Volume One: Menial Duties in Changshui County Chapter Sixty: Promotion to the Demon-Slaying Guard

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Somewhat unfamiliar with the blade?

What did that mean?

Lu Jiuzhang was puzzled.

In his eyes, wasn’t the blade before him just an ordinary weapon?

“Is this a weapon? No, this is a part of your body,” said Guard Mo. “The moment you regard your blade as a mere tool, you have already limited yourself.”

“To master the blade is to make it an extension of your own arm—fluid, agile, attacking at will.”

After hearing this, Lu Jiuzhang still did not understand.

A blade is lifeless; how could it possibly move like an arm?

He stared at the blade in his hand, examining it intently.

Guard Mo walked to a quiet corner and let out a long sigh.

He’d made up that excuse on the spot, and fortunately, it had worked.

A blade like an arm? Even he found that hard to believe.

He only knew about the unity of man and blade.

But that was different from making the blade as natural as one’s own limb.

The so-called unity of man and blade meant that the blade was the person, and the person was the blade.

Only the most formidable masters could reach such a realm.

“I don’t even know much about blades; I practice swordsmanship,” Guard Mo murmured to himself.

He had only dropped by and seen Lu Jiuzhang training so diligently, wanting to show off a little.

Who knew that upon closer inspection, Lu Jiuzhang’s technique was actually exceptionally steady?

It was a bit awkward.

So, he had offered some random advice, hoping to display his prowess as a martial artist of the eighth rank.

Otherwise, others might look down on him.

...

In the courtyard, Lu Jiuzhang, unsure what else to do, could only practice his blade techniques again and again.

As for the “Swift Gale Step,” he continued to cultivate it as well.

After the improvements made at the Kui Star Tower, the speed of the “Swift Gale Step” was astonishing—one stride took him several yards, making him several times faster than before.

Time slipped into the deep of night.

Lu Jiuzhang sat down to meditate and cultivate.

At dawn the next day—

Lu Jiuzhang tidied himself up and prepared to set out for the Demon Slayers’ Office.

Guard Mo was already awake, brewing a pot of tea and enjoying the sunrise in the courtyard.

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After several days of conversation, Lu Jiuzhang and Guard Mo had grown familiar with each other.

After saying their farewells, Lu Jiuzhang set off for the Demon Slayers’ Office.

Wang Yunshan was supposed to be on duty today, but after searching around, Lu Jiuzhang didn’t see any sign of him.

Upon inquiry, he learned that Wang Yunshan had taken a leave of absence.

Changshui County wasn’t large, and most of his colleagues already knew what had happened last night.

“Let me tell you, I heard Wang Yunshan was cornered at home by his wife, who chased him all around the yard with a kitchen cleaver.”

“I heard it was his brother-in-law who went after him with a cleaver.”

“You must be mistaken. My home is just a street away from Wang Yunshan’s, and I know all about their household. His wife is ruthless; she was still making a racket in the middle of the night.”

“And that brother-in-law of his isn’t loyal at all. I heard that Wang Yunshan used to take him to the Red Blossom House. Now, when trouble hits, the brother-in-law didn’t even warn him, and look how miserably Wang Yunshan ended up…”

…

The group chattered away, discussing Wang Yunshan’s embarrassing misadventures.

Since he wasn’t around, they could say whatever they pleased.

Lu Jiuzhang was on good terms with Wang Yunshan, so these people didn’t bother to hide anything and were quite happy to talk openly in front of him.

Though their stories were mixed with embellishments, Lu Jiuzhang was sure of one thing: Wang Yunshan would not escape a beating from his wife upon returning home.

He just wondered how long it would take Wang Yunshan to recover.

He had thought about visiting, but considering how fierce Wang Yunshan’s wife was, he decided against it.

Thud, thud, thud—

Just then, the sound of drums rang out.

Several urgent beats summoned everyone to the council hall.

Generally, this meant a demon had appeared, and all hands were needed for the hunt.

Trouble had barely passed, and more was already upon them. Everyone was feeling glum.

One after another, they assembled in the hall, faces drawn and weary.

Moments later, Deputy Director Chen Xuanfeng entered, accompanied by Yuan Wufeng.

These two currently held the greatest authority in the Demon Slayers’ Office, both being martial artists of the eighth rank.

Their joint appearance underscored the gravity of the situation.

Chen Xuanfeng was not known for being easygoing, so everyone quickly fell silent, even their misery vanishing, replaced by solemnity.

“Ahem…” Chen Xuanfeng cleared his throat, his gaze piercing as he surveyed the assembly.

“Director Zhong is away on a demon hunt. Before he left, he said all major decisions were to fall to me. But when it comes to appointments, I believe it’s best to follow his wishes.”

“Two days ago, I instructed Zhou Cheng to travel to Anxi Prefecture and seek out Director Zhong.”

“By order of Director Zhong: Zhou Cheng is promoted from Demon Slayer Guard to Demon Slayer Envoy; Lu Jiuzhang, formerly a menial, is promoted to Demon Slayer Guard!”

“These appointments take effect immediately!”

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As the words fell, all eyes turned to Lu Jiuzhang, full of envy.

A Demon Slayer Guard!

Even the lowest rank far surpassed their own positions as menials.

A Guard received ten taels of silver per month, and if one reached the ninth martial rank, the salary doubled to twenty taels.

As for them, the menials, they only earned five taels a month—a world of difference!

“Lu Jiuzhang, step forward!” Chen Xuanfeng commanded.

Lu Jiuzhang stepped out from the crowd, coming to the front.

With a flick of his wrist, Chen Xuanfeng produced an ornate blade.

“This blade was forged by the Demon Slayers’ Office of Anxi Prefecture from black iron,” he said, handing it to Lu Jiuzhang, along with a letter of appointment stamped with Director Zhong’s seal.

Beneath the letter lay a white robe!

Black robes were for menials; white robes were the mark of a Demon Slayer Guard, clearly distinguishing them from the common staff.

Beside him, Yuan Wufeng’s eyes were as sharp as hooks, fixed intently on Lu Jiuzhang.

“Thank you, Director Chen!” Lu Jiuzhang cupped his hands in salute.

“No need to thank me. This is Director Zhong’s order. If you wish to give thanks, thank him,” Chen Xuanfeng waved him off.

Next, Zhou Cheng received his new blade, letter of appointment, and fresh attire.

Zhou Cheng had reached the ninth martial rank years ago, and now he was finally promoted to Demon Slayer Envoy—a well-deserved congratulations!

“That’s all that needs to be said. Dismissed,” Chen Xuanfeng announced, signaling the crowd they could depart.

Holding his new uniform, Lu Jiuzhang could hardly contain his joy.

The authority of a Demon Slayer Guard far exceeded that of a menial. Simply put, menials were like contract workers, while Guards were official staff.

That morning, as he left home, his left eyelid had been twitching—an omen of good fortune, as it turned out!

Left eye for wealth, right eye for disaster—superstitions be damned!

…

Back in the staff quarters, Lu Jiuzhang changed into his new uniform.

Now, as a Demon Slayer Guard, he had his own office space.

After bidding farewell to the others, he formally took his leave.

A celebratory meal was inevitable; after so much time with his colleagues, they had become friends of a sort.