When Li Xuan saw the message from the sign-in system, he immediately attempted to activate the newly obtained breathing technique. To his surprise, a faint wisp of mist drifted from the corner of his lips.
Mist?
The fusion of Flame Breathing and Water Breathing had resulted in a completely new form, Mist Breathing.
Astonishment welled up in his heart as he quickly gave this previously unknown style a name. If the union of Flame and Water, two fundamental breathing styles, gave birth to Mist, then what would emerge if he managed to combine all known forms of breathing?
Could it possibly lead to the origin of all breathing itself, the legendary Sun Breathing?
Curiosity lingered in his chest.
In the next moment, he discovered that he could shift freely between Water Breathing, Flame Breathing, and this newly born Mist Breathing. That discovery reassured him, since he had yet to explore the characteristics of this unfamiliar style.
Still deep in thought, Li Xuan wondered, apart from the later Tanjiro who would be known for wielding two styles, was there anyone else in this world who had ever mastered and merged two basic breathing forms? If there were, perhaps he could trace their path and better understand the true nature of Mist Breathing.
"Mr. Rengoku, has anyone in history ever mastered two fundamental breathing techniques and combined them?" he asked curiously.
"Two breathing styles?" Rengoku Kyojuro repeated, frowning slightly as he thought. "As far as I know, no one has achieved such a thing. Usually a swordsman learns a basic form, then derives sub-styles from it, but never two fundamental ones. Why do you ask?"
Li Xuan did not answer with words. Instead, he drew his Nichirin Blade once more, raising it with one hand in a half-ready stance.
Water Breathing flowed first.
Gentle streams shimmered like rippling waves across the blade's surface, as though a living river coursed along its steel.
A heartbeat later the image vanished.
Flame Breathing surged forth.
Blazing tongues of fire leapt and writhed across the blade, searing the air with brilliant heat.
Rengoku's eyes widened with disbelief at the sight.
Then the fire faded, replaced by a pale haze.
Mist Breathing took form.
A light shroud of vapor rose quietly from the edge of the blade, curling upward like a veil that blurred the steel into obscurity.
"Mist?" Rengoku murmured in astonishment.
Li Xuan withdrew his energy and the mist dispersed instantly.
"This is the result of merging Water and Flame Breathing. I call it Mist Breathing," Li Xuan explained calmly.
"The name is fitting," Rengoku replied with a bright smile. "So that is why you sought the training method of Flame Breathing from me. You wanted to explore another fundamental form."
"Yes," Li Xuan admitted, already prepared to answer and dispel any doubts Rengoku might have.
"Is it truly impossible for others to learn two basic forms?" he asked further.
Rengoku nodded with certainty. "Once we master a fundamental breathing style, it becomes impossible to grasp another. You, however, appear to have a rare and special constitution."
That meant Li Xuan could not borrow any precedent from others for guidance in his exploration of Mist Breathing.
A trace of disappointment passed over his face.
At that moment the sharp cry of a kasugai crow rang out from above.
"Caw, caw!"
The bird swooped down and landed gracefully upon his shoulder.
"Do we have a mission?" Li Xuan asked as he turned his head toward the glossy black bird.
"On the outskirts of Kyoto, within the Shifang family estate, a man-eating demon has been sighted. Demon Slayer Li Xuan is ordered to eliminate it immediately!" the crow announced crisply.
Li Xuan sighed softly. He had wanted to remain longer with Rengoku, to test and refine the powers of Mist Breathing, but the duty of a swordsman allowed no delay.
"Go," Rengoku said firmly, his tone filled with encouragement. "This must be your first official mission. Do your best."
"Yes, Mr. Rengoku," Li Xuan answered.
"When you return, you must spar with me in earnest. Give me your full strength. I look forward to our duel," Rengoku added with his usual blazing enthusiasm.
A battle with all his strength?
Li Xuan hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. He had benefited so much from Rengoku's guidance that refusing such a request felt wrong.
…
The logistics team of the Demon Slayer Corps was highly efficient. They had already prepared the necessary supplies and mapped out his entire route. Li Xuan only needed to carry a few personal items before setting out.
Before departure, he visited the Master of the Corps. As usual, he touched hands with Kagaya Ubuyashiki, yet strangely this time the sign-in system yielded nothing. He did not receive the coveted ability of the Ubuyashiki family, the brief power of foresight.
Since fortune did not favor him this time, he instead asked about Tanjiro's condition under the guise of casual curiosity.
Kagaya's knowledge impressed him deeply. The Master's intelligence network was extraordinary, and he seemed to know every detail of Tanjiro's journey. Through their conversation, Li Xuan learned that Tanjiro was also carrying out a mission near Kyoto.
Once his own mission was complete, Li Xuan thought he might pay him a visit.
Just as he was about to leave, Kagaya spoke in a soft, calm voice that nevertheless froze the air in the room.
"What do you think of Tanjiro's sister?"
The atmosphere thickened instantly. Lady Ubuyashiki, who had been quietly attending at his side, even slowed her breathing as if fearful to disturb the silence.
"She will not eat people. That is what I believe," Li Xuan answered firmly.
"The Demon Slayer Corps will not allow its members to harbor demons," Kagaya replied, his tone as steady as ever.
"You will allow it, Master," Li Xuan said without hesitation.
Kagaya fell silent, the weight of the pause heavy. "The Pillars will not agree."
"Tanjiro and I share the same master," Li Xuan declared. His meaning was clear. His stance was with Tanjiro, no matter what.
Years of companionship had made him regard Tanjiro as a true friend. If the Pillars opposed, then he would simply find a way to make them agree.
"I see," Kagaya murmured thoughtfully.
"Then I will take my leave, Master," Li Xuan said respectfully before departing.
Kagaya watched his figure vanish into the distance, his serene face revealing nothing of the thoughts hidden within. "An abnormal rate of growth, formidable strength, a man capable of mastering two fundamental breathing forms, and now… Mist Breathing," he whispered softly to himself.
…
The low whistle of a steam engine echoed in Li Xuan's ears. The sound of the train's churning wheels was like something out of an old film.
He sat quietly in a carriage, gazing through the window at the scenery sliding past like scenes from a lantern slide. His destination lay on the outskirts of Kyoto, far enough to require rail travel. The Corps had even prepared his ticket and arranged a guide to meet him at the station.
Such treatment was rare, a clear sign of how highly the Corps valued him. Ordinary swordsmen were never granted such privileges.
After some time, the passing view lost its charm, and Li Xuan closed his eyes to rest. He let the details of the mission surface in his mind.
The Shifang family had suffered sudden disappearances among its members in recent days. The possibility of a demon was high, and he had been dispatched to investigate and eradicate it. The information was meager, but the rest he would have to uncover himself.
His thoughts wandered briefly. "Life without the internet is really difficult," he muttered under his breath, half amused.
Compared to the advanced transport of his past world, the train's speed felt slow. Yet Japan was not large, and Kyoto was not an excessive distance away. After a short time of quiet rest, the train arrived at the station.
Steam hissed loudly as the train came to a halt.
From the window he noticed a woman standing upright on the platform, dressed in the uniform of the Corps' logistics division.
Since Li Xuan was not wearing his Demon Slayer uniform at the moment, she did not recognize him until he stepped directly before her. When realization dawned, she bowed respectfully.
Though he was still new to the Corps, word of his exceptional strength had spread quickly. The knowledge that such a powerful swordsman had volunteered to fight demons and protect others filled her with admiration.