Chapter 681

Sanchola's soul hunger today lasted longer than ever before, but this Empress knew how to prioritize—she always teleported food only after securing Hearing Song Shu's viewpoint.

"Ahjun, this peach resembles a fruit from the Divine Realm—plant the seed and you'll have fresh ones every day," Sanchola said.

These aren't the point; the point is there are too many nitpicking points and too much information.

The walls were embedded with control panels; blueprints displayed the blurred, encrypted forms and annotations of each individual, and now these data streams were being digested and simulated nonstop by Alaya and the Central Hive mainframe—too fast to even skim.

"What the hell."

That man whose meme element had become sentient was Hun Tian Di? Did Hun Tian Di watch SpongeBob on the kids' channel at 9:30 p. m.? And how did Hourai Mountain Kaguya even get tied to Taiyin?

"Just what is this Gensokyo made of?"

I woke up too hard—I just saw Yang Erlang chasing after Saimonmaru Fumina in Gensokyo.

He was too drained to complain, and the counterparts summoned here also had no answers—many things simply didn't add up.

Then again, there were similarities—like—

The famed tengu journalist Saimonmaru Fumina, Shadow City's top gossip reporter, was snapping photos with a camera, her face alight with excitement as she recorded: 【SHOCKING! The Strange Gensokyo of the Parallel World Hides Unknown Secrets: Married Man Weigong Shilang Has an Affair with His Adopted Sister Iria, and an Unknown Hun Tian Di Meets Taiyin Huiye to Discuss Marriage—Only to Be Caught Red-Handed by Yang Erlang, Who Flares Up in Rage... To Be Continued】

If not stopped, this news would spread across the entire Macroverse News Weekly by tomorrow morning—even Bingdis's parents might read it over breakfast in the Divine Realm.

"You've always had this much nerve?"

Chen Jun, one of the victims, had more than once entertained the idea of silencing her—so when he saw Su Lin "flaring up in rage" and threatening to banish the other Fumina to the Eighteenth Layer of Hell, he actually understood the sentiment and silently gave a like.

"A true journalist must dare to report the truth!"

Even across different timelines, certain underlying logic codes remain unchanged—especially regarding artistic embellishment of factual reporting.

"Everything you see here is top secret! Take her away and get her to sign the confidentiality agreement."

If we are to make contact with another Gensokyo, we must still avoid certain things—like using "tabloid journalism" as an abstract cause for war.

"Your Majesty, new discovery," Taweil projected several images of the Three Pure Ones and the Three Pure Ones inside the Hakkai Shrine; the graying "Meng Qi" appeared within a constantly shifting crystal polyhedron: "After comparison, this individual exhibits anomalies."

"Oh, I already know his identity," Chen Jun said.

"No surprise, Your Majesty."

"."

Do we really need to judge this?

Chen Jun glanced at the footage: purple qi rising from the east, a man riding a bull westward, reciting the Dao De Jing, vanishing into the sky—Meng Qi.

Even Laozi riding a bull has shown up—anyone with Earth roots would recognize it.

At this point, one could still treat it as a high-energy world where myths never vanished—gods holding banquets here isn't strange, and the Hakkai Witch's output level being higher is still plausible.

Provided you ignore all the discordant and bizarre elements within.

"Does Weigong Shilang seem like he's been possessed?"

"Only this one point—"

Crystal Mother Matou Sakura raised her hand: "Even if his appearance and attire differ slightly, I can confirm that this 'Weigong Shilang' shares the same core essence as the senior I know."

"The things they discussed about Qieji were exactly what I experienced as a child," said the Shadow City Weigong Shilang.

The so-called "Supreme Sword Sect" is the original—so Weigong Shilang's hidden lolicon trait must be real too.

It's not a possession plot—this is worse. Could the original universe of Type-Moon also be like this Gensokyo...?

"Ahjun, I think we should quickly establish formal contact with this Void dimension's Gensokyo and these 'Hiling Empire' people," Sanchola wiped her mouth.

Establishing contact with the Void dimensions beyond the Macroverse is indeed important—I understand the logic—but isn't your other motive too obvious?

"If the Eight Cloud Zi of Zero Gensokyo won't yield, heavy-handed tactics will provoke conflict and cause unnecessary losses to both sides."

It's labeled "Zero" because all known Gensokyos can be influenced or interfered with by this Eight Cloud Zi—even if one attempts to reach other numbered Gensokyos, the Boundary Power will reject them or treat them as threats.

But now, the database has added new information on Weigong Shilang, suspected to originate from the Empire's recovered universe.

"Didn't Weigong Shilang say he was going to hold his wedding at the Hakkai Shrine?"

Pao Pao said: "Weddings require inviting relatives and friends—wouldn't it be normal for us to bring our own to give gifts?"

Have to say, Pao Pao's train of thought is sometimes as bizarre as Qian Qian's.

【Detected negative entropy flow surge intensifying; spacetime instability continues increasing.】 This is a common phenomenon; according to past data, stability and order will soon be restored under the intervention of the idle demon.

That Gensokyo exists in a state of negative entropy surge unsolvable by conventional physics—any outsider entering will exacerbate such phenomena.

The original plan was to invite them to transfer like the Empire's Number One Gensokyo, vacating the world for imperial development and research—but Eight Cloud Zi is highly wary.

"No decay."

"What?"

"This time, no decay."

The values fluctuated slightly, but never returned to baseline.

"Hmm," Sanchola stared at the screen, thought for a moment, then picked up the remote again—just as everyone on-screen reverted to serious expressions and walked into the Hakkai Shrine, Hearing Song Shu leapt off Song Shuhang's shoulder and ran toward the Creation Pillar cake.

Opened a portal, and faced the gap slicing cake—sucked in by a gale!

"Too obvious! I'll go buy you pastries from Belavila later!" Chen Jun quickly warned.

"I'm full today," Sanchola said calmly. "Besides, I didn't borrow your Void creature traits—I'm teleporting plainly."

As she spoke, a hand reached out from the gap, grabbed Hearing Song Shu by the nape of the neck, and hurled it out.

At that moment, Song Shuhang appeared again.

"That scheming demon, Eight Cloud Zi!" Sanchola sneered coldly: "Sorry—I didn't mean you."

"You needn't worry," the Shadow City Eight Cloud Zi opened her fan and smiled awkwardly.

"She shows no resistance to our probing—that means one thing," Sanchola shoved a bite of cake into her mouth.

"Mmmgul, it means she doesn't truly trust these people either—perhaps due to certain reasons, she's been forced to increase contact with us."

"Balance," Chen Jun realized: "She wants to use us as a backup counterweight against these gods, while letting these unknown gods balance us in return."

"Exactly. She has a need—so we can now strengthen ties," Sanchola said to the Shadow City Eight Cloud Zi and the Gensokyo group.

"Try to get that demon of that realm to talk—I have a feeling this investigation will yield big results!"

"Ajun, aren't you eating?"

Chen Jun's lip twitched as he forced out: "Didn't you just say you were full?"

"Oh right, then let's call it midnight snack." Shandora stuffed a large chunk of nebula into her personal space, then split off a portion for Tawil to study: "Why don't you all join us for a little snack?"

The footage captured by Hearing Song Shu continued, and the cake, delicious beyond the limits of taste, left everyone spellbound—except.

Two Emiyas knelt prostrate on the ground, muttering things like "completely lost" and "the gap."

Gulp gulp.

Reimu set the wooden ladle into the water vat and wiped her lips: "Almost died of thirst."

A group gathered inside the shrine, staring oddly at the cross and the Three Pure Ones statues on display, waiting for Reimu to explain the rules and creation process of the Fu-ka system.

The banquet wasn't over, but after hearing Meng Qi's Dao De Jing and seeing that crimson killer shatter the starry sky with the Yin-Yang Jade, nearly everyone was sober—unless they were already drunk.

"Since you all plan to stay in Gensokyo permanently, make the Fu-ka first—otherwise you might damage the environment."

The Fu-ka rule is a duel-based simulated battle.

There are too many beings in Gensokyo with devastating power; demons sometimes attack humans, humans hunt demons, and some bored souls crave spectacle.

Thus, for fairness—and to ensure demons have a chance to defeat the Hakurei Shrine Maiden while keeping humans safe—the Fu-ka system was created.

Once one side wins, the victor gains the right to make subsequent decisions.

Of course, although the Fu-ka rule has been promoted, whether to follow it in daily life is entirely up to the individual—unless the Shrine Maiden catches you.

Everyone glanced at Teacher Yan Sen's tea; the Water Mirror Technique reflected the demon mountain "Tianmo," drenched in blood, burning in hellfire.

The red-haired cat-eared girl tossed it onto the Cat-Car, then dumped it into a sea of fire where a golden crow slept.

"The girl suffered because of your lie—don't you feel even a shred of guilt?" Lu Mingfei asked.

"Gensokyo, which accepts everything, is cruel," Su Lin said gravely. "Welcome to the adult Gensokyo."

After all, he's among the strongest of great demons—should be fine. Maybe he'll just respawn or get dragged up for a posthumous beating, like in Ku Jing.

"In short, the Fu-ka rule denies power-based dominance—it's a duel of competition, showcasing beauty," Reimu sipped tea, then pulled out a Fu-ka card:

"Making one is actually quite simple—you can design your own, or turn your mastered spells, abilities, or treasures into Fu-ka."

"You need a signature technique plus a name, and you must declare it when using it."

Xiao Yan immediately perked up: "So I have a chance to defeat Su Lin?"

Su Lin: "?"

Was it an illusion?

After Xiao Yan said that, he felt many scorching gazes converge on him.

"Fair duel?"

Ye Fan rubbed his chin, speaking with deep meaning: "Don't worry—we're all good friends. We won't take advantage of your weakened state. The Fu-ka system gives everyone a fair chance to duel."

Thanks so much.

"Come practice later," Shi Hao pointed outside.

You too?

Su Lin frowned: "Aren't I always dueling you fairly?"

I only used the Divine Form of Light once—and even then, I was one against four, and I was only at Foundation Establishment.

Shi Hao's realm was higher than mine back then—what's wrong with borrowing a bit of Heaven's will to balance it?

When was any duel unfair? That tractor one? That movie one?

Su Lin felt someone tugging his clothes; he turned: "What?"

"If you lose, you have to call me big sister," Xing grinned crookedly.

Su Lin laughed bitterly with rage: "I'll show you what a Duel King really is."

That said,

Outside the Hakurei Shrine, Su Lin, who was recording and designing Fu-ka, turned to look at certain people rubbing their hands and wearing "friendly" smiles: "..."

"Are you ready?" Lu Mingfei bounced, waving his hand.

"Take your time, no rush," Xiao Yan nodded slightly with his hands behind his back, secretly turning on the recording function of his phone.

Really?

At that moment, Zhao Shuangdian handed a pill to Kaguya, who then infused it with Eternal Power.

No choice—except for the Fallen Medal's Ultimate Evolution summon, only the Invincible War Dragon was usable.

To convert previous spells and techniques into Fu-ka, you must briefly restore your power.

"Time to test your speed," Su Lin swallowed the pill.

In an instant, Gensokyo was swallowed by darkness. When the vast light burst through the heavens and the world returned to normal, Su Lin, who had forcibly disbanded his cultivation at the last moment, propped himself up with one hand to avoid being burned unconscious.

A thick stack of Fu-ka cards appeared in his hand.

【Artifact: Tianhe Battle Robe】

【Buddhist Card: Only I Am Supreme】

【Dao Card: Swallow the Sun, Devour Yin】

【Divine Card: Light of the Primordial】

【Divine Technique: Let There Be Light】

【Divine Entity: The Loving Star God Family】

"I'll fight you with these cards," Su Lin wiped his sweat and smiled confidently: "I'll give you Hell difficulty right away."

"【Oh! I thought who was tapping into the Path's power—it's the Archbishop, right? ~ Scared Aha to death~~~】"

One Fu-ka card suddenly detached, darting up and down in midair: 【Wait, Aha's coming to you now! Family, it's team-building day!】

The talisman card suddenly cracked open a seam but did not tear, as a chilling laugh rose, and a mask inlaid with dice struggled to squeeze itself outward.

【Over there, you humorless family, look over here—there are abundant prey outside! Yes, aim at Aha and launch the rocket~】 The mask of Aha writhed in a twisted manner: 【Your Eminence, please wait a moment~ This path is too narrow. Aha will be there immediately, immediately! Aha! Why are you holding a cricket bat?】

Su Lin raised the golden cricket bat with a blank expression, wrapping it in the power of the Nine Dragons, and swung hard.

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

Three consecutive strikes, then he stomped the talisman card onto the ground and shoved the mask back as if unclogging a toilet, smashing it several more times.

"Haah. Haah." Su Lin panted, tidied his hair, raised the talisman card, and turned to look at Xiao Yan, dazed: "Minor hiccup. Let's continue."

"." Xiao Yan stared blankly at him, slowly raised his hand, and pointed at another talisman card in Su Lin's possession.

Though nestled among several talisman cards, it was clearly different—phantom pure white wings continuously grew until a solemn, sacred vertical pupil slowly opened its eye.

"Coming to life?" Su Lin crushed the talisman card and extracted all its energy: "Alright, let's continue. The other cards won't have any issues."

"."

Do you swear?