"I have so many questions…" Qingyue muttered, her voice laced with wonder and frustration. Her eyes flicked to the metallic panels around them—no wires, no profound energy flow, just cold metal and glowing lights. "Where do I even start?"
Even the flat metallic plates showing live views of the sky outside baffled her. They were inside a sealed ship with no windows—yet the landscape scrolled by clearly, as though they floated in the open air.
"One at a time," Yun Che sighed with a chuckle, patting her head briefly as he stood up. "We've got a bit of time, so let's not fry your brain all at once."
He tapped a few commands into the main console, and the VTOL smoothly transitioned into autopilot mode. Nemu followed his lead, and the two left the cockpit, walking into the main cabin with quiet confidence.
The ride was smooth—almost unnervingly so. Even flying through the air at breakneck speed, there wasn't a single bump or jolt.
Retsu and Mio had already made themselves comfortable in the compact onboard kitchen, pulling out pre-packed ingredients and preparing snacks with the grace of seasoned attendants.
Meanwhile, Cang Yue, Xue Ling, Jin Mulan, Lin Yueru, and Chu Yueli remained glued to the artificial windows. Though the landscape moved slowly on-screen, Yun Che had told them the truth—they were tearing through the sky faster than any profound ark ever could.
Kon, predictably, was bouncing around the VTOL like a hyperactive child. He climbed the seating rows, tapped on control panels, peeked into storage compartments—his whole body practically vibrating with curiosity.
Jasmine, sealed away in the inner world, fumed in silence. Of course they get to go… She had practically seethed when she saw the sleek ship lift off. She longed to be there too—to sit beside him, to feel the power of this "technology" he claimed came from another realm.
Inside the VTOL, comfort didn't take a backseat to function. Seats were arranged in four pairs facing each other, with elegant side tables between them—ideal for conversation, meals, or maps. The dozen-seat capacity was more than enough for their group, and there was even a compact rear cargo hold for storing supplies.
Despite the luxurious layout, this was still a machine of war.
Built using the System Interface, this VTOL—code-named Sleek—came with hidden fangs. Its weapons were stored digitally, in the pilot's inventory, to reduce space and avoid detection. But if needed… it could deploy two precision bombs, fire guided missiles and unguided rocket pods from its wings, and unleash death from the triple-barreled Vulcan minigun mounted beneath the nose.
It wasn't just transportation—it was a symbol. A statement.
And Yun Che? He made it look like a stroll in the park.
Qingyue kept her questions as simple as possible. Little Fairy and the others listening in. She knew she couldn't even begin to understand how to pilot this strange vessel, not when the glowing control panels alone looked like the workings of a divine formation written in a foreign tongue.
So, she asked the one question that mattered.
"What... is this thing?" Her voice was calm, but her eyes never left the sleek walls and artificial windows.
"It's called a VTOL," Yun Che replied, folding his arms as he leaned casually against the wall. "Short for Vertical Take-Off and Landing. It's a type of aircraft that can lift off straight into the air—no runway, no launching platform. It can land almost anywhere, just like a profound ark."
"But…" Qingyue's brows furrowed. "This is not a profound ark."
"Right. It's much smaller, faster, and far more versatile. And unlike the bulky wooden designs of this world, this one's made of metal—and armed to the teeth."
Her eyes wandered again to the glowing window beside her. "Then... how does this thing work? I mean, this." She tapped gently on the screen. "There are no windows, but I can see outside... clearly."
Yun Che walked over and gave a simple nod, impressed by how quickly she honed in on the tech that truly mattered.
"This is what we call a camera. It's like your Profound Image Capturer, but it doesn't take just one snapshot. It captures continuous motion in real time and displays it on a panel inside. So even though you're sealed in, it's like you're watching the world outside through a lens."
Qingyue blinked. "A camera… so, a profound image talisman that never stops working?"
"Exactly. We use them for everything—navigation, surveillance, even entertainment. Just like how you call this a Profound Ark, we call it an aircraft. Same idea. Different world. Different names."
She nodded slowly, starting to piece the puzzle together. "And it doesn't run on energy?"
"Nope. Not this one." Yun Che gestured to the hull. "We replaced the fuel system with a Profound Engine—a concept from your continent. That way, it uses profound energy instead of combustion. Clean, efficient, and sustainable. Plus, I've optimized the engines to support the metal weight and still fly at speeds no ark can match."
Her fingers brushed against the strange device again—cold, smooth, flawless in its craftsmanship. Qingyue narrowed her eyes, curiosity simmering beneath her calm expression.
"So many things I still don't understand…" she murmured, her voice soft but genuine. "You once spoke of something called a 'toaster'? Is this… that?"
Yun Che opened his mouth, clearly ready to launch into one of his lengthy, enthusiastic explanations. "Oh, it's—"
Smack.
Two hands clamped over his mouth from behind.
Retsu stood there, expression serene but her grip firm. "Forgive us," she said smoothly, "but if you let him start, we'll be here until nightfall."
Mio appeared beside her, nodding gravely as if they'd both survived a battlefield. "Two hours," she whispered under her breath. "Two hours last time on heating coils alone…"
Their words earned Qingyue's puzzled gaze—until Nemu stepped forward, bowing politely with a small modernized portable toaster in hand.
"Allow me to explain, Miss Qingyue," Nemu said, her voice as precise and efficient as always. The others are listening in on her explaination.
As she began her simple but concise breakdown, Retsu and Mio quietly backed away, sharing a look that spoke volumes.
Meanwhile, Qingyue leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with new intrigue as Nemu opened the device and showed her how it worked—demonstrating the heating coils, the timer mechanism, and the pop-up function. Finally, a complete prepared crispy toasted bread.
Cang Yue, Xue Ling and Lin Yueru were enjoying their own toasts since the toaster has been include within the Imperial Kitchen for them to enjoy. Toast and waffles wasn't foreign to them anymore.
"To think… fireless heat," Qingyue whispered. "A small device to prepare food. Ingenious."
Yun Che, finally freed from Retsu's hand, pouted. "I was going to explain the quantum potential of heat regulation in—"
"No," Retsu and Mio said in unison, flatly. "We don't understand half what you're talking about."
He folded his arms and grumbled, "I know, it's my overexplaining bad habit again."
================
"You've been quiet, Mulan," Yun Che said, his gaze drifting toward her from across the VTOL's softly lit compartment.
"Ah—sorry…" Jin Mulan gave a small, wistful smile. "It's just… it's been a long time since I came home."
Yun Che leaned back, arms folded. "Maybe you'll remember more once you're back."
Mulan gave a soft chuckle, but there was something distant in her eyes. "Maybe you will, too."
He shook his head, not unkindly. "I keep telling you—I'm not this 'Mu Che' guy. I can't remember anything if I am not that guy at all."
"I know," she replied gently. "But… I guess I just don't want to let go of that last little bit of hope."
Before the moment could settle into awkward silence, another voice chimed in.
"You seem to know her well." Qingyue suddenly sounds, seating herself beside Yun Che, her eyes quietly analyzing Jin Mulan. Her presence was calm, yet undeniable—like moonlight settling across a still lake.
Both Yun Che and Mulan turned to her, surprised. Should Qingyue still had her ice heart, she would keep quiet and watch with silent jealousy. However, with the Heart of Crystal Dream, this version of Qingyue acted out. If she's jealous, she will show it despite her mind is against it.
Mulan studied her carefully… and then her expression shifted in recognition. "Wait… you're—Xia Qingyue. His final opponent during the tournament."
Qingyue inclined her head gracefully. "It is a great honor for this Qingyue to meet you, Miss Mulan. I am Xia Qingyue of the Frozen Cloud Asgard. I am also…" she paused, casting a glance at Yun Che, then returning her gaze forward.
With a soft but firm voice, she declared:
"His wife."
The words struck like a bolt of lightning.
Yun Che's eyes flew wide. So did Cang Yue's. Nemu stopped mid-step. Even Mio glanced up from the onboard kitchen.
As for Xue Ling, Jin Mulan, and Lin Yueru—their stunned silence said it all. They never knew.
"You… what?" Mulan blinked, her composed demeanor cracking for the first time.
Xue Ling's fan lowered, revealing an unreadable expression. "Since when…?"
"I've always been," Qingyue replied simply, her fingers resting calmly on her lap. "It is not something I say often. But it is the truth."
Yun Che finally exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair. "Way to drop a bomb mid-flight…"
Qingyue turned her eyes to him. "Should I not say it?"
"No, no… you can. It's just..." Yun Che exhaled, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I guess I wasn't expecting you to be the one to say it first. The old you would've rather died than admit something like that."
He looked at her with a mix of awe and curiosity.
"I suppose that new Crystal Dream Heart of yours... it's amplified your emotions. Changed you."
In the Prime Timeline, the old Qingyue would have stayed silent—watching from a distance, keeping her feelings locked away. She might've felt jealous, maybe even furious, but she'd never act unless pushed to the brink.
This Qingyue, however, was quite different.
This Qingyue would not yield her place. Not silently. Not anymore. If another woman dared to step close, she would not wait—she would claim what was hers.
Wait, I was hers all along?
A rare, almost imperceptible smile touched her lips.
"I've been watching. Listening. Learning," Qingyue said, her voice low but certain. Her eyes shimmered with quiet steel.
"And I'm tired of pretending."
Yun Che eyes her. Tired? Is this how she feels all this time?
Mulan looked between the two of them, realization slowly dawning. "So you're not just another ally just tag along."
"No," Qingyue replied, her voice soft but steady. "I'm his wife. And I intend to stay by his side."
Although the truth had been known—implied in passing glances, unspoken in long silences—hearing Xia Qingyue declare it so openly struck a nerve.
For Retsu, it stung more than she expected.
She had long accepted that Xia Qingyue was Yun Che's first wife—the first. The one with the head start, the official bond, the title. If Retsu wanted to stand beside him not just as his protector, not just as the woman who bathed in his blood and shadow, but as his wife—she'd need Qingyue's blessing. No way around it.
But that didn't mean she would roll over and submit.
Still, harmony mattered to her. And if they were to be flock sisters one day, she wanted peace between them—not thorns.
The same thoughts brewed behind Nemu's usually blank expression, and in the quiet poise of Cang Yue. They had felt it too—that bitter pinch of envy. Not hatred. Never that. But envy… with a razor edge.
Qingyue, for her part, didn't gloat out loud. But the subtle lift at the corner of her lips told enough. She saw their reactions. She felt the shift in air. Her husband may share deep bonds with them—may even love them—but none of them held the one thing she did:
A marriage.
She had something they didn't. And right now, she allowed herself that small, satisfying victory.
Retsu's smile twitched. Her eye twitched. Her aura twitched.
"Ara-ara~" she said sweetly, turning her head toward Qingyue. "How bold of you, Sister Qingyue~."
Yun Che, who had just barely recovered from the earlier bombshell, looked over. "R-Retsu?"
Her smile turned almost seraphically sinister. "I didn't know we were announcing positions so early in the flight~. Shall I declare my intentions next, Yuu-kun~?"
Nemu and Cang Yue simultaneously averted their eyes with small, measured coughs. Mio looked entertained. Xue Ling and Lin Yueru wisely pretended to be fascinated by the artificial windows.
Qingyue turned her head slightly, calm and composed. "You may declare what you wish, Sister Retsu. But declarations mean little without the bond to back them."
"Are you trying to pick a fight with her?" Yun Che eyes Qingyue.
"Oh, believe me," Retsu replied, the dangerous glint in her eye melting into a polite smile, "I'm planning to earn it through my feelings, loyalty, trust and our bond. Not through some promise."
Qingyue looked away, her fingers curling slightly beneath the folds of her sleeve. Retsu's words had struck deeper than she expected. Not through cruelty—but through truth.
She was bound to Yun Che through a promise made by their respective parents. A marriage arranged more by fate than by heart. It wasn't forged through shared trials or sleepless nights spent fighting side by side. It was obligation… not loyalty. Not love.
And that truth ached.
Retsu, Mio, Nemu—each of them wasn't tied to him by law, title, or sect. Yet the way they stood at his side—fearless, unwavering, completely sincere—was something Qingyue couldn't ignore.
They didn't need a ceremony to prove their love. They lived it. It's only a matter of time before that bond became sacred.
Qingyue clenched her jaw lightly, ashamed of the bitter envy that welled inside her. How could she even begin to compete with that kind of devotion? She was Yun Che's wife in name, but the others… they were his companions in soul.
A quiet sigh escaped her lips. She had once prided herself on composure, on detachment. But now, among these women—each radiant in their own strength, loyalty, and affection—she felt hollow by comparison.
For the first time in a long time, Xia Qingyue wondered if being his wife… truly meant she deserved him.
She raised her head and meet Retsu's gaze. That doesn't mean she'll pull any punches.
Yun Che, sitting awkwardly between the heat of the two most dangerous women in the craft, began to realize something dreadful.
The real turbulence of this flight… wasn't in the air.
"Just calm down, both of you."
Yun Che raised a hand, stepping between them. The atmosphere crackled—not with profound energy, but with something far more volatile: pride.
Retsu and Qingyue were locked in a silent staring contest, their gazes sharp as blades. Sparks might as well have been flying between them, like clashing thunderclouds.
It was a surreal moment.
Qingyue? Calm, composed, ever the embodiment of restraint—now squaring off against a woman who vastly outclassed her in battle experience, loyalty, and sheer emotional history with Yun Che.
Even Little Fairy sighed from the side, her arms folded.
She remembered Qingyue confiding in her once, saying she wanted to show Yun Che she cared. But this? Picking fights with women who had stood beside him in life and death? It was dangerous… and pointless.
"Ufu~"
Retsu let out a playful, almost mocking chuckle, though her tone remained light.
"Don't forget, Qingyue-san… you'll still have to deal with Mio-chan as well. And Nemu."
The implication was clear.
Being the wife didn't place her above the others. Not in his world. She wasn't the only woman who mattered—and certainly not the only one who would fight for him.
Qingyue's fingers tightened slightly. But she said nothing.
Yet in her eyes, there was no retreat.
But then… a small smile played on Qingyue's lips.
Retsu was fierce—unapologetically so—but above all, she was loyal. Her stare wasn't meant to intimidate; it was a test. A warning, yes, but not a threat. Retsu could have demanded Qingyue relinquish her title as his wife. She didn't. Instead, she gave her a fair chance to stand her ground.
She could have drawn blood… but chose to draw lines instead.
The same could be said for Mio and Nemu. Qingyue's gaze shifted subtly to them. Mio's feelings ran deep, her quiet devotion masked by her sharp tongue and vigilance. Nemu, while still growing, had a terrifying potential—her loyalty was absolute, and with time, even Qingyue knew she could surpass her in both strength and usefulness. If she can create this VTOL thing, how many more things she can create?
And then there was Cang Yue. A princess by birth, but a woman who bore the weight of an empire—and still managed to love Yun Che with grace and quiet conviction. She kept her feelings tucked beneath courtly poise, but Qingyue had seen it: that same unshakable fire.
In that silent moment, Qingyue admitted to herself something painful yet honest:
If his name was ever in danger, any of them would fight like women with nothing to lose.
Just like she would.
She wasn't the only one staking a claim. She was standing among rivals, yes—but also among women who, like her, would burn the world to keep him safe.
And in some strange, begrudging way… she respected them for it.
"Wife!?"
Jin Mulan's voice cracked, her eyes widening in disbelief as they flicked from Qingyue to Yun Che. Horror—and a touch of betrayal—twisted across her face.
Yun Che rubbed his temples. "It's... a bit complicated."
"Complicated?" Qingyue echoed dryly.
He gestured vaguely toward her. "Her father made a promise to my adoptive father. Marriage contract. So... poof. Here we are."
"But I am trying to make amends." Qingyue sighs. Fidgeting closer to him.
Jin Mulan turned toward Qingyue, still processing. "You're really his... wife?"
Qingyue nodded with a calm grace, but there was a sharp edge behind her eyes. "Is it that shocking?"
Then Mulan dropped her own bombshell.
"I am also his wife."
The air froze.
Qingyue stiffened. Little Fairy blinked. Even the normally composed Chu Yueli looked shaken.
"What?" Little Fairy's voice rose, her hand suddenly gripping Yun Che's shoulder. "You're his wife?!"
Yun Che sighed as her fingers dug in. "Mind letting go of my shoulder first?"
She did—but her glare didn't fade. Qingyue turned fully to face him, her gaze unreadable.
Jin Mulan took a breath, her tone softer now. "I didn't mean to cause trouble. I just... I thought you remembered. Back then, when you looked at me, there was something familiar. I—"
"Mulan," Yun Che interrupted gently, "I told you before... I'm not Mu Che."
"But you look exactly like him."
"Because you think I am probably am him," he muttered, then sighed. "But not the way you think. Something weird is going on here. I share his face. But not his name. Not even his soul. But I'm not him. I don't remember marrying you."
The silence stretched.
"Then... the name Mu Che," Qingyue murmured, recalling, "those odd couple from the tournament—they called you that."
"Exactly," Yun Che nodded. "Apparently, Mu Che married Miss Mulan here. But according to the Wu Clan, Mu Che was assassinated by him. I just looked like him. That's why they freaked out."
He looked toward Jin Mulan.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disrespect your memories. But I can't accept being called your husband when I never got to be him."
Mulan's lips trembled slightly, then she smiled—soft and bitter. "You sound just like him when you say things like that."
Across the cabin, the tension remained.
Qingyue's expression tightened. Her pride had been just challenged, and now Mulan—a woman from a past he might not even remember—claimed the same title she did.
Little Fairy frowned, clearly unhappy.
Retsu, Mio, and even Nemu stayed silent—but the glint in their eyes made it clear: this was far from over.
Despite knowing the fact before, it was still odd Jin Mulan admit that Yun Che is her husband.
Yun Che sank deeper into his seat.
And here he thought the flight would be the easy part of this mission.
"Who is this Mu Che? And what's the issue with the Wu Clan?" Little Fairy asked, trying to make sense of the web of revelations.
"It's a man who looks exactly like our Yuu-kun here," Retsu sighed, arms crossed. "Uncannily so."
Yun Che gave a half-hearted shrug. "He's the reason we're headed to Jin Province. From what I've gathered, this Mu Che—Mulan's husband—was the one who stabilized the entire region. A one-man wall holding everything together."
Cang Yue added, her tone calm but serious, "Until the Wu Clan had him assassinated according Miss Mulan."
Everyone turned toward her.
"Yes," Yun Che continued, "With him gone, the Wu Clan basically flipped the whole province upside down. Now they're raising an army of white beast-out warriors. Automaton monsters, basically. Their goal? Invade Blue Wind Empire. The Jin Province? It will be their staging ground."
"So…" Qingyue narrowed her eyes, "Our real reason for going is—"
"To stop that invasion before it begins," Yun Che confirmed, nodding. "Cang Yue's so-called 'official visit' is just a cover to disguise our true mission. You girls just put yourself in a war to save the empire just because you wanted to come."
He grins.
Cang Yue gave a light nod. "We needed a diplomatic excuse to move this many people across the border without raising suspicion. Would want the people to be shocked seeing the Grand Imperial Protector, guardian protectors and the Blue Moon Princess in the Jin Province."
Little Fairy looked from Yun Che to Jin Mulan and back again. "You're not this Mu Che?"
"I'm not," Yun Che replied flatly. "Never was."
Chu Yueli stayed silent, but Qingyue's gaze lingered on him—clearly uncertain.
"You're sure?" Little Fairy pressed.
"I just looked like him. That's it," Yun Che insisted. "Miss Mulan keeps calling me that because I share his face. But I've never been to Jin Province, never met her before the tournament, and I have zero memory of anything related to Mu Che."
Little Fairy narrowed her eyes, her Haki subtly activating. Her senses probed for lies or hidden emotions. But...
"…He's not lying," she said at last, relaxing. "Not even a trace of deception."
"Duhh," Yun Che exhaled. "I was still training with Retsu and Nemu back then—before I got tossed back to Floating Cloud City to marry this little missy." He thumbed toward Qingyue with a grin.
Qingyue gave him a sidelong glare, but said nothing.
"I've never stepped foot in Jin Province before," Yun Che continued. "And Mu Che's supposed to be two years older than me. So yeah—by default, I can't be him."
Jin Mulan was quiet, her eyes on the floor. But she wasn't convinced.
Even if this wasn't her husband... he carried the same voice, the same presence. A shadow of something she once held dear.
"Then it's settled," Little Fairy said with a sigh, her voice light with relief. "You are not Mu Che, and Jin Mulan is not your wife."
Qingyue nodded silently. She trusted him—utterly and completely.
"But you did marry Xia Qingyue?" Lin Yueru asked, still piecing everything together. Even Xue Ling's gaze sharpened, focused on Yun Che.
Yun Che let out a small sigh. "It's complicated. I disappeared right after the wedding. The next time we met was during the tournament."
Qingyue gave a soft nod of confirmation. Her expression unreadable, but the light in her eyes flickered at his words.
"Yet you formed relationships with these girls," Jin Mulan said, eyes flicking between Retsu, Mio, Nemu, and Cang Yue. Her voice wasn't bitter—just curious. Carefully measured.
"I've always been close to them," Yun Che admitted. "The marriage with Qingyue was arranged—made from a promise between our parents. I came back from the Dead Spirit Realm thinking I'd just live a quiet life... and instead, I got pushed into marriage." He shrugged. "So, I went along with it."
Qingyue's eyes widened. That day... the wedding day... was the day he returned?
"I see," Little Fairy said, her voice softer now. Chu Yueli sighed beside her. The matter was becoming clearer, yet tangled in layers only time could unravel. Now, everything was a tad bit clearer. Yun Che came from the Dead Spirit Realm where all his training and knowledge came to be. The same goes for Retsu, Mio and Nemu. All his arts came from that realm.
"Can I ask you something?" Chu Yueli's voice cut through the air—calm, but laced with curiosity.
Yun Che glanced back. "Go ahead."
"Dracule Mihawk… did he come from that realm too? The Dead Spirit Realm?"
Her question immediately caught Xue Ling's attention, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Yeah," Yun Che nodded. "That title—The Strongest Swordsman—originated from there. He's not just strong by name. In that realm, he is the Strongest."
"The strongest…" Chu Yueli echoed under her breath, absorbing the weight of that title.
"He's a wanderer," Yun Che added, "always walking alone. Solitary by nature, almost as if the world's noise is too dull for him. He doesn't need company, and people don't get close—by choice or by fear."
"But why would someone like him come here?" Lin Yueru asked, intrigued. "What would he even want in this realm?"
Yun Che folded his arms, thoughtful. "That's the part I don't understand either. He had no ties to anyone. No allegiances. No ambitions. For him to cross realms, it had to be for a reason."
He was referring to the real Dracule Mihawk, not the imposter version that he is right now. His words however tried to discourage Chu Yueli and Xue Ling to pursue him but, there's no way he could stop the two maidens in love with him.
Only Retsu, Mio, Nemu, and Cang Yue knew the full story. Xue Ling, Chu Yueli, Qingyue, and Lin Yueru had yet to grasp the depth of the man they'd seen only from a distance.
"Mihawk… doesn't fight for pride. He fights to cut down what's in front of him. That's the kind of man he is," Yun Che said. "If he ever draws his blade in this realm, it won't be for sport."
Qingyue stayed silent, her mind turning over the thought:What kind of world was the Dead Spirit Realm to create someone like that?
"Can we visit it someday? The Dead Spirit Realm?" Little Fairy asked with a rare glimmer of excitement in her voice.
She wasn't alone. Even the usually composed Qingyue and reserved Yueli turned their attention toward Yun Che, curiosity clear in their eyes.
Yun Che exhaled quietly, concealing the smirk tugging at his lips.
The Dead Spirit Realm… An elaborate illusion he spun to explain away the countless pieces of modern technology gifted by the System. A world that didn't exist—at least not yet. But if he ever ascended to the Realm of the Celestials… maybe, just maybe, he could forge it into reality.
"Our home realm?" he began with an easy tone, slipping into the persona. "Let's just say the Dead Spirit Realm is far more advanced than anything you've seen here. Modernized cities, sky-piercing towers, weapons and machines that could rival your profound artifacts... and toilets that flush with a button."
"Toilets?" Chu Yueli blinked. So far, only Little Fairy had seen glimpse of modernized technologies in the palace. She too was like her when she saw for first time.
"Waffle makers, air conditioning, automatic doors, digital locks, motion-sensor lights… and none of you even figured out how a toaster works." Yun Che's grin widened. "Are you really ready to visit a place where people command machines instead of profound energy?"
"Air conditioning?" Qingyue asked, lifting a brow.
Yun Che tapped the ceiling. "Feel how cool the air is in here? That's air conditioning. It draws in warm air and cools it down using a closed-loop system of coolants and compressors. No profound energy needed."
"…No wonder it's chilly in here. And we didn't even activate our arts." Qingyue looked around, slightly amazed. "So… the Dead Spirit Realm has more of these things?"
"Much more," he nodded, letting the mystery linger. "You've only seen a sliver of it."
She glanced away, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. If such a realm truly existed… what else was he hiding behind that veiled smirk of his?
If it exists, Qingyue thought. I want to see it with my own eyes.
Yun Che glanced at them. "You're all taking this surprisingly well."
Little Fairy met his gaze evenly. "You wouldn't lie about something like this."
Qingyue nodded in agreement. "Not something so important."
"Exactly. I met Mulan when Retsu, Mio, and I raided the Wu Clan forward ark," he continued. "We wiped out their elders. She killed the last one—who revealed the upcoming invasion."
He leaned back against his seat, thoughtful. "Honestly, I want to know more about this Mu Che. What made him so important that the Wu Clan went all out just to eliminate him?"
Before the conversation could continue, Retsu appeared from the kitchen with a bright smile and a serving tray in hand.
"Well, none of us can think clearly on an empty stomach," she said, her voice breaking the heavy air. "Waffles and toast are ready."
She had a point. Tension and secrets were easier to manage with a plate of something warm. As the group shifted toward the smell of food, the mood subtly eased.
Mio passed out the plates while Nemu activated the tray's auto-leveling feature, keeping everything perfectly still despite the VTOL's high-speed motion.
Still, one thing remained clear for Retsu, Mio, and Nemu:
Their Yun Che wasn't a liar.
The System itself wouldn't allow it.
So whatever path this took, they'd walk it with unwavering trust—and quiet resolve.
-----------------------------
Almost two hours passed as the VTOL streaked across the skies like a ghost of metal and wind. During that time, Yun Che took the opportunity to explain the basics of modern technology to the others—how air conditioning circulated and cooled air, how a toaster worked, even how automated systems like the VTOL's sensors and navigational arrays functioned. Nemu supported him with calm, clinical precision, supplementing his words with holographic visuals and simple analogies the girls could understand.
The atmosphere slowly shifted from tension to curiosity. Though some of the information flew over their heads, most of them listened intently, fascinated by the strange, convenient world that Yun Che, Retsu and Nemu came from.
Their eyes turned to the artificial windows as scenery below gradually shifted. Mountains turned into craggy plains, roads snaking through borderlands barely touched by imperial infrastructure. And then…
"We're here," Yun Che announced as the VTOL began to descend in altitude, now flying low and fast as they passed over the outer edges of the Jin Province.
Gasps followed.
"To think… this region is part of the Blue Wind Empire," Cang Yue said, almost to herself.
"It is," Yun Che nodded. "Though it was governed by the outer branch of the Cang Family. Remember those stone-headed fools who attacked Mei Mei and ended up awakening Shin Yue? Yup, those morons."
Lin Yueru and Jin Mulan turned to him sharply, brows raised. "The outer family awakened Shin Yue?"
"You two weren't there for that incident," Yun Che said with a half-smile. "Their eldest son tried to intimidate Cang Yue and ended launching an attack towards Mei Mei. He accidentally injured her. Retsu managed to deploy a barrier just in time to stop her from being torched to death. But that—" he glanced over his shoulder, eyes narrowing slightly—"that triggered Little Yue's emotional response. And for the first time ever, Shin Yue… woke up."
He let those words hang in the air like a sword suspended by a thread.
A shiver ran through Jin Mulan. She seen what that Shin Yue did yesterday—a terrifying power sealed within a girl too young to wield it, but ancient enough to burn mountains to ash.
"And they still think they're worthy of ruling a province?" Lin Yueru muttered, crossing her arms.
"They won't be ruling anything for long," Yun Che said coldly. "Not after what they did with the Wu Clan. That entire branch's fate is already sealed."
Mulan looked out the window again, this time with a storm brewing behind her calm eyes.
"This place… it used to be home," she whispered. "Let's see if it still remembers me."
"Shin Yue?" Qingyue asked, her brows slightly furrowed. Among everyone on board, she was clearly the only one who hadn't encountered this mysterious entity firsthand.
Yun Che leaned back against his seat with a tired sigh. "Little Yue's dominant persona. You could say… her other half. Or more like the polar opposite of the gentle girl you see here. Shin Yue is the Empress of Darkness. If you think your Frozen Cloud Arts are impressive, hers make them look like child's play—like tossing ice cubes at someone who mastered using a freeze ray."
Qingyue blinked. "Is she… really that strong?"
"She's terrifying," Little Fairy confirmed, her tone flat. "She once made the entire area in the ocean explode around Ling Tianni when he tried to kill her. That wasn't a battle for her. An explosion so big we can miles away."
Xue Ling folded her arms. "Yesterday, we were with her when she personally brought down Heavenly Sword Villa. Took out Ling Yuefeng and Ling Tianni at the same time."
"Wait…" Qingyue paused, trying to connect the dots. "Yesterday? While we observed the cooking competition?"
Xue Ling nodded slowly. "The report came in right after we returned. Apparently, they were arrogant enough to build a compound within the palace as a price for giving the Imperial Protectors to the Imperial Family. Shin Yue answered them… thoroughly. She torched the entire compound. The scorched area you saw this morning was her work. All because she was offended that the villa guards denied entry to the compound."
"Something so simple." Chu Yueli commented with shock.
Qingyue's lips parted but no words came. Her eyes slowly turned to Cang Yue—who merely sipped her tea like none of this was shocking.
"She's obnoxious, rude, blunt, and violent," Yun Che added with a small chuckle. "But she does care deeply for her allies. If you're on her side, she'll burn the entire world to protect you."
"I don't let her out unless I have no choice," Cang Yue finally said, her voice low, steady. "Because when I do… she won't hold back. And she does not take insults lightly."
Qingyue felt a chill that had nothing to do with ice. This… was the woman she always thought of as refined, quiet, reserved? Or was it the other side of the coin?
For once, even Qingyue was left without words. The realization that Cang Yue—the gentle, elegant princess—carried a literal demon within, one powerful enough to flatten sects and erupt oceans, was something that unsettled even her normally stoic heart.
"I see," Qingyue finally said, exhaling slowly. Her voice was calm, but her mind was in quiet turmoil.
How many more secrets lie beneath the surface… hidden in the hearts of those around him?
She glanced around the VTOL cabin.
Mio—so soft-spoken, sweet, and seemingly harmless. Yet beneath that gentle smile was a Monarch-tier powerhouse, hiding her aura like a wraith in daylight.
Nemu—quiet, expressionless, seemingly ordinary. But in truth, she was a prodigy of machines and systems, the mind behind technology Qingyue still struggled to comprehend.
Retsu—the flawless medic, elegant and obedient, yet lethal beyond reason. A woman of a thousand talents who fought like a war goddess and healed like a saint.
Cang Yue—the graceful princess everyone admired for her elegance and poise. But now she knew better. Inside that calm façade was Shin Yue, a force of pure destruction and fury waiting to be unleashed.
Each woman around Yun Che had a hidden face. A secret self.
And what of him?
Qingyue's eyes shifted to the man at the center of it all.
Yun Che, the boy she once married in duty and barely knew… now a man surrounded by enigmas and miracles. A monster of talent, bearing the mysterious name Yukihira.
She only scratched the surface of who he truly was. He had grown from a mere groom forced upon her into something… else. Something grand, chaotic, untouchable—and perhaps unknowable.
And yet, she followed him.
Because only by staying at his side could she unravel the truths buried beneath his name, his strength… and his heart.
Qingyue clenched her fists gently, her resolve sharpening.
If these women were willing to fight for him—not just in strength, but in loyalty, faith, and love—then she would too.
Not as the frozen flower of the Frozen Cloud Asgard.
But as his wife.
And she would earn that title every step of the way.
===================
After a while, they finally arrived above the heart of Jin Province.
Compared to the vast sprawl of the Blue Wind Imperial City, the provincial capital was modest—no larger than a quarter of it—but its architecture was distinct. Ancient yet fortified, the city brimmed with age-old pride. The cobbled roads, curved rooftops, and towering gates spoke of history, tradition… and scars.
As the girls admired the view from the artificial windows, Yun Che and Nemu returned to the pilot seats. With a few precise taps, Nemu activated the VTOL's cloaking system. The ship shimmered, bending light around its hull until it vanished from sight.
"Wouldn't want to start a riot over a flying machine," Yun Che muttered, eyes scanning the city below.
"Xuanwu City, My home city…" Jin Mulan whispered. Her voice was soft, almost nostalgic.
She stepped forward, eyes reflecting memories long buried in silence. Everyone turned as she walked up behind the pilot seats.
Yun Che looked at her from the corner of his eye. "You see anything familiar?"
Mulan didn't answer immediately. Her gaze wandered, scanning rooftops, towers, and distant walls—until it stopped at a high hill just northeast of the city.
"There," she said, pointing.
The others followed her finger.
On the slope of the hill stood a large fortress-like structure. From afar, it resembled a castle nestled into the stone, standing vigilant over the city below. Its battlements were still intact, and faint banners fluttered along its high towers.
"That's the Jin Family's Watchkeep," Jin Mulan said, her gaze fixed on the castle atop the hill. "My father once held court there as the main governor of Jin Province, long before the Wu Clan rose to power through the distant Cang family. It's partially abandoned now, but the structure's solid."
"Partially?" Yun Che asked, slowing the VTOL as it circled the hill.
Mulan nodded, voice quieter now. "The Jin Family used to number more than ten thousand strong. Now, we have less than a thousand."
A somber silence filled the cockpit.
"What happened?" Nemu asked, though she likely already suspected.
"Countless wars," Mulan replied. "Loss after loss… betrayal after betrayal. We lost more and more members—until many of our own clansmen began changing their names and deserting us altogether. Eventually, they pledged allegiance to the distant branch of the Cang Family. It was survival, I suppose."
Cang Yue frowned, her expression hardening. "Then why did you accept my offer to become my protector? Was it because of hatred? Revenge?"
Jin Mulan looked at her calmly and shook her head. "No. My intention in serving you is nothing but sincere, Princess. The distant Cang Family is not the same as the royal bloodline you hail from. You were never aware of the growing unrest here because the Wu Clan ensured that news never reached the capital. What you see now… is what's left of the Jin Family. A legacy buried and silenced."
Yun Che exhaled softly. "I guess that Mu Che really was the pillar that held it all together. Without him… everything just crumbled."
Mulan smiled faintly, though sadness remained in her eyes. "My father may bear the title of governor, but Mu Che… he was the one the people truly followed. In spirit, in loyalty, in heart. He gave them hope. And when he died… the fire faded."
The VTOL finally began descending toward the courtyard of the Watchkeep, the landing gears humming quietly as they deployed.
"Castle on a hill, huh?" he muttered. "Not bad. Gives us cover, height advantage, and line of sight over the city."
"And it's close enough to walk down if we need to," Nemu added, already prepping the landing sequence.
"Perfect," he nodded.
As they moved closer, the stronghold became more defined. Despite years of neglect, its walls held firm. Moss and ivy draped the stones, but the core structure looked surprisingly untouched.
As the VTOL hovered above it, Yun Che eyed the large stone courtyard below. More than enough space to land.
"Might as well announcing our arrival."
-------------------------
Xuanwu Court, once the proud heart of the Jin Family, now stood as a shell of its former grandeur. Spanning 5,000 square meters, only a single structure still held life—the main court hall. The rest lay in ruin, abandoned and forgotten since the Wu Clan's rise to dominance.
Above, the sleek form of the VTOL pierced the clouds, descending rapidly. As its invisibility cloak dropped, revealing the vessel to the city below, a wave of panic rippled through the area. Soldiers scrambled into defensive formations, drawing swords, raising shields, but their primitive armaments were no match for the airborne beast that loomed above—an object born from a world beyond theirs.
Inside the court walls, an officer burst through the massive double doors of the main hall, breathless.
"My Lord! Something is flying—descending—unknown origin—possibly hostile!"
At the far end of the grand hall sat a man and a woman. They were a stark contrast to the decaying empire around them—unshaken, composed, and regal in every fiber of their being.
Jin Zhuo, a broad-shouldered man in his late forties, stood slowly. His presence commanded the room, shaped by years of loss, betrayal, and the burden of leadership. Every line etched into his face told a tale of resistance and endurance. His sharp eyes, refined through instinct and countless battles—political and bloody—narrowed at the mention of a threat.
Beside him, seated with elegance, was Madam Jin Yuelian, a woman whose grace had not dimmed with time. Her beauty was legendary, the kind that caused men to hesitate in battle and nobles to whisper in reverence. Yet beneath that polished exterior was a will as unyielding as steel. She had stood beside her husband when their house crumbled, when allies fled, and when the Wu Clan tore through their legacy.
Both with the cultivation of Second Level Emperor Profound Realm.
Jin Zhuo's voice was calm, authoritative. "Sound no alarm. If they meant to attack, we would already be dead."
"But, my lord—"
"Silence," Madam Jin Yuelian cut in softly, her voice like velvet over a blade. "Do you not feel it? That presence… it's familiar."
Outside, the VTOL hovered momentarily before descending gracefully toward the outer courtyard.
"Husband… it feels like our daughter. She's come home," Jin Yuelian whispered, her eyes misting with restrained emotion.
Jin Zhuo, arms crossed behind his back, nodded solemnly. "After being away for months… to arrive in such a magnificent ark, she must carry news of weight. Perhaps, a message from the Imperial Family."
He turned, eyes firm. "Come, wife. Let us greet her properly."
Inside the VTOL, the gentle hum of the engines began to die as Yun Che and Nemu powered down the systems. Around them, the atmosphere shifted into one of quiet preparation. One by one, the women in his party began adjusting their appearance.
Retsu, Mio, and Nemu draped soft, translucent veils over their heads, securing their wide kasa-style hats. Cang Yue, ever composed, followed suit. Beside her, Lin Yueru and Xue Ling did the same, their expressions calm but curious. It was a gesture of decorum—one that disguised their beauty to avoid unwanted attention in this foreign land.
For Chu Yueli, Little Fairy, and Xia Qingyue, Yun Che had designed special kasa hats to match their snowy robes. They exuded the elegance of noble maidens from secluded sects, each of them a goddess walking among mortals. In truth, the group could overwhelm any city just by walking through its gates. They admit wearing these hats are quite comfortable compared to veiling.
For many of them, this would be the farthest they had ever traveled beyond the capital or their sect. Excitement hummed beneath the surface.
Then…
Jin Mulan, now standing behind Yun Che, reached forward and gently tugged on the sleeve of his white coat. He turned to her.
"Can I… make a request?" she asked, voice quiet.
"What is it?" he asked with a curious brow.
She hesitated, then gathered her courage. "Can you… pretend to be my husband? Pretend to be Mu Che… just for now?"
The temperature in the room shifted.
Little Fairy narrowed her eyes. "Could you have told us this before we started descending?" she said coldly.
Xia Qingyue's frown was immediate, her hand tightening on her kasa hat's veil. The words were like sand in her mouth. Retsu's smile dropped into a subtle line. Mio, Nemu, and Cang Yue all looked toward Mulan in unison—each reaction muted but layered in disapproval, confusion, or guarded restraint.
A long pause stretched through the interior.
Yun Che exhaled. "Mulan… that's a heavy request. I understand your situation, but this is dangerous territory. Not for me, but to them… You might need to provide a subtle reason."
Mulan bowed her head slightly, her voice trembling with sincerity. "Please. My father is the last standing noble of the Jin Family. I… I need them to believe that I've returned not alone, but with hope. You… just for a moment, be Mu Che."
Silence lingered—until Qingyue finally spoke.
"Would it kill you to discuss this with his Qingyue? With all of us." Her voice was calm, but beneath it, frost clung to every word.
"You girls wouldn't have agreed anyway…" Jin Mulan murmured, lowering her head in a deep bow. Her voice was soft, desperate. "Please… my parents still don't know their son-in-law died. I… I don't want to be the one to give them that pain. Not now. Not when things are already this broken."
The room fell quiet for a moment.
Little Fairy crossed her arms. "But the Jin Family fell. Wouldn't that make his death… common knowledge by now?"
"They denied it," Mulan replied. "They still believe he's alive—that he'll return. It's the only thing holding my father together."
Yun Che's brow furrowed. "So… I'm supposed to pretend to be Mu Che?"
She nodded. "Yes. Just until we solve the crisis in the province."
He glanced around, locking eyes with each of the women present. Their expressions varied—mistrust, unease, and reluctant understanding—but the one he focused on the most was Xia Qingyue, his real wife, the one whose approval mattered most.
"What do you all think?" he asked, his gaze lingering on Qingyue.
There was a long pause.
Retsu folded her arms, clearly displeased. "You could've brought this up earlier. We should've discussed it before coming here."
"I know. I'm sorry," Mulan whispered, her eyes still lowered.
Yun Che sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright. As long as I don't have to do anything… husband-like. If that's what you're after, Mulan, you better ask them directly. And I guarantee they'll say no."
"No. Nothing like that," Mulan said quickly. "It's just pretend. A face… a presence. That's all."
He turned again to the others.
Cang Yue gave a small nod, composed but clearly uncomfortable.
Mio and Nemu exchanged glances before sighing in tandem. "As long as it's temporary," Mio murmured as she huffs.
Little Fairy shook her head lightly, but said nothing. Chu Yueli wondered why this was such a big matter but her sister eyes her. Even she would flipped out of jealousy if Mihawk was borrowed as a pretend husband.
Retsu remained still, though her silence was not an objection—just watchfulness.
Then finally, Qingyue met his eyes. Hers were calm, but her tone carried weight.
"If it's just until the matter is over… and nothing more… I'll allow it." A beat passed. "But no more surprises like this, Mulan."
Jin Mulan bowed again, her voice shaking slightly. "Thank you. Truly."
Hundreds of armored soldiers stood in tight formation around the strange, humming vessel that hovered just above the cracked stone courtyard. Their weapons were drawn, unsure whether to defend or to fall back. The moment was tense, breathless.
From the hilltop, Jin Zhuo and Jin Yuelian arrived swiftly on horseback, their faces stern and weathered by years of sorrow and political pressure. But the instant the VTOL's rear ramp hissed open, the woman's composure broke.
"Lan'er!" Jin Yuelian cried out, dismounting before the ramp had even fully descended. She rushed forward, embracing her daughter tightly, tears already streaking her cheeks.
Jin Mulan returned the embrace, burying her face into her mother's shoulder. "Mother… I'm home."
Jin Zhuo remained astride his horse for a moment, watching silently. When he finally dismounted, his voice cracked, filled with long-suppressed emotion. "Daughter… you're finally home."
Jin Mulan pulled back slightly, wiping her mother's tears.
"Yes. And I brought someone with me." She turned, motioning toward the shadowed interior of the VTOL.
All eyes turned. The tension in the air sharpened.
Yun Che emerged slowly, cloaked in white, his presence regal yet quiet. He stepped down the ramp with practiced grace, his expression neutral—calculated. In this moment, he was no longer Yun Che.
He was Mu Che.
A collective gasp rippled through the soldiers. Weapons faltered. Eyes widened.
Jin Zhuo staggered a step forward, his lips trembling. "Che'er…?"
"Greetings, mother and father." Yun Che tilted his head, looking at the older man with distant curiosity. Mulan stepped in quickly, grasping his arm gently.
"He doesn't remember anything," she explained, voice thick with carefully woven sorrow. "An injury… he survived, but his memories… they're gone. I've only just found him again."
Jin Yuelian's hand flew to her mouth in disbelief. Tears welled anew.
"He's alive… even if he's forgotten us… he's alive…" she whispered.
Jin Zhuo took a slow, shaky step forward. His eyes, usually sharp and calculating from decades of political maneuvering and family loss, now trembled with disbelief. He could hardly reconcile the man standing before him—alive, breathing, flesh and blood—with the grave they'd mourned for over a year.
"How… is this possible?" he finally said, his voice hollow.
Yun Che, stiff in Jin Yuelian's tight embrace, tried not to grimace. "I—I don't really know… I woke up far from here, with no memories."
Jin Yuelian cupped his face again with trembling hands. "My poor child… the heavens must have pitied us. They've returned you… even if broken." She leaned her forehead against his chest, sobbing openly now.
Yun Che awkwardly patted her shoulder. He wasn't ready for this kind of mother-in-law affection. And considering how many girls behind him were silently watching—especially Qingyue, Mio, Nemu, Cang Yue, Little Fairy and Retsu—the moment was both tense and deeply awkward.
"Please, Mother… give him some space," Mulan gently pulled her mother away, keeping her expression calm but firm.
Jin Zhuo steadied himself and walked up to Yun Che. Unlike his wife, he didn't immediately embrace the man. Instead, he stood tall, hands behind his back, eyeing Yun Che from head to toe. Measuring him.
Yun Che gave a respectful bow. "Forgive me, sir. I'm not the Mu Che that you once know."
Jin Zhuo's eyes narrowed. "Mulan says your memory is lost. I will believe her for now."
Yun Che nodded slowly. "I understand."
Jin Zhuo's eyes narrowed as each woman descended the ramp. Though their appearances were obscured by the elegantly crafted kasa veils, something about their presence was undeniable. Their postures were refined, their movements smooth and graceful—these were not ordinary companions.
"Are these your companions?" he asked again, voice tinged with curiosity and quiet calculation.
"Yes," Mulan replied calmly, stepping beside Yun Che. "They are… his comrades. Trusted ones."
"Trusted ones, she says…" Jin Yuelian murmured, eyeing the group with a mix of awe and caution. Even veiled, it was clear these women carried themselves with prestige and discipline—more like sect leaders than commoners. Whom features she couldn't see at all.
What truly caught attention was the strange quality of the veils. From the outside, they were like shadows—shapeless silhouettes moving with grace. But from the inside, each woman could see clearly. It wasn't merely a disguise—it was advanced protective technology, weaved into fabric that shimmered faintly when touched by the wind.
"Are they cultivators?" Jin Zhuo asked Yun Che directly.
"Yes. Each one of them is highly skilled," Yun Che answered truthfully, not even bothering to downplay it.
That caused another ripple of murmurs among the guards and remaining Jin clansmen.
But it was Cang Yue's appearance, escorted by Xue Ling and Lin Yueru, that truly caused a subtle tension in the air. Even veiled, there was a noble pressure about her—an aura of command. Jin Zhuo might not have recognized her identity yet, but any experienced ruler would feel it in their bones: this woman carried herself like a true monarch.
The women behind her—Xue Ling and Lin Yueru—walked in step, subtle as shadows but poised like warriors.
"They are… very quiet," Jin Yuelian observed, attempting to read the room.
"They're used to caution," Yun Che answered again. "We've been in dangerous lands. Staying unnoticed is a survival skill."
Jin Zhuo gave a slight nod but clearly took note of how much reverence these veiled women showed toward Yun Che. Even without speaking, the formation, posture, and positioning revealed everything. He wasn't just their leader. He was their anchor.
Finally, as the group made their way into the estate, Jin Zhuo leaned closer to his daughter and whispered, "Lan'er… who exactly is this man you brought home? He didn't feel like the Mu Che we knew. I remembered Mu Che was a bit goofy, perverted but he was some kind of genius. This is one is quite cautious."
Jin Mulan gave him a faint smile. "I have no idea as well, father. He's been gone for too long. You'll understand in time."
"Then come," Jin Zhuo turned, voice regaining the steel of a leader. "We must prepare a feast. Tonight… the Jin Family celebrates the return of its son in law."
And as cheers rose around the estate, Yun Che could only sigh inwardly.
"This is going to get worse before it gets better."
Jin Zhuo stepped forward, his voice barely holding together. "Then… then it doesn't matter. We can rebuild… again."
Yun Che gave a subtle nod, playing along, offering a vague, uncertain smile that could pass as the reaction of a man unsure of the faces around him—but willing to try.
Mu Che… had returned.