NOVEL NEXT Chapter 271: Chapter 268: Starting Again
"So, in the end, did Old Man Urokodaki really say nothing to you?"
"He didn't."
"What a pity. Why didn't he give you a hard time?"
"Shinobu, you're too ruthless!"
Some time had passed since Li Mo and Makomo returned to the Butterfly Mansion after their trip to Mt. Sagiri. Today marked their reunion at this medical facility.
Makomo had chosen to stay at the mansion. As a former swordsman, she felt uncertain about her future in an era unkind to women.
"Senior Sister, I need a hug." Li Mo looked at Makomo, seeking comfort from his petite elder.
"No."
Makomo's icy refusal made Li Mo pout—a reaction that amused Shinobu, who smiled faintly.
*Senior Sister, your coldness only highlights how adorable you were in bed…*
Perhaps sensing his gaze, Makomo's cheeks flushed. She kicked him—not playfully, but with force.
The fox demon's supernatural body made the blow feel like a tickle, yet Li Mo dramatically clutched his leg.
"Good morning, everyone! Did I miss something fun?"
"Sister?"
"Kanae!"
Butterfly Kanae arrived late. Li Mo immediately hid behind her. "Kanae, defend me! They're ganging up on me."
"Then now there are three of us," Kanae replied cheerfully.
Though shorter than Li Mo, she ruffled his hair into a bird's nest. "There—handsome Mo-chan looked too serious. By the way, you haven't unpacked yet. Let's go."
"Go where?"
"To the Rengoku residence!"
"?"
When you're confused, it's not you—it's them.
"But I just got back!"
"Let's go! Makomo already agreed. Makomo, toss Mo-chan's luggage over, please." Kanae caught the bag Makomo threw.
—*So you had me carry luggage just for another trip?*
Seeing Makomo and Shinobu calmly sipping tea, Li Mo realized they'd known about this plan all along. Resigned, he followed.
Visiting the Rengokus had been scheduled for after their return. What surprised Li Mo was the immediate departure.
Though the title "Hashira" no longer existed, their physical prowess remained. Kanae moved swiftly despite her deactivated mark, while Li Mo—being supernatural—kept pace effortlessly.
On a secluded path, their conversation turned dangerous.
"Mo-chan."
"Hmm?"
"You and Makomo… became intimate, right?"
"You noticed?"
"Her walking posture changed."
Li Mo sighed. "I can't tell the difference. Ugh… I feel like a scoundrel."
"Playing pitiful won't work," Kanae laughed. "Face forward—we're almost there."
Though traveling was tiring, the adage "men and women work well together" held true. They camped outdoors—routine for ex-swordsmen, especially with demons extinct and a half-fox guardian present.
Under the open sky, passion ignited.
—*Shikigami stood guard.*
The next morning, Kanae sat by the fire, meticulously fixing her butterfly hairpin. The refined lady had returned, erasing traces of last night's wildness.
"Mo-chan."
"Yeah?"
"Who's better—me or Makomo?"
A landmine question. Comparing a voluptuous woman to a petite girl was like debating sweet vs. savory rice dumplings—a surefire way to spark factional wars.
Li Mo answered boldly: "I don't know."
Kanae giggled. "Truly… a 'playboy'~"
He'd grown immune to the term after hearing it repeatedly last night.
—*Makomo had said the same.*
The Rengoku residence wasn't far. Their family had served the Demon Slayer Corps for generations, originally as samurai under the Ubuyashikis. Unlike the cursed Ubuyashiki line, the Rengokus' dwindling numbers stemmed from battlefield sacrifices.
They bought fruits en route—Kanae paid, as Li Mo realized he'd forgotten money. Accustomed to free lodging at Inazuma's Grand Narukami Shrine and Medea's ill-gotten wealth in Fuyuki, he'd grown careless. Post-Corps dissolution, Kanae's medical earnings supported them.
"Kyojuro!"
"Kanae-nee! Li Mo-nii! Mother will be thrilled!"
They met Kyojuro Rengoku in the market, carrying groceries. His booming voice radiated infectious cheer.
*Better he thrives in domestic life than dies gloriously at dawn.*
Li Mo patted Kyojuro's shoulder, sharing his sentiment silently.