After Shan Zhong Jing's Wood Clone poured the methods of cultivating magic into Shinobu Butterfly's mind through illusionary images,
he sat cross-legged on the palm of Butterfly Sanae and turned his head to look at everyone present.
Although the clone couldn't fully utilize the [Fate Mechanism Sundial] to view in detail each person's karma, merits, or destiny's favor,
with just a glance, he could still see the dazzling aura of merit shining upon them.
Even Shinazugawa Sanemi, with his notoriously short temper and outwardly villainous appearance, was no exception!
"Bow before Lord God!"
Under Kagamiyama Kōya's lead, everyone showed immense respect.
A deity who grants the power to hunt and kill demons, granting them the strength to reshape this ruined world and defy unjust fates—this being was worthy of their reverence and worship!
"Gods, Buddhas, and sages are merely beings with greater power. I myself was once only an ordinary human. Therefore… my comrades, push forward! The strength of humankind knows no bounds! What truly makes you stronger is an unyielding soul that refuses to bow to fate, and a fearless heart unshaken by terror!"
Shan Zhong Jing swept his gaze across everyone, a gentle smile always lingering on his lips.
As his words faded,
the Wood Clone transformed once again into a tiny wooden effigy.
In his past life, he had been deeply captivated by Demon Slayer for a time, because each character embodied the true greatness of humanity.
Demons possessed far superior physical forms than humans, recovery abilities far beyond human limits, and various Blood Demon Arts.
Yet there were those who—
who relentlessly pushed their bodies and powers to the brink, shielding ordinary folk from demonic tyranny and torment.
"I can feel the conviction passed down by Lord God! Hiss~! Hmph! Cough!"
Kyojuro Rengoku cried out, but as soon as he finished speaking, he collapsed onto the corridor, writhing in pain.
He had just completed the Natural Energy baptism.
Just managing to stand and bow had taken sheer willpower and teeth-gritted resolve.
Plop! Plop!
Tanjiro Kamado and Shinazugawa Sanemi fell down one after another, exchanging glances while clenching their teeth silently.
It was like whoever screamed first would be the one to lose face!
"What an utterly detestable face you have! What are you staring at me for? You too afraid to cry out first? If you won't go first, how can I bring myself to do so?"
Sanemi inwardly cursed under his breath, glaring viciously at Tanjiro.
"Showing pain means showing weakness. Sagiri, I won't—I will never again be as weak as I once was!"
Lying on the cold floor, Tanjiro completely ignored Shinazugawa's seemingly groundless glare, closing his eyes to silently feel the faint yet immense power coursing through his veins.
"Is human strength truly limitless? An unyielding spirit, a heart that dares to face fear directly—it's truly a glorious symphony, like a warrior's anthem!"
Ten'yu Uzui, the Sound Pillar, leaned heavily against the wall behind him.
Having gradually gotten used to the pain, his condition was clearly better than the Flame, Water, and Wind Pillars.
The pain was real—it burned like fire!
But that power already slowly flowing within her made him feel as though such pain was trivial!
Stronger, even stronger—and he would be capable of so much more!
"Even Our Lord, who transcends humanity with compassion, still recognizes us while we remain human."
Hangan Sadamune's long-blind eyes shed tears ceaselessly.
How fortunate they were!
To be anticipated and watched over by such a kind Divine!
"Onee-san! Does this mean I've become a shrine maiden too?!"
Butterfly Shinobu awakened from [Genjutsu], her flushed cheeks glowing with joy she couldn't contain.
The method of cultivating Divine Magic granted by Our Lord was based on mental fortitude, absorbing elemental forces from heaven and earth, fusing them into a strength that could strengthen the body and empower spellcasting.
According to Our Lord's explanation,
even just a small amount of Divine magic energy would allow her to wield a [standard Nichirin Blade], slicing through demons' necks with ease!
And furthermore, Our Lord had even promised her—
if she trained hard, Our Lord might one day teach her true magic!
Then, shouldn't she count as a shrine maiden?
"You must first gain recognition from Our Lord~ Also, Shinobu must learn to temper her reckless nature!"
Butterfly Sanae wore a gentle smile.
Looking at the reddened imprint of the flick on her sister's forehead.
Feeling relaxed in a way she hadn't in ages, she couldn't resist giving her sister another gentle flick on the forehead.
Dong~
"? ? ? Onee-san!"
Butterfly Shinobu stood frozen in shock, disbelief written all over her face. Once she realized what had happened, her anger turned her little face bright red.
Her sweet-to-the-bone sister had picked up a new habit—giving forehead flicks!
"An angry Shinobu is adorable too!"
Butterfly Sanae rested her cheek against her palms, watching the furious little Shinobu, her smile warm like spring sunshine.
"Hmph! Once I gain recognition from Our Lord and become a true shrine maiden, I'll definitely make Our Lord flick your forehead too!"
"My goodness~ That childish side of little Shinobu hasn't appeared since Hanako came to stay."
"Onee-san!"
Beside them, Kagamiyama Kōya smiled as he watched the two sisters playfully quarrel.
After a while, seeing that everyone had gradually regained their spirits, he began arranging the next steps.
Firstly, the location where Sanae had touched Our Lord.
According to her account, there was a gateway to Our Lord's realm at that place.
This gateway needed protection.
The houses in the original village could be purchased, demolished entirely, and rebuilt into a shrine dedicated to worshiping Our Lord.
Considering Kagamiyama Clan's current assets and funds,
constructing a slightly larger shrine wouldn't be too great an expense.
Maintaining the shrine could be entrusted to elders from the Purple Wisteria Clan, and with Sanae serving as a shrine maiden, it would also feel officially recognized.
However...
they were unsure about whether Our Lord had any requirements regarding the shrine's design or style.
Kagamiyama Kōya voiced his thoughts to Sanae.
"A shrine? I'll go directly to Our Lord's dwelling at once; after all, we can't keep troubling Our Lord to come here personally."
Butterfly Sanae gently nodded.
Miroku, the high priest, instinctively surfaced in his mind. Somehow, he felt that asking Miroku Kugatachi about this issue would be better.
"Onee-san! Please!"
Butterfly Shinobu immediately called out, her eyes filled with yearning.
"Shinobu can join us as well."
Butterfly Sanae looked affectionately at her younger sister after seeing Kagamiyama Kōya nod with a smile.
"In that case, I'll proceed with arranging for properties to be purchased, materials prepared, and workers gathered."
After finalizing the details, Kagamiyama Kōya bid farewell to the two sisters as they left.
Yet in his heart, his mind drifted to how Muzan Ibi might react.
After mastering the power bestowed by Lord God, could the Hashira now surpass not only the Upper Moons but even that one swordsman—the creator of the Breathing Techniques?
As these thoughts crossed his mind,
Beside him, Hangan Sadamune, who had been seated cross-legged on the floor, slowly rose to his feet and began moving his limbs.
"Have you adjusted already, Sadamune?"
"As expected... Yes, my Lord."
Hangan Sadamune sensed the thick, unique energy within his body.
He clumsily channeled it to his fingertips.
Then suddenly clenched his fist, producing a sharp sonic boom from his palm.
Several injured Hashira lying on the ground flinched involuntarily upon hearing Sadamune's words and watching his actions.
They knew Sadamune was strong, but this was beyond anything they'd imagined!
They were still sore and unable to move at all!
How could he have already adapted and even begun applying this power so soon?
What a monster!
"How does it feel compared to before?"
Kagamiyama Kōya pursed his lips, suppressing the excitement and anticipation surging in his heart as he softly asked.
"My muscles haven't directly become stronger, but combined with this heavy energy, the explosive power has increased more than double! It enhances all aspects of physical ability—strength, speed, reflexes, and destructive power. But currently, the quantity is still far too little."
"Tamaoto, bring me the scroll on the Upper Moons from my study."
A look of exhilaration crossed Kagamiyama Kōya's face.
If speed and strength had doubled, then in actual combat, their overall fighting capability wouldn't just increase by one or two times!
Just having recently acquired such power and already achieving such improvement!
This time!
This time, we truly can do it!
We can finally defeat Muzan Ibi and escape this thousand-year curse!
Moments later,
Hangan Sadamune watched as Tamaoto handed him the Scroll documenting information on Upper Moons and [Hoka Blade].
He seized his axe, channeling earth-elemental energy into his grip as he tightened his fingers around the handle!
Buzz—
The weapon, forged from the same material as Nichirin Blades—the rarest shōshōhi ore—vibrated rapidly, quickly turning a blood-red hue.
Like a blazing sun, radiating scorching heat capable of incinerating anything in its path, it radiated an intense searing aura!
[Hoka Blade]!
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