Demon Sword Maiden

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Surrounded by Shimizu's divine energy, she immediately became aware of the locations of every demon and trap within her range of perception. Any demon who attempted to flee or harm the imprisoned women was instantly overwhelmed by an invisible surge of energy and pinned down.

Cries of agony echoed through the cavern as the demons howled and roared, caught off guard by the crushing force. A wave of dark energy surged forth, seemingly from nowhere, cutting through the demons and slaughtering them without mercy.

Every demon beneath the Infernal Stage was annihilated on the spot. Even those at the Infernal Stage suffered heavy injuries. Terrified, they abandoned their plans and fled in desperation.

Not even a typical Supreme God could unleash divine power across such a vast range without regard for terrain. But within the Hekiraku Realm, Shimizu alone was capable of this, for she held absolute control over the realm and the world's omnipresent energy.

With the Lord's death, Ryuen and the other Shizutake girls were finally released from his influence.

Ryuen slowly sat up, dazed. Although her body had been mesmerized and nearly taken over, her mind had remained aware. She remembered everything. That clarity made her understand how naive her earlier dream had been—to become a Celestial Maiden and travel to Takamagahara for training. It had been nothing more than wishful thinking.

She and Lily were fundamentally different in every way. Ryuen had always known Lily and Shimizu were strong, but she had never imagined power to this extent. Shimizu, in particular, seemed to wield the entire Hekiraku Realm as her own weapon.

She lifted her head to see Lily and Shimizu descending from above. Admiration and gratitude swelled in her chest, mingled with more complicated emotions she couldn't name.

Ryuen and the other Shizutake girls gradually regained their senses and stood, only to kneel before Lily and Shimizu moments later.

"Thank you for saving us, goddesses. We were entranced by the demon's powers. But now that he is dead, we've been released. We're alright now."

"Ryuen, Shimizu has already dealt with the demons in these prisons. They won't return anytime soon. But many women are still trapped here. Could you take them back to the Shizutake Tribe?" Lily asked.

"The decision to let them stay rests with our elders," Ryuen replied, "but the Shizutake Tribe will never turn away someone in need. We'll bring them back for sure."

Lily waved her hand, and a white dog appeared beside her. It was Hachiwan.

"Sister Shimizu and I have more pressing matters to handle," Lily said. "Since we can't escort you back, Hachiwan will go with you."

"Thank you… goddess," Ryuen said softly, feeling unworthy to call Lily by name anymore.

Lily found the formality uncomfortable and almost spoke up, but chose to stay silent.

With Shimizu now in full control of the realm, retrieving Hachiwan later would be easy. There was nothing to worry about.

After finalizing arrangements with Ryuen, Lily recalled the disgraceful Celestial Maidens like Riyuki. She had hoped to confront them, but they had already escaped beyond Shimizu's influence, likely using specialized techniques to flee into Takamagahara. There was nothing she could do.

"Ryuen, Hachiwan is strong and can protect you all. Everything should be fine. Just guide the way home and be careful," Lily said. By this time, the other Shizutake girls had rescued the imprisoned women and brought them together in the cavern.

Most of the rescued women wore tattered or revealing clothing, their expressions blank and distant. Lily couldn't help but think of the women from Mount Ooe. Though their strengths had varied greatly, their condition had been hauntingly similar.

Lily felt a deep sense of helplessness. This was the most she could offer right now.

"Goddess, don't worry. Leave everything to us. You shouldn't waste time here and should focus on what truly matters." Though Ryuen still felt reluctant, she was a considerate person. She knew that whatever Lily had to deal with must be far more important than anything she could comprehend.

"Alright," Lily replied with a nod, then shook her head slightly. "But from now on, just call me Sister Lily."

"Huh?" Ryuen blinked, her expression lighting up. A spark of joy returned to Ryuen's voice. "So… I'll still get to see you again, Sister Lily?"

"Of course."

"When… when will we meet again?" she asked, unable to hide her anxiety. She feared that after parting ways here, she might never find the answer.

"You'll know when the time comes," Lily answered with a gentle smile.

Ryuen bowed deeply to Lily and Shimizu in farewell. As they departed, Ryuen and the others resumed their efforts to rescue the remaining imprisoned women throughout the cavern. Hachiwan stayed behind to guard the area.

Lily and Shimizu flew beyond the mountain range and looked out over the vast, shadowed forest below.

"Sister Shimizu, we need to return to Hekiraku City quickly. Do you know the way back?" Lily assumed she did, since Shimizu now had complete control over the realm.

Shimizu gazed into the distance, her long hair swaying in the wind. She turned back with a smile. "Come with me." She took Lily's hand, and the two soared upward, gliding across the endless forests filled with eldritch energy and untouched wilderness.

Shimizu moved with astonishing speed, drawing on the power of the Hekiraku Realm. Lily felt as though they were crossing half the world in mere moments. She wasn't sure whether they were actually heading back or somewhere else entirely.

Eventually, Shimizu brought her to a place unlike any other. It was a secluded valley, surrounded by mist-covered forests and mountain slopes. They descended through the mountain range, where low peaks were laced with winding streams and scattered lakes that shimmered like mirrors, reflecting the stars above.

Though the moon was hidden, the sky sparkled with countless stars and unusual prismatic hues not seen anywhere else. Glowing plants lit the forests and lake surfaces with a soft, ethereal light. To Lily, it felt as if she were walking through an ocean of stars. The scene was breathtaking.

Together, Lily and Shimizu walked along a winding path flanked by tall bamboo groves. The night breeze brushed past them, cool and soothing.

As they turned a corner, Lily spotted a small stone bridge. Stepping onto it, she couldn't help but look around in wonder. All around her, luminous lotuses floated gently across the pond, their petals glowing softly in the dark. Their fragrance drifted through the air as they bloomed quietly beneath the night sky, delicate and perfect.

"What is it, Lily?" Shimizu paused and walked back toward the bridge.

"Sister, look… It's so beautiful," Lily whispered.

Deep down, Lily felt that the lotuses reminded her of Shimizu herself. She was radiant, serene, and quietly dazzling.

"No matter how beautiful the night is, it means little without someone to share it with," Shimizu said softly. "These lotuses are blooming tonight for you."

"Huh?" Lily turned, her cheeks flushed as she looked at Shimizu in surprise. "Sister Shimizu, I know you don't like it when I act formal, but I have to thank you today," Lily said. "If it weren't for you, I don't know if I could have handled that disgusting old man."

She still had one final method she could have used, but the thought of her senior sister falling into another coma terrified her. She never wanted to rely on that again.

"If anything, I should be the one thanking you," Shimizu replied, gazing at the rippling water. "If it weren't for you, I might have lost myself again."

"Sister, what exactly happened to you in this Hekiraku Realm? Why were you in such a state before?" Lily asked gently.

Shimizu gazed at Lily, her eyes catching the shimmer of the pond's light. She remained silent, offering no explanation.

"Just come with me," she said quietly. With that, Shimizu stepped off the stone bridge and began to jog gracefully into the bamboo forest ahead.

Lily hurried after her. "Sister Shimizu, where exactly is the way back? Are we close?"

Hekiraku City remained stable for now, but Lily knew the situation would worsen if nothing was done. She wanted to return as quickly as possible. But Shimizu gave no clear answer. Her gaze, distant and penetrating as if seeing beyond the realm itself, told Lily that she had a solution. Still, the answer was withheld.

When they reached a quiet path deep within the bamboo forest, Shimizu turned and faced Lily. "Lily, let us duel."

"Huh?" Lily blinked, clearly confused.

"Do you remember when we first met? It was in the dojo. We became sisters by crossing blades," Shimizu said with a smile.

"That's true. How could I forget? But now…" Lily hesitated. She knew this wasn't the time for sparring.

"Draw your sword," Shimizu said, her hand resting on her hilt.

"Sister Shimizu, we need to return to Hekiraku City soon. Why do you want to duel here?" Lily asked. She couldn't understand what Shimizu was thinking.

Shimizu lowered her gaze and considered Murasame-Anko in her thoughts. "That's true. This Divine Artifact is too powerful. If we fought seriously here, we might destroy the scenery."

With a wave of her intent, she used dark energy to shave two bamboo stalks into matching lengths. She braided each with younger shoots to create two identical bamboo swords. One she kept for herself, and the other she passed to Lily.

"Let's duel with bamboo swords. Just like in the dojo," Shimizu said softly.

"Well…" Lily accepted the bamboo sword, still unsure of Shimizu's intentions.

"Come," Shimizu said, raising her bamboo sword and pointing it toward Lily from ten steps away. The stance mirrored their very first encounter.

Lily didn't understand why Shimizu had chosen this moment to fight, but she didn't resist. Shimizu now held full control over this realm, so there had to be a reason. Though uneasy, Lily gave a silent nod.

"I understand," Lily said, taking her stance. Her clothes were worn and torn, but as she lifted the bamboo sword, her aura became sharp and composed, befitting a warrior.

Though they were close as sisters, they were also elite swordmasters. As soon as their blades faced each other, the air grew still. They no longer resembled ordinary women but warriors whose presence could freeze the world.

"Lily, I won't overpower you. I won't use my Supreme God abilities or the Hekiraku Realm's power. Let us fight using only pure swordsmanship. What do you say?" Shimizu asked, bamboo sword pointed directly at her.

'What are you thinking, Sister Shimizu?' Lily wondered. Since she couldn't find an answer through words, she would seek it through the blade.

"Sure." A glint of determination appeared in Lily's eyes as she gave her answer.

Shimizu responded with a soft smile. "The loser must become the winner's lover."