Yun Che was soaking in the hot spring alone. Kon had passed out after lingering too long in the water, leaving him with a rare moment of peace. As he washed himself, the sound of gentle footsteps reached his ears, accompanied by a voice so soft and alluring it made his heart skip.
"Young Master… can I wash your back?"
He froze mid-motion, heat creeping up his neck as he turned. There stood Retsu, her towel wrapped snugly around her, but not enough to hide her alluring form. Her legs, smooth and fair, caught the glint of the steam-laden light, and her hair, loose and cascading, framed her face with an almost tantalizing allure. Even from a distance, her curves and the subtle swell of her chest hinted at perfection, restrained only by the thin cloth.
Yun Che's heart raced, yet he forced himself to look away, calming the flush rising on his face. Focus, Yuuki. Control. He had cultivated the skill in his previous world precisely for moments like this: situations that would embarrass or tempt him.
"R-Retsu…? Why are you here? Where's Jasmine?" he asked, his voice steadier than he felt.
"She decided to soak for a while," Retsu replied, her tone teasing yet gentle. "But I… I want to wash your back. Can I?"
He hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Ah… uh… sure…"
He edged forward, letting her approach the water. Retsu dipped her hands into the spring, and her touch, gentle yet deliberate, glided over his shoulders and down his back. The warmth of the water mixed with the heat from her proximity, but Yun Che held his composure. Control… always control.
Even now, as the scent of her hair mingled with the steam and the soft brush of her fingers over his skin, he felt the tug of desire, yet the skill he honed in his former life kept him grounded. It was a delicate balance: enjoying the intimacy without letting his instincts betray him.
For a brief moment, all else faded—the mountain, the hot spring, the world outside—and all that remained was the quiet tension of the two of them, alone in the steaming waters.
"Well, good thing the 'Gamer's mind' passive skill works or else. Who knows what happen?" He slowly thought in his mind.
The Gamer's Mind passive skill, honed through countless adventures in his previous worlds, quietly guided Yun Che. It allowed him to remain unshaken in chaos, suppress fear, embarrassment, and even his deepest impulses—keeping him composed in moments most would falter. It didn't strip him of appreciation for beauty or warmth; he could still notice Retsu's softness, admire her figure, and enjoy her presence without losing control.
Suddenly, he felt Retsu press herself closer, her plush warmth and the weight of her chest pressing gently against his back. Yun Che blinked, slightly startled. Retsu had never been this bold. Her voice, soft and teasing, broke through his thoughts.
"Young Master… are you listening in on us?"
A breath of relief escaped him. Not what I imagined… he thought, a small grin forming as he rubbed the back of his head. "Ehee… busted. You know my senses are sharp, right?"
Retsu tilted her head, shaking it to indicate she didn't mind. "But… is there something we can do to help Sister Jasmine?"
Yun Che's eyes widened slightly at her question, but his voice remained calm, measured. "No. We can't bring someone back from the dead—that's not our task. Our role is to guide souls into the afterlife. We can help someone recently passed by reattaching their soul to their body… but if the soul wishes to move on, there's nothing we can do." He knew exactly what she meant, but he didn't want to offer false hope.
Retsu's hands tightened slightly around him. "But, Young Master… I really want to help Sister Jasmine."
Yun Che turned slightly, wrapping his hands around hers, letting her warmth press against him. "Then we do the next best thing," he said softly. "We give her the comfort of a family. We let her know she isn't alone. Soon… we'll truly be a family, all of us together."
Retsu's cheeks flushed, her grip tightening as her body pressed closer. "Hnn… I… I look forward to that day, Young Master." Her voice wavered slightly as her mind wandered to a future where they walked side by side, hand in hand—husband and wife.
Yun Che could feel the weight of her longing, the soft warmth of her body, and the genuine trust in her gaze. He allowed himself a brief smile, letting the moment linger, confident in the Gamer's Mind keeping him grounded even as his heart quietly warmed.
The moment stretched on, wrapped in an awkward, almost embarrassing silence. Yun Che finally cleared his throat, breaking it.
"By the way… I wanted to ask you something, Retsu."
"Ehh? What is it?" Her eyes snapped open, shaking her from her daydream.
"How long are you going to keep calling me 'Young Master'?" Yun Che tilted his head slightly, his tone calm but teasing. "You're my fiancée, my soon-to-be wife. Maybe it's time you call me by my real name."
Retsu stiffened for a moment, then gently unwrapped her arms and turned her back to him. "I… I've been practicing in secret, you know. But it's still embarrassing."
Yun Che rubbed the bridge of his nose with a sigh, shaking his head. "Retsu… we've kissed, hugged, cuddled, snuggled… and yet, you're still embarrassed to say my name?"
Her shoulders stiffened, and she admitted softly, "It's… still embarrassing."
He let out a quiet sigh. If she were the original Retsu, a hundred-plus-year-old mature woman, this wouldn't even be an issue. But now… she's reverted to her eighteen-year-old self. Naturally embarrassed by something like this.
He reached out and patted her head gently from behind. "Relax. Try calling me by my name. You'll have to get used to it if we're going to be married."
Retsu hesitated, then slowly turned to face him, a faint blush on her cheeks. "Muu… then, I'll try. Yuu… yuu… ki…-san."
Yun Che chuckled softly, shaking his head. "We don't need honorifics. Drop the '-san.' My alternate name is Yun Che, so… you can call me Yuu-kun."
"Yuu-kun… Yuu-kun… Yuu-kun…" she repeated, stumbling over the syllables. "I… I think I need some time to get used to it. Youn… I mean… Yuu-kun." Her pink cheeks betrayed how flustered she was.
He reached closer, voice low and teasing, brushing strands of hair from her face. "There. Get used to it. And when we're married… I think I'll call you…" He leaned close, whispering into her ear with a soft grin, "Honey… or Sweetie… or Darling…"
Retsu's eyes widened, a deeper blush spreading across her face as she fought to remain composed. Yun Che simply smirked, enjoying the rare sight of her embarrassment—a moment of intimacy he would treasure.
"Mouuuu, Yuu-kun… stop it, or I'll die of embarrassment," Retsu said, her face a blazing red as she tried to hide from his teasing.
Yun Che grinned at her, eyes sparkling with amusement. "See? It wasn't that hard."
"Mou… that's mean, Yuu-kun! Teasing me like that," she pouted, though her heart was racing.
He chuckled softly. "Haha, you look so cute when you're embarrassed."
But as he looked into her alluring eyes, at those soft, wet lips glistening with hot spring water, a different feeling stirred. He leaned closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Retsu…"
Her face seemed to draw him in, every curve and shimmer of water accentuating her beauty. She met his gaze, her own voice trembling, "Yuu-kun…"
Just as their lips were about to meet, a sharp voice echoed from behind the rocks. "Retsu, are you done? I'm getting out to get dressed."
Both of them jolted, their faces instantly flushing as they turned to see Jasmine standing there, a towel wrapped around her. The sight was breathtaking—her figure flawless, skin glowing, and hair damp from the spring. Any man would have been tempted, but Yun Che's 'Gamer's Mind' passive held him steady. He didn't flinch.
Jasmine noticed immediately, a slight frown crossing her face. Unbelievable… after all this, he still doesn't react. She had been used to her own beauty having effect over men, yet this blockhead remained unshaken. Slightly annoyed but mostly amused, she muttered, "Hmph… a princess of the God's Realm with unparalleled beauty… and yet, not a single reaction from him."
Yun Che, meanwhile, just calmly averted his gaze, internally sighing at the timing of interruptions—but also secretly thankful. Some boundaries were worth keeping… for now.
Yun Che quickly regained his composure. "Oh, Jasmine? You're done?" he asked casually, careful not to look at her with any perverted intent. One wrong glance and I might as well be sentenced to life in jail, he thought.
"Yes… kind of," Jasmine replied, drying her wet hair, her eyes immediately flicking to Retsu, who was hiding her flushed face in the water, nervously playing with her fingers.
Yun Che raised an eyebrow. "We… were just—uh—washing backs," he said, keeping his explanation vague.
Jasmine's gaze sharpened, protective instincts kicking in. Her right hand slowly formed into a fist, glowing faintly jade-black with her cultivation. "What did you do to her?" she demanded, her voice cold and unyielding.
Yun Che's eyes widened, spotting the dangerous aura radiating off her. He slowly turned to Retsu, who meekly muttered, "He… teased me."
The words were enough. Yun Che's jaw dropped as he turned back to face Jasmine, now practically seething with wrath. "Jasmine, let's be civil about this!" he pleaded, holding both hands up in surrender.
But Jasmine's fury was deaf to his words. She strode across the water, the surface rippling with each step, her eyes locked on him like a predator.
KNOCK!
Yun Che doubled over, instinctively bowing. "My bad! I'm sorry!" he exclaimed. The strike stung sharply—Jasmine's cultivation was moderate, but she had coated her hand with haki, enough to leave a painful reminder.
"That's what you get for being a lecher to her," Jasmine said, folding her arms and glancing at him.
Yun Che flicked her hair back casually. "Anyway, I'm heading back to the inner world."
"You're going back?" Retsu asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
"Hmph, that woman over there is waking up. I'm not revealing myself to her yet."
With that, Jasmine—still wrapped in her towel—transformed into a streak of light, vanishing back into Yun Che's inner world. He let out a small sigh. "At least she'll be surprised when she sees the hot spring I built in the inner world."
His eyes shifted toward Retsu, who had darted a glance somewhere before quickly hiding it with a guilty grin. "You sneaky little girl," he said, amused.
"Sorry, Yuu-kun. I couldn't help it," she replied, pouting slightly. "You were teasing me, so I had to get back at you."
Yun Che's lips curled into a teasing smirk. "Oh, I'll make sure to tease you more in the future."
"But… not in front of Sister Jasmine," Retsu said firmly, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. "She's really protective of me."
Yun Che let out a defeated sigh. "Sigh… yeah, you're right."
Retsu's little victory grin made him shake his head, though deep down, he was secretly enjoying the playful tension between them.
After a while, Cang Yue slowly woke up, her body still heavy from exhaustion and her mind foggy from the earlier embarrassment. As her senses returned, she realized she was no longer in the place where she had passed out. Her memory hit her like a lightning bolt, and her face immediately turned into a steaming tomato—she had kissed Yun Che on the cheek!
Her eyes darted toward the hot spring, only to find Yun Che and Retsu together in the water, smiling at her. But… their clothing—or rather, lack thereof—sent her heart racing.
Before she could even process it, she blurted out:"Yuuu… Yun Che! Sister Retsu! Why are you two in the water together?! You're… you're… not even dressed! Man and woman can't bathe together… Sh-shameless!"
This was the first time Cang Yue had seen Yun Che completely unclothed, and the sight had her mortified. If Little Fairy had been here, she would have beaten him senseless for such shameless behavior. Fortunately, Little Fairy was nowhere in sight.
Yun Che, slightly sweating at her reaction, tried to stay calm. "Looks like she's okay… Well, I'll get dressed, and you help her clean up. I'll take Kon and find something to cook for dinner. After that, we'll continue our journey to the trial zone."
"Hai, Youn… I mean, Yuu-kun," Cang Yue replied, a mixture of relief and lingering embarrassment in her voice. Yun Che gently patted her head before lifting Kon, who was conveniently wrapped with a towel around his groin, to get dressed.
He turned back to the flushed Cang Yue, who couldn't tear her eyes away from him, and said kindly, "Why don't you take a bath here…?" He pulled something from his inventory: a neatly folded full set of kimono. "You should change out of those palace robes."
Cang Yue's eyes flicked to the palace robes she had been wearing for the past month. Yun Che had decided it was time for a change now that she was no longer tied to the New Moon Profound Palace. Thankfully, Shirayuki and Kuroyuki had been generous enough to make plenty of outfits—and it seemed they really enjoyed it.
With that, Yun Che quickly changed back into his usual white robe and nudged Kon awake—more like forcing him to get up—so they could head into the forest to hunt for a suitable beast for dinner. As for Retsu, she helped Cang Yue clean up and dress, filling her in on everything that had happened while she was passed out. Cang Yue still felt disoriented, unsure of her surroundings, but Retsu patiently guided her through every detail.
After washing up, Retsu helped Cang Yue into one of the kimonos Yun Che had provided. It was her first time wearing such an outfit, and she felt a flutter of embarrassment as she adjusted it, wondering how Yun Che would view her in it. To her surprise, she felt an unexpected affinity with the elegant garment; it suited her demeanor and her princess-like poise perfectly.
"All right, put the meat here," Yun Che instructed, handing Kon the task of carrying the freshly hunted game as part of his "training." In truth, it was more of a way to turn the perverted little guy into a gopher.
Kon, in his cub form, dropped the large chunk of meat onto the ground with a groan. "Bastard! Why do I always get stuck with this stuff?"
Yun Che ignored the protest. "Hey, I did the hunting. You carry it. Fair and square."
Then, the same alluring voice from earlier floated through the air. "Yuu-kun, what do you think?"
Yun Che and Kon froze, eyes widening as they turned to see Retsu and Cang Yue stepping gracefully out of the steam rising from the hot spring, each dressed in their kimonos.
Cang Yue wore a sky-blue kimono with a purple obi and delicate white laces. The hakama underneath was adorned with subtle purple flowers, perfectly complementing the color of her hair. Her fuchsia locks framed her face exquisitely, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of self-consciousness—it was the first time she had worn such beautiful attire, even as the princess of the empire. She looked radiant, almost ethereal, a vision of elegance that made the forest seem to pause in awe.
Retsu, on the other hand, had chosen a striking black kimono adorned with alternating purple floral patterns. The white sleeves and black linings added a sharp contrast, while her white obi, edged with black, accentuated her slender waist. The hakama featured delicate purple flowers, matching her braided hair perfectly. Her beauty radiated effortlessly, harmonizing with the mist and the sunlight, drawing every eye in the vicinity—even Kon's jaw had nearly hit the ground.
Both girls looked like visions from a painting, their elegance and grace undeniable, leaving Yun Che momentarily speechless.
Both of them looked utterly dazzling, as if they had descended from the heavens themselves. The delicate fabrics, the flowing colors, and the way the kimonos accentuated their beauty made their previous battle-worn outfits seem dull in comparison.
"Wow… you two are… really beautiful," Yun Che admitted, momentarily stunned by the sight before him. His words carried genuine awe.
Kon, unable to contain himself, leapt toward Retsu's chest—but was instantly met with a swift fist from her. Rather than pain, his plushy face reflected a strange mix of surprise and pleasure.
Cang Yue's eyes sparkled with triumph. She had captured Yun Che's attention—exactly the response she had hoped for. Retsu, noticing her friend's subtle satisfaction, teased lightly, "Aren't you relieved he complemented you, Sister Yue?"
Cang Yue nodded, her cheeks faintly flushed. Though her beauty could sway any man, she cared only about swaying one. Retsu, accustomed to Yun Che's compliments, smiled genuinely—happy to see him praise someone she trusted.
After a quiet dinner prepared by Yun Che, he decided it was best to rest before continuing their journey. The girls were exhausted from the previous battle, and forcing them onward would have been cruel. He deployed a protective kido barrier around their spot and sank into the soft waters of the hot spring, letting sleep claim him. Unbeknownst to him, two figures quietly crept closer and curled up against him, embracing his resting form.
Morning arrived sooner than expected. Yun Che awoke feeling well-rested, the comforting warmth of the hot spring still lingering on his skin. As anticipated, Retsu and Cang Yue had snuggled close throughout the night. Cang Yue, emboldened by their previous kiss, was far bolder than her previously composed and reserved self. Retsu, ever affectionate, had not loosened her hold either.
It took a bit of effort to wake the two of them, as their clinging arms made it difficult to move. Eventually, the three of them prepared themselves for the next stage of their journey—the perilous Wasteland of Death. The calm morning air and the warm afterglow of the spring gave them strength, but the dangerous trial ahead promised a stark contrast to the peaceful night they had shared.
With that marks the end of their small vacation as Cang Yue summoned her white eagle and beginning to descend into deeper parts of the area.
-----------------------
Somewhere high above the skies of the Wasteland of Death, the group flew in silence for a moment, the vast expanse of rugged mountains and withered plains stretching endlessly beneath them.
"The Trial of the Dragon God?" Cang Yue's voice broke the quiet, tinged with curiosity. This was the first time she had heard of the Dragon God. First, it had been the Phoenix God, and now—another legendary figure.
Yun Che's expression grew serious as he began to explain. "We're entering the Wasteland of Death, one of the most dangerous areas in the Blue Wind Empire. Countless profound beasts roam here, and many cultivators have perished attempting to traverse it."
Cang Yue's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself, remembering the immense strength of their group. They had already overcome opponents that would terrify most warriors in the empire.
He continued, recounting everything he had learned from his master. "Deep in the Wasteland lies a hidden trial—the Trial of the Dragon God. Like the Phoenix Trial, it's meant to test one's skill, resolve, and growth. Before heading to the Imperial Capital, I need to complete it."
Retsu, perched on his shoulder, tilted her head curiously. "Then, how long do you think it will take to finish, Yuu-kun?" Her voice carried a soft confidence, and Yun Che felt a small smile tug at his lips.
He exhaled lightly, recalling what he had read about the trial in the original texts. "That depends on how fast I can move through it. The moment I complete the trial, I'll return. But make no mistake—this trial is far more dangerous than the Phoenix Trial. Fail here, and there's no ejection back to the real world… failure means death."
Retsu quickly composed herself. "Ara.... If you want, Yuu-kun. I can come with you. We'll face this trial together."
"No, let me face this one on my own," Yun Che said firmly. "The trial only tests one person. Besides, it's better this way. I remember the last time I brought someone along… things didn't exactly go as planned. If I bring Retsu or Cang Yue, the difficulty will increase, and Cang Yue isn't strong enough yet. It's safer for them to stay outside while Retsu trains her. I'll handle this trial myself—and find another way to pass the Dragon God's power to them."
Retsu looked down, her expression tinged with worry at the thought of being separated from him again. Cang Yue's usually composed demeanor showed a flicker of unease, though she reminded herself that if Yun Che returned within a day, it would all be fine.
Yun Che placed a reassuring hand on Retsu's head. "Don't worry. It'll be over quickly. If I'm fast and strong enough, it should take only a day."
The journey across the Wasteland of Death was long and silent, the oppressive wilderness stretching endlessly beneath them. After half a day of flying, they finally arrived at the location indicated by the system.
The area was eerie, the kind of place that would send chills through any ordinary traveler. Dense forests surrounded the land, their shadows cloaking the terrain, while jagged rocks and deep caverns made the region feel like a natural fortress. Yet, the most striking feature was the massive cave entrance ahead. Unlike the surrounding wilderness, the ground here was barren—no grass, no forest, only the stark, rugged earth.
To Yun Che, it was unmistakable: the trial zone. The once-lush land had been devastated during Little Fairy's battle against the two dragons. Their clash had turned this area into a wasteland, leaving one of the dragons destroyed by Jasmine and leaving Little Fairy severely injured.
As Cang Yue's eagle gracefully landed on a nearby rock, a notification suddenly flashed into the minds of Yun Che, Retsu, and even Kon, signaling that the trial was about to begin.
==================
[Ding… Detected massive amount of suppression aura nearby.]
==================
Cang Yue stiffened slightly, noticing an invisible weight pressing down on her. She didn't understand it fully, but her body felt restrained by some unknown force. Only Retsu's presence and her Absolute Suppression Skill aura allowed her to resist—it blocked all forms of aura, even from a god.
"So… this is the place," Yun Che said, leaping from Cang Yue's eagle and landing in front of the massive cave entrance.
The moment his feet touched the ground, the oppressive aura vanished. Cang Yue and her eagle both exhaled in relief, regaining their composure.
"What just happened?" Cang Yue asked, calming her eagle before returning it to its seal.
"That aura… it suppressed us the moment we got close," Kon commented from Yun Che's shoulder, his tiny form trembling.
"Probably a security measure to probe any unwelcome challengers," Yun Che explained, scanning the cave entrance. "From what I can tell, as I got closer, the suppression aura grew heavier. But Retsu and I aren't affected by this kind of energy, so it dissipated itself. Seems like this is how the trial greets its challengers. Normally, this place should have a guardian."
"Guardians?" Cang Yue asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
"Remember the two dragons we fought yesterday?" Yun Che said. "They were supposed to be the guardians of this place. But since they were destroyed, the trial's left unguarded."
"Then… why would they leave, if they were supposed to protect it?"
"Probably drawn to the hollows gathering nearby. These dragons do anything to get stronger—they feed off energy and even benefit from this place. Maybe the aura emitted by the hollows caught their attention," Yun Che replied calmly.
"You really know a lot about this place and the dragons, Yun Che," Cang Yue remarked, impressed.
Yun Che rubbed his chin, glancing sideways. "W…well, it's not too surprising. The Phoenix Trial had its guardians too, so it's logical for this trial to have some form of protection. I just assumed these dragons belonged here since the Wasteland isn't far from where we fought."
What Cang Yue didn't know—and would never know—was that Yun Che had gathered all this information from the system, giving him an edge she couldn't see.
"So, this is the trial area, Yuu-kun?" Retsu asked, her eyes scanning the massive cave with a mix of curiosity and caution.
"Yes, this is it," Yun Che replied calmly. "I should get going. You three should find a suitable place to set up camp. I promised I'd be done by the end of the day."
"Kon," Retsu said, giving her little companion a pointed look. "This place should be crawling with profound beasts. Take the opportunity to level up."
"Don't worry about the beasts," Yun Che said, smirking. "Retsu's aura alone will scare them off. They won't dare approach."
Retsu nodded, understanding his confidence. "Then go. I expect you back by nightfall."
Before leaving, Retsu stepped into his embrace. Yun Che smiled warmly, returning the hug. He explained why he couldn't take her into the Tenteikura, and she nodded, understanding. She'd take this chance to train Cang Yue in mastering her haki.
"Have a safe trip. Come back to us when you're done," Retsu whispered.
"I promise," he replied. Gently, he lifted her chin and pressed a tender kiss to her soft lips. Caught off guard, Kon and Cang Yue gawked, but Yun Che continued, savoring the moment as Retsu closed her eyes in delight. After several seconds, he slowly parted their lips, much to her disappointment.
Turning to the blushing Cang Yue, he knelt slightly and lifted her chin, planting a small, gentle kiss on the corner of her lips.
"Ara-ara," Retsu murmured gleefully, while Kon could barely contain himself, ranting about the chaos of Yun Che's relationships.
Cang Yue was too shocked to react, her face a deep shade of red. Before she could say anything, Yun Che took off, waving over his shoulder. "Here I go!" And just like that, he disappeared into the shadowed depths of the cave.
"Have a safe trip," Retsu called after him, her tone playful, like a doting wife sending her husband off to work.
"Hueeehh…" Cang Yue's face turned crimson, and she fainted from the embarrassment. Retsu was quick to catch her before she hit the ground, holding her gently.
"Man, she's got a weak heart," Kon muttered from Yun Che's shoulder. "If he keeps this up, she'll die of embarrassment one day."
"Giggle Don't worry, she'll be fine," Retsu said, using her kido to soothe Cang Yue's flustered state. "Looks like we need to gather some firewood for a campfire."
Kon's instincts screamed at him to flee, but he froze when Retsu turned to him with a sly, almost creepy smile. Her voice dropped to a teasing, alluring tone: "Kooon, dash off."
"Hai!!! I understand!" Kon shouted, bolting into the forest to gather firewood, leaving the two girls to tend to the campsite.