After escaping from Cang Yue, Yun Che found himself deep within the cave of the Dragon God Trial.
The cavern was dim and ancient, its jagged walls glittering faintly under the glow of the crystals embedded within. Despite its ominous reputation, it wasn't quite as grand as the legends made it out to be.
"Man," he muttered, running a hand along the rocky wall, "this isn't what I expected from the original story. Still… better than I imagined."
He couldn't help but recall the last time he'd stepped foot here—dragging the crippled Little Fairy into this very cave, defying the odds and nearly dying for it. The memory of his reckless determination still made him chuckle. If not for that 'plot armor,' I'd have been dragon food back then.
As he ventured deeper, Jasmine's voice suddenly rang in his mind—sharp and accusing.
"You're a lecher. You know that, right?"
"Ehh?" Yun Che blinked, caught off guard.
"Taking advantage of a woman like that," she continued, her tone edged with disdain—though there was something else beneath it, something softer. "Good thing I was the only one watching your behavior."
Yun Che scratched the back of his head, then laughed awkwardly. "Ara… busted. Can't deny that one."
Jasmine's response came with a quiet hiss, but her words carried a faint, almost imperceptible trace of jealousy.
"Hmph. Women keep throwing themselves into your life. Wouldn't it be better if you just focused on one?"
Yun Che sighed, his expression softening as he leaned against the cavern wall. "If this were my previous world, maybe I would've done that. But here… things are different."
He looked up, his tone calm but thoughtful. "I don't go around accepting every woman who shows up, you know. It's always about the feeling—the connection. You and Retsu… you're special. I trust my instincts, and I can tell when someone has bad intentions."
He chuckled, the corner of his lips curving upward. "Besides, Retsu likes her—and you didn't say anything to stop me, right?"
His gaze drifted toward the shimmering depths of the cave. This world was vast—far larger and stranger than his past life. His heart stirred with quiet anticipation. Maybe it's better to just let fate guide things. This is a new world… no need to play by the old rules.
Jasmine's face flushed slightly, a faint tinge of red coloring her pale cheeks. She crossed her arms, trying to mask it with her usual arrogance.
"Hmph. This princess doesn't meddle in the affairs of mortals."
Yun Che chuckled softly. "But I'm not exactly a mortal, remember? More like a celestial with the strength of one."
Jasmine shot him a sidelong glare.
"A celestial doesn't have the strength of a mortal. In my eyes, you're still one."
"All right, all right," Yun Che raised both hands in mock surrender. "But back to what I was saying—I can't just ignore these women. Whether it's Cang Yue, Little Fairy, or even you… they're all tied to my life somehow. Even if I tried to reject them, it'd just leave an empty spot in my heart."
Jasmine froze. Her crimson eyes widened ever so slightly at hearing her name among them. A faint warmth crept up her neck, and for once, she didn't snarl back immediately.
"Hmph… in the end, you're still a lecher," she muttered, voice softer than before.
Yun Che laughed. "Hey now, I haven't made a move on anyone, have I? Besides, you've been a lot nicer lately."
Her eyes widened again.
"Nicer? How exactly am I nicer to you?"
"Well," he said, counting on his fingers, "you don't yell at me as much as before, you didn't pull away when I patted your head, and you've stopped treating me—or even Retsu—like lowly disciples."
Jasmine quickly turned her head away, hiding the deep blush spreading across her face.
"Hmph… that's because you're this princess's disciple. It's only natural I treat you accordingly."
But as she said that, her thoughts betrayed her. She recalled their months together—the laughter, the arguments, the quiet moments between training sessions. He was right. She hadn't treated him like a disciple in a long time. Somewhere along the way, he had become… something more.
She had sworn to Retsu that she wouldn't let Yun Che repeat the mistakes her brother once made. Yet now, she found herself wondering: Was she getting attached to him?
Yun Che sighed lightly, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. "You know, I'm sure most masters are a lot harsher than you. So if you're being nicer… does that mean I've earned your approval?"
Jasmine gave him a glare that was only half-serious.
"Hmph. You and your words."
She turned away, refusing to answer.
Yun Che only smiled. He didn't need her to say it out loud. Sometimes, silence was the clearest answer of all.
"Where is that trial zone? I'm sure the original me didn't come this far," Yun Che muttered, his voice echoing faintly through the winding cave.
The deeper he went, the darker it became—only the faint shimmer of spirit energy from his hand lighting the path. Despite the eerie stillness, a grin tugged at his lips. Heh, this feels more like an adventure than a death trap.
Just as he was about to take another step—
Knock!
"Ouch! What in the—?!" He stumbled back, clutching his forehead. "Did I just walk into a wall?"
He extended a hand forward and felt something smooth and unnaturally cold. Not rock—something else. As his fingers brushed across the surface, a faint ripple of energy ran beneath his skin.
"A barrier? Or a wall?" he murmured.
Before he could investigate further—
=============
[Ding… Host has encountered the Trial of the Dragon God. It is recommended that the host resolve any external matters before entering this trial. Be advised: only death awaits those who fail. Are you sure you wish to proceed?]
=============
Yun Che smirked. "So this is the trial, huh? Since I'm already here… might as well go nuts."
He cracked his neck and took a deep breath. If I remember right, this trial's all about strength. Nothing I can't handle… probably.
Then, as the thought crossed his mind, he called out mentally, "Hey, Jasmine."
"What is it?" Her voice carried a hint of curiosity, breaking the silence that had lingered for a while.
"This time, no matter what happens, can you stay inside the inner world? Don't come out like you did during the Phoenix Trial."
"Hmm? And why should I do that?"
"Well, the thing is…" Yun Che scratched his cheek sheepishly as he explained. "According to the system, the trial adjusts its difficulty based on who enters. I'm already strong enough that it'll scale to my level—but if you step in, the system might register you as a participant and turn this whole thing into a suicide mission."
Jasmine went silent for a moment, then her tone softened.
"Hoo… so that's how it works. I see."
Yun Che smiled in relief. "Good. Thanks, Jasmine. With that, I can face this thing head-on without worrying."
But what he didn't see was the faint, almost wicked smile curling on Jasmine's lips inside the inner world.
"Hehehe… interesting," she whispered under her breath.
Completely unaware, Yun Che pressed the glowing [Yes] on the system's interface.
A low hum filled the air as the invisible barrier dissolved into particles of golden light. Then, a deep, ancient voice echoed directly in his mind—powerful enough to shake his soul.
"At last, a challenger appears… after a thousand years of silence."
The deep, rumbling voice echoed through the cavern, carrying a divine weight that made the air tremble. "You possess a decent aura for a mortal. Tell me—what makes you worthy of inheriting my legacy? I warn you… only death awaits those who fail. I seek a successor, not a corpse. So, what makes you worthy?"
Yun Che winced slightly as the voice thundered in his mind. Do all these ancient spirits talk like this? he thought, a bead of sweat sliding down his temple. You'd think after thousands of years, they'd learn that intimidation doesn't work on me.
Straightening up, he looked toward the unseen presence and said calmly, "I seek to challenge this trial. And yes, I believe I'm worthy."
"Hmph!" The spirit's tone deepened, echoing like rolling thunder. "You mortals all say the same thing. In the past, 129 dared to enter this trial. Every one of them met the same end—death."
The warning might have shaken others, but Yun Che only smiled. "Too bad I'm not like those mortals."
For a moment, silence filled the cave. Then, the ancient voice rumbled again—quieter this time, tinged with curiosity.
"…You are indeed an unusual mortal. Even as my aura presses upon you, you stand unaffected. Those 129 challengers barely reached this chamber alive, yet you walk as though it were nothing."
"Tell me, mortal—who are you?"
Yun Che smirked, adopting his usual air of casual arrogance. "I am Yun Che. Just a wandering cultivator passing through."
There was a pause—then the dragon's voice turned sharper.
"Strange. My divine aura can easily discern the strength of any being beneath the heavens, yet yours eludes me. What is your current cultivation, mortal?"
"Pinnacle of the Sky Profound Realm," Yun Che replied with a faint grin. "But I cultivate a different kind of energy—so my power isn't something easily measured."
"For a Divine Spirit such as I to be unable to discern your energy…""Tell me, mortal—what is this power you wield?"
Yun Che smiled faintly, completely unfazed by the dragon's booming voice. "Spirit Force," he replied casually.
He almost said Reiatsu, but that term belonged to another world. Since his rebirth, that power had fused with his profound energy, evolving into something far greater—something uniquely his.
The Dragon Spirit's tone deepened, rumbling like thunder rolling across the heavens.
"Spirit Force…?""No such record exists in my memories. Hmph. It has been eons since I've met a human who cultivated something so foreign—yet so… potent. Impressive."
A faint hum filled the air before the spirit's tone hardened again.
"Still, words alone mean nothing. To earn my legacy, you must first survive my trial."
Before Yun Che could react, his body was engulfed in radiant light. The world around him twisted and blurred as he was pulled into another dimension.
"Whoa—hey! Not again—!"
Thud!
He hit the ground backside-first, grimacing as he rubbed his head. "Well, that was fun," he muttered sarcastically. "Second time I've been tossed into another realm by these ancient beings. First the Phoenix, now this lizard."
Opening his eyes, he froze.
Above him stretched an endless sea of stars—countless constellations glittering across a blackened void, so vast it felt like he had fallen into the night itself.
"Where… am I?" he whispered.
He rose slowly, taking in his surroundings. He stood on a massive, circular platform, its surface made of smooth stone engraved with divine runes that pulsed faintly with azure light. When he walked toward the edge, the view below made him whistle softly.
The arena wasn't floating—it was mounted atop an impossibly tall cylindrical tower that pierced the clouds. Far beneath, the land stretched endlessly—lush fields, scattered rocks, and misty rivers glimmering under the starlight.
Yun Che shaded his eyes with one hand and let out a low laugh. "Hooo… this place is amazing. Too bad it'll probably turn into a wasteland once I go all out."
As if answering his words, the stars above began to shift. A series of brilliant blue streaks shot across the heavens, converging at a single point above the arena. The light twisted and coiled, taking form—first the shape of a serpent, then sprouting four mighty limbs, each claw the size of a small hill.
When the light faded, a colossal Azure Dragon hovered before him, its massive body shimmering with divine luminescence. Its scales reflected the starlight like polished sapphires, and its golden eyes burned with the wisdom—and wrath—of eternity.
Yun Che felt the ground tremble beneath its presence, a pressure so immense it could crush weaker souls into dust. But instead of fear, only awe crossed his face.
"Azure Dragon…" he whispered, his lips curling into a grin. "Looks exactly like the ones from the old myths back home. Except this time, it's the real deal."
The dragon's ancient eyes narrowed, its gaze piercing straight into his soul.
The Azure Dragon hovered high above the arena, its colossal body coiling like a living constellation against the star-strewn sky. Blue flames rippled across its scales, each spark carrying the divine might of the Primordial Dragon God.
The air trembled under its aura—a force so ancient and overwhelming that even the heavens seemed to bow before it.
Yun Che, however, stood perfectly still. His expression didn't change. Not even a bead of sweat formed on his brow.
"Hmph… welcome, mortal."
The dragon's voice rolled like thunder, shaking the platform beneath his feet.
"I am the Primordial Azure Dragon."
Yun Che blinked, tilting his head slightly. "Wait… you're not the same spirit from the cave just now?"
The dragon's molten-gold eyes narrowed slightly.
"Hmph. That spirit was merely a fragment of my will—left behind to greet and supervise challengers. Normally, it observes in my stead. But this time…"
Its voice deepened, carrying a note of genuine curiosity.
"I have chosen to appear personally."
Yun Che's brow rose. "Wait, what? Why?"
The Azure Dragon lowered its head slightly, its gaze piercing straight into Yun Che's soul.
"Because your aura… and your soul… do not resemble those of a mortal. They bear the mark of a god."
Its eyes gleamed, reflecting Yun Che's silhouette within them.
"Tell me, mortal—who are you truly?"
Yun Che hesitated for a moment. He could easily spin a story—but unlike the Phoenix Spirit, this dragon would soon dissipate, leaving no trace of what it had learned. There was no need for deception.
He sighed softly and looked up. "I am Yun Che… a Shinigami."
The Azure Dragon's eyes widened in faint surprise.
"Shinigami? Enlighten me."
Yun Che slipped his hands into his coat pockets, his voice steady and calm. "A Soul Reaper. Or, as mortals might call it, a Soul Reaper. Though I no longer hold divine power, the essence remains. I walk the path of cultivation not to regain what I lost—but to ascend properly. To obtain true godhood."
A low rumble of approval echoed from the dragon's throat, like distant thunder across the sea.
"Impressive… a living god reborn into mortal flesh. I have witnessed countless eras, yet never have I seen a god seek divinity anew."
Yun Che chuckled. "So, just like the Phoenix, you can sense the quality of my soul, huh?"
"Naturally," the Azure Dragon replied. "We were once gods ourselves. Our senses transcend the mortal spectrum. And you—" its golden eyes glimmered, "—you carry both divine flame and something far deeper. You have met the Phoenix, haven't you?"
Yun Che raised a finger, summoning a wisp of crimson fire. The phoenix flame danced upon it, illuminating the reflection of the dragon's vast body.
"Yeah," he said with a small grin. "Passed its trial and earned its soul."
The dragon regarded him silently for a long moment. Then its deep voice rumbled again—both proud and stern.
"No wonder the Phoenix approved of you. Yet do not mistake its blessing for mine."
Its wings spread, stirring the air with divine force.
"You may possess the soul of a god, but here, you are still a challenger. And like all challengers before you—you will earn my approval through battle."
Yun Che's grin widened as he rolled his shoulders, Spirit Force flaring faintly around him like an invisible storm.
"Fair enough," he said, his tone light but his eyes sharp. "Wouldn't have it any other way. By the way, what is this place?"
"I created this realm to test the worthiness of those who seek my power."
"The Dragon God Legacy," the Azure Dragon declared, its vast body coiling above the arena, "is the final remnant of the true me. Like the other True Gods, I passed down my divine essence through bloodline and trial."
Yun Che looked up, his tone casual yet curious. "So, you're like the Primordial Phoenix, then?"
The dragon's golden eyes narrowed, blue flames rippling across its scales as the air itself vibrated under its voice.
"Hmph. Do not compare this dragon to that bird."
"The Dragon God is the sovereign of all beasts—the ruler who looked down upon creation with pride. My bloodline is not something that can be granted to mere mortals."
The Azure Dragon's voice deepened, resonating like a thunderstorm trapped within the heavens.
"Only one with unrivaled talent, indomitable will, and the potential to rule heaven and earth itself can bear the blood of the Dragon God."
Yun Che smirked, his tone playful. "Sounds like a high bar."
"Hmph. And yet… you passed the pressurized cave with ease—something no mortal has achieved since the age of gods. That alone makes you worthy enough to attempt my trial."
The dragon lowered its head, eyes gleaming like twin suns.
"Welcome, Reaper, to the Dragon God Trial Zone."
Here, you shall face three trials—each one forged to test your strength, spirit, and soul."
Yun Che clapped a fist into his palm, grinning wide. "Yosh! A three-course challenge, huh? I'm going to ace this test!" He looked up at the dragon and smirked. "So, what's first on the menu, oh mighty Azure Dragon?"
The dragon blinked, momentarily taken aback. Most mortals trembled at the mere mention of the trials—but this one? He was excited.
"Very well," the Azure Dragon rumbled, amused.
"The first trial shall be the Stone Dragon Warriors. You will face ten waves of stone warriors, each stronger than the last. With every wave you conquer, their numbers shall double. Ten shall become twenty… twenty shall become forty… until you can endure no more."
Its tail swayed, scattering sparks of divine light into the void.
"To begin the first trial—jump to the bottom of the tower."
Yun Che rolled his shoulders, the corner of his lips curling upward. "Jump off a tower? Heh, dramatic as always."
As he approached the edge, a glowing blue panel materialized before him with a sharp chime.
===================
[Ding… Main Story Mission Triggered – Find and Enter the Dragon God Trial (Complete)]
[Ding… Main Story Mission Triggered – Phase 2: Pass the First Dragon Trial – "Stone Dragon Warriors"]
Objective: Survive all ten waves of Stone Dragon Warriors.
Hidden Objective: ????
Reward:Dragon God Crystal Fragment
Difficulty:Expert
===================
The Azure Dragon's vast eyes shimmered like blue stars as its voice rumbled across the heavens.
"Since your current power rests at the pinnacle of the Sky Profound Realm, your opponents shall mirror your strength."
Yun Che clenched his fist, excitement flickering in his eyes. "Perfect. Then I can fight without holding back!"
He was about to summon his Zanpakutō when a familiar voice echoed teasingly in the air.
"Or so you thought."
A streak of crimson light shot out from his chest and landed beside him, materializing into a petite figure with long scarlet hair and an expression full of regal arrogance.
"Jasmine?!?!" Yun Che nearly jumped.
The girl crossed her arms, chin lifted in that imperious Star God way.
"Hmph. Did you really think this princess would let you waltz through such a trivial trial unchallenged? If you're going to earn divine power, you'll do it under the highest difficulty."
Yun Che's jaw tightened. "Jasmine… you planned this, didn't you?"
"Hmph, I have no idea what you're talking about." Her eyes glinted with mischievous amusement.
The Azure Dragon lowered its colossal head, peering curiously at the intruder. The flames on its scales rippled like waves of starlight as its divine senses swept across Jasmine's form.
"Hoo… a Heavenly Star God successor?" The dragon's tone deepened in intrigue.
"I never expected to encounter one of you within this trial. Your aura is unmistakable."
Even as a mere fragment of her true self, Jasmine's divine soul radiated a suppressive pressure that could rival the Phoenix's own. Though neither she nor Yun Che possessed their full divine strength, the power in their souls transcended mortality itself.
Jasmine simply brushed a lock of her crimson hair behind her ear and replied coolly,
"Hmph. This princess has no intention of interfering. I am merely here to guide this idiot disciple of mine."
The Azure Dragon's massive eyes narrowed slightly, the faintest trace of amusement flickering within their depths.
"A Star God successor… guiding a mortal Soul Reaper. Amusing indeed."
A low rumble of laughter echoed across the skies, shaking the very tower beneath Yun Che's feet.
"Very well, then. I shall acknowledge your presence, Star God. But know this—your pupil's trial shall proceed unchanged. Should he fail, not even a celestial may intervene."
Jasmine smirked faintly. "Hmph, he won't fail. Not while this princess is watching."
Yun Che sighed, rubbing his temples. "Great. Between a dragon god and a sadistic master, I'm doomed either way."
Jasmine tilted her head with a sly smile. "Oh? You make it sound like a bad thing."
Jasmine folded her arms and turned her sharp gaze toward the Azure Dragon.
"By the way, this princess has a question. Is it true that the trial's difficulty will rise the moment a challenger brings along a helper?"
The Azure Dragon's glowing eyes flickered.
"Yes."
"Then," she continued with a faint smirk, "since this princess is here, increase the difficulty to the highest level. I shall not interfere—merely observe."
Yun Che's expression froze. "Jasmine!?!"
The Azure Dragon let out a rumbling, amused breath that echoed through the air like distant thunder.
"Hmph, this dragon had already considered it. The current level was tailored for mortals—but since you, a Star God, stand beside him, the trial shall be raised to a level more fitting for your… 'student.'"
The dragon's vast eyes gleamed like azure suns.
"From now on, each wave of Stone Dragon Warriors will possess profound strength two smaller realms higher than the last. The tower itself shall be sealed until the trial's completion. There will be no rest, no reprieve—only unending battle."
A cold chime echoed in Yun Che's mind.
==============
[Ding... Difficulty has been increased.]
[New Difficulty: SUICIDAL]
==============
Yun Che collapsed to his knees, his expression dark.
"You've got to be kidding me… I just wanted a normal trial! You really want me dead, don't you?"
Jasmine looked down at him, her crimson eyes gleaming with calm superiority.
"Hmph, stop whining. You wanted a challenge—so challenge something worthy of you. If you die, then that's proof you were never ready."
Yun Che sighed, running a hand through his hair as he pushed himself upright.
"No way out of this, huh? Fine. I'll play along."
Then he turned to her, concern flashing briefly across his features.
"What about you? The stone dragons might attack you by mistake. I don't want to have to worry about you mid-fight."
He remembered how, in the Phoenix Trial, he had to shield Little Fairy again and again from stray attacks. He couldn't afford that distraction here.
Jasmine simply gave him a dismissive glance.
"You don't have to worry about me. Once the trial begins, this tower will be sealed off from the battlefield below. I'll be here, watching—nothing more."
Her tone softened ever so slightly.
"This is your fight, Yun Che. Show this princess that her disciple's not all talk."
The Azure Dragon's mighty wings stirred, its scales glowing with divine light as the sky darkened once more.
"The trial shall now begin. Reaper… prove your worth."
Yun Che exhaled heavily, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"Jasmine, do you… have a personal grudge against me or something?"
Her crimson eyes glimmered mischievously.
"Hmph, this princess is merely teaching you a lesson for teasing me earlier.
"A pause—then she tilted her head with a faint smile.
"By the way, which Zanpakutō are you planning to use?"
Yun Che smirked, his tone casual yet sharp.
"Since this is a group fight, Zabimaru will do just fine. As for the second trial… I'll switch back to Zangetsu."
Reaching into his inner world, he grasped the familiar hilt. A surge of Spirit Force pulsed through the air as he drew the blade—its steel rippling like liquid light. The katana's smooth edge twisted and elongated, transforming segment by segment into the serrated body of Zabimaru, the serpent of war.
The weapon coiled faintly, as if recognizing the coming battle.
Jasmine watched with a proud smirk tugging at her lips.
"You seem confident about passing the first trial."
Yun Che flicked his wrist, resting Zabimaru against his shoulder. His grin was equal parts charm and defiance.
"Confident? Nah." He turned his gaze toward the arena far below.
"But since you made it 'suicidal difficulty'… I might as well make it worth watching."
Without another word, he stepped off the edge of the tower.
The air howled around him as he fell—his body cloaked in a swirl of light. His outer robes shifted and reformed, dark fabric fluttering into place as the shihakushō of a Soul Reaper wrapped around him. His Spirit Force flared like a storm, turning his descent into a streak of black and gold fire against the star-filled sky.
From above, Jasmine's voice followed, calm but laced with anticipation.
"Show me, Yun Che. Show me the strength of the Reaper who defies celestials."
He landed with a thunderous impact, cracks splintering across the stone floor. Zabimaru's segments clattered into place behind him, the blade pulsing with life.
Yun Che raised his head, eyes gleaming.
"Well, well… shall we begin?"