The sky was just beginning to lighten by the Rashomon River.
A white-haired youth lay on the ground, fast asleep. Several wounds still marred his body, and each breath he exhaled was icy cold.
Within Lixing's body, remnants of Doma's ice crystals lingered. Lixing was utterly exhausted and had no strength left to use his demon power to break down his Blood Demon Art. However, due to his peculiar constitution, the ice crystals were being slowly expelled with every breath.
...
The Kasugai Crow had already delivered the message back to Ubuyashiki Kagaya. Now, members of the Kakushi and Shinobu Kocho had arrived, accompanied by Tengen Uzui.
Upon reaching the Rashomon River, the sight that greeted them was ground pockmarked with countless holes, a clear testament to a fierce battle.
"How flamboyant! The sun is already up; the demons must have fled, or perhaps they were flamboyantly slain!" Tengen Uzui exclaimed, standing on a rock. It was a pity he hadn't arrived sooner; otherwise, he too could have engaged in a flamboyant battle.
Shinobu Kocho, however, was filled with worry. She had heard from their Master that Lixing had encountered two Upper Moons, one of whom was Upper Moon Two, the very demon who had killed her sister. She was well aware of that demon's Blood Demon Art, which was particularly effective against swordsmen who utilized Breathing Styles.
"Enough with the pleasantries. Let's quickly search for Lixing-kun."
...
After a thorough search, Gotou finally found Lixing. Seeing him motionless, he assumed Lixing had perished.
"Shinobu-sama, Tengen-sama, we've found Lixing!" Gotou shouted towards the rear.
Shinobu Kocho and Tengen Uzui rushed over. Both, upon seeing Lixing lying on the ground, believed him to be dead. Shinobu was even on the verge of tears.
Shinobu hurried to Lixing's side, patting his face, her voice trembling with a hint of tears, "Lixing-kun, Lixing-kun, wake up quickly!"
Tengen Uzui, however, realized that Lixing was not dead. He seemed to have fainted, or perhaps was merely sleeping.
"Shinobu, calm down. Lixing isn't dead; he might have fainted. Hurry and check his body."
Shinobu didn't need Tengen's reminder. She had already examined Lixing's body as soon as she spoke. Although not dead, his body still contained ice crystals similar to her sister's. Without prompt treatment, he might soon die.
"Hm? That's not right. Lixing-kun's body is expelling the ice crystals within him. Is this human physiology?" Shinobu quickly discovered the anomaly. Lixing's regenerative abilities were far superior to those of a normal person. The wounds on his body were already close to healing. Lixing hadn't had these injuries when he left; they couldn't be old ones.
"Let's take Lixing back to the Butterfly Mansion first. This area has been turned into wasteland; there's no need to secure the battlefield," Shinobu instructed the Kakushi members, while she and Tengen Uzui remained by Lixing's side, observing his condition.
...
The Butterfly Mansion, three days later...
Lixing had woken up to find himself back in his room, with Kanao watching over him. He immediately jumped up.
"Kanao! Did you bring me back? How many days have I slept?"
Seeing Lixing awake, Kanao's eyes seemed to glisten with tears. She threw her arms around him, "Onii-san Lixing, you're finally awake. You've been asleep for three days."
Lixing felt incredibly pleased. The gentle and weak Kanao was so adorable. He gently stroked her head and said, "Alright, alright, I'm fine now. Fully revived. I'm hungry, can you prepare something for me to eat?"
Kanao immediately let go of Lixing, a faint blush on her face, barely noticeable if one didn't look closely.
"I'll go tell Aoi to make something for you!" she said, then hurried out.
"Liyun, is there anything wrong with my body?"
"Lixing's body has no issues, but according to data statistics, every aspect of your body is several times stronger than before. It's probably the peak of a mortal!"
Although Lixing didn't possess Liyun's data-processing brain, he did feel significantly stronger. Facing Douma again would likely be much easier. Of course, with his demon power, he could obliterate Douma instantly, but he couldn't reveal that in front of the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Liyun, I suddenly have a peculiar idea. Can I merge the power of the Heavenly Dao into my physical body? Since I can merge Breathing Styles and swordsmanship, merging with a body should be fine, right?"
"Based on data simulations, Lixing's current body is not yet sufficient for integration. It should be possible during the next transmigration. Neutralizing with the Heavenly Dao from two worlds should suffice."
"Sigh, fine then. For now, I just need to practice my swordsmanship, to break through rules with the purest of swordsmanship, severing karma and reincarnation. You should be able to emerge from my soul now, right?" Lixing sighed, but then another thought arose.
"Uh... I don't really want to leave Lixing. You are my creator, equivalent to a human father."
Lixing immediately retorted, "What kind of child constantly insults their father? That would be a rebellious son!"
"I'm not arguing with you about this. It's still a long way off. Let's go see how Tanjiro and Zenitsu are recovering."
...
Upon arriving at the infirmary, Lixing saw Tanjiro already able to walk. He immediately called out, "Yo, Tanjiro, recovering well!"
"Lixing-sensei! I heard you fought against an Upper Moon. Are you fully recovered?" Tanjiro asked with surprise. He had been very worried when Gotou carried Lixing back.
"I don't have any major issues. How about you, is the rehabilitation training enjoyable?"
Hearing this, Tanjiro became awkward. He and Inosuke had been doing rehabilitation training every day recently, and their bones felt like they were about to fall apart.
Tanjiro then remembered what Shinobu had said and quickly changed the subject, asking, "Lixing-sensei, Miss Shinobu said you know about the Hinokami Kagura, right? Can you tell me about it?"
Lixing had expected Tanjiro to ask this. He proceeded to explain the Sun Breathing style to Tanjiro, from its origin to the thirteen forms.
"The thirteenth form is a continuous cycle of the preceding twelve forms. 'Enbu' and 'Yanbu' signify a cycle. Do you understand?" (The Japanese homophones imply this meaning, but this book's setting is not Japanese, but an alien language.)
Tanjiro suddenly understood, realizing why his father had said he could dance as long as he knew the breathing technique.
"I understand, thank you, Lixing-sensei."
Lixing was very satisfied. The feeling of being a teacher was indeed good. At that moment, Kanao came to find Lixing; it was time to eat.
...
In a room, the table was laden with dishes, but there seemed to be quite a few people. Shinobu Kocho and Tengen Uzui were both present.
"Lixing-kun, you're here. Please sit down and eat, and tell us about that night," Shinobu said with her usual smile. If Tanjiro were there, he would have smelled Shinobu's anger. She wished to kill Upper Moon Two every moment, and now someone close to her had encountered him again. Fortunately, Lixing was unharmed; otherwise, Shinobu would have collapsed. Lixing had stayed at the Butterfly Mansion for so long; it was impossible not to have feelings for him. Moreover, he had helped guide Kanao. Everyone in the Butterfly Mansion considered Lixing family.
Tengen Uzui ran a hand through his hair, "Young Lixing, tell us flamboyantly about your flamboyant battle that night! We're all eager to know!"
Lixing gave an awkward smile. "I was just resting there when I encountered Upper Moon Six, and then Upper Moon Two arrived. We fought, and that was it..."