Chapter 50: Tamayo

Over the next two days, Lin Yi was like a tireless bee, busily shuttling through the wards of the Butterfly Mansion.

His figure appeared beside every team member in need of help, using healing arts to alleviate their pain.

This frantic pace caused his Disease Detection level to skyrocket; in just two short days, it surged like a spring bamboo shoot, abruptly rising to LV4.

Only when the setting sun cast its final rays of afterglow did Lin Yi finally break free from his busy schedule.

He stretched, loosening his weary body, and then stepped into the lounge.

As soon as she saw Lin Yi return, Kanao Tsuyuri rose with a smile like a blooming flower, elegantly serving him a cup of hot tea.

The aroma of the tea wafted through the air, seemingly capable of dispelling all the fatigue within his body.

"Thanks," Lin Yi said with a slight smile, taking the cup and drinking it in one gulp.

At that moment, Shinobu Kocho slowly emerged from behind the laboratory door, her figure appearing exceptionally soft under the dim, yellowish light.

Unlike her usual self, she was not wearing that form-fitting, brightly colored kimono, but had instead changed into the protective suit Lin Yi had specially prepared for her.

The protective suit was designed very tightly, wrapping her graceful figure completely, making her look like a round little bun.

Although this image was a far cry from her usual elegance, it added a touch of cuteness and playfulness.

When Shinobu Kocho removed her hood and revealed her face, one could see her skin covered in fine beads of sweat.

"Mr. Lin, through my research during this period, I have made some discoveries regarding the items you gave me previously," Shinobu's voice revealed a hint of excitement.

She carefully handed the test tube containing the [Corpse Virus] back to Lin Yi, while also presenting a thick research report.

Lin Yi took the test tube and the report, a look of solemnity flashing in his eyes.

He knew that the power of the [Corpse Virus] was not to be underestimated; if used improperly, it could potentially cause a catastrophe even more severe than Muzan Kibutsuji.

Therefore, he paid extraordinary attention to Shinobu's research results.

He began to carefully pore over the data in the report. When he saw the violent reaction that occurred when the Corpse Virus encountered the blood of a demon, his brow furrowed involuntarily.

The report described in detail how the Corpse Virus, like a pack of hungry wolves encountering fat prey, frantically tore into the demon's blood.

However, the regenerative ability of demon blood was also extremely strong; they continuously regenerated under the attack of the Corpse Virus, stubbornly resisting its erosion.

Ultimately, something shocking happened: the demon's blood actually re-absorbed the Corpse Virus, fusing it into a new type of virus.

Just as Lin Yi was fully concentrated on studying the experimental data, a sudden, urgent knocking came from the window.

Looking up, he saw a Kasugai Crow flapping its wings, anxiously pecking at the windowpane.

Hearing the noise, Kanao Tsuyuri rushed over and quietly opened the window to let the crow fly in.

The crow flew straight to Lin Yi, and Old Wolf's voice transmitted from its beak: "Boss Lin, we've found something. We need your help."

Lin Yi's heart stirred. He knew that Old Wolf and the others had been tracking the demons' traces, and this news must mean they had made an important discovery.

He immediately put down the report, looked up at the crow, and asked, "Where is the location?"

"Taigu County," the crow replied.

As Lin Yi prepared to bid farewell to Shinobu Kocho and embark on his journey to Taigu County, he was surprised to find that Shinobu had already changed into a tight-fitting kimono and was gripping her Nichirin Sword, clearly preparing to go along.

"I am going with you."

Shinobu added, "This is an order from the Master. He specifically instructed that no matter when or where, as long as Mr. Lin goes out on a mission, someone from the Demon Slayer Corps must accompany you to ensure your safety. The current Demon Slayer Corps cannot do without your help and support."

Looking into Shinobu's eyes, Lin Yi knew he wouldn't be able to persuade her otherwise, so he nodded and agreed to her company.

Before departing, Shinobu turned to Kanao Tsuyuri and instructed, "Kanao, you must keep a close eye on the situation at the Butterfly Mansion during this time. Mr. Lin and I will be away for a while and will return soon."

"Understood, Sister," Kanao Tsuyuri replied obediently.

After the instructions were given, Lin Yi and Shinobu Kocho left the Butterfly Mansion.

They rode a carriage belonging to the Wisteria Family, racing through the night toward Taigu County.

Upon arriving in Taigu County, Lin Yi finally felt a long-lost sense of urban atmosphere.

The streets were bustling and crowded, with various sounds intertwining to form a lively tableau.

The lanterns overhead swayed with a soft glow, adding a touch of warmth to the night.

Along the sides of the streets, small vendors were busy soliciting business, while young ladies standing on street corners called out coquettishly, attempting to attract the attention of passersby.

However, none of this prosperity or clamor had anything to do with the purpose of Lin Yi and Shinobu's trip.

Following the guidance of the Kasugai Crow, they passed through the bustling downtown area and arrived at a relatively quiet residential area.

After a few flaps of its wings, the crow led Lin Yi and Shinobu to a clinic.

"It's here."

Seeing the name of the clinic, Shinobu blinked her purple eyes, a look of surprise appearing on her face; she hadn't expected Lin Yi's destination to be Tamayo's territory.

As soon as they entered the clinic, Lin Yi saw Old Wolf and Ghost lying in hospital beds, while the other members of the team were nowhere to be seen.

A black-haired young woman was standing between the two men's beds.

She wore a simple white outfit, a slight smile on her face, and her entire presence exuded an ethereal, refined temperament.

Seeing Shinobu Kocho enter, the black-haired girl broke into a brilliant smile: "Shinobu, long time no see."

"Long time no see, Tamayo," Shinobu Kocho responded with a smile.

Seeing the two of them catching up, Lin Yi did not step forward to disturb them.

He walked to Old Wolf's bedside and asked softly, "What happened? Where is everyone else?"

"Doctor... we found traces of the Twelve Kizuki," Old Wolf spoke with difficulty. However, his damaged vocal cords made his voice sound exceptionally raspy, as if two rough stones were rubbing against each other, making it quite unpleasant to hear.

A hint of bitterness and helplessness appeared on his face; clearly, this encounter had not been easy.

Hearing this, Lin Yi sat by Old Wolf's bed, asking while peeling an apple, "Which of the Twelve Kizuki?"

Old Wolf nodded, the bitterness on his face deepening: "Not one, but three."

At this, Lin Yi's movement of peeling the apple paused; clearly, he had not expected Old Wolf to encounter so many demons.

(End of Chapter)