Infinite Chimera Creation

Belated closing remarks

Well, the Bleach arc is finally finished. As is customary, here's a brief closing remark; you readers can read it or not.

Just yesterday, the protagonist's story with Death came to a bumpy end, bringing me one step closer to my goal of writing my first million-word novel. Congratulations!

Because the purpose of this book is to improve my writing skills (although my writing skills haven't changed much even after 500,000 words) and build up popularity (but I haven't built up much popularity), even though the monthly royalties are exhausting compared to the effort I put in, and even though I've been so busy lately that I feel like I'm going to tear myself in two, I still insist on updating every day (I occasionally missed an update for a day or two due to unforeseen circumstances, so please don't mind).

Okay, enough of the nonsense that might upset everyone, let's get down to business. Recently, some readers have said that my Bleach volume is too ruthless, that I've vilified all the characters from the original work, which is not good.

Hmm (nods), thank you for the suggestion, fellow reader. I will pay attention to that in the next volume and try my best to satisfy my desire to break the original work—oops, I mean to write a heartwarming and loving story—while allowing the popular characters from the original work to still shine with their original brilliance.

The next volume will be about the demon Sengoku period from Inuyasha.

Sigh (lament), I wonder how many readers these days will abandon Inuyasha because they haven't read it. After all, Inuyasha is an old story, and it's been neglected for so many years. I searched online, and apart from outdated authors like myself who have been left behind by the times, there are hardly any writers of Inuyasha. Even those who do write it are mostly BL or romance.

Am I really getting old? 〒_〒

Ahem, that's enough of the unimportant closing remarks. Now, let's delve into the story of Inuyasha together.

Above

Chapter One: Monsters

Yokai are a very strange race, and the weak and the strong among them are completely different, like two completely different races.

The weak, mere minions of monsters, lead unproductive and confused lives, remaining unchanged until their death.

Those who are powerful enough to become great demons live a different kind of life.

When those great demons were young, they would follow their instinctive desires, roaming the land, ignoring the deaths and cries of the weak, only hoping to fight the strong. They were incredibly pure, proud of their strength and ashamed of their weakness. Although they lacked the wisdom of their elders in preserving their lives in danger, they possessed a fighting spirit that their elders lacked, dedicating their young lives to battle without reservation.

During this period, they had no fixed abode and wandered around, but they enjoyed this kind of life.

Even when these great demons reach middle age, their boiling passion remains undiminished; they still possess boundless enthusiasm, though the way they express it changes. At this stage, the great demons are no longer interested in fighting the strong; they shift all their interest to conquering territory.

Occupying territory is not for the purpose of providing a better living environment for future generations, because every great demon knows that only harsh environments can cultivate powerful demons. Therefore, once their descendants have the basic ability to protect themselves, they will drive them out of their territory.

Occupying land isn't for retirement, because no great demon would spend their old age in their own territory. Rather than clinging to one place, they prefer to wander through the places where they fought in their youth, again and again. Not to fight again, but simply to recall those they fought with, whether the reason for the battle was overwhelming hatred or just dislike for the other party. They can savor those memories of battle like a delicacy, again and again.

It seems that the middle-aged demons occupy land and divide up territories simply because they like the situation where a certain piece of land belongs to them.

As the great demons grew old, without exception, they sheathed their claws and swords, ceasing all fighting and only reminiscing about the past. It wasn't because their passion had cooled; the blood of demons is forever boiling, never cooling. They gave up fighting simply because, having traversed countless battlefields, they saw nothing left in this small world worth drawing their swords for.

"Well, Master Ikkyu, aren't you sure that monsters are a very interesting race?"

Although Yuan Yuan's expression was calm at this moment, it was no longer as cold as before, and it seemed that his personality had undergone a great change.

However, Ikkyu, who was sitting opposite Yuan Yuan, knew that the so-called change was just an illusion. Once a person awakened his madness, his personality would never change again in his entire life.

[His current calm is probably just because he hasn't finalized his plan yet. Once he has a plan, he'll instantly revert to his cold and rational self.]

With a sigh to himself, Ikkyu picked up the teacup in front of him, frowned, took a small sip, and spoke calmly.

"Indeed, they are a very interesting race. However, after so many years, you have summoned me again. Could it be that you just want to educate me about races?"

However, Yuan Yuan did not respond to Yixiu's words. He also took a sip of tea, and then a somewhat strange smile appeared on his face.

"Judging from the expression on your face when you drank your tea just now, you must have remembered the time I forced you to drink a cup of tea that had been sitting for a year. Haha, Master, I apologize for what I did back then. I was only thinking about how to intensify your hatred for me and didn't consider your feelings. I'm sorry."

After a moment of silence, Ikkyu picked up his teacup again, took a small sip, and this time he didn't frown. After setting the cup down, his aura seemed to have become even more detached.

"You need not concern yourself with what happened back then, Benefactor Yuan Yuan. During this time, I was trapped in the depths of hell, which gave me ample time to reflect on the gains and losses of everything I did. Looking back on what I did, it was all driven by anger and desire. I lost the most basic tranquility of a monk, which is why I was taken advantage of by Benefactor Yuan Yuan. I am truly ashamed of my century of meditation. Benefactor Yuan Yuan, you have done nothing wrong."

Staring into Yuan Yuan's eyes, Ikkyu asked again.

"Alright, we've finished discussing irrelevant matters. Now, Mr. Yuan, could you please tell me what you wish to do by summoning me here?"

With a meaningless smile, Yuan Yuan spoke softly.

"I just feel that this world is too peaceful. For thousands of years, the elderly have lived in seclusion while the young have been active. Although it is stable, it is a bit boring to watch. So, I wrote a script and hope that Master Ikkyu can cooperate with me to make this world more lively."

"The script?"

After repeating a certain word in a low voice, seemingly with some emotion, Ikkyu spoke calmly.

"I wonder what would happen if I refused Benefactor Yuan Yuan's invitation?"

Yuan Yuan waved his hand dismissively, a nonchalant smile on his face.

"It's alright, it's alright. The script is already written, and anyone can play the role. Even if you refuse, Master, I can simply replace you. After all, this time the actor is not required to master madness, so your presence becomes insignificant."

Ikkyu was stunned for a moment before he reacted, and his eyes twitched involuntarily. He could tell, of course, that Yuan Yuan's words were sincere and that he had no intention of mocking him.

But that's precisely what makes it so infuriating—what does "insignificant" even mean? I feel that Yuan Yuan in his current, indifferent state is even more detestable than when he's cold and aloof.

He gently closed his eyes, took a slow breath, and when he opened them again, Ikkyu's mind had returned to calm.

"Then, I wonder what I can gain by participating in Benefactor Yuan Yuan's script? I don't think the Lord of Hell would let people work for free."

Yuan Yuan's smile remained unchanged, but his tone now contained a hint of admiration.

"To confront your own desires, no longer hide their existence, but release them in an appropriate way? It seems that you, Master Ikkyu, have made great progress in your self-cultivation during the time I killed you and imprisoned you in the depths of hell."

Yuan Yuan's blunt words caused Ikkyu's eyes to twitch a few more times. However, in this relaxed mode, Yuan Yuan was unwilling to consider other people's opinions anymore.

"As for the reward, Master, what do you think of the opportunity to gain freedom and be freed from the shackles of guilt?"

Seeing the other person's eyes widen instantly, Yuan Yuan casually tapped the table.

"After all, Master, you are not that important to me anymore. So giving you your freedom is not unacceptable."

Although Yuan Yuan reiterated that Ikkyu was now "useless," Ikkyu didn't care much at the moment. His attention was now completely drawn to two words: "freedom."

After taking several deep breaths, Ikkyu managed to maintain his composure. He stared intently into Yuan Yuan's eyes and spoke in a low voice.

"I hope Benefactor Yuan Yuan can remember his promise. Therefore, I will participate in this performance."

Chapter Two: Fighting King, Treasure Fairy Ghost

"Touya-oh, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

Ripples, like waves on the surface of water, appeared in Toga's study. Accompanied by a slightly amused voice, a great demon with long, pure white hair stepped out from the ripples.

“Bao Xian Gui? You, who have never moved for ten thousand years, actually came to find me on your own initiative. How strange, how strange.”

Setting down his wine cup, Touya-o didn't rise. He waved and laughed heartily as he greeted his old friend.

"Come on, whatever you're here for, have a drink first."

With a hint of curiosity, Bao Xian glanced at the black-haired youth in a white robe sitting opposite Douya Wang. A gentle smile appeared on his lips as he sat down, poured himself a glass of wine, and drank it in one gulp.

"King Douya, your drinking habit hasn't changed at all even after more than a hundred years. Hmm, good wine, your wine hasn't changed either, it's still fragrant and mellow, making people addicted."

Douya Wang laughed heartily, patted Baoxian Gui's shoulder hard, and refilled his wine cup.

"For the past hundred years, my only hobbies besides fighting are drinking, so of course I can't change them."

After clinking glasses with Bao Xian Gui and finishing his own drink, Douya Wang pointed to the silent, cold-faced young man sitting to the side.

"Come, come, let me introduce you to my new friend, Yuan Yuan, a rising great demon of the snake clan. You know that snake clan members are naturally cold-faced, so don't think that his cold face means he doesn't welcome you. Although Yuan Yuan sometimes seems nasty, he actually has a very good heart. It's just that his way of expressing his feelings is a bit rough. You'll understand once you get to know him."

A hint of surprise flashed in Bao Xian Gui's eyes, and he became more serious about Yuan Yuan. Although he still had doubts about a snake clan member being "kind-hearted," he still raised his wine cup to Yuan Yuan.

Regardless of one's character, strength deserves respect.

Seeing Bao Xian Gui's actions, Yuan Yuan seemed to sigh helplessly and raised the wine cup in front of him.

"Although alcohol no longer affects my brain or makes me lose my composure, I'm still not used to drinking that kind of thing. So, I'm sorry, I'll just have tea instead."

Bao Xian Gui then noticed that the newly promoted great demon's cup contained not colorless wine, but emerald green tea.

Although the demon race is not as addicted to alcohol as the ghost race, they generally enjoy drinking. There are almost no demons who do not drink alcohol.

[This is truly unbelievable. As a demon, he doesn't drink alcohol. Is it really true that he's a kind-hearted person despite being a snake?] Sighing to himself, Bao Xian Gui smiled and shook his head, indicating that he didn't care, and drank the wine in his cup.

“Bao Xian Gui, let me tell you, Yuan Yuan is going too far. He’s been here for a month, and I’ve been trying to persuade him to have a drink with me every day. Even just one drink would be fine, but he always firmly refuses. You’re so much better, come on, have a drink.”

Seeing that Touya-o had downed another cup of sake, Baoxian-gui's smile turned somewhat helpless.

"Although your intention to take care of the newcomers is good, your methods are too clumsy, and you underestimate my magnanimity, Douya Wang."

Bao Xian Gui knew exactly what his old friend meant. He simply wanted to tell him that Yuan Yuan didn't drink alcohol and wasn't targeting him, so that he wouldn't develop any ill feelings towards this newcomer who had just entered the realm of great demons.

That's Toga! He's kind and enthusiastic towards everyone. Although he's not particularly eloquent, he's always willing to help others within his capabilities. It's precisely this seemingly foolish enthusiasm that makes Toga the most popular of all the great yokai.

Although he was exposed, Touya Wang didn't seem embarrassed at all. He said, "Sorry, sorry, here, I'll punish myself with a drink," and then drank the wine in his cup with a smile.

Douya Wang knew that Baoxian Gui would expose his intentions to his face, which meant that he no longer cared about this matter. Therefore, he felt relieved and drank his wine in peace.

In Douya Wang's view, although this newly promoted great demon of the snake clan has great talent, he is still a newcomer after all. Baoxian Gui has been a great demon for nearly two hundred years. If a conflict were to occur, Yuan Yuan, who is a newcomer, would definitely suffer the loss.

As they drank and chatted, the sky grew dark before they knew it. Douya Wang put down his wine cup, casually flicked out a ball of demonic fire to light the candlesticks in the room, restoring light to the room. Then, staring at Baoxian Gui, his expression turned serious.

"We've had enough to drink. Tell me, Bao Xian Gui, what could possibly make you come to me on your own initiative?"

Bao Xian Gui's expression also turned serious. He gently swirled the small wine cup, his face appearing somewhat uncertain in the flickering candlelight.

"King Douya, what do you think of that newly appeared [Buddha]?"

"You mean that monk from five hundred years ago who appeared in the north, whose ancient temple, which he had been sleeping in, was destroyed in a battle between two little monsters?"

Touga, who had always acted like an ordinary, alcoholic middle-aged man, now began to reveal the sharp edge of the dog clan leader. His eyes flashed with a cold, razor-sharp light, and every move he made exuded an aura of dominance that was beyond the reach of ordinary people.

"Without a doubt, the strength he has displayed is definitely at the level of a great demon. However, although he calls himself a Buddha, in my opinion, compared to a Buddha who saves all beings with compassion, he is more like an evil Buddha who directly sends all beings to the Pure Land with a butcher's knife."

Although the mysterious golden power he wielded gave off a solemn and weighty feeling, I could still detect a peculiar scent within it—the scent of the dead.

"The dead...? That's new information."

Swirling his wine glass, Bao Xian Gui pondered for a moment before speaking again.

"Touya-o, do you think I can kill him if war breaks out?"

"Not defeat, but kill? Can you tell me your reasons for wanting to kill him? Of course, you don't have to say if it's difficult; I'm just curious."

Hearing Hosenki's words, Touga was genuinely surprised. Hosenki was a rock monster, so his bloodlust was very mild; among all the great monsters, he had the fewest blood on his hands. Yet now he was showing murderous intent towards a monster he had never even met. This was unbelievable to Touga, who knew Hosenki well.

"There's nothing I can't say,"

Bao Xian Gui laughed nonchalantly and stated directly the reason for his murderous intent without any concern.

"As you know, Touya-o, all my strength lies in gems. As long as I have a sample of a gem, I can assimilate my body into that gem to increase my strength. Since I completely transformed my body into diamond fifty years ago, my strength has stopped increasing. For the past fifty years, I have never given up and have been searching for even more powerful gems. Just recently, I finally found a gem stronger than diamond."