"I thought I could be alone for once," Yun Che sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as soft footsteps pattered behind him.
----------------
A few minutes earlier...
"Big brother!" a bubbly voice called out, followed by the sudden weight of someone hugging his leg.
Yun Che looked down and blinked. "Mei…? What are you doing here?" he asked, gently patting the head of Mai's little sister.
"Taking a walk with big sister and… big bulky brother," Mei replied with a pout, clearly less than thrilled about the latter.
"Ah," Yun Che nodded knowingly. Mai had always been attentive to her little sister, but ever since Yuanba had entered the picture, her focus had shifted—something Mei clearly didn't appreciate. Yun Che made a mental note to have a word with Mai about it later.
"Aniki!" a familiar voice called out, and Yun Che turned to see Yuanba approaching. Beside him walked Mai, dressed up more nicely than usual, her cheeks faintly tinged with color.
"Yuanba… and Mai?" Yun Che raised a brow. "Are you two… on a date or something?"
"Date?" Mai tilted her head, looking genuinely puzzled.
"A man and a woman spending time together… romantically," Yun Che clarified, eyebrow still raised. The term wasn't exactly common in their world, but the meaning was clear enough.
"Ah… kind of, I guess?" Yuanba scratched the back of his head, looking away with a sheepish smile. "I just… wanted to show Mai around."
"Hooo?" Yun Che grinned. "Nice work, my boy. Finally found the guts to ask a lady out, huh?"
Mai blinked, then smiled shyly at Yuanba.
"Don't let me interrupt you two," Yun Che added, smirking. "Enjoy your little date—and don't do anything I wouldn't do, Yuanba. Or I'll make sure you regret ever being born a man."
His eyes narrowed with just enough menace to get the message across.
Yuanba straightened up and gave a nervous salute. "Y-Yes, sir!"
"Big brother, I want to come with you!" Mei pleaded, her arms wrapped tightly around Yun Che's leg like a stubborn kitten refusing to let go.
"Mei!" Mai chided gently, her expression shifting to apologetic as she turned to Yun Che. "I'm so sorry… she's been a bit cranky today."
But Mei only tightened her grip, her pout deepening. "No! I want to go with big brother!"
Yun Che chuckled, brushing a hand through her hair. "Just let her be. I'll send her home later. You two go and enjoy yourselves."
Mai hesitated, worry flickering in her eyes. "I don't want to trouble you…"
"It's fine," Yun Che reassured her with a warm smile. "I don't mind at all. I'll take good care of her for the day."
Mai gave a small bow, her voice soft. "Please do."
"She's the safest in the world when she's with me. Don't worry," Yun Che said confidently, giving her a nod.
With that, Yuanba and Mai exchanged a grateful glance before turning to continue their stroll, leaving Mei in Yun Che's care—still clinging to his leg like she'd just claimed her prize for the day.
Mei had decided to ditch her sister the moment she spotted him, leaving Mai and Yuanba to their not-so-secret stroll through the city. Technically, Yun Che had been alone for a brief, glorious moment. His girls were off shopping on the other side of the city, stocking up on food and supplies in preparation for their journey to Jin Providence. Cang Yue stayed back to train in her Moon World, and due to their rising fame, all of them had veiled themselves to avoid attracting attention. Most civilians respectfully pretended not to recognize them.
It should've been the perfect opportunity for some peace and quiet. A rare moment to himself.
Then, just minutes ago, he had spotted Yuanba walking through the marketplace, side-by-side with Mai and her sister. His eyes widened slightly. So that's why Yuanba had been constantly begging to visit Mai's restaurant. Judging by the way they moved together—close, but hesitant, like a pair of new lovers unsure of their steps—it was clear they'd caught each other's hearts.
Mei, on the other hand, wore a puffed-up expression of indignation, clearly not thrilled about playing third wheel to their romantic little outing. The moment she caught sight of Yun Che strolling alone, she seized the opportunity, abandoned her sister without a second thought, and latched onto him with the innocent smile of a mischievous little sister.
He wasn't about to ruin Yuanba's moment, so with a smirk and a wave, he bid the budding couple farewell.
Now, with Mei tailing him like a kitten who'd chosen its favorite human for the day, Yun Che sighed again.
"So much for solitude," he muttered, though there was no real frustration in his voice. Just a reluctant acceptance—and maybe the faintest trace of amusement.
"You can still catch up to your sister if you want to," Yun Che said, glancing down at the girl clinging to his hand.
"No way," Mei replied cheerfully. "Big sister keeps talking about big bulky brother nonstop. It's soooo annoying. Besides, I've always wanted to go on a walk with you, big brother!"
Yun Che sighed, long and resigned. "So much for being alone…"
Still, he didn't shake her off. Mei was holding his hand like a true little sister—bright-eyed and excited. It had been a while since he last wandered the capital's streets freely. Maybe this little detour wouldn't be so bad. He still needed to find some supplies, and with the formation expedition coming up, food and medicine would be worth stocking up on.
They strolled under the morning sun, but it didn't take long for murmurs to ripple through the crowd.
"Isn't that Yun Che?"
"Yeah… the one who won the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament?"
People began to take notice, their gazes locking onto him. Whispers followed their steps. More than a few women slowed their pace, some trying not to stare too openly. He caught one or two blushes. Of course, being Yun Che, he played it cool—calm, collected, and not the least bit fazed.
"He's even more handsome in person," a young woman murmured. "Especially after what he said about how he values women…"
His battle against Ling Yun hadn't just shocked the sects—it had launched his reputation into the clouds, particularly among female cultivators and ordinary women. His words, his stance, his strength... they saw him as something rare: a man who didn't belittle women but stood for them. Since then, Yun Che had become the subject of admiration—and, to some, infatuation.
"I heard dozens tried to approach him after the tournament," another girl whispered.
"But none got close, right? Not after the news about the Monarch Butterfly. Who'd dare get between him and a Sovereign Profound Realm cultivator?"
"He's also engaged to the princess," someone added, deflating the mood.
"And friends with the Monarch Butterfly herself…" a final voice sighed. "Unless you're on the level of those beauties, don't even dream."
The reality hit like a gentle slap of truth. Most women quickly gave up the thought. Some stepped back with wistful eyes, while others kept watching from afar—admiring him like one would a legendary figure walking among mortals.
Yun Che, unaware or perhaps just pretending to be, continued his stroll with Mei happily swinging his hand.
"Did you see how beautiful Unohana Retsu is? And he has her," one of the female cultivators whispered, her voice tinged with awe and resignation. She watched Yun Che strolling casually through the market, little Mei happily clinging to his hand.
Ever since his explosive victory over Ling Yun, Yun Che's popularity had skyrocketed—especially among women. But after Retsu's intense match with Xia Qingyue, she had made her claim very public. A single kiss on his cheek in front of everyone… subtle to some, but to every female cultivator watching, it was clear: she belonged to him—and he, to her.
Of course, Yun Che knew it wasn't just about affection. Retsu wasn't the type to mark her territory out of insecurity. No, she was showing Xia Qingyue—as directly as possible—exactly what he meant to her.
And in response? Yun Che had never seen Qingyue so... jealous.
She came at him with frightening determination in the final match, her strikes sharp with emotional weight. And he knew why.
Well, he smirked internally, I never expected things to turn out like this.
A soft chuckle nearly escaped him as he soaked in the attention around him—admiring stares, hushed voices, and the distant sighs of disappointed admirers. If Retsu and the others were here, though, not a single woman would dare cast a lingering gaze. Not because they were intimidated by the women's overwhelming beauty… but by their terrifying possessiveness.
And that was saying something.
If these women ever discovered that Xia Qingyue—beloved and respected by many—was actually his wife, they'd probably collapse from shock. Not that even the original Yun Che could have handled her jealousy. He'd seen it now firsthand. It was the kind of cold fury that could freeze an entire sect in silence.
Then suddenly—
"I've been looking for you, Yun Che!!"
The voice rang like a bell across the plaza, stopping conversations mid-sentence. Both Yun Che and Mei turned toward the sky.
A woman descended like a swan from the clouds, graceful and commanding, her presence drawing every eye in the area. The soft shimmer of her long purple hair danced in the wind, and her robes—an elegant shade of pink trimmed with silver—fluttered as she landed. At her hip rested a delicate sword. Two young children followed her down, floating slightly behind.
She descended from the sky like a vision from a dream—elegant, poised, and untouchable.
Her beauty was the kind that silenced a crowd, not because it demanded attention, but because it effortlessly commanded it. Her skin was smooth and pale like fresh snow kissed by moonlight, unblemished and flawless. Every curve of her face seemed sculpted with divine precision—soft yet sharp, innocent yet noble. Her lips, naturally pink, curled with a quiet strength, as if she had long forgotten what fear felt like.
Long, flowing hair of deep violet streamed behind her, catching the sunlight and glimmering like strands of woven amethyst. As it fell around her shoulders and back, it gave the illusion of silk in motion, fluid and hypnotic. Her eyes—brilliant, piercing, and shaded in the softest lilac—carried a weight of wisdom and sorrow that no ordinary woman could ever bear.
She wore a lavish pink robe adorned with intricate silver embroidery that danced like starlight with every step. Though her clothing was refined, there was a hint of subtle danger in the sword at her hip—a contrast that only enhanced her allure. A woman of serenity and steel, beauty and battle.
She didn't need makeup. She didn't need jewels. Her presence alone made her look like royalty descended from the heavens—someone who could rule hearts with a glance, and break them with a whisper.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
She was radiant—porcelain skin, doll-like features, eyes that shimmered with power and grace. Her beauty was enough to make cultivators pause mid-step. Even Yun Che had to admit—she was a vision.
He blinked once, then sighed.
Here we go again…
"Hmm?" Yun Che narrowed his eyes at the stunning woman descending from the sky.
She landed with the grace of a falling blossom, her violet hair swirling like silk in the wind. With a flick of her wrist, she snapped open a delicate folding fan and pointed it directly at him.
"Ten years!" she declared, her voice like thunder wrapped in perfume. "I've been searching for you for ten years, Yun Che!"
"...Huh?" Yun Che blinked in confusion, deadpan. "Me?"
"The lady's name is Qian Qian," a young male voice chimed from behind her.
"She's the Blue Wind Empire's best cook—and an expert at the Sky Profound Realm," added a sweet, confident girl's voice.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"Lady Qian Qian? That Qian Qian?" someone whispered in awe.
"The chef even the Four Great Sects failed to recruit?"
"Her food is rumored to heal wounds, restore vitality, and even break bottlenecks in cultivation!"
"I heard a single dumpling made a Core Disciple weep."
As if on cue, the two children stepped forward—both blonde, clearly siblings. The girl smiled proudly.
"I'm her little sister, Qian Ling."
"And I'm her little brother, Qian Wu," said the boy with a slight bow.
Yun Che blinked again, baffled.
Ten years? Searching for me? I barely left the Xiao Clan back then... he thought, racking his brain.
Still, his instincts told him one thing loud and clear—play along.
With a sudden grin and dramatic flair, Yun Che spread his arms wide and declared, "My! What beauty stands before me! The heavens themselves must've taken their time sculpting such perfection!"
Mei, still clinging to his hand, gave a dramatic pout. "Big brother…" she muttered, tugging at his sleeve like a jealous little sister.
Yun Che chuckled internally.
One peaceful day outside and now this? A mysterious beauty, a dramatic reunion I know nothing about, and a crowd ready to erupt... yep, just another normal afternoon for Yun Che.
"For a gorgeous chef such as yourself to be looking for me... it's a great honor indeed," Yun Che said smoothly, giving a teasing bow.
====================
Meanwhile—elsewhere in the city…
Retsu suddenly stopped in the middle of shopping and narrowed her eyes.
"Nemu-chan… I feel something off," she said, a chilling edge slipping into her usually serene voice.
"Hnnn," Nemu murmured, her head tilting ever so slightly. "Something bad is in the air."
"Why do I feel ticked off for no reason?" Mio muttered, her aura flaring subtly with a touch of irritation.
All three of them turned to each other, a quiet, dreadful realization dawning at the same time.
"Was leaving Yuuki alone… a big mistake?"
Retsu's calm expression turned icy. "Girls… let's finish shopping. Now. Then we find Yuu-kun."
==================
Back in the city square, Yun Che was just leaning in slightly, attempting to get a better look at the mysterious Qian Qian's delicate features.
Suddenly—block!
The twins stepped in like a pair of bodyguards on high alert.
"Don't you dare get closer to Big Sister!" the little brother, Qian Wu, warned, puffing his chest.
"Big Sister doesn't like perverts!!!" Qian Ling added with a fierce glare.
Yun Che's eyebrow twitched. "Oi—"
"They're right, you know," Jasmine's voice echoed in his mind, calm and sharp.
"Whose side are you on?" Yun Che sighed.
He quickly switched back to charm mode. "Ahem. I'm not a pervert. Really. Just… friendly. Anyway—nice to meet your acquaintance, Lady Qian Qian. Such a burning passion for a woman of your caliber—it's inspiring."
He gave a winning smile. "By the way… did we meet before?"
For just a moment—just a flicker—he caught it. A subtle change in her expression. Her eyes seemed to dim, a hint of sadness peeking through her haughty facade. But in an instant, she snapped her fan open with a flourish, hiding her face behind its painted surface.
"Ling'er, Wu'er… please explain to our guest."
"Yes, Big Sister!" both siblings chorused.
With practiced hands, they unrolled a scroll of drawings before him.
"…What's this?" Yun Che blinked.
"They're all portraits," he muttered, eyes scanning. "Chefs? Cultivators? A few vaguely familiar faces…"
"That's right, perverted Big Brother!" Qian Ling said with a huff. "These are all chefs Big Sister defeated in culinary battles! None of them could match her!"
"Every last one of them failed," Qian Wu added solemnly. "Even sect chefs and palace cooks."
Yun Che looked at the scroll again, then back at Qian Qian. She stood there, elegant, unmoved, holding her fan like a queen holding court.
He scratched his cheek. "So… are you saying I'm next on the chopping block, or did I somehow wrong you in a past life?"
"Ufufufufu… None can match me in the art of cooking!" Qian Qian declared, striking a graceful pose as she fluttered her elegant fan. "I am the number one chef in the entire Blue Wind Empire—Qian Qian!" Her lilting voice swelled with pride. "In terms of culinary prowess, I believe I have no equals! Ohohohoho!"
Yun Che raised an eyebrow as she continued, suddenly shifting to a more serious tone.
"However… I recently visited a restaurant here in the capital—one that had gained overnight fame. Its food was unlike anything I've ever tasted. Sublime, divine, as though it came from the heavens themselves." She paused, her fan lowering ever so slightly as the memory returned. "Naturally, I challenged the chef on the spot."
"And?" Yun Che asked, mildly curious now.
"She refused," Qian Qian said, folding her arms with a pout. "Claimed the recipe was not hers… but given to her by someone named Yun Che. The same Yun Che who won the tournament. The same Yun Che… who overturned a mere street-side stall into an empire in one night!"
A sudden realization lit Yun Che's face. Mai's restaurant…? Ah, that noodle recipe.
"Wait," he said, tilting his head, "then why did you say you've been searching for me for ten years?"
"It's actually… ten hours," her little sister, Qian Ling, mumbled with a sheepish look.
"Big Sister likes to exaggerate sometimes," Qian Wu added with a shrug.
Smack!
"OW—!"
"Owwww…!"
The twins yelped in unison, rubbing the tops of their heads as Qian Qian loomed behind them, fan raised with menacing grace.
"You two talk too much," she said sweetly, though her eyes sparkled with the dangerous glint of pride wounded.
Yun Che just sighed, rubbing his temple as he looked at the eccentric chef in front of him.
"…Yup. This woman's weird," he muttered under his breath. "Reminds me way too much of someone I know."
He couldn't help but chuckle as he imagined Retsu, Mio, or even Cang Yue reacting to this scene. Honestly, he should've known better than to expect a quiet day.
"Face me in a cooking duel, Yun Che!" Qian Qian's voice rang out like a thunderclap, her elegant fan snapping open as she pointed it directly at him. Her eyes burned with competitive fire. "I dare you to challenge me this afternoon—at the Blue Wind Empire Cooking Competition, East Square, Imperial City!"
The crowd stirred with interest.
"We shall settle once and for all… who is the greatest chef in this realm!" she declared dramatically, then lifted her siblings effortlessly under each arm. "Mark my words— I will defeat you, Yun Che! Prepare yourself! Ohohohohoho!"
With a whirl of pink robes and pride, she soared into the sky using her Profound Floating Technique, her flamboyant villain laugh echoing behind her like she was straight out of a comedic stage play.
"Perverted big brother! We'll see you there!" her little brother shouted with all the righteousness of a five-year-old knight.
"I admit…" Yun Che exhaled through his nose, watching the trio vanish into the distance. "She's got passion. Challenging me over noodles I gave to Mai? Ridiculous."
"Big brother…" Mei tugged on his sleeve, "are you really going to enter the cooking competition?"
"Nah," Yun Che replied with a shrug and a relaxed grin. He shoved his hands into his pockets and started strolling down the street again, Mei matching his pace. "Cooking battles? Not my thing. Besides, I already proved my point. I am not interested in things like that. So…"
"But…" Mei tilted her head with a curious frown. "I did notice something weird, though."
"What is it?"
"Big sister Qian Qian—she had a six-pointed star in both her eyes," Mei said thoughtfully. "Her brother had it in his left eye… and the sister had it in her right."
Yun Che blinked. "Huh… now that you mention it, yeah. That's… odd."
He paused for a moment, frowning in thought. There was something strangely familiar about them. But then again, this world had a habit of tossing anime tropes and doppelgängers into his life without warning.
"Probably just another similar characters or a 'cosmic accident' or something," he muttered, brushing it off like a man who'd long stopped questioning reality. "Doesn't matter. I'm not getting involved."
Meanwhile, the nearby onlookers erupted into speculation.
"Did Lady Qian Qian just challenge the number one Blue Wind Ranking Tournament champion to a cooking showdown?"
"Won't he embarrass Lady Qian Qian?"
"Or… will he just embarrass himself?"
As Yun Che kept walking unfazed, the capital buzzed with rising anticipation.
And somewhere not too far off… four women felt a dark, jealous ripple in the air.
As Yun Che strolled leisurely through the marketplace with little Mei in tow, laughter and murmurs trailed behind them—echoes of the earlier spectacle with Qian Qian. But while most eyes were on them with curiosity or admiration, three particular gazes were fixed far more intently.
From a nearby rooftop shaded by hanging silks and temple banners, three figures stood in silence, unnoticed only because the crowd instinctively parted wherever they stepped. Their presence demanded reverence—not because of royal decree, but through sheer reputation and unparalleled beauty.
They were disciples of Frozen Cloud Asgard.
And not just any disciples.
Xia Qingyue, the enigmatic runner-up of the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament, who stood at the Peak of the Sky Profound Realm despite being under twenty.
Chu Yuechan, the revered Fairy of Frozen Beauty, famed for her strength, grace, and unmatched swordsmanship.
Chu Yueli, her sister and fellow member of the elite Seven Fairies, quiet yet deadly, radiant yet aloof.
Together, they were a trio rarely seen beyond the Asgard gates. Yet here they were, standing above the commoner's district, like divine swans gliding across a muddy lake—impossibly pure and utterly captivating.
Originally, it was meant to be a simple stroll.
After their growing closeness during and after the tournament, Yun Che had recommended Qingyue spend more time outside the confines of Frozen Cloud Asgard. "Enjoy the city's life once in a while," he had told her. At first, she had dismissed the idea as unnecessary. But something had lingered. A whisper of curiosity. A desire to understand the world he always spoke of.
She insisted on going.
But when the Asgard Mistress caught wind of it, she immediately voiced her disapproval. "Your beauty will cause chaos, Qingyue," she had warned. "Not even the city's elite will restrain themselves."
And yet, Qingyue pressed on but veiled herself like she always did.
So, in compromise, Chu Yuechan and Chu Yueli were assigned to accompany her.
The result? Chaos anyway.
Wherever they walked, crowds cleared. Even nobles dared not meet their eyes. Women bowed in envy, men froze in awe. It was less a stroll through the city and more the descent of goddesses upon the mortal realm.
So much for ignoring her Asgard Mistress's advice.
But none of that mattered now.
Because she saw him.
There he was. Yun Che. Walking side by side with another woman—well, a little girl clinging to his arm like a sister—but that wasn't what stung.
It was the other woman he'd just spoken to.
Qian Qian.
She had watched the entire interaction unfold from the moment the flamboyant chef had descended with her fan, her siblings, and her dramatic flair. She'd seen Yun Che smile at her. Heard him call her a "gorgeous chef." Whether he meant it as flattery or not didn't matter.
Xia Qingyue's jaw tightened. Her fists clenched.
Beside her, Chu Yuechan narrowed her eyes slightly—sensing the emotional spike radiating from Qingyue. She didn't speak, but she felt it. The same storm she saw during Qingyue's match with Yun Che. Ever since their duel, something had shifted in the young prodigy. Something deep and personal had broken loose.
Jealousy.
Fierce, cold, and unfamiliar.
It simmered beneath Qingyue's composed expression, an icy flame she didn't know how to put out. She wasn't used to this feeling. She wasn't supposed to care. She wasn't supposed to want him to look at only her.
But watching Yun Che banter so casually, smile so easily with another woman, made her feel like that same calm moonlit lake she always compared herself to… had been disturbed.
Ripples.
Cracks.
Longing.
"That Yun Che again…" Chu Yueli sighed, arms folded as she watched the distant figure. "He's just the type who finds trouble no matter where he goes. What do you think, Qingyue?"
"I think… he's just being nice to her," Qingyue replied softly, nodding with quiet conviction. Despite the little sting of jealousy, she placed her trust in the new heart that now beat within her. It no longer whispered fear, but understanding.
"Hmph… I wonder if he accepted her challenge," Little Fairy muttered, her tone cool but tinged with a hidden huff.
"He rejected it, actually," Chu Yueli chimed in, giving her older sister a sideways glance.
"Did he?" Little Fairy arched a brow, voice laced with skepticism.
Qingyue didn't answer. She simply turned and resumed her walk—heading in the same direction Yun Che had gone.
"…Did she just decide to follow him?" Chu Yueli blinked. "Nee-san, what do we do?"
"We're her escorts," Little Fairy said with calm certainty, already starting after Qingyue. "Wherever she goes, we follow."
Chu Yueli narrowed her eyes. "You just want to follow him, don't you?"
"…"
Little Fairy didn't respond—her silence said enough. With another sigh and a resigned shake of her head, Chu Yueli trailed behind them both.
Yun Che arrived at the eastern square of the Imperial City, completely unaware that three stunning women were trailing him from a distance, silent as shadows.
The square opened into a sprawling market, bustling with life. It was a lively place—simple, noisy, and grounded in the everyday rhythm of ordinary people. Here, the lower classes bartered and shopped for food and necessities beneath rows of colorful canopies and the scent of fresh sea breeze.
"A market?" Yun Che murmured, pausing at the edge of the crowd. His eyes lit up. "Retsu and the others would love this place."
"Are you going to shop for fish, big brother?" Mei asked cheerfully, appearing beside him before hopping up to sit on his shoulder like a mischievous bird.
"Might as well," he replied with a small smile, stepping forward.
The last market he had visited was in a secret realm—strange, mystical, and far from the down-to-earth charm of this one. But this... this was different. As he passed through the first section, his eyes widened.
Fish. Everywhere.
Barrels and baskets overflowed with them—gleaming scales in every imaginable hue, gilled creatures he'd never seen in either of his lives. His instincts flared. His cooking senses tingled. He moved from stall to stall like a child in a candy shop, his gaze drinking in the overwhelming variety. Some fish glowed faintly with spiritual energy; others seemed mundane but smelled fresh and rich with flavor.
If scientists from his world ever saw this, they'd be dumbfounded—there weren't enough names in the marine biology textbooks to classify these species. Even the system in his mind categorized many of them as unknown.
It made sense. With the Imperial City seated next to the sea, the fishermen here had access to countless varieties. To cultivators, most of these creatures were worthless. But to a chef like Yun Che? This place was a goldmine.
"Unbelievable..." he whispered, stopping at a well-stocked shop. "There are so many rare species I've never seen before."
"You've got a sharp eye, young man," came a gravelly voice.
Yun Che looked up to see a bulky, sun-tanned old man behind the stall, arms crossed and grinning with pride. "These were caught just this morning from the city's inshore."
Yun Che picked up a fish, its scales shimmering like polished obsidian. "Some of these aren't just rare—they're at Nascent and even True Profound levels. Are they that common around here?"
The old man chuckled, clearly pleased. "You've never been to this port before, have you?"
Yun Che shook his head. "No… I haven't."
The fishmonger grinned wider, his teeth stained with time and sea salt. "Then you're in for a treat, boy. This sea doesn't just feed the city—it births legends."
"Most of the fish here come from the inner lands," the old fishmonger said, his tone lowering with a hint of reverence. "Where the energy of heaven and earth runs thick. Some even grow to the Spirit Profound Realm. But since those white-masked beasts started showing up, the numbers of high-cultivation fish have been declining. Only recently have they started increasing again, thanks to the large sects defending the fishing routes."
He leaned closer, his voice turning conspiratorial. "The rare ones? They're mostly bought out by high-end restaurants or reserved by influential clans and sects. Not something common folk get their hands on anymore."
"Ahh…" Yun Che nodded in understanding, just as a sudden commotion erupted near the edge of the docks.
A loud murmur rippled through the crowd. People began rushing toward the sound, and the old man squinted in the direction before jabbing a thumb that way. "Looks like something's going on. Want to check it out, young man?"
Yun Che didn't hesitate. He adjusted Mei, who was perched comfortably on his shoulder, and began weaving through the crowd. As they drew closer, excited voices filled the air.
"What's the fuss?" the fishmonger muttered, catching up behind him—until he caught sight of the prize and gasped. "Is that—?!"
Before them, several rugged fishermen were unloading a massive fish onto the dock—its scales shimmered with oceanic blues and faint streaks of gold. It was massive, at least twice the size of a man, and bore fins like broad, fluttering banners.
"Big brother! That's one big fish!"
Yun Che's eyes locked onto the massive creature laid out on the dock. The Blue-Finned Elephant Fish was a sight that defied logic and biology. It was enormous—easily the size of a full-grown elephant—with deep cerulean fins that rippled like silk in the breeze. Its body was covered in slick, armored scales that shimmered under the sunlight, each one edged with traces of gold.
Most striking of all were its features: two thick, tusk-like horns curved outward from the sides of its head, and in the center, an unmistakable trunk-like appendage—more flexible fin than flesh—that moved faintly as if sensing the air. Gills flared on either side of its head, shaped like oversized ears that fluttered softly, giving the beast a bizarre, almost mythical majesty.
"That's the Blue-Finned Elephant Fish," the old man whispered, awe in his voice. "One of the rare Sky Profound Realm species… How in the world did they catch that?"
One of the fishermen, panting and slick with seawater, replied, "It was trying to escape a pack of white-masked beasts. We intercepted just in time and brought it down before they could get to it."
Yun Che narrowed his eyes, scanning the group with a casual sweep of his spiritual sense. He raised an eyebrow. All Earth Profound Realm at minimum… he noted. Even the fishermen in this city are cultivators.
Impressive. And telling. The Imperial City truly was no ordinary place.
"Is it really that valuable?" Yun Che asked, turning to the old monger beside him.
"Young man!" the man barked with enthusiasm, "That fish is a treasure. Its flesh is saturated with pure vitality and spiritual energy. Just a single portion can boost cultivation significantly. For someone trying to strengthen their internal foundation, it's a miracle meal."
Yun Che's eyes gleamed with interest. A Sky Profound Realm fish infused with rich energy... This wasn't just a delicacy—it was an opportunity.
Suddenly, the crowd parted like waves before a ship as robed elders and disciples strode onto the dock with unmistakable arrogance. Their presence silenced the square, and whispers rippled among the onlookers.
"We from the Heaven Cloud Sect wish to purchase this fish," one of the elders declared, eyes locked on the Blue-Finned Elephant Fish with thinly veiled hunger.
Before the fisherman could respond, another group stepped forward, clad in crimson robes. "No," said a stern voice from the front, "we from the Burning Heaven Clan will take it. Name your price."
Yun Che's brow twitched. Those bastards are here too? he thought with a scowl. Of course they are. Wherever something rare appears, they slither out like rats.
"You dare deny us face?" a Burning Heaven disciple growled, glaring daggers at the Heaven Cloud elder.
Tension bristled in the air as a third party arrived. "The Xiao Sect would also like to acquire this specimen," announced yet another elder, stepping in with the same entitlement.
One by one, sect elders began to storm the dock, forming a half-circle around the fisherman like vultures circling prey. The pressure from their cultivation alone made the air feel heavy.
Yun Che let out a long sigh. Now it makes sense. No wonder high-level fish rarely hit the markets—these people snatch them up before anyone else even gets a glimpse.
Then, just as things threatened to boil over, the old fishmonger raised a hand, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
"Fellow elders," he said, tone firm and resolute, "this fish is not for sale."
That stunned the crowd.
"It has been reserved," the old man continued, his gaze sharp as he looked each elder in the eye, "as the grand prize for the upcoming Imperial City Cooking Competition."
A moment of silence followed before the sects erupted in renewed energy.
"A cooking competition?" one of the elders scoffed. "Fine. Then we'll send our best chef to win it."
"Hah. You think you're the only one with a skilled cook?" barked another. "The Burning Heaven Clan has culinary experts that could humble palace chefs!"
Mutterings and challenges flew between sects like sparks in dry grass.
Meanwhile, Yun Che tilted his head, blinking. "Cooking competition?" he echoed, a slow grin creeping across his face.
Now that was interesting.
"We're about to begin the Blue Wind Empire Cooking Showdown," the old fishmonger explained as Yun Che remained fixed on the gleaming prize. "Chefs from all over the empire have come to participate. The contest is held alongside the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament every cycle, and since that ended a few days ago, today marks the start of the culinary competition."
He patted the massive creature beside him proudly. "This here—the Blue-Finned Elephant Fish—is the crown jewel. A perfect prize for a true champion."
Then, the old man turned to Yun Che, eyes narrowing with intrigue. "You're a cook too, aren't you, young man? I can see it in how you looked at this fish. Why don't you enter the competition and claim it for yourself?"
He pointed a thick, calloused finger toward a nearby plaza teeming with people. The registration zone buzzed with aspiring chefs, some clad in aprons, others in refined robes, all carrying cooking tools or spices in pouches.
"The deadline's close. You'll have to hurry."
Yun Che's eyes lit up, and his expression flipped from surprise to fierce determination. "A cooking contest? Yosha!" He clenched a fist, fire in his eyes.
Inside his mind, Jasmine's voice rang out with unmistakable disapproval.
"You're not seriously thinking of joining... are you?"
"Of course I am," Yun Che grinned. "There's no way I'm letting a treasure like that go to waste in some noble's banquet hall. That fish deserves a proper end—on my table."
But then a tiny voice tugged at his attention.
"But big brother… what about that lady Qian Qian…?" Mei murmured from his shoulder, blinking innocently.
"Ah… right…" Yun Che scratched his head awkwardly, remembering she issued him a challenge later in the tournament.
Still, with a sheepish smile and a shrug, he turned toward the bustling plaza. "Ah, well…"
And with that, Yun Che marched toward the registration zone—ready to turn a cooking contest into a battlefield.
======================
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace…
"The Princess didn't join her friends this morning?" asked a young man, clad in finely pressed armor bearing the emblem of the Imperial Guard. He was one of the new Imperial Protectors assigned from a noble villa—ambitious, sharp-eyed, and clearly still trying to find his place in the royal circle.
"No, she's still resting," replied a calm, respectful voice.
The speaker was Mei Mei, Princess Cang Yue's personal attendant. At nineteen, she was already a woman of refined grace—her long, dark hair framed a delicate face, and her poised demeanor was accentuated by the fluttering fan she held. Dressed in flowing palace robes styled in traditional motifs, Mei Mei was no ordinary servant. She had been handpicked by Cang Yue herself, not only as a trusted attendant but also as one of her closest friends. Having cultivated to the First Level of the Spirit Profound Realm, she held a unique status among the palace maids.
"Where are Lady Xue Ling and the other protectors?" the young guard asked, clearly scanning for opportunities.
"They're attending to various duties within the palace today," Mei Mei replied evenly, eyes briefly studying him.
The young protector glanced toward the Princess's quarters, then smirked to himself. "The Princess chooses outsiders so easily to join her circle of protectors," he muttered under his breath, trying—and failing—to hide the bitterness in his tone.
Then, a gleam of opportunity flashed in his eyes.
With Lady Xue Ling and those new bodyguards away... this might be my chance. If I speak to her now, earn her favor, maybe she'll finally recognize me. If I can convince her, surely she'll accept me as one of her personal guards...
Unaware that Mei Mei had caught the glint in his eyes, the young protector straightened his posture, ready to seize his moment.
Mei Mei, however, closed her fan slowly and gave him a faint, unreadable smile.
"We can wake her up!" the young Imperial Protector insisted, a spark of ambition burning in his eyes.
"No... just no," Mei Mei replied quickly, her voice low but firm as she stepped in front of him. "Her friends specifically asked me not to disturb her. She had a long night."
But the young man wouldn't be dissuaded. "A princess shouldn't be asleep at a time like this!" he declared, brushing past her before she could stop him.
"Wait—!" Mei Mei reached out, but he had already pushed open the ornate door to Cang Yue's chamber.
The moment the door creaked open, a gentle wave of cold air brushed against his face. He blinked in surprise, looking around and quickly spotting a strange tube-like device in the corner of the room. It hummed quietly, releasing a steady stream of chilled air. The temperature inside was brisk—cool and refreshing.
It was one of Yun Che's modern innovations—a compact device capable of controlling temperature, either cooling or heating a room depending on the user's preference. Nearly every room in the palace had been upgraded with these marvels: air conditioning, ceiling fans, light switches, and even modern toilets. Thanks to these innovations, countless people had begun applying for positions as palace attendants, hoping to enjoy a taste of modern luxury.
But the young man wasn't thinking about any of that. His eyes fell on the sleeping figure atop the elegant bed, wrapped in soft blankets, her breathing steady and serene.
With misplaced confidence, he stepped forward and announced cheerfully,
"Princess! It's morning! I, your humble servant, shall attend to your needs today!"
Mei Mei froze in the doorway, her fan held tightly in both hands, her face paling. He just made a serious mistake.
Because the chill in the room wasn't just coming from the air conditioner.
Something else was waking up… and it wasn't in a good mood.
"...So… noisy…"
The voice drifted through the room like a chill down the spine—calm, low, and layered with a strange, almost inhuman harmony. It was enough to stop Mei Mei dead in her tracks, her entire body locking up in recognition.
That voice. It wasn't the gentle, clumsy voice of Princess Cang Yue.
It was her.
Mei Mei's eyes widened as the figure beneath the silken covers stirred. The morning light cast long shadows across the bed as a woman slowly rose, but it was not the fuchsia-haired beauty she served. No… this wasn't the Cang Yue she knew.
The woman who sat up had long, jet-black hair, cascading over her shoulders like ink spilling into water. Her eyes glowed faintly—golden, piercing, like twin stars burning through fog. The delicate, soft expression Mei Mei had grown accustomed to was gone, replaced by an air of solemn power… and a palpable aura of disdain.
The young man, still standing proudly in the room, blinked in confusion.
"Like I said…" the woman spoke again, her tone flat and biting, "…you're really noisy in the morning."
She sat upright, the silken sheets falling around her like rippling shadows. Her voice echoed faintly, as if layered with another behind it—a dual presence.
"You dare disturb this Empress's nap?"
A cold wind seemed to ripple through the room, despite the hum of the air conditioner. Even the light filtering through the window felt dimmer, almost as if the world itself was holding its breath.
Mei Mei felt her knees weaken as her fan slipped slightly from her fingers. There was no mistake—this wasn't Cang Yue.
It was Shin Yue, the Dark Empress—Cang Yue's sealed alternate persona. A being of dormant power, rarely awakened… and never lightly provoked.