Chapter 224: Round of 16: Wu Xingwu Vs Yun Che
Retsu's match was won, but Cang Yue's mind was far from at ease. As she stood amidst the celebratory roars of the audience, a new weight settled on her shoulders. Tomorrow, she will face none other than her flock sister, Retsu. Her nerves stirred with doubt. She could easily concede and spare herself the inevitable since she knew she wouldn't even hold a candle against Retsu's full waterbending strength, not to mention her full power.
But what would that truly prove? To herself, to Yun Che, to Retsu? If she chose not to fight, she would never understand the depth of her growth or the true extent of her abilities. She would always wonder—how far had she really come? This moment was why Yun Che had invested so much in her.
He had bestowed upon her the Moon Empress's inheritance, imparted the mastery of the Rokushiki Six Arts, and entrusted her with the legendary Three Sword Tome. Those gifts were not merely tools but a path he carved for her to ascend, to stand at the pinnacle of the Blue Wind Empire. His intent had been clear—to equip her to fight, to lead, to elevate her family and empire to unprecedented heights by herself.
And now, she had done just that. Spearheading their triumphs, she had already proven herself capable of surpassing the so-called top geniuses of the empire. She had made her mark, carved her name into the annals of history as the first to break through the barriers of mediocrity. Yet, in her heart, one hurdle remained.
She had not yet tested herself against Yun Che and Retsu. The thought lingered like an unspoken challenge, an invisible weight pressing against her chest. They were the ones who had stood by her, guided her, and supported her. And now, they were the ultimate standard by which she measured her strength.
She clenched her fists, determination sparking in her eyes. "I will fight Retsu-chan with everything I have," she resolved silently, her nerves now tempered by resolve. "Even if I lose, I need to know where I stand. I need to see if I can stand beside them."
As Retsu passed through the crowd with Chu Yueli and Shui Wushuang, Chu Yueli hesitated for a moment before asking, "Sister Retsu, will you do the honor of meeting our Asgard Mistress? She has expressed her wish to see you."
"I can sense her questions and have already prepared my answers," Retsu replied with a serene smile. "But I shall honor the invitation."
With a graceful nod, she followed Chu Yueli and Shui Wushuang toward the Frozen Cloud Asgard seating area.
The Asgardian disciples gazed at her in awe, marveling at the woman who possessed such unparalleled mastery over the water arts. Even Xia Qingyue's sharp eyes followed her intently, studying every detail. Retsu, sensing the attention, offered a serene smile from beneath her veiled hat, a gesture that only deepened the mystique surrounding her.
"Onee-chan!" Nezuko's excited voice rang out as the small girl flew straight into Retsu's arms.
Retsu caught her effortlessly and carried her, radiating a warmth that contrasted sharply with the icy demeanor of the surroundings. As they approached Gong Yuxian, the Asgard Mistress, Retsu lowered Nezuko gently before offering a polite bow.
"Blue Wind Imperial Family—Unohana Retsu, desu," she introduced herself formally. "This one greets the Asgard Mistress."
Gong Yuxian regarded the young woman before her with a mix of curiosity and respect. She had long stopped underestimating this individual, recognizing that her cultivation base, officially at the True Profound Realm, was merely the surface of a much deeper ocean.
"Please, there's no need for excessive formality," Gong Yuxian said, her tone even but her expression inquisitive. "You have shown extraordinary talent—your mastery of water laws is beyond anything we have seen."
Retsu gently corrected her, "It is called Waterbending, Asgard Mistress. An art that requires a vast amount of understanding and an unparalleled connection to the element."
Gong Yuxian's sharp gaze didn't waver. "You already know the questions I wish to ask, don't you?"
"Yes," Retsu replied with a faint smile. "And I have my answer. I must turn down your offer to join Frozen Cloud Asgard. My heart and my life are already devoted." She bowed again, her tone firm but respectful.
A quiet murmur rippled through the women of the Frozen Cloud Asgard, a collective sigh of disappointment and resignation. They had dared to hope, knowing the odds were slim.
Chu Yueli and Little Fairy exchanged knowing looks. They had both anticipated this outcome. Little Fairy, having faced Retsu's resolute rejection herself, silently respected her unwavering loyalty.
Gong Yuxian sighed softly, her composure intact despite her inner regret. "It is a great loss for us, but I respect your conviction. To find someone so devoted despite having a rare talent… it is rare in this world."
"Thank you, Asgard Mistress, for your understanding," Retsu said with another bow.
The Frozen Cloud disciples could only watch with a mix of admiration and envy as Retsu stood tall, her serene confidence leaving an indelible impression. Though they couldn't have her among their ranks, her influence would forever linger in their minds, a reminder of what it meant to truly master one's craft while remaining unwaveringly true to oneself.
"To possess such talent within the Asgard… it is truly a shame that your devotion lies elsewhere," Gong Yuxian sighed, her voice tinged with regret. What fascinated her most was Retsu's unwavering loyalty to Yun Che—someone she would never disobey.
"Even if I were to join, I could not bestow these arts upon the women of Frozen Cloud Asgard," Retsu explained calmly. "None here possess the foundational qualities necessary to cultivate them, Asgard Mistress."
"What is it that we lack to cultivate water laws as you do?" Gong Yuxian inquired, her curiosity echoed by the silent but eager attention of those around her. Even Xia Qingyue tilted her head slightly, hanging on to every word.
Retsu smiled gently beneath her veiled hat. "The embodiment of spirit," she began. "Once master, can be used to draw upon the energy of nature itself, one must first awaken their spiritual essence. That awakening is essential to harnessing elemental laws according to one's affinity."
"I see," Gong Yuxian said, her voice heavy with realization. "Our understanding of water laws is shallow in comparison. I regret being unable to bring you into our fold. However, would you consider forming an alliance with us?"
"Of course. I am already close to Sister Yuechan and Cang Yue," Retsu replied, bowing respectfully. "You may consider the Blue Wind Imperial Family your allies."
With that, she turned gracefully to leave. "Well, I shall take my leave now."
"One day…" Retsu paused, casting a glance over her shoulder. "If the circumstances align, the expert might consider awakening the spiritual power of the Asgardian women." Her words sparked a ripple of hope among them.
"Where can we find such an expert?" Gong Yuxian asked, her voice brimming with anticipation.
Retsu chuckled softly under her veil. "The expert will appear when the time is right," she said cryptically before continuing on her way, keeping to herself the truth—that the expert they sought was Yun Che himself.
"Yatta!" Retsu exclaimed joyfully as she returned to their seating area, removing her uchikatsugi with a flourish.
"Good work, Nee-sama. You made it to the top eight," Nemu said with a warm smile, giving Retsu a quick hug.
"Great job, Ret-chan!" Mio chimed in as she wrapped Retsu in a congratulatory embrace. "Looks like you'll be facing Little Yue tomorrow!"
"Ufuu… I guess so," Retsu replied with a playful tone, her gaze shifting to Cang Yue, who sat quietly. Concern flickered in her eyes. "Little Yue, are you okay?"
"Yeah… I just keep wondering how our fight will go tomorrow," Cang Yue admitted, her voice tinged with nervousness. Despite her composed appearance, the anxiety was clear.
"You'll be fine," Yun Che interjected, offering her a reassuring smile.
"Thank you." Cang Yue nodded, drawing strength from his encouragement. Determination replaced the unease in her expression as she resolved to give her all in the upcoming battle.
The tournament continued, but the other matches paled in comparison to Retsu's spectacular display. The crowd's excitement ebbed and flowed as each match concluded, yet no performance matched her mastery of water and ice.
After some time, Ling Wugou's voice rang out across the arena: "Heavenly Sword Villa's Ling Jie has emerged victorious and will proceed to the Quarter Finals - Round of Eight tomorrow!"
A few matches later, he announced again: "Blue Wind Profound Palace's Xia Yuanba has claimed victory and will also proceed to the Quarter Finals - Round of Eight tomorrow!"
The energy of the tournament remained high as the crowd eagerly anticipated the final eight contenders, their attention lingering on the day's standout—Retsu.
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Quarter Finals - Round of Eight Third Match set - Heavenly Sword Villa – Ling Jie ----- versus ------- Blue Wind Profound Palace – Xia Yuanba
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"Haha! Look, big bro! I'll be facing the new dark horse tomorrow," Ling Jie said with a wide grin, reclining lazily as he raised his hands to support his head. "I was hoping to face the boss, but I guess I'll have to beat him first. Wonder why mother and father didn't come today? Oh well."
Ling Yun nodded silently, his composure calm but focused.
After a while, his victory had just been announced.
"Heavenly Sword Villa's Ling Yun has won, and he will proceed to the Quarter Finals - Round of Eight tomorrow!" Ling Wugou's voice echoed across the arena.
As the announcement concluded, Ling Yun's gaze shifted towards the Blue Wind Imperial Family's seating zone. Despite his best efforts, the area was completely concealed, preventing him from catching even a shadow or silhouette of the women who had captured his attention earlier. A faint smirk played on his lips as he thought about his upcoming match.
"Yun Che, you better win this," he muttered under his breath, his smirk widening into a determined grin. "Because tomorrow, we'll face each other. And if I win... I'll take those angels from you."
Ling Yun's words hung heavy in the air as the last match of the day began, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
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Round of 16 – Final Match
Wu Clan – Wu Xingwu ------ versus -------- Blue Wind Imperial Family – Yun Che
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Yun Che smirked, his memory drifting back to that morning before the Round of 16 matches began. The encounter with the Wu Clan replayed vividly in his mind.
As he passed by their gathering, three elders flanked Wu Xingwu, their expressions dark and full of intent. The tension was palpable as they stepped into his path, halting him in his tracks.
"Still up to your old methods, huh?" Yun Che taunted, his voice carrying a casual arrogance that only added fuel to the fire.
"This is where you are. We thought we dealt with you back in the Jin Providence. Turns out, you're still alive," one of the Wu Clan elders sneered, his tone dripping with malice.
Yun Che narrowed his eyes, his mind racing. Alive? What the hell are these stooges talking about? He frowned inwardly. I've only ever dealt with Wu Nie and his grandson. Could it be they know something about me that I don't?
He kept his composure, masking his confusion with a smirk. "Still alive? That's rich coming from a bunch of rats who can't even keep their own house in order," Yun Che taunted, his tone laced with mockery.
The elder's expression twisted in anger. "Your arrogance will cost you, Mu Che. Or whatever you're calling yourself these days."
Mu Che again. Yun Che's patience was wearing thin, but he knew better than to let them see how much their words gnawed at him. If there was more to this story, he'd uncover it on his own terms. For now, he'd use their arrogance against them.
"Funny how you talk big while standing in a place where rules keep you safe," Yun Che retorted. "Let me make it simple. If you've got a score to settle, do it in the arena. Otherwise, save your breath—I've got better things to do than entertain your delusions."
"Mu Che, we'll cut to the chase," Wu Xingwu growled, his tone laced with malice. "Did you kill our elder, Wu Nie?"
Yun Che tilted his head nonchalantly, shrugging. "I don't know. Maybe?"
"Liar!" one of the elders barked, his face twisting with anger. "His soul imprint shows it was you who killed him!"
Yun Che's smirk widened, his demeanor unshaken. "Then why bother asking? You already know the answer."
"Bastard!" another elder roared, his voice shaking with rage. "He was one of the main clan's elders! You dare kill him?!"
"I hated the bastard for trying to harm my woman," Yun Che replied without missing a beat, his tone icy. "And let's not forget his grandson. Both of them crossed a line they shouldn't have."
His words struck a nerve, and the elders seethed. Wu Xingwu's scowl deepened, his fists trembling with barely contained fury.
"You think you're clever, boy? You're nothing but a pest!" an elder snapped. "Once Xingwu is done with you, we'll target everyone involved in Wu Nie's death. None of them will be spared!"
Yun Che's smirk turned into a full grin as he raised an eyebrow. "Oh, is that so? You really think your cheap tricks and unstable transformation pills will scare me? Let me guess, those pills are so poorly made that you've been losing disciples left and right in your experiments. How expendable are human lives in your clan's eyes?"
The accusation landed hard, and the elders' faces betrayed a flicker of unease. Yun Che's grin only grew sharper.
"And those two 'feral animals' of yours?" Yun Che continued, his tone mocking. "The ones you sent into the tournament? Funny how they went missing last night. The officials are already investigating. Got anything to share about that?"
Wu Xingwu's jaw tightened, and he took a step forward. "For justice against Elder Wu Nie and his grandson, I will end you, even if it means violating the tournament rules!"
Yun Che laughed, brushing past them with an air of disdain. As he walked away, he turned slightly and waved mockingly. "Good luck with that. But if I win, I'll come for all of you tonight. Don't bother running far—I'll be settling our debts. After that, I'm coming for your entire clan."
"You dare—!" Wu Xingwu roared, ready to charge after him, but one of the elders grabbed his arm, stopping him.
"Settle it in the arena," the elder commanded, his voice cold and sharp. "This time, finish the job. We thought he was dead, but clearly, we were wrong."
As Yun Che walked away, his retreating figure burned in the minds of the Wu Clan members. Their carefully laid plans were unraveling faster than they could comprehend, and now fury replaced their earlier confidence.
"Mu Che… They called me Mu Che again," Yun Che thought, his mind racing with questions. "And they said something about dealing with me back then? What the hell happened? I need to get to the bottom of this."
Back at the viewing area, Retsu gently rested her hand on Yun Che's shoulder before leaning in to kiss his cheek. "Looks like your next opponent is the last of the Wu Clan, huh?" she remarked with a calm but knowing smile.
"This might be bigger than we thought," Yun Che said, his voice tinged with unease.
Retsu raised an eyebrow at his tone. "What do you mean?"
"They called me Mu Che, just like before," he replied, his gaze distant as if trying to piece together a puzzle.
Mio crossed her arms and sighed. "This Mu Che is really getting on my nerves, even if he's you—or isn't you. Seriously, what's his deal?"
"I don't mind being mistaken for him," Yun Che admitted, "but the way they said they 'dealt with him' before... It feels off. Like there's a piece missing."
Retsu's expression turned thoughtful. "You're saying there might be something deeper to all of this?"
"Exactly," Yun Che replied, his eyes narrowing. "We've got some digging to do tonight."
With a nod from Retsu and Mio, Yun Che stepped forward, leaping gracefully onto the stage. His gaze locked onto Wu Xingwu's smirking face.
"Let's see what you've got," Yun Che muttered under his breath. He wasn't expecting this foot soldier to have all the answers, but if the Wu Clan wanted trouble, he was more than ready to give it to them.
"Yun Che, the elders expect me to kill you," Wu Xingwu growled, his voice deepening as his body began to contort. "I don't mind doing so."
In an instant, his essence surged, transforming his figure into a terrifying half-man, half-wolf hybrid. His body expanded, muscles rippling with raw power as fur sprouted across his skin. His sharp claws gleamed ominously under the light, and his feral yellow eyes scanned the arena, locking onto Yun Che with murderous intent.
Gasps erupted from the crowd.
"He can transform into a beast just like the other Wu Clan members." one spectator exclaimed.
"Let's hope this one wouldn't stay feral." another whispered.
The transformation drastically enhanced Wu Xingwu's physical strength, making him capable of tearing through steel, and overpowering seasoned martial artists. His sharp claws flexed, ready to rip Yun Che apart.
"Yun Che! You're dead now!" Wu Xingwu roared, his voice guttural and menacing.
Yun Che stood motionless, his expression unreadable. No witty remarks, no taunts—his entire demeanor radiated seriousness. His sharp gaze never left Wu Xingwu, and his calm presence unnerved everyone, even Xia Qingyue, who watched with quiet intensity.
Ling Wugou, the head referee, hesitated for a moment, worried about the feral transformation the other Wu Clan members shows before Yun Che. But seeing Yun Che's unflinching stance, he steeled himself and raised his hand.
"Begin!"
With a guttural roar, Wu Xingwu charged forward, his claws outstretched, aiming to strike. "Die! For Elder Nie!"
But before he could even close the distance, Yun Che vanished from his sight.
BAM!
A resounding impact echoed through the arena as Yun Che appeared midair, delivering a devastating high kick directly to Wu Xingwu's chin. The force of the blow lifted the werewolf-like figure clean off his feet, sending him flying backward like a ragdoll. His body slammed into the barrier with a thunderous crash, causing the protective barrier to ripple violently.
The entire crowd sat in stunned silence.
"What just happened?" one of the spectators muttered, their voice trembling.
"He... sent that monster flying with a single kick?" another whispered in disbelief.
Wu Xingwu groaned as he struggled to push himself off the ground, blood dripping from his mouth. Yun Che stood where he was, his form calm and unshaken, his eyes locked onto his opponent as if nothing had happened.
The arena erupted into cheers, the audience unable to contain their astonishment at Yun Che's overwhelming power. Xia Qingyue's lips curved into a small, imperceptible smile, though her eyes remained fixed on Yun Che.
Yun Che didn't speak, didn't gloat—his silence was a louder statement than any words.
Wu Xingwu emerged from the dust cloud, his claw outstretched with lethal intent. His smirk revealed sharp fangs as he swiped toward Yun Che with overwhelming force.
Yun Che calmly raised his leg, meeting the claw head-on with a solid block. The collision sent a shockwave rippling through the arena.
Wu Xingwu's smirk widened as he pushed forward, using his enhanced strength to drive Yun Che backward. "I'll crush you!" he growled, forcing Yun Che toward the barrier with brute power.
But just as Wu Xingwu thought he had the upper hand, Yun Che twisted his body at the last second. Using the barrier as a springboard, Yun Che launched himself back with incredible speed and precision, his foot slamming squarely into Wu Xingwu's wolf-like face.
BAM!
The force of the kick sent Wu Xingwu hurtling backward once again, his massive frame crashing into the barrier with an echoing thud. The crowd erupted into gasps and murmurs, their eyes wide as they processed what just happened.
"He's... playing with him!" someone in the crowd exclaimed.
"Wait... he didn't even use his flaming legs!" another spectator pointed out, astonishment evident in their voice.
Wu Xingwu groaned as he slid down the barrier, stunned and disoriented. Yun Che landed gracefully, his stance unwavering and his expression calm. He hadn't unleashed his full strength, yet he was dominating the fight.
The half man half wolf rose once more, seemingly unfazed by the previous blows. With a feral snarl, he charged toward Yun Che, his claws ready to tear. However, Yun Che anticipated the move, leaping gracefully into the air before executing his next technique.
"Troisième Hachis (Third-Rate Mincemeat)!"
Yun Che performed a series of rapid backflips, each movement a blur to the spectators. As he reached his final flip, he planted his hands on the ground for extra momentum, launching himself forward like a coiled spring. In a dazzling display of precision and speed, he delivered several rapid kicks to Wu Xingwu's wolf form from behind, each strike resonating with a sharp thud.
Despite the barrage, Wu Xingwu endured, his wolf form proving impressively durable. He spun around and slashed the air, sending razor-sharp claw projectiles flying toward Yun Che. But Yun Che weaved through the onslaught with ease, his movements fluid and calculated.
He began his Black Leg Combo Attack, an unrelenting series of blows that left no room for retaliation:
"Longe ("Loin Meat")" A swift, sweeping kick to Wu Xingwu's back, sending him staggering forward.
"Tendron ("Collar Meat")" Yun Che's sidekick struck the collarbone with pinpoint accuracy, the force reverberating through Wu Xingwu's body.
"Flanchet ("Stomach Meat")" Without hesitation, Yun Che delivered a solid kick to Wu Xingwu's stomach, knocking the wind out of him.
"Quasi ("Upper Thigh Meat")" Flipping into a double-handed handstand, Yun Che spun around and kicked Wu Xingwu's thigh with a resounding crack.
"Queue ("Tail Meat")" Using the momentum from his spin, Yun Che's other leg swung around, smashing into Wu Xingwu's tailbone and causing him to lurch forward in pain.
"Cuisseau ("Thigh Meat")" Yun Che followed up with a crushing kick to Wu Xingwu's thigh, immobilizing his movements.
"Jarret ("Shin Meat")" The combo continued with a devastating kick to Wu Xingwu's shin, forcing him to buckle.
Finally, Yun Che leaped into the air with overwhelming force.
"Veau Shot ("Veal Shot")" Yun Che's leg swept forward with incredible speed, delivering a crushing kick directly to the center of Wu Xingwu's torso.
BOOM!
Wu Xingwu's body was launched like a cannonball, slamming into the edge of the barrier with earth-shaking force. He slid to the ground, struggling to rise but clearly on the brink of collapse.
The arena fell into stunned silence, broken only by the murmurs of disbelief from the crowd.
"That... that combo didn't even give him a chance!" one spectator gasped.
"Each strike was precise... merciless!" another added, awestruck by Yun Che's unrelenting technique.
Yun Che stood tall, his expression calm yet imposing, as if the entire sequence had been effortless. He adjusted his stance, waiting to see if Wu Xingwu could still continue, though the outcome of the match was all but certain.
"Claw Cannon!" Wu Xingwu roared, his claws glowing with malevolent energy as he unleashed a massive energy claw projectile. The attack tore through the air with devastating force, slamming into Yun Che's chest and sending him flying backward.
The crowd gasped as Yun Che spiraled through the air, but his composure remained unshaken. With a sharp twist of his body, he used the momentum to spin and stabilize himself midair, landing gracefully on the arena floor. His expression hardened, and his resolve was unwavering.
"You'll have to do better than that," Yun Che muttered under his breath.
He dashed forward, his speed leaving afterimages in his wake. With a powerful leap, he launched into his next attack.
"Deuxième Hachis (Second-Rate Mincemeat)!"
Yun Che's body became a blur as he performed a running jump, his legs snapping forward with incredible force. Both feet struck Wu Xingwu squarely in the stomach, the impact creating a deafening *boom*.
But Yun Che wasn't done. Using the momentum from his first strike, he unleashed a relentless flurry of kicks, each one faster and more brutal than the last. The blows rained down like a storm, driving Wu Xingwu back with each devastating hit.
With a final, powerful kick, Yun Che sent Wu Xingwu hurtling into the barrier once more. The impact rattled the entire arena as cracks spread across the protective barrier.
The crowd erupted in cheers, their awe growing with every move Yun Che executed.
"This... this is insane! He's completely overwhelming him!" one spectator exclaimed.
"Wu Xingwu can't even fight back at this point!" another added, their voices echoing the disbelief of the entire audience.
Wu Xingwu slumped against the barrier, his breathing ragged and his transformation faltering. Despite his earlier bravado, it was clear that he was nearing his limit.
Yun Che stood firm, his gaze locked on his opponent. "If that's all you've got, then this fight is over." His voice was calm but carried a weight of finality that sent chills through the arena.
"I give up…" Wu Xingwu muttered weakly, his head bowed as he clutched his sides, seemingly unable to continue.
Hearing those words, Yun Che relaxed slightly, lowering his stance. "Wise choice," he said, turning to walk away, confident the fight was over.
But the moment Yun Che's back was turned, Wu Xingwu's eyes glinted with malice. With a feral growl, he leaped towards Yun Che, his claws outstretched for a surprise attack.
"Did you really think I'd fall for that crap?" Yun Che's voice cut through the air like a blade.
Without even turning around, Yun Che raised his leg and delivered a swift, brutal kick directly to Wu Xingwu's chin. The force of the blow sent Wu Xingwu soaring upward, his body twisting uncontrollably in midair.
Wu Xingwu quickly recovered, transforming fully into his wolf form, his snarling figure bolting downwards toward Yun Che's exposed back. The audience gasped in shock, thinking this might be the turning point.
But Yun Che remained unfazed. With perfect timing, he spun around and raised his leg high, meeting Wu Xingwu's charge head-on. His foot connected squarely with the wolf's nose in a devastating strike, the sound of the impact reverberating across the arena.
Wu Xingwu's massive body spiraled uncontrollably through the air, crashing into the ground with a thunderous thud. Dust and debris rose from the impact as the crowd watched in stunned silence.
"That body of his is tough," Yun Che murmured, watching as Wu Xingwu staggered but still managed to stand. "Guess I'll have to go with something more direct."
He vanished from his spot, appearing behind Wu Xingwu in an instant.
"Cuisseau Shoot ('Thigh Meat Shoot')!" Yun Che's foot struck Wu Xingwu's thigh with precision, forcing the hulking wolf hybrid to buckle and fell on his back. Before Wu Xingwu could react, Yun Che propelled himself into the air, his body spinning rapidly.
"Brochette ('Skewer')!" Yun Che shouted as he came down like a drill, one leg extended downward, aiming to pierce through Wu Xingwu's defenses.
Wu Xingwu's instincts kicked in, and with a desperate burst of speed, he narrowly evaded the attack. Yun Che's leg slammed into the ground, the impact sending tremors through the entire arena. Cracks spiderwebbed out from the point of impact, debris flying into the air as the sheer power of the attack caused widespread destruction.
The crowd gasped in shock, the devastation a clear reminder of Yun Che's overwhelming strength. "That was just a kick?!" one spectator exclaimed.
Wu Xingwu, however, wasn't ready to give in. Using his incredible speed, he began running circles around Yun Che, launching a relentless barrage of claw projectiles. Each one tore through the air with deadly precision.
Yun Che quickly ducked behind a chunk of debris from the ruined arena, using it as cover to deflect the incoming attacks. But Wu Xingwu's speed proved too much. In the blink of an eye, he appeared next to Yun Che, his fist glowing with raw energy.
"Take this!" Wu Xingwu roared, delivering a thunderous punch directly to Yun Che's torso.
The force of the blow sent Yun Che hurtling across the battlefield, his body smashing through debris before skidding to a halt near the edge of the destroyed arena. Dust and rubble filled the air as the crowd collectively held their breath, wondering if this was finally the blow that could bring Yun Che down.
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[Ding…. Great Way of the Buddha XP +0]
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"The system was right about being invulnerable," Yun Che mused, dusting himself off as he stood tall amidst the wreckage.
"You can die alongside this attack! Wolf Claw Tempest!" Wu Xingwu roared, unleashing a barrage of claw strikes that tore through the air like a storm. Hundreds of energy-infused slashes bombarded Yun Che, each one carrying enough force to reduce a lesser opponent to nothing.
As the dust settled, Yun Che stood unscathed, a confident smirk on his face. "Is that all? Come on, kick me with everything you've got!" His taunt rang through the arena, sparking whispers of disbelief from the spectators.
"Bastard!" Wu Xingwu bellowed, leaping forward with a feral roar. His wolf form unleashed a powerful double kick that collided with Yun Che's body, only to have the latter absorb the blow without flinching.
"Let's end this."
The crowd gasped as Yun Che's leg began to glow, sparks dancing around him before igniting into a blazing inferno.
"Diable Jambe!" Yun Che murmured, his voice carrying a fiery intensity as his leg burst into flames. He dashed forward, his leg engulfed in a spiral of fire, and delivered a single, devastating kick to Wu Xingwu's stomach. The heat radiated through the arena as the impact sent Wu Xingwu flying, spinning uncontrollably before slamming into the barrier with a thunderous crash.
"What's with that kick, dammit?!" Wu Xingwu growled, struggling to rise. His chest heaved, and his once-pristine wolf form was now scorched and battered.
But Yun Che wasn't done. Before Wu Xingwu could recover, Yun Che was already charging toward him, his legs blazing with renewed intensity. Wu Xingwu gathered his remaining strength, channeling every ounce of Profound Energy into a desperate final attack.
With a primal roar, he lunged, claws extended in a bid to pierce through Yun Che.
"Diable Jambe!!" Yun Che roared as he leaped into the air, his leg blazing like a molten spear. With incredible speed, he twisted mid-air, deflecting Wu Xingwu's claws with a perfectly timed parry. The opening was all he needed.
"Venison Shot!!"
Yun Che became a spinning blur of fire, delivering a relentless flurry of flaming kicks to Wu Xingwu's chest and abdomen. The sheer speed and power of the strikes created a vortex of fire that enveloped the wolf hybrid. Each kick landed with a resounding impact, forcing Wu Xingwu back with no room to counter.
The crowd erupted in gasps and cheers as Wu Xingwu, known for his impenetrable defense, faltered under the onslaught. The flames seared through his fur and armor-like physique, leaving him charred and stunned.
The elders of the Wu Clan gritted their teeth in anger, their faces dark with frustration as they watched their warrior overwhelmed.
"Diable Jamble: Flambage Shot!" Yun Che's voice boomed as he ended his attack with a devastating axe kick. His flaming leg descended like a meteor, amplified by the heat and strength of the Diable Jambe, slamming into Wu Xingwu's head with crushing force. The impact reverberated through the arena, and the ground cracked as Wu Xingwu was sent crashing into the stage with an earth-shaking bang.
The crowd sat in stunned silence before erupting in cheers, their awe palpable. Yun Che stood tall amidst the fading embers, his fiery aura slowly dissipating, leaving no doubt about his dominance.
"Roar!!!" Wu Xingwu's body convulsed as his wolf form grew more feral, his eyes glowing crimson, his claws elongating, and his movements erratic. He had lost control, succumbing to the primal rage that consumed his clan members before him.
The tournament officials immediately sprang into action, disabling the barrier to contain the escalating threat. However, Yun Che was faster—much faster.
In a flash, he appeared beneath Wu Xingwu's towering form, his movements precise and calculated. With a sharp pivot, he bent his arm, bracing it for leverage, and launched a double flaming kick directly into Wu Xingwu's chin. The impact sent the feral wolf hybrid flying upward, his jaw snapping shut from the force.
"Diable Jambe…" Yun Che murmured, the heat from his flaming legs intensifying. His voice was calm, but the ferocity in his eyes promised a decisive end.
Yun Che propelled himself high into the air, his body igniting with the fiery intensity of a descending meteor. The crowd gasped in unison, their eyes wide as he dove straight down toward the mid-air Wu Xingwu. The arena seemed to hold its breath as Yun Che's burning figure descended like a fiery comet.
"Meteor Strike!!"
The impact was cataclysmic. Yun Che's strike connected with Wu Xingwu's chest, driving him downward with unimaginable force.
BOOM!!
The collision created a thunderous explosion, scattering debris and sending shockwaves through the arena. Smoke and fire erupted, obscuring the battlefield as the audience shielded their eyes from the blinding flash.
When the dust settled, the scene was nothing short of devastation. The arena floor was obliterated, replaced by a massive crater with Wu Xingwu lying motionless at its center. His once-formidable wolf form was now battered and broken, cracks visible on his skull—a testament to the overwhelming power of Yun Che's Diable Jambe.
Yun Che stood at the edge of the crater, his flaming legs dimming as he surveyed the aftermath. The audience sat in stunned silence, some with their mouths agape, unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed.
As officials rushed to assess Wu Xingwu, murmurs spread like wildfire through the crowd.
"He…he annihilated him."
"Did you see that?"
"This guy… Yun Che… he's terrifying!"
Yun Che took a deep breath, his expression calm but resolute. He had ensured that Wu Xingwu's feral form would not activate again, silencing the beast and the disgraceful intentions of the Wu Clan in one decisive move.
Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving the arena in awe of the sheer, unrelenting power he had displayed. The once-proud Wu Clan now sat in silence, their defeat written in the rubble of the crater.
"This is utterly absurd," Ling Wugou muttered, his voice carrying the weight of the tournament's frustration. The Wu Clan's repeated disruptions had stained the competition. The first offense during Cang Yue's match still lingered in everyone's minds, when a defeated Wu disciple had suddenly risen, transforming and attempting to harm her. If not for Xue Ling and Chu Yueli's swift intervention, the incident could have ended tragically.
As tournament officials turned to demand explanations, their outrage was met with an unsettling discovery—the Wu Clan elders and their entire seating zone were empty, abandoned without a trace as they escaped.
"They escaped," Yun Che muttered under his breath, a calculating grin forming on his face. "They won't take this insult lightly, but they'll regret running. Somewhere tonight, I'll capture one and demand the location of their clan." His eyes narrowed with determination as he began to plan.
"Contestant Yun Che won by default to the Wu Clan's repeated offense. He will proceed to the Quarter Finals - Round of Eight." Ling Wugou's voice sounded in the air.
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Final matches for the Quarter Finals - Round of Eight
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First Match – Frozen Cloud Asgard - Xia Qingyue ------- versus -------- Xiao Sect - Xiao Kuanglei
Second Match – Blue Wind Imperial Family – Cang Yue ------versus------ Blue Wind Imperial Family – Unohana Retsu
Third Match – Heavenly Sword Villa – Ling Jie ------versus------- Blue Wind Profound Palace – Xia Yuanba
Fourth Match – Heavenly Sword Villa – Ling Yun ------versus ------- Blue Wind Imperial Family – Yun Che
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The crowd erupted in cheers as the Profound Display revealed the names of the top eight contenders advancing to the final matches. For the first time in tournament history, the Burning Heaven Clan failed to secure a spot, earning them the dubious honor of being the tournament's laughingstock. Not to mention their lost against Yun Che and Retsu the day before.
Ling Yun's excitement was palpable. His confidence soared at the thought of defeating Yun Che and claiming glory, along with the attention of the heavenly beauties in Yun Che's care. Meanwhile, his younger brother Ling Jie was equally thrilled, eager to face the formidable "dark horse," Xia Yuanba. Yet, a pang of disappointment lingered in Ling Yun's mind—his parents had chosen not to witness his moment of triumph.
Across the arena, Yun Che noticed Ling Yun glaring at him, his eyes brimming with killing intent. Yun Che met his gaze with a smirk, unbothered. He was well aware of Ling Yun's inflated ego and delusions of grandeur.
Ling Yun stood in the shadows, his eyes glinting with dark ambition. "Yun Che, those goddesses will be mine once I kill you tomorrow," he murmured to himself. He had been training relentlessly, pouring all his efforts into surpassing Yun Che, believing that strength would win him everything.
On the other side, Yun Che smirked, his confidence unshaken. Ling Yun's delusions amused him, but he didn't take the threat lightly. Tomorrow, he wouldn't just fight for himself—he would fight to prove a point that Ling Yun could never understand.
He gazed at Retsu, Mio, and Nemu, who were laughing softly among themselves, their presence a constant source of comfort and strength. Their love for him wasn't tied to his strength or his identity as Yun Che. It was deeper, more profound—rooted in the real him, Yukihira Yuuki, the man they had come to cherish beyond appearances or power.
This encounter was unlike the original timeline, where Yun Che never faced Ling Yun. Instead, Ling Yun had been paired with Xia Qingyue, an outcome that inadvertently unveiled her divine beauty to the world when her veil fell during their match. The incident had left Ling Yun smitten and his mother, Xuanyuan Yufeng, seething with hatred for the Frozen Cloud Asgard—an organization she blamed for captivating both her husband and son.
Now, the timeline had shifted. Yun Che stood ready to confront Ling Yun himself, and with Xuanyuan Yufeng already recruited as one of his Assassins, her vendetta against the Frozen Cloud Asgard had been neutralized. However, Yun Che knew the thousand-year calamity threatening the Asgard was still looming—a challenge he could not entirely prevent or predict.
Even so, Yun Che's resolve was firm. While the future remained uncertain, one thing was clear: he would not let calamity strike without a fight.