Chapter 192: Haha To Musume (Mother and Daughter)

Yoruko, in Nezuko's body, dashed ahead joyfully through the busy streets of the Imperial City, her laughter echoing as she beckoned Xue Ling to follow. "Haha (Mother), over here, Hurry!"

Xue Ling, walking calmly behind her, couldn't help but sigh with a soft smile. "Yes, dear… such energy," she remarked, her voice carrying both affection and amusement. She was wearing a borrowed kimono from Cang Yue—a white and purple checkered design that gave her an appearance oddly similar to Nezuko's original mother from the anime. The decision had been a playful one, with Yun Che smirking as he offered the attire, knowing Xue Ling's desire to bond with Yoruko through this identity.

To blend in further, Xue Ling had tied her long hair into a bun, concealing it beneath a simple white cloth tied neatly underneath. Gone were her usual Imperial Protector attire and accessories, replaced by this more understated look. Even her weapon was hidden away in her spatial ring, only to be used if the situation demanded it.

She wanted to spend this time not as the Prime Imperial Protector, but as a mother figure for Nezuko, hoping to forge a deeper connection between them. Without her official armor or weaponry, she appeared as a normal woman enjoying a peaceful day with her "daughter," which was a refreshing change for her.

As they continued through the streets, Xue Ling couldn't help but admire how much joy Nezuko exuded. She was determined to make this day special, knowing that their bond could strengthen during these moments of simplicity, away from the weight of her imperial duties.

As Nezuko happily balanced on the edge of the fountain, her eyes sparkled at the sight of the sweet roll offered by the old lady. She beamed as she politely bowed her head, her bubbly nature captivating those around her. "Can I?" she asked excitedly, her enthusiasm childlike and innocent.

Just as she was about to accept the bun, Xue Ling's voice chimed in, drawing Nezuko's attention. "Nezuko... there you are." The sight of Xue Ling in her simple yet elegant kimono, with her hair neatly concealed beneath the white cloth, made her stand out in the crowd. Though dressed plainly, her beauty was undeniable, and people couldn't help but notice the grace with which she carried herself.

The old woman, noticing their odd attire and the bond between them, smiled warmly. "My, is this your child, dear one?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity and warmth.

Xue Ling hesitated, unsure for a moment, before nodding softly. "Hnnn, she is..." she replied, her voice quiet but certain.

"Such a little beauty. Just like her mother," the old lady said kindly. "You two share a strong resemblance."

Xue Ling felt a wave of happiness wash over her at the compliment. While it was merely a gesture of kindness from the old woman, the words meant more to her than anyone knew. She had been trying to build this maternal connection with Nezuko, and to have someone recognize them as mother and daughter was a small victory. "Thank you," she said, hiding her joy behind a calm exterior.

"For you, little one… on the house," the old woman said, handing Nezuko the large sweet bun.

Nezuko's eyes brightened even more, and she accepted the bun eagerly. "Thank you, granny!" she exclaimed, her small voice full of gratitude. She took a big bite, her face lighting up with joy. "Oishi! (Delicious!)" she giggled, clearly enjoying the treat.

Xue Ling, watching Nezuko's happiness, felt her heart swell. To show her appreciation, she handed the old lady a purple profound coin. "Here, for her trouble," she said with a gentle smile.

As Nezuko continued eating her bun with pure delight, Xue Ling felt a sense of peace. This small, quiet moment in the bustling city was a step toward something deeper, something she had been longing for.

Seeing the old lady humbly decline the purple profound coin, Xue Ling smiled warmly. "I insist. It is for my precious child after all," she said, her heart swelling with joy at being seen as Nezuko's mother. The old woman's simple words had unexpectedly made her day.

The old lady hesitated for a moment before accepting the coin, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Thank you… this is the biggest income I've made in my life," she whispered, clearly moved by the generous gesture. The small purple coin was far beyond the value of a sweet roll, enough to secure her future comfortably. To think such wealth had come from a kind act toward a little girl.

As Nezuko continued to enjoy her sweet bun, the old lady smiled at the pair. "Such a sweet child. Only you bringing her around? Is her father nearby?" she asked curiously, causing Xue Ling to blush, the color radiating through her already beautiful features.

"He… He's a powerful cultivator," Xue Ling answered, twirling a lock of her hair absentmindedly as she thought of Mihawk, the figure she had chosen to imagine as her husband in this moment. "He comes home once in a while."

The old lady's eyes lit up at that, nodding in understanding. "He must be quite a wealthy cultivator to give his wife and child such a good life. And to marry a beauty like you!" she said kindly, causing Xue Ling's blush to deepen.

"Please… you're too kind," she replied, flustered by the praise. "But yes, he is. It's just… lonely without him around sometimes." Her voice softened as she spoke, thinking of Mihawk's strength and stoicism.

The old lady smiled knowingly. "I'm sure he will be home soon. A man with a family that loves him so much will always return." She patted Xue Ling's hand gently, her words filled with warmth and wisdom.

Xue Ling nodded, her blush lingering as she hoped Mihawk wouldn't mind her using his image in this way. The old lady's blessings filled her heart with happiness. "Ahh, young love," the old lady said with a smile. "Blessed with such a beautiful offspring. May you and your family enjoy eternal happiness, kind lady."

With a grateful smile, Xue Ling and Nezuko both bowed to the old lady before continuing on their way. As they walked together, Xue Ling couldn't help but feel an unusual warmth in her heart, like the family she always longed for was finally within reach, even if just for this fleeting moment.

If she plays her cards right, it will be possible in the future.

"Nezuko, anywhere you'd like to eat?" Xue Ling asked, deciding to spoil her further. With Chu Yueli already being seen as Nezuko's mother, she knew she had to step up her game. But the increasing number of people eyeing them was starting to make her uneasy. Some of them seemed to recognize Nezuko, and she needed an exit strategy.

Nezuko's eyes sparkled at the mention of food. "Can I? Hmm, can I have that special soba? I heard everyone say it's the best noodles ever!"

"Soba?" Xue Ling raised an eyebrow, unfamiliar with the dish.

"Onee-chan told me about a shop that makes delicious soba. Can we go there? Please…?" Nezuko asked, her wide eyes pleading—a tactic she clearly picked up from Cang Yue.

Xue Ling felt a bead of sweat form as she recognized the strategy. It was surprisingly more effective coming from Nezuko than Cang Yue. "But we don't even know where this shop is."

"Onee-chan said that if we find a long line, that's the place!" Nezuko's face lit up as she relayed the advice, clearly eager.

Xue Ling sighed. The thought of waiting in a long line didn't thrill her, but seeing Nezuko's excitement made it worth it. "Alright, alright. Hold on tight." She lifted Nezuko into her arms. The only way to find it is to see from above.

"Yeay! Upsies!" Nezuko giggled as she clung to Xue Ling, her delight contagious.

Xue Ling smiled, the warmth of the moment softening her heart. She gently took flight, leaving the crowd below gasping in shock. That sweet mother is a cultivator. "So, she's a cultivator too… A kind lady and a powerful one. Blessed with wealth and a sweet child—what kind of husband must she have?" the old lady from before wondered aloud, still staring at the purple coin.

As they soared above the city, Xue Ling kept her eyes peeled for the shop. The bustling streets soon revealed what they were looking for—a long line snaking outside a modest establishment. Xue Ling was quite shocked seeing a line this long. It must be famous to have such a long line.

"There it is!" Nezuko pointed excitedly as they spotted the soba stall at the end of a winding line of eager patrons. Xue Ling landed gracefully, doing her best to remain inconspicuous. She quickly adjusted her white cloth, which covered her hair, and held Nezuko's hand as they joined the line. She had to admit, there was a strange satisfaction in waiting like everyone else. As the Imperial Protector, she could easily bypass the line, but today, she wanted to experience something normal.

However, Xue Ling's hopes of blending in quickly began to unravel. Her ears perked up as whispers spread through the crowd.

"Isn't that Nezuko?"

"Yeah, that's the Heaven's Child. But who's that woman with her?"

"I heard Chu Yueli was her mother, but this one... they look so much alike."

"Could this be her real mother? They share the same dark hair and beauty. Chu Yueli's hair is silver..."

"Maybe Chu Yueli was just a cover. This could be the true mother!"

Xue Ling's sigh was subtle, but inwardly, she was already growing weary of the rumors. People trying to piece together Nezuko's lineage was becoming a tiresome game. All she wanted was a peaceful afternoon with Nezuko, but even a simple outing like this couldn't avoid speculation.

Then, a familiar voice broke through the murmurs.

"Nezuko!"

Xue Ling's gaze snapped toward the source of the voice, and she saw a silver-haired, muscular man approaching. Nezuko lit up, waving enthusiastically. "Ah, big bulky Onii-chan!"

"You are...?" Xue Ling asked cautiously, tightening her hold on Nezuko, not quite sure who the stranger was.

The man offered a friendly grin. "Ah, I'm Xia Yuanba, madam." He then approached and gently patted her head. Xue Ling relaxed, noticing Nezuko smiling at the man's presence.

"What are you doing here, Little Nezuko?" Yuanba asked.

"Haha wanted to bring me to eat soba... Delicious soba!" Nezuko said with bubbling excitement.

"Soba, huh?" Yuanba chuckled, then his eyes widened as he recognized Xue Ling's disguise. "Aren't you..."

"Shhh…" Xue Ling put a finger to her lips, silencing him before he could finish.

Catching on, Yuanba quickly nodded and closed his mouth. "Right, right. How about I take you to the front? Mai and Mei would love to meet you."

"Haha? Can we?" Nezuko's eyes sparkled as she looked up at Xue Ling with pleading eyes.

"But..." Xue Ling hesitated. Drawing more attention was the last thing she wanted. But the way Nezuko eagerly tugged at her hand made it difficult to say no.

"Don't worry, it'll be fine," Yuanba reassured, guiding them toward the front of the line. Nezuko pulled Xue Ling along excitedly, unaware of the growing number of curious onlookers. Some of the patrons had clearly recognized Nezuko from the tournament the day before.

As they were led to the front, the whispers grew louder, but Xue Ling kept her composure. Even with all the eyes on them, her focus remained on Nezuko's happiness. Whatever rumors followed them, she'd handle them later. For now, she was determined to make this a special day for the child she was growing to adore.

In the hidden corner, a shadow is watching them before he whispers. "Signal the elders, we found her."

Yuanba gestured for Xue Ling and Nezuko to enter the noodle shop. As they walked in, Mai and Mei, who were busy attending to patrons, excused themselves when they saw Yuanba.

"Ah, Yuanba… no tournament today?" Mai asked, clearly pleased to see him.

Yuanba blushed, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. "No, Mai. I won on the first day, so today's a day off."

Mai smiled but then caught sight of Xue Ling and Nezuko. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she took in the sight of the strikingly beautiful woman with a child. Xue Ling's youthful appearance didn't quite fit the image of a mother, especially to someone as famous as Nezuko.

"I see… and this is…?" Mai asked, her curiosity getting the best of her.

Yuanba started to introduce them, "Ah… this is Nezuko. She's—" But he didn't even get to finish before Mai gasped.

"Ne-Nezuko? As in... the Heaven's Child?" Mai's eyes darted between the patrons, who had begun to murmur about the child being in their midst, and the little girl standing right in front of her.

"Yeah… that's her," Yuanba confirmed, leading them to the special table reserved for only the most important guests—like Yun Che and his companions. Despite how busy the shop usually was, this table always remained empty for them, a silent tribute to their special status. Not even the top sects received such treatment from Mai and Mei.

"To think she came to our shop…" Mai whispered, still stunned. "Is this her mother? But she doesn't look like Chu Yueli…"

Yuanba leaned in and whispered quietly to Mai, whose eyes went wide with the revelation. "Impe—" she began to stammer, but before she could utter Xue Ling's name, Xue Ling was faster.

"Shhh!" Xue Ling quickly put a finger to her lips, urging Mai to remain silent. She could already feel the growing attention from the other patrons, and the last thing she needed was to cause a scene. Yuanba also shook his head in agreement.

Mai's face flushed with realization. "But… she's such a big figure… and she's here. In my humble shop… with the Heaven's Child Nezuko," she whispered, completely flustered.

"She just wants to enjoy a quiet meal with Nezuko," Yuanba whispered back. "Treat her normally, and don't make a fuss. You'll only make things harder."

Mai nodded vigorously, collecting herself. "Ah… right. Coming right up!" She hurried off to the kitchen to prepare the noodles, still slightly shaken but trying her best to maintain composure.

Meanwhile, Nezuko, full of energy, leaped out of her seat and ran toward Mei, who had been quietly observing from behind the counter. "Nezuko desu!" Nezuko declared proudly, raising her hands in greeting.

Mei blinked before offering a shy smile. "Mei…"

"Mei-chan!" Nezuko grinned, instantly melting the young server's heart as they began chatting like newfound friends. Mei's timid expression brightened as she shared a laugh with the lively child, making the atmosphere in the shop a little more relaxed.

Mai came in with three bowls of Special Soba, and the moment Xue Ling and Nezuko tasted it, their eyes widened.

"Umaii!!! Chewy noodles!" Nezuko exclaimed, happily digging in for more.

"Indeed, this is delicious," Xue Ling agreed, savoring the dish.

"Right? Mai's noodles are the best," Yuanba added, finishing his portion with a satisfied grin.

As Nezuko finished her bowl, she turned to Xue Ling with a pleading look. "Haha, can I have more?"

Xue Ling smiled warmly, unable to resist. "Of course, dear. Mai, is it? Could we get seconds?"

Mai paused, a bit flustered. "Ah, yes... Lady... Xu... I mean, what should I call you?"

Xue Ling hesitated for a moment, recalling Cang Yue's advice to use a fake name while traveling with Nezuko. She quickly improvised, "Ki..e… yes, just Lady Kie."

Mai nodded respectfully. "Lady Kie, I am Mai, and this is my little sister, Mei. You're always welcome in our shop. Please don't hesitate to ask for anything."

As Mai bowed, the whispers from the surrounding patrons grew louder, questioning why the shopkeeper was so attentive to the young mother and the Heaven's Child. Some speculated about her identity, wondering if she was truly Nezuko's mother or someone more significant.

Xue Ling wanted to enjoy more of the delicious soba, but the crowd outside was growing restless. More people gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of Nezuko. It was becoming impossible to stay unnoticed.

With a sigh, Xue Ling paid with a purple profound coin, then gently cradled Nezuko in her arms. "Time to go, dear," she whispered softly.

"But I wanted to play with Mei more," Nezuko pouted, glancing back at her new friend.

"Next time, I promise," Xue Ling reassured her. She bid the sisters and Yuanba goodbye before bringing Nezuko back.

She took off gracefully, soaring into the sky. As they flew higher, the gathering crowd below murmured in awe. But unnoticed by the masses, several shadows moved in the distance. Silent and swift, they followed Xue Ling's flight path.

"Follow them," one of the figures whispered.

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As Xue Ling and Nezuko soared away from the crowd, Xue Ling couldn't shake the unease that settled in her chest. The weight of so many eyes, the whispers, the danger—it was starting to feel too heavy. But Nezuko, blissfully unaware, giggled in her arms, her face lit with pure joy from the meal.

"More soba later, okay?" Xue Ling whispered, her voice calm, though her eyes scanned the horizon for any potential threats.

Nezuko's excitement hadn't faded. "Promise?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with childlike wonder.

Xue Ling chuckled softly. "Promise."

"Haha, I'm still hungry," Nezuko giggled, squirming in her arms.

Xue Ling raised an eyebrow, half in disbelief. "After five bowls and you're still hungry?"

"Teehee," Nezuko grinned innocently, her mischievous smile too adorable for Xue Ling to resist. Even Cang Yue's charms couldn't compare to Nezuko's infectious joy.

Xue Ling sighed, knowing that resistance was futile. She spotted a quieter part of the city, hoping this area wouldn't recognize the Heaven's Child so easily. The tournament season had brought many food stalls to the streets, and she thought Nezuko might enjoy the simpler fare without attracting too much attention.

She landed softly by a large fountain, its gentle splashes creating a soothing ambiance amidst the city's hustle. "Stay here while I get you some skewers," Xue Ling instructed, running her hand through Nezuko's hair.

"Hai!" Nezuko chirped, nodding enthusiastically.

As Xue Ling left for the stalls, Nezuko sat on the fountain's edge, swinging her legs and watching the water ripple. She hummed to herself, eyes wandering around the unfamiliar part of the city. From a distance, Xue Ling kept a watchful eye, impressed by how obedient Nezuko was.

But her instincts remained sharp. The sense of being watched hadn't left her, and while the day had been filled with joy, there was an undeniable tension creeping in. Nezuko was a target, and Xue Ling knew better than to let her guard down.

The shadows weren't far behind.

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"Damn, why…? Why is this happening to us?!" one of the men growled as they skulked through the dark alley. The brothers, former members of the now-destroyed Black Lotus Clan, had barely escaped the massacre that wiped out their entire group the night before. Two youngsters and a few traitors had turned everything upside down, leaving them with nothing but the bitter taste of defeat.

"We were kings!" The second brother hissed, his teeth clenched in rage. "And then those kids… they ruined everything! I swear, I—"

"You what?" the first brother interrupted, his voice dripping with bitterness. "You gonna cripple them? We're the ones crippled now! We barely escaped the Imperial Guards last night. The clan's finished."

The third brother, slinking behind, muttered, "Where do we even go now?"

The first brother halted, his eyes narrowing as he thought. "We need money. And fast. Cyan and Yellow coins aren't gonna cut it. Going after those sisters again isn't smart either—did you see that bulky kid back at their store today? He crushed our leader like it was nothing."

"So, what then?" the second brother asked, exasperated.

The first brother's gaze darted around the street, his eyes catching something. A slow, greedy grin spread across his face. "We need a rich target. Someone we can demand a heavy ransom for. Purple coins."

Following his gaze, the second and third brothers saw a little girl by the fountain, her feet playfully splashing in the water. She had a ribbon in her hair and was nibbling on a bamboo stick, blissfully unaware of their eyes on her.

"What about that girl?" the third brother asked, his voice low. "She looks wealthy."

The first brother grinned wider. "Doesn't matter if she is or not. We'll kidnap her, demand ransom from whoever's willing to pay."

The second and third brothers exchanged looks, nodding before creeping toward the unsuspecting girl, ready to strike.

"Little girl, want to follow us big brothers? We'll give you treats," the third brother said, grinning creepily.

Nezuko glanced at them briefly, then turned back to the water around the fountain, her small feet wiggling as they splashed. "No, Haha told me to stay," she replied casually, more focused on the water than the men. The men wondered what this Haha meant or if that person was called Haha instead.

"Oh, but your Haha told us to fetch you," the first brother said, attempting to grab her. But as his hand reached out, Nezuko naturally sidestepped, almost as if she knew exactly what was coming. He tried again, and again, each time missing as Nezuko grinned, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Hehehe... let's play tag!" she giggled.

The second brother lunged forward, but Nezuko darted past him, landing lightly on his back, then hopping to the ground, all with a laugh that sounded more like she was having fun than trying to escape.

"You little—" the first brother growled, frustration mounting. They tried to grab her again, but Nezuko dodged easily, dancing around them like they were part of her game. Her tiny form moved so fast, they barely had time to react before she was already gone.

"Just grab her already!" the first brother shouted at his companions, growing angrier by the second.

But Nezuko was too quick. She used them as stepping stones, leaping from one to the other, her innocent giggles ringing out as if she didn't even notice the danger. To her, this was all a game. The crowd around them began to gather, watching the bizarre scene unfold.

"What the...?" one of the brothers muttered, his disbelief growing with each dodge. Her speed was beyond anything they'd ever seen in a child. One moment she was in front of them, the next she was across the fountain, completely out of reach.

"(Cutely giggling) Big uncles are bad at playing tag!" Nezuko laughed, pointing at the men with a teasing smile.

"You! Little—!" the first brother snapped, lunging forward, but Nezuko swiftly dodged again.

Realizing their failure, the brothers' frustration turned into desperation. The whispers from the growing crowd began to shift, and even Nezuko's innocent words struck a chord. "Big uncles are bad men!" she declared, pointing an accusing finger at them.

The whispers grew louder, the crowd's attention now fully on the bumbling men.

"Just capture her and be done with it!" the first brother barked, lunging once more. But before he could finish his order, Nezuko casually extended her tiny palm and pushed him away. The force of her push sent him flying several meters into the open square, crashing into the ground with a loud thud. The gathered crowd gasped in shock. How could such a little girl send a grown man flying?

"Hehehe! Big uncles are funny!" Nezuko laughed, completely oblivious to her own strength, as if she was still playing.

But the second brother saw an opportunity. While she was distracted, he lunged from behind and wrapped his arms around her, lifting her off the ground.

For a brief moment, Nezuko's playful laughter ceased as she realized she was actually being grabbed. But the smile on her face didn't fade—it simply turned mischievous.

"I caught her!" the second brother shouted triumphantly, but his victory was short-lived. Nezuko swiftly headbutted his chin, forcing him to release her instantly.

"Bad touch!" she declared, her small fist flying toward his chin. The punch, though seemingly gentle, launched the second brother several meters into the air before he came crashing down onto the park grounds with a loud crunch. The onlookers were stunned, their eyes widening in disbelief. How could such a small girl toss a grown man so easily?

The third brother, realizing the situation was spiraling out of control, attempted to flee. But before he could get far, Nezuko, laughing playfully, launched herself at him, landing squarely behind him with such force that he was flung through the air like a ragdoll. "Tag! I win!" she shouted gleefully, completely unaware of the chaos she was causing.

"Nezuko!" Xue Ling called out, rushing toward the scene. She had heard Nezuko's laughter from afar, but the sight that greeted her was beyond what she expected. Three grown men were squirming in pain on the ground, utterly defeated.

"What happened here?" Xue Ling asked, her eyes wide in disbelief.

"Bad men! Bad touch!" Nezuko responded, poking one of the unconscious men with a stick.

"I see…" Xue Ling sighed, glancing at the crowd that had gathered. The whispers were growing louder, and some onlookers had begun to recognize Nezuko. Xue Ling muttered under her breath, "Can't even stay quiet for a moment, can you?"

"Hehehe!" Nezuko ran circles around Xue Ling, celebrating her playful victory.

"Let's get out of here," Xue Ling said, not waiting to answer any questions. She scooped Nezuko up, cradling her before taking flight, leaving the murmuring crowd behind.

As they soared away, hidden figures observed from the shadows.

"She easily defeated all three of them," one shadowed figure commented.

"Bah! They were only weak Spirit Profound Realm warriors. Have you prepared the Profound Sealing Formation?" another voice, sharper and more calculating, replied.

"Yes. We need a little more time to set it up. Keep them distracted, and soon we'll have her," the leader of the group ordered, continuing to track Xue Ling and Nezuko as they flew away.

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Xue Ling's senses were on high alert. She could feel the faint but unmistakable presence of pursuers closing in on them. She eventually led them to the seas.

Far below, several figures darted into the air, their movements swift and silent, as if they were nothing more than shadows blending into the darkening sky. The assassins were well-trained, their task clear—to stop Nezuko at any cost and take her if possible.

Xue Ling felt their presence before she saw them. Her heart quickened, but her face remained composed. She shifted Nezuko slightly, holding her protectively as they flew higher, trying to shake off the pursuers. She couldn't risk a confrontation, not with Nezuko in her arms.

The shadows moved closer, closing the distance.

"Nezuko," Xue Ling whispered, her voice soft but firm, "hold on tight, okay?"

Nezuko blinked, sensing the change in Xue Ling's tone. "Are we playing a game, Haha?"

"Yes, a very important game," Xue Ling replied, her voice steady. "We need to get back safely. Ready?"

Nezuko nodded eagerly, wrapping her small arms around Xue Ling's neck.

With a burst of profound energy, Xue Ling accelerated, the world around them becoming a blur as they raced through the sky. The shadows struggled to keep up, but their determination did not waver. The gap between them and Xue Ling was closing with every passing second.

Suddenly, a sharp whistling sound cut through the air—a projectile, aimed directly at them.

Xue Ling twisted mid-flight, narrowly avoiding the attack, her heart pounding. She quickly assessed the situation

Xue Ling stood firm, her heart steady despite the dangerous men surrounding her. Dozens of black-robed assassins encircled her and Nezuko, but neither mother nor child showed any signs of fear. Nezuko, held tightly in her arms, remained calm, her expression serene. Xue Ling knew that if the situation escalated, Nezuko would be able to defend herself, thanks to Mihawk's rigorous training.

"Ahh, madam. It seems the Heaven's Child is causing trouble yet again," one of the shadowy figures sneered, his voice thick with malice as they closed in. Xue Ling kept her eyes on the two men leading the group. Both were middle-aged, dressed in dark robes, and exuded the dangerous aura of Emperor Profound Realm cultivators—undoubtedly from hidden sects.

"And you are…?" Xue Ling asked, her voice cool and steady, sword still sheathed but ready.

The taller of the two, Sect Master Du Shen, smirked. "Sect Master Du Shen and Vice Sect Master Mo Jun of the Heaven Dark Spirit Sect. We've come to get a closer look at the Heaven's Child, Nezuko. Forgive our rudeness, madam, but are you her mother or simply her caretaker?"

"I am both," Xue Ling replied, not hesitating for a second.

"Interesting… Chu Yueli has already declared the girl as her child, calling herself Nezuko's mama," Du Shen noted, his eyes narrowing as he examined Nezuko closely.

"Second mother," Xue Ling corrected, her tone sharp. The revelation caused a ripple of surprise among the assassins, their eyes widening as they processed the information. Dracule Mihawk had two wives—this was news worth noting.

"So, there is some mystery here… no one seems to know who the real mother is between you two. May I ask your name, madam?" Du Shen asked, trying to pry deeper.

Xue Ling materialized her sword while holding Nezuko with her other arm, preparing herself for a possible confrontation. Her grip on the sword tightened. "Why does it matter?"

Du Shen's smirk twisted into something darker. "It seems we can't get you to talk… but that will soon change."

At his signal, Mo Jun drew his weapon, followed by the rest of the assassins, their intent clear.

"What do you want?" Xue Ling asked, her body tense, eyes flicking between them as she calculated her next move.

"It's simple," Du Shen began, his voice dripping with arrogance. "We want to ensure the child's growth is halted. The fact that she's already at the peak of the Sky Profound Realm is a threat—enough to disrupt the balance of power between the Empires and sects. A child like this, with potential to become a monarch, is dangerous. We want to raise her ourselves, to be our ruler."

Mo Jun stepped forward, his voice cold. "Hand her over now."

Xue Ling's eyes blazed with fury. "You are not afraid of my husband's wrath? Or the Frozen Cloud Asgard? Or the Blue Wind Imperial Family?"

"If they never find out, it won't matter," Du Shen sneered, his confidence unshaken. "You will die here, without a trace. Sky Profound Realm assailants are more than enough to deal with you two. Now, hand her over."

"I refuse," Xue Ling said, her voice like steel as she drew her sword from her ring.

Mo Jun's expression twisted into a dark smile. "Then you leave us no choice."

The black-robed men surged forward, weapons drawn, ready to take Nezuko by force.

"Haha… are they bad people as well?" Nezuko asked, her innocent tone contrasting with the deadly tension in the air. Xue Ling nodded, understanding the child's playful outlook on these situations.

"Yes, Nezuko," Xue Ling replied softly. "They're bad people."

"Then, can we play with them?" Nezuko asked, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

Xue Ling widened her eyes briefly, understanding what Nezuko meant by 'play'. For Nezuko, fighting was nothing more than a game, something her father had cleverly instilled in her to mask the brutality of combat. Trusting Nezuko's instincts, Xue Ling smiled. "I see… Let's play with them, Nezuko-dear. Let's show them how Haha and Nezuko fight."

At those words, she released Nezuko, and the little girl floated in the air, excitement glowing in her eyes. "Hai!!!" Nezuko shouted happily.

"Get her!" one of the assassins barked, and the group sprang into action, attempting to capture Nezuko. But they didn't expect her to be so fast. In a blink, Nezuko was dodging them with ease, moving with the grace and speed of a seasoned fighter—though to her, it was simply a game.

She giggled as she hopped and jumped around, evading their grasp as if it were a game of tag. "So slow!" she laughed, her voice ringing out as the men desperately tried to grab her, but each attempt ended in failure. Nezuko's speed was blinding, and she moved as if the world around her was moving in slow motion.

Even Xue Ling was astonished by her speed and agility. Nezuko moved effortlessly, laughing all the while, as though the men's clumsy attempts to capture her were just part of a grand game. "What kind of training did Mihawk give her?" Xue Ling wondered, impressed and relieved that Nezuko could handle herself so easily.

The assassins, on the other hand, grew frustrated, their initial confidence crumbling as they failed repeatedly. Nezuko's laughter echoed through the battlefield, mocking their every move.

Sect Master Du Shen and Mo Jun widened their eyes in astonishment as they watched Nezuko, the Heaven's Child, playfully maneuver through their assassins as if they were no more than children. The young girl was far stronger than they had anticipated, treating the deadly chase like a game, her movements swift and effortless. Meanwhile, Xue Ling, focused on protecting Nezuko, displayed her prowess as she deftly countered the onslaught of attacks. Her calm and precise actions showed her experience and power, evading every profound art with grace and deadly precision.

Then, in a fleeting moment, a stray attack clipped Xue Ling's head covering, revealing her face as her dark hair flowed down her back. Du Shen's breath caught in his throat.

"You…! Grand Imperial Protector Xue Ling!" Du Shen exclaimed in disbelief. The shock rippled through his men as they stepped back in fear and caution. Facing Xue Ling was one thing, but learning she was the infamous Grand Imperial Protector changed the game entirely.

Both he and Mo Jun instinctively tensed, knowing they were outmatched. Xue Ling's reputation preceded her—a Fourth Level Emperor Profound Realm cultivator. They had heard whispers of her power, but standing before her now, they realized they were nothing but insects compared to her might.

"Dracule Mihawk's second wife is the Grand Imperial Protector?" Du Shen murmured in disbelief. It suddenly made sense. The connection, the power, the child—it all lined up. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

Mo Jun, now drenched in cold sweat, spoke up, his voice trembling. "The first wife is the Fairy of Frozen Glass… and this one… She must be the one who gave birth to the Heaven's Child while the other raised her."

Du Shen didn't need reminding of their precarious situation. Even with their combined power, they were nothing compared to Xue Ling. But the child—the Heaven's Child—had to be captured. She was the key to their future. "It doesn't matter. The child is coming with us, one way or another. Prepare the sealing formation. Seal the mother and child's cultivation."

His assassins quickly moved into position, pulling out talismans and channeling their Profound Energy into a complex formation. The air around them shimmered with the energy of the sealing array. They pointed the talismans toward Xue Ling and Nezuko, casting the intricate spell.

"The formation is done…" one of the assassins called out as the Profound Sealing Formation activated, enveloping the area in a shimmering barrier. It was the same formation the Xiao Sect had once used to seal the cultivation of their enemies, allowing them to defeat even stronger opponents.

Xue Ling, in the middle of fending off her attackers, suddenly felt her strength draining. Her cultivation plummeted, falling below the Earth Profound Realm. Shock and disbelief spread across her face as she realized what was happening. "This… what did you do?"

Du Shen's smirk widened. "Well… it seems that the Grand Imperial Protector is not so grand now." He sneered as he watched her falter. With Xue Ling weakened, he felt a surge of confidence. Capturing Nezuko now would be easy, and with Xue Ling neutralized, there would be no resistance.

Nezuko, still oblivious to the danger, looked up at Xue Ling, sensing the shift in her so called mother's aura. "Haha?" she whispered, her innocent eyes gleaming with worry.

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

In the far northern mountains, Chu Yueli and her older sister, Chu Yuechan, were deep in training, honing their swordsmanship. Chu Yuechan, known as the Little Fairy, was pushing her sister to master both her sword arts and her Haki, the mysterious power she had learned from Yun Che. The younger Chu sister was determined, but a sudden, oppressive sensation gripped her chest, making her break from her form, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

A dark memory flashed before her eyes. It was a feeling she never wanted to experience again—the overwhelming sense of helplessness she felt when her Profound Strength had been sealed.

"Li'er? You looked pale... Are you alright?" Chu Yuechan asked, her sharp eyes noticing the change in her sister's demeanor.

Chu Yueli clenched her fists, her breathing shallow. "This feeling… someone is using the Suppression Formation again."

"Suppression Formation? Again?" Chu Yuechan furrowed her brows.

"It seals Profound Strength. I nearly died when I faced it in the tomb," Chu Yueli muttered, recalling that harrowing encounter. The formation had sapped her strength and left her vulnerable. Since then, she had committed the sensation to memory. It was also the memory of her being resurrected by him.

"Can you tell where it's coming from?" her older sister asked, her voice calm but concerned.

"I can only feel it faintly. It's nearby, but…" Chu Yueli's gaze shifted to her sister. "Onee-san, can you track it with your cultivation art? You're better at sensing auras over long distances."

Chu Yuechan nodded, closing her eyes as she extended her senses outward. Focusing through the vast energy of the mountains, she filtered out the unnecessary disturbances. After a moment, her eyes snapped open. "I sense it. Several auras… toward the sea. Dozens of Sky Profound Realm cultivators, two in the Emperor Profound Realm. And... a suppressed Fourth Level Emperor Profound Realm."

"Fourth level... could it be Xue Ling?" Chu Yueli's heart raced. The Grand Imperial Protector of Blue Wind had a similar cultivation level as their mother, but what could she be doing surrounded by so many powerful enemies?

"Wait…" Chu Yuechan paused, her face tensing as she felt something else. "I sense a child's aura."

"A child?" Chu Yueli's face drained of color as dread flooded her mind. "No... it can't be…"

"Li'er, calm down—" her older sister tried to reassure her, but Chu Yueli's face twisted in fear.

"It's Nezuko! She's in danger!" Chu Yueli shouted, her voice shaking as she leapt into the air, bolting toward the sea without waiting for another word.

"Li'er!" Chu Yuechan called after her, but it was too late—her younger sister had already flown off in a burst of speed. Her new heart, now filled with the overwhelming need to protect Nezuko, fueled her movements beyond their normal limits. Even with Haki, Chu Yuechan could barely keep up, knowing full well how dangerous her sister could become when her emotions took control.

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

Xue Ling's heart raced as she saw Du Shen closing in on Nezuko, her fear not for herself, but for the little girl in her care. "Nezuko!" she cried out, desperately trying to reach her, but Mo Jun intercepted her, forcing her back with a powerful blow that sent her hurtling through the air.

Du Shen thought his opportunity had arrived, but as he closed the distance to Nezuko, the girl playfully dodged him with ease. "Granpa is slow…" she giggled, her voice mocking the powerful sect master. His frustration boiled over, and his pride took a hit. How was this child avoiding him so effortlessly? The formation should have weakened her!

"You!" Du Shen growled, feeling like a fool as Nezuko danced around him as if the fight were a game.

Meanwhile, Mo Jun pressed his advantage, delivering a devastating blow to Xue Ling that sent her spiraling backward. Nezuko's expression changed in an instant as she saw her "Haha" in danger. Without a moment's hesitation, she zoomed through the air, effortlessly evading the assassins, and grabbed Xue Ling's hand, stopping her from being thrown further.

"Haha!" Nezuko's voice was filled with concern as she steadied Xue Ling. Before Xue Ling could warn her, one of the assassins aimed a sneak attack, but in a flash, Nezuko was there, her small frame blocking the blow. With surprising determination, she drew her Yoruko dagger and positioned herself protectively in front of Xue Ling.

The sight of this small child standing against them with nothing but a dagger was laughable to the assassins. "Little girl thinks that dagger is going to save her mother's life," one of them jeered.

"She's just a child! Get her!" another shouted.

Stab.

The mocking was cut short as Nezuko's blade found its mark, plunging straight into the heart of the nearest assassin. The light faded from his eyes as he collapsed to the ground. Xue Ling widened her eyes in shock—Nezuko's innocent smile was gone, and her pink eyes now glowed with a fierce light.

"How…? The formation should lower her strength!" Du Shen roared in disbelief. But Nezuko wasn't affected. Instead, she moved with eerie precision, blocking and parrying every sword strike from another assassin like it was a child's game. Her speed and reflexes were far beyond anything they expected.

With a swift, practiced motion, Nezuko slashed through the man's chest and then leaped from assassin to assassin, her dagger flashing as she sliced through them with chilling efficiency. What had started as a game for her was now a deadly dance, and she moved with supernatural grace, cutting them down one by one.

"Ne… Asobo? (Hey, let's play)" Nezuko asked in a dark sing-song voice, her head tilted in a way that made the remaining assassins shudder. The playful tone was gone, replaced by something far more sinister.

The assassins were now wary, their confidence shaken. They had gravely underestimated her. Nezuko was not an ordinary child; she was not even human. She was Yoruko, a pure spirit whose strength was tied to Yun Che's. As long as Yun Che wasn't suppressed, Yoruko in Nezuko's body wouldn't be either.

Du Shen and Mo Jun had no idea that they were facing an Origin Spirit, something far beyond their comprehension. And by threatening her, they were about to unleash the full wrath of a being tied to an even greater force.

Xue Ling, now revitalized from the miraculous health potion given by Cang Yue, steadied herself and called out to Nezuko, her voice filled with determination. "Nezuko, Haha needs your help! See those men holding the yellow papers? Rip their papers to shreds!"

Nezuko's eyes lit up at the challenge. "Yellow papers? Hai!!" She immediately locked her gaze on the men holding the formation talismans, identifying her targets with uncanny precision.

"Stop her!" Du Shen shouted in desperation, knowing the significance of those papers in keeping the formation intact.

But Nezuko was relentless. With her small knife, she began tearing through the assassins, moving with such speed and fluidity that none dared face her in close combat. Realizing the futility of their weapons, the assassins resorted to their profound arts.

"Use your profound arts on her!" Mo Jun commanded. The assassins complied, launching a barrage of light sword profound arts in her direction. Sword lights cut through the air, aiming to overwhelm Nezuko. But the girl danced between the streaks of energy, effortlessly dodging them with childlike ease.

Then, in an astonishing display of her abilities, Nezuko conjured the very same sword lights that had been used against her. Not only that, but she summoned more than the assassins themselves could muster. She hurled them back with a vengeance, raining down their own technique on them. The assassins, once confident in their power, were now scrambling to defend themselves from their own profound arts.

Xue Ling, watching in awe, could hardly believe her eyes. Nezuko had not only avoided the attacks but mimicked them perfectly—and then some. Her control over the sword lights was flawless, and they now floated behind her like radiant wings, illuminating her figure in an almost divine glow.

Du Shen and Mo Jun were left speechless. "How?! She's using our arts!" Du Shen gasped, fear creeping into his voice as he realized the implications.

What they didn't understand was that Nezuko wasn't an ordinary child. As Yoruko, an Origin Sword Spirit, she possessed the innate ability to instantly learn any sword-related technique she witnessed. The profound arts that had been intended to suppress her were now her weapons, and she wielded them with effortless mastery.

Du Shen and Mo Jun exchanged uneasy glances. This was no mere child they were up against—it was a force far beyond their comprehension. The Heaven's Child was not only powerful, but she was adaptive, a mirror of every technique used against her. And the more they fought her, the stronger she became.

Realizing Nezuko was now a wild card, Du Shen and Mo Jun exchanged worried glances. The child may have been a level weaker, but her speed was unmatched, and she was quickly becoming a formidable opponent. They attempted to capture her, but she danced around them with effortless agility, slashing and darting away, throwing her own sword lights like a tempest.

With a fierce determination, Nezuko targeted the men wielding the yellow talismans, slicing through their defenses with precision. As one of the men fell, the formation faltered, and Xue Ling felt her strength returning. Without a moment's hesitation, she charged forward, swiftly dispatching the remaining talisman holders before they could regroup.

"Haha's strong!" Nezuko cheered, her joy radiating as the sword lights swirled behind her like shimmering wings.

"You're strong too, dear," Xue Ling replied, pride swelling in her chest. "Now, let's fight those old men together!" The question of how her father trained her to mimic profound arts was set aside; Nezuko was undeniably resourceful, smart, and incredibly capable.

"Hai!!" Nezuko exclaimed, raising her dagger and pointing it at their foes.

As the assassins hesitated, Xue Ling and Nezuko advanced, their synergy palpable. Nezuko delivered rapid, precise slashes, injuring her opponents without killing them, while Xue Ling employed her own skills honed from the Heavenly Sword Villa.

"Heavenly Star Frenzy!" Xue Ling unleashed a torrent of sword auras, each one homing in on the assassins. In tandem, Nezuko clapped her hands, releasing her own sword lights to join the fray.

"Eliminate her!" Du Shen roared in desperation. Mo Jun attempted to close the distance, but Nezuko simply played with him, dodging his strikes and weaving through his attacks. Xue Ling took the opportunity to step in, delivering a devastating vertical slash that sent Mo Jun reeling.

"Damn you!" he shouted, clutching his injured shoulder. "Cheater!"

"Harming my daughter? Attempting to kill her? You've just signed your own death warrant," Xue Ling declared, her eyes blazing with fury. She raised her blades, and the sword auras descended upon the remaining assassins.

Nezuko, emboldened by their teamwork, continued to dispatch foes with swift, decisive strikes. "She is my daughter! You better pray my husband doesn't find your sect after this. I guess we raised her too well," Xue Ling taunted, watching as Nezuko effortlessly used their own techniques against them.

"You!!!" Du Shen shouted, his face contorted with rage. "Men, gather and form the formation! We'll throw everything at them! Let's see how they avoid it!"

The remaining assassins quickly regrouped, forming a tight circle and conjuring dozens of sword lights, ready to unleash them upon Xue Ling and Nezuko. But as they prepared to hurl their attacks, the realization sank in—they had underestimated the mother-daughter duo. Fearful for their lives, they made a decision to flee.

Xue Ling's wrath was palpable, and they knew that crossing her would invite the fury of Dracule Mihawk himself. With the weight of their choices heavy upon them, they began to run, hoping to escape the inevitable retribution that would surely follow.

Xue Ling and Nezuko stood ready, their eyes locked on the wave of assassins approaching. Nezuko's grip tightened on Xue Ling's hand, and Xue Ling prepared herself for a vicious battle. The air around them suddenly turned frigid, and in an instant, a bone-chilling cold swept through the horde of assassins. The ground beneath them froze over, and the attackers were caught in a flash freeze, their bodies transforming into ice sculptures before shattering and falling into the waters below.

Xue Ling's eyes widened in surprise as two figures rapidly approached, stopping directly in front of her. The tension in the air shifted as the black-cloaked assassins hesitated, recognizing the new arrivals.

As the figures descended from the skies, they appeared like ethereal figures, their beauty unmatched, their presence commanding reverence revealing to be the Legendary Chu sisters, Chu Yueli and Chu Yuechan. Chu Yueli, the younger of the two, had long, flowing silver peach hair that shimmered like frost under the sunlight, cascading down her back in soft, elegant waves. Her icy blue eyes gleamed with a piercing intensity, yet they held a gentle warmth whenever she looked at Nezuko. Clad in the traditional white and pale blue robes of the Frozen Cloud Asgard, her attire seemed to blend with the cold aura around her, making her appear as if she was sculpted from the very ice she commanded. The delicate patterns of snowflakes embroidered on her robes reflected her grace, while her slender figure moved with effortless agility, her katana resting by her side like an extension of her body.

Chu Yuechan, the elder sister, possessed an equally breathtaking beauty, but hers carried an air of maturity and serenity. Her long, silver peach flowed like a waterfall of midnight silk, contrasting sharply with the pale, smooth skin of her face. Her eyes, a deep, captivating shade of violet, held a quiet strength that could freeze a battlefield with a single glance. She wore similar robes to her sister, though the darker, deeper shades of blue gave her an air of wisdom and power. The frost at her feet seemed to part in reverence as she walked, her calm yet powerful aura radiating a regal presence.

Both sisters, with their flawless features and commanding aura, appeared like winter goddesses, their mere arrival enough to make the assassins falter. The chill they brought wasn't just from their profound cultivation, but from the sheer elegance and untouchable beauty that surrounded them, making them seem otherworldly.

"Chu Yueli…" Xue Ling whispered, her guard still up. The two legendary figures before her were none other than the revered Chu sisters of the Frozen Cloud Asgard, whose very presence commanded fear across the Blue Wind Empire. 

The Fairy of the Frozen Glass, Chu Yueli. Her rival for Nezuko's affection.

The assassins backed away, their confidence draining in an instant. "Chu Yueli and Chu Yuechan!" one of the assailants gasped, his voice filled with dread.

"What are the two Chu sisters doing here?!" another assassin muttered, panic creeping into his tone. Their mission, to capture the Heaven's Child and eliminate her mother, was now an impossible task. The sheer aura radiating from the Chu sisters made them realize that this was a battle they couldn't win.

"Mama!" Nezuko cried out, her voice filled with joy as she spotted Chu Yueli, her supposed mother, standing protectively in front of her. Chu Yuechan, her expression calm yet fierce, took position beside Xue Ling, forming an impenetrable barrier around them.

The assassins' morale plummeted. Facing the combined power of Nezuko and Xue Ling had been difficult enough. But now, with Chu Yueli and Chu Yuechan by their side, there was no chance of victory.

"You dare touch my precious child?!" Chu Yueli's voice cut through the air like a blade, her fury palpable. Her aura surged, causing the sea beneath her to freeze solid. She drew her katana, Tachikaze, the blade gleaming with frost. "Courting death!!"

Sect Master Du Shen, realizing the futility of their mission, shouted in panic, "Retreat! Get out of here!"

The assassins turned to flee, abandoning their task without a second thought. No payment was worth facing the wrath of the Chu sisters. They scattered, desperate to escape with their lives, unwilling to offend the Frozen Cloud Asgard further.

As the assassins desperately hurled explosive tools in a futile attempt to stop the advancing sisters, Chu Yuechan gracefully raised her hand, and with a calm, fluid motion, conjured a protective snow barrier around them. The barrier shimmered, formed of her frost energy and will, effortlessly absorbing the impact of the explosions, turning the destructive force into harmless flakes of snow. Her violet eyes flickered with quiet disdain as the attackers realized their efforts were meaningless.

"Flee!" one of the assassins cried, as they realized they had no chance against the legendary Chu sisters. But before they could escape, Chu Yueli decided to unleash a new profound throne technique she had been perfecting alongside her sister—one that would trap their enemies completely.

"Domain!" she called, her voice cold and commanding. In an instant, the air around her erupted into a fierce blizzard, her ice and snow expanding over the landscape, covering everything within a 10-kilometer radius. The snowstorm grew with terrifying speed, and anyone within its grasp found themselves frozen, encased in ice as if they were mere sculptures. The Sky Profound Realm assassins stood no chance—within moments, they were immobilized, their bodies locked in the icy grip of Chu Yueli's overwhelming power.

"Snowman!" Nezuko shouted gleefully, her innocent voice piercing the violent storm like a child playing in the snow, completely unfazed by the terrifying scene. Xue Ling and Chu Yueli exchanged brief glances, wondering what experiences Nezuko must have endured to see such carnage as nothing more than a game. Despite the danger, Nezuko's laughter echoed in the chaos.

"Hehehe! Mama's angry," Nezuko giggled, oblivious to the death around her. Xue Ling, though used to violence by now, closed her eyes briefly, wishing Nezuko could stay untouched by these battles.

Chu Yueli, now fully immersed in her frost transformation, radiated an aura of raw power. Her silver peach hair flared upwards like a wild storm, her eyes glowing an intense icy blue, and the frost around her katana crackled, each movement promising to freeze everything it touched. She moved with deadly precision, freezing dozens of men with a single sweep of her sword, encasing them in shimmering blocks of ice, all while Nezuko looked on, amused.

Xue Ling sighed inwardly, feeling a mix of awe and concern. Despite Nezuko's odd sense of fun in these moments, Xue Ling vowed silently to shield the girl from such experiences in the future, determined to let her grow up with some innocence intact.

Meanwhile, Chu Yuechan watched her sister's rampage with a quiet intensity. The power Chu Yueli wielded now was unlike anything she had seen before, a result of the new heart both sisters had developed from the unique energy they encountered from Yun Che. It was clear that her emotions for Nezuko, her fierce love and protectiveness, had shaped this new strength in Yueli. With every icy strike, it became evident how far she had come—and how unstoppable she could be when protecting what she held dear.

As Du Shen struggled against Chu Yueli's domain, his voice cracked with desperation. "Fairy of the Frozen Glass, we have no qualms with you! Why interfere with our business?" His words were laced with fear, knowing the fate that awaited him.

Chu Yueli, now radiating an icy aura, gazed down at him with merciless eyes. "You tried to kill my child. Be honored to die by my hands," she replied coldly, her voice filled with unshakable resolve. She wouldn't waste time on words, nor allow this man any final boasts. Before he could speak further, the freezing power of her domain overtook him. Ice crept up his body, encasing him until he was nothing more than a statue frozen in time. His Emperor Profound Realm cultivation was no match for her overwhelming power, especially in this state.

Just like that, the feared Sect Master Du Shen immediately reduced to ice dust. No match against the Fairy of Frozen Glass.

Chu Yuechan observed her sister's attack closely. Despite the crudeness of Chu Yueli's domain compared to the more refined techniques of the Frozen Cloud Asgard, it had become far deadlier. The power wasn't just in the cold—it was in her emotions, especially the maternal protectiveness she felt for Nezuko. Chu Yuechan realized that these emotions fueled her domain, making it far more lethal than anything the sisters had ever wielded before.

It dawned on her that this could be the key to unlocking a legendary power: Domain Expansion.

In the history of profound cultivation, domains typically grew stronger in proportion to their user's cultivation level, but few cultivators had ever explored the full potential of domain powers. Chu Yuechan had read ancient texts that spoke of a mythical Awakened Domain, a level of mastery where the wielder could not only expand the domain's range but manipulate everything within it—altering reality itself. Those rare masters who attained this had the power to shape their domain like a world of their own creation, a separate dimension where they reigned supreme.

But such powers had been lost to time, only whispered about in legends. Yet now, watching her sister's incredible display of power, fueled by the emotional bonds between her, Nezuko, and the new heart derived from Yun Che, Chu Yuechan wondered if they were standing on the precipice of rediscovering this ancient secret.

"If we can master the connection between our hearts and this power," Chu Yuechan mused, "Domain Expansion could become reality." The very idea made her heart race. With this new heart and the Haki, they could unlock what had eluded even the most powerful cultivators for thousands of years. It would give them control over their surroundings in an unprecedented way, shaping the world inside their domain as they pleased.

Chu Yuechan knew this discovery would not only give her an edge in future battles, but it could also bring her closer to Yun Che. With such mastery, she might be able to stand by his side as an equal, wielding powers beyond anything seen before.

As she watched her sister dispatch the remaining enemies with cold efficiency, her resolve strengthened. They would uncover the secrets of Domain Expansion—and with it, their power would be unmatched.

Chu Yueli stood amidst the frozen remains of the assassins, her breath calm but her heart still blazing with fury. She had finished every one of them without a shred of mercy, determined that anyone who dared to harm Nezuko would pay with their life. As she surveyed the battlefield, the leader of the assassins, the last one standing, screamed in defiance.

"You... bitch!!" Mo Jun shouted, his voice cracking with rage. Years of careful planning, the resources spent cultivating these Sky Profound Realm assassins, all wasted. He had dreamt of molding Nezuko into a perfect weapon, a monarch for his sect. But in mere moments, a single woman from Frozen Cloud Asgard had destroyed everything.

Desperate, Mo Jun charged toward Chu Yueli, his aura flaring wildly, but it was futile. The moment he got close, his body began to freeze, slowing his movement until he was completely encased in ice. His hand, reaching for her face, froze inches away. With a flick of her hand, Chu Yueli sent his ice-encased form toppling into the frozen ocean below, shattering upon impact.

"Mama!" Nezuko's cheerful voice pierced through the cold as she flew toward Chu Yueli, leaping into her arms.

Chu Yueli's expression softened immediately, her anger dissolving as she gently cradled Nezuko. "Nezuko, what are you doing out here?" she asked, her voice tender as she stroked the little girl's cheek.

"Haha brought me out to eat!" Nezuko said, her eyes bright with innocence, oblivious to the danger she'd just been in. She then turned to Xue Ling, the one she'd affectionately referred to as "Haha" all day.

"Lady Xue Ling…" Chu Yueli muttered eyeing Xue Ling.

"Lady Chu Yueli," Xue Ling responded, her tone cautious but firm. Their eyes met, tension sparking between them. Xue Ling knew she couldn't defeat Chu Yueli in a direct confrontation right now, but that didn't mean she would relinquish Nezuko without a fight.

"You were supposed to keep her safe," Chu Yueli remarked, her voice laced with accusation as she glared at Xue Ling, furious that Nezuko had been put in danger.

Xue Ling didn't back down. "She can handle herself. Her father didn't raise her to be a softie. Perhaps a mother should trust her child more instead of coddling her." Her words struck a nerve, and Chu Yueli's eyes flashed with anger.

"You've just proven how incapable you are as her protector. Maybe she shouldn't be in your care at all," Chu Yueli shot back, her voice sharp.

Xue Ling's lips curled into a defiant smile. "And what makes you any better? You allowed this entire situation to escalate, making Nezuko a target for everyone in the tournament," she countered, her tone biting.

Chu Yuechan stood quietly, watching as the tension between the two women mounted. She didn't intervene, sensing that this was something they needed to settle themselves. Both women threw verbal daggers at one another, their emotions running high, but suddenly, Nezuko's voice broke through.

"(Dame!) Haha and Mama fighting is bad!" Nezuko exclaimed, her small voice filled with concern as she looked between the two.

Xue Ling and Chu Yueli paused, glancing at each other before slowly lowering their weapons. Xue Ling was the first to speak. "Indeed. Let's settle this some other time, Lady Chu Yueli."

Chu Yueli, still seething but unwilling to upset Nezuko further, nodded in agreement. "Understandable," she said, taking a deep breath as she withdrew her domain, the icy tension around them starting to fade.

Chu Yuechan stepped forward, her voice calm and steady. "Are you calm now, Li'er?"

Chu Yueli nodded but kept her gaze on Nezuko, who still rested comfortably in her arms. Seeing an opportunity, she gently coaxed the little girl. "Nezuko, would you like to come with your Mama?"

Nezuko hesitated, then giggled softly. "Onee-chan told me to go with Haha today. Haha is really nice. She brought me to eat soba. Hehehe…" She happily wriggled out of Chu Yueli's arms and into Xue Ling's, causing Xue Ling to flash a triumphant smile.

Chu Yueli's lips tightened, but she said nothing. As much as it pained her to let Nezuko go, she knew better than to push the matter in front of the child. For now, she'd have to let Xue Ling have her moment of victory.

But this wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

As Xue Ling cradled Nezuko close and flew through the sky, her mind was racing. She had won this small battle with Chu Yueli, but the war over Nezuko's heart was far from over. Both women occupied different spaces in the little girl's life, and Xue Ling knew she had to be careful. While Chu Yueli had the strength and the fierce love of a mother, Xue Ling had built a deep bond with Nezuko through care, playfulness, and time. Now, more than ever, she needed to secure that bond.

"You win this time, Lady Xue Ling," Chu Yueli had said moments ago, the bitterness in her voice unmistakable. "But make no mistake, she still sees me as her mama."

"And I am her Haha which means mother in her language," Xue Ling had calmly replied, clutching Nezuko tighter in her arms. "We both occupy her heart. I may be weaker than you now, but I'll match your level soon, and we'll settle this properly."

Xue Ling wasn't lying. Though her strength didn't yet rival Chu Yueli's, she had no intention of losing this silent contest. She knew that Nezuko didn't care about power or strength. It was love, warmth, and connection that mattered to her, and Xue Ling was determined to give her all of it. Securing Nezuko's heart would be the key to securing Mihawk's, too.

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

As Xue Ling and Nezuko vanished into the distance, Chu Yueli's frustration simmered just beneath the surface. She could feel her emotions pulling at her heart, a tug of war between her love for Nezuko and her irritation at Xue Ling's growing bond with the child. Chu Yueli had always been confident in her abilities and her role as Nezuko's mother, but today, she realized it wasn't strength or status that would win Nezuko's love.

Her elder sister, Chu Yuechan, spoke softly, breaking the silence. "Li'er?"

Chu Yueli took a deep breath, her fists still clenched, but her anger began to cool. "I can't harm Xue Ling. If I do, Nezuko will hate me forever. And that's something I won't risk."

Chu Yuechan nodded, understanding the depth of her sister's feelings. "Then you must settle this in another way. Nezuko is young, and power doesn't matter to her. She's drawn to love, to care, and to warmth. Show her that. Food, attention, and affection may win her over more than strength ever could."

Chu Yueli nodded slowly, her mind racing with possibilities. "I'll try. I'll improve my cooking, spend more time with her, and be the mother she wants. I'll show Xue Ling that Nezuko belongs with me."

Chu Yuechan sighed, feeling the weight of her sister's determination. "You've changed, Li'er. I can see how much you care for Nezuko. It's beautiful, but dangerous. Don't let your rivalry with Xue Ling cloud your judgment."

As they flew back towards their courtyard, Chu Yueli's resolve only strengthened. She was determined to earn Nezuko's love, to become the mother that the child would turn to without hesitation. It wouldn't be an easy path, and Xue Ling was a formidable rival in this battle of hearts.

"I'll settle this properly in the future," Chu Yueli whispered to herself, vowing to win Nezuko over not with force, but with the genuine love and care that only a true mother could provide.

As they flew, the skies darkened.

Then, their eyes turned to the storm brewing in the city, unaware of the events that happened along with it.