Chapter 62: Pillars and Moons (Part 3)

A fierce blade light flashed, flames spreading along the blade. Under the summer night sky, a brilliant light akin to fireworks appeared.

Akaza performed several backflips, creating distance. He looked at the unexpected guest, a clear smile on his face. The newcomer was bold.

"You actually dared to let go of your Nichirin Blade, only to grab it again in an instant? If I hadn't dodged in time, your blade would have pierced my brain. Then you would have gripped the hilt and torn me to pieces, right?"

"You're strong, hahaha! Interesting, I didn't expect someone even stronger to show up! You're stronger than Shinjuro over there! Your fighting spirit, your fighting spirit, is just one step away from the pinnacle of strength.

Human, I am Akaza. And you? What's your name?"

The world in Akaza's eyes was completely different from that of an ordinary person.

Animals were still animals, plants were still plants, and stones were still stones. But humans, in his eyes, were different.

Fighting spirit was a mysterious thing. In Akaza's eyes, every person emitted a certain amount of fighting spirit, like flames enveloping their bodies. However, the fighting spirit of ordinary people was weak, like a flickering flame on the verge of extinguishing.

But the fighting spirit of a strong individual was like a bonfire in winter, soaring into the sky.

Akaza looked at this unexpected guest, growing more and more excited. In his world, the newcomer's fighting spirit was towering—how tall? Several stories high.

Rengoku Shinjuro's fighting spirit was only about the height of a person. This newcomer's fighting spirit far surpassed his.

The newcomer was standing at the threshold of the pinnacle.

"I am the Sun Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps, Li Mo. You are Upper Moon Three, Akaza?"

Li Mo gripped his blade, facing the demon. He hadn't expected Akaza to be the one attacking Shinjuro. But now that Akaza stood before him, his mind was filled with endless thoughts.

Rengoku, Akaza.

Originally, it was Rengoku Kyojuro, but now it was Rengoku Shinjuro… Akaza, are you fixated on the Rengoku family?

Countless emotions swirled in his heart. But reason told him this was a small probability. Besides, reality was right in front of him—Akaza was here.

"Yes, I am Upper Moon Three. Just now, were you thinking about something?" Akaza asked.

After executing that sword technique, the newcomer seemed somewhat absent-minded, as if lost in thought. If not for the overwhelming fighting spirit, Akaza would have immediately attacked such an unfocused opponent.

But this was a strong individual.

Strong individuals had privileges in Akaza's eyes.

Moreover…

The newcomer appeared relaxed, but his hands never left the hilt of his blade. He seemed at ease, yet he was ready to launch a fierce attack at any moment.

"Yes, I was thinking. Mr. Rengoku, can you move?"

"I'm fine. Be careful."

"Mm, I know. It seems I arrived just in time.

From now on, Mr. Rengoku, you should rest. I'll handle this."

On the way here, Li Mo had been thinking: What if he was too late? What if he arrived only to find Shinjuro's corpse?

Fortunately, he wasn't too late.

So he didn't have to worry about that.

Shinjuro created distance, knowing that in his current state, staying would only hinder Li Mo.

This junior, Li Mo, was stronger than him.

Just like Himejima Gyomei, among the current nine Pillars, he was no longer the strongest.

Lying on the ground, Shinjuro adjusted his breathing, trying to control the internal bleeding.

"Hey, Li Mo, you're not from this country, are you?" Akaza didn't stop Li Mo's actions. Even though Shinjuro was now weak, in his eyes, the stronger opponent before him was more worthy of attention.

—Li Mo. That name didn't sound Japanese.

"I'm not Japanese, but that doesn't matter. Standing here is only the Sun Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps. Akaza, are you trying to persuade me to become a demon?" Li Mo replied calmly.

The sound of his heartbeat was rapid. Swordsmen who mastered "Total Concentration Breathing: Constant" had accelerated blood circulation.

Would this shorten his lifespan?

Then again, swordsmen probably didn't consider such things. They fought with their futures on the line.

"That's right. What's your answer?"

"My answer? Of course, I refuse! Akaza, I think you've forgotten one thing—we are the Demon Slayer Corps."

Akaza asked, "What do you mean?"

"That means…"

Before he finished speaking, Li Mo moved. Gripping the Nichirin Blade with both hands, he swung it, the blade tracing perfect curves in the air. In an instant, the blade left behind trails of flame, like fireworks.

Akaza's reaction wasn't slow. His fists, capable of rapid regeneration, were his best weapons. The sudden attack couldn't harm him fundamentally.

"Attacking without warning—is that the behavior of a strong individual?" Akaza questioned.

Li Mo smiled. "When dealing with demons like you, why should we talk about honor? Besides, the essence of battle is life and death—a zero-sum game. Can you choose not to kill me?"

As they spoke, the two clashed dozens of times. Li Mo's Nichirin Blade was fast, and Akaza's fists were equally swift!

Even with mental preparation, Akaza's performance exceeded Li Mo's expectations. Flesh against steel, his incredible regeneration made his fists the most powerful weapons in the world.

"If you were to become a demon, I might consider it."

"Akaza, don't you understand?"

"Understand what?"

Akaza felt pressure from Li Mo, something Shinjuro hadn't brought. This newcomer was far stronger than Shinjuro—in both strength and agility.

Despite both having tempered bodies, the gap was evident.

Akaza wished for Li Mo to become a demon. If he did, he might instantly reach the pinnacle of strength.

—What terrifying talent.

In the past, Akaza would have repeatedly asked if Li Mo wanted to become a demon. But today, he didn't.

He felt Li Mo had already seen through his intentions.

The two separated again, but this time, it was Akaza who created distance. In an instant, his hands were severed, and the Nichirin Blade was mere inches from his neck.

He waited for Li Mo's answer.

Clang—!

Li Mo followed up, his expression calm as he swung the blade, only to be blocked by Akaza's fists.

He said, "When you suggest that a member of the Demon Slayer Corps become a demon, you insult us!"

In the next moment, his Nichirin Blade left behind countless afterimages, flames instantly spreading before Akaza.

Sun Breathing, Thirteenth Form.

Beginning with the Circle Dance, ending with the Flame Dance.