Infinite Chimera Creation

Picking up the lifeless fragment of the mask from the table, Yuan Yuan continued his research from the previous night, carefully examining its structure with spiritual needles.

After studying it for an unknown amount of time, Yuan Yuan suddenly stopped what he was doing, his eyes widening slightly as if he had seen something incredible. In fact, he had indeed seen something incredible: deep within this mask, which should have been dead for a long time, he discovered that there was still a tiny bit of life remaining.

For a Hollow, the mask is an extremely special organ. Once the mask is broken by another Hollow, its evolutionary path can be said to have ended prematurely. Hollows evolve by devouring their own kind, and the parts they need to consume are either flesh or the mask. For a Hollow to break the boundary between Hollows and Shinigami and become an Arrancar, it needs to break its own mask using a special method.

It could be said that the mask was the most important organ for Xu; even if he lost his limbs, he could not lose his mask. And now, a little vitality had appeared in a mask that should have died long ago. Although this vitality was pitifully small, it still made Yuan Yuan feel a little excited. His intuition told him that perhaps his soul research, which had been making no progress, would break through here.

Carefully inserting the spiritual energy needle into the mask, hovering it over the still-vital area, Yuan Yuan began to slowly infuse his spiritual energy into it. However, the moment the spiritual energy from the Grim Reaper reached the needle tip, before even touching that vital area, the already fragile vitality, like a candle flickering in the wind, began to waver, as if it would be completely extinguished at any moment.

Yuan Yuan quickly withdrew his spiritual energy, rubbing his temples in frustration. Looking at the small mask, he felt at a loss. After rubbing his temples, Yuan Yuan thought for a moment, put down the spiritual energy needle in his hand, and placed his hand directly on the mask. Instead of releasing his own spiritual energy, he closed his eyes and began to sense the spiritual energy within the mask.

Gradually, Yuan Yuan seemed to "see" inside the mask. In his perception, an endless, pale desert appeared, devoid of life, save for a few withered trees that resembled crystals. Yuan Yuan's perception, like a third eye, observed this desolate land without leaving any blind spots. Finally, beneath a patch of white sand, Yuan Yuan saw a small, curled-up snake.

The little snake's orange-yellow eyes were filled with hysterical madness and a deep-seated hunger. Looking into those eyes, Yuan Yuan understood what he had to do. He slowly adjusted his emotions, making himself feel hungry, making himself go mad, synchronizing his emotions with those of the little snake.

With madness and hunger gleaming in his eyes, Yuan Yuan once again channeled his spiritual power into the mask. This time, although his spiritual power was still the signature blue of the Grim Reaper, it had a slightly imperceptible turbidity.

In the desert world, a sudden downpour began. A small snake, hidden beneath the white sand, abruptly raised its head, watching the raindrops in the air, searching intently for something. Suddenly, its gaze sharpened. Following its gaze, amidst the blue raindrops, a tiny, inconspicuous gray raindrop appeared. The snake slowly slithered across the sand, heading towards that gray raindrop.

He moved quickly, carefully avoiding the blue raindrops, and finally caught the gray raindrop just before it hit the ground.

In an instant, everything changed. Under Yuan Yuan's fingers, the small mask turned into a puddle of liquid, writhing violently and emitting a piercing sound.

Watching the pool of liquid writhe and transform into a white bone snake with a small hole between its brows, the madness and hunger in Yuan Yuan's eyes dissipated. He slammed down with his palm, shattering the small snake into scattered spiritual particles.

"The first experiment was successful, although it wasn't the research direction I wanted, it was still a good start. However, to conduct research at will, I'll probably need a sufficiently prestigious position."

Looking at the floating spirit particles, Yuan Yuan's eyes flashed with an inexplicable light as he muttered to himself.

PS1, thanks to Dark Sin, Trust Foundation, and Crimson Lotus for their donations.

On PS2, the Zanpakuto's name was changed to "Original Scripture"; the previous names were just too awkward. [Facepalm]

PS3, please add to your favorites, recommend, tip, and vote!

Chapter Nine Orange

If you always think you are superior to ordinary people, if you were taught from childhood that you were born noble and should stand above those ant-like ordinary people, if you have become accustomed to being superior to ordinary people and being better than them in every aspect...

Can you accept being surpassed by ordinary people?

Tachibana Koimaru didn't know other people's answers, but he knew his own answer, which was—

How could I possibly accept this?! I am a nobleman! I am a descendant of the Tachibana family! I bear the honor of the Tachibana family! How can a descendant of the Tachibana family be defeated by a mere mortal?

Despite the raging in his heart, Tachibana Koimaru's actions betrayed no emotion. His hands remained steady as he carefully cleaned his Zanpakuto. Apart from the occasional flicker in his eyes, his every move perfectly met the requirements of a nobleman. Even the most rigid old nobleman would praise him, saying, "What a fine heir to a noble family!"

Recalling how he trembled under the Killian's spiritual pressure, lacking even the courage to draw his Zanpakuto, while that commoner easily killed the three-headed Killian with a playful gesture, a trace of pain flashed in Tachibana Koimaru's eyes.

He didn't hate the commoner; he hated himself, hated his own weakness. He had awakened his Zanpakuto, mastered its Shikai, and was clearly a genius even in the Noble Chapter. Yet, at the very moment he should have displayed noble bearing, he had weakened, he had retreated. If he weren't the heir of the Tachibana family, bearing the family's fate on his shoulders, he would have even wanted to join the expeditionary force, charge into Hueco Mundo, and personally slay a Hollow to prove himself and wash away his shame.

After putting away the cleaning cloth, Tachibana Koimaru picked up his Zanpakuto and slowly walked towards Mao.

After creating an utterly insignificant Hollow using the Killian mask, Yuan Yuan found a new research direction. Having resolved to find himself a sufficiently prestigious identity to support his research, he estimated he wouldn't be able to stay at the Central Academy of Sciences for much longer. So, after recovering the spiritual energy he had depleted during his experiments, he planned to continue spending time in the library.

But to his surprise, on his way to the library, he was stopped for the first time. Although his reading time was interrupted, Yuan Yuan wasn't angry; he just found it amusing. He had never encountered school bullying, not even in his first life, and this was the first time it was happening to him, which made Yuan Yuan even more intrigued.

To Yuan Yuan's disappointment, the somewhat familiar-looking boy in front of him seemed to have no intention of bullying him. On the contrary, he was very polite and courteous.

"Greetings, Your Excellency Yuan Yuan. My name is Ju Liwan from the Ju family. I apologize for disturbing you."

The seventy-fourth rule of the Ju family is that the strong have the right to be respected.

Although the scenario Yuan Yuan had envisioned didn't unfold, he still patiently spoke with Tachibana Koimaru and didn't storm off.

"The Ju family? Sorry, I've never heard of them. Could you tell me what brings you here?"

A hint of anger flashed in his eyes, but Tachibana Koimaru suppressed his rage at being told that his family was unheard of, and kept his voice calm and humble.

"Yesterday, during my training session, I witnessed your exceptional skills. I'm truly itching to test my abilities against you, Yuan Jun. I wonder if you would do me the honor of a duel?"

Instead of answering Tachibana Maru's question, Yuan Yuan asked an unrelated one.

"Judging from the style of the sword at your waist, it's not a standard katana; it should be a Zanpakuto. Can you release it now?"

Tachibana Koimaru was taken aback for a moment, then realized what he meant, nodded, gently stroked the hilt of the sword, and spoke with a tone full of pride.

"That's right, this is my Zanpakuto, named Raishu."

Nodding in satisfaction, Yuan Yuan walked towards the training ground and spoke in a cold voice.

"Now that we know the name and can use our Shikai, it wouldn't hurt to have a match. Let's go, Tachibana Koimaru of the Tachibana family."

Upon hearing "Tachibana Koimaru of the Tachibana family," a smile unconsciously appeared on Tachibana Koimaru's face. He quickly followed.

When they arrived at the training ground, a large crowd was already waiting. Yuan Yuan raised an eyebrow in surprise, glancing sideways at Tachibana Koimaru.

"Did you hire these people?"

However, Tachibana Koimaru was also full of confusion, looking at the excited students with bewilderment.

"These people weren't recruited by me, so how come there are so many of them?"

A smirk played on Yuan Yuan's lips, but his brows furrowed, and his voice grew even colder.

"Boring clowns, it's just a battle, yet it's attracted so many people so quickly. Alright, Koi, don't let those clowns affect you, let's get started."

Composing himself, Tachibana Koimaru slowly drew his Zanpakuto, cautiously watching Yuan Yuan, assuming a defensive stance, his voice low and menacing.

"Then, please, Mr. Yuan."

With a smirk playing on his lips, Yuan Yuan drew his Zanpakuto, held it horizontally in front of him, and slowly spoke.

"Announce it, Imperial Edict."

As the black light from the blade spread throughout his body, Yuan Yuan's lips slowly parted, uttering a soft murmur that no one but himself could hear.

"My voice can only be heard by my opponents."

Then Yuan Yuan charged forward, arriving in front of Tachibana Koimaru before he could react, and with a simple horizontal slash, he sliced ​​across his neck. After leaving a small, bloody gash on Tachibana Koimaru's neck, Yuan Yuan quickly returned to his initial position, his voice still calm, without a trace of the joy of having suppressed his opponent.

"I advise you to release your Zanpakuto. Without its support, you won't be able to keep up with my speed."

Tachibana Koimaru touched the wound on his neck, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes. He had witnessed Yuan Yuan's speed during his internship that day and was amazed by it, but he hadn't expected that even that speed wasn't Yuan Yuan's limit. "That's interesting," Tachibana Koimaru told himself, gripping his Zanpakuto tightly and shouting its name.

"Move swiftly, Thunder Boat!!"

Unbeknownst to Tachibana Koimaru, who was engulfed in lightning and charging towards Yuan Yuan with his long sword, a tiny drop of white liquid was rapidly merging into his bloodstream from a small wound as he channeled his spiritual power.

Swinging his sword to block the incoming attack, Yuan Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly and spoke quickly.

"Koi, you got angry when I said, 'I've never heard of the Tachibana family,' didn't you?"

However, Tachibana Koimaru, who had already entered battle mode, did not respond to Yuan Yuan's meaning, but instead launched a frenzied attack with the increased speed and power amplified by his Zanpakuto.

"Are you unwilling to answer? Or unable to answer? The Tachibana family is probably just an insignificant minor noble family. And you, judging from your words and actions, you are clearly being groomed to be the next head of the family. Am I right, Koi?"

Sensing the increasingly frenzied attacks from his opponent, Yuan Yuan narrowed his eyes with pleasure, a chilling smile curling at the corners of his lips.

"Are you resentful? You were the only hope of your family, yet you were surpassed by a commoner. Are you resentful? You were a nobleman, yet a commoner said he'd never heard of you. Are you resentful? You were praised as a genius, yet a commoner could speak so casually when faced with your attack."

With a sudden burst of strength, Yuan Yuan forced Tachibana Maru away. Seeing the other's angry face and murderous gaze, Yuan Yuan's smile grew even more delighted. He silently mobilized his spiritual energy to gather in his legs, enhancing their strength, and before Tachibana Maru could react, he placed his knife against his neck.

Leaning forward, Yuan Yuan stared into Tachibana Koi-maru's eyes and spoke in a low, hoarse voice.

"Are you unwilling to accept this? Are you resentful? Then come to me, and I will give you the power to make you and your family rise again."

PS1, the Zanpakuto's name has been changed again. Damn it, naming things is such a hassle.

PS2, please add to your favorites, recommend, tip, and vote with monthly tickets. Recent sales have been rather dismal.

Chapter Ten: A Ridiculous Determination

Zanpakuto, its shape and abilities are modeled after the soul of the Shinigami (Death God), born with the Shinigami and perishing with the Shinigami.

When students enter the Shinigami Academy, the academy lends them standard-issue asauchi. These asauchi are all identical in design and are nameless Zanpakuto. When the students graduate and officially become Shinigami, their asauchi is given to them. They live and breathe with this sword, influencing it with their own souls to give it a name and make it their own unique Zanpakuto.

If a Shinigami can hear the name of his Zanpakuto, he can borrow great power from it.

For millennia, generations of Shinigami have obtained their Zanpakuto in this way, and no one has ever questioned, "What exactly is Asauchi? Who created it?"

This is where the advantage of being a resident of a lower world, as Lolo mentioned, comes into play. Secrets that almost no one in this world knows are not secrets at all to Yuan Yuan, who comes from a lower world.

Asauchi was entirely created by Oetsu Nijouya, a member of the Zero Squad, using a large number of Shinigami souls that had been fused together as raw materials.

Upon hearing the knock, Yuan Yuan smiled as if he were not surprised and opened the door to welcome Tachibana Koimaru in.

Seeing Tachibana Koimaru's somewhat embarrassed expression, Yuan Yuan felt increasingly satisfied. Aside from a few geniuses, awakening a Zanpakuto before the third year was the average level for captains and vice-captains; Tachibana Koimaru was undoubtedly a genius. If he were merely a genius, Yuan Yuan wouldn't have valued him so much. What was truly remarkable was that this person seemed to possess a kind of inferiority complex and madness that Yuan Yuan himself hadn't even noticed, stemming from his family's status as a lower-class noble family.

His inferiority complex caused him to smile when the powerful Yuan Yuan mentioned "Tachibana Koi Maru of the Tachibana Clan," while his madness stemmed from his obsession with power. That hysterical pursuit of power in his eyes, even when hidden behind humility, could not escape Yuan Yuan's notice. Countless people with such eyes had fallen into eternal slumber in his laboratory.

Seeing that Tachibana Koimaru still harbored a so-called noble dignity, and that this ridiculous dignity was preventing him from asking a commoner for help, Yuan Yuan's lips curled up without him even realizing it. This scene was all too familiar. Back in the Harry Potter world, those nobles who didn't know his identity knocked on his laboratory door with the same expression, their purpose nothing more than a small bottle of potion or a tiny egg.

In fact, regardless of their facial expressions, the moment they knocked on Yuan Yuan's door, they had already abandoned any semblance of aristocratic dignity. Their expressions were simply a subconscious hope that Yuan Yuan would offer them a way out, preventing them from losing face. However,

Yuan Yuan simply didn't like giving them that way out; he preferred to watch their ridiculous struggles.

At this moment, if Yuan Yuan simply got straight to the point and said, "I knew you would come, because you are so eager for power," he could defuse Tachibana Koimaru's embarrassment and guide this conflicted nobleman along the lines of his conversation. But Yuan Yuan deliberately remained silent. He raised the corners of his mouth, elegantly poured Tachibana Koimaru a cup of tea, and handed it to him in a manner that did not conform to Japanese aristocratic etiquette, yet exuded an air of nobility.

"Li, I don't have any good tea here, so I can only serve you this coarse tea. I hope you won't mind."

With an awkward smile, Tachibana Koimaru took the tea from Yuan Yuan's hand and sipped the not-so-unpleasant tea in silence. Yuan Yuan also remained silent, calmly drinking his tea as if Tachibana Koimaru had come there simply to have tea with him.

Finally, it was Tachibana Koimaru, who needed a favor, who couldn't hold back any longer. He put down his already empty teacup, lowered his head, and made his posture appear even more sincere.

"I was rude just now. I was the one who needed your help, but I was too proud to speak up and waited for you to make the first move. I hope you will forgive me."

Yuan Yuan squinted at the boy, and after a moment spoke.

"Koi, there's no need for that. I was just testing your magnanimity. If you don't even have the courage to ask others for help, then your pursuit of power is nothing but a joke. You did very well in that respect, Koi."

Appropriate encouragement can make people with low self-esteem more accepting of you.

As expected, although Tachibana Koimaru didn't show any excitement, his slightly trembling shoulders betrayed his thoughts. Without giving him a chance to speak, Yuan Yuan continued, his voice still cold and indifferent.

"Koi, how do you rate your talent?"

Tachibana Koimaru raised his head and looked directly into Yuan Yuan's eyes, speaking with a humility he himself didn't realize, as if a subordinate were addressing a superior.

"Compared to Yuan Jun, Li is far inferior, but compared to ordinary people, Li believes he is far superior to them."

"Is that really what Koi thinks?"

Yuan Yuan's voice grew even colder, and there seemed to be a hint of anger in his tone.