Rebirth in Against the Gods with The Ultimate System

Blood Divine Hall, Mercenary City, Profound Sky Continent.

The grand hall of the Blood Divine Hall buzzed with heated debate as news of Kuang Long's defeat spread like wildfire. 

"Kuang Long was defeated?!" an elder roared, his voice echoing against the stone walls. "He is a Profound Emperor! How can someone like him lose?!" 

Another elder stepped forward, his expression grim. "According to the survivors, Kuang Long fell to the Imperial Protector of the Blue Wind Imperial Family—supported by none other than Dracule Mihawk." 

At the mention of Mihawk, a palpable silence fell. The elder continued, his tone tinged with unease. "Dracule 'Hawk Eyes' Mihawk... The man who eliminated the Profound Emperors of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region." 

A Peak Profound Emperor seated at the head of the hall scoffed, his disdain evident. "Hawk Eyes Mihawk? The so-called Strongest Swordsman in the Continent? Hmph! A self-given title for a weakling. I'll handle him myself!" 

"Really?" a more cautious elder interjected. "What if he possesses strength surpassing Kuang Long? Losing you would be a significant blow to the hall." 

The Peak Profound Emperor's face darkened, but he stayed silent, his confidence slightly shaken. 

An old elder rose, his voice commanding the room's attention. "How do we proceed? Kuang Long's demise cost us dearly—400 men lost, and his group alone accounted for 40% of the Blood Divine Hall's strength. If this Mihawk is as powerful as they claim, sending anyone less capable will only lead to further humiliation." 

A murmur of agreement rippled through the assembly, but the Peak Profound Emperor sneered. "He's just a swordsman. If we send four of our Profound Emperors and leverage our fleet of 50 ships, we can crush him and the Blue Wind Empire. They have little to no Profound Emperors left to resist us." 

The old elder's eyes narrowed. "Do not forget the laws of the city. Oppressing smaller nations is strictly forbidden. The Profound Tyrant Overseers will intervene." 

A sly grin spread across the Peak Profound Emperor's face. "This is not about conquest—it is about avenging Kuang Long. Our Grand Elder, as one of the Overseers, will ensure this is viewed as a matter internal to the Blood Divine Hall. Once we deal with the Imperial Protector and Mihawk, the rest of the Blue Wind Empire will fall into place." 

Reluctant but swayed, the old elder finally nodded. "Very well. Prepare the fleet. In three weeks, we march on the Blue Wind Empire." 

The hall erupted in a mix of cheers and murmurs as the decree was set, though a sense of foreboding lingered among some of the more cautious elders. Little did they know, they were about to awaken a storm far greater than they had anticipated. 

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Outside the arena, the Frozen Cloud Asgard party halted their steps as Yoru strode confidently past them, heading toward the Blue Wind Imperial Family's seating area. The subtle elegance in her demeanor commanded attention, but it was the sight of Nezuko flying into her arms with unrestrained joy that piqued their curiosity. 

Chu Yueli, unable to ignore her curiosity, took a step forward to address the stranger since Nezuko was quite close to her. "You there—" 

Before she could say more, Yoru greeted her with a slight bow. "Good day, Lady Chu Yueli." 

Chu Yueli blinked, startled. "You… know me?" 

Yoru's expression softened, and she shifted Nezuko slightly in her embrace. "Of course. I wish to thank you for watching over Nezuko." Her bow was deliberate and graceful. 

Chu Yueli felt a warmth rise to her cheeks at the unexpected gratitude. "Ah… for his disciple to thank me… it is an honor." 

"Disciple?" Gong Yuxian, the matriarch of Frozen Cloud Asgard, tilted her head, her curiosity evident. 

"Dear Mother," Chu Yueli began, her voice steady, "according to Nezuko, this is Dracule Mihawk's first disciple. The inheritor of his Black Blade Style." 

The air grew tense as the name of the legendary swordsman was spoken aloud. 

"Black Blade?" Shui Wushuang murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief. Beside her, Wu Xuexin's eyes glittered with intrigue. Even Xia Qingyue, typically silent, glanced toward Yoru with a discerning gaze. 

"You mean this…" Yoru said, her voice calm as she raised her hand. In a fluid motion, a gleaming black blade materialized before their eyes, radiating an aura of profound power. 

The Frozen Cloud disciples gasped, and even Gong Yuxian's composure faltered as they beheld the infamous blade rumored to cleave through Emperor Profound Realm cultivators with ease. 

"It's the Black Blade!" one of the disciples whispered in awe. 

"No…" Yoru corrected gently, her tone almost melancholic. "It is but a copy of his blade for me. Yet, it remains superior nonetheless." 

Her words hung in the air, understated but filled with an unshakable confidence. The Frozen Cloud party could only watch in stunned silence as Yoru calmly stored her blade back into her inventory. 

Gong Yuxian, her curiosity getting the better of her, broke the silence. "You are his disciple?" 

Yoru inclined her head respectfully. "Yes, Asgard Mistress. This one is his disciple." 

The matriarch's eyes narrowed slightly, her voice tinged with intrigue. "I've been meaning to ask—if his daughter is at the Peak Sky Profound Realm, why can't we discern her cultivation?" 

The question struck a chord with the rest of the Frozen Cloud Asgard members. They too had noticed Nezuko's peculiar lack of aura. She appeared like an ordinary mortal, her presence entirely unremarkable. Yet, her feats of strength were undeniable, surpassing even the empire's elites. 

Yoru remained composed as she answered. "We are not profound cultivators, Asgard Mistress. Therefore, we do not emit profound aura." 

"What?" Gong Yuxian's brows furrowed in surprise. "You mean neither of you cultivates profound energy?" 

Yoru nodded. "Indeed. Like my master, we cultivate a different form of power. As a result, our presence is indistinguishable from that of mortals. We lack the detectable aura of profound cultivators, yet our strength is… significant." 

The revelation left the Frozen Cloud Asgard party speechless. Xia Qingyue's usually serene expression betrayed a flicker of contemplation, while Chu Yueli exchanged astonished glances with her fellow disciples. 

"Unbelievable…" Shui Wushuang murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. 

"To hide such strength while appearing as mortals…" Wu Xuexin added, shaking her head in disbelief. 

Gong Yuxian's gaze lingered on Yoru, a mix of admiration and unease flashing in her eyes. "Your master's methods truly are extraordinary," she finally said, her tone laced with respect. 

Chu Yueli's curiosity burned brighter as she cautiously asked, "If you could indulge this one, what kind of power do you and Nezuko cultivate?" 

Yoru met her gaze, her expression calm and unwavering. "It is incomprehensible for people of this continent. If I were to simplify it, we cultivate Spirit Energy. I cannot divulge more about how it is cultivated, but suffice to say, we are a different kind of cultivator." 

"I see," Chu Yueli murmured, processing this revelation before hesitating on her next question. "Then… may I ask your current strength, Lady Yoru? If Nezuko is in the Grand Perfection Sky Profound Realm, what would your level be?" 

Yoru tilted her head slightly, as though calculating. "If I were to gauge according to this continent's levelling... Half Step Tyrant Profound Realm." 

Her calm words landed like a thunderclap. 

"!!!" 

The Frozen Cloud Asgard members collectively froze in shock. Half Step Tyrant Profound Realm? The idea that this young woman, barely in her mid-twenties, could rival some of the most powerful figures in the continent was almost beyond belief. 

Chu Yueli's eyes widened in astonishment. This girl possessed strength equal to her own and her sister's—a level she had spent decades to achieve except for her recent power boost with the help of Mihawk. 

Little Fairy, standing apart from the group, appeared less surprised, her composed demeanor unshaken. Having witnessed Dracule Mihawk's abilities firsthand, she understood that his sword spirits were an extension of his own immense power. Their growth would always parallel Yun Che's strength, making such revelations unsurprising to her. Still, she couldn't help but admire Yoru's poise. 

Xia Qingyue's serene mask cracked for the briefest moment, disbelief flickering across her face. Shui Wushuang and Wu Xuexin exchanged stunned glances, while the other Asgard disciples whispered among themselves, their voices tinged with awe and confusion. 

"To reach such heights at such a young age…" Wu Xuexin finally muttered, her tone a mix of envy and reverence. 

Shui Wushuang shook her head, her expression conflicted. "It's almost impossible to fathom…" 

"I am running late now. Thank you again for your care of Nezuko," Yoru said with a polite bow before turning to leave. 

"See you tomorrow, Mama!" Nezuko waved enthusiastically at Chu Yueli, her voice bright and carefree. 

Yoru gave one final respectful bow, then effortlessly carried Nezuko in her arms as they departed. The Frozen Cloud Asgard party remained rooted in place, their minds struggling to process what they had just learned. 

Gong Yuxian was particularly shaken, her expression unreadable as she pondered the implications of such a figure existing—one tied to Dracule Mihawk and, by extension, Princess Cang Yue. 

"It's hard to believe someone like her walks among us," she murmured, her tone layered with awe and apprehension. 

Little Fairy crossed her arms, her gaze following Yoru's retreating figure. She sighed softly, her thoughts swirling. If this is the strength of rascal's sword spirits could cause this much of a shock, I can only imagine what chaos would ensue if my sister and I revealed the full extent of our own abilities. 

Meanwhile, Yoru moved with quiet grace, ignoring the stares that followed her as she passed. The murmurs from the crowd intensified when she approached the Heavenly Sword Villa delegation, led by Ling Yuefeng. 

Behind Ling Yuefeng stood his two sons, Ling Jie and Ling Yun, their expressions filled with curiosity and a hint of unease. They couldn't help but focus on the striking woman carrying the Heaven's Child in her arms, her every movement radiating an air of quiet authority. 

Ling Yuefeng's eyes lingered on the veiled woman, a mix of curiosity and unease churning within him. Everything about her seemed shrouded in mystery, from her concealed face to her complete lack of aura, much like the Heaven's Child herself. Such a presence, devoid of the usual markers of profound cultivation, made her all the more enigmatic—and possibly far more dangerous. 

Who was this woman? Her connection to the Heaven's Child was evident, and she seemed to share a bond with Xue Ling and Chu Yueli as well. Yet her presence hinted at a power that might surpass even his own. The idea was both unsettling and fascinating. 

"She might be stronger than I can imagine," Ling Yuefeng murmured to himself, his brow furrowing. 

Though Yoru noticed the attention directed her way, she remained completely unbothered. Her focus was on Nezuko, who happily played with her hair and giggled, seemingly oblivious to the eyes watching them. As they walked past the Heavenly Sword Villa delegation, Yoru didn't falter, her steps unhurried and her demeanor composed. 

"Greetings, Lady…" Ling Yuefeng finally broke the silence, his voice carrying a tone of formality. He had been itching for a chance to engage with the mysterious figure who had been observing the tournament. 

Yoru stopped momentarily, offering a polite but distant bow of her head. "Greetings." 

Without another word, she continued on her way, her attention still fully on Nezuko. She didn't spare Ling Yuefeng—a man of immense standing as the villa master of the Heavenly Sword Villa—even a single glance. Nezuko, too, seemed entirely indifferent to his presence, her cheerful demeanor unchanged. 

"Wait..." Ling Yuefeng called out, halting the veiled woman mid-step.

Yoru turned her head slightly, her veil obscuring her face but not the elegance in her posture. "Is there something the villa master requires from this humble one?" she asked, her tone polite yet distant, as though she was aware of his status but unimpressed by it.

Ling Yuefeng straightened, choosing his words carefully. "It's rare that an expert of your caliber graces a tournament such as this with their presence. I am merely intrigued."

Yoru inclined her head slightly. "Your kind words are appreciated, but I am undeserving of such praise. I am merely here to support a sister who is competing today."

Ling Yuefeng's curiosity deepened as only a few female competitors left in the tournament. He was curious about who this sister was. "A sister, you say? Might I inquire who this sister is?"

Yoru hesitated for a moment, then replied with a courteous bow. "I am in haste and cannot tarry. Please excuse me, villa master. Good day."

Ling Yuefeng's brows furrowed deeply as he watched Yoru retreat into the distance, her indifference stinging more than he cared to admit. Something about her was unsettling—a whisper of recognition tickled the edges of his mind, yet he couldn't place it. The sight of the Heaven's Child cradled in her arms only amplified her air of importance, sending a ripple of unease through the seasoned villa master. 

"Who is she?" Ling Yun whispered, his voice barely audible as his gaze lingered on Yoru's vanishing figure. 

Ling Yuefeng exhaled, his tone a mix of curiosity and caution. "A mystery we must tread carefully around. If she is close to the Heaven's Child—the daughter of Dracule Mihawk—then she is not someone we can afford to offend lightly." 

The unspoken tension lingered among the Heavenly Sword Villa party as they silently acknowledged the weight of the encounter. Whatever power or influence Yoru wielded, it was clear that crossing her path carelessly would be a grave mistake.

Ling Yun's gaze remained fixed on Yoru's retreating figure, the veiled hat obscuring her features adding an air of enigma. The thought nagged at him: could she rival the unparalleled beauty of Retsu and Mio? The possibility gnawed at his curiosity, heightening the allure of the mysterious figure. 

"Brother, that lady is even taller than any of us," Ling Jie observed, his voice breaking through Ling Yun's thoughts. His younger brother's comment carried a note of innocent awe, oblivious to the deeper tension surrounding them. 

"Yes, but what lies beneath that hat?" Ling Yun muttered, his tone introspective as he continued to scrutinize the veiled hat. It felt like the only thing standing between him and a revelation that could upend his understanding of beauty itself. 

Ling Jie tilted his head, puzzled. "Brother, you've never been interested in women before. What changed?" 

Ling Yun hesitated, a faint blush creeping onto his face as he replied in a low voice, "I don't know. But if you saw what I saw, little brother, even you would forget the world around you." 

Ling Jie blinked in confusion, failing to grasp the weight of his brother's words. "Whatever. I'm still aiming for Princess Sis," he declared with a grin, brushing aside the topic with his usual carefree attitude. 

"She's engaged to Yun Che," Ling Yun reminded him, though his voice carried a barely concealed disdain when mentioning Yun Che's name. 

"I don't care. I'll steal her away from him," Ling Jie declared with the confidence of youth, his grin widening. 

Ling Yun sighed, admiring his younger brother's unrelenting courage. If Ling Jie truly intended to steal Princess Cang Yue's heart, then he, as an elder brother, would support him. After all, his own ambitions were far greater. Ling Yun's eyes flickered with determination as he thought of the three goddesses—Retsu, Mio, and Nemuri. 

A plan began to form in his mind. If Yun Che won tomorrow's battle against Wu Xingwu and faced him next, it would be the perfect opportunity. Ling Yun would seize the chance to humiliate Yun Che in front of everyone, especially those three goddesses. Their admiration would surely shift to him, paving the way for his victory—not just in battle, but in matters of the heart.

However, in their father's mind, the plan for kidnapping Princess Cang Yue tonight will be in motion and he himself will be involved.

Yoru continued walking until she reached Yun Che and the others, her presence immediately drawing attention. As they passed the Emperor alongside Cang Yue, Xue Ling, and Lin Yueru, the Emperor took a step forward, bowing deeply toward Yoru after Cang Yue's quiet explanation. 

"Your Majesty," Yoru said softly, bowing in respect as well, her voice calm yet filled with grace. 

The Emperor straightened, his gaze filled with a mixture of awe and gratitude. "To meet the disciple of Dracule Mihawk is an honor. Your strength and composure are truly remarkable." 

Yoru nodded gently before turning to Yun Che before she spoke through her link. "May I have your permission to return to the inner world, master? The Snow Sisters are awaiting me for tea. I've enjoyed my time in the outside world and will return tomorrow to witness the remaining battles." 

Yun Che smiled and nodded. "Of course, Yoru. Thank you for your support today." 

With a courteous bow to the group, Yoru excused herself. She walked a short distance away, ensuring she was far from the prying eyes of others. There, she activated the connection to the inner world, her form shimmering briefly before vanishing entirely. 

Meanwhile, Yoruko remained with Xue Ling, choosing to stay in the outside world a bit longer. She intended to return to the inner world later that night, ensuring her presence in case the group needed additional support or guidance. 

The encounter left an indelible impression on the Emperor and his retinue. Yoru's composed demeanor and the reverence she commanded spoke volumes about her power and heritage, reinforcing the gravity of her connection to Dracule Mihawk. 

As Yun Che extended his profound senses, a subtle unease crept over him. It was faint but unmistakable—watchful presences surrounded them, and their intent became evident. The aura of malice aimed at Cang Yue was unmistakable. 

Yun Che's eyes narrowed as he mentally pieced together the warnings given by Xuanyuan Yufeng. They really proceeded the plans to kidnap Cang Yue and this time, the Grand Villa Master, Ling Tianni will be involved. He smirked as his decision was made—this wouldn't involve Cang Wanhe, Xue Ling, or Lin Yueru. Tonight, he and his companions would strike decisively and eliminate the threat at its source. 

Once aboard the ark, Yun Che turned to Retsu and Cang Yue, giving a subtle nod. The two understood immediately—tonight's operation was critical since tonight, they will dismantle the villa's higher ups. Yun Che's voice carried a calm but focused tone as he spoke aloud for the benefit of the others. 

Mainly to excuse him, Retsu and Cang Yue.

"Let's take a moment to go over the plan for tomorrow." 

Lin Yueru stepped forward, concern evident in her expression. "Yue'er, allow me to accompany you." 

Cang Yue offered her a gentle smile, laying a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's all right, Ru'er. We're only going to discuss strategy. Rest and prepare for tomorrow." 

Reluctantly, Lin Yueru nodded, her gaze lingering as Yun Che, Cang Yue, and Retsu disappeared into a private chamber. 

Meanwhile, Xue Ling took the opportunity to check on the ark's security, determined to prevent any more last-minute disruptions. Once satisfied, she joined the kitchen crew, subtly ensuring that everyone's attention remained on dinner preparation. 

Mio and Nemu led the culinary efforts, using the distraction to subtly occupy the group, particularly Mai, Mei, and Yuanba. Lin Yueru and Xue Ling joined in as well, with Nezuko chiming in with quiet enthusiasm. 

Despite his towering frame and clumsy tendencies, Yuanba threw himself into assisting Mai, who patiently guided him through basic tasks. 

"Careful with the ladle, Yuanba," Mai said, laughing softly as Yuanba nearly spilled soup everywhere. 

"Sorry, Mai! I'll do better!" Yuanba grinned sheepishly. 

The kitchen soon filled with the comforting aroma of a warm meal, masking the tension that hung in the air. 

Once Yun Che and his companions were safely away, they activated the invisibility function of the Apple of Eden and cover the small imperial ark, leaving the larger vessel behind. When they had reached sufficient distance, Yun Che nodded to Retsu and Cang Yue, signaling the start of their plan. 

Deactivating the invisibility, the ark immediately became a beacon, triggering the spying formations and alerting the villa. The bait had been cast, and the trap was set. 

As anticipated, the villa's sensors honed in on their ark, and Yun Che could feel the ripples of activity as their enemies mobilized. With a determined expression, he turned to his companions. 

"Let them come," he said firmly. "We'll end this tonight." 

Retsu and Cang Yue nodded resolutely, steeling themselves as Yun Che meticulously prepared for the confrontation ahead. Each step of the plan had been carefully laid, with even the smallest contingencies accounted for. His agent within the Heavenly Sword Villa was likely putting the finishing touches on her end—something cryptic about harnessing "the strength of the devil" as a bargaining chip for Cang Yue. 

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High above the clouds, Ling Tianni hovered with a commanding presence, observing the situation unfolding below. His sharp senses pinpointed the faint energy signature of the smaller ark veering toward the sea, well beyond the Imperial Ark's shadow. 

"Father, it seems they're evacuating Princess Cang Yue," Ling Yuefeng reported, his voice even. "The smaller ark is heading towards open waters." 

Ling Tianni narrowed his eyes. "And the Imperial Ark?" 

"Xue Ling remains aboard. She's likely providing cover. The smaller ark, however, contains Yun Che, Unohana Retsu, and Princess Cang Yue." 

Hearing this, Ling Tianni's eyes widened slightly in surprise. All True Profound Realm cultivators? And they've isolated themselves? 

This was unexpected, yet an opportunity not to be wasted. His instincts, however, told him to tread carefully. "Maintain vigilance on the Imperial Ark. Focus our efforts on intercepting the smaller ark. Do not underestimate them." 

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On the ground, Fen Duanhun of the Burning Heaven Clan smirked as the report reached his ears. His confidence brimmed at the prospect of easy prey. "That's their so-called protection? A reckless gamble," he sneered, stepping forward amidst the gathered forces. His burning aura flared in anticipation, casting a shadow over the surrounding men. 

"Leave Yun Che and Unohana Retsu to us," Fen Duanhun declared confidently, his tone brimming with disdain. "They've walked into their graves." 

Ling Yuefeng glanced at Fen Duanhun but refrained from comment. Though both men were allies in this effort, their motives diverged. If this was a trap, it would spring soon enough. 

The forces encircled the small ark like vultures, their numbers swelling as reinforcements from both the villa and the Burning Heaven Clan arrived. Yet amidst their confidence, none noticed the faint, invisible threads of a more sinister plot tightening around them. Yun Che's trap was just beginning to take form.

Yun Che and Retsu stood at the edge of the small flying ark, their senses sharp as they felt a presence approaching. Cang Yue followed closely behind, her eyes widening as a figure emerged from the dark sky. 

The man had long, graying hair flowing down his back, his stern expression paired with an intense, commanding gaze. A noticeable mustache and beard gave him a sage-like air. His traditional attire—layers of light yellowish-cream and white—added to his dignified presence. 

"The Sword Saint, Ling Tianni," Cang Yue whispered, feigning fear. Yun Che and Retsu tensed, playing along by assuming defensive stances. 

"Good evening, Princess Cang Yue," Ling Tianni greeted, his tone polite but laced with a cold edge. A forced smile crossed his lips. "Fancy a walk under the stars tonight?" 

"Ah, yes… We're being tracked, so we needed to take a different route," Cang Yue replied, her voice trembling just enough to sell the ruse. 

Ling Tianni's eyes gleamed as he chuckled lightly. "I see… Perhaps you should come with me. I will ensure your safety." 

"For the Sword Saint himself to offer protection, you seem awfully aware of where we are," Yun Che interjected, his tone wary. 

"I happened to be cultivating nearby," Ling Tianni said smoothly, his lie delivered without hesitation. "There's no need for suspicion." 

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm fine with my friends," Cang Yue said firmly, stepping closer to Yun Che and Retsu. 

Ling Tianni's smile wavered. "Are you sure, Princess? Three True Profound Realm cultivators wandering alone in the middle of nowhere… It's as if you're inviting trouble." His voice carried an undercurrent of menace as his aura subtly flared. 

"We'll manage," Cang Yue said, her tone unyielding. 

Ling Tianni's demeanor shifted, his facade of politeness dropping entirely. "I was hoping to make this easy," he said coldly. In an instant, his aura burst forth, and a wave of energy erupted from him, binding Yun Che and Retsu in place. 

"Hand her over," he commanded, his voice sharp and unyielding. 

Before anyone could react, Ling Tianni cast a profound binding around Cang Yue and flew into the air with her. 

"Yun Che!" Cang Yue cried out, her voice filled with feigned panic. 

"Stop squirming," Ling Tianni sneered, tightening his grip on the bindings. "It'll hurt less." 

With a triumphant smirk, he ascended higher into the sky, convinced he had moments before anyone strong enough to challenge him would intervene. 

"Little Yue!" Yun Che's shout echoed as he prepared to pursue Ling Tianni, but his path was blocked. Before him, dozens of men clad in the uniform of the Burning Heaven Clan stood, their expressions brimming with malice. A small ark hovered nearby, carrying none other than Fen Duanhun and his eldest son, Fen Juecheng. 

"Where do you think you're going?" Fen Juecheng sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. "We have debts to settle with you two. Especially you, Yun Che." 

The men surrounding Yun Che and Retsu's small flying ark laughed mockingly, creating an oppressive atmosphere. 

Yun Che's sharp gaze locked onto the flying figures surrounding Fen Duanhun. The system's scan quickly identified them: high-ranking elders of the Burning Heaven Clan, including notable names like Fen Mowu, Fen Moping, Fen Duanchi, Fen Xinghao, and Fen Zhong. Unlike the weaker Sky Profound Master cultivators he and Retsu had dispatched during the dragon cave confrontation, these elders radiated a more formidable aura, their cultivation levels clearly higher and their presence more menacing.

Fen Juecheng, perched arrogantly atop the Burning Heaven Clan's flying ark, sneered down at Yun Che and Retsu, his expression dripping with disdain despite the bruises and blood that marked his face. His air of superiority was a façade barely concealing the seething humiliation from their earlier defeat.

"So, they've brought the big guns this time," Yun Che muttered, a sly smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. His eyes glinted with anticipation as he scanned the group, mentally calculating the odds.

"Haha, Yun Che," Fen Juecheng continued, his smirk widening. "Seeing you cornered like a rat like this brings tears of joy to my eyes." 

Fen Duanhun's deep voice carried a chilling calm. "You two will pay for everything—the humiliation of our clan, the treasures from the dragon cave, my son's disgrace. All of it." His gaze burned with the fervor of a man long bent on vengeance. 

"Father!" Fen Juecheng interjected eagerly. "Let me deliver the killing blow. I want to repay him personally for the humiliation he caused." 

As his gaze shifted to the veiled Retsu, a twisted grin spread across his face. The memory of her unparalleled beauty when he last saw her surfaced, fueling his malicious intent. "As for that woman... cripple her. I'll make her my plaything." 

Fen Duanhun's voice remained steady, but his words carried a dark promise. "We will take our time torturing you, Yun Che. For the humiliation you've caused the Burning Heaven Clan, your suffering will be an example. And with you missing tomorrow, the villa's victory will be guaranteed." 

The tension thickened as the men tightened their formation around Yun Che and Retsu, the air charged with the promise of violence.

Yun Che smirked inwardly. Hook, line, and sinker. The bait is taken, the trap is laid. Now, time to execute. His fingers flexed slightly, a subtle sign of readiness as his smirk widened. Perhaps landing a punch on Fen Juecheng would be the cherry on top of this scheme. 

"What's wrong, Yun Che?" Fen Juecheng sneered, his arrogance practically dripping. "Squirm for this father…" His voice trailed off as the bindings around Yun Che seemed to tighten. 

But then, something unexpected happened. Yun Che began to chuckle. It wasn't an ordinary laugh, but a slow, ominous sound that sent chills through the men around him. Retsu joined in, her signature ufufu chuckle taking on a hauntingly teasing tone that added to the unease. 

Yun Che's chuckle grew louder, and his smirk transformed into a full, unsettling grin. "Playing along is really hard," he said, his tone mockingly casual, "but it sure gets the job done." 

"Arara… So full of themselves," Retsu mused, her voice lilting yet edged with a foreboding note. 

The air around them shifted abruptly. Before the Burning Heaven Clan or Fen Juecheng could react, Yun Che and Retsu tore through the profound bindings as if they were no more than flimsy fabric. The sound of snapping energy echoed like a thunderclap. 

"Impossible!" Fen Duanhun roared, his face twisting in shock. "That binding—not even a Profound Emperor can escape it!" 

"Look around for traps!" he barked, his voice laced with panic. The men scrambled, scanning their surroundings. But they found nothing, no hidden allies or mechanisms. 

Fen Juecheng tried to recover his composure, glaring at Yun Che. "You had us for a moment, Yun Che. But bluffing only gets you so far." 

"Bluffing?" Yun Che tilted his head, his voice dripping with mockery. "Of course there's no one else here. But haven't you wondered why we let him take her? Why you're standing here now?" He gestured broadly, his grin widening. "Three True Profound Realm warriors, without any escorts, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by Burning Heaven Clan and Heavenly Sword Villa men… doesn't that seem a little too convenient?" 

Before they could process his words, black wings erupted from Yun Che's and Retsu's backs, their sheer presence sending waves of profound energy rippling through the air. The men stumbled back, their faces pale with shock. 

Fen Duanhun's voice faltered. "What… What is this?" 

"The reason you're here," Yun Che said, his voice calm yet cold, "is because we wanted you here." He hovered mid-air, alongside Retsu, the two of them emanating an oppressive aura. "Did you really think we came here unprepared?" 

Then, without warning, an overwhelming suppressive aura erupted from Yun Che and Retsu, shaking the very air around them. A golden pyramid-shaped barrier began to materialize, its edges glowing ominously as it sealed dozens of men within. The oppressive force bore down on everyone inside, making it difficult to even breathe. 

Fen Juecheng staggered backward, his once-confident smirk replaced by a look of pure terror as it reminded of the moment Cang Shuo's demise at the Dragon Cave. His hands trembled as he tried to steady himself. For the first time, he realized just how outmatched he was. 

"What… what is this?" Fen Juecheng stammered, his voice cracking under the weight of his fear. 

Fen Duanhun, more experienced and wary, immediately raised his guard, scanning the barrier for any weak points. His hand clenched his weapon tightly, though even he couldn't fully suppress the unease creeping into his heart. 

The men around them drew their weapons instinctively, their auras flaring to life in response to the threat. Yet their movements were hesitant, their confidence eroded by the suffocating presence of their opponents. 

"They're still in the True Profound Realm," one of the men whispered, his voice barely audible over the hum of the barrier's energy. "How can they… How can they do this?" 

"Were they pretending all along?" another muttered, his hands shaking. 

Yun Che and Retsu hovered just above the ground, their calm yet menacing expressions magnified by the golden glow of the barrier. The flickering light reflected in Yun Che's eyes as his smirk deepened into something cold and unrelenting. 

The men trapped within the barrier stared in disbelief, the realization dawning upon them like a heavy storm. 

"They're… flying," one of the Burning Heaven Clan members stammered, his voice filled with dread. 

"No… it can't be," Fen Juecheng murmured, his confidence shattered as he stumbled backward. His mind raced, struggling to process what was before him. Flying. They're flying. They're not True Profound Realm cultivators. They're Heaven Profound Masters!

Fen Duanhun's face contorted in disbelief, his composure slipping. "All this time…" he muttered, his voice a mix of anger and fear. "You were hiding your true strength." 

The thought churned through his mind, unraveling his assumptions. He had believed Yun Che and Retsu were merely using treasures to elevate their abilities, yet now, the truth was undeniable. Their profound auras had been masked entirely, giving no indication of the monstrous power they truly wielded. 

Fen Duanhun's face twisted in rage and disbelief as the realization hit him like a hammer. His sons and disciples hadn't lost because of underestimation or lack of skill—they had lost because Yun Che and Retsu had been far beyond their reach from the very beginning. The Burning Heaven Clan's so-called elite warriors were nothing but pawns in a game orchestrated by their enemies. 

"They… they were toying with us," Fen Juecheng muttered, his arrogance dissolving into sheer terror. His hands trembled as he clutched his weapon, the weight of the truth suffocating. 

Yun Che folded his arms across his chest, his smirk never faltering. "It's fascinating, really. How easily arrogance blinds people. You thought yourselves untouchable, didn't you? Thought this would be your grand revenge." His voice dripped with contempt, every word striking like a blade. 

Retsu tilted her head, her serene demeanor only adding to the unease she radiated. "Ara~~~, but you've already lost long before you arrived here. Your arrogance led you right into this trap, and now…" She glanced at the trembling forces behind Fen Duanhun and Juecheng. "...you've gathered what remains of your so-called elite to capture us, only to offer them as sacrifices." 

Fen Duanhun's grip on his sword tightened as his mind raced. His army, his pride, his status—all of it was crumbling before his eyes. Just yesterday, Dracule Mihawk had obliterated a portion of his elite forces. Now, the rest of them stood here, surrounded and bound by the barrier Yun Che and Retsu had laid out, destined to share the same fate. 

"You think this is over?" Fen Duanhun roared, his voice cracking with desperation. "You dare mock the Burning Heaven Clan? We will—" 

"Do what?" Yun Che interrupted, his voice sharp and commanding. "Call for remaining Sky Profound Realm elders? Your grand elder? Cling to your pride? Your pride is what brought you here. Fight?" He scoffed. "You're already defeated, Clan Master, Fen Duanhun. This isn't a battle for us. It's an execution. The reason we joined the tournament was for Princess Cang Yue. The rest? Well, for fun I guess." 

The suffocating silence that followed was broken only by the hum of the barrier as the fate of the Burning Heaven Clan became inevitable.

Retsu's soft chuckle broke the suffocating silence. "Ara… You've been fighting illusions all along, haven't you?" Her voice was sweet, yet it carried an undercurrent of malice that sent shivers through the spines of those trapped. 

Yun Che's smirk widened, his voice dripping with mockery. "It's funny, isn't it? All your grand schemes, all your planning, all for nothing. You weren't even close to seeing the truth." 

The oppressive atmosphere within the barrier thickened, and the reality of their predicament settled over Fen Duanhun and Fen Juecheng like a crushing weight. For the first time, true fear reflected in their eyes.

"Now that we've got your attention," Yun Che began, his voice laced with mockery, "why don't we make this a little more… interesting?" 

Retsu tilted her head slightly, a faint, chilling smile playing on her lips. "Ara ara… You look scared. Didn't you want to take your time with us?" 

The combined weight of their presence and the barrier's oppressive force left the Burning Heaven Clan men rooted in place, their confidence unraveling with every passing moment. Fen Juecheng could no longer hide his fear, and even Fen Duanhun's steely demeanor showed cracks. 

For the first time, the hunters felt like prey. 

Retsu's soft laugh cut through the stunned silence, her eyes glinting dangerously. "Ara ara… This will be fun." 

Yun Che smirked again, the confidence in his expression sending shivers down their spines. He pulls out his fiery blue ball he created using Fen Juebi's flames. "Now, let's get started, shall we?"

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

"Let me go!" Cang Yue shouted, her voice trembling with both defiance and fear. 

"Be quiet, Princess. The less you resist, the less it will hurt," Ling Tianni replied coldly, his grip tightening as he flew her toward an open field. 

The scene awaiting them was foreboding. A complex formation, glowing faintly with an ominous light, was etched into the ground. Ling Yuefeng stood nearby, his expression unreadable, but his presence added an additional weight to the growing sense of dread. 

With a dismissive motion, Ling Tianni threw Cang Yue into the heart of the formation. The moment her feet touched the ground, the formation activated, glowing brighter as energy bindings materialized around her, coiling like serpents. She struggled against them, but the bindings only tightened, suppressing her every movement. 

"What is this?!" Cang Yue demanded, her voice sharp with outrage and fear. 

Ling Tianni's lips curled into a smug smile as he watched her futile attempts to break free. "Ah, I suppose it won't hurt to enlighten you. Consider it a courtesy before your demise. This formation is a work of genius—it extracts every ounce of knowledge from your mind and transfers it directly into mine." His voice grew colder, more sinister. "Most subjects don't survive the process. Their brains are… fried, you could say." 

Cang Yue's eyes widened in horror. "You… you plan to kill me?! My master won't let you get away with this!" 

Ling Tianni chuckled, a low and menacing sound. "Your master? Even if I leave a corpse for him to find, he won't catch me. Once I have what I need, I'll disappear, taking your secrets with me. And with that knowledge… perhaps I'll even overthrow him one day." 

Cang Yue glared at him, her fear slowly being overtaken by anger. "You underestimate him. You underestimate all of us. This will be your downfall." 

Ling Tianni ignored her, focusing instead on the glowing formation, his smirk unwavering. "Let's see how long you can endure, Princess. I doubt it'll be long."

 "Why do you want me? What do you want from me!?" Cang Yue demanded, her voice filled with defiance despite her predicament. 

Ling Tianni smirked, his eyes gleaming with greed. "The ancient arts," he said, his tone laced with triumph. "You possess the ancient arts handed down by your master. I assume he acquired them from the Tomb of the Moon Empress, a treasure our elder failed to claim. And as his disciple, the arts naturally fell into your hands." 

Cang Yue feigned confusion, her expression a mix of fear and denial. "I don't even know these arts!" she exclaimed. Internally, though, she smirked. Even if he manages to extract the arts, he won't be able to use them, she thought. Yuyun said they require Moon Energy, which can only be cultivated using the Mirror of the Moon God. Deciding to press for more information, she added, "You're wrong!" 

"Lies," Ling Tianni hissed, stepping closer. "If you don't know the arts, how do you explain the events at the palace a few days ago?" 

Cang Yue stiffened, her mind racing. How does he know about that? Father kept the incident with Shin Yue under wraps. "You knew about that?" she asked, her voice trembling, though she worked to mask her growing anger by playing along and trusting Yun Che's plan. 

Ling Tianni chuckled darkly. "Let's just say some of your Imperial Protectors are still loyal to the villa," he revealed smugly. 

Her eyes narrowed, fury flaring beneath her composed exterior. So Big Sis was right. Some of the Imperial Protectors, originally from the villa, never truly severed their ties. Traitors. 

She struggled against the bindings, but Ling Tianni ignored her, his hands moving as he finished channeling energy into the glowing formation. The bindings tightened, and the barrier shimmered with an impenetrable light. 

"You won't escape now," Ling Tianni declared, his confidence radiating. "Even an Emperor Profound Realm expert couldn't shatter this barrier. I am sorry, Princess, but your sacrifice will be a great service to the villa. Your master and friends can only mourn your death." 

As the formation activated, a surge of energy rushed into Cang Yue, overwhelming her senses. 

"Ahhhh!!!" she screamed, her voice echoing in the field as the process began.