Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
Bai Ye thoughtfully stroked his chin, delving deeper into his realization. "Once I figured out this isn't reality, I hypothesized about my survival," he began. He locked eyes with the Demon, noting its keen interest, and continued, "What if I didn't actually die back then? Maybe my mysterious book intervened, using its extraordinary powers to purge the foul Qi from my system."
"But where did that foul Qi go?" Bai Ye pondered aloud. His gaze intensified as he faced the Demon opposite him. "The only logical place was my inner world. It's the safest, most convenient location for such storage. And you," he pointed at the Demon, "are the manifestation of the tainted Qi from the Blood Demon Pill."
His conclusion was clear, "You're the embodiment of my heart demon calamity, aren't you?"
The Demon broke into applause at Bai Ye's deduction. With a casual wave of its hand, their surroundings morphed back into the original appearance of Bai Ye's inner world. Grinning at Bai Ye, the Demon remarked, "Impressive. You've unraveled the mystery. Now, it's time for you to make a choice."
Bai Ye nodded in agreement. "Yes, the decision should've been made long ago," he affirmed.
In the journey of Qi cultivation, practitioners inevitably encounter their inner demons. This confrontation isn't a matter of how advanced one's cultivation is, but a test of one's inner strength and resolve. For Bai Ye, this moment arrived following his life-and-death battle and the accumulation of foul Qi from the Blood Demon Pill. The terror he faced at the brink of death, coupled with his desire to live, gave birth to his heart demon.
The heart demon's challenge for Bai Ye was one of peace. The demon, shaped by Bai Ye's deepest fears and desires, transformed his inner world into a serene Daoist temple, a stark contrast to the life-threatening adventures he had been living. It even mimicked his master, crafting an illusion of safety and tranquility. This wasn't malice, but a manifestation of Bai Ye's inner struggle between his yearning for a peaceful life and the reality of his dangerous journey.
In Daoism, the concept of a demon doesn't inherently symbolize evil. Instead, it represents the intense desires and fears that a practitioner struggles to overcome. Slaying the heart demon isn't about physical combat; it's about achieving enlightenment and understanding one's true self.
Faced with the choice between returning to the perilous world of One Piece or remaining in the illusory safety of his inner world, Bai Ye had a profound realization. He understood that life and death are natural, intertwined cycles. By accepting death, he could live more fearlessly and fully, treasuring each moment. This understanding wasn't a resignation to fate but an embrace of life's fleeting beauty.
With this newfound clarity, Bai Ye made his decision. Deep in thought, he offered a knowing smile to his inner Demon, "I've made up my mind. It's time to return. I've rested enough here." His smile broadened, hinting at a lighthearted thought, "Besides, if I don't go back, a certain bunch of fools will probably miss me too much."
The Demon, acknowledging Bai Ye's decision, stood up gracefully. "Then, it's time for me to leave as well," he said, looking at Bai Ye with a sense of finality. "Take care of yourself. Don't find yourself on the brink of death again."
Bai Ye replied confidently, "Don't worry. This experience has made me stronger. I owe you for that." The Demon nodded in acknowledgement, not lingering any longer. With a single step, he merged with Bai Ye, vanishing into him.
Feeling the resurgence of strength coursing through him, Bai Ye's smile grew. He had successfully conquered the heart demon calamity. Now, it was time to step back into the world, stronger and more resolved than ever.
Bai Ye took a moment to connect with the outside world, closing his eyes in deep concentration. When he reopened them, a look of complexity crossed his face. "So, I'm emerging from a cocoon, huh?" he mused to himself. A thought then struck him, "Isn't this sort of like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly? Complete metamorphosis, if I recall correctly." He smiled wryly at the thought, then refocused to leave his inner world.
As his eyes adjusted to the light, familiar voices surrounded him:
"Bai Ye!!" The Straw Hat crew gathered around, their excitement palpable.
Luffy, with a runny nose, was the first to rush over. "Bai Ye, you're back!" He lunged forward for a hug.
Quickly, Bai Ye unleashed his signature move, [Golden Light Curse - Sanction of the Vice-Captain!]. With a loud boom, he warned, "Don't get your snot on me, you rascal!"
Luffy, looking somewhat abashed, responded, "Sorry..."
Bai Ye couldn't help but laugh at Luffy's nonchalant attitude. "You never change, do you?" he chided and launched another attack, [Golden Light Curse - IQ Correction Fist!].
Luffy, feigning seriousness, threatened, "Hey, Bai Ye, I might just fight back!"
As Luffy swung a [Gomu Gomu no Pistol] punch, Bai Ye retorted, "Really? You think you can take me on?" He countered with a [Golden Light Curse – Stick of Punishment].
Laughter and shouts filled the room as Bai Ye and Luffy's battle continued.
As Chopper made a move to intervene in Luffy and Bai Ye's battle, Usopp quickly stopped him, a tearful yet joyful smile on his face. "Don't worry, Chopper," Usopp reassured, "Just look at how much fun Luffy and Bai Ye are having."
Chopper, a bit puzzled, turned to observe them and indeed, amidst their playful scuffle, both Luffy and Bai Ye were laughing heartily. Chopper was taken aback by this scene, finding it both strange and heartwarming.
From the sidelines, Robin sipped her tea, a smile playing on her lips as she watched the lively scene. "This pirate crew is really something," she remarked, amused by the chaos.
Sanji, standing beside her and refilling her cup, paused to light a cigarette, sharing in the amusement with a satisfied grin.
Nami, wiping away a tear, looked on at the playful fight with a fond smile. "This... this is the true essence of the Straw Hats," she said, her voice filled with affection.
Zoro, watching the scene with crossed arms, couldn't help but smile at his returning friend. "Welcome back, mate," he muttered, a sense of camaraderie and relief evident in his tone.