So it turns out I'm the demon!

In the days that followed, Jiang Mu continued to stay at home and cultivate.

While driving the demonic shadows to practice the "Eight Forms of Breaking the Heavens", he repeatedly used the "Body Forging Technique" to beat his own muscles and bones.

The main feature is the separation of a person's shadow, doubling the efficiency.

The "Tiger and Leopard Marrow Cleansing Pill" issued by the Demon Slayer Division was indeed potent; after taking it, one felt as if a furnace was burning inside their abdomen.

The scorching medicinal power surged with the flow of qi and blood, washing over the limbs and bones.

If an ordinary person were to take it, they would probably suffer excruciating pain.

Thanks to the perfect foundation laid by "borrowing" the physique of the demon Zhang the Butcher, Jiang Mu's progress is rapid. At this rate, he should be able to reach the threshold of the second realm in about two months.

Days flow by peacefully, like water running under the eaves.

Aside from occasionally going to the office for roll call or to take a stroll around his own quiet government office, Jiang Mu basically never leaves his home.

In his spare time, he would also help Bai Xiang tend the vegetable garden.

Building a trellis for peas or watering bok choy, and looking at the lush greenery in the garden, is quite a stress reliever.

During this time, Jiang Mu felt that it was really unfair to Bai Xiang to take on so many jobs.

She had to be a cook, grow vegetables, manage the huge yard, and occasionally check the accounts of his two shops. She practically treated him like a human being.

So he generously gave Bai Xiang a large monthly allowance, officially promoting her to the position of housekeeper for the Jiang family.

He himself, on the other hand, comfortably became a hands-off manager, focusing all his energy on his cultivation.

……

On this day, the sun was blazing overhead.

Jiang Mu stood shirtless on the sand in the courtyard.

The sunlight lashed at my skin like a scorching whip, and sweat trickled down my taut muscles, leaving tiny dents in the sand beneath my feet.

"Whoosh!"

He slashed with his sword, creating a sharp, swift sound.

The shadows of swords were as dense as rain.

Jiang Mu stopped his stance and stood still, his chest rising and falling slightly, the breath he exhaled from his mouth and nose as hot as flames.

From his initial clumsy movements and stiff exertion to his current fluid and powerful movements, he has already subtly grasped the essence of the sword in the "Eight Styles of Breaking the Heavens".

But this is not enough.

Most martial arts in the world are divided into five realms.

The difficulty of advancing and breaking through each realm is no less than that of breaking through a cultivation level.

It requires insight, talent, and, most importantly, a good opportunity.

It's not that you can naturally break through just by practicing ten thousand or a hundred thousand times.

It's like doing a math problem; if you don't know how to do it, you just don't know how.

This is what is known as the "threshold".

Even in the midst of a life-or-death struggle, some people can have a sudden flash of inspiration in dire straits, instantly breaking through the bottleneck of martial arts and turning the tables on their opponents.

This is the "opportunity".

"If I rely on my own hard work, even if I practice for another three years, I'm afraid I'll only reach the level of someone who has just begun to understand the basics."

Jiang Mu looked down at the blade that reflected her eyes.

"But so what?"

"I have a cheat code."

As soon as Jiang Mu had a thought, the huge "demon" character groove immediately appeared in his field of vision.

"Dad, get him!"

With a thought, the dark red demonic blood stored at the bottom of the groove instantly boiled, transforming into a surge of energy that rushed straight to Jiang Mu's spiritual platform.

In an instant.

What was once an obscure pass has suddenly become clear and open.

Jiang Mu felt a sudden inspiration and instinctively swung his long sword.

Swish!

Before the blade even arrived, the blade's energy had already carved a deep trench in the ground.

The swirling dust spread out to both sides like waves.

The Eight Forms of Breaking the Heavens: Officially Begin!

"Wow, that's amazing!"

Jiang Mu gripped the hilt of the knife tightly, feeling the surging power within her body and the close connection between the knife and her hand, her heart pounding with excitement.

He was certain that if he encountered that demon again now, there would be no need for a prolonged fight; he could behead him within two strikes!

"Strike while the iron is hot, continue!"

Jiang Mu composed himself and swung his sword again.

Beside him, the demonic figure also moved in sync, its blade flashing menacingly.

As Jiang Mu officially mastered the basics of swordsmanship, the Demon Shadow's training efficiency seemed to increase dramatically, and its swordplay became increasingly fierce.

Five days later, his swordsmanship was partially mastered!

Seven days later, his swordsmanship was perfected!

After reaching the pinnacle, the rate of improvement finally slowed down.

It wasn't that my understanding was insufficient, but rather that the demonic blood in the demonic tank had completely dried up, leaving not a trace.

The demonic shadow can no longer be summoned.

The power bank is completely out of power.

"Whoosh!"

Jiang Mu exhaled and spoke, then slashed upwards with his sword!

There was a soft "hiss" sound.

The wooden stake, as hard as iron, was cut diagonally as if it were tofu, the cut was as smooth as a mirror, and not even a speck of wood was produced.

An unprecedented sense of wholeness and control filled my entire body.

Man and knife become one, as easy as an arm or finger.

"As expected of the Eight Forms of Heaven-Breaking".

Jiang Mu sheathed his sword, his eyes gleaming. "Indeed impressive."

Looking at the empty "Demon" character slot, he felt a little helpless: "Looks like I'll have to find a demon to replenish my energy. This thing is useful, but it uses too much fuel."

He turned and shouted at Bai Xiang, who was watering the vegetable garden:

"Xiang'er, prepare some bathwater for me! I'm all clean now, I'm going to slay demons and monsters!"

Baixiang: "..."

-

After washing away the stench of sweat and changing into a smart set of casual clothes, Jiang Mu arrived at the Demon Slayer Division with a menacing air.

Just as they entered the gate, they happened to run into Xu Fu and his group, who were about to leave.

"Oh, isn't this Young Master Jiang?"

Xu Fu stopped and greeted Jiang Mu with a smile, "What brings you here today? Here to collect resources again?"

Since the incident in Dawen Township, Xu Fu's opinion of this playboy has changed considerably. At this moment, his teasing has lost its previous contempt and has become more familiar.

"Oh right, I almost forgot, it's time to collect the resources."

Jiang Mu only remembered after he mentioned it, and then changed the subject, "But I mainly came to see the head of the department today to see if there are any tasks that can be assigned to me."

"The boss is not here."

Xu Fu shook his head. "The case of the demon in Dawen Township has been closed. The source was a nest of fox demons found in the mountains. I reckon that Elder Wu ran into them and got infected with the demon poison. The whole nest of foxes has been wiped out, so the matter is considered closed."

Jiang Mu was somewhat disappointed upon hearing this.

His gaze swept over the capable subordinates behind Xu Fu, and his eyes lit up again: "Brother Xu, are you leading a team out to slay demons? Do you need my help?"

"No way!"

Xu Fu quickly waved his hand and laughed it off, "I'm going to take care of other official business, not to slay demons. Don't worry, if I ever need any help in the future, I'll definitely call you first."

Are you kidding me? Bring this little devil along?

Although Jiang Mu has indeed made some progress, he is still just a silly demon slayer who has just entered the first realm. If he really encounters a tough opponent, he will have to spare some attention to take care of him.

After saying that, he hurriedly left with his men.

Jiang Mu touched her nose, feeling too embarrassed to continue pestering him.

After receiving the medicinal resources from the cultivation room, Jiang Mu was disheartened and planned to go home and continue his cultivation in seclusion.

I hadn't gone far when I spotted a familiar figure in the distance.

It is Chu Lingzhu.

The girl carried her signature little medicine box on her back, walking hurriedly, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed, her pretty face full of impatience.

Behind her followed a young man dressed in white, holding a folding fan.

It's like a dog skin plaster.

The man was fairly good-looking and was talking incessantly to Chu Lingzhu.

Chu Lingzhu's face was full of disgust.

Just then, she suddenly caught sight of Jiang Mu not far away.

The girl's beautiful eyes lit up, and she opened her mouth to call for help.

As it turned out, Jiang Mu reacted extremely quickly. Just before she could speak, he slipped away, his figure flashing as he turned into a nearby alley and disappeared in an instant.

"Huh?"

Chu Lingzhu was stunned for a moment, then quickly chased after him to the alley entrance and looked around.

But the alleyway was deep and dark, and there was no one to be seen.

She stomped her foot in anger and muttered under her breath, "That bastard!"

……

"Phew... luckily I got away quickly."

At the other end of the alley, Jiang Mu patted his chest, secretly relieved.

That girl usually gives him a cold shoulder, so her sudden greeting clearly shows she wants to use him as a shield.

He would never do such a shameful thing.

Jiang Mu hummed a little tune, straightened her clothes, and prepared to go home.

Suddenly, he stopped.

Jiang Mu slowly turned her head, her gaze falling on the street not far away.

There,

A small, thin girl was kneeling.

Dressed in rags, with disheveled hair and a dirty face, he knelt timidly in front of the gate of a large courtyard.

Beside her stood a plump woman with heavy makeup, talking to the housekeeper in the courtyard.

She was clearly a human trafficker.

"Sir, the price really can't be lowered any further."

The matchmaker reached out and lifted the little girl's chin, then proceeded to sell her to the steward like livestock:

"Look at her, although she looks a bit thin and dirty now, look at her features and her frame, she's got the makings of a beauty."

Moreover, she's young, obedient, and easy to raise. Buying her to be a kitchen maid, or raising her for a few years so the master can take her as a concubine, would both be good options.

"How about you take it for just thirteen taels of silver?"

The little girl was forced to raise her head.

Her little face was covered in grime, with only two streaks left by tears.

Her once bright eyes were now filled with numbness and fear.

The steward looked at it carefully, somewhat satisfied, and continued to discuss the price with the matchmaker.

The little girl kept her head tilted back, motionless.

Jiang Mu was lost in thought for a moment, then moved his legs and walked over, standing in front of the little girl and casting a shadow.

When the matchmaker saw someone approaching, and it was a young man in official robes with an extraordinary air about him, she was first startled, then her face plastered with a fawning and nervous smile:

"Sir, I have a contract of indenture, I wasn't kidnapped."

As he spoke, he took out the indenture.

When the girl saw Jiang Mu's face clearly, her small body stiffened noticeably, and tears welled up in her eyes.

She called out, her voice trembling with a hint of tears:

"...Sir."

"you……"

Jiang Mu opened her mouth, feeling as if a wet cotton ball was stuck in her throat, and asked hoarsely,

"Why are you all alone? Where are your grandma and your brother?"

Tears welled up in the little girl's eyes.

"My younger brother couldn't be cured; he passed away."

"Grandma... hanged herself."

Jiang Mu was stunned.

The matchmaker beside her, seeing that Jiang Mu seemed to know the girl, changed her expression. Her eyes darted around, and she explained with a forced smile:

"Sir, you don't know this. This girl has a hard life. Her family suffered a disaster, and she is the only son left."

I only helped her by paying for the coffin and the house because I felt sorry for her. It cost a lot of money in total.

As you know, these days no one has it easy. My family is struggling to make ends meet, and I can't just watch this girl starve to death. I've been thinking of finding her a good place where she can eat her fill, so that my efforts won't be in vain..."

The woman was very quick-witted and rattled off a whole bunch of things.

Jiang Mu remained indifferent and ignored the other party.

He crouched down and asked softly, "Has anyone taken your brother to see a doctor?"

The little girl nodded:

"An official summoned a doctor and prescribed medicine, but my brother still couldn't hold on."

Jiang Mu understood.

At least Ran Qingshan didn't lie about this.

He then asked, "Did your grandmother also take the money in the house for medical treatment?"

"Um."

"What about the land and the house?"

"Grandma sold it to pay for my brother's medical treatment."

"So how much did you sell yourself for?"

"Seven taels."

"Did you get the money?"

The little girl shook her head: "Aunt Zhang said that was the money to help me bury my grandma and little brother."

Hearing this, the matchmaker became anxious and interrupted:

"Sir, I'm not lying. I really did help bury this girl's family. I even put in the seven taels of silver, and I even paid out of my own pocket."

Jiang Mu looked at her coldly: "How was it buried?"

"Of course..."

The matchmaker was about to start spouting nonsense, but when she met the man's sharp, knife-like eyes, the words stuck in her throat.

She looked away guiltily and said awkwardly:

"Well... coffins are expensive these days, even the cheapest thin planks of miscellaneous wood, plus labor costs..."

Clearly, this woman had been careless and perfunctory in handling the funeral arrangements.

Jiang Mu asked the little girl a few more questions and, after learning the details of the situation, stood up and said to the matchmaker:

"I've bought the person."

The matchmaker was taken aback.

Seeing this, the butler quietly left.

After all, the common people shouldn't fight against the officials; it's best not to get involved in such matters.

The matchmaker said helplessly:

"Since you've asked, sir, I won't lie to you anymore. I didn't really spend much of that seven taels of silver, but the girl's food and drink these past few days must have been worth at least three taels, right?"

If I'm lying, may I be struck by lightning! If you want her, give me three taels of silver, and you can take her away. Consider it an act of charity by this old woman.

Jiang Mu reached into her bosom, but found nothing.

I changed into my official uniform before coming, but I forgot to bring my purse.

The matchmaker, a seasoned observer, immediately became alert:

"Sir, I have elderly parents and young children to support, and life isn't easy for me. You can't just take people for free. If you're going to forcibly take me, then... I'll have no choice but to shout here..."

Jiang Mu was impatient.

Just as he was thinking about going to his own jewelry store on the next street to get some silver, a clear and melodious voice, tinged with a hint of annoyance, suddenly came from behind him.

"Young Master Jiang, you run pretty fast!"

Chu Lingzhu stood prettily at the alley entrance, panting heavily.

The girl wore a bright green silk dress, the hem of which swayed gently with her breath, like the freshest willow green on a branch in early spring.

Because she ran so fast, two blushes appeared on her fair cheeks, and a few strands of hair clung to her temples. Far from looking disheveled, she exuded a charming and endearing vitality.

"You've come at the perfect time."

Jiang Mu didn't stand on ceremony and directly held out her hand, "Give me three taels of silver."

"?"

Chu Lingzhu was taken aback; she hadn't expected this guy to ask for money upon meeting her.

He instinctively wanted to retort, but Jiang Mu said:

"I'm your boss, I won't renege on my debts. Hurry up, or I'll find another manager to run the pharmacy."

"you--"

Chu Lingzhu bit her lower lip in anger, glared at him fiercely, and then took out three taels of silver from the embroidered pouch at her waist, slapping it into his palm.

"Here you go! Here you go!"

"He must have gone to a brothel and forgotten his money again!"

Jiang Mu took the silver without explanation, casually tossed it to the matchmaker, and opened his palm:

"Contract of servitude"

The matchmaker reluctantly handed over the indenture, not forgetting to flatter him, saying, "Sir, you are kind-hearted. This girl will be blessed to live a good life with you from now on."

Chu Lingzhu was somewhat stunned when she saw this scene.

Only then did she realize that this playboy was asking her for money in order to buy this little girl kneeling on the ground.

She carefully examined the little girl.

Thin, withered, and dirty, like an unwanted stray cat.

Clearly, the playboy didn't buy her for her looks.

A hint of surprise crossed her mind, and she couldn't help but ask, "Why would you buy her?"

Jiang Mu put the indenture into his pocket and said calmly:

"The house is too empty, and there's no one to help with the chores, so I'll buy some to help with the work."

Just then, the white-robed man who had been bothering Chu Lingzhu finally caught up.

Upon seeing Jiang Mu, the man was taken aback at first, then a hint of contempt flashed in his eyes. He cupped his hands and smiled, "Brother Jiang Chen, it's been quite a while since I've seen you."

"Sorry, I don't know you."

Jiang Mu didn't even look at him, and picked up the little girl from the ground and left.

The man's smile froze on his face.

Seeing his discomfiture, Chu Lingzhu covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

She thought for a moment, then followed him.

"Why are you following me?" Jiang Mu frowned.

"Nonsense, of course I'm going home with you to get the money, so you won't try to renege on your promise and not pay me back."

Chu Lingzhu raised her delicate chin, gave him a playful glare, and then pointed to the little girl who had been keeping her head down.

"What's her name?"

Jiang Mu was speechless for a moment.

like……

I still don't know what this girl's name is.

Just as he was about to take out the indenture from his pocket to take a look, he heard the little girl speak softly:

"My name is Yuan Aqing, that's what my mother named me."

Chu Lingzhu looked at Jiang Mu, her eyes still filled with doubt:

"Why did you suddenly decide to buy this little girl? I've never seen you so kind before."

She still felt that this playboy's sudden change of heart and buying a little girl might be up to something, so she came along specifically to check, lest this little lamb fall into the tiger's mouth.

Jiang Mu didn't hide anything and briefly explained the changes in Yuan Aqing's family as they walked.

After hearing about the little girl's ordeal, Chu Lingzhu's eyes unconsciously reddened.

The playful mood I had just been in was gone.

She sniffed and said softly:

"Sell this girl to me. The pharmacy just happens to need someone to help select medicinal herbs."

Jiang Mu ignored her.

He suddenly stopped and looked down at Yuan Aqing, saying, "Take me to the place where your family members are buried first."

Yuan Aqing paused for a moment, then nodded silently.

Chu Lingzhu felt a pang of sadness. She spotted an old man selling candied hawthorns by the roadside, ran over, bought a skewer, and handed it to Yuan Aqing, softly saying:

"Little sister, have a candied hawthorn, it's a gift from your big sister."

Yuan Aqing's face flushed red, and she put her two little hands behind her back, refusing to take it no matter what.

It wasn't until Jiang Mu said, "Take it," that she timidly accepted it and whispered her thanks to Chu Lingzhu.

But she didn't eat it; she just held it in her hand.

Jiang Mu borrowed some money from Chu Lingzhu and bought some joss paper, joss paper, and incense sticks at a roadside incense and candle shop.

……

Led by Yuan Aqing, the three arrived at a desolate graveyard.

Two low mounds of earth stood side by side, surrounded by weeds. Each grave had only a rough wooden board stuck in the ground, without any inscriptions, which served as the tombstone.

Sure enough, the matchmaker was just going through the motions.

Jiang Mu sighed inwardly.

Now that the remains have been buried, it's not good to dig them up again and disturb their spirit. The only option is to go back and have someone carve a new stone tablet, erect it, and then repair it.

He cleared away the surrounding weeds and lit the paper money.

The flames flickered, and ashes flew everywhere.

Jiang Mu watched the flickering flames, then threw the indenture into the fire, burning it all at once.

Neither Yuan Aqing nor Chu Lingzhu noticed this scene.

"Grandma...Little brother..."

Yuan Aqing, who had been holding back her tears, finally burst into tears.

The pent-up emotions were completely released at this moment.

Chu Lingzhu, who was a doctor with a kind heart, couldn't help but turn her head away and wipe away her falling tears upon seeing this scene.

"Hello,"

With red eyes, she whispered to the man beside her, "I'm serious, give Ah Qing to me, I'll treat her well."

Jiang Mu said calmly, "Ten thousand taels."

Chu Lingzhu widened her beautiful almond-shaped eyes, tears still clinging to her rosy cheeks, and huffed angrily:

"Hey Jiang, you're robbing me! You only spent three taels of silver on her!"

"I killed her father."

Jiang Mu suddenly said.

Chu Lingzhu was stunned.

Jiang Mu looked at the tombstone, her tone deep and somber:

"Of course, the demon deserved to die, I'm not feeling guilty. It's just... there are some things I haven't figured out yet. Keeping her around might help me think things through more clearly."

Looking at the man's deep profile, Chu Lingzhu opened her pink lips, but ultimately said nothing.

Before leaving.

Chu Lingzhu saw that Yuan Aqing quietly broke the string of candied hawthorns that she had never been able to bear to taste into two pieces and buried them in the graves of her younger brother and grandmother.

On the way home, Jiang Mu bought Yuan Aqing some clothes and shoes that fit her.

Chu Lingzhu had been following along, seemingly wanting to see how Jiang Mu would settle the little girl, but upon entering the courtyard and seeing Bai Xiang's figure, she snorted coldly and turned to leave.

Perhaps it's because our birth charts are incompatible.

I just can't stand it.

Jiang Mu didn't mind and led the uneasy Yuan Aqing to Bai Xiang, explaining her background.

Upon hearing about the little girl's plight, Bai Xiang felt great pity for her.

He took Yuan Aqing's dirty little hand and led her to the back room to clean it.

Throughout the journey, Yuan Aqing's mind was still buzzing.

The grief and bewilderment from returning from the cemetery had not yet dissipated. Stepping into the courtyard of this grand mansion, I felt like a mud monkey who had mistakenly wandered into the heavenly palace.

Feelings of inferiority, unease, and anxiety...

She didn't even dare to breathe deeply, afraid that her own stench would clash with the noble atmosphere of the place.

Fortunately, Bai Xiang possessed a natural, warm, maternal aura that gradually calmed the little girl's nerves.

After bathing, she changed into a clean and brand-new cotton dress and soft-soled cloth shoes. Bai Xiang then personally combed her dry and tangled hair, styling it into a cute double bun.

Throughout the entire ordeal, the little girl's tears never stopped.

She thought of her mother.

……

After getting everything ready, Bai Xiang led her to the courtyard.

Jiang Mu, who was practicing his swordsmanship, stopped and looked over, only to see a neat and refreshing young girl standing there.

Her face was still sallow and thin, and her skin was rough from long-term exposure to wind and sun, but her timid eyes, once the dust was washed away, were clear and bright, radiating a kind of intelligence.

"Not bad, she's a pretty girl after all that. With proper care, she'll definitely grow into a great beauty."

Jiang Mu smiled.

"thump!"

Yuan Aqing suddenly knelt on the ground, kowtowed to Jiang Mu, and said in a tearful voice:

"Thank you, sir... thank you for your great kindness. Ah Qing can do anything, chop wood, start a fire, feed the pigs... as long as you don't send me away, I'll do anything you ask."

"We don't raise pigs here, no, we raise two."

Jiang Mu joked.

Seeing Bai Xiang narrow her phoenix eyes, he coughed and suddenly asked seriously:

"I killed your father, don't you hate me?"

Ah Qing raised her head, her small face streaked with tears, but she shook her head vigorously:

"Master was a good man... I know he saved my brother and me that day. Father... he wasn't Father anymore then..."

Jiang Mu sighed softly and said gently:

"From now on, you'll follow Sister Xiang'er. Do whatever she tells you to do, but don't overwork yourself. Remember, no one in this family will bully you."

"Um!"

Yuan Aqing nodded vigorously, tears welling up in her eyes again.

……

Dinner time.

Bai Xiang prepared a table full of delicious dishes.

Yuan Aqing, however, only filled a bowl with white rice, silently squatted down under the eaves outside the door, curled up into a small ball, and buried her head in her food.

Jiang Mu asked Bai Xiang to call her several times, but the little girl refused to go in no matter what.

Helpless, Jiang Mu had no choice but to have Bai Xiang pick up some vegetables and a small plate of meat and send them to her.

Some deeply ingrained beliefs cannot be changed overnight.

Forcibly pulling her will only frighten her; let's take it slow.

A cool autumn breeze blew under the eaves.

Yuan Aqing held the large bowl and shoveled rice into her mouth.

His eating manners were typical of country children, wolfing down their food.

She suddenly stopped eating.

Looking at the snow-white grains of rice in the bowl, I could almost see my younger brother's thin face, my grandmother's hunched back, my father's kind smile, and my mother from my memories...

Tears fell into the bowl with a soft, rhythmic sound.

She looked up at the bright, azure sky.

She vaguely remembered that it seemed like it had been a very, very long time since she had looked up at the sky like this.

Deep in her memory, her mother, who had received a few years of schooling and always spoke softly, once held her hand, pointed to the clear blue sky, and gently said:

"Ah Qing, your mother named you this in the hope that you will always be well, just like this sunny day."

"Mother..."

The girl sniffed her reddened nose, lowered her head, and swallowed mouthfuls of rice mixed with salty tears.

The rice was salty.

It's salty, yet it also has a hint of sweetness.