"I just knew, okay? I can't explain it… but I just knew," Yun Che said, his tone firm yet evasive.
Jasmine narrowed her eyes. "You said this is an alternate world. An alternate version of Yun Che." She paused, recalling his words to Xiao Lingxi about being from another world—one where he took over as Yun Che from Yukihira Yuuki.
"Yes," Yun Che nodded.
"Then… there's an alternate version of me as well." Her voice carried a hint of suspicion.
"Yes."
"This original Yun Che... The original novel. Is that the real world? The one where you never interfered? Where the true Yun Che exists? Where I exist as I was meant to be?" She was piecing it together, and Yun Che could only nod in acknowledgment.
Jasmine took a deep breath. "Then… let me see it. Let me see this original novel. The events you've altered or plan to change."
Yun Che smiled but shook his head. "I can't do that."
Jasmine frowned. "Why not?"
"There are things we aren't meant to change," Yun Che explained. "The moment I entered this world, the timeline split. The original world still exists, untouched. But this? This is an alternate world. A different universe entirely."
He looked up, his expression unreadable. "Even though I know the original universe, I didn't change anything there. I only altered this world—the one I now exist in. The one with you, and with everyone I've summoned."
He continued, "Retsu, Mio, Nemu… and more to come. Their fates have been rewritten. New people, new places… things that didn't exist in the original world now exist here."
Jasmine's gaze sharpened. "Yuuki… then you know what was meant to be. You knew—" She stopped, realization dawning. "If I existed in that world… then you already know me. You know everything."
Yun Che sighed. There was no point in denying it now.
"I won't lie to you, Jasmine." His voice was steady. "Yes… I know."
Then, she finally asked the question that had been weighing on her mind.
"Then… what is my real name? If I exist in that world, what is my true name? How much do you know about me? How much do you really know…?"
"Jasmine…" Yun Che murmured.
But Jasmine cut him off sharply. "You know that is not my real name. It's the name I adopted when I took my powers! The power of the Heavenly Slaughter Star God."
Yun Che met her gaze, steady but unyielding. "I promised to tell you once you accepted to be one of us. To forsake your fate and travel alongside us."
Her expression tightened, but he continued.
"I know you already sense it, Jasmine. But this isn't the time for me to tell you. Knowing too much will alter your fate—will change what was meant to be. The future, the past… it's all shifting. We are walking a new path, one that never existed before."
He took a slow breath.
"Like the Wu Clan, Lin Xin and her daughter, Xueli. Xue Ling, Lin Yueru… even this Mu Che. Retsu, Nemu, Mio—all the spirits in the Inner World. None of them existed in the original timeline. The timeline where the 'real' Yun Che once walked."
Jasmine's hands curled into fists as she processed his words.
"When I entered your life as Yuuki, I already altered your fate. That single choice created ripples. Now, the events of the original world… they mean nothing. They are fading, replaced by something new in this universe. I knew the past, but I chose to change it. And in doing so, I've rewritten what was meant to be."
Jasmine exhaled slowly. "Then… the events you remember, they'll still happen? Just under different circumstances?"
Yun Che shook his head. "Not in the way they originally would have. Everything has shifted. Some things will still come to pass, but they will be different. Some events may vanish entirely, replaced by unknown futures. Fate was once written… but now, we are rewriting it with every step we take. A fate altered, a new fate is written by god."
She stared at him, searching his face. "Then you won't tell me what happens next?"
He let out a quiet sigh. "Jasmine… even I don't know what will happen next." His voice softened. "This is a new timeline. The things I once knew? They've become opportunities—chances to twist fate into something better… or something worse. I awakened my aunt, and now? I have no idea what her future holds. Changing one thing sets off a chain reaction that leads to the unknown."
He smiled faintly, his eyes filled with both confidence and uncertainty.
"This is our timeline now, Jasmine. Knowing the past gives us an edge, but it doesn't dictate our future. I will do everything I can to shape a better fate for those I care about… but in doing so, I have also created unknown fates for others."
The weight of his words settled between them. The past was gone. The future was rewritten.
And for the first time… even Yun Che or the System didn't know what lay ahead.
"You're still calling me Jasmine?" Jasmine asked, her gaze sharp.
Yun Che smiled. "Unless you forsake that name and join us completely, I'll keep calling you what you were meant to be. Otherwise, it's meaningless. You can decide—reveal your true name yourself or create a new one."
Jasmine was silent for a moment before shifting the topic. "Then… you still won't show me the original events?"
Yun Che sighed. "I can tell you this much. In the original timeline, your Absolute God Slaying Poison wasn't removed for years. Using your profound strength only accelerated its spread. You had no choice but to help the original Yun Che when necessary, because you needed him to build you a new body.
"But here? The system cured you on day one. It gave you a new body and empowered your soul. The trade-off? Your strength needed time to adjust to its new body making your Divine Profound Realm unusable for at least a few years. That alone changed your fate—you were spared years of suffering. Instead of being my protector, you became my advisor."
His voice turned firm. "And if you think I'm manipulating you with Sharingan or that the system altered your mind—you're wrong. Your soul is far too powerful for that. Neither I nor the system controls or manipulate you since there was no reason to. The System zapped you one time for being haughty but that was it. You've always been free to do as you please."
Jasmine fell into silence. Yun Che continued, his tone softer now.
"In the original world, you hated women because of your past. But here? You befriended Retsu, Mio, Nemu, and the other spirits in my inner world. You have a soft spot for Cang Yue because of Xuyi. And back in the tomb, you were the one who told me to rescue Chu Yueli."
Jasmine remained quiet, listening.
"You treated the original Yun Che like a servant… or a disciple before eventually getting closer to him in your own way. But with me? You treat me as a friend and sometimes we bicker like old married couple. You've changed, Jasmine. You used to refer to yourself as 'This Princess,' but lately? You've been softer, still haughty—but you care more than you let on. And honestly? I don't know what happens next."
A pause. Then Yun Che concluded, "A lot has already changed. Even I can't predict everything anymore. If you don't believe me, ask the system. It doesn't defend liars. That includes me."
Jasmine's eyes widened slightly. "…I didn't realize."
She was changing. Slowly, but undeniably. And no one had forced her. Not Yun Che. Not the system. It was her choice.
Yun Che smiled and patted her head. "I do know one thing. We might know what will happen from the original events… but are we strong enough to face it?"
Jasmine stiffened at the question.
He chuckled. "Exactly. Just knowing doesn't solve anything. That's why I'm leveling up—to change those events. Besides, the original timeline didn't give all the details. It's like saying, 'Three days later…' but not knowing what actually happened in those three days."
He met her gaze. "I know you're curious. But even if I told you everything, could you face it yet? Probably not. And if we start changing things now, we might trigger even more unexpected events."
Jasmine exhaled, deep in thought.
Yun Che smirked. "See? Even the future isn't set in stone."
Jasmine sighed before glancing at Yun Che. "So, what are you going to do?"
"We wait. Then, we alter what happens next—create a new version of events. As for what comes after that? We leave it to God." Yun Che's voice was calm, resolute.
Jasmine frowned. "God, huh…? You mean the heavens? But weren't the gods wiped out alongside the devils during the war?" She had never heard of a god still being alive.
Yun Che shook his head. "Not the so-called gods and devils from the Realm of the Gods. They weren't truly gods—just ascended beings. Calling them gods is an overstatement since they died fighting the devils. Similar like Shinigami and Hollows. So, I prefer to call them Celestials or Eternals."
Jasmine narrowed her eyes. "Then what about you? You're called yourself a Death God when we first met. Are you saying that title is meaningless?"
Yun Che smirked. "Exactly. The Angel of Death itself isn't a god. It's a force. A concept. 'Soul Reaper' fits better. It kind of sounds better."
Jasmine was still skeptical. "Then what kind of god are you talking about? A Creation God? An Ancestral God?"
Yun Che shook his head again. "No. Even the so-called Ancestral God that resided in Xiao Lingxi—despite living through a thousand lifetimes—eventually perished and reincarnated as her. Creation God is still the same. Look at the Heretic God, he still died eventually. If calling yourself a god but you can still die, that's not true godhood. It's just another form of existence."
He leaned back, his eyes glinting with something beyond comprehension. "The god I'm talking about is on a level beyond this world. Beyond this Primal Chaos dimension. Beyond all dimensions. An omnipotent being who runs the entire existence. Even Life and Death, this world and the next is meaningless before the God. The one who wrote the entire existence."
Jasmine felt a chill run down her spine. "Beyond all dimensions…?"
"Exactly," Yun Che continued. "If you wrote a book, that makes you the author, right?"
Jasmine nodded slowly.
"Then every idea, every event inside that book—whether it's altered, rewritten, or expanded upon—still originates from you. No matter how many versions of the story exist, the source remains the same. You're here when you created that book and still here even if you destroy that book. Means, god existed before this dimension, or my dimension existed."
Jasmine's eyes widened. "You're saying this entire world including all world belong to a single God?"
"Yes." Yun Che's expression was unreadable. "No matter how many multiverses, timelines, or dimensions exist, everything still falls under His will. If there were no God, then why does the world still revolve? Why do life and death continue in balance? Why do Heaven and Hell exist? The Afterlife?"
"Being a god doesn't mean you hold absolute power. Just because you've reached the level of a Celestial like the ancient celestials of the Realm of the Gods, does that truly make you a god?" Yun Che's voice was calm but firm as he looked at Jasmine.
"A true god must be omnipotent. A god must possess unparalleled knowledge—not just power, but understanding of the universe itself. Do you know exactly how many stars exist when new ones are born and old ones die every second? Can you measure the precise dimensions of every planet? Count every grain of sand on this world? Calculate the number of molecules in the air at any given moment? Do you comprehend the flow of time itself, the endless cycle of life and death?"
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"If you asked a so-called Divine Master these questions, they wouldn't have the answers. So why call them gods if they don't even understand the fundamental workings of the universe?"
"Strength alone does not define divinity." His eyes darkened. "You may become a Realm King or a True Master in the Realm of the Gods—or is it the Realm of the Celestials?—but do you truly know everything that happens within your domain? Every word spoken? Every single action taken by every being? Not just in one realm, but across all realms? Can you understand the language of animals? Insects? Even microscopic lifeforms invisible to the naked eye?"
His voice lowered, but the intensity in his gaze remained.
"What about the realms beyond ours? The Realm of Limbo? The nameless, unknown creatures that exist alongside us, unseen and unheard? Tell me, Jasmine… what is a god if not the one who understands all?"
Jasmine took a step back, her mind reeling. Even at her level—a Divine Master—there were still beings beyond comprehension? "A level beyond…" she whispered. "Even the System is powerless against this God?"
"Exactly." Yun Che exhaled. "Even I, with all the knowledge from my past life, can't reach that level. Knowing everything doesn't mean you're Omnipotent. But I am grateful. Grateful for this second chance. Despite knowing what happened in my and your original worlds, there are still things I can't control… can't prevent. The things I don't know."
His voice softened. "Jasmine… I can't predict what will happen tomorrow. Even if I mastered Kenbunshoku Haki and could glimpse into the future, it would still change the moment I reacted differently."
He looked at her, eyes filled with meaning. "You once said that if I knew your true name, it would change everything between us. Change our relationship. But does that knowledge alone truly dictate our destiny?"
He shook his head. "Even if I know many things from my world, there are still things I don't know. And even in this world, there will always be things beyond my grasp. Like I say, I am not omnipotent as I don't even know my ending. The God is. The god knows everything. Everything will not escape from his knowledge. Even the so-called Divine Beings in the Realm of the Gods are not gods at all since they don't even know you're down here or I infiltrated this world. Can we still call them gods? No, not even close."
Jasmine nodded thoughtfully. "Then, what about the Heretic God? Didn't he create this star?"
"No, he didn't," Yun Che replied. "This planet existed long before he arrived. Originally, it was a barren world—a place of supermassive volcanoes, toxic gases, and an atmosphere so pressurized that life was impossible.
Then came the Celestials. They waged a cataclysmic battle with the devils, shattering the once-massive continents and leaving behind only the icy lands of the north and south. What remains today—the Profound Sky Continent, the Azure Cloud Continent, the Illusory Demon Realm, and a handful of islands—are the remnants of their war. That battle unintentionally terraformed the planet, making it livable."
He paused, glancing at Jasmine before continuing.
"The one you call the Heretic God—or rather, the Heretic Celestial, as I prefer to call him—didn't create this world. But he saw its newfound potential. Nearing the end of his life, he sent humans here, ensuring his legacy would endure. Some Celestial survivors also chose to remain in hiding—beings like the Phoenix, the Dragon Celestial, the Golden Crow, and perhaps many others."
Jasmine's eyes narrowed. "So he left humans on this planet because…?"
"He knew he wasn't the only one," Yun Che explained. "Other Celestials had done the same—leaving behind their legacies on different worlds, each waiting for a successor to claim them. One day, history would repeat itself. Battles between those successors would inevitably come to pass.
And so, the Heretic Celestial seeded this Blue Pole Star with his own chosen people—to seek out and inherit what he left behind."
Jasmine rubbed her forehead, exhaling in frustration.
"I still have a lot of questions… but for now, I'll accept that you know a lot of things. You seemed to know or believe in this 'God'. Even so, there are things out there that we know nothing about. Even I, born and raised in the Realm of the Gods—or the Realm of Celestials, as you call it—don't truly understand everything you just said. Even with the inheritance of the previous Heavenly Go—" she paused, correcting herself, "I mean, Celestials. Even if we possess the power to destroy entire stars or realms…"
Yun Che smirked. "So can an asteroid. Or a Supermassive black hole. Or even a massive star. None of them cultivate, yet they can wipe out realms and entire star systems with ease."
Jasmine narrowed her eyes. "Black hole?"
"A celestial body so dense that not even light can escape its pull," Yun Che explained. "Its gravity is so strong that it can swallow planets, stars, even entire planetary systems. A black hole the size of a coin could destroy this planet and disrupt the entire solar system. Now imagine one the size of a ball, a mountain, a planet, a sun—or even a galaxy. Now do you believe there are things we don't know about. Something God kept from us?"
Jasmine's eyes widened slightly, trying to grasp the concept. But the more Yun Che spoke, the more distant it all felt.
Yun Che gazed at the sky, his voice calm yet thoughtful. "Maybe I could offer a fresh perspective."
Jasmine glanced at him, intrigued. "What kind of perspective?"
He let out a small chuckle before continuing. "Did you know that if gravity were even slightly stronger, the universe would collapse into itself?"
Jasmine followed his gaze. "I did not. I don't even know what the word 'gravity' meant."
"It's the reason you and I can stand on the ground. What I meant is gravity that pulls the universe together. And if it were slightly weaker, the universe would fly apart—no stars, no planets, nothing." Yun Che's tone was casual, yet the weight of his words lingered.
Jasmine raised an eyebrow. "Where are you going with this, Yuuki?"
Yun Che smiled. "It's just... gravity is exactly as strong as it needs to be. The Blue Pole Star spins at just the right speed—24 hours per rotation, 365 days around the sun despite being a planet almost bigger than fifth planet of my original solar system. What are the odds of all that happening purely by chance? Then, why is everything being perfect?"
Jasmine shook her head slightly, unable to answer.
Yun Che's grin widened. "The precision of the universe at least makes it logical to consider the possibility of a creator. Now do you believe me?"
Jasmine sighed, rolling her eyes. "You always find a way to make things sound deeper than they need to be."
Yun Che smirked. "Well, out of billions of Yun Ches across the multiverse, and billions of people on this planet… the current you ended up with me. What are the odds of that?"
She blushed as she raised a hand, stopping him. "Enough. Your words are starting to give me a headache. I have many more questions, but for now… let's just go back." She hesitated for a moment, then added, "If possible… tell me more about my original self from the other dimension. Maybe through her experiences, I can search for the best version of myself. Maybe I can learn more about this God you spoke off."
Yun Che gave a small smile. "I'll try. For now, let's head back."
With that, he changed his Front Man outfit back to normal, and the two took flight.
As they soared through the skies, Jasmine cast a glance at Yun Che, deep in thought.
"Yuuki… I still have so many questions. But today, you've broadened my horizons in ways I never imagined. Is my fate changing?"
====================
Returning to the ark, Yun Che leaned against the railings, gazing at the vast night sky. The weight of his actions settled over him—he had altered the fates of Xia Qingyue, Gong Yuxian, and their grand elder without them even realizing it. He even indirectly saved Frozen Cloud Asgard.
However, altering fate does not mean escaping calamity. When one destiny is rewritten, another takes its place. Preventing one disaster does not erase the existence of misfortune—it merely reshapes it into a new form. The salvation of Asgard may spare it from its original doom, but another calamity will inevitably rise in its place. No prophecy, no written fate, and certainly no novel can serve as a guide for what comes next.
At the same time, he had secured a protector for Xuanyuan Yufeng once she inevitably arrived at the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region. However, one threat remained—Ye Xinghan.
Still, he had successfully diverted Ye Xinghan's focus toward Nezuko instead of Qingyue. That was enough, for now.
As for Cang Yue, once she completed her training, she would step into the Sovereign Profound Realm within two years. That would be more than enough to deal with Ye Xinghan as Nezuko. Or, he might send Yoruko herself to deal with him should her strength will tally to hers.
For now, the path of fate had been rewritten. But Yun Che knew—while he had shifted the course, the future was now uncertain.
"Yuu-kun!"
A familiar, gentle voice called out from behind.
Turning around, Yun Che saw Retsu, Mio, Nemu, and Cang Yue stepping onto the deck. Dressed simply but still wearing their Uchikatsugi hats, they carried a sense of quiet elegance despite the late hour.
"Oh, hey, you four," Yun Che greeted with a small smile.
Retsu crossed her arms, tilting her head. "Ufuu… I assume everything is settled?"
Yun Che smirked. "Yeah… Ling Kun is now our ally. Well, a 'controlled' ally."
Mio chuckled. "That saves me the trouble of dealing with him."
Beside her, Cang Yue let out a quiet sigh of relief. Her Nezuko form was safe, for now.
Nemu, ever composed, simply nodded. "All's well that ends well, Yuu-sama."
"But…." Retsu suddenly spoke, her expression darkening. "I couldn't help but feel offended by what Ling Yun said this morning."
"That's right!" Mio huffed, crossing her arms. "He practically insulted all women, calling us greedy, rotten, and incapable of listening—yet acting as if we know everything!"
The sheer audacity of Ling Yun's words had clearly struck a nerve.
Yun Che sighed, shaking his head. "I get why you're upset."
In this world, women were often treated as beneath men. If they were beautiful and had status, they became trophies. If not, they were discarded like trash. That's why women lived by themselves and can live hundreds of years without happiness.
"Sigh… well, I can't entirely blame him," Yun Che admitted. "Part of what he said is true. I can't argue that there are women born with beauty, strength, and wealth who become corrupted, arrogant and broken. He's probably encountered too many like that—maybe even had his heart broken. I can see why he ended up this way."
Retsu frowned. "Not all women are like that. A virtuous and righteous woman wouldn't become what Ling Yun described."
Yun Che nodded slightly. "That's true. But in a world like this, they're extremely rare."
Then, Retsu turned her eyes to him. "Are women in your world like that, Yuu-kun?"
The others also looked at him, waiting for his answer.
Yun Che exhaled, his gaze distant. "They used to be different. During the Dark Ages, women fought for virtue, righteousness, and prosperity. By the end of the Dark Ages, they had gained respect and honor." He paused for a moment before continuing. "However…"
A shadow passed over his expression.
"As the world advanced into the technological age, women's values plummeted. They began selling themselves—not just physically, but their dignity, their honor—all for the fleeting attention of men and gained easy wealth. If a picture or a portrait of you girls being seen, you would do everything to take it down so no others can see your beauty or imagine how you looked like. However, the women in my world began to share more and more of themselves. Slowly degrading their values by parading their beauties."
His voice grew colder.
"Instead of love, safety, fairness, and loyalty, they began choosing wealth, power, status… and betrayal. They were able to live with that choice without regret."
Yun Che's lips curled into a faint smirk, though there was no amusement in his eyes.
"Love became meaningless. Just another game. As it become a concept where love is one-night stand with no depth, no emotion. A fleeting pleasure, easily forgotten. Men and women alike."
The deck fell silent.
"That's barbaric!" Cang Yue exclaimed, eyes wide with shock.
"Do you girls believe," Yun Che asked calmly, "that women—or men—in my world would trade happy marriages, beautiful children, and peaceful families… for a fleeting moment of pleasure?"
Cang Yue shook her head, eyes wide. "They wouldn't… they couldn't. That's unforgivable."
The others remained silent. Retsu's gaze flickered, but she said nothing.
"They did," Yun Che said darkly. "They do. Offer them enough gold, enough comfort, enough pleasure… and they'll throw it all away. Their vows, their loyalty, their children—discarded like yesterday's robes. And when it all crumbles, when the world they chose turns to ash—they come crawling back, begging for forgiveness, hoping to return to the very people they betrayed. As if their sins were just… mistakes."
He paused, eyes cold.
"But they're not mistakes. They're choices. They believe that they could have a husband for stability and a lover to satisfy their bodies. Thinking that as long as no one knows or everyone accepts, it's not a sin."
"You've seen it," he continued. "When you use Eagle Scent. You know. The scent of betrayal never truly fades. They might return with kind smiles, play the part of devoted wives or husbands and mothers or fathers, but underneath… the stench remains. You can forgive, sure. But can you forget? Can you trust again, knowing the blade had already pierced your back once?"
Still, no one spoke.
"Let me answer that," he said. "Forgiveness is easy. But trust? That's gone. Doubt festers like a scar. Even if they become the best version of themselves in the end, the scent lingers. That's why Eagle Scent… isn't meant for everyone. The truths it reveals—some people aren't strong enough to carry them. I am sure if they became virtuous and righteous after repenting, god will favor them and hides their scent."
He looked to each of them, then spoke with quiet finality.
"This is the lesson. Don't become the modern women of my world. Cheating isn't a misstep—it's a decision. A line crossed. And if you ever do cross it… be prepared to live with what comes next. Trust me..... it won't end well on their part."
His tone softened only slightly.
"Ling Yun… he wasn't wrong in seeing the ugliness. But he was wrong to believe that it defines everyone. Men, too, are just as flawed. And the more we corrupt, the heavier our burden becomes."
Then Yun Che continued, his voice steady but carrying weight.
"Men are not required to be loyal by nature, but we are held responsible for every action we take. When men exploit women for pleasure, they destroy more than just trust—they break families, shatter bonds, ruin lives. And for that, they will be held accountable—if not in this world, then in the next."
He let those words settle before continuing.
"But the same goes for women. Loyalty is expected of them, and yet many discard it the moment it becomes inconvenient. They demand devotion, yet fail to offer it in return. They cry foul when betrayed, but betray just as easily."
His gaze turned sharp.
"Isn't that the greatest hypocrisy of all? To demand loyalty… while offering none in return? In the end, all choices are judged. No one escapes it."
Yun Che looked at them, his expression unreadable. "Do you know why I have you girls veiled?"
Cang Yue lowered her gaze. Unlike Retsu, Mio, and Nemu, she didn't always wear a veil.
"Part of it is to hide your beauty," Yun Che continued. "As your cultivation grows, so does your allure. When Retsu first arrived, her beauty alone caught the attention of men and women in Cyan Town. That's why I had her veil herself. But as you grow even stronger, your beauty will have the power to affect thousands… even entire nations. Imagine one day, affect realms across the dimension."
A faint smile tugged at his lips. "You could topple kingdoms, incite wars, and bring empires to ruin—without lifting a single finger."
Retsu gently took his hand, her voice soothing. "Don't worry, Yuu-kun. We won't reveal even a speck of our beauty to the world. It belongs to you alone."
Cang Yue hesitated before murmuring, "Maybe I should veil myself too."
She smiled softly, as if the act of veiling herself was more than just a precaution—it felt like a request from Yun Che, a quiet gesture meant to preserve and protect their beauty, not hide it. If it was something he believed was best for them, then she would honor it without question.
Her thoughts drifted to Yuyun's words—how, once her Yin Lunar Body matured, her beauty would surpass even that of blooming flowers. Right now, the body had only just awakened, its effects still dormant, its allure yet to bloom. But she understood. If her presence could one day draw unwanted attention or dangerous desire, the veil might be the shield that spared her from future trouble.
And if Yun Che was the one who thought ahead to such a possibility… then she would trust his foresight completely.
Mio removed her Uchikatsugi hat and placed it on Cang Yue's head. "Just wear this, Yue'er. It's better. We can still see each other clearly under the veil, but to those outside, we remain hidden. It's not that hot or uncomfortable."
Yun Che exhaled, crossing his arms. "I wish the women in my old world thought like you girls."
The warmth in his voice turned cold as he continued. "There, beauty is paraded for everyone to see. They sell themselves—literally and figuratively. Loyalty? Almost nonexistent. Infidelity is common, yet they demand love and devotion from men without offering the same in return."
His words left his companions in silent shock.
"They dress as if they're wearing nothing, flaunting themselves like merchandise. They call themselves 'true beauties,' yet they carry the scent of countless men. They refused being objected by men but they objectify themselves. They bear children with no fathers in sight, yet still demand to be loved, cherished, and worshiped thinking the past can be erased just because they said so."
Mio scowled. "How shameless. What kind of women are these?"
"Exactly," Yun Che nodded. "They demand wealthy, powerful, and handsome men, yet when asked what they bring to the table of marriage, they get offended. They expect everything given to them but offer nothing in return—only their bodies, as if that alone is enough. And when they tire of a man, they discard him and move on, leaving nothing but ruin behind."
Cang Yue clenched her fists. "That's unfair! If a woman wants a man, she should bring something of value to the relationship, just as he does for her. Otherwise, it's just selfishness."
Retsu sighed. "It's sickening, Yuu-kun."
Mio nodded in agreement. "They demand loyalty but show none in return. That's not love—it's exploitation."
Yun Che shook his head. "That's the world I left behind despite years have past since that age. That's why I cherish what I have now."
The night breeze carried his words into silence.
"But not all of them are like that," Yun Che said, his tone thoughtful. "Some women uphold virtue and righteousness, becoming true beauties—not just in appearance, but in character. True beauty is like a hidden diamond, undiscovered and untouched. When a man finds such a diamond, he treasures it, hides it from the world, and protects it with his life. But when other men see that diamond, they covet it, wanting to steal it for themselves."
Cang Yue tilted her head. "But if the man is strong enough, he can protect it, right?"
Yun Che sighed. "Perhaps. But thieves are patient. With enough skill and time, they can steal even the most well-guarded treasure. Corrupt it. Toss it aside when it's no longer valuable to them."
He looked up at the night sky, his voice carrying a quiet weight. "Women are like diamonds. If they remain exposed for too long, they collect dust and become dirtied. Left unchecked, they may darken until they're mistaken for mere coal—indistinguishable from something ordinary and forgotten. Lost forever. The world is unkind to such women. But if a diamond is found early and protected, it remains pure, cherished, and untainted."
"Some are diamonds… but ended up becoming coal. Some are coals that endured and came out as diamonds—scarred, chipped, but still shining," Yun Che said, frowning slightly. "Some just pretend to be diamonds, but they're nothing more than soot underneath. And some… real diamonds, are just hidden among the coal."
He paused for a breath, his voice gentler now.
"That's why we protect them. We hide the true gems, not because they're weak, but because they're precious. Because the world doesn't deserve to see what it can't understand or respect."
He turned to them with a small smirk. "So… maybe a veil isn't just tradition. Maybe it's a shield. A way to keep the coal from scratching the diamond."
A quiet beat—then a sudden "Pfff—!" as Cang Yue tried to hold in her laugh. Retsu chuckled softly behind her hand. Mio buried her face in Yun Che's shoulder, shoulders shaking. Even Nemu cracked a rare smile.
"That has to be the most awkward analogy you've ever said," Cang Yue grinned.
"But it makes sense," Retsu added, trying to hold back her giggles.
"We'll be your diamonds, Yuu-sama," Nemu said, her voice quiet but proud.
"And we'll keep shining just for you," Retsu followed, her eyes soft.
Yun Che sighed dramatically. "Seriously, I give you all a heartfelt metaphor and all I get is laughter…"
"Because it's so you who gave it, and that's why we love it." Cang Yue winked.
His voice softened as he continued. "But I don't condemn those who have been lost to darkness. Some women rise from their past mistakes, refining themselves into something even stronger. A blackened diamond, with enough care, can be polished back to brilliance. The problem is, most men aren't willing to search through the coal to find that lost gem."
He shook his head. "So I don't blame women. And I don't blame men either. Both are capable of cruelty. Men, too, have cast aside good women, playing with their hearts and bodies until trust and loyalty are nothing but distant memories. That's why, when I spoke to Ling Yun, I told him—men can be just as guilty as women."
Retsu smiled softly. "Ufufu… you always speak with such wisdom, Yuu-kun. But we understand what you're saying. Thank you for seeing us as virtuous and righteous women."
She wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his chest.
"Mou… that's not fair, Ret-chan!" Mio huffed, joining the embrace.
"Nee-sama, that was a sneaky move," Nemu teased, slipping in from behind.
"Retsu isn't playing fair," Cang Yue pouted before hugging him as well.
Yun Che let out a soft chuckle, his arms tightening around them. "Thank you… all of you."
He held them close, cherishing the warmth of their devotion. In this world, purity still existed, and the values of virtue and righteousness could be preserved. Perhaps, even in a world as harsh as this one, they could shape a future where such ideals thrived.