Qingyue was still comfortably held in Retsu's arms when she suddenly looked around.
"Where is Sister Yue?"
Retsu smiled.
"She's cultivating beneath the full moon."
"The moonlight is especially strong tonight, so she's taking the opportunity to absorb as much Lunar Energy as possible and strengthen her cultivation for tomorrow."
Qingyue nodded thoughtfully.
"I see."
Mio suddenly giggled behind her fan.
"And Yueru?"
Yuuki sighed.
"She used Kon as target practice again."
Qingyue blinked.
"Again?"
"He got caught trying to sneak a peek at the Jin Family's female servants while they were bathing."
Mio's shoulders shook as she tried not to laugh.
"We could literally hear him screaming from here."
Qingyue stared at them.
"...How did that pervert even end up with us?"
Yuuki folded his arms.
"Good question."
He looked toward Qingyue.
"Qingyue, do me a favor."
She tilted her head.
"What is it?"
"If Kon ever tries to peek at you, freeze his sorry butt."
Yuuki's expression became serious.
"I don't care if he sees your face. But if that pervert so much as tries to sneak a look at your ankles..."
He made a chopping gesture.
"Freeze him."
Qingyue covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Retsu immediately joined in.
"Or tie him to a stake and roast sweet potatoes while he burns."
Mio waved her fan thoughtfully.
"I'd rather wrap him up with my strings and spin him around like a yoyo."
Yuuki nodded.
"That works too."
Qingyue finally broke into a giggle.
The sound made Retsu smile.
It was still somewhat strange.
This was the same Xia Qingyue who had once been known throughout the Frozen Cloud Asgard for her cold and distant demeanor.
Now she was laughing with them.
Mio tilted her head.
"It's kind of strange seeing the girl who used to be so cold giggling like this."
Qingyue's smile faded slightly.
"Sorry..."
Retsu looked at her.
Qingyue lowered her eyes.
"If the way I used to be bothered you..."
"No."
Retsu immediately tightened her embrace.
"Don't apologize."
Qingyue looked up.
"You spent years building that wall around yourself."
Retsu smiled warmly.
"And then Yuu-kun came along and somehow managed to smash straight through it."
Yuuki scratched his cheek.
"I wouldn't describe it that way."
"I would."
Mio nodded enthusiastically.
"Definitely."
Retsu gently patted Qingyue's head.
"So don't feel like you need to become someone else just because you're with us."
"Keep being yourself, Qingyue."
She smiled.
"Cold or warm. Quiet or cheerful. Serious or silly."
"You're still you."
Qingyue's eyes softened.
Retsu continued.
"Just remember something."
"You have a home now."
"A place where you belong."
She pulled Qingyue slightly closer.
"And you have a place among us."
Qingyue was silent for a moment.
Then she smiled.
"Thank you..."
She leaned comfortably against Retsu.
"I think..."
She looked toward Yuuki.
"...I'm beginning to understand what having a family actually feels like."
Yuuki smiled.
"Good."
Mio opened her fan with a flourish.
"Then welcome to the family, Qingyue-chan!"
Qingyue laughed again.
"Thank you, Sister Mio."
From somewhere in the distance came a faint, anguished scream.
"HELP ME!"
Everyone froze.
Yuuki closed his eyes.
"...That's Kon."
Retsu sighed.
"Yueru caught him again."
Mio giggled.
"Should we help?"
Yuuki shook his head.
"No."
Qingyue smiled.
"Probably best to let him learn his lesson."
Another scream echoed across the Jin Family compound.
"I'M SORRY! I'LL NEVER DO IT AGAIN!"
Yuuki nodded solemnly.
"See?"
He looked at Qingyue.
"You're already adapting to the flock."
Qingyue smiled.
Perhaps this really was her home now.
"Can Qingyue know what else my Prime self did?"
Mio immediately raised her fan.
"We want to hear as well."
Retsu nodded.
"Yes. If we're going to help Qingyue-chan understand herself, we should know what she was like."
Mio leaned closer to Qingyue.
"And maybe we can make sure our Qingyue doesn't end up becoming exactly like this Prime Qingyue."
Qingyue blinked.
"Was she really that different from me?"
Yuuki thought for a moment.
"Well..."
He glanced at Qingyue.
"Prime Qingyue was quite..."
He searched for the right word.
"...cold."
Qingyue's expression became slightly awkward.
"Her outward personality was extremely cold and emotionless. She barely showed anything beyond slight anger or occasional bashfulness, usually whenever Yun Che flirted with her."
Mio giggled.
"So she was secretly easy to embarrass?"
"Very."
Retsu smiled.
"That part sounds familiar."
Qingyue looked away.
"Please continue."
Yuuki chuckled.
"Her disposition was calm, pure and clear. She had an elegant bearing that naturally mesmerized the people around her."
"That came from several things."
"Her innate personality. Her cultivation of the Frozen Heart Arts. And, of course, her Heart of Snow Glazed Glass."
Qingyue touched her chest.
"So..."
She hesitated.
"I really loved this Yun Che."
Yuuki nodded.
"Prime Qingyue did."
He emphasized the distinction.
"She did."
"Not you."
Qingyue became quiet.
Yuuki continued.
"Inside, though, she deeply loved and cared about her family and the people close to her."
"She would do almost anything for those she loved."
"She carried the constant pain of her broken family. Her mother leaving when she was young left a wound she never really managed to heal."
"So she locked away her emotions and devoted herself almost entirely to the Profound Way."
"Yet despite all of that..."
He smiled faintly.
"She could never completely let go of Yun Che."
"Whenever he was in danger, she would still help him."
Qingyue lowered her gaze.
"So she really did love him."
"Yes."
Retsu nodded thoughtfully.
"In her own way. But she was also incredibly perceptive."
Yuuki agreed.
"Prime Qingyue had exceptionally keen eyes and a sharp mind. She was difficult to deceive because she could see through the true intentions of the people in front of her. Remember when I told you about the nature of the Heart of Snow Glazed Glass?"
Qingyue nodded.
"She was also extremely determined."
"Once she decided something, almost nobody could change her mind."
"She was independent, stubborn and possessed incredible tenacity."
"Nobody could force her to do something she didn't want to do."
"Only she could decide her own path."
Mio smiled.
"That part sounds exactly like our Qingyue."
Qingyue blinked.
"Me?"
Retsu nodded.
"Definitely."
Yuuki smiled.
"You can't deny you're every bit as much of Prime Qingyue as you are different from her."
Qingyue looked thoughtful.
"So what's different?"
"Your heart."
Yuuki answered immediately.
"I managed to reach you before you completely shut yourself away."
"You still have your intelligence, your determination and your independence."
"But you learned something Prime Qingyue struggled with."
"Trust."
Qingyue looked at Retsu.
Then Mio.
Then Yuuki.
"You learned that you don't have to carry everything alone."
"You don't have to isolate yourself to become strong."
"You don't have to lock away every emotion simply because emotions can hurt."
Retsu smiled.
"That's why you're becoming our Qingyue."
"Our beloved sister."
Qingyue's eyes softened.
Yuuki continued.
"You still have the same potential."
"The same sharp mind."
"The same determination."
"The same ability to see through people."
"But instead of becoming someone who relies almost entirely on herself..."
He smiled.
"...you're becoming someone who knows she has people standing beside her."
Qingyue quietly whispered,
"I..."
Retsu stepped closer.
"That's why I'm glad you chose to stay with us."
She gently took Qingyue's hand.
"You don't have to become Prime Qingyue."
"You don't have to repeat her life."
"You can take everything good about her..."
"...and choose a different ending."
Qingyue looked at her.
Retsu smiled.
"You are every bit of our beloved sister."
"And we'll protect you."
Mio nodded enthusiastically.
"Just like we'd protect each other."
Qingyue's eyes began to glisten.
Yuuki smiled.
"See?"
"You don't need to become someone else."
"You can still be strong."
"You can still be the Pearl of Frozen Cloud Asgard."
"You can still become an Assassin."
"You can still become my wife someday."
"But you can also laugh."
"Make friends."
"Be silly."
"Ask for help."
"And rely on people."
Qingyue smiled through the warmth gathering in her eyes.
"So..."
She looked between them.
"I'm still Xia Qingyue."
"Exactly."
"Just..."
Mio grinned.
"An improved version."
Qingyue laughed.
"Improved?"
Retsu nodded solemnly.
"Definitely."
Yuuki crossed his arms.
"Version 2.0."
Qingyue stared at him.
"...You really can't stop comparing people to versions, can you?"
"Nope."
He lightly flick her forehead.
She laughed again.
And this time, there was no trace of embarrassment in it.
She wasn't trying to imitate Prime Qingyue.
She wasn't trying to escape her.
She was simply becoming herself.
She can become cold outside of her family.
With them, she is every bit of a sister to Retsu, Mio, Nemu and little Yue.
And for the first time, that was enough.
"But..."
Qingyue hesitated.
"What made you hate her?"
Yuuki looked at her.
"Like you hated me when we first met?"
She quickly lowered her eyes.
"I'm sorry about that..."
"No."
Qingyue shook her head.
"I understand now."
She looked back at him.
"But... I want to know."
Her voice was quiet but firm.
"You told me before, but..."
She glanced at Retsu and Mio.
"Can Qingyue know a little more?"
Retsu and Mio both became attentive.
Yuuki sighed.
"Alright."
He leaned against the balcony railing.
"For Mio and Retsu's knowledge as well, I suppose."
His expression became more serious.
"After the death of your father, your mother and Yun Che..."
"Prime Qingyue's heart became cold."
"Not simply emotionally distant."
"Cold beyond saving."
"She poured everything she had into cultivation and protecting the Moon God Realm."
"She became the Realm King."
"And after that, she started referring to herself as 'This King.'"
Qingyue's expression tightened.
"She really changed that much?"
"Yes."
"She had one purpose."
"Become strong enough to take revenge against the person responsible for everything."
He paused.
"Then Yun Che revealed his devil lineage."
Qingyue's eyes widened.
"And she..."
"Destroyed his home star."
Yuuki pointed toward the distant night sky.
"That star."
Qingyue went silent.
"I..."
She looked down at her hands.
"She really did that."
"It looked that way."
Yuuki shook his head.
"But it was a decoy."
"She destroyed a false star realm to make the other Realm Kings believe Yun Che's true home had been destroyed."
"She did it so they would stop pursuing his actual location."
Qingyue slowly looked up.
"So..."
"She sacrificed her reputation."
"She let Yun Che believe she had betrayed him."
"She even allowed him to divorce her."
"Because if he severed their relationship, the other Realm Kings would have less reason to pursue him."
Yuuki's voice softened.
"She wanted him to live."
"She wanted to prove that despite everything, she still loved him."
"Then she jumped into the Abyss of Nothingness."
Qingyue's eyes widened.
"She..."
"She wanted Yun Che to live freely."
Mio lowered her fan.
"So even after becoming that cold..."
"She still loved him."
"Yes."
Yuuki nodded.
"Prime Qingyue was complicated."
"She could become terrifyingly ruthless toward her enemies."
"But when it came to the people she loved..."
"She was willing to sacrifice herself."
Qingyue swallowed.
"Did she die?"
"No."
Yuuki's expression darkened.
"She survived."
"But she became a vessel for an outer being."
Qingyue fell silent.
Yuuki looked at her.
"And when I met you..."
His voice became quieter.
"I saw that version of you."
"The cold Realm King."
"The woman who had already lost almost everything."
"The woman whose actions reminded me of the person I had grown to hate."
"So..."
He exhaled.
"I hated you."
"I'm sorry. It was kind of petty. Hating someone for something they didn't become yet."
Qingyue shook her head.
"Don't be."
Yuuki looked at her.
She smiled softly.
"Qingyue understands."
She placed a hand over her heart.
"Because you weren't really seeing me."
"You were seeing the person you remembered."
"The person you thought I would become."
Yuuki nodded.
"And then you changed."
Qingyue smiled.
"No."
"You changed me."
Retsu smiled.
"Our Qingyue chose a different path."
"Exactly."
Qingyue looked toward the others.
"Now I know what fate I should avoid."
"I don't have to become that woman."
She began counting quietly on her fingers.
"I have Sister Yuechan."
"Sister Yueli."
"Sister Yue."
"Sister Ling."
"Sister Yin."
"Sister Yueru."
"Sister Mulan."
"Mother Yuelian."
She looked toward Retsu.
"You."
Then Mio.
"Sister Mio."
"And Nemu."
She paused.
"And..."
A distant scream echoed across the courtyard.
"I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!"
Qingyue sighed.
"...That pervert Kon."
Mio immediately burst into laughter.
Retsu covered her mouth.
Yuuki shook his head.
Qingyue smiled.
"I have everyone now."
She looked at Yuuki.
"And I have you."
Her expression was peaceful.
"So why would Qingyue choose the same lonely path?"
Yuuki smiled.
"You wouldn't."
"Because you don't have to."
Retsu gently embraced her again.
"That's why you're our Qingyue."
Mio nodded.
"Not Prime Qingyue."
"Not Yun Che's Qingyue."
"Just Qingyue."
She smiled.
"Our Qingyue."
Qingyue's eyes softened.
And for perhaps the first time, she understood the greatest difference between herself and the woman Yuuki had once hated.
Prime Qingyue had loved deeply...
but had carried everything alone.
This Qingyue didn't have to.
She had chosen to walk beside them.
And this time, when the darkness came...
she would not face it alone.
"So..."
Yuuki looked between Qingyue and Retsu.
"Technically..."
He scratched his cheek.
"...I just got divorced by Qingyue?"
Qingyue immediately corrected him.
"Yun Che."
She looked at him with complete seriousness.
"Qingyue divorced Yun Che."
She then smiled.
"Qingyue wants to marry you."
Yuuki blinked.
"There's quite a distinction there."
"Once Qingyue is ready..."
She gently clasped her hands together.
"Please accept her properly."
Yuuki stared at her for a moment before smiling.
"You're kind of adorable when you stop holding back your affection."
Qingyue's cheeks turned pink.
Retsu suddenly raised a finger.
"Speaking of marriage..."
She looked toward Qingyue with a mischievous smile.
"Qingyue-chan."
"Would you mind letting me have the first-wife title?"
Qingyue blinked.
"The first-wife title?"
"It might be quite a while before you can officially marry Yuu-kun."
Retsu pointed toward herself.
"So, may I keep it?"
Qingyue thought about it.
For several seconds, she remained silent.
Then she sighed.
"Very well, Sister Retsu."
"You can have it."
Retsu's eyes immediately sparkled.
"Yatta!"
She raised both hands triumphantly.
"Muu.. I guess I'll settle for second wife." Mio pouted.
Yuuki stared at her.
"Wow."
He looked toward Qingyue.
"I honestly thought you would fight tooth and nail for it."
Qingyue shook her head.
"Why?"
"It doesn't matter."
She glanced toward Retsu.
"Besides, Sister Retsu already bested me."
Mio tilted her head.
"But Qingyue-chan won that tournament match."
"Yes."
Retsu smiled.
"She won the match..."
She placed a hand dramatically against her chest.
"...but lost the war."
Qingyue frowned slightly.
"I don't understand."
Mio giggled.
"It's an English idiom."
Yuuki explained.
"It basically means that you achieved the immediate victory, but ultimately lost the larger objective."
"Oh."
Qingyue nodded thoughtfully.
"I really do want to learn English."
Retsu smiled.
"Then I'll teach you. But, I only learn a handful. Still having problems with grammar and sentence structure. How do you use 'is' and 'are'?"
Qingyue looked toward her.
"And, honestly..."
She smiled.
"Sister Retsu deserves the title."
"She defeated me, even if she eventually forfeited the match."
Retsu's expression became smug.
"See?"
"I told you."
Mio covered her mouth with her fan.
"Retsu-chan is going to be insufferable now."
"Of course."
Retsu proudly crossed her arms.
"I'm Yuu-kun's first wife."
Qingyue merely smiled.
"For Qingyue, being second or third doesn't matter."
Yuuki suddenly raised a finger.
"Well..."
Everyone looked at him.
"You could still be the first wife among humans."
Qingyue blinked.
Retsu's smile disappeared.
"...What?"
Yuuki pointed toward Retsu.
"Retsu is my first Spirit Cultivator wife."
Then he looked toward Qingyue.
"You can be my first human wife."
Qingyue considered that.
"Better take it."
Yuuki grinned.
"Otherwise, you might have to fight little Yue for the title."
Qingyue's eyes widened slightly.
"Little Yue?"
"She hasn't said anything yet."
Yuuki shrugged.
"But knowing her..."
Retsu immediately laughed.
"Ufufu... this is getting complicated."
Qingyue straightened herself.
"Very well."
She looked directly at Yuuki.
"Then Qingyue will strive to earn such a title."
Yuuki smiled.
"That's my girl."
He gently patted her head.
Qingyue closed her eyes and leaned slightly into his hand.
For once, there was no competition between them.
No rivalry.
No bitterness over the past.
Just three women who understood their place in his life...
and one very confused man beginning to realize that his future marriage arrangements were going to be far more complicated than he ever anticipated.
Qingyue was still nestled comfortably in Retsu's arms when another thought suddenly came to her.
"Wait..."
She looked toward Yuuki.
"Can Qingyue ask more questions?"
"Sure."
Yuuki smiled.
"Ask whatever you want."
Qingyue hesitated for a moment.
"How did Prime Qingyue eventually get to the Realm of the Celestial?"
Yuuki's expression changed slightly.
"Oh..."
He glanced at Retsu and Mio.
"That."
"You..."
He pointed toward Qingyue.
"...shouldn't have gone there at all."
Qingyue blinked.
"What do you mean?"
"If we hadn't come..."
Yuuki leaned against the balcony railing.
"Only Yun Che would have participated in the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament to represent the Blue Wind Royal Family."
"You would have eventually faced Ling Yun."
"And during that tournament, you would have revealed too much of your strength."
"That attracted Ling Kun's attention."
Qingyue frowned.
"Ling Kun?"
"Yes."
"He became interested in your Nine Profound Exquisite Body."
Yuuki's expression hardened.
"To secure a favor from the Sun Moon Divine Hall, he sold information about you to Ye Xinghan."
Qingyue's eyes narrowed.
"And Ling Yun?"
"He saw your face."
Yuuki sighed.
"That created another problem."
"Xuanyuan Yufeng already hated Little Fairy because she believed Little Fairy had seduced her husband, Ling Yuefeng."
"Then she saw you as another woman trying to seduce her son."
"So she..."
"Sent elders from the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region after the Frozen Cloud Asgard."
"The thousand-year calamity."
Qingyue's expression became complicated.
Yuuki continued.
"Then the Sun Moon Divine Hall sent an elder to find you."
"At that point, your cultivation was only at the Emperor Profound Realm."
"You couldn't defeat that elder. You can't even do anything"
Qingyue's expression became serious.
"So what happened to the Asgard?"
"The Grand Asgard Mistress told you about an ancient formation left behind by the founder of the Frozen Cloud Asgard."
Qingyue's eyes widened.
"We have such a formation?"
"Apparently."
Yuuki smiled faintly.
"The Asgard Mistress activated the formation and used the entire Asgard's power to send you away."
"Except..."
He raised a finger.
"It didn't send you somewhere else on the Blue Pole Star like she believed."
"It sent you to a completely random location within the Realm of the Celestial."
Qingyue stared at him.
"Random?"
"Completely random."
Yuuki shrugged.
"You were eventually discovered by cultivators from the Realm of the Celestial."
"From there, you ended up in the Moon God Realm."
Qingyue slowly exhaled.
"And then..."
"The rest."
Yuuki nodded.
"You became the future Moon God Realm's Realm King."
Qingyue was quiet for several seconds.
"Araa..."
Retsu smiled awkwardly.
"To think that all of that happened."
"Yeah."
Yuuki shook his head.
"Quite the journey."
Qingyue looked down thoughtfully.
"So if you hadn't come... and it was Yun Che instead."
"You would have followed that path."
"But you don't have to worry about it anymore."
Yuuki smiled.
"That future has already been derailed."
"Completely."
Qingyue looked at him.
"How?"
"First, I entered the tournament."
"Retsu entered."
"Yuanba entered."
"And Cang Yue's entire situation changed."
He began counting on his fingers.
"That already altered the tournament roster."
"You never fought Ling Yun."
Qingyue nodded.
"And Xuanyuan Yufeng?"
"I cured her."
"Which means the woman who would have sent those elders after the Frozen Cloud Asgard is no longer the same person."
"And Ling Kun?"
Yuuki grinned.
"I might have accidentally caused him a little trouble."
Mio giggled.
"Accidentally?"
Yuuki ignored her.
"He thought Nezuko was the one carrying the Nine Profound Exquisite Body."
Qingyue's eyes widened.
"So you..."
"Sent him on a very long wild-goose chase."
Retsu covered her mouth, laughing.
"And now?"
Yuuki looked toward Qingyue.
"Now you're here."
"With us."
"You have Mio."
He pointed toward her.
"A Level 99 cultivator."
Mio proudly raised her fan.
"That's right!"
"You have Retsu."
"Your sisters."
"Cang Yue."
"Xue Ling."
"Xue Yin."
"Mulan."
"And everyone else."
He smiled.
"You're safe, Qingyue."
She was quiet for a moment.
Then she smiled.
"Despite already knowing all of this..."
She looked directly at him.
"Qingyue really does want to thank you."
Yuuki chuckled.
"Yeah."
"You're welcome."
He gently patted her head.
"And honestly?"
"You don't need to worry about becoming that Prime Qingyue."
"You already have a completely different future."
Qingyue leaned slightly into his hand.
"A future I chose."
"Exactly."
Mio smiled.
"And this time, she doesn't have to travel to the Realm of the Celestial alone."
Retsu nodded.
"She has an entire flock."
Qingyue smiled.
"And you."
Yuuki grinned.
"Yeah...me."
Qingyue laughed softly.
For the first time, the Realm of the Celestial no longer felt like some inevitable destination waiting for her.
It was merely one possible future.
And that future had already changed.
Yuuki looked around at the people gathered around the balcony.
"Now, you have all the time you need."
He glanced toward Qingyue.
"Time to train. Time to grow stronger. Time to level up."
His expression became serious.
"One day, all of us will step into the Celestial Realm together."
Qingyue looked at him.
"And when that time comes..."
She looked around at everyone.
"Please be by my side."
Her voice softened.
"Qingyue refuses to go there alone."
Mio immediately raised her fan.
"Count on it!"
Retsu smiled.
"Of course."
"We'll be together."
Before Qingyue could respond, a familiar voice came from behind them.
"There you four are."
Little Fairy approached with Chu Yueli beside her.
Little Fairy's cheeks were slightly puffed.
She looked suspiciously like someone who was mildly jealous of having been left out.
Yuuki raised an eyebrow.
"Little Fairy."
"We were just reminiscing."
Little Fairy folded her arms.
"I can see that."
She glanced at Qingyue, then at Retsu and Mio.
"Everyone looked rather worked up."
Qingyue smiled.
"We were talking about my future."
"Your future?"
Little Fairy's expression softened.
"Well, I'm glad you're still here."
Chu Yueli nodded.
"Indeed."
Before the conversation could continue, two more familiar figures approached.
"There you are, Che'er."
Xue Ling smiled as she arrived alongside Xue Yin.
"Everyone seems to have gathered here."
Xue Yin looked around.
"Did something happen?"
"Nothing bad."
Yuuki smiled.
"We were just talking."
Another voice came from behind them.
"There you are, Che'er."
Mulan approached with Lin Yueru.
But this time, she wasn't alone.
Behind her came Jin Yuelian, accompanied by the four Nezukos and Yoru.
The four Nezukos immediately spotted Yuuki.
"Onii-chan!"
They floated toward him together.
Yuuki barely had time to react before the four girls surrounded him.
"Whoa, whoa."
He laughed as they clung to him.
Yoru simply walked beside Jin Yuelian, her tall figure towering over most of the group.
Qingyue watched the scene with a faint smile.
There was something strangely comforting about seeing everyone gathered like this.
Friends.
Sisters.
Family.
People she could trust.
People who had become the center of her life.
And, somehow, all of them revolved around the same man.
Yuuki.
She glanced around the courtyard.
There was only one problem.
Most of them still didn't know who he truly was.
Little Yue knew.
Qingyue knew.
But Chu Yueli, Lin Yueru, Xue Ling and Xue Yin still knew him only as Yun Che.
Mulan had learned his true name from Mu Che's memories, but she still had to call him Yun Che whenever others were around.
And none of them knew about the marriage certificate.
Or the divorce.
At least, not yet.
Yuuki looked toward the moonlit courtyard.
"Since Little Yue is cultivating tonight, she doesn't need this."
Little Fairy blinked.
"Need what?"
He turned toward the group.
"Since everyone is here..."
He smiled.
"...we might as well begin teaching the Intermediate Stage of Observation and Armament Haki."
Mio immediately raised her head.
"Wait."
She pointed at him.
"I thought everyone was already being trained."
"They are."
Yuuki nodded.
"But not everyone knows the shortcut."
The entire group froze.
Mio's eyes widened.
"There's a shortcut?!"
Yuuki nodded.
"I discovered it a few days ago while helping Qingyue."
"I used what I learned from her development as a foundation and figured out a more efficient method."
He shrugged.
"Those who reached Advanced Stage through months of pure training deserve tremendous credit."
He glanced at Retsu and Mio.
"Especially you two."
Retsu's smile became slightly awkward.
Mio puffed her cheeks.
"Kuu..."
Little Fairy also looked mildly offended.
She had spent months painstakingly training her Haki.
"So you're telling me..."
Mio narrowed her eyes.
"...we suffered through all that training..."
"Yes."
"And everyone else gets a shortcut?"
"Yes."
"Kuu..."
Retsu and Little Fairy exchanged looks.
Yuuki raised both hands.
"Hey, we're going to war tomorrow."
He grinned.
"Consider this a Mid-Haki Bargain Sale."
Mio stared at him.
"That is the worst justification I've ever heard."
Retsu sighed.
"But..."
She glanced at the others.
"If it helps them survive tomorrow..."
She reluctantly smiled.
"I suppose it's worth it."
Little Fairy sighed as well.
"Fine."
"But I still feel cheated."
Yuuki laughed.
"Your hard-earned mastery isn't wasted. The shortcut only provides a foundation. You still had to develop your Haki through actual training."
Mio immediately brightened.
"So we're still special?"
"Very."
"Then I'll forgive you."
Yuuki shook his head.
"You're impossible."
He then reached behind his back.
"Speaking of shortcuts..."
His expression became slightly more serious.
"Since all of you have decided to become Assassins..."
The girls became attentive.
"...I might as well offer you something else."
He opened a storage compartment.
Several metallic gauntlets appeared in his hands.
Advanced hidden-blade mechanisms.
Everyone stared.
Yuuki held one up.
"Consider this a symbol of your initiation."
Qingyue's eyes widened.
"A Hidden Blade..."
"Exactly."
He distributed the gauntlets among them.
"The hidden blade is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Order of the Assassins."
"But understand something."
His tone became firm.
"Receiving this does not make you full Assassins."
"You still have to complete your training."
"You'll begin as Initiates."
"Only after you complete your trials and demonstrate that you understand the Creed will you be formally inducted into the Brotherhood."
The girls carefully attached the gauntlets to their arms.
Retsu examined hers with fascination.
Mio rotated her wrist.
Little Fairy immediately tested the mechanism.
"How does it work?"
"Extend all your fingers in one sudden motion."
Yuuki demonstrated.
The hidden blade shot forward with a metallic click.
Everyone's eyes widened.
"Like that."
He immediately raised a finger.
"And please..."
His eyes swept across the group.
"...don't point it at your own head."
Mio blinked.
"Would someone actually do that?"
Yuuki stared at her.
"Nemu installed a safety mechanism specifically because she expected someone eventually would."
Everyone slowly turned toward Lin Yueru.
Lin Yueru froze.
"...Why is everyone looking at me?"
Retsu covered her mouth.
"Because we know you."
Yueru puffed her cheeks.
"I wouldn't!"
Yuuki sighed.
"Just be careful."
Qingyue looked down at her own gauntlet.
She extended her fingers.
Click.
The hidden blade slid smoothly from beneath her wrist.
She stared at it.
"This..."
Her expression softened.
"...is a Hidden Blade."
Yuuki nodded.
"The signature weapon of an Assassin."
Qingyue looked toward him.
"So we're really beginning."
"Not quite."
Yuuki smiled.
"You're still Initiates."
He looked across the group.
"Your real initiation comes after your training."
"But..."
He raised his own hidden blade.
"...you've taken the first step."
The girls looked at their weapons.
Retsu smiled.
Mio's eyes sparkled.
Little Fairy examined the blade with obvious curiosity.
Chu Yueli quietly studied the mechanism.
Xue Ling and Xue Yin exchanged glances.
Mulan smiled.
Lin Yueru looked excited.
Qingyue gently closed her hand around the gauntlet.
For years, she had cultivated because she wanted strength.
Now she had found another reason.
To protect.
To explore.
To live freely.
And to walk through the shadows beside the people she had chosen as her family.
Yuuki looked at them all.
"Congratulations."
His smile widened.
"All of you are now Initiates of the Brotherhood of Assassins."
A brief silence followed.
Then Mio raised her hidden blade excitedly.
"Yatta!"
Retsu laughed.
"Welcome to the Brotherhood of Assassins, everyone."
Qingyue looked at her own blade one more time.
Then she smiled.
Her journey as her new self already begun and now, her journey as an Assassin had officially begun.
The reactions came almost immediately after Yuuki finished explaining the mechanism.
Little Fairy was the first to examine hers.
She turned her wrist from side to side, studying the gauntlet with the same curiosity she would have shown toward an unfamiliar profound treasure.
"So this little thing..."
She extended her fingers.
Click.
The hidden blade slid neatly from beneath her wrist.
Little Fairy's eyes widened.
"Oh."
She slowly moved her arm.
"That is actually quite convenient."
Chu Yueli glanced at her sister.
"Convenient?"
Little Fairy smiled.
"Imagine having to fight someone while pretending to have nothing in your hands."
She retracted the blade.
Click.
Then extended it again.
Click.
A grin appeared on her face.
"Then suddenly..."
She thrust her arm forward.
"...there's a sword."
Yuuki raised an eyebrow.
"It's not meant to be used like a normal sword. It's called 'hidden' blade for a reason."
"I know."
Little Fairy looked at the blade again.
"But I like it."
She glanced toward Yuuki.
"And you said this is only the beginning?"
"Yep."
Little Fairy's smile widened.
"Then I'm looking forward to what comes next."
Chu Yueli was considerably more cautious.
She didn't immediately activate hers.
Instead, she carefully examined the gauntlet, running her fingers along the mechanism.
"The craftsmanship is remarkable."
She looked toward Yuuki.
"There is no profound energy fluctuation until it is activated."
"Exactly. Plus, the hidden blade scale with your cultivation and its level par of a throne level weapon."
"And the mechanism is small enough to conceal beneath clothing."
"That's the point."
Chu Yueli nodded thoughtfully.
"It fits the Creed."
She finally extended her fingers.
Click.
The blade emerged.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"A concealed weapon..."
She retracted it.
"...designed for a single decisive strike."
She looked at her sister.
"I understand why you like it."
Little Fairy smiled.
"You say that like you don't."
Chu Yueli calmly extended the blade again.
Click.
"...I didn't say I disliked it. Sigh, never expected tagging along with you ended with me becoming an Assassin."
Little Fairy immediately grinned.
"That's good enough for me."
Xue Ling stared at her hidden blade with genuine fascination.
"So..."
She raised her arm.
"You're telling me I can conceal a blade on my wrist..."
Click.
"...and nobody notices?"
"Pretty much." Yuuki shrugged.
Xue Ling's eyes sparkled.
"That's wonderful."
Xue Yin looked toward her sister.
"Sister, you look far too excited."
"Why wouldn't I be?"
Xue Ling retracted the blade.
"Think about it. A cultivator expects an opponent to draw a sword."
She extended it again.
"But they wouldn't expect this."
She gave a playful smile.
"Especially during close combat."
Xue Yin sighed.
"You've already started thinking about how to use it."
"Of course."
Xue Ling looked toward Yuuki.
"You've been teaching us all these strange techniques lately."
"Haki. Eagle Vision. Modern weapons."
She looked down at the Hidden Blade.
"And now this."
She smiled.
"I think I'm beginning to understand why you enjoy adventuring so much."
Xue Yin was quieter.
She looked at the blade for several seconds before activating it.
Click.
Her expression immediately became serious.
"A concealed weapon..."
She examined the edge.
"This would be particularly effective against an enemy who believes themselves safe after disarming their opponent."
Yuuki nodded.
"That's one of its purposes."
Xue Yin retracted the blade.
"I like it."
Xue Ling looked at her.
"That's all?"
Xue Yin nodded.
"It is practical."
A pause.
"...Very practical."
Xue Ling laughed.
"Coming from you, that's practically an enthusiastic declaration."
Xue Yin gave her sister a flat look.
"I am enthusiastic."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"...You don't look it."
"I am."
Yuuki chuckled.
"I'll believe you."
Mulan stared at the gauntlet for a long moment.
Unlike the others, she didn't immediately activate it.
Her expression carried something deeper.
"This..."
She touched the mechanism.
"Mu Che would have loved this."
Yuuki's expression softened.
Mulan looked down at her wrist.
"He would love to have his own."
"And now..."
She extended her fingers.
Click.
The Hidden Blade emerged.
She stared at it silently.
"An Assassin's weapon."
Yuuki nodded.
"Yes."
Mulan slowly closed her fingers.
"I once spent years protecting people with a spear."
She retracted the blade.
"Perhaps protecting them from the shadows isn't so different."
She looked toward Yuuki.
"You said Assassins are heroes no one knows."
"Yes."
Mulan smiled faintly.
"Then I think I understand."
She extended the blade once more.
"I'll make sure I become worthy of it."
Yuuki nodded.
"I know you will."
Mulan's expression softened.
"And perhaps..."
She glanced toward Jin Yuelian.
"...one day, my mother and Bing will understand it too."
Lin Yueru was practically bouncing.
"That's so cool!"
She immediately extended her fingers.
Click.
"Whoa!"
She stared at the blade.
"It comes out!"
Yuuki stared at her.
"...That's generally how it works."
"I know!"
Lin Yueru enthusiastically retracted it.
Click.
Then extended it again.
Click.
"Again!"
"Yueru."
"Again!"
"You're going to wear out the mechanism."
She stopped.
"Oh."
She carefully looked at the gauntlet.
"Sorry."
Yuuki sighed.
"You're going to have to learn restraint. Still, it's kind of cool."
Lin Yueru nodded seriously.
"Right."
Mulan covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Lin Yueru looked at the Hidden Blade again.
"So this means I'm really an Initiate?"
"Yes."
Her expression immediately brightened.
"Then I'll become one of the best Master Assassin!"
Yuuki smiles seeing a lot of them excited to become Assassins.
Jin Yuelian had been quietly watching everyone else.
Unlike Lin Yueru, she wasn't eager to activate the mechanism.
She looked at Yuuki.
"Are you certain I should have one?"
"Yes."
"But am I cut out to become an Assassin?"
"Strength isn't what makes someone an Assassin."
Jin Yuelian looked down at the gauntlet.
"Then what does?"
Yuuki smiled.
"Discipline. Judgment. Patience. Knowing when not to use the blade. More importantly, responsibility. Like the issue with the Shu Family. You can deal with them as members of the Shu Family, or you can deal with them as Assassins. But I am sure you want to deal with them as Shu Pei Pei. Cang Yue probably wanted to get even for her mother."
She slowly nodded.
Then she extended her fingers.
Click.
The Hidden Blade emerged.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"It's..."
She carefully examined it.
"...beautiful."
Yoru leaned closer, apparently curious about the weapon as well.
Jin Yuelian smiled.
"I understand why this is a symbol."
She retracted the blade.
"Not because it is powerful."
She looked toward the others.
"But because it reminds the person wearing it that they have been entrusted with something dangerous."
Yuuki's expression became approving.
"Exactly. It's like giving them power and letting them choose what to do with it. It's different from giving a sword or powerful cultivation techniques. A hidden blade is like having that power constantly gnawing at you, tempting you to use it. You choose whether to kill or not. I'll let Mulan explain the tenets of the Assassin's Creed to you."
Jin Yuelian bowed her head slightly.
"Then I will treat it with respect."
She looked toward him.
"And I will learn what it means to be an Assassin."
"That's all I ask, mother."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"Then..."
She touched the hidden blade again.
"I suppose I am an Initiate now."
Little Fairy grinned.
"Welcome to the Order, mother."
Lin Yueru immediately raised her blade.
"Welcome!"
Xue Ling smiled.
"Welcome, Mother."
Xue Yin nodded.
Mulan looked toward her mother warmly.
Jin Yuelian glanced around at everyone.
For years, she had lived openly as a matriarch of the Jin Family.
Now she had been given another identity.
One that no one outside this gathering would ever know.
An identity that existed in the shadows.
She looked at the Hidden Blade on her wrist.
And smiled.
"Then let us protect them..."
Her eyes moved toward Yuuki.
"...without ever needing them to know who protected them."
Yuuki smiled.
"Now you're thinking like an Assassin."
Yuuki clapped his hands, immediately earning everyone's attention.
"Okay, everyone, sit down."
The girls gathered around him, curious about what he was about to teach them.
"I'll show you how to properly control your Observation and Armament Haki and help you reach the Intermediate Stage."
He looked around the group.
"Once you've strengthened your foundations, I can finally teach all of you how to use Eagle Vision and Eagle Scent."
Chu Yueli raised an eyebrow.
"Finally?"
"Yes. And there is no shortcut for this one."
He pointed toward Retsu, Mio, Nemu, and the missing Cang Yue.
"You'll have to practice it the same way I trained them."
Retsu nodded.
"It took quite a while."
"Exactly."
Yuuki's expression became serious.
"We'll help you control your Haki while you learn. If you force it without proper control, you risk overwhelming your senses and potentially blinding yourself."
The girls became considerably more attentive.
"Eagle Vision is one of the fundamental arts of the higher members of the Assassins. It allows you to use Observation Haki to perceive your surroundings in a completely different way."
He raised a finger.
"Imagine activating all six of your senses simultaneously."
Xue Ling's eyes widened.
"All six?"
"Yes."
"With sufficient mastery, you can perceive people from miles away."
Little Fairy folded her arms.
"That's already absurd."
"It gets worse."
Yuuki smiled.
"Eagle Vision enhances your perception and allows you to identify and mark the intentions of people around you."
"Observation Haki already allows you to sense someone's intent and emotions."
"Eagle Vision takes that perception and turns it into something you can actually see."
He gestured toward the courtyard.
"Someone with hostile intentions toward you can appear marked in red."
"Someone who genuinely cares about you can appear in blue."
"Ordinary civilians and animals appear differently."
"And targets you've specifically identified can be marked in gold."
Xue Ling's eyes widened.
"So that's how we found those people with hostile intentions toward the Jin Family."
"Exactly."
Yuuki nodded.
"That's how we identified the people with malicious intentions during the incident a week ago."
Qingyue stared at him.
"This Eagle Vision really is a heaven-defying art."
She looked down thoughtfully.
"No..."
Her eyes sharpened.
"Haki is."
"To feel someone's intentions..."
She slowly looked around the group.
"...and then actually see them for what they are."
Yuuki nodded.
"That's precisely why you need restraint."
He looked at everyone.
"Without patience and self-control, Eagle Vision can easily be abused."
"You might start judging people simply because you perceive something you don't understand."
"That's why I'm teaching this only to our group."
"For anyone outside our little circle?"
He shook his head.
"They won't learn it."
The girls nodded.
"Retsu, Mio, Nemu, and Little Yue have already learned Eagle Scent."
Yuuki looked toward the others.
"Some of you already know what Eagle Scent is. I explained it to you before."
Little Fairy, Qingyue, and Chu Yueli nodded.
They remembered his earlier explanation.
But this time, their interest was considerably greater.
Qingyue's eyes subtly brightened.
Little Fairy's lips curled into an amused smile.
Chu Yueli remained composed, though even she looked curious.
They weren't merely interested in the technique itself.
They wanted to know what Yuuki actually smelled like through Eagle Scent as Retsu mentioned that Yuuki's smell was something they never smell before.
Something like smell of paradise.
Qingyue especially wondered what the technique would reveal about him.
What kind of scent does Yuuki have?
She had already learned that Eagle Vision could reveal intentions and emotions.
Eagle Vision was already heaven defying.
Now there was Eagle Scent.
She wondered what secrets could be revealed through something as simple as scent.
Xue Yin was curious as well.
"What exactly does Eagle Scent allow us to do?"
Before Yuuki could answer, Xue Ling stepped beside her.
"He explained to us back then."
"I remember the basics," Xue Yin admitted. "But I want to understand it properly."
Xue Ling smiled.
"Eagle Scent allows us to enhance their sense of smell through Observation Haki."
She pointed toward Yuuki.
"It isn't simply about smelling something more strongly. You can distinguish individual scents, track someone from a considerable distance, identify changes in someone's body, and follow a target even when you can't see them."
Xue Yin's eyes widened slightly.
"Even if they hide?"
"Yes."
Xue Ling nodded.
"Provided their scent hasn't been completely erased or overwhelmed by something else."
Yuuki nodded.
"Exactly."
He raised a finger.
"You can distinguish people by their unique scent signature. With enough mastery, you can track someone through a crowded city, identify where they've been, and even determine whether they're nearby without seeing them."
Qingyue looked increasingly fascinated.
"Then... it can detect people who are hiding?"
"Yes."
Yuuki smiled.
"And there's something else."
The girls leaned in.
"Eagle Scent can pick up changes in a person's body chemistry."
Xue Yin blinked.
"Meaning?"
Yuuki glanced at her.
"Stress. Fear. Excitement. Adrenaline. Certain illnesses. Even subtle changes caused by emotional states."
Little Fairy raised an eyebrow.
"That sounds dangerously useful."
"It is."
Yuuki's expression became serious.
"Which is why you need restraint. Eagle Scent isn't meant to become an excuse to invade someone's privacy."
Qingyue nodded thoughtfully.
"Then why did Xue Yin look so surprised?"
Xue Ling suddenly smiled.
"Because I told her another application."
Xue Yin immediately looked embarrassed.
"Sister..."
Little Fairy became curious.
"What application?"
Xue Ling glanced toward Yuuki.
Then back toward Xue Yin.
"You can detect traces of infidelity."
Silence.
Qingyue's eyes widened.
Chu Yueli's expression changed.
Little Fairy's eyebrows rose.
Mio immediately turned toward Yuuki.
Retsu covered her mouth.
Even Nemu paused.
"Infidelity?" Qingyue repeated.
Xue Yin nodded slowly.
"Apparently, partner scents and biological traces can remain on someone's body if they are unmarried. Like the smell of a bad perfume."
Yuuki coughed.
"That's... one possible application."
Little Fairy's amused smile grew.
"So Eagle Scent can expose an unfaithful partner?"
"In some circumstances," Yuuki answered carefully. "It's a good lie detector. But with Eagle Scent, you can notice scents that shouldn't be there. Trust me, it's as bad as a rotting corpse."
Xue Yin looked genuinely stunned.
"So even if someone lies..."
"Eagle Scent may give you concrete evidence that something is wrong. You can even identify their infidelity partner as their smell lingers on the body."
Qingyue quietly looked at Yuuki.
Then she smiled.
"That sounds terrifying."
Yuuki crossed his arms.
"Which is precisely why I keep telling everyone: Observation Haki is a responsibility."
Retsu giggled.
"Especially when everyone around you has learned it."
Mio nodded enthusiastically.
"Nobody can secretly do anything anymore!"
Yuuki stared at her.
"That's not the lesson."
"It should be!"
Little Fairy laughed.
Chu Yueli sighed.
"At least now I understand why this technique requires discipline."
Xue Yin looked toward Yuuki with renewed curiosity.
"Then... when can we learn it?"
Yuuki smiled.
"Once your Observation Haki foundation is strong enough."
He looked over the group.
"Eagle Scent isn't simply about having a better nose. You're training your Haki to separate, identify, and interpret information carried through scent."
He raised his hand.
"And once you master it..."
His eyes sharpened.
"You'll realize that the world is filled with information you were previously incapable of perceiving. Plus, you can smell someone who has a history. Not recommended when walking through a crowded city unless you girls prepared to hurl in public."
Qingyue smiled faintly.
"Then I'll definitely master it."
Little Fairy nodded.
"So will I."
Chu Yueli folded her arms.
"I suppose I have no reason to fall behind."
Xue Yin smiled.
"I want to learn it too."
Xue Ling chuckled.
"Then prepare yourself."
She glanced at Xue Yin.
"Once you learn it, you'll never look at people the same way again."
Xue Yin swallowed.
"...I'm beginning to understand why."
Yuuki continued.
"Once you reach Advanced Observation Haki and master Eagle Vision and Eagle Scent, I'll teach you the next Eagle Art."
"Eagle Hearing."
Retsu's eyes lit up.
"Eagle Hearing allows you to extend your perception through sound."
"You can hear conversations from a considerable distance."
"Not just loud sounds."
"Quiet conversations."
"Individual words."
"Everything."
He tapped the side of his head.
"Instead of using your eyes to focus your Observation Haki on a target, you use your ears."
"You mark a target with your Haki, focus on them, and then extend your perception."
"You can listen to everything they say without ever being physically near them."
"Plus, Eagle Hearing allows you to perceive the world through hearing. Even when you closed your eyes."
Qingyue immediately raised her hand slightly.
"How many senses are there in the Eagle Arts?"
Yuuki thought for a moment.
"Six."
"Eagle Vision."
"Eagle Scent."
"Eagle Hearing."
"Eagle Taste."
"Eagle Touch."
"And finally..."
He paused.
"Eagle Sense."
The girls leaned forward.
"Eagle Sense combines all five Eagle Arts with Advanced Observation Haki."
"It's the ultimate sensory technique."
Qingyue's eyes widened.
"Eagle Sense..."
"Exactly."
"You can only cultivate it after mastering all the individual Eagle Arts."
"The result is ridiculous."
Yuuki smiled.
"Even if you're blinded, Eagle Sense allows you to perceive the world as though you could still see."
The girls collectively gasped.
Little Fairy's eyes narrowed.
"So even blindness wouldn't completely disable an Assassin."
"Not once you've reached that level."
Yuuki nodded.
"It heightens every sense simultaneously."
"You can detect a person's heartbeat."
"Track their movements."
"And even predict where they're going."
Lin Yueru looked confused.
"Predict where they're going?"
"People project intent."
Yuuki explained.
"When someone decides to travel somewhere, their intent points toward that destination."
"If your Observation Haki is sufficiently advanced, you can perceive that intent."
"Your Eagle Sense can then anticipate their likely path."
"Even if you lose sight of them, their scent can help reconstruct their route."
He continued.
"It can also identify targets of opportunity."
"Hidden traps."
"Concealed mechanisms."
"Encrypted or disguised messages."
"Hidden writing."
Little Fairy raised an eyebrow.
"Hidden writing?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Eagle Vision can already do that."
He reached into his belongings and pulled out a blank piece of paper.
"Watch."
He placed it on his palm.
Using only his finger, he began tracing something across the surface.
Nothing appeared.
He held the paper up.
"See anything?"
Everyone looked.
"No."
Qingyue tilted her head.
"Are you writing something?"
Yuuki smiled.
"Retsu. Mio."
The two immediately activated Eagle Vision.
Their eyes focused on the paper.
Retsu's expression changed.
"I see something."
Mio nodded.
"Yes."
Little Fairy frowned.
"What?"
Retsu smiled.
"It's a picture."
Mio nodded.
"An apple."
Little Fairy's eyes widened.
"Impossible."
She grabbed the paper and inspected it from every angle.
"There's nothing here!"
Yuuki chuckled.
"Exactly."
Qingyue stared at the paper.
"So how did they see it?"
Yuuki raised his finger.
"Intent as ink."
The girls became silent.
"Normal ink isn't required."
"The Assassin can use their own intent and Haki as the medium."
He tapped the seemingly blank paper.
"To ordinary people, this is nothing."
"But someone with Eagle Vision?"
He smiled.
"They can see the message."
Retsu looked impressed.
"That's incredibly useful for an organization that has to communicate without exposing its secrets."
"Exactly."
Yuuki nodded.
"The Brotherhood can leave messages in plain sight."
"To everyone else..."
He held up the paper.
"...it's just a blank sheet."
"But to an Assassin..."
He smiled.
"...it's a message only they can see."
Yuuki clapped his hands once, bringing everyone's attention back to him.
"So, shall we proceed with unlocking your Observation and Armament Haki and bringing both to the Intermediate Stage?"
The girls nodded.
"Good."
Yuuki motioned for everyone to sit in a circle.
"Then relax. Don't force anything."
He knelt in front of the group.
"The shortcut I discovered isn't some magical method that suddenly grants you mastery. It simply allows your Haki to travel more efficiently."
Qingyue listened carefully.
"While helping Qingyue, I discovered something interesting about the way Haki moves through the body."
He tapped the side of his head.
"Especially through the brain."
"Think of your neural pathways as a network of tubes."
"Your Haki travels through them much like water flowing through pipes."
He raised one finger.
"Normally, the pathway is long."
He drew a line through the air with his Ki.
"From one point to another, Haki has to travel through the established neural route."
"That works."
"But it's inefficient and slow depends on your cultivation speed."
Chu Yueli nodded thoughtfully.
"So you're creating another route."
"Exactly."
Yuuki smiled.
"That's the shortcut."
He placed two fingers together.
"By using Haki itself, we can stimulate the formation of a new neural pathway."
"Once that pathway is established, we connect it to an existing Haki route."
"Instead of Haki having to travel through the entire long pathway..."
He separated his fingers and then brought them together again.
"...it can take the shorter route."
Qingyue's eyes widened.
"You're essentially constructing another road."
"Exactly."
"A Haki neural pathway."
Yuuki nodded.
"Once enough of these pathways are established, your Haki can circulate through your brain far more efficiently."
He looked around the group.
"But there is one important distinction."
"This isn't about increasing the amount of Haki you possess."
"It's about improving the speed, efficiency, and control of the Haki you already have."
Retsu smiled.
"Which means they still need to strengthen their foundations afterward."
"Correct."
Mio raised her hand.
"So we're basically helping them build shortcuts inside their brains?"
"That's the simplest way to explain it."
Mio's expression became fascinated.
"That's actually pretty cool."
Yuuki nodded.
"But it's also delicate."
His expression became serious.
"Don't force the pathway open."
"If you push too much Haki through an undeveloped neural route, you can overload it."
Little Fairy immediately frowned.
"Which is why you warned them about damaging their senses."
"Exactly."
Yuuki looked toward Retsu and Mio.
"That's why you two are helping me."
Retsu nodded.
"We'll stabilize the Haki flow."
Mio smiled.
"And make sure nobody fries their brain."
Lin Yueru immediately became nervous.
"That's not very reassuring!"
Mio laughed.
"Don't worry. I'm joking."
Yuuki sighed.
"Mostly."
He placed his hand gently against the side of Lin Yueru's head which made her blush.
"Relax."
A faint current of Haki flowed from his hand.
"Everyone, close your eyes."
The group obeyed.
"Focus on your Observation Haki."
One by one, their breathing became slower.
"Don't try to see anything."
"Don't try to sense anything."
"Just feel the Haki moving through your body."
The room gradually became silent.
Yuuki carefully guided the flow of Haki through their existing neural pathways.
Retsu and Mio did the same from opposite sides, assisting him with the more delicate portions of the process.
"Good."
"Now..."
"Feel the point where the pathway branches."
Qingyue's brow furrowed.
She could feel it.
Something subtle.
Almost like a tiny stream of energy reaching a dead end.
"Don't force it," Yuuki reminded them.
"Let your Haki find the opening."
The energy slowly gathered.
Then—
Crack.
Not a physical sound.
Something they could feel rather than hear.
Qingyue's eyes widened.
A new route had opened.
Her Haki suddenly flowed through it.
It was faster.
Smoother.
Almost effortless.
"I can feel it..."
"Good."
Yuuki smiled.
"That's your first new neural pathway."
Retsu guided another branch.
Mio followed.
One by one, the girls began establishing their own pathways.
Little Fairy, already possessing Advanced Haki, watched the process carefully.
"So that's what you discovered while training Qingyue."
"Yes."
Yuuki nodded.
"Once we understood that Haki could stimulate the creation of these pathways, the rest was simply a matter of figuring out how to use them safely."
Chu Yueli slowly opened her eyes.
"I can already feel the difference."
"Your Haki is circulating more quickly."
"Exactly."
Yuuki smiled.
"And as you continue training, your brain will naturally adapt to the new pathways."
"Once the foundation stabilizes, reaching Intermediate Stage will become considerably easier."
Xue Yin quietly examined her own senses.
"My Observation Haki feels..."
She paused.
"Sharper."
Xue Ling nodded.
"Mine too."
Mulan closed her eyes again.
"I can feel my Armament Haki responding faster as well."
"That's because we're doing the same thing with Armament."
Yuuki raised his hand.
"Observation Haki primarily benefits from improved neural circulation and sensory processing."
"Armament Haki benefits from improved control and transmission through the nervous system."
"So we're constructing pathways for both."
Lin Yueru smiled.
"Does that mean we're already Intermediate?"
Yuuki shook his head.
"Not yet."
Her expression fell.
"Aww..."
"This only establishes the foundation."
He smiled.
"Now you have to train."
"Your Haki still needs to mature."
Retsu nodded.
"The shortcut gives you the road."
Mio added,
"But you still have to walk it."
Little Fairy smiled.
"That's a much better explanation."
Yuuki stood.
"Exactly."
He looked across the group.
"From this point onward, your Haki will develop much faster."
"But don't become complacent."
"Intermediate Stage is only the beginning."
He glanced toward their Hidden Blades.
"One day, you'll need Advanced Observation."
"Advanced Armament."
"Eagle Vision."
"Eagle Hearing."
"And eventually..."
His eyes sharpened.
"Eagle Sense."
The girls exchanged determined looks.
Qingyue looked down at her Hidden Blade.
"Then let's begin."
Yuuki smiled.
"That's what I wanted to hear."
He raised his hand.
"Again."
The group closed their eyes.
And under the guidance of their Mentor, the newly formed neural pathways began to strengthen.
An hour later, the courtyard had fallen into a strange mixture of silence and excitement.
Every member of the group—including Jin Yuelian and Li Bing, who had joined the training later—had successfully constructed their new Haki neural pathways.
The difference was immediately noticeable.
Their Haki no longer felt like it had to travel through a winding road.
It flowed.
Faster.
Smoother.
More naturally.
Yuuki stood before them with his arms folded, watching as Qingyue slowly raised her hand.
"Let me try."
She concentrated.
Her Observation Haki spread through her body while her Armament Haki gathered around her arm.
Then—
Whoosh.
A dark coating suddenly appeared across her hand and forearm.
Qingyue's eyes widened.
The others stared.
Her entire hand had turned black, covered in a dense layer of hardened Haki.
"This is..."
She slowly moved her fingers.
"The Intermediate Stage?"
Yuuki nodded.
"That's the most basic application."
Qingyue looked at her hand.
"Basic Haki only hardens the body without producing this dark coating."
"Exactly."
Yuuki explained.
"Basic Armament uses less Haki. It reinforces your body without visibly changing its appearance since it just use less Haki."
"Intermediate Armament allows you to compress and concentrate more Haki around a specific body part."
"The result is what you're seeing now."
Qingyue slowly clenched her fist.
Crack.
The air seemed to tremble around her knuckles.
"It feels much denser."
"Because it is."
Yuuki smiled.
"Your newly constructed neural pathways are allowing you to circulate Haki more efficiently."
"The better the circulation, the easier it becomes to gather enough Haki in one place to form the hardened coating."
At the same time, Retsu and Mio refined their own neural pathways, allowing their Haki to circulate and generate even faster than before.
The others immediately began experimenting.
Mulan raised her arm.
Whoosh.
Her forearm became coated in black.
Her eyes widened.
"I can do it."
Xue Ling stared at her own hand.
"Me too!"
Whoosh.
Her hand darkened.
Xue Yin followed.
Then Lin Yueru.
Then Chu Yueli.
Little Fairy looked at her sister and smiled. At last, both Chu sisters could now wield Haki.
"Well..."
She flexed her fingers.
"That's certainly different."
Jin Yuelian carefully examined the dark coating covering her hand.
"Such a small change..."
She clenched her fist.
"...yet the increase in hardness is remarkable."
Li Bing stared at her own blackened hand with open amazement.
"So this is what princess meant by Haki."
Mulan smiled.
"You're getting it."
The courtyard quickly became filled with girls experimenting with their newly awakened Intermediate Armament.
Some could coat only their hands.
Others managed to reach their forearms.
Nobody could yet maintain the coating over their entire body.
Yuuki raised his hand.
"Don't rush it."
Everyone stopped.
"Right now, your Haki reserves aren't large enough to maintain large-scale hardening."
"Your neural pathways have improved your generation and circulation, but your total Haki pool still needs to grow."
He pointed toward their arms.
"Start small."
"Hands."
"Forearms."
"Then eventually your shoulders, legs, torso and entire body."
"With enough training, you'll be able to coat your entire body without exhausting yourselves."
Qingyue looked toward Retsu.
Retsu's entire arm was already covered in black Haki.
"There's quite a difference between us."
Retsu smiled.
"Don't compare yourself to me yet."
Mio immediately lifted her arm.
"Or me!"
Her entire forearm was coated effortlessly.
Qingyue sighed.
"I still have a long way to go."
"That's the point."
Yuuki smiled.
"You've only just reached Intermediate."
Qingyue nodded.
"I want to reach Advanced."
"Eventually."
Her eyes became determined.
"Like you, Retsu, Mio, Cang Yue, Kon..."
She paused.
"And Nemu."
Qingyue sighed.
"Everyone is ahead of me."
Retsu walked over and gently tapped her forehead.
"Don't rush."
"You only reached Intermediate today."
"You'll get there."
Qingyue nodded.
"Yes, sister Retsu."
Yuuki smiled.
"Besides, there's something else you haven't learned yet."
Everyone looked toward him.
"Imbuement."
Xue Ling raised an eyebrow. Chu Yueli already know of this when her demonstrate it back in the Asgard.
"Imbuement?"
"Armament Haki isn't limited to your body."
Yuuki picked up a nearby broom.
"The same hardening can be transferred into an object you touch."
He focused his Haki.
Whoosh.
The broom's wooden handle became covered in a dark coating.
Everyone stared.
Yuuki swung it once.
Whoom.
The air cracked from the force.
Lin Yueru's jaw dropped.
"That's a broom!"
"Exactly."
Yuuki casually held it up.
"Armament Haki can reinforce weapons and objects."
"Once imbued, the object gains the same reinforcement."
He released the broom.
It remained hardened.
"As long as I maintain the Haki connection, the reinforcement remains."
Chu Yueli studied it carefully.
"So a weapon doesn't necessarily need to be made from a profound metal."
"Correct."
"An ordinary object can become considerably more dangerous when properly imbued."
Xue Ling immediately looked toward the nearest wooden stick.
"Can I try?"
Yuuki handed it to her.
"Go ahead."
She concentrated.
The stick trembled slightly.
Then—
Whoosh.
A small portion of it became black.
Xue Ling stared.
"I did it!"
Xue Yin took another stick.
"Let me try."
Soon, several members of the group were attempting to imbue objects.
Some succeeded immediately.
Others struggled to maintain the coating.
Qingyue eventually drew her Snowflower.
She concentrated.
Her Haki flowed through her arm and into the sword.
A small section near the blade darkened.
Then the Haki flickered.
And disappeared.
Qingyue frowned.
"I can't maintain it."
"That's normal."
Yuuki nodded.
"Your Haki pool is still too small."
She looked at her Snowflower.
"At least I managed to coat part of it."
"That's already progress."
Qingyue nodded.
"I need to train harder."
Yuuki smiled.
"Exactly."
She looked at Retsu's coated broom and Mio's hardened fan.
Then at her own Snowflower.
Her determination only grew.
She had finally entered the Intermediate Stage.
But that was merely the beginning.
Advanced Observation.
Advanced Armament.
Eagle Vision.
Eagle Hearing.
Eagle Scent.
Eagle Taste.
Eagle Touch.
And eventually—
Eagle Sense.
Not to mention the other techniques Yuuki had promised to teach them.
Waterbending.
Ki conversion.
Qingyue tightened her grip around Snowflower.
"I'll catch up."
Retsu smiled.
"That's the spirit."
Yuuki looked across the gathering.
"Good."
He folded his arms.
"Now you understand something important."
"Becoming stronger isn't just about increasing your cultivation level."
"It's about expanding what you can actually do with that power."
He looked toward their darkened hands.
"Today, you learned to make Haki flow faster."
"You learned Intermediate Armament."
"And you've taken your first step toward Imbuement."
His gaze sharpened.
"Tomorrow, you'll be fighting an army."
The girls glanced toward one another.
Then toward the night sky.
Yuuki smiled.
"But tonight?"
"Train."
"Because the war won't wait for you to become stronger."
Qingyue looked at her darkened hand once more.
Then smiled.
"Then I'll make sure I'm ready."