Chapter 104: Signal from Another World

The universe, the starry sky, the Space-Time Management Central Station.

Beep... beep... beep...

Bai Yun analyzed the wreckage of the 【Dark Matter Battle Armor】 she had collected and performed the corresponding calculations.

She probed and tracked based on the residual energy left behind to see exactly which space-time her brother Bai Bai Yue had ended up in.

However, an unknown amount of time had passed, and there was still no clue whatsoever.

This made Bai Yun incredibly anxious.

But upon seeing the photograph placed aside, she quickly calmed herself down again.

It was a group photo of her and her brother from when they were children.

She remembered that because some things had happened, and because her brother had uncovered the truth about their parents' deaths...

He had once, in a fit of rage, piloted the 【Sky-Warrior】 and destroyed two-fifths of the territory of Country M, including Country M's lapdog, the Neon Country.

At that time, the Neon Country had nearly been annihilated.

Although in the end, Bai Bai Yue stopped.

But because of the heinous crimes the Neon Country had committed, discharging massive amounts of HW water, the mutated sea beasts in the ocean still could not escape the fate of the entire nation being wiped out.

After that battle, at the age of five hundred, Bai Bai Yue sealed away all memories related to himself.

Bai Yun still remembered the words her brother spoke before sealing away his own memories:

'Wait until I have changed, then help me lift the memory seal.'

But the cost of sealing memories was too great; if too much time passed, then even if the memory seal were lifted, in the end, perhaps only scattered fragments of memory would remain.

Moreover, more than two thousand five hundred years had passed by now; even if the memory seal were lifted, how much of his memory would her brother have left? How many things would he still remember?

"Really, what am I thinking?! The most important thing right now is to bring my brother back to Sister Luo Li's side."

She encouraged herself once more and continued analyzing.

【Xiao Yun, you should rest.】

Rose's virtual projection figure appeared beside Bai Yun and reminded her.

"Rose, I'm fine. By the way, if possible, could you and Tianqi keep an eye out for signals coming from the depths of the starry sky? I think that child, T0, might also be sending out a signal; that would make it easier to find my brother."

【Understood, I will speak with Tianqi to help you find the Creator as soon as possible.】

Immediately, Rose's virtual projection figure stood guard beside Bai Yun and directed the butler robot to prepare some nourishing food for Bai Yun.

Whoosh~

The intelligent mechanical door opened, and Luo Li entered the control room from outside.

【Young Lady Luo Li, you have arrived.】

"Mm, Rose, thank you for taking care of Xiao Yun during this time."

【You are too polite.】

She approached Bai Yun, placed her hands on her shoulders, and began to massage her.

"Xiao Yun, don't overwork yourself."

"It's no trouble, Sister Luo Li."

Just as the two sisters were chatting, 【Rose】 suddenly spoke:

【Xiao Yun, Young Lady Luo Li, Tianqi says he has received a strange signal fluctuation; it is intermittent and very weak; I have already transferred it here for him.】

"What?!"

Upon hearing this, Bai Yun and Luo Li immediately began analyzing the transmitted signal fluctuation.

Although hope was slim, even so, they could not give up.

Quickly, the two of them analyzed the frequency of this signal fluctuation.

Because the frequency was too weak, combined with the intermittent signal, some parts could not be adjusted properly for the time being.

They adjusted the frequency and played it back.

'Space-time... (static)... T0... Master... (static)... Request... (static)... Coordinates (static)...'

"This is... this is the signal sent by that child, T0!"

"Yes, Sister Luo Li, this indicates that both T0 and my brother are still alive! But they have ended up in another space-time unknown to us!"

"Can you find their current location?"

"The signal is too weak; it may take some time to analyze before we can determine the coordinate location!"

"In that case, let us divide the work. Rose, you and Tianqi must keep watch for such signal fluctuations at all times! I will be responsible for analyzing and finding the corresponding space-time coordinates. Sister Luo Li, you will help analyze these frequencies."

"Understood, no problem!"

【Rose understands.】

Demon Slayer World.

Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, Zero Residence.

Xiao Bai Yue flew onto the roof; the two hair buns on her head opened, extending signal transmitters resembling antennas from within.

Blue light flickered in her eyes as streams of data continuously repeated.

This was also what she had been doing during this period; every day she sent out the same signal.

Twice a day, each time lasting one hour, hoping it would be received.

After the task was finished, Xiao Bai Yue retracted the signal transmitters from her hair buns.

"I hope Brother Tianqi and Sister Rose can receive it, and I hope Sister Bai Yun, Sister Luo Li, and everyone else can find this place soon."

In the blink of an eye, seven days had passed.

Under the influence of Yoriichi Type Zero and Tetsu's sharp tongue, Tanjiro had already mastered combat techniques that did not fall behind Yoriichi Type Zero.

Furthermore, he had mastered a new technique, faster than the 【Thread of Flaws】.

Through scent, one can predict the opponent's next move faster and more accurately.

Although he is still in a state of getting beaten, of course.

And now, the battle between Tanjiro and Yoriichi Type Zero has entered its final stage.

Leaping into mid-air, at the very instant he swung his blade to slash Yoriichi Type Zero's neck, Tanjiro hesitated.

He knew very well that once he struck, Yoriichi Type Zero would be destroyed.

However, Kotetsu shouted loudly: "Mr. Tanjiro, do not hesitate! Strike down! Even if it breaks, it doesn't matter; I will definitely repair it!! And Mr. Zero also said he would help me! And precisely because Mr. Tanjiro is that kind of person, I do not wish for you to die! I wish even more for you to become stronger than anyone else!"

Boom!

Yoriichi Type Zero's head was severed, and the Nichirin Blade in Tanjiro's hand also broke.

"Ouch!" He failed to adjust his landing position correctly and landed on his bottom.

Tanjiro crawled on the ground, clutching his bottom, screaming in agony there.

Suddenly, Yoriichi Type Zero underwent a change.

Only to see the part severed by Tanjiro shatter, revealing a rusted Nichirin Blade from within.

Obviously, this was a Nichirin Blade from a different era.

Judging from the signs, it was at least several hundred years old.

The two gazed at that blade, striking various strange poses and making excuses.

Finally, they unanimously decided to pull the blade out together to take a look.

When the two of them pulled out that rusted Nichirin Blade and drew it from its scabbard to look, they immediately fell to the ground in disappointment.

For no other reason: the blade's body had long since rusted; it was unusable even if they wanted to use it.

Thump! Thump! Thump!.......

From the nearby woods came deafening footsteps, causing even the ground to tremble.

From Shen Linlin's perspective, she could vaguely see a particularly large shadowy figure slowly walking out.

Kotetsu and Tanjiro were so frightened they huddled together in a ball.

But after clearly seeing who the newcomer was, their expressions changed to another.

"Mr. Haganezuka!" Tanjiro exclaimed.

The newcomer was indeed Haganezuka, whom they had not seen for a long time.

Haganezuka handed a new Nichirin Blade into Tanjiro's hands, then picked up that cross-era Nichirin Blade taken from Yoriichi Type Zero's body.

He said: "Leave the rest to me; I will use the Haganezuka family's inherited Nichirin Blade polishing technique to grind it to perfection!"

Having finished speaking, disregarding what Kotetsu and Tanjiro thought, he turned and left.

"Wait... wait a moment!"

The two were just about to stop Haganezuka, but someone grabbed them.

Turning back to look, it was Zero.

"Mr. Zero!"

"Tanjiro, Kotetsu, just leave it to Haganezuka; trust him!"

Although they were very unwilling, since Zero had said so, Tanjiro and Kotetsu could only let it be.

Afterwards, Zero took out several sheets of paper and handed them to Kotetsu, saying: "This is the thing I promised you; take it and study it slowly yourself."

Kotetsu eagerly accepted the paper, reading it carefully from beginning to end again and again.

From surprise to shock, then to incredulity; in short, every expression was present.

For no other reason: this detailed the repair method for 【Yoriichi Type Zero】, as well as gear adjustment and rotation mechanisms, etc.

In the end, Kotetsu could no longer hold back; he knelt before Zero and cried out: "Mr. Zero, thank you so very much!"

"No need for thanks; it is merely a fair trade."

I am not drawing for now; my depression has shifted from mild to moderate, it is truly annoying, I can't do anything well...

Night fell.

At this moment, within the Swordsmith Village, aside from the sounds of forging Nichirin Blades, all remained peaceful.

However, what everyone did not know was that two Upper Rank Demons were quietly approaching.

"Oh my~ So this is the Swordsmith Village that forges Nichirin Blades for Demon Slayers? I don't really like it here~ The air is filled with scorching heat; since that is the case, I shall tear this place down~ I wonder if Lord Hantengu has started his actions yet~"

Through the dense foliage, Douma's eyes gazed at the starry night sky, his face still maintaining a smile.

On the other side, Upper Rank Four—Hantengu, was currently trembling on a rooftop, observing the surroundings and searching for a suitable opportunity.

"It's fine, it's fine; I am just a pitiful weakling; they won't hurt me..."

Inside the room.

Zero lay on the tatami mat, closing his eyes to rest.

Suddenly, his body's combat instinct told him there was a situation outside the door!

He suddenly opened his eyes wide and stood up, looking around.

A faint, chilling aura was emanating from the surroundings; this feeling, Zero was very familiar with.

In an instant, his eyes revealed a sharp killing intent.

"I hope it isn't you; otherwise, the debt for hurting Kanae must be settled right here... Upper Rank Two—Douma!!!"

He took out the 【Quantum Shield】 and the Nichirin Scythe, then walked outside to investigate.

However, before he had taken a few steps, he discovered the lights in the corridor had already been extinguished.

Rather than saying they were extinguished, it would be more accurate to say they were frozen!

"It seems my guess was correct; it really is you! Come out, little brat!"

There was still no movement in the surroundings, but Zero's eyes remained fixed on the front.

"Hehe, what? Seeing an old acquaintance and not coming out to greet them loudly — isn't that a bit unworthy of your status?! Or perhaps... you're afraid of me?"

Tap~ tap~ tap~

Not far ahead, a figure appeared; aided by the moonlight outside the window, Douma's features were revealed.

"Aiya~ how could I possibly be afraid~ I just wanted to give you a little surprise, didn't expect you'd spot me~ Long time no see, Zero, didn't think you'd get prettier and prettier~ Oh right, oh right, I actually like you even more in women's clothes, you're really beautiful, you know~ After all, back at the Yoshiwara pleasure district......"

Whoosh!

Before the words had even faded, Zero swung the Sun Wheel Scythe toward Douma's face.

Douma raised the folding fan in his hand to block.

Clang!

The Sun Wheel Scythe and the folding fan collided, sending a spray of sparks flying.

Seizing the chance, Zero drove power through her legs and suddenly launched a spinning kick, forcing Douma back several meters.

A large gash was also slashed across his face, blood splattering everywhere, and one of his fans had been broken by the attack just now.

In that brief instant of exchange, Douma had already fallen into a disadvantage.

"You're still the same as before — too much nonsense, even more annoying!"

"Aiya, Lord Zero, you've really gotten stronger and stronger~ But you and I are old acquaintances after all, how could you cut me off mid-sentence~ Besides, Lord Muzan has always admired you — how about you become a demon too~"

"Hehe, give that coward Muzan a message from me: no matter how far his dreams may reach, he can roll that far away from me!"

Boom!

A house not far away suddenly exploded, a gust of wild wind blasting out from within and blowing the roof apart.

Another figure was sent flying into midair and vanished from sight.

"Muichiro!" Tanjiro shouted.

Only then did Zero understand — Kibutsuji Muzan had discovered the Swordsmith Village's location, and so had dispatched two Upper Rank demons to attack the Swordsmith Village.

"Oh my~ looks like Lord Gyutaro has started moving too." Douma said with a cheerful face, utterly unconcerned.

"Douma, old grudges and new — we'll settle them all tonight! The grudge of you harming Xiang Nai Hui will be completely avenged tonight! I hope you can still speak so comfortably in a moment."

Slung the Sun Wheel Scythe behind her back, drew out the 【Quantum Twin Pistols】, and opened fire on Douma.

Bang! Bang! Bang!......

Douma had long since witnessed the might of Zero's weapons, so he smashed through the window and rushed outside.

Blood Demon Art — Crystalline Child!

The instant he leapt out the window and landed on the ground, he created five little ice figures identical to himself to fight alongside him.

However, within seconds of appearing, every last one of those little ice figures had been shattered by Zero's twin pistols, reduced to crushed ice.

Immediately after, Zero also leapt down from the window, muzzle aimed at Douma, and fired a continuous sweep.

Douma, unable to dodge in time, was hit in all four limbs, and even felt a strange energy suppressing him, preventing his limbs from regenerating for the moment.

And this was only the beginning — Zero's attack was not yet over.

What Douma had just said about her women's clothes brought back some very unpleasant memories.

That was her dark history!

She had originally planned to cut Douma down on the spot, but now Zero had changed her mind — she would torment Douma thoroughly once more.

To let him understand the price of running his mouth — not everything can be said!

As for Tanjiro's side....... as long as it's not Zeng Po Tian, he should be able to handle it.