Muzan's Actions (Happy New Year)

Long's whereabouts are elusive and unpredictable.

Muzan ordered Kokushibo and his two companions to find Oboro, and the best way to do so was to find Gyutaro first.

He could sense that Gyutaro, as the successor, was an 'exception'.

Especially since the other party was wearing Oboro's signature black haori, and in all these years, from the Edo period to the present... the only one who killed the Upper Moon's successor, Gyokko, was Gyutaro.

The Demon Slayer Corps Muzan's side didn't dare to confront them head-on.

Before Gyokko died, several Upper Moon demons had already fallen at the hands of the Pillars. Now, several Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps have awakened the 'Transparent World,' possessing abilities that rival those of Yoriichi Tsugikuni. In addition, the overall environment is extremely unfavorable for demons, so Muzan's forces have been hiding, and even when they do take action, they dare not make a big fuss.

On the contrary, the successors are fighting fiercely with the Demon Slayer Corps, mainly because Muzan is always wary of the number of demons, unlike the successors who are willing to form groups and expand continuously.

Having touched a bit of soul power, Muzan gradually unveiled the mystery surrounding Oboro.

Why are those inheritors able to possess such powerful methods in just a hundred years... due to their extraordinary talent?

Because of the blessing of soul power, these people's spirits will be strengthened and amplified to a certain extent. It may not be visible on their bodies, but their Blood Demon Art will become extremely powerful as a result.

A strong will also make the inheritor more resilient when facing any difficulties, and more likely to break through the impasse.

Muzan didn't understand before, but now he does.

The three Upper Moon demons he altered would also have their Blood Demon Art become more powerful.

However, his method of integrating fragments of his spirit into his cells and then transmitting them to his subordinates causes some trauma to his own soul, requiring a period of time to recover.

Muzan had already devised a solution: hunt down more inheritors, using their cells to continuously access the lingering resentment left by Oboro deep within their consciousness, thereby refining his own soul... or even, devouring Oboro's soul!

On the other hand, one month later...

Oboro sat alone under the shade of a tree in the wilderness, admiring the scenery before him.

A gentle breeze stirred, blowing his long-neglected white hair.

"Sure... you didn't disappoint me."

He seemed to sense something, and as he opened and closed his eyes, he looked towards the distant horizon.

A soft laugh.

It seems that Muzan's side has finally undergone a substantial evolution.

Oboro's initial assessment of Muzan was that he possessed only physical strength, but his soul was extremely weak.

But to his surprise, Muzan was able to sense the soul despite his innate condition.

"There is a certain connection between the soul and the body. Although your innate soul was weak, you possess strong flesh and blood and have lived for such a long time... It's quite normal for your spirit to be driven by your physical body. However, you must have put in a lot of effort, probably racking your brains and pondering this for a long time..."

Long patted himself and slowly stood up.

Every time Muzan touched his soul, Oboro felt something.

The soul, a power originating from a higher world, is a vast and complex subject of study for those in lower worlds... Muzan is currently only just beginning to receive his 'enlightenment,' and what he understands and knows is far too little.

Just now, a direct descendant personally transformed by Oboro died. If I'm not mistaken, it was Muzan who did it.

Because the current direct successors are no weaker than the Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps. Over the years, by consuming the Twelve Kizuki, including some previous Pillars, the successors' physical strength has increased to a terrifying degree. Even a single Upper Moon might not be a match for them.

"The deadline is almost here. If you don't come to find me, I'll come to find you."

Long looked up at the blue sky and said calmly.

He was already very weak... His physical vitality could only last for another ten years or so at most.

Over the past century, he has continuously given the cards in the package to some seemingly promising targets. In addition to further exacerbating the chaotic situation, he also hoped that one or two of these seeds could 'awaken' and show signs of evolution.

After all, the more you have, the greater your chances of winning.

When the card runs out, he converts it again... and the process repeats endlessly.

Now, I've used up almost all the cards I have.

He also plans to stop.

A small inner palace within the city.

Dressed in a Western-style dress and a long black tuxedo, Muzan, wearing a hat, slowly walked towards the building in front.

This place... is the rebels' stronghold, and also the heart of a successor's territory.

Like a member of the current upper-class aristocracy, Muzan, with a pair of red pupils peeking out from under his hat brim, strolled leisurely with an elegant demeanor.

Around him, many rebel warriors with knives attacked, shouting battle cries.

Some ghosts, whose appearance was clearly different from ordinary people, transformed into streaks of black Inazuma and rushed towards him like bolts of silk, launching a siege.

Muzan walked on by himself, without making any move. Without exception, any demon that was hostile to him would mysteriously explode into mincemeat before it even got close enough to get close.

As for humans, they immediately lost consciousness and collapsed to the ground.

It seems that anyone who enters a certain range around Muzan, whether human or demon, will be harmed by some kind of power.

The bizarre phenomenon of humans and ghosts coexisting can only occur in rebel territories controlled by the inheritors.

Muzan walked along, he was surrounded by bloody scenes of corpses strewn all around him.

He loved this wonderful feeling... his soul made him incredibly powerful.

More detached.

Bang! Just then, as Muzan stood in the area below the pavilion, a dark shadow descended from the sky, like a meteorite crashing into the ground, raising a cloud of dust with astonishing force.

The ground trembled violently.

After the ashes settled, the face of the newcomer was revealed.

He was the leader of the rebels in this area, and one of the inheritors.

She was a woman with long orange hair, dark skin, and a very fat and bulky figure, exuding a sense of power.

He was somewhat ugly.

She wore a traditional kimono with patterned furisode sleeves and a taiko knot tied around her waist.

Their clothes were quite exquisite.

"Are you... Muzan?" The woman's Ayamiko, and she was one of those who were 'saved' by Oboro back then.

Because of her natural ugliness, she was despised by others from a young age. Even her own parents felt that she had disgraced the family and wanted to kill her in her sleep.

Ayamiko once fought Doma of the Twelve Kizuki, but the fight was interrupted by the Demon Slayer Corps, and the outcome was undecided.

Over the years, she has suffered quite a few losses at the hands of the Lower Moons... and is no stranger to the forces of Muzan's side.

The imposing presence of the newcomer filled her with a sense of dread.

It could only be Muzan Kibutsuji.

Within the ranks of the inheritors, most fight their own battles. Although they share the same will, their methods and philosophies differ, making it difficult for them to come together.

There are also those who join forces, but they are rare.

Recently, Ayamiko has heard some rumors that the forces of many inheritors have suffered devastating blows... with no survivors.

In retrospect, it was Muzan's doing.

"So you've finally decided to show yourself?" Ayamiko understood immediately and suddenly gave Muzan a cruel smile.

She is no ordinary inheritor; rather, she is a life form that has reached another level through the mutual devouring of ghosts.

As the progenitor of demons, Muzan was someone many of his successors wanted to find, with the simple goal of Muzan him... Ayamiko naturally shared this idea.

Muzan, however, remained hidden in the shadows, never daring to show himself.

Many inheritors believe that if they can consume Muzan, they will likely be able to reshape the world.

Muzan is a crucial element! "Oh? You seem quite interested in me?"

Muzan looked at the woman's provocative gaze, and unusually, he didn't get angry; he just smiled gently.

The woman suddenly took off her clothes, revealing a tattoo-like pattern covering half of her body, leaving her completely bare-chested.

Beneath the long sleeves were a pair of tattooed arms.

At first glance, her enormous body looked like it was full of fat, but when she took off her clothes, Muzan realized that it was not fat at all, but rather gnarled muscle blocks like granite.

The woman's long hair billowed like a lion's mane, and the lines on her body seemed to come alive instantly, extending along her skin to the ground beneath her feet and expanding rapidly.

Clearly, this is her Blood Demon Art.

"I can have as many servants as I want, and it doesn't matter if they die. As long as I have enough time, I can make a comeback sooner or later... But since you are such a distinguished guest, I can't let you get away... Otherwise, I might not have the chance to see you again next time."

Ayamiko said excitedly.

"You're excellent as that man's toy."

Muzan praised them, his tone flippant, and the people he mentioned in the conversation seemed to carry a sense of disdain.

Toy?

Ayamiko squinted.

"I'm talking about... Oboro."

Muzan said it directly.

As soon as Oboro's name was uttered, Ayamiko was instantly enraged.

As if Oboro were a sacred being in her heart, she would not allow anyone to touch this taboo.

"The expressions on your faces are so similar... I only mentioned his name." Muzan spread his arms. "As the perpetrator who hides behind the scenes and manipulates everything, he is very irresponsible... He only gave you power and let you grow wildly. He did not teach you to maintain the proper humility when facing a sufficiently powerful force."

"Otherwise... you'll die."

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year in advance! May the new year of 2024 bring you all smooth sailing and great wealth.

Everyone has a good appetite and is in good health!

May your family be filled with joy.

Bow!

(It's New Year's Day, guys, treat yourselves to something good.)