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Lily swiftly severed the tendon of her opponent’s leg, causing him to kneel down in pain. Seizing the opportunity, she conjured Crescent Moon in her hand and thrust it into the demon’s body from behind.

While decapitation wouldn’t necessarily kill a Big Dipper demon, it would incapacitate them for a while as they regenerated. Lily knew this, but she aimed to hinder her opponent nonetheless. The demon howled and swung his club, but Lily’s embedded blade impeded his movements. In a swift motion, Lily leaped in front of the demon, slashing down from above to strike his exposed blade.

With a sharp swish, Crescent Moon sank deep into his body, almost bisecting¹ him as it traveled three feet down. Dark red blood splattered, painting a gruesome scene. Ayaka, witnessing the brutality from a distance, couldn’t help but feel a tinge of shock. Lily had become more distant and ruthless ever since her return from Yomi. Though this ferocity seemed advantageous in combat, Ayaka couldn’t help but wonder about the changes in her friend.

Meanwhile, the butcher-like demon, cloaked in a dark red aura, swung his heavy machete at Lily from behind. But Lily, displaying her remarkable strength, raised her weapon with one hand and deflected the powerful blow. Despite her petite frame and the slender nature of her sword, she matched the demon’s strength.

With her free hand, Lily reached out, calling back Crescent Moon. The blade whizzed through the air, piercing the dead demon’s body once again before returning to her grasp. Flicking her wrist skillfully, she made Crescent Moon spin and slash at the butcher-like demon’s arm.

To her surprise, the demon’s muscles and bones proved tougher and more resilient than anticipated. Lily’s attack with Crescent Moon didn’t sever his limb as intended, but it created deep wounds that exposed his bones, inflicting considerable damage.

“Damn you!” The butcher-like demon bellowed, launching a powerful kick towards Lily’s direction. Hindered by his heavy machete, Lily found it difficult to evade the attack.

Bang! The force of the kick sent Lily flying, causing her body to ache with pain upon impact. Though she was stronger than the demon, her defense proved to be lacking in this instance.

Seizing the opportunity, the demon raised his machete and hurled it towards Lily. However, with swift reflexes, Lily spun in mid-air and swung both of her weapons.

Clang Clang! The two heavy slashes deflected the incoming machete, sending it back in the demon’s direction. With a swift swish, the blade embedded itself into his stomach, surprising the demon.

“Roar!” The butcher-like demon roared furiously, paying no mind to the blood gushing from his wounded stomach. He yanked the machete out and recklessly charged at Lily, his spilled organs seemingly of no concern to him.

Being a Big Dipper demon, he possessed incredible resilience and could continue fighting despite such gruesome injuries. But Lily remained calm in the face of his brutal assault.

Blood and gore were nothing new to her, having slain countless demons in the endless realm of Yomi. She had grown accustomed to the sight.

Lily danced skillfully with both of her weapons, unleashing a flurry of scarlet sword energy.

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

She continuously expelled waves of scarlet sword energy, utilizing her near-infinite spirit power, as long as she refrained from using the Purple Lunar Force.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

The demon’s body and limbs were assaulted by relentless torrents of scarlet sword energy. Despite being crippled in one leg, he continued his reckless charge. However, after being struck by dozens of attacks, he eventually succumbed and crumbled under the assault.

Lily leaped high into the air and drove her blade into the demon’s back, shattering his Spirit Jade, Spirit Sea, and Big Dipper soul. The demon ceased all movement.

At that moment, Ayaka floated in the air, gracefully maneuvering back and forth. With her spells, she targeted the last demon, destroying its remaining functioning leg and inflicting critical injuries that prevented regeneration.

Descending from her levitation, Ayaka swung her Naginata with precision. The blade impaled the demon’s Spirit Sea, bringing a sudden stillness to the once chaotic and apocalyptic surroundings.

In the blink of an eye, the intense battle had claimed the lives of Yoritomo’s son, a double-soul Big Dipper, four single-soul Big Dippers, and ten Throned Saints.

Lily absorbed the remaining Anima from the battlefield, her senses scanning for any lingering traces. However, she couldn’t detect the Anima of the red-robed Onmyoji.

“He escaped?” Lily questioned, puzzled by the absence of the Onmyoji’s Anima.

“He was a double-soul Big Dipper. It’s likely that before his demise, he transferred his soul into the stellar soul and concealed it within his head, allowing him to escape,” Ayaka explained. “The Dipper Soul and Stellar Soul can be interchanged, but such a desperate move comes at a heavy cost. Only to preserve their life would a Big Dipper resort to such measures.”

Lily extended her spiritual senses, scanning the area for miles, but the Onmyoji’s head remained elusive. It was evident that he had utilized specific life-saving abilities to make his escape.

Regardless of his getaway, his strength would be severely diminished with only a head and soul remaining. All his treasures were left behind, indicating that his priority was self-preservation rather than retrieving his belongings.

Lily began collecting the loot scattered across the battlefield, while both she and Ayaka took a moment to rest and recover.

“Sister Ayaka, are you injured?” Lily inquired, concern lacing her words.

“I’m fine. Though I took a few hits, they weren’t serious. And what about you, Lily?” Ayaka replied, her voice reassuring.

Lily shook her head, indicating that she had emerged from the battle unscathed.

Lily gazed at the lifeless bodies before her, a sense of unease washing over her. It seemed inconceivable that Yoritomo’s son would be accompanied by such a formidable group of Big Dippers. If his son possessed such powerful escorts, what level of strength could Yoritomo himself wield?

“Sister Ayaka, why did we encounter such formidable opponents in a place that has been untouched for centuries? And what could be their purpose here? Are they attempting to pass through the Heavenly Gate?” Lily questioned, her voice laced with curiosity and concern.

Ayaka shook her head in response. “Their strength is far from sufficient to cross the Heavenly Gate. As for their purpose, I am unsure. However, judging from the direction they were heading, it seems they were returning from somewhere.”

“Do you have any idea who they might be associated with? Could they be Yoritomo’s subordinates?” Lily probed further.

“It’s difficult to say for certain. Within the Heian Dynasty, I have never heard of an organization with enough power to assign multiple Big Dippers as escorts. Even Yoritomo himself likely doesn’t command more than ten Big Dippers². It’s possible that this organization hails from a distant place, unknown to us³,” Ayaka speculated.

Lily’s thoughts drifted back to her battles in the depths of Yomi, where Throned Sovereigns and Big Dippers fought and devoured one another. She pondered how many of them had amassed enough strength to ascend to the surface. A chilling thought crept into her mind—what if the demons lurking in the depths of Yomi were to make their way to the human realm? Would there be any hope for humanity’s survival?

“Lily, what do we do now? The choice is yours,” Ayaka interjected, her voice filled with urgency.

“Huh?” Lily’s attention snapped back to the present.

“The person we just killed is not merely Yoritomo’s son. He is likely a prominent member of a powerful organization that remains unknown to us. Moreover, the red-robed Onmyoji managed to escape. It is highly likely that Yoritomo or the organization, stronger than we anticipated, now possesses information about our whereabouts. If we retreat immediately and leave this place, we may still have a chance. However, if we continue along the Ascending Road, we risk being ambushed by reinforcements and pursued. The decision rests with you, Lily,” Ayaka explained, her expression serious.

Lily contemplated the weight of Ayaka’s words, “Of course, I want to master the Tsukuyomi Swordstyle and find a cure for Sister Uesugi as soon as possible. However, what about your safety, Sister Ayaka?”

“What do you mean, Lily? Do you think I am a coward?” Ayaka’s voice held a hint of offense. “I believe that we should keep moving forward. We can flee temporarily, but running forever is not a solution! True protection lies in strengthening ourselves. Of course, we must exercise greater caution.”

Lily’s resolve solidified at Ayaka’s words. “Yes!”

“Then let us go. We must leave this place as swiftly as possible.” Ayaka firmly grasped Lily’s arm, urging them to continue their journey.

Together, they advanced dozens of miles, putting a significant distance between themselves and the battlefield.

“Sister Ayaka, while we travel, take a look at the loot and see if there’s anything useful for you,” Lily suggested as she inspected the spoils she had acquired from their defeated enemies.

Ayaka carefully examined the items but seemed unimpressed. “Doesn’t seem like there are any noteworthy weapons. Just give me some talismans, spell-related items, and medicine. You can keep the rest.”

Lily sighed inwardly. Ayaka was indeed selective when it came to her possessions. Unfortunately, her treasures and weapons had been confiscated by the Empire, save for her Twelve Moon Phase Instrument, which they couldn’t take.

“Sure…” Lily began organizing the loot within her Mirror Dimension, setting aside the items that would be of interest to Ayaka.

“Huh?” Suddenly, Lily noticed a black box emitting a peculiar pulse. She decided to inspect it further, taking precautions before opening it.

Inside the box was a transparent and exquisite crystal, emanating a noble and profound energy.

“What is this?” Lily marveled at the crystal’s beauty but couldn’t identify its origin. None of the books she had read mentioned anything resembling this crystal.

Ayaka stood beside her, equally captivated by the crystal. Her chest heaved with excitement.

“I never expected that these mere double-soul Big Dippers would carry such a Miracle Treasure!”

“A Miracle Treasure?” Lily questioned.

“Lily, though I can’t be certain, but this… This is likely the coveted treasure of the most powerful individuals in the Heian Dynasty and Archdemons alike. It is the legendary Lunar Crystal!” Ayaka exclaimed, struggling to contain her enthusiasm.

“Lunar Crystal?” Lily echoed, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity as she gazed at the radiant gem.

Ayaka continued, “I don’t possess extensive knowledge about the Lunar Crystal either, but it is an ancient Miracle Treasure with numerous extraordinary uses. Even the Heian Dynasty knows little about it. However, I do know that if you assimilate this small crystal, it can greatly enhance your physical body. Its effects surpass decades of training!”

Lily’s excitement grew at the prospect. In this moment, she was not acting out of selfishness. With Ayaka severely injured, if she absorbed the Lunar Crystal, she would undoubtedly recover swiftly.

Without hesitation, Lily picked up the crystal with her slender fingers and handed it to Ayaka. She began to speak but was interrupted as the Lunar Crystal in her fingertips transformed into waves of potent lunar essence. Disregarding her intentions, it merged into Lily’s body⁴.

1. Robinxen: Every time I read this I am just reminded of that World of Warcraft short story with the gnome who’s left for dead cut in half.
2. Robinxen: The author is consistent with worldbuilding. Ding noise.
3. Robinxen: Sequel hook. Ding noise.
4. Robinxen: Gasp, Lily’s lunar power absorbed the Lunar Crystal, who could have seen it coming?!