The deathly silence of the abandoned manor was broken by a few soft flutters.
A pitch-black Kasugai Crow landed on Mr. Cheng Mo's raised arm, tilting its head and looking at him with blood-red eyes.
Mr. Cheng Mo took out a small, pre-prepared paper scroll from his embrace and inserted it into the bamboo tube on the Kasugai Crow's leg.
His voice was calm and unwavering: "Inform Kagaya that the matter has been resolved. Please proceed as usual and do not disturb my master's peace."
"Caw! The matter has been resolved! Do not disturb master! Caw!"
The Kasugai Crow repeated the key information, flapped its wings, and quickly disappeared into the night sky.
Tanjirou watched silently, understanding what "proceed as usual" and "do not disturb master's peace" meant.
The fallen Kaigaku would completely vanish from Kuwajima Jigorō's memory under the guise of "disappearance."
This might be... a cruel kindness.
Ubuyashiki Estate, Somewhere.
In a softly lit room, Kagaya Ubuyashiki's fingertips gently brushed the note the Kasugai Crow had just delivered.
Although his eyesight was weak, Mrs. Amane would softly read every word into his ear.
"...This is good."
Kagaya's voice carried a hint of an almost imperceptible sigh and relief.
"Old Mr. Kuwajima... need not know this cruel truth. Mr. Cheng Mo, you are very thoughtful."
The news, like a stone dropped into a calm lake, spread through the Kasugai Crow network, and several Pillar-ranked swordsmen learned of this outcome almost simultaneously.
Flame Pillar Kyojuro Rengoku was heartily eating sweet potato rice when he heard the news. He abruptly put down his chopsticks, his eyes burning with fierce flames, and his voice boomed: "Hmm! Instantly killed a Lower Moon Three? Well done! As expected of an ally recognized by Kagaya, such thrilling strength! Hahahaha!"
Sound Pillar Uzui Tengen was adjusting his flamboyant headpiece in front of a small mirror. His movements paused upon hearing the news, and a flamboyant smile played on his lips: "Oh? Done by that legendary guest? Lower Moon Three? Instant kill? Hmm... that's quite flamboyant! Barely qualifies as 'flamboyant'!"
Insect Pillar Kochou Shinobu was in the Butterfly Mansion mixing potions. Upon hearing the news, her hand stirring the liquid paused slightly, her characteristic gentle smile deepened a few shades, and a hint of understanding and awe flashed in her purple eyes: "Oh my... so clean and decisive. As expected of Mr. Cheng Mo. It seems next time we meet, I'll need to prepare even finer tea ~"
Love Pillar Kanroji Mitsuri was secretly eating cherry blossom mochi. She almost choked when she heard the news, her cheeks flushed, her eyes shining: "Eh eh eh?! Instant kill a Lower Moon?! So, so amazing! I wonder what flavor of cherry blossom mochi he likes..."
Stone Pillar Gyomei Himejima clasped his hands together, tears streaming down his face, his voice sorrowful and resonant: "Amitābha... To slay a fellow disciple, what a tragedy... Yet, to cleanse the ranks and uphold the dignity of the master's teachings is also a great righteousness... Mr. Cheng Mo, you have endured immense pain and resolve... Namu Amitābha..."
Wind Pillar Sanemi Shinazugawa had just finished an intense training session, drenched in sweat. Upon hearing the news, he spat fiercely, the scars on his face contorted, his eyes fierce: "Tch! What if it was an instant kill? Just a mere Lower Moon! Who knows if he has other motives! Hey! Kasugai Crow! What Breathing Technique did that guy use?!"
Mist Pillar Muichiro Tokito was staring blankly at the clouds in the sky. The Kasugai Crow's voice seemed to take a long time to reach his vacant mind. "...Lower Moon Three? Dead? Who killed him... Oh, that person... It doesn't matter."
He blinked, quickly lost interest again, and continued watching the clouds change.
Serpent Pillar Obanai Iguro was curled up in the shadows, his Kaburamaru gently flicking its tongue. He muttered to himself: "...The traitor of Thunder Breathing was dealt with by a successor of Thunder Breathing... Hmph, how ironic. I hope he doesn't become blinded by power..."
Water Pillar Giyu Tomioka stood expressionlessly beneath a rock, as if he hadn't heard anything.
Only after the Kasugai Crow flew far away did he imperceptibly turn his head slightly, looking towards a distant direction, silent for a moment, then whispered to himself: "...As expected, very strong."
After dealing with Kaigaku, Mr. Cheng Mo and Tanjirou silently returned to Fengqiao Town.
That night, they still stayed in the expensive guest room at "Songfeng Pavilion."
Tanjirou tossed and turned, his mind repeatedly replaying his teacher's thunder-like strike and Kaigaku's incredulous, astonished expression before he turned to dust.
Power, it could reach such a realm... Awe and yearning intertwined in his heart.
The next morning, Mr. Cheng Mo found a seemingly honest and road-savvy coachman and paid the full deposit.
"To Tokyo Prefecture, Asakusa District," Mr. Cheng Mo said concisely.
Seeing the money, the coachman's face broke into a wide smile, and he bowed repeatedly: "Hai! Hai! Sir, rest assured, I will safely deliver both of you!"
The carriage set off again, leaving the small town that had just experienced a silent storm.
The journey was long.
Inside the carriage, Mr. Cheng Mo mostly kept his eyes closed, concentrating, performing a cultivation Tanjirou couldn't understand.
Tanjirou dared not be idle either, diligently recalling the feeling of the Qi Refining Technique combined with the Kagura Dance, adjusting his breathing, and sensing his body.
Only occasionally, Mr. Cheng Mo would suddenly open his eyes, his finger, carrying a faint electric glow, touching an acupoint on him.
"Maintain your breathing, guide it." It was always this cold phrase.
Tanjirou had long grown accustomed to the tingling, aching, and itching sensation, and even began to feel the benefits of the tempering from it.
He gritted his teeth, sweat dripping from his forehead, and tried his best to comply.
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