Why does the world show a health bar? !

Running under the night sky was not the first time for Li Mo. As a "Pillar," providing support and moving around was a common task, requiring even greater speed.

—He never realized he could be this fast.

The scenery around him blurred as it sped past. He felt his speed could even rival that of a car. The constant use of Total Concentration Breathing gave him a physical advantage, elevating him beyond the limits of ordinary human physique.

Moreover… he could still allocate attribute points.

The system screen reflected in his eyes. The experience bar for his life level was only partially filled, still far from reaching level 13. Of course, that wasn't the main focus; the remaining attribute points were the key. He allocated points to both Constitution and Agility, raising them to 18, just like his Strength. The plus sign then turned gray. The remaining points were assigned to Perception.

The uses of Intelligence and Wisdom were likely related to spells and magic? That wasn't something Li Mo cared about for now. He would think about those attributes when he could learn spells or magic in the future.

His body felt incredibly robust, and Li Mo could sense his speed increasing even further.

Faster, even faster.

The information brought by the Kasugai Crow was that the Flame Pillar needed support. The only kind of demon that would force a "Pillar" to seek help was one type of existence.

"Upper Moon."

Which Upper Moon would it be? Upper Moon Six, Daki, should be in the Red-Light District. So, would it be Upper Moon Four or Five? One was a monster who turned humans into so-called "artworks," and the other was a demon with multiple bodies.

Or perhaps Upper Moon Three, Akaza, the martial arts fanatic? Upper Moon Two, Douma? Or even Upper Moon One, Kokushibo?

Was this all he knew about the Upper Moons?

As he ran, Li Mo moistened his dry lips. He couldn't even describe his emotions anymore.

This was a change, a shift that could alter his current life!

…

…

Rengoku Shinjuro had never encountered a demon like this before.

He used all the techniques of the Flame Breathing style, but each one was effortlessly countered. What was terrifying was how the demon, named Akaza, used his fists as weapons, directly blocking the sharp blade.

This was the first time he had seen a demon use such a method!

In the past, demons would avoid the sharp Nichirin Blade, or if they couldn't dodge, they would take the hit with a less vital part of their body, often retreating.

But Akaza used his fists.

At the same time, Shinjuro dared not create distance, because when he did, the demon's punches would generate air-based ranged attacks.

Shinjuro, you need to think of a way!

In the span of a few breaths, the Nichirin Blade and fists clashed dozens of times, with both sides locked in a stalemate.

Sweat dripped from Shinjuro's forehead. The intense battle was a severe test of his stamina!

"You're starting to tire! Become a demon, Shinjuro. The human body is so weak—it ages, gets injured, feels pain, and grows weary. How can such a body pursue the pinnacle of strength?"

A punch!

Shinjuro was sent flying, blade and all, rolling several times on the ground before regaining his balance and standing up.

Instinctively, he swung his blade, and the Nichirin Blade cut into flesh. Akaza was now right in front of him.

"My answer remains the same. No matter the reason, I will never become a demon."

"Ah, what a pity!"

Another punch, and Shinjuro was sent flying again.

"You're at your limit, Shinjuro."

Akaza said, "You're almost thirty years old. Continuous high-intensity battles have left your body exhausted, hasn't it? Your stamina is starting to decline."

"What a shame. I truly wanted to witness your strength at its peak. What a pity!"

Shinjuro didn't respond, as his mouth was filled with blood.

The demon had exploited two openings, landing hits on his abdomen both times. Internal bleeding had likely started. Shinjuro adjusted his breathing, trying to control the internal bleeding.

He knew deep down that he was completely at a disadvantage.

"Upper Moon Three," Akaza.

He was strong!

—The ability to regenerate severed limbs in an instant!

—Strength capable of shattering mountains and rocks!

—Masterful martial arts enhanced by Blood Demon Art!

He was no match for this demon.

The haori representing the "Pillar" was now soaked in blood. Was it the demon's blood? No, it was his own. Akaza's incredible regeneration meant he didn't bleed.

During this brief respite, the demon didn't attack. Was it arrogance? Probably. When Shinjuro was uninjured, they were at a stalemate. Now that he was wounded, the demon's arrogance was understandable.

"I'll ask one last time, Shinjuro. Are you sure you don't want to become a demon? Your fighting spirit is fading."

Akaza's eyes showed a hint of pity. The two had been fighting for about an hour or two.

It had been a long time since he had encountered a human who could last this long against him.

Even among the "Pillars," this man was one of the top.

He waited for Shinjuro's answer. For strong opponents, Akaza was always lenient. His pure dedication to martial arts had brought him this far.

It was this purity that had allowed him to survive after challenging Kokushibo for his position.

Shinjuro used this precious time to regulate his breathing.

His lungs ached. This was something he hadn't experienced since mastering "Total Concentration Breathing: Constant."

He remembered the hardships he endured in his youth to make Total Concentration Breathing a constant state. Back then, it was Ruka who had supported him.

—He couldn't let Ruka down. He had to set an example for Kyojuro and Senjuro!

The tip of his Nichirin Blade pointed slightly downward as Shinjuro said, "My answer remains the same. No matter what, I will never become a demon!"

"I respect your decision. Therefore, I will…"

"Beat you to death!"

As soon as the last word left his mouth, Akaza closed the distance. Shinjuro's blade severed the demon's right fist, but the left fist landed squarely on his body.

Thud—

A mouthful of blood spilled from Shinjuro's lips. Akaza pressed the attack, his fists raining down like a relentless storm. Even so, Shinjuro managed to counter, but his strikes felt more like desperate flailing.

At this rate, he would be killed.

He would become the first Flame Pillar to die at Akaza's hands.

Whoosh—!

Suddenly, Akaza heard the sound of something cutting through the air. He instinctively backflipped away from Shinjuro, spotting the source of the sound—a Nichirin Blade.

In that brief moment, a figure clad in a white haori caught the blade.

"Sun Breathing, First Form."

"Circle Dance!"