Kibutsuji Muzan was stunned.
He had never seen anyone who didn't desire eternal life. Even Demon Slayer Corps members—if offered immortality—would be willing to sell their souls.
That was human nature.
How many people could truly look past life and death?
Xia Feng simply smiled faintly, then looked at Akaza with a troubled expression. "If you're still here, this is actually a bit of a dilemma for me."
Akaza looked at him curiously. "A dilemma? About what?"
"Whether I should kill you first… or kill Kibutsuji Muzan first. After all, you know—I only have one Nichirin Blade. I can't decapitate both of you at the same time. It's just not… long enough."
Xia Feng glanced at his blade—now only half remained.
Akaza burst into laughter. "I actually like your personality. Too bad you're with the Demon Slayer Corps—that makes me very unhappy."
Xia Feng took a deep breath. "Forget it. I'll kill you first. Otherwise, you'll just go let the demons outside in—and that would be a real headache."
Thunderclap and Flash!!
Xia Feng's speed surged, and a lightning-fast slash followed.
By the time he swung his blade, he was already in front of Akaza—striking before Akaza could properly react.
Even so, Akaza managed to cross his arms in front of him.
A harsh, grating sound rang out.
The metallic clash made it clear—Akaza's arms were protected by some kind of steel-like guard.
That wasn't surprising.
His body could no longer regenerate under Xia Feng's blade, so he had no choice but to rely on such armor to block damage.
Xia Feng actually found that admirable.
Even knowing the blade could kill him, Akaza still faced it head-on without fear.
That kind of pure obsession with strength—willing to give up everything for it—was, in a way, admirable.
Even if he was a demon… he was still a thinking one.
Xia Feng leapt back, but Akaza immediately pressed forward, refusing to yield.
Powerful punches exploded from Akaza's fists. Xia Feng kept dodging as each strike shattered whatever it hit with ease.
Akaza's expression grew increasingly frenzied, as if he would never stop fighting.
"Why keep dodging?! Fight me head-on!! Your strength is incredible—I know that! So hurry up and strike me with your Nichirin Blade!!"
As he roared and attacked, the two fought from the courtyard all the way to the mountainside stone steps.
The steps were already cracked, and the surrounding trees had been completely devastated.
Akaza threw a punch.
Xia Feng twisted his blade and sidestepped, narrowly avoiding it. His Nichirin Blade slid along Akaza's arm—
A piercing screech filled the air.
The half-broken blade scraped forward along Akaza's arm, reaching his shoulder—
Slash!!
The blade cut across Akaza's neck.
Though Akaza instinctively tried to retreat, he couldn't completely evade the strike.
Half his neck was severed.
Yet he only smiled.
There was shock in his eyes—but no fear.
"Wonderful… this is wonderful! I'll become even stronger… I must become even stronger!!"
Akaza clenched his fists.
But at that moment, Xia Feng appeared in front of him.
"Alright, that's enough. I'm actually pretty busy—I still need to deal with Kibutsuji Muzan."
Akaza suddenly roared, grabbing a stone table nearby and hurling it at Xia Feng.
Xia Feng easily dodged and slipped past him in a flash.
His blade swept through—
And completely severed Akaza's head.
Akaza collapsed to the ground, staring at the sky.
As his consciousness faded, memories surfaced. He saw figures slowly approaching him—
His wife.
His family.
Meanwhile, Xia Feng had already rushed back toward the courtyard.
—
Muzan stared at the Hashira blocking his path, his expression growing darker.
He hadn't expected them to fight so recklessly—as if they didn't fear death at all.
"If you want to die that badly… I'll grant your wish!"
Fury twisted across his face as he lunged toward the Love Hashira.
The Serpent Hashira grabbed her and pulled her back, stepping forward himself and striking with his blade.
Slash!!
The Serpent Hashira's eyes widened.
A gaping hole had been punched through his abdomen. Blood poured from his mouth.
Muzan casually flung him aside. "That's what happens when you stand in my way. If you're not afraid of death—come at me!"
At that moment, a voice rang out—
"And what exactly is that 'outcome' you're talking about?"
Xia Feng appeared.
One hand rested on the Serpent Hashira's body. The wound inflicted by Muzan began healing at a visible rate.
After stabilizing him, Xia Feng stood up, raising his half-broken Nichirin Blade toward Muzan.
"Alright. Now there's nothing left to interfere with our fight."
Muzan clenched his teeth. "I didn't expect even Akaza to fall to you."
Xia Feng smiled faintly. "Isn't that normal? Even Kokushibo died by my hand. He was never on that level."
Muzan glanced around.
Only then did he realize—
All the Upper Moons he brought were dead.
Even the vampire bats had been nearly wiped out.
Now, he stood alone.
Every Hashira had gathered, surrounding him.
The Wind Hashira stood atop a wall, his brother Genya beside him.
"So that's Kibutsuji Muzan, huh? Looks like I'll be the one to kill him today."
Sanemi grinned wildly.
The Water Hashira, Giyu, appeared from another direction.
All the Hashira had arrived, encircling the entire courtyard.
Muzan suddenly burst into laughter.
"How pathetic… This is the Demon Slayer Corps that has hunted me for a thousand years. And now, I'm finally forced into a direct confrontation with them!"
His expression twisted with fury.
"Back then, there was Yoriichi—and that was already unbearable. And now another one like you has appeared, Xia Feng…"
"If the heavens want me dead… then so be it!"
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