Demon Sword Maiden

Volume 13 - Takamagahara: Chapter 109 - Kiyoshiʼs Ambition

The day of the Celestial Demon Assembly had finally arrived.

Over the past several days, the various powers had gathered one after another.

At a glance, the six great factions stretched across the land in six vast formations, together encircling the temporary venue that Ashikaga Kiyoshi had constructed for the Celestial Demon Assembly.

Here, the sacred banners representing the Divine Path fluttered in the wind, while the bizarre totems of demon gods hovered alongside floating mechanisms. Beneath the scorching gale carrying sparks and crimson sand, the entire scene exuded a bleak and desolate grandeur.

The three-eyed Bull Demon, Mauro, had pledged allegiance to the forces of the Sanzu Demon Queen. Here, however, he was nothing more than an insignificant figure, not even qualified to sit among the honored guests.

“Boss, this place has gathered experts from all Three Realms! I’ve never seen a spectacle like this before. Even the Abyssal Wedding couldn’t compare! After all, that gathering only attracted the powerful figures of Yomi,” a white Bull Demon sighed in amazement.

As the appointed time for the Celestial Demon Assembly drew near, golden light gleamed from Mauro’s three eyes. Grinning broadly, he said, “Although the experts of the Three Realms have already assembled, the true star of this Celestial Demon Assembly has yet to arrive. The real show hasn’t even begun.”

“The star?” the white Bull Demon asked blankly.

Within the assembly grounds, surrounded by the hundreds of thousands of experts from every realm representing the six great factions… Upon a massive wooden platform hastily erected for the occasion, the leaders of all six factions had already taken their seats.

Occupying the central position were naturally the hosts of the gathering: Ashikaga Kiyoshi, Amanozako, the Cloistered Emperor, Shizuka Gozen, and several of their most powerful subordinates.

On the three platforms to the left sat, respectively, the faction of Kujaku Myōō, the faction of Bharata-Tamon, and the representatives of the treasure-seeking coalition of the Kegaretsu Clan and independent Kunitsukami. Leading the latter group were the Kegaretsu Clan experts Kanan-Mugaku, a towering six-armed powerhouse with two golden bodies, and the immensely burly elder monk Mudobozu, whose entire body was covered in pale brown skin and whose long white beard curled like drifting clouds.

On the three platforms to the right, the first belonged to the Abyssal forces. Seated there were Kuroyoku Tateo-no-Kami, Kuralan-Chiyu, and Kunhiza, the three supreme experts of the Abyss. They could all be considered Lily’s longtime adversaries.

The second platform naturally belonged to the Sanzu Demon Queen and Hakushaku. Behind them stood a retinue of strikingly handsome men and beautiful women.

However, the third platform remained empty. Clearly, one more person had yet to arrive.

“Hehehehehe…” Kuralan-Chiyu, the Abyss’ Supreme God, had shrunk his colossal body down to only a few meters tall. With three heads and eight arms, each face wore either a sinister grin or a savage expression as all three spoke in unison. “It seems Kagami Lily doesn’t dare come after all.”

“Indeed. So many of us demon gods are gathered here, and nearly every faction present bears some grudge against Kagami Lily. If I were her, I wouldn’t come either. Lord Ashikaga, it seems your painstakingly arranged Celestial Demon Assembly will be missing one of its most important participants.” Kunhiza said with a chuckle as the serpents upon his head writhed.

The leader of the treasure-seeking Kegaretsu coalition, Mudobozu, wore an unpleasant expression. He had attended this Celestial Demon Assembly not only for the sake of Oborozuki’s soul, but also under orders from the two supreme leaders of the Kegaretsu Clan to discover who had killed Marusaburo. Yet all of his followers were dead, while the only survivor whose fate remained unknown, the Kunlun Supreme God Nizeyan, had completely vanished. How was he supposed to investigate?

“Though I’ve never met Kagami Lily myself, I’ve heard she’s an incomparably beautiful woman who appears innocent on the surface, yet is exceptionally cunning and calculating beneath it. We each possess vast factions to support us, while she has none. How could a woman with such schemes possibly return?” Mudobozu said as he stroked his cloudlike beard.

Listening to the complaints and ridicule coming from every side, Kiyoshi’s expression also grew somewhat listless. Clad in strange black armor, his long hair combed back loosely, his ruggedly handsome face carried a trace of stubble that only enhanced his commanding presence. Yet within his eyes swirled an indescribable darkness, as though the very Heavenly Path itself had fallen into chaos.

The hideous-faced Hakushaku smiled honestly. “Not necessarily. Based on my understanding of Kagami Lily, once she has given her word, she will certainly come.”

Kiyoshi gazed toward the vast distant horizon. “Miss Kagami… if you do not come, then what meaning would this Celestial Demon Assembly have?”

Beside Kiyoshi sat Shizuka Gozen. It had been a very long time since she had last seen Lily.

At this moment, part of her hoped Lily would appear, while another part wished she would not. She was now completely Kiyoshi’s subordinate and felt too ashamed to face Lily.

At that moment, the supreme Kunitsukami expert, Kujaku Myōō, said, “Kagami Lily is no ordinary nobody. However, no matter how powerful she may be, she cannot possibly face so many experts alone. I imagine she’s gone to the Mortal Realm to gather reinforcements. I heard Herikaku City has fallen into her hands. If she’s truly coming, she’ll surely bring her many sisters and the Celestial Maiden Army with her. We’ll probably have to wait a little longer.”

“She’s here!”

Suddenly, someone shouted from the distance.

“What!?” The experts and overlords of all six factions immediately turned toward the horizon.

Against a sky that resembled the twilight of the gods, a young woman dressed in crimson appeared alone. A sword hung at her side, her hands rested behind her back, while her flowing sleeves and long black hair danced in the wind. Accompanied only by a single maid carrying a parasol, she walked upon clouds of drifting cherry blossoms as she emerged from the boundless sea of clouds.

“This…”

“She…”

The assembled Kunitsukami, Amatsukami, demon gods, archdemons, and vagrants were all stunned.

The six great factions, a million gods and demons, had gathered for this Celestial Demon Assembly. Every single one harbored ulterior motives, and every faction watched the others like tigers stalking their prey.

Yet Kagami Lily had truly come.

Moreover, she had brought neither the Celestial Maiden Army nor any allied force. She had come alone, armed with nothing but her sword.

A million gods and demons were utterly dumbfounded.

Descending gracefully from the distant sky, Lily landed upon the great wooden platform. Her fair feet rested lightly within her wooden sandals, carrying a subtle fragrance. A clear jade anklet beautifully accentuated the elegance and slender grace of her ankles.

She stepped lightly onto the aged wooden platform, her wide sleeves folded behind her back. Sweeping her gaze calmly across the gathered demon gods, she casually remarked, “It seems everyone’s here.”

“Impudent!” Mudobozu was instantly consumed with anger. He could hardly believe this woman actually dared to come with only a single young maid. She was openly looking down on all the experts of the Three Realms! Even worse, she carried herself with such effortless indifference that it was infuriating.

“Miss Kagami.” Kiyoshi gestured toward the empty platform. “Please, take your seat.”

Lily nodded, though her eyes drifted toward Shizuka Gozen. It seemed she had countless questions she wished to ask, but in the end, now was not the time.

Accompanied by Nanako, she ascended the platform. Since it had been built large enough to accommodate giants among the assembled experts, Lily appeared almost tiny seated at its center, while Nanako stood beside her holding the parasol overhead.

Kujaku Myōō could not help but study Kagami Lily. “This woman truly dared to come alone. Faced with so many experts, gods, and demon gods, she remains completely calm and utterly unshaken. Even I, were I by myself, might not have dared attend such a gathering. Yet she, a woman, came without hesitation. Kagami Lily is truly someone who cannot be underestimated.”

Kiyoshi slowly swept his gaze across the surroundings. Even while facing so many Supreme Gods, he maintained a calm composure tinged with tragic resolve.

“To all the great powers of the Three Realms,” he said, “I offer my sincere gratitude for attending this Celestial Demon Assembly. Since everyone has now arrived, let us officially begin.”

Kiyoshi clapped his hands. From below, rows of women dressed in elegant classical kimono ascended the platform. Each had been strengthened by vengeful spirits from Heian-kyo. As drums and court music began to play, they performed the refined dances of their homeland.

Against this battlefield steeped in resentment and hatred, the graceful dance became all the more poignant, stirring the hearts of those who watched. Attendants soon arrived bearing fine wine and exquisite delicacies. The Celestial Demon Assembly had officially begun.

Then Shizuka Gozen slowly stepped among the dancers as well. Wearing the very same flowing robes she had worn when she bid farewell to Yoshitsune, she gracefully began to dance.

Watching Shizuka Gozen’s dance, Lily recalled how she had once been trapped within Mount Yoshino, protected by Yoshitsune’s heroic spirit. Seeing Shizuka now reduced to nothing more than a servant of the gods and demons filled her heart with sorrow.

“If darkness had captured you against your will, I could still save you. But if you willingly chose to walk into the darkness… what can I possibly do?” Lily sighed inwardly.

“My honored guests, please.” Kiyoshi raised his cup. “The knowledge possessed by all of you great powers surpasses mine by countless times over. Thus, I can only offer the songs and dances of my human homeland. Though they cannot compare to the performances of Celestial Maidens, human life is fleeting and youth passes in the blink of an eye. Surely such things possess a charm all their own.”

“Hehehe… Well said.” Hakushaku nodded approvingly as he sipped his wine. “The dances of Heian-kyo truly are unique. At times, the hearts of mortals possess qualities that even we gods and demons cannot match.”

Boom!

With a tremendous crash, Bharata-Tamon, as imposing as an awakened Nioh, slammed his wine cup onto the table with such force that the music ceased and the dancers froze in fright.

“Ashikaga Kiyoshi! We six great factions didn’t travel all this way to watch the crude songs and dances of mortals! You summoned us here for a reason. Why don’t you stop wasting time and tell us exactly what it is?” Bharata-Tamon thundered.

The dancers upon the platform trembled in fear. Shizuka Gozen waved her hand and quietly led them all away.

Kiyoshi showed no anger. “I invited everyone here naturally to discuss the matter of Oborozuki’s soul. The strength of our respective factions is evenly matched. If we were to slaughter one another until only a single side remained, then no matter how priceless Oborozuki’s soul may be, the cost would be unbearably tragic. By welcoming everyone first with the songs and dances of Heian-kyo, I merely wished to express my hope that this matter could be resolved peacefully.”

“Your reasoning is not without merit,” Kujaku Myōō replied. “I, too, have no desire for needless slaughter. However, Oborozuki’s soul can only reveal its true value when every fragment is gathered. What then becomes of the other six factions? Do you have a concrete proposal?”

“I have no intention of monopolizing the matter myself,” Kiyoshi answered. “The reason I invited everyone here was precisely so that we could discuss it together. Before anything else, I would like to hear your thoughts.”

For a time, all the assembled experts frowned deeply.

“This isn’t easy…” Hakushaku rested his cheek against one hand. “Who wouldn’t want Oborozuki’s soul? Our strengths are all evenly matched. Convincing any one side to yield would be difficult indeed…”

Although he and the Sanzu Demon Queen had sold all of their Oborozuki soul fragments to Lily, other experts from Yomi had joined their ranks afterward. At present, they had accumulated another seventy or eighty soul fragments.

“What is there to discuss? Who would willingly surrender such a supreme treasure? I’d say we simply return to fighting. Isn’t that the simplest and most satisfying solution?” Kuroyoku declared confidently, puffing out his broad chest.

“Fighting?” Kujaku Myōō cast him a cold glance. “Kuroyoku, are you truly that confident in your own strength?”

“What? Kujaku Myōō, care to test that yourself?”

“Gladly.”

The two Supreme Gods released their overwhelming auras almost simultaneously. In an instant, they had left their seats.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Within moments, they had already exchanged several blows atop the enormous wooden platform. Though neither had fought seriously and both were merely testing the other, the shockwaves alone blasted many of the dancers from the stage.

“Everyone!” Kiyoshi suddenly shouted in a low voice. An unimaginably powerful darkness erupted from his body, forcing even Kujaku Myōō and Kuroyoku to hesitate.

Lily stared at Kiyoshi in astonishment. “Ashikaga Kiyoshi… It’s only been a few days. How could he possibly have obtained such terrifying power? What exactly has he done…?”

“You two, please refrain from fighting for now. If you wish to battle, there will be plenty of opportunities later.” With a seductive sway of her hips, Amanozako walked between the two and separated them. As one of the Five Shining Stars serving beneath the new War Goddess, even Kujaku Myōō was willing to give her face. The two reluctantly withdrew and returned to their respective places.

“My honored guests.” Kiyoshi straightened himself before giving everyone an exceptionally deep bow, his forehead nearly touching the ground. Given his present status and terrifying strength, such a gesture stunned even the assembled experts into silence.

Straightening himself once more, he said earnestly, “I sincerely wish for this matter to be resolved peacefully. If all sides resort to slaughter, I would find that deeply disappointing. Since no one seems to have a better proposal, I have prepared one of my own for everyone to consider.”

All eyes immediately turned toward Kiyoshi.

“Ashikaga, enough with the formalities,” Hakushaku quickly interjected, worried another fight might erupt. “Whatever your proposal is, just say it.”

Ashikaga nodded. Standing tall, he solemnly declared, “I am willing to exchange the many treasures of Takamagahara for the treasures in everyone’s possession… at twice their value.”

“Oh?”

“Twice the value?”

The assembled experts exchanged glances. At this stage, even Supreme Gods such as Kujaku Myōō and the leaders of the Abyss found it difficult to determine a victor over the other. If equivalent treasures could be exchanged instead, everyone could avoid a life-and-death battle. Since the strengths of all parties were so close, very few truly wished to gamble everything in mutual destruction.

Thus, many of those present found themselves tempted.

At that moment, however, Kiyoshi’s eyes gleamed with a dark, unwavering obsession as they settled upon Lily.

“But there is one exception.” He fixed his gaze upon her. “That exception is you, Miss Kagami. Kagami Lily. I have no intention of purchasing the Oborozuki soul fragments in your possession.”

Lily calmly met his gaze. Even if he wished to purchase them, she would never agree. But if that was the case… what exactly was he planning? Kiyoshi’s eyes became even more fixated upon her.

“Miss Kagami… I wish to purchase every other Oborozuki soul fragment… and present them all to you.”

“What!?”

The entire assembly exploded into an uproar. Gods and demons alike broke into loud commotion. Even Lily was taken aback.

Amid the deafening uproar, Kiyoshi continued, “On one condition. Marry me.”

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