Bouncing Demon Shifts Target

"Breathing techniques really are incredibly varied," Nohime mused. "Is 'practice' the 'lian' from practicing, or...?"

Nohime glanced at Han Zhiqi, then lowered her head bashfully. "No... no, it's the 'lian' from 'love'."

"The 'lian' from love? Why would anyone name it something like that?" Han Zhiqi found it difficult to comprehend.

The cultivation of breathing techniques should be a serious matter. Even if it wasn't named something grand and impressive, it should at least make sense. Where did this character 'lian' come from?

"My sister taught me this breathing technique. You've seen our family's situation – we eat a lot, and our bodies are like this. So, my sister could never find a boyfriend. Later, she joined the Demon Slayer Corps hoping to find one. That's how the 'lian' came about."

After speaking, Nohime blushed, secretly stole a glance at Han Zhiqi, and then quickly lowered her head again.

Han Zhiqi was utterly speechless. As the saying goes, people who aren't family don't end up in the same household.

So, both sisters were treasures. One joined the Demon Slayer Corps to find love, and the other joined to have enough to eat.

Han Zhiqi nodded with mock seriousness. "I see. I never expected such a beautiful story behind this breathing technique. Your sister wanted to find love, so it's called Love Breathing. You're here for food, so you should call yours Food Breathing. I think you should change it later."

The first half of his statement was quite comforting, but as he continued, Nohime realized he was teasing her again. She lightly swatted Han Zhiqi's arm, playfully scolding, "You... you're annoying! Don't make fun of me."

"If you think Food Breathing doesn't sound good, you could also call it Sustenance Breathing. That sounds more refined."

"You're still at it..." Nohime raised her hand as if to hit him, but ultimately let it fall with a whimper rather than a bang.

"What about you? I heard you mention 'Ice Breathing' earlier. Does that mean your breathing technique is also a derivative?"

"Yes, I was born in the snowy mountains and grew up there. When I was a child, I was hunting in the mountains during a heavy snowfall and got lost. I met an old man who taught me a set of breathing techniques and two martial skills. Thinking back, that old man was probably also from the Demon Slayer Corps."

"Why did you come to participate in the Demon Slayer Corps? Like you said, I'm here for food. What are you here for?"

Upon hearing this question, Han Zhiqi couldn't help but tremble. Although his wounds had already healed, he could still feel a searing pain. Besides that, another place ached – his heart ached, so much that he couldn't breathe.

Yes, why did he come to participate in the Demon Slayer Corps?

He was here to save his sister and kill the man named Igu Qigan.

When there was no answer for a long time, Nohime turned to look at Han Zhiqi, only to find Han Zhiqi's gaze cold and his eyes filled with malice. His entire expression was terrifying.

Nohime was startled. Han Zhiqi's previous expression had also been cold, but that coldness was merely distant and uninviting. This current coldness, however, was a bone-chilling terror that inspired awe.

"Are... are you alright?" Nohime asked softly, steeling herself.

Suddenly, Han Zhiqi turned to look at her, and for a moment, the killing intent in his eyes erupted.

Nohime gasped, startled, and her body swayed to the side. Her rosy cheeks and eyes were filled with fear and confusion.

Thus, they gazed at each other, and slowly, the killing intent in Han Zhiqi's eyes gradually dissipated. Finally, a flicker of guilt flashed across his face, and he extended a hand to Nohime.

Nohime hesitated for a moment before also extending her hand to grasp his.

Nohime felt the coldness of Han Zhiqi's palm.

Han Zhiqi pulled Nohime up from the ground and said guiltily, "I'm sorry, I scared you just now."

"It's okay," Nohime forced a smile that seemed alright, but her expression was a little stiff and strained.

"I'll tell you about this later."

"Ah..." Startled, Nohime momentarily forgot what she was supposed to remember. After a brief moment of recollection, she remembered the question about "why she joined the Demon Slayer Corps." She quickly responded with a couple of "Mm... mm" sounds, indicating her understanding.

Nohime could never have imagined that a casual question she had asked would cause such a huge impact on Han Zhiqi. She immediately felt a pang of self-reproach.

At the same time, she vaguely guessed that Han Zhiqi's perpetually cold demeanor was probably related to this matter.

After this incident, the atmosphere between them became somewhat awkward.

On the other side of the mountain, Kimura was directing a group of members, methodically repelling the demons' attacks.

The circular defensive formation was indeed effective. No matter which direction the demons attacked from, they were met by the corresponding members.

An average of three members coordinated to defend against one demon, with one primary attacker and two assisting from the side. Coupled with the enhancements from breathing techniques and Nichirin Blades, they could easily push back the demons.

Even if someone was accidentally injured, the members within the circle would quickly fill in to continue the defense, while designated personnel would provide medical treatment for the injured.

Although they could barely hold off the demon attacks with their ironclad formation, everyone could feel how weak and ineffective this passive defense was.

Demons possessed infinite vitality and never tired. Even if injured, they would recover in a very short time. Humans, however, get injured, get tired, and most importantly, their morale can collapse.

In just the first half of the night, the demons had attacked individually and in groups no less than twenty times. No matter how strong and robust the members were, it was impossible for them to stand on the circle and defend against demon attacks for several hours straight.

Many members were showing signs of fatigue. In addition to physical exhaustion, the psychological tension and fear intensified the feeling of weariness, and their initial enthusiasm had completely vanished.

Even Kimura, as the captain, felt his hand holding the sword begin to tremble uncontrollably. In fact, by now, he had realized that concentrating everyone to act together was a terrible idea.

As the saying goes, there is strength in numbers, but numbers don't always guarantee success.

A flock of sheep and a wolf. Even if the sheep gather together, they are still sheep.

The more people there are, the bigger the target, and the more likely they are to attract the attention of more demons. Just like now, they were trapped in a desperate situation.

If it were just one or a few people, with a smaller target, they might have been able to evade the demons' sight and last until the end.

Kimura felt that the white-clothed participant at the plaza must have sensed this problem, which was why he had left without hesitation.

His own strength was considered top-tier among these people. If he had chosen to go solo like that white-clothed participant, he might not be trapped here now, trying to pave the way for a bunch of weaklings.

Kimura couldn't help but regret his decision. He had thought himself incredibly clever, but he never imagined he was digging his own grave.

Just as everyone was engaged in tense defense, preparing for the next wave of demon attacks, a dark shadow suddenly fell from the sky, landing precisely in the center of the circle, directly in front of a female member.