My personal opinion on Gensokyo

Izumo, nameless deep mountains, big flower fields.

Countless tall, gorgeous sunflowers are firmly rooted in the vast flower fields. Nourished by the magical power of the Lord of Four Seasons Flowers, they bloom year-round, regardless of the season, creating a unique landscape. Yet, despite this, these countless sunflowers remain unknown to the humans and monsters of this land throughout their countless years of growth.

The reason is of course very simple. It is impossible for humans to enter the territory of the Lord of Four Seasons Flowers, and the monsters dare not approach this large flower field filled with vast aura.

The breath of "Declaration" blew through Izumo. In the large flower fields, sunflowers swayed freely. The bright moon in the night sky cast its bright light. The flowers and the moonlight were like a dream.

The Lord of Flowers of the Four Seasons, just like for hundreds of years, the great monster holding a parasol is now standing on countless sunflowers, quietly gazing at the bright moon hanging high in the night sky.

Like the sage of the monsters, facing the impact of the aura belonging to the two great monsters and the "declaration" jointly issued by Shangyang and Gu Mingdijue, the owner of the large flower field did not even need to make the slightest move to resolve it.

The light green curly hair of Kazami Yuuka also swayed slightly in the wind of the "Declaration". The ancient and peerless monster, "Lord of the Four Seasons Flowers - Kazami Yuuka" looked at the bright moon with a calm and indifferent gaze.

The Yokai Sage, who lived in the vast plains of Musashi Province in eastern Japan, and the owner of the large flower field, who lived in the deep mountains of Izumo Province in western Japan, both whispered in admiration.

"What a...comfortable breeze." ×2

Volume 3: Above the Moon Sea: Chapter 105: The Great Decree of Heaven

Although the strange dark clouds that blanketed the night sky seemed to be only momentary, when the clouds dispersed, the bright moon hanging high in the night sky was still the familiar moon. However, the strange storm that blew over the land made the people who lived in this land and this country feel a chill in their hearts that almost turned into solid ice. At the same time, the coldness brought by this strange wind almost instantly plunged this land into the coldest days of winter. The biting cold wind made the people of this land feel a chill from the bottom of their hearts, and a deep sleepiness came unnoticed...

Yin energy was rising. Contrary to normal, the yin energy beneath the earth slowly began to overflow from the ground. Although on ordinary nights, the yin energy hidden in the shallow underground would gradually flow to the surface from caves, fissures, and other structures, this process was extremely slow. When the concentration of yin energy reached its peak at 3:00 a.m., almost all diurnal creatures on earth would fall into a deep sleep. Then, as the first rays of dawn broke through the darkness, yang energy would force the yin energy to slowly retreat underground. Finally, when the sun's rays bathed the earth, the energy of "yang" would take control of the daytime world.

However, tonight was different. The Yin Qi, which should have been slowly becoming thicker and denser on the ground, was rushing out from underground. In the end, the Yin Qi, which should have been the densest at around three in the morning, had a concentration three times higher than the usual Yin Qi at nine in the evening.

This high concentration of Yin energy not only makes the people living on this land feel extremely cold both externally and internally, but also makes them feel sleepy unknowingly.

Finally, when Shang Yang and Jue joined forces to release a breath that not only had the power to intimidate the monsters in this land, but also had the power to relax and make humans sleep, and it brushed over the humans living in all corners of this land, all the humans living in this land unconsciously returned to their beds at home and fell into a deep sleep.

The same was true in Heian-kyo, the capital of the Yamato court. The people were soon trapped and out of control. They turned off all the lights in the city and fell asleep.

The brightly lit Kyoto suddenly sank into darkness, becoming a silent city swallowed by darkness.

However, although all the humans in this country are asleep, almost all the monsters in this land are attracted by the "declaration" of the two great monsters. In every corner of this land, the aura of various monsters of varying strengths is overflowing.

The human country suddenly became the monster country.

When the aura of the "Declaration" completely swept across the land, Shang Yang and He Jue, who realized that their actions had achieved the desired effect, looked at each other and almost at the same time, nodded slightly to each other and shouted in unison.

"All the monsters of this land, listen! Respond! And then, bear the destiny!" x2

As if to echo Shang Yang and Jue's words, the ancient dark god carrying the three of them - "Heaven's Fate Black Bird" once again let out a long and loud cry.

This time, it is not just a "long cry" that can be perceived, nor is it just a "long cry" that can be heard by the monsters, but a real and loud long cry that resounds throughout this land and every corner of this country.

"In the past, non-human beings sought their own selves from the chaos of all things, becoming the embodiment of the sky and the earth, yin and yang, and all things."

After the "Black Bird of Heaven's Mandate" cried loudly, Shang Yang's indifferent voice, like the loud cry of the "Black Bird of Heaven's Mandate", truly resounded in the sky and the earth of this land.

"Then, according to the language woven by humans, we, the ancient incarnations of the sky and earth, yin and yang, and all things, made an 'ancient covenant' with humanity. Humans wove 'myths' and believed in 'myths,' while non-human beings endowed 'myths' with the power of the sky and earth, yin and yang, and all things. They took their place in 'myths', transforming into monsters and gods. Together, they exist in the human world as a form of human belief, and this has lasted for over hundreds of thousands of years."

When Shang Yang's voice fell, Jue took another step forward and completely immersed his fair and soft hands in the green lotus floating in front of the two of them. Then, compared with Shang Yang's indifference, Gu Mingji Jue's words, which were more like a cold voice, resounded throughout the sky and land of Japan.

"We, the demon race, are the embodiment of the sky and the earth, yin and yang, and all things. We are like gods, feeding on human fear and the embodiment of fear. We, the demon race, are born from human fear and awe. We are feared and cannot resist by humans, yet we inspire humans to have the courage to challenge and explore this world."

"Fear of monsters makes them stronger, and stronger monsters will bring greater courage to humans."

"We, the demon race, are the embodiment of awe, the cultivators of courage, and the urgings of humanity to change the world."

"He is also the guardian of the yin and yang and the balance between humans and non-human beings!"

"We, the demon race, bear this destiny!"

As Gu Mingdijue's cold voice fell, Shang Yang took over again.

"Humans, monsters, and gods. Monsters and gods are non-human beings. Although humans are weak, they are the race that controls the historical trend of this world.

Humans, monsters, and gods, seemingly three opposing pillars, are actually the two yin and yang of a cycle, the balance of balance."

"For countless millennia, we demons have witnessed humanity's courage and the perfect cycle of the yin-yang balance. However, history is not eternal, and neither is humanity. In the distant past, long ago, we demons and the gods agreed that humans would inhabit the plains of this land, while we demons would rule the mountains. This agreement no longer accords with the current state of the human world."

After Shang Yang finished speaking, Gu Mingdijue took a deep breath and prepared to continue speaking.

However, what Gu Mingdijue didn't expect was that the young man with gray and white hair shook his right hand and gently grabbed his hand.

"……What are you doing?"

Suddenly, Shang Yang held her soft hand. The girl with short lavender hair felt shy and at a loss, and asked the young man softly in her heart.

"Next, let's do it together."

Noticing the lavender-haired girl's confusion, the gray-haired young man comforted her in his heart.

"...I'm asking you why you suddenly grabbed my hand."

The young man held her soft and delicate hands, and the girl complained helplessly in her heart.

However, the girl with short lavender hair had no intention of arguing with the young man with messy gray hair at this time.

After calming themselves down and letting out a breath, Gu Mingdijue and Shang Yang shouted at the same time.

"Now is the time to create a great cause!" ×2

The impact of the "Declaration" once again stirred up all the air in this land. The monsters living in this land have been completely attracted by the "Declaration".

Shang Yang: "Listen to this announcement and respond to this destiny."

Gu Ming Di Jue: "Follow the ancient principles of our demon race and follow behind us great demons."

Shang Yang: "Don't worry, we great monsters are the pinnacle of the monster race, and we are the spear of the monster race."

Gu Ming Di Jue: "Your yearning and your wish are the direction we, the great monsters, are heading."

"So, gather!"

At this moment, Shang Yang and Jue once again issued a declaration to all the monsters living on this land.

"Gather behind us great monsters and follow us!"

"In the name of the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons!"

Volume 3: Above the Moon Sea: Chapter 106: Wen Che Ji

...After a brief silence, the previously silent land erupted with a variety of demonic auras of varying strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, as these demonic auras erupted, they tracked the aura of the Declaration and rapidly converged in the direction of the Mysterious Bird of Heaven's Fate.

In the deep mountains, lakes, and almost any place where there are monsters, demonic energy rises into the sky. Without any mobilization, the monsters will instinctively follow the big monsters at the top of the monster clan, forming a night parade of a hundred monsters with the big monsters as the general commander.

A moment later, around the "Heaven's Fate Black Bird" flying towards the nameless vast plains of Musashi Province, various monster auras of varying strengths drew trajectories in the night sky and followed the magnificent body of the "Heaven's Fate Black Bird".

As the countless demonic auras approached, the monsters within them gradually revealed themselves. Unlike the One Hundred Demons Night Parade paintings completed during the Edo period, the demons of the Heian period were not the ghosts of later times, often depicted as vengeful spirits. Instead, they occupied a true mythological position, the embodiment of the sky and earth, yin and yang, and all things. The demons that emerged from the countless demonic auras were less demons than primordial gods, incarnated through the mountains, rivers, and all things.

After densely packed monsters flew close to the majestic body of the "Heavenly Destiny Mysterious Bird" from all directions, they consciously changed their flight paths and naturally flew behind the "Heavenly Destiny Mysterious Bird". According to the strength of their own breath, from strong to weak, they followed the "Heavenly Destiny Mysterious Bird" and the body of the ancient dark god, flying towards the vast plains of Musashi Province.

Shang Yang and Jue turned from the head of the "Heavenly Destiny Black Bird" back to the back of the "Heavenly Destiny Black Bird". Seeing the countless monsters following the magnificent body of the black bird, Shang Yang nodded with satisfaction, walked to Shana's side, and sat down cross-legged.

"The Night Parade of One Hundred Demons brought about by the joint declaration of two great monsters is ultimately more spectacular than a single great monster summoning one." Seeing the tens of thousands of monsters following Xuanniao, Shang Yang was very satisfied with this gathering. "Xana, I'm afraid half of the powerful monsters in this land have gathered here."

"That's indeed half the number," Shana nodded in agreement. "Next, according to our agreement with the Yokai Sage, we will lead this unprecedented Night Parade of One Hundred Demons and head to Musashi Province."

"worn out……"

He breathed a sigh of relief, and his previous serious and cold expression also relaxed. He didn't pay attention to his sitting posture, just sat down casually and complained.

"I've already said I'm not very good at this, but Shang Yang still insisted on asking me to explain it."

A mysterious young girl's voice said, "No, Lord Jue, what a magnificent and wonderful declaration! I, who was not originally interested in the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons, could not help but come here after hearing Lord Jue and Lord Shangjun's declarations, and follow Lord Jue and Lord Shangjun."

A sudden ethereal voice sounded behind Shang Yang, Jue and Shana.

Shang Yang, Jue and Shana were not surprised to hear this ethereal girl's voice.

Although the ethereal girl's voice was mainly praising Jue, Jue did not respond, but just winked at Shang Yang. After the thought of "Shang Yang, I leave it to you" flashed through his mind, the girl with short lavender hair turned slightly to the side and shifted her attention to the distance. Shana, like Jue, also turned slightly to the side and shifted her attention to the front.

Seeing the looks of Jue and Shana, Shang Yang sighed softly, realizing that Jue didn't want to have anything to do with the affairs of controlling the monsters.

Although I don't like these either.

Although he sighed in his heart, Shang Yang still turned his gaze in the direction where the cold voice came from.

What caught the eye was a pretty girl with waist-length aqua-blue hair, wearing a water-blue yukata, who was kneeling with her body bowed towards Shang Yang, Jue and Shana.

"Wenche-ji, you should understand that in the eyes of the great monsters, weak monsters like you are like dust, insignificant beings that can be easily wiped away." Looking at the kneeling beautiful girl and the young man with gray hair, the master of Yoshino Mountain said in a calm tone, "Then, as a monster, knowing the monster clan's taboos, why did you, without any reason, set foot on the "Heavenly Fate Black Bird" which is equivalent to the territory of Lord Jue and me?"

Hearing this, the beautiful girl knelt down with her head down and explained seriously without hesitation. Her tone did not waver in the slightest because of the indifferent questioning of the owner of Yoshino Mountain.

"I naturally know that setting foot on the territory of Lord Shangjun and Lord Jue without their permission is a grave sin. I am willing to accept any punishment from Lord Shangjun. Even if my life and body are shattered by the great power of the Supreme Yin and Yang, I have no complaints. I only ask that Lord Shangjun fulfill my small wish before punishing me."

"It seems you have a reason." Seeing the serious and stubborn look of the monster girl, Buncheji, the young man with gray hair, the owner of Mount Yoshino, picked up a cup of steaming green tea from somewhere, took a sip, and asked casually, "Tell me, what do you wish for me?"

"As you command, thank you Lord Shangjun for your generosity."

As she responded, the beautiful girl with long aqua-blue hair straightened up, and Shang Yang also saw the appearance of the monster - Wen Che Ji.

That is the most beautiful and charming girl among human women, but the monster girl with such a delicate beauty - Wen Cheji has a cold expression, just like her ethereal and cold voice. Although her beauty is close to "charming", her cold face makes people feel isolated and far away from the world.

"How may I address you?"

Seeing the cold face of the beautiful girl, the owner of Yoshino Mountain with gray hair rubbed his hair thoughtfully and asked casually.

"'Wen Ju' or 'Wen Ji', please call me whatever you like, Lord Shangjun."

Hearing Shang Yang's question, the beautiful girl Wen Ju bowed to Shang Yang and answered stiffly.

"Let's call her Wenju," Shang Yang asked again after using the first name. "Wenju, what is your wish?"

"My wish is to ask Lord Shangjun to send the soul of a woman imprisoned in the depths of Hell, beyond the underworld, where she suffers daily torture, into reincarnation." After cautiously stating her request, the beautiful girl bowed again, her forehead deeply pressed against the back of the "Heavenly Destiny Black Bird." "If Lord Shangjun can fulfill this small wish of mine, I am willing to offer you everything."

"This involves the afterlife. This isn't just a 'small wish,'" the young man with gray hair, the master of Mount Yoshino, rubbed his gray hair. "This involves the soul of a human woman. This also involves the Yama of the 'Rights and Wrongs' Hall on the other side, which is even more troublesome."

If you were to ask, in the past hundred years, what has developed faster than the Tang Buddhism that Shang Yang brought to Japan, it would definitely be the underworld hell system that exists on the other side and has already begun to take shape.

In order to quickly spread Buddhism to every corner of this land, the concepts of hell and reincarnation, which are extremely important parts of Buddhist beliefs, were vigorously promoted by monks to nobles, samurai, and common people.

In the history of this world, the concepts of reincarnation and hell had already penetrated into the hearts of nobles, samurai, and common people under the rule of the Yamato court. As a result, the system of reincarnation and hell in mythology and legends on this land expanded and improved rapidly.

Over the course of hundreds of years, the myths and legends of reincarnation and hell have been expanded and refined, and the worship of reincarnation and the fear of hell have flooded into the world beyond.

Supported by this immense amount of faith, the systems of reincarnation and hell in the afterlife rapidly matured. Even the laws of hell, invented by humans to judge the afterlife, were rigorously enforced by the Yama demons, who had been granted the "position" of "judge" in the myths and legends of hell. This immense power of faith even directly materialized various "imps" and "ghost messengers" who carried out hell's tortures to assist the Yama demons and other inhuman beings who had been granted "positions" in the myths and legends of hell.

As for the increasingly perfect and strict hell and reincarnation system in the other world, it is difficult for non-human beings outside the hell and reincarnation system to interfere with this place of judgment of the dead established by humans for themselves. The laws of hell have been completely fabricated by humans. The Yamas judge the souls of humans according to the laws written by humans themselves, and maintain the operation of hell and reincarnation.

As the saying goes: Good and bad fortune have no doors, but are brought upon oneself; there is no hell in the world, but it is created by oneself.

"Rescuing people from Hell is becoming increasingly difficult," Jue interjected. "Yanma, the Shinigami, and the other inhuman beings who have secured their place in Hell's myths and legends are now inextricably linked to the Hell cycle... No, rather than the Hell system, it's more accurate to say they're inextricably linked to Hell itself. Existence is rational. Hell and reincarnation, systematized through myths and beliefs woven by humans based on the realm of death, have become one of the fundamental laws of this world, the "truths of this world," the objective laws of this world. Yanma and the Shinigami will not allow gods or monsters outside the Hell system to interfere in the affairs of Hell and reincarnation."

"...Please tell me what happened first." Shang Yang ruffled his hair and motioned Wen Ju to continue.

"Yes, Lord Shangjun, Lord Jue."

After bowing to Shang Yang and Jue again, the beautiful girl with long azure hair explained the whole story in detail.

"Lord Shangjun, Lord Jue, as a demon, my essence is not the embodiment of the sky and the earth, yin and yang, or all things."

"My essence as a youkai is the embodiment of 'story'."

Volume 3: Above the Moon Sea: Chapter 107: The Word Spirit of "Story"

Wenju, the beautiful young woman known as Wencheji, is not a mythical youkai, the embodiment of heaven and earth, yin and yang, and all things. Her origins are truly unique. Wencheji is a youkai born from the "word spirit" of "story."

Legend has it that at the end of the Nara period, there was a woman of humble origin in the palace who became the emperor's concubine. Although this woman was of humble origin, she was born extremely beautiful and peerless. Not only that, this peerless woman was also very good at waka and Tang poetry. Soon, the emperor was fascinated by this peerless woman.

Perhaps it was due to the hidden dangers of inbreeding since ancient times, but although the emperor had been on the throne for many years, none of the many concubines in the palace had given birth to children. Therefore, who among the concubines could give birth to the first child became the most concerned issue for the court officials.

Fortunately, this beautiful woman of humble origin became pregnant. However, this was also an unfortunate thing. Although she was a concubine, this woman of humble origin had no help in the court and soon met a tragic fate.

Another concubine of the emperor, who was of noble birth, was jealous of the good fortune of the beautiful woman of humble origin. After the woman gave birth to a son, the noble lady immediately imprisoned the powerless woman in secret. Then, without telling the emperor, she killed the woman's newborn baby and fed the body to wild dogs.

The beautiful woman went mad because of this and soon died in a secret prison. Before her death, this beautiful woman of humble birth wrote a curse with her own blood.

After that, the Emperor's eldest sister, the Empress, also became pregnant and gave birth to a prince. However, a terrible and bizarre event occurred. The Empress died suddenly soon after. Then, the Lady of noble birth also died suddenly under mysterious circumstances, and the palace was reduced to ashes by a mysterious fire.

Meanwhile, the Emperor's son, born to the Empress, suffered from a mysterious illness from a young age. Two years after ascending the throne, he abdicated the throne to his younger brother. He then suffered from mental illness for decades before dying in agony. Legend has it that upon the Emperor's death, a vengeful female spirit was seen in his residence.

This is a sad story that once circulated in the court and in the world.

Bunshahime is a yokai born from the words written on books. "Tsurezuregusa" states that the only thing one never tires of reading is the books placed on a shoji. Although stored in a library, these books are rarely read, becoming moth-eaten and covered in dust, creating an environment conducive to yokai. The ancient belief in "kotorei" (word spirits) suggests that words contain the souls of those who speak them, making books imbued with these words a natural habitat for yokai.

Wen Cheji was born in the book that recorded this sad story.

She is a monster born from a "story" based on the sad life of a beautiful woman with a difficult life.