"My lady, these are the Scarlet Crimson Iron Sand and Scarlet Crimson Ore you requested..."
Ubuyashiki Hinaki and Kiriya Ubuyashiki stood respectfully to the side and opened a wooden crate beside them. It was filled with materials needed to forge Nichirin Blades.
The crate was packed full, enough to forge at least dozens of Nichirin Blades. Clearly, the Demon Slayer Corps had taken Keqing's words completely to heart.
The ore consumed by each new generation of Demon Slayer Corps recruits was less than a fifth of what was here.
"So this is Scarlet Crimson Ore that can absorb sunlight..." Keqing picked up a fist-sized chunk of ore and turned it over in her hand. It actually felt somewhat hot, and she could clearly sense the heat contained within it.
"Does my lady need a swordsmith to forge a Nichirin Blade for you? There are dedicated swordsmiths responsible for forging and maintaining Nichirin Blades."
Seeing Keqing toss the ore back into the crate, looking pleased, Ubuyashiki Hinaki continued her question expressionlessly.
Forging and maintaining Nichirin Blades differed from ordinary swords and required specialized techniques. The Demon Slayer Corps also had its own swordsmith village.
Nichirin Blades were usually forged by swordsmiths in the village before being delivered to the Demon Slayer Corps. To prevent demon attacks, the swordsmiths' village was extremely well concealed, and no one in the Demon Slayer Corps knew its exact location.
Even Demon Slayer Corps members had to be blindfolded and have their noses plugged before entering the village. Several members of the Kakushi and Kasugai Crows guided them in stages, constantly changing the routes, sequence, crows, and Kakushi guides to ensure the location would not be exposed.
"No need."
Keqing waved her hand, then called softly, "Higokumaru, come out!"
Hearing Keqing's voice, everyone present looked around