A Shot of Adrenaline

A few days later, at the Ubuyashiki Clan.

The seven pillars reunite.

When they heard that Kuno had failed to invite Oboro to join the Demon Slayer Corps and had only given him some books on breathing techniques, some Pillars were disappointed, some were indifferent, and some felt regret.

With long, fiery red and yellow hair and a pair of sword-like Rengoku Tenjuro laughed heartily, "He didn't accept? What a pity... A swordsman as powerful as him, if he could join the Demon Slayer Corps... he would definitely shine and inspire everyone!"

Kuno did not allow them to follow him to see Oboro.

On one hand, it was out of courtesy, and on the other hand, it was to protect Oboro.

If Muzan knew that they possessed new methods to destroy the life force of demon flesh, he would surely nip the danger in the bud.

Therefore... it's best not to let the outside world know anything about Oboro.

"As my lord said, his days are numbered. Even if he is willing to help us, the amount he can do is very limited." Water Pillar Kawai Ichie, with his neat short gray hair, seemed to understand why Oboro refused. "However, his so-called talent for slaying demons... is something he was born with, which is worth investigating."

"It's not a sword, nor a breathing technique... then what could it be? Could it be some kind of rare constitution that relies on blood to destroy the cells of demons?"

Among the members of the Demon Slayer Corps, some have rare blood types, and these people are usually the targets of demons' covetousness.

Some rare blood types are equivalent to the nutrition of ten or a hundred people for ghosts, and some more special ones have even greater nutritional value.

The blood of these people... has a deadly attraction to ghosts and also has some effects.

For example, the smell of concentrated, diluted blood alone can cause some weak-willed ghosts to experience temporary dizziness or slight paralysis.

It can also be seen as a form of mental stimulation.

But I've never heard of any rare blood that can destroy a ghost's life force.

"Breathing techniques have always been limited to a special group like ours. After all, without the mission of hunting demons, there is no way to come into contact with or learn them. In that case, his ancestors must have been members of the Demon Slayer Corps, or at least were... or maintained some kind of connection with the Demon Slayer Corps. He might also be a descendant of a trainer..." someone added.

But since they are descendants of a trainer, how come they didn't join the Demon Slayer Corps? People like them have a mission to kill demons.

"The situation in every era is complex and multifaceted. With various factors intertwined, changes will always occur... Since he is a member of the Shogunate and his fate is tied to the nation, it is only natural that he would abandon his originally weak beliefs." Iwa Pillar, with a square face, thick eyebrows, big eyes, and heavy lips, spoke.

It cannot be said that Oboro was a traitor.

Killing ghosts is a dangerous and arduous task that is naturally no better than being in power.

It can only be said that... the will to exterminate demons in Oboro's lineage was not well continued.

"Since he has already left the 'team,' after so long, even if he knows some breathing techniques or swordsmanship... those are things that have long been outdated." The Light Pillar, the only woman among the seven pillars, with a long ponytail, cold and disdainful eyes, said.

Those who give up halfway don't deserve to be associated with the Demon Slayer Corps. Someone like that shouldn't be in the Demon Slayer Corps; at least they have some self-awareness! Their respective breathing techniques are the result of generations of refinement and change, accumulated through battles with demons... constantly progressing and growing. But Oboro's lineage must have disappeared long ago. Under these circumstances, what value could the breathing techniques he imparted possibly have?!

Kuno looked quietly at the seven pillars in front of him, without interrupting or explaining.

He had personally met Oboro and experienced her special qualities up close... Some things don't need to be said, and even if he explained them, the seven people wouldn't feel the same way.

He believed in Oboro, anyway.

"You guys take a look first, then we'll talk!"

Suddenly, Masayuki said in a deep voice, his fingers holding the book trembling slightly.

His tone revealed barely suppressed excitement.

He was present and was the first person to pick up a book and read it; he did not participate in the discussion.

I never expected to criticize Oboro.

Since things have come to this, and the lord has only brought back some books... then let's just check if the books are valuable. If not... the Demon Slayer Corps will proceed as usual.

If so, it would be like adding icing on the cake, making the trip worthwhile.

"Um?"

Seeing his expression, the others noticed something was wrong and successively divided up the books, each flipping through them.

The paper contained detailed diagrams depicting the meridians of the human body, even labeling 'acupoints'... and each body part and area was annotated meticulously and in a clear, easy-to-understand manner. Arrows were even used to illustrate the 'circulation of qi'...

Many of them were unaware for the first time that the 'internal breath' formed through respiratory circulation had a certain peculiar effect.

For all swordsmen, they only understood that breathing techniques could strengthen the body, and that the effects could be amplified through 'mental concentration,' but they didn't understand it in as much detail as described in the book. Most importantly, the book stated that all the meridians in the human body could circulate into a 'cycle,' and if one could cultivate their internal energy to its peak, their strength would increase to an unimaginable level.

Compared to the contents of the book, these pillars were complete novices when it came to their understanding of the human body.

Oboro gave them a key to unlock the treasure trove of humanity, revealing many secrets to them.

"Internal breath... essence, energy, and spirit... circulating throughout the body... what a mysterious feeling."

After a long while, Kawai Ichie licked his dry lips, somewhat confused...

Even with his profound understanding of breathing, he still struggled to fully grasp the details of the illustrations.

"This... this is really the breathing technique we know?"

"The only breathing method I have recorded in this book is called the Still-Form Breathing' method, which has a specific meridian pathway... Moreover, it also says that once the microcosmic orbit of internal energy is formed, breathing becomes free and easy, and one can sense the external energy and achieve unity between the internal and external."

Another pillar swallowed hard, staring blankly at his companion.

Is this really possible? The breathing they know is at most just enough to support their physical body and temporarily unleash enough combat power.

Breathing is something that can only be done by humans... How can it take shape outside of the human body?

"My book... uses diaphragmatic breathing, which seems very simple... but..."

"..."

The knowledge in the books is profound, but as pillars, they all have a strong foundation in breathing exercises... so they still have the ability to judge these images.

Even if you don't understand it, the cultivation methods taught in the book are indeed feasible.

Hahahaha!

Suddenly, Flame Pillar Tanjuro burst into laughter. "This is so interesting... Whether it's as powerful as they say or not, we'll find out by trying it out!"

"Most of our breathing techniques are based on individual physical conditions, resulting in variations... Even the Water Breathing I practice, which has accumulated experience and techniques from previous generations, is not easy to master... But the breathing methods in these books, no, they should be called Breathing Technique, have no threshold and are suitable for everyone... Even if there is a missing part of the body that prevents the completion of the Great Circulation, one can still try the Small Circulation..."

Shuizhu put down his book, staring at the smiling Kuno with shocked eyes, "Who... exactly was the person you saw?"

"Our breathing technique... is only used in swordsmanship, in the moves of killing demons... Compared to that, it seems particularly simple and crude. But this kind of breathing is delicate and profound, a method that touches the level of life itself, and is aimed at the infinite development of the plasticity of the body."

The oldest rock pillar added, his voice trembling.

Unbelievable!

Actually, Kuno had already read these books when he came back.

He didn't understand breathing and exhalation, but he possessed a certain level of knowledge. The 'human value' presented in the images alone had already shattered his preconceived notions and understanding.

"Muzan Kibutsuji... his fate is not far from its end!"

Ubuyashiki Kuno's smile remained unchanged as he gazed at the drifting white clouds in the sky and said with unwavering certainty.

He clenched his fist involuntarily.