At Yun Che's request, Jin Zhuo quickly assembled the remaining members of the Jin Family—from seasoned guards and elders to women, children, and even household workers. The courtyard buzzed softly with murmurs as 938 people stood gathered under the cloudy midmorning sky.
Just as Mulan had said—less than a thousand.
"Che'er, all family members have been gathered." Jin Zhuo reported solemnly.
But before Yun Che could respond, a blur of enthusiasm launched itself into him.
"Che'er!" a slightly chubby man shouted, arms wide before wrapping him in a bear hug.
"Uh… you are?"
The man gasped in exaggerated pain. "How cruel! It's me—Mucong! Your own brother-in-law! How could you forget me? They said you were dead! The entire city thinks you died a tragic death! How are you still breathing?!"
"I have my ways," Yun Che replied coolly, trying to peel the man off him.
Mucong's eyes sparkled mischievously. "So… what kind of perverted smut did you cook up this time? Huh? Tell me and we'll rake in the money again! Come on, don't be stingy, bro—let's make a kill—"
WHAM!
A firm fist descended onto Mucong's head. Courtesy of Jin Yuelian.
"Ahhh~ Mother… your loving fists…" Mucong collapsed to the ground, a weirdly satisfied smile stretching across his face.
Everyone went silent.
The girls—Retsu, Qingyue, Nemu, even Cang Yue—stared down at him with a mixture of confusion and mild horror.
"…He enjoys that?" Qingyue asked flatly.
"He does," Mulan sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Apparently, my parents whipped him for punishment… and he just… liked it. Don't ask."
"Not the most stable upbringing," Nemu muttered. "Might end up as a maso.."
Yun Che silence her mouth with his hand.
Retsu gave Mucong a side glance. "I've seen strange things back in the city…strange….er… but he's in a category of his own."
Mulan, rubbing her temples, muttered, "I apologize on behalf of my brother. Again."
"So… what did he mean by writing smut?" Retsu asked curiously, her head tilted.
Yun Che blinked. "Wait—what did he mean by that?"
Mulan crossed her arms. "Mu Che—the other you—used to feed him plotlines. He'd write them into… let's say, risqué literature. Sold like wildfire in the city. People loved his ideas, especially that one where the women with less clot—"
"Alright, alright!" Yun Che interrupted, waving his hands as his face flushed slightly. "Ancient history!"
As he looked around at the assembled family, the oddball Mucong twitching blissfully on the ground, and the growing expressions of how-is-this-my-life from the girls around him…
Yun Che began to seriously question whether he'd stepped into a martial arts drama… or a bizarre family sitcom.
Still, the task at hand wasn't over.
He cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Alright… enough nostalgia. Let's begin."
Yun Che took a step forward, flanked by Retsu, Mio, Cang Yue, Nemu, and Kon. Each of them stood tall and calm, exuding quiet confidence.
He turned back toward the rest of the group—his wife, companions, and the stunned members of the Jin Family, all watching with curious eyes.
"Ladies," Yun Che began, voice calm yet firm, "what you're about to see is the advanced form of Observation Haki—called Eagle Vision. Unlike its basic form, this one can detect ill intent... even if it's hidden behind a smile."
Gasps of surprise rippled through the gathered women. The very idea of seeing intent felt like something out of a myth.
Yun Che continued, letting a faint pressure leak from his profound aura to catch everyone's attention.
"Anyone among you who holds ill will toward the Jin Family… anyone with thoughts of betrayal, espionage, or treachery... your intent will no longer be hidden." He turned slowly to scan the gathered group. "Even if it's a passing thought... We will expose it."
"In other words, today will be the day for you as spies for the Zhu Family."
Jin Zhuo and Yuelian exchanged uneasy glances. They had never heard of such a power, not even among the renowned sects or clans.
Yun Che raised his hand. "Now. Activate Eagle Vision."
In perfect unison, Retsu, Mio, Cang Yue, Nemu, and even the tiny Kon closed their eyes. Their pupils briefly glowed—some with gold, others with shimmering blue. Within a second, their perception shifted.
What they saw stunned them.
"Ara~~… there are quite a few red ones," Retsu murmured, her eyes narrowing.
"So many traitors among your own blood," Nemu said coldly, raising one hand in preparation.
Yun Che's tone grew sharp. "Retsu, Nemu—lock your sights on them."
"Mio—get ready to bind."
"Hai!" they all responded.
"Now!"
With a sudden surge of spiritual energy, Retsu raised her hand.
"Sajō Sabaku!" Thick golden chains of light shot forward, ensnaring targets glowing with red intent.
Nemu followed immediately. "Rikujōkōrō." Six beams of light crashed down like pillars, locking each of the traitors in place with precise accuracy.
Mio's spider silk weaved through the bindings, wrapping around the enemies and suspending them helplessly in air.
And then—Kon turned into a flash of blue light, zipping from one body to another, yanking and tightening the strands, and tossing each captured spy toward the center of the courtyard.
Thud. Thud. Slam.
The dust settled.
Exactly 138 individuals lay restrained in the center, groaning or cursing.
A stunned silence blanketed the courtyard.
Yun Che stepped forward again, his voice cold now.
"These are your traitors. Some are spies from the Wu Clan. Others were planning to sabotage the Jin Family from within. You can no longer claim ignorance."
Gasps and muffled cries broke out from the crowd. Some guards moved instinctively to protect their families.
Jin Zhuo's face turned dark, his fists trembling.
"One hundred and thirty-eight…" he whispered. "All this time…"
Jin Yuelian's expression was unreadable—but her voice was steady. "We would have trusted these people with our lives…"
Retsu lowered her hand. "And they would have gladly taken it at any moment."
And for the first time in a long while—the Jin Family began to understand just how far-reaching the web of betrayal truly was… and just how powerful their allies had become.
"Execute them…" Jin Zhuo growled, his voice cold and heavy. The command struck the air like a hammer, and the courtyard instantly filled with terrified cries.
The bound traitors began to panic—some screaming, some weeping, others desperately thrashing in their binds.
Yun Che raised his hand calmly. "No. Let them go."
The atmosphere froze.
Jin Zhuo turned to him, eyes flashing. "Che'er, these traitors—some of them have information! Secrets about our family, our defenses—"
"They have current information," Yun Che interrupted coolly. "But once we make the necessary changes after this purge, everything they know becomes obsolete. Let them go. Out that gate, they won't last a week—not with what's coming."
"But—!"
"Let me finish." Yun Che's voice dropped lower. "Their families can make a choice. Either follow traitors and die with them… or live under the protection of the Jin Family. Loyalty will be their shield. Betrayal… their curse."
A ripple of silence passed through the courtyard.
Then, something unexpected happened.
Some of the bound men and women—faces stained with fear—began to scream and beg for their lives. "Please! Mercy! We had no choice—"
But Yun Che's eyes narrowed. His Eagle Vision revealed their intents.
"Still red…" he muttered. Their intents were unchanged. Their begging was empty.
Then, slowly… a few among them changed.
One by one, their auras shifted. The red glow dimmed and morphed to a soft blue, like a tide pulling back from a storm. Their fear turned to regret. Their voices, once desperate, became humble.
"I didn't want this… I was afraid… I'll serve faithfully—"
As if sensing the sincerity, the spiritual webbing around them unraveled, fading into mist.
Yun Che nodded. "They've repented. Their intent is clear now. They are yours again, father-in-law. Do not waste them."
Retsu released her stance. "The bindings didn't even react to their words unless their intent changed. That's your answer."
Little Fairy, Qingyue and Chu Yueli stared in disbelief. "So this… this is what Eagle Vision can see…"
The power to discern loyalty and traitors.
Mulan, Xue Ling and Lin Yueru were ecstatic. He said they would be able to learn this art once they achieved at least Intermediate Stage of Observation Haki. They probably will double their efforts once this is all over.
Yun Che turned to address everyone present, voice rising.
"Executing people without offering a path back is shortsighted. Some betrayed out of fear, desperation, or coercion. If you give them a choice—and they still choose treason—then you strike."
"Better yet," he added, "turn them against the ones who sent them. Use their knowledge, their bitterness. Let them help bring down their former masters."
Silence. Then—
"I'll tell you everything I know."
"I'll prove my loyalty!"
"Let me make it right!"
More and more began bowing deeply, pressing their foreheads to the ground before Jin Zhuo. One after another, the red glows around them flickered blue. Trustworthy again.
Jin Zhuo looked on in silence before slowly giving a nod.
"Extract every detail they know. And the rest?"
Yun Che gestured to the remaining red-glowing spies, their bindings still tight.
"They're not worth killing. Load them into carriages. Strip them of every advantage. Send them back into the city."
"You're letting them go?" one guard asked.
Yun Che smirked faintly. "Let them run. Their former masters will think they failed and abandoned them. That fear… will eat them alive."
As the guards began sorting the blue and red with Yun Che's help, Cang Yue stepped beside Yun Che, her voice soft.
"Eagle Vision have its perks."
Yun Che pats her head. "Useful enough to whip out traitors among our ranks."
"Rascal, just what is this art?"
Little Fairy stepped toward Yun Che, her tone curious but sharp. Beside her, Chu Yueli and Qingyue also approached, their expressions focused.
Yun Che smiled. He expected this.
"It's the advanced form of a cultivation art we call Eagle Vision. When you reach a high enough level in Observation Haki, you begin to divert it to your eyes to see a person's intent—literally. Their thoughts toward you manifest in colors. Red for hostility, blue for loyalty, white for neutrality, and gold for targets. You can read their heart before they even speak."
Qingyue widened her eyes. The power to discern intents is just like the features of her Heart of Snow Glazed Glass. According to Yun Che, only two senses he managed to evolved. What of the other senses?
"I used it just now to identify the traitors among the Jin Family," he added with a subtle nod to the courtyard.
Little Fairy's brows twitched. "How can we learn it?"
Yun Che raised a hand. "You'll need to master the Intermediate Stage of Observation Haki first. The Advanced Stage is what unlocks intent detection through your eyes. Since you mastered advance stage, I can help you out by diverting the power to your eyes. If not, I might risk blinding you."
"Haki…" Chu Yueli murmured, her expression hopeful. "Could someone like me learn this too? I've always trained similarly to my older sister here…"
Yun Che nodded. "If your sister can, so can you. All three of you possess the Crystal Dream Heart. That's your greatest advantage."
"Crystal Dream Heart?" Chu Yueli echoed, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"I'll let Qingyue and Yuechan explain that in detail," Yun Che said, glancing fondly at his wives. "But as for your training… someone else has already offered to teach you one day."
"Who?" Chu Yueli asked quickly, blinking with curiosity.
"He said he owes you something—for that skirmish in the tomb, remember?" Yun Che smirked. "He'll visit you soon."
"Visit me?"
A soft blush crept across Chu Yueli's face. "You mean… him?"
Qingyue raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
Yun Che turned toward her with a mischievous grin.
"Dracule Mihawk."
Qingyue's eyes widened slightly in recognition. She remembered that name—a legendary figure. The swordsman who once stood at the Emperor's side. Cang Yue's former master. Revered throughout the empire as the greatest blade under heaven.
Little Fairy sighs but there is some truth to it. Her sister probably will be much more eager if Mihawk is the one teaching here. Even if that Mihawk and the rascal in front of her are the same person.
Yun Che grinned wider, as if proud of what the future held.
"Lord Mu!!"
A delicate voice rang out from the crowd as a young woman rushed toward Yun Che—only to be abruptly halted mid-sprint.
Zzt!
Retsu's lightning-fast light binding spell wrapped around the girl's limbs, suspending her in place. Nemu immediately followed up with Rikujōkōrō, six bars of light slamming into her and locking her movements.
"Eeep!"
The girl squealed, wide-eyed, as she froze mid-step. She couldn't have been older than eighteen—slender, graceful, and undeniably lovely, her eyes pleading more from surprise than fear.
"Sister Retsu, please!" Mulan stepped forward quickly, concern flashing in her eyes. "She's not a threat. That's Li Bing—my personal attendant. Please don't hurt her."
Retsu hesitated, then nodded softly. The spells faded, and Li Bing collapsed to her knees, panting. Mulan immediately knelt beside her, gently checking her arms.
"This one…"
Yun Che narrowed his eyes at the girl. "She feels… strangely familiar."
Mulan sighed lightly, brushing hair from Bing's face.
"She is. This is Li Bing. Back then, I entrusted her with much of my personal care. She was the one I even asked to… well… accompany you during our wedding night."
Yun Che blinked. "Wait… you asked her to—"
"She refused at first," Mulan quickly clarified. "But after spending months around you… she started to like you. Quietly. Never made a move. Said she'd wait until our marriage was consummated, so she could be taken officially as a concubine."
Yun Che's voice lowered. "And that day never came… right?"
Mulan nodded, her expression soft.
Li Bing finally looked up at him, her cheeks flushed.
"Lord Mu… I truly missed you. Don't you remember? We used to train together. You taught me so much."
Yun Che glanced at her again—this time with clearer eyes.
Her strength. Her aura.
"First Level Earth Profound Realm," he muttered.
"Stronger than Mei Mei…" Cang Yue added, clearly impressed.
Even Xue Ling raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. Lin Yueru let out a soft sigh, clearly a little envious.
"She surpassed me…" Lin Yueru muttered under her breath. An attendant had surpassed her as she's just eighteen years old.
Retsu watched the girl carefully, as did Qingyue and Mio—not out of hostility, but out of instinct. The way she looked at Yun Che… it wasn't fake. It was too real, too earnest.
Yun Che let out a soft breath.
"Mu Che's past is catching up faster than I expected."
"I doted on her a lot," Mulan said softly, brushing a few strands of hair from her attendant's face. "Ever since she lost her twin sister."
Yun Che blinked. "Twin sister?"
Mulan nodded, her gaze distant. "Her family was attacked by bandits. Her parents were killed, and she and her sister were separated by surviving relatives. One of them was taken—sold off or hidden away—no one knows. The other… our family found her. Broken, grieving, but alive. We took her in. She's been with me ever since."
Li Bing lowered her head, clutching Mulan's sleeve.
"The only family she ever had was that sister," Mulan added. "And she was torn away."
Yun Che narrowed his eyes, staring at the girl causing her to blush.
"Now that you mentioned it. She looks quite… familiar," he murmured.
"You remembered her?" Mulan asked with a hopeful tone.
"Not in the way you're hoping for," Yun Che muttered, rubbing his chin. "She just seems… Wait."
He suddenly turned to Qingyue.
"Qingyue, remember when we met in the arena? When I spoke with the Villa Mistress?"
"Yes?" she replied cautiously.
"There was a girl—her attendant. Do you remember her face?"
Qingyue's eyes widened as realization dawned. Yun Che was sure his missy of a wife here had an extremely good memory. "Now that you mention it… yes. She looked just like her."
Mulan's eyes snapped toward Yun Che. "Villa Mistress? You mean—Xuanyuan Yufeng? Of Heavenly Sword Villa?"
Yun Che nodded. "Yeah. I met her during the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament. Her personal attendant—quiet, respectful, and always standing nearby…"
His gaze fell back on Li Bing, who looked up at him, eyes wide with uncertainty.
"…Girl," he said slowly, "…That twin sister of yours. Is her name...—Li Xuan?"
"Xuan'er… Xuan'er's alive?!" Li Bing held Yun Che's hand.
Li Bing's voice cracked, tears welling in her eyes. "Where is she?! Lord Mu, please—tell me! Please…"
She clutched Yun Che's robe, trembling with desperation. He gently but firmly placed a hand on her shoulder and eased her back.
"Calm down," he said gently. "She's alive—and she's with Xuanyuan Yufeng… wherever she may be now."
"No… not her!" Li Bing's voice turned desperate again. "Please… you don't understand… The Villa Mistress—she's known for being cruel to female servants! She—she'll hurt Xuan'er!"
But Yun Che shook his head. "You don't have to worry about that anymore."
He turned, gesturing to Little Fairy. "This lady here can vouch for her."
Little Fairy gave a slight nod, arms folded. "It's true. Xuanyuan Yufeng… changed."
"Changed?" Mulan echoed, confused.
Yun Che exhaled. "Apparently, she was under the influence of a mind-controlling potion… given to her by her husband, Ling Yuefeng. Her cruelty was real—but not truly her own. After she was freed from its effects… she became someone else entirely. Kind. Gracious. Protective."
Li Bing froze, eyes wide and glassy.
"She treats Li Xuan like her own daughter now. Judging on how she treat that one when we met." Yun Che continued. "Your sister is safe. Safer than anyone else in that villa. Before her mistress's suicide."
"Why did you say… suicide…?" Mulan asked hesitantly.
Yun Che's tone turned serious. "Rumor says she committed suicide a week ago. But it's false. A ruse."
Little Fairy gasped. "She faked her death?"
Yun Che nodded. "She despised what the villa turned her into. So, she sabotaged the formation meant to capture Cang Yue, then vanished. Ling Tianni and his son are now hunting her. She jumped from the edge of the cliff into a strong river current. They cover the suicide up to avoid broken reputation since she's the daughter of an elder of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region."
He paused. "And because of her connection… Li Xuan is being hunted too."
"No…" Li Bing whispered, shaken.
"But don't worry," Yun Che said firmly. "Xuanyuan Yufeng will protect her with her life. Of that, I'm certain."
Li Bing covered her mouth, sobbing softly. Mulan wrapped an arm around her, comforting her silently. For the first time in years, Li Bing had hope—terrifying hope—but hope nonetheless.
Her twin sister is still alive. After all this time.
"You seem to know Xuanyuan Yufeng very well," Little Fairy said, narrowing her eyes ever so slightly. There was no malice—just suspicion. Yun Che did seem to attract powerful women like a magnet.
Yun Che chuckled dryly. "That's because… I was the one who released her."
"What?" Little Fairy's tone sharpened, even Mulan and the others turned to him in surprise.
"I meant to kill her," Yun Che admitted. "Back during the tournament… she was my target. But before I could finish her off, I saw something wrong—something trapped."
He activated his Copy Wheel Eyes, the glow flickering briefly in his eyes.
"She had been under the influence of a mind-altering drug for twenty-three years. A rare concoction called the Eternal Love Potion. It clouds the heart, poisons the will, and warps judgment. My eyes—these—broke that illusion. Freed the real woman buried beneath."
"Heavens…" Little Fairy muttered, stunned. It was true.
Her rascal was the one who broke the old her. Releasing the trapped woman within.
"Imagine having the mind and emotions of a sixteen-year-old girl," Yun Che continued, "trapped in the body of a woman over forty. That's Xuanyuan Yufeng now—fragile, remorseful, and free for the first time in decades."
Little Fairy paused, gaze steady. "She came to me once, quietly… and asked if I could help her understand what had been done to her. That's how deep the damage was."
Everyone fell silent. Even Chu Yueli was visibly shaken.
Then Yun Che turned back to Li Bing.
"But what matters now—your sister is safe. Alive. And loved. She's in good hands."
Tears rolled down Li Bing's cheeks again. But this time, they weren't born of despair—they were warm, grateful.
"Thank you… Lord Mu… truly, thank you…"
Yun Che smiled softly. "I am no lord. Just Yun Che. One day, I'll take you to her. That's a promise."
"You really are a man of miracles, Che'er," Jin Zhuo said with a proud smile, his wife nodding beside him. They'd been quietly observing everything—amazed, grateful, and a little awestruck.
Yun Che rubbed the back of his neck. "Not really. Just a guy who keeps ending up in the right place at the right time."
He turned, scanning the courtyard and surrounding grounds with a discerning eye. "But we've got a bigger problem here… This place looks more like a condemned sect than a noble family estate. You've got a huge compound, but only 20% of it's even in use. The rest? Wasted space."
Jin Zhuo let out a weary sigh. "We've been drowning in debt, Che'er. With every betrayal and loss, that burden only grows heavier."
"How bad is it?" Yun Che asked, arms crossed.
"About five million purple profound coins," Mulan answered with a tight voice. "Most of it owed to the Zhu Family and the Cang Outer Royal Family. They show up almost weekly now… demanding payment, sneering at our decline."
Yun Che exhaled sharply. "Those clowns again… Well, lucky for you, I've got a plan. Not only will they forget about your debts, they'll be paying you instead."
The family looked at him in disbelief.
Yun Che grinned. "Just focus on rebuilding. Start by bolstering your numbers and fortifying your defenses. Right now, there are tons of people in the city being oppressed or cast aside. Gather them. Train them. Give them purpose. We'll screen out any snakes."
"I can send my little spiders to sniff them out~" Mio said sweetly under her veil, grinning with mischief.
"No, Mio. No spiders this time," Yun Che said quickly, waving his hand with exaggerated seriousness.
"Ehhh? But they'll come if I call them…" Mio pouted, clenching her fists. "They miss me…"
"With one of them the size of a house and thousands more behind it? We'll have the whole city screaming and evacuating," Yun Che sighed.
The others shuddered at the mental image.
"Hai…" Mio lowered her head, thoroughly dejected.
Retsu gently patted her. "Next time. When it's time for war."
Mio perked up slightly. "Promise?"
Yun Che raised a brow. "…Only if you promise not to bring the Spider Queen. Wait, you're the spider queen."
Everyone laughed—except for Qingyue, Chu sisters, Mulan, Jin Zhuo and Jin Yuelian, who still looked like she hadn't quite processed the phrase "spiders the size of houses."
Mulan's eyes widened. She had seen the terrifying demon fox Retsu transformed into that night—and now learned that Mio not only commanded darkness snakes, but also had an entire army of spiders waiting in hiding? And she was a Monarch, no less. Then there was Nemu, whose mind operated with unnerving precision and deadly efficiency. Not to mention Princess Cang Yue, the graceful and poised Blue Moon royal princess, and the revered Xia Qingyue and Chu sisters—each among the top cultivators of their generation.
Her gaze shifted to Yun Che.
Who exactly is this man… to gather such terrifying powers around him so naturally?
"But Che'er," Jin Yuelian finally spoke, her voice tinged with concern, "for recruitment, repairs, armory, defenses—this will cost far more than a million purple coins."
"Dear Jin matriarch, I can—" Cang Yue began, but her words were cut off.
Without warning, Yuelian stepped forward and pulled her into a warm embrace.
"Mu… Just call me mother, dear," she whispered gently. "Titles are meaningless between family."
"Eh…? Family?" Cang Yue's voice caught. Her hands hovered, unsure, as she slowly leaned into the hug.
Yuelian held her a little tighter. "You're late Lan Ying's daughter, right? I know you've reserved that title for your late mother… I understand. But she was my dearest friend."
"You knew my mother?" Cang Yue looked up, her voice trembling slightly.
Yuelian nodded with a soft smile. "We grew up together. When I saw your hair, I knew—you have your father's fuchsia hair, but your mother's beauty and gentle heart. That silly, wonderful girl. That Ying'er."
Cang Yue's eyes shimmered.
"Your father once came to Jin Province as a young noble. That's when they met. Your mother was a commoner then, but known throughout the city for her kindness. So much so that she followed your father back to Blue Wind Imperial City... and became his Empress."
Cang Yue stood still for a long moment, silent tears slipping down her cheeks. That's why her father didn't object to her deciding to go to the Jin Province. He knew the Jin Family was close to her late mother. It was his silent mission for her to save the Jin Family.
"Mother was from Jin Province?" Cang Yue asked softly, her eyes still glistening.
"It's… uncertain where she truly came from," Jin Yuelian replied. "But she was here when we met. That's all I needed."
"You never told me about this," Jin Zhuo interjected, brows furrowed. "No wonder you insisted on going to her funeral."
"She passed before we ever had the chance to reunite," Yuelian said quietly. Her gaze returned to Cang Yue, tender and full of memory. "When the news of her death reached me… I was devastated. My husband and I went to her funeral. I remember seeing you there—you were so small. Just a little girl with your mother's grace and your father's eyes."
Cang Yue froze.
"I always wished I could've been there for you sooner… but I hope, even now, that I can still be someone you can rely on. You've endured so much, Yue'er. Growing up without a mother takes a kind of strength most people never understand. You've carried that burden with grace. You made Mulan your sworn sister, followed her to this harsh and broken place. She gave you her loyalty, you gave her your trust."
Yuelian stepped forward, placing her hands gently on Cang Yue's shoulders.
"I know I can never replace her. But for the daughter of my dearest friend… could you allow me the honor of being a mother figure to you?"
"I…" Cang Yue hesitated, her voice trembling.
A flood of memories surged—of Feng Caiyun, the kind woman who once treated her like her own daughter, who had been warmth in the Phoenix clan. And now, here stood another woman offering her the same embrace… the same love.
On top of that, she was her mother's dearest friend. The closest person who knew her mother.
Her fear wasn't rejection.
Her fear… was attachment.
What if I grow close again? What if I lose them too?
"I'm afraid," Cang Yue whispered.
Yuelian smiled gently. "It's all right to be afraid. But love, my dear… isn't a chain. It's a light. One that follows you, no matter how far you go. My love for her follows. Now, to think her offspring finds her way back to me."
Cang Yue's lips trembled. Then, she lowered her head and leaned forward—just enough to let herself be held. Yuelian held her. "You look as beautiful and kind as your mother Lan Ying."
"…Mother," she finally said, voice barely audible. "Thank you…"
Qingyue stood quietly at the edge, watching the heartfelt exchange between Cang Yue and Jin Yuelian. A woman offering to become a mother figure… It wasn't a title that could be asked for. It had to be given.
Something stirred within her.
Then, Yun Che nudged her gently from the side, his voice soft but sure.
"Who said you can't be friends with Little Yue?"
Qingyue blinked. "She… she's different. She's suffered more than I have."
"She lost her mother when she was still a child," Yun Che began, his eyes fixed on Cang Yue. "Her father was sick and weak. Her brothers treated her like trash. Everyone else in the royal family ignored her or outright hated her. A princess in name, but in reality? She lived in a gilded cage. Even her stepmothers abandoned her—called her cursed because she was born a girl in a line where their families are blessed with men."
His tone lowered, heavy with emotion.
"Yet look at her. She still became the kindest woman in the entire empire. The fifth strongest youth under Emperor Profound Realm. No resentment. No cruelty. She kept her faith in people. She passed tests the god has given to her. And she came out shining."
Qingyue lowered her gaze. His words hit deep. Harder than she expected.
She had both her parents. A brother. Resources, teachings, and privilege… and yet she had become cold. Distant. Unreachable. Her 'favored by the heavens' life had made her, in her own eyes, worse—not better.
"…I've never thought about it like that," she whispered. "That someone could suffer more, yet grow kinder."
Yun Che's gaze softened. "I'm not saying your pain matters less. But some fates… shape people differently. If I told you the truth about Retsu, Nemu, or Mio, you'd be shocked. What they've endured would break most people. Yet look at them. Still kind. Still graceful. Still strong."
He gave her a gentle smile. "Even the Chu sisters—have you ever truly spoken to your senior masters? Do you really know them?"
Qingyue shook her head. "I… I don't think I do."
"Then take your time. As motherless girls, you understand their feelings. You can be friends with them. You befriended Retsu and Little Fairy. Why not extend that friendship to another?" Yun Che said, his voice unwavering. "You don't have to be the same woman you were. You're not bound by your old fate or the Prime Timeline anymore."
He took her hand gently. "This is a new you. One I'll walk with—every step of the way."
Qingyue's eyes shimmered. She gave the faintest of nods, her voice fragile but firm.
"Thank you, Yun Che."
"Ufufu… Little Yue has a new mother figure now," Retsu mused softly, a rare lightness in her tone.
Even Little Fairy, whose age and experience rivaled Jin Yuelian's, felt an odd warmth stir in her chest—the same feeling she once had during fleeting, peaceful moments with Feng Caiyun. A nostalgia she didn't know she missed.
Jin Yuelian looked around at the gathered women. Her voice, soft yet full of conviction, rang clear:
"Not just you, dear. All of you. Please… treat me like a mother from now on."
She raised her fist with a grin. "I raised one strong daughter already—I'm sure I can handle a few more monster-level adopted daughters!"
There was a brief pause—then quiet laughter.
"Even me?" Qingyue asked, her voice barely a whisper, uncertain and vulnerable beneath her veil.
Yuelian stepped forward and gently took Qingyue's hand. Her smile was warm, steady. "Anyone, dear. I can feel it—you, too, grew up without a mother's warmth. Like I told Yue'er, I can't replace your real mother. But if you'll let me, I'd like to guide you… as a mother would."
Qingyue lowered her gaze, then gave a soft nod. She didn't speak—but the squeeze of her hand said everything.
The other women exchanged looks and soft smiles beneath their veils—Retsu, Nemu, Mio, Little Fairy, even the proud Chu Yueli. Even Xue Ling and Lin Yueru. The idea of having a mother figure, someone who would accept them unconditionally despite their monstrous powers or dark pasts, wasn't so bad after all.
For the first time in a long while, it felt like they were building not just an alliance—but a family.
"I wanted to help Mulan," Cang Yue said softly, removing a delicate ring from her finger and offering it to Jin Yuelian.
"A spatial ring?" Jin Yuelian asked in surprise.
"Yes. It's a gift from the Heavenly Sword Villa. Inside are ten million purple profound coins… along with a cache of high-grade cultivation resources. Use them however you see fit."
"Ten million?!" Jin Zhuo gasped, nearly stumbling from shock. "Princess, this… this is far too much!"
Cang Yue gave a light laugh. "It's not even mine to begin with. Someone else did the coaxing and convinced the Villa to part with it. So please, don't hesitate. Use it freely."
"Yue'er, I'll repay you. All of it, one day," Mulan said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"No need, sister." Cang Yue smiled. "Consider it a gift—to you and your family. With ten million, the Jin Family can rise again. Stronger than ever."
"This gift… it's invaluable," Jin Yuelian said, her voice trembling with emotion as she hugged her. "Thank you, Yue'er."
"It's the least I can do, mother," Cang Yue replied warmly. "Besides, I want to help Mulan's family. And now that I have a mother figure again… I'll support her however I can."
Jin Yuelian smiled tearfully. "Oh, you… Ying'er would be proud to see how well her daughter turned out."
Yun Che clapped his hands once, wearing his usual grin. "Alright! Enough tears for now. Mind letting us borrow your kitchen, Mother in law? We're making lunch."
The women's ears perked up.
"Danna-sama's cooking? Count me in!" Mio raised her hand.
"If Yuu-sama the one cooking," Nemu said, "then we're definitely helping."
"We'll assist," Retsu and Mio chimed in immediately.
"Can we join too?" Little Fairy and Qingyue stepped forward. Their voices were composed, but the eagerness in their eyes betrayed them.
Chu Yueli sighed, knowing there was no escaping it now. Moreover, she get to learn and see how he cooks up close. "…I suppose I'll help too."
As for Xue Ling, Lin Yueru, Mulan, and Cang Yue, they followed Jin Yuelian deeper into the residence to settle into their accommodations. It was the first time in a long while that the halls of the Jin Family estate were filled with laughter and movement.
Back in the courtyard, Jin Zhuo looked down at the spatial ring in his palm, his grip tightening around it. This... this was divine providence. The heavens had smiled upon them after all.
He glanced toward his unconscious son, still recovering, then turned toward the old crumbling watchkeep. No more shame. No more decline.
It was time to rebuild.
He would revive the Jin Family—brick by brick, disciple by disciple.
And with this blessing, they would never fall again.
======================
Jin Zhuo stood in silence, the weight of the spatial ring still heavy in his palm. His gaze swept across the broken tiles, the crumbling walls, and the fading banners that once proudly bore the Jin Family crest. This estate had seen better days—glorious days, long since buried under debt, betrayal, and ridicule.
Even with ten million purple profound coins… rebuilding wasn't just about stone and coin.
It was about reputation.
And theirs had long been tarnished.
He grit his teeth. The Jin Family name had become a joke—disciples poached by rival sects, elders forced into humiliating wagers they could never hope to win, and nobles treating their legacy like a dying ember. Respect was gone. Loyalty? A flicker at best.
But then… Jin Zhuo's eyes lit up.
The banquet.
Yes—tonight's banquet. It was originally meant to be another painful reminder of their decline, an obligation to host the noble families who would smirk behind their fans and whisper of the Jin's inevitable fall.
But now?
Now they had hope.
Yun Che had returned—with companions of unimaginable power. Cultivators whose strength outshone even their most celebrated ancestors.
And more importantly… they were loyal. Loyal to him.
Jin Zhuo's heart beat faster.
If Yun Che played his cards right… tonight could mark the beginning of their resurrection.
He clenched the ring and turned toward the estate interior, eyes sharp with newfound fire. "I'll trust you again, Che'er," he muttered. "You brought our family back from ruin once. I believe you can do it again."
This banquet wouldn't be the end of their shame.
It would be the rebirth of the Jin Family.
And he would ensure the world remembered why they once stood proud.
"My… this is extremely delicious," Jin Yuelian marveled, savoring every bite. "Did you cook this, Che'er?"
"Nope," Yun Che smiled, pointing proudly toward Retsu and Nemu. "These two did the cooking. I just guided them a bit."
Retsu gave a polite bow, while Mio huffed, quietly proud. The two had faithfully recreated Yun Che's award-winning recipes—Roast Beef Potato and Beef Bourguignon—from his time in the Blue Wind Empire Grand Cooking Competition.
He had cooked them just once for the competition, but Retsu and Mio had watched closely, learned fast, and today… they'd nailed it.
The results spoke for themselves. Everyone around the table—Cang Yue, Jin Yuelian, Jin Zhuo, Mulan, Xue Ling, and Lin Yueru—was stunned. The rich aroma, the depth of flavor, the tenderness of the meat… it was like tasting something from another world.
As for Qingyue and the others who attended the competition, they already tasted his cooking. However, Retsu made a perfect duplicate of it.
It wasn't just delicious—it was refined and otherworldly.
Cang Yue puffed her cheeks in a playful pout. "I was out training and letting that girl handle things… then you went and joined a cooking competition and won?" She jabbed a finger toward him. "And the others got to taste your dishes first?"
Little Fairy, Qingyue, and Chu Yueli all subtly averted their eyes, as if they weren't silently bragging about it inside.
"At this rate," Mulan huffed with a teasing glint in her eye, "Mother might just ask you all to stay here permanently. Cooking like this… is far better than any chef we've ever hired."
Jin Yuelian didn't even try to hide her enthusiasm. "Oh, I was already planning that. I'll chain them to the kitchen if I have to."
"M-Mother!" Mulan coughed into her hand, trying not to laugh. Even stoic Lin Yueru stifled a smile. "It was just a jest!"
Yun Che scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, if it means keeping you all fed and happy… I suppose I can give a few more lessons."
He glanced toward Retsu and Mio, who were still quietly preparing dessert alongside Nemu. He was proud. Not just of their cooking—but how far they'd all come.
And for the Jin Family…
It was the first time in years the hall was filled with laughter instead of tension.
After the meal, the warmth of the gathering slowly gave way to something heavier—purpose.
Yun Che and Cang Yue exchanged a glance. It was time.
Yun Che stood. "Mother, Father….. There's something important we need to tell you."
Their voices grew solemn as they laid out the truth: The Wu Clan was preparing to invade the Blue Wind Empire, and the stolen islands once belonging to the Jin Family were being used as the primary staging ground.
The revelation hit like a thunderclap.
Jin Zhuo's hand trembled on the table. "The islands… our islands…"
Cang Yue nodded grimly. "They've been converting them into supply hubs, docks, and beast-infused barracks. The invasion is set to begin in ten days."
"Ten days?!" Jin Yuelian gasped.
Yun Che calmly added, "That's why Retsu, Mio, and I took action—we destroyed their forward advance camp. A thousand men, all infused with White Beasts. All of them are dead."
Silence.
Total silence.
Even the boldest of warriors in the room struggled to process that. Three people… had crushed a thousand enhanced soldiers.
Chu Yueli's lips parted. "That kind of power…"
Xue Ling whispered, "Are they even human?"
"The plan was the outer Cang Family challenges Little Yue for the throne, once that's done. The Wu Clan will began to insert their armies into the ranks of the Imperial soldiers and began to cause chaos in the city once the day of the invasion started. However, we foiled them up. Little Yue won against Cang Xingwu, we defeated their top elites and finally killed their forward army."
Jin Zhuo's face darkened with righteous fury. "To think… the very lands they stole from us are being used to launch a war. Che'er, we must act. If we strike now, we can stop the worst from happening!"
Yun Che calmly sipped his tea. "No."
The single word drew sharp gazes from everyone around the room.
"What did you say?" Jin Zhuo narrowed his eyes.
"I said… let them gather," Yun Che said, unbothered. "Let them believe they still hold the advantage."
"You're suggesting we allow them to prepare their full invasion force?" Mulan's tone was incredulous.
"Yes. If we strike now, we only destroy a fraction of the threat—maybe one-tenth. The rest will scatter and go underground. The Wu Clan would simply retreat and scheme again for another day."
He looked up, his voice calm but firm.
"But if we wait… if we let the snake coil tighter… then we can cut off its head in one strike. No survivors. No second chances."
His words hung heavy in the air.
"They're already panicking," Yun Che continued. "Their forward army hasn't reported back. That silence will eat at their morale. They'll grow impatient. Sloppy. That's when we hit them—with everything."
Jin Zhuo fell silent. The strategist in him saw the sense in it… but the father in him feared the gamble.
"We'll need time," Yun Che added. "Use that time. Clear your debts, fortify the estate, and start recruitment. I'll help you filter out any spies."
"I have no intention of letting you submit to the Zhu Family ever again."
"Che'er…" Jin Zhuo's breath caught in his throat. The years of shame, of groveling, of sacrificing his pride for survival—they were heavy chains.
But this boy… no, this man… was offering a blade to sever them all.
Yun Che leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Now… what's this I hear about a banquet?"
Jin Zhuo's expression darkened. "The Banquet of Ten Houses. A yearly gathering of the noble families in Xuanwu City… including the City Lord and the Zhu Family."
"We're invited, I assume?"
"Hah. 'Invited' is a generous word," Mulan said bitterly. "It's less a banquet and more a public ambush. They force us into betting matches. Every time we lose, they increase our debt."
Yun Che frowned. "Can't you just refuse to participate?"
"They don't allow it," Jin Zhuo muttered. "They twist the rules. If we forfeit, they count it as a loss—and tack the debt on anyway."
"What kind of rigged circus is that?" Cang Yue growled. "It's extortion."
"That's how they play," Mulan said, her eyes narrowed. "They smile over wine while sharpening their knives beneath the table."
Yun Che's gaze turned cold. "Then maybe it's time someone flipped the table."
He stood, his voice strong and deliberate. "So… ten games, ten noble families. The usual terms: loser's bet becomes a debt?"
Jin Zhuo nodded slowly. "Yes. But Che'er, they're backed by the Zhu Family. And even if we win—"
"We're not just going to win," Yun Che interrupted. "We're going to break them. Tonight, we turn the tables. By the time the last toast is raised, they'll be the ones in our debt."
He turned to Jin Zhuo, his tone sharpened with authority. "Father-in-law… tonight, tell your men—no more bowing to the Zhu Family. Not even once."
Jin Zhuo looked stunned for a moment. Then, slowly, he rose to his feet.
"…You're right. No more bowing. It's time the Jin Family stood tall again."
Yun Che smiled, then cast his eyes to the women around him.
"I hope you girls are ready…" he said, the corners of his lips curling into a confident grin. "Because tonight, we play their game—and we win."
"Ufuu… Picking fights on the first day? How exciting." Retsu chuckled softly beneath her veil, eyes gleaming.
Nemu gave a slight nod. "It's within expected parameters."
"I want to fight too!" Mio huffed, puffing her cheeks. "Let me give them the Mio Punch!"
Chu Yueli turned to her sister with a raised brow. "Is this kind of chaos… normal?"
Little Fairy exhaled, a helpless smile forming. "I gave up trying to stop them a long time ago."
Qingyue remained silent, but her eyes shimmered with a quiet longing—maybe... just maybe, she'd be able to stand among them too.
Cang Yue let out a deep sigh. "Heaven help whoever underestimates them…"
Xue Ling and Lin Yueru exchanged glances, both understanding this was far from an ordinary group. The energy around them was wild, unpredictable… and yet strangely comforting.
Mulan shook her head, but her gaze was firm. No matter how absurd this gets… I'll follow him. Just like Mu Che… this Yun Che also leads us out of darkness.
At the edge of the group, Jin Zhuo and Jin Yuelian shared a look. No words were needed.
Maybe this banquet won't end with humiliation this time.
Maybe—just maybe—it would mark the rebirth of the Jin Family.