The Meteor Hammer and Broad Axe were hurled in alternation, the repeated cycle successfully suppressing Muzan's offensive for an instant. Even Muzan was unwilling to take those heavy, powerful attacks head-on, withdrawing some of the tube whips that had originally covered everyone equally to meet Gyomei.
The pressure on the others immediately eased. Those running out of stamina seized the chance to retreat so they would not become burdens, while those with strength to spare immediately tried to attack Muzan's main body, intent on reclaiming the initiative.
The price was that Gyomei himself was struck by a tube whip. The flesh across his chest split open, and his burly body was flung helplessly backward.
The swordsmen stationed outside the battle immediately rushed forward. Only by working together did several of them barely manage to catch him, coordinating their efforts to stop the bleeding, treat his wounds, and administer an antidote.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, everyone seized the opening Gyomei had created, and the encirclement abruptly closed in on Muzan.
Muzan, who had initiated the offensive, was now on the defensive.
The instant Gyomei opened a gap, Kanzaki Kumo pulled out the talisman from Yushiro that he had kept on him and slapped it onto his forehead, immediately vanishing from sight.
"Thunder Breathing, Final Form: Thousand Birds!"
Muzan, already carried away by the fight, failed to notice that one figure had disappeared from the crowd attacking it. By the time that familiar shriek reached its ears, familiar pain had once again spread throughout its body.
Muzan: Can't you slash somewhere else?
Kanzaki Kumo: Everyone knows dotted lines are meant to be cut along.
Unfortunately, once he got close to Muzan, the long whips on its body lashed about too densely. After one strike, Kanzaki Kumo was forced to reveal himself, unable