Back in the rear courtyard, Han Zhiqi rested briefly, then went into the bathroom for a shower. After changing into his clean clothes and packing everything up, he suddenly had no idea what to do.
Normally, he would be running through the woods, training his agility and coordination. Now that he was unexpectedly idle, he felt strangely empty inside.
After sitting on the bed and thinking for a while, Han Zhiqi decided to take a look at the front courtyard. It was nearly time to eat, and waiting for someone to call him to dinner would be awkward.
He stepped out of his room. When he passed Shinobu Kocho's room next door, he paused to glance at the tightly closed door before heading toward the front courtyard.
The three female nurses who gave Han Zhiqi such headaches were nowhere to be seen. Judging by the noise, they were probably in their room. Their chirping voices could be heard clearly even through the door.
Han Zhiqi had no idea where they found so much to talk about. They chattered from morning to night as if they had endless topics to discuss.
He walked straight to a cherry blossom tree by the wall. It was the season when the blossoms had just fallen, and a faint cherry fragrance still lingered in the air.
Before long, Han Zhiqi heard familiar footsteps behind him. His restless heart seemed to finally find a trace of comfort.
Sure enough, Kanao Tsuyuri was standing behind him. Her hollow eyes still looked soulless, while the gentle smile on her face was heartbreaking to behold.
Who had taken her soul away? And who had given her that smile?
Was she really that happy?
Or did she not even know she was smiling?
Neither of them spoke. Han Zhiqi looked at Kanao, while Kanao stared at Han Zhiqi's hair as though she had found a toy she had lost long ago.
By chance, Han Zhiqi noticed Aoi Kanzaki standing in the corner, looking their way.
When their eyes met, Aoi lowered her head and hurried into the room as if fleeing.
Just then, Shinobu came over from the rear courtyard and happened to see the two of them standing face-to-face beneath the tree.
"Hey, what are you two doing under the tree? Why aren't you inside?"
As she spoke, Shinobu waved to Kanao. "Kanao, come on. It's time to eat."
In an instant, a faint ripple seemed to appear in Kanao's dim eyes. With her arms held behind her, she was like a chick hearing its mother's call, spreading her wings and running toward the hen.
Shinobu affectionately stroked Kanao's hair. Once Han Zhiqi joined them, the three of them headed into the house together.
"You two looked just like a lovey-dovey little couple beneath that tree. Han Zhiqi, don't tell me you've taken a liking to Kanao?" Shinobu turned to him, speaking half-jokingly and half-seriously.
If it had been another woman, Han Zhiqi might truly have blushed crimson with embarrassment. But Kanao...
"She probably thinks I'm the same kind as her, so she's closer to me."
His tone was indifferent, his expression indifferent, and his eyes indifferent. Shinobu felt as though something had pricked her heart, and she immediately put away her teasing smile.
When they entered the living room, Aoi and the others had already placed the food on the table and were waiting for the three of them to sit down.
The dining table was usually full of lively chatter, but the moment Han Zhiqi arrived, it fell silent. Anyone could sense the awkward atmosphere at the table—except Kanao, of course.
"Tomorrow is the Mount Fujikasane selection. Han Zhiqi, is there anything you need? Xiao Qing and Xiao Cheng are going out to buy supplies later, so they can bring something back for you," Shinobu asked.
The Mount Fujikasane selection? So he had come back this time to take the Demon Slayer Corps selection test.
The Butterfly Mansion trio exchanged glances.
The Demon Slayer Corps selection test had a survival rate of less than ten percent. Every year, fewer than one in ten participants survived. Saying one was taking the Demon Slayer Corps selection test basically meant one foot was already through the gates of hell.
Faced with someone about to step through those gates, the Butterfly Mansion trio's initial disgust turned into pity, with even the slightest hint of admiration and regret.
They admired his courage, but regretted that they would probably never see that handsome face again.
Han Zhiqi had no idea what the people beside him were thinking. He chewed his food unhurriedly, then after a long silence, asked, "What is the Mount Fujikasane selection? What does it take to pass the test?"
Hearing that, the three people beside him nearly sprayed out their food. He dared to take the Mount Fujikasane selection without even knowing that? Wasn't that just asking to die?
Aoi set down her bowl and chopsticks and said, "Passing the test is simple. You just need to survive on the mountain for seven days. But if you think that just means living on the mountain for seven days, you're completely mistaken. There are countless demons on the mountain, including many powerful ones."
Han Zhiqi nodded to show that he understood.
Other than Shinobu and Kanao, the remaining four all stared at him as though he were an idiot.
After hearing all that, he merely nodded. Shouldn't he have been afraid? Or did he have no concept at all of how dangerous the Mount Fujikasane selection was?
Perhaps thinking Han Zhiqi had not understood, Aoi continued, "That means you need to survive for seven days on a mountain full of demons. There will be no rescue, no supplies, nothing at all. You can only rely on yourself. That's... that's how it is."
After she finished, everyone looked at Han Zhiqi again, but he still showed no reaction.
Had he been scared stupid?
Han Zhiqi himself was in no hurry, but Aoi and the others were worried sick for him.
Han Zhiqi slowly swallowed the last mouthful of food, took another sip of water, and said to Shinobu, "In that case, buy me a sword. Preferably a Nichirin Blade that can kill demons. Don't let it be like last time. As for the money, once I join the Demon Slayer Corps and earn some, I'll pay you back for it along with the clothes."
Like last time? What did he mean, like last time? What exactly were the two of them talking about?
Listening to their cryptic exchange, the four could only fret helplessly.
"I knew you were still holding the last incident against me. But don't worry this time—the sword has already been prepared for you, and you won't have to pay for it. When taking the Demon Slayer Corps selection, the Nichirin Blade is naturally provided by the Demon Slayer Corps. Why would candidates need to buy one themselves?"
"Then there are no problems."
After breakfast, Han Zhiqi followed Shinobu to the rear courtyard's treatment room and had all the stitches removed.
For most of the rest of the day, Han Zhiqi stayed in his room, practicing the breathing technique Total Concentration: Constant through meditation. After days of training, he had become more proficient in using Total Concentration: Constant, and the time he could maintain it had also increased.
The next day, not only Shinobu but even the Butterfly Mansion trio, who usually disliked Han Zhiqi, got up early. As though they had discussed it beforehand, everyone came to see Han Zhiqi off.
Besides a Nichirin Blade, the Butterfly Mansion trio had specially made some rations overnight and gave them to Han Zhiqi to eat on Mount Fujikasane. If he planned to survive those seven days by hunting, that was probably unrealistic. Mount Fujikasane was full of demons, so it would likely be difficult to find any living creatures.
After bidding everyone farewell, Han Zhiqi walked toward Mount Fujikasane without looking back.
Dressed in white with a sword hanging at his waist, he suddenly carried an air of bold, carefree confidence.
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