On the Road

Back in the backyard, Han Zhiqi rested briefly before going into the bathroom to take a shower. Afterward, he changed into his clean clothes and, having tidied everything up, found himself unsure of what to do next.

Normally, he would be running around the forest, practicing his body's agility and coordination. Now, with sudden free time, his heart felt strangely empty.

He sat on the bed and thought for a while before deciding to go to the front yard. After all, it was almost mealtime, and he felt awkward waiting to be called to eat.

He then left his room. As he passed Shinobu Kocho's room next door, he paused to glance at the closed door before heading towards the front yard.

The three female nurses who gave Han Zhiqi a headache had disappeared. Judging by the sounds, they were likely in their room, their chattering audible even through the door.

Han Zhiqi couldn't understand why they had so much to say, talking endlessly from morning till night as if they had an inexhaustible supply of topics.

Han Zhiqi walked straight to a cherry blossom tree at the foot of the wall. The season was just after the cherry blossoms had fallen, and a faint scent of cherry blossoms still lingered in the air.

Before long, Han Zhiqi heard familiar footsteps behind him. His restless heart finally found a sliver of solace.

Indeed, Kanao Tsuyuri stood behind him, her vacant eyes still seemingly soulless, her gentle smile on her face looking heartbreaking.

Who had stolen her soul? And who had given her this smile?

Was she truly this happy?

Or did she not even realize she was smiling right now?

Neither of them spoke. Han Zhiqi looked at Kanao, and Kanao looked at Han Zhiqi's hair, as if she had found a long-lost doll.

Casually, Han Zhiqi noticed Aoi Kanzaki standing in the corner, watching them.

When their eyes met, Aoi Kanzaki lowered her head and fled into the room as if escaping.

Just then, Shinobu Kocho also came from the backyard, happening to see the two standing face-to-face under the tree.

"Hey, why are you two standing under the tree? Why aren't you going inside?"

As she spoke, Shinobu Kocho beckoned to Kanao, "Kanao, let's go, it's time to eat."

In an instant, a subtle fluctuation seemed to appear in Kanao's dim eyes. Her arms were held behind her, like a chick hearing its mother hen's call, spreading its wings to run towards her.

Shinobu Kocho affectionately stroked Kanao's hair. They waited until Han Zhiqi arrived beside them, and then the three of them walked into the room together.

"You two looked like a young couple in love under the tree just now. Han Zhiqi, you're not falling for Kanao, are you?" Shinobu Kocho turned to look at Han Zhiqi, speaking half-jokingly, half-seriously.

If it were any other woman, Han Zhiqi might have blushed crimson with embarrassment, but Kanao...

"She probably feels we're kindred spirits, which is why she's drawn to me."

With a detached tone, a detached expression, and detached eyes, Shinobu Kocho felt a pang in her heart, as if something had pricked it. She immediately dropped her playful demeanor.

Entering the living room, Aoi Kanzaki and the others had already served the food, waiting for Shinobu Kocho and the two others to be seated.

The dining table was usually filled with lively chatter, but with Han Zhiqi's arrival, the room fell silent. Everyone could feel the awkward atmosphere at the table, except for Kanao, of course.

"Tomorrow is the day of the Mount Fujikasane selection. Han Zhiqi, do you need anything? Xiao Qing and Xiao Cheng are going out to buy supplies later, so they can bring it back for you." Shinobu Kocho asked.

The Mount Fujikasane selection? So, his return this time was to participate in the Demon Slayer Corps selection assessment.

The Butterfly Mansion trio exchanged glances.

The Demon Slayer Corps selection assessment was a matter of life and death. Less than ten percent of those who participated each year survived. Simply stating that one was participating in the Demon Slayer Corps selection assessment was practically equivalent to having one foot in the grave.

Facing this person who was about to step into the grave, the Butterfly Mansion trio's initial aversion turned to pity, and even a hint of admiration and regret.

They admired his courage, but regretted that this handsome face would be seen no more.

Han Zhiqi had no idea what the people beside him were thinking. He calmly chewed his food and, after a long silence, asked, "What is the Mount Fujikasane selection? How does one pass the test?"

Hearing this, the three people beside him almost spat out their rice. To participate in the Mount Fujikasane selection without even knowing this was simply courting death!

Aoi Kanzaki put down her chopsticks and said, "Passing the test is simple. You just need to survive on the mountain for seven days. If you think it's just living on the mountain for seven days, you're greatly mistaken. There are countless demons on the mountain, including some with formidable strength."

Han Zhiqi nodded, indicating he understood.

Except for Shinobu Kocho and Kanao, the other four were all looking at him as if he were an idiot.

After hearing so much, he just nodded. Shouldn't he be scared? Or did he have no concept of the dangers of the Mount Fujikasane selection?

As if feeling that Han Zhiqi hadn't understood, Aoi Kanzaki continued, "In other words, you need to survive for seven days on a mountain filled with demons. There's no rescue, no supplies, nothing. You can only rely on yourself... that's it."

After speaking, the group looked at Han Zhiqi again, but he still showed no reaction.

Perhaps he was so scared he'd gone numb?

Han Zhiqi himself wasn't worried, but he was making Aoi Kanzaki and the others anxious.

Han Zhiqi unhurriedly swallowed the last bite of food and took a sip of water. He then turned to Shinobu Kocho and said, "In that case, please buy me a sword. Preferably a Nichirin Blade that can slay demons, not like last time. As for the money, I'll pay you back, along with the cost of the clothes, once I join the Demon Slayer Corps and earn money."

"Like last time?" What was "like last time"? What were they talking about?

Listening to their cryptic conversation, the four could only worry.

"I knew it, you're still holding a grudge against me for what happened last time. But don't worry, I've already prepared a sword for you, and you don't need to pay for it. When participating in the Demon Slayer Corps selection, the Nichirin Blade is naturally provided by the Demon Slayer Corps; there's no need for candidates to buy it themselves."

"Then there are no problems."

After breakfast, Han Zhiqi followed Shinobu Kocho to the medical room in the backyard and had all the stitches removed.

Afterward, for the rest of the day, Han Zhiqi spent most of his time indoors, practicing the breathing technique "Total Concentration: Constant" through meditation. After days of practice, he became more adept at using "Total Concentration: Constant," and the duration he could maintain it also increased.

The next day, not only Shinobu Kocho but even the Butterfly Mansion trio, who usually disliked Han Zhiqi, woke up early. Everyone seemed to have agreed in advance to see Han Zhiqi off.

In addition to a Nichirin Blade, the Butterfly Mansion trio had also prepared some dried food overnight and gave it to Han Zhiqi to eat on Mount Fujikasane. It was likely unrealistic to try and hunt for food to survive these seven days, as Mount Fujikasane was teeming with demons, making it difficult to encounter any living creatures.

After bidding farewell to everyone, Han Zhiqi walked towards Mount Fujikasane without looking back.

Dressed in white, with a sword hanging at his waist, he seemed to exude an air of heroic freedom.