Luochuan was in a great mood after obtaining the Blood Demon Art he wanted. Aside from the art itself, Yahaba's other rewards would have been garbage; pulling the skill on the first try was a stroke of excellent luck.
Success brings a radiant spirit, and Luochuan was no exception—his smile grew even brighter. However, this brilliant smile made Tamayo and Yushiro behind him feel as if they were facing a mortal enemy.
Yushiro's eyes held a "death before dishonor" resolve. Earlier, when Luochuan mentioned befriending Lady Tamayo, he hadn't thought much of it. But things were different now. With Susamaru and Yahaba as precedents, Yushiro had completely categorized Luochuan as a psychopath who killed demons for sport.
Tamayo's gaze was just as wary. While Luochuan helping her by killing the two demons was a benefit, the overwhelming strength he displayed was a massive potential threat. She still couldn't determine if Luochuan was a friend or a foe. Her hand, hidden within her wide sleeve, tightened around a specialized sedative—a trump card she had developed to hide from Muzan, never expecting she might have to use it on a human.
Seeing Tamayo's reaction grow more intense after he cleared the field, Luochuan felt helpless. This wasn't going as planned.
"Lady Tamayo, I truly just want to make a friend of you."
"Lady Tamayo, do not believe him! He said the same thing to the other demons just now!" Yushiro shouted the moment Luochuan finished.
"You little..." Luochuan almost broke character and sliced him. Are other demons the same as Lady Tamayo?
Tamayo pressed her hand on Yushiro's shoulder and looked at Luochuan. "Mr. Luochuan, I am grateful for your willingness to befriend a demon. However, the reason I exist is because Muzan is still alive. I have no intention of making an enemy of you, so please, leave."
Tamayo was willing to befriend Tanjiro because his sister, Nezuko, was a demon, and she had seen his compassion toward those turning into demons. But Luochuan was different. It was impossible to convince her with words alone when he possessed such threatening power.
"Lady Tamayo, I know what you are researching. I can help."
Tamayo shook her head. Help her? How? Defeating Muzan required a way to turn a demon back into a human. That required Muzan's blood, or at least the blood of the Twelve Kizuki who possessed the most of it. What could one man do? Kill the Twelve Kizuki? As strong as Luochuan was, he was at most Lower Moon level. As for the Upper Moons? They had slaughtered nearly a hundred Hashira over the centuries. How could he possibly get their blood?
Seeing her doubt, Luochuan didn't argue. He simply snapped his fingers.
Tamayo opened her mouth to reject his kindness, but she suddenly realized she couldn't hear the sound of her own voice. She froze and looked at Luochuan. Seeing the bloody aura swirling around him and sensing a familiar energy, her eyes widened in shock.
"This... this is... a Blood Demon Art?!"
Luochuan could use Blood Demon Arts? How was that possible? Wasn't the prerequisite for a Blood Demon Art becoming a demon? Was the man before her not human? Was he a demon in disguise? This absurd thought surfaced in her mind, only for her to shake it off immediately. Demon energy was easy to identify; if Luochuan were one of her kind, she would have sensed it instantly.
Then why can he use Blood Demon Arts? She stared at the technique Luochuan was manifesting, her brow furrowed. In her hundreds of years of life, she had never seen anything like this.
Tanjiro and Zenitsu also reacted with varying degrees of confusion.
"Mr. Luochuan is a demon too? But why isn't there a demon scent?" Tanjiro was baffled. His nose was incredibly sharp, yet no matter how hard he sniffed, Luochuan's scent remained human.
Zenitsu's eyes flickered with panic for a moment, but then he moved closer to Luochuan, as if afraid the others would attack him. Whether Luochuan was a human or a demon, he only knew that Luochuan was the one who had stayed by his side all these years. Even if Luochuan was a demon, he would stay with him!
"Now, does Lady Tamayo think I can help?"
"What... what do you want from me?" Tamayo asked hesitantly. This was the first time she had seen a person who could use Blood Demon Arts. A reagent made from such a person's blood might be the key to defeating Muzan. She had dreamed of killing Muzan for centuries; now that a sliver of a chance had appeared, she had to seize it, regardless of Luochuan's motives.
"As I said, I just want to be your friend. That is all."
Tamayo looked at him fixedly, her eyes filled with surprise. Just to be friends? Did he not realize she wanted his blood? No, since he knew what she was doing in the shadows, he must know what she needed. Being able to exchange blood for a verbal friendship was a deal she couldn't refuse.
"I would be honored to call Mr. Luochuan a friend." Tamayo bowed deeply.
Ding!
[Successfully added Tamayo as a friend!]
[Intimacy: Acquaintance. Random reward obtained.]
[Gained Skill: Blood Demon Art—Visual Dream Fragrance (Proficient)]
[Fuse now? No.]
Luochuan felt a slight pang of disappointment. It was a pity he didn't pull her highest-mastery skill, Aroma of White Daylight, but Visual Dream Fragrance was still acceptable. He then turned his gaze toward Yushiro, who was guarding Tamayo.
"And you? Would you like to be my friend?"
Yushiro felt Lady Tamayo's hand tighten slightly on his shoulder. He nodded reluctantly. "Fine."
Ding!
[Successfully added Yushiro as a friend!]
[Intimacy: Acquaintance. Random reward obtained.]
[Gained Aptitude: Medium]
[Fuse now? No.]
"Damn it."
Luochuan's hand tightened on his sword hilt. It was bad enough this kid caused trouble, but he didn't even drop a good reward. Medium Aptitude? Even a dog wouldn't want that!
Yushiro flinched. Did I just hear the sound of a sword being unsheathed?! He smiles when Lady Tamayo agrees, but draws his blade when I agree? Fine, so that's how it is!