Chapter 199: The Second Round (II)

As Yun Che stepped down from the stage, the atmosphere shifted. His first match had already set an intimidating bar, one that the other participants couldn't help but notice. Whispers ran through the crowd, and nervous glances were exchanged between competitors.

Moreover, whispers began to ripple through the crowd as gazes shifted toward Du Ming, one of Yun Che's most prominent supporters. The transformation was undeniable. Once notorious for his hideous appearance, he now bore the striking visage of a handsome and refined man.

The contrast was startling, and disbelief spread among those familiar with his past. How could the Du Ming they knew—an "abomination" infamous for his loathing of Yun Che—have undergone such a radical change in just a single day?

"Is that really Du Ming? How could someone so ugly suddenly look like this?"

"Do you think he's using some kind of forbidden art or treasure?"

"Or maybe it's… Yun Che's doing?"

The audience's confusion only deepened. Some suspected foul play, while others wondered if Yun Che had extended some mysterious grace even to a sworn enemy. Whatever the truth, Du Ming's transformation only added another layer of intrigue to an already unforgettable tournament.

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Blue Wind Imperial Family's Unohana Retsu —— versus —— Wuying Sect, Zhang Kai

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"Oh, might as well stay and watch," he muttered to himself as he saw the notification, sinking further into the moment instead of going back. Yun Che lazily leaned against the arena's edge, casually slipping a small lollipop into his mouth. He could feel the curious stares from the other contestants, their eyes wide at the sight of him eating something so... ordinary and odd.

At that moment, a voice cut through his thoughts.

"Yuu-kun! It's my turn!" Retsu called out, her voice light yet filled with determination. She approached him gracefully, her parasol in hand, the sunlight filtering through the delicate fabric.

Her Uchikatsugi hat, with its flowing veil, hid her face from prying eyes, but to Yun Che, it felt as though the hat itself was nothing more than a veilless hat. He could see her clearly, the subtle glint in her eyes and the soft curve of her lips as she moved toward him.

"I'll walk you over," Yun Che said with a smile, matching her pace as they made their way toward her arena.

As they reached the edge of the stage, Yun Che's eyes caught the figure of Retsu's opponent. The man stood with a calm demeanor, his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes closed, as though he had already won. His long, flowing hair caught the wind, adding to his aloof appearance. The blue robes of his sect rippled lightly with the breeze, and the sword strapped to his back added an air of quiet confidence.

"Ready?" Yun Che asked, his voice low as he turned to Retsu, his expression playful but with a hint of focus.

Retsu smirked, giving Yun Che a playful nod before casually stepping up onto the stage. She moved with an almost casual grace, her Uchikatsugi hat and veil casting a mysterious aura over her. Her opponent, Zhang Kai, narrowed his eyes as he studied her veiled appearance, frustrated that today he couldn't even catch a glimpse of her face.

"How can you fight if you can't see properly?" he challenged, a wary glint in his gaze.

Retsu's smile, though hidden, was palpable in her voice. "I can see everything clearly. Worry not."

Zhang Kai cupped his hands in respect. "Impressive. A woman who wields a vast arsenal within a single parasol. I've watched your matches, and humbly, I have a request."

Retsu tilted her head, feigning mild curiosity. "Do tell…"

"I propose we cross blades as swordsmasters alone. No hidden tricks, no additional weapons—just a pure, honest sword battle," he said, his tone almost reverent.

She chuckled softly. "Hmm… very well."

Retsu walked gracefully to the edge of the arena, stopping in front of Yun Che. Without a word, she handed him her parasol, trusting him to keep it safe.

Yun Che chuckled as Retsu handed over her parasol. "Not going all in with it, then?"

Retsu gave him a sly smile, twisting the handle to reveal a slim, gleaming blade hidden within the parasol's frame. Gasps rippled through the crowd as they realized her weapon of choice—a simple, unassuming short sword pulled from a seemingly decorative parasol. Her mastery over various weapons was already known, but this move caught everyone's attention, as it signaled a more serious intent.

"Just go easy on him," Yun Che quipped, casually resting the parasol on his shoulder. He knew how formidable she could be even when holding back.

"Ufufu… I am merely honoring his request," she replied, stepping confidently back into the arena, her short sword glinting beside her.

The referee looked between them. "Are both fighters ready?"

Zhang Kai drew his own blade, his eyes narrowing. While he was impressed by her willingness to oblige his request for a straightforward sword fight, he couldn't shake the unease her calm presence stirred in him. He'd assumed her skill with a sword might be minimal, as she hadn't used one in previous battles. Yet the ease with which she wielded this modest blade suggested otherwise.

In the distance, Xia Qingyue observed intently. She knew every insight gained on Retsu's combat style could prove valuable if they ever crossed paths in a fight.

With a steady breath, Retsu lowered herself into a poised stance. Zhang Kai mirrored her, gripping his sword tightly. The air was charged with anticipation as the crowd watched, entranced by the clash about to unfold.

"Begin!"

Zhang Kai pressed on, his blade flashing in the arena lights as he executed a series of rapid strikes. His footwork was flawless, each movement precise, every angle calculated to push Retsu off balance. But despite the sharpness of his attacks, Retsu remained as calm as still water.

With every swing of his blade, she met him halfway, her parasol sword moving in graceful arcs, absorbing each blow with delicate ease. Her footwork, subtle and fluid, kept her just out of reach while her blade intercepted his attacks with minimal effort. Her expression remained tranquil, as if the intensity of the duel was merely an afternoon practice.

Frustration began to creep into Zhang Kai's stance. He pushed harder, his strikes faster, but she was still one step ahead, reading his movements before he even completed them. Retsu's blade flickered, deflecting his strikes with gentle precision, each movement causing his own strength to dissipate like water crashing against stone.

"Why…" he muttered under his breath, breath he was starting to lose as he fought to keep pace with her. "Why can't I get through?"

She stood still, executing only the necessary movements. Each strike was blocked with ease; her parasol sword seemed to move on its own, always in the right place at the right time. Her actions were fluid, a seamless dance, as if the weapon were an extension of her very being. Zhang's blade clashed against hers repeatedly, each impact met with an almost mocking softness, as though she held complete control over the pace and flow of the fight.

"Whirlwind Strike!" he shouted, launching into a rapid series of thrusts, aiming for ten, then fifty strikes, each one meant to overwhelm. But to his shock, she dodged or parried every single attack without stepping back. Every stab, every slash was met with perfect calm and precision, her expression as serene as still water.

Yun Che watched with a smirk, his mind drifting to the possibility of learning this state of perfect awareness. "Observation Haki in her hands really is overpowered. Wonder if we could learn that "state" someday..." The thought stirred his excitement, seeing the mastery on display as something he might achieve.

The crowd was silent, mesmerized, as Retsu's sword deflected Zhang's last desperate attack with ease. Zhang Kai, realizing he was outmatched, took a steady breath and lowered his sword.

Zhang Kai attempted a bold feint, swinging his sword low to force her into a defensive stance, only to rise up with a sudden, powerful thrust aimed at her chest. But Retsu barely reacted. With a slight twist of her wrist, her sword met his blade's tip, effortlessly redirecting it away. Undeterred, he tried again, only to watch her sidestep with grace, the parasol sword flicking up to intercept his thrust and deflecting it with the lightest touch.

The audience watched in awe. Her movements were so soft, so fluid, it was as if she barely used any strength at all. Seeing her handle his attacks with such effortless skill, Zhang Kai gritted his teeth and decided to put everything he had into a final, powerful thrust. He channeled all his strength, believing that this time his force might break through her defense. But Retsu, calm as ever, simply redirected his blade once more, causing it to strike the arena floor. The force of his own strength split the ground beneath them, cracks radiating from the impact. Zhang Kai's eyes widened, realization dawning—she hadn't even blocked or avoided his strike. She'd merely softened its path and let his own power defeat itself.

With his sword still buried in the ground, he looked up to find Retsu's blade resting just below his chin. A jolt of fear overcame him, understanding at last that she had never truly been fighting him. She was merely allowing him to grasp the difference between them. She lowered her sword and stepped back, waiting for him to continue—or concede.

Zhang Kai took a moment, pulling his sword free. In the Wuying Sect, he was regarded as a swordmaster, but standing before this woman, he felt like a child wielding a toy. He knew now—this was no ordinary opponent; she was leagues beyond him.

A moment of stillness passed, and Zhang Kai's eyes narrowed with fierce determination. Though he knew the battle was slipping away from him, his pride wouldn't allow him to yield. With a roar, he unleashed his ultimate technique.

"Shadow Gale!" he shouted, launching a tempest of slashes designed to engulf Retsu in a whirlwind of steel. His strikes multiplied, energy-infused slashes and thrusts converging toward her from every angle. The arena's air churned with the force, the crowd feeling the gusts even from behind the protective barrier. It was a spectacle—a storm of blades and energy that filled every inch of space in Retsu's direction.

But Retsu moved through his assault like water through rocks, gliding between strikes with an eerie calm. She ducked under one blade, sidestepped another, and with minimal effort, deflected energy slashes with a flick of her parasol sword. Each movement was precise, as if she could see the very essence of his attacks. Step by step, she advanced through the storm, deflecting and dodging without breaking her rhythm. The multitude of strikes seemed to part for her, as though she could read a hidden path within the chaos.

Gasps echoed through the crowd as they watched Retsu's flawless approach. Her effortless evasion reminded Chu Yueli and her fellow disciples of the time they'd seen Nezuko cut through a raging snowstorm, seeming to find invisible trails where the storm's fury never touched her. To the spectators, Retsu was a ghostly figure moving in perfect harmony with the storm of blades, advancing toward Zhang Kai with a grace that defied logic.

Charging her blade with a quiet intensity, Retsu thrust forward, piercing through Zhang Kai's storm technique and unraveling it with one decisive strike. The tip of her parasol sword caught his blade and twisted it, throwing him off balance and canceling his barrage of attacks. Her soft, almost sorrowful smile was the last thing he saw before the tip of her sword pressed gently against the center of his chest, halting him in his tracks.

The crowd fell silent, utterly shocked. Retsu had ended the battle with calm precision, her movements serene and controlled. She had wielded only a single blade, yet her skill had been beyond anything they had expected. What many didn't realize, though, was that Retsu with a sword was something even Yun Che himself would avoid if possible.

"Your resolve is strong," Retsu's voice was calm, almost maternal. "But in the end, skill alone does not win a battle. Power without perception lacks purpose. You have yet to truly understand the sword."

Zhang Kai stood there, breathing heavily, his sword slipping from his grip. He was overwhelmed by Retsu's dominance, her effortless control over the fight. For all his skill, he was outclassed in every way.

Retsu lowered her parasol sword, concluding the match with a serene yet unyielding presence. "It's not about the number of strikes," she said, her voice gentle yet resolute. "It's about the precision and timing of each one. Summoning a storm of attacks, hoping a few will land, is futile if you lack the understanding to guide them."

Retsu's words lingered in the air as she turned her back on her defeated opponent, her parasol sword now resting calmly at her side. "A sword wields no strength unless the hand that holds it has courage," she spoke, her voice measured and wise. "You lacked courage, and your strikes lacked resolve. Your sword was not in sync with your will, and that affects your precision and timing. Improve on that."

She took one last glance at Zhang Kai over her shoulder, her gaze cool but not unkind. "Also, remember, the blade is your companion. Trust it next time."

Zhang Kai, breath ragged and body aching, slowly rose to his feet. His sword was heavy in his hand, a reminder of his defeat. With a stiff bow, he cupped his hands in respect, though the soreness in his body made the gesture slow. "Thank you for the lesson, kind lady."

"Blue Wind Imperial Family—Unohana Retsu wins!!!" The announcer's voice rang out across the arena, drawing the crowd's attention to the serene victor standing at the center of the ring.

Retsu smiled faintly beneath her hat, her heart calm and unaffected by the battle.

The spectators whispered among themselves, many now understanding just how formidable she truly was. If she could so easily counter a devastating storm of attacks, what could any other opponent hope to accomplish against her? Whoever faced her next would have to give everything they had just to make her move a single muscle.

Zhang Kai, in his defeat, bowed respectfully, acknowledging the immense gap in skill between them. There was no shame in his loss—only the quiet acceptance of his shortcomings. Retsu had not only countered his sword but had, with effortless grace, turned his own momentum against him, her actions gentle as a breeze but as unyielding as an ocean current. She hadn't even used an offensive technique, yet she had dominated him completely.

"If I may ask…" His voice trailed off as he hesitated, unsure whether to voice the question that had been nagging at him since the battle had ended. Finally, he decided to ask. "What is that technique you used at the end of your battle yesterday?"

Retsu paused at his question, her gaze thoughtful as the memory of her devastating attack surfaced. She looked back at Zhang Kai, who awaited her answer with a mixture of respect and curiosity. Deciding to indulge him, she responded, her voice calm and measured.

"Caprice," she began, her tone reflecting the weight of her words. "It's a technique that spreads the energy in a stab or thrust, diffusing the force in an unpredictable manner."

Zhang Kai's eyes widened in understanding and awe. "Is it possible to learn?"

Retsu's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Anyone can learn it, but not everyone has the strength to wield it." Her answer was simple, yet it carried a depth that Zhang Kai would need time to fully grasp.

With that, she turned and began to walk away, her parasol sword then securely stowed back in its handle as she reached Yun Che who returned her parasol back to her. She stood beside him, the familiar sense of calm and contentment settling in. Without a word, he reached out and gently patted her head, a gesture that only deepened the tranquility between them.

Zhang Kai watched them for a moment, still processing the weight of her words. He didn't fully understand yet, but one thing was clear—Retsu had seen right through him. He had strength, but lacked skill. He had skill, but lacked resolve and courage. He knew he had much to learn, and Retsu had given him the clarity he needed to seek out that growth.

Ling Yun gritted his teeth in frustration. Even after unleashing his devastating storm of slashes, he had seen Zhang Kai fall to Retsu's calm and effortless mastery. If he were to face her in the arena, he would have no choice but to go all out, trusting his cultivation as an Earth Profound Realm master. But beyond that, there was something else driving him—a desire to conquer her, to win her heart. His eyes shifted toward Retsu and Yun Che, the sight of their close connection only fueling his jealousy and resentment.

"Pfff… how kind of you to give him pointers," Yun Che teased, a grin playing on his lips as he caught Retsu's gaze.

Retsu tilted her head slightly, her voice soft but carrying an air of amusement. "It was merely guidance to sword users," she replied, her fingers gently intertwining with his, a subtle reassurance that his concerns were unfounded. She could sense his jealousy, but knew it was a passing moment—nothing compared to the strength of their bond.

"Yes, it is, sweetie," Yun Che responded, the smile never leaving his face. He was confident in her love for him, knowing there was no room for doubt between them.

Retsu's eyes lingered on the arena, the crowd murmuring in awe over the skills on display. "A lot of people have strong will, but not everyone can use their abilities well," she mused quietly, reflecting on the nature of strength and how people often sought raw power rather than honing the true skills that made one formidable.

Yun Che couldn't help but agree with her words.

Yun Che and Retsu both turned their heads at the sound of Cang Yue's voice. The playful hint of jealousy in her tone was evident, though she tried hard to hide it behind a teasing smile. She had clearly noticed their closeness.

"Look at you two, people are looking, you know?" Cang Yue said, her words dripping with amusement, but the subtle hint of envy was hard to miss.

"Uhh... ehem..." Yun Che cleared his throat, his cheeks flushed slightly in embarrassment. He and Retsu quickly regained their composure, though a light smile still played at the corners of Yun Che's lips. Retsu, ever so graceful, adjusted her posture as well, her calm demeanor returning.

"You're here early, Little Yue," Retsu remarked, her tone warm but laced with a subtle teasing edge as she turned to face Cang Yue.

"Of course, I want to see your battle up close," Cang Yue replied, her grin wide and playful. Despite the underlying jealousy, she couldn't help but admire Retsu's effortless elegance in the arena. "How could I not, after all that's been said about you?"

Yun Che chuckled softly, enjoying the dynamic between them. "Someone's a fan."