The chapter spans nine thousand characters...

The next day at noon, Gensokyo, Hakurei Shrine.

Lin Luo, Evangeline, Lily, Mercurius, and the undisputed protagonists of Gensokyo—a total of several dozen people—now stood on the open ground before the shrine.

With so many people gathered, it should have been overwhelmingly noisy, yet at this moment, everyone was silent, a deathly quiet so profound that the sound of a single dropped pin could be heard. Furthermore, apart from Lin Luo, Yukari Yakumo, and Reimu Hakurei, every other face wore an expression of utter disbelief and shock.

“Acting on your own initiative again, for something this serious, why didn’t you inform us beforehand?” After a moment, the oppressive silence was finally broken, and the one to shatter it was Evangeline. She stared at Lin Luo, a deep displeasure etched on her face.

Lin Luo shrugged, his tone laced with a degree of helplessness. “I would have liked to consult with someone, but I’m not an idiot. If I had spoken about it before taking action, who would have agreed?”

“So you acted first and reported later?”

“Precisely.”

“…” Evangeline was instantly speechless. Although she deeply resented Lin Luo’s methods, having lived in Gensokyo for nearly two years, she had a profound understanding of its customs. Just as Lin Luo said, had he revealed his intention to destroy the Great Barrier, not only would no one have supported him, the situation would likely have devolved into him single-handedly fighting the entirety of Gensokyo.

And the facts proved that his ‘act first, report later’ approach had been quite successful; at least now, even if someone wanted to object, it was too late.

Hearing Lin Luo’s words, aside from the few who would unconditionally support him, like Mercurius, nearly half the assembly wished they could beat him half to death, while even more ground their teeth in frustration.

Lin Luo was well aware that his actions the previous night had provoked widespread anger, but a bare foot has nothing to lose to one wearing shoes. Since it was already done, he had no cause for worry. Moreover, having managed to placate even the troublesome duo of Yukari and Reimu, he paid little mind to the others.

Of course, there were some things he still needed to explain. So, before they could rush forward and actually beat him up, he began, “The matter is past now, everyone, please don’t dwell on it…”

“Don’t dwell on it, your sister! You almost got rid of Gensokyo!” Before Lin Luo could say two sentences, someone inevitably snapped, roaring loudly.

Lin Luo certainly didn't dare talk back, replying with an appeasing smile, “Alright, alright, you can keep dwelling on it. Once everything is fully resolved, I will grant you all a chance to hunt me down, but until then…”

Here, his tone grew serious. “I presume everyone knows that Gensokyo exists as a unique world because of the Hakurei Great Barrier and the boundary between reality and illusion. Now, with the souls of the shrine maidens liberated, the Hakurei Great Barrier will soon disappear, and when it does, Gensokyo will inevitably collapse…”

Upon hearing this, the girls ground their teeth even harder, glaring furiously.

Lin Luo, possessing a thick skin, naturally paid no heed to their murderous glares and continued, “However, when I liberated the shrine maidens’ souls, I also placed a substitute within the Great Barrier. This will at least maintain the Barrier’s existence for three days, and before that, we have something far more critical to address.”

“What is it?” The question came from Yuuka Kazami. Besides a few who were in the know, only she, Eirin Yagokoro, and a handful of others managed to maintain their composure.

Lin Luo replied, “I mentioned just now that the Hakurei Great Barrier was established not only through the sacrifice of the shrine maidens but, more importantly, by the power of the Dragon God. The Dragon God, however, is the projection and materialization of the concept of Equivalent Exchange. Now that I have reclaimed the price that was supposed to be paid, I have essentially violated the contract with the Dragon God. It’s natural for the Dragon God to reclaim its power, but there’s a more crucial point… the one who violates the contract will be punished. Therefore, the moment the Great Barrier collapses, the Dragon God’s wrath of annihilation will descend upon us.”

“Ah!”

This statement caused everyone’s expression to change drastically. “Are we to become enemies of the Dragon God?”

Barring a few mentally deficient individuals, most people were sharp enough to grasp Lin Luo’s meaning, but opposing the Dragon God? That was something none of them had ever considered!

Lin Luo nodded affirmatively.

“Then what should we do?”

“What else can we do? Naturally, we confront the Dragon God,” Lin Luo stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“…” Everyone felt Lin Luo had just spoken nonsense. None of them wanted to die; if the Dragon God intended to destroy them, they would naturally resist. But the question was, how could they resist? This was the Dragon God! This was the concept of Equivalent Exchange!

“Let me ask first: how strong is the Dragon God?” Lily asked calmly.

“That’s an excellent question,” Lin Luo praised, nodding. “I hope everyone can learn from Lily—don't act rashly or become spontaneously enraged. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask humbly. I…”

Lin Luo stopped midway, noticing several people were already close to bursting with rage. He quickly changed his tone. “The Dragon God doesn't actually possess any aggressive power; it’s merely a projection of Equivalent Exchange. What is truly powerful is the concept of Equivalent Exchange itself. If my judgment is correct… it is at least Celestial Rank!”

“Celestial… Rank?!”

Upon hearing these two words, even Lily couldn't remain composed, though most others looked bewildered; they didn't yet grasp what kind of tier Celestial Rank truly represented.

“Excuse me… how strong is Celestial Rank?” Reisen Udongein Inaba asked meekly, embracing a spirit of learning.

On this point, Lin Luo dropped his pretense of ease and stated grimly, “Very, very strong. Celestial Rank is existence that breaks through the worldview. To put it simply with an analogy… if a Celestial Rank expert enters a world that lacks a Celestial Rank guardian, they can completely negate that world’s worldview. All powers under the current worldview—be it magic, martial arts, technology, or cultivation—will be unable to harm them.”

“Conversely, if a Celestial Rank expert unleashes their full power, they can easily annihilate that world… The world spoken of here is not merely a planet; it encompasses everything from the thirteenth dimension down to countless parallel worlds, even the entire universe. Everything currently comprising that world will utterly cease to exist!”

The crowd gasped in unison.

“You… you aren’t joking, are you?” Marisa Kirisame clearly found it hard to believe. Such a level of power was completely beyond her scope of understanding!

“I am not joking. In fact, even I can accomplish something like this, though to destroy a world, I must apply my power to the center of the Main World, causing a chain reaction that results in the destruction of the entire world. Celestial Rank experts don't need such complicated methods; regardless of where they are, their power can instantly extend to any location within the current world.” Lin Luo spoke seriously.

“…” At this, Marisa could say no more. The others were in the same state; they could doubt Lin Luo’s integrity, but there was clearly no need to lie about matters of this magnitude.

“Then are we surely doomed?” In an instant, everyone appeared panicked. If the Dragon God was truly that powerful, they had no way to resist.

Lin Luo said, “Of course not. If our doom were certain, why would I have liberated the souls of the shrine maidens? I have no intention of seeking death.”

“But you just said Celestial Rank experts are immune to the worldview, so our attacks won’t affect the Dragon God, right? How do we overcome that?” This time, the question came from Patchouli Knowledge. As expected of a scholar, her line of thought was different.

“Indeed, under normal circumstances, we are powerless against a Celestial Rank being. But!” Lin Luo smiled, turning the tables, “The essence of the Dragon God is Equivalent Exchange. It is not a life form but the materialization of a concept. To put it plainly, it is merely a weapon that has developed self-awareness. But no matter how strong its consciousness, a weapon remains a weapon. Its immunity to the worldview relies on instinct and cannot be actively judged. Most importantly, regarding Equivalent Exchange, no one understands it better than I do, aside from Celestial Rank experts, and I happen to be able to break its instincts. Therefore… our attacks are not futile. As long as we breach its defense, there is a possibility of destroying it!”

“While this is certainly good news, how do you prove your judgment is correct?” Sakuya Izayoi asked.

Lin Luo did not hide anything and told the truth: “It’s simple. Because the Equivalent Exchange existing within Gensokyo is something I left behind nearly ten thousand years ago.”

“Ah!!!”

Lin Luo had never disclosed this to anyone. Hearing it suddenly now shocked even Yukari and the others. Everyone exchanged bewildered glances. First, they were shocked that Lin Luo was actually an ancient monster who had lived for almost ten millennia—he certainly didn't look it. Second, they were annoyed… So, after all that trouble, the root of all this disaster was caused by this scoundrel!

But annoyance aside, they knew that without Lin Luo leaving behind the Equivalent Exchange, Gensokyo could never have been established. Thus, whether it was good or bad was impossible to judge definitively.

It seemed the current problem was a bit too massive.

For a moment, everyone was struck dumb.

“Alright, that covers the basic situation. I believe everyone now recognizes the severity of the matter…” Lin Luo paused briefly before speaking again.

But his silence was better; the moment he spoke, the anger the crowd had managed to suppress flared up again, giving them all an urge to go berserk. They thought: Didn’t you cause all of this!

Celestial Rank experts are immune to worldviews. After enduring so many glares, Lin Luo had developed an immunity to their anger as well. He ignored them and stated calmly, “There is only one thing we can do now: eliminate the Dragon God. Otherwise, once the Dragon God’s punishment descends, none of us will escape disaster. Of course, I know this choice is rather severe, so you can go back and consider it. One person’s idea is short, but three people’s wisdom is long. Perhaps you can think of a better solution.”

When he suggested they think of a solution, Lin Luo was merely speaking casually. After all, even he could only think of this method with a low chance of victory; what could others possibly devise? Letting them go back to think was merely giving them time to calm down, allowing their moods to settle so they wouldn't be flustered later… Only when they truly possessed the resolve to fight could a greater chance of victory be secured.

“Um… can I run away?” Marisa suddenly asked shamelessly.

Lin Luo replied warmly, “Of course, you can, as long as you can leave this world.”

Marisa burst into tears.

Everything that needed to be said had been spoken. Lin Luo didn't want to delay their time for reflection, so he turned and headed toward the shrine. But after only a few steps, he suddenly remembered something and turned back to say, “Oh, right. Although the Great Barrier won’t collapse for another three days, based on my observation, midnight tonight will be the optimal time for battle. I hope that after you have finished considering, you can all arrive here before twelve o’clock… Now, dismissed!”

With that, Lin Luo entered the Hakurei Shrine and slammed the door shut with a bang.

“…” The crowd was instantly speechless. This guy actually left them hanging like that? Wasn't he being too irresponsible!

Scum! Bastard! Demon! May you be born without a proper rear end! ……

The crowd cursed him fiercely in their hearts, then exchanged glances with their fellow sufferers, realizing that almost everyone’s eyes held helplessness and depression. Giving up, they all shook their heads, sighed, and headed home.

“Damn it, why am I leaving? Youmu, inside!” Reimu had walked halfway when she suddenly realized her home was right here; why follow the crowd? She couldn't help but curse herself as a fool and immediately turned back into the shrine.

“Strange, where did that guy run off to?” Reimu didn't know what Lin Luo was planning to do by locking himself in the house. She had intended to ask, but after checking several rooms, she couldn't find Lin Luo at all, which made her feel perplexed.

“Never mind, let him be.” Reimu soon gave up, found a casual excuse to let Youmu play alone, and went to the shrine’s worship hall, sitting on the ground in silent meditation.

She didn't know what others planned, but she would choose to fight, and she absolutely had to win… Having managed to reclaim what she had lost in the past, she absolutely could not lose it again!

While Reimu was cultivating alone, Lin Luo was also preparing for the impending battle. Although he had entered the Hakurei Shrine, his physical body did not remain there. He erased his physical form and, in an instant, dispersed his existence into countless invisible consciousnesses, immersing himself in the entire world, feeling everything within it.

He certainly didn't think that half a day of contemplation would make him significantly stronger, but the more he understood this world, the higher his chances of victory would become.

This time facing the Dragon God, the fighting strength of Gensokyo would be indispensable, but they alone would not be enough. After all, the enemy was a Celestial Rank expert. Although he would surely be weaker than the Destiny or Heavenly Dao he had fought before, Lin Luo dared not be careless, because this time the Book of Contracts couldn't help him, and Youyou wouldn't intervene; he could only rely on his own strength to fight.

It could be said that while this enemy might not be the strongest, it was absolutely the most arduous battle he had ever faced; any carelessness could lead to the annihilation of the entire force.

“It seems it’s time for a total mobilization…”

In this still-peaceful world, Lin Luo’s desolate and distant voice suddenly rang out between heaven and earth. However, no one could hear his voice; it seemed to have merged with the world itself, as if it had existed for thousands upon thousands of years, perhaps even being the world itself.

One sound, one world!

At this moment, perhaps even Lin Luo himself didn't realize what path he was advancing toward.

Gensokyo remained calm, but not a single mood among its protagonists could remain placid. They were accustomed to a carefree life and enjoyed it. Even when occasional anomalies occurred, they were merely on the level of play.

As for threats to their lives, in their memories, it seemed only the battle against that unfortunate Lancer nearly two years ago qualified, but even that fight ultimately couldn't lead to Gensokyo’s destruction. Looking back, although the process was arduous, the battle situation had actually been entirely under their control.

But now… the Dragon God’s might far surpassed that Lancer.

What they bore was no longer just their own lives, nor just the lives of their companions, but the safety of all Gensokyo, perhaps even the safety of the entire world.

“I didn’t expect we’d actually get a chance to become heroes saving the world. Sakuya, what do you think?” Remilia Scarlet murmured while enjoying her black tea, suddenly grinning toward the maid beside her.

Sakuya held a tray with both hands, still maintaining a composed and placid expression. “My Lady, even if you become a hero, no one will worship you.”

Hakugyokurou.

Yuyuko Saigyouji stood on the platform where cherry blossoms fluttered, gazing at the Saigyou Ayakashi that would never bloom, as if petrified, utterly motionless.

“Lady Yuyuko?” Youmu had also stood still for a long time. Only now did she finally dare to call out. The fear in her heart regarding the impending battle was immense. Clenching the twin swords in her hands, she kept asking herself: Can I truly protect the person before me?

“What must come will eventually come,” Yuyuko murmured softly.

Eientei.

The Void Moon remained as bright as before. Kaguya Houraisan and Eirin Yagokoro sat together, but they were not admiring the moon; they were playing chess.

“Come to think of it, how long has it been since we played chess like this?” On the board, Kaguya was at an absolute disadvantage, retreating steadily under Eirin’s sharp attacks, yet she wore the smile of a victor as she asked.

Eirin held a chess piece, replying calmly, “The last time we played, it was before the creation of the Hourai Elixir.”

“Is that so… Then, checkmate!” Kaguya placed a piece, and the entire game instantly reversed.

Sunflower Field… Yakumo Residence… The Forest of Magic… Youkai Mountain… The Flying Storehouse… The Netherworld…

At this moment, everyone had returned to their original residences. Every heart held conflict and complexity. Whether alone or gathered, everyone’s mood was incredibly heavy, yet gradually, their brows began to smooth out, their gazes all directed toward the same spot.

The sun set in the west, night arrived, and the stars and moon rose. Finally, the hour of midnight gradually approached.

A quarter of an hour before midnight, Lin Luo returned to the Hakurei Shrine, pushed open the door, and looked out onto the plaza outside. Shadows flickered; everyone present during the day was there now, not a single one missing.

“Oh, you’ve all made your choice,” Lin Luo walked forward, smiling.

“Other than that, did we even have a choice?” Someone immediately replied with a disgruntled look.

“No.”

“The path ahead is surrounded by bottomless cliffs where a fall means certain death. There is only one treacherous road that offers a sliver of life, and you knew this when you forced us to choose. You are truly despicable and shameless!”

“Mmm-hmm,” everyone deeply agreed, nodding repeatedly.

“Even more shameless is that you clearly dug a huge pit, pushed us in, sealed the entrance, and then feigned sincerity by telling us we could climb out. You are truly hateful!”

“Mmm-hmm!”

“Most shameless of all is that after being screwed over so badly by you, you end up forcing us to fight for you, to sell our lives, blood, and chastity. You are truly deserving of scorn!”

“Mmm-hmm… hmm?”

Lin Luo watched this chattering group without speaking, just smiling. When they finally quieted down, he said, “Of course. Because I am a hero. A hero is supposed to be conceited, regard others as beneath them, be self-righteous, ignore the feelings of others, ignore their complaints, and turn democracy into dictatorship. Otherwise, how could a hero bring happiness to everyone? Don’t you agree?”

“…” A long line of people instantly wept. He had articulated both the good and the bad points; what else could they say? Also, had the word 'hero' been polluted?

“Alright, enough venting. Since everyone has chosen to fight, I will now announce the list of participants for the expedition.” Lin Luo continued speaking.

“The list of combatants?” Everyone was momentarily stunned. “Are we not all going into battle?”

“How is that possible!” Lin Luo gave an unashamed side-eye. “I need people who can genuinely contribute to the battle; I don't need cannon fodder. Some of you who are too weak shouldn't go seek death.”

The moment these words were spoken, even before anyone could confirm who the cannon fodder would be, tears began to stream down several faces—the sarcasm was simply too biting!

Truthfully, Lin Luo hadn't intended to mock them; while his assessment was blunt, it was meant to provide them with a necessary, realistic understanding. After all, their opponent was a Heaven-Rank powerhouse. Even though most of them had undergone Youyou’s rigorous training, reaching that level in one go was impossible. If their strength was insufficient, they wouldn't just lose the fight; they might not even withstand the residual shockwave of a Heaven-Rank being.

Thus, Lin Luo ignored their weeping and began calling out names. "First, the Scarlet Devil Mansion's combatants will be Sakuya Izayoi and Remilia Scarlet. Everyone else remains on standby."

"Huh? Flan doesn't get to fight?" Patchouli asked, puzzled. Although Remilia was the mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, in terms of sheer destructive power, Flan seemed superior. Having Remilia participate while Flan sat on the bench struck her as profoundly strange.

"Hey! What is that supposed to mean!" Remilia clearly felt slighted and grew instantly gloomy.

Lin Luo explained, "Flan is unsuitable for group battles, and her abilities are not applicable in this specific fight..."

Flan's power allowed her to destroy anything whose 'eyes' she could perceive. The problem was that the equivalent exchange of the Heaven-Rank adversary did not involve mortality, nor would they present easy targets for her gaze. Her ability would become utterly useless against the concept of equivalent exchange. Furthermore, with their side expecting a high number of personnel involved in the coming battle, if the younger sister accidentally fixed her gaze on an ally... that outcome was too terrifying to contemplate.

Conversely, Remilia’s abilities carried no such liability. Moreover, having now ascended to the status of True Blood, her actual combat effectiveness surpassed Flan's.

"Hmph hmph." Hearing Lin Luo’s rationale, everyone immediately understood, while Remilia proudly lifted her chin and snorted twice.

The assembled group found themselves speechless. Was that truly something to be so proud of?

In contrast to Remilia’s smug satisfaction, Flandre remained perfectly composed, voicing no objection to Lin Luo’s arrangement.

"Next, the Hakugyokurou entrant will be Yuyuko," Lin Luo continued calling out positions.

"Do I not need to go?" Youmu hastily inquired.

Lin Luo shook his head. "You are too weak." Youmu’s combat strength was roughly on par with Patchouli’s; there was no way he would send her out.

"I’m not weak!" Seeing Lin Luo’s direct dismissal, Youmu immediately tried to explain, "Before I came here, my grandfather transferred all his power to me. He insisted I must protect Lady Yuyuko well, so I am not weak! Please, let me participate!"

A power transfer?

Lin Luo grimaced. Was this a Wuxia novel?

"Since you put it that way, show me a small demonstration," he conceded.

"Alright." Youmu did not hesitate. With a swish, she drew both the White Tower Sword and the Tower Observation Sword. She didn't attack; she simply stood there. However... a colossal aura, like a tsunami, instantly surged toward Lin Luo.

"Whoa!" Feeling the sheer might of that presence, Lin Luo was genuinely surprised. He hadn't deliberately scrutinized everyone’s strength beforehand, relying instead on their capabilities when they departed that morning. After all, a mere half-day couldn't possibly yield vast improvements even for a genius. Yet, to think Youmu had received her grandfather's power transfer and instantly surged in strength... just how exactly did that transfer happen?

"How was it?" Knowing that her current power had startled Lin Luo, Youmu reined in her aura and asked expectantly.

"Mmm, your strength passes the initial test."

"Then..."

"Of course, you can fight," Lin Luo said with a smile. He would never refuse more power; he only ever lamented its scarcity.

"Wonderful! Thank you!" Youmu immediately let out a cheer, sheathed her twin swords, and returned to Yuyuko’s side.

"Oh my, oh my." Watching her ecstatic demeanor, Yuyuko covered her mouth to laugh.

Next, Lin Luo continued his selections. "Then, the Eientei entrants are Kaguya and Eirin Yagokoro."

No one questioned these two being chosen to fight. Naturally, the other members of Eientei stood no chance, so they offered no objection. However, Mokou noticed Kaguya was qualified while Lin Luo didn't even spare her a glance, instantly becoming disgruntled. She spoke up without restraint: "What about this young master?"

"You are no good," Lin Luo sighed.

"How am I no good!" Mokou flared up. You could say anything about her, just not that she wasn't capable! "Even if my strength isn't up to standard, I possess immortality! I absolutely won't drag anyone down."

"Immortality has different levels, and yours is currently too low—especially against a Heaven-Rank. In fact, even I could completely annihilate your existence," Lin Luo explained. In reality, Mokou’s immortality shared a similar flaw with Flan’s destructive power: it would likely become moot against a Heaven-Rank. Given Mokou’s penchant for self-harm in battle, if she were sent out, she would certainly be the first to die.

Lin Luo sought victory, and specifically, a victory without sacrifice. He naturally couldn't include such a risky element; otherwise, he wouldn't need to call out names—they could all just rush in with weapons drawn.

"Tch!" Mokou was displeased, but Lin Luo was the commander now, and she couldn't force the issue. In the end, she reluctantly retreated with a sour expression.

"I wonder if that counts as jealousy?"

"Jealousy toward whom? Lin Luo or Kaguya?"

"Perhaps both."

"Then she truly lost badly."

Within the crowd, two gossips whispered amongst themselves.

The gossips gossiped, the jealous sulked, and Lin Luo ignored them, continuing his roll call. "Next, the Moriya Shrine entrant is Sanae Kochiya; the SLS participants are Byakuren Hijiri; the Netherworld entrants are Yuugi Hoshiguma; the Hermit contingent entrants are Tenshi Hinanawi and Suika Ibuki; the Idiot Squad entrant is Cirno..."

Initially, Sanae’s strength wasn't quite enough. But just as Youmu received power from Youkai Youki, the two great deities of the Moriya Shrine had concentrated all their divine power into Sanae, finally elevating her to the status of a true Incarnate God. While this state was temporary, her current strength was beyond question.

Byakuren Hijiri was already extremely powerful, and after adopting Youyou’s cultivation system, her strength had advanced by leaps and bounds over the past year, nearly reaching the Saint realm.

Yuugi Hoshiguma and Suika Ibuki, being two of the Four Devas of the Oni, required no further mention.

Then there was the Defective Celestial, Tenshi Hinanawi... No, the Defective Celestial was a thing of the past. Youyou’s cultivation system had applied a massive patch to her. She was now a true Celestial.

The others accepted these choices without question, but Cirno...

"This... is this idiot really alright?" Marisa, a member of the Hermit contingent who wasn't fighting, felt a little disgruntled at her leisure and thus scorned Cirno.

"Hmph! This Lady is not an idiot! This Lady is the strongest!" Cirno stood with her arms crossed, looking as proud as a phoenix.

Lin Luo smiled. "It's fine. Little Nine has great potential; you've all witnessed it before. As a magical girl, her combat power will break through the heavens once she transforms. As for the transformation switch, I will help her activate it."

That idiot is a magical girl? A transformation switch? It sounds more like a switch to make her foolish!

The onlookers silently grumbled to themselves.

"Finally, the main combat personnel. I naturally count as one, followed by Yukari Yakumo, Yuuka Kazami, Shinki, Lily White, Evangelin, Silver Lamp, and... including Reimu, the twelve Hakurei Shrine Maidens. Do any of you have objections?" Lin Luo finished and cast a questioning gaze upon the assembly, perhaps wanting to display a touch of democratic spirit.

"..." Everyone was momentarily speechless. Those who had objections had already voiced them. The individuals being named now were either God-tier Hakurei Maidens or the Host; how could they possibly object? Besides, even if they did have an opinion, would the bottomless Lin Luo even listen?

So, the assembly wisely chose silence.

"Since no one has objections, those whose names were not called should head home for now. Although you cannot fight, I have left you with certain things. Relying on those items, you can provide us with combat support in another capacity... Understand that this battle is not one of individual heroism, but one that requires all of us to work together with one heart." Lin Luo stated seriously.

It was rare for Lin Luo to utter such principled words, and the crowd graciously refrained from further mockery. Time was also pressing regarding the "certain things" Lin Luo mentioned, and soon they dispersed, each heading back to their respective homes.

"Meng Dream, why are you still standing here? Go back," Reimu suddenly noticed her own daughter lingering and began ushering her away.

But Meng Dream shook her head. Her gaze shifted from Reimu to Lin Luo, and she declared loudly, "Father, I want to fight too."

"No, you are too young," Lin Luo refused outright. Although the little girl possessed limitless potential, she was only two years old now; sending her to a battlefield was pure fantasy.

"But..."

"There is no 'but.' You stay home and behave." Lin Luo offered no room for negotiation. How could he fight a war while burdened with an extra dependent?

Meng Dream pouted, utterly helpless, and finally stomped off in anger.

"Heh heh, children are just children," Remilia chuckled.

Lin Luo glanced at her and inwardly thought: Actually, in my eyes, you’re a child too.

"Time is almost up," Sakuya suddenly remarked.

"Mmm, then we should begin," Lin Luo nodded. In the short time it took to assign the fighters, the clock was already nearing midnight.

"How do we proceed? Do we just start fighting right here?" Yuuka Kazami inquired.

"Of course not. If we start fighting here, the entirety of Gensokyo will be instantly annihilated," Lin Luo shook his head. He certainly hadn't intended such a catastrophic outcome, even though he had dismantled the Great Barrier.

"Then what is the plan?"

"It's simple. Once I remove the substitutes within the Great Barrier, the Dragon God will reveal itself. However, for a short period, the concept of equivalent exchange will not be immediately manifested. Therefore... at that moment, I will create a new world and send all of us, including the Dragon God, inside. We will hold the decisive battle in that new world!"

Lin Luo stated decisively.

Creating a new world to serve as the battlefield was his first trump card for this conflict!

PS: It begins! The blood-pumping battle is here. There are only 24 hours left until the end of this month, and I’m 40 monthly votes behind the sixth position. For the next 24 hours, I won't be sleeping; I’ll be writing until I physically cannot move anymore. I am genuinely giving it my all now. This is the battle I have been most anticipating within the story. Outside the story, this is the victory I most desperately crave. Fellow readers, please support me during these final 24 hours. I beg you for your monthly votes! With low subscriptions, no prospects for the web serial, and no physical book deals, this monthly chart is the only thing I have left to fight for. I truly don't want to lose even this last shred of motivation. If I can't even contend for the monthly chart, I genuinely don't know how I will persist. This is the most intense I have worked in nearly two years of writing! I implore all of you, please cast your monthly votes so we can climb back into the category rankings!