Rebirth in Against the Gods with The Ultimate System

"Ara… Yuu-kun, took you a while. We were about to find you to join us for lunch. Where have you been?" Retsu greeted him with her usual serene smile.

Yun Che sighed as he sat down, patting her head. "Gathering information. Some jerk called me Mu Che, and his fiancée called me her nominal husband. Seriously, who the hell are those oddballs?"

The word husband caught the attention of Retsu, Mio, and Cang Yue instantly. A woman dared to claim their beloved as her husband? 

"Nominal husband?" Nemu tilted her head curiously.

Cang Yue crossed her arms, her gaze narrowing. "It's someone arranged to be married in prominent households, Nemu. A common practice in the Blue Wind Empire." Her voice sharpened. "Wait... you're a nominal husband? Why didn't we know about this?"

All the girls turned their attention to him, their expressions a mix of suspicion and curiosity.

Yun Che raised his hands in defense, remaining calm. "Not me! Some guy named Mu Che who apparently shares my looks—kind of. I mean, I've never even been to Jin Prefecture. I stayed in the Xiao Clan and trained with Retsu and Nemu my whole life. That Zhang Jin of the Jin Prefecture stopped me during my walk and started ranting, calling me some banished trash sent to the countryside. Apparently, this Mu Che got forcefully divorced, and Zhang Jin took his ex-wife and made her his fiancée."

The bizarre story intrigued them all. Someone resembling Yun Che, mistaken for him, and embroiled in such drama? 

"Mu Che?" Cang Yue repeated, brows furrowing. 

"Yeah, weird, right? I'm more concerned about the name of that bloke than his fiancée or whatever." Yun Che sighed again, exasperated. 

Retsu and Mio breathed a collective sigh of relief before exchanging sly smiles. "Ara~~~~ Who is this nominal wife? Perhaps we could... talk to her," Mio said sweetly, though the edge in her tone hinted otherwise. 

By talk, she meant scare. 

Yun Che shook his head, reassuring them quickly. "I'd prefer if you didn't. Some chick named Xu Qian. Ring any bells?"

"Wait, Xu Qian? She's here?" Lin Yueru asked, her expression shifting as if the name sparked an unpleasant memory. 

"Kind of," Yun Che replied, rubbing the back of his head. "That Zhang Jin kissed her in front of me to spite me. Seriously, I don't even know who that woman is." 

"Xu Qian?" Lin Yueru repeated with a sigh. "Ah, that woman... the young mistress of the Xu Family in the Jin Prefecture. Remember the young master I told you about? The one who tried to marry me and make me his second wife? That fiancée of his was her." 

"Wait, that Zhang Jin is the young master?" Yun Che's brow furrowed in recognition. 

"He is," Lin Yueru confirmed with a frustrated shake of her head. "He's always boasting about how he's going to be a general one day since his father already is one. He used his status to try to pressure me, but it seems my current standing as Yue'er's protector has already far surpassed his pompous ambitions." 

Lin Yueru sighed deeply, her annoyance still evident. "He's always been insufferable, throwing his weight around like his family name is some sort of divine shield. Looks like he hasn't changed at all."

Bang!!

The sudden, thunderous noise drew everyone's attention back to the arena. All eyes turned just in time to see Wu Xingwu deliver a devastating punch to his opponent. The sheer force of the blow left no room for retaliation; his opponent clutched his stomach in agony, sliding down the barrier and collapsing in defeat. The match ended in mere moments, with Wu Xingwu showing no mercy. 

The crowd erupted in wild cheers, their excitement palpable. 

"Wu Xingwu of the Wu Clan wins! He will advance to the round of 16 tomorrow!" Ling Wugou's voice resonated across the arena. 

Yun Che smirked, his eyes narrowing as he watched the Wu Clan's elite walk off the stage, calm and composed as if the match had been effortless. "So, it's him tomorrow," Yun Che muttered under his breath. 

He knew this wasn't going to be an easy fight. Wu Xingwu had already proven himself a force to be reckoned with, and tomorrow's battle would be anything but simple since the Wu Clan will use every trick in their disposal. But Yun Che's confidence didn't waver—he would win tomorrow.

As the profound display updated, showing the results of the match, the notification for the final battle of the round of 32 appeared on the screen, signaling the conclusion of the day's thrilling matches. 

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

Round of 32 Sixteenth Match – Blue Wind Imperial Family - Yun Che -----versus ------- Jin Prefecture – Zhang Jin.

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

The crowd erupted into a frenzy, their excitement palpable as the next match approached. Just like Cang Yue and Retsu, Yun Che's battle had garnered immense attention, and the spectators were eager to see what he had to offer. Although many of the lower-ranked sects had made it to the round of 32, the focus was entirely on the top contenders, and Yun Che was among them.

"Right on cue..." Yun Che muttered under his breath, standing up after finishing his lunch. Zhang Jin had been a constant irritation to him, and the more he thought about it, the more he realized he'd owe this Mu Che guy a favor for putting up with this annoyance.

"I'll finish this one in no time," Yun Che spoke confidently, his voice carrying a quiet but undeniable promise.

Retsu, ever the composed figure, nodded with a slight smile. "We'll pack things up in the meantime," she said as she gestured to the others, who quickly began clearing the table.

Yun Che gave them a small nod before walking towards the arena, the atmosphere shifting as his presence commanded attention. His eyes narrowed as he saw Xu Qian standing nearby, her smirk far too smug for his liking.

"Hmph, you might be the fan favorite here, Mu Che. But Zhang Jin will defeat you," Xu Qian boasted, her tone dripping with arrogance.

Yun Che's lips curled into a smirk as he passed her, his mind turning. Man, that Mu Che is really unlucky to have a cheater like this for a wife. Well, not that I mind. The thought lingered in his mind as he approached the arena, ready to face his opponent and settle things once and for all.

Yun Che stood on the arena stage and the cheers around him dies down.

"Hahahaha!" Zhang Jin's laughter echoed through the arena, loud and manic. 

Yun Che raised an eyebrow, his expression mildly amused. "What's gotten into him now?" he muttered, barely moving from his relaxed stance. 

"What is wrong with that man? Isn't he afraid of fighting Yun Che, who defeated Fen Juebi and Xiao Zhen? Members of the top sects, no less?" murmured a spectator in Yun Che's defense, their voice tinged with disbelief. 

Zhang Jin pointed dramatically at Yun Che, his face twisted in scorn. "Mu Che! Your strength must be fake! You've used some kind of treasure or secret art to boost yourself. Everyone knows you were a brainless cripple back in the Xu Family!" 

Yun Che smirked, playing along. "I've already been checked. No treasures, no tricks," he replied with a nonchalant shrug, as if this accusation was just another trivial nuisance. He thought to himself how peculiar this Mu Che must have been to draw such ire, though the sentiment of being bullied for perceived weakness was all too familiar. 

"Blasphemy!" Zhang Jin roared, his voice laced with desperation. "How could someone in the True Profound Realm be this strong without tricks?!" 

"No idea," Yun Che replied coolly, rolling his shoulders as if warming up. "But I didn't come here for idle chatter. So… come on." 

His hands stayed in his pockets, his stance unshaken, radiating an effortless confidence that only fueled Zhang Jin's growing frustration. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, waiting to see how this match would unfold since this is the match of the round of 32.

"Begin!" 

Zhang Jin wasted no time. "Mu Che! Take this punch and scram!" he shouted, raising his hand to his forehead. A blinding flash of light erupted from his palm, dazzling most of the spectators who instinctively shielded their eyes. 

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

[Ding…. Unfamiliar Frequency detected]

[Attempting Synchronization with the host.]

[Synchronization failed]

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

"What?" Yun Che widened his eyes. The system detected an unfamiliar frequency within the light flash?

Smirking, Zhang Jin lunged forward, forming a fist and landing a direct punch squarely on Yun Che's face. The impact produced a powerful shockwave, kicking up a thick cloud of dust and smoke that obscured the arena. 

The crowd gasped. The force of the punch was undeniable—surely enough to signal Yun Che's defeat. Zhang Jin's cultivation, at Half Step Earth Profound Realm, should have sealed his victory. 

Among the spectators, however, those who knew Yun Che's strength remained unfazed. 

From within the smoke, a calm voice rang out, dripping with disdain. "Dude, how in the world did you make it this far?" 

As the smoke cleared, Zhang Jin's widened eyes reflected his shock and disbelief. His punch, which he had poured all his strength into, was completely ineffective. It rested on Yun Che's cheek, unmoving, as if it had hit an immovable mountain. 

Yun Che tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable save for the faintest glimmer of contempt in his eyes. Zhang Jin's fist remained pressed against him, powerless. 

The arena fell silent. The crowd, stunned by the sight, could barely process what had just happened. A direct attack from a Half Step Earth Profound Realm cultivator had been stopped as though it were nothing.

Zhang Jin gritted his teeth, unwilling to accept the reality before him. "It's a fluke… One more hit should do. He'll have no choice but to concede," he muttered to himself, as though trying to reassure his faltering confidence. 

He lunged forward, throwing another punch. This time, Yun Che raised a single finger, effortlessly stopping the incoming blow. He stared at Zhang Jin with a bored expression, as if he were merely swatting away a fly. 

"You… you should've conceded by now!" Zhang Jin growled, his tone carrying an odd mix of desperation and command. It wasn't just a taunt—it sounded like an order, laced with something unnatural. 

Yun Che frowned slightly, his sharp instincts picking up on the anomaly. "Should've conceded?" he mused internally. A strange frequency tried to penetrate his mind, but the Gamer's Mind promptly blocked it. His system flagged it as an attempt at mental interference. 

"Do I have to?" Yun Che asked dryly, feigning ignorance while assessing the situation. 

Zhang Jin's expression twisted in frustration. "Why didn't it work?!" he hissed under his breath. "Fine! I'll try again!" 

Raising his hand, Zhang Jin unleashed another blinding flash of light. This time, he poured all his strength into a follow-up punch, aiming directly for Yun Che's face. 

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

[Ding…. Unfamiliar Frequency detected]

[Attempting Synchronization with the host.]

[Synchronization failed]

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

Before Zhang Jin's fist could make contact, Yun Che moved like a blur, his hand snapping out to catch Zhang Jin's wrist mid-air. The crowd erupted in shock, unable to believe their eyes. Yun Che had stopped the full force of Zhang Jin's attack with a single hand, as if it were nothing more than a child's punch.

"This…" Zhang Jin's eyes widened in disbelief. His mind raced. It should have worked. He should've conceded or at least been sent flying by my punch!

Yun Che tilted his head, an amused smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Dude, seriously? You're just punching your way through every fight? I find it odd—every one of your opponents somehow gets 'defeated' right after you flash them with that bright light. Care to explain?"

Zhang Jin flinched at the remark, his reaction betraying the truth. Yun Che's suspicions solidified. In all of Zhang Jin's previous battles, his victories followed an eerily identical pattern: a blinding flash of light, followed by a single punch that ended the match instantly. None of his opponents ever dodged or resisted after the flash. They just stood there, seemingly frozen, allowing Zhang Jin's punch to land cleanly.

Xu Qian's eyes widened in disbelief, her mind reeling at the sight of her fiancé, Zhang Jin, completely outmatched. His reliance on the same cheap trick had carried him through every fight before, but now, against Mu Che, it had utterly failed. 

"Impossible…" she murmured, her voice trembling with frustration. "How did that trash get so strong?" Her teeth clenched as her pride refused to accept this new, dominant version of the man she had once mocked. 

Desperation laced her voice as she shouted, "Zhang Jin! Just beat him already! You're stronger than him!" But her words carried no weight, no power. 

Yun Che didn't even bother to look at her. With precise movements and unrelenting force, he dismantled Zhang Jin's every attack, leaving the so-called prodigy broken and humiliated. His dominance was absolute, his victory inevitable, and Xu Qian's pleas faded into the jeering laughter of the crowd.

The crowd murmured in confusion, whispers of doubt spreading like wildfire. "Wait… everyone saw how Zhang Jin won right? Every single fight was the same!" one spectator exclaimed. 

"No one even tried to block after the flash!" another shouted. 

"Yeah, even when they shielded their eyes, they just stood there like statues!" 

Zhang Jin gritted his teeth, sweat forming on his brow. The pressure of the crowd's scrutiny weighed heavy on him. Damn it! This Mu Che saw through it!

"Twenty-five fights," Yun Che continued, his voice calm but sharp. "Twenty-five opponents, all 'defeated' with a single flash and punch, and no one thought it was suspicious? Either you're some kind of unbeatable genius, or…" He leaned closer, his smirk growing darker. "…you've been using something to make them stood still."

"Lies!" Zhang Jin roared, unsheathing his sword in a dramatic flourish. The crowd gasped in shock—Zhang Jin had never drawn his sword in any of his previous matches. 

Determined to salvage his crumbling reputation, Zhang Jin raised his hand to flash the bright light once more. Yun Che didn't even blink, standing still with a bored expression as if entirely unaffected by the dazzling glow. 

Gritting his teeth, Zhang Jin lunged forward, slashing his sword with all his might. Yun Che effortlessly sidestepped the attack, and the ground where the blade struck erupted into a cloud of dust and shattered debris. 

"Mu Che!" Zhang Jin snarled, launching a barrage of rocks and rubble toward Yun Che in a desperate attempt to land a hit. But Yun Che moved like water, dodging and deflecting each attack with minimal effort, using only a single hand. 

The crowd watched in awe and confusion as Zhang Jin's strikes grew more erratic and sluggish. His movements lacked precision, his form collapsing under the weight of desperation. 

Yun Che tilted his head, observing Zhang Jin's wild and amateurish flailing with a raised brow. Is this really the same man who dominated his opponents so easily before?

Zhang Jin's eyes widened as realization dawned on him: nothing he did could touch Yun Che. For the first time, fear crept into his expression as he faltered, his attacks slowing further.

The crowd erupted in confusion and anticipation as Zhang Jin unsheathed his sword—a weapon he had never resorted to in any of his previous matches. The shift in his approach made the audience buzz with speculation.

Zhang Jin flashed the blinding light again, but Yun Che didn't even flinch this time, standing unaffected as though the technique was nothing more than a harmless sparkle. Zhang Jin gritted his teeth, his frustration mounting as he lunged forward with a fierce slash aimed at Yun Che. However, Yun Che sidestepped effortlessly, and the force of Zhang Jin's attack caused the ground to crack and crumble beneath him.

"Mu Che!" Zhang Jin roared, grabbing a handful of destroyed parts of the arena with his free hand and hurling them at Yun Che with explosive force. Yet Yun Che either dodged them gracefully or deflected them with a casual flick of his hand. 

The crowd gasped again, their astonishment growing. Zhang Jin, who had once seemed untouchable with his flashy tricks and overwhelming strength, now appeared clumsy and out of his depth. 

Yun Che raised an eyebrow as he observed Zhang Jin's movements. The attacks weren't just ineffective—they were sluggish, uncoordinated, and lacked the precision of a true master. It was as if Zhang Jin's skills were deteriorating right before their eyes. 

"You know," Yun Che said, tilting his head to dodge another strike, "for someone who's supposed to be a big deal, your technique is… underwhelming. What's going on? You're not fighting like someone in the Half-Step Earth Profound Realm." 

Meanwhile, the audience began murmuring among themselves, their faith in Zhang Jin's abilities eroding with each passing second. Some started to cheer for Yun Che, admiring his composure and skill.

He was basically embarrassing the Jin Providence. More importantly, his father.

Zhang Jin gritted his teeth in frustration, his movements becoming more erratic. He slashed at Yun Che again, only to have his strike miss entirely as Yun Che casually sidestepped. Rocks launched by Zhang Jin's profound energy either shattered harmlessly against the ground or were swatted away by Yun Che with the flick of his wrist. 

"Is this the same guy who made it to the top 32?" Yun Che muttered under his breath, dodging another clumsy slash. "I was expecting at least some challenge since this is the match of the round of 32, but this... is just lowkey sad. Even Fen Juebi fought better." 

Zhang Jin's attacks grew more sluggish with each failed attempt, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. He was clearly burning through his profound energy at an alarming rate. Yun Che observed the awkwardness in Zhang Jin's technique—his reliance on the flash and a full-powered punch was glaringly obvious. Counter that, and Zhang Jin had nothing left. 

The crowd's murmurs grew louder, shifting from confusion to open ridicule. Laughter echoed across the arena as Zhang Jin's pitiful display unraveled further. 

"Huarrgghh!!" Zhang Jin roared, swinging his sword in a last, desperate attempt. Yun Che moved effortlessly, catching the blade with his bare hand. He held it steady, his expression calm and unimpressed, before snapping the blade with a swift motion. The broken weapon clattered to the ground as Yun Che tossed it aside like garbage. 

The crowd erupted in astonishment, their disbelief palpable. Snapping a blade with his bare hands was one thing, but watching Zhang Jin, the supposed prodigy of the Jin Providence, fall flat on his bottom like a helpless child was beyond shocking. The so-called "trash" Mu Che had not only countered Zhang Jin's techniques but utterly humiliated him, exposing him as a joke. 

"So, this is odd," Yun Che said, his tone calm, his voice carrying effortlessly across the stunned arena. "I've seen your matches, capable of defeating anyone with a single punch. But this…" He vanished in a blur and reappeared before Zhang Jin. 

In the stands, Xu Qian's face contorted with disbelief. Her fiancé—Zhang Jin, the man she had pinned all her ambitions on—was sprawled on the arena floor, humiliated by none other than 'Mu Che'. The very Mu Che she had once mocked as a brainless, useless fool, a man she had deemed unworthy of the Xu Family's time or respect. 

Her thoughts raced as she tried to reconcile the Mu Che she knew with the one now standing in the arena. How in the world did he get this strong? she thought, her pride crumbling with every second her fiancé remained defeated. This wasn't the useless nominal husband she had abandoned. This was someone else entirely—someone terrifyingly capable.

Before Zhang Jin could react, Yun Che delivered a quick punch to his nose, sending him reeling. As Zhang Jin staggered, Yun Che's sharp gaze caught the faint glint of an object concealed within the man's wristband. With a swift motion, Yun Che grabbed his wrist and yanked the object free. 

Holding the item up to the light, Yun Che examined it with a smirk. The crowd buzzed with curiosity, eager to see what Yun Che had uncovered.

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

[Profound Control Crystal]

[The user will force the people they intend to control to capture its light in their minds. When activated, the user can control anyone whom the crystal light has captured for a single moment. It is considered a forbidden item and unknown to the Empire.]

[Not working with people with higher cultivation than the user.]

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

Yun Che smirked as he pieced it all together. It wasn't Zhang Jin's skill or strength that won him matches—it was manipulation.

"No wonder he wasn't afraid of facing anyone, even disciples from the Four Major Sects," Yun Che mused aloud, eyeing Zhang Jin with disdain. "With that crystal, controlling weaker cultivators must've been as easy as breathing. But trying to control me?"

He held up the Profound Control Crystal.

"So, this is how you've been winning—forcing your opponents to concede by controlling their minds? Or making them stand still so you can deliver the winning punch. I thought your Half Step Earth Profound Realm string is enough."

The crystal is being shown in the Profound Display all over the arena. The crowd erupted in murmurs, their excitement quickly turning to outrage.

"Elder Ling!" Yun Che called out to the officiating elder, holding up the crystal. "Is this even legal?"

Ling Wugou's expression darkened as he recognized the object in Yun Che's hand. "The Profound Control Crystal… Zhang Jin has been cheating all this time?!"

Gasps rippled through the arena.

"No wonder his opponents always conceded after those blinding flashes!" one official exclaimed, his face contorted in anger. "We thought he was dazzling them with light before landing a decisive blow. But instead, he was using the crystal to control their minds!"

Jeers and boos erupted from the crowd.

"Cheater!"

"Disgrace to the tournament!"

"Jin Province should be ashamed!"

Zhang Jin, now conscious but utterly humiliated, cowered under the weight of their scorn. His attempts to defend himself faltered as the officials closed in to inspect the evidence.

Yun Che stepped back, his smirk growing wider. "I guess even a crystal like this can't overcome true strength… or a sharp mind. Better luck next time—if there even is a next time for you."

Ling Wugou's voice sounded as the officials confirms the crystal. "Zhang Jin is using the Profound Control Crystal, and he will be disqualified. Blue Wind Imperial Family - Yun Che wins this match and proceed to the Round of 16"

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

Match Set – Round of 16 Match Eight – Yun Che ----versus----- Wu Clan, Wu Xingwu

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

Yun Che smirked, his confidence unwavering as the whispers among the crowd grew louder. Tomorrow's match against Wu Xingwu, the so-called strongest representative of the Wu Clan, was already stirring excitement and tension. Yun Che could feel the piercing glares of the Wu Clan members directed at him, their expressions brimming with malice. He simply returned their hostility with an arrogant smirk, knowing full well they would try to play dirty. 

"Did you see how Zhang Jin got exposed?" someone muttered in the stands. "That crystal trick... no wonder his opponents kept conceding. We even respected him for being strong."

"Defeating his opponent with a single punch because he flashed them with the crystal? Shameless!" 

"Cheating in broad daylight, and they still made it to the round of 32? What a disgrace to the Jin Providence," another scoffed. 

The murmurs of ridicule spread like wildfire, and Zhang Jin felt the weight of humiliation crushing him. His father's reputation, along with the Jin Providence's credibility, was now in tatters. 

Meanwhile, Yun Che casually tossed the crystal to the ground, its supposed influence shattering along with its physical form. "Like that's going to control me," he said dismissively, earning gasps of shock from the crowd as the crystal shattered on impact. 

Zhang Jin clenched his fists, his face flushed with rage. This was the same "Mu Che" he had humiliated time and time again—first by outmaneuvering him politically, then by stealing his fiancée and aligning with the Xu Family, and now he had exposed his underhanded tactics for all to see. 

Despite his cultivation, Zhang Jin knew he was outclassed. The very man he once dismissed as beneath him had become a formidable opponent, one he could neither defeat nor outwit. The crowd's jeers grew louder, and Zhang Jin could do nothing but seethe in silence, his disgrace complete. 

Zhang Jin, refusing to accept his defeat, roared in fury. "Damn you, Mu Che!" he yelled, charging forward with a wild punch aimed at Yun Che's face. 

Yun Che, unimpressed, effortlessly caught the fist in mid-air. His eyes narrowed slightly as he retaliated with a precise punch to Zhang Jin's cheek, sending him sprawling onto the arena floor. 

Defeated the same way he used against his opponents.

The crowd gasped as Zhang Jin lay unconscious, utterly humiliated. Yun Che dusted off his hands, shaking his head. "For the last time, you've got the wrong guy," he muttered. "I'm Yun Che, not this Mu Che… sigh." He glanced down at Zhang Jin's limp form. "Oh, he's already passed out." 

The audience burst into laughter and murmurs of disbelief at the scene. 

"Ara… Yuu-kun won already?" Retsu commented with a soft smile, her hands still wiping a plate as the resounding cheers from Yun Che's victory echoed through the arena. Mai and Mei, who had been helping her tidy up, exchanged surprised glances. 

"We were going to watch after finishing up," Mai pouted, setting down the dish she was holding. 

"Big brother won, big sis," Mei added with a chuckle, though her tone betrayed a hint of disappointment since she didn't see it. 

Yuanba let out a heavy sigh of relief. "Well, at least brother in raw dealt with that guy quickly. I handled my opponent with one punch, too, but at least I didn't have to deal with cheating." 

"Cheating?" Retsu's gaze sharpened slightly, her curiosity piqued. 

"Apparently, his opponent tried to use some sort of mind-control crystal to force Yuu-sama to concede," Nemu explained calmly, her tone even but her eyes narrowing slightly in disapproval. 

"Hmph, the audacity to pull something like that in broad daylight," Mio sighed as she fanned herself. "The things people will do to avoid an honest fight." 

Cang Yue let out a deep sigh, a mixture of relief and pride washing over her. "An odd victory, but a victory nonetheless," she murmured to herself. With all three of them—herself, Yun Che, and Retsu—advancing past the round of 32, the Blue Wind Imperial Family had already secured three of the coveted top 16 spots. That thought alone filled her with elation. 

But as she considered the matches ahead, her excitement was abruptly overshadowed by a startling realization. If she managed to advance to the top eight, and Retsu did the same... 

Her heart skipped a beat. 

Retsu would be her opponent. 

The thought struck her like a thunderclap, and her mind froze. Her thoughts tangled in a web of doubt and apprehension. How could she face Retsu? Retsu, with her overwhelming strength and skill, wasn't just a fellow competitor—she was a trusted ally, a friend, someone who had guided and supported her. 

The weight of the potential clash pressed down on her, leaving her unable to think beyond the looming possibility. For a moment, Cang Yue simply stood there, her mind stalled, trying to reconcile the exhilaration of victory with the daunting challenge that lay ahead.

Cang Yue shook her head and tapped her cheeks. She will focus on dealing with Wu Xuexin first. If she won, she would think about facing Retsu later.

When the result was announced, the Sword Discourse Arena, which had fallen into brief silence, erupted into a frenzy of astonishment and chatter. All eyes were glued to Yun Che as he casually walked off the stage, his expression calm, as though the match had been a mere formality. 

The crowd could hardly believe what they had just witnessed. 

The man alongside the team with the weakest profound strength among all the participating disciples had, once again, effortlessly triumphed over an opponent far stronger on paper. Yun Che had defeated Zhang Jin, a Half-Step Earth Profound Realm cultivator, with shocking ease and secured his place in the top sixteen. 

But it wasn't just Yun Che's victory that stunned the audience. The bigger surprise was that all three members of the Blue Wind Imperial Family team—each with cultivation no higher than the True Profound Realm—had ascended to the top sixteen. 

"Three spots! They've taken three spots!" one onlooker exclaimed in disbelief. 

"Is this even possible? Their profound levels are worlds apart from their opponents! It means, even Hald Step Earth Profound Realm cannot stop him?!" another muttered, still grappling with what they'd seen. 

The sheer impossibility of the Blue Wind Imperial Family's feat overturned everything they thought they understood about cultivation and power. For the first time in the tournament, it became clear that raw cultivation levels weren't everything. 

The arena buzzed with excitement, confusion, and admiration. The crowd, still in shock, couldn't help but talk about Yun Che and his team, their names now etched in the annals of the Sword Discourse Tournament as the ones who dared to defy the odds.

"Man, the first match of the round of 32 is boring for me," Yun Che said, exhaling a deep sigh. 

Meanwhile, Xu Qian stood on the sidelines, her face contorted in frustration. Her fiancé, Zhang Jin, had not only been caught cheating but utterly humiliated in front of everyone. Her hopes of seeing Mu Che—no, Yun Che—disgraced had backfired spectacularly. Now, Yun Che stood untouchable, a figure she could no longer afford to offend. 

Yun Che walked away from the arena, his confidence unshaken, leaving Zhang Jin behind as a symbol of his triumph and his opponent's utter defeat.

As Ling Wugou's voice announced the end of the match, Yun Che turned and exited the arena, his mind already moving beyond the day's events. Tomorrow's match against Wu Xingwu loomed large, but there was no point dwelling on it now. He would deal with it when the time came.

For tonight, his attention was elsewhere. Xuanyuan Yufeng's cryptic warning weighed heavily on his thoughts. There was no doubt in his mind that those people she warned him about would make their move soon, and he needed to be ready for whatever she had planned. Her games weren't something to take lightly, and Yun Che knew he couldn't afford to lose focus.

There was only one problem.

Yun Che sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as Xu Qian stood before him, her cutesy and seductive demeanor as transparent as a child caught in a lie. Her persistent delusions were not just baffling but borderline exhausting. 

"Mu Che… I didn't know you would be this strong. Why didn't you tell me? Why?" she cooed, tilting her head to one side in what she probably thought was an endearing pose. 

He raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Wow, cheated on your fiancé the first chance you got?" His tone was dry, laced with a hint of sarcasm. 

Xu Qian's expression didn't falter. Instead, she replied with an air of innocence that seemed entirely misplaced. "We're not married, so I can break up anytime." 

Yun Che crossed his arms, exhaling sharply. "Huh? I don't even know you. You came here, accused me of being someone named Mu Che, and now this? For the last time, my name is Yun Che. Yun. Che." 

But Xu Qian's expression remained the same, as if his words had gone in one ear and out the other. "You don't have to pretend anymore," she said, her voice soft and sweet. "I shouldn't have underestimated you, but you're really sweet for trying so hard to win me back." 

Yun Che's inner voice nearly screamed. How delusional is this woman? She's even worse than Yuwen Lin back home.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, debating whether to argue further or just walk away. This wasn't the time for pointless drama, not with everything else weighing on his mind. "Listen," he began, his tone flat, "I don't know what kind of fantasy you've cooked up in your head, but I'm not interested. Go back to Zhang Jin, or whoever else you're stringing along, and leave me out of it."

Xu Qian blinked, clearly taken aback by his bluntness, but Yun Che didn't wait for a response. He stepped around her and continued on his way, leaving her standing there with her act unraveling.

"Unbelievable," he muttered under his breath. First, some guy mistakes me for his trash rival, and now this? What's next, some jerk calling me Jian Chen?

He shook his head, focusing his thoughts on the more pressing matters ahead. Xuanyuan Yufeng's warning loomed large, and he had a feeling tonight would bring more complications than he cared to handle.

"Mu Che… you love me, don't you? I remember you used to give everything to me and do as I say." Xu Qian's voice wavered, her expression a mask of sorrow. 

"For the last time…" Yun Che sighed deeply, rubbing his temples in exasperation. 

"Please, come back to the Xu Family. Come back to me. We can pick up where we left off." Her tone shifted, sweet and pleading. "I can prepare cultivation materials for you to break through to the Spirit Profound Realm. We can be the loving husband and wife you always wanted. Just… come back to me." 

Yun Che let out another heavy sigh, realizing it was time to end her delusion once and for all. "Look, I am married." 

"What…?" Xu Qian's eyes widened in disbelief, her composure cracking. The word hit her like a thunderbolt. 

Before she could recover, Yun Che delivered the final blow. "And I'm engaged to three—no, four other fiancées. One of them is Princess Cang Yue. So, taking me away? That means offending the empire. Your choice." 

"You…" Xu Qian's face twisted in anger and disbelief. How could this man—her Mu Che—leave her and then have the audacity to be engaged to someone of such high status? Offending the princess was unthinkable, and she knew it. 

"So, no thanks," Yun Che said casually, walking past her without a second glance, heading toward the Imperial Family's seating zone. 

Xu Qian stood frozen, her teeth clenched as humiliation and fury boiled inside her. Unable to contain herself, she stomped toward the Blue Wind Imperial seating area, determined to confront him. 

But as she entered, her breath caught in her throat. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene before her. 

Xu Qian froze in place as her eyes landed on the women seated at the Blue Wind Imperial Family zone. Each of them radiated a unique charm that left her breathless, their presence commanding attention without effort.

Princess Cang Yue, regal and elegant, carried herself with an air of authority, her beauty accentuated by her graceful demeanor. Beside her, Lin Yueru stood with a confident posture, her sharp, fiery eyes reflecting her unmatched skill as a warrior.

Then there was Unohana Retsu, serene and otherworldly, her delicate features radiating a gentle yet commanding aura that made her seem untouchable. Mio, playful yet alluring, exuded an effortless charm that could captivate anyone in an instant. And finally, Nemu, quiet and mysterious, possessed a unique beauty that seemed almost ethereal.

Xu Qian clenched her fists as jealousy and disbelief coursed through her. Compared to them, she felt plain—insignificant even. It was like standing before a gallery of celestial beings, each more breathtaking than the last.

"Can we help you, Miss Xu?" Lin Yueru stepped forward, positioning herself protectively in front of Cang Yue. Her tone was sharp. "Entering this place without the princess's consent is unforgivable." 

"Ru'er… she is a guest," Cang Yue said gently, her composure unshaken. She turned her calm gaze toward Xu Qian. "Apologies, Miss Xu, but may I ask what brings you here?" 

Xu Qian, momentarily startled by the princess's poise, quickly composed herself. "Lin Yueru! Why are you with them? Aren't you in the Qinglong Sect?" Her tone attempted to maintain civility, though there was a clear undercurrent of disbelief. 

Lin Yueru crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. "I am now Princess Cang Yue's Imperial Protector. Do you have a problem with that?" 

Before Xu Qian could respond, Yun Che interjected with a smirk. "I told you before, I am not this 'Mu Che' you're so obsessed with. And yes, these ladies you see here are my fiancées—except for Lin Yueru, the little one here, and her sister." He gestured toward the group alongside Mai and Mei. 

"Hmph…" Lin Yueru huffed, shooting him a side-eye. 

"Mu Che! How can a piece of trash like you become so strong?" Xu Qian snapped, her frustration boiling over. But before she could press further, a suffocating pressure enveloped her. 

She froze, her eyes darting around in panic. The oppressive aura weighed heavily on her, making her feel as insignificant as a speck of dust. Her gaze locked onto Unohana Retsu, whose sweet smile belied the chilling intensity in her eyes. Beside her stood Mio, the woman with the butterfly hair clip, radiating a similarly overwhelming presence. 

"Ara-ara, Miss Xu," Retsu said, her voice as sweet as honey but laced with an unmistakable warning, "spewing insults in front of our fiancé is quite bold. But it's also... seeking death."

Retsu smiled innocently as she twirled the kitchen knife in her hands, the motion so fluid and graceful it almost looked like a dance. Xu Qian stood frozen, her eyes wide with realization. The woman before her wasn't just a seemingly harmless figure. She was Unohana Retsu, a force of nature whose casual display of strength had already left Zhang Wei, one of the province's top warriors, defeated without effort. Not to mention she faced several experts of the Four Great Sect beyond Xu Qian's insignificant strength. If she could so easily overwhelm him, what chance did Xu Qian stand?

"Nee-sama, you're being scary again," Nemu interjected with a fake cough, trying to break the tension that had thickened in the air.

"Araaa, I apologize for such a display, that's love for you." Retsu said with a sweet, almost innocent smile, but the way her fingers gripped the kitchen knife made even Lin Yueru step back instinctively. The knife, despite its ordinary appearance, seemed to hold an air of danger that couldn't be ignored.

Xu Qian's breath hitched, her complexion paling as the weight of her miscalculation sank in. These women—these impossibly graceful and powerful women—weren't just beauties. They were profound cultivators whose strength dwarfed her own. She had underestimated them, and now, she was painfully aware of her mistake. The man she had so easily dismissed as nothing more than a pawn in her schemes was surrounded by women whose sheer presence made her feel small and insignificant.

"Ret-chan, this woman is annoying. Can I wipe her out?" Mio asked nonchalantly, fanning herself with an air of casual cruelty.

Xu Qian recoiled, but it was too late to retreat. "This isn't over! You hear me, Mu Che!" she shouted, her voice shrill as she turned and fled from the Imperial Seating Zone.

Yun Che let out a long sigh, his expression unreadable. "One less headache," he muttered, watching her retreating form with a sense of finality.

"What's that babe's problem with you? Mu Che? Since when you're Mu Che?" Kon asked as he hitched Yun Che's shoulder, and the latter shrugged.

Cang Yue, standing beside him, couldn't help but sigh as well. "Looks like she really thought you were Mu Che. What else will come after this?"

"Who knows," Yun Che replied, his tone detached as his gaze drifted toward the others.

Lin Yueru had already moved toward Xue Ling, preparing to join her in escorting the Emperor. As the Imperial Protector, it was her responsibility, and with Cang Yue safe with them, she could afford to focus on the task ahead. Yuanba walked alongside Mai and Mei, while Nezuko joined up with them later, her playful demeanor still interrupted by Chu Yueli, who refused to let go of her in a bear-like hug.

"I need to give you girls a heads up," Yun Che's voice cut through the silence of the Tenteikura, his words firm and filled with purpose. Kon, who had been listening closely, couldn't help but tune in as well.

"Someone told me that the Grand Elder of the villa is planning something tonight alongside the Burning Heaven Clan. So instead of escaping, we'll confront him and silence him once and for all," Yun Che explained, his gaze focused and calculating.

"An ambush? How exciting," Retsu smirked, the edge of anticipation clear in her voice.

"To avoid suspicion, not all of us will be involved. Retsu and I have a plan in place, since the Burning Heaven Clan wants us. Little Yue will join us too. We're planning to lure them out into the open and cripple them. Let's just say... we'll play the weak while robbing them blind." Yun Che outlined their strategy, his confidence unwavering.

"Eh? Why can't we join as well?" Mio pouted, crossing her arms in mild frustration.

"If they find out you're a Monarch, the entire Empire would flip. Nemu isn't strong enough yet. Besides, the plan is to be the bait," Yun Che explained, his hand resting on Mio's head in an attempt to soothe her.

Despite Mio liking the gesture, she still sulked, her lips curling into a pout. "Fine…"

Nemu nodded in agreement, understanding the reasoning behind the decision. Retsu, seeing Mio's expression, ruffled her hair lightly, a comforting gesture that helped ease her mood. Mio, however, silently vowed to find a way to contribute next time.

"What about me?" Little Yue's voice was filled with curiosity, as she tried to understand her role in the plan.

"Little Yue, you'll be the bait for that sword saint," Yun Che explained, his tone serious but reassuring.

"Bait?!" Cang Yue's eyes widened in surprise, her heart racing at the thought of being used as a decoy.

"He wants you. So, we'll use that to our advantage, lure him out," Yun Che continued, a confident smile spreading across his face. "Don't worry, I've made sure you'll be stronger for this. Do you trust me?"

"Hnn…" Cang Yue hesitated for a moment, then nodded firmly, her expression softening. "I've always trusted you, Che'er. I'll follow your plan tonight."

Yun Che's smile widened at her words. He then shifted the conversation, his voice filled with a hint of finality. "Little Yue, you have a mini ark in the Imperial Ark, right?"

Cang Yue nodded, and Yun Che continued, "Good. We'll set the stage for tonight. Mio and Nemu will remain in the Imperial Family Ark, standing by. Retsu and I will be the ones to lure them, with you as the bait."

The plan was set. Everyone understood their roles clearly. Mio and Nemu would be on standby, ready to act should anything unexpected arise. Mio, with her ability to rip through space, would be able to appear instantly if needed. With that, the group nodded in agreement, the tension of the moment fading into a quiet resolve. Tonight, they would make their move.

"Ufuu... we can cast a Kido on Little Yue as a safety measure," Retsu suggested, her tone calm but with a hint of mischief.

"Already on it, and she has her own plans to help us," Yun Che smirked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"She…?" Cang Yue's curiosity peaked, and everyone else in the room turned their attention to Yun Che.

"You'll know soon enough," Yun Che replied cryptically, his smirk widening. "Looks like she's going to make her move tonight." His eyes gleamed with confidence. "Do this right, Yue'er. You might just get a wonderful surprise tonight."

Cang Yue frowned slightly, unsure of the full plan, but nodded in agreement. "I don't understand, but I'm sure it's a good plan." Her trust in Yun Che was unwavering, and she prepared herself for what was to come.

"It wouldn't be a party if those two weren't invited," Yun Che muttered, slipping into a corner to contact Little Fairy. His expression shifted to one of seriousness.

"Little Fairy… can you hear me?" He whispered, waiting for the connection.

It wasn't long before her voice responded, clear and sweet through the link. "Rascal? For contacting me like this… anything happened?"

Yun Che smiled at the familiar tone. "Mind helping me out tonight? Someone's targeting Little Yue. I can't fight to reveal myself yet."

"Little Yue is in trouble…?" Little Fairy's voice softened with concern. "I'll help. Don't worry, Yueli is going with me as well. If she hears her in trouble, she'll act faster than me."

"Counting on you," Yun Che spoke with quiet gratitude before cutting the link.

Little Fairy smiled to herself, her rascal always managing to keep her on her toes. They hadn't had the proper talk yet, nor had they managed to meet properly. But once the tournament was over, she'd make sure to visit him and Retsu, and they could pick up right where they left off. For now, her focus was on helping him, and tonight, she would be ready to act.