Though Lin Luo tried his utmost to persuade her, Yukari Yakumo ultimately refused. She was no child to be swayed by a few empty words. No matter how passionately Lin Luo spoke, to her, it sounded like nothing more than a fit of pique, utterly devoid of any practical basis.

In short, it was too ill-conceived, too reckless.

"Therefore, I will not tell you Reimu's cause of death, nor will I help you. While this is deeply unfair to Reimu, in the face of cruel Retrocausality, there is no such thing as fairness. If we can avert the greatest crisis at the smallest cost, I believe it is worthwhile," Yukari stated with an undeniable tone, unconcerned if such an action invited universal contempt.

Lin Luo was instantly frustrated. He hadn't expected Yukari to be so stubbornly resolute; yet, looking at it objectively, he too shared a similar degree of obstinance.

Lin ലോ was just about to speak when a voice cut in from the side: "Whether in battle or in other matters, rationality is necessary, for it is the expression of wisdom. But too much rationality breeds conservatism. Without any spirit of striving, without the resolve to push forward when facing certain death, sticking only to cautious measures inevitably condemns one to perpetual stagnation—this is the tragedy of a genius."

Lin Luo and Yukari both turned toward the source of the voice. There stood Yuuka Kazami, walking toward them slowly.

Yuuka looked at Yukari, the corner of her mouth curling up into a faint, mocking sneer. "Is that not so? Possessing strength capable of defying the heavens, yet shackled by endless potential issues, the last vestiges of passion cooled, relying solely on conservatism under the guise of understanding—what it truly boils down to is merely an evasion of the unknown... That is why I detest geniuses the most."

Yukari’s expression froze. She hadn't anticipated Yuuka’s appearance at this critical juncture, nor the pointed nature of her words directed entirely at her... No, it wasn't strange that Yuuka would target her.

"Even if you despise me, it makes no difference. I only do what I believe is right," Yukari replied calmly, though she muttered inwardly: It’s not as if you haven't hated me for more than just a day or two.

"But, Yukari, do you truly believe what you are doing is right?" Another voice suddenly sounded.

From another direction, Kirisame had appeared at some unknown point. She looked at Yukari, her expression carrying less of Yuuka’s mockery and more of understanding. She smiled faintly. "Although we all know you are considering the greater picture, from a rational standpoint, I agree you are not wrong. However, from an emotional standpoint, I cannot accept it... the fact that Reimu died because of our problems."

Yukari glanced at Kirisame and managed a wry smile. "Why has everyone come over? It makes me feel like an unforgivable sinner undergoing a public trial."

"It’s about the same, frankly," Yuuka snorted dismissively, then added as if it concerned her not, "But I don't have the leisure to put you on trial. I just came to see just how rotten someone's mind has become."

Lin Luo knew Yuuka and Yukari had always been adversarial, having clashed in battles both large and small. But after hearing Yuuka’s story earlier, he understood the history between them and couldn't quite grasp what profound conflict had turned their relationship so bitter.

To prevent the atmosphere from deteriorating further, Lin Luo interjected, "Yukari, you see now—most of us agree on saving Reimu. Even by a vote, you should yield."

"What about the danger?" Yukari countered. "For the sake of indulging your personal sentiments, are you prepared to ignore a crisis capable of destroying us all? Even if Reimu is revived then, what good is it? She would just die again with us. What is the meaning in that?"

"The fundamental reason for our disagreement is the threat of Retrocausality, isn't it? So, Yukari, do you understand Retrocausality?" Kirisame asked.

Yukari shook her head. "At most, I have a superficial understanding. Do you understand it?"

"You are stronger than me. Anything you don't understand, I certainly couldn't know. But..." Kirisame shifted her tone and smiled, "What if we view Retrocausality as a powerful entity with self-awareness, and we have just offended this entity? It intended to kill us, but Reimu became its outlet for anger in the process. Though it has left for a time, does that mean it will cease wanting to kill us, the ones it truly offended?"

Kirisame’s analogy was strikingly effective; even Lin Luo paused in surprise, as did Yukari. After a moment, she replied, "How could Retrocausality possibly have self-awareness?"

"Why not?" Kirisame spread her hands. "The Evil of this World is the concept of evil, yet it possesses its own consciousness. Fate is a concept beyond scrutiny, yet it too gained consciousness. It’s entirely possible that pure conceptual existences like Justice, Goodness, or even the Heavenly Dao might possess their own awareness."

"Ah!" Upon hearing this, Yukari was momentarily stunned. While she didn't believe every conceptual existence had consciousness, the principle of 'if one exists, another might' made outright denial impossible.

And if Retrocausality also had its own consciousness, it clearly wouldn't let them off easily.

Of course, in Yukari's estimation, Retrocausality most likely lacked self-awareness. Yet, Kirisame’s words fundamentally undermined her position—even if Reimu were sacrificed, would the outbreak of Retrocausality truly be prevented?

Her initial calculation had dictated that it wouldn't erupt. She had assumed that was simply how things were, but now, thinking carefully... could such a mysterious and terrifying entity as Retrocausality truly be calculated by her mere Quasi-Heavenly Rank abilities?

"See? This is the result of a rotten mind," Yuuka remarked, offering no restraint as she observed Yukari's flickering expression.

Whether Yukari had become accustomed to Yuuka’s taunts or simply chose to ignore her, she didn't seem bothered. She sighed and said, "Fine. Even if what you say holds merit—that whether we save Reimu or not will invite the eruption of Retrocausality—not saving her at least buys us time. If you insist on saving her... then you must present me with a reason convincing enough to sway me. If there is at least a fifty percent chance of ensuring Gensokyo is not destroyed, then I will agree to help!"

Seeing her finally relent, Lin Luo smiled. "If you had just said that earlier, there would have been no issue. I don't just have a fifty percent chance here; I can confidently say I have a ninety percent certainty of safeguarding Gensokyo from this Retrocausality threat."

"Is that true?!"

Hearing this, not only Yukari, whose heart jumped, but Yuuka and Kirisame also turned their gazes toward him.

Lin Luo nodded and then explained, "Since my last journey to the Type-Moon world a thousand years ago, I knew Gensokyo would inevitably face the threat of Retrocausality. I have spent my time since then thinking of countermeasures. Ironically, I haven't found a way to fight Retrocausality, but I have found a method to channel the entire explosive force of Retrocausality directly onto myself."

"Channel it... onto yourself?"

"Yes. Once Retrocausality is released, I will use a specialized secret technique to draw the entire eruption point onto myself. Simultaneously, I will utilize Instant Movement to jump to an external void where no life exists. This way, the lives in the original region will remain safe, and I alone will bear all the consequences..."

As Lin Luo spoke these words, his tone was extremely casual, as if the consequence he was undertaking was merely eating a meal. But his expression quickly became serious as he continued, "Of course, this secret technique is not yet fully mature. With my power alone, the success rate is only fifty percent. If two Quasi-Heavenly Ranks assist, the rate rises to seventy percent. Therefore, I need your help, Yukari. Furthermore, if Yuuka and Kirisame also contribute their power, the success rate should reach ninety percent."

Kirisame asked, "So, if we add a few more people, could the success rate reach one hundred percent?"

Lin Luo shook his head. "It's not that simple. The conditions for my technique are strict; only those currently linked to the Retrocausality can participate. And the Retrocausality about to erupt clearly only involves the four of us, correct?"

The three remained silent, implicitly agreeing.

A moment later, Yukari nodded slightly. "I understand what you mean. Indeed, a ninety percent chance is worth the gamble. But... what then becomes of you?"

Yukari stared at Lin Luo with extreme seriousness. If they followed his plan, he would have to bear the threat of Retrocausality alone, which would surely mean his death!

"Don't worry. I don't expect to trade one life for another. From my perspective, my life is worth significantly more than Reimu's. But I do have a method to preserve myself... 'Creation from Nothingness' allows me to ignore the killing blows of a Heavenly Rank Three expert. Even if I am killed, I can instantly resurrect from the void. Thus, even if the power unleashed by this Retrocausality reaches the Heavenly Rank, it won't be enough to truly kill me."

Hearing this, the three of them were momentarily stunned. After a long silence, Yukari realized Lin Luo wasn't exaggerating, and finally said in a deep voice, "Are you truly confident?"

"Absolutely."

"If—and I mean if—your secret technique fails in the end, or even if it succeeds but the power of Retrocausality reaches Heavenly Rank Four or higher, then what?"

Lin Luo replied, "If it truly comes to that, then we can only consider ourselves unlucky. And as I said before, I will bear all the consequences alone, so that risk must be accepted. And now... Yukari, what is your answer?"

Yukari hesitated, remaining silent for over ten minutes. Finally, she nodded.

"...Very well. Since you have laid it all out so clearly, I will take this gamble with you!"

ps: Although the outline is clear and writing flows smoothly without writer's block, for some inexplicable reason, I just don't feel like writing—it’s like when I was skipping school before; my laziness has struck, and I don't want to work... No excuses, I've just suddenly become lazy. Please bear with me a little; I am inherently a lazy person after all.

Once this bout of sluggishness passes in a couple of days, I will become diligent again.

So today, we only have 3000 words... Sigh, my full attendance bonus for working hard for half a month is probably ruined now. My 500 RMB!