Crossover: A Different Inuyasha.

Chapter 74 Levels of Strength, the Allure of Domination Theory

As Tsubaki explained, Inuyasha came to understand the underlying principles.

Nominally, it's about "sacrificing souls in exchange for youth," with monsters devouring people's souls and taking control, but in reality, it's extremely evil.

Not only do they turn monsters into shikigami, but they also exploit the monsters' life force.

Every so often, the drained monsters are discarded and replaced with new ones.

At the same time, this vitality can be stored and used when needed.

It feels like an evolved version of Tsunade's [Yin Seal]. How can it be improved?

The strategy shifted from one-way plundering to two-way transmission, while maintaining its absolute dominance.

"Lord Inuyasha~"

A gasp brought Inuyasha back to his senses.

Adhering to the philosophy of balancing work and exercise, under Inuyasha's guidance, the Black Priestess began practicing the splits in yoga with a rigorous (and humiliating) serious attitude.

As her movements became more and more "standard," Tsubaki also discovered the beauty in them.

The art of yoga is truly profound and unfathomable!

As the year draws to a close, the eastern country, which unified Musashi this year, is starting to get lively.

Crimson paper lanterns were hung in the streets and alleys of Zenkenkyo, and brand-new shimenawa ropes hung from the eaves, swaying gently in the cold winter wind.

Hand-cut "Fu" characters and zodiac animal pictures are pasted on the window frames of the houses. Children wrapped in thick cotton clothes chase and play at the alley entrance, their laughter scattering like broken silver coins on the ground.

Feng was handling business in Shanjianjing. Her white clothes and red trousers were made clean and soft by the winter sunlight. She was looking down at the booklet in her hand, which was full of program schedules, and occasionally whispered a few words to the manager next to her.

This year's program for the gods has several more items than in previous years, from the shamans' prayer dance to the harvest festival songs jointly presented by various villages, all of which she personally selected.

It should be dignified and respectable, yet it should also demonstrate that people's lives are getting better and better.

The Spring Festival Gala brought by Inuyasha has become quite well-organized over the years.

The situation in Luoshengjing was even more lively.

Jieluo had instructed Yueye Maru early on that the banquet should be the same as last year.

Although the monsters don't follow the elaborate rituals of humans, they never refuse food and drink. A wolf demon volunteered to hunt dozens of wild deer on the mountain, dragged them back, and hung them under the shed outside the kitchen.

Leopard cats, thunder beasts, hundred ghost bats, and even the weaker fox and tanuki tribes all sent food for this year's banquet.

The meat-eating monsters took care of their own needs, while the wine, vegetables, and other ingredients were delivered from Zenkenkyo in a continuous stream.

Jie Luo stood on the pavilion of the city lord's mansion, arms crossed, watching the busy figures below, a satisfied smile on his lips.

The entire Rashomon area felt like it had been given a strong drink; from the base of the city walls to the castle tower, everywhere exuded a bold and passionate festive atmosphere.

Suddenly, she frowned, feeling something jumping on her hair.

It doesn't resemble a monster, nor does it resemble a human.

With a flick of her finger, a small creature appeared from the horizon—a flea monster with four arms and two whitish mustaches.

The flea Mingjia, who had traveled a long way from a certain cemetery, was just about to speak politely and reveal his identity when he saw the beautiful and charming female monster point to her red lips and laugh, saying, "What an ugly monster, just kill her."

"Give me a chance, sir!"

Inuyasha sat in a side hall of the main hall of the Ruri Shrine, with a closed paper door behind him, blocking out the clear voice of the little priestess outside.

An oil lamp was lit indoors, its flame flickering gently in the breeze, casting a warm glow on his silver hair.

The black witch, who had been receiving much nourishment these days, knelt before the table, with a scroll of silk filled with fine writing spread out beside her.

"As you instructed, based on their strength, we have roughly divided demons and human cultivators into four levels."

The increase in territory and population no longer allows the Eastern Kingdom to continue its extensive management style.

Dividing extraordinary individuals into strong and weak classes, allowing personnel to accurately identify their own level and position, will greatly facilitate management.

Inuyasha leaned back in his chair, resting his chin on one hand, gesturing for her to continue.

"Temporarily acting as a secretary, in charge of data collection and developing secret techniques," Tsubaki said.

"The first realm is called [Body Refinement]."

"Both demons and human cultivators are included in this category when they first come into contact with power."

"Those who cultivate their bodies can utilize their own qi and blood and spiritual power to strengthen their physique, perception, and reaction, making them difficult to harm from ordinary swords and blades, and allowing them to run like the wind."

"But it cannot mobilize the power of heaven and earth; all its power originates from its own body, which is like a rough, unpolished stone, with sharp edges and corners, but far from being fully formed."

Tsubaki glanced at Inuyasha, then lowered her eyes again. "Within the Eastern Kingdom, seven or eight out of ten demons and human cultivators reside here."

"The star emblem symbolizes that a spark, a tiny light, is the starting point of everything. Even if it is not enough to start a prairie fire, it already has the potential to burn."

"The second realm is called [Qi Condensation]."

"If a practitioner can gather, condense, and tame their power, separating it from their flesh and blood to form a self-contained entity, they will enter the realm of Qi Condensation."

"Those who condense Qi can project their power outwards in a tangible form—the transformation of demonic energy into blades, the condensation of spiritual energy into arrows, and the creation of distant spells are all hallmarks of this level."

"They have been able to perceive the flow of energy between heaven and earth, but they still rely primarily on their own power, with external forces playing a secondary role."

"Ordinary demons can be defeated in one blow; ordinary cities can be flattened by one person."

This "one-man sweep" wasn't a reckless charge, but rather a gradual depletion of manpower without an opponent of equal strength.

Chun named a few people, "Your subordinates Feitian and Mantian, as well as Gangya and Changpu from the Demon Wolf Clan, are all included here."

"The Tsukiyomaru of the Hundred Demon Bats and Haruaki and Natsuaki, two of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Leopard Cat, also linger on this floor."

"It eclipses the purple clouds by day and absorbs the moonlight by night, gathering its own light to illuminate itself, and is adorned with a moon emblem to signify its power."

The Qi Condensation level is the backbone of the demon realm, and because it is a rough classification, there are significant differences in strength between those levels.

The heretical view that one can burn dozens of people to death with a single fire while wielding a staff with human heads is also at this level.

However, the world of Inuyasha is not a world of cultivation, so we can only make a rough estimate.

"The third realm is called [Celestial Phenomena]."

Chun slowed down her speech at this point.

"A Qi Condensation cultivator can enter this realm if he can resonate with the heavens and earth, objects, or some higher-level existence."

"The power of the Celestial Realm is no longer limited to oneself, but can be borrowed for one's own use. By borrowing the power of mountains and rivers, the power of celestial phenomena, or forming a unique domain of demonic power."

"Lord Yura's [Thousand Silk Threads], the Madam Kaede's [Divine Roar], and the extreme cold power of Fuyuran are all in this realm."

"Its power hangs high in the sky, its supernatural abilities are formidable, and it is also the [Sun Wheel Celestial Phenomenon Realm]."

"9

This level represents the pinnacle of conventional power in the demon realm, enough to sustain a force's enduring influence.

"The first three realms are also known as the Sun, Moon and Stars, while the fourth realm is called the [Transformation of Gods]."

97

At the end, Chun paused for a moment, a very faint light flashing in her eyes.

"His every gesture and word aligns with the universe; his every action and word embodies the laws of nature. Sesshomaru shattered the Hourai barrier with a single strike, like a god incarnate."

.

Chun exhaled a breath of stale air, clasped her hands together in front of her, and bowed slightly.

"Excluding special techniques like the Wind Cave, these are the four realms of cultivation."

Refining the body with starlight, condensing qi with moonlight, observing the celestial phenomena of the sun, transforming into a divine celestial being.

"After the new year begins, continue this promotional strategy, so that the world will know the power of the Eastern Kingdom!"

"Yes, sir Inuyasha."

After Tsubaki left, Inuyasha opened the door and jumped onto a roof.

In the courtyard, dozens of young witches were lined up in a square formation, rehearsing the prayer dance for the New Year's festival in the open space in front of the corridor.

The white-clad children in their scarlet trousers fluttered and danced in the sunlight. Although their movements were still somewhat immature, their earnestness was clearly written on every upturned little face.

Inuyasha rested one hand on his bent knee, gazing at the small figure dancing below, his thoughts drifting elsewhere.

Who should we awaken their spirit armor next?

The leopard cats have been following him for almost six years.

From initially running around risking their lives for the art of resurrection to later joining Luo Shengjing, Dong Lan and her clansmen were quite diligent and conscientious. They never hesitated to charge into battle when necessary, and they never caused trouble when it was time to follow the rules.

However, in the time they captured Naraku, they went too far in their quest for credit—offending most of the demons in the city and having their credit stolen by Sesshomaru, leaving them with no good end.

The merits and demerits more than balance out, but when it comes to rewards, they should always be discounted and reconsidered.

The Thunder Beast clan, on the other hand, is taking a steady and methodical approach.

Feitian and Mantian are diligent and capable, working together with Yushi Bailu to control the clouds and rain. The favorable weather in the Eastern Kingdom in recent years is largely due to their efforts. If we talk about contributions, it is no exaggeration to say that Leishou ranks first.

The wolf demon clan, on the other hand, is better at recognizing and adapting to changing circumstances.

From initially surrendering after being suppressed, to now actively cooperating with Luo Shengjing's various policies.

Old White Wolf's flexible and adaptable approach to life pulled his tribe back from the brink of extinction, and now they have a firm foothold in the Eastern Kingdom's system.

In addition, with the addition of calamus and the fact that the wolf demon clan is willing to restrain the leopard cat in the public eye, it's not impossible to give them a magic crystal.

There's also Tsukiyo-maru.

The head of the Hundred Demon Bat Clan climbed the ranks step by step in Rashomon's system through his own abilities, knowing when to advance and when to retreat, handling everything properly, saving Yoro a lot of trouble.

He also fell in love with a human woman, setting a good example among the monsters.

Both the Nine-Nine Toad and the Ghost Granny Li Tao made contributions—the former managed the people's livelihood and grassroots affairs of the Eastern Kingdom, while the latter's quirky and unorthodox magic could occasionally unearth some surprises.

This is true for the monsters, but there are also many outstanding individuals among the humans.

There are several young mages and priestesses in Shanjianjing who, under Feng's tutelage, are already capable of handling things on their own. They have a solid foundation in spiritual power, are resilient in temperament, and have a firm stance.

If they were equipped with spirit armor, given time, they might become another pillar of the shrine, alleviating the lack of high-level combat power under Feng's command, while also making a name for themselves.

Inuyasha stroked his chin, his gaze falling on the crimson hakama skirts still swirling and fluttering in the courtyard, as if he were looking at the children, or perhaps at something much further away.

As for spirit armor, it's not that we can't give him more; he still has quite a few magic crystals. If we really let him use them freely, one crystal each would be enough for the core members of Luo Shengjing and Shan Jianjing.

The problem is never about "enough or not," but about how to give, to whom to give, and when to give.

If you give it too early, the other person won't appreciate it; if you give it too late, it will hurt their feelings.

If too much is given, the spirit equipment will no longer be a coveted treasure; if too little is given, those below will feel that those above are being biased.

If seniority is the deciding factor, those who work hard later on will feel like they're just eating from the same pot.

This science of governance is a bit difficult.

But that's what men like.

A few words are enough to win over a person with independent thinking.

Report your favor on the golden platform, and bring Yulong to die for the king.

Inuyasha leaned against the sloping back of the eaves, looking up at the clear winter night sky, his breath dissipating into a thin mist.

He recalled the principles of reward and punishment he had heard in his previous life: it was not about how much was given away, but about making everyone feel that "as long as I work hard, I also have a chance."

This is the kind of vision Inuyasha wanted.

I'm not afraid of people fighting; what I'm afraid of is that they don't even bother to have the thought of fighting.

As long as there is still a fire burning in his heart and he still feels that he has a chance to rise, that fire will make the East Kingdom burn brighter and brighter.

The little witches below finished dancing again, and the class leader, who was leading the dance, clapped her hands twice to signal everyone to take a short break.

Laughter and footsteps spread from the courtyard. Several young children squatted in a circle under the eaves, gesturing at something, their chattering like a flock of sparrows returning to their nest.

Just as Inuyasha was about to get up and leave the roof, a clear shout suddenly rang out from the other end of the courtyard: "Inuyasha-nii-chan—!"

Lan slipped out of the group at some point, looked up at Inuyasha on the roof with her little face, and ran towards the pillar.

He grabbed the pillar with both hands and pushed off, climbing up the crossbeam like a nimble cat. He then used the eaves for leverage and leaped lightly onto the tiles next to Inuyasha.

"Why did you get up here?"

Inuyasha turned his head to look at her, his tone carrying three parts surprise and seven parts helplessness.

"I saw you sitting up there!" Lan plopped down next to him, her legs dangling over the eaves, the cold winter wind blowing her bangs.

"You watched us dance all by yourself without even saying hello, that's too much!"

The little priestesses below all looked up—"Lord God!" "It really is Lord God!" "Lord God, come down!" "How was our dance?"

Inuyasha's ears were itchy from the crisp shouts, so he jumped down from the roof with Ran in his arms and landed in the middle of the courtyard.

The little witches immediately swarmed around like a flock of sparrows, their chatter even more lively than during rehearsals.

"You jumped alright, but the third one in the back row—yes, you—that's right, Asagi, you're too old, your reactions are slow, and you were a little slow when you turned around."

Among a bunch of tiny radish heads around 1.2 meters tall, a girl with a slightly motherly air pops out—something just doesn't feel right.

Asagi puffed up her cheeks in anger at these words and jumped in front of Inuyasha demanding an explanation.

"Nonsense, I didn't say that!"

Inuyasha held Asagi's head up with one hand, then casually nodded and rubbed another little head that was leaning in, "And you, Moegi, your sleeve is almost hitting the person next to you in the face. Be careful when you practice."

When Meng Huang was called out, he first shrank his neck, but when he heard the second half of the sentence, he couldn't help but burst out laughing and quickly covered his mouth with the back of his hand.

The class monitor, who was leading the dance, stood outside the crowd, smiling with pursed lips, and did not say anything to stop them. He watched as the God was surrounded and made a ruckus by a group of children, like a big tree being occupied by sparrows.

Inuyasha, who felt like he was about to be electrocuted, finally pulled himself away from the group of children after playing from dusk till moonrise.

He patted the wrinkles on his clothes caused by the little witches' scratches. "Alright, I have to go now. You all practice hard."

Lan looked up at him, not pressing him for details about where they were going, but simply nodded vigorously. "Will you come again tomorrow, brother?"

"We'll talk about it tomorrow."

Inuyasha waved his hand and turned to walk out of the courtyard.

The laughter and farewells of the little witches behind him surged up like a tide, only to be left behind by his ever-receding figure.

Exiting the shrine through the side gate, and following the stone steps around the wall of the main hall, a path leads to the back of the mountain, winding through the winter forest.

Inuyasha walked along the path, past the manicured trees, and suddenly the view opened up before him.

The sacred tree still stands in the center, its trunk as thick as a pillar, its branches twisting and reaching towards the winter night sky, moonlight filtering through its sparse leaves and casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Not far to the left of the Sacred Tree, the Bone-Eating Well lies quietly with its mouth open, with withered vines and moss climbing and growing along its edge.

To the right of the sacred tree—where there used to be just a grassy open space—is now occupied by a colossal structure.

A cauldron that makes a clanging sound.

The vines and moss on the stove have been cleaned off, revealing the rough texture underneath.

In the moonlight, it resembled a sleeping ancient behemoth, each chisel mark gleaming with a pale bluish-gray hue under the caress of the moonlight.

Inuyasha stopped in front of the cauldron and pressed his hand against the wall of the furnace—a deep and long hum resonated from the depths of the furnace, traveling up the stone wall.

The heat seeping through the cracks in the door suddenly intensified, casting an orange-red hue on the moonlight.

Immediately afterwards, the heavy stone door slowly opened from the center to both sides, and the rollers rolled over the stone trough with a dull and steady sound.

The moment the door opened, blinding flames erupted from within.

The light shone with an almost liquid orange-gold hue, like molten metal flowing, illuminating the entire interior of the furnace as bright as day.

A heat wave followed closely behind, accompanied by the pungent smell of sulfur.

Inuyasha stood at the cave entrance, his crimson robes shimmering with azure flames that formed a flaming garment covering his entire body.

Light and heat alternately collided with the azure flame robe, only to be absorbed back into it, like rivers flowing into the sea, without even a ripple.

He took a step forward, his body leaning forward, his crimson robes and azure flames disappearing together into the blinding flames.

The opening of the Roaring Cauldron should, in all likelihood, take another twenty years.

But Inuyasha never intended to wait from the beginning. If he found the right method to give this artifact, which can absorb the power of the earth's veins, more high-quality energy, it wouldn't be impossible for it to open ahead of schedule.

The furnace door slowly closed behind him, like a giant beast closing its eyelids.

The nearby sacred tree moved without wind, its thick branches trembling violently.

The entire tree, from its crown to its roots, seemed to have been pulled hard by something invisible. The leaves fluttered in the cold winter night air, but not a single one was blown down.