Rebirth in Against the Gods with The Ultimate System

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Blue Wind Imperial Family – Cang Yue ----versus----- Burning Heaven Clan – Fen Yuange

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After the arena had been meticulously reorganized, Cang Yue's name echoed across the grand space, silencing the crowd momentarily before cheers erupted. She inhaled deeply, her palms brushing over her swords as she tapped her cheeks twice. This was her moment—not just to step into the round of 32 but to shed the shadows of her past. No longer would she be the weak princess running from Fen Juecheng or the Burning Heaven Clan. She was Cang Yue, the future ruler of the Blue Wind Empire, not a mere pawn in anyone's game. 

"Good luck, Little Yue. Step into the round of 32, and we'll follow right after you," Yun Che said warmly, pressing a kiss to her forehead. 

"We'll be right behind you," Retsu added, her calm confidence radiating reassurance. 

Mio and Nemu offered her encouraging smiles, while Mai and Mei chimed in with heartfelt wishes of luck. 

"Hai!" Cang Yue nodded, her spirits lifted by their support. She turned and began descending toward the arena. 

"Onee-chan, ganbatte!" Nezuko's cheerful voice rang out from the Frozen Cloud Asgard seats, drawing a smile from Cang Yue. 

Even Little Fairy and Chu Yueli, who had witnessed her victories against Ling Feiyu and Wu Lie, couldn't hide the concern in their gazes. They knew the strength of her opponents, but they also believed in her resolve. 

The arena was now transformed, its single platform surrounded by reinforced barriers, a design used in the prestigious round of 32 and beyond. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, the stakes palpable in every corner of the crowd. 

Cang Yue stepped onto the arena, her every movement exuding grace and determination. The audience watched in awe, seeing her in a new light. Gone was the fragile guest they had once dismissed. Here stood a contender—a warrior wielding an enigmatic sword style that defied expectation. 

Cang Yue stood poised at the center of the arena, her long hair flowing elegantly in the breeze, her determined gaze fixed on the opponent before her. The sunlight caught the edges of her sword, gleaming faintly as though reflecting her unwavering resolve. She hadn't expected this moment—to be here, facing the very clan that had once haunted her dreams. If it hadn't been for Yun Che, she knew she would still be trapped, a pawn in their political games. But now? Now she stood as a warrior, ready to face her past and carve her future with her own hands. 

Her thoughts briefly touched on Fen Juecheng. One day, she promised herself, she would face him too and put an end to his tyranny over her life. 

Across from her, Fen Yuange stepped into the arena with confidence, his scarlet hair and flowing Burning Heaven robes adding to his imposing presence. His aura flared, suffused with the fierce heat of his clan's signature techniques. A ninth-level Spirit Profound Realm warrior, he embodied both skill and the arrogance of the Burning Heaven Clan. 

Cang Yue's instincts sharpened as she remembered Yun Che's words: stay alert. The Burning Heaven Clan would use any tactic, no matter how subtle, to secure victory. She couldn't afford a single misstep. 

Fen Yuange unsheathed his Burning Heaven Sword, the blade shimmering with intense flames as his aura surged. His expression was a mix of confidence and disdain as he pointed the blade toward her. 

"Princess Cang Yue," he began, his voice carrying over the crowd, "you may have defeated elites from the Heavenly Sword Villa and the Wu Clan, but do not mistake me for a stepping stone. I am Fen Yuange of the Burning Heaven Clan. I will defeat you here and prove that we reign above all! If you think I'm as weak as Fen Juechen, you're in for a rude awakening." 

Cang Yue remained composed, her grip on her sword tightening slightly as her calm voice cut through his boastful declaration. 

"I, too, have reasons to fight," she replied, her tone firm and unwavering. She unsheathed her blade, the cool steel reflecting her inner resolve. "If you think I will falter because of your words, then you underestimate me. Now, please, guide me." 

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Fen Juecheng sat in the Burning Heaven Clan's reserved seating, his expression dark and thunderous as his sharp eyes followed Cang Yue's every move in the arena. Her poise, her strength, and her unwavering resolve only fueled his growing frustration. She had always been his obsession, his target, the one woman he was determined to claim as his own. 

Years ago, when her brother Cang Shuo was alive, Fen Juecheng had repeatedly approached the Imperial Palace under the pretense of political discussions or social visits, his true intent always clear. Cang Yue's beauty had captivated him during the previous tournament, and shortly after, he had sought the Blue Wind Emperor's consent for her hand in marriage. While the Emperor didn't outright refuse, he also didn't agree, citing her youth as a reason to delay. That ambiguous answer had kept Fen Juecheng hopeful—and persistent. 

With his probable succession as the Burning Heaven Clan's Clan Master, Fen Juecheng believed they were the perfect match, one that would unite power and prestige. But Cang Yue had always rejected him, her cold demeanor and polite refusals chipping away at his pride. 

When Cang Yue disappeared from the Imperial City, disguised as Lan Xueruo and overseeing the New Moon Profound Palace, Fen Juecheng had been livid. He knew she fled because of him—because she couldn't bear his pursuit. Yet, it was more than her rejection that ate at him now.

Back in the dragon cave, Fen Juecheng's true colors had been laid bare. His obsession with Cang Yue was never born from love or admiration—it was pure, selfish greed to obtain a top beauty and her status as the princess. To him, she was nothing more than a tool, a pawn meant to solidify his status and produce heirs worthy of his legacy. But when his eyes first fell on Unohana Retsu, his desires shifted. Cang Yue was no longer enough. 

Retsu's beauty, presence, and power eclipsed anything he had ever encountered, and for a fleeting moment, he dared to desire her. That desire was met with brutal reality. Retsu annihilated the escorts from both his faction and Cang Shuo's, leaving Fen Juecheng to watch in paralyzed horror. Then Yun Che stepped in, obliterating Cang Shuo without hesitation. 

Fen Juecheng had been spared, not out of mercy but as a deliberate act of disdain. Yun Che wanted him to crawl back to his clan, to send assassins in a desperate bid for revenge, knowing full well it would only serve to bolster Yun Che and his companions' cultivation. It was a trap—a masterstroke of humiliation—and Fen Juecheng fell into it.

His gaze drifted back to Cang Yue, the woman he once dismissed as a timid princess, prone to fleeing from her problems. Yet here she was, standing strong, radiating confidence, and wielding a power he dared not provoke. 

Now, Fen Juecheng sat stewing in the bitter realization of his weakness. Yun Che and his allies had grown exponentially, their strength now leagues beyond his reach. Confronting them head-on was no longer an option. He needed leverage, something—or someone—capable of tipping the scales. 

He turned his gaze toward Yun Che, a figure he despised almost as much as he coveted Cang Yue. Fen Juecheng knew well why he hadn't dared show his face during the bidding for her hand in marriage. Yun Che's presence, along with that of her terrifying master, Dracule Mihawk, had been enough to keep him in the shadows. He didn't want to risk losing his head—literally. 

Yet, as Cang Yue faced his clan's warrior in the arena below, Fen Juecheng could feel her defiance, her disdain for him. She turned slightly in his direction, her eyes glancing his way for the briefest moment. There was no love in that gaze, no admiration. Only a cold, unwavering determination to overcome the shadows of her past. 

It infuriated him. The one he had underestimated had become a force beyond his control. But Fen Juecheng was nothing if not cunning. He needed an ally, someone who hated Yun Che and his allies as much as he did. Someone with the resources and cunning to strike where no one would expect. 

His eyes soon turned towards Mu Tianbei, the sect master of the Heavenly Spear Thunderfire Fortress whom seated and looking at Cang Yue with hatred in his eyes. Then, he smirked.

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"Begin!"

Fen Yuange's movements blurred as he increased his speed, thrusting his blade toward Cang Yue with a fiery intent. Without hesitation, she drew her sword, Shusui, intercepting his strike with precision. Sparks flew as steel met steel, their clash sending ripples through the air.

"Tch," Fen Yuange clicked his tongue, realizing this was no ordinary opponent. Defeating someone who had bested both Heavenly Sword Villa and the Wu Clan would be no easy feat.

Cang Yue stepped back momentarily, drawing both Shusui and Wadou Ichimonji in a single fluid motion. She lunged forward, her twin blades gleaming as she struck at Fen Yuange with relentless force. He barely managed to block her assault, the sheer power of her strikes forcing him to slide across the arena to her opposite side.

The crowd fell silent, the tension in the air palpable. The entire Burning Heaven Clan watched intently, their pride resting on Fen Yuange's shoulders.

"Hmph…" Fen Yuange straightened his stance, a sly smirk crossing his face. "Why don't you use that three-sword style of yours? Or are you afraid you can't keep up?" he taunted, hoping to provoke her.

Cang Yue's expression remained calm, her grip steady on her swords. "I don't need to," she replied coldly.

Without another word, she surged forward, her movements swift and calculated. Closing the distance between them, she swung her blades with devastating force. Fen Yuange raised his sword just in time to block, but the impact sent shockwaves reverberating through the arena, shaking the ground beneath them.

Their blades locked momentarily, and Fen Yuange's smirk wavered as he felt the weight of her power pressing down on him. The audience held their breath, captivated by the clash of skill and determination.

Fen Yuange wasted no time, gripping his Burning Heaven Sword tightly as flames licked the blade. With a roar, he launched his opening move.

"Seafaring Flame Dragon!"

From his blade, a massive, thick dragon of fire roared to life. Its serpentine body twisted through the air, exuding a scorching heatwave that made the arena shimmer. The dragon hurtled toward Cang Yue, its fiery jaws snapping hungrily.

Cang Yue's eyes sharpened as she braced herself. With a flash of movement, she activated Soru, vanishing from her spot just as the dragon's fiery maw crashed into the arena floor. The impact sent debris and a wave of heat in every direction, but she reappeared to the side, her footing steady.

Fen Yuange smirked. "Then let's see you evade this!"

He slashed his blade horizontally, his voice booming, "Field Burning Slash!"

A blazing arc of fire erupted from his blade, sweeping across the entire arena. The ground itself ignited, creating a sea of fire that surged toward Cang Yue like a tidal wave.

Cang Yue stood unwavering as the roaring flames surged toward her, her grip on Shusui and Wadou Ichimonji firm. The heat radiated across the arena, but her focus never wavered. Planting her feet firmly, her crimson eyes locked onto the oncoming inferno, she prepared to strike. 

"Nitoryu Iai (Two Sword Style Resheath)…" she muttered, her voice calm yet sharp as a blade. Her hands moved to the hilts of her swords, steady and deliberate despite only using it first time. 

The flames closed in, and with one swift, precise motion, she unleashed her counterattack. 

"Rashomon! (Thin Life Gate)" 

Her twin blades slashed through the air, their arcs slicing cleanly through the fiery onslaught. The technique carved two parallel trenches into the ground, the force of the strikes splitting the flames apart as if they were mere illusions. The shockwave ripped through the air, exploding against the arena wall and leaving a smoldering gash in its wake. 

The crowd erupted into gasps of astonishment. Fen Yuange leapt back just in time, narrowly avoiding the trailing shockwave. His confident smirk twisted into a grim scowl as he took in the devastation left by her attack. 

The flames had been completely neutralized. 

Cang Yue slowly resheathed her swords, her eyes never leaving her opponent. Her composure remained unbroken, her presence commanding. 

Fen Yuange clenched his jaw, gripping his sword tightly as he snarled, "What... what kind of technique is this?!" 

The crowd buzzed with disbelief as Fen Yuange summoned his resolve, flames igniting once more around him. But it was clear to all watching—Cang Yue had seized the momentum.

"You're better than I thought," Fen Yuange admitted, raising his sword again as flames gathered around him like a tempest. "But let's see how long you last when the heat rises around you!"

"Fire Belt Formation!" Fen Yuange roared, his aura flaring as fiery straps erupted like wild vines, coiling around Cang Yue with relentless speed. The blazing binds restricted her movements and forced her swords from her grip, clattering to the ground.

"This…when did he?" Cang Yue's eyes widened in shock as she didn't realized he was planting fiery traps all over the arena, her breathing heavy as the fire's heat threatened to sap her strength. She struggled against the burning binds, but they held fast, leaving her seemingly defenseless.

The crowd tensed as Cang Yue was bound and basically defenseless. 

Fen Yuange's lips curled into a triumphant sneer. "Now, let's see what you'll do without your weapons!" His sword ignited in a surge of crimson flames as he launched himself toward her, aiming to strike her down in a decisive blow. 

From the audience, Xue Ling's voice cut through the tension. "Yue'er!" The desperation in her tone was echoed in the gasps of the crowd. 

Cang Wanhe stood abruptly from his seat, his face pale with dread. He was moments away from witnessing his daughter fall in front of the entire arena. The crowd collectively held their breath, the air heavy with anticipation. 

Some murmured in disbelief, others in grim expectation. Would this be the end of the Blue Wind Imperial Family's hopes? 

But in the face of Fen Yuange's descending sword, Cang Yue's resolve did not falter. She had no room for hesitation. She had no time to retrieve her weapons. She had no choice but to trust in her training. 

Her body tensed, her mind focused. "This is it!" she thought. 

"Tekkai! (Iron Body)" she roared internally, summoning the profound technique that she had been training for. Her muscles locked, her body hardening like steel in an instant. 

Fen Yuange's sword descended like a meteor, striking Cang Yue with such force that a cloud of dust erupted, enveloping the battlefield and obscuring the view. The audience collectively held their breath, tension rippling through the air like a storm.

From the stands, Xue Ling's fists clenched tightly, her normally calm demeanor replaced by palpable anxiety. Beside her, Cang Wanhe's hands gripped the railing, his face pale with worry. 

Little Fairy leaned forward in her seat, her icy composure cracked by unease. Even Chu Yueli couldn't hide her concern. The thought of Cang Yue—struck down, perhaps grievously injured—sent a chill through those watching. 

From the Burning Heaven Clan's section, Fen Juecheng's laughter rang out, filled with malicious glee. "Hahaha! He did it! That insolent girl will finally learn the price of defying me and running away. She should have known her place!" 

Fen Juebi joined in, his voice dripping with mockery. "Looks like the so-called 'princess' is the first to fall. She couldn't even last until the end of the match! Isn't that right, big brother?" 

Fen Juecheng sneered darkly. "Saves me the trouble of punishing her myself. She'll regret the day she disobeyed me." 

As the dust began to settle, the tension in the arena grew unbearable. All eyes were on the dissipating cloud, waiting to see the aftermath. 

The outline of a figure emerged, and gasps echoed through the crowd as the scene came into focus. Fen Yuange's sword was still pressed against Cang Yue's shoulder—but it had stopped cold. 

The flames of his blade crackled uselessly, unable to even scratch her skin. Cang Yue stood tall, her expression resolute, her stance unshaken. 

"What?!" Fen Yuange's voice trembled with disbelief as he tried to push his blade further, but it wouldn't budge. It was as if he had struck an unyielding wall of steel. 

The arena erupted. Gasps of astonishment and cries of disbelief filled the air. The audience was stunned into silence before erupting into chaotic murmurs. Xue Ling and Cang Wanhe sat frozen, their faces mirrors of astonishment. No one had anticipated this—not from the once-timid princess.

"What just happened?!" 

"She stopped his sword—with her body?!" 

"That's… that's not possible!" 

From the stands, Little Fairy's lips curved into a small, proud smile. "Well done," she whispered. 

"The sword didn't even pierce her body!" Xue Ling gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What kind of art has she mastered to achieve this kind of defense?"

Fen Yuange staggered back, his expression twisted in shock and frustration. "What… what is this?! What did you do?!" His voice cracked as his eyes darted to his sword, the edge still pressed against Cang Yue's shoulder, useless. His full-powered attack—stopped as though it had struck an immovable wall.

"What the hell?!" Fen Juecheng roared from the stands, his composure breaking. His confidence that Cang Yue would be humiliated now lay in ruins. "What is with that body of hers? This isn't possible!"

Little Fairy, seated with an air of icy calm, leaned forward slightly, her brows furrowed in thought. "Is that Haki? No..." she murmured, her tone tinged with curiosity. "I sensed no presence of Haki from her." Her gaze sharpened. "An entire body made of iron? What exactly did rascal teach her?" She crossed her arms, a faint smirk pulling at her lips. That rascal had better not withhold his secrets when I see him next. 

The crowd's roar grew louder, cheers mixing with disbelief as they began to see Cang Yue in an entirely new light. She was no longer the princess fleeing her past—she was a warrior rewriting it.

CLANG!! CLANG!!

"You! You cheated!" Fen Yuange spat, his voice cracking with desperation as he launched a flurry of strikes at Cang Yue. His sword clashed against her body again and again, sparks flying with every impact. Yet, despite his relentless assault, she remained unmoved, her expression calm, her stance unyielding.

The audience buzzed with murmurs and gasps. How could she withstand such an onslaught without even flinching?

"She's tanking every hit without any sign of injury!" one spectator exclaimed, astonished. 

"This isn't normal... What kind of monstrous technique is this?" another muttered, eyes wide. 

Cang Yue, though outwardly calm, couldn't help but agree with the murmurs. Tekkai was a formidable technique, capable of rendering her body as hard as steel. As long as her cultivation level wasn't inferior to her opponent's, she could neutralize most physical attacks. However, it required precision—a stance to focus her energy and harden her muscles to their utmost.

She recalled Yuyun's simplified explanation of her Yin Lunar Body's synergy with Tekkai. Its innate adaptability allowed her to strengthen the technique, ensuring that her defense matched her cultivation level. This meant that unless her opponent's attack vastly exceeded her cultivation, she would remain unaffected. It was a powerful advantage—but it was also the first stage, one that demanded concentration to the stance to activate and maintain.

As Fen Yuange's strikes became more frantic, his frustration bubbled over. "This is impossible!" he shouted, his attacks slowing as exhaustion began to creep in. He stumbled back, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. For the first time, doubt flickered in his eyes.

"Sugoi… what is that technique, Yuu-kun? It's like our system's natural level-up body or your special Dragon God body," Retsu remarked, her eyes glimmering with curiosity as she observed the match. It was the first time she had seen an art that hardened the body so effectively.

"It's called Tekkai, a technique from the Rokushiki Arts," Yun Che replied casually, as if it were no big deal.

"Tekkai?" Retsu tilted her head, her curiosity growing. Mio and Nemu, seated nearby, also perked up, their attention now fully on Yun Che.

Yun Che leaned back slightly, ready to explain. "Tekkai hardens the user's muscles to the density of iron, allowing them to nullify or drastically reduce damage from physical attacks. It's a defensive technique, but it can also enhance offense. With the increased density, the user's physical attacks gain greater power. The effectiveness of Tekkai depends on the user's physical condition. Someone with higher muscular strength will naturally benefit more. However, it's not invincible—it has limits. Strong enough forces or attacks above the user's cultivation level can break through it."

He gestured toward Cang Yue in the arena. "In Yue'er's case, her Yin Lunar Body amplifies Tekkai. The Moon Energy enhances her physical attributes, making her muscles even more durable when the two techniques stack. It's like wearing a suit of iron armor. Not as powerful as our system bodies or my Dragon God body, but still formidable."

"But she has to take a stance to activate it, right?" Retsu asked, narrowing her eyes as she pieced together the technique's mechanics.

Yun Che nodded. "For now. That's because she's only at the first level of mastery. Once she fully masters Tekkai, she'll be able to activate it instinctively without a stance. Her body will remain in that hardened state at all times."

Mio, who had been listening intently, smiled. "Yue'er is indeed fortunate to have met you, Danna-sama."

"She is," Yun Che agreed, his expression softening with pride. "She's already mastered the basics of Soru, Kami-e, and now Tekkai. She's come so far."

Cang Yue's movements were swift and unyielding, her body a fluid dance of precision and strength. With a forceful kick, she shattered the bindings around her legs, freeing herself from the restraints that had once held her captive. Her hands still bound, she used the momentum of her step to send a shockwave through the floor, causing Shisui to lift from the arena's surface. In a split second, she caught the sword's hilt in her mouth, gripping it with the same deadly intent she would with her hands.

Now armed, she launched herself at Fen Yuange, her every motion calculated and decisive. Despite holding the blade in her mouth, each thrust and slash from Shisui was executed with the grace and ferocity of a master swordswoman. The precision behind each strike was nothing short of awe-inspiring, leaving Fen Yuange no room to breathe. The power and control she exhibited with the weapon caught him off guard, his shock growing as he struggled to defend himself against her relentless assault.

"You're just desperate at this point!" he sneered, slashing at her with his sword. But Cang Yue anticipated his attack, sidestepping with agility before lunging forward. Their blades clashed, and Fen Yuange staggered slightly, shocked by the sheer force behind her mouth-held strike. It felt as though the blade weighed more than it should.

He counterattacked with a fiery strike, but Cang Yue, activating Tekkai once again, tanked the blow without so much as a scratch. Her resilience was unnerving, and the audience murmured in awe.

"Yue'er, coat yourself with Haki and use Emission!" Yuyun's voice rang out, his tone calm but firm.

Cang Yue responded immediately, focusing her energy as a thin, shimmering black coating enveloped her. With a burst of Emission force, a shockwave rippled outward, vaporizing the fire belts constraining her arms. The crowd erupted in cheers as she flickered using Soru, her speed nearly imperceptible, and reclaimed her fallen swords.

Fen Yuange tensed, his eyes darting to the remnants of the fire belts still scattered across the arena. He gritted his teeth, frustration mounting. "Impossible! Those bounds should've held her!"

Fully armed again, Cang Yue stood her ground, evaluating her opponent. She could see the intricate traps of fire belts he'd spread around the battlefield. Charging recklessly would only ensure she got bound again. She needed a different approach.

"If he insists on hiding behind his traps…" she muttered, her gaze sharpening. Stepping into position, she began rotating one of her swords in a deliberate circular motion. The air around her blade seemed to shift as she readied a long-range technique.

Fen Yuange instinctively fell into a defensive stance, his confidence beginning to waver. Whatever Cang Yue was planning, he could feel it would be decisive. He wraps himself with her fire straps into forming a massive cocoon.

"Sanjuroku Pound Ho! (36 Pound Phoenix)!" Cang Yue shouted, unleashing a swirling dragon-like sword wave that soared toward Fen Yuange with tremendous force. The wave clashed with the fiery straps encircling him, only to dissipate upon impact.

"What? It should've cut through!" Cang Yue gasped in disbelief, her grip tightening on her swords as the attack failed to penetrate his defenses.

From the stands, Yuyun's calm voice called out, "It's still a crude version, Yue'er. You haven't sharpened or perfected it yet. Right now, your sword wave lacks the cutting edge—it's like a blunt weapon. You need more practice to bring out its full power."

Cang Yue furrowed her brows, determination flashing in her eyes. "Then what about two strikes?" She shifted into another stance, raising her sword above her head and spinning it in a tight, controlled circle. "Nanajuni Pound Ho! (72 Pound Phoenix)!"

This time, two massive dragon-shaped sword waves burst forth in a spiraling motion, tearing through the air with an audible roar. They crashed into the barrier of fire straps surrounding Fen Yuange, breaking through many layers and forcing him to step back. The audience gasped in awe, impressed by her technique and persistence, though the straps ultimately absorbed the attack's power.

Fen Yuange sneered, though beads of sweat formed on his brow. "Impressive effort, but not enough! Let's see how you handle this!" He thrust his arms forward, manipulating the fiery straps into writhing, vine-like formations. "Burning Heaven Bind!"

The straps surged toward Cang Yue like an avalanche of fiery serpents, attacking from all directions. They came from above, the sides, and even the ground, weaving a deadly, intricate web designed to block every escape route. The arena seemed to erupt in flames as the Burning Heaven Bind closed in on her.

Cang Yue's expression remained calm, her grip steady on her swords. Think, focus. Don't let him trap you. Her mind raced as she prepared her next move, knowing this would test her mastery of both her training and her resolve.

Cang Yue exhaled slowly, her fingers tightening around the handle of Wadou Ichimonji as she stored her twin swords. She closed her eyes and focused her energy, her breathing steady despite the fiery storm raging around her. I need precision... no waste, no hesitation.

"Ittoryu Iai..." she whispered, her voice steady and resolute. The battlefield seemed to hold its breath as she lowered herself into a stance. 

"Totsugeki! (Onslaught!)" 

Time itself appeared to slow as Cang Yue unsheathed her blade in a single, fluid motion. The sound of her draw was sharp and cutting, like thunder in the stillness. In the next instant, the fire straps surging toward her disintegrated into dozens of clean cuts. Each slice landed with such speed and precision that the fiery constructs seemed to burst apart in unison before they even reached her. With an effortless grace, she resheathed Wadou Ichimonji, the faint click echoing through the stunned silence of the arena.

The audience erupted into murmurs of disbelief, their eyes wide with awe.

"This… this girl is a monster!" Fen Yuange's voice wavered, his confidence cracking as he struggled to comprehend what had just happened. "No matter! If she can't approach me, then it's meaningless. The straps will keep protecting me!" 

True to his word, he reinforced the fiery barriers around himself, layers upon layers forming a nearly impenetrable defense. Flames spiraled and twisted, creating an inferno that roared in defiance of her sword strikes. 

Cang Yue stood unmoving, studying the protective cocoon of fire surrounding her opponent. Her 36 and 72 Pound Phoenix techniques had failed to pierce it, and any attempt to use Soru to close the distance was thwarted by the relentless waves of fire straps. Her mind raced. I need something stronger, something that can pierce through everything in one strike. 

A spark of inspiration lit up in her gaze. She tightened her grip on her sword. "If I can't reach him directly," she muttered, a faint smirk gracing her lips, "then I'll break through everything in my way all at once." 

Cang Yue remained calm, her stance steady as the bright, fiery slash blazed toward her, illuminating her face in a golden glow. She gripped Shusui tightly, her fingers wrapping around its hilt with confidence and determination.

"It's been a while since I've used this technique," she muttered to herself, exhaling slowly to steady her breath. With a sharp motion, she tucked away both Wadou Ichimonji and Shisui, leaving only Shusui in her hand. Its dark blade shimmered faintly, as though resonating with her resolve.

From the spectator seats, Yun Che crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. Retsu and the others watched intently, their concern and anticipation palpable.

"Be mindful of the mental backlash, Little Yue," Yuyun's voice echoed in her mind. "You're still not ready for it, but your mental strength has improved since last time. It won't harm you as much, but remember, the power will be limited since your cultivation isn't yet at the Emperor Profound Realm."

"I understand," Cang Yue replied internally, her tone resolute. She hadn't forgotten the intense headache she suffered during Wrath's invasion when she first tried this move. The technique was incredibly potent, designed for warriors far stronger than she was back then. However, she felt her growth. Her Spirit Profound Realm had matured into Earth Profound Realm, and her mental strength was sharper. This time, she would harness the power—even if it wasn't at its full potential.

Seeing Cang Yue standing still, Fen Yuange's eyes burned with rage and desperation. Clenching his teeth, he summoned every ounce of his energy, manipulating all the remaining fire straps into a massive surge. The arena seemed to erupt with crimson flames as the fiery tendrils writhed like serpents, converging on her from every direction.

"You think it's over?!" he roared, his voice raw with fury. "I'll show you the true power of the Burning Heaven Clan!"

The fire straps hissed and crackled, encircling Cang Yue like a blazing inferno, their oppressive heat distorting the air around her. At the same time, Fen Yuange charged forward, his sword glowing with fiery brilliance, ready to strike her with all the strength he could muster.

The crowd gasped, their eyes wide as the arena seemed consumed by the fiery assault. Even the protective barriers trembled under the sheer force of the attack.

But Cang Yue remained unmoving.

At the last possible moment, her eyes snapped open, sharp as steel, and her aura surged. She gripped Shusui with both hands, her stance unyielding.

"This ends now," she murmured, her voice calm and resolute.

Fen Yuange sneered as his fiery sword slash closed in. "Blazing Sun Slash!" he roared, launching an even brighter and more ferocious attack. The flames roared like a tidal wave, their heat radiating across the arena. He had reinforced the area to trap her, ensuring she had nowhere to dodge or retreat.

But Cang Yue didn't move to evade.

She raised Shusui with both hands, her body radiating a quiet strength. The audience leaned forward, their breath caught in their throats as she murmured the name of the technique under her breath, her voice firm but calm.

Cang Yue's eyes turned red burned with fierce determination as she gripped her sword tightly with both hands, channeling all her energy into the blade. The arena seemed to hold its breath as the tension rose. 

"Ittoryu… (One Sword Style)," her voice echoed through the hushed air. 

Her aura surged, and the ground beneath her feet cracked from the sheer force radiating outward. As she raised her sword, the brilliance of her power was almost blinding. 

"Daishinkan! (Great Dragon Shock)" 

With a mighty swing from above, she unleashed a devastating shockwave from her blade. The sheer force of the attack roared like a dragon, cutting through the air with unmatched ferocity. The fiery straps shielding Fen Yuange disintegrated on contact, torn apart as if they were nothing but fragile threads. 

The shockwave carried on, meeting Fen Yuange's blazing sword slash head-on. The clash was brief but decisive; her attack obliterated his, carving a straight path through the fiery remnants. The force continued forward, slamming into the barrier behind him with a sound like shattering glass. 

The barrier groaned under the pressure before exploding into fragments, the air crackling with residual energy. The crowd gasped, their disbelief palpable. 

In the stands, Frozen Cloud Asgard's disciples sat frozen in awe. 

"That… that attack…" Chu Yueli stammered, her usually calm demeanor shaken. 

"It's like how rascal himself struck," Little Fairy whispered, her gaze fixed on Cang Yue. As her memories remembered the day she and her rascal met, the time he released the powerful sword wave that created the giant trench beside her. 

Even Ling Yuefeng, the esteemed leader of the Heavenly Sword Villa, trembled slightly. The power Cang Yue wielded was eerily similar to the overwhelming might of Dracule Mihawk. 

Fen Yuange, standing at the center of the destruction, felt as if his entire being had been cleaved in two as the shockwave passed him. His smirk faltered, replaced by sheer terror. His trembling hands dropped the Burning Heaven Sword, the weapon clattering uselessly to the ground. 

For a moment, he simply stood there, frozen in place, before his body gave out. The overwhelming shock caused him to collapse backward, unconscious before he even hit the ground. 

Cang Yue stood tall, her breath steady, her sword glinting faintly in the light. She felt a faint headache pulsing through her temples, a minor strain compared to the backlash she had once endured from the full power of Daishinkan. This time, it was controlled—a mere shadow of its true potential, but devastating nonetheless. 

The arena was silent, the audience rendered speechless. The only sound was the faint hum of energy dissipating in the air, a testament to the overwhelming might Cang Yue had just unleashed.

"Did she combine Haoshoku no Haki in that attack?" Retsu's voice carried a mixture of shock and awe as she sensed the faint but undeniable presence of the Conqueror's Haki woven into Cang Yue's shockwave. 

"She did... but she wasn't aware of it," Yun Che replied, his sharp eyes scanning the aftermath. Around the arena, a small but noticeable portion of the audience had slumped unconscious, their bodies overwhelmed by the residual force of her attack. Though the barrier had absorbed much of the power, the lingering energy was potent enough to affect even those shielded from its direct impact. 

The arena was eerily silent as Cang Yue sank to her knees, Shusui still gripped tightly in her trembling hands. Her arms shook under the strain of the attack, and sweat beaded on her forehead. Though the backlash was not as severe as her earlier experiences, her body bore the toll of unleashing such devastating power. 

"I told you that attack was too much, even if you restrained the sword wave!" Yuyun's voice echoed sharply in her mind. 

"Sorry... I thought I was just trying to intimidate him, but..." Cang Yue's breathing was labored, her voice tinged with disbelief. "I didn't think the shockwave alone would destroy his defenses, pass him, and then shatter the barrier. It wasn't supposed to do that much." 

"And yet it did," Yuyun sighed, her tone laced with exasperation. "Not to mention, you released a faint trace of Haoshoku no Haki without even realizing it. Do you see those unconscious people in the stands? If the barrier hadn't dampened your Haki, you might've dropped the entire eastern side of the audience—or worse." 

Cang Yue winced at the rebuke, her eyes darting toward the collapsed attendees. "I didn't mean to... How did my Haki even activate like that?" 

"You wanted to scare him," Yuyun explained, her voice softening slightly, "and that unconscious desire triggered it. It's dangerous, Yue'er. Be careful what you wish for during combat—it might manifest in ways you don't expect." 

Cang Yue's shoulders slumped under the weight of Yuyun's words, guilt creeping into her expression. The overwhelming might of the Daishinkan had astonished even her, and now she realized the full extent of its potential. If she had added even a fraction more energy to the attack or even the sword wave it was meant to be, Fen Yuange—and countless others—might not have survived. 

"I understand," she whispered, her tone resolute despite her trembling frame. 

Yuyun let out a long sigh. "For now, I'm barring you from using the Daishinkan. Until you've mastered the mental and physical demands of this technique, it's too dangerous for you—and everyone around you." 

Cang Yue nodded, her grip tightening briefly on Shusui before she sheathed it. Though her body was weary and her mind taxed, her resolve burned brighter than ever. This battle had been a powerful lesson, and she silently vowed to refine her strength—not just for herself, but for those who believed in her. 

Cang Yue took a deep breath as she unscrewed the bottle of Divine Water that Yun Che had given her, the cool liquid soothing the residual pain in her mind and body. As she drank it, she felt the calming effect spread through her, erasing the heavy fog of exhaustion and mental backlash that had been clouding her senses. Yun Che had foreseen this moment, preparing her with the water specifically for when her mental strain would become too much to bear. It worked instantly, easing her nerves, but she couldn't help but reflect on the sheer force of the power she had just unleashed.

Her eyes flicked over to the battlefield, now littered with the remnants of shattered fire straps and the lingering remnants of her attack. Despite the relief, Cang Yue knew she couldn't rely on Daishinkan again until she could properly control it. She could feel the immense weight of responsibility pressing on her—her abilities were growing, but they were still unpredictable. To truly master them, she'd need to reach the Emperor Profound Realm, if not the Sovereign Profound Realm. Only then would she be able to fully control the devastating force that Daishinkan had become. 

She couldn't afford to rush that process. Not after seeing what had happened today.

The loud call from an elder snapped her back to reality. "Oi, what are you standing around for? Announce it!" he barked toward the announcer, who looked almost paralyzed by the spectacle that had just unfolded before them.

The announcer hesitated, still shaken by the sheer power that had been on display. Finally, he managed to speak, though his voice quivered slightly.

"Uh… Blue Wind Imperial Family—Cang Yue… wins! She will advance to the round of 32 tomorrow!" 

The words echoed throughout the arena, but they fell on deaf ears as Fen Juecheng could hardly believe his eyes. His earlier confidence had been shattered in an instant. The girl he had tried to humiliate, to break and control, had turned the tables in a way that not even he could have anticipated. She had not only defeated Fen Yuange, but she had done so with a power that was growing far beyond what anyone, including him, could have imagined.

Fen Juecheng clenched his fists, grinding his teeth in frustration as he processed the reality before him. He had been so certain of his victory, but now, his plans had crumbled to dust. Cang Yue had become someone to be reckoned with, and he could not ignore the growing danger she posed to his ambitions.