"Has it already begun?"
The moment Muzan stepped into this area, he felt the chakra within his body slowly diminishing. Over time, it would inevitably weaken the body. Looking at the deep, silent cave, a cold smile curled at his lips.
One had to know that the amount of chakra in Muzan's body was said to rival a Tailless Tailed Beast, a terrifying existence capable of going head-to-head with the Three-Tails. And that had been before Muzan had even reached adulthood. Now, his strength would only have risen further.
Even if they let the other side absorb it, it would not seriously affect Muzan.
"Another person seeking power has arrived."
Ichikishimahime had the face of a little girl, with a petite body completely unlike Tagorihime's. To pass this trial, one needed an immense amount of chakra.
This alone showed how Dragon Cave selected candidates for Sage Mode. Only true powerhouses could learn it, and the price of failure was being eaten by them.
As Muzan walked past her, that dismissive look in his eyes pierced Ichikishimahime's heart. It was the first time anyone had dared ignore her like this. She eyed Muzan with a venomous gaze and sneered inwardly.
"I hope you'll still be so calm when I'm eating you."
In that instant, her appearance abruptly changed. The adorable little girl became a venomous snake with sharp fangs, lurking sinisterly in the shadows.
But the next second, she felt a force descend upon her. Reflected in Muzan's blood-red eyes was Ichikishimahime's terrified face.
When had he gotten here?!
Could a ninja truly reach such speed? Pain flared in her neck, and the suffocating sensation surged up, turning Ichikishimahime's pale face crimson.
"What I hate most are people who gossip behind others' backs. If you really have the guts, stand in