My personal opinion on Gensokyo

With the calm tone of the monster sage, the changes in history and the changes in the human world gradually unfolded in the hot spring villa that has stood for thousands of years.

"With the development of the culture of gods and Buddhas, Shintoism, Buddhism, and the legends of gods and Buddhas, the population exploded, and the fear and awe of the vast numbers of mortals were pulled one by one from the illusions of the uncommon sense into the mortal world."

"More and more inhuman beings are no longer born from the myriad things of the mortal world, but are born directly from the depths of mortals' fear. The essence of monsters is obscured, and their own characteristics are ignored. The power of monsters no longer comes from their own thousands of years of practice, but from absorbing the fear and faith of humans."

"'Fear' has become the foundation of survival for these Warring States monsters that have emerged over the past few hundred years."

"Over the past thousand years, the monsters, who have become increasingly reliant on the power of fear, have gradually been influenced by mortals. Human civilization has become the civilization of the monsters, and the political system of the humans in this country has gradually emerged within the monster community."

"Monsters, nomadic, gradually developed a sense of territory. Newly born monsters gradually settled in specific habitats, and powerful monsters gradually began to rule and govern the territories they could control."

"The ancient method of gathering monsters with powerful demonic energy to gather monsters and gather the Hundred Demons Night Parade has gradually disappeared. The powerful monsters have begun to learn the habits of humans, drinking "demon-named wine" with the monsters willing to follow them, and forming a master-servant relationship similar to that of human masters and subjects."

"The 'great monsters' who command the forces of the One Hundred Demons Night Parade serve as 'lords,' and the monsters who follow them become 'retainers.' The One Hundred Demons Night Parade, which used to be formed by monsters at will, has now become a specific force."

"Monsters of the same species form a 'clan', and the 'great monster' who leads this clan is respectfully called the clan leader or leader. A Hundred Demons Night Parade formed by different monsters is called a 'group', and the 'great monster' leader who leads the 'group' is respectfully called the group leader or general."

"The Eastern Kingdom's demon wolf clan, the Tono Monster Village, the Kyoto Feather Fox, the former Western Kingdom's dominant ocelots, the Shikoku Eighty-Eight Demon Night Parade, the remnants of the Western Kingdom's flying demon moths, and the Western Kingdom's dog general, Toga King, who was defeated by Lord Shangjun hundreds of years ago."

As Yakumo Yukari narrated, the names of the monster forces written in ink on the map spread out by the Monster Sage appeared one after another at the corresponding locations on the map.

Soon, the names of countless monster forces appeared on the map of this country, occupying almost every corner of the map.

"These large and small factions divided and absorbed most of the monsters, forming one local monster force after another, attacking each other, just like the human society in this land caught in the chaos of the Warring States Period."

"This is the current state of the monsters of this era."

"Your Excellency Shang Jun, everyone, the balance between monsters and humans has gradually disappeared hundreds of years ago. The current stable situation is nothing more than an illusion."

"Monsters, increasingly reliant on fear and becoming more and more like humans, have gradually lost their civilization independent of human society."

"The balance has tilted. The two monsters, who should have balanced each other, have become dependent on the fear of human society in order to survive."

"In this case, even monsters would find it difficult to survive if they left human society..."

Having said that, Yakumo Yukari paused for a moment and changed the subject.

"In the past few hundred years, I have traveled to many other places in this world and seen many things. During this long journey, the inhabitants of the human countries on Earth have gradually begun to doubt the existence of non-human things."

"This is an extremely dangerous omen for the gods and monsters who now rely on the power of faith."

"Human society will inevitably usher in an era of scientific civilization."

"In the past, humans relied on their faith in gods and their fear of monsters for comfort and courage, but one day, human society will continue to exist without the need for faith."

"The time will surely come when faith disappears. The scientific civilization that has sprouted in distant lands will, after hundreds of years, transform into the storm of the times and blow through this country."

"That would be a new world where gods and monsters could no longer rely on faith to survive..."

Following these words with a hint of emotion, the Yokai Sage slowly uttered the next sentence.

"When that era arrives, the current gods, monsters, and all unconventional non-human beings will still be allowed to live in a familiar way. This is the true meaning of the "Monster Expansion Plan" and the "Monster Village."

As Yakumo Yukari finished speaking, the words "Yokoi Land" gradually emerged on the spread-out map, in the deep mountains of the eastern country that the Yokai Sage had pointed out before, where there were few people and were shrouded in mist all year round. Only jackals, poisonous snakes, and wild beasts lived in the depths of the mountains.

After listening to Yakumo Yukari's story, Shang Yang seemed to be lost in thought.

"...hundreds of years from now, before the time arrives when humans doubt the existence of uncommon sense, making it difficult for gods, monsters, and other inhuman beings to survive, we must completely separate the ancient uncommon sense from the human world, abandoning the false illusion of peace that can last for hundreds of years in this era, and once again establish a balance between common sense and uncommon sense at a higher level."

“It’s really the best method available.”

Having said this, Shang Yang seemed to be completely indifferent and said lightly.

"...However, if this plan is carried out, not only the countless monsters in the human world, but even the gods and Yama in the other world will have objections."

Hearing the seemingly profound words of the young man with gray hair, the Youkai Sage once again showed a playful smile and asked with a smile.

"So, what is the commander-in-chief's opinion?"

"No problem. I will assist the Sage in this matter."

Nodding slightly indifferently, the gray-haired monster commander, the master of the Cloud Courtyard, agreed to the monster sage's grand plan in a natural tone and spoke casually.

"Then let's carry out this plan."

“…But one thing needs to change.”

As he spoke, the young man with gray and white hair raised his hand and snapped his fingers casually.

Following the action of the master of Yunzhongting, the four words "Home of Monsters" on the ancient map turned into three words.

"Gensokyo".

　"That's all."

Volume 6: Thoughts Across Time and Space: Chapter 352: Prototype

"Gensokyo..."

Looking at the three words "Gensokyo" that turned into the name after Shang Yang casually snapped his fingers, the Monster Sage also repeated the name thoughtfully.

"...the destination of all 'uncommon sense' fantasies, it is indeed a very appropriate name."

"Fortunately."

Hearing this, Shang Yang spoke slowly.

"Let's discuss how we should proceed now."

"Of course this is something we have to discuss."

Upon hearing this, Yakumo Yukari expressed her agreement and raised her hand to gently stroke the spread out map.

"Although the plan proposed by Miss Gu Mingdi is feasible, considering the future situation, I still suggest that most of the monster forces from the Warring States period that emerged in the past few hundred years be put on hold."

"Even if they are missing, it won't have a big impact on the plan."

Having said this, the Yokai Sage paused for a moment.

"However, this will depend on the decision of the Commander-in-Chief. Your Excellency Shang Jun, what is your opinion?"

"Let's put most of them on hold."

Shang Yang thought about it and said casually.

"Most of these monster forces that have emerged over the past few hundred years are local monster forces with a strong sense of territory. The important monsters in various monster forces now rely heavily on the fear of local humans in order to maintain their strength. Many of them were even born out of human fear."

"Besides, the goals of these monster forces are different from your Excellency the Sage's."

"Gensokyo, set hundreds of years from now, when even the gods and Buddhas are questioned, is a pure land of gods and monsters that remains. The goal of these monster forces now is to rise to prominence in this chaotic Warring States period, to assist their general and ascend to the throne of the "Lord of Demons and Monsters," recognized by them as the 'world ruler' of the monsters of this country."

"In short, Lord Yakumo and we who agree with this plan are 'worldly-minded,' while the youkai forces of this Warring States period are mostly 'worldly-minded.' In their eyes, this era of bloodshed and war is the perfect opportunity for them to reach the pinnacle of this nation during this period of chaos."

"Even if we use overwhelming force to throw these monsters, who are sharpening their swords for power, into Gensokyo, then even if they are bound by Gensokyo, they will turn Gensokyo into a smaller version of the Warring States Period."

"This is neither the wish of the sage, nor the Gensokyo that the Cloud Courtyard Hot Springs Resort family wants to see."

"Yes, I think so too."

Hearing Shang Yang's words, Yakumo Yukari nodded slightly, agreeing with him.

"Bringing these monsters, who form the One Hundred Demons Night Parade, into Gensokyo is not a good idea. I agree with Lord Shangjun's judgment."

"Then, it will be up to the gods and monsters to decide whether or not to enter Gensokyo."

Jue took over the conversation again, not worried.

"Don't worry. Just as there are monsters who want to make a name for themselves in troubled times, there will naturally be monsters who hate fighting and want to avoid the Warring States period."

"Besides, the number of these monsters is not small."

After hearing what Miss Jue said, the Youkai Sage continued to speak slowly.

"Establishing a fantasy town isolated from the rest of the world is not something that can be accomplished in a short period of time."

"Soon, I will open the 'boundary between illusion and reality' and guide those youkai who wish to escape from the world to the deep mountains of the East."

"If we rely on ourselves alone, Gensokyo will still struggle to exist stably."

After thinking for a while again, the owner of Yunzhongting spoke calmly.

"We need other ancient monsters to participate."

"I will contact the other ancient monster lords, and I also need to prepare to open the 'realm between illusion and reality'."

Hearing this, Yakumo Yukari smiled and opened the folding fan again to cover her smile.

"By the way, I'll leave the matter of contacting that young lady to Lord Shang Yang."

"...Contact Yuuka Kazami, huh?"

Hearing this, Shang Yang sighed and looked around.

"Jue, why don't you... forget it, I'll go visit that 'young lady'."

Before Shang Yangjiang could finish his words to invite Miss Jue to visit Feng Jian Youxiang, Miss Jue's cold gaze made Shang Yangjiang swallow back the words that he had not yet finished speaking.

For Shang Yang, this is a tricky matter. If Miss Komeiji Kakuro visits Kazami Yuuka and tells her the plan of the monster sage Yakumo Yukari, Kazami Yuuka may not necessarily ask to fight with the eldest lady of the Komeiji family whose power is to read minds. But if Shang Yang visits Kazami Yuuka, they must fight first before they can have a friendly conversation.

It’s not that she hates fighting. Besides Shang Yang, Yakumo Yukari also doesn’t like fighting with Kazami Yuuka.

In the final analysis, Shang Yang, Komeiji Kaku and Yakumo Yukari all prefer to use their own innate abilities to fight. Even though they had a record of defeating the heroic god Susanoo in close combat in the Moon City on the Moon Sea nearly a thousand years ago, Shang Yang did not like close combat. It was not fun to fight with the straightforward and scary young lady Kazami Yuuka.

Moreover, hundreds of years passed, and Shang Yang still didn't know where Feng Jianyouxiang had moved her large flower field.

However, there is another good aspect, that is, Yuuka Kazami probably would not object to creating the unconventional fantasy paradise of Gensokyo. In Yuuka Kazami's eyes, the monsters of the Warring States period are just a group of weak guys, and there is no possibility of Yuuka Kazami being interested in taking action.

Let’s put the matter of visiting Feng Jianyouxiang aside for now, Shang Yang continued.

"In addition to the imaginary gods and monsters, Gensokyo also needs the existence of humans."

"Of course, it is necessary to maintain the existence of faith."

With a slight nod, the Yokai Sage expressed his agreement.

"However, there shouldn't be too many mortals in Gensokyo. The power of faith should only allow the gods and monsters born from faith to barely maintain their existence."

"...a remote village deep in the mountains."

Miss Ai, who had been sitting quietly next to Shang Yang, suddenly whispered these words.

Hearing Ai say these words somewhat abruptly, Shang Yang and Yakumo Yukari were stunned for a moment in confusion. When Shana heard Ai say "a remote village in the mountains", she understood Miss Ai's thoughts and explained.

"Sage, you can hide the remote villages deep in the mountains of this land. Place these remote villages, which are almost unknown to outsiders, in the deep mountains where the 'realm of illusion and reality' unfolds. This way, you will not attract the attention of the mortal daimyo who rule the area, and you can control the number of people as you wish."

"Yes."

After hearing Shana's answer, Yakumo Yukari nodded again, agreeing thoughtfully.

"Moreover, the poor farmers from the remote mountains will lack social connections and initially lack mutual understanding. For us, we won't have to deliberately manage social relations in these remote villages for a while."

"It's a great plan. I have to thank Miss Ai for her advice."

The Youkai Sage put on an approving smile and softly thanked the dark-haired girl who was still sitting quietly.

"nothing."

Hearing this, Ai shook her head slightly, her tone very light.

"you are welcome."

Seeing this scene, unlike Yakumo Yukari who praised Ai for her meticulous consideration, and Yakumo Ran who was beside her and also expressed gratitude for Ai's proposal, most of the other girls living in the hot spring village were thoughtful.

It’s not that Yakumo Yukari had the wrong idea about love, but that the direction was wrong.

The hope was that Yakumo Yukari could use "Kamikakushi" to move the remote villages scattered throughout the country's mountains to the deep mountains of the east country, where Gensokyo would be established. Ai's original intention was neither to avoid attracting the attention of daimyos from all over the place, nor was it for other benefits that the monster sage was thinking about.

Instead, they wanted to give farmers living in remote mountain villages a chance to live a peaceful life during the Warring States Period, which was full of famine and war.

Years of war had a profound impact on social order. After nearly a century of chaotic wars, the Muromachi shogunate in Kyoto had lost control over even the surrounding Kinki region. The daimyo's control over remote villages was also extremely limited.

Generally speaking, remote villages located in the mountains are managed by the farmers themselves, unlike during the Muromachi shogunate's rule more than a hundred years ago, when remote villages in the mountains would even have samurai sent by the Kyoto shogunate or local guardian daimyo to collect local taxes.

However, although during the Warring States Period, many remote villages in the mountains were either ignored by the daimyo or avoided some taxes because they had no spare capacity to manage them, it does not mean that the situation of these remote villages would improve.

During the chaotic era of the Warring States, remote villages in the mountains not only had to deal with natural disasters that caused poor rice harvests and could cause the entire village to starve to death or freeze to death after heavy snow blocked the mountains in the severe winter, but also had to face terrible man-made disasters that could occur at any time during the chaotic era of the Warring States.

For example, in order to maintain the war, daimyo sent samurai to forcibly collect large amounts of food at one time, or suddenly attacked bandits and robbers in villages that had no ability to defend themselves.

During the chaotic times of the Warring States Period, people in remote villages deep in the mountains also had a very difficult time living in this war-torn world.

Although these remote villages in the mountains were hidden and became the prototype of the later human village of Gensokyo, it would not completely free the farmers in these villages from hunger and poverty, but at least it could put an end to some unreasonable forced grain collection or attacks by bandits.

Even though Gensokyo will be the home of gods and monsters, and there will be monster attacks on humans, it is much better than the chaotic Warring States period, when villages without the ability to protect themselves were likely to be attacked and massacred by bandits.

This is the original intention of love.