Since Yun Che and Retsu had no use for these points and were primarily focused on gaining experience, Cang Yue became the primary beneficiary.

Their extraordinary achievements did not go unnoticed within the palace, leading to secret surveillance by several teachers. However, as their claims were substantiated by these astounded teachers, they were granted permission to undertake even more 'S' class missions. One particular mission required capturing at least three True Profound Realm beasts, but to Cang Yue's sheer amazement, they captured not three, but ten of these formidable creatures without breaking a sweat. They utilized a glowing binding technique that left her utterly dumbfounded. It was evident that 'S' class missions were nothing more than a walk in the park for them.

As their relationship with Cang Yue blossomed, she found herself spending more time with them than she had initially anticipated. She discovered that they genuinely cherished her company, and Retsu treated her like a sister. Cang Yue couldn't help but notice her occasional glances toward Yun Che during his training sessions, often accompanied by a small smile. It seemed that Yun Che possessed an uncanny ability to attract remarkable women, especially those with unique talents. After their recent conversation, Retsu had a growing suspicion that Cang Yue would play a significant role in their future endeavors.

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On the night of the banquet, a series of loud knocks echoed through Yun Che's room.

*Bang *Bang *Bang

"Brother-in-law, are you awake yet? The banquet is almost about to start, are we still going?" Xia Yuanba's voice called out as he continued to knock on the door. He had successfully broken through to the Eight Level of the Nascent Profound Realm, the same realm as his senior brother Murong Ye. It had taken three weeks of intense training, determination, and the pills Yun Che had provided. Yuanba couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding about the upcoming events at the banquet. Tonight was the night they had been eagerly anticipating, the night that would change everything and might lead to Yun Che leaving once more.

Yun Che quickly got up from the bed, his senses alert. "Of course, I'm going! Give me a minute, and we'll leave immediately!"

"Brother-in-law, are you sure about this? There might be no turning back once we go through with it," Yuanba expressed his concern, his eyes pleading.

"Of course, Yuanba. The preparations are complete, and all we need to do now is execute the plan," Yun Che reassured him. He had discussed their plan earlier, and to avoid suspicion, he instructed Yuanba to act normally once the banquet concluded. It seemed like the time to say goodbye was approaching sooner than expected.

"Young master, I am ready," Retsu said, appearing from behind Yun Che. She had already packed her belongings, utilizing the system's interface to store everything inside her inventory. While she couldn't use the full administrator privileges like Yun Che, she could access her skills and stats through it other than purchasing for some supplies.

"Let's depart immediately. Yuanba, lead the way," Yun Che said, prompting Yuanba to take the lead.

Yuanba couldn't help but ask, "Where's Senior Yue Chu? I didn't see her with us this time.

"Yun Che replied, "She left early to observe from above. Don't worry; she'll be fine."

As they began to depart, Retsu held Yun Che's hand and whispered with a touch of sadness, "Young master, I'm going to miss this manor."

"I know," Yun Che acknowledged with a hint of nostalgia. "It's been a memorable three weeks. This manor holds many memories, albeit short ones." They both turned around for one last look at the manor that would one day become the main attraction of the New Moon Profound Palace, the home of two legendary figures with their own stories to tell. But that tale would have to wait for another day.