Demon Sword Maiden

One of them was even heading directly toward Lily. Even if the entire faction came at her, Lily would not have feared them, let alone a mere detachment carrying a single Oborozuki soul. Rather than act rashly, she decided to observe the situation first and see what happened.

2

Thus, Lily did not evade or hide. Instead, she remained where she was, waiting patiently while taking the opportunity to continue training in the Charm Heavenly Path and adjusting the condition of her body.

A little over a day later, a female tengu wearing a blood-red mask and dressed in outrageously revealing attire appeared. This female tengu was at the Celestial Stage. The tengu stopped roughly a thousand meters away from Lily and called out toward the mountains.

“Is Miss Kagami Lily ahead? My lord, Ashikaga Kiyoshi, has sent a letter for you.”

“Ashikaga Kiyoshi?” Lily was surprised. So the massive Oborozuki soul signature belonged to Kiyoshi after all. Judging by the intensity of his Oborozuki soul presence, he possessed slightly more than Lily did, second only to Kujaku Myōō, whose reaction was the strongest of all.

After all, they had been competing for Oborozuki souls with hundreds or even thousands of experts under their command. During the early stages, when scattered Oborozuki souls were still plentiful, they held enormous advantages over Lily.

Later on, many weaker individuals carrying Oborozuki souls had joined the major factions for protection. As for Lily, she had obtained every one of hers through her own efforts and battles. In terms of total Oborozuki souls, she was probably ranked third, even after receiving more than a hundred from the Sanzu Demon Queen’s side.

Lily flew out and stood in the air. The female tengu was somewhat wary of her as well. Carefully approaching, she respectfully presented the letter with both hands.

Lily accepted it. Naturally, she had no intention of seizing the Oborozuki soul carried by this female tengu. The soul had been entrusted to her for the purpose of serving as a messenger.

Lily unfolded Kiyoshi’s letter. Judging from the aura contained within the ink strokes, it was indeed written personally by him.

“Miss Lily,

“I, Ashikaga Kiyoshi, shall be hosting a Celestial Demon Assembly ten days from now at a location in the middle region of the Celestial Demon Path, far from both Yomi and Takamagahara. I sincerely invite heroes and experts from all sides to attend and discuss the matter of ownership of the Oborozuki souls.

“I hope Miss Lily will honor us with her presence.”

“A Celestial Demon Assembly?” A ripple stirred within Lily’s heart.

At that moment, the female tengu messenger presented a small blade fragment with an Oborozuki soul attached to it.

“Lord Kiyoshi said that this Oborozuki soul should be regarded as a token of sincerity. His purpose in holding the Celestial Demon Assembly is to genuinely resolve the conflicts between the major factions. He hopes you will not harbor doubts, Miss.”

Lily gazed at the blade fragment and considered it briefly before waving her hand and collecting it. The meaning of her action was self-evident.

“As expected of the legendary goddess renowned throughout the Three Realms. Miss Lily, your magnanimity commands my admiration.” The female tengu bowed and withdrew. Although they were enemies, she genuinely respected Lily’s courage.

Holding the blade fragment in her hand, Lily fell into thought.

At that moment, Nanako flew over beneath her parasol. “Sister, what’s this Celestial Demon Assembly?”

Lily handed the letter to Nanako. After reading it, Nanako’s expression filled with concern. “Sister… you’re really going?”

“Yes.” Lily nodded. “To be honest, I’ve been worried about one thing all this time. If the major factions join forces again or reach some kind of agreement, it would be extremely difficult for me to deal with all of them simultaneously.

“What I fear most isn’t fighting them. What I fear is the possibility that each faction withdraws to the edge regions near the entrances of Yomi and Takamagahara and fortifies their positions there. If that happens, the situation will become a deadlock that nobody can break.

“Especially the entrance to Takamagahara. There are super-powerful figures there like Ame-no-Tajikarao, opponents I simply cannot defeat. And there are likely many other great powers in Takamagahara as well.