A few days later, at the Ubuyashiki family mansion.
The seven Pillars gathered once again.
When they heard that Kuno had failed to invite Oboro into the Demon Slayer Corps, and that he had only brought back some books regarding breathing techniques, the Pillars reacted differently—some were disappointed, some indifferent, and others felt regret.
Rengoku Tenjuro, with flame-like hair of red and yellow and sharp, sword-shaped eyebrows, laughed heartily, "He didn't accept? What a pity... A swordsman as powerful as him, if he had joined the Demon Slayer Corps... he would surely have shone brilliantly and lifted everyone's spirits!"
Kuno had not allowed them to accompany him to meet Oboro.
Partly out of courtesy, and partly to protect Oboro.
Possessing a new method to destroy the life force of demons—if Muzan were to find out, he would surely nip this threat in the bud.
Therefore... it was best to keep everything related to Oboro hidden from the outside world.
"As Master said, his time is limited. Even if he wished to help us, what he could do would be very limited." Kawai Ichiei, the Water Pillar with neat grey hair, seemed to understand why Oboro refused.
"However, his claim that the ability to slay demons is an innate talent... that is worth looking into."
"It wasn't the sword, nor was it breathing techniques... then what could it be? Could it be some kind of rare physique, where his blood destroys demon cells?"
Among the Demon Slayer Corps, some possessed 'rare blood,' and such individuals were usually coveted by demons.
Certain types of rare blood were equivalent to the nutrition of ten or even a hundred humans, and some special varieties were even more potent.
The blood of these people... held a fatal attraction for demons and also possessed certain effects.
For instance, the scent of potent rare blood could cause weak-willed demons to feel momentarily dizzy or slightly paralyzed.
It could also be seen as a form of mental stimulation.
But never had they heard of any rare blood capable of destroying a demon's life force.
"Breathing techniques have always been passed down only among our special circle. After all, without bearing the mission to hunt demons, one wouldn't have the opportunity or environment to learn them.
Looking at it this way, his ancestors must have been members of the Demon Slayer Corps, or at least were in the past... or maintained some connection with us. Or perhaps he is the descendant of a cultivator..." someone added.
But if he was the descendant of a cultivator, why hadn't he joined the Corps?
People like them were born with the mission to kill demons.
"The situation in every era is complex, and with various factors intertwining, unexpected things happen... Since he is now an official of the Shogunate, involved in state affairs... it is only reasonable that he might have abandoned his original beliefs." The Stone Pillar spoke up; he had a square face, thick eyebrows, large eyes, and full lips.
They couldn't exactly call Oboro a traitor.
Compared to holding power and status, killing demons was a dangerous, exhausting, and thankless task.
One could only say... the will to exterminate demons had not been well preserved in Oboro's lineage.
"Since he left the 'ranks' so long ago, even if he knows some breathing techniques or swordsmanship... they would be things long outdated by this era." The Light Pillar, the only woman among the seven with a long ponytail and cold eyes, said disdainfully.
Someone who gave up halfway didn't deserve to be associated with the Demon Slayer Corps. At least he had the self-awareness to stay away!
Their breathing techniques had been summarized and improved over generations, accumulated through constant battles against demons... they were always evolving and growing stronger. Oboro's lineage must have vanished long ago. Under those circumstances, what value could his teachings possibly have?!
Kuno watched the seven Pillars in silence, not interrupting or explaining.
He had met Oboro personally and felt the man's uniqueness up close... There was no need to say much. Even if he explained, the seven wouldn't feel the same way.
He believed in Oboro, that was enough.
"Read them first before you speak!"
Suddenly, Masayuki, the Wind Pillar, said in a deep voice. His fingers holding the book were trembling slightly.
His voice was filled with uncontrollable excitement.
He was the first to pick up a book and read it, not participating in the discussion.
He had no intention of criticizing Oboro.
Since things had come to this point and Master had only brought back books... they just needed to check if they were valuable. If not... the Corps would continue as usual.
If they were valuable, then it was a welcome addition, and the trip wouldn't have been in vain.
"Hmm?"
Seeing his expression, the others sensed something was wrong and quickly took the remaining books, flipping through them.
On the pages were detailed diagrams of the human body's meridians, even marking specific 'acupoints'... Every part and region was annotated meticulously and clearly. Arrows even illustrated the circulation routes for 'energy flow'...
Many pathways and vessels they were seeing for the first time. It showed that the 'internal energy' formed through breathing circulation possessed extraordinary effects.
For all swordsmen, they only understood that breathing techniques strengthened the body and that 'focusing the mind' amplified the effect, but nothing was ever explained in such detail.
Most importantly, the book stated that all meridians could form a complete 'cycle' or circuit. If one could cultivate internal energy to its peak, their strength would grow to an unimaginable level.
Compared to the knowledge in these books, the seven Pillars' understanding of the human body... was practically non-existent.
Oboro had given them a key to unlock the treasure trove of humanity, laying countless secrets bare before their eyes.
"Internal energy... Spirit, Aura, Essence... Circulation cycles... It feels so profound."
After a long while, Kawai Ichiei, the Water Pillar, licked his dry lips. He was having trouble processing it all...
Even with his mastery of breathing, despite the detailed illustrations, it was difficult to fully digest.
"Is... is this really the breathing technique we know?"
"The book I have records a method called 'Static Breathing,' with specific meridian pathways... It also says that once the minor cycle is formed and breathing becomes natural, one can sense the external energy, achieving unity between inside and out."
Another Pillar swallowed hard, staring blankly at his companions.
Is... is that even possible?
The breathing they knew only served to strengthen their bodies temporarily, allowing them to burst forth with combat power in the moment.
Breathing relies on the person to function... how can it take shape independently?
"Mine is about abdominal breathing. It looks simple... but..."
"..."
The knowledge was profound, but as Pillars, they possessed a strong foundation in breathing cultivation... so they had the ability to judge the validity of these diagrams.
They might not understand it yet, but the cultivation methods described were definitely feasible.
"Hahahahaha!"
Suddenly, Rengoku Tenjuro, the Flame Pillar, burst into laughter, "This is fascinating... Whether it's as amazing as it says, we'll know once we try it!"
"Most of our breathing techniques are adapted to individual physical conditions... Even the Water Breathing I use, which has accumulated experience and wisdom from predecessors, isn't easy to master.
But these methods in the books—no, they should be called 'Internal Develop Arts'—they have no barriers and are suitable for everyone... Even if part of the body is missing and one cannot complete the Grand Cycle, one can still attempt the Minor Cycle..."
The Water Pillar put down the book, his eyes wide with shock as he looked at the smiling Kuno, "Just who... is the person you met?"
"Our breathing methods are merely applied to swordsmanship and killing techniques... In comparison, they seem so simple and crude. But this Internal train is delicate, profound, reaching the very essence of life itself. It is a method for the infinite development of the physical body."
The oldest among them, the Stone Pillar, added with a trembling voice.
Unbelievable!
Actually, Kuno had already read these books on his way back.
He didn't understand breathing or cultivation, but he was a learned man. Just the concept of 'human potential' presented in these diagrams had already shattered his previous understanding.
"Muzan Kibutsuji... his end is not far away!"
Kuno Ubuyashiki kept his smile, looked at the drifting clouds in the sky, and said firmly.
He unconsciously clenched his fists.
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