Muzan bowed his head in silence, a hint of defiance flashing in his eyes.
"Because you rely too much on Blood Demon Arts," Allen's voice echoed through the ruins. "True power comes from the body itself. Yoriichi Tsugikuni had no Blood Demon Art, yet he almost killed you. That is the difference."
Kokushibo's body trembled violently upon hearing this.
Allen glanced at him. "Dissatisfied? Kokushibo, your brother's talent was indeed stronger than yours, but if you had focused on developing your own potential instead of blindly pursuing Blood Demon Arts, you wouldn't have been left so far behind."
Kokushibo knelt on the ground, his six eyes filled with shock. "Ancestor-sama's lesson is well-taken."
"Continue tomorrow," Allen turned and walked towards the door. "Remember, if you want the blue spider lily, you must prove to me that you are truly worthy."
Muzan prostrated himself on the ground, his forehead pressed against the earth, his voice trembling with awe. "Ancestor-sama is right; we will redouble our efforts."
Allen nodded with satisfaction, his gaze sweeping over the other Upper Rank demons. "Remember, same time tomorrow, I want to see your progress."
With that, his figure gradually disappeared into the morning light. Only then did Muzan dare to raise his head, his pale face covered in cold sweat. He looked around at the equally disheveled Upper Ranks, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes.
"Did you all hear that?" Muzan's voice was low and dangerous.
"Starting today, everyone must fully enhance their strength."
Kokushibo's six eyes opened simultaneously. "Muzan-sama, Ancestor-sama is indeed right; we rely too much on Blood Demon Arts."
"Shut up!" Muzan snapped.
"Right now, the most important thing is to figure out how to survive tomorrow's training!"
Douma crawled out of a pool of blood, his fake smile still plastered on his face. "Oh my, Ancestor-sama is truly terrifying~ But it's also our honor to receive such guidance~"
Gyutaro held his injured sister, his voice hoarse. "Muzan-sama, do we really have to believe him? What if he doesn't give us the blue spider lily in the end?"
"Silence!" Muzan's nails dug deep into his palm.
"This is our only chance!"
Meanwhile, Allen was strolling along the morning streets, sunlight on his shoulders. Passersby cast curious glances his way. A slight smile played on his lips as he recalled the trembling appearances of Muzan and the Upper Ranks.
"What an interesting reaction," he murmured to himself.
"But this is good; at least they won't easily escape."
When he returned to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, Kagaya Ubuyashiki was sitting quietly in the courtyard. Hearing footsteps, he looked up slightly. "Mr. Allen, you're back."
"Mm," Allen sat down casually.
"Muzan and the others are very cooperative."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's fingers trembled slightly. "So, how is the training progressing?"
"Not bad," Allen poured himself a cup of tea.
"At least they're a bit more durable than yesterday."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki nodded thoughtfully. "Mr. Allen, I have an impolite request."
"Speak."
"Could you also guide our Demon Slayer Corps' Hashira?" Kagaya Ubuyashiki's voice was gentle but firm.
"They also need to improve their strength."
Allen put down his teacup and turned his gaze to the Hashira training at the other end of the courtyard. "Their strength is too weak; I'm afraid they can't withstand my training."
Just then, Sanemi Shinazugawa strode over, a defiant expression on his face. "Hey! What do you mean by that?"
Allen glanced at him. "Exactly what it sounds like."
Sanemi Shinazugawa clenched his fists. "Don't underestimate us! Although our strength and talent are not as good as yours, we are the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps! In the future, we will definitely become very strong! We will become as strong as you! And we will be able to drive out all the demons!"
"Is that so?" Allen stood up and walked to the center of the courtyard.
"If the future is yours, prove it to me."
Sanemi Shinazugawa drew his nichirin blade without a word. "Wind Breathing, First Form: Dust Whirlwind Cutter!"
A fierce blade wind swept towards him, but Allen stood still. Just as the blade was about to touch him, he subtly shifted his body, made his right hand into a blade, and lightly poked Sanemi Shinazugawa's abdomen.
"Bang!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa was sent flying backward, crashing heavily against the wall. His eyes widened, his face full of disbelief. "How is this possible?"
The other Hashira, seeing this, all showed shocked expressions. Shinobu Kocho gently fanned herself, deep in thought. "Indeed, is the gap too large?"
Mitsuri Kanroji ran over to help Sanemi Shinazugawa up. "Sanemi Shinazugawa-san, are you alright?"
Sanemi Shinazugawa gritted his teeth and stood up. "Again!"
Allen shook his head. "Forget it. With your current strength, you can't even make me warm up."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki sighed softly. "Mr. Allen is right. We are indeed... lacking in strength."
"However," Allen suddenly changed the subject.
"If you truly want to become stronger, I can give you some advice."
Upon hearing this, the Hashira all perked up their ears. Even Sanemi Shinazugawa, who usually didn't get along with Allen, couldn't help but cast a hopeful gaze.
"First, stop those flashy Breathing Forms."
Allen's voice echoed through the courtyard. "True power comes from the most basic training."
Uzui Tengen stroked his flamboyant headpiece. "The most basic training?"
"Exactly," Allen nodded. "Ten thousand sword swings a day, five thousand squats, five thousand push-ups, and a hundred kilometers of running."
"That's too exaggerated!" Mitsuri Kanroji exclaimed.
Allen shrugged. "This is just the beginning. If you can't even do this, don't even think about getting stronger."
Shinobu Kocho looked thoughtful. "Does Mr. Allen mean for us to return to our origins?"
"Clever," Allen looked at her approvingly. "You've been too focused on flashy techniques and have neglected the most fundamental things."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki clapped softly. "Very sensible advice. Starting today, all Hashira will train according to Mr. Allen's method."
Sanemi Shinazugawa clenched his fists. "Hmph, it's just basic training, what's so hard about it!"
Allen's lips curved into a slight smile. "I hope to see you just as energetic tomorrow."
Night fell once again, and Allen arrived at Muzan's mansion as promised. To his surprise, Muzan and the Upper Ranks were already neatly lined up, waiting.
"Ancestor-sama," Muzan bowed respectfully. "We are ready."
Allen noticed that their presence was much more solid than yesterday. "It seems you've put in some effort."
A hint of pride flashed in Muzan's eyes. "Ancestor-sama's guidance is excellent."
"Less flattery," Allen said coldly.
"Let me see your progress."
No sooner had he spoken than Kokushibo suddenly erupted. "Moon Breathing, Tenth Form: Drilling Slashes - Moonbow!"
A fierce slash shot towards Allen. At the same time, Akaza attacked from the side. "Destructive Kill: Annihilation Style!"
A hint of appreciation flashed in Allen's eyes. "Good, progress."
He still stood still, taking all the attacks with just his physical body. Seeing this, Muzan's eyes flashed with shock. "Even after seeing it many times, it's still surprising."
"Continue," Allen's voice was calm and powerful.
"Let me see your limits."
The training continued until before dawn. This time, Muzan and the others were still beaten into a bloody mist, completely unable to retaliate.
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