章節 197: Chapter 196: The Hidden Darkness

Inside the palace, they put her in her room's bed to rest. Yun Che laid her down carefully, covering her with a blanket. Cang Wanhe, Xue Ling, Retsu, Nemu, and Mio gathered around, their faces reflecting a mix of concern and determination. He gazed at her peaceful face, a mix of pride and concern etched into his expression. The room was quiet, save for the rhythmic patter of the rain against the windows.

"Yue'er…" Cang Wanhe whispered, his hand gently brushing her hair. "What power did you awaken?"

"What kind of power is this, Yuu-kun?" Retsu said, her voice calm but firm. "This transformation… it's unlike anything we've seen."

"I have no idea as well." Yun Che assured them.

As the rain continued to fall outside, the palace became a haven of calm and determination. They had witnessed a profound change in Cang Yue, one that would shape not only her future but the future of the Blue Wind Empire.

The awakening of the Empress of the Blue Wind Empire.

Mio stood beside him, her eyes reflecting deep thought. "Yue'er is stronger than any of us realized," she said softly, her voice a blend of awe and concern.

Yun Che's gaze shifted to the room, his thoughts settling on a crucial need. He knew there was someone—or something—closer to Cang Yue that might provide answers. He turned to the assembled group, his voice steady and authoritative. "Can everyone keep quiet for a moment? I need to speak to someone."

The room fell into a hushed silence, the weight of the day's events hanging heavily in the air. Yun Che closed his eyes, reaching out with his senses to connect with the presence that had always been close to Cang Yue. His mind focused on seeking the spirit or entity that might hold the key to understanding this new power and the changes it had wrought.

"Who…" Xue Ling was about to ask but Retsu shook her head. She understood the message and decided to trust Yun Che and wait for answers.

Yun Che sat cross-legged as he let the system establish a connection to the Moon World. If anyone knows Cang Yue best, it's her.

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[Ding… Connection to the Moon World Established]

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"Yuyun? Can you hear me?" Yun Che called out, his voice steady as he reached out to the one who knew Cang Yue the best: her true master and guardian.

"Ah, Yun Che. What can this one do for you?" The reply came from Yuyun, the inner master and spirit left to Cang Yue by the Moon Empress, Huan Xuyi.

"I'll get straight to the point. What happened to Little Yue?" Yun Che asked, his concern evident.

Yuyun went into deep thought before answering. "Uhh… I can't say I know for certain. Somehow, her Haoshoku flared up with her anger, but it was drawn into the feather my master left for her. Then, I don't know exactly. Her aura felt like my master's for a moment. It used some features of the Yin Lunar Body, like her black hair, but with gold pupils. Her personality matched my master's empress persona."

"But, Huan Xuyi has departed. How can she…" Yun Che trailed off, trying to piece together the puzzle. He knew that Huan Xuyi had stated she wanted nothing more to do with this world. How could she have influenced Cang Yue now?

Yuyun pondered for a moment before speaking again. "I suspect it's some countermeasure she set up for Little Yue, built into the feather. Like a protective personality that activates when Yue'er faces absolute danger. It seems the feather uses her Haoshoku as fuel to manifest itself and temporarily possess Little Yue. The reason I believe it resembles my master is that only she could use the water dragon technique you saw. Even the fist... I never taught Little Yue any of these arts. I've made several countermeasures to protect Little Yue if she's in danger, so I didn't need the countermeasure personality to emerge but…"

Yuyun's voice trailed off, reflecting her uncertainty and concern.

Yun Che took a deep breath, processing the information. "So, the feather acted as a conduit, using Yue'er's Haoshoku to trigger this transformation. It means she has a fragment of Huan Xuyi's power and personality within her."

"It seems so," Yuyun confirmed. "It's a part of her now, a latent power that surfaces when she's pushed to her limits. Moreover, I sensed a hidden darkness within that personality. That explains the ruthlessness she showed before you stopped her."

"Wait, hidden darkness? What do you mean?" Yun Che asked, his curiosity piqued.

"A hidden darkness is like a person's good and evil, mixed well. It's what makes humans, well… human. However, Little Yue is quite different. Do you know she doesn't have a shred of darkness inside her? I was skeptical at first," Yuyun revealed, her voice tinged with intrigue.

"That's kind of impossible…" Yun Che replied, shaking his head. The concept of separating one's darkness from the mortal plane and entering a divine consciousness seemed far-fetched.

"You and me both. But the truth is, her darkness has somehow separated from Little Yue. That explains her boundless compassion, patience, and kindness. I suspect my master left some kind of counter personality inside the feather to help Little Yue, but I didn't expect it to absorb the power of her Haoshoku and her hidden darkness to awaken itself as a separate persona," Yuyun explained, her tone becoming more contemplative. "This personality reminds me of Cang Xue and master herself: dominant, domineering, and ruthless."

"When that personality emerged, I sensed her darkness inside it. The only explanation I can give you is the hidden darkness merged with her Haoshoku No Haki and master's counter personality, creating a new alternate persona within Little Yue." Yuyun concluded that Cang Yue's new personality is her alternate self, embodying what might happen if Cang Yue had a dark side, just like Retsu.

A Yin and Yang side.

While Cang Yue is well-versed in sword arts, her other side is proficient in mystical arts.

"That sounds odd but kind of makes sense," Yun Che mused, accepting the explanation. It provided a plausible reason for the drastic change in Cang Yue's demeanor.

"But something about it strikes me as odd," Yuyun pondered, her voice trailing off as she delved deeper into her thoughts.

"What do you mean?" Yun Che asked, curious.

"It's more about you, actually. How did you get the personality to listen to you? If this is truly an extension of master's personality and Little Yue's dark side, that new Little Yue would never heed anyone. I assumed that the new personality possessing Little Yue is the same, derived from my master's domineering traits. Yet, she responded to you. She stopped when you asked her to stop. Not even her father could make her stop; he pleaded, but she insisted on killing her cousin. Then, you arrived, asked her to stand down, and she complied. If she's truly derived from my master's personality, she should not have listened to anyone."

"Maybe it merges with Little Yue's?" Yun Che suggested, recalling how the persona had called him her emperor. "She did call me her emperor."

"She did, did she?" Yuyun smiled. "A domineering Empress personality, highly adept in mystic arts. It should serve you well. The fact that it listens to you is significant. You can command Little Yue's Empress persona. I suspected Master made it to listen to you. Well, that's all I have for now. I'll relay any new findings to Little Yue if I discover anything more."

"Strange, Little Yue didn't awaken this mode when her father was about to be executed. But I can only imagine the devastation if she had awakened the Empress persona in front of everyone. She could have leveled the entire city," Yun Che concluded, picturing the destruction she could have caused had she turned against the empire at that moment. As powerful as she is, he was relieved she didn't awaken it during the rebellion. It was surprising that her maid's injury triggered it, rather than her father's execution.

"It's probably because her Haoshoku no Haki was still new back then. She used it all in one go, and the feather didn't absorb much power. I think anger is the main trigger. At that time, all she felt was despair. Had she felt anger instead, things might have turned out differently," Yuyun explained.

Yun Che nodded thoughtfully, imagining the terrifying potential of Cang Yue's hidden power. If she had awakened the Empress persona during the rebellion, especially with the full might of her Haoshoku No Haki, the damage could have been catastrophic.

"It's a good thing she didn't," Yun Che murmured, grateful for how the events had unfolded. Despite the threat of her father's execution, Cang Yue had only felt despair rather than rage, which, in a twisted way, had spared the Imperial City from destruction.

"Makes sense. Thanks, Yuyun. I'll keep in touch," Yun Che said, feeling somewhat satisfied with the answers for now.

"Pfff… gladly. Do take care of my idiot disciple's body. She overexerted herself this time," Yuyun sighed.

"Well, she wasn't in control. Maintaining those dragons probably took more than she could handle," Yun Che said, a hint of exasperation in his voice.

"Little Yue is still Little Yue after all," Yuyun remarked with a mix of affection and resignation before Yun Che cut the connection.

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Yun Che emerged from his deep connection with Yuyun, slowly returning to reality. As his senses sharpened, he found the room eerily quiet, every pair of eyes fixed on him, waiting for an explanation. He drew in a steadying breath before speaking.

"According to Yuyun, Little Yue's personality alone isn't enough to awaken that dominant persona," he began, his voice calm but laced with a hint of urgency.

"Yuyun?" Xue Ling's voice pierced the silence, clearly unfamiliar with the name.

Yun Che gestured toward the unconscious Cang Yue. "I'll let her explain that when she wakes up. But for now, Yuyun told me that this new dominant persona isn't just a random occurrence—it's born from her hidden darkness."

"Hidden darkness?" Retsu and Mio echoed simultaneously, confusion written across their faces. Cang Wanhe's eyes widened with sudden realization.

"What exactly is a hidden darkness?" Nemu asked, her curiosity piqued as she leaned in closer.

Yun Che nodded, preparing to elaborate. "According to Yuyun, Cang Yue was able to cultivate arts that separated her darkness from her pure heart. Her Haoshoku No Haki merged with this darkness, and when combined with an essence she gained from the feather, it created a new, dominant persona. This persona is a fusion of her Haoshoku No Haki, the hidden darkness, and that essence."

The room fell into a heavy silence as the weight of his words settled over them. Cang Wanhe, despite his effort to remain composed, felt a deep concern growing within him.

"But isn't it dangerous to let that darkness roam inside Little Yue?" Retsu's voice trembled slightly, worry evident in her eyes.

"Rest assured," Yun Che replied, his tone steady. "According to Yuyun, the personality matrix created by the Moon Empress was designed specifically to protect Cang Yue. This new persona, while sentient and immensely powerful, is the embodiment of her darkness, crafted with the purpose of shielding her. It only takes control of her body when absolutely necessary."

The gravity of Yun Che's words settled over the room. This new persona within Cang Yue wasn't just a mere manifestation of power—it was a fierce, ruthless empress, a side of her that Cang Yue herself had never embraced but was essential for her survival.

"It's like having a guardian within her," Yun Che continued, his voice softening. "A guardian that emerges only in moments of great danger. It respects her true nature and will not take over unless it's to safeguard her life."

The room fell into a contemplative silence as everyone absorbed this revelation. They understood now that this persona was both a blessing and a burden—a powerful yet vile protector hidden within the gentle and kind Cang Yue.

"(But, Danna-sama, Yue'er developing a new personality is reminiscent of Hoyuu-san and Yachiru-san. It looks like we have another to contend with)," Mio sighed in Japanese, recalling the alternate personalities she had encountered in Yun Che and Retsu. "(I thought dealing with those two was already a handful.)"

Yun Che nodded, sharing her sentiment. "Exactly. To think she developed a personality matrix that absorbs her darkness, utilizes her Haoshoku, and draws on the knowledge implanted by its creator. That persona can wield arts that Cang Yue herself cannot, like those water-based dragons and fists. Yuyun mentioned these are only a fraction of what the Moon Empress could do. If this persona is derived from her…"

"The real question is how," Mio interjected, her mind racing. "How did Yue'er manage to separate her darkness so perfectly? I've never detected any darkness within her before."

Cang Wanhe sighed deeply, his hand trembling slightly as he gently touched Cang Yue's forehead. "Yue'er…"

He turned to face her companions, his gaze settling on each of them, including Xue Ling, her trusted sister-in-arms. "Yun Che, and all of you who stand by her side, since Yue'er trusts you so deeply, it is only right that I share something important about her past. This might help explain what you've seen today."

The room fell into a hushed silence, everyone waiting with bated breath.

"Yue'er did indeed carry darkness in her heart, but it was separated from her—by her mother," Cang Wanhe revealed, his words striking like a bolt of lightning through the room.

"Her mother? The late Madam Lan Ying?" Xue Ling's eyes widened in shock. The late third queen, Lan Ying, had died under mysterious circumstances when Cang Yue was just a child, believed to have been murdered by unknown assailants, possibly under the orders of the first and second queens. Yet, without concrete evidence, those responsible remained free of blame.

Back then, Xue Ling had been just a protector, powerless to intervene directly. She could only watch helplessly as the kind-hearted Lan Ying was taken from Cang Yue, leaving her devastated. Before Lan Ying's death, Xue Ling had made a solemn vow to protect her daughter at all costs—a promise she had kept to this day.

The others were equally stunned, struggling to comprehend how the late third queen had possessed the ability to separate darkness from her daughter's heart while retaining her kindness.

"The reason I chose her mother as my third wife was because of her uniquely kind-hearted nature," Cang Wanhe continued, his voice tinged with sorrow and admiration. "Lan Ying was unlike anyone else in the Royal Family. She had an extraordinary amount of patience and never once harbored resentment, even in the face of betrayal. She died with forgiveness in her heart, refusing to curse those who wronged her. That kindness, in a world as unforgiving as ours, was what set her apart."

Cang Wanhe's words painted a vivid picture of a woman whose gentle spirit had left an indelible mark on her daughter. Lan Ying's legacy lived on through Cang Yue, whose strength was now intertwined with the profound power of her mother's sacrifice.

"Her mother could separate her darkness?" Retsu asked, awe lacing her voice.

"Yes," Cang Wanhe nodded. "Lan Ying was a master of arts that could purify the heart and soul. She used this ability to shield Yue'er from the darkness that often plagues those in positions of power that corrupted her stepchildren. That darkness didn't vanish; it merely lay dormant. Lan Ying did this to protect Yue'er, knowing that passing down such art would draw dangerous attention."

The room fell silent as the full weight of Cang Wanhe's revelation sank in. Lan Ying's extraordinary abilities had not only saved Cang Yue from being consumed by her inner darkness but had also laid the foundation for the powerful persona that now existed within her.

Yun Che looked at Cang Yue, understanding the gravity of her mother's actions. "So, the personality that emerged is a manifestation of both the darkness separated by her mother and the protective essence left by the Moon Empress."

The room fell into a contemplative silence as they absorbed this information. Cang Yue's new persona was a powerful, protective force, born from her mother's love and the legacy of the Moon Empress. It was a reminder of the strength and complexity within her, shaping Cang Yue into a force to reckoned with.

"Her mother is a remarkable woman for being able to forgive her assailants despite knowing what they did to her," Xue Ling continued, her voice filled with admiration and regret. She hadn't been able to protect her late Queen, Lan Ying, due to her lack of cultivation at the time, but she vowed to protect her daughter, Cang Yue, now that she had more than enough strength to do so.

"Her kind-hearted nature came from the cultivation art of her clan—the art of separating the good and evil within oneself. This made her kindness the dominant personality," Cang Wanhe explained, shocking them. "According to her back then, the power drawn from kindness is far greater but also easily exploitable. Imagine drawing power from both sides."

Everyone in the room fell silent, absorbing the gravity of Cang Wanhe's explanation. It was as if the pieces of Cang Yue's past, long obscured, were finally coming together.

"Her powers... they're like Retsu's," Yun Che murmured, glancing at Retsu. "Only instead of drawing strength from both her Yin and Yang sides, Little Yue's Yang side—the former personality of Huan Xuyi herself—has merged with her hidden nature to form this new dominant persona."

Xue Ling blinked in disbelief. "Wait, Little Yue is the cultivator of that art? A hidden clan?" The question hung in the air, sparking curiosity among them all. What kind of legacy could harness such intricate balance between Yin and Yang?

Cang Wanhe shook his head slowly. "No, my wife, Lan Ying, refused to let the secrets of that ancient art fall into the wrong hands. You see, kindness and vileness, if not separated, can be easily exploited. She cultivated the art once more during her pregnancy, ensuring Yue'er would be born free of the darkness that could corrupt her."

"So, that's why her other name is Lan Xueruo?" Yun Che's voice was low but sharp, as if a missing puzzle piece had suddenly clicked into place.

"Exactly," Cang Wanhe affirmed, his tone resolute. "Lan Ying chose that name for her, hoping to shield Yue'er's pure heart from the evils that could consume her. 'Lan Xueruo' represents the kindness that defines her, even when the world around her is dark."

"Remarkable," Retsu whispered, her eyes reflecting the weight of Cang Yue's legacy. "Her mother's sacrifice was beyond extraordinary."

Yun Che sighed, his gaze drifting to the unconscious Cang Yue. "Little Yue never cared about her status as a princess. Even when she was with us, her mind was always on protecting her family. Back then, her family wasn't the royal court—it was just you, her sick father."

He paused, the memory of Cang Yue's selflessness hitting him hard. "She would've given up everything to save you. She even tried to sell herself to make sure I would fight for her family, even if it meant losing her dignity." Yun Che's fists tightened, the depth of Cang Yue's sacrifice evident in his words. "She was willing to go to those lengths just to protect your name."

Cang Wanhe's expression softened, understanding the weight his daughter had carried for so long. "That is who Yue'er is. Her heart has always been her greatest strength."

Xue Ling gently caressed Cang Yue's head, her expression softening with admiration. "It's incredible how much love and protection were woven into her very being," she said quietly. "Yue'er fights not just for herself but for the people she cares about—her family, even defending a maid against her own cousin."

Cang Wanhe's gaze lingered on his daughter, his heart full of pride. "Lan Ying's legacy truly lives on in Yue'er. Her kindness has always been her greatest strength. No matter what the world threw at her, she stood tall, patient, and resilient—until she met you, Yun Che."

Yun Che nodded thoughtfully. "I've pieced together something. Little Yue's cultivation art… it was tailored specifically for her by the Moon Empress and her ancestor, Cang Xue."

"Cultivation art? The Moon Empress? Cang Xue?" Cang Wanhe's voice reflected his confusion. He glanced at Xue Ling, who shared his bewilderment. Neither of them knew anything about the cultivation Cang Yue had acquired.

Yun Che, after exchanging a glance with his fiancées, decided to reveal part of the truth. "You probably don't know this, but during the skirmish in Gao Ling City, Yue'er's master explored the Tomb of the Moon Empress. He gained an ancient cultivation art specifically meant for her."

Cang Wanhe's eyes widened. He had heard rumors of Dracule Mihawk's involvement in Gao Ling City, but to think that Cang Yue had inherited such a profound art… the revelation was overwhelming.

"How is that even possible?" Xue Ling asked, her eyes wide with amazement. "The Moon Empress lived three thousand years ago. Why would she choose Yue'er?"

"There's a lot we don't fully understand about the ancients," Yun Che replied. "But her master uncovered that the Moon Empress created a cultivation art that couldn't be cultivated by men. So, it was passed down to Cang Yue's ancestor, Cang Xue, who was her direct disciple at that time. With it, Cang Xue was the second Moon Empress of the Great Moon Empire—long before it became the Blue Wind Empire."

Cang Wanhe's brows furrowed, trying to grasp the enormity of the information. "How do you know all this about the Cang Family's history?"

Yun Che smiled slightly, careful to keep certain secrets hidden. "Little Yue told me much about her family's past, and the rest I learned from her master's discoveries during his exploration of the tomb."

Xue Ling's curiosity piqued. "You know Yue'er's master?" she asked, a hint of intrigue in her voice.

Yun Che shifted slightly, avoiding direct eye contact. "Let's just say… we're close," he said, leaving it at that.

Xue Ling gave a knowing nod, filing that information away for later. She would definitely be asking Yun Che more about Dracule Mihawk at some point. For now, the mystery of Cang Yue's lineage and her newly revealed powers were more than enough to digest.

Cang Wanhe's face darkened as he recalled the painful history of his family. "The family curse... It has haunted us for centuries," he began, his voice laced with both regret and bitterness. "For as long as the Cang Royal Family has existed, no female descendants were ever born. Not one. Our bloodline was believed to be blessed with male heirs, but when Yue'er was born, it was seen as a curse by most."

"A curse?" Yun Che echoed, his brows furrowing as the rest of the group leaned in, intrigued. The revelation of a curse had never been mentioned in any of the histories or tales he had encountered.

Cang Wanhe nodded gravely. "Yes. When Yue'er came into this world, the entire Cang Family was shocked. Many refused to believe she was truly of our bloodline. Some even whispered that my third wife, Yue'er's mother, had used profound arts to break the male line of the family or worse, that she had committed infidelity. But those are lies. Yue'er's bloodline was confirmed by the profound paternity test. She is a pure-blooded Cang, no doubt about it."

Xue Ling clenched her fists as she listened, remembering all too well the torment Cang Yue had suffered in her youth. "Her brothers were the worst," she said through gritted teeth. "They avoided her, harassed her, belittled her… all because she was born a girl in a family where that was considered a curse. I remember the tears she shed, always asking why she had to be born a girl, always wondering why her brothers hated her so much."

Cang Wanhe sighed, the weight of the past bearing down on him. "They were fed lies by their mothers, convinced that Yue'er wasn't worthy of the Cang name. To them, she was an outsider, someone who disrupted the natural order of the family. But to me, Yue'er was a blessing. A miracle. I never doubted her, not for a moment."

He stroked his daughter's hair gently, his expression softening. "She's my innocent heir. Her heart is pure, and she has more strength in her kindness than any of her brothers could ever possess."

Xue Ling's voice softened as well. "I tried to tell her that. I told her that her fate as a girl was the greatest gift. She never believed me back then… but now, after all she's endured, she finally understands."

Yun Che, taking it all in, felt a newfound admiration for Cang Yue. Despite the burden of her birth and the weight of the family curse, she had risen above it all, enduring with a grace and resilience that few could match. "Yue'er," he whispered, looking at her sleeping face.

Cang Wanhe's voice grew somber as he continued. "You always stood by Yue'er's side, Xue Ling, even when her brothers tormented her. With you, I knew she was safe. I couldn't protect her from their lies and abuse, but at least she had you. Her brothers were poisoned by their mothers' whispers, convinced that Yue'er was never worthy of the Cang name. But when the rebellion came, she showed them how wrong they were. She didn't just shut them up, she proved she was the rightful heir to the throne. Today, she proved to the outer family that the Empress lies dormant within her."

The room fell silent as the gravity of his words sank in. The others, who had only heard fragments of Cang Yue's past, now felt the weight of her struggles more keenly. Anger flickered in the eyes of some, wishing they could punish the brothers for their cruelty. But they knew that Cang Yue wouldn't want them to act on such feelings. Her elder brother was already gone, and the rest were paying the price in their own suffering. Killing them now wouldn't change anything.

Yun Che, deep in thought, couldn't shake the feeling that something more was at play. This world seemed similar to the one he read in the novel, yet there were subtle differences. He had long known that this wasn't quite the same timeline as the original ATG world he knew, and now, the pieces weren't fitting together in a familiar and expected way.

"System," Yun Che murmured internally, "Do you have any information on this?"

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[Ding….]

[Based on the system's scan of Cang Yue's body, the Cang Family's curse is a genetic modification made by Huan Xuyi towards Cang Xue's children to ensure no female will be born into their bloodline other than Cang Yue herself who is considered the breaking of the curse.]

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"Genetic modifications?" he echoed internally, disbelief flooding his thoughts. Huan Xuyi, an ancient cultivator, had altered the very essence of the Cang Family's bloodline, shaping their future for thousands of years. It wasn't just a mystical curse—it was deliberate, precise, and scientific in a way Yun Che hadn't anticipated. The knowledge that someone from so long ago could manipulate genetics to ensure that no female descendants were born, except for Cang Yue, left him reeling.

"How could an ancient cultivator like Huan Xuyi have such knowledge? What kind of power did she truly wield?" Yun Che thought. The idea of genetic modification was far beyond the spiritual or mystical abilities he was familiar with. It was something from the realm of technology—far more advanced than any era he had known.

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[Ding… Precisely, the cultivation art, Mirror of the Moon God she created meant to be cultivated and perfected by Cang Yue. Even if the host didn't enter the tomb entrance tournament to gain it, the people gaining it back then will never be able to cultivate them as it was meant to be given to Cang Yue and only her. The system can modify it to be cultivated by your people but since it was meant to be Cang Yue's, it will stay that way.]

[Ding… Huan Xuyi modified the DNA of Cang Xue's children so her descendants would bear males instead of females, in order to protect the purity of the female bloodline and ensure the successful cultivation of their art. Since then, for the past three thousand years, the Cang Family has been blessed with only male descendants, to the point where many in ancient times referred to them as the "blessed family" for bearing only males. Cang Xue's bloodline thrived, but after three thousand years, the genetic strain finally broke. For the first time in the Cang Family's history, a female descendant was born—Cang Yue, daughter of Cang Wanhe.]

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Yun Che's thoughts churned as the pieces of the puzzle started falling into place. "Huan Xuyi knew all along," he mused, his mind replaying the cryptic visions and fragments of history he had gathered during his journey.

"She didn't just alter Cang Yue's fate—she orchestrated everything, even the timing of her birth, to align with my arrival in this world. Not the Yun Che of this world's history, but me, the one who would bring her the Apple and ensure she obtained the cultivation art. She knew I would be here. "

The realization sent a shiver down his spine. It was no coincidence. Huan Xuyi's influence had transcended time, guiding events to this very moment.

"She manipulated the future to ensure the art would go to its rightful owner," Yun Che thought. "Cang Yue was destined to be born in this era, to meet me, and to gain the power that was meant for her. Huan Xuyi's foresight is terrifying."

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[Ding…]

[The system detected a high concentration of Cang Xue's DNA within Cang Yue. As the first female born in three thousand years, the purity of Cang Xue's bloodline runs strongly in her. This high purity ensured the successful cultivation of the Mirror of the Moon God.]

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Yun Che's eyes glinted with understanding as the pieces fell into place. "So that's how she was able to cultivate everything in just a week as well as the spitting image of her ancestor." he thought. The truth behind Cang Yue's rapid mastery of her abilities became clear—it was in her blood. The high concentration of Cang Xue's DNA within her, a result of Huan Xuyi's ancient modifications, had ensured that Cang Yue was destined for greatness from the moment she was born.

Xue Ling, her curiosity piqued, leaned forward. "You mentioned someone named Cang Xue? Who is she?"

Cang Wanhe, too, perked up at the unfamiliar name. He had never heard of this figure, but the way Yun Che spoke about her, it seemed as if she was central to everything.

"Cang Xue," Yun Che began, his tone solemn, "is the prime ancestor of the Cang Family. She was the second Moon Empress of the Great Moon Empire, following directly after Huan Xuyi herself. And trust me, Cang Xue is the spitting image of Little Yue." A grin tugged at his lips. "Though, I'll tell you now, Little Yue is not a reincarnation of her ancestor. But if you want to see what the ancient Second Moon Empress looked like, just wait until Yue'er gets older."

Xue Ling's eyes widened, her mind racing as she processed the gravity of Yun Che's words. "The person we saw this afternoon…," Yun Che continued, "I thought it was the ancient empress herself. The aura, the way she carried herself, it was like facing a true Empress. A ruler in every sense of the word."

Xue Ling and Cang Wanhe exchanged glances, as Yun Che pressed on. "What you saw earlier—Little Yue's transformation—was no accident. It's the result of her separated darkness merging with her will, alongside the special personality matrix crafted by the Moon Empress herself. That's what gave rise to the dominant personality you witnessed this afternoon."

Xue Ling, still trying to grasp the new terminology, asked, "Personality matrix?"

Yun Che nodded, his expression serious. "Think of it as a failsafe. A protective mechanism designed by the Moon Empress for Cang Xue's descendant. Specifically for Little Yue. The moment her dormant darkness, her suppressive talents, and that matrix fused, it created what I'd call 'Empress Mode.'" He paused, then smirked, "Or, if I had to give it a name, I'd call her 'Shin Yue.' She referred to herself as 'this Empress,' after all."

The others looked at Yun Che with curiosity. "Shin Yue?" they echoed in unison.

Yun Che chuckled softly. "Yeah, I named her after a character from an anim... I mean, story I know—someone with a demonic emperor personality named Shin. But for our language, let's say 'Shin' means 'new.' It's a new variation of Little Yue. Shin Yue carries her darkness, her will as a conqueror of the ancient Moon Empire, and the will of her ancestor, the original Moon Empress."

His voice lowered as he added, "As for those water dragons you saw? I'm guessing they're part of the arts embedded within the matrix. Arts that even Little Yue herself doesn't fully understand yet."

The room remained heavy with silence as Xue Ling, still cradling Nezuko, broke it cautiously. "She isn't the cultivator of the water arts?" Her tone was curious but also filled with concern. She had watched Cang Yue's transformation from afar, noting the immense power she wielded during the battle. Yet, the aura surrounding her had felt... wrong, like it wasn't Cang Yue at all. It had been cold, vile, and cruel—an opposite reflection of her kind-hearted self.

Yun Che nodded, his face grave. "No, she's never learned them. What you saw wasn't Cang Yue in her true form. I believe that when the personality criteria—her darkness, her will as a conqueror, and the Moon Empress's safeguards—merged, it birthed Shin Yue. With that fusion came the knowledge of ancient arts long lost, dormant within her for three thousand years. The Moon Empress's security measures to protect her have now become something more—an entity built from her darkness."

Cang Wanhe's expression darkened, his worry growing evident. "Then, Yun Che… I'm deeply concerned. My late wife once told me that the separated darkness was like a separate entity, and I fear it can cloud Yue'er's mind, turning her into something terrifying. I've seen it just now." His voice wavered as he recalled the moment Shin Yue nearly slaughtered the entire outer Cang Family, coldly ignoring his pleas for mercy. "If you hadn't intervened, the courtyard would've been painted in blood."

Yun Che raised a hand, reassuring him. "You don't need to worry too much. Based on what I've discovered, the personality matrix wasn't just a random construct. It used the essence of the Moon Empress and Cang Xue's ancestral code—well, in simpler terms, profound arts designed to maintain control. There's a failsafe embedded within it."

Cang Wanhe's eyes narrowed. "What kind of failsafe?"

Yun Che looked him directly in the eyes. "To obey her emperor at all costs."

The tension in the room grew thicker. Cang Wanhe exhaled, his brow furrowed. "But I'm her father. I tried to command her, but this Shin Yue disregarded everything I said. Yue'er would never do that."

Yun Che gave a small, knowing smile. "Not her father—her emperor."

The realization struck Cang Wanhe like a hammer, his eyes widening in shock as he processed the truth. "Her emperor… You mean… you?" His voice faltered as the puzzle pieces came together.

The revelation stunned everyone in the room. Shin Yue, the entity born of Cang Yue's darkness, was created to respond to Yun Che alone. He wasn't just her protector—he was the one her alternate self would obey without question. If Yun Che wasn't there when Shin Yue emerged, there might be no one who could stop her from unleashing destruction. Only Cang Yue herself would have the power to intervene.

Yun Che smiled, a mix of pride and concern evident in his expression. "Yes, in other words, Shin Yue obeys my command. I was just as surprised as you are when she let those people go simply because I told her to back down. She listened, released them, and even asked them to repent. Despite being engulfed in darkness, there's still a bit of Little Yue's kindness in her. Honestly, I was ready to fight her if it came down to it."

Cang Wanhe nodded, deep in thought. "That's understandable. You are her future husband. Yue'er listens to me and Xue Ling, but Shin Yue only responds to you. Is there a chance Shin Yue could emerge again?"

Yun Che considered the question carefully. "If Little Yue finds herself in grave danger or if her anger overwhelms her, Shin Yue might resurface to deal with the situation. But be warned—it could get messy. Shin Yue doesn't follow rules the way Little Yue does, unless Little Yue can somehow control her."

Xue Ling, her brow furrowed with worry, leaned forward. "And if Shin Yue emerges when you're not around, what should we do?"

"Better pray that Little Yue can bring her back under control," Yun Che replied, his voice serious. "Shin Yue may share Little Yue's strength, but she has access to ancient arts granted by the Moon Empress. Even thrones and overlords would struggle against her, despite her low cultivation level. Keep in mind, the strength of an Earth Profound Realm back in the ancient times might rival that of a Sovereign Profound Realm today. You saw her command the rain effortlessly. If Little Yue can't contain that power, things could spiral."

The room grew tense, the weight of Yun Che's words sinking in. Everyone knew what it meant if Shin Yue couldn't be restrained

"That personality," Yun Che continued, "holds the power to destroy the world."

"Little Yue," "Yue'er," "Yue-sama," the others murmured, their voices filled with concern.

Retsu, sitting at Cang Yue's bedside, looked at Yun Che with calm assurance. "Yuu-kun, let us take care of her until she wakes up," she said softly. "Don't worry, Emperor Cang Wanhe. She'll be fine."

Cang Wanhe sighed, nodding as he stood up. "I trust you, Yun Che. Let me know when she wakes up." He paused, glancing outside where the aftermath of the courtyard battle still lingered—the rain summoned by Cang Yue's powers had not yet stopped. "I need to address the palace regarding what happened out there. It may take a while before the rain clears. To think my daughter—or Shin Yue—can summon it at will…"

Yun Che gave him a firm nod, the responsibility weighing on him as Cang Wanhe left the room. All eyes now turned toward Cang Yue, resting quietly, but with the potential to unleash a storm once more.

Cang Wanhe paced the royal chambers, deep in thought. The emergence of Shin Yue had sent shockwaves throughout the palace. Her overwhelming aura had suppressed the entire courtyard, and now there was no doubt that the sects, sensitive to the powerful storm encircling the palace, would come snooping. Rumors would spread, speculations would arise, and Cang Yue's mysterious power would become the subject of countless whispers. He had to contain this situation, not just for the safety of the palace, but to protect Cang Yue herself. If the world learned of Shin Yue, Cang Yue would undoubtedly face suppression from all sides.

His daughter had already gained notoriety as Mihawk's disciple, and now with the manifestation of Shin Yue, her status was becoming dangerously elevated. Her aura as a ruler was unmistakable, as though she had been shaped by fate itself to inherit her ancestors' legacy as Empress.

Meanwhile, Yun Che stood with Xue Ling, his gaze steady as he observed her lingering concern. He spoke gently, trying to ease her mind. "I assume your tour with Nezuko isn't over yet, Lady Xue Ling. Why don't you show her around the palace?"

Xue Ling frowned, her worry apparent. "But Yue'er... and Mei Mei…"

"She'll be fine," Yun Che reassured her, his tone firm but calm. "Retsu has treated Mei Mei, and she's resting now. As for Little Yue, Shin Yue drained her energy, and she passed out from exhaustion. A sip of the blue potion will restore her strength once she wakes up. You know how much Little Yue loves when Nezuko's around. If you don't finish the tour, Nezuko might complain, and Little Yue wouldn't be too happy about that. She might run to find her mama."

Xue Ling looked torn for a moment, but when Yun Che mentioned Nezuko's potential complaint, a flash of dread crossed her face. The thought of Nezuko possibly running to Frozen Cloud Asgard to seek out her "other mother," Chu Yueli, was something she didn't want to entertain. Nezuko chose her for the day and she'll make the most of it.

"No… I'll show Nezuko that I'm the better mother…" Xue Ling thought to herself, determination settling in. She glanced at Nezuko, who gazed up at her with her usual adorable expression, waiting patiently.

"Then I'll leave Yue'er in your care," Xue Ling finally agreed, her worry giving way to resolve.

"Nezuko, let's explore the palace together," Xue Ling said, her tone brightening as she took Nezuko's hand. "I'll take you to the flower garden."

Nezuko nodded with a soft, happy sound. "Hai!"

With that, Xue Ling and Nezuko left the room, setting off to explore the palace. Though her heart remained tethered to Cang Yue, Xue Ling knew she could trust Yun Che. If anything were to happen, she'd be close by to return.

As the door closed behind them, Yun Che exhaled a deep sigh. "Glad that's over," he muttered, relieved that the immediate crisis had been handled. However, he knew the larger issue still loomed—Shin Yue. Cang Yue's alternate personality was no small matter. She was powerful, dangerous even, and Yun Che could only hope that Cang Yue would eventually learn to coexist with Shin Yue, just as he and Retsu had learned to manage their own connection.

At least for now, Shin Yue seemed willing to listen to him. That was the silver lining. If things ever went too far, he knew he could step in and ask her to back down. Still, the unpredictability lingered.

"But my date was cut short," Mio's voice chimed in from the side, breaking the silence. She crossed her arms, her pout unmistakable. "This emergence really ruined the mood."

Yun Che chuckled softly, patting Mio's head. "We'll pick up where we left off, I promise."

Mio sighed, biting her fan in frustration. "Ehe… I can't say I didn't enjoy it, but still, I didn't get the full course."

Before she could finish, Retsu appeared behind her, clutching her head gently but firmly. "Full course, huh? What kind of *full course* are you talking about?" Retsu's voice was soft, but there was a slight edge to it that made Mio squirm.

"Ret-chan… you're crushing my head," Mio muttered, and Retsu let go, smiling sweetly as if nothing had happened. Yun Che could tell Retsu was keeping the group in check in her own way, and he was grateful for it.

Retsu knelt beside Cang Yue, her fingers brushing through the unconscious girl's hair. "Shin Yue… that's a nice name you picked for her other self, Yuu-kun."

Yun Che chuckled again. "Yeah, it reminded me of an anime. Although, in that one, the transformation involved some pretty weird stuff."

Retsu raised an eyebrow while Mio looked curious. "What kind of weird stuff?"

Yun Che grinned, launching into one of his rants. "It was a BL anime—don't ask why I was watching it. It had so much potential to be a good fantasy isekai, with a catchy opening song and everything. But then, bam! The main character has this weird male fiancée because he accidentally proposes by slapping the guy. Like, seriously? That's their proposal ritual? It's the kind of anime where you're really invested, and then they throw some sussy BL twist at you out of nowhere. I mean, why? Can you imagine transforming into your alternate self because some guy insulted your mom and you slapped him, which turns into a marriage proposal? What kind of…"

As Yun Che ranted, Retsu and Mio exchanged sheepish glances. They were used to these outbursts by now, but the specifics of *anime* were still a mystery to them. Nemu, meanwhile, quietly pulled out her notebook, jotting down notes. She had heard about his infamous anime rants from her sister but hadn't expected to experience one firsthand. Maybe someday, they could figure out a way to access his memories or something to truly understand this strange world he spoke of.

"Mou… there you go again, ranting about anime," Retsu sighed, her attention returning to the slumbering Cang Yue. "But, thinking about it… could Little Yue end up like us? You know, with a second personality? Like how you have Hoyuu, and I have Yachiru?"

"Kind of," Yun Che mused, scratching the back of his head. "Little Yue and Shin Yue, huh? Yeah, I guess it's similar. Just hope Shin Yue doesn't go berserk like Hoyuu."

As his thoughts drifted, Yun Che started to wonder: what if Shin Yue had the ability to take on a form similar to Nezuko? That small, quiet version of Nezuko—maybe with a demon twist? He smirked at the thought. It would definitely be amusing to see a demon version of Cang Yue stomping around the palace, as long as she didn't burn everything down.

"You know," Yun Che mused out loud, "if Shin Yue ever took on Nezuko's form, that would be one hilarious—and probably terrifying—mode."

Yun Che nodded thoughtfully as Mio mused about Shin Yue's ancient knowledge. "Yeah, it seems like Shin Yue is well-versed in mystical arts from three thousand years ago, thanks to Huan Xuyi herself. She even knows water-bending arts that haven't been seen before, even though Cang Yue never learned any water-bending techniques."

Nemu's curiosity sparked. "Or maybe it's tied to the mystical powers of the apple? There's so much we haven't explored yet. I wonder what more we could learn from it." Her scientific mind was already buzzing with ideas. She made a mental note to ask Yun Che if she could study the apple later.

"Whatever the source, Shin Yue is like Hoyuu or Yachiru—a manifestation of power," Yun Che agreed. "But we should ask Little Yue later for more details. The key takeaway is that she has far more potential than we thought. Her suppressed darkness gave birth to Shin Yue, a side that's overflowing with mystical arts directly inherited from Huan Xuyi."

Nemu then asked a critical question, "Can Yue-sama summon the dragons anytime now?"

Yun Che shook his head, recalling what he had learned. "No, I don't think so. Even with Yuyun guiding her, Little Yue said it could take centuries to master those arts. That's why she focused on Santoryu instead and buried the mystical arts. But somehow, Huan Xuyi coded a personality within her that can instantly use those arts, bypassing all the time and training."

Retsu, always cautious, added, "Even so, using those powers without proper training could be dangerous. Our bodies had to adapt to handle devastating power, and Little Yue's body isn't ready for prolonged mystical combat."

"Exactly," Yun Che agreed. "That's likely why she fainted. Shin Yue used up all of Little Yue's energy to wield those arts. Her body just couldn't sustain it for long."

He glanced over at the sleeping Cang Yue, sighing. "Cang Wanhe's already handling the situation outside, but it won't be long before sects start snooping around, sensing the power surge. If anyone tries to push her again, I just hope Shin Yue doesn't reappear in full force. That could get messy fast."

For now, all they could do was wait and hope that when Cang Yue woke up, they could work on balancing both sides of her power. Shin Yue was formidable, but without control, it was a ticking time bomb.

As they waited for the rain to pass, they sat by Cang Yue's bed. Mio, sitting proudly with a satisfied smirk, couldn't help but boast to Retsu about the newly discovered potential home, a sanctuary hidden behind a profound barrier. She began telling her about their adventures given to them by Du Ming. "A perfect place for us, Danna-sama and the whole family. It's peaceful, full of flowers, and totally secluded." She spoke with confidence, knowing she'd scored big with this treasure.

Retsu, though happy for them, pouted playfully, crossing her arms. "Hmph, I might have destroyed a whole sect on our date, but this...this sounds like something special," she admitted with a sigh.

Nemu sat quietly, listening intently as she always did, her mind already working on ideas for her own special date with Yun Che. She toyed with the idea of the apple—the powerful, mysterious item they had once found together. It hadn't been used properly yet, and perhaps that could be the key to something truly unforgettable.

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

"Today's one hell of a day off," Yun Che sighed, leaning back as the weight of everything that had happened sank in. The others couldn't help but nod in agreement. What was supposed to be a peaceful day had spiraled into a series of unexpected events—from Cang Yue's awakening triggered by obnoxious royal visitors, to finding a potential new home location, and now the emergence of an entirely new version of Cang Yue, Shin Yue.

Retsu sat beside him, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I agree. All we wanted was a quiet day, but it seems the universe has other plans for us."

"Right? One day… just one day, we'll get a vacation without anything going wrong," Yun Che muttered with a tired smile.

Mio, still fidgeting with her fan, sighed dramatically. "A proper vacation sounds like a fantasy at this point."

Nemu, ever the curious one, scribbled notes on her observations from the day, muttering, "Maybe we can analyze the variables that cause these disruptions. A solution must exist."

Yun Che chuckled at her scientific approach, but deep down, he couldn't help but agree. Their lives had been a whirlwind of chaos lately. One day off without any surprises felt like a distant dream, but it was a dream he would keep chasing.

For now, though, they could only hope that the storm, both literal and figurative, had passed—at least for a little while.