Muzan tossed the bones aside and leaned against the wall, thinking about whether to reorganize the demons under his control.
Ryuzawa Yoshitsugu walked over, cleaned up the bones, and buried them under a tree in the yard. Muzan picked up a book while he continued planning.
The planning could wait. Reading came first. He had plenty of time, so there was no need to rush.
When he saw that Yoshitsugu had already read most of the books in the house, Muzan felt it was time to move on.
This was the Sengoku period, so finding food would never be a problem for a demon. The more humans a demon ate, the stronger it became. Thinking about the future appearance of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, Muzan knew he needed to grow much stronger.
Two days later, Muzan finished reading another large book. He lay on the floor, staring at the ceiling, too lazy to move after eating his fill.
Yoshitsugu had been very active these past few days—there were no bandits left in the area. Maybe he was trying to prove his worth before leaving.
Muzan enjoyed the benefits, but after the Demon Slayer Corps had shown up a few days ago, another nearby demon had been killed. And lately, Demon Slayer members had been coming by more often. They weren't injured or sick, which meant they were probably already suspicious.
Pushing himself up, Muzan looked outside.
"Yoshitsugu, the Demon Slayer Corps suspects us. It's time to go."
Yoshitsugu was already packed—books and money ready. They left under the cover of night.
The next night, Demon Slayer members stood in front of the empty house, furious that a demon had escaped.
Yoshitsugu's Blood Demon Art wasn't powerful—it only healed wounds. For a demon, that ability was almost useless, fitting for a doctor.
The two traveled through a forest and reached a town.
To their surprise, despite the chaos of the Sengoku period, this town was prosperous. People looked happy, as if living in a peaceful utopia.
Even at night, the streets were lively, with red lanterns hanging everywhere. Friends, couples, and families strolled without fear.
At the gate, a cheerful young girl ran up to them.
"Are you planning to stay for a while?"
Yoshitsugu looked at Muzan. Muzan gave a small nod.
"Yes."
The girl's smile widened. "My sister has an empty house. You can stay there!"
She was small and cute, with long hair bouncing as she walked.
"Thank you," Muzan said with a smile. He followed her to the "empty house."
It was bigger and fancier than most homes, decorated with carvings and patterns. It stood alone near the center of town.
"You go in first," the girl said, unlocking the door. "I'll get cleaning supplies." She ran off.
Yoshitsugu whispered nervously, "My Lord, something's not right."
"You're a demon. What are you afraid of? Let's go."
Muzan walked in without hesitation, and Yoshitsugu reluctantly followed.
A loud bang came from behind—the door had slammed shut. Yoshitsugu turned to open it, but Muzan said, "Don't bother. Come on."
They walked into the courtyard. Suddenly, a huge dark shape lunged at Muzan. Yoshitsugu tried to block it, but Muzan had already pinned the attacker to the ground.
It was another demon.
A demon attacking the Demon King? Was it suicidal?
This demon's body was a nightmare—countless heads fused together with flesh, over two meters tall and wide. Its limbs were made of heads, twisting unnaturally.
Muzan crushed it under his foot. Blood splattered, and all its many faces twisted in fear.
"My… my lord… mercy!" it begged.
Muzan looked down and smiled.
"No. You're too ugly."
With one strong stomp, the demon's body burst into bloody pieces.
Yoshitsugu trembled in the corner, holding his breath.
"Clean the floor," Muzan said. "And bring that little girl to me."
From the start, Muzan knew why this "peaceful" town existed—they worshipped this demon. They sacrificed travelers, people from nearby villages, and even their own relatives in exchange for safety and wealth.
That was common in this era. Muzan just happened to be passing by, and since he didn't like it, he removed the problem.
The house was filthy—bones and trash everywhere. Yoshitsugu cleared a room, and Muzan was pleased to find a study filled with books. They smelled foul, but could be cleaned.
A good bonus.
Soon, Yoshitsugu returned, dragging the struggling girl and throwing her at Muzan's feet. She shook in fear.
The "divine being" she knew was gone—she could guess what happened. Crying, she knelt.
"My Lord, I didn't mean to! I know where other 'divine beings' are! Please don't kill me!"
She must have thought Muzan was a Demon Slayer here to "destroy evil."
Muzan smiled. "You know about demons?"
"Yes!" she said quickly.
"Then you know the one you worship was a demon. Yet you called it a 'divine being'?"
The girl looked down, silent. Of course she knew—but it was all for survival.
"I was wrong! I'll take you to the other demons!" she said desperately.
Muzan chuckled.
"I am also a demon."
Her face froze.