After Yun Che and the others disappeared from the battlefield, silence lingered only for a moment before countless experts arrived, each one drawn by the overwhelming disturbances in the sky. They scanned the area, hoping to glean insights from the chaos left behind. But the deeper they looked, the more despair filled their eyes. The land was scarred beyond recognition—craters, trenches, and shattered stone.
"This…" one whispered in disbelief.
"Not even Monarchs could create such devastation…" another muttered.
In the end, they could only conclude one thing: whoever fought here had already transcended the realm of Overlords or Monarchs. Yet not a single trace of the battle's methods could be discerned, leaving only fear and awe in their hearts.
Meanwhile, miles away in the mountain depths—
"Acchoo!" Yun Che sneezed suddenly, rubbing his nose.
"What's wrong, young master? Are you ill?" Retsu's voice carried worry as she leaned closer, her fox ears twitching.
Yun Che waved his hand dismissively. "No, no. Someone's probably gossiping about me behind my back. Nothing serious."
But Retsu wasn't convinced. Without warning, she pressed her forehead gently against his, wrapping her tails snugly around his body to pull him closer. "Hmm… you don't feel feverish… but still…"
Yun Che blinked in surprise, caught off guard by her closeness. He tapped her cheek lightly, earning a faint blush from her. "Relax. Probably just a sudden chill. Not surprising considering our outfits are basically in tatters."
Retsu slowly loosened her tails, though she let her head rest against his shoulder, her cheeks still pink. "You're right about that, young master. But why haven't you changed clothes yet?"
"I was hoping to take a proper shower first," Yun Che sighed. "But out here, in the deeper parts of the mountains, there's not a single inn in sight. Guess we'll have to endure it for now."
Retsu tilted her head, her curiosity showing. "Speaking of which… you mentioned earlier we were heading to the Wasteland of Death. Where exactly is that, young master?"
Kon shifted on Yun Che's other shoulder, arms crossed. "That's right. This 'Wasteland of Death'—sure, it sounds exciting, but the word 'death' creeps me out, man. You got anything to tell us about that place?"
"Hm…" Yun Che tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Cang Yue might actually know a thing or two. Hey, Cang Yue—ah, right. She's still out cold."
Retsu tilted her head, fox ears twitching as she glanced at the unconscious girl. "Ara, she's still passed out? Looks like that little kiss really drained her."
Kon waddled over and poked Cang Yue's cheek with his tiny plushy hand. No reaction. He sighed dramatically. "Seriously? Is kissing bastard's cheek really that shocking?"
"Korra, my face isn't that bad," Yun Che muttered with a smirk. "Well, if she's out, then we'll just have to wait for her to wake up."
Kon slumped, his button eyes rolling upward.
"Good thing she passed out though. I was starting to get bored."
Before anyone could respond, the air around Yun Che shimmered. A ripple of scarlet flame energy gathered beside him, and Jasmine's figure materialized from his inner world. Her presence immediately shifted the atmosphere—sharp, elegant, and commanding.
But this time, her attire wasn't her usual fiery red kimono. Instead, she wore a short-skirt variation of it, trimmed with sleek black linings that gave her movements a freer edge. The fabric stopped neatly at her knees, paired with traditional Japanese sandals, enhancing both her mobility and her beauty. The flames of her aura licked faintly at the hem, as if alive.
Yun Che raised an eyebrow. "New look?"
Jasmine crossed her arms, crimson eyes narrowing slightly. "Sitting inside all this time was irritating. I thought I'd stretch my legs. And besides—" She gave a faint, sly smile. "—you're not the only one who knows how to change appearances for convenience."
Kon's plushy jaw nearly dropped. "Holy—! I didn't think she could get scarier and prettier at the same time!"
The short-skirted outfit Jasmine now wore wasn't random. It was the very design Yun Che once had Shirayuki create for Nemu in the future—modeled after her original clothes, but reworked by both Shirayuki and Kuroyuki into a fresher style. Jasmine, upon seeing the set for herself, had insisted on trying it, and the result was this bold new look that suited her fiery presence perfectly.
She stood gracefully atop Minazuki's massive body, the beast letting out a low, pleased growl as she rested a hand against its surface. "Minazuki, it's been a while," Jasmine greeted, her voice softening in rare affection. The creature rumbled happily in return.
Her gaze then shifted toward Yun Che and Retsu, both still dressed in tattered, battle-worn rags. Jasmine gave a long, dramatic sigh before remarking dryly, "And you two look absolutely ravishing."
Yun Che chuckled sheepishly. "Hah, you saw the projection in the inner world. We planned to wash up once we find a water source. Until then, we're stuck looking like this."
"NEE-SAN!!!"
The sudden shout came from Kon, who launched himself at Jasmine with a perverted grin plastered across his plushy face. His heroic leap ended about as well as expected—her fist connected squarely with his stuffed face before he could even make contact.
"Guuaarrkkk!!!"
Kon rebounded with a pitiful squeak, bouncing across Minazuki's back like a ragdoll before rolling straight toward the edge.
"Aaaaaarrrrrraaaaa… Neeee-saaaaan!!!"
And down he went, plummeting dramatically into the forest canopy below.
Yun Che and Retsu both sweat-dropped at the sight, watching his plushy form vanish into the trees. They didn't even flinch—after all, the little pervert could fly. Jasmine hadn't even hit him that hard, just enough to send him packing.
"That idiot never learns, huh?" Yun Che muttered with a sigh.
Retsu only nodded quietly in agreement, her tails swishing behind her.
Yun Che rubbed the back of his neck, already making plans in his head. Hopefully we'll find a lake or waterfall soon… we really do need a shower after all that.
"So, where exactly is this 'Wasteland of Death'?" Jasmine asked, crossing her legs neatly as she sat down beside them. She was well aware of Kon's little tumble, but unlike the others, she wasn't worried in the slightest.
Yun Che shrugged casually. "I don't know… I'm just following the system's navigation. It keeps pointing deeper into the mountains."
Retsu tilted her head thoughtfully, her tails flicking behind her. "Perhaps the system has some information recorded, young master."
"Let's check."
With a flick of his finger, Yun Che summoned the system's console-like interface, its glowing screen floating in the air before him. The others leaned in curiously as he tapped the Information section and began searching.
"Found it." His eyes narrowed slightly as the text scrolled across the screen. "The Wasteland of Death… it's basically a massive forestland, left completely untamed. Roughly nine hundred and fifty kilometers long, eight hundred wide. From the outside, it looks like nothing but dry, withered grass and jagged terrain—but the interior is another story."
"And that story is…?" Jasmine arched an eyebrow.
Yun Che's tone grew heavier as he read aloud. "The entire wasteland is crawling with profound beasts—feral, violent, and countless in number. The Empire considers it one of the most dangerous regions within its borders. They call it the Wasteland of Death because… well, it's exactly what it sounds like. Far too many cultivators have gone in seeking fortune or glory, only to never return."
Jasmine gave a quiet hmph, folding her arms. "Fools who chase power beyond their grasp always end the same way. Dead and forgotten."
Then her crimson eyes slid toward Yun Che, narrowing. "You don't intend to throw yourself into that graveyard of idiots just for the sake of grinding levels… do you?"
"If I happen to find an Emperor Profound Realm beast, maybe I'll take it down." Yun Che said with a casual shrug. "Retsu could use this chance to hunt Sky Profound Realm beasts too. And Kon…" he glanced toward the plush, who had finally floated his way back up onto Minazuki's back, "is just about ready to break into Earth Profound Realm. A little pressure will do him good."
Kon puffed his chest proudly, though the effect was ruined by his soft plushy face.
"But," Yun Che's tone shifted, turning more serious as the system interface flickered in his hand. "That's not the real reason we're heading there. I'm going into the Wasteland of Death for one purpose—another Trial."
Jasmine's crimson eyes widened a fraction. "Another one? Already?"
Yun Che nodded. "Yeah. The system dropped a mission on me the moment we left the empire's borders." With a thought, he tapped the glowing [Notification] icon. The floating screen shifted, its text changing into crisp golden letters that reflected in everyone's eyes.
==================
[Main mission triggered: Travel to the Wasteland of Death and Participate in the Dragon God Legacy Trial. Reward: ??????]
==================
"Ahh, the Dragon God Legacy," Yun Che muttered inwardly, his eyes narrowing slightly. In the original me's timeline, this was where everything began… But since Little Fairy already broke through to the Emperor Profound Realm and returned to her sect, I don't need to carry her through that catastrophe. One less burden on my shoulders.
"So, what is the trial, young master?" Retsu asked softly, her tails swaying with faint anticipation. If this was anything like the Phoenix's Trial, she knew it would be no simple task.
Yun Che drew a steady breath before answering. "The Dragon God Legacy."
"The Dragon God?" Jasmine's brows lifted slightly, her crimson eyes glinting. "The Phoenix once spoke of him… along with the Golden Crow and Evil God, the pillars that shaped this world. To think you'd stumble into his trial…"
Yun Che gave a wry smirk. "Stumble? Nah. This time, the system led me here." He knew better than to explain how different things were supposed to be. In the original story, I was supposed to wander here blindly, after saving Little Fairy when she lost her cultivation against those two Flood Dragons…
His thoughts froze. His eyes widened a fraction.
"Wait…" Yun Che muttered aloud, realization creeping in. "Those Flood Dragons… Why were they even there? They're supposed to be guardians of the Dragon God's trial site, not wandering freely. What on earth drove them out of position?"
Jasmine tilted her head, eyes narrowing. "The Flood Dragons?"
"Yes," Yun Che replied, voice steady. "The same dragons Little Fairy and Retsu fought earlier. The ones they tore apart so easily."
Jasmine remembered the scene she had witnessed from within the inner world. Her lips curved faintly. "What about them?"
"Flood Dragons aren't supposed to wander into human territory," Yun Che said with a frown. "They should've been guarding the Dragon God Trial ruins. The only reason I can think of… is the reiryoku spike caused by Granz. It must have drawn them out."
He paused, gaze sinking into thought. If that's true… then the balance of the trial's guardians has already been disrupted.
"Well, no matter," Yun Che added after a breath, forcing his usual grin. "With those two gone, the trial zone should be much easier to enter. Besides, if they really had wandered toward Granz, they wouldn't have lasted long. Hollows thrive on vitality—and he would've devoured theirs without hesitation."
Before Jasmine could respond, a streak of golden light shot down from the skies and landed squarely on Minazuki's broad back. The light faded, revealing Kon in his cub form, glaring indignantly.
"NEE-SAN! That was way too mean! You didn't have to throw me overboard!"
"I could always do it again," Jasmine replied coolly, cracking her knuckles as her eyes glowed with mischief.
Kon paled, instantly reverting into his plush form. He threw himself onto Minazuki's back, kneeling so fast his stuffing nearly popped. He began banging his head against the surface with frantic squeaks.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
Yun Che and Retsu exchanged a look, both sweat-dropping at the sight. Jasmine only smirked, clearly satisfied with the display.
Yun Che let out a long sigh, sweat dropping at Kon's antics before finally stretching out on Minazuki's back. He lay on his side, eyes drifting up to the endless skies above. Retsu giggled softly at the scene, then gracefully settled down beside him, resting her head against his arm as though it were a pillow.
Their flight carried them deeper into the mountains of the wasteland. With every beat of Minazuki's wings, their overwhelming aura sent flocks of profound beasts scattering below. The world felt strangely quiet and subdued under their presence.
At some point, Yun Che drifted off into a light nap—until Retsu's gentle voice shook him awake.
"Young master, come look at this."
Blinking the sleep from his eyes, Yun Che sat up. Jasmine appeared beside him with a flicker, her curiosity piqued. But the sight that greeted them stole all words from their lips.
Their eyes widened.
Nestled in the rocky cliffs ahead was a glittering cascade. Water tumbled from the mountain's peak in a silvery stream, crashing onto jagged stone below and pooling into crystalline lakes. Steam curled upward from the water's surface, mingling with the spray of the falls. Sunlight struck the mist, scattering it into shimmering rainbows. It was a breathtaking blend of raw majesty and tranquil beauty.
Retsu's lips parted, awe softening her face. "Young master… is that… an onsen waterfall? How beautiful."
"Onsen?" Jasmine tilted her head, unfamiliar with the term.
Yun Che chuckled. "Natural hot springs. Heated by the earth itself. Wow… I haven't seen one this magnificent in ages." His grin widened as he leaned forward, voice warm with anticipation. "Retsu, let's land here. The trial can wait."
He wasn't exaggerating—an onsen born from a waterfall was a rarity even among cultivators' travels.
"Hai." Retsu nodded softly before directing Minazuki to descend. The great beast glided down, wings cutting the air until they settled gracefully atop the rocky ledges above the steaming onsen.
Yun Che carefully carried the still-sleeping Cang Yue in his arms and laid her down on a smooth, flat stone near one of the smaller spring pools. The hot springs cascaded down from the mountain in a natural staircase—one pool spilling into the next, glimmering under the sunlight. From their vantage point, the view alone was breathtaking.
"The water isn't too hot, right?" Kon hopped off Yun Che's shoulder and peered curiously over the rock's edge.
Yun Che made a sharp whistle with his lips, creeping up behind him with a mischievous grin. Before Kon could react—thump!—he gave him a light kick.
"Ehhhhh—?!"
Splash!
Kon tumbled headfirst into the nearest pool.
"Korra!!! Are you trying to kill—Fuehhh…!" His shout cut off as soon as his plushy body hit the water. Instead of struggling, he floated lazily, face flushing crimson.
Yun Che blinked, raising an eyebrow. "Oi, you okay?"
Kon's eyes glazed over with bliss as he drifted like a rubber duck. "I… I don't know why… but this water feels really nice…"
Yun Che chuckled, hopping onto a nearby rock. He scooped a handful of the steaming water and splashed it onto his arm. A comfortable warmth seeped into his skin. "Hoooh… he's right. This feels amazing."
He looked over his shoulder at Retsu and Jasmine, who were observing quietly. With a smirk, he pointed toward a massive boulder that split one of the upper pools in half. "Alright, decision made. We'll take this spot. You girls can bathe behind that big rock over there. Nice and private."
"Giggle Hai, let's go, Sister Jasmine." Retsu pulled a towel from her inventory and draped it neatly over her shoulder, her ears twitching faintly in anticipation of the hot water.
"Hm. You two seem far too excited for a simple hot spring," Jasmine said coolly as she followed. "In the Realm of the Gods, such springs are common… but no one ever bathed in them." A faint wistfulness touched her tone—back then, her baths had always been confined within the walls of her palace, never under the open sky.
Yun Che dipped his hand into the steaming water, splashing it over his arms. The heat seeped pleasantly into his skin, loosening the aches of battle. "It's part of our world's culture," he explained, a nostalgic smile tugging his lips. "Back home, people go to onsens all the time. Even public bathhouses are common."
"Your world's culture…" Jasmine's gaze lingered on the falling streams of the waterfall. "…It is stranger than I thought."
"You'll get used to it," Yun Che said lightly. Then he jabbed a finger at Kon, who was still floating in the spring with a glazed, blissful expression. "Besides, don't worry about that guy. If he tries peeping, feel free to throw him into the horizon."
"I'm more worried about you than him," Jasmine shot back sharply.
Yun Che raised both hands innocently. "Relax, I won't peep on you girls." A sly smirk curved his lips. "…Yet."
"It's the 'yet' that worries me." Jasmine narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms.
Retsu tilted her head with an innocent smile, pressing a finger thoughtfully to her chin. "But… I wouldn't mind if young master peeped on me."
Jasmine's eyes twitched. "…All right. That's it. You've been corrupted by this lecher long enough." She seized Retsu by the wrist, dragging her toward the shelter of the massive rock that divided the upper spring. "We'll be bathing over there."
Retsu obediently followed, her smile never fading. With a graceful motion, she discarded her tattered hakama and the white sash at her waist, the fabric slipping away in neat folds. Then, with unhurried hands, she began untying the straps that covered her curves, baring her fair skin to the rising steam.
After undressing themselves, she and Jasmine started to wrapped the towels all around their body before soaked themselves in the hot water.
"Fuuuaahhh… this is refreshing. I can feel my fatigue slowly melting away." Retsu leaned back against the edge of the spring, undoing the braid in her hair. Silken strands spilled down her shoulders, glistening in the steam as she let them flow freely. It wasn't just a bath for her—it was a rare moment to truly relax after endless battles.
"You're right," Jasmine admitted, her crimson eyes half-lidded as she soaked beside her. "I never thought soaking in a hot spring could feel this good. Hot baths are one thing… but this—" She trailed off, closing her eyes. "—this feels alive."
On the men's side, Yun Che loosened his ragged hakama and slid into the water with a long, satisfied sigh. "Haaaah… this is the life. I hate to admit it, but Kon was right for once. This is awesome."
His eyes flickered. "System, scan the properties of this water."
====================
[Ding… Scan initiated.][Ding… Scan complete.][This water contains condensed earth energy that naturally replenishes profound energy and grants minor regenerative effects.]
===================
"No wonder it feels so good," Yun Che mused. Then he smirked. "System, can you replicate this in the inner world? Build a hot spring with this water as the source."
===================
[Ding… System can create a geyser-fed spring using this water's properties. Cost: 5000 SP.]
===================
"Do it. Deduct the points." His relaxed voice was almost lazy, the heat and steam loosening him further.
===================
[Ding… Thank you for your patronage. Please select a location for the hot spring lake.]
===================
All of a sudden, a shimmering holographic projection unfolded before Yun Che's eyes, displaying every corner of his inner world in crisp detail. The tranquil Divine Water Lake glowed faintly in the center, the Spirit Force Tree radiated with vitality, and his manor stood in quiet majesty. Even the isolated island with its floating pagoda was there, drifting like a jewel upon an endless green plain.
He leaned back against the rock, blinking. So this is the inner world editor…?
=====================
[Ding… Affirmative. The host may freely customize the inner world according to preference. However, all modifications consume system points. Use them wisely.]
======================
A grin tugged at Yun Che's lips. "Wise or not, I've got plenty of SP stocked. Let's have some fun. First—let's place the hot spring here."
He dragged the projection with a thought, positioning the geyser-fed spring near the manor. Steam rose in delicate waves as the design settled into place. With a few more gestures, the small pool expanded, stretching out into a lake-sized spring. Massive rocks were scattered around its edge, providing natural partitions and private corners. The geyser bubbled at the center, veiled by a ring of stones for cover.
He didn't stop there. A neat stone pathway bridged the manor and the spring, with a vermilion torii-style gateway marking the entrance. Since the manor's design already echoed the Kuchiki Clan's estate, he surrounded the whole area with pristine walls, harmonizing structure with serenity.
"Now that's more like it." Yun Che rubbed his chin, satisfied. "System, what about vegetation? This looks too barren without trees."
========================
[Ding… As with the hot spring, flora must be imported. The host must acquire samples of desired plants. System points will then be deducted depending on the plant's rarity and quality.]
=========================
"Figures…" Yun Che sighed. "I don't have many samples yet, but once I visit some premium stores, I'll stock up." He gave the projection one last sweeping look, nodding. "All right. System, lock it in."
========================
[Ding… Acknowledged. Initiating automated assembly.]
========================
The holographic world shimmered, faint ripples spreading outward as if reality itself was being rewritten.
Within Yun Che's inner world, the modifications he set into motion began to manifest. The spirits paused in their activities, their gazes drawn upward as reality itself trembled.
First, walls of pristine white stone rose from the earth, encircling the manor like guardians. Then, with a thunderous gushhh, a geyser burst forth behind the manor, its waters steaming as they cascaded into a newly-formed basin. The geyser's energy resonated faintly with the Divine Water Geyser nearby, but its essence was different—warmer, soothing, carrying the same revitalizing heat as the hot spring Yun Che was enjoying outside.
The ground rumbled again as great stones erupted from the soil, rolling and shifting until they settled naturally around the new lake, forming cozy alcoves and private corners. By the time the final wave of earth settled, the once-plain world now boasted three treasures: the radiant Divine Water Lake, the towering Spirit Force Tree, and a manor graced by its own steaming hot spring.
"An onsen?" Shirayuki tilted her head, her voice calm but curious. "It seems Master has discovered something new in the outside world."
Kuroyuki stretched her arms, dipping her pale skin into the steaming water as it pooled nearby. "Mmm… it's been a long while since I've felt this kind of warmth. Natural… gentle. It feels good."
"Onsen! Onsen!" Mizu and Kaze chanted, circling her playfully, their laughter mixing with the shrill cries of the phoenix as it fluttered about in excitement.
Hebi smirked, arms crossed as she admired the scene. "This world isn't so plain anymore."
"Thanks to Master, of course," Saru added with a knowing grin.
Hebi's smile turned sly. "Then, I'll make sure to 'thank' him later."
Saru folded her arms, eyes narrowing mischievously. "Not if I get to him first."
Old Man Zangetsu remained perched on the Spirit Tree's highest branch, his sharp eyes reflecting the transformation of the inner world. A rare, approving smile tugged at his lips as he gazed at the glowing system core suspended in the heavens."Umu… this brat is shaping his world into something… interesting."
On the branch beside him, Hoyuu leaned lazily with arms folded, a smirk tugging at his face. "Hah. Doesn't matter if the king turns this place into paradise or a pit of hell… either way, it'll be more fun than this quiet nonsense. Tch, boring without that 'flower' to pester." His sharp eyes glinted with irritation. "Besides… the king hasn't even called me in a while. Don't tell me the outside world lost its flavor?"
Zangetsu's calm voice answered like rolling thunder. "Patience. If he summons you, it will not be for something trivial. It will mean he needs you at your strongest."
Hoyuu grinned wider, a hint of menace curling in his voice. "Heh… fine. But next time he calls me… I'll make sure to turn the battlefield into hell itself."
Back in reality, the steam of the hot spring curled lazily into the night sky. Yun Che closed the floating editor console, satisfied as the design settled into his inner world. "Good. That should shut Jasmine up about me slacking on the inner world."
His gaze drifted to the spring, where Kon was still floating on his back, face flushed red with bliss. Yun Che sweatdropped, suppressing a chuckle at the sight.
"Huueehhh… Oi, Yuuki…" Kon's muffled voice bubbled lazily from the water. "When's the last time you dipped in a hot spring? Maaaan, this feels like heaven…"
"Hmm… I used to do this all the time in my previous world." Yun Che leaned back against the rock, letting the heat of the water soak into him. For a moment, a wistful smile crossed his face—but then it faltered. His words caught in his throat, and silence settled between them.
"With…?" Kon tilted his plushy head, curious. He paddled closer and climbed onto a rock beside him, eyes narrowing.
Yun Che sighed softly. Through their mind link, his voice carried a heaviness he didn't want Retsu or Jasmine to overhear. "…With my beloved back then."
Kon blinked. "…Loved one? A woman?" His tone was blunt, but his button eyes showed genuine surprise.
"Of course it's a woman, you dumbass." Yun Che's lips curved into a rueful smile. "I gave my life to save hers. As long as she's safe… that's all that matters."
Kon folded his stubby arms, still gawking. "Heh. Then she must've been a real babe if you loved her that much."
"…She was." Yun Che's voice softened, almost drifting away with the rising steam. For a moment, the memory of her weighed on his chest like a stone. Then, determination sparked in his eyes.
"But now… I already have Retsu, Little Fairy, Cang Yue. Maybe even Nemu—and Jasmine, in time." His gaze hardened, steady and resolute. "I won't throw them aside just for the sake of chasing the past. They're not objects to be discarded. The feelings I hold for them… are the same as what I once felt for her."
He clenched his fist beneath the water, the ripples echoing his resolve. "If fate allows me to see her again, I'll face that moment when it comes. But until then, I'll cherish the life I have now… and the women who've chosen to stand by me."
Steam swirled between them, and for the first time, Kon didn't crack a joke. He just stared at Yun Che with wide eyes, realizing his partner wasn't just a shameless lecher—he was a man carrying the weight of two worlds, and choosing to live without regrets.
Kon crossed his plushy arms, glaring at Yun Che. "Chee, and they don't even care about sharing you? You even like Nee-san, huh?"
"Of course," Yun Che replied calmly. "But I'm not forcing anything. Feelings like that… they're not meant to be pushed. I'd rather let them sort out their own hearts first. Besides—these girls bonded with each other long before I could even think of bringing them together. They became a family on their own."
Kon huffed. "Hmph. Whoever ends up as your wife in the future should be seriously worried about you."
Yun Che turned his head with a relaxed smile. "Oh, I already have one."
Kon froze. "...Wait. What?"
Yun Che leaned back casually, as if dropping the most ordinary fact. "I'm married, Kon. I was already married the moment I came into this world."
"EEEHHHHH!??!?" Kon's jaw dropped so hard it almost echoed. "You're telling me this now!? Retsu Nee-san knew!?"
"Yeah." Yun Che chuckled at Kon's horrified face. "When I proposed to Retsu, I told her everything about my wife. She insisted she'd only accept it if my wife had the qualities of both a wife and a sister to her. Until then, she said, she'd wait."
Kon flailed his stubby arms in disbelief. "YOU'RE MARRIED!? After all this time!?? This whole harem and you've been hiding a wife in your back pocket?!"
"Of course I am… Her name is Xia Qingyue. One of the reasons I wanted to join the tournament was to meet her. Well… I was kind of a jerk to her back then," Yun Che admitted, recounting the events to Kon, though he left out the harsher details.
"Bastard! If I were there, I would've pummeled you myself!" Kon's plushy face twisted in outrage.
Yun Che sighed. "I know. I really was a jerk back then. In the end, she went back to her sect with tears in her eyes… and that's when I realized my methods were a bit too harsh. That's why I decided I had to make things right with her."
Kon relaxed, folding his arms with a smirk. "Still… knowing a person like you has a wife… that's shocking. Never thought a beauty like her would marry a brute like you."
"Korra, it was an arranged marriage. But in the end… I do love her. If I didn't, I would've divorced her and sent her back long ago."
Kon's eyes gleamed mischievously as he elbowed Yun Che. "Still… if you patched things up with her, it's fine, right? So… did you do the deed with her?"
Yun Che rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Not yet, man. She left that night."
Kon nearly choked on his words. "Wait… left on the night of your wedding? That's… a bad marriage if I ever heard one!"
Yun Che just gave a faint smirk, unconcerned.
Seeing Kon teasing him, he said through the mind link, "Bastard. You got a grudge against me or something? But… thanks, man."
"For what?"
"Even if your summoning's a bit… off, I'm still grateful to have a male companion to talk to. Some things just can't be discussed with girls—or my wife," Yun Che admitted. He'd long wanted a male confidant, someone he could speak with freely about male matters. Surrounded by girls, and with Hoyuu and Old Man Zangetsu either too inscrutable or rarely around in the real world, Kon was the only one he could count on.
He continued, "And about my previous… loved one… let me be the one to tell the girls. Keep this secret to the grave if you must." He jabbed a fist toward Kon.
Kon grinned and bumped his plushy fist against Yun Che's. "Don't worry. I may be a pervert, but I never leak my friend's secrets, man."
"Still… it feels good to get it off my chest," Yun Che admitted.
Kon tilted his head. "Never thought a lecher like you could have a wife."
"Hey, you're one to talk," Yun Che retorted, both of them chuckling through the mind link.
-------------------
Meanwhile, Retsu and Jasmine were having their own conversation, unsurprisingly about Yun Che.
"What do you see in that lecher anyway?" Jasmine asked.
"Mouuu, Sister Jasmine… Young Master is the most wonderful man I've ever met. Even better than anyone from my previous world, from what Yachiru told me," Retsu replied earnestly. "He always thinks of others before himself. Kind and compassionate. He never plays favorites when it comes to me or anyone else. He showers his attention on me, but at the same time, he notices everyone—even his spirits. That's why I… love him."
Jasmine raised an eyebrow. "Well, I never expected a ruthless woman like you would ever fall in love."
Retsu smirked. "You're one to talk, Sister Jasmine. What about you? What do you see in the Young Master?"
Jasmine exhaled slowly, her gaze softening. "I won't lie about him. But I can tell you one thing…" She paused, taking a steadying breath before continuing. "He reminds me of my brother."
"Your brother?" Retsu remembered Yun Che once seemed reluctant whenever Jasmine's family came up.
"Yes. He cared more about others, especially women, than himself. That's why I resented women—even though I'm one myself. In the end, my brother… he died because of a woman." Jasmine's lips pressed into a thin line as memories of the woman who deceived him flickered in her mind. She hated that her brother had smiled at her betrayal, even at the end of his life.
Retsu's expression softened. "I'm sorry to hear that, Sister Jasmine."
Jasmine shook her head and managed a faint smile. "Don't be. I have to move on. Meeting you and the spirits… it changed me. You and the others treated me like a friend. Because of that, I could finally get over my hatred of women… though I'll never forgive the one who tricked my brother to his death."
As Jasmine drifted into her memories, Retsu suddenly wrapped her arms around her from behind, startling her.
"But don't forget," Retsu whispered softly, "I'm still your sworn sister and your friend. And you have the Young Master too, Sister Jasmine. You're not alone in this world. If there's anything you can't tell him yet… I'm here. And I'm sure Nemu would want to be your friend as well."
Jasmine felt a warmth spread through her chest. Slowly, a small smile formed. "Hmmm… thank you. That… actually makes me feel better. Knowing that lecher and you girls have my back."
"Hnn," Retsu murmured, holding her tighter. "The Young Master will never leave you behind. He'll be the first to find you if you're in trouble. And so will we. We're family now. That's all that matters."
A single tear slid down Jasmine's cheek as she allowed herself to absorb the comfort of Retsu's hug. Her brother might never return, but here was someone who carried the same care, the same dedication. She would protect him, and he would protect her. For the first time in a long while, Jasmine felt the warmth of family. Her inner world was her home, and the spirits were her family.
Unbeknownst to her, Yun Che had been silently listening all this time. Though distant, his Sharingan and Observation Haki captured every word. A small smile tugged at his lips as he watched Jasmine begin to let go of her hatred. He could not undo her brother's passing, but he could protect her in his stead. As he had told Kon, these girls were not objects to discard. He would bear their burdens, safeguard them, for as long as he lived. The journey to his loved ones might be long, but every step he took was for them.