Chapter 223: Round of 16: Shui Wushuang Vs Unohana Retsu

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Round of 16 Fourth Match – Frozen Cloud Asgard Shui Wushuang ----- versus-------Blue Wind Imperial Family - Unohana Retsu

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However, the focus now shifted to the next match—Unohana Retsu versus Shui Wushuang. The atmosphere within the Frozen Cloud Asgard's ranks was tense yet resigned. Gong Yuxian, though outwardly composed, couldn't help but worry.

Shui Wushuang was no novice; she was a skilled warrior and a proud member of the Frozen Cloud Asgard. But Unohana Retsu was a completely different caliber of opponent. Her precision, grace, and overwhelming power made her almost untouchable in combat, especially with her weaponized parasol.

She glided gracefully toward the arena, her every movement like that of a spirit drifting on air. The second match between the Blue Wind Imperial Family and the Frozen Cloud Asgard was about to unfold, and the tension was palpable. The crowd had not yet forgotten Wu Xuexin's defeat at the hands of Cang Yue—an unexpected turn that had already shaken the Frozen Cloud Asgard's chances for a top-eight finish.

Her figure flowed effortlessly through the air, a vision of elegance. Her long, flowing hair was tied neatly into a ponytail, held in place by a delicate snowflake hairclip, with strands falling freely below her waist. Her robes, the traditional attire of Frozen Cloud Asgard, swayed like the wind, adding to her ethereal presence. The veil over her face added an air of mystery, leaving her features concealed, yet her aura spoke of strength and grace in equal measure.

As she approached the arena, the atmosphere grew thick with anticipation. She moved with purpose, her gaze steady, but her thoughts sharp. The loss of Wu Xuexin weighed heavily on her sect, and she couldn't afford to fail.

In the Blue Wind Imperial Family seating zone, Yun Che called out, "Retsu? Are you ready?"

Retsu, still in the preparation corner, answered without turning, "Hai! Just a moment." There was a brief rustling sound, followed by her voice again. "Sorry, the preparation took a while."

Yun Che and the rest of the group—Mai, Mei, and others—watched curiously as Retsu finally emerged. She was wearing something entirely unexpected.

"Ho? What's with today's getup?" Yun Che's eyes widened in surprise. The others shared a similar look of intrigue.

Retsu smiled softly, her eyes glinting with quiet confidence. "Ufuu, I'm trying a different approach for today's battle. Since we're facing the Frozen Cloud Asgard, I thought I'd make some changes."

She stepped forward, her movements graceful despite the outfit's unique design. Unlike the traditional kimono she always wore, this one was far more practical. The sleeves, usually flowing and restrictive in traditional kimono style, were now wide and loose, offering her the freedom to move her arms fluidly. Around her waist, a pink and white obi was tied tightly, with a delicate flower obidome fastening it.

Her lower half was just as striking—what would traditionally be a full-length skirt below her knees was now split in a way that allowed for far more agility. The flowing fabric with a pink edge and white-pink flower patterns swirled around her as she moved, giving a sense of fluidity while still maintaining a sense of grace. The kimono, though still beautiful, was clearly designed with battle in mind.

Yun Che couldn't help but stare, his surprise giving way to admiration. He had seen Retsu wield her power time and again in her formal kimono, its restrictive design never hindering her, but now she was dressed for something more. This was a battle kimono—designed specifically for freedom of movement. It was a modernized variation meant for battle warriors, unlike the formal kimono she had worn for every match up until now.

To think that all this time she had defeated her opponents while wearing a formal kimono. Now, with this battle-ready design, Yun Che knew she was preparing for something different. A new approach in battle.

"Ufuu… I wonder what kind of battle she'll give me," Retsu mused, her voice carrying a soft, playful tone as she adjusted her veiled hat. With a graceful step, she glided toward the stage in her new battle kimono, the flowing fabric adding an ethereal quality to her movements.

Cang Yue opened her mouth to comment, but Retsu had already disappeared from sight. All eyes followed her as she descended into the arena, her presence commanding immediate attention. Shui Wushuang's eyes widened in shock, mirrored by the gasps rippling through the crowd.

Retsu was unarmed—no parasol, no visible weapon. She stepped onto the stage with nothing but her serene smile underneath her veiled hat and confident aura.

"Do you not need your parasol?" Shui Wushuang asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. Her mind raced, cycling through every potential weapon Retsu might wield. This scenario was not one she had anticipated.

Retsu responded with a polite smile, bowing slightly. "Ufuu… I won't be needing it for this match. Don't worry; I won't make this boring."

The crowd buzzed with speculation, but Shui Wushuang's expression tightened. She steadied herself, refusing to underestimate Retsu despite the unusual situation.

"Shui Wushuang, please guide me." Shui Wushuang cupped her hands as she introduced herself.

"Please guide me as well," Retsu smiled.

Ling Wugou raised his hand, signaling the start of the match. "Begin!"

Without hesitation, Shui Wushuang moved first, summoning her Frozen Cloud Spikes. A barrage of ice spikes shot toward Retsu with precision, but Retsu's movements were fluid and effortless. She dodged each one, weaving gracefully through the attack.

Then, to the astonishment of everyone watching, she caught one of the ice spikes mid-flight with her bare hand. The crowd erupted in gasps and murmurs, and Shui Wushuang froze in shock.

"Impossible," Shui Wushuang muttered, staring at Retsu as she examined the ice spike in her hand as if it were an interesting trinket.

Retsu tilted her head, her smile unwavering underneath her hat. "Ufuu… I hope you can show me Frozen Cloud Arts well."

Her calm demeanor and playful tone sent a ripple of unease through Shui Wushuang, who quickly realized that this was going to be a far more challenging battle than she had imagined.

Retsu's eyes shifted to an intense, glowing blue, signaling her transition to a new style of battle. She raised her arm gracefully, the ice spike in her hand dissolving into water in an elegant, fluid motion. The sight left the entire arena stunned.

Gasps rippled through the crowd as the water burst forth from her hand, twisting and dancing around her like an extension of her will. With a subtle movement, the water surged forward in two powerful streams, barreling toward Shui Wushuang. The Frozen Cloud disciple hastily raised her shield of ice, narrowly deflecting the attack. Despite her defense, Shui Wushuang was visibly shaken, realizing she was up against an opponent who had mastered the elusive and rare Water Manipulation Arts.

The arena was silent for a moment, then erupted into murmurs of astonishment.

Xia Qingyue's eyes widened in shock, unable to hide her astonishment. She had never witnessed water-based techniques like these before—fluid, adaptable, and seemingly alive.

"Water Arts!?" someone in the crowd exclaimed, voicing the shock shared by many. Sect leaders and disciples alike stood from their seats, unable to hide their awe.

Water laws were rare, often overshadowed by the more common cultivation of ice or fire. For someone to manipulate water with such mastery was an extraordinary sight.

Yun Che let out a low whistle, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "To think she'd go full waterbending. She wasn't joking about fighting Frozen Cloud Asgard with their own laws. No wonder she needed the battle kimono."

He could see it in Retsu's movements—this wasn't just a demonstration of skill; it was a calculated challenge. She had been itching to try waterbending for ages, waiting for the perfect opportunity and opponet to showcase its full potential. Facing an opponent who used water-derived ice laws was just the catalyst she needed.

"Yuu-sama, is waterbending really that rare?" Nemu asked, her curiosity piqued.

Yun Che nodded, crossing his arms. "Pretty much. Elemental arts are governed by specific sects in this world. Burning Heaven Clan specializes in fire arts, Frozen Cloud Asgard focuses on ice, and you've already seen Jin Providence with his earth-based arts yesterday. Elemental manipulation like waterbending or advanced water arts like Shin Yue isn't just rare—it's practically unheard of here. Most sects stick to rigid techniques with limited adaptability."

Nemu tilted her head thoughtfully. "So Nee-sama's versatility makes her waterbending unique?"

"Exactly," Yun Che affirmed. "Versatile arts like waterbending or ancient water manipulation go beyond just flashy techniques—they're adaptable, fluid, and can counter nearly anything thrown at them. That's what makes them so rare and dangerous."

Mio chimed in, her expression unimpressed. "Even so, their so-called elemental mastery is… disappointing. The Burning Heaven Clan's fire arts? Flashy flames and basic attacks. No real creativity. Frozen Cloud Asgard's ice arts? They're not much better—effective, sure, but still basic."

Yun Che chuckled. "You're not wrong, Mio. Compared to bending arts like firebending or waterbending, their techniques feel stiff. They focus on power and repetition, not innovation or versatility. It's why Retsu's style stands out so much."

Yun Che let out a sigh, shaking his head slightly. "It's always like this with sects like Frozen Cloud Asgard. They have their set of techniques, and that's it. They learn them, they master them, and they pass them down. But innovation? Creativity? Forget it. Not once have I read about anyone in their ranks modifying or merging moves to create something entirely new."

His gaze shifted back to the arena, where Retsu's fluid movements captivated everyone in the crowd. "And then there's Retsu," he continued, a hint of pride in his voice. "Her water bending is the exact opposite—limitless and boundless. She's not confined by tradition or rigid doctrines. Every move she makes shows the world that techniques aren't meant to be static. They can evolve, adapt, and become something greater in the heat of battle."

"Just like Shin Yue… but Yun Che said water bending isn't like the ancient water arts. It was more versatile and unpredictable." Cang Yue thought as she remembered that ancient water arts wielded by Shin Yue tend to be versatile and can become almost anything.

In the Frozen Cloud Asgard seating area, Gong Yuxian's eyes widened. Even Chu Yuechan, the usually composed Little Fairy, couldn't hide her surprise.

"Rascal must've taught her this. That rascal…. How vast is his knowledge?" Little Fairy murmured.

"This Yin nature… I knew she was unique, but to this degree?" Gong Yuxian murmured, her voice tinged with awe and determination. The rare spectacle unfolding before her was more than just a display of skill—it was a revelation. She clenched her fists subtly, her mind racing. I must bring her into Frozen Cloud Asgard. No matter the cost.

The realization hit her like a tidal wave. While the Frozen Cloud Asgard disciples prided themselves on mastering Ice Frozen Cloud Arts, their cultivation had always been a derivative of water. Ice was merely a frozen form of the element. To control ice was to command a fragment of water's nature, but to manipulate water in its purest state? That was an entirely different realm of mastery.

Water, in its fluidity, carried infinite potential. It could flow, crash, adapt, and transform. Its versatility made it far more potent than ice, which, despite its strength, remained rigid and limited. Retsu's ability to wield water so effortlessly showcased a profound connection to the element that surpassed anything Frozen Cloud Asgard had ever achieved.

"This isn't just water arts," Gong Yuxian thought, her gaze unwavering as Retsu danced across the battlefield, bending water to her will. "This is mastery at its peak. To command water like this means she can derive it into any form she desires—ice, steam, mist. Anything."

Her heart raced at the prospect. If Frozen Cloud Asgard could integrate such mastery into their teachings, their strength would multiply exponentially. But this wasn't just about power; it was about evolution. Retsu embodied a path that could elevate their sect to heights unseen.

As she watched Retsu's fluid movements, a fire ignited within Gong Yuxian. She resolved to speak with Retsu after the match, determined to make her an offer.

On the other side of the arena, Ling Yun's jaw dropped. "The goddess can use water arts!?" he whispered, his voice filled with disbelief and admiration.

Ling Jie, seated beside him, was similarly dumbfounded. "So cool! She's not just using water. She's commanding it," he muttered. "It's like the water listens to her every whim…"

Retsu continued her graceful movements, each flick of her wrist or subtle step sending waves and jets of water surging in intricate, powerful patterns. Her mastery was undeniable, leaving the crowd spellbound as she brought Shui Wushuang closer and closer to her limits.

Shui Wushuang wasted no time, conjuring sharp icicles and launching them with precision. Retsu responded effortlessly, her smile unwavering. With a graceful wave of her hand, she summoned Double Water Burst, an enhanced version of her water manipulation skill - water burst. Twin jets of water erupted, colliding with the icicles mid-flight and shattering them into harmless fragments.

Unfazed, Shui Wushuang shifted her strategy, forming a massive block of ice above her head and hurling it with all her strength. Retsu's smirk deepened. As if anticipating the move, she raised her hands, channeling her energy into the water burst surrounding her before waving her arm upwards like a sword. The liquid coalesced into shimmering, blade-like forms—Dual Water Edge. With a fluid motion, the water sliced through the block of ice as though it were paper, the fragments scattering harmlessly around her.

The battle left the audience in stunned silence. For the first time, they witnessed water, concentrated to razor-sharp precision, slicing through obstacles with effortless ease. A simple yet elegant jet of water, shaped into a blade, cleaved through thick materials as though they were paper. The contrast was striking—while Frozen Cloud Asgard's ice arts were undoubtedly sharp, they lacked the fluid potency that water demonstrated in Retsu's hands. Water didn't just cut; it adapted, flowed, and overwhelmed, a force both beautiful and terrifying in its sheer effectiveness.

Refusing to relent, Shui Wushuang created two enormous snowballs, their size and density indicating her desperation to turn the tide. Retsu, however, was already prepared as she reshaped the dual bladed water she sent just to form Dual Water Spheres, two orbs of concentrated water energy hovering by her sides. The orbs pulsed with power as she hurled them forward.

The techniques met in a spectacular clash mid-air. Snow and water erupted upon impact, raining down across the arena in a mesmerizing cascade.

For a moment, the crowd was struck dumb by the sheer artistry of Retsu's water-based techniques. Her fluid control and devastating precision left an indelible mark on their minds. Gong Yuxian's resolve to recruit her grew stronger. What she had just witnessed defied convention—Retsu effortlessly transformed a handful of water jets into a cascade of evolving techniques, each building on the last with ingenuity that seemed boundless. 

"To think I've witnessed such mastery of water-based arts... Not only is she an expert in weapons and illusions, but she's also a virtuoso of water manipulation? Who is this woman?" someone murmured, unable to contain their awe. 

Ling Yun's fists clenched tightly, his voice laced with a mix of disbelief and raw envy. "This… this is the apex of water manipulation. She isn't just skilled; she's divine. She truly is the Yin goddess." His eyes burned with a desire that matched his frustration, the unattainable perfection of Retsu stirring both admiration and a simmering obsession within him. 

Even the other sects, normally stoic and proud, found themselves mesmerized. The versatility and grace of Retsu's techniques were unlike anything they had witnessed.

The water surrounding Retsu floated gently, shimmering with latent power, as though waiting for her to command it into another devastating form. Across from her, Shui Wushuang steadied herself, gritting her teeth beneath her veil. Ice against water—a confrontation deeply symbolic of Frozen Cloud Asgard's ideals. Yet the reality unfolding before her was something they had never prepared for. While they could manipulate ice with ease, water itself remained an elusive force, uncontrollable to their methods. 

"Frozen Cloud Arts, Seventh Stage—Ice Body Jade Bones!" Shui Wushuang's voice rang out, and her body began to transform. Snow and ice enveloped her figure until she radiated the essence of winter itself. Gong Yuxian's expression softened with approval. The Seventh Stage, a hallmark of mastery within their sect, rendered the user invulnerable. Their form became ethereal, untouched by physical strikes, while their icy essence froze any attack that came close. 

Shui Wushuang stood tall, a vision of the ice goddess she resembled. Confidence surged within her as she declared, "Any water that touches me will freeze a thousand times faster than normal. Your techniques are useless, Unohana Retsu."

To prove her point, Retsu casually formed a sharp water jet and sent it spiraling toward Shui Wushuang. The crowd gasped as it froze mid-flight, shattering harmlessly before it could reach its mark. Another water edge surged forth, only to pass cleanly through Shui Wushuang's now-intangible form. The audience erupted in cheers at the seemingly perfect counter to Retsu's incredible water arts. Gong Yuxian's approval deepened, her satisfaction evident as she observed Shui Wushuang standing unscathed. 

However, among the Frozen Cloud disciples, Little Fairy and Chu Yueli exchanged knowing glances. Their expressions betrayed not confidence but unease. They had seen what happened when their Seventh Stage art was tested against a far more adaptive and unpredictable opponent.

"Ara… is that so?" Retsu's soft, teasing voice broke through the tension as she appeared directly in front of Shui Wushuang. Her fist moved fluidly toward Shui Wushuang's snow-transformed body, only for it to phase through without effect. Creating a hole before the snow covers and reassemble it back. Retsu paused, drawing back slightly as if she had expected the result. 

"Hmph, futile," Shui Wushuang began, her voice laced with confidence, but it faltered when Retsu stepped back and calmly raised her hand again. This time, her hands glimmered faintly with an invisible force. 

Retsu smiled knowingly, her tone light but laced with certainty. "Yuu-kun once told us… even the untouchable can be reached if we use the right way." 

Without further warning, she launched her fist again. It moved effortlessly through the air, and this time, it didn't stop at the surface of Shui Wushuang's intangible form. The blow landed squarely on her stomach with an audible impact. 

Shui Wushuang gasped, staggering backward as pain radiated through her core. Her wide eyes locked onto Retsu in disbelief. "How…?" she choked, clutching at her stomach where the punch had landed. 

The audience was frozen in collective shock. Murmurs began to ripple through the crowd, and even Gong Yuxian stood abruptly, her composure shattered. "Impossible! How did she touch her?! The Seventh Stage—Ice Body Jade Bones—renders the body intangible! Nothing should be able to connect!" 

The Frozen Cloud disciples mirrored her disbelief, their faces pale as they tried to comprehend what had just happened. The technique was their ultimate defense, a final barrier that ensured nothing could harm them. Yet, Retsu had bypassed it with ease. 

Xia Qingyue's breath caught as she watched the scene unfold. The so-called ultimate defense and offense of the Frozen Cloud Asgard—their pride and culmination of countless years of cultivation—was rendered utterly ineffective before Unohana Retsu. Her serene composure remained unbroken, as if everything was moving according to her design.

"I need to learn everything about her," Xia Qingyue thought, her mind racing. If she were to stand a chance in the future, she had to prepare for the inevitable encounter with this enigmatic powerhouse.

Retsu, her expression calm and unbothered, tilted her head slightly with her trademark serene smile under the veiled hat. "Ara, is it really so surprising?" she asked, her voice carrying a light, teasing quality that only added to her mystique.

Shui Wushuang gritted her teeth, her confidence crumbling as she struggled to maintain her Seventh Stage—Ice Body Jade Bones. The technique, powerful as it was, drained her profound strength rapidly, and it was clear her reserves were faltering. Refusing to accept defeat, she roared defiantly and boosted her remaining energy, launching herself toward Retsu with everything she had.

But Retsu was unmoved. Effortlessly, she sidestepped the attack and caught Shui Wushuang mid-lunge, her grip firm yet deceptively gentle. Without a moment's hesitation, Retsu twisted her body and tossed Shui Wushuang across the arena like she was weightless. The crowd gasped in unison.

"She did it again!" Gong Yuxian hissed, her teeth clenched in frustration. Retsu's mysterious power made Shui Wushuang's tangible state irrelevant. It was as if her opponent's defense didn't exist.

Shui Wushuang scrambled to her feet, refusing to give up. She gathered her energy and shot an ice edge toward Retsu, determined to turn the tide. But Retsu was already a step ahead. With a fluid motion, she released her water edge infused with her haki. The clash between the two techniques lit up the arena, but the result was shocking.

Retsu's water edge sliced cleanly through Shui Wushuang's ice edge as if it were paper. Shui Wushuang's eyes widened in panic, realizing that even her counterattacks were rendered useless. The sharpness and resilience of Retsu's technique left her ice utterly defenseless. Her instincts screamed at her to evade since her intangible attack was sliced easily.

She did, narrowly avoiding the water edge as it slammed into the barrier at the edge of the arena. The impact sent ripples of energy through the shield, emphasizing the sheer power behind the attack. Silence fell over the crowd, save for the faint hum of energy dissipating from the barrier.

Shui Wushuang's breaths were uneven, her disbelief written all over her face. "Impossible!" she muttered, her voice trembling. The seventh stage of her Frozen Cloud Arts was supposed to be invincible, a technique that no opponent could counter effectively. Yet, here stood Unohana Retsu, defying everything she believed to be absolute. Even the infused power of her Frozen Cloud Asgard arts was met with overwhelming resistance. 

As her seventh stage dissipated, Shui Wushuang's body returned to its original state, and the strain on her profound energy was evident. Still, she refused to give up. Raising her hands once more, she invoked another technique. "Frozen Cloud Sixth Stage – Realm of Heavenly Snow Invocation!"

The air shifted instantly as her miniature realm took form. Snow and ice blanketed the arena, creating a domain of frost that spanned a hundred meters. Within this icy realm, she held absolute dominance; every flake of snow and shard of ice bent to her will. It wasn't the expansive domain of a master cultivator, but it was more than enough to seal her opponent's movements and tip the balance in her favor. 

Shui Wushuang raised her hand, commanding snow and ice to surge and envelop Retsu, forming a massive snowball. In an instant, the snowball hardened, freezing into an impenetrable block of ice, trapping Retsu inside. The crowd collectively held their breath as the chilling spectacle unfolded. 

Shui Wushuang exhaled deeply, her seriousness palpable. She had carefully controlled her profound energy, conserving her strength after the failure of her seventh-stage attack. "She was a good opponent. If I had hesitated even a moment…" Shui Wushuang muttered to herself, confident she had successfully frozen Unohana Retsu solid. 

But then—knock, knock. 

"Impossible…" Shui Wushuang muttered under her breath. Her control over ice was one of her strongest abilities, yet here was her opponent, smiling as though trapped inside a mere snow globe.

The arena fell into stunned silence as all eyes turned to the ice block. Inside, Retsu was smiling serenely, her hand gracefully knocking on the frozen wall as though she were politely asking to be let out. The oddest part was, she was submerged underwater. Some of the crowd wondered whether Retsu might drown to death.

The sound echoed unnervingly in the silent arena. Retsu tapped gently against the icy wall, her smile calm and inviting. "Oh dear," she said with a soft laugh, her voice muffled but audible through the cracks. "Was this meant to be my prison?"

Gasps erupted from the audience.

"She… she's moving inside the ice? Isn't she supposed to be frozen solid?" one Asgard disciple exclaimed.

"No—wait! How is she breathing in there?" another blurted, his disbelief mirroring that of the crowd.

Retsu floated calmly inside her icy prison, her movements fluid and unhurried, as though the dire situation was nothing more than a mild inconvenience. Her composure left the crowd utterly speechless. 

Up in the spectator stands, Nemu turned to Yun Che with wide, inquisitive eyes. "Yuu-sama, how is Nee-sama able to breathe underwater? That doesn't seem possible…"

Yun Che's voice carried the weight of experience as he elaborated on the technique, his gaze steady. "A highly skilled waterbender can essentially breathe underwater by manipulating water molecules to extract oxygen from the surrounding water. This ability is a specialized technique, only achievable by masters of waterbending. They don't need external air supplies, because through their control over water, they can absorb the oxygen molecules directly from the water around them."

He paused for a moment, ensuring that those listening could grasp the complexity of what he was saying. "It's not something just anyone can do. It requires not only a deep understanding of the water molecules itself but also the mastery of bending techniques to manipulate the molecules at a molecular level. To a lesser bender, it might seem like an impossible feat, but for true masters, it's a natural extension of their connection to water."

Nemu's eyes widened further as she processed his explanation, while the crowd's focus shifted back to Retsu. Inside the crumbling ice, Retsu's movements were graceful, almost hypnotic, as she gathered an air bubble at her fingertips. The bubble grew larger, swirling and compressing under her precise control.

"That bubble…" Nemu's voice was barely above a whisper. "Isn't that… hydrogen?"

Yun Che nodded, his smirk deepening. "Exactly. She's splitting water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen she used to breathe. The hydrogen? Well…" He trailed off, gesturing toward the arena.

The bubble now compressed to the size of a marble glowed faintly at Retsu's fingertip. She gracefully pressed the tiny hydrogen bubble against the ice wall. There was a small but distinct pop, and cracks began to spiderweb through the ice. The explosion sent cracks racing through the ice prison, faster than Shui Wushuang could react. The icy structure shattered into a flurry of glittering shards. Her eyes widened as she struggled to patch the fractures, but the cracks spread too quickly. 

BOOM!

The ice block shattered violently, sending shards flying in all directions. Shui Wushuang hastily conjured a barrier to shield herself from the explosion, while the arena's protective barriers absorbed the remaining fragments. 

As the icy mist cleared, Retsu stepped out, completely unharmed. Her clothes were perfectly dry, her hair flowing elegantly as though she had never been trapped at all. "Ufufufu… A great attempt," she said, her tone gentle yet teasing. 

The crowd stared in awe, their shock mirrored in Shui Wushuang's face. Retsu's composure, her skill, and her effortless grace had turned the tide of the battle, leaving everyone utterly astonished. 

"Ufuu…" Retsu's soft chuckle pierced through the frigid tension. She remained unshaken, a faint smile gracing her lips. "I suppose I should level the playing field a bit." 

She raised her hand, and the water swirling around her rippled in response. To the shock of everyone, the water remained unfrozen, completely unaffected by the icy realm. The crowd erupted in murmurs, astonished by Retsu's apparent immunity to the domain's freezing properties. 

Before their very eyes, the water around Retsu began to shift and take form. Two rotating rings of water spiraled around her body, one transforming into ice, the other remaining liquid, creating a mesmerizing contrast of elements.

The arena went wild. Spectators stood from their seats, their cheers mingling with exclamations of disbelief.

"She… she can control ice too?!" Gong Yuxian's voice rang out, cutting through the stunned murmurs of the crowd. Her astonishment was plain to see, her usual composure shattered by the display before her. A cultivator capable of mastering both water and ice to this degree was not only unprecedented but beyond what she had ever imagined, even within the legendary Frozen Cloud Asgard. 

The rest of the arena sat in silent awe, each spectator trying to comprehend what they were witnessing. The mastery of water-based arts was already an anomaly, a rare gift cultivated by only a handful throughout the ages. But to see someone seamlessly manipulate two distinct elemental laws—water and ice—was an entirely different realm of mastery. 

Whispers rippled through the stands. 

"Unbelievable… she's mastered them both?" 

"And all this time, she's been holding back, relying on a parasol?" 

"To think this is the same woman who never even revealed such arts before…" 

The revelation struck like thunder, leaving the audience breathless. Until now, Retsu had dispatched her opponents effortlessly with her weaponized parasol, never once hinting at the depth of her elemental control. Yet here she was, demonstrating a level of mastery so profound it defied all logic. 

Retsu's serene expression didn't waver under the veil. Her commanding presence and the seamless interplay of water and ice around her painted an image of unmatched elegance and power. For her, these arts weren't just techniques—they were extensions and manipulation of water itself.

Frozen Cloud Asgard couldn't help but see the truth: Retsu's mastery of both water and ice wasn't just a feat—it was an opportunity, one that could elevate their sect beyond its current limits. For Gong Yuxian, the realization was clear. If they could bring her into their fold, the Frozen Cloud Asgard would rise to heights unimaginable.

"Chan'er… do you think we can recruit her?" Gong Yuxian asked, a flicker of hope in her voice as she glanced at her daughter. 

Little Fairy or Chu Yuechan, shook her head slightly. "I don't think so, Mother. I tried to recruit her when I first met her in New Moon City. Her answer was firm: no. She won't go anywhere without Yun Che or her family." 

"Yun Che?" Gong Yuxian's brow furrowed. "What does he have to do with her decision?" 

Little Fairy's expression darkened slightly, a rare sign of unease. "Retsu is Yun Che's fiancée—someone he met long before marrying Xia Qingyue. The two of them grew up together, trained together, and fought side by side. Yun Che is her reverse scale, Mother. Anyone who dares harm him or her family risks her wrath. And trust me when I say, she is not someone to provoke."

"I've seen her true power, and beneath that serene smile and kind demeanor lies a resolve as unyielding as steel. If anyone were to force her hand, it wouldn't just end poorly—it would end catastrophically. She's utterly devoted to Yun Che and her family, and no methods of coercion or persuasion will work. Trying would only invite disaster." 

Gong Yuxian fell silent, absorbing her daughter's words. The potential risk of provoking such a figure loomed large, even for a sect as prestigious as Frozen Cloud Asgard. 

Xia Qingyue, standing nearby, listened quietly, her thoughts churning. The revelation about Unohana Retsu stung in ways she hadn't anticipated. Yun Che's childhood connection to Retsu, the shared experiences, and their mutual devotion were bonds she could never hope to replicate. 

Though she was Yun Che's wife in name, she couldn't ignore the stark contrast between their relationship and the deep, unshakable connection he had with Retsu and the others close to him. For reasons she couldn't entirely articulate, this realization unsettled her. It wasn't jealousy—it was the bitter acknowledgment of a bond she could never be a part of. 

Gong Yuxian finally spoke, her voice tinged with resignation. "If what you say is true, then we must tread carefully. Forcing her would only invite ruin upon ourselves. But…" She sighed deeply. "The thought of someone with such talent outside our sect… it's a bitter pill to swallow." 

Little Fairy nodded solemnly. "It's better this way, Mother. Unohana Retsu is a force that cannot be controlled. But she's also someone who cherishes bonds above all else. As long as we respect her and her family, she won't see us as enemies. Besides," she added, her tone softening, "I understand why you wish to recruit her. But trust me, Mother—we don't even possess the bare minimum required to learn her arts."

Gong Yuxian frowned. "What do you mean by that, Chan'er?"

Little Fairy hesitated, her gaze thoughtful. "I believe the techniques she uses are far beyond what mortals like us can comprehend." She remembered Yun Che once mentioned something about spirit energy—something they don't have in the same way they do. If those arts rely on such energy, they are simply out of their reach.

Still, a flicker of curiosity lingered in her expression. She swore she sensed something else when Retsu fought—a presence within her techniques. It was faint, but unmistakable. She was certain that Haki was used to channeling the arts.

"I have so many questions about these arts," she murmured to herself, "and I might just ask that rascal about them later."

Shui Wushuang gritted her teeth and charged forward, her sword raised high. She formed a massive ice ball above her with a sweep of her arm, launching it directly at Retsu with all the strength she could muster. The attack soared through the air, its size and power causing the crowd to hold their breath in anticipation.

Retsu remained calm, her hand gracefully guiding the water around her. With a simple motion, the liquid in her hand transformed into a glistening sword of ice, its blade surrounded by swirling water and icy particles. The weapon shimmered in the arena's light, a testament to her unparalleled control over both elements.

"She created a sword with ice?!" Gong Yuxian exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief. Her normally composed demeanor cracked, revealing the astonishment she felt deep within. Around her, the Asgardian disciples murmured among themselves, their voices barely contained whispers of awe and unease. 

The crowd shared in their shock, murmurs spreading like wildfire through the arena. It wasn't just the creation of the ice sword that stunned them—it was the effortless way Retsu wielded it, as though it was an extension of herself. She had stepped into the arena without any weapons, confident in her ability to craft whatever she needed from the surrounding water and ice. 

Gong Yuxian's mind raced as she absorbed the implications. Retsu's ability to manipulate ice and water wasn't just a talent—it was a force that overshadowed even the proudest accomplishments of Frozen Cloud Asgard. The sect had long prided itself on its mastery of ice laws, but compared to Retsu's unparalleled talent and versatility, their techniques suddenly felt limited. 

Even as these realizations sank in, Retsu remained composed, her veiled hat casting a mysterious shadow over her serene expression. She lifted the ice sword with graceful precision, its shimmering surface reflecting the light like a crystalline masterpiece. Around her, faint traces of icy particles swirled, a testament to the control she held over her element. 

"A bit slow…" Retsu murmured softly, almost as if she pitied her opponent's effort. With a single, fluid motion, she sliced through the massive ice ball, reducing it to harmless fragments that scattered across the arena floor. Without missing a beat, Retsu formed a water ball beside her, hurling it at Shui Wushuang. The sphere exploded on impact, sending her opponent staggering backward, struggling to maintain her balance.

Shui Wushuang recovered quickly, summoning a barrage of icicles and hurling them toward Retsu. But Retsu was already prepared. She waved her hand, and three distinct barriers formed before her: a shimmering water shield, an icy barrier, and a hybrid layer of both. The crowd gasped as the icicles shattered against the first barrier without even scratching the second.

The Frozen Cloud Asgard disciples watched in disbelief. The sheer versatility and elegance of Retsu's defense were beyond anything they had ever seen. Shui Wushuang faltered, her confidence wavering.

Retsu dispelled her barriers with a wave of her hand and raised her ice sword. With a graceful yet powerful movement towards Shui Wushuang, she slammed it onto her opponent's sword. The impact sent a wave of explosive energy rippling through the arena, forcing Shui Wushuang to leap backward to avoid being caught in its wake. She landed, her mind racing as she tried to determine a way to approach this impenetrable foe.

The crowd sat on the edge of their seats, captivated by the one-sided display of skill and power. Retsu stood calmly, her icy sword in hand, exuding an aura of dominance. The message was clear: Shui Wushuang was completely outmatched.

Shui Wushuang's breaths grew heavier as she kept her guard up, her eyes locked on Retsu. The spiraling rings of water and ice encircling her opponent, paired with the elegant yet formidable ice blade in Retsu's hand, painted a picture of absolute mastery over both elements. The fact that Retsu could conjure such a weapon on the spot—a blade imbued with both flowing water and icy shards—was beyond Shui Wushuang's comprehension. Even within Frozen Cloud Asgard, swords were merely tools to channel their techniques, not spontaneously crafted weapons of elemental fusion.

Retsu raised her weapon, the ice blade shimmering with frosty brilliance, exuding a chilling aura that sent shivers down Shui Wushuang's spine. The latter tightened her grip, readying herself as Retsu moved. With a sudden burst of speed, Retsu closed the gap between them, her blade meeting Shui Wushuang's in a clash that sent a wave of cold rippling through the arena. Shui Wushuang staggered slightly, her mastery of the Frozen Cloud Arts offering little solace against the biting cold emanating from Retsu's strikes. 

Jumping back using her Frozen Cloud Steps, Shui Wushuang unleashed a volley of sharp icicles toward Retsu. But her opponent didn't falter. With a graceful wave of her hand, the icicles melted mid-air, transforming into water that swirled ominously around Retsu before being redirected toward Shui Wushuang. The water coalesced into the shape of a massive shark, its form rippling with deadly precision as it surged toward her.

Shui Wushuang reacted instinctively, raising an Ice Shield just in time to intercept the attack. The collision was catastrophic, the sheer force of the water shark reverberating through her shield. Cracks spread like spiderwebs across its surface, and Shui Wushuang gritted her teeth, struggling to hold against the relentless pressure. 

Her heart sank as she saw the water retreat from the shattered remnants of her shield, only to return to Retsu, reforming into not one but two shark missiles. The sight was devastating. If one shark was enough to nearly overwhelm her, the combined force of two would be unstoppable. 

"Impossible…" Shui Wushuang whispered, her voice trembling. She steadied herself, knowing she had no choice but to face the onslaught. The crowd held its breath, captivated by the unfolding battle, their awe at Retsu's mastery growing with every passing moment.

Retsu released her twin water sharks, their forms spiraling with precision and intent. Shui Wushuang desperately attempted to freeze them mid-flight, but her efforts only backfired. The water, hardened into ice by her technique, transformed the sharks into armored monstrosities. When the sharks exploded on impact, they unleashed a barrage of razor-sharp ice shards that tore through her defenses, shattering her ice shield and dispelling the Realm of Heavenly Snow she had conjured.

Amid the chaotic aftermath, Shui Wushuang emerged from the rubble of her broken shield, her breathing labored and her stance unsteady. Across the arena, Retsu stood serene and unyielding, her composed demeanor a stark contrast to the destruction around her. The icy and watery rings rotating around her lent an air of dominance that seemed insurmountable.

"Hmmm… I was expecting more," Retsu sighed softly, her tone tinged with disappointment. Around her, countless icicles materialized, but with a graceful wave of her blade, she sliced them into harmless fragments. Others were effortlessly deflected by her protective rings, the swirling ice and water serving as an unbreachable defense.

Realizing the futility of close combat, Shui Wushuang switched to ranged techniques, retreating further to fire icicles from a distance. Retsu, unfazed, infused her icy sword with a high-pressure water jet, the blade glinting with its combined elements. With a single thrust, she unleashed the water jet at lightning speed. Shui Wushuang's reflexes failed her, and the jet collided with her mid-dodge, propelling her backward until she hit the ground hard.

"Ara… are we done here?" Retsu mused, her calm voice cutting through the tension. She gracefully dissolved the rings of ice and water around her, sending them spiraling upward. The energy coalesced into a massive dome of water, which descended to envelop the entire arena. The ground around Shui Wushuang froze instantly, locking her in place as the dome shimmered with an almost ethereal beauty.

"What is this…" Shui Wushuang's voice trembled as her eyes scanned the dome's interior. Inside, countless water sharks swam with menacing purpose, circling her like predators closing in on their prey. The sight left her frozen in fear, her knees giving way as she collapsed under the sheer weight of Retsu's overwhelming power.

The crowd was utterly silent, the tension in the air palpable as they bore witness to a display of mastery and domination that was unparalleled. Retsu, standing tall and composed, seemed untouchable—a force of nature that had reduced Shui Wushuang to helplessness.

Retsu's serene smile remained as she raised her hand, commanding the water sharks swimming within the dome. Her voice rang clear and calm, but its authority was absolute.

"Shield yourself with everything you have, Miss Shui. This might hurt," she said gently, yet her words carried an undeniable edge of warning. 

"Heavenly Sharks Descend!" 

At her command, the water sharks opened their jaws, releasing concentrated jets of water like streams of liquid lasers. Each blast surged toward Shui Wushuang with devastating precision. Desperation filled her eyes as she raised her hands, conjuring every ounce of her profound strength to form a shield of ice. 

The jets struck her shields with explosive force, each impact shattering chunks of ice and sending shockwaves through the arena. Shui Wushuang's screams pierced the air as the relentless barrage battered her defenses and the ground around her. 

"Ahhh!!!" her cry of pain echoed, sparking panic among the Frozen Cloud Asgard disciples. 

"Wushuang!" Chu Yueli shouted, her voice breaking with alarm. The intensity of Retsu's assault was beyond anything their sect could endure. Even Little Fairy's composure faltered as she watched her disciple struggle to withstand the attack. 

"She... she might not survive this," Gong Yuxian muttered, rising from her seat, her face pale with shock. The arena officials were ready to step in and stop the match, but the profound display shows her life is still intact.

"Sister Retsu..." Little Fairy whispered, conflicted as she realized the vast gulf between Retsu's power and Shui Wushuang's. Even she had to admit that Retsu's display of dominance was unmatched. 

Mio clutched Yun Che's arm, her voice tinged with worry. "Danna-sama... is Ret-chan..." 

"Don't worry," Yun Che reassured her, his tone calm. "Retsu might seem like she's overdoing it, but she's holding back a lot. Those attacks didn't even use 10% of her real power. She's not infusing them with spirit energy or anything lethal. It's just a barrage. If she had used her full strength, Shui Wushuang wouldn't even exist anymore." 

Cang Yue, watching from the sidelines, swallowed hard. The sheer gap between Retsu's skill and everyone else's was impossible to ignore. If she fights me tomorrow... Cang Yue thought to herself, dread sinking in. I'll have no chance against her water bending. But... I'll still give it everything I have. Even if it's a losing battle, I'll fight.

As the dust and mist from the attacks began to clear, the crowd collectively held their breath, waiting to see the aftermath of Retsu's overwhelming power.

The arena held its breath as Shui Wushuang, battered and trembling, emerged from the smoke. Her shield had crumbled, her arms hung limp at her sides, and her torn clothes bore the evidence of her fierce struggle. The intensity of the battle had left her physically and mentally shaken, and the sight of the water sharks preparing another barrage of attacks drained the remaining strength from her face. 

"No way…" Shui Wushuang whispered, despair settling in as she stared at the charged water sharks. 

Before she could process what was happening, Retsu appeared before her, swift and graceful, the tip of her ice blade gently pressed beneath Shui Wushuang's chin. 

"Ufuu… I guess this is my win? You fought well, Miss Shui. My respect for lasting this long," Retsu said softly, her voice carrying both warmth and finality. 

The ice blade in her hand dissolved into shimmering water particles, and the intimidating water sharks closed their mouths, disengaging their attack. The once-devastating water dome and icy ground melted away, transforming into a serene snowy breeze that swept through the arena, leaving the audience in awe. 

Shui Wushuang let out a shuddering breath as she cupped her hands, gratitude mixed with exhaustion. "My thanks for sparing me… Thank you. Lady Unohana, is your art… Have you truly mastered the laws of water?" 

Retsu smiled gently beneath her veiled hat. "Ufuu… These are waterbending techniques, a sacred art that allows us to manipulate water into anything we desire—any form, any purpose. Water, Ice or even Steam is nothing to us." 

"Waterbending," Shui Wushuang repeated, the word foreign yet mesmerizing. After a brief hesitation, she asked, "...Can it be learned?" 

Retsu's smile turned wistful. "… I'm afraid not. It is impossible unless you have mastered our unique methods of cultivation. It is a path not easily walked." 

"I see…" Shui Wushuang's expression softened with acceptance. "You have broadened my horizons, Lady Unohana. With this, I concede." 

Raising her hand weakly but resolutely, Shui Wushuang officially surrendered. 

Ling Wugou's voice rang out, clear and commanding. "Frozen Cloud Asgard's Shui Wushuang has conceded. Blue Wind Imperial Family's Unohana Retsu will proceed to the Quarter Finals - Round of Eight!" 

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their admiration for Retsu soaring. Shui Wushuang bowed deeply, acknowledging Retsu's overwhelming strength and graciousness, while Retsu simply stood, serene as ever, her aura radiating both power and grace. 

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

Quarter Finals - Round of Eight Second Match Set – Blue Wind Imperial Family – Cang Yue -------versus------- Blue Wind Imperial Family – Unohana Retsu

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

"Arara… looks like I'll be facing Little Yue tomorrow," Retsu murmured to herself, her tone calm yet thoughtful as the announcement echoed across the arena. She pondered her approach, torn between going easy on Cang Yue out of kindness and respecting her sworn sister's strength by fighting seriously. The latter seemed more appropriate, but Retsu was not eager to hurt her. 

As these thoughts lingered, Chu Yueli descended into the arena, supporting the weakened Shui Wushuang, who struggled to stay upright. 

"Can you stand?" Retsu asked, her voice soft but steady. 

"I need a moment, Lady Unohana. My wounds… they need tending," Shui Wushuang replied, her legs trembling under her weight. 

Retsu turned her attention to Chu Yueli. "Yueli-san, could you please put her back down? Trust me." 

"What are you—" Chu Yueli began, her voice laced with skepticism, but the slight nod from her sister silenced her objections. Reluctantly, she eased Shui Wushuang back to the ground. 

The crowd watched with bated breath, confusion spreading as Retsu raised her hand. The water around her shimmered before coalescing into a sphere that enveloped Shui Wushuang completely. Alarm rippled through the spectators, and some murmured that Retsu was launching another attack. 

Chu Yueli tensed, ready to intervene, but her trust in her sister stayed her hand. Shui Wushuang, now entirely encased in water, held her breath in shock before realizing something extraordinary—she could breathe within the sphere. 

The water wasn't hostile; it was soothing. She felt its gentle currents weaving through her wounds, mending them in moments. The process lasted mere seconds before the water dissipated, leaving Shui Wushuang healed and unscathed, as though the battle had never happened. 

A stunned silence fell over the arena. Even the Frozen Cloud Asgard disciples, steeped in their mastery of water-based arts, were astonished. 

"How… how is this possible?" Gong Yuxian whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief. "Even our Frozen Cloud Arts cannot heal, despite being water-based." 

Shui Wushuang touched her arms and legs, marveling at the absence of pain or fatigue. "I… I'm healed…" 

Retsu offered a serene smile, her tone as gentle as her actions. "You fought well, Miss Shui. Consider this a small token of appreciation for the effort you've shown today and an apology from me for going too hard." 

The crowd erupted into murmurs of admiration and astonishment, further cementing Retsu's mystique and mastery as something beyond their comprehension.

"This… you can heal?" Chu Yueli asked, her voice laced with disbelief and awe as she stared at Shui Wushuang, now completely restored. 

Retsu chuckled softly, tilting her head slightly with a serene expression. "Ufuu… It's called Water Refresh. Water, when mastered, can easily kill… but when used correctly, it can also heal even the gravest wounds." 

With a graceful wave of her hand, Retsu dispelled the remaining traces of the water sphere, gently releasing Shui Wushuang. The young Frozen Cloud disciple examined herself, her astonishment growing as she realized every wound had vanished. 

"This… Thank you, Lady Unohana," Shui Wushuang said, bowing deeply despite her tattered clothing. Her voice carried genuine gratitude, and her composure faltered under the weight of what she'd just experienced. 

"Ufuu… Just Retsu would suffice." Retsu inclined her head slightly, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Gomenasai… I couldn't do anything about your clothes. I hope this makes up for the damage done." She bowed in return, her humility catching everyone off guard. 

The crowd, initially stunned into silence, erupted into murmurs of admiration and awe. Retsu's display of power, tempered with compassion, painted her as both an invincible warrior and a benevolent figure. Even Gong Yuxian found herself unable to voice the reprimands she had initially prepared. 

Shui Wushuang straightened, the remnants of her composure returning as she nodded. "You've shown not only strength but grace and kindness, Lady Retsu. I will not forget this lesson." 

Retsu smiled softly, her eyes glinting with an enigmatic warmth. "Ufufu…. You did well." 

The arena fell silent, the air heavy with the lingering aura of Retsu's overwhelming presence, and for a moment, all who witnessed the battle felt as though they had glimpsed something truly extraordinary.

Shui Wushuang stood up, surprised to find her legs no longer trembling. Her gaze shifted to Retsu, who had pulled a large white towel from her inventory and extended it to her. The gesture caught her off guard, but she quickly realized the intent. Retsu wanted her to cover the exposed parts of her body, shielding her dignity from the prying eyes of the crowd. 

Shui Wushuang took the towel with a soft smile, wrapping it around herself. Chu Yueli watched the exchange, equally surprised. Retsu's concern for modesty wasn't something they had expected in the aftermath of such an intense battle. 

"Sister Retsu, if I may ask, what kind of arts did you use?" Chu Yueli asked, her curiosity piqued as they walked together out of the arena. 

"It is called Waterbending, as I told Miss Shui here," Retsu replied, her tone calm yet filled with mystery. 

"Waterbending," Chu Yueli repeated thoughtfully. "How did you master such arts? We've never seen anything like it before." 

"Ufuu… You need a specific cultivation, akin to your sister's awakening, to learn it," Retsu hinted, her veiled smile deepening. 

Chu Yueli's eyes widened as realization dawned. Her sister had once mentioned an enigmatic power called Haki, something that had been awakened within her. 

"Mysterious arts like my sister's? That's the requirement?" Chu Yueli asked, her voice tinged with disappointment. "But she said it's unteachable." 

"It is unteachable because it is awakened, not learned in the conventional sense. Your sister's awakening occurred when that expert guided her. One day, you might awaken it too," Retsu said with a reassuring tone. 

"How do you know about that expert helping her?" Chu Yueli asked, astonished. 

"Ufuu… I was there when it happened. I, too, am one of the awakened," Retsu replied with a knowing grin beneath her veiled hat. She deliberately omitted the detail that it was Yun Che who had played a pivotal role in awakening not only her own powers but those of Cang Yue, Little Fairy, and even Kon. 

Shui Wushuang, listening intently, gathered her courage to ask, "Can I awaken such an ability as well?" Her voice carried a hopeful edge, betraying her silent envy of Chu Yuechan's unique gift. 

"In time, if the situation allows it, you will awaken as well, Miss Shui," Retsu mused, her words carrying a sense of promise. 

Shui Wushuang smiled, determination flickering in her eyes. She understood now that it was a matter of patience and opportunity. One day, perhaps, she would walk the same path and unlock the potential to wield the enigmatic Waterbending arts.

The entire arena buzzed with excitement and speculation about Retsu's extraordinary water arts. Conversations filled the air, ranging from awe-struck admiration to envious curiosity. 

Before this day, Frozen Cloud Asgard was considered the pinnacle of water law mastery, their Frozen Cloud Arts revered as unparalleled. However, Retsu's demonstration had shattered that perception. Her Waterbending was not just different—it was on an entirely higher plane of existence. Where Frozen Cloud Arts relied on the manipulation of ice, Retsu's mastery over both water and ice felt limitless, as if she wielded the ocean itself while others merely skimmed its surface. 

Elders and experts from various sects whispered amongst themselves, speculating on the secrets behind her techniques. Many fantasized about founding a new sect centered around her Waterbending, imagining the prestige and power such mastery could bring. Yet, the thought of approaching Retsu, let alone coercing or forcing her, was quickly dismissed. The chilling display of her power and the reverence she inspired made it clear—Retsu was untouchable. 

At Frozen Cloud Asgard, Gong Yuxian sighed deeply, her expression a mix of resignation and frustration. She had hoped, albeit faintly, to find a way to bring Retsu's talents into their fold, to elevate their arts to unprecedented heights. But that hope was now a fleeting dream. 

"She is far beyond us," Gong Yuxian admitted to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "We cannot contain or claim her gifts. Even if we were to make the water arts exclusive to the sect, it would not be ours—it would always be hers." 

The younger disciples of Frozen Cloud Asgard were equally torn. They admired Retsu, yet her overwhelming talent cast a shadow over their own efforts. For some, it was a humbling inspiration; for others, it was a bitter reminder of their limitations. 

Still, the allure of Waterbending lingered in the hearts and minds of everyone who witnessed her display. Even though Retsu had made it clear to Chu Yueli and Shui Wushuang that such power was awakened rather than taught, the hope of one day achieving such mastery burned brightly in the dreams of many. For now, the mystery of Retsu's Waterbending remained a tantalizing enigma, one that left an indelible mark on the world of cultivation.

Xia Qingyue's sharp, calculating eyes observed the situation from her vantage point. The display of Retsu's Waterbending had been nothing short of breathtaking—a mastery so profound that it rendered even the vaunted Frozen Cloud Arts insignificant. For someone like Xia Qingyue, who prided herself on her strength and dedication, this realization was both humbling and infuriating.

Her mind turned to the secret art she had discovered within the Forbidden Hall, a place that only she and Nezuko had been allowed to enter due to their unique circumstances. The techniques contained within were ancient, their origins shrouded in mystery, and their power immense. Unlike the Frozen Cloud Arts, which primarily relied on ice laws are basic compared to the secret art. Rumors said that the Frozen Cloud Arts are the basic form of the secret art. The secret art that delved deeper into the essence of ice, blending it with concepts of absolute cold and spiritual willpower.

Xia Qingyue had managed to cultivate a portion of it.

"If I use that art… perhaps I might stand a chance," Xia Qingyue thought, her lips pressed into a firm line. She knew the cost of such a technique; its requirements were steep, and the toll on the body and spirit was severe. Yet, witnessing Retsu's effortless dominance ignited a fierce determination within her.

She clenched her fists, her resolve hardening. "She will stand against me and him. If our paths cross in the tournament, I must risk it!"