Chapter 51: New Moon Profound Palace

Aboard Retsu's Shikai, Minazuki, the skies stretched endless and azure. The enormous healing creature, often mistaken for a monster, gently cradled its passengers. When Little Fairy first witnessed Retsu summoning her Shikai, her surprise was evident. The massive, creature-like form of the Shikai was intimidating, but with time, Little Fairy had grown accustomed to its gentle nature.

A month had passed, and Yun Che dedicated himself to daily training sessions with Little Fairy. Progress was steady, albeit slow, as they worked on conditioning his body. The routine revolved around Little Fairy striking at him and Retsu, with the expectation that she would reduce the force of her blows. But when it came to Yun Che, she seemed to take a certain pleasure in delivering punishing hits. He had learned the hard way not to underestimate a woman with a grudge, recognizing that he was tasting his own medicine after his past actions of bullying her. The 'legal' framework he had introduced seemed to backfire as he felt the sting of her revenge.

As days passed, Yun Che's body underwent a transformation, achieving the fifth level of the Earth Profound Realm. Yet, he couldn't monopolize Little Fairy's time, as she also needed to train Retsu. Speaking of them, the past month had cultivated a strong friendship between Little Fairy and Retsu. The training had borne fruit for both, propelling Retsu's body to the Earth Profound Realm as well. Although Little Fairy treated Retsu with a tad more leniency, Yun Che still bore the brunt of her relentless training regimen.

In his pursuit to bridge the gap between them, Yun Che made consistent efforts to break through her barriers. Initially, she had kept her distance, a response to her body's reaction to his presence. Gradually, Yun Che's persistence chipped away at her defenses. He employed a strategy of asking innocuous questions, managing to extract more than just monosyllabic responses. After a week of what felt like a silent standoff, they finally began to engage in conversations. She even conversed comfortably with Retsu, perhaps due to their shared gender.

Her veil, once a constant, slowly disappeared after some time. Upon being called beautiful by both Yun Che and Retsu, she made a seemingly impulsive decision to unveil herself. Surprisingly, Yun Che's reaction was rather ordinary, as if Retsu's presence had desensitized him to physical beauty. It was a small revelation that he regarded her just as a companion. This shift in perspective both reassured and disappointed her, as it signaled a move towards friendship rather than superficial attraction.

Times arose when Little Fairy held back her full strength during their training sessions, prompting Yun Che to resort to his 'play stupid games and win stupid prizes' method of eliciting her full power. Whether she fell for it or simply needed a pretext to unleash her strength remained unclear. Nonetheless, he achieved the desired growth in his levels, a reward for his persistence.

Little Fairy, eager to impart the Frozen Cloud Arts to Retsu, was met with a polite refusal. Retsu had her own formidable fighting style, rendering the Frozen Cloud Arts unnecessary. Skeptical at first, Little Fairy's confidence quickly waned as Retsu's Spirit of Yin and Yang manifested. Immune to both heat and cold, Retsu proved a formidable opponent. Little Fairy struggled against her, ultimately defeated by a First Level Spirit Profound Realm practitioner. The realization that both Yun Che and Retsu were indeed monsters left her in awe, compounded by Yun Che's revelation that Retsu hadn't even fought seriously.

However, the most astonishing aspect was Retsu's Yin mode, a transformation that caused her eyes to shift to a mesmerizing shade of blue. This shift completely neutralized any water or ice-based cultivation techniques that opponents might employ against her. What was even more remarkable was her creation of a modified Frozen Cloud Arts, ingeniously fusing it with a customized Kido technique. This innovation served as undeniable proof to Little Fairy that Retsu possessed a formidable power that demanded respect and recognition.

The tables had turned, and Retsu's unwavering dedication had evolved her from a newcomer to a dominant presence in their training sessions. Her unique abilities and fierce determination had cemented her position as a force to be reckoned with, leaving Little Fairy thoroughly convinced.

This encounter sparked Little Fairy's curiosity about Kido Arts, prompting her to inquire about its cultivation from Yun Che. She recognized their simplicity and unparalleled power, and yearned to learn them. Her excitement was short-lived, however, as Yun Che explained that Kido Arts were exclusive to those who cultivated spirit energies. A path seemed to open before her—a journey to cultivate spirit energies and unlock the potential of Kido Arts. However, that path is not available to her due to her inability to cultivate 'spirit energies'.

"System, can humans cultivate reaitsu?" Yun Che mused aloud, pondering the possibilities. Though he expected a familiar answer from the system, he couldn't help but wonder if there was an alternative way for Little Fairy to master Kido arts. After all, in the world of Bleach, humans had the potential to harness reaitsu. As he ruminated, the system unveiled surprising insights about Little Fairy.

It revealed that she and her younger sister had been discovered by Gong Yuxian, the current sect master, who adopted them, treating them like her own flesh and blood. Their story was intricate: Little Fairy had once met the original Yun Che, becoming his protector against adversities. Tragically, a conflict with two Emperor Realm dragons had cost her her own cultivation. Yun Che had sacrificed much to restore her powers, deepening their bond forcefully. Their romance somehow flourished, and when their love product was discovered, leading to a child, the sect banished Little Fairy. But she wasn't lost; Yun Che encountered her later, discovering she had found sanctuary with the Phoenix God, living serenely with their child.

The system's voice pulled Yun Che back from his thoughts:

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[Mortals cultivating reaitsu is quite impossible. Only beings like Fullbringers, those innately bestowed with reaitsu, Shinigami, or Quincy can harness it.]

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He sighed, "Figures." Yun Che realized that to grant Little Fairy the power of reaitsu, she'd need to be converted into either a Shinigami or Quincy. Such a transformation, however, would risk her becoming a hollow. Additionally, his own unique reaitsu was vastly different from standard Shinigami. The same can be said for Retsu. Neither he nor her could use the power-transfer technique that Rukia had used on Ichigo back in the original anime. To grant her full Shinigami abilities, they would need to restructure her very being - a process that would erase her current cultivation. Yun Che hoped it wouldn't come to that; he'd do anything to protect her essence.

Aside from that, Little Fairy took immense pleasure in Yun Che and Retsu's cooking, especially their curry rice and Japanese Tea. Though she used to eat sparingly as a cultivator, their food changed her perspective. Their pancakes and lattes were revelations to her taste buds. The captivating aroma of their dishes seemed to revive her, restoring her energy. Their cooking wasn't just delicious—it held an almost magical quality that made mealtime a newfound delight for Little Fairy. Beyond their culinary expertise, their meals were prepared with a touch of perfection, making Little Fairy, who had never been particularly interested in eating, now eagerly await each mealtime.

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Intent on pursuing more power, Yun Che had set his sights on the New Moon Profound Palace. Not necessarily to pledge loyalty to any sect, but as the next stage in his journey of growth.

"You've reached the Earth Profound Realm after our duel, haven't you?" Little Fairy remarked, a hint of playful challenge in her eyes.

He smirked, "Took you a whole month to figure that out?"

"You could've just told me," she responded with mock annoyance.

His grin widened, "You never asked."

"So, mind if I see that underwear?" Yun Che's grin was as mischievous as ever.

"*Sigh… The world will be covered in ice if I show you," Little Fairy retorted, her tone tinged with a mix of exasperation and amusement. She had grown accustomed to his persistent teasing.

"Stingy," Yun Che countered, his smirk indicating that he thoroughly enjoyed ruffling her feathers.

As the days went by, Yun Che and Little Fairy's relationship evolved. From mere acquaintances, they had progressed to the stage of friendship, and now, they were something akin to playful frenemies. The light-hearted teasing had become a regular part of their interactions, a dance of words that they both seemed to secretly enjoy.

Yun Che's playful remarks about her attire, especially her undergarments, were a constant source of both embarrassment and amusement for her. Sometimes even Retsu would join in the fun. It was almost a ritual now, with him asking about it and her responding in a way that was both coy and exasperated. The familiarity of their banter brought a sense of comfort, a reassuring constant in their dynamic.

Their playful banter continued, a testament to their evolving relationship. What began as a distant acquaintance had blossomed into a unique friendship, tinged with camaraderie and friendly teasing. Yun Che's constant quips about her attire always made her blush, but she'd grown used to his nature, often retorting with her icy wit.

Retsu and Little Fairy's relationship blossomed into a close sisterhood. They trained together, shared stories, and supported each other. Their bond was built on trust and unspoken understanding. Beyond training, they enjoyed each other's company, forming a deep friendship that brought comfort and companionship. Yun Che watched their connection grow with a smile, recognizing the beauty of their evolving relationship on their journey.

Over the month, it was evident that the ice between them was melting. They conversed more, with Little Fairy initiating conversations more often than not. Initially wary of him and Retsu, she had come to appreciate their presence. She found solace in it, comfort even especially with this young man. Whenever she tried to distance herself, a pang of loneliness struck her heart. It was as if her Ice Heart, cultivated over years, resonated with him. Or perhaps, it wasn't really an Ice Heart anymore?

She had felt a seismic shift within her after their intense battle, especially when Yun Che unleashed his formidable Bankai. The icy barricade she had built around her heart had shattered, only to rebuild itself into something stronger, more vibrant. She had examined this transformation, finding that her heart was evolving, metamorphosing into something she couldn't yet comprehend.

The clearest change in her was her emotions. Previously, her feelings had been as chilly and indifferent as her ice heart. Yet, with this newly evolved heart—or whatever it had become—she was experiencing a surge of emotions. They flowed through her with intensity, breathing life into her once-cold demeanor. This transformation granted her an unexpected wellspring of power. Unlike before, her emotions didn't weaken her; instead, they seemed to be the very catalyst for her newfound strength. This meant her feelings now had the potential to amplify her profound energy, creating a formidable synergy between her emotions and her power. This was a stark contrast to the original Ice Heart's limitations, which couldn't harness the strength hidden within her feelings. Every day, she found herself pondering the mysteries of her heart's transformation and the role Yun Che played in it.

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Jasmine could only observe from within Yun Che's inner world, unable to manifest herself for the time being. She sensed that Yun Che unintentionally attracted women without even trying, and that they were drawn to him naturally. Despite her general distrust of women, she found herself making an exception for Retsu and the spirits due to Yun Che's influence. However, with the new woman following him, Jasmine couldn't find the right opportunity to emerge.

Yun Che's cultivation had surged to the Fifth Level of the Earth Profound Realm after a successful spree of defeating Hollows with Retsu. Retsu had also advanced to the Fifth Level of the Spirit Profound Realm. Little Fairy was astonished by their rapid progress, noting that such breakthroughs typically took much longer than the week it had taken them.

"Young master, why are we heading to the New Moon Profound Palace? Wouldn't it be easier to level up by going to a forest or a beast-infested area?" Retsu questioned, sitting beside Yun Che. Her closeness to him ignited a touch of envy in Little Fairy's eyes, as she had never seen Retsu be so physically near to anyone before.

"Rascal, if I were you, I'd simply head to the next area and hunt down the profound beasts or those masked creatures. Why bother with a weak sect?" Little Fairy couldn't help but prod him. In the past month, she'd taken to calling him "rascal" as a playful retaliation for his renaming her. She expected him to retort, but he surprised her by simply nodding in understanding. She couldn't fathom his thought process at times.

"We're going there because I have some business to attend to," Yun Che explained. "And in three weeks, they're hosting a banquet—supposedly a chance for the younger generations to compete. But, trust me, that's just the official reason. The real action is far from what they're showing on the surface."

"So, that's your plan, rascal?" Little Fairy's curiosity was piqued.

Yun Che turned to Retsu and posed his question in a riddle. "Remember our best method for leveling up?"

"To beat the dogs and draw out their masters, then beat them too. Ohh…." Retsu's realization dawned on her.

"That's right," Yun Che grinned, his intentions clear to Little Fairy as well.

"Hold on, what exactly is our plan?" Retsu inquired, but Yun Che just smirked, reclining onto her lap and closing his eyes. "Hehe, it's a secret."

"Ugh, young master, you're such a tease," Retsu pouted.

Little Fairy concurred with a nod. These weeks had been some of the most enjoyable in her cultivating journey. She found herself torn—wanting to remain focused solely on cultivation and breaking through before moving on, yet at the same time growing increasingly comfortable with Yun Che's presence. Her original plan was to cultivate with him and then part ways, but she realized she had lost track of how many days were left until then. And to her own surprise, she found herself eagerly anticipating their upcoming adventures.

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As they neared the gates of New Moon City after hours of travel, the towering walls were a reminder of the civilization they'd left behind for their secluded training. Retsu effortlessly stored Minazuki back into her sword, a transformation that Little Fairy still found intriguing.

"We should wear veils, Retsu. While this rascal here seems immune to our charms, others in the city might not be so restrained," Little Fairy advised, her years in the Frozen Cloud Asgard teaching her the power of discretion, especially since her sect was renowned for its bevy of beauties.

Retsu turned to Yun Che, seeking his agreement. "What do you think, young master?"

"I'd recommend it. Your beauty could easily cause a stir in the city, and we don't need any unnecessary attention," Yun Che remarked with a hint of playfulness.

Retsu blushed but promptly donned a delicate veil that perfectly complemented her traditional kimono. Little Fairy's eyes lingered on Retsu's attire, a fusion of elegance and culture that she hadn't seen before. Perhaps one day, she mused, she might try on such an outfit herself.

Retsu twirled gently, looking to Yun Che. "Do I look alright?"

"You both look stunning," Yun Che admitted, his voice sincere. Retsu's cheeks deepened in hue, while beneath her own veil, Little Fairy hid a burgeoning smile. The numerous times she'd been called beautiful had never truly affected her, but something about Yun Che's compliment stirred something within. It was a warmth, a soft flutter. She quickly reprimanded herself internally. "Why does his praise matter so much?" she wondered, memories of their shared moments over the past month flooding her thoughts.

As anticipated, veiled women were a common sight in New Moon City. The populace had learned to tread lightly around them, understanding that these women often hailed from prestigious backgrounds. Offending them was a perilous endeavor, best avoided.

However, Yun Che himself seemed to be attracting more attention than he'd expected. Women's eyes often lingered on him, some openly staring, while others exchanged hushed whispers. It was as if his presence was a magnet for curiosity. Just moments ago, he'd warned Retsu about her beauty causing trouble, but now he was beginning to feel like he was the source of attention.

In response, Retsu positioned herself next to Yun Che, sending a clear message that she was accompanying him. Little Fairy followed suit, her actions echoing Retsu's protective stance. Yun Che glanced between them, his curiosity piqued by their synchronized display. Little Fairy's attire bore the unmistakable signature of the Frozen Cloud Asgard, though he understood that their clothing wasn't as recognizable to the general public due to their reclusive nature.

As they walked through the bustling streets of the city, Yun Che found himself pondering the complex dynamics of perception, beauty, and identity, all while wondering about the new layers of connection he was forming with these two extraordinary women.

"Can't a man catch a break?" He sighed, making his way towards the New Moon Profound Palace.

After walking for a while, the three of them arrived at the magnificent palace. The palace was so immense that it could easily be mistaken for a small city by regular humans. However, upon their arrival, they were surprised to find that the palace courtyard was bustling with people. Contrary to their expectations of an empty palace, disciples were scattered throughout the area.

The New Moon Profound Palace was a magnificent structure, almost like a small city on its own. Its architecture was grand and detailed, telling ancient stories through its carvings. As they entered, the courtyard was bustling with disciples practicing and training, all driven by their dedication.

The palace radiated an atmosphere of growth and refinement, with tall towers symbolizing the aspirations of its inhabitants. Amid the grandeur, peaceful gardens provided a soothing contrast. Paths led to serene ponds and colorful gardens, offering a break from intense training. The palace embodied determination and ambition, where cultivators pursued strength and wisdom with unwavering dedication.

As they stepped in, Yun Che noticed the hushed whispers and exchanged glances directed their way. Retsu, with her alluring kimono, seemed to captivate the attention of male onlookers, who gazed at her as if she were the most precious gem. The exquisite outfit she wore was a spectacle in itself, drawing stares and admiration.

Even Little Fairy, veiled in her own unique attire, commanded a certain presence that made people's heads turn. The way they were being stared at, Yun Che couldn't help but compare them to graceful swans gliding across a serene lake, attracting the gaze of everyone around.

Amidst the curious crowd gathered at the palace's entrance, a familiar voice broke through the chatter. "Brother-in-law?" The words echoed, familiarity tugging at Yun Che's consciousness. He swiftly turned, his gaze locking onto a figure making its way towards them. Silver hair flowed behind him as he approached, his blue robe adorned with a moon crest emblem. Retsu and Little Fairy shifted their attention, the bustling ambiance obscuring the voice that had addressed Yun Che as "brother-in-law."

"Trunks? You're here?" Yun Che's playful tone matched his recognition, his mind making an unintended association with the familiar appearance – that of "Trunks" from the world of Dragon Ball Z.

"Trunks?" The figure appeared baffled, prompting a quick correction from Yun Che. "No, no, I mean Yuanba… Sorry, it was a momentary lapse. So, you're here?" The striking resemblance had led him to unconsciously call him Trunks.

"Yes, sir. I am Xia Yuanba, an outer disciple of the New Moon Profound Palace. I was here a year ago. Brother-in-law, who are the two ladies with you?" Xia Yuanba's introduction carried an aura of cheerfulness, his excitement at encountering his idol evident. Fortunately, he had opted not to cosplay as "Trunks" this time, donning the official uniform of the palace instead.

"These are my companions – Retsu and Chu, I mean, Yue Chu. We were just passing by and heard the commotion. Why is there such a crowd outside the palace?" Yun Che's response accompanied his introductions. Little Fairy's true name was concealed, while Retsu bowed gracefully, the ambient noise masking Xia Yuanba's initial call of "brother-in-law."

"Wow, such exquisite beauties. I am Xia Yuanba," he exclaimed, introducing himself cheerfully. Jealous glances from onlookers underscored their envy at Xia Yuanba's introduction to the two veiled women.

"Unohana Retsu desu… Pleased to meet you as well," Retsu introduced herself with a modest bow, her hands gracefully folded in front of her waist. As the name Xia Yuanba reached her ears, a spark of recognition ignited in her mind. Could this young man be related to Xia Qingyue, the person Xia Hongyi mentioned? The possibility intrigued her, adding an air of curiosity to their encounter.

"Yue Chu, an honor," Little Fairy echoed, adhering to the alias Yun Che had devised for her. Because of their veils, Xia Yuanba couldn't see Retsu and Little Fairy's faces, leading him to imagine them as exceptionally beautiful based on their attire. This misconception added an aura of mystery to their presence.

As Xia Yuanba spoke, Yun Che swiftly covered his mouth to prevent him from inadvertently calling Yun Che "brother-in-law" again. Xia Yuanba quickly understood the hint and nodded in response.

"Fancy meeting you here, bro... I mean boss," Xia Yuanba corrected himself, adapting to the situation. The bustling crowd around them was a convenient cover for their conversation. Xia Yuanba explained that the gathering was due to the palace's annual recruitment day, where potential disciples were being assessed. The variety of people gathered showcased their aspirations and curiosity.

As Yun Che observed the diverse crowd, he couldn't help but notice the presence of various individuals, including young masters flaunting their purported genius status despite relatively modest cultivation levels. "Just a bunch of boasting," he thought, amused by their exaggerated claims of once-in-a-millennium talents while their actual cultivation languished in the third or fourth stage of the Narcent Profound Realm.

"So, boss, what brings you here?" Xia Yuanba's curiosity was palpable.

"Just passing through, thought I'd test my luck at entering the palace. What are the requirements?" Yun Che's reply concealed his true intentions of instigating turmoil.

"Really? Well then, we'll be fellow palace members soon, boss. As for the requirements, the minimum age is 16, with a maximum of 30 years old. A minimum cultivation of the first level of the Narcent Profound Realm is also necessary." Xia Yuanba elaborated on the entry criteria.

"Wait… aren't you 15 right now? How in the world are you enrolling as a 14-year-old?" Yun Che's bewilderment was evident in his question.

"Father made connections with the headmaster and secured my enrollment. Besides, achieving the first level of the Nascent Profound Realm at 14 is considered a decent feat," Xia Yuanba humbly explained, highlighting his background.

"Not bad? Your sister was only at the Peak of Elementary Profound Realm when she was 16. You can definitely be called a genius," Yun Che commented, revealing his understanding of Xia Qingyue's cultivation prior to his intervention.

"I don't know, bro.. I mean, boss. After you and big sister left, I wanted to grow strong too. Seeing you ascend to the Emperor's realm while everyone talked about it, I thought you might not even look at me if I remained weak. So, I pushed myself to become more like you," Xia Yuanba recalled the determination that fueled his relentless training. He had put in so much effort to stand by Yun Che's side, even surpassing his sister's innate talent.

"Training hard, huh?" Yun Che mused. It seemed like a case of 'Zenkai Boost'—a boost in power through sheer determination. His influence had triggered Xia Yuanba's Tyrannical Emperor Profound Veins to activate, driving him to cultivate with unparalleled zeal. It was a testament to the power of inspiration and the human spirit.

Listening intently, Yun Che began to formulate a plan to help him. "Maybe Retsu and I will try our luck at joining the palace. As for Yue Chu," he gestured towards Little Fairy, "she's just here for the journey."

Yuanba's face lit up with excitement at the prospect. "That would be wonderful! We could train together!" But he quickly downplayed his own abilities, mentioning his humble second-level Nascent Profound Realm status.

Yun Che waved off his modesty. "You have a strength that isn't just about cultivation levels. It's your spirit and determination that count." Yun Che's words were filled with encouragement, reflecting his intention to guide Xia Yuanba's cultivation.

Recalling the timeline's divergence, where Xia Yuanba had witnessed his (Yun Che's) death, he silently vowed to enhance Xia Yuanba's potential. Additionally, the mention of Super Saiyan transformations elicited a grin from Yun Che, though the idea of golden hair was quickly dismissed but somehow, he can give it a thought.

As they conversed, an announcement echoed through the palace, amplified by an elder's profound energy-infused voice.

"Welcome, new recruits, to the New Moon Profound Palace. All recruits aged 16 to 30, please proceed to the recruitment hall. The recruitment process consists of three stages: age verification, cultivation assessment, and a combat test against one of our instructors. Failure in any stage will result in denial of entry as disciples."

"Brother-in-law, the tests have already begun. Follow me, and I'll guide you to the recruitment hall," Xia Yuanba gestured, pointing the way. Yun Che nodded in response.

"Yue Chu, where will you be waiting for us?" After a month spent together, Little Fairy felt at ease with Yun Che and Retsu. Her connection with them had grown stronger, and she was reluctant to part ways, especially due to her fondness for Yun Che.

"I'll remain at a nearby inn to monitor the situation. If anything arises, I'll be there. But I doubt the two of you will face much trouble," Little Fairy assured them.

"Yue Chu, take care. We'll catch up with you later," Retsu bid her farewell, and Little Fairy nodded before disappearing, leaving onlookers stunned.

Yun Che smiled. It seemed she was gradually opening up to them. Despite her icy exterior, her actions reflected a sweeter side. She no longer counted the days until their separation; instead, she seemed to genuinely enjoy the adventures they shared. Their journey had forged a stronger bond among them, and her affinity for Yun Che's cooking only added to the camaraderie.

Once, Yun Che had shared memes and jokes from his past life, prompting chuckles from both Retsu and Little Fairy. His internet-inspired humor had proven surprisingly useful.

Meanwhile, Little Fairy perched atop a wall, observing them from above. She pondered the transformation she had undergone in the past weeks. Despite her past visits to the city, this time had been uniquely enjoyable, exploring and learning alongside Yun Che and Retsu. Her interactions with them, especially Yun Che, seemed to melt away the icy barriers around her heart, filling her with warmth and security. It was a feeling she had long forsaken, and she relished every moment of it. She even counted Retsu as a friend—something she had scarcely experienced before. In her years of isolation during cultivation, she had seldom interacted with others. Could she truly return to her solitary existence when the time came?

"Will she be alright, boss?" Xia Yuanba's query broke her reverie as he puzzled over Little Fairy's sudden departure.

"She can handle herself. She's got quite the Tsundere attitude," Yun Che quipped, drawing a curious look from Xia Yuanba, who then trailed after them. The prospect of the recruitment tests seemed to promise an interesting turn of events.