The Blue Wind Ranking Tournament had reached its stunning conclusion—and with it, the entire structure of power in the empire was shaken to its core.
For the first time in history, the Royal Family had emerged as the champion, seizing the Number One Rank of the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament.
Once seen as a dwindling force in the cultivation world, the Royal Family—now reinforced by dark horses—had risen from the ashes, roaring to dominance as the strongest force beneath the Sky Profound Realm in the empire.
The names Yun Che, Unohana Retsu, Cang Yue, Xia Yuanba and Xia Qingyue echoed across the empire like thunderclaps. Their victories over not just one or two, but every major sect in the tournament sent shockwaves through every clan, sect, and palace.
Their cultivations were no longer secrets:
Yun Che: a Grand Perfection Sky Profound Realm genius with unmatched potential.
Unohana Retsu: another Grand Perfection Sky Profound master whose calm smile concealed overwhelming power.
Cang Yue: the princess-turned-warrior queen, standing firm among titans with her Grand Perfection Earth Profound strength.
Xia Yuanba, the man who can turned golden despite having cultivation of a Sixth Level Spirit Profound Realm.
Finally, Xia Qingyue: a rising star with Grand Perfection Sky Profound Realm, who faced both Yun Che and Retsu.
Yet none caused greater fear and awe than the mysterious, veiled woman who fought with no sword and no mercy—
Mio, the Butterfly Monarch, whose revealed cultivation of Ninth Level Sovereign Profound Realm was simply beyond comprehension.
She had effortlessly crushed an elder from the Heavenly Mighty Sword Region—a feat no one in Blue Wind had ever achieved—and did it with such nonchalance that it chilled even the proudest sect masters.
In one tournament, power shifted. Alliances would change. And the name of the Royal Family—long mocked and dismissed—was now written in golden characters across the annals of history.
As the dust of the tournament settled, the focus shifted sharply onto Cang Yue's group. With their overwhelming display of strength and unity, they became the center of every major denomination and clan's attention. Dozens of sects, families, and nobles attempted to curry favor with the Blue Wind Imperial Family, hoping to secure ties or glean insights into their sudden rise in power.
Many believed that gaining Cang Yue's favor would unlock the secrets of her devastating three sword styles, each more elegant and lethal than the last. Yet every attempt failed.
Why?
Because Butterfly Monarch Mio. Alongside her stood her sworn sisters, equally fearsome in presence and talent. No one got close unless Mio allowed it.
Some arrogant sects, unwilling to be denied, tried to mimic her techniques through observation and reckless imitation. But this only led to one outcome—shattered teeth and broken pride. They failed to comprehend the finesse and control needed to replicate Cang Yue's enigmatic mouth-held blade technique, which somehow channeled the power of a handled sword with precision and grace.
=======
The bold stunt Yoruko pulled while inhabiting Nezuko's gigai stunned the entire arena—but it also carved a name for Nezuko that would echo throughout the empire: "Heaven's Child."
It all began when Nezuko faced off against a berserk Peak Earth Profound Realm rogue puma in the arena—a beast even seasoned cultivators would hesitate to confront. Yet she defeated it with deceptive ease. At the time, everyone believed she herself had only just reached the Peak of the Earth Profound Realm. That alone, at her young age of five, was enough to send ripples of unease through every sect present.
But the real shock came later—when she finally revealed her true cultivation: Grand Perfection Sky Profound Realm.
A five-year-old at such a level wasn't just unprecedented—it threatened to upend the very balance of cultivation in the Blue Wind Empire.
And then came the final twist.
When Nezuko casually summoned not one, but two clones, it became clear she had mastered an art many could barely grasp: the Sword Spirit Doppelgänger. The very technique Ling Yun struggled with—she had surpassed by creating three independent bodies with full mobility and coordination.
Her potential was no longer just promising.
It was limitless.
Countless sects scrambled to recruit her, offering prestige, resources, and mentorship. But they were swiftly denied. Nezuko wasn't up for grabs.
She was already under the protection of the Imperial Family—and more frighteningly, the Frozen Cloud Asgard themselves.
Heaven's Child, they called her. But beneath that innocent face was a prodigy that might one day stand above every sect and sovereign.
It was because of Nezuko that Frozen Cloud Asgard suddenly found itself thrust into the heart of empire-wide attention. After all, the child was almost never seen apart from Chu Yueli, and that closeness sparked waves of speculation.
Some believed Nezuko was Chu Yueli's personal disciple. Others—more boldly—claimed she might actually be her biological daughter, despite lacking any of Chu Yueli's distinct traits.
What gave fuel to the rumors was an incident at the Youngsters Hunting Festival, where Nezuko was witnessed dragging out a giant Peak Spirit Profound Realm tiger from the depths of the forest. That alone was jaw-dropping. But then, the child was whisked away by none other than the Great Swordsman Dracule Mihawk himself.
Whispers swirled that Nezuko might be the child of Dracule Mihawk and Chu Yueli—a union of ice and steel, sword and snow. It didn't help when Xue Ling entered the public eye as well, traveling with the same group. Rumors then shifted again: was Xue Ling the real mother, and Chu Yueli the stepmother? Or was it the other way around?
The theories only grew wilder when both women were seen stepping between Nezuko and Ling Kun during a confrontation, their protection of the child unmistakable.
Back at Frozen Cloud Asgard, the news struck like a thunderbolt.
Many elders grew uneasy. To have a child out of wedlock would violate their strict codes. Worse, they feared that their sacred techniques might have been leaked. But when Chu Yueli's Primordial Yin was verified to still be intact, the accusations lost all ground.
The verdict? Case dismissed.
She had the full support of Chu Yuechan, who had been by her side the entire time. And with both women being recognized protectors of the so-called Heaven's Child, no one dared to press further.
Still, the rumors had already left the Asgard's icy halls—and were now circling the empire like a rising storm.
============================
Mio's title as the "Monarch Butterfly" was etched into legend the moment she stepped onto the battlefield—not as a contestant, but as a mere spectator turned executioner. Her effortless defeat of Elder Doubtless sent shockwaves through the empire, but what truly shook the foundations of the cultivation world was the revelation of her Sovereign Profound Realm cultivation, which leapt from the eighth to the ninth level by the end of that short-lived duel.
With Libra still shrouded in mystery within a secret realm, and Yun Che and Retsu possessing only the combat prowess of monarchs rather than the cultivation itself, Mio stood alone—the only known Monarch within the empire.
Naturally, the great sects and clans scrambled to win her favor.
And that's when they made a crucial mistake.
They discovered her passion for food.
From that moment on, for the whole day, a feeding frenzy of bribery began. Lavish banquets, exotic beast feasts, and spirit-grade desserts were offered in abundance. Entire family food vaults were emptied just to prepare a single meal they hoped might win her over.
It didn't work.
For the rest of the next day, Mio treated the sects and clans like her personal all-you-can-eat buffet. She would randomly teleport to an inviting clan, family or sect. She would come as their guest, sample their finest dishes with innocent delight, listen to their desperate offers for alliance, elder positions, or sectal guardianship—then smile sweetly and reject them all.
With a "Mou~ Thanks for the meal!" she would vanish through a portal, leaving them stunned, and disappointed.
One particularly foolish sect even attempted to spike her food with a control spell. Mio responded by snapping her fingers, vaporizing half their grand hall in an instant before teleporting away without so much as a dessert burp.
To her, it was free lunch. To them? A costly lesson:
Never bait a Monarch with strings attached. Especially not this Monarch.
Even after Mio's flamboyant rejections and occasional vaporizing of their banquet halls, the great clans, sects, and noble families refused to give up. One by one, their emissaries arrived at the Imperial Palace, bearing tributes and flowery petitions to curry favor with the Monarch Butterfly's circle.
Their efforts, however, met with stone walls.
Cang Wanhe, to his credit, played his cards masterfully. While Mio and her companions remained aloof, he welcomed the opportunists with open arms, using their desperation to build diplomatic bridges and strengthen Blue Wind's international standing. With Cang Yue's close friendship with the Monarch now public knowledge, Cang Wanhe wielded it like a scepter of influence. Even the mighty Four Great Sects had to approach the empire with newfound respect.
And the most strategic victory of all?
The formal engagement of Princess Cang Yue and Yun Che, sanctioned and announced by the emperor himself. With that single decree, Cang Wanhe secured the favor of both Yun Che and Retsu, effectively binding the power of two near-monarchs to the royal family. The entire political landscape of the Blue Wind Empire shifted overnight.
Meanwhile, over at the Blue Wind Profound Palace, Xia Yuanba was having his own share of headaches. Several envoys attempted to bribe, coax, or flatter him into joining their factions. Their efforts were in vain. His loyalty remained unshakably rooted in the Profound Palace where his journey began. The terrifying strength he displayed during the tournament only furthered his status as a future powerhouse—and made others wary of pushing too hard.
Not even Mai and Mei were spared from the relentless pursuit of sects and clans hungry for influence. Rumors of their close association with Yun Che's group—paired with their famous noodles—made them prime targets for flattery and recruitment. She was kind of annoyed, being pursuit relentlessly to put up a good word to Yun Che.
Unfortunately for the schemers, the Imperial Royal Guards had already been assigned to their protection. The sisters issued a polite yet firm announcement that their restaurant in the capital would be closed indefinitely. It was a quiet end to a beloved eatery, but not the end of their journey.
Xue Ling offered them a new opportunity.
She suggested they began cultivation but run their new noodle restaurant in the Grand Order at the same time.
It was more than just an offer—it was a gesture of trust. The Grand Order of the Third Level was rapidly becoming a sanctuary and training ground for genius female cultivators who had joined Cang Yue's growing circle. In that space, free from politics and outside pressure, the sisters could begin their own cultivation journey—without giving up what they loved.
Their new customer base would now consist exclusively of female cultivators from the faction, many of whom had already voiced their excitement. For them, Mai and Mei's noodles weren't just food—they were comfort, warmth, and home. If Mai could teach other girls to make the noodles perfectly, they could pass the torch and they could focus on cultivating. And now, these simple dishes would become a symbol of something greater: the harmony between ordinary life and cultivation.
Mai and Mei needed a few weeks to finalize their restaurant and closing permanently. With this, they can finally start their journey as cultivators within the Grand Order of the third level.
As part of the tournament rewards, the Sky Profound-grade Dragonscale Armor—a relic of ancient wars—was bestowed upon to Xia Qingyue even though Yun Che was the one who one it. Despite still being unconscious, she was chosen as the main recipient for all the top five prizes. The armor was placed under Frozen Cloud Asgard's care along with other prizes given away from other victors.
She and Yun Che, both still recovering. Xia Qingyue had been moved to the Frozen Cloud Ark, where Gong Yuxian personally ensured her safety and recovery. The massive ark now hovered gracefully at the Imperial City's ark port, a constant and daunting reminder to all that Blue Wind was no longer a weak empire—it was protected by titans.
After the climactic finale of the tournament, Cang Yue gently brought Yun Che—still unconscious—to the Imperial Palace. His body bore the strain of pushing past mortal limits. Utilizing Daiguren Hyōrinmaru and Hakka no Togame—two Bankai, each carrying devastating elemental force—without the stabilizing influence of the Water Element Seed had proven too much, even for him. However, recovery was easy.
While Yun Che recovered in silence, Retsu remained stationed at his side, silent and composed, her hands never far from refining her Spirit Ki. She needed more control and avoided using her Waterbending until she grasp its strength and weaknesses. Nemu sat nearby, refining the Spirit Ki resonance pathways they had begun exploring—an advanced form of Ki manipulation that allowed for silent communication and energy synchronization.
Mio, however, had a far different agenda. Taking advantage of her newfound popularity (and insatiable appetite), she teleported around the Imperial City from sect to sect, happily accepting their invitations for meals—only to politely decline every alliance offer with a playful wink before vanishing through her portal.
Meanwhile, Cang Yue returned to her rigorous training for the day. Her mastery of Rokushiki might soon reaching new levels, her body now responding fluidly to her commands, blending with Spirit Ki to enhance both mobility and power. Her status as a princess was secondary now—she was a warrior first, a monarch in the making.
In another wing of the palace, Xue Ling had taken on the role of a mentor. Lin Yueru and Jin Mulan followed her guidance closely, learning the finer points of cultivation etiquette, palace discipline, and Imperial governance. But for Jin Mulan, her thoughts wandered—again and again—back to the man lying in the recovery chambers.
She found small moments between lessons to sneak quiet visits. Standing outside Yun Che's door, she hesitated.
Only when Retsu, calm and composed, gave her a small nod did she step in.
Jin Mulan didn't flinch. She knelt beside him without a word, resting her hand beside his and whispering softly—not words of affection, but vows.
Vows to grow stronger.
To have her return to him one day—not as a burden, but as a true equal.
==========================
Despite appearances in the real world, Yun Che was not unconscious.
While his physical body lay dormant in the Imperial Palace, recuperating from the brutal backlash of dual Bankai usage, his spirit had already slipped into his Inner World—a pocket dimension he shared with the manifested spirits of his Zanpakutō and cultivation essences.
This time, it wasn't about training, survival, or battle. It was a promise fulfilled.
Today belonged to Shirayuki and Kuroyuki—his ever-loyal Snow Sisters who had supported him during the final moments of the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament.
The world was in bloom. Cherry blossom trees swayed over the main crystal-clear lake, gentle snowflakes kissed sunlit meadows—his Inner World adjusted itself to the spirit' whims, shaping into a picturesque fantasy.
Wrapped in flowing robes of silken frost, Shirayuki clung delicately to Yun Che's left arm, sipping tea as they walked a snow-covered bridge over frozen lotus ponds.
"Isn't this peaceful, Yuuki-sama?" she said softly, eyes shimmering like pale sapphires.
On his right, Kuroyuki rested her head on his shoulder. "Mm. You promised us a perfect day, and you're keeping your word. Good boy~."
"…You two are going to spoil me rotten," Yun Che muttered with a laugh.
"That's the point," they said in unison.
However, paradise never lasts.
The other Inner World spirits, unable to ignore the doting treatment the Snow Sisters were receiving, began gathering with various excuses—some genuine, some completely transparent.
"Cheh. What's this? A harem date and I wasn't invited?" smirked Hebi, folding her arms, eyes flicking toward Kuroyuki.
"Onii-chan, we brought snacks!" chirped Mizu and Kaze, tossing sakura dango into Yun Che's lap.
A moment later, the air cracked with a flicker of red lightning.
Saru, the other half of Zabimaru spirit, materialized midair with arms crossed and a scowl carved into her face. Her tail swayed with irritation.
"Hmph. You thought you could have a perfect day without me?"
Yun Che winced. "Oh no…"
Before he could finish, she dropped down, landing squarely on his chest with a heavy thud—sending the other spirits tumbling like a stack of pillows. Saru leaned in close, eyes narrowing. "You've been avoiding my turn for three cycles, Yuuki-sama."
From the side, Yoru, his Black Sword, Night's spirit, had already appeared with ethereal elegance with her sunhat. She sat gracefully at the edge of the lake with the others, sipping steaming green tea from an intricate jade cup.
"I came for the tea. And the drama," she said nonchalantly with amusement.
Yun Che, now pinned beneath the clingy Saru, only managed a weary smile.
And then, the real chaos began.
A crackle of pink and gold light surged at the far end of the bridge—like a meteor descending from the sky.
"Onii-chaaan~!" came the unmistakably high-pitched, honey-sweet voice of Yoruko, now in her original form, no longer disguised in her Nezuko gigai.
She landed with a flourish, her outfit glowing with celestial embroidery and delicate cherry blossoms. Beside her, two identical clones—dressed more casually—appeared and immediately dashed toward Mizu and Kaze, who were already tumbling down a snowy hill made for play.
"Let's goo, desu!" Yoruko Ichi shouted.
"I brought candy, desu!" Yoruko Ni cheered.
Mizu and Kaze squealed in delight, jumping into snowball fights with their new 'sisters.'
"Hey! It's our day with him!" Shirayuki grumbled and her older sister, Kuroyuki sighs.
"Nobody ever gets a personal day with him, Shirayuki." Yoru sipped her tea. "That's the problem."
The spirits collectively nodded, and another wave of banter and play broke out. It became increasingly clear Yun Che would not get a single moment of peace today.
Above them, the sun in the Inner World dimmed slightly, signaling the passage of time—but no one cared. Not when laughter, chaos, and affection filled every corner of the landscape.
Yun Che could only chuckle, raising his arms in surrender to the delightful madness.
"I might never wake up at this rate…"
"You're supposed to treat all your girls with fairness, Master," Hebi pouted as she wrapped her arms behind him.
Within moments, Yun Che found himself buried under a chaotic dogpile of affectionate spiritual entities—some grumbling, some playfully biting, others tickling him with their spiritual pressure.
He sighed, defeated. "This was supposed to be a quiet day…"
From afar, Hoyuu and Zangetsu sat on the main spirit tree sipping ancient wine, watching the chaos unfold with quiet amusement.
"Serves him right," Hōyuu chuckled.
Zangetsu gave a rare smirk. "Boy's growing stronger every day. Maybe it's about time to begin his Quincy training once again."
"Bastard even mastered this Super Saiyan. Can't wait to use it against him." Hoyuu sounded as he drank another bottle of Ancient Wine.
Meanwhile, Kon, his faux-soul mascot, was having his own adventure—being chased around by the feral mini-beasts Ryuu and Tori, the manifestation of the Azure Dragon and Phoenix. The chase ended with Kon getting gnawed on like a chew toy.
"WHY ME AGAIN?!" he screamed, flailing as Tori grabbed his head and Ryuu bit his leg.
Yun Che lay there, a dozen spirits sprawled over him, sighing into the sky of his own creation.
"…Living a harem life they said, it'll be fun, they said." he muttered.
But even so—he smiled.
Because this was peace.
This was home.
=======================
That night...
Under the veil of moonlight, a silent silhouette landed gently on the balcony of the Blue Wind Imperial Palace. Little Fairy stood there, her platinum brown hair fluttering softly in the night breeze as she took off her veil. Clutched in her arms were several satchels of rare medicinal herbs and spirit-soaked silk, secretly taken from Frozen Cloud Asgard.
Her expression was serious—worried.
She had seen him collapse during the tournament, burned out from the reckless overload of dual Bankai. And though her sect was still whispering rumors about her, she couldn't care less. Not when he might still be suffering from the lingering backlash of unstable water element energy and spiritual strain.
"He should be resting now… Retsu might be watching over him, but I can help dispel the frost and balance his internal flow. Quietly… gently…"
She placed her hand on the balcony door and slid it open—
Only to freeze.
Not because of spiritual ice or killing intent, but because of what she saw.
In the middle of the room, Yun Che sat up on his bed with a wide grin on his face, waving a card high in the air.
"UNO! I win!" he declared triumphantly.
Retsu, kneeling beside him, calmly placed her own card down. "I win as well."
"Kon-sama wins too~!" chirped the pervy plush toy, raising both stubby arms in celebration before falling backward dramatically.
"...Me too." Nemu quietly laid down her last card with a blank stare.
"Danna-sama, you cheat!" Mio pouted, but the moment she realized her last card matched, she dropped it and blinked. "Eh? I won? Yay~!"
On the opposite side of the bed, Cang Yue groaned in utter defeat, her head bowed over a thick fan of cards still in her hands. "No… Not again…"
Yun Che leaned in, smirking. "You know the drill, Little Yue…"
The others all turned to her with knowing smiles, mischief twinkling in their eyes.
Little Fairy blinked. Drill? Then she noticed something odd.
Cang Yue sat barefooted. Her dainty sandals and silk stockings were already in a pile beside the bed. Her choker, gloves, and sword belt were nowhere to be seen.
"This is... embarrassing," Cang Yue mumbled.
"Y-you've got to be kidding me…" Little Fairy muttered under her breath, still hidden behind the slightly open door.
She had come here prepared to infuse profound energy into her comatose rascal. Instead, she found him wide awake, smug, and somehow at the center of a spiritual slumber party-slash-card battle from the seventh circle of absurdity.
And from the way the others played, no one was holding back.
Little Fairy couldn't believe her eyes.
There he was—Yun Che, the man who had collapsed during the tournament after pushing his body beyond its limits with dual Bankai, now sitting cross-legged in bed like nothing had happened.
Not meditating. Not wrapped in healing formations. Not resting under talismanic wards.
But playing UNO.
With red, yellow, green, and blue cards scattered across the silk sheets as if this were the greatest battle he had ever fought.
She stood frozen by the open balcony door, a large satchel of high-grade medical supplies slung over one shoulder, her eyes twitching at the sheer absurdity of what she was witnessing. The emotional dam inside her cracked.
She had snuck away from Frozen Cloud Asgard, risking her reputation and strict sect rules, thinking she would need to stabilize his body, suppress his backlash, maybe even rescue him from a coma.
Only to find him throwing cards with childlike glee.
She gritted her teeth and marched forward with purpose.
The girls around Yun Che—Retsu, Mio, Cang Yue, Nemu—noticed her, but none of them offered a word of greeting. Instead, they exchanged smug grins, as if they were watching a storm about to roll in with front-row seats and snacks.
"Girls? Something wrong?" Yun Che asked, blinking at their sudden silence.
Then he noticed their eyes weren't on him.
They were staring behind him.
He turned his head—
"L-Little Fairy…!"
But it was too late.
SMACK!!
Her fist came down like divine retribution, right onto the crown of his head. A sharp thunk echoed across the room. Yun Che's body jolted so hard his toes curled under the blanket in reflex.
"What was that for?!" he gasped, rubbing the sore spot.
"You were supposed to be resting!" Chu Yuechan snapped, her expression equal parts fury and betrayed concern.
"I… I did…" Yun Che replied meekly.
"You were supposed to be heavily injured! You almost shattered your meridians!"
"I recovered…"
"STOP TALKING BACK!!"
"Y-Yes, mum."
There was a beat of silence.
Then from the edge of the bed, Kon piped up with a dramatic sigh, arms folded.
"So easy..."
The entire room burst into barely suppressed laughter—except for Chu Yuechan, who was still glaring daggers, her cheeks just barely tinged pink.
Retsu finally stepped in with a gentle tone. "He really is okay, sister Yuechan. It only took an hour for him to recover"
"He's just… too lively for someone who nearly self-destructed," Cang Yue added, although her voice carried a bit of affection and resignation.
Chu Yuechan sighed deeply, finally setting down her medical kit on the table.
"You know how worried I was?" Little Fairy scolded, her tone exasperated yet weary. "I came bringing rare medical supplies, thinking you were barely clinging to life, and instead, I find you…"
She looked at the colorful mess on the bed, eyes twitching.
"…playing cards?"
Yun Che gave her a sheepish smile. "Little Fairy… I am fine. My spirits already purged the frost energy, and my inner world's potion pools restored my meridians. I've made a full recovery."
He held up a card. "Besides, we're not just playing cards. We're playing UNO. Want to join?"
Chu Yuechan let out a deep sigh, one that came from the soul. "I was worried… for nothing."
Yun Che's smile softened. "Still… thank you. It means a lot that you came."
She blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice.
"You're my beloved," she replied automatically. "Of course I cam—"
"Ara~~~"
Mio and Cang Yue chimed in with synchronized mischief, grinning like devils.
"LUCKY BASTARD!!!" Kon shouted, tossing a card in the air in mock fury.
Realizing her slip, Little Fairy froze, then quickly turned around, face burning. "F-Forget I said anything…"
But Yun Che reached forward and gently pulled her into a seated hug from behind. Before she could protest, he kissed her cheek—softly, deliberately, and with just a hint of playful vengeance.
Her eyes widened like full moons. Her face went crimson in an instant.
She began lightly pounding on his chest with her fists, though the blows had no strength behind them. "Y-You shameless… idiotic… pervert…"
From the side, Mio let out an exaggerated wail. "So envious!" she cried, biting her embroidered handkerchief. "She got the spontaneous hug and the kiss!"
Not that she was truly mad. After all, Little Fairy was one of the earliest among Yun Che's beloveds. Plus, Mio still held the record for the longest kiss with him—an entire hour—shared with Retsu.
"Shameless!" Cang Yue groaned, covering her eyes… though she was clearly peeking between her fingers.
"You're one to talk," muttered Kon from his spot—just before Cang Yue snatched him up and began mercilessly swatting the poor plushie against her fists, her face glowing with embarrassment.
"Gah! Domestic violence! And I regret nothing!" Kon cried dramatically, clearly enjoying every plush-pounding moment.
As the laughter bubbled and the moment softened, Little Fairy leaned her head slightly into Yun Che's shoulder, the blush still clinging to her cheeks.
"…Just don't scare me like that again," she whispered.
"I promise," Yun Che said, holding her a little tighter.
"Ara~~~ Sister Yuechan… how bold." Retsu remarked with a teasing smile, her voice smooth as silk.
Nemu gave a simple nod in agreement. "Confirmed. Bold behavior."
Chu Yuechan was beet red. Still nestled close to Yun Che, her pride waged war with her emotions. She gently pulled away, face aflame, trying to gather her dignity.
"Y-You rascal…" she muttered.
But her gaze softened as memories returned—of when they first met half a year ago. Back then, she loathed him. She'd kept her distance, avoided him at every turn. But everything changed. They'd fought side by side, hunted hollows together, shared hardship and laughter—and parted with a kiss she never forgot.
Now, here he was again, grinning cheekily like always.
Damn him. She was over forty years old. Technically old enough to be his mother—and yet, he made her feel young again. Vibrant. Alive.
"You… you rascal… I hate you. I hate you so much." Her fists beat gently against his chest, her voice trembling more with flustered affection than anger.
"Ufufufufu~ Welcome to the flock, Yuechan-nee," Retsu said with a delighted giggle.
The words made Little Fairy freeze.
She blinked. "Nee…?"
Retsu's smile widened as she teased. "It means 'big sister.' In our flock, that makes you one of the older wives, Yuechan-nee."
"R-Retsu!!" Little Fairy shrieked in embarrassment, her blush reaching critical levels.
Mio suddenly turned toward them, lips curling mischievously.
"Oh ho~ Yuechan-nee?" Mio switched to Japanese with a glint in her eye. "Retsu-chan, I heard from Danna-sama about your actual age before you got transferred here. Weren't you supposed to be an old grandma?"
"Ufufufufu~" Retsu laughed softly, unfazed. "The system reverted my age to eighteen. But Mio-chan… didn't you come from the ancient era? Technically, that makes you older than me, ne? So perhaps I should call you Mio-baba~?"
That got everyone's attention.
Yun Che slowly turned his head, face visibly sweating. Oh no.
The room tensed as the air between the two women seemed to crackle with ancient rivalry.
Mio leaned in, eyes narrowing. "Then I suppose you'll be joining me for a post-game exercise, won't you… granny?"
Retsu's smile sharpened. "Only if you don't cheat, you old hag."
They stared at each other, exchanging an unholy aura of graceful murder—like two goddesses about to unleash divine retribution.
Little Fairy blinked, confused by the language exchange. "What are they… saying?"
Yun Che gulped. "Uh… they're just, you know… bonding."
But Cang Yue knew better.
She didn't need to understand the words. She felt the tension. With the instincts of a seasoned strategist, she immediately moved behind Yun Che—and subtly pulled Nemu with her.
"Nee-sama, ganbarre." Nemu said calmly.
Yun Che could only sigh, caught in the crossfire of ancient women with eternal youth and unholy competitive spirit.
"Ahh… they're at it again," Cang Yue sighed, watching Retsu and Mio continue their silent, deadly staring contest.
"Don't fight in front of your new sister, you two. You're setting a bad example," Yun Che added, massaging his temple.
"Rascal!" Little Fairy snapped, her voice flustered yet full of life. She was expressing herself more freely now—and she didn't even realize it.
Then Yun Che looked to her with a soft smile.
"By the way… welcome back."
Little Fairy's gaze shifted around the room. Retsu and Cang Yue smiled warmly at her. Mio, Nemu, and even Kon beamed at her like she truly belonged. Half a year ago, she was a stranger. A loner. Someone who never imagined she'd be accepted—let alone welcomed like this.
Now… she had a place. A home. A family outside her sister.
A tear slipped down her cheek before she even realized it.
"Hnn… I'm back," she whispered, voice thick with emotion.
"Yuechan-neesama," Nemu bowed respectfully. "I am Nemu, Retsu's little sister. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I'm Mio-desu," Mio added, her tone cheerful and light. "Yun Che's new fiancée. Let's get along well, Yuechan-san."
Despite her enormous strength as a monarch cultivator, Mio's humble introduction, complete with a respectful bow, struck Little Fairy deeply. There was no arrogance—no looking down on her.
Only sincerity.
Little Fairy returned the gesture, bowing her head in kind.
"The honor is mine."
"Want to join us for a game?" Cang Yue chimed in enthusiastically. "We've got so much to tell you. Things I couldn't share when you were still with Sister Yueli."
She reached out and pulled Little Fairy into a warm, sisterly hug.
"I'll make you some tea—your favorite," Retsu offered with a gentle smile.
"I'll help, nee-sama," Nemu added as she stood.
Retsu pouted slightly. "Mou… it's nee-chan, just like before…"
"Only when it's just the two of us," Nemu replied with a faint, teasing smile.
Yun Che leaned back slightly as warmth filled the room—a place once filled with battle scars and tension now replaced by the sound of laughter, affection, and the clink of teacups waiting to be filled.
Family.
He smiled.
Little Fairy sat quietly at the edge of the bed, a single tear slipping down her cheek. It wasn't from pain… or sadness. It was from warmth. For the first time in a long while, she wasn't just a cold, distant figure from Frozen Cloud Asgard.
She wasn't alone.
She looked at each of the girls—no, her family—chatting, laughing, gently teasing one another. Her little sister, Chu Yueli, wasn't here, but somehow… she didn't feel lonely anymore.
Wordlessly, she reached for Cang Yue's hand.
Cang Yue gave her a bright, sisterly smile and gently tugged her onto the bed.
Little Fairy settled in between them and picked up one of the colorful cards.
"How do you play this?" she asked, curiously examining the red and yellow symbols.
"It's called UNO," Cang Yue said with a soft giggle, leaning in close. "Here, I'll teach you…"
As the cards were shuffled again, the girls took turns explaining the rules with playful voices and animated gestures. Even Retsu chimed in to correct the more mischievous "house rules" Kon and Mio had snuck in. Soon, laughter filled the room again.
Then, after a few rounds, the conversation shifted—soft and flowing like a quiet stream.
They began to share stories.
Cang Yue took the lead, excitedly recounting their adventures since Little Fairy last saw them. She spoke of Mio's dramatic arrival and the journey to recover the Moon Empress's body.
She didn't even leave out the most shocking part: becoming the successor of Huan Xuyi. Detailed version compared to the short she told her back in the Asgard as Nezuko.
Little Fairy widened her eyes in disbelief, but Cang Yue simply nodded with pride and humility.
The family she thought she understood had grown larger, warmer, and more chaotic. But somehow, it all made sense.
She glanced at Yun Che—who was still casually teasing Kon, the plushy currently trapped under a pillow—and let out a quiet sigh.
"So much happened in three months," she said softly.
"And there's more to come," Retsu added with a knowing smile, pouring her a fresh cup of tea.
As the night wore on, the laughter continued—and so did the game.
Little Fairy, still unfamiliar with UNO but blessed with absurd beginner's luck, slammed her final card onto the pile with a victorious flourish.
"UNO!" she declared triumphantly.
Everyone paused. Then, slowly turned to look at her.
Yun Che blinked. "…You won?"
"On her first game too…" Kon whispered in disbelief.
But her celebration didn't last. A sinister aura slowly crept around her like a gathering storm. She turned her head toward Yun Che, her icy smile growing unnaturally sweet as her delicate hand gripped his left shoulder—tight.
"By the way, rascal…" she said, her tone light, yet undeniably dangerous. "Why did I never hear about you and Xia Qingyue? And what's your relationship with… my little sister?"
The entire room fell silent.
Even the air paused, like it feared what came next.
Mio was the first to break ranks. She stood so fast her hair barely caught up with her.
"Ah! Danna-sama! I just remembered—the…uh…something-something sect! They sent me an urgent summons! Yes, they urgently need help cleaning out their… food storage! Must go!"
"Mio-neesan, Kon-sama will accompany you!" Kon saluted, already on her shoulder.
"I never heard about this invitation!" Yun Che shouted, desperate for backup.
"I just remembered it now! Danna-sama, stay alive! You were a good man!" Mio replied dramatically as the two disappeared in a blur of panic.
Nemu was next. Calmly, efficiently.
"Nee-sama, I shall help you prepare supper. With Yuechan-nee now present, portions must be adjusted."
"A very good idea, Nemu." Retsu stood up gracefully, smiling far too serenely for the mood. "Yuu-kun, we'll excuse ourselves now. Good luck."
"Wait—I can hel—"
Yun Che's words were cut off as the pressure on his shoulder increased. He winced, turning his head just enough to see Little Fairy's ominously cheerful expression right next to his.
His eyes darted toward Cang Yue, a silent cry for help.
Cang Yue looked away immediately and began edging toward the door.
"I… I just remembered—I have to polish my swords! Che'er, please… excuse me."
"YOUR SWORDS DON'T NEED POLISHING!!" he yelled in betrayal.
But it was too late.
The door closed.
Silence returned.
Then…
"Rascal~~~~…" came Little Fairy's melodious voice, far too sweet for what followed. "You promised to take me to the city… but instead, you were fooling around with my sister? You gave her a sword, but not me? And what else have you been hiding from me, hmm?"
"I… I… well… I sort of…" Yun Che stammered, sweating.
Her grip tightened even further, dangerously close to dislocating his shoulder.
"I want a full explanation…" she purred.
From the halls of the Blue Wind Imperial Palace, a single scream echoed through the night:
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
Nobody dared approach the room of the tournament champion after that.
"Yun Che… Danna-sama… Yuu-sama… please forgive us," Cang Yue, Mio, and Nemu spoke in unison, bowing their heads in mock penitence.
"Good luck, Yuu-kun…" Retsu hummed softly with a small, amused smile.
"She's your problem now." Kon smirked unapologetically.
---------------
Once everything calmed down, Yun Che finally sat upright and began explaining. With Little Fairy applying snow on his head. Carefully, with just enough detail to satisfy Little Fairy—without setting off another round of questioning. He spoke about his past, his marriage to Xia Qingyue, how it was arranged by their fathers, and how they separated immediately after the ceremony.
He avoided certain sensitive truths but didn't lie.
When he finished, Little Fairy was silent.
She sat by the open balcony, looking out at the moonlight reflecting off the palace rooftops. Then she turned to him, her long hair catching the gentle breeze.
"Yueli once told me her disciple was married to someone named Xiao Che," she said slowly. "Then she told me he disrupted his own wedding and declared himself as Yun Che. I never realized you were the same person."
Her gaze sharpened slightly, teasing, but serious.
"Still… knowing Qingyue's personality, I imagine it wasn't exactly a long or affectionate wedding, right?"
Yun Che gave a small, dry chuckle. "Not at all. She was a proud Asgardian. And I… I was just some commoner with a strange surname. The marriage was only a day long. I left her after that. We were strangers bound by our parents' promises."
He exhaled. "It's been almost two years. Everything's changed now."
"And yet, you gave her the Heavenly God Profound Veins," Little Fairy said gently, not accusing—just curious. "That's not something you do for someone you feel nothing for."
Yun Che leaned back on his arms, staring up at the ceiling. "I told all of you the same thing: I don't know. I honestly don't. My feelings toward Qingyue… they're complicated."
He remembered the things she said during the tournament. Her voice. Her aura. Her pain. It confused him even more.
"So…" Little Fairy said, folding her arms, "the two heavenly phenomena that occurred two years ago—that was all you and Retsu?"
Yun Che gave her a lopsided grin.
Then shrugged.
He didn't need to say anything.
Little Fairy rolled her eyes with a smirk of her own. "Of course it was."
They sat in silence for a moment, the cool night breeze brushing past them. The others had left them alone, understanding the importance of this talk.
Little Fairy smiled softly as she turned back to the stars.
"You really are a troublesome man, rascal."
He chuckled quietly. "That's what everyone keeps saying…"
"What about Yueli?" Little Fairy finally asked, her voice quieter than before.
Yun Che's brows lifted slightly at the question, but he expected it. Her tone wasn't accusing—just heavy with concern.
"To this day, she still treats me like I'm beneath Qingyue, just a distant acquaintance. But Mihawk? She treats him like royalty. Respect, admiration… even affection. Man, I'd pay to see her face when she finds out we're the same person."
Little Fairy's gaze turned a little melancholic. "Rascal… I owe you everything for saving her life, but you must be aware of her feelings. You saw it, didn't you?"
Yun Che nodded reluctantly. "She fell for Mihawk… not Yun Che. Not me. I never meant for it to happen. I just didn't want you to suffer. If I could save your only family, then I would—regardless of how she felt about me afterward."
Little Fairy was quiet for a few breaths before whispering, "You must tell her the truth."
That drew Yun Che's attention. "What?"
"You can't hide this forever. You can't be two people at once. She needs to know. It's better for her to love you—the real you—not a mask you wear to protect her." Her voice was firm now, like a sister protecting both siblings.
Yun Che gave her a complicated look. "You… wouldn't mind?"
Her silence lingered. Then, she spoke gently but resolutely.
"…She's my only sister. If she truly falls in love with you—with the Yun Che I know—then it's better that she sees him for who he is, not some fantasy. If we both end up loving the same man, then at least I'll be there to watch over her. To make sure her heart doesn't break too hard… and maybe to be a little selfish, too." Her lips curled into a wry smile.
Yun Che looked stunned for a moment—then softened. Her acceptance, though not unconditional, was genuine.
"You really are incredible, Little Fairy," he said with quiet gratitude.
She didn't respond, just gave him a sideways glance, then turned back toward the stars.
"…So," she continued, voice nearly a whisper, "what really happened in the tomb? You've danced around it, but something changed her, Yun Che. I can see it in her eyes."
Yun Che's expression hardened slightly at the memory. The images of blood, shadow, and desperation flickered in his mind. He took a breath.
"She… was about to die." His voice dropped lower. "Trapped. Injured. Isolated. But she didn't give up. She fought like hell. I only barely got there in time. If I was a few seconds later…"
He paused, gripping his hand into a fist.
"She doesn't know who I was, but she clung to Mihawk like a lifeline. I think in that moment… it wasn't just her body that broke—it was her walls."
Little Fairy closed her eyes, imagining her proud, stoic sister—so used to being strong—reduced to vulnerability in front of a stranger who held her life in his hands.
"You heard the general details from her," he began slowly. "I came to the tomb to retrieve something for Little Yue. Ran into her during the selection tournament as Li Yue. We were separated. I saved her life… by restoring all her crippled parts but as Mihawk. She doesn't know it was me."
He sighed deeply, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Restoring her crippled parts?" Little Fairy asked quietly, disbelief lacing her voice. "She told me she was completely crippled. I… I slapped her for saying it so casually. Then suddenly, she returned—completely restored. Not a single trace of her injuries. It was as if… some miracle brought her back. How did you—?"
Yun Che met her gaze with a calm, yet somber expression.
"This is something I can tell you," he said. "Once a day, I have the ability to restore someone—or myself—to their peak state. It doesn't matter how shattered their meridians are, how damaged their profound veins, or how broken their body is. I can heal it all. Everything… except for missing limbs."
He let those words settle before continuing.
"When I found her… she had less than a minute left to live. Her breath was shallow, her heart faltering. If I had arrived even moments later…" He trailed off.
Little Fairy eyes widened slightly as the full weight of what he was saying sank in.
Yun Che looked away for a second, then back to her. His voice lowered. "She's your sister and Qingyue's master. I couldn't— wouldn't —let her die. The emotional backlash would be severe. I might lose you should you find out that she's dead."
"…Thank you," she finally said.
Yun Che blinked. "For what?"
"For being there… even if it was Mihawk—it was still you," Little Fairy said softly. "We lost our parents when our village was ransacked. Yueli and I… we were the only survivors. Then Mother found us. She gave us shelter, food… and purpose. She trained us to survive."
Yun Che smiled and gently reached for her hand, squeezing it in support.
"To protect Yueli, I had to become cold… ruthless. I buried my warmth, my kindness... all to keep her safe."
"I understand," Yun Che nodded. "It's a sacrifice you were willing to make."
She looked away, her voice trembling just slightly. "I was… until I met you. Whatever you did to me back then… you shattered my Ice Heart. But instead of breaking apart and lose my Frozen Cloud Arts, it reforged itself—stronger than ever. It now draws power from my emotions."
Yun Che blinked. "Oh? That's… new." His curiosity was piqued; even with all he had seen, that kind of transformation was rare.
"It's tied to your Bankai," she continued, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Every time you use it, something stirs inside me. The Ice Heart… it reacts. It wants your power. That's why it was so easy to start caring about you. Too easy."
She chuckled dryly.
"So that's why you avoided me for months?"
She nodded, a bit embarrassed. "I had to. Otherwise, I was afraid the heart would lose control… and so would I."
Yun Che smirked. "Good call. Otherwise, I'd have to knock you out with Kido."
SPLAT.
A perfectly-aimed snowball hit him square in the face. He sputtered, blinking as the cold dripped down.
She laughed for the first time in what felt like ages. "You missed that, didn't you?"
Wiping snow from his face, Yun Che grinned. "More than you know."
Little Fairy let out a soft sigh, her gaze drifting to the night sky.
"Yueli was the same. I could sense it… her new heart. Did you use your Bankai inside the tomb?"
Yun Che shook his head. "No. I couldn't risk it. The pressure and destruction from Bankai would have collapsed the tomb. We were miles underground—if I'd used it, we'd have all been buried alive."
"Then how… how did her Ice Heart reform?" she wondered aloud.
A realization dawned on Yun Che, his brows lifting slightly. "The Status Recovery Skill… The restoration ability I told you about. It doesn't just heal—it rebuilds. It must've reconstructed her Ice Heart into a new form instead of restoring the old one. That explains why she was so much warmer… easier to speak to."
Little Fairy gave a quiet, understanding nod.
"It only responds to the man we choose. We still see all other men the same way we did when we had our old Ice Hearts. But not you… never you. The more we tried to deny it, the more painful it became."
Yun Che exhaled deeply. "This new heart… It's something else entirely."
She glanced toward him, concern in her eyes. "No wonder she didn't react when you used your Bankai in the arena. That wasn't what triggered it. It wasn't your Bankai she needed—it was that skill of yours."
Yun Che paused, eyebrows furrowing as another memory surfaced. "Not exactly. I suppressed the outburst from Daiguren Hyōrinmaru during the match. I sealed its resonance to avoid… complications. Especially with women from the Asgard. If I hadn't, I might've caused a scene…"
Then, he froze. His eyes widened. "Oh no…"
Little Fairy leaned closer. "What is it?"
"I didn't suppress anything from my second Bankai." His voice turned grim.
"If what we're theorizing is true… then Qingyue might have been affected."
"Oh my…" Little Fairy pressed a hand to her lips. "Then you should prepare yourself. If her Ice Heart restructured too… you might get a reaction."
He turned to her slowly. "Can I scan yours? This new heart… I want to understand it better. If I can read it, I might be able to help."
Little Fairy gave a single nod. Her eyes softened with trust.
Yun Che raised his hand just above her chest, fingers steady, his presence calm. His eyes closed. In this mind, he issued a command. "System, analyze the Ice Heart."
===============
[Ding… Scan complete.]
[The Heart of the Crystal Dream detected]
[The Heart of Crystal Dream]
[System Scan Complete]
—Subject: Heart of Crystal Dream—
Classification: Unique Variant — Reforged Ice Heart
Origin: Frozen Cloud Asgard – Shattered Ice Heart Reformation
Catalyst: Host's Divine Profound Spirit & Status Recovery Skill
▶ Core Description:
[The Heart of Crystal Dream is a miraculous evolution of the Frozen Cloud Asgard's shattered Ice Heart. Unlike the standard failsafe mechanism—where a disciple's Ice Heart crumbles to prevent the theft or corruption of their profound arts—this heart does not mark an end. It is a rebirth.]
[Empowered by the host's divine Profound Spirit Ki, the Crystal Dream heart retains the complete inheritance of Frozen Cloud arts. Not only does it preserve them, but it enhances them—refining cold energy to levels previously unattainable, and allowing emotions to serve as a catalyst for amplification.]
▶ Effects and Traits:
Emotion-Reactive Cultivation:
[The heart uses the disciple's emotions as fuel—rage, love, sorrow, joy. The deeper the feeling, the greater the power.]
Aura Transformation:
[The user radiates a warmth that conceals a deeper cold, enhancing personal charisma and drawing others in without intention.]
Artistic Evolution:
[Frozen Cloud profound techniques evolve in form and strength—particularly in domains of frost, serenity, and sword arts.]
Safeguard Retained:
[The evolved heart retains the failsafe mechanism: even in defeat, no man can steal their arts. However, they no longer need to sacrifice their cultivation for this safeguard.]
▶ Risk and Dependency:
A hidden price lies within.
The heart is bound to its restorer. Should its energy be depleted, it will long—yearn—for the one whose essence rebuilt it. That longing is not romantic by default, but primordial, emotional, and spiritual.
Once bound, the user's heart will instinctively seek out the energy source that healed it—be it through proximity, touch, or even emotional presence. Over time, this creates a powerful connection between the heart's bearer and its restorer, whether desired or not.
▶ Formation Triggers:
[Activation of Status Recovery Skill on a critically injured Frozen Cloud disciple.]
[Exposure to an unsuppressed Zanpakutō's Bankai that shatters the original Ice Heart.]
[Near-death experiences where the Ice Heart breaks and divine energy is present to reconstruct it.]
▶ Warning:
[Bear in mind… Should the host willfully shatter the Ice Hearts of every disciple within Frozen Cloud Asgard, and apply this process...]
Potential Consequences:
[The entire sect may evolve into a new generation of Crystal Dream Bearers, bound to a singular unique divine source—you.]
[Their cultivation, loyalty, and emotional compass may subtly begin to orbit the one who reforged their hearts.]
[They would become untouchable in terms of technique theft, but dangerously dependent on one man's essence.]
=================
"Oh man…" Yun Che sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Did you found anything?" Little Fairy asked, tilting her head with concern.
Yun Che nodded, offering a half-smile. "Yeah. I'll explain it simply so it doesn't sound like some cryptic prophecy. You, my dear, now possess the Legendary Heart of Crystal Dream."
Little Fairy blinked. "Legendary… what now?"
"In short," Yun Che began, "your original Ice Heart was something the founder of Frozen Cloud Asgard created to protect your profound arts—especially from being stolen through… uh, certain male techniques."
"Dual cultivation," she deadpanned.
"Right. That," he coughed awkwardly. "When that heart shatters—normally—it takes all of your arts with it. But my energy… it doesn't just restore what's lost. It remakes it. Your new heart, the Heart of Crystal Dream, keeps your Frozen Cloud Arts intact even if the safeguards are broken."
Little Fairy frowned slightly. "So… our arts won't be lost anymore. Not even if we… share cultivation?"
"Exactly," Yun Che nodded. "And it evolves them. Your techniques grow stronger, powered by your emotions—joy, rage, sorrow, love. The deeper your feelings, the stronger your arts become."
Little Fairy looked down at her chest thoughtfully. "And you knew all this from… the Dead Spirit Realm?"
He nodded again. "Yeah. They know a lot of things that you don't. The heart uses my energy—my spiritual energy—as its core fuel. If you ever run low, it'll instinctively seek me out. Not like clinging or anything weird. Just being near me is enough for it to recharge."
"Convenient," she mused. Then raised an eyebrow. "Or clingy?"
"Exactly the reason I got creeped out!" Yun Che flailed slightly. "Now imagine if I did this to all the Frozen Cloud disciples. That's over 75,000 Asgardian women suddenly drawn to me because their hearts are synced to my energy. It's like asking for 75,000 concubines."
Little Fairy's eyes widened slightly, but she immediately understood.
"I'd be forced into becoming some kind of—what?—Frozen Cloud Emperor?! No way. I'd rather die than manage 75,000 emotional ice women with amplified feelings! You, Yueli, Qingyue—I can handle. But the rest? No thank you."
Little Fairy smirked. "Retsu and Mio might as well destroy the sect."
"Exactly!" Yun Che pointed. "You know Retsu. The moment she hears '75,000 concubines,' she's probably unleashed her Bankai and storming the mountain."
"Honestly, I think even Qingyue and Yueli might join her." Little Fairy sighs.
Yun Che let out a heavy sigh. "So yeah. That's what happened to you and your sister. It wasn't on purpose. I just didn't want to lose either of you. The rest… it just kind of… happened."
Little Fairy was quiet for a moment before she chuckled softly and gave him a gentle nudge. "Rascal… Always turning calamity into miracles."
Yun Che smiled as he watched her, his eyes soft with unspoken fondness. "Little Fairy… you've really changed, haven't you?"
She glanced at him, a subtle raise of her brow. "What do you mean by that?"
He shook his head slightly, a wistful note in his voice. "It's just a feeling. You used to be distant… cold, even. But now? You're calm. Composed. Warmer—gentler, even. You've become even more beautiful than you already were. And, well… a little scary when you're mad."
"Hmph." She crossed her arms, eyeing him sideways. "Are you saying I wasn't beautiful enough before?"
He grinned. "No, not at all. But back then, you didn't care for any man. Now… you care. You watch over Yueli. The girls. Even Kon. And us. You put everyone before yourself."
Her expression softened. She turned slightly, looking out toward the moonlight. "I still didn't care for men because there was never one worth caring for… Only you. You and Kon—Yueli and the girls—you're my family now. Of course I'd protect you all."
Yun Che leaned a little closer, voice gentle. "So… you really do care about me?"
She blushed faintly but didn't avert her eyes this time. "You're my beloved. I care about you—whether you like it or not."
A quiet chuckle escaped him. "Pfft… you know I was supposed to be the one saying that."
She said nothing, but the faint twitch at the corner of her lips betrayed her amusement.
Yun Che reached out and gently placed his hand over hers. She didn't pull away. Instead, her fingers curled beneath his palm, accepting the quiet affection. Slowly, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, drawing her into a tender embrace.
Little Fairy relaxed in his hold, resting her head lightly against him. For once, the unspoken rules of her sect, the weight of her title—they all faded into nothing. Here, in this moment, with him…
She finally allowed herself to just feel.
"By the way…" Yun Che said, his voice lowering slightly with intent. He reached into his inventory, fingers brushing past items until he grasped the one he wanted.
He pulled it out with both hands and presented it to her with quiet reverence.
A katana.
Its handle was a rich, deep blue, wrapped tightly for perfect grip. The guard shimmered with a five-petaled design—elegant, almost floral. With a smooth pull, he unsheathed the blade, revealing a striking contrast: the blunt side was pure black, while the cutting edge glimmered white like moonlight. The sheath itself was a work of art—half dark blue with a rogue, patterned finish; the other half, pristine white, marked with subtle circular engravings that pulsed faintly with spirit energy.
Little Fairy's breath caught.
"Rascal… this is—" her eyes widened as the energy of the blade pulsed softly.
"Yorukaze. Night Wind," Yun Che said softly. "This is the sister sword to your little sister's blade—Tachikaze, Severing Wind. I forged this one for you."
Her lips parted in stunned awe as he continued, "The blade's made of a special material that absorbs vibration. You won't feel the force of your opponent's strikes. It's silent, elegant… deadly. Like you."
She reached out and took it slowly, reverently, as if accepting a sacred relic. Her fingers traced the intricate patterns along the sheath, and for a moment, her aura flared—pure, joyful energy radiating from her, unguarded.
Then, without warning, she threw herself forward and wrapped her arms around him. Her head nestled against his chest.
Yun Che blinked, caught off-guard—but his expression quickly melted into a smile as he brought one hand to gently pat the back of her head.
"Thank you…" she whispered, tightening her hold. Her voice was soft, but in it was a storm of emotion—gratitude, happiness, and something far deeper.
To her, this sword wasn't just a weapon. It was a treasure. A bond. A symbol of how much he understood her—how deeply he valued her.
"Take good care of it," he murmured. "Yorukaze is a Meitō… a named sword. From my world, such swords are rare and powerful, carrying the will of their wielder. Like Little Yue's Wadō Ichimonji, Shusui, and Shisui. Or your sister's Tachikaze."
"Meitō…" she repeated quietly, running her fingers along the scabbard. "A sword with a name?"
He nodded. "Exactly. And it found a perfect new master."
A faint smile curled on her lips, though her face was still buried in his chest. "I'll take care of it with my life."
"Oh, and I still owe you," Yun Che added playfully. "Advanced Haki senses, Profound Chi, Rokushiki… You've got quite the tab running."
She tilted her head up slightly, giving him a smirk that could cut steel. "Then I'll start collecting from now on, rascal."
He laughed under his breath.
Somehow, even the wind felt softer around them.
"Ara~~~ Yuu-kun, don't forget you have us to worry about too," a soft, teasing voice echoed from behind.
Yun Che stiffened slightly as Retsu appeared, her usual gentle smile curving her lips… and a familiar golden orb casually tucked behind her back.
"Danna-sama! I need my snuggles too!" Mio squealed, glomping onto him from behind in a hug that nearly knocked the wind out of him.
"I never expected Yuechan-sama to be so bold with Yuu-sama…" Nemu added with a quiet sigh, adjusting her glasses as she calmly stepped into view.
Little Fairy jumped slightly. "S-Sister Retsu?! How… how long have you been standing there?!"
Retsu's smile widened ever so slightly, amusement gleaming in her eyes. "From the very beginning, of course. It's been like watching a lovely soap opera unfold in real-time."
"Soap opera?" Little Fairy blinked.
"Ehee~ That's one of Yun Che's terms," Cang Yue chimed in with a mischievous grin. "Basically, a dramatic romantic story. You know… lots of tension, hugging, and blushing."
"Romantic?" Yun Che raised an eyebrow at her.
Little Fairy sighed and looked away, cheeks flushed. "Rascal…"
"Ahem," Yun Che cleared his throat and gave them a pointed look. "So, I assume supper's ready, swords polished, and the food stores checked?"
His tone was deadpan, but his eyes flicked to Mio and Cang Yue—who both started looking very suspiciously away.
Nemu and Retsu, however, nodded.
"Mio-chan helped make cookies," Retsu said cheerfully, holding up a small tray. "Chocolate chip."
"Choco…late?" Little Fairy blinked in confusion.
"You'll know when you taste it," Cang Yue beamed, grabbing her arm. "Come, Sister Yuechan, sit with us!"
Despite her lingering embarrassment, Little Fairy allowed herself to be pulled along. The group gathered in a circle within the cozy room, sitting cross-legged around small dishes and sharing food, laughter, and warmth. For a moment, it was as if the world outside didn't exist—just their little family, brought together through fate, friendship, and affection.
After a while, Yun Che stood, brushing crumbs from his robes.
"Why don't you all get to know Mio and Nemu a little better?" he said, casting a glance around the circle.
Little Fairy looked up. "Are you going somewhere?"
All the girls turned their attention to him at once.
He grinned, eyes twinkling. "Yeah… I owe my previous opponent a visit."
With a subtle rise of energy and the faint shimmer of light at his feet, Yun Che vanished from the room—leaving behind a quiet ripple in the air and a circle of women who watched the sky outside, each knowing the next chapter of his journey had just begun.