One person: Lu Jin, do I look like your master?

"Regardless of this 'immortal's' motives, his warning is an extremely important piece of information for us, and we cannot ignore it."

He made a decision.

Immediately, Kagaya Ubuyashiki gestured for Amane to spread out a new sheet of paper. He picked up a pen, dipped it in ink, and began writing a reply to Sakonji Urokodaki.

His handwriting was elegant and powerful, showing no weakness despite his frail health.

In the letter, he first clearly expressed his appreciation and gratitude for Urokodaki Sakonji's report.

"...What Lord Urokodaki has seen and heard is beyond comprehension, but I have great faith in your judgment."

Since that being has issued this warning, we should take it seriously and believe it to be true rather than denying its existence.

Then, he made specific arrangements:

"Regarding the relocation of the Kamado family, I will immediately dispatch members of the 'Hidden' to Mount Kumotake to assist them in managing their household affairs and ensuring a proper relocation."

They can be initially settled in a town near Mount Sagiri, protected by a family crest of wisteria blossoms, to ensure their safety. The costs will be borne by headquarters.

Then, he shifted his focus and made a more profound request:

"Furthermore, I would like to ask Lord Urokodaki to assist that boy named Tanjiro in describing the appearance, clothing, and demeanor of that being in as much detail as possible, and to find a skilled painter to create a portrait of him."

This matter is of great importance; I hope you will do your utmost to handle it.

At this point, Kagaya Ubuyashiki paused, looked up at the distant sky outside the window, as if gazing at an unknowable destiny.

Tianyin asked softly:

"You're thinking……"

Kagaya Ubuyashiki nodded slightly, his eyes gleaming with wisdom.

"Whether this 'immortal' happened to be passing by or had ulterior motives, his appearance itself is a huge variable."

He possesses powers that we cannot comprehend, and he has goodwill (or at least non-maliciousness) towards the Kamado family, as well as his understanding of our Demon Slayer Corps.

Perhaps... perhaps this will be an unexpected opportunity in our thousand-year stalemate against Muzan Kibutsuji.

His voice was soft, yet it carried a heavy sense of anticipation.

"We must try to understand him, even if it's just a vague image or a possible clue."

The arrival of this 'sage' may not only be a turning point for the Kamado family, but it could also be... an opportunity for our Demon Slayer Corps, and even for all of humanity in its struggle against demons.

The letter was sealed and swiftly carried away by the loyal raven.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki sat back down at his desk, his face still pale, but deep within his eyes, which were gradually losing their light, it was as if a small spark had been thrown in, dispelling some of the gloom that had lasted for thousands of years.

He began to look forward to what kind of information about the "immortal" would come in the next letter from Urokodaki Sakon.

Where will this sudden and mysterious variable lead the river of fate?

Chapter 8 Preparing to Move

In the misty morning air of Mount Sagiri, the sound of a boy's rapid breathing and firm footsteps could already be heard in the clearing of the forest.

Tanjiro, with a sweatband tied around his forehead, was undergoing the most basic physical training as instructed by Sakonji Urokodaki—a full-speed sprint back and forth.

His legs felt as heavy as lead, and his lungs burned, but an indomitable flame burned in his crimson eyes.

Ever since that day, Urokodaki Sakonji wanted him to truly understand what a "demon" was.

After witnessing firsthand the imprisoned demon vanish into thin air under the sunlight, and experiencing the brutal, chaotic, and bloodthirsty evil aura, Tanjiro was deeply shocked.

He instantly understood what the "divine intervention" warning might mean.

He dared not think any further if such a monster attacked his unsuspecting family.

After the fear subsided, an unprecedented determination welled up within me.

He found Urokodaki Sakonji, who was sharpening his Nichirin sword, and bowed deeply, his voice trembling slightly with emotion:

"Mr. Urokodaki! Please... please teach me how to cultivate! Please teach me a way to fight off demons! I want to protect my family!"

Urokodaki Sakonji put down his sword, his tengu mask expressionless as he faced Tanjiro, remaining silent for a moment.

He could sense the sincerity in the boy's words and the strong will to protect him, but he knew better than anyone the cruelty of this path.

"This is a very dangerous road, full of thorns and death. Fighting ghosts means constantly walking on the edge of the abyss."

Urokodaki's voice came through the mask, deep and serious.

Are you sure you want to embark on this path?

"I am sure!"

Tanjiro answered without the slightest hesitation. The faces of his family flashed through his mind, giving him boundless courage.

He has seen another side of the world, knows the existence of threats, and knows that running away will not bring safety. Only by having power can he protect what he cherishes.

Looking at the unwavering determination in the boy's eyes, Urokodaki Sakonji seemed to see the shadows of some of his former companions.

He nodded slowly:

"I understand. From today onwards, I will subject you to rigorous training. Whether you can persevere and eventually wield the Nichirin Blade depends on your resolve and perseverance."

Thus, Tanjiro's training began.

Physical training far exceeding his age, tedious yet crucial breathing exercises, precise control over every inch of his muscles... every day he was so exhausted he could barely move, but Tanjiro never complained.

His progress was visible to the naked eye, and his tenacity and pure heart made Urokodaki Sakonji secretly nod in approval.

That day, as Tanjiro finished a sprint and was panting heavily while holding his knees, Urokodaki Sakonji walked over with a reply from Kasugai Crow.

"Tanjiro."

"The Lord has already replied to me."

Tanjiro immediately looked up, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"When the Lord agrees to send members of 'Hidden' to help your family relocate to a town near Mount Sagiri, where the wisteria crest will protect them and make it much safer than Mount Kumotori."

Urokodaki told him the good news.

"Really? That's great!"

Tanjiro was overjoyed; half of his anxiety was finally relieved. His family's safe relocation was more important than anything else.

"only……"

Urokodaki abruptly changed the subject.

"But the Lord has one more request. He wants you to carefully recall the facial features of that 'fairy,' the more detailed the better, because we need to draw his appearance."

Although Tanjiro didn't understand why he had to draw it, he was filled with gratitude for the "sage" who had saved his family, and immediately nodded vigorously:

"Yes! I will definitely try my best to remember!"

Then, under Urokodaki Sakonji's guidance, Tanjiro began to try his best to describe Wang Xuan's appearance.

"Black hair, like the night... bright eyes, as if they could see a lot... wearing white."

The clothes were very clean, the fabric seemed to reflect light slightly... Her face was beautiful, but she seemed... very calm, as if she wasn't afraid of anything..."

He searched diligently for words, and although some descriptions were childish and abstract, the core characteristics were repeatedly emphasized.

Based on his description, Urokodaki Sakonji invited a craftsman from a nearby town who was skilled in figure painting. Tanjiro dictated the scene while the craftsman drew the picture.

After several revisions and confirmations, a portrait that was as close as possible to Tanjiro's memory of him was finally completed.

The person in the painting has black hair and is dressed in white. He has a handsome face and deep, peaceful eyes. Although it is just a static portrait, it subtly reveals a transcendent temperament.

"Come on, is this how it looks?"

Nintaki handed the portrait to Tanjiro.

Tanjiro examined it carefully for a long time, then nodded vigorously:

"That's right! That's exactly it! Although... although the drawing doesn't quite capture the real person's... indescribable feeling, it looks very similar!"

Urokodaki Sakonji carefully rolled up the portrait, wrapped it tightly in a waterproof and moisture-proof container, and then handed it over to one of his most reliable and dependable katsura (a type of kasugata).

He ordered it to be delivered to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters with the highest priority and presented to Ubuyashiki Kagaya.

Shortly afterward, a team of "Hidden" members, dressed in simple clothes and moving nimbly, also arrived at Mount Sagiri.

Led by Sakonji Urokodaki, who was familiar with the roads, and accompanied by Tanjiro, the group embarked on their journey back to Mount Kumotori to carry out the relocation mission of the Kamado family.

Tanjiro's heart had already flown back to his family, filled with the joy of their impending reunion and the anticipation of starting a new life.

While Tanjiro and Sakonji Urokodaki were leading the "Hidden" forces to Mount Kumotori, a storm was brewing at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.

After receiving Urokodaki Sakonji's initial report and sending a reply, Ubuyashiki Kagaya did not delay at all and immediately contacted the Kasugai Crow network that covered various regions.

A top-level emergency call-up order was issued to all current "pillars".

"All pillars, return to headquarters immediately for a pillar meeting!"

The command is brief and leaves no room for argument.

In an instant, the Pillars scattered throughout the Sakura Country, whether on missions or training alone, all put down what they were doing.

They rushed towards headquarters at full speed.

Normally, the Pillars Meeting is held only once every six months, but the Pillars have been summoned back again not long after the last meeting ended, so something must have happened.

Chapter 9: Pillar Meeting

At this point, the Demon Slayer Corps was indeed far from its peak strength at the beginning of the original story.

The losses from a thousand-year struggle against demons, coupled with the rarity of finding a genius swordsman, meant that the positions of the "Pillars" were not fully occupied.

Standing atop the Demon Slayer Corps are seven swordsmen with distinct styles, yet all equally powerful:

The Stone Pillar, Gyomei of Himejima: He is as imposing as a mountain, blind yet possesses extraordinary senses, and exudes an aura of compassion and indestructibility. He is the most powerful and respected among the Pillars.

Wind Pillar Sanemi Shinazugawa: He has a silver spiky hairstyle, a scar on his face, fierce eyes, and exudes a turbulent and restless aura like a hurricane. He harbors extreme hatred for demons.

Sound Pillar - Uzui Tengen: Wears a magnificent jeweled headband, has a robust physique, and dresses flamboyantly. He calls himself the "God of Festivals," values ​​splendor and efficiency, and has keen senses.

Water Pillar Tomioka Giyu: With his black hair flowing down his back and indifferent eyes, he wears a haori with different patterns on the left and right sides. He is taciturn and often lives alone, appearing somewhat unsociable.

Snake Pillar Obanai Iguro: Heterochromatic eyes, with a white male python, Kaburamaru, coiled around his neck. His temperament is gloomy and sharp, like a lurking venomous snake.

Flame Pillar Kyojuro Rengoku: His golden and red hair is like flames, his voice is loud and clear, he is full of energy, and his face always has a bright and infectious smile. He is full of enthusiasm and a sense of justice.

Hanahana Hanazono: With a beautiful and gentle face, she wears a haori with a butterfly wing pattern and always has a faint smile, but deep in her eyes lies an unwavering determination to fight against demons.

These seven Pillars are the core of the Demon Slayer Corps' current fighting force against Muzan Kibutsuji and his Twelve Demon Moons.

At this moment, the seven people had all arrived outside the quiet and elegant courtyard of the Ubuyashiki residence.

They stood in various poses, some with their arms crossed in deep thought, some standing quietly, and some looking around curiously, a silent question filling the air.

The sudden emergency summons disrupted their respective missions and training, and everyone understood that something extremely important, even urgent, must have happened.

Soon, the paper door was gently pulled open. With his wife Amane's careful support, Demon Slayer Corps Commander Kagaya Ubuyashiki slowly walked out and sat down on the edge of the corridor facing the courtyard.

Although the purple marks, like stains, from the curse had begun to appear on his young face, and his eyesight was severely impaired, he still tried to straighten his back, his face bearing its usual gentleness and calmness.

Good morning, everyone! My lovely swordsman children.

His voice rang out, like a stream under the warm spring sun, clear and carrying a strange soothing power, quietly calming the slight restlessness and chill caused by the emergency summons.

"The weather is lovely today!"

Upon hearing their lord's voice, the seven pillars in the courtyard, regardless of their different personalities, all knelt on one knee in unison, bowing their heads in the highest respect.

Even the most volatile Sanemi Shinazugawa restrained his ferocity at this moment, and his actions were without the slightest hesitation.

We sincerely wish you better health.

The voices of the seven people merged together, filled with sincere concern and respect.

The significance of their battle lies largely in the fact that their lord, who is being corrupted by the curse yet still cares for the world and leads them forward.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki smiled with satisfaction and gently raised his hand:

"Please stand up."

Once the pillars had stood in place again, he stopped with pleasantries and went straight to the point. His voice remained gentle, but carried a hint of seriousness:

"The reason for convening the Zhuhe meeting ahead of schedule is simply because of one thing."