Ever since the Iguro family matter was exposed—the Demon Slayer Corps' searches of hidden villages became much stricter.
Whenever encountering those mysterious small villages that disliked communicating too much with the outside world—would dispatch high-ranking squad members to inspect.
This village was very remote. The Demon Slayer Corps had limited manpower. Most likely hadn't investigated here yet.
But the sticky scent in the air told me—deep in the village, a demon definitely hid.
Impersonating deities—for demons, a quick and convenient method...
Ignorant, backward places truly would worship these demons with peculiar abilities as guardian gods.
After all, from ancient times—legends of human sacrifice existed. Humans treating their own kind—sometimes more cruel than demons. Instead facilitated demons hiding.
Houses in the village weren't many. But a strange stench constantly pervaded. I followed the scent, searching. Circled to the back of houses. Not far away, discovered a cellar.
In the cellar lay a skeletal woman. Yet her abdomen protruded high. Obviously pregnant.
Sensing someone approaching—she first shrank into the corner. Discovering the person crouching outside was a stranger—suddenly became agitated. Made "ah ah" sounds.
Her vocal cords were artificially destroyed.
Most of the time, I didn't love getting angry. But right now—angry enough to almost fly into a rage.
Finding the demon was important. But I thought—letting this girl see hope of rescue, then abandoning her to leave—even if just for a moment, too cruel.
She definitely couldn't listen to my words now. I simply broke the iron door trapping her. She immediately propped up her body, crawled out. Her whole person so thin—only bones remained.
I carried her back to the wagon. Got some dry rations and water for her. Voice as gentle as possible, coaxed her:
"I came to rescue you all. Don't be afraid. Staying here—no one will harm you again. Hide well here. I'll rescue others. After everyone's rescued—will take you all away."
She wolfed down the dry rations. On her gaunt face, squeezed out a smile. Very obediently nodded at me.
I covered her with black cloth. Bit my finger, smeared a circle of blood on the wagon. To prevent demons approaching here.
Then I no longer delayed. Sprinted toward the village's largest building. Tengen and Hinatsuru and the others should all be there.
Before approaching—heard explosion sounds. Then demon shrieks and weapons piercing air. Also Suma's shouts and Tengen's roars.
I stepped on exploded wall bricks, jumped in. Saw a demon three zhang tall sitting cross-legged in the room's center. Mockingly held Tengen pinched in hand.
Those huge demon pupils inscribed with Lower Rank Three's numbers.
At the demon's feet—several men held weapons. Used sickles pressed against Hinatsuru and the others' necks. Bodies also emitted a similar stench.
Seeing me—everyone had a moment of surprise. That Lower Rank Three reacted fastest. Pupils contracted. Held Tengen in hand, roaring, "Don't come closer, or I—"
I lightly leaped up. Flew past his neck. Used a huge brute force. Forcibly tore off his head.
Gripped his hair, lifted him up. In those terrified demon pupils—I saw patterns emerging on my own face. Coldly asked, "Or you what?"
That headless body instinctively convulsed. Constantly sprayed out fresh blood. I lightly cut my finger. A blood droplet seeped out. Flew toward his body. Swiftly drilled in.
Just one drop of blood. For him—like the world's most violent poison. In an instant—his life already gripped in my hand.
That body—cells belonging to Muzan pulsed. Violently suppressed by my blood in one breath. Immediately severed connection with the main body.
I commanded him to put Tengen down. Also had him catch those villagers scattering to flee.
His head couldn't say other words. Kept begging me for mercy. Tearfully repented his actions.
I stared at his head. "You should be hung here. Under the sun's illumination. Die in the most painful way."
Whether he wanted to or not—that demon body would only execute my commands. Held the head, sat in an open place... Waited for dawn. Then use the most painful method to decompose himself.
While I handled this Lower Rank demon—Hinatsuru and the others weren't idle either.
As soon as Tengen was put down—they immediately pounced over. Treated wounds on his body.
When I circled over to check his condition—he actually still maintained conscious awareness. Gaze burning, stared at me. "Really... underestimated you. Super flashy... entrance!"
"Several of your bones are broken." I stated truthfully. "Still honestly lie down. The Kakushi will rush over soon."
Tengen's physique quite good. After treating bleeding wounds—looked very spirited.
I wandered all over the village. Everywhere searching for those imprisoned girls.
After Hinatsuru and Makio bandaged Tengen's wounds—also helped me search together. Left Suma watching Tengen. Incidentally monitoring those bound villagers.
After danger passed—these girls became excited again. Chattered, again began asking me various questions...
Like what this monster was. What that move I just used to resolve him was. Also asked if I came from a reclusive samurai family.
I patiently explained demons' existence. Also humbly said this was just a small trick. The Demon Slayer Corps had many more capable than me. Like so-and-so and so-and-so.
After searching the village once—rescued sixteen girls. Five of them pregnant... As for children—didn't see any. Most likely fed to demons as soon as born.
Though they were rescued—mental states not optimistic. Like a flock of silent, docile sheep. Driven at will.
Seeing this, Suma became somewhat sentimental with worry. "What will they do from now on?"
I was thinking about my own matters. But my mouth answered without thinking. "I have money."
Suma made a question mark. Confused yet amazed, looked at me.
"I mean—I can support them." I casually explained again.
Whether healing wounded bodies and minds, or maintaining future livelihoods—all needed money.
They might not still find family. Or rather—family might not accept them. Couldn't produce money to treat their illnesses.
So I was already familiar with the routine. Just open another shop to support them. Just I was pondering—what kind of shop to open this time?
By the time the Kakushi rushed over to clean up—I still hadn't decided.
Subsequent handling—they took over. I wasn't worried. Just brought the girls away. Returned to a residence under my name to settle them.
Tengen still had injuries. Stubbornly brought his three wives along too.
Considering he was wounded—I didn't chase him out.
But this guy—don't know why—suddenly became very interested in me. Kept chasing me, asking about Demon Slayer Corps matters.
Actually, I was also a bit puzzled. Why did I casually walk around—always able to attract fresh blood for the Demon Slayer Corps?
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