Three days later, in a small town along the northwestern border.
Uzui Tengen, dressed in simple merchant travel clothes, walked through the market at an easy pace. He kept his presence tightly restrained, yet his natural flair still drew curious glances from passersby.
"I heard they found blue flowers in a cave beyond the mountain," a peddler whispered to a customer.
"My cousin saw them himself. They glow under the moonlight."
Uzui Tengen's lips curved slightly. The plan to spread information about the Blue Spider Lily was unfolding perfectly.
At the same time, Sol Mirek stood atop the tallest clock tower in town, silently observing everything below. His perception spread outward like an invisible web, covering every corner.
"He's here," Sol murmured.
As night settled in, the streets grew quieter. Sol remained still at the top of the tower, his gaze fixed on a seemingly unremarkable corner near the market.
A grotesque pot had appeared beside the very peddler spreading the rumor.
"Upper Rank Five, Gyokko."
Sol senses clearly picked up the dense demonic blood flowing through the creature, far thicker than that of any ordinary demon.
Uzui Tengen seemed to notice something and quickly moved toward the peddler.
Gyokko slowly emerged from behind him, the eerie patterns on his pot faintly glowing in the moonlight. Uzui Tengen rested his hand on his nichirin blade, though his posture remained that of an ordinary traveler.
"What a beautiful piece of art," Gyokko said in a warped tone, the eyes on his pot shifting erratically.
"Why not let me turn you into my finest collection?"
Uzui Tengen was about to act when Sol's voice echoed in his mind.
"Don't expose your strength. Act like you are outmatched and retreat."
From above, Sol watched closely. He could feel Uzui's muscles tense and his heartbeat quicken, yet the Sound Hashira maintained perfect control over his breathing.
"You... you!" the peddler stammered, his legs giving out.
Uzui grabbed him, feigning panic. "Mon... monster!"
Gyokko let out a shrill laugh. "Run. The more you struggle, the more beautiful it becomes."
Tentacles shot out from the pot, chasing them. Uzui deliberately slowed, letting one brush against his sleeve to sell the illusion of desperation.
From the tower, Sol nodded slightly. Perfect execution.
He leaped down silently, following Gyokko's movements without a sound.
In the forest outside town, Uzui came to a stop, pretending to gasp for breath as he shielded the peddler.
"Go. I'll hold him off."
Gyokko floated closer, his eyes gleaming. "How touching. I will preserve you as my masterpiece."
Sol's voice echoed again.
"You can counterattack, but hold back. Let him think you are just another swordsman."
Uzui understood immediately. Drawing his blade, he spoke,
"Sound Breathing, First Form, Roar."
The strike was sharp and precise, but restrained. It only severed a few of Gyokko's tentacles.
"Oh? Interesting," Gyokko said with amusement. "But still lacking."
Hidden among the trees, Sol observed every movement. The flow of demonic blood within Gyokko was clear to him. That signature would lead him to Muzan.
The fight dragged on for several minutes. Uzui deliberately left an opening, allowing a tentacle to strike his shoulder. Blood soaked into his clothes.
"Ah!" he cried, dropping to one knee as his blade slipped from his grasp.
Gyokko drifted closer, triumphant. "Finally, my new piece."
Just as he prepared to strike, Sol appeared behind him without a sound, his palm resting lightly against the pot.
"Got you."
His voice was calm, yet cold.
Gyokko froze. The eyes on his pot spun wildly. "You... who are you?"
He had not sensed Sol at all. Fear flooded him instantly.
Cracks spread across the pot as dark purple blood seeped out. Sol's light touch carried overwhelming force, enough to nearly crush him.
"You... what are you!" Gyokko's voice twisted in terror.
He loosened his grip slightly, allowing Gyokko limited movement while keeping him severely weakened. He glanced at Uzui.
Uzui gave a subtle nod.
"Haha! We are the ones who will kill you. This was all a trap set by the Demon Slayer Corps!" Uzui declared loudly.
"Tonight, you die!"
He raised his blade and struck.
At that moment, Sol released his hold.
"A chance!"
Gyokko reacted instantly, unleashing a burst of poisonous needles and corrosive liquid before retreating at full speed.
"Damn it! He escaped!" Uzui shouted, though a faint smile lingered.
Above the forest, Sol had already begun following. His movements were silent, effortless. Gyokko never stood a chance of escaping his perception.
The demon fled north in panic.
He had to report this immediately. A being capable of overwhelming an Upper Rank demon had appeared.
"Soon... almost there," Gyokko muttered, his eyes darting around.
He never noticed Sol trailing calmly above him.
The outline of a large city appeared ahead. As he drew closer, a grand Western-style mansion came into view, surrounded by iron gates and manicured grounds.
From the shadows at a distance, Sol watched.
The aura within the mansion was overwhelming, far denser than Gyokko's.
A slow smile formed on his face.
"Finally found you, Muzan."
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