[Ding…. Congratulations, host, for obtaining the achievement "Rise of the Great Swordsman."]
Perform a spectacular sword feat before a full arena of spectators.
Rewards: 10,000 XP | 5,000 SP
[A new frame shows Chibi version of Mihawk stood at the peak while crossing his arms.]
==========================
The mechanical chime faded just as Jasmine's voice burst into his mind, sharp and incredulous.
"You went overboard!"
Yun Che winced. There it is…
"My bad…" he muttered dryly, glancing sideways in his thoughts as if she were standing there with folded arms.
"My bad?" she repeated, her tone dripping with disbelief. "You didn't just defeat that elder—you split the skies in half! Do you actually want the entire world to set its sights on you?"
Yun Che sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"Like I said—it didn't go as expected. I planned to slice his sword, not the sky. The force rebounded harder than I thought."
"So you accidentally cut the sky." Jasmine's voice was flat. "I'm sure that excuse will calm every sect master in the empire."
"Hey, I got the job done, didn't I?"
"Yes. You also painted a massive target on your back. The entire empire just watched you become the strongest swordsman beneath the Emperor Profound Realm. Enjoy the fame—you'll need the headache medicine later."
Yun Che chuckled under his breath.
"Wouldn't be the first time."
Jasmine sighed, her irritation fading into reluctant amusement.
"The deed's done. No point scolding you now… though, if I'm being honest, I probably would've done the same thing."
That admission caught him off guard.
"Oh? Since when are you interested in mortal theatrics?"
"I'm not," she said simply. "But the legacy tied to the Moon Empress's tomb intrigues me. A mortal-realm cultivation art that can distort elemental flow… it's rare. Even I want to see how far it reaches."
Yun Che smirked faintly.
"You never cared for the mortal realm before. To think the great Jasmine herself is interested in a mere legend."
"Don't get used to it," she replied coolly. "Just make sure you survive long enough to reach it. After the stunt you pulled, half the empire will want your head… or your sword."
He gave a slow, lazy grin, watching the sun filter through the rift he'd carved in the clouds.
Jasmine's tone turned contemplative, her crimson eyes narrowing in thought.
"I don't know… even in the Divine Realms, there isn't a single cultivation method that allows someone to directly absorb the Moon's energy to raise their cultivation. Truth be told, such a thing would tempt even the strongest gods above."
Her voice grew quieter—almost reverent.
"Absorbing the moon's energy is like trying to draw in the pure light of the sun—wild, boundless, untamed. That kind of power can't be controlled. There are countless ancient records of cultivators who tried to harness it through forbidden means… all of them died as the energy went berserk inside their meridians. And yet this tomb—this so-called Legacy of the Moon Empress—supposedly holds a method to absorb it without backlash."
Yun Che's brows rose.
"You mean this technique doesn't exist even up there?"
Jasmine nodded.
"That's right. In the Realm of the Gods, cultivation methods that draw upon celestial bodies are myths at best. Power like that normally requires centuries of refinement. If the divine realms ever learn that a mortal created—or discovered—a method to channel the moon's energy safely…"
Her words trailed off, but Yun Che already understood.
"They'll descend to claim it."
"Exactly." Her voice hardened. "And at my current state, I'm powerless to stop them. If that legacy falls into the wrong hands, this continent will cease to exist."
Yun Che nodded grimly.
"Then we keep it to ourselves. We'll find out how she achieved it once we're inside the tomb. But from what you've described, I doubt the Moon Empress invented it herself. She must have found it somewhere—and modified it."
Jasmine crossed her arms thoughtfully.
"To modify something of that scale is heaven-defying enough. The flow of Heaven and Earth energy in this realm is weak—thin compared to the divine realms. And yet, according to that red-headed girl's tale, the Moon Empress's cultivation skyrocketed to the Peak of the Sovereign Profound Realm in mere years. If this method were ever taken to the upper realms…"
"The balance of cultivation would collapse," Yun Che finished.
She nodded gravely.
"Exactly. That's why you must secure this technique—not to hoard it, but to seal it away. If word spreads beyond this world, even you won't survive the divine realm's pursuit. No matter how powerful you become, a mortal realm cannot withstand the divine human's greed."
Her warning left a rare silence between them. Yun Che folded his arms, expression serious.
"Yeah… I get it. Once we reach the tomb, I'll see what I can pull from the system. Maybe I can help Cang Yue learn a safer version—one that won't attract attention."
"Good. Do whatever it takes," Jasmine replied softly. Then her tone shifted, gentle but tired. "Now, I have to get these two to the manor. Both Mizu and Kaze fell asleep on my lap. Good thing the Little Phoenix is still awake—she can help carry them."
A small smile tugged at his lips.
"Heh. You've really turned into a big sister, huh?"
Jasmine lifted her chin proudly.
"That word—Onee-chan, right?—means big sister? Hmph. At least this princess is learning their strange words properly."
"Hai, hai~," Yun Che replied with a teasing grin. "I'll call you once I'm inside the tomb. You'll get to explore it with Dracule Mihawk himself."
Her tone flattened, laced with mock irritation.
"Yeah, right. But if the one controlling that body is the same jackass I know… I'm not sure if I should feel honored or worried."
Yun Che smirked.
"Who are you calling a jackass?"
"Who do you think?" she shot back before cutting the connection.
========================
The selection ended—literally—with a bang.
Even after the dust settled and the shattered arena quieted, no one dared to speak. All eyes remained fixed on the man with the black sword. The cultivator that no one had heard of just that morning had risen from nothing to legend in a single day.
The battles between elders and sect geniuses that had once stirred cheers now felt like children's sparring in comparison. What they had witnessed wasn't simply swordsmanship—it was dominance.
A nameless swordsman who cleaved through every technique thrown at him… and then, with one final swing, sliced the heavens themselves.
Far above, the clouds still bore the mark of his blade.
Split cleanly in two, the divide stretched so far that even nearby towns and distant cities could see it. The heavens themselves had been scarred by a single stroke.
Back in his seat, Yun Che rested Yoru against the ground, his gaze indifferent as ever. Inside, though, he muttered to himself with a dry smirk,
"Well… shit happens."
He didn't plan for this kind of spectacle—but the slash had carried more force than he intended. It reminded him of the real Mihawk's strike against Aokiji's frozen ocean: a single cut that divided the world. Only this time, he'd done it to the sky.
The silence finally broke among the spectators. One of the disciples whispered, his voice trembling,
"Incredible… utterly incredible. With just the strength of the Sky Profound Realm, he overwhelmed every elder present."
Another leaned closer, eyes still wide.
"Forget that—what about the clouds? He actually split them. His sword mastery must be beyond mortal comprehension!"
"You mean…" a third murmured, "he's reached the level where a swordsman no longer names his techniques… because every swing is a technique in itself?"
The words spread like wildfire among the stands.
Whispers turned to fear. Awe turned to calculation.
Deep within the viewing pavilion, one of the elders—the same who would soon enter the tomb—folded his arms.
"That man… no, that monster. We cannot allow him to walk unchecked in the tomb."
The disciples turned to him, startled.
"Elder, you mean—?"
"An alliance," he said flatly. "Once we enter the tomb, we must form an accord with the other sects. That swordsman, and the woman who defeated Wu Zuya—they're the only ones without a sect or clan backing them. Together, they could destroy any of us."
His sect master frowned.
"You truly believe the others will agree to that?"
The elder's lips curled into a grim smile.
"After what we've witnessed? They'd be fools not to. That man may be powerful—but even he can't stand against eight elders united under one cause."
The sect master gave a slow, uneasy nod.
"Then it's decided. Before dawn, send word to the others. In the tomb… the 'Strongest Swordsman in the Empire' will not walk out alive."
From the stands, Yun Che's yellow eyes briefly flickered toward them—just once.
They froze.For a fleeting moment, they could swear he heard every word.
Then he looked away again, lips curving into a faint, knowing smile.
=====================
When the dust of the tournament finally settled, the announcer's voice echoed across the battered arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Presenting the final participants of the Moon Empress's Selection! Please welcome… the Eight Chosen and the two honored Elders of the Xiao Clan!"
One by one, the victors ascended the cracked stage—ten figures now standing beneath the split sky, illuminated by the last rays of the setting sun. Yet among them, only two drew the gaze of every spectator.
Dracule Mihawk and Li Yue.
The dark horses.
The unknowns.The legends born in a single day.
Around them stood the proud representatives of the empire's elite sects and clans—names whispered with reverence and fear throughout the Blue Wind Empire.
Guo Qing, master of the Guo Sect.
Shao Shun, of the Heaven's Above Sect.
Wang Huo, of the Wang Clan.
Shen Yimu, the spear of the Heavenly Destruction Fortress.
Zhou Zue, of the Zhou Clan.
Lang Long, the blood-fanged general of the Rotating Spear Clan.
And finally, the two honored elders of the Xiao Clan, selected by right.
Together, they formed the final eight who would step into the tomb—an assembly of the strongest Sky Profound cultivators beneath the heavens.
Yet, no matter how loud the crowd's cheers rose for them… the eyes of the city refused to leave the two silhouettes that stood apart from the rest.
The woman in black, calm and cold as the frozen moon.
And the swordsman whose single swing had divided the sky.
Whispers rippled through the audience like a silent storm.
"So those two are the ones without sect or clan…"
"They outshone every elder here…"
"If they can't be recruited, they'll have to be erased."
Even as congratulations echoed through the arena, hidden glances and faint smirks exchanged between sect representatives told a different story. Admiration. Fear. Envy.
And deep beneath them all—murderous intent.
At last, the city lord himself descended from the grand pavilion, his robes sweeping elegantly as he stepped before the chosen ten. His voice carried the authority of Gao Ling City, deep and commanding.
"Congratulations to the victors of this year's Selection for the Moon Empress's Tomb. You have proven yourselves worthy of legends."
The crowd fell silent as he continued, gesturing with a proud hand.
"I am Mo Jianfeng, city lord of Gao Ling. As promised, the city shall bestow upon the winners treasures from our treasury—ranging from Earth Profound weapons to rare armors. May they serve you well as you enter the tomb the day after tomorrow."
Polite applause followed his words, but even then… most of the gazes remained locked on the black-robed swordsman standing silently at the edge of the platform.
Yun Che stood motionless, hands behind his back, Yoru resting against the stone. His sharp golden eyes swept briefly over the city lord, then across the other finalists.
He could feel it—the weight of their hostility, cloaked under courteous smiles. The ripples of killing intent that even the strongest tried to hide.
He smirked faintly.
"They're already scheming. Hah… predictable."
The city lord continued his ceremonial words, but Yun Che barely listened. His mind drifted for a moment, searching the system database for "Mo Jianfeng."
No results.
He frowned slightly. The name wasn't part of the original flow of events he remembered. "So the story's diverging already, huh? Well… all the better."
He looked up again at the divided sky and exhaled softly, amused. "Guess I made quite the impression."
As the dust of the arena settled, the air grew heavy with reverence and unspoken greed.
One of the elders, Zhou Zue of the Zhou Clan, finally broke the silence.
"Earth Profound weapons and armors?" he asked, his tone carrying a mix of disbelief and hunger. "You mean we can freely choose from the city's treasury?"
Wang Huo from the Wang Clan crossed his arms, eyes glinting.
"Earth Profound or not, that's no trivial reward. Most clans would bleed dry for even a single treasure of that grade. I wonder why the city lord is offering us such generosity."
Another elder chuckled darkly.
"Generosity? No. This is insurance. The kind that buys loyalty before the tomb swallows us whole."
Standing quietly beside Li Yue, Yun Che merely observed them, Yoru resting against his shoulder. His golden eyes slid toward Mo Jianfeng, the city lord watching them all from below the stage.
Inwardly, he sighed.
"So that's his play… bribes wrapped in courtesy. He's not rewarding them—he's buying them."
It was a classic tactic of the powerful: if loyalty couldn't be earned through trust, it could always be purchased with gold and treasure.
Mo Jianfeng raised his voice, projecting calm authority.
"Please, follow my attendants to the city treasury. Each of you will be granted access to one weapon and one armor of Earth Profound grade. Once the distribution is complete, we will reconvene at dawn tomorrow within the Xiao Clan's training grounds. From there, you ten will embark upon the Moon Empress's Tomb."
The announcement echoed across the silent arena. The selection was officially over.
As the crowd dispersed in awe and chatter, the participants began following the attendants toward the treasury. Yun Che, however, turned and started walking toward the exit, his long black coat trailing lightly behind him.
His motion drew the attention of the others, confusion spreading among them.
Li Yue tilted her head slightly.
"Wait—you're not going with them? Aren't you interested in obtaining something from the treasury?"
Without pausing his steps, Yun Che's calm voice answered,
"No. I'm not interested in those trinkets. I already have what I came for."
His tone was steady—almost bored—but the truth behind his words silenced even the proudest elders.
Mo Jianfeng blinked, caught off guard.
"Wait, kind sir!" he called out, stepping forward a few paces. "Are you truly leaving without accepting your prize? The treasures of Gao Ling City are not mere trinkets. Perhaps there is… something else that would interest you more than weapons or armor?"
Yun Che turned slightly, his golden eyes half-lidded beneath the brim of his hat.
"No."
One word. Calm. Absolute.
Mo Jianfeng froze.
For years, Mo Jianfeng had lived by one unshakable truth: every man had his price.
But this swordsman—this enigma—had just shattered that truth with a single word.
After a pause, he composed himself and offered a courteous bow.
"Then, if that is your choice… this noble one would instead like to invite you—and the other victors—to a private banquet at the city palace tonight. A celebration in your honor."
The others murmured in approval. Such invitations from the city lord were not just offers—they were opportunities.
But Yun Che only gave a faint nod before replying,
"I'm afraid I have matters to attend to. I appreciate the invitation, City Lord Mo."
With that, he cupped his hands respectfully, then turned and walked away without another word.
Mo Jianfeng's attendants exchanged uncertain looks. The city lord exhaled slowly.
"So… he refuses the treasury, and now the palace as well," he muttered. "Just who is this man?"
No one had an answer.
Outside the arena, Yun Che loosened his collar slightly, a faint smirk playing at his lips.
"A feast, huh? Tempting… but I've had enough performances for one day."
He already had other plans.
Tonight, he would visit the Black Merchant Guild—the underworld's marketplace of rare materials and forbidden wares. He needed resources to upgrade Yoru, ensuring it could withstand the full force of Getsuga Tenshō if the tomb battle demanded it.
He also intended to forge new weapons for his companions:
Retsu, whose sword style demanded something long, graceful, and capable of channeling her energy like her Bankai.
Mio, who lacked a proper blade worthy of her Haki.
And Cang Yue, who still relied on a True Profound sword that could barely handle her growing strength.
"They deserve weapons that match their hearts," he murmured. "Guess it's time for the blacksmith in me to get to work."
As he disappeared into the evening streets of Gao Ling City, the whispers of his legend spread like wildfire.
As Yun Che strode toward the exit, his black coat trailing behind him like the shadow of a reaper, Li Yue lingered where she stood.
She watched him quietly—his every step calm, composed, and utterly unbothered by the riches that made others tremble. The murmurs from the crowd still buzzed in her ears, yet her thoughts were elsewhere.
"He really doesn't care about treasures… or fame," she thought, her fingers brushing the hilt of her sword. "His strength alone is enough to silence the world. What need does he have for gold?"
In truth, her own equipment was already far beyond what the city could offer. Her robes and sword were both Earth Profound treasures, refined through years of cultivation in the Frozen Cloud Asgard. More importantly, she carried something far more precious—a gift from Chu Yuechan herself. Something worth more than pills, treasures, or even profound armors.
So, when she saw him disappearing toward the exit, she made her decision.
She stepped forward, bowed slightly, and cupped her hands.
"Then, I'll excuse myself as well."
Mo Jianfeng, the city lord, blinked in surprise.
"You too, Fairy Li Yue?"
His voice carried a note of disbelief—and frustration. To lose one dark horse was a blow to his plans, but to lose both? That was disastrous.
"My thanks to the City Lord for the offer," Li Yue replied softly. "But, just like Mihawk… I have matters that cannot wait."
With that, she turned gracefully and followed Yun Che's path out of the arena, her frost-white robe flowing behind her like a drifting snow petal.
The sound of their fading footsteps echoed faintly through the silent stage.
A few moments later, the murmurs began again—this time sharper, filled with envy and scorn.
"Hmph, such arrogance. These so-called dark horses think the world should bow to them."
"They didn't even show the City Lord proper respect. To walk away like that… disgraceful."
Wang Huo, the elder from the Wang Clan, grinned slyly as he turned toward the City Lord.
"City Lord, if they refuse to claim their rewards… might we take them on their behalf?"
A faint chuckle ran through the other elders, though their eyes betrayed greed.
Mo Jianfeng's expression stiffened. He adjusted his sleeves before replying in his calm, official tone,
"I'm afraid not. The offer is limited to the participants themselves. It was designed to ensure fairness in the City's honor. The unclaimed treasures shall remain where they are."
His words left no room for argument. Still, as the City Lord turned to leave with his attendants, the dissatisfaction among the remaining elders was almost tangible.
When the arena finally emptied, only the eight remaining finalists and their escorts stood upon the ruined stage. The silence was thick. Then, a deep voice broke through it.
Guo Qing, the broad-shouldered elder from the Guo Sect, crossed his arms and spoke with a calculating tone.
"You all saw it yourselves… that swordsman, Mihawk. And the woman, Li Yue. Both without background or allegiance, yet they stand above us all."
The others turned their eyes toward him, wary but curious.
Guo Qing's gaze darkened.
"You can call me paranoid, but tell me—can any of you sleep soundly knowing that man walks beside us in the tomb?"
Suddenly Guo Qing raised his palm and pushed a strand of profound energy through the air — a mild pressure only the elders could feel, a private whisper carried on the current of the arena so no ordinary ear could catch it. The remaining finalists instinctively quieted; they knew the trick and bowed their heads to listen.
"Elders," Guo Qing said, voice low but clear inside the circle only they could hear, "I have a proposition for the tomb."
Eyes flicked around. They all guessed the shape of what he offered before he finished; alliances formed in tombs were as old as greed itself.
"If you propose an alliance until we get the treasure, I will agree," one of the elders said flatly.
Guo Qing let that slide like a test and then cut to the heart of it. "Those two — Mihawk and Li Yue — will be a thorn inside the tomb. We cannot allow them free reign. I propose we move on the two of them first, while the tomb's constraints favor us."
A ripple of dissent and calculation ran through the group.
"How can you be so sure?" someone snapped. "He sliced the heavens. He could shred us all."
"True," another answered, "but remember: the tomb won't allow the same free use of every grand technique. He relied on long-range, open-field strikes. If we trap and overwhelm him in close quarters, joined as one, the odds swing back in our favor."
Two Xiao Clan elders exchanged a glance and nodded. "That man refused the strongest sects. That woman turned down major offers too. If they're recruited, none of us could challenge them. Better they die inside the tomb and never return."
Shao Shun raised an eyebrow. "And suppose one of us does recruit him?"
A hush; the room smelled suddenly of iron and old strategy.
"One of us?" a Xiao elder hissed. "He turned down the Heavenly Spear and the Sword Villa. Do you really believe our thrones could tempt him?"
Practicality won the room. "Then we neutralize them first," Guo Qing said. "We move together in the tomb. If we get separated, we regroup at agreed markers. If anyone finds them first — lead them into a trap where the rest can join. Simple."
Hands were covered with smiles and knives of intent. Plans were sketched in the air: meeting points, token signals, who would feign retreat and who would strike. Each elder kept a private map of betrayals for later — alliances here would be temporary and vicious.
As the conspirators dispersed, the pact settled over them like a curse. They would enter the Tomb of the Moon Empress together — and, if all went to plan, leave with one fewer legend walking the world.
================
While the elders plotted in their circle of false secrecy, none of them realized that they were the ones being watched.
High above the arena, on one of the stone railings, a group of women — and one restless lion-shaped beast — listened in silence.
Their eyes gleamed faintly with gold and blue hues, the sign of their Eagle Vision—a combined mastery of perception and Haki. The same vision that allowed them to see killing intent, trace movements, and even hear the faintest tremor in the air.
What those scheming elders thought was a private conversation sealed by profound energy barriers… was, to them, clearer than day.
Mio sighed softly, crossing her arms.
"Sigh… They really want to take him down, huh? So this is what strength brings in this human realm — not adoration, just envy."
Her voice carried no surprise, only faint disappointment. The others nodded in quiet agreement.
Retsu's eyes glowed faintly as she peered down at the elders below.
"The moment Yuu-kun turned his back on them, their aura changed. From white to crimson."
Her gaze sharpened, the faint hum of Haki vibrating around her pupils.
"Good thing he taught us this vision. Their killing intent is so obvious it's almost embarrassing."
Cang Yue clutched the edge of her sleeve nervously.
"Should… should we warn him?" she asked, unable to hide the concern in her voice.
Before Retsu could answer, Kon snorted and flicked his tail.
"Nah, no need for that, Nee-san. That bastard already knows. Probably saw this coming before it even started."
His words carried an odd mix of pride and dread. He still remembered what happened last time he underestimated Yun Che. His fur bristled just thinking about it.
"Haa… curiosity about Frozen Cloud Asgard kills the cat. And I am the cat."
Mio giggled lightly. "Unfortunately, Kon-sama's right."
She leaned forward, tapping her chin thoughtfully.
"Yuu-kun did say something about these kinds of people being the 'typical novel villains'—scheming in corners after getting humiliated. I guess we're living the chapter right now."
Retsu gently patted Cang Yue's head to calm her.
"Hnn. He already has a plan. But we'll still keep an eye on them. Even Yuu-kun can't watch every shadow at once."
Her voice was soft, but the chill beneath it could freeze steel.
Mio nodded in agreement, a playful but dangerous smile curling on her lips.
"Right. If those fools try something outside the tomb, we'll handle it."
Her tone made Cang Yue shiver — it wasn't bravado; it was a promise.
Retsu gave a faint nod of approval.
"Good. Let's stay wary. And everyone, how's your Eagle Vision training going?"
Cang Yue raised her hand shyly.
"I can walk now while using it… though it still makes my head spin. Everything feels too clear."
"Progress is progress," Mio said encouragingly.
Kon puffed his chest.
"I'm the same. Flying's fine, but flying and using it? Yeah, no. I almost face-planted into a rooftop."
That earned a small chuckle from the group.
Mio nodded, satisfied.
"Looks like only Retsu-chan and I can move freely with it. Still, running is out of the question. The disturbance is too much."
Retsu agreed.
"We'll need a quiet place to refine it. Somewhere away from crowds."
Then Mio's stomach growled loudly.
Everyone turned to her.
She blinked innocently, pressing a finger to her lips.
"Ehehe… before that, let's find something to eat first. I'm starving."
Retsu chuckled softly, turning her gaze toward the horizon where Yun Che's figure had disappeared into the city streets.
"Come on, let's eat. We'll regroup later. And… keep your senses open. The night's not done yet."
As they vanished from their perch, their laughter faded into the wind — leaving the scheming elders far below, blissfully unaware that their secret plan was already known.
=========================
High above the emptying arena, hidden behind a veil of compressed air, Yun Che leaned casually against a shattered column. His form blurred, masked by a simple concealment art; to the world below, he was gone. In truth, he had never left.
From his vantage, he could see and hear everything — every whispered word of conspiracy that spilled from the mouths of the elders below. Their voices slithered beneath the faint hum of profound energy as they plotted their "alliance."
Typical. Predictable.
He had seen this play a hundred times across worlds — the weak, uniting out of fear of the strong.
"So… they're already planning my funeral before we even enter the tomb," he murmured in his heart. "Classic move."
It didn't bother him. If anything, it amused him. Once they were inside, he'd play along — let them group together, think they had him cornered — and then show them who the real monster was.
Still, a flicker of concern crossed his mind.
"Li Yue…"
She was strong, yes, but against six or eight elders working together? Even the calmest flame could be snuffed out by a storm. He would have to make sure she survived this.
"I'll think about it after I deal with tonight's business," he muttered, pushing away from the wall.
Without another glance, he vanished into the darkening sky — a black streak cutting silently through the crimson sunset.
The whispers followed him through the streets.
Every step he took drew stares — merchants halting mid-bargain, guards holding their breath, bystanders whispering behind sleeves. Awe. Jealousy. Fear.
None dared to approach.
The legend of Dracule Mihawk, the man who sliced the skies, had already spread through Gao Ling City like wildfire. Some bowed their heads as he passed; others crossed the street in quiet terror. And Yun Che… simply sighed.
"Well," he thought dryly, "I didn't mean to slice the sky in half."
He could already imagine Jasmine's nagging when word reached her — and by tomorrow, half the empire would know the name "Hawk Eyes."
The Black Merchant Guild loomed ahead: a tall pagoda-shaped structure lined with glowing lanterns, its black-lacquered walls shining faintly in the evening light. Each level pulsed with its own aura — the lower floors crowded and noisy, the higher ones quiet, refined, and expensive.
According to the system's records, this guild had branches in every major city, though the true headquarters lay somewhere deep in the Imperial Capital.
He wasn't here for weapons or fame. He was here for materials. Rare ores, herbs, and metals that could fortify Yoru — his blade, his pride.
During the fight with Ling Hai, he had noticed it: a faint vibration, a subtle quiver in the blade each time he unleashed a wave attack. Yoru, for all its majesty, was still forged from the Dragon Fault — a blade meant for power, not constant energy projection. It needed reinforcement.
Before the tomb, he would fix that.
"Dracule Mihawk?"
The voice was soft, cautious, and familiar.
He turned slightly — and there she was. Li Yue, cloaked in her usual black robe and mask, her violet eyes gleaming faintly under the guild's lanterns.
"Li Yue?" he greeted, one brow lifting. "What brings you here?"
She approached, the faint scent of frost trailing behind her.
"I needed to stock up before entering the tomb," she said. "I assume you're here for the same reason?"
He gave a small nod — that minimal, dignified motion that fit Mihawk's persona perfectly.
Li Yue hesitated for a moment, then walked beside him. She had meant to thank him earlier — for the warning, for the advice that saved her life — but the words caught in her throat.
Her thoughts drifted briefly to the strange fruit she'd kicked from Wu Zuya's hand. Even now, his clan's disciples were still scouring the city for it. Yet she never found it again. The fruit had vanished — and somehow, she felt that was a problem for another day.
Inside the guild, the noise dimmed into silence the moment the pair stepped through the door.
Dozens of merchants, cultivators, and collectors froze mid-transaction, eyes widening as they turned. Conversations died instantly.
Two silhouettes walked side by side through the black-marble hall: the swordsman who split the sky, and the masked woman who toppled a top clan elder.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
"That's them…"
"The dark horses of the selection!"
"He's even more terrifying up close…"
Yun Che ignored it all, his boots clicking quietly against the polished floor. To him, their awe felt more like noise — an irritant more than flattery.
He only hoped the doorway was large enough for Yoru to fit through without scraping the frame.
Li Yue kept pace beside him, her presence calm yet subtly radiant. The two of them, walking together beneath the guild's lantern glow, drew every gaze in the hall — not as rivals, not yet allies, but two solitary forces whose paths had intertwined by fate.
The interior of the Black Merchant Guild buzzed with the quiet murmurs of customers and the crisp shuffle of attendants moving between shelves. That calm shattered the instant Yun Che — or rather, Dracule Mihawk — and Li Yue stepped through the main doors.
Every gaze in the room snapped toward them. Conversations stopped. Quills froze mid-signature. The once-bustling first floor turned into a hall of silent, awe-struck witnesses.
Even the receptionist behind the counter went pale, nearly dropping her ledger. Still, she straightened her posture and tried her best to keep her voice steady.
"G–Good… good day, sir and miss. Welcome… to the Black Merchant Guild. H–how may I assist you?"
The tremor in her tone was impossible to miss. Her hands clutched the edge of the counter as though the mere presence of this man — the one who had split the heavens — might crush her beneath his gaze.
Yun Che sighed inwardly. The rumors were spreading faster than he expected.
"Relax," he said curtly, his voice calm and low. "I'm just here to browse your crafting materials."
The attendant blinked, stunned.
"C–Crafting… materials?"
Even Li Yue turned to him, eyes widening beneath her mask.
"Crafting materials? Not armor, weapons, or pills?"
Her tone held genuine confusion — what kind of cultivator at his level came here to browse materials?
"No," he replied simply, his tone carrying that detached stoicism that only made him seem more imposing.
The attendant hurriedly nodded, forcing a polite smile despite the faint tremor in her voice.
"Ah, yes! Y–you may browse our shelves behind me. The crafting section is located near the back — though, these materials aren't… um, common in this city. Most customers prefer weapons or cultivation treasures."
Yun Che's golden eyes flicked up briefly.
"Show me your strongest sword materials."
That single command — calm, clipped, absolute — made the attendant freeze for a moment. She opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted by another voice, deep and resonant, echoing through the marble hall.
"Ahh, it truly is an honor! The famed Dracule Mihawk and the Black Fairy, Li Yue, gracing our humble guild today!"
The voice came from the stairwell. An old man in fine black-and-gold robes descended slowly, each step measured with practiced dignity. His white hair was tied neatly, and his sharp eyes gleamed with the shrewd light of a merchant who had seen empires rise and fall.
The surrounding patrons gasped, whispers rippling through the air.
"That's the branch leader…"
"Even he came down personally? For them?"
"I'm so jealous I could cry."
Yun Che narrowed his eyes slightly. From what he'd read in the system's archive, branch leaders of the Black Merchant Guild never appeared in person. They sent attendants or assistants to summon important clients upstairs. For one to appear now — that meant only one thing: his arrival had shaken even the guild's hierarchy.
Not that he minded. He just wanted his materials and a quiet night to shed the Mihawk mask for a while.
The old man stopped before them, bowing deeply, his tone rich with respect.
"Greetings, great swordsman Dracule Mihawk… and the Black Fairy, Li Yue. I am Jin Yuhan, branch leader of the Black Merchant Guild in Gao Ling City. It is truly an honor."
The female attendant quickly stammered out an explanation.
"Sir, the great swordsman is searching for crafting materials, while the lady seeks healing pills."
Li Yue nodded politely.
"That's right. I'm stocking up on recovery items before the tomb opens."
Her answer was poised, her tone controlled — but inside, she couldn't help but glance at Yun Che again. Crafting materials? For someone like him?
"Crafting materials, you say?" Jin Yuhan's expression brightened with intrigue.
"It is rare — extremely rare — for a cultivator of your caliber to ask for such things. Most prefer to buy, not build. Are you… seeking something in particular, perhaps?"
Yun Che adjusted Yoru slightly against his back.
"The strongest materials you have for sword crafting."
The old merchant froze for half a second, his eyes flicking to the blade resting across Yun Che's shoulders. Even from a distance, he could feel the oppressive aura radiating from Yoru — sharp, regal, alive. The rumors, then, were true. The famed swordsman's weapon was self-forged.
For a man to wield such power and be a craftsman… that was beyond rare. It was godlike.
Jin Yuhan's voice softened with reverence.
"As expected of the swordsman who cleaved the heavens. Very well. We keep our rare materials on the upper floors. Please, follow me. I'll personally escort you."
As the old branch leader led them toward the spiral staircase, murmurs chased behind them — awed, jealous, terrified.
"He's a craftsman too?"
"No way…""He's not even human at this point."
Yun Che ignored them all. His eyes, calm and unreadable, fixed on the glittering stairs ahead.
Li Yue followed quietly beside him, her thoughts swirling.
Two living legends — the swordsman and the black fairy — walking side by side through a hall of trembling merchants.
The quiet hum of commerce faded as Yun Che and Li Yue ascended the spiral staircase, following Jin Yuhan up the five-tier pagoda of the Black Merchant Guild. Each level revealed rarer treasures than the last — armors gleaming with profound runes, weapons humming faintly with sealed energy, and vials of liquid light that pulsed like captured stars.
Li Yue's sharp eyes swept across the glowing shelves, but her purpose was simple. She only needed high-grade healing pills, nothing more. The coming tomb expedition demanded preparation, not indulgence.
"I'll stay here," she said softly on the fifth floor. "You go on ahead."
Yun Che nodded faintly, turning his gaze toward the stairway that led to the top. The golden lamplight glinted off Yoru's black blade as he followed Jin Yuhan higher.
The fifth floor faded below them. By the time they reached the guild master's office, the cityscape stretched out beyond the glass walls — Gao Ling City bathed in the crimson hue of dusk.
Jin Yuhan gestured politely toward a cushioned chair in front of his desk.
"Please, have a seat, kind sir."
Yun Che remained standing.
"It's fine."
The man's eyes flicked to the massive sword strapped to his back. It was obvious: no ordinary seat could hold such a weapon.
Jin Yuhan cleared his throat, attempting to mask his awe with professionalism.
"So, you're searching for a rare material to craft a sword. But, if I may ask…"
He leaned forward slightly.
"Are you… a craftsman, as well?"
"Indeed."
The old man's brows rose in genuine surprise.
"Then that sword behind you… it was forged by your own hand?"
"Yes."
There was a moment of silence. Jin Yuhan's merchant's heart raced behind his calm smile.
"Fascinating. Weapon craftsmen of your level are extremely rare, even within the inner lands. To think the strongest swordsman is also a forger… How truly extraordinary."
Yun Che's gaze remained cold and unreadable.
"Enough flattery. I came to see the material. Get to the point."
The sharpness of his tone sliced through the room's polite atmosphere like a blade. Jin Yuhan gave a strained chuckle before composing himself.
"Of course, of course."
He folded his hands together, his expression softening into a practiced smile — the kind a merchant used before making an offer that wasn't really a question.
"But before that, might I propose something? You see, the Black Merchant Guild has a standing partnership with master craftsmen. If you were willing to forge weapons for us, we could offer a fifty-fifty profit share. Of course, if that doesn't satisfy, I can—"
"No."
The single word cut him off like the edge of Yoru itself.
Yun Che's tone was low, final.
"I'm not interested in wealth, partnerships, or contracts. I came for the Moon Empress's tomb. Nothing more."
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Jin Yuhan blinked, caught off guard by the blunt refusal. He tried again, hands raised slightly.
"At least consider—"
"No," Yun Che said again, his eyes flashing gold in the light. "I'm just a wandering swordsman."
The old man froze. That look — calm, sharp, and ancient — told him pressing further would be dangerous.
He sighed and leaned back, the tension in his shoulders betraying the disappointment beneath his polite smile.
"Very well," he said at last, exhaling slowly. "I had to try. It's not every day one meets a man who could forge his own legend."
Reaching beneath his desk, Jin Yuhan retrieved a small box wrapped in crimson silk and set it carefully on the table.
"Here is the rare material you requested."
The moment Jin Yuhan lifted the red cloth, Yun Che's eyes narrowed.
Nestled inside the black velvet box was a dull, round stone — no larger than a man's head — yet its surface shimmered faintly, like sunlight reflecting off rippling water. Though it looked ordinary from afar, the closer he looked, the more unnatural it became. The light didn't bounce on its surface… it seemed to sink into it, swallowed by something deeper than stone.
"This is…"
He didn't finish the sentence.
Jin Yuhan smiled faintly, pleased by the reaction.
"This, good sir, is what our guild calls the Heaven's Rock. It was found by our founder during his travels through the Profound Sky Continent. Legend says it fell from the heavens themselves during the age of the Moon Empress."
He leaned back slightly, eyes glinting as he recited the guild's tale.
"Our founder was the one who discovered it, but the Empress herself claimed the main body soon after. In return, she allowed him to take a single fragment as reward — this very piece. He nearly ruined his cultivation just prying it free. None since have been able to melt it, cut it, or even scratch it. Every famous craftsman who tried failed. Fireproof, bladeproof, unyielding to profound energy. In short…"
He gestured to the gleaming rock.
"…a treasure too stubborn to be useful."
Yun Che's expression darkened slightly.
"Then why show me something like this? You hardly know me, and this could be worth a fortune to the right person."
The old merchant chuckled bitterly.
"A fortune, yes. But only if it can be shaped. For decades it's been passed from branch to branch, from one hopeful craftsman to another. Every attempt failed. I was about to remove it from our inventory entirely — sell it for scrap to some collector of curiosities. But when I heard that you forge your own sword…"
He spread his hands in an almost pleading gesture.
"I thought, why not? Perhaps the one who cleaved the heavens can do what no one else could."
Yun Che gave a curt nod, outwardly calm — but inside, his system was already humming.
System, appraise this material.
A ripple of blue light flickered across his vision as silent text scrolled before his mind's eye.
====================
[Unknown substance detected. Commencing analysis…][Cross-referencing with host's memory archives…][Result found.][Material: Vibramantium — fusion of Vibranium and Adamantium analogues.][Properties: Indestructible. Absorbs and stabilizes kinetic and spiritual energy. Melting point: impossible under conventional means.]
====================
Yun Che blinked once.
"What in the flying fuck…?" he muttered in his head.
For a split second his composure almost cracked.
Vibramantium?! That shouldn't even exist outside his home world — and yet, here it was, sitting neatly on a merchant's desk being dismissed as useless scrap.
He forced his face blank again as Jin Yuhan gave him a curious look.
"Something the matter?"
"No," Yun Che said evenly, suppressing the chaos in his mind. "Just… surprised that it truly can't be melted."
"Indeed." The old man sighed. "Many have tried. None succeeded. So while it may be strong, to us it's merely decoration. Dead weight."
Dead weight?
Inside, Yun Che almost laughed aloud. This wasn't dead weight — this was a divine-grade miracle metal. In his old world, nations would have gone to war over a single shard of this compound. Even now, he could already imagine the possibilities: reforging Yoru, merging it with his Zanpakutōs, creating weapons that not even the heavens could shatter.
Once tempered by the system, Vibramantium could become utterly indestructible — immune to heat, pressure, or energy decay. With it, his arsenal would transcend mortal craftsmanship entirely.
You people have no idea what you're holding.
He looked up at last, his voice calm and final.
"Then I'll take it."
Jin Yuhan blinked in surprise — then his shoulders eased, a smile spreading across his face.
"At last! Someone willing to take this cursed rock off our hands. We've tried to sell it for years."
Yun Che merely gave a small nod, his gaze still locked on the shimmering stone.
"You have no idea," he murmured softly, more to himself than to anyone else, "just how valuable this 'cursed rock' really is."
Yun Che studied the gleaming chunk of stone for a long moment before asking,
"Is this the only piece left?"
Jin Yuhan nodded gravely.
"Yes. Our founder managed to chip off only that fragment before the Moon Empress herself claimed the rest. Where she stored the main body, no one knows—perhaps sealed away within her tomb. It's the hardest material our guild has ever recorded, yet it refuses every hammer, forge, and flame. A useless miracle."
Yun Che's lips curved faintly.
"Oh, don't worry. I'll be sure to make proper use of it."
Inside, his thoughts were already racing. So the rest of the meteorite might still be buried in her tomb… If that were true, he'd make sure to collect it all—and forge weapons for his girls that would outlast the heavens themselves.
Jin Yuhan folded his hands behind his back, his merchant instincts kicking in.
"Truth be told, I had hoped to offer this as payment for your crafting talents, but since you've declined my partnership…"
He hesitated just long enough to make it sound deliberate before adding,
"…let's say we settle it for two thousand purple coins."
A price set high enough to bait a bargain—or so he thought.
"Sure."
The single, calm word froze the old man mid-smile.
"Wait, aren't you going to barter? I just told you it's practically useless!"
Yun Che didn't bother replying. He reached into his coat, withdrew two purple crystal cards, and placed them neatly on the desk.
Transaction complete.
To Jin Yuhan's bewilderment, the so-called unforgeable relic was now sold off for what amounted to a handful of mid-grade treasure coins. If the old man had known its real worth, he'd have fainted on the spot.
As soon as the trade was confirmed, Yun Che mentally commanded,
System, store the Heaven's Rock.
======================
[Ding… Vibramantium acquired. Beginning disassembly sequence…][Disassembly complete.][Host can now infuse weapons and armors with Vibramantium, rendering them indestructible. Material can also serve as a base for advanced weapon-forging protocols.]
=======================
He felt his heartbeat quicken. Indestructible.
His mind immediately leapt to the one question that mattered most.
"System, can Vibramantium be merged with a Zanpakutō?"
=======================
[Affirmative. Infusion will not increase power, but will render all blade forms—Shikai and Bankai—completely unbreakable.]
========================
For a heartbeat, Yun Che simply stood there, stunned. Then—
"Holy hell…"
A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. Memories from another lifetime flashed through his head—swords shattered mid-battle, heroes rebuilding their blades again and again. Those fragile days were officially over.
From now on, he thought, feeling the weight of destiny and absurd luck settle on his shoulders, no sword of mine will ever break again.
Jin Yuhan finished counting the purple crystal cards, his wrinkled fingers trembling slightly before he forced out a laugh.
"Hahaha, what a pleasure to finally meet you, Sir Mihawk. To think someone would actually pay a fortune for that rock instead of trying to pawn it off. Are you sure you won't ask for any of it back?"
Yun Che's tone was calm, unbothered.
"Like I said — wealth isn't a problem for me."
The old merchant sighed in defeat, then smiled politely.
"Then I hope we part as friends, Sir Mihawk."
Yun Che gave a small nod.
"Yes… and before I go, I believe I have something you might find useful."
He extended a hand — and in a swirl of golden light, weapons and armor began to materialize in front of them. Swords, halberds, chestplates, spears — all of them gleaming with the distinct energy of Earth Profound Realm and Spirit Profound Realm artifacts. The pile grew so large that the floorboards creaked beneath their weight.
Jin Yuhan's mouth fell open.
"This… this… Did you create all of these?!"
Yun Che shrugged lightly.
"More like failed products."
The merchant blinked, completely dumbfounded.
"Failed?! Sir Mihawk—these are Earth Profound Realm and Spirit Profound Realm treasures! Each one could arm a small sect! You call them failures?"
Yun Che's face didn't move.
"Yes."
Jin Yuhan staggered backward and fell right onto his chair. He stared at the mountain of glittering weapons like a man facing divine punishment. Every single piece radiated power that common blacksmiths would spend their lives chasing. And yet this swordsman—this impossible man—called them junk.
The truth, of course, was far less divine. Yun Che had simply looted them. Weapons stripped from fallen disciples during Retsu's assault and from the remnants of New Moon City's corrupt cultivators. Most of them were incompatible with Yoru's design, and the rest didn't suit Cang Yue or his girls' combat styles. They'd refused them outright. So now, his inventory was overflowing — and this was the perfect way to clear it.
He folded his arms.
"How much are you willing to take these for?"
Jin Yuhan swallowed hard, doing quick mental math.
"This… if I totaled them properly, perhaps three or four thousand purple coins. Maybe more if auctioned—"
"I'll take a thousand."
"W–what?"
"You heard me. A thousand. Failed products."
Yun Che's voice was flat, absolute. The kind of tone that left no room for negotiation.
He reached over, picked up one of the purple cards he'd paid earlier, and slipped it back into his coat. The transaction done, he gave the merchant a faint nod.
"Consider the rest a discount."
And just like that, he turned and walked away, the faint echo of his boots marking his exit. Jin Yuhan remained frozen behind his desk, staring at the pile of priceless "failures."
When the door finally shut, he whispered to himself,
"A man who buys the unforgeable and sells treasures like trash… just what kind of monster have I dealt with today?"
Meanwhile, on the fifth floor, Li Yue was finishing her purchases. Her slender fingers traced a few vials of shimmering pills before she turned as Yun Che appeared beside her.
"Are you done?" she asked softly.
"Yes," he replied, calm as ever. "I gained more than I expected."
Li Yue gave him a puzzled glance, sensing something different in his aura — an almost imperceptible ripple of power beneath that stillness. But she said nothing, merely nodded and followed him toward the exit.
Neither of them noticed the whispers spreading through the guild behind them — or the way the branch master stared after them with eyes full of equal parts greed and awe.
======================
Somewhere in a Luxurious Inn, Gao Ling City
After the chaos of the selection, Retsu and the others finally found peace in a luxurious inn tucked within the heart of Gao Ling City. They had wanted something simpler—quiet, hidden—but with faces and figures that turned heads wherever they went, the only place free of unwanted eyes was the most expensive one in town.
The room they booked was vast, its polished wooden floor gleaming under lantern light. The scent of sandalwood drifted faintly through the air as Mio and Retsu moved about the kitchen area, sleeves rolled, hair tied back, and focus sharp.
"Cooking on our own feels much better than eating in an inn," Mio said as she stirred a steaming pot.
"Right," Cang Yue agreed, passing over a tray of bowls. "Good thing we still had leftover meat from our hunts."
The scent of sizzling sauce filled the room. For the first time that day, the atmosphere was calm—almost home-like.
"You know, Retsu-chan," Mio said thoughtfully while tasting the broth, "I really wanted to go into that tomb too. Too bad my cultivation's too high… and yours is still three levels short."
Retsu smiled faintly, glancing at her from the corner of her eye. "It's fine. Yuu-kun will handle it. He did say it's better than sitting around like a useless bum."
"I thought he was a useless bum," Kon muttered, tail flicking.
The girls broke into quiet laughter, completely lost in their little circle—until a familiar, casual voice cut in.
"I still am. Retsu, second serving."
"Hai… coming righ—" Retsu's words caught in her throat as her mind caught up with her mouth. Her eyes widened. "YUU-KUN?!? WHEN DID YOU GET HERE?!?"
The others jumped as well, all shouting in surprise. Somehow, Yun Che was already sitting comfortably beside them, chopsticks in hand, eating like he'd been there all along.
But it wasn't Mihawk who sat before them—it was him. The real Yun Che. No hat, no piercing yellow eyes, no air of cold dominance. Just the easygoing, slightly smug idiot they'd grown used to.
"Just now, I guess," he said casually between bites. "You and Mio's cooking is still the best."
Cang Yue blinked at him before sighing. "Never mind that—what about the invitation tonight?"
"Turned it down," he said simply. "They just wanted me to flock to their side."
Mio exhaled in relief. "Ara~ I thought so. I'd rather not have you surrounded by those scheming old men."
Yun Che grinned. "Besides, you two made too much again. Good thing I came back for dinner."
"We always make too much," Retsu teased softly. "But now that you're here, it's just right."
He leaned back, stretching lazily. "Then I'll crash here tonight. Those guys were relentless trying to invite Mihawk over. Good thing I switched personas before coming. Walking around as Mihawk is a nightmare—no privacy, too many fanboys."
The girls laughed in unison, and Mio quipped with mock pride, "Hai~ Danna-sama, you're always welcome in our arms anytime."
That earned her synchronized nods from Retsu and Cang Yue, followed by another wave of laughter. For a moment, the tension that had followed them since the arena melted away, replaced by warmth, teasing, and the quiet comfort of shared company.
Mio rested her chin on her hand, watching him fondly.
"Nee, Retsu-chan, Yue'er… as much as I like Danna-sama's Mihawk persona, I think I love him more like this."
"Agreed," Retsu replied, smiling as she refilled his bowl. "He's the only one who can still act this laid-back after nearly slicing the heavens in half."
"Exactly," Cang Yue murmured, her voice soft but full of warmth.
Yun Che glanced up at them, a faint, almost boyish grin tugging at his lips. For a while, the room was filled only with laughter, clinking bowls, and the smell of good food.
Tomorrow, they'd descend into the Moon Empress's Tomb—a place filled with secrets, danger, and the unknown.
But for tonight, there was warmth, food, and family.