The terrifying ring of fire was rapidly contracting toward the center.
But the next second—
Crack!
Space, frozen by the extreme cold, couldn't withstand the strain. Cracks spread across it—and Lin Xuan's figure burst through the flames.
Everything he passed froze solid.
Within a hundred li, the world became ice in the blink of an eye. Even Yamamoto's flames exploded—and were extinguished by the cold.
Lin Xuan reappeared. Everywhere he stepped turned to ice.
Rukia Kuchiki watched, stunned.
"Sode no Shirayuki doesn't produce cold—it lowers the wielder's body temperature. The stronger the soul that bears the strain, the greater the power."
Lin Xuan's Absolute Zero had frozen the surrounding space itself.
Rukia marveled inwardly: What kind of soul could support a technique this powerful?
Everyone watching cried out in shock.
Even Yamamoto was deeply shaken.
He'd recognized Lin Xuan's blade—Rukia's Sode no Shirayuki. He knew that Zanpakutō well.
Sode no Shirayuki was the most beautiful Zanpakutō—but among ice-type blades, not the strongest.
Ryūjin Jakka was the oldest and strongest fire-type Zanpakutō. Direct attacks and Kidō attacks alike reached the pinnacle.
The two blades weren't even in the same league.
Yet Lin Xuan, wielding Sode no Shirayuki, had extinguished Ryūjin Jakka's flames in an instant.
Yamamoto's gaze toward Lin Xuan changed again.
This was a formidable enemy.
He felt pressure from Lin Xuan—a sensation he hadn't experienced in many years. Blood that had been quiet for decades began to boil.
"I'm going all out next. Receive it well."
Yamamoto gripped his Zanpakutō. All flames were drawn into the blade. "Zanka no Tachi—Higashi: Kyokujitsujin."
White smoke rose from the blade. All temperature concentrated at the tip.
His figure vanished—appearing behind Lin Xuan.
The slash descended silently.
But Lin Xuan sensed extreme danger and flashed aside, dodging the strike from behind.
Boom!
Yamamoto's blade fell. The ground vaporized instantly. Everything it touched became nothing.
"As expected of the strongest fire-type Zanpakutō—dangerous indeed," Lin Xuan's expression shifted slightly.
If he'd been a moment slower, that tip's terrifying heat would have seriously wounded him.
But excitement quickly replaced concern. "Come on. I want to see how strong you really are at full power!"
He released Bankai on Sode no Shirayuki as well.
The two clashed again with devastating force.
The battle across the Seireitei unconsciously paused. Both sides stopped attacking and watched Lin Xuan and Yamamoto instead.
Everyone kept their distance.
Combat at this level was terrifying. One careless moment and you could die for nothing.
Across the Soul Society, most people followed the fight through the broadcast.
Watching the live feed, many felt profound awe.
This might be the most intense and spectacular battle the Soul Society had seen in centuries.
Many even felt grateful to whoever had opened the screen in their vision—letting them witness this safely.
In the One Piece world, people worldwide erupted in cheers.
Lin Xuan's fighting style was different this time—but still as domineering as ever. He didn't disappoint.
Sakazuki, Sengoku, Rocks, and others sighed with emotion.
Especially Sakazuki and Sengoku—watching the Seireitei through the broadcast, they saw echoes of their own past wars.
In Yamamoto and the others, they saw shadows of themselves.
For a moment, the three almost sympathized with Yamamoto and his people.
This man was not someone to provoke. Provoke him—and the outcome would be miserable.
That was their bloody lesson.
Sakazuki suddenly sighed. "Sengoku, I'm suddenly glad about the decision I made back then."
Sengoku beside him nodded silently.
He knew Sakazuki meant agreeing to become World Government Navy.
If Sakazuki hadn't agreed, who knew where they'd be now—if they'd even be alive.
"Don't overthink it. We're doing fine now. People everywhere live better.
Isn't that good enough?" Tsuru smiled.
"True enough."
Sakazuki and Sengoku nodded deeply.
The world was more peaceful now. Living standards had risen everywhere. Every nation was thriving.
They saw it all—and knew it was thanks to Lin Xuan's Cross-Dimensional Guild.
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T/N:
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