A person with such unique ideals and overwhelming power—would their arrival aid the Demon Slayer Corps, or become a hidden variable?
She pressed down her thoughts, gaze landing on the ChÅ«tatana at Shi Hanfeng’s waist.
The blade looked unremarkable, its sheath a plain, dark color without ornate decoration, yet faintly emanating an unsettling aura.
“The sword you use…”
Kanae’s voice carried a researcher’s focus and curiosity.
“It’s not a Nichirin Blade, yet it can truly kill Demons and prevent regeneration. Is this technology from your homeland as well?”
“In a sense, yes.”
Shi Hanfeng nodded.
With his right thumb, he lightly pushed aside the tsuba.
With a clear metallic chime, a span of cold light slipped from the sheath, reflecting moonlight—soft, yet sharp—as if the moon’s radiance itself was captured within.
“This blade does not target their endlessly regenerating flesh, but the twisted essence of their being. Its principle is similar to your Nichirin Blades, which mimic the power of the sun.”
He did not explain the overly advanced concept of “souls”, though the original work hinted at the existence of such things.
He only needed to give a comprehensible explanation: Nichirin Blades counter Demons through sunlight, and his blade achieves a similar effect.
Kanae gazed at the cold edge shimmering under the moon, nodding slowly as some doubt left her eyes.
The world was vast and strange.
If systems like Breathing Techniques and Nichirin Blades existed, it was not impossible for other places to develop techniques with different principles but similar effects.
Moreover, his calm confidence alone was a form of persuasion.
Someone who could meet her probing gaze and openly explain his strength, at least for now, did not seem to harbor malice.
“I understand. Thank you for your detailed explanation, Mr. Qingyuan.”
Kanae’s voice grew softer, like a spring breeze over a lake, though the caution in her assessment remained.
It was a Pillar’s duty—she had to consider the Demon Slayer Corps’ safety.
“Then, forgive my boldness, but may I ask your purpose in coming to this land?”
“To hunt evil is the norm for a Swordsman.”
Shi Hanfeng sheathed his blade with a crisp sound that broke the night, his tone honest and direct.
“When I first arrived, I was attacked by a Demon, which shows how rampant their activity is. Whether to protect the innocent or to seek justice for myself, I cannot stand by.”
Internally, he muttered to himself: that short-sighted Demon did him a favor, even providing him a justification.
For Hunters, leniency is for friends.
For enemies, only endless retribution awaits.
He could almost imagine, if he ever confronted Yoriichi Tsugikuni, and gave this reason, that arrogant, cruel being would want to drag that low-level Demon out of hell just to flay it again.
The mere thought amused Shi Hanfeng.
Still, his face remained composed as he shifted the topic and took the initiative.
“I heard your Demon Slayer Corps has fought against them for centuries. I am filled with respect. Is there a possibility for us to cooperate? After all, our goals align—to eliminate these calamities from the world.”
He looked directly at Kanae, eyes candid and unwavering.
In the moonlight, his figure was straight as a pine, his bright eyes radiating convincing strength.
It was confidence in his power, and also in his sincerity.
Kochou Kanae did not reply immediately.
She lowered her gaze, thick lashes casting a fan-shaped shadow beneath her eyes, like butterfly wings resting on her eyelids.
Her fingers unconsciously rubbed the hilt, mind racing.
A mysterious outsider, powerful, with unique and effective means to slay Demons, and whose aims aligned with the Demon Slayer Corps—such an ally was invaluable.
Especially in the protracted war against the Twelve String Moons and Yoriichi Tsugikuni, with the Corps suffering heavy losses.
Every possible helper was crucial.
But equally, his unknown origins and different system of power were risks.
The Demon Slayer Corps survived in the shadows, balancing against Demons through generations of sacrifice.
Any internal chaos or deception could doom the entire organization.
Every decision she made was a matter of life and death for countless members—there could be no carelessness.
After a moment of silence, Kanae looked up, decision clear in her violet eyes.
That resolve, wrapped in her usual gentleness, was like a candy coating a hard core.
“Mr. Qingyuan, thank you for your kindness, and for saving my team members once again.”
She nodded, her tone sincere.
“Cooperation is a grave matter, touching on the Demon Slayer Corps’ strategy and trust. I cannot decide alone. I must report promptly to Master, who will make the final judgment.”
This was the safest and most responsible answer.
She could not overstep Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
That would be disrespectful to both the Master and the entire Corps.
“As it should be.”
Shi Hanfeng’s gaze swept over the still-shaken team members nearby, then back to Kanae.
“Your organization’s caution is not cowardice, but a responsibility to every member’s life. In your place, I would make the same choice.”
Kanae’s tense shoulders relaxed slightly at his words.
She had worried he might see her as evasive or question the Demon Slayer Corps’ sincerity.
Seeing Shi Hanfeng’s understanding, most of her concerns dissipated.
“However,”
She shifted her tone, adding a touch of lightness.
“While we wait for Master’s reply, if Mr. Qingyuan does not mind, perhaps we can first undertake what is within our abilities together.”
Shi Hanfeng raised an eyebrow, signaling her to continue.
“For example, we can share information about Demon activity nearby.”
“In these forests, Demons have appeared frequently of late. Three villages have lost over ten people each. We came here to investigate.”
“Perhaps we could start by eliminating a few known, still-active Demons together?”
“In this way, we can familiarize ourselves with each other’s methods and abilities through actual cooperation. What do you think of this suggestion, Mr. Qingyuan?”
Finishing, she lowered her gaze, concealing the flash of calculation in her eyes.
They couldn’t do nothing while awaiting the Master’s reply.
Since the other had taken the initiative for cooperation, so openly, she must respond—but within limits.
Rather than empty discussions, practical battle would allow true assessment.
She wanted to see what strength this self-proclaimed Sea-Roaming Swordsman possessed, and his true intentions in approaching the Demon Slayer Corps.
After all, the Corps had danced with Demons for a hundred years—they had long since learned to maintain caution within gentleness.
Shi Hanfeng caught the meaning she couldn’t hide and suddenly smiled.
He had to admit, this Flower Pillar, as rumors claimed, was indeed the most shrewd among the Pillars.
Beneath that gentle exterior was a keen mind, no less formidable than her swordsmanship, and an impeccable sense of measure.
“To have such an honor, I do not dare hope for more. To hunt side by side with Lady Flower Pillar and witness the sword skills and beliefs of the Demon Slayer Corps is my privilege.”
He knew well that Kanae’s suggestion was largely to use battle as a way to assess him.
But he, too, wanted to use this chance to uncover more secrets of this world.
Ever since arriving, he had been deeply curious about the Breathing Techniques that gave humans power to fight Demons.
The way they pushed human potential through controlled breath was entirely different from his own system—yet fascinating.
If ordinary people could, by mastering a Breathing Technique, split rocks with a sword—how far could a celestial being take it?
He was curious.
And as for mastery of Breathing Techniques, who but the founder Yoriichi Tsugikuni, long dead, could surpass the Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps?
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