Why does the world show a health bar? !

Demons eat humans. Just as a cheetah preys on an antelope, it is a predator at the top of the food chain hunting those below. The entire process has nothing to do with morality or law. The positions of predator and prey are completely opposed.

As for human corpses, no demon can resist the instinct to devour them. This is the curse brought by Muzan Kibutsuji.

So, what could possibly make a demon kill its prey but not consume it, instead disguising the scene as a murder committed by a human?

Why would they do such a thing?

If a cheetah killed an antelope but left the corpse untouched, it would certainly raise questions.

With this question in mind, Li Mo followed Rengoku Shinjuro to visit the merchant's home. Although the Flame Pillar had arrived in time to save the man's life, the merchant had inevitably been left shaken.

This was the reason for their visit.

At the entrance, after Rengoku Shinjuro spoke with the servant, the latter went to inform his master. Seizing the moment, Rengoku Shinjuro said to Li Mo, "Originally, I could have handled this alone, but the complexity of the situation demands careful handling. The leader is also paying close attention to this matter."

"Why is the leader so concerned about this?"

"On one hand, this merchant holds a significant position. On the other hand, it's the peculiar nature of the incident."

Hearing this explanation, Li Mo nodded in agreement. The situation was too bizarre. A demon disguising a murder as a human crime was like a cheetah disguising itself as an antelope to kill another antelope—completely unnecessary.

Yet, this very unnecessary act was enough to keep people awake at night, pondering what lay behind it.

Li Mo asked, "Has there ever been a similar record in the history of the Demon Slayer Corps?"

"Not to my knowledge!"

The first person to eat a crab might not necessarily reap great rewards—they might just end up with a broken tooth.

At this point, all they could do was take the matter seriously. With two "Pillars" present, they stood a chance even against an Upper Moon.

"Sigh, it must be so hard for the leader, having to worry about such things at such a young age," Li Mo couldn't help but sigh.

The leader of the Demon Slayer Corps had to oversee nearly every matter, often burning the midnight oil to review reports. For something as significant as requiring two "Pillars," the leader would undoubtedly have to be consulted.

"Rengoku-san, how many 'Pillars' are currently vacant?" Li Mo asked indirectly.

There are nine "Pillars," as the character for "Pillar" (柱) has nine strokes. This rule has been in place for a long time. Rarely are all nine positions filled at any given time. Like regular Demon Slayers, the mortality rate among the "Pillars" is also high.

Li Mo's question was essentially asking how many of the nine "Pillar" positions were currently empty.

"Five are still vacant."

Li Mo closed his eyes. Himself, the Flame Pillar beside him, and the Stone Pillar, Himejima Gyomei—that made three. Currently, the Demon Slayer Corps had four "Pillars." Who was the fourth? The Kasugai Crow should have told him recently.

Ah, it was the "Sound Pillar," Uzui Tengen?

Two of the future "Pillars" had already appeared. This era truly was a remarkable one.

...

The servant soon returned from inside the house and informed them that the master would see them. Following him, they entered the study.

The merchant, whose surname was Sakata, was a successful businessman with connections to the cabinet. In the business world, he had achieved considerable success. For someone who started from nothing, this was quite impressive.

Sakata had invited Rengoku Shinjuro to accompany him to meet a trade partner. This transaction was crucial and time-consuming, potentially lasting until evening. Despite his fear of another attack, Sakata had to go out, which was why he requested Rengoku Shinjuro to act as his bodyguard.

Li Mo, on the other hand, was entrusted with another task.

He was to guard the house and ensure its safety. In Tokyo, there had been numerous incidents of arson, including the burning of newspaper offices—though arson in Tokyo was a serious crime, given the city's historical wooden structures, the consequences of a fire could be catastrophic.

But what did that have to do with a ruthless demon-slaying swordsman like him? His job was simply to kill demons.

Sakata still needed some time before leaving, so Li Mo and Rengoku Shinjuro stayed behind as guests. Li Mo remembered something and asked, "Rengoku-san, do you know what happened with the investigation I requested from the 'Kakushi' the last time I was in Tokyo?"

"The matter about the red-light district? I don't know," Rengoku Shinjuro provided an unhelpful answer.

Li Mo stroked his chin and said, "I'll have to ask them later."

Gathering information was the job of the "Kakushi." The logistics unit of the Demon Slayer Corps, the "Kakushi" was a vast organization, spreading like a spider's web across every corner of Japan. It could be broadly divided into three groups: the commerce group responsible for fundraising, the intelligence group for gathering information, and the logistics group supporting the Demon Slayers.

The last time Li Mo was in Tokyo, he recalled hearing about an Upper Moon in the red-light district. He had left a request for an investigation, but with so many entertainment districts in Japan, he wasn't sure which one it was.

At dusk, Rengoku Shinjuro left with Sakata, presumably for a business meeting. Li Mo remained alone at the Sakata residence.

An unexpected visitor came to see Li Mo—or rather, the lady of the Sakata household sought him out.

"Hello, Mr. Li."

"Hello, Mrs. Sakata. What can I do for you?"

Sakata Rei, the wife of Sakata, came from a family with considerable influence. Much of Sakata's success could be attributed to his wife's connections.

Li Mo reviewed the information the "Kakushi" had gathered the previous night.

Sakata Rei said, "I apologize for the intrusion, but I have something to discuss regarding my husband."

"Please, go ahead."

"Actually, my husband has recently complained about someone competing with him in a rather aggressive manner. Of course, I assume he has already told you about this. The main point is something I learned through my family's connections."

Sakata Rei spoke seriously, "In recent years, the business world has seemed... strange. There have been cases where certain merchants suddenly change their behavior, adopting business strategies that harm their own interests while benefiting others. They quickly lose their fortunes, become reclusive, and then vanish from public view. It's as if they've become entirely different people. After hearing that demons truly exist, I have a question."

"Can demons disguise themselves as other people?"

Li Mo raised an eyebrow. Her perspective was something he had never considered. It was well-known that merchants pursued maximum profit. Why would they act against their own interests? Even when faced with administrative pressure, they would find ways to navigate around it.

The ability to transform into others—Li Mo hadn't encountered such a power, but Blood Demon Arts were incredibly varied. It wouldn't be strange for a demon to have the ability to disguise itself.

After all, didn't Muzan Kibutsuji have such an ability? He could transform into a child and be adopted by a family, pose as a woman and become a courtesan, or even take on the role of a merchant and start a family. He could constantly change his appearance and identity.

Finally, Li Mo gave a definitive answer.

"Thank you, Mr. Li. If you need anything, please feel free to ask the servants."

With that, the merchant's wife left.