North of the Demon Imperial City, Illusory Demon Continent
A faint ripple distorted the air above a dense forest, and in the next instant, a colossal ark emerged, its presence warping the very fabric of space. The Primordial Profound Ark hovered for a heartbeat before vanishing as abruptly as it had appeared, leaving only a solitary figure standing beneath the shadow of ancient trees. Itachi stepped onto the mossy earth, his raven hair stirring in the cool morning breeze. With a practiced motion, he shrank the ark into a tiny seal that glimmered faintly on his wrist, then surveyed his surroundings with the calm vigilance of a seasoned shinobi.
The forest was silent but for the distant caw of a spirit beast. Shafts of sunlight pierced the canopy, illuminating swirling motes of dust and the silver glint of dew on the undergrowth. Itachi's eyes, now a deep crimson with the four-tomoe Mangekyo Sharingan, swept across the landscape, noting every detail—the subtle trails left by passing animals, the faint scent of demonic aura on the wind, and the distant outline of the Demon Imperial City's spires rising above the treetops.
As he took a step forward, a familiar, imperious voice echoed in his mind. "Why did you suddenly decide to come here? Wouldn't it have been better to raise your strength a bit more before coming to an unfamiliar continent? You even had to use almost the entirety of the Purple Heaven Crystals for this single excursion."
Itachi paused, recognizing Jasmine's tone—equal parts irritation and concern. He considered her words for a moment, then replied with his usual measured calm. "I am here to obtain the legacy of a divine beast and one other thing, which is more important."
There was a brief silence before Jasmine responded, her surprise evident even through their mental link. "I see. I won't ask how you know. Although, which legacy are you here to obtain?"
Itachi's lips curved in the faintest hint of a smile. "The Golden Crow."
Jasmine's shock was palpable. "Another fire-attributed divine beast. I see. Just what is the secret of this planet? Why are there so many legacies here? Do you know?"
He began moving, his steps silent as he sped through the forest, each stride propelling him closer to the city. "I do. You should have been able to guess. It's because of the Heretic God. This planet was created by him."
Jasmine fell silent, digesting the revelation. For a moment, only the sound of wind through the leaves accompanied Itachi's swift passage. Finally, she spoke again, her tone subdued. "So that's why…"
Before she could press further, Itachi interjected, "How much have you recovered?"
Jasmine's response was thoughtful. "It appears I was mistaken in my earlier calculations. I thought it would take at least ten years for me to recover using the Sky Poison Pearl. But my soul was rejuvenated exponentially when it first came in contact with the pearl—because of that, the time was reduced by half, to only five years. So, it should take around three more years to get rid of it entirely."
Itachi nodded inwardly, understanding that the Mirror of Samsara's initial contact with Jasmine had played a role in her accelerated recovery. "That's good. Then, it is best to start gathering resources for the construction of your physical form."
With a silent acknowledgment, Jasmine withdrew her consciousness, leaving Itachi alone with his thoughts.
He pressed forward, the city looming ever closer, its demonic aura a tangible presence on the horizon. For three hours, he traversed the wilds, his mind already strategizing his next moves spending an hour to arrive at the outskirts of the Demon Imperial City.
The Demon Imperial City sprawled before Itachi, its obsidian walls and towering spires radiating an ancient, oppressive majesty. Even from the outskirts, the city's demonic aura was palpable—a swirling mix of power, pride, and hidden danger. Cloaked in a subtle veil of profound energy, Itachi entered the city gates, blending into the crowd of cultivators, merchants, and nobles bustling through the wide avenues. He moved with purpose, Yun Che's memories guiding his steps through the labyrinthine streets. The city's architecture was imposing, with grand mansions and ancestral halls lining the main thoroughfares, each bearing the insignia of a powerful clan. Yet, as he approached the Yun Clan mansion, one of the city's most renowned estates, he felt the weight of unfamiliar eyes upon him.
The guards at the entrance, clad in dark armor emblazoned with the Yun family crest, regarded him with polite suspicion.
Itachi offered a respectful nod. "I have business with the Yun Clan Patriarch. Please announce my arrival."
The guards exchanged uncertain glances. Though his features were somewhat reminiscent of the Yun bloodline, there was no immediate recognition in their eyes. "May we ask your name and purpose, sir?" one inquired, maintaining a formal distance.
Before either could question him, Itachi spoke again in a calm, measured tone, while releasing the aura of an Emperor Profound Realm. "I was called Xiao Che and I am here on behalf of the Xiao Clan from Cloud City. I seek an audience with Patriarch Yun Qinghong."
The mention of the Xiao Clan and Cloud City didn't cause any reaction among the guards. However, the aura of Emperor Profound Realm caused a visible reaction in the guards, especially considering the age that Itachi appeared to be.
The guard's eyes widened slightly, then he bowed as he said. "Please wait a moment, honored guest. I will inform the Patriarch."
Itachi nodded, waiting in the shadow of the clan's mighty gates.
Within minutes, the guard returned and respectfully led him through the Yun Clan's ancestral mansion—a sprawling estate marked by elegant courtyards and the unmistakable crest of the Yun bloodline.
Inside a secluded main hall, Yun Qinghong and Mu Yurou awaited, their faces trying and failing to look composed tinged with a mixture of curiosity, wariness, anxiety,hope, sadness, and happiness all at once.
They had been informed only that a mysterious guest from the Xiao Clan of Floating Cloud City had arrived—a message that could only they themselves could truly understand. However, it could also be a trap by the Sacred Grounds. That is why they choose to invite the guest in the empty main hall for privacy while surrounding it heavily with guards in case it turned out to be a trap.
At this moment Itachi entered with calm dignity, offering a respectful bow.
In front of the hardwood table, which was at the side of the door, a figure dressed in green clothes slowly turned around from the table.
This was a middle-aged man who looked about fifty years old. His face was white, but, even an ordinary person could see that this form of whiteness was paleness due to being ill. As a formidable profound practitioner, his body should have been maintained in an extremely young state in the first place. However, what was seen from his body was an heavily aged state, and even his hair was mixed with about thirty percent of white hair.
Yun Qinghong's eyes searched the young man's face for answers, but found only a sense of familiarity he could not place. "You claim to be from the Xiao Clan of Cloud City?" the Patriarch asked, his voice low and cautious.
From the moment Itachi appeared, Mu Yurou's eyes seemed to be staring at Itachi without saying anything standing silently beside her husband.
Instead of answering directly, Itachi raised his hand and, with a subtle flow of profound energy, manifested the Yun Family's unique Profound Handle—a mark that only those of Yun blood could display. The blue radiance flickered in the air for a heartbeat, unmistakable in its authenticity.
Mu Yurou gasped, her hand rising to her lips as realization dawned. Yun Qinghong's eyes widened, shock and hope mingling in his gaze. "That is… impossible. Only someone of Yun blood—"
Itachi let the Profound Handle fade, his voice soft but resolute. "My grandfather, Xiao Lie told me everything. I was Xiao Che instead of Yun Che for most of my life. Now, I am here to be Yun Che.…father and mother. Will you accept me?"
A heavy silence filled the hall as Yun Che's parents struggled to reconcile the impossible before them.
The heavy silence that followed Itachi's words seemed to stretch on for an eternity.
Yun Qinghong's hands trembled imperceptibly, his eyes locked on the spot where the Profound Handle had just vanished.
Mu Yurou's breath came in shallow bursts, her gaze fixed on Itachi—on her son—searching for any sign of deception, yet finding only sincerity and a familiar, aching longing.
Slowly, Mu Yurou stepped forward, her voice trembling as she spoke, "Che'er… is it truly you?" Her hand hovered in the air, as if afraid that reaching out would shatter the fragile hope blooming in her heart.
Itachi nodded, his usually calm eyes softening with emotion. "Yes, it's me." The words were simple yet resolute.
Yun Qinghong's stoic composure finally broke. He stepped closer, studying Itachi's face with a mixture of disbelief and desperate hope. "You… you truly possess the Yun bloodline. But how…? And how were you able to come here?"
Itachi met his father's gaze, the memories of both Yun Che's and his own lives swirling within him. "It's a long story, Father. One that I promise to share with you both. There are matters we must discuss—about the past, and the future. However, you haven't answered, will you accept me as your son?"
Mu Yurou's tears finally spilled over, her composure giving way to overwhelming relief and joy. She rushed forward, enveloping Itachi in a trembling embrace. "Of course, how c-could we n-not., Che'er, my son… you're home. You're truly home…"
Yun Qinghong placed a steadying hand on Itachi's shoulder, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "No matter what has happened, you are our son. Brother Ying has kept you safe all these years. Welcome home, Yun Che."
For a few precious moments, the burdens of clan and duty faded away for the father and mother, replaced by the warmth of a family reunited.
As the embrace lingered, Itachi found himself standing stiffly in his mother's arms, awkward and uncertain. The sensation was unfamiliar—warmth, acceptance, the trembling relief in Mu Yurou's hold. It was a scene that should have belonged to Yun Che, and yet, with the flood of memories and emotions swirling within him, Itachi realized he could not truly separate himself from this family just like the Xiao family. For a fleeting moment, he wondered if he should feel like an imposter, but the sincerity in their touch and the depth of their longing washed away his doubts.
Even if it was truly Yun Che here, this would still be their first meeting as a family, he thought, a quiet acceptance settling in his heart. It wasn't a bad feeling. He didn't have to act like he knew them. He could just be himself since they didn't know him either.
Mu Yurou eventually released him, her cheeks damp with tears but her smile radiant.
Yun Qinghong, regaining some composure, guided them to a quieter, sunlit sitting room deep within the mansion. The guards outside melted away, leaving the family in privacy.
For the next hour, the three of them remained together, the initial storm of emotion gradually giving way to a gentle, almost tentative peace. Mu Yurou fussed over Itachi, insisting he eat and pressing him for small details about his health and well-being.
Yun Qinghong, still visibly moved, watched with a silent gratitude, occasionally asking careful questions about Itachi's journey and the world beyond.
There were moments of laughter—hesitant at first, then more genuine as the hours passed. Stories were shared, some light and mundane, others heavy with the weight of years lost. Itachi answered as best he could, weaving together the threads of Yun Che's memories and his own, careful to avoid the deeper truths until the time was right.
As evening approached, the atmosphere grew calmer. The initial excitement and tears had faded, replaced by a sense of contentment and anticipation. Yun Qinghong finally suggested they sit together in the inner hall, away from the distractions of the day.
"It's time," he said quietly, his gaze steady but gentle. "You said there are matters we must discuss—about the past, and the future. We are ready to listen, Che'er."
Itachi sat with his parents in the quiet inner hall, the last traces of emotion from their reunion still lingering in the air. He could sense both Yun Qinghong and Mu Yurou's profound energy—steady, but beneath the surface, the faint, insidious traces of the cold poison from the Sun Moon Divine Hall lingered in their meridians.
Itachi's gaze grew serious."Before I explain everything," he said gently, "let me first remove the poison that the Sun Moon Divine Hall left in your bodies. It's not safe to delay this any longer."
Itachi was much stronger than when Yun Che arrived here. He didn't need to perform the treatment in batches taking a lot of days. He could do it instantly with Sky Poison Pearl.
Yun Qinghong and Mu Yurou exchanged a look of surprise and concern. Yun Qinghong's voice was low and hesitant "Che'er, you… can you really do that? Even the best doctors of the Demon Realm have failed."
Itachi nodded, his eyes resolute. "I can. Please trust me."
With their hesitant consent, Itachi activated the Sky Poison Pearl within his palm, a faint green light swirling around his hand. He directed his profound energy, guiding the Sky Poison Pearl's cleansing force into their bodies. The cold poison, which had stubbornly resisted all other treatments, began to dissolve under the Sky Poison Pearl's power, purged from their meridians and organs with astonishing speed.
Mu Yurou gasped softly, feeling a warmth spread through her limbs for the first time in years. Yun Qinghong's eyes widened in disbelief as the persistent ache and numbness faded away. When Itachi finished, both parents sat in stunned silence, tears of relief welling in their eyes.
"It's… gone," Mu Yurou whispered, her voice trembling. "The poison is truly gone…"
Yun Qinghong gripped his son's hand, his expression fierce with gratitude. "Che'er… how did you…?"
Itachi offered a faint, reassuring smile. "I'll explain everything now. Please listen carefully."
He began to recount the truth, his voice steady but grave. He spoke of the four Sacred Grounds of the Profound Sky Continent—their secret ambitions, their centuries-old conspiracies, and the destruction wrought upon the Yun Clan and the Illusory Demon Realm. He explained how the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, led by Xuanyuan Wentian, had manipulated the other Sacred Grounds and the profound sky continent into labeling the Ilussory Demon Realm as the demons to get their resources and their sacred teasure to enter the divine ground.
He told how he met his Grandfather in the Sword formation and then how he had arrived from the Profound Sky Continent using the Primordial Profound Ark, seeking to hand over the Demon Emperor's Seal to the Little Demon Empress and stop other consipiracies. He spoke of his intention to protect the Yun family and the Demon Realm from the Sacred Grounds' schemes. The only thing that he left out was the insider who schemed against them, leaving it for later. He also gave them Yun family crest taken from Yun Canghai.
As he finished, the hall was silent once more, but this time it was the silence of awe and hope. Yun Qinghong and Mu Yurou listened, their eyes shining with pride and renewed determination.
"I see, so it was father who gave you the seal. We will stand with you, Che'er," Yun Qinghong said quietly with gazing at the crest token. "Whatever comes next, our Yun Clan will not falter."
Mu Yurou resolutely nodded her head as she said, "Yes, che'er don't worry."
Yun Qinghong's fingers traced the Yun family crest that Itachi had handed him, the weight of responsibility and hope settling in his eyes.
After a moment, Yun Qinghong spoke, his tone gentle but decisive. "Che'er, you've done more for us and this clan than anyone could have imagined. I will quietly arrange a meeting with the Little Demon Empress as soon as possible. She must hear what you have to say—and see the Demon Emperor's Seal with her own eyes. Until then, it's best that you remain discreet. There are too many eyes and ears in the city, and the Sacred Grounds may have spies even here."
He paused, then offered a rare smile. "In the meantime, Xiao Yun should be returing soon. For now, we will introduce you as our foster son. When things calm down, and the time is right, we will tell him everything."
Mu Yurou nodded, her eyes still a little red but shining with warmth. "Spend some time with Xiao Yun. He is a gentle soul, and you both have much in common. I think it will do you good to be with family again, even if it's just for a little while."
Itachi inclined his head in acceptance, a faint but genuine smile touching his lips. The awkwardness from earlier had faded,. "Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother. I will do as you say."
Yun Qinghong's gaze grew serious once more. "Remember, Che'er—trust only those you are certain of. The situation in the city is tense, and the Little Demon Empress is under constant threat. We must move carefully."
Itachi nodded, understanding. "I will be cautious."
There was a brief, comfortable silence as the family took a moment to simply be together. Outside, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the Yun Clan mansion. For the first time in a long while, hope flickered in the hearts of Yun Qinghong and Mu Yurou.
As the evening deepened, a servant arrived to inform them that Xiao Yun had returned to the estate. Mu Yurou stood, smoothing her robes. "Come, Che'er. Let's go together."
Itachi followed them out of the hall, ready to meet his "brother" and take the next step in weaving himself into the life of the Yun Clan—and the fate of the Demon Imperial City.
The same night, Itachi was introduced to Xiao Yun, who had just returned to the Yun Clan estate. The meeting was carefully orchestrated by Yun Qinghong and Mu Yurou, who presented Itachi as a foster son from the Xiao Clan of Cloud City.
Xiao Yun, warm-hearted and earnest, welcomed Itachi with genuine enthusiasm, unaware of the deeper truth behind their connection.
Mu Yurou, ever the attentive mother, encouraged the two young men to spend time together, hoping Itachi would find some measure of comfort and belonging in this new environment.
Over the next three days, Itachi remained within the Yun mansion. He spent much of his time quietly observing the workings of the clan, familiarizing himself with the customs and politics of the Demon Imperial City. During this period, he grew closer to Xiao Yun and his mother, sharing stories, and moments of quiet camaraderie.
Xiao Yun, eager to improve himself, often sought Itachi's advice on cultivation. Recognizing the sincerity in Xiao Yun's desire for strength, Itachi offered him gentle pointers—refining his control of profound energy, and sharing subtle insights drawn from both his shinobi training and Yun Che's memories.
Mu Yurou watched these interactions with quiet joy, grateful to see her sons—by blood and by fate—finding harmony.
The days passed in a tranquil routine, the Yun mansion a sanctuary from the turmoil beyond its walls.
On the morning of the fourth day, as the first light filtered through the estate's ancient windows, Yun Qinghong entered Itachi's chambers, his expression grave but hopeful. He closed the door behind him, ensuring their privacy.
"Che'er," Yun Qinghong began quietly, "Little Demon Empress has agreed to the meeting. It will be held in absolute secrecy, at a location known only to her most trusted guards. I have not revealed anything about you or the Demon Emperor's Seal—only that I have something to tell that she must hear."
He placed a reassuring hand on Itachi's shoulder. "You will accompany me, disguised as your guard. We must be cautious—there are too many eyes and ears, and we cannot risk exposing your true identity or our intentions until the time is right. We will leave in the evening."
Itachi nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation much better that even Yun Qinghong.
As Yun Qinghong quietly left to make the final arrangements for their secret meeting, the room grew silent. In the hush, Jasmine's voice echoed crisply in his mind, tinged with curiosity and suspicion.
"Itachi, what exactly is the purpose of this Demon Emperor's Seal you're carrying? And when did you get it from Yun Canghai? Why do you want to meet the Little Demon Empress so urgently?"
He paused, his gaze drifting to the faint glimmer of the seal hidden within his sleeve. "The seal is the key to the Golden Crow's Ancestral Grounds," he answered calmly, his thoughts precise. "It serves as the entrance token—without it, no one can access the divine inheritance or the secrets within that sacred ground."
Jasmine's curiosity sharpened. "And Yun Canghai? When Did he give it to you directly?"
Itachi's expression remained unreadable. "I obtained it using a clone that I sent during the sealing ceremony."
Jasmine seemed dissatisfied but didn't press further,e. "Fine. But be careful. This city has plenty of Sovereign Profound Realm practitioners."
Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly. "I know. That's why I am being cautious."
As dusk deepened, Itachi prepared himself. He donned a plain black cloak, masking his presence with a subtle suppression of his profound energy. When Yun Qinghong returned, the two exchanged a silent nod.
Without a word, they slipped out of the Yun mansion under cover of night, their movements swift and discreet. The city's labyrinthine streets were quiet, the usual bustle replaced by a tense stillness. Guided by a coded message from the Empress's side, they navigated through shadowed alleys and deserted courtyards, heading toward the hidden meeting place.