Chapter 272: The Banquet Challenges (III)

The hall fell into tense silence as Elder Lin's voice boomed across the chamber, sharp as a sword unsheathed.

"Elder Lin! Are you bribed by the Jin Family?! Why do they keep winning?!" The Zhang Family Patriarch slammed his palm onto the table, his face red with anger and humiliation. Whispers rose like ripples from the families present, some agreeing silently, others holding their breath.

Old Man Lin's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with cold authority. "Bribed? Do you take me for some alley peddler?" He leaned forward, gaze sweeping across the room. "Can any of your families match what the Jin Family's challengers have achieved so far?"

The Zhang Patriarch opened his mouth but said nothing.

"Mastery in advanced arithmetic, deciphering ancient texts, painting that moves the heart, sculpting that evokes life, and now a revolutionary invention that could uplift the entire province!" Elder Lin's voice rose, firm and unshakable. "Can your family produce even one of these? No? Then sit down."

A heavy silence hung in the air.

The Fang and Gu Families lowered their heads. The Song and Ren families clenched their jaws. Even the once-proud Hou and Nie Families exchanged uncertain glances.

"The Jin Family has brought forth exceptional talents—unparalleled, unpretentious, and above all, victorious," Old Man Lin continued. "They earned every win with brilliance, not with gold."

Yun Che, from the corner, folded his arms and gave a slight nod. Fair and impartial. That old man doesn't bow to pressure.

"If I were you," Elder Lin added with a harsh finality, "I'd spare myself further shame and concede. Whoever these women are... the Jin Family has turned the tide. You all underestimated them—and now you reap the price."

No one dared to challenge him further.

And in that moment, the hall quietly acknowledged what none dared say aloud.

The Jin Family had become unshakable.

"Well said, Master Lin," Yun Che stood from his seat, voice calm yet commanding. "Shall we proceed with the next challenge?"

There was a brief murmur through the crowd. Despite the tension, many couldn't help but admire the impartiality of Elder Lin and the Grandmaster. Their fairness kept the chaos in check, even as the balance of power shifted rapidly in the Jin Family's favor.

Suddenly, two patriarchs rose simultaneously—Huo Zheng of the Huo Family and Nie Qingshan of the Nie Family.

"The Huo and Nie Families will act as one in this next challenge," Huo Zheng announced, hands behind his back and expression unreadable.

A wave of surprise swept across the hall.

"Joining forces?" Yun Che raised an eyebrow, tone edged with amusement. "Is that even legal? Two families against one?"

Old Man Lin frowned slightly but said nothing. He awaited formal terms.

"You've already won five challenges," Nie Qingshan sneered. "Surely the Jin Family isn't afraid of a little pressure?"

"We accept that both sides will shoulder double the debt," Huo Zheng added. "If either of us wins, both families claim victory."

Jin Zhuo narrowed his eyes. He could see through the ploy. A gamble. If either family triumphed, the debt would halve between them. If they lost… the price doubled.

Yun Che gave a dry chuckle beneath his mask. "Then by altering the rules, you give us the right to respond in kind."

Old Man Lin turned to both sides. "Patriarchs of Huo and Nie, are you willing to accept that—by joining forces—you've forfeited your right to choose the next challenge?"

"…We accept." Nie Qingshan said reluctantly. They had already stepped into the arena—turning back now would be cowardice.

Yun Che gave a slow, mocking clap. "Good."

He looked to Elder Lin. "Then we choose the field."

"Very well. State your challenge," Lin said.

Yun Che's eyes gleamed as he turned his gaze to the two patriarchs. "—Cooking."

The words hit like a thunderclap.

The Huo and Nie Families froze. Their glee barely contained.

They tried to hide their smirks, but Yun Che already noticed it.

Bingo.

The hall whispered again. Cooking? Why such a mundane challenge? But some who knew the culinary traditions of the Huo and Nie Families understood—both were famed for their signature dishes and prized culinary branches.

Yun Che folded his arms and smirked. "Looks like we're in your domain now, huh?"

Behind him, Retsu slowly stepped forward with a soft smile. Her eyes half-lidded, composed, confident.

The Huo and Nie patriarchs hadn't noticed her yet. But they would.

Oh, they would.

"Cooking?" Huo Zheng's brows twitched in disbelief. "Are you sure you want to choose that category, boy? The Huo Family owns the most renowned restaurant chain in the city. Our dishes overshadow all others."

Sneers and murmurs rippled through the hall.

"Is that brat insane?" one elder whispered.

"Challenging the Nie and Huo Families to cooking? That's like offering a pig for judgment in a butcher's house!"

"Ignorance really can make one's nose higher than Mount Tai."

Yun Che stood calm amid the noise, unfazed. His voice cut through the chatter like a blade. "Oh, I'm very certain."

Nie Qingshan scoffed. "Ignorant fool. Do you even know the sleeping dragon of culinary mastery that resides in this city? You dare challenge us in our domain?"

"Yup," Yun Che replied without hesitation.

"You arrogant brat…" Huo Zheng's patience frayed, but his smirk returned quickly. "Then consider this your defeat. We'll take this win gladly."

Yun Che simply shrugged. "Since you've sent two representatives—one from each family—then, naturally, we'll send two of ours. That's only fair… right?"

The words sank in, and the Huo and Nie Patriarchs clenched their jaws. The tactic they used to intimidate had just been turned against them.

"You…" Nie Qingshan muttered.

They had hoped to crush the Jin Family through sheer numbers and prestige. But Yun Che wasn't just playing their game—he was rewriting the rules mid-match.

A quiet tension fell over the crowd.

From behind Yun Che, two figures gracefully stepped forward.

Retsu and Mio.

"Ufuu… Finally, our turn," Mio giggled softly, elegantly fanning herself beneath her veiled kasa hat. Her excitement shimmered just beneath her composed exterior. "I've been waiting for this. I can't wait to try that new recipe Danna-sama taught me."

"New recipe?" Retsu tilted her head slightly toward Mio, her smile soft but curious. "That's news to me. He taught you something new?"

Mio's lips curled into a smug grin. "He sure did~ I asked him for cooking tips and he gave me a recipe he said he hadn't taught anyone else yet. Looks like I might finally beat you in something!"

Retsu blinked once, then her eyes gleamed with amusement. Her soft chuckle followed. "Ara~ So you asked for a recipe. I asked him to teach me how to bake."

Mio's smug expression froze.

"Bake…?" she echoed.

"Yes," Retsu replied sweetly. "Baking bread and cakes. It's such a complex and delicate art… but with his help, I learned quite a lot." She folded her hands in front of her, serene and radiating subtle dominance.

Mio's face contorted into mock betrayal. "No fair desuuu!" she whined, puffing her cheeks as she delivered a flurry of light-hearted punches to Retsu's shoulder.

"Ufuu~ I didn't break the rules. You just asked for a recipe. I asked for… time." Retsu's smile turned ever more smug, her tone dripping in graceful victory.

Their playful antics earned puzzled and surprised looks from the hall. Even Xia Qingyue blinked in disbelief—these two, who radiated such powerful presence in battle, were now bickering like spirited girls at a village fair. Monarch Butterfly Mio, with her carefree joy, and Unohana Retsu, usually the embodiment of serene menace, now reduced to gleeful rivalry over cooking of all things.

"Hai hai, enough flirting with chaos," Yun Che sighed, one hand on his forehead. "You two go and win this, please."

"Hai~!" both women chirped in unison before stepping confidently onto the stage.

"It's impressive," Qingyue said softly, glancing at the two figures now standing on the stage. "That you can control those two monsters."

Yun Che folded his arms, chuckling under his breath. "Control? You make it sound like they're beasts on a leash. They're not. They're... just enjoying life in their own way. They've earned it. Even monsters need to play sometimes."

"To think that Butterfly Monarch would act like a giggling girl," Xue Ling muttered, still stunned.

"Honestly, same," Mulan sighed, shaking her head. "And Shin Yue too… Is every powerful being you bring along secretly some kind of overgrown child?"

"Not all of them," Yun Che shrugged. "Just the ones strong enough to stop pretending."

Jin Yuelian, watching the stage, furrowed her brow in curiosity. "Why do you call that Mio girl the Butterfly Monarch? That can't be the Butterfly Monarch, right?"

Mulan's face went pale. "Ah… you wouldn't believe us, Mother."

"Try me."

"That's… Lady Mio," Mulan said cautiously, glancing around. "The Butterfly Monarch. The same one whose name has been shaking the Blue Wind Empire lately."

Jin Yuelian's eyes widened. "Wait. That Lady Mio?! The one from the Blue Wind Imperial City? I thought she just shared the same name!"

"No," Mulan shushed her. "That is her."

There was a beat of silence. Jin Yuelian stared in disbelief, her mouth slightly ajar.

"A monarch… A Monarch is in our family banquet…"

"Shhh, Mother!" Mulan quickly hushed her, eyes darting. "Keep it down! If the others find out, it'll cause a panic."

Jin Yuelian swallowed. "Right. Right. I'm calm. Perfectly calm. Just sitting here... calmly... while a Monarch is cooking across the room for our family."

She could barely keep her voice to a whisper, her hands trembling slightly under the tablecloth. "No wonder… No wonder all of you are so confident. A Monarch. A real Monarch! How—just how did you get someone like her to follow you?!"

Mulan offered a tired smile, gesturing subtly toward Yun Che. "Ask Che'er. These girls—Retsu, Mio, all of them—are his followers."

Jin Yuelian blinked at her daughter, then turned her wide-eyed gaze to Yun Che. "Just… how?"

Yun Che, seated with arms folded and expression unreadable, offered nothing but a half-smile in return.

"Calm down, Mother," Mulan whispered, glancing around the banquet hall. "We're playing this nice and quiet. We don't want to scare off the spies lurking in the crowd."

"Spies?" Jin Yuelian stiffened.

"Of course there are spies," Mulan muttered. "Each family probably sent one or two to watch and report. You don't think they're that confident with just their own eyes, do you?"

Her mother leaned in closer. "How far ahead have you all planned this?"

Mulan let out a quiet, exasperated sigh. "We didn't. He's the one who planned everything."

She looked back at Yun Che—still calm, still unreadable, still playing ten moves ahead of everyone else in the room.

Jin Yuelian slowly sat back, heart pounding while her husband didn't hear their conversation kept on staring at the stage.

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

Back on the grand stage, the atmosphere grew electric. Mio and Retsu stood side by side, serene and poised, while across from them, the Huo and Nie Families made their move—and what a move it was.

Gasps echoed throughout the hall as two culinary legends emerged. Clad in ornate robes, their presence alone silenced the crowd.

"By the heavens… aren't those the famous chefs of Xuanwu City?"

"They're the ones behind the Golden Lotus Pavilion and Vermillion Flame House!"

The tension thickened as the two masters approached the center. The older chef from the Huo Family sneered. "So… you two will be our opponents? Girls with no reputation, no titles… you dare stand against us?"

The Nie Family's chef nodded beside him. "You're not even chefs. You're children playing with fire. This is an insult to our knives."

Retsu tilted her head slightly, her tone disarming yet sharp. "Actually… we've cooked for someone who surpasses even both of you. Someone we couldn't beat, no matter how many times we tried."

The two chefs froze for a moment. Confusion crossed their faces, then turned to disdain.

"Enough arrogance!" the Huo chef barked.

But what happened next shook them even more. With graceful motions, Retsu and Mio extended their hands, and with a soft shimmer of light, ingredients began appearing from thin air. Carefully preserved spices, rare meats, and seasonal vegetables all laid themselves out like art.

"Spatial rings?!"

"Not one—but two! They both have one!"

Whispers exploded throughout the crowd. Spatial rings were extremely rare in these parts, and only nobles of the highest order could afford one. Yet these two women… had treated them as casually as aprons.

Yun Che, from his seat, chuckled under his breath. "If they knew those aren't even spatial rings but bound-world storage…"

From the Song and Fang families' side, jaws clenched. Another impossible display from the Jin Family's entourage.

"You… you dare bring these kinds of tricks?!" the Nie chef growled.

"We're not here to argue," Mio replied sweetly. "We're here to cook. So can we begin?"

Old Man Lin raised his hand, his voice cutting across the tension. "The rules are simple: Prepare any dish of your choosing. Grandmaster Ming will judge them based on taste, presentation, and innovation."

He paused, then added with a grin. "Begin."

The chefs from the Huo and Nie families snapped into action—years of experience, a lifetime of perfected movements. Their blades flew like lightning. Flames flared, oil sizzled, and the scent of braised meat began to waft through the air.

But then all eyes turned to the other side.

Retsu giggled softly as she watched Mio work. "Ara… you really learned that curry well."

Mio grinned, eyes sparkling under her veil. "Ufuu… this curry isn't just for rice. It's the versatile one, Ret-chan. The one Danna-sama taught me so I could use it in noodles, bread, or even as dipping sauce. I've perfected it~."

She gently placed a strange device on the cooking table—a sleek, compact cylinder with small exhaust vents, a metallic plate, and a crystalline core that shimmered with inner light. As she twisted a valve, fwshhh—a stable, focused flame bloomed from the base.

The hall went dead silent.

"What… what is that thing?" the Nie Family chef blinked in confusion.

"It's not a spirit stove… nor a formation burner…"

Jin Yuelian leaned over to Yun Che. "Che'er, what in the world is that?"

Yun Che simply smiled. "A portable stove."

"A what?" she repeated, baffled.

He nodded toward the device. "Where I came from, stoves use natural gas for heat. But I modified this one to run on Profound Energy instead."

"A profound-energy converter?" Even Jin Zhuo forward now, fascinated.

"Exactly," Yun Che replied. "The more energy you pour in, the hotter the flame becomes. It's completely stable, reusable, and portable. No need for firewood, no need for clunky formations. It's efficient and perfect for cooking anywhere—outdoors, at camp, even while traveling."

There was awe and then immediate realization across the audience—especially from servants, cooks, and merchants.

"Such device… can revolutionize every kitchen," murmured a merchant.

"She can control the heat down to the flicker…" one noblewoman whispered. "That precision…"

"It's… kind of cheating," the Nie Family chef gritted through his teeth.

Retsu chuckled as she prepared. "Ara...?, there's nothing in the rules said we can't use tools. Besides, it's innovation. You challenged us in invention earlier, remember?"

The chefs' faces darkened.

Mio, meanwhile, had already begun sautéing onions, releasing a rich aroma that made the audience's stomachs rumble. She added her signature blend of spices—fragrant, sweet, and a touch fiery. The scent drifted through the hall like a gentle wave, stirring not just hunger but anticipation.

"Then, I'll make the bread that complements it," Retsu said softly, her lips curling into a gentle smile.

She rolled up her sleeves, hands moving with practiced grace as she sifted the flour, added water, salt, and a hint of oil. Her control over heat, honed through both cultivation and combat, allowed her to manipulate the dough's temperature precisely. She guided the mixture to rise with perfect consistency—soft, airy, yet strong enough to hold the curry's warmth.

From her inventory, she pulled out a small ceramic cup.

"Yogurt?" Yun Che mused. "Ah… she's making a simple quick-rise bread. It's the fastest one to prepare, and it pairs perfectly with Mio's curry."

"You taught her that too?" Mulan asked in surprise.

"Of course," Yun Che smirked. "I've taught her three bread recipes so far—each one tailored for breakfast or travel. She insisted on mastering each before moving on. What she's making now is specifically chosen to match Mio's dish."

Retsu's hands moved elegantly, forming a dozen flat, square discs of dough. On each, she placed a small ball of enriched dough in the center—subtle, delicate folds following.

Then she did something unexpected.

With a flick of her wrist, Retsu conjured a glowing blue kekkai barrier over the dough array, eliciting murmurs from the crowd.

"A barrier?" someone whispered. "Is that… part of her cultivation?"

They watched in awe as she touched the surface of the shimmering cube—and the color shifted from blue to violet.

Inside, the temperature began to rise.

"She's using a barrier… as an oven?" Mulan blinked in astonishment.

"She's adapted the barrier with precise temperature control," Yun Che explained calmly. "She tuned it to exactly 250 degrees. The bread bakes evenly from all sides, no need for fire or coal."

"She could've used the profound-energy oven you made, Yuu-sama." Nemu murmured, "so why didn't she?"

"Your Onee-chan over there didn't want to steal attention from Mio's portable stove," Yun Che replied, smiling faintly. "That device is already making waves—just like your hand-pump earlier. Retsu chose subtlety. She wants the focus to be on the bread, not the method. Besides, barrier oven is much more convenient to her."

He wonders if she innovated her barrier into an oven. She can cook anything inside it. Even a person. It shivers him enough just to think about it.

On stage, the purple glow of the barrier pulsed gently as the aroma of warm dough filled the air.

Even the Nie and Huo chefs, once smug, now glanced at the dough with furrowed brows, sensing the tide shift again.

After thirty minutes, Mio clapped her hands with a cheeky smile. "I'm done~!"

With a dramatic lift of the lid, steam burst forth from her pot—carrying with it the rich, savory aroma of slow-simmered spices, tender meat, and a subtle sweetness that danced on the senses. The scent swept through the hall like a tidal wave, and in an instant, stomachs growled from every direction.

Even the composed Grandmaster Ming instinctively reached for his belly. "That smell… it's divine."

"The fragrance alone…" one of the Song Family elders murmured, "…completely drowns out the Nie chef's dish."

Mio grinned innocently, stirring the curry one last time, the colors thick and glistening under the glow of the hall's lanterns.

"I am almost done."

Retsu's soft voice pulled their attention.

With a swift motion, she pressed her fingers against the glowing violet barrier. It shimmered once, then flipped upside down in mid-air like a blooming lotus.

The dozen doughs dropped from the top half and landed gently onto the bottom—except the small dough ball in the center remained suspended for a moment before settling atop each loaf. As the barrier vanished, what remained on the tray left the audience stunned.

Each piece of bread resembled a miniature mountain: golden-brown slopes with a soft, creamy-white dome at the top.

"A mountain… of snow?" someone gasped.

"It looks like—like Cloudfall Peak…" one elder from the academy whispered, recognizing the imagery.

Jin Zhuo leaned forward, eyes wide with curiosity. "A bread shaped like a mountain? How in the world did she do that?"

Yun Che chuckled. "It's actually pretty clever. Watch closely—it's all in the technique. She attached the dough to the inside of the barrier before heating it. The small ball of dough she placed on top? That acts like a binding anchor—imagine slapping dough to the ceiling of a kiln."

He gestured with his hand, mimicking the motion. "As the baking process begins, the outer surface chars lightly, and the underside cooks slower. The heat causes the bread to expand and then pull downward by its own weight, peeling slightly. The sticky dough at the top holds just long enough to form that snow-like crest. That's how it takes on the mountain shape."

The hall murmured in astonishment.

"In other words," Yun Che continued, "it's a creative variation of the Indian naan bread—only she innovated it."

"Indian?" Mulan asked.

"Yeah, one of the foreign clans in the outer regions." Yun Che looked sideways. "They have a unique way of making bread."

Mulan blinked. "And the yogurt she used earlier?"

"That's the secret. Yogurt in the dough gives it a subtle sourness and softness. It balances out the richness of the curry and gives the bread depth. Retsu perfected the ratio. I only gave her the base technique."

As the two women stepped forward with their completed dish, a collective hush fell over the crowd.

The curry—deep amber in color, speckled with tender vegetables and slow-braised meat—glistened as steam curled upwards. Its spicy aroma melded with the subtle tang of the mountain-shaped bread, now lightly toasted and warm, a faint glow still lingering from Retsu's profound cooking method.

The presentation was simple, but the artistry and care behind it spoke volumes.

Grandmaster Ming stood from his seat, visibly moved. "This is… without doubt… cuisine born from soul and skill."

Even the Huo and Nie chefs stood frozen, their pride cracking under the weight of what they witnessed.

Mio smiled with her hands behind her back. "Please try it~ It's best when it's hot!"

The chefs from the Huo and Nie Families stood proudly as their servants brought forth their completed dish—Demon Beast Royal Platter. At a glance, it was extravagant: roasted slices of Grade 3 Beast meat, glazed in honeyed sauce, paired with mountain herbs and jeweled rice, garnished with glittering frostberries, all served on silver trays carved with their family crests.

It looked luxurious.

But when placed beside Retsu and Mio's dish—Mountain Spirit Bread with Deep Flame Curry—it paled. Not because of quality, but because of soul.

One was a feast for the eyes.

The other… a feast for the heart.

The audience murmured.

"Why does the curry look more… alive?"

"It's just a curry and bread, isn't it?"

"No… that scent alone. It's like it's calling me."

Grandmaster Ming narrowed his eyes, leaning toward the demon beast platter. He cut a slice of the beast meat and tasted it. He chewed. He nodded.

"Well-seasoned. Properly aged meat. The flavors are balanced, if predictable. Powerful cultivation ingredients… but the taste doesn't linger."

That was all the feedback for the Huo and Nie Family. Unbeknownst to them, Grandmaster Ming had tasted this dish before. It was luxurious but plain.

Then, he turned to Mio and Retsu's dish.

"This… how do I eat this?" Grandmaster Ming asked, eyeing the curious mountain-shaped bread with a puzzled look.

Retsu stepped forward gracefully, her smile soft beneath her veil. She picked up one of the golden-crusted breads and gently flipped it upside down.

As she did, the once-peaked mountain became a hollowed cup, its fluffy interior naturally forming a bowl.

Mio followed with a warm smile of her own. She ladled a generous spoonful of her rich, fragrant curry into the center of the bread-cup. The sizzling sauce soaked perfectly into the soft sides, steam rising in an aromatic cloud that made the hall collectively inhale in awe.

"Like this," Mio said, her voice lilting with pride.

The bread, infused with yogurt and charred just enough for texture, cradled the curry like a handcrafted vessel. It wasn't just a serving method—it was part of the experience.

Gasps rose from the crowd.

"Incredible…"

"It's… practical and beautiful!"

"Who are these women?!"

Grandmaster Ming, visibly moved, took the bread bowl into his hands, hesitated for a heartbeat… then took a bite.

Crunch, chew, savor.

He closed his eyes.

"…Unprecedented."

Grandmaster Ming didn't even realize it at first.

The moment the curry-soaked bread touched his lips, his hunger surged like a storm. A soft crunch gave way to a warm, fluffy center soaked in savory, spicy perfection. The rich flavors of Mio's curry harmonized with the slightly tangy bread in a way that melted across his tongue. Sweet, salty, spicy—every layer of flavor was balanced, dancing on his palate with a complexity that rivaled fine cuisine from imperial courts.

By the time he opened his eyes… the dish was gone.

His plate was empty. Not a single crumb remained.

"…I…" he murmured, blinking. Then, without hesitation, he reached for another mountain bread, filled it with more curry, and took a massive bite like a man possessed.

The hall fell silent, watching the respected Grandmaster indulge without a shred of decorum.

Old Man Lin, curious and skeptical, stepped forward. Retsu gently handed him one of the assembled dishes with a soft, knowing smile under her veil.

"Please, try it."

He nodded and took a cautious bite—only for his eyes to widen in shock. The crunch, the softness, the burst of flavor—it was a dish that bypassed logic and struck straight at the heart of comfort.

"I… I don't believe it… This… This is divine."

Gasps filled the hall. Even the chefs from the Huo and Nie Families froze in place, sweat forming on their brows. Their own demon beast delicacies now looked dull in comparison to a simple bread-and-curry dish. Their luxurious plating was meaningless next to the soul-satisfying warmth of this dish.

"Jin Family wins!" Grandmaster Ming shouted.

The nobles whispered.

"They've won… again."

"No… no way…"

"Lies!"

"Our dish is far more exquisite than this… this commoner's food!" the Nie chef shouted, his voice desperate.

"Then taste it yourself," Old Man Lin challenged coolly, offering them a filled mountain bread.

The two renowned chefs hesitated—then, driven by pride, took the dish from Retsu's hands.

One bite.

Their eyes widened. The rich, aromatic curry soaked into the soft, airy bread struck them with a symphony of flavors: comforting, bold, unforgettable. The tang of yogurt, the mild crunch of the crust, the slow burn of layered spices—it was like eating warmth itself.

The two men dropped to their knees in disbelief.

"This… this is not food… it's art," the Huo chef murmured, eyes glistening.

"To think I spent thirty years perfecting my dishes, only to lose to… curry and bread…" the Nie chef admitted in a hushed voice. "We concede. There's no way we can beat this masterpiece."

Gasps echoed through the hall.

Cheers erupted from the Jin Family's side.

Retsu and Mio stood side by side, composed and graceful, though their eyes twinkled behind their veils. Two women, against two veteran chefs from the city's greatest restaurants—and they had won. Decisively.

The scoreboard now showed Jin Family: seven wins against seven families.

They had defeated two families at once.

And the entire banquet hall was now painfully aware:

The Jin Family brought monsters that defeated even Xuanwu's top city chefs.

"Yatta!" Mio beamed, high-fiving Retsu with an audible smack. The simple joy on their hidden faces contrasted with the stunned silence that had fallen over the hall. With nothing but curry and bread, they had brought two of the city's most established culinary families to their knees—and claimed two victories in one go.

"Ufuu… it wasn't that much," Retsu murmured, though her modesty didn't hide the faint satisfaction in her voice. She calmly washed and dried her utensils using her energy, then stored everything into her inventory alongside Mio.

They turned to walk back to the Jin Family's seats—only for Old Man Lin to raise his hand. "Wait!"

The two turned, still serene.

"Fairies," Old Man Lin said, his voice respectful and slightly pleading, "would it be possible for us… to know how the dish was made?"

Retsu bowed politely, and Mio mirrored her with grace. "Ara… I am truly sorry. Even if we were to share the recipe," Retsu said gently, "you would find it impossible to recreate. The ingredients we used are specially cultivated—grown and processed by our own methods. They do not exist in this land."

"Furthermore," Mio added with a soft smile, "we utilized unique cooking techniques and tools… innovations not available here. Our methods include cultivation control and precise heat manipulation. They can't be replicated without understanding our way of life."

Gasps echoed throughout the audience.

Even Grandmaster Ming paled slightly—realizing this might be the one and only time he could ever taste such divine food. Without hesitation, he snatched the remaining curry and bread and stored it into his spatial ring, his eyes glinting with scholarly desperation.

Murmurs rippled across the hall.

"The Grandmaster is… hoarding it?"

"He's probably going to dissect the flavors with his students!"

"What was that curry?!"

Ignoring the commotion, Retsu and Mio turned back toward the Jin Family's seats. Their veils fluttered gently, hiding their features, but not the legend they were weaving into the hearts of everyone present.

Nobody knew their names. Nobody saw their faces.

But everyone would remember the day two mysterious women walked into a noble banquet and, with bread and curry alone, changed the definition of cuisine.

The patriarchs of Huo and Nie shouted in disbelief. They own the restaurant chains, and their famous chef admits defeat. This is more insult as they lost taking the Nie Family alongside them.

"Seven?! How the hell seven families lost to them!?" The Zhang Family patriarch shouted. The Jin Family debts of them are entirely cleared out but the seven families now owes the Jin Family coins. Yun Che and his companions single handedly revived the entire Jin Family Fortune and even gained more.

"That's it. We challenged them in martial ways." The Patriarch of the Gao Family spoke. They believe these girls only cultivated common and ordinary talents and didn't even had the time to cultivate martial talents.

They believed that None of them are refined martial masters.

The hall trembled—not from any earthquake, but from the sheer disbelief that hung thick in the air.

The patriarchs of the Huo and Nie Families leapt to their feet, veins bulging at their temples. "What nonsense is this?!" the Huo Patriarch bellowed. "We own the largest restaurant chain in Xuanwu City! And our chefs—chefs who've cooked for the rich—admitted defeat?!"

His voice cracked as reality settled like a lead weight in his chest. Their loss wasn't just humiliation—it was a catastrophic blow to their prestige, their pride… and their coffers.

The Nie Patriarch staggered a step, as if physically struck by the weight of failure. "No… this can't be happening…"

Across the hall, the Zhang Family Patriarch stood in shock, his voice rising above the chaos. "Seven?! Seven families have lost to them already?!" he roared. His face turned pale. "What in the heavens is going on?!"

The numbers were brutal.

Seven families. Six challenges.

Seven decisive victories for the Jin Family.

The balance of power had shifted overnight.

What once was a family drowning in debt, mocked and looked down upon by all—had now become the dominant force in the banquet, with the other families shackled by debt and shame. The once-proud elite were now the ones with their backs against the wall.

And the most terrifying part?

It was all the work of a handful of veiled women, and a man hidden behind a mask.

At the head of the Jin Family seating zone, Jin Zhuo's hands trembled—not from fear, but awe. He stared at Yun Che, his voice cracking with emotion. "You… you've done what I never thought possible. Not only have you cleared our debts… you've turned the Jin Family into the wealthiest clan in the province."

Beside him, his wife Jin Yuelian smiled faintly, her gaze fixed on the stage. "We didn't just gain back our honor. We gained something much more valuable."

"Che'er… I..." Mulan wanted to say something.

Yun Che remained calm, leaning back in his seat with a subtle, confident grin. "I told you I'd handle it."

The seven patriarchs sat like ghosts, crushed under the weight of their own arrogance and the brilliance of their opponents.

"That's it. We challenge them in martial ways."

The Gao Family Patriarch slammed his palm onto the table, the echo snapping the silence like a whip.

His voice cut through the air with fury and desperation, his face contorted in prideful resolve. "No more games. No more clever tricks. Let's see if their little prodigies can survive a real battlefield."

A murmur erupted through the hall. Several families stirred—some excited, some nervous.

"They've proven their worth in arithmetic, invention, the arts…" one elder whispered, "but martial ways? That's a whole different matter."

"Right," another scoffed. "They've spent all their time cultivating culture and talent. None of them could possibly be refined martial masters."

Gao Patriarch stood proudly. "We request a martial challenge. Let us see if your dancers and chefs have the strength to fight warriors."

Jin Zhuo's smile didn't falter. Instead, he looked over at Yun Che, who didn't even bother to stand. His fingers casually tapped the armrest of his chair as he yawned lightly.

"Oh?" Yun Che said coolly. "Martial ways, is it?"

"You scared now, brat?" Gao Patriarch sneered.

"Not at all," Yun Che replied, eyes still half-lidded. "I'm just wondering… which one of them should I send to clean the floor with you?"

Gasps rippled through the room.

He turned, and two figures stood from their seats—one calmly, the other with a hint of excitement in her eyes.

Xue Ling rose, her violet eyes gleaming with rising anticipation.

But beside her— Lin Yueru stepped forward with her usual composed elegance.

Yun Che raised his hand toward them. "Yueru, Sis Ling. It's your turn."

Lin Yueru smirked beneath the shadow of her veiled hat, her voice calm yet tinged with excitement. "Finally… something I can do."

Xue Ling cracked her knuckles beside her, the sound sharp in the silent hall. A confident grin played on her lips. "Heh… I was looking forward to melting that thing down myself, but I suppose I'll let you have this one, Yue'er."

From behind, Cang Yue crossed her arms and leaned in. "Hey! I wanted to join too!"

Before anyone else could speak, Yun Che raised a hand with a small smile. "No need for that, Little Yue. I'm saving you for the grand finale."

Cang Yue pouted, clearly displeased. But deep down, she understood. Her other name and self—Shin Yue—had already become a whispered in the city after her feat against the Heavenly Sword Villa. Her unique Three Sword Style was too recognizable, too revealing. Holding her back was a strategic decision, one she had to accept—even if reluctantly.

"Fine," she muttered.

"Well, sitting back and watch is the best thing we both can do," Yun Che replied with a teasing grin.

Meanwhile, all eyes turned to Lin Yueru, who stepped forward gracefully. The air around her shifted. She moved like silk in the wind—elegant, composed, but every step radiated undeniable power.

The crowd, once filled with murmurs and skepticism, now watched in breathless silence.

The hall grew tense as the Gao Family's men wheeled in the statues—hulking, obsidian relics carved in the likeness of ancient warriors, each with four arms raised skyward. In each hand burned a strange ethereal flame, flickering with pressure so dense it made weaker cultivators instinctively step back.

"This…" Grandmaster Ming narrowed his eyes. "Statues of Martial Judgment?"

Gasps erupted among the spectators.

"No way… I've heard of them. Aren't they indestructible?"

"The Gao Family unearthed them ten years ago. They've been trying to extinguish those flames ever since. Only three have gone out when they attack it. One remains."

"Even Emperor Profound Realm experts failed to destroy them?"

"Yes. Supposedly, extinguishing all four flames will unlock a secret treasure sealed within."

The Gao Patriarch stepped forward, his voice loud and triumphant. He turned toward Lin Yueru and Xue Ling.

"You will not fight us. You will try to destroy something that no one has succeeded in damaging for a decade. That is our martial challenge."

A hush fell over the hall.

Jin Zhuo's brow furrowed. "Che'er… is this even fair?"

Yun Che chuckled. "Oh, they're trying to trap us. Not that it'll work."

"So, here's the challenge," the Gao Patriarch announced smugly. "Let's see how many flames each group can extinguish within ten incense sticks of time. The group with the most extinguished flames shall be crowned victor."

The twin statues—hulking and ominous—stood at the center of the hall, each with four flaming hands. Their stone faces were blank, but a subtle heat radiated from them, and the pressure in the room thickened.

Yun Che raised his hand calmly. "We'd like a moment to discuss."

A ripple of surprise spread through the crowd.

"Eh? That arrogant brat wants to talk things over now?"

"Looks like he's finally realized he bit off more than he could chew."

"By all means," the Gao Patriarch sneered. "Take your time. Not that it'll help you win."

He leaned forward with a smirk. "Oh, and since we've both sent two representatives, let's make it fair. If your side loses, the debt owed will be doubled."

Jin Zhuo narrowed his eyes, tense. "Che'er… maybe we should withdraw. We've already won enough from the others. One loss won't mean much."

Xue Ling crossed her arms. "Yun Che, we don't even know what that thing is. We might be walking blind."

Yun Che didn't reply right away. His eyes studied the statues with growing familiarity—then widened with realization. His voice dropped low, but carried weight.

"…That's a Combat Adjudicator. Fancy to see those things here."

Lin Yueru raised an eyebrow. "A what?"

"Combat what?" Xue Ling blinked.

"Combat Adjudicator," Yun Che replied, his voice calm and serious. "A special type of statue that evaluates attacks—not based on strength alone, but on variation and technique. Looks like this one is an ancient version. Those flames on their hands use some kind of formation to keep itself running."

Lin Yueru raised an eyebrow. "Variation?"

Yun Che nodded. "The statue tracks frequency and diversity of strikes. Every time you land a hit, it analyzes the attack. Once you've hit it with enough unique techniques to match a certain rank, a flame on its hand extinguishes. Right now, it has four flames. That means four ranks. Four stages."

"Wait, so... it's not about breaking it?" Xue Ling asked.

"No," Yun Che said firmly. "It's about surpassing its internal measure. Think of it like a trial. And here's the hard part: it only registers unique attack patterns. Not brute force."

"…Unique?" Yueru echoed, frowning.

"Have you ever heard of the term combo?" he asked.

Both girls shook their heads.

Yun Che sighed. "Alright, listen closely. If you use a basic sword draw—just a straight slash—it counts as one move. Do it again? Nothing. The statue recognizes repetition. You can slash at it a hundred times with the same attack, and it'll still only count once."

"Seriously?" Xue Ling scowled.

"That's why no one has extinguished the fourth flame yet. They keep using the same attack techniques. The Adjudicator doesn't care how strong you are—it only cares how many distinct moves you can string together. Even if you attack it with a one hit kill technique, it still won't budge."

Yueru narrowed her eyes. "So… we're not just fighting—we're combining a lot of attack techniques?"

Yun Che smirked. "Exactly. You'll need to mix things up—left slashes, right slashes, upward strikes, jumping spins, attack angles… Every movement must be different from the last. Keep it up, and you might break the statue releasing the hidden treasure inside it."

"They contained treasures?" Yueru asked. Somehow, determined to break this thing to discover what treasures this ancient statue hidden.

"It was used as a reward for users who managed to destroy them." Yun Che shrugged.

Xue Ling let out a low whistle. "So, we can't beat it with strength… It's all about combining attacks."

"And endurance," Yun Che added. "The more repeats you make, the less progress you'll see. You'll tire out faster. And trust me, that thing won't go easy on you. It'll glow dimmer with each successful combo, but if you stagnate? You'll be swinging into dead air and the flames glow brighter. It means you have to start over."

Cang Yue smiled gently, watching Xue Ling and Lin Yueru step forward with unshakable trust in Yun Che's judgment. It warmed her to see how naturally they relied on him—even in the unknown.

From beside her, Xia Qingyue's voice cut in softly, "How do you know about this Combat Adjudicator?"

Yun Che folded his arms. "We used to train with something far more advanced. This one has four flames. Ours had seven. Each flame meant a higher tier of combat recognition, and it only responded to specific weapon styles. Not to mention… it was strictly single person only."

"Seven?!" Xue Ling's voice rose in disbelief.

Yun Che gave a nostalgic grin. "Yeah. I remember the first time I faced it. I thought I was strong… but I kept using the same combos. Slash after slash, hoping to brute-force it." He shook his head. "Didn't even dim the first flame."

He chuckled quietly, a rare moment of humility peeking through. He was referring to the video game he played featuring the Combat Adjudicator "I felt like a total amateur. But it taught me something invaluable: adaptation. You can't just be strong—you have to be unpredictable."

Qingyue's brows furrowed slightly. "So… knowing one or two attacks doesn't mean you can win it."

"Exactly. That's why I'm thinking…" Yun Che looked at the flaming statues with interest. "I might recreate something similar later. Combat Adjudicators would be the perfect tools to train you girls in combo chaining and adaptive battle flow."

"You can do that?" Yueru asked, half-distracted as she began warming up with footwork drills.

"I've got the schematics of the advanced version in my head," Yun Che said casually. "And Nemu can help building it."

"Well," Yun Che smirked, "if you two can extinguish four flames together, you've already surpassed what most Emperor Profound Realm cultivators here couldn't. Good luck and earn whatever hidden treasure inside it."

"You think we can break it?" Xue Ling asked, eyeing the statue warily.

"The key to beating that thing is simple," Yun Che replied. "Just keep switching up your attacks—different movements, different angles. No repetition. That's all it takes."

Lin Yueru and Xue Ling exchanged a confident nod and stepped up onto the stage.

From her seat, Mulan crossed her arms, skeptical. "You really have that much faith in them?"

Yun Che didn't even look worried. "Yup. Once you understand how the Combat Adjudicator works, it's not as unbeatable as it looks."

Mulan sighed. "You know… if anyone else said that, I'd think they were crazy."

Yun Che only gave a knowing shrug. "I'll let those two figure it out. It's more fun that way."

"…Then how would you do it?" Mulan couldn't help but ask.

"Simple," Yun Che grinned. "A four-hit combo. Then, continue with an upward slash, follow with a downward, throw in a double-jump aerial strike, and finish with a precise stab. Repeat that several times. Those attacks could trigger all four flames."

"…" Mulan was speechless. And mildly annoyed that he said it so casually.

"Ufuu~ If I were up there," Retsu said, her eyes sparkling under her veil, "I could finally test the Starburst Stream…"

"Oh?" Yun Che chuckled. "That'd break the statue without question. It's a sixteen-hit combo, after all."

A few in the room still remembered when Yun Che used that same technique in the tournament—sixteen rapid, seamless strikes that obliterated Ling Yun's two Sky Profound Realm weapons in the blink of an eye.

Now, the air was tense again.

The Gao Family patriarch rose, pride in his eyes as he called forth his chosen warriors. "These two are among the best in our family. Watch carefully."

Two disciples stepped forward, clad in combat robes bearing the Gao insignia. They looked confident—arrogant, even.

"Allow me to demonstrate," one of them said with a smirk, clearly unaware that Yun Che had already briefed his own team with the statue's secrets.

The hall grew quiet as the two disciples approached the Combat Adjudicator.

With a shout, the first Gao disciple lunged forward and slammed his blade against the statue. A flash of sparks. The flame flickered… but didn't dim.

The second followed, using a heavy, overhead slash. Another hit. Again, nothing.

"They're not doing anything to it…"

"Wait… I think the flame dimmed just now."

Whispers rippled through the crowd as the two continued their slow, methodical attacks—each strike powerful but painfully repetitive.

And then, something odd happened.

The flames—one of which had dimmed slightly—suddenly flared back to full brightness.

In the Jin Family's seats, Yun Che leaned back casually. "Like I said… It's not about strength. It's about combinations. That statue doesn't care how hard you hit it. It cares how creatively you fight."

"Then… the slower they go," Qingyue murmured, "the faster the flames regenerate."

"Exactly. The more time between attacks, the more the statue resets the combo count." Yun Che smirked. "And if they keep repeating the same techniques, they're just feeding it energy."

"They really don't understand what they're dealing with," Mulan muttered, shaking her head. "If weren't for your info, those two might suffer the same fate."

"Do you fairies understand?" one of the Gao disciples sneered, brushing dust from his sleeve. "To dim even one flame is already a feat. Two? A miracle."

Old Man Lin nodded calmly and turned to the opposing side. "Any questions before we begin?"

Lin Yueru stepped forward, her hands behind her back, her voice soft yet laced with confidence. "If we break it… do we get to keep the treasure inside?"

A heavy silence fell.

And then—

Laughter.

"Pffft—what did she say? Break it?"

"Hahaha! These veiled fairies must think this is embroidery or flower-picking!"

"The arrogance! Even Emperor Profound cultivators couldn't crack it, and they think they can?"

Amid the howling amusement, the Gao Family Patriarch chuckled coldly, raising his hand for silence. "Very well," he declared. "If—by some miracle—you break the statue… the treasure is yours. Everyone here shall bear witness."

Old Man Lin nodded. "The agreement is heard and sealed."

"Still," the patriarch added smugly, "don't think your little victory over chefs and painters means anything in front of warriors. Common talents can entertain a banquet—but martial prowess determines your worth in the real world."

Lin Yueru only smiled under her veil, eyes sharp as tempered blades. "We'll see how common we truly are."

Xue Ling cracked her neck beside her, a predator's grin spreading across her face. "Ready when you are."

The crowd still chuckled and shook their heads—completely unaware that they were seconds away from witnessing history.

The hall held its breath as Elder Lin's voice rang out.

"Begin!"

The Gao Family's two disciples—both Mid-Stage Spirit Profound Realm cultivators—rushed forward. They unleashed a flurry of attacks, steel flashing, their movements practiced but rigid. Each swing struck the statue with force, echoing through the hall like thunder.

After a full minute, a single flame dimmed slightly.

Murmurs spread through the audience.

"A flame! They did it!"

But Yun Che merely leaned back, unimpressed. His eyes were already on the two veiled figures who had yet to move.

On the opposite side, Xue Ling and Lin Yueru stood still, calmly observing.

"They're just using the same attacks… over and over," Lin Yueru said flatly.

Xue Ling nodded, her eyes sharp. "Big swings. No rhythm. No variety. No efficiency."

"Just brute force. They'll be winded before they extinguish a second flame," Yueru added.

Following Yun Che's advice, they stepped forward—measured, not rushed. They didn't need strength. They needed variation.

Yueru led with a high arc slash, then smoothly transitioned into a downward strike. Xue Ling followed with a quick sword draw, then sliced in a diagonal from left to right, followed by a reverse motion.

The first flame on their Combat Adjudicator dimmed.

A gasp echoed through the hall.

"What?! That fast?!"

The Gao Patriarch's eyes widened. "They didn't even use full strength…"

"They're switching their attacks!" someone in the audience blurted out. "They're not repeating anything!"

As the girls danced around the statue with flowing precision—one from the front, one from behind—the difference in rhythm and grace became undeniable. Where the Gao disciples fought like hammer and nail, the fairies moved like artists painting with blades.

Xue Ling sprang into the air, her body twisting mid-leap as she unleashed a rapid series of aerial slashes, each strike slicing the air with deadly precision. Below her, Lin Yueru spun gracefully, her blade arcing downward in a seamless spiral as if painting the wind itself with cold steel.

CLANG. CLANG. CLANG.

The second flame on the statue dimmed, then snuffed out completely.

A heavy silence fell over the hall.

Even the Gao Family disciples froze mid-swing, stunned. They stared in disbelief as their own statue's flames brightened again—a clear sign that their repeated, tired strikes were no longer registering.

"Two flames… already?" The Gao Patriarch's voice cracked, his face pale. "Impossible. That can't be…"

He clenched his fists, dread creeping into his heart. If they extinguished all four… then the legend was true. The hidden treasure within the statue—guarded and untouched for over a decade—would be revealed.

Around the hall, the once-smirking nobles leaned forward, eyes wide with fascination and disbelief.

"Sis Ling, let's switch!" Lin Yueru called out, her eyes gleaming.

Xue Ling nodded sharply, pivoting mid-movement as they exchanged roles. She charged forward, unleashing a seamless wave of upward and downward slashes, the steel of her blade shimmering under the lantern light. At the same time, Yueru flowed into a graceful three-hit combo, her sword dancing like liquid flame.

CRACK

The third flame dimmed… and vanished.

A gasp rippled through the hall. Even the Gao Family disciples paused, eyes wide in disbelief.

The Gao Patriarch staggered forward in panic. "No… No! Impossible!"

His voice was drowned by the rising murmur of the crowd.

On the sidelines, Yun Che stood calmly, his eyes sharp. "Now," he said, loud enough for the girls to hear, "Yueru—three-hit combo again. Ling—upward slash, downward slash… then stab it."

"Yes!"

The girls moved in unison.

Yueru's blade flashed three times in rapid succession, perfectly spaced and timed. Xue Ling's sword followed—upward, downward, then a direct piercing stab straight into the statue's core.

SHHHHRRRK—CRACK!

The final flame snuffed out.

A beat of silence.

Then the statue trembled.

Hairline fractures spiderwebbed across its surface. Then—

BOOM!

The statue exploded into fragments of shimmering stone. From within the rubble, a single crystal dark blue fragment clinked as it hit the floor, rolling slowly before settling at the feet of Xue Ling.

The hall went completely silent.

Not even a whisper.

A treasure hidden for years… finally revealed.

"That's…" Yun Che's eyes widened, the blue glow reflected in his pupils. "That's no ordinary crystal."

The dark blue fragment pulsed faintly on the floor, like a sleeping heart. Its glow danced across the marble tiles, casting long shadows. For a brief moment, the entire hall seemed to hold its breath.

"This… this is impossible!!" the Gao Family Patriarch roared, stumbling forward. His voice cracked under the weight of disbelief.

Around him, murmurs erupted.

"They broke it?"

"That's the Martial Judgment Statue!"

"Didn't they say it's indestructible?"

The Gao elders stood frozen, eyes wide with panic and disbelief.

Ten years.

Ten years of effort.

Countless cultivators—Spirit Profound Realm, Earth Profound Realm, even one rumored Sky Profound expert—all failed. Not a single crack. Not a single flicker of the fourth flame.

They had unearthed these ancient relics from the ruins of a forgotten sect, proud to have preserved them. Two of the four statues were brought to this banquet specifically to demoralize the Jin Family—to remind them of their inferiority in martial prowess.

And yet…

Two veiled girls, their names unknown to the public, their origins clouded in mystery—broke it in under ten incense sticks' time.

"The statue… it cracked."

"No—it's broken! Shattered!"

The crystal shard on the ground trembled slightly, then released a soft chime, like a bell rung in another world. The glow deepened, turning from blue to indigo, then settling into a calm, deep azure.

Lin Yueru bent slightly to pick it up, her movements gentle and reverent.

Xue Ling stood beside her, calm and composed, but her gaze was sharp, alert—ready for anyone foolish enough to protest.

"What is this thing? It's just a glowing crystal," Yueru said plainly, holding the crystal aloft.

"W-What… what even is that crystal?" one elder murmured.

The faces of the Gao Family paled further.

They had just handed over a priceless treasure—on a gamble.

Jin Zhuo couldn't help but smirk behind his fan. "Che'er… you've really flipped the world over this banquet."

Grandmaster Ming stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he examined the glowing fragment in Xue Ling's hand. The shard pulsed with a serene blue light, neither cold nor hot, neither heavy nor light. He hovered his palm above it—no pressure, no aura, no response.

"Strange," he muttered. "It glows… yet emits nothing. No energy, no essence, not even a trace of spiritual will. Is it sealed? Or is it something else entirely…"

He furrowed his brows. "Could this be a divine crystal?"

Yet… why did it feel so ordinary?

Was it masking its true nature? Was there a secret hidden within?

Before he could voice his thoughts further, Xue Ling stepped forward, her tone calm but firm. "As agreed, we'll be taking this."

She held the blue crystal up for all to see. The light shimmered faintly.

The Gao Patriarch's face twisted with fury.

"You—!" He was about to lash out when a stern voice cut him off.

"Gao Family Patriarch," Old Man Lin's voice rang loud and clear, full of authority. "You made the terms yourself. 'If they break it, the treasure is theirs.' The entire hall is witness."

The old patriarch gritted his teeth so hard, his jaw trembled. A trap of his own making. His pride made him reckless, and now, he'd lost something beyond value.

He opened his mouth, then shut it, seething.

Yun Che's smile beneath his mask didn't fade. "Always honor the rules you so proudly declare, Patriarch Gao."

A hush fell over the crowd as Old Man Lin raised his hand and declared, his voice carrying to every corner of the banquet hall:

"With this, the Jin Family has won the seventh challenge!"

A thunderous wave of gasps echoed.

Seven.

Seven victories.

The representatives from the other families now sat stiffly in their seats, quiet, stunned, some even sweating. Whispers of "freaks," "geniuses," and "monsters" swirled.

Both Lin Yueru and Xue Ling exchanged confident smirks as they walked back toward the Jin Family's seat, the glowing crystal fragment in hand. It was small, seemingly harmless, but the tension it left behind in the hall was monumental.

The other families could only watch in quiet envy, their proud disciples humiliated. No one had ever broken the statue—not in ten years. Yet these veiled fairies had done it in minutes, and claimed the spoils before anyone could even process what happened.

As the two girls returned, Yun Che narrowed his eyes at the fragment. He discreetly activated his System Scan under his breath.

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

[Analyzing… Item Identified: Blue Orb Fragment – 1 of 4 pieces required to form: Blue Orb]

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

His pupils constricted slightly.

"To think this of all things would show up here…" he muttered under his breath.

Retsu leaned in curiously. "Ara… that crystal looks so plain for a treasure."

Mio tilted her head. "Danna-sama once took me to an island full of shiny rocks… too bad the sea swallowed the island later." She pouted, fanning herself.

Cang Yue studied it, unimpressed. "It looks like a polished trinket. Pretty, but simple. Still… a treasure's a treasure, right?"

Yun Che sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead as he looked at the fragment glowing innocently in Yueru's hand.

"A trinket it might seem… but you girls don't understand."

They turned to him.

"That fragment—" he said, lowering his voice, "—is one of four keys to assembling the Blue Orb."