Chapter 222: Round of 16: Wu Xuexin Vs Cang Yue
The funniest thing last night was the way Yun Che, Retsu, and Cang Yue waltzed back to the Imperial Family's Main Ark, acting as if they hadn't just fought the Grand Villa Master, Ling Tianni himself. Their nonchalant return made the whole ordeal feel like a casual evening stroll rather than a clash with a powerhouse.
But the real highlight of the night? The sight of Nemu tied up horizontally in Mio's spider web, dangling like a human cocoon. She is tied up with spider webs around her torso and arms, suspended in mid-air. Her expression remained utterly stoic, as if this was just another part of her day, while everyone else struggled to keep a straight face.
It turned out Mio had playfully strung Nemu up after she teased her about her less-than-stellar cooking. Yun Che could only sigh, shaking his head at the absurdity of the scene. Nemu's honesty, though admirable, clearly had its consequences—especially when dealing with Mio's mischievous streak.
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The next day unfolded with the usual tournament festivities, though a few notable absences added intrigue to the event. Ling Tianni was nowhere to be seen, as he was heavily injured and confined to recuperation or scared of retaliation since his cultivation was reduced to Peak Sky Profound Realm. Similarly, Ling Yuefeng didn't make an appearance, and Xuanyuan Yufeng was also absent.
Yun Che's Haki-enhanced hearing confirmed an unusual twist: Xuanyuan Yufeng had seemingly jumped into the abyss. On the surface, it looked like a tragic suicide to avoid capture, but Yun Che was confident that wasn't the case. The knowledge he had shared with her ensured her survival, and he suspected she was now in hiding, free from the villa's oppressive grasp.
Unlike in the real novel where she ended herself tragically by suicide.
His keen senses from the words of the villa men painted a vivid picture of the previous night's chaos. Suppressed and outnumbered, Xuanyuan Yufeng had fought her way through using hidden blades, taking down two dozen men before leaping into the abyss.
"Not bad," Yun Che mused, impressed by her resourcefulness and determination. She had done more than just warn him; her actions allowed him to gain a tactical advantage. Her daring escape was a masterstroke, one that left her enemies believing she was dead while she slipped away into freedom.
Ling Yuefeng's absence could easily be attributed to mourning and shock, especially with the villa keeping the incident under wraps. The fallen men were blamed on faceless intruders, and none of Ling Yuefeng's sons seemed to know the full truth.
"She's got a knack for becoming an Assassin, I was right choosing her as my first recruit." Yun Che thought, his smirk carrying both amusement and admiration. Xuanyuan Yufeng's transformation was unexpected, but undeniably effective. She brought Ling Tianni to them and orchestrate the villa's downfall in a form of a revenge for her life.
With this, her first task is done.
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The Blue Wind Imperial Family disembarked from the ark the next morning, and everything seemed as calm and routine as ever. It was as if the dramatic events of the previous night—featuring the battle between Shin Yue and Ling Tianni—had never taken place. The secrecy was well-maintained, with no whispers or rumors circulating about the clash. Even Little Fairy and her sister acted as though nothing had transpired.
As the morning unfolded, Yuanba followed his usual routine, picking up Mai and Mei before hitching a ride on the ark to the tournament arena. To everyone's surprise, Yoru decided to tag along, expressing an interest in watching the tournament. She casually invited Yun Che to join her for tea while waiting for his match. Yun Che didn't mind the request; with time to spare, he was more than happy to relax and chat with her alongside his other girls.
Meanwhile, Nezuko—or Yoruko —chose to remain in the Blue Wind Imperial Family's seating area, enjoying the company of her sword sister. Xue Ling had joined them, and to everyone's surprise, Chu Yueli and Chu Yuechan had come along as well. Gong Yuxian, observing from nearby from the Frozen Cloud Asgard seating area, let out a small sigh. She couldn't help but miss having the adorable Nezuko nestled on her lap, indulging in the occasional bear hug that had become her guilty pleasure.
It was a serene and strangely heartwarming morning despite the events last night, a brief respite before the intensity of the tournament resumed.
The round of 16 took place today, and the tension in the air was palpable. Everyone was on edge, knowing that each match brought the competitors one step closer to glory. The first match kicked off with Xia Qingyue stepping onto the stage, her icy demeanor matched by her equally chilling arts. Whatever words Yun Che had shared with her yesterday seemed to have lit a fire—or rather, a frost—within her. She dispatched her opponent with speed and precision, leaving no room for doubt.
"Frozen Cloud Asgard's Xia Qingyue wins. She will proceed to the Quarter Finals - Round of Eight tomorrow," Ling Wugou's voice echoed across the arena. The crowd erupted in cheers, awestruck by her commanding performance.
Shortly after, another announcement rang out as the second match finished instantly.
"Xiao Sect's Xiao Kuanglei wins. He will proceed to the Quarter Finals - Round of Eight tomorrow," Ling Wugou declared, as another wave of applause followed.
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Quarter Finals - Round of Eight First Match set – Frozen Cloud Asgard Xia Qingyue ------versus--------- Xiao Sect Xiao Kuanglei
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With the matches set for the next day, Frozen Cloud Asgard would face off against the Xiao Sect, a highly anticipated battle. The pressure on Xiao Kuanglei was immense, as he was the Xiao Sect's last hope, the only member to advance to the round of 32. Victory tomorrow would mean carrying the pride of his entire sect on his shoulders.
Just like in the novel, he will face Xia Qingyue and might lose miserably again since Yun Che knew Xia Qingyue's true strength. So, this match might already have its winner.
Meanwhile, in the seating area of the Heavenly Sword Villa, Ling Yun was deep in thought. Something felt off. His father, Ling Yuefeng, was conspicuously absent, and his mother's whereabouts were also unknown. The unease was palpable.
"Have you seen Father, Jie'er?" Ling Yun finally asked his younger brother.
"No idea," Ling Jie replied with a shrug. "He said he wasn't feeling well and wouldn't be joining us today."
Ling Yun frowned, his concern deepening. "That's strange. What about Mother? Have you seen her?"
"It's not that strange. Mother usually doesn't bother with things like this," Ling Jie said, though there was a note of curiosity in his voice.
The conversation trailed off as both brothers sat in quiet contemplation. The truth was, they hardly ever spoke to their mother. Cultivation had consumed their family, leaving little room for familial bonds. The Heavenly Sword Villa prided itself on being a bastion of strength and discipline, but it came at a cost. For families like theirs, relationships were a distant second to power and perfection.
Even amidst the cheers and anticipation of the tournament, Ling Yun couldn't shake the hollow feeling that something was amiss.
With little else to do, the brothers shifted their attention to the matches ahead. Ling Jie, ever the romantic dreamer, couldn't keep his eyes off Cang Yue. Her grace and poise held his attention like a spell. Meanwhile, Ling Yun found his gaze wandering to the group surrounding Yun Che—and his jealousy began to simmer.
Yun Che seemed to bask in a realm of untouchable charm, flanked by beauties that Ling Yun could only dream of. Among them sat the two esteem figures of Frozen Cloud Asgard, the enigmatic Chu sisters. Their serene and unearthly beauty was enough to make any man envious. Adding to the allure of the group was the mysterious veiled swordswoman they met yesterday. Lin Yueru, a former Qinglong Sect elite, now turned Cang Yue's personal protector. Her presence radiated both strength and elegance, making her a figure of awe and curiosity.
Beside her sat Xue Ling, the grand Imperial Protector, a woman whose reputation was as fearsome as her beauty. Her commanding presence seemed to draw all eyes, making it clear she was no ordinary warrior. Even the small Heaven's Child, Nezuko is with them.
Ling Yun couldn't help but grit his teeth. Yun Che, surrounded by such a dazzling assembly of powerful and influential figures, seemed to live in a world beyond Ling Yun's reach. The contrast between his own life and Yun Che's was stark, and the envy that flared within him was hard to suppress.
"How does he do it?" Ling Yun muttered under his breath, his pride taking another hit as he watched the camaraderie between Yun Che and his esteemed companions. Ling Jie, noticing his elder brother's expression, smirked slightly but kept his thoughts to himself. For now, they would focus on the matches, but the unspoken rivalry lingered like a shadow between them.
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Round of 16 third match – Blue Wind Imperial Family Cang Yue ------ versus ------- Frozen Cloud Asgard Wu Xuexin
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"It's my turn." Cang Yue spoke as she didn't manage to gather any energy last night, but she was confident she didn't need any energy.
On the Frozen Cloud Asgard side, Chu Yueli sighs as she now knows the true cultivation of Cang Yue after the events last night. With Cang Yue can now face anyone in Peak Sky Profound Realm after the massive power up last night from Ling Tianni. She could only hope she goes easy on Wu Xuexin since she was realms above her sect disciple. Cang Yue's win can already be seen but she didn't have the heart to tell Wu Xuexin about it.
"Sister Yue, please go easy on her." Chu Yueli sighs. Clearly aware of Cang Yue's full power. Little Fairy shared her sentiment.
"Strength alone doesn't mean everything if flawless technique is involved," Cang Yue said, her resolve unwavering. Her grip tightened on her swords as her eyes locked onto Wu Xuexin. "I've never faced a Frozen Cloud Asgard disciple before, but I'll give this my all."
With a surge of determination, Cang Yue stepped onto the stage just as Wu Xuexin ascended gracefully. Wu Xuexin's movements were like flowing water, her snow-white robes gliding across the air as if she were weightless. Her veiled face exuded an ethereal beauty, and her long ponytail swayed gently behind her. With a calm and composed demeanor, she cupped her hands respectfully toward Cang Yue.
Cang Yue mirrored the gesture, her sharp gaze never leaving Wu Xuexin. She unsheathed two of her swords, the metallic ring echoing through the arena. Wu Xuexin followed suit, drawing her dual ice daggers for the first time in the competition. Until now, she had relied solely on her ice arts, but against Cang Yue, she dared not hold back. The force behind the Princess's Three Sword Style had already left an impression, and Wu Xuexin was keenly aware she couldn't afford to underestimate her opponent.
In the stands, Chu Yueli sighed deeply, her expression unreadable. The battle ahead was clear to her, especially after the events of the previous night. Wu Xuexin was fortunate to be facing the Princess and not the Empress, someone even Chu Yueli herself wouldn't dare challenge after witnessing the devastation wrought upon Ling Tianni.
"Are both participants ready?" Ling Wugou's voice cut through the tension-filled air.
Cang Yue and Wu Xuexin nodded in unison, their auras clashing subtly even before the fight began.
"Begin!"
The match erupted into action as Wu Xuexin raised her palm and unleashed a flurry of icicles. They shot toward Cang Yue with deadly precision, but the Princess sliced through them effortlessly. Her blades danced in her hands, leaving nothing but glittering shards of ice in her wake.
Wu Xuexin's hand touched the arena floor, and in an instant, jagged ice spikes erupted, chasing after Cang Yue's every movement. With acrobatic finesse, Cang Yue flipped and twisted through the air, her movements reminiscent of a gymnast as she evaded the relentless assault.
Closing the distance, Wu Xuexin engaged in close combat, her ice daggers clashing against Cang Yue's twin blades. Sparks flew as the sound of metal on metal rang out. Wu Xuexin raised more spikes from the ground to disrupt Cang Yue's rhythm, but the Princess responded with swift, decisive strikes that disabled the icy obstructions with precision.
Cang Yue suddenly shifted her stance, pulling Wadou Ichimonji and gripping its handle tightly with her teeth. She assumed her formidable Santoryu—Three Sword Style—and her aura surged dramatically, filling the arena with an almost palpable intensity.
Wu Xuexin's eyes widened beneath her veil. The match was far from over, but she could already feel the tide turning. The crowd leaned forward in anticipation, knowing they were about to witness a battle of pure mastery and resolve.
Both combatants clashed once more, their blades and techniques creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Wu Xuexin employed hit-and-run tactics, darting in and out of Cang Yue's range with precision. At one moment, she pressed her palm firmly onto the arena floor, freezing the ground around her opponent. Ice crept up Cang Yue's boots, trapping her in place.
Seizing the opportunity, Wu Xuexin formed large spheres of ice and sent them hurtling toward Cang Yue. For a moment, it appeared that the Princess was cornered.
But Cang Yue remained calm. She coated her boots in Haki, shattering the ice around her feet with a single motion. Raising her sword, she unleashed a powerful technique.
"Santoryu - Karasuma Gari (Crow Demon Hunting)!"
In an instant, her blades performed a flying series of multiple slashes, each arc strong enough to cleave through steel. The ice balls shattered in midair, reduced to harmless fragments as the crowd gasped in awe.
Before Wu Xuexin could react, Cang Yue was already in front of her, closing the gap with incredible speed. Panicked, Wu Xuexin summoned a burst of snow, enveloping Cang Yue and freezing her solid within moments.
On the sidelines, Gong Yuxian allowed a small smile to form. "Frozen Heaven Coffin. Not a perfected version, but sufficient for now."
"Frozen Heaven Coffin? Isn't she a bit young to wield that technique?" Chu Yueli asked, narrowing her eyes.
"She is," Little Fairy replied. "She's only scratched the surface of its power. It might be enough… if her opponent were anyone else."
Both sisters exchanged a knowing glance. "But not against Cang Yue," Chu Yueli finished, just as the enormous ice structure surrounding Cang Yue began to crack.
Wu Xuexin's expression twisted in shock as fissures spread rapidly across the Frozen Heaven Coffin. In the next moment, the ice exploded outward as three ethereal kirins emerged, spinning with tremendous force.
"Tatsumaki!" Cang Yue roared, her technique creating a violent tornado of slashing winds that obliterated the icy prison.
She didn't stop there. Diving toward Wu Xuexin, Cang Yue spun rapidly, unleashing a ferocious storm of spinning sword blades. Her strikes were so powerful that they knocked Wu Xuexin's dual ice daggers clean out of her hands.
Wu Xuexin leapt backward, narrowly avoiding the storm of blades. Her feet barely touched the ground when Cang Yue ceased spinning, her swords gleaming in the light as she stood poised and ready.
Now, the two fighters faced each other once more, their breaths steady but their gazes filled with intensity. The arena was silent, the crowd too captivated to cheer, knowing that the battle had only just begun.
The two fighters clashed fiercely once again, their techniques echoing through the arena. The force of their collision pushed Wu Xuexin back, her nimble frame twisting gracefully as she conjured a forest of ice spikes around her for protection. Cang Yue, however, was unfazed. She recognized the key to victory lay in closing the distance—neutralizing Wu Xuexin's ranged attacks by engaging in close combat.
Dodging the barrage of spikes, Cang Yue moved with precision, her dual swords dancing as they deflected and sliced through the icy projectiles. Step by step, she closed the gap between them. Wu Xuexin's calm façade began to crack as Cang Yue's relentless advance overwhelmed her.
Seeing Cang Yue closing in, Wu Xuexin frantically tried to fire another volley of ice spikes from her icy weapon. But it was too late—Cang Yue, in a burst of speed, was upon her after she sliced all the ice projectiles causing Wu Xuexin felt fear. With a decisive strike, she shattered the ice weapon in Wu Xuexin's hands, rendering her defenseless.
Now suspended mid-air, Wu Xuexin found herself vulnerable. Without her weapon or the ability to form ice in the air, she was at Cang Yue's mercy. Seizing the moment, Cang Yue flipped her swords to their blunt sides and launched herself forward in a streak of azure light.
"Santoryu! Seiryu In: Ryusui! (Three Sword Style: Blue Dragon Seal Water Stream)" she roared, as a radiant blue aura in the shape of a dragon enveloped her. The crowd gasped as the dragon-like energy surged forward with her, a stunning display of skill and power. In a fluid motion, Cang Yue slashed horizontally with her three swords, the back of the blades striking Wu Xuexin squarely in the stomach.
"Ahh!" Wu Xuexin cried out as the final attack struck her, sending her flying across the arena. The impact left no room for doubt—Cang Yue had decisively secured her victory.
Before Wu Xuexin could hit the arena floor, Cang Yue darted forward, catching her opponent in her arms with remarkable grace. Wu Xuexin was unconscious but unharmed, her body limp from the intense battle.
Cang Yue landed softly, her movements as fluid as ever, carrying her defeated opponent gently. For a brief moment, the arena was deathly silent, the audience holding their breath in awe.
Then, as if a dam had broken, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause and cheers.
"She did it! She defeated a Frozen Cloud Asgard disciple!" one spectator shouted, their voice filled with astonishment.
"The princess is incredible! She's stronger than we ever imagined!" another chimed in, their admiration evident.
Wu Xuexin lay motionless in Cang Yue's arms, her defeat unmistakable. Yet, the scene was anything but harsh; Cang Yue's calm and composed demeanor exuded respect and honor for her opponent.
With a quiet resolve, Cang Yue gently laid Wu Xuexin down on the arena floor and gracefully sheathed her swords. The crowd roared louder, their admiration for her skill and elegance reverberating through the arena.
Her victory was not just a testament to her strength but also to her unwavering focus and tactical brilliance. Cang Yue stood tall, the embodiment of a warrior princess, earning the respect of allies and foes alike.
"Wu Xuexin has remained unconscious for ten breaths of time! Blue Wind Imperial Family's Cang Yue is the winner and will advance to the Quarter Finals - Round of Eight!" Ling Wugou's voice reverberated across the arena.
The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers. This was no ordinary victory—Cang Yue had just defeated one of Frozen Cloud Asgard's top disciples, a feat no one expected.
Her father breathed a sigh of relief, his shoulders finally relaxing as the tension left his body. This was a monumental achievement—The Blue Wind Imperial Family had finally entered the top eight of the tournament, a feat they had never dared to dream of before. It had always seemed like an unattainable goal, far out of reach for their empire. And yet, here they were.
To think it was his daughter, Cang Yue, who had become the first to break this barrier filled him with immense pride and a sense of awe. Her determination and growth had brought glory not just to their family but to the entire empire.
"Yue'er… You've done what was once thought impossible," he whispered under his breath, a faint smile gracing his face.
Qin Wushang was no less ecstatic. His excitement was evident as he clapped his hands together and nodded repeatedly, unable to contain his joy.
"This is it! The Blue Wind Imperial Family has finally made its mark on the tournament!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with pride.
With Yun Che and Retsu still in the running, their hopes soared even higher. Both were unmatched in skill and power, practically guaranteeing their advancement into the top eight as well. Together, they were rewriting the history of the Blue Wind Empire, turning what was once considered an impossible dream into a stunning reality.
For the first time, the Blue Wind Imperial Family had a legitimate chance to contend on the grand stage. And for Cang Wanhe, seeing his daughter spearhead this transformation was nothing short of a dream come true.
Cang Yue exhaled deeply, relief washing over her as she stepped forward to support Wu Xuexin. Moments later, Chu Yueli descended from the stands, her expression calm as it was expected win for Cang Yue. She gently took Wu Xuexin from Cang Yue's arms, cradling the unconscious disciple with care before carrying her away.
In the stands, Gong Yuxian watched the conclusion of the match with a long, drawn-out sigh. As the Asgard Mistress of Frozen Cloud Asgard, it stung to see one of her most promising disciples defeated in the round of 16. Yet, she could not deny Cang Yue's strength. Even after hours of careful preparation the previous night, Wu Xuexin had been no match for her Cang Yue's seemingly boundless resourcefulness.
Chu Yueli shared her foster mother's sentiments, sighing quietly as she carried Wu Xuexin away. In truth, she knew that Cang Yue had not gone all out in terms of strength but only techniques. While Cang Yue's strength had clearly surpassed Wu Xuexin's, she had deliberately suppressed her power to fight on equal footing.
Among the spectators, few truly understood the full scope of Cang Yue's abilities. Only Yun Che's party, Xue Ling, Lin Yueru, and the Chu sisters knew the truth: Cang Yue, with the strength of a Peak Sky Profound Realm cultivator, still had much to learn about controlling her raw power. Yuyun had helped her suppress that overwhelming strength to ensure she wouldn't accidentally harm anyone until she had full mastery of it.
Despite Wu Xuexin's loss, Frozen Cloud Asgard still had the opportunity to salvage respectable rankings. Though they failed to secure a position in the top eight like Xia Qingyue, they remained strong contenders for the top ten. Wu Xuexin, despite her defeat, was almost certain to claim one of those spots, given her skill and determination.