Chapter 88: The Seven-Day Battle of Genesis
If the landmarks created by the strong—such as the Lake of Despair and its Black Pines, or the Great Hunter-Beast of the Reishi River—were the "Rivets" of the World Ark, then the phenomenon known as "Spring" was an indispensable pillar for its operation.
Yhwach, possessing extraordinary strength and sharp insight, realized several things immediately after the birth of the Spring phenomenon. First, the Soul King had grown weaker again. Second, the "Spring" born from his own actions shared a faint resonance with him. Through this resonance, the Ultimacy he had lost when the Three Worlds perished seemed to offer hope of being reclaimed.
Yhwach thought deeply in that instant, and being a man of action, he immediately put those thoughts into practice.
A punch-clash filled with filial piety and paternal love ended in a draw. Yhwach then manically drove his will, thrusting out Ultimacy once more. Boundless shadows howled, shifting into various forms within Yhwach's fist to devour all things.
"Clever!"
Mo Yu knew that Yhwach had understood the true significance of this farewell battle for powerhouses, stripping away all the holy and solemn rhetoric. This battle was simultaneously the further refinement and foundation-laying for the Purity system of the New World.
By resonating with the New World's natural phenomena and landmarks, powerhouses could leverage their power, drastically lowering the entry threshold for Ultimacy. As the creators of these phenomena, they would also gain special authority—essentially an honorary title or rank.
For instance, in the New World, besides "King of the Quincies," Yhwach could be called the "Demon God of Spring" or the "Lord of Resurgence and Frenzy." Of course, these sounded a bit too Western; Mo Yu planned to officially guide the terminology once the New World was built, formalizing the ranks.
For example: those at the Absolute Realm level would be Martial Artists; those mastering Ultimacy would be Martial Gods; and those who created natural landmarks or phenomena would be Titled Martial Gods.
But that was for later. As a reward for Yhwach's cleverness, Mo Yu responded by cranking his own power up. Boundless Hell-miasma erupted as the Ultimate Dark Force of Hell exploded outward. A collision even more savage than the last occurred, and another New World phenomenon was born from the clashing fists.
In that moment, amidst the ruins of Karakura Town, the shadows stretching from collapsed buildings wriggled eerily as if coming to life. They transformed into independent Shadow Beasts, standing up and baring their claws—though these newborns were unfortunate, instantly annihilated by the radiant shockwaves of the powerhouses' clash.
The Shadow that Births Myriad Beasts was born!
However, this phenomenon was merely a "Rivet," not a "Pillar." Yhwach resonated with it, and his Ultimacy climbed again, but he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he followed the resonance to sense something deeper.
In the distance, the Lake of Despair flowing from the roots of the Black Pines was a landmark, but it also belonged to the phenomenon of "Shadow"! Scale and hierarchy of phenomena would likely be crucial in the future. Yhwach let the thought flash through his mind before discarding it; the priority now was to create as many phenomena and landmarks as possible. The authority of the New World resided within them.
"Hmph. Such mottled shadows... how disappointing. Unfilial son, get back and hone your Purity!"
Mo Yu's face turned cold. He erupted with a more tyrannical Ultimate Dark Force, thoroughly shattering more than half of Yhwach's body and blasting the remaining half away with peerless force.
It was no wonder Mo Yu was disappointed. The previous filial punch was impeccable in will, conviction, and power, birthing a Pillar-level phenomenon. But upon realizing the profit behind Genesis, Yhwach's heart had been swayed by desire.
Yhwach's mastery of shadows was deep—it was his specialty. He had opened a dimension in the shadows of the Seireitei and built an empire there under the Reapers' noses for a thousand years. But for such mastery to result only in the "Shadow that Births Myriad Beasts" was truly embarrassing.
Just then, a searing heat swept forward. It wasn't an attack, but the footsteps of Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
"Oh? Old man, you're finally ready? You've kept me waiting!"
Mo Yu crossed his arms, waiting as Yamamoto approached. He held high expectations for the strongest Soul Reaper.
"Soul King... the question You once asked this old man... allow me to answer You once more!"
The aged King of Soul Reapers had discarded the upper half of his Shihakusho, baring a massive, scarred torso covered in the glory of eons. His skin was being overtaken by the dark-red light of molten lava. His pupils were a roiling sea of blood. Most terrifyingly, within the fire surging behind him, flaming skeletons flickered like phantoms—holding weapons, appearing as an army, marching in perfect order with Yamamoto's stride.
Mo Yu's excitement soared. "Come! Let me see what kind of scenery your answer can gestate!"
Previously, many powerhouses had struck, and even Kyoraku had traded his life for a beautiful result, but Yamamoto had held back. In his youth, he wouldn't have cared about ambushes or group fights, but now he carried the "burden" of his status and dignity. Furthermore, at this level of strength, he could no longer be called "weak." If he relied on a group to gain an advantage, how could he justify the conviction and will he had spent eons building?
A powerhouse's fist must be swung at one even stronger to be called "Strong."
Even facing the Soul King, Yamamoto had been waiting, brewing, and pushing his limits. His body, soul, will, and power were now at their zenith. Only with such preparation would his "answer" be potent enough.
Yamamoto suddenly stamped the earth with violence. Amidst the cracking ground, he lunged forward, throwing his fist with absolute resolve. A Crimson Sun erupted. Within the light it shed, every ray reflected the phantom of a savage flaming skeleton charging forth. The immeasurable fire mirrored a Purgatory that showcased the true essence of Death.
In the battle that destroyed the Seireitei, Mo Yu had asked: What is the meaning of it all?
Back then, Yamamoto's answer was barely passing, and he fell. But after falling into Hell, he found the answer unexpectedly—at the moment his former enemies knelt to offer loyalty, begging the King of Soul Reapers to swing his blade of fire once more to change the world.
Past grudges, old concepts of good and evil, even life and death—none of it mattered anymore. In a cruel and mad era, a mad and cruel fire was needed to illuminate the darkness covering the heavens. On the earth swept by fire, the things that grew strong and no longer feared the dark or the cold—that was the meaning.
It was the expectation of Life; the will of the Remnant Flame.
Absolute Realm 91%: Symbolizing his will climbing to a new tier. Ultimacy 10%: Symbolizing the Ghost King's crown forged from a millennium of slaughter and the enslavement of the dead. Ultimate Dark Force 10%: Symbolizing Hell's approval and his own obsession.
Mo Yu felt these clearly from the punch. In terms of philosophy, Yamamoto wasn't the most brilliant—the fact that he summoned Hell's infection proved that—but in terms of raw power and will, it was truly potent.
"A bit of a pity, but no matter. Your answer... both the World and I accept it!"
Mo Yu's appreciative voice drifted out during the collision. At that moment, infinite fire converged, turning from orange-red to a vivid crimson. Residents of Hell and the Three Worlds alike looked up as a Crimson Sun was born.
But this sun did not rise. It plummeted toward the earth with manic speed!
The ground cracked, melted, and collapsed, forming a giant pit like an abyss. Crimson flames roared. In this moment, many Soul-Lost Corpses felt something from those flames: a blood-soaked pioneering spirit, a sacrificial protection. Upon the earth burned to ash, pure flowers were born to declare the meaning of Order!
These husks had held such ideals in life. Called by the crimson light, their souls and convictions—shattered by eons of Hell's torture—transformed into crimson fire, erupting from their bodies! The fire charred them into withered, scorched corpses. They scrambled madly toward the impact site of the sun, throwing themselves without hesitation into the abyss the Crimson Sun had smashed into the world.
The scorched corpses mixed with the molten slag of the crimson fire, transforming into black-red crystals. One by one, the crystals piled up. A foundation appeared, then twisted buildings, and finally, the silhouette of a city emerged from the center of the Crimson Sun.
The temperature of the world climbed manically, radiating in all directions. Stimulated by the heat, the flora revived by the "Spring" and the restless residents began to wither—for the rolling heatwaves carried a cruel, strict will.
Suppression. Binding. Shackles. All demons and spirits had to bow before this heat!
Under this binding, some residents were provoked. Their restlessness turned into a fanatical desire for destruction. But the heatwaves responded by condensing into scorching blades, spears, and flaming fists, raining down like a storm. This storm covered a vast area; many who had withered were caught in the crossfire and had to rise up, cursing as they brawled with the falling fire-rain.
If the previous phenomenon was the Spring of Resurgence, then this was the Summer of Harshness.
This was an outstanding performance. While others punched Mo Yu and created one phenomenon or landmark, Yamamoto's single punch created two: the Harsh Summer and the Abyss of the Crimson Sun.
The Harsh Summer was undeniably a Pillar-level natural phenomenon, and the Abyss was a Pillar-level landmark—its existence profoundly influenced and reshaped the world. As these two appeared, Yamamoto's power surged, climbing to 30% Ultimacy!
Mo Yu had originally hoped Yamamoto would become the New World's Sun, but it seemed the old man couldn't bear the title of "Sun God." "King of Soul Reapers" or "Sun of the Underworld" were more fitting. No matter; he chose his path.
Mo Yu pushed his own power to match Yamamoto's, his battle intent burning. He felt the old man had more potential to mine for the New World's foundation.
Suddenly, Aizen's voice rang out: "Lord Soul King... forgive my rudeness. Allow me to seek an audience at this moment."
The tone was humble, but the power was arrogant and domineering. He didn't even avoid Yamamoto, enveloping both in his strike. Aizen acted now because he realized Mo Yu's power had weakened significantly after clashing with Yamamoto.
To the arrogant Aizen, if the Soul King continued to weaken, even if he won, the victory would taste like the sourness of shame. So he struck, choosing a one-vs-two fight!
It wasn't a "smart" choice; both Mo Yu and Yamamoto were stronger than him. In the past, Aizen would have schemed. But after understanding Purity, he knew: to go from a "Powerhouse" to the "Strongest," one must discard old habits. There is no room for calculation on the path to the zenith.
Only by clenching your fist and manically giving it your all can you earn the passport to the Strongest. His arrogance and ambition drove his fist to explode with unthinkable force.
"Hmph. A wolf cub, but his fangs are sharp enough!"
Yamamoto snorted, but his cold expression held a hint of satisfaction. If Aizen only hid and plotted, Yamamoto would never respect him. In terms of scheming, Aizen was merely average compared to the million-year-old Noble houses Yamamoto had dealt with. But this display of spirit made Yamamoto feel that Aizen had actually learned something from him during his centuries as a Soul Reaper.
Yamamoto's teacher-complex flared up. He decided to "educate" Aizen further. (Seireitei Fun Fact: Yamamoto loved "teaching" officers one-on-one; he usually felt satisfied afterward, while the bruised pupils weren't sure what they'd learned).
Mo Yu didn't mind Aizen joining. Sensing the mood, Rukia added her own strike: "Your Majesty, allow me to report my recent work results!"
The catastrophic frost swept in. Mo Yu laughed: "Excellent! Let the roar of creation be even more intense!"
Amidst the clash, more phenomena were born!
Brilliant auroras spread across the sky, shifting constantly. Their light cast "scenery bubbles" on the ground. Some residents saw mirages; some saw lost loved ones; others saw terrifying monsters. Everyone saw something different. Some fought the illusions; some walked into them and vanished, leaving only sleeping bodies behind when the visions faded.
This phenomenon was the "Autumn of Hallucinations."
Then, a blizzard erupted. Many residents were covered in snow, turning into blood-red crystal pillars. Pale blue ice-butterflies circled the frozen dead, declaring the truth of eternal rest. This was the "Winter of Rest."
Creation was progressing rapidly. As the price, Mo Yu's left arm suddenly shattered. The cracks spread toward his shoulder and chest. Every being originally from the Three Worlds felt a pang of sorrow—a deep, genetic resonance. The Soul King who had sustained them for a million years was reaching the end of His existence.
Mo Yu answered the sorrow with a hot-blooded roar: "This 'universal sorrow' is such low Purity! Don't cry like little girls! If you feel sad, come here! Use your roars, your fists, and your full power to send me off in high spirits!"
Ichigo watched with sorrow in his eyes but didn't act, keeping his hands in his pockets. A supreme being's fall isn't instantaneous. Even as his body crumbled and his power waned, Mo Yu could fight as long as he willed it.
Absolute Realm faded; Hell's Dark Force grew rampant! The Genesis duel lasted not for hours, but for seven full days and nights.
The battlefield moved, covering nearly all of Hell. Many powerhouses had died dozens—even hundreds—of times. Mo Yu's body was a web of infinite cracks, held together only by sheer Dark Force.
The New World was being born in this brawl. Lightning, rain, frost, and bizarre landscapes emerged one after another. At the very end, Mo Yu sensed his limit was arriving. He looked up and shouted:
"In this moment where we put a period on all that is holy and solemn... do you still refuse to act!?"
The powerhouses were confused. Who else was there? Ichigo was just watching. Who else was Mo Yu waiting for?
Ichigo sensed something. He turned his head with a strange smile. "To think such a thing could happen?"
Uryu's hair stood on end. He spun around.
Fisher, in a white suit, holding a bouquet of chrysanthemums in his left hand and a bottle of Vaseline in his right, strolled leisurely toward them!
"Hi, Soul King. Do you like chrysanthemums?"
At the sight of Fisher, Kenpachi and Byakuya turned pale. Many others looked horrified. As Fisher approached, the scenery began to lose its color, fading into a monochromatic world of black and white, as if all existence was being swallowed by his casual stroll.
End of Chapter
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