Chapter 199: The Number One Beauty
“As for the matter of the participating disciples, we’ll need to make some extra arrangements. We’ll reselect the fourth and fifth place disciples from the selection tournament, but that might take some more time to find and prepare.” Qin Wushang said with some resignation.
Yun Che suddenly asked, “Lord Qin, you mentioned earlier that the ranking of forces in the ranking battle is based on the highest individual ranking of a disciple, not the average ranking—is that true?”
Qin Wushang nodded. “Indeed. For example, if a force has one disciple ranked first individually, while the other two are outside the top hundred, and another force has disciples ranked second, third, and fourth respectively, the former still tops the force rankings, while the latter can only be second. That’s because being able to produce a disciple who surpasses all others in the ranking battle... well, let’s just say it’s a matter of prestige.”
He sighed bitterly. “Very well, since Her Highness the Princess says so too, we won’t select another disciple. We’ll bring Yuanba along.”
As he spoke, he groaned inwardly... What a mess! The Cang Feng Ranking Battle is such an important, serious event, and in the blink of an eye, two of the three originally selected disciples are crippled, one is forced to leave, and we replace them with someone unexpectedly strong and someone pitifully weak... This concerns the dignity of the imperial family, yet it’s been handled like a child’s game.
Ah, forget it. Let it be.
“But, as a trade-off, Yun Che, I have two requests.” Qin Wushang said with a stern expression. “First, Yuanba can go, but his status will be the same as ours—an accompanying person, not a competitor.”
“Alright.” Yun Che nodded. What he wanted was to fulfill Xia Yuanba’s wish to be there in person. As for letting him compete, even if Xia Yuanba really wanted to, he wouldn’t allow it. Because in that arena, Xia Yuanba was far too weak. If the opponent had even a hint of malice, they could seriously injure him.
“Second.” Qin Wushang looked directly at Yun Che with utmost seriousness. “I hope that in this ranking battle, your individual ranking... can enter the top hundred! Listen carefully—individual ranking, not force ranking!”
“Ah!” Before Yun Che could respond, Cang Yue gasped.
In the last ranking battle, the Cang Feng Imperial Family’s force ranking was 223rd, but their highest individual ranking was only 537th! For any other force, such a ranking could be considered an honor, and would be enough to claim dominance in their region. But for the imperial family that rules the entire land, such a ranking was nothing but a laughingstock... And it had been that way for years, a dismal performance.
For the force ranking to enter the top hundred was nothing but a long-cherished dream of the Cang Feng Emperor, never once realized.
And now, what Qin Wushang said was for Yun Che to enter the top hundred individually!!
That is, among all those under twenty in the entire land, to rank within the top hundred!
Yun Che didn’t refuse. He said calmly, “I will do my best.”
“Mm.” Qin Wushang nodded lightly. “Since you’re about to represent our Cang Feng Imperial Family and fight for glory, and seeing that you’re so strong at your age, the Imperial Family will naturally spare no effort in supporting you. Elder Qin, please go and retrieve the ‘Heavenly Thunder Pill’ from the treasury.”
“Heavenly Thunder Pill!” The elder’s face changed slightly. “Lord Qin, this Heavenly Thunder Pill was bestowed by the imperial court and is extremely rare. It was meant to be used later...”
“It doesn’t matter.” Qin Wushang waved his hand. “Given Yun Che’s talent, with some assistance, he will surely leap even higher. This pill will be of great use to him. Bring it here.”
“Yes.” The elder no longer hesitated and quickly left.
...
After noon, Yun Che wore a new outfit and was accompanied by Cang Yue and Xia Yuanba as they strolled through the Imperial City.
Yun Che had originally planned to take Xia Yuanba and Cang Yue to the Black Moon Merchant Guild to exchange some Purple Mysterious Coins for a few items. But halfway there, they ran into a large crowd. The street ahead was packed with people and blocked on all sides. Crowds were squeezed in layer upon layer, creating a long and narrow human wall on the wide street.
“What’s going on up ahead?” Xia Yuanba stood on tiptoe but couldn’t see anything.
Without thinking, Yun Che spread his soul perception and then said, “It seems someone is holding a challenge match. They erected a platform for combat.”
“A challenge match?” Cang Yue’s eyes lit up. “Let’s go take a look! I’ve heard of challenge matches before but never seen one in person.” In the Imperial City, challenge matches were a common occurrence. Powerful individuals would set up an arena and issue challenges to all comers, either to hone their skills, gain fame, or resolve grudges. For ordinary people, it was a rare spectacle.
Yun Che had no objection. He was somewhat curious as well. The three of them used their strength to push through the crowd and finally arrived at the innermost ring.
The arena was about ten feet wide and five feet high. It seemed to be formed by an earth profound formation. At this moment, on the arena stood a young man in white, about eighteen or nineteen years old, with a handsome face and a cool, refined aura. He stood with his hands behind his back, exuding an extraordinary presence that made him stand out among the crowd.
Beneath the stage, a middle-aged man was announcing loudly, “Our young master’s challenge match has been set up for three days. He has won sixty-three consecutive battles without a single defeat! If anyone present can defeat our young master, the reward will be one million Purple Mysterious Coins! If anyone can withstand three moves from our young master without falling, the reward will be three hundred thousand Purple Mysterious Coins! Our young master is the personal disciple of the ‘Heavenly Sword Villa’s’ Sword Master, and his profound strength has reached the fourth level of the Earth Xuan Realm! All young heroes under twenty years old, please come forward!”
The words “personal disciple of the Heavenly Sword Villa’s Sword Master” made the surrounding crowd gasp in amazement. Among the younger generation, the fame of the Heaven Sword Villa was second to none. A personal disciple of its Sword Master—that status alone was enough to make countless people look up in awe.
“Fourth level of the Earth Xuan Realm! At such a young age! Simply astonishing!”
“No wonder he’s won sixty-three straight matches. Who among the younger generation could possibly be his opponent?”
“He’s the personal disciple of the Heavenly Sword Villa’s Sword Master! Even if you don’t mention his profound strength, just his backing is enough to make people hesitate.”
Hearing these discussions, the young man on stage remained calm and composed, a faint, confident smile on his lips. He glanced disdainfully at the crowd below, then lightly said, “I came all the way here from the Heavenly Sword Villa to broaden my horizons, hoping to meet some worthy opponents. But after being here for three days, I’m deeply disappointed. The geniuses of the Cang Feng Imperial City are nothing more than this. Hah, boring.”
His arrogant tone immediately provoked anger in many young people present, but when they recalled his strength, they could only swallow their indignation. Fourth level of the Earth Xuan Realm—among those under twenty in the entire Cang Feng Empire, that was definitely top-tier strength.
“......” Yun Che glanced at the young man indifferently, then turned to leave.
But at that moment, Cang Yue suddenly said softly, “He’s quite strong, but compared to you, Yun Che, he’s still far inferior.”
Although her voice was very low, the young man on stage had an extremely sharp sense. His gaze immediately fell on Cang Yue, and his eyes flashed with surprise. Then, a hint of intrigue crossed his face. He smiled slightly and said, “That young lady, I heard you say I am far inferior to him?” He pointed at Yun Che.
Cang Yue’s expression changed slightly. She hadn’t expected her casual remark to be overheard. But since it was already said, she had no fear. She lifted her chin and said calmly, “That’s right. Compared to my junior brother, you are far inferior.”
“Oh?” The young man’s smile grew even more playful. He looked at Yun Che, his eyes scanning him with interest. “Then I’d like to see exactly how this ‘far superior’ junior brother of yours performs.” He cupped his hands toward Yun Che and said, “I, Lin Han, from the Heavenly Sword Villa, would like to request a duel from this brother. I wonder if you dare to accept?”
The surrounding crowd immediately buzzed with excitement.
“Someone actually dares to provoke him! This is going to be interesting!”
“That young man in black looks pretty calm, but I wonder if he’s as strong as he looks.”
Yun Che frowned slightly. He had no interest in such pointless fights. But before he could refuse, Cang Yue whispered in his ear, “Yun Che, don’t be impulsive. This is right outside the Imperial City. If you get hurt, it won’t be worth it.”
Yun Che smiled faintly. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” He then turned to Lin Han and said evenly, “I have no interest in fighting you.”
Lin Han’s smile faded slightly, a trace of mockery appearing in his eyes. “What’s the matter? Afraid?”
“Afraid?” Yun Che chuckled lightly. “It’s just that I think it’s unnecessary.” With that, he was about to leave.
But Lin Han suddenly said, “If you don’t dare to fight, then just admit that the person beside you was talking nonsense. Otherwise, today, I will make you stay and show everyone exactly what the gap is between you and me.”
As his words fell, a powerful aura radiated from him, pressing down on the entire arena. The crowd below felt their hearts tighten, as if a great mountain was pressing down on them.
Yun Che stopped. He turned around, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of his mouth. “Since you’re so persistent, then I’ll play along with you for a little while.”
Seeing Yun Che agree, Lin Han laughed heartily. “Good! Finally, I’ve met a courageous one. Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you. If you can take three moves from me, you’ll be considered a true genius.”
“Three moves?” Yun Che said lightly. “That’s enough.”
Lin Han’s expression darkened. He felt completely underestimated. Without another word, he formed a hand seal, and profound energy gathered in his palm, condensing into a sword light that shot toward Yun Che.
The sword light was extremely fast and fierce. Many in the crowd cried out in alarm, their hearts racing.
Yun Che didn’t dodge or evade. He simply stretched out a finger and gently flicked it.
A gentle force seemed to ripple through the air, and the sword light shattered like glass, scattering into spots of light that disappeared.
Lin Han was stunned. Then, his eyes turned serious. “You’ve got some skill!” He no longer held back, his hands forming seals rapidly, and profound energy surged like a tide, transforming into countless sword shadows that swept toward Yun Che like a storm.
Yun Che still didn’t move. He just raised his hand and made a grabbing motion.
In an instant, all the sword shadows converged, as if drawn by an invisible force, and condensed into a ball of light in his palm. Then, with a light squeeze of his hand, the ball of light dissipated completely.
Lin Han’s face changed drastically. His move had been effortlessly broken by the opponent!
The crowd below was also in an uproar.
“He’s actually so strong!”
“He broke Lin Han’s move so casually! Who is he?”
Lin Han’s expression turned ugly. He gritted his teeth and said, “You forced me to use this!” He took a deep breath, and profound energy wildly gathered around him. A faint sword shadow appeared above his head, emitting a terrifying pressure.
“Heavenly Sword—Nine Heavens Slash!” Lin Han shouted and slashed at Yun Che with one hand.
The sword shadow whistled through the air, seeming to tear through the very void, carrying a destructive power that cascaded down.
Yun Che finally made a real move. His figure flashed, and he appeared in front of Lin Han like a ghost. He lightly pressed a finger on Lin Han’s forehead.
In that instant, all the sword shadows and pressure vanished without a trace. Lin Han’s body went rigid, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.
“You... you...” Lin Han stammered, unable to speak.
Yun Che withdrew his finger, turned around, and said calmly, “Your swordsmanship has good momentum, but your control is lacking. You’re not worthy of being called a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Villa.” After saying this, he walked away, not looking back.
Lin Han stood frozen on the spot, his face alternating between pale and red. Finally, he bowed deeply toward Yun Che’s back and said loudly, “Thank you for your guidance!”
...
After leaving the crowd, Cang Yue looked at Yun Che with admiration and said, “Yun Che, you were amazing just now. You even made that arrogant guy bow to you.”
Xia Yuanba also laughed heartily, “Brother Che, you’re way too awesome! When you flicked your finger just now, I almost pissed myself!”
Yun Che smiled and shook his head. “It’s nothing.”
“By the way, Yun Che.” Cang Yue suddenly remembered something and asked, “You mentioned earlier that you wanted to ask me about Chu Yuechan. Why did you suddenly think of her?”
Yun Che paused, then said, “I heard she is the senior sister of the Bing Yun Fairy Palace and is known as the number one beauty of the Cang Feng Empire. I was curious.”
Cang Yue’s gaze turned slightly complicated as she said softly, “Chu Yuechan... She truly lives up to that title. I’ve heard that even the emperor of our empire, my father, was captivated by her beauty and has never taken an empress because of her.” She sighed lightly, “But her life hasn’t been as smooth as her beauty suggests. I heard that many years ago, she was sealed for some reason, and it wasn’t until recently that she broke the seal.”
“Sealed?” Yun Che was surprised.
“Mm.” Cang Yue nodded. “No one knows the specifics, but it’s a known fact in the higher circles. However, since she has been unsealed, she is likely even more powerful now. Yun Che, you must be careful—try not to cross paths with her.”
Yun Che nodded silently, but his mind was thinking about the woman who had left him an extraordinary mark.
(End of this chapter)