The burly man leaned closer to his companions, lowering his voice conspiratorially."Yeah," he grunted, "they tried sending a team inside the tomb already—but the whole thing's sealed tight. Turns out, the entrance is protected by some kind of ancient restriction."
At that, one of his drinking companions scoffed, swirling his cup. "Let me guess—another 'young generation only' nonsense? Send the juniors in to bash each other's heads for a treasure they'll never get?"
Yun Che chuckled quietly into his cup. Pretty standard, he thought. Throw in a few prodigies, one or two arrogant sect heirs, and it's basically every cliché tournament arc ever.
But the burly man's next words made him pause.
"No… not this time." The man's tone dropped, suddenly more serious. "The restriction's the opposite."
"Opposite?" one of them echoed, blinking.
"Yeah," the burly cultivator said, setting his cup down. "According to the Xiao Clan's report, the formation only allows men and women above thirty years old with a cultivation no lower than the Peak of Sky Profound Realm to enter."
The entire table went silent.
Even Yun Che's brow twitched beneath his hood. Above thirty… and Sky Profound or higher? That's rare. Why would the Moon Empress design something that filters out youth?
The man across from the burly one let out a low whistle. "That's insane. Every tomb, ruin, or inheritance I've heard of caters to younger generations. What kind of ancient senior bans the young and only allows middle-aged cultivators inside?"
Another one sighed bitterly. "We're all too weak to qualify anyway. It's like the heavens themselves are laughing at us."
Yun Che rested his chin on his hand, thinking deeply. Retsu noticed the slight glint in his eyes — the same sharp gleam he had whenever something didn't make sense.
He murmured under his breath, his voice a low current only audible within the Haki barrier.
"An age and cultivation restriction that favors maturity over potential… that's no ordinary trial. The old ways really are different from nowadays."
Retsu caught his tone — the way his mind turned even while appearing calm — and smiled faintly. Yun Che was already planning something.
From the next table, the burly cultivator's deep voice continued.
"So, to fill the ten-man entry limit, the Xiao Clan decided to organize a tournament. Anyone who meets the requirements can compete for a place in the exploration team. But, of course," — he smirked — "two of the slots are already reserved for the clan's elders."
"Well, can't blame them," one of his companions said with a laugh. "If they found the tomb, they get first pick."
"Tournament, huh?" another grumbled. "Guess that means every sect, mercenary, and hermit master in the empire will show up swinging their swords. The tomb of the Moon Empress? That's the biggest bait in a thousand years."
The burly man leaned closer, lowering his voice.
"You're not wrong. Word is, it might even draw attention from the Sacred Grounds. Some say their envoys have been hiding in the empire for the past two years — ever since those two major events shook the continent."
At that, both Yun Che and Retsu's eyes twitched slightly. They didn't say a word, but the irony didn't escape either of them. Those two "major events" were their doing.
The table went quiet for a moment before another man asked, "So where's this grand tournament happening?"
"In the Xiao Clan's own training grounds," the burly man replied. "In Gao Ling City. Starts the day after tomorrow. I'll head there tomorrow to watch the 'old generation' beat each other senseless."
With that, the conversation shifted to idle chatter, but Yun Che and his group already had what they came for.
Yun Che leaned back, resting his elbow on the table. "Well, that answers where we're headed next."
Then he turned to Cang Yue. "So… where exactly is Gao Ling City? Don't remember that one."
Cang Yue blinked, surprised. "Gao Ling City? Hmm… I don't recall visiting it much. But it's about a day's travel from the Imperial City — north from here."
Retsu tilted her head, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. "Sister Yue, can you tell us more about it?"
"Ah, right," she said softly, recollecting what she knew. "Gao Ling City was the first city our ancestor built when founding the Empire — it guards the approach to the Imperial City. You could call it the Empire's outer shield. Though it's smaller than the capital, it's still vast… and heavily fortified."
Yun Che nodded thoughtfully. A city that guards the Imperial capital — and hides a teleportation array beneath it. How poetic.
He quietly opened a mental link to his system.
"System, map the route to Gao Ling City."
A mechanical chime echoed in his mind.
===========================
[Ding… Area mapping complete. Host can head north. Gao Ling City is located 1000 km from current position.][Ding… Directional guidance activated.]
===========================
Another notification followed almost instantly.
============================
[Ding… Side Quest Activated — Recover the Legend of the Moon Empress]
Requirement: Level 70
Description: Explore the hidden legacy sealed by the ancestor of the Cang family.
Reward: 100 000 XP, 75,000 SP
[Ding… Quest set as current objective.]
===========================
A faint arrow blinked onto his mental map, pointing northward — toward the city that now shimmered faintly on his system's horizon. His next step was clear.
Except for one problem.
He exhaled slowly, rubbing his chin. A tournament for those above thirty and at the Peak of the Sky Profound Realm, huh?
The three girls exchanged knowing glances when Yun Che's lips curved into that mischievous smile. They'd seen that expression countless times before — it always meant one thing.
Mio was the first to voice it. "Danna-sama… you're planning to participate in that tournament, aren't you?"
Retsu let out a soft giggle, resting her chin on her palm. "Of course he is. Yuu-kun never lets something like this slip by. But…" she narrowed her eyes teasingly, "even if you win, you can't cultivate the Moon Empress's art, can you?"
Yun Che shrugged casually. "Nope. I'm doing this to kill time. You know me — can't sit still too long." A sly grin tugged at his lips. "Besides, me and Kon are males. That art would probably explode us from the inside. What about you girls, though?"
Cang Yue blinked. "Then… are you going to cultivate it, Sister Retsu?"
Retsu shook her head with a gentle smile. "No. Soul cultivators walk a different path. My cultivation lies in slaughter, healing, and balance. Pure Yin energy would reject me — and frankly, I'd find it boring." She stretched, her tone calm but firm. "Even if I could, my demonic fox spirit would never accept it."
Cang Yue nodded softly. "I understand." Then she turned toward the raven-haired girl beside her. "Then… Sister Mio?"
Mio leaned back with a faint smirk. "Me? Nope. I'm not interested in moonlight and purity." Her amber eyes gleamed with mischief. "My path is darker. I thrive in shadow and spatial energy, not the calm glow of Yin. I'll pass."
Yun Che nodded. "Yeah, and you're already strong enough to give a Monarch a bad dream."
That left only one name unspoken.
"Then… who is it for?" Kon's muffled voice came from under Yun Che's cloak.
Yun Che didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned his head slightly, his eyes landing on Cang Yue. Slowly, his smile returned — softer this time, gentler.
"Isn't it obvious?" he said quietly. "It's for her."
Cang Yue froze. Her lips parted, her eyes widening in disbelief. "M-me…? Yun Che… that's… impossible. Someone like me can't—"
Yun Che sighed and leaned closer, his tone firm but full of warmth. "There you go again — downgrading yourself. You've got to stop doing that, Yue'er."
Her breath hitched as his voice deepened, steady like an anchor.
"You're the only one among us who can cultivate that art. It's your ancestor's legacy — your bloodline's right. You'd honor her memory by claiming it yourself."
Cang Yue's fingers trembled as she gripped the edge of her kimono. "But… there are others more worthy…"
Before she could finish, Yun Che cut her off gently. "No. I'm not leaving you behind." He reached out and placed a hand over hers. "Each of us has something special, something that defines us. You've been relying too much on your sword and your kindness — both are your strengths, but you need something more. Something that's truly yours."
He met her gaze, his tone soft but commanding. "You're the Blue Moon Princess, Yue'er. It's time the Moon Princess rose again — and surpassed even the Moon Empress."
Cang Yue's eyes glistened. "Yun Che…"
Mio chimed in with a small, encouraging smile. "Yue'er, don't let fear chain you to the past. Your ancestor's failure doesn't mean you'll fail too. Retsu-chan and I will guide you, and Danna-sama…" She looked toward Yun Che affectionately. "He'll make sure you shine brighter than anyone."
Retsu nodded, her usual calm voice carrying a rare tenderness. "We'll all be there for you, Yue'er. You don't need to carry that weight alone."
Cang Yue's lips trembled. The emotions she had been holding back for so long — grief, self-doubt, loneliness — finally broke free. Tears welled in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks as she whispered, "Thank you… all of you… for believing in me. I'll… I'll do my best not to disappoint you."
Yun Che rested a hand on Cang Yue's head, his touch gentle but firm.
"Don't worry," he said softly, "you're one of us now. I'm not leaving you behind after everything you've been through. But…" — his tone shifted to calm analysis — "the tomb's condition is clear. Only cultivators over thirty with Peak Sky Profound strength can enter. My cultivation fits perfectly, so I'll be the one to go in."
Retsu tilted her head, a faint, dangerous smile curving her lips.
"Then I'll enter as well. It's been a while since I stretched a little."
Yun Che chuckled and shook his head. "You can't, Retsu. You're only at the seventh level of Sky Profound. And…" — a faint shimmer of light crossed his eyes as he sent a silent Tenteikura to her mind — "…the system can disguise our age and suppress our cultivation lower, but not higher."
Retsu puffed her cheeks in protest, her usual calm slipping into something adorably childish. "Muuu…"
Yun Che only laughed and patted her head. "Don't worry. Watch over Cang Yue for me instead."
Her expression softened immediately, and she leaned into his touch. "Hnn… I will, Yuu-kun."
The sight made Mio's eyes twitch. Without hesitation, she grabbed his wrist and plopped his hand onto her head instead, ignoring Retsu's dagger-like stare.
"Then, Danna-sama, I can enter too, right?" she said with a smug grin.
Yun Che gave her a patient smile. "Nice try. You're too strong. Even if we suppress your aura, someone will sense it. A Monarch wandering into a Sky Profound-level tournament would scream 'divine beast invasion.'"
Mio pouted but relented. "Muuu… fine. But at least promise me you'll let me eat the energy of whoever insults you."
"Deal," he said dryly. "Just… don't eat them literally this time."
Cang Yue, still confused, finally asked, "But even if you qualify, how are you going to disguise yourself? Won't they test your age with a pearl?"
Yun Che's lips curved into that familiar, dangerous smirk — the one that meant trouble for everyone else.
"Don't worry about that. I've got a little art that handles appearances, voice, aura — even age. Foolproof, even against the measuring pearl."
Cang Yue's eyes widened. "There's such an art?!"
Mio giggled. "There's nothing Danna-sama doesn't have hidden up his sleeve."
Retsu crossed her arms, smiling knowingly. "It's a secret technique he rarely uses. The last time he did, entire sects were looking for a man who didn't exist."
Cang Yue blinked. "You've done this before?"
Yun Che shrugged. "Once or twice. Let's just say I've learned to enjoy watching people panic over ghosts."
He stood up, his cloak swaying slightly as the lamplight flickered across his face.
"This time," he said, tone dropping into something colder, more focused, "I'll make a new persona — someone the Xiao Clan will never forget."
Retsu smiled faintly, her golden eyes glinting. "You already have someone in mind, don't you?"
Yun Che turned slightly, his expression unreadable beneath his hood.
"For now," he said, a slow grin spreading across his lips, "let me worry about that."
The moment their discussion ended, the food arrived — faster than anyone expected. Twenty steaming servings landed on the table in waves, instantly drawing the attention of everyone in the restaurant.
Conversations halted. Chopsticks froze midair. Even pedestrians passing by peeked through the open windows.
Not only were these women breathtakingly beautiful, but now they were about to eat enough food for a small army.
Most patrons assumed it was an exaggeration — until they saw it.
The plates began to vanish. Not literally, but close enough.
Retsu and Mio ate with astonishing speed, their movements fluid and precise — elegant, refined, and terrifyingly efficient. Even while eating like whirlwinds, their posture never faltered, their lips never smudged. It was like watching a graceful duel between two culinary assassins.
Cang Yue, the only one who ate slowly, looked almost embarrassed by the contrast. She ate with the calm poise of a princess — but next to her companions, it felt like being outpaced by lightning.
Each time a plate emptied, another arrived. Then another. And another.
The waiters began to sweat bullets. The chef in the back yelled orders with the panic of a man trying to feed a divine beast before being devoured himself.
Meanwhile, the diners were whispering furiously:
"There's no way they're human—"
"How are they not bloated?"
"I swear that one with black hair blinked and the food vanished!"
"No, no — it's gotta be some kind of profound illusion art!"
But the truth was simpler.
There weren't four people eating — there were five.
Kon darted between dishes as a streak of light, stuffing his plushy form in rapid-fire bites before anyone could notice. By the time the waiters returned with another round, half the food had already "mysteriously disappeared."
Within minutes, twenty plates became a small mountain stacked neatly beside them — all gleaming clean. The waiters stumbled to a stop, out of breath and utterly defeated.
Yun Che leaned back in his chair, calmly sipping his drink. "Damn," he said, patting his stomach, "that hit the spot."
From within his cloak came a muffled groan. "Kon-sama cannot take another bite…"
Retsu gracefully wiped her lips with a napkin. "Compared to our cooking, this barely satisfies me… but still, it was enjoyable."
"Haiii," she added with a soft smile, "Yuu-kun always said we must never waste food. But…" — she placed a hand on her stomach — "I could probably eat a little more."
Mio nodded thoughtfully, still chewing. "I agree. It's… decent. But not as delicious as Danna-sama's cooking."
Cang Yue could only sigh, half admiring and half despairing. "Muu… how do you two eat that much while keeping your figures? Even I have to watch what I eat, or my robes wouldn't fit!"
The restaurant fell silent again as every eavesdropper processed that statement.
A man at a nearby table muttered, "If I ever married one of them, I'd be broke by next week…"
His friend whispered back, "Worth it."
Another grumbled, "No, seriously. They ate twenty servings. The chef's probably retiring after this."
Yun Che just smirked, tossing another purple coin onto the counter as they rose from their seats. The metallic clink silenced the whispers instantly.
"Keep the change," he said casually.
The waiter blinked — then quickly bowed until his forehead nearly hit the floor. "Th-thank you, honored sir! Please… come again!"
As Yun Che and his companions walked out, the entire restaurant stared after them — half in awe, half in existential dread — wondering what kind of man could keep up with women like that.
Outside, Retsu stretched, Mio hummed happily, and Cang Yue covered her mouth to hide a soft giggle.
"Yuu-kun," Retsu said with a teasing smile, "you realize we just fed a small town's worth of people's meals?"
He shrugged with that familiar, unbothered grin. "We've been living off beast meat and herbs for weeks. We deserved a little indulgence."
Kon poked his head out of the cloak, looking smug. "And Kon-sama deserves a nap."
"Yeah," Yun Che said with a chuckle, "a nap sounds good… before we cause chaos in Gao Ling City."
After a long evening of travel and indulgence, they finally found a modest inn tucked near the quieter side of town. It wasn't grand, but it was clean — and, more importantly, peaceful. No arrogant young masters, no loud sect disciples, and no drunk cultivators trying to impress the ladies.
For once, Yun Che could relax without someone asking for a beating.
Still, their arrival didn't go unnoticed. A man with three veiled beauties and a talking lion plushy checking into a low-class inn? That was enough to turn heads. The whispers followed them like a breeze.
Yun Che ignored them. He slid a purple coin onto the counter — enough to pay for both the largest rooms in the place for several months. The manager nearly fainted. "S-sir, I can't possibly—"
"Take it," Yun Che said with a small smile. "Consider it a donation."
The poor man bowed so low his forehead almost hit the floor. "A-as you wish, esteemed guest!"
Naturally, the next challenge wasn't coin but companionship.
The girls, however, weren't exactly thrilled.
"Yuu-kun, we could've shared," Retsu said, pouting just enough to be dangerous.
"Indeed, Danna-sama," Mio added with a teasing smile. "We wouldn't mind one big bed."
Cang Yue flushed scarlet. "M-Mio! Sister Retsu!"
"Denied," Yun Che said before they could start. "One room for me and Kon. You three take the other."
In the end, he claimed a room with Kon, while the ladies took the adjoining suite. Retsu's pout could've melted glaciers, and Mio's smug little smirk promised she'd find a way to sneak in later anyway.
As soon as the door shut behind them, Yun Che stretched his arms and sighed. "Finally. Peace and quiet."
"Huaarghhh!" Kon leaped from beneath his cloak and belly-flopped onto the bed, bouncing slightly before sprawling out like a satisfied cat. "The bed after a full meal is the best thing in life!"
Yun Che glanced at him from the floor. "You sound like a retired old man, you dumbass."
"You're the dumbass!" Kon shot back, curling into the sheets. "Anyway, who're you planning to disguise as this time?"
Yun Che leaned back against the wall, pulling up the translucent system interface only he could see. "Hmm… good question."
"You're the dumbass," Kon shot back, rolling over. "So, who're you planning to impersonate this time?"
Yun Che sat cross-legged on the floor, his elbows resting on his knees as he stared thoughtfully at the glowing system interface floating in front of him. "I'm… still deciding."
Kon tilted his head. "You've got that scary thinking face again."
Ignoring him, Yun Che sank deeper into thought.
Hmm… who should I become this time?
A dozen names flashed through his mind — ghosts from another world, heroes and villains from the stories that shaped him.
Gin? Nah… too smug for a friendly tournament. Shunsui? Too lazy — I'd fall asleep halfway through the fight. Ukitake? Great guy, but way too noble for this act. And Aizen…
He paused there. The name itself carried a weight, a calm arrogance that defined power itself.
Aizen Sōsuke. The perfect mask of intellect and control… but not yet.
He could picture it — stepping into the Realm of the Celestials one day, blade in hand, eyes half-lidded, whispering illusions that could reshape heaven and hell. That was when Aizen's persona would matter.
Not here. Not yet.
He leaned back against the wall, smirking faintly. "No. Aizen's debut is for something grander — something that shakes the heavens, not a city tournament."
Yun Che crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall, his brow furrowed in thought.
"I need someone who can cause enough sensation to pull every eye off me… older than thirty, strong, stylish—someone whose presence alone makes the world pay attention."
He scrolled through mental images of every character he'd ever admired.
Bleach? No. Every man there either looked too young, too refined, or too obviously divine.
"No man in Bleach fits. I need something different… someone else… but who…"
He sank into silence for a few seconds, eyes closed. Then suddenly—
Flash!
A vivid image blazed in his mind, clear as day: a warrior whose very existence screamed danger and charisma, whose fighting style was fierce, unpredictable, iconic. The moment the figure appeared, Yun Che's lips curved into that slow, dangerous smile that always meant trouble.
"Damn…" he whispered, opening his eyes. "He's perfect. Absolutely perfect."
Kon tilted his head, his button eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Heh? What's with that creepy grin, man? You look like you're about to flip the world upside down."
Yun Che's grin widened. "Maybe I am."
He rose from the floor and summoned the system interface with a flick of his wrist. Holographic windows filled the dim room, bathing the walls in soft blue light. Lines of data scrolled past his eyes as he began to shape the details — every thread of fabric, every piece of armor, every distinct symbol — all modeled after the man in his memory.
He unrolled the leftover fabrics from his first battle outfit, their edges faintly frayed but still humming with residual energy. Perfect raw material.
"Shirayuki would've done a better job," Yun Che murmured, turning the fabric over in his hands. "But she can't make men's clothing… so, looks like I'm on my own this time."
He smiled wryly. "Well… me and the system."
With a flick of his wrist, he brought up the holographic interface again, the translucent light glinting off his eyes. Threads of code and schematics unfurled like glowing runes, awaiting his command.
"I'll design the man's features later," he muttered, already visualizing the silhouette in his mind. "But first… his weapon."
He reached into his inventory and pulled out the Dragon Fault Heavy Sword — the massive, dragon-headed blade once bestowed by the Azure Dragon himself. Its heavy edge caught the lamplight, whispering of its glory days — of the battles it had won and the enemies it had shattered.
Yun Che exhaled softly, his fingers tracing the blade's ridges one last time. "You've served the old Yun Che well in the original timeline, old friend. But not me 'me'."
He tightened his grip. "Am I really going to disassemble this weapon…?"
"Yeah. I am."
Without hesitation, he thrust the blade into the air as a blue array bloomed beneath it.
=======================
[Ding… Disassembling "Dragon Fault" into forging material.]
========================
The sword vibrated, releasing a deep, metallic hum as if roaring one last time. Then its body shattered into streams of glowing particles, swirling upward like embers carried by the wind before absorbed into his inventory. Those particles will form a new sword of his own creation. Yun Che watched silently, a faint ache in his chest.
"It sucks seeing it go," he said under his breath, "but better this than letting it rust in my inventory."
He straightened and spoke again. "System — disassemble all unused weapons and armors from previous adventures. Keep their core quality intact."
=====================
[Ding… Disassembling secondary equipment… Completed.][Total Material Quality: Mythic-Grade Composite Alloy.]
=====================
In an instant, dozens of phantom weapons appeared — spears, sabers, gauntlets, even pieces of armor — all melting into streams of liquid light. They flowed together above his palm, forming a single spinning orb of black-and-silver essence.
=====================
[Ding… Materials ready. Do you wish to forge a new weapon?]
======================
He grinned. "Hell yes."
His mind sharpened, focusing on the image that had lived rent-free in his imagination since the old world. The outline of a massive, impossibly clean blade — elegant in shape yet monstrous in size — began to form in the system's holographic blueprint.
The system traced the design, matching every curve and measurement as Yun Che whispered the details.
The projection shifted, finalizing into the form of a sword that radiated both restraint and raw destruction.
Kon's jaw nearly dropped. "That's one big sword. The guy you're turning into… he used this monster?"
Yun Che's lips curved in satisfaction. "Yeah. The strongest sword in that world. No divine blessing, no enchantments — just strength. The man who wielded it didn't need anything else. His blade was his declaration."
He paused for a moment, eyes narrowing with focus. "His look, his title, his weapon — perfect for what I need."
=====================
[Ding… Do you want to use this design as its permanent form? Warning: Redesigning requires full disassembly.]
====================
"Yes," he said without hesitation. "System, begin forging. Fuse every ounce of material into the Dragon Fault's original essence. Maintain durability and edge density at maximum output."
The orb split open, releasing a thunderous pulse of light. Every material — silver, gold, black iron, spirit steel — liquefied and merged together in the air, coalescing into a molten form of pure darkness. The blackened mass condensed, hardened, and took shape before his eyes.
The clang of forging echoed in the air though no hammer struck it — the system itself was doing the work, assembling the weapon atom by atom, soul by soul.
======================
[Ding… Administrator Permission Granted.][Automated Assembly Initiated. Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour.]
======================
Yun Che exhaled, wiping an imaginary bead of sweat from his brow. "Good. That gives me just enough time to finish the disguise."
He swiped the interface, opening a new window. The system chimed again.
=====================
[Ding… New Weapon detected. Please assign a name.]
=====================
Yun Che's smirk deepened, his tone low and deliberate.
"Use the name of the original blade…" he murmured. "System — rename the sword to…"
He paused, his voice lowering to a whisper filled with reverence and excitement.
The moment the word left his lips, the room shook faintly. The forging circle flared, surging with silver fire. The sound that followed wasn't metal — it was a roar, deep and ancient, like the echo of a sword acknowledging its successor.
Yun Che's grin widened. "Perfect."