Starting in The Boys to Become the Ultimate Lifeform.

## Chapter 172: Collective Action, Gyokko Stunned (Two-in-One)

"Demon Slayer Mark... what an unfamiliar term, I've never heard of it before."

Mitsuri Kanroji's large eyes were filled with curiosity.

"It's normal that you don't know, you haven't been in the Demon Slayer Corps for long." Kagaya Ubuyashiki looked at the Hashira. "This is a special phenomenon recorded in ancient texts, dating back to the first generation of demon slayers. At that time, the inheritance of Sun Breathing was not yet severed, and some swordsmen, unintentionally, awakened the Demon Slayer Mark, gaining strength far beyond the ordinary.

With that power, they could easily slay Demons, even the Upper Ranks were no exception.

But as time passed, once Sun Breathing was completely lost, the swordsmen capable of awakening the Demon Slayer Mark also vanished into the river of history. This is why, for hundreds of years, not a single Upper Rank has died. Without the aid of that power, even the Hashira cannot contend against the Upper Ranks of the Twelve Kizuki."

As he spoke, a hint of nostalgia appeared in Kagaya Ubuyashiki's eyes.

Undoubtedly, that era was absolutely the most prosperous for the Demon Slayer Corps. Countless geniuses and powerhouses emerged one after another, especially the existence of that man, who forced Muzan and his subordinates, the Foul Demons, to hide deep in the mountains and cling to survival.

Even after that man's death, the Sun Breathing he left behind created the Five Great Basic Breathing Styles: Water, Stone, Flame, Wind, and Thunder, for later generations.

However, his death also meant that the dawn of the Demon Slayer Corps would eventually set.

Until now, not only has the inheritance of Sun Breathing disappeared, but the strength of the Demon Slayer Corps has also weakened to the extreme. It's hard to imagine that the Thunder Hashira of the Five Great Breathing Styles could be absent; this has never happened before. Fortunately, he saw Xia Shang. Xia Shang is like Yoriichi Tsugikuni from hundreds of years ago, appearing suddenly with an invincible posture.

This made him unable to help but suspect that Xia Shang is the Chosen One of this era.

Fortunately, Xia Shang couldn't hear what he was thinking, otherwise, he would definitely show the same sunny smile as Homelander.

"So that's how it is. Doesn't that mean as long as we can awaken the Demon Slayer Mark, we'll have the strength to slay Upper Ranks?" Sanemi Shinazugawa said excitedly.

But the next second, Ubuyashiki poured a basin of cold water over his head.

"Ancient texts record that anyone who awakens the Demon Slayer Mark will not live past 25 years old, with only one exception: the creator of Sun Breathing, Lord Yoriichi Tsugikuni.

Although the Demon Slayer Mark grants the awakened powerful strength, this strength is obtained at the cost of one's life. If possible, I hope you will consider this carefully."

"Then what are we waiting for? Mr. Xia Shang, please tell me how to awaken the Demon Slayer Mark."

Kyojuro Rengoku looked at Xia Shang with sincere eyes.

"To awaken the Demon Slayer Mark, two conditions must be met," Xia Shang said calmly. "First, your body temperature must reach 39 degrees Celsius. Second, your pulse frequency must be above 200."

"39 degrees? In that state, it's already difficult for a person to stay conscious, let alone fight."

Shinobu Kocho was a little surprised. The normal human body temperature is between 36 and 37 degrees. Once it exceeds 37 degrees, it causes discomfort, let alone 39 degrees. In such a situation, timely treatment is usually required, otherwise, it can easily be life-threatening.

"As long as you can overcome it, there's a high probability you can awaken the Demon Slayer Mark. As for those who can't overcome it, that's your problem. Alright, Mr. Ubuyashiki, please come with me."

With that, Xia Shang led Kagaya Ubuyashiki to a tree nearby.

"Mr. Ubuyashiki, I hope you can do me a favor."

"Please tell me," Ubuyashiki nodded slightly.

"Help me find the Blue Spider Lily. This flower grows where Yoriichi Tsugikuni's wife is buried. It only blooms two or three times a year during the daytime, and its growth conditions are very strict. If the environment is slightly damaged, entire patches of Blue Spider Lilies will die."

After all, only the Ubuyashiki Family knows where Yoriichi Tsugikuni and his wife are buried. Perhaps Tanjiro's Father and Mother also knew; their ancestors Sumiyoshi and Suyako were friends with Yoriichi Tsugikuni, and maybe Yoriichi Tsugikuni told them where he buried his wife. However, they are now dead.

Currently, the only ones who should know the location are the Ubuyashiki Family.

"No wonder Muzan couldn't find the Blue Spider Lily. So this flower only blooms during the daytime." Then, Ubuyashiki mentioned the name of a mountain.

And that mountain happened to be where Tanjiro's family lived.

This means that when Muzan attacked Tanjiro's family, he missed the very thing he had been dreaming of. However, since it was winter that day, covered in white snow, it was normal that he couldn't find it. But if Muzan knew that he had missed the Blue Spider Lily, he would probably die of anger.

"I will immediately send Kasugai Crows to search there. I hope we will find something." Kagaya Ubuyashiki decided to act in secret and dispatch Kasugai Crows, who are incapable of betrayal or leaking information.

"After you get the Blue Spider Lily, remember to give me one stalk." Xia Shang glanced at Tamayo, who was standing far away, avoiding the sunlight with an umbrella. Then, guided by the logistics personnel, he walked towards the room Ubuyashiki had arranged for him.

On the other side.

Sanemi Shinazugawa scoffed dismissively, "Doesn't sound difficult at all."

At this moment, Giyu Tomioka spoke up.

"Such strict conditions, and you say it's not difficult? I envy you for having such a simple brain."

"Say that again if you dare." Sanemi Shinazugawa said, extremely displeased.

Seeing this, Mitsuri Kanroji quickly stepped forward to change the subject: "Don't, don't be angry. Let's discuss how to start the Demon Slayer Mark Training."

"That's right, we don't have much time left." Gyomei Himejima's pale eyes shed tears. "Even if Mitsuri's plan succeeds, without sufficient strength, it will be difficult to kill Muzan. And once Muzan knows that the Blue Spider Lily we give him is fake, he will definitely launch an even more frantic counterattack."

"Hmph, for your sakes, I won't bother with him." Sanemi Shinazugawa snorted coldly and turned around to walk towards the Training Ground by himself.

"Giyu, you shouldn't have said those things."

Kyojuro Rengoku also didn't want to see conflict arise among the Hashira, especially at this critical moment.

Giyu Tomioka was silent for a moment, then quietly left.

...

A day later, bad news kept coming.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki looked at the Kasugai Crows constantly flying in through the window, his mood growing heavier.

Those black figures were like messengers delivering letters for the Grim Reaper. Every time they appeared, it meant that another large group of humans had been killed by demons.

On the Training Ground, the atmosphere was extremely heavy.

Finally, Sanemi couldn't hold back. With a ferocious face, he slashed his sword into the ground and roared, "Why aren't we taking action yet! Are we going to stand here like cowards and watch those demons slaughter humans wantonly!"

"What's the progress on Shinobu's side?"

Kyojuro Rengoku asked Mitsuri, who was nearby.

"I heard they are developing a serum that can turn demons back into humans, and it should be effective against Muzan."

Suddenly, Xia Shang walked out of the room and exhaled the waste gas from his body. The corners of his mouth curved slightly upwards; he seemed to be in a very good mood.

[Five Brains Seven Hearts Fusion in progress, current progress 78%]

Currently, he had two hearts beating on either side of his chest. The remaining five hearts were located in his arms, legs, and neck. However, these hearts were still very immature and required some time to strengthen before they could become Heart Engines.

As for the brain... he only had one extra for now. It was located in Xia Shang's abdomen. It couldn't think independently, but memory and consciousness were shared. Once Xia Shang's main brain was destroyed, this secondary brain would immediately become the main brain, acting as a backup power source.

"It's getting dark. Does anyone want to go hunt an Upper Rank with me?" Xia Shang's tone was quite flat.

It was as if hunting an Upper Rank was as easy for him as discussing what to eat for dinner.

"What?" Sanemi Shinazugawa suspected he had misheard.

"Don't you think they're annoying? I don't want to be bothered by them when fighting Muzan." Xia Shang tidied his attire, preparing to depart.

"Mr. Xia Shang, if you act rashly, won't it displease Muzan and make him even more frantic? How about we wait until our plan begins before taking action?" Kyojuro Rengoku advised.

"Kyojuro, do you even hear what you're saying? Do you think he'll stop if we just sit by and do nothing like this? Then where are these Kasugai Crows coming from?"

Sanemi Shinazugawa strongly agreed with Xia Shang's idea. At this moment, the anger in his heart was so intense that if he didn't vent it, he would go crazy! "Besides Sanemi Shinazugawa, who else wants to go with me?" Xia Shang didn't expect them to help him much; just helping him slightly hold back the Upper Rank would be enough. That way, his efficiency in killing would be higher. Otherwise, like Hantengu, chasing and running around was simply a waste of time.

"Count me in." Gyomei Himejima stepped forward.

"Me too."

Obanai Iguro, who was always in a tree when he appeared, stroked the white snake's smooth head and jumped down from the tree.

"Are you all going? Then I'll go too." Mitsuri raised her hand.

"Since that's the case, I'll go too."

Kyojuro Rengoku's voice was loud.

...

In a village near the Seaside, several children were playing with a Colored Pot, chasing each other.

"Let me play with it!"

"No, you've already played with it once."

Late at night, the parents of the children stood in front of the Wooden Cabin door, waving for them to go inside and sleep.

"Jiro, you keep this pot. Tomorrow we'll try using it to raise fish."

"That's a really good idea."

A sudden voice made one of the children ask in confusion, "Jiro, was that you talking just now?"

"That was you, Tanji."

Seeing everyone shaking their heads, Tanji, who was holding the Colored Pot, couldn't help but frown. "Strange, the voice seems to be coming from inside the pot."

Unexpectedly, as soon as he finished speaking, a puff of black smoke surged out from the mouth of the pot.

"Demon! It's a demon!!" When he saw the black smoke condense into a terrifying Foul Demon with pale skin and purple fish fins on its head, Tanji subconsciously threw the Colored Pot from his hand. "Quick, run..."

"You wanted to use my pot to raise fish? I'll grant you that."

Gyokko took out a pot with a Water grass pattern and slammed it down on Tanji's head. Immediately after, a bloated Goldfish rushed out from the mouth of the pot. The goldfish opened its bloody mouth and actually bit off half of Tanji's body with one bite.

Seeing such a horrifying scene, Jiro and the others were instantly scared out of their wits.

"Hehehe, is it too late to run now? Your corpses will make excellent new works of art for me."

Gyokko's body wrapped around the children like seawater. Small demon arms grew on the surface of his body, tearing the children apart cruelly before stuffing them into a pot. "I really don't know what that person is thinking, wanting me to share blood with those ordinary humans. I would never do that. They are only fit to be my food."

"Go, eat everything within my gaze!" A morbid expression appeared on Gyokko's face.

Soon, pots with Water grass patterns emerged from beneath him. These pots swayed, and goldfish with puffed-up mouths swam out impatiently from inside. Finally, carrying the pots on their heads, they rushed into the village.

Listening to the screams and cries coming from ahead, Gyokko waved his arms in ecstasy.

Meanwhile, on Xia Shang's side.

Guided by the Kasugai Crows, the group ran through the forest.

"The area where Gyokko is active is ahead. Everyone, be careful." Kyojuro Rengoku followed behind Xia Shang and turned to speak to the other Hashira.

"Such a heavy smell of blood."

"It's up ahead."

Everyone except Shinobu Kocho was present for this operation.

"Damn it! How many people did he kill!" As the Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa was extremely sensitive to the blood mixed in the sea breeze. This level of concentration was definitely not from just one or two people.

However, just as they were about to arrive.

Gyokko seemed to sense something and spoke to himself, "Hehehe, it seems a few powerful auras are heading my way. Is it that group of idiots from the Demon Slayer Corps? I didn't expect the cowardly turtles to dare show their heads."

"Wind Breathing, First Form: Dust Whirlwind Cutter!" A roar echoed from the forest. Immediately after, a pillar of wind formed by countless wind blades, like a high-speed rotating drill, plowed through the mud on the ground and rushed towards Gyokko.

"Oh, it's rare to see someone use Wind Breathing so well."

Facing the incoming gale, Gyokko leisurely took out a pot with a Waves pattern. The next second, a continuous stream of water surged out from the mouth of the pot, forming a Water Pot that enveloped him like a fountain.

The moment the wind blades touched the water wall, countless ripples appeared. But the water wall was far more resilient than Sanemi Shinazugawa had imagined; it seemed capable of freely changing from soft to hard. Therefore, even with the fierce attack of the wind blades, they couldn't cut through the water wall immediately. Soon, the wind blades were worn away.

"You are truly impolite, actually launching a sneak attack on me. Is this the style of your Demon Slayer Corps?" At this moment, Gyokko hadn't realized the seriousness of the situation. Just one or two Hashira, he didn't put them in his eyes at all.

"Against you, no means is too much." Sanemi Shinazugawa gripped his sword hilt tightly, preparing to launch another attack.

"No, how many of you are there?"

Gyokko felt a faint sense of unease.

"Guess..."

Kyojuro Rengoku, Gyomei Himejima, Obanai Iguro... Xia Shang and the five others slowly walked out.

Almost the entire Demon Slayer Corps was here! Gyokko was completely stunned.

I watered down two chapters, I am guilty... (Lowering head to admit mistake, shedding small pearls.)

(end of chapter)