Volume One: Menial Servant at Changshui County Chapter Sixty-One: Steadfast in Adversity

With his own office at last, Lu Jiuzhang now had more time to devote to cultivation. He carefully arranged his belongings, casting a glance at his sword. The blade he used before had belonged to his elder brother, Lu Huaigu, with his name etched into the hilt. Now, with a new sword at hand, Lu Jiuzhang no longer needed the old one. The new blade was finer and sharper, a weapon fit for a martial artist of the ninth rank—more suited to him than ever. He planned to place his brother’s sword in his grave, a gesture of solace for the departed soul.

Years spent as an unremarkable servant in the Demon Slayer Bureau—yet in less than a month, Lu Jiuzhang had become a Demon Slayer Guard, attaining the ninth rank in both martial and literary arts. If Lu Huaigu knew, perhaps he would feel comforted. Troubles still dogged him, but Lu Jiuzhang was now strong enough to protect himself—at the very least, he would no longer be helpless against monsters as before.

After the initial delight subsided, Lu Jiuzhang headed toward the training grounds. Zhou Cheng was already there, diligently practicing. Despite being promoted to Demon Slayer Envoy, he remained committed to his cultivation. Seeing Lu Jiuzhang arrive, Zhou Cheng sheathed his blade and stood up. “Want to test your strength?”

“My strength?” Lu Jiuzhang was puzzled.

“I forgot, you’re new to the Bureau and don’t know much about the training grounds,” Zhou Cheng explained, pointing to a stone monument in the distance. “That stele measures your strength. Strike it with your blade—if you leave a mark one-tenth of an inch deep, it means you’ve entered the ninth rank in martial arts, or are equivalent to it. A mark one inch deep means you’ve reached the eighth rank. If you shatter the stele outright, that’s the seventh rank or higher.”

As they spoke, the two walked over to the monument. It was pitch-black, its material unknown to Lu Jiuzhang. The surface bore dozens of scars, remnants from other practitioners. Zhou Cheng took a deep breath and struck the stone.

A crisp sound rang out, and a mark about half an inch deep appeared. “That’s my strength—a mark half an inch deep. Even among ninth-rank martial artists, I’m no weakling,” Zhou Cheng said. “You, with your literary attainment at ninth rank, have some boost in martial arts, but your mark shouldn’t be too deep. Still, don’t be discouraged. You’re young and already remarkable!”

Zhou Cheng had once been able to leave a mark seven-tenths deep, but losing an arm had weakened him. He figured Lu Jiuzhang might manage three-tenths—quite impressive for his age.

Seeing Lu Jiuzhang tense, Zhou Cheng encouraged him. “No worries, give it a try. It’ll give you a clearer understanding of your abilities.”

“All right, Lord Zhou.” Lu Jiuzhang nodded and drew his sword.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Jiuzhang brought down the blade.

A loud, tearing sound erupted; sparks flew from the stone. Zhou Cheng’s eyes widened in shock—a mark six-tenths deep appeared on the stele.

What the—?

Was he joking? Lu Jiuzhang was just a newcomer, yet so fierce?

“Lord Zhou, what does this mean?” Lu Jiuzhang asked, confused by the depth of the mark.

Zhou Cheng, familiar with the stele from his frequent practice, understood at once. With more attempts, Lu Jiuzhang could make clear distinctions.

“Ahem… Very impressive. But whether in the literary or martial arts, one must remain humble and persistent,” Zhou Cheng said, suppressing his astonishment.

“Thank you for your guidance, Lord Zhou!” Lu Jiuzhang cupped his hands respectfully.

Zhou Cheng was a mentor to Lu Jiuzhang, watching over him since he entered the Bureau, even as others ostracized Zhou Cheng. Only Lu Jiuzhang maintained a good relationship with him.

“Ahem… Well, you keep practicing. I have some matters to attend to.” With that, Zhou Cheng slipped away, leaving Lu Jiuzhang alone at the training grounds.

Comparisons are the death of joy! Despite all his effort, Zhou Cheng was still eclipsed by Lu Jiuzhang. Depressed and weary, he returned to the Bureau, slumping into a huanghuali wood chair.

What’s the point of training anymore? Might as well enjoy life at the Red Lotus Courtyard! Ah!

After Zhou Cheng left, Lu Jiuzhang did not slacken, continuing his practice until the day’s end. He left exhausted and drenched in sweat. Near the Bureau’s gate, he spotted Wang Yunshan.

The fellow leaned on a cane, his other hand wrapped in cloth, bruises covering his body—no part left unscathed.

“Brother Wang?” Lu Jiuzhang cried in surprise.

He had thought Wang Yunshan’s injuries weren’t serious, but clearly, they were worse than he imagined.

“Lu… Brother Lu… No, I should say, Lord Lu!” Wang Yunshan spoke with a whistle—Lu Jiuzhang saw he was missing a couple of teeth.

Had his sister-in-law beaten him so badly? This was tragic!

Oh, Brother Wang—wasn’t this enough to make one fear marriage?

“Lord Lu, con—congratulations on your promotion!” Wang Yunshan called.

“You’re too kind, Brother Wang!”

“Are… are you treating us tonight?” Wang Yunshan asked. “Shall we enjoy ourselves at the Red Lotus Courtyard?”

“Brother Wang, are you sure you’re up for it?” Lu Jiuzhang wondered. In such a state, going to the Red Lotus Courtyard? Such unwavering resolve!

“Not… not the Red Lotus Courtyard…” Wang Yunshan replied.

Not going? It seemed Brother Wang’s character had changed—a good thing, perhaps. Visiting the Red Lotus Courtyard too often was no good. One lost both money and health, staggering home, drained and spent.

For someone like Wang Yunshan, Lu Jiuzhang advised him to stay home and fulfill his marital duties; otherwise, he’d suffer.

“Let’s… let’s go somewhere else. I’ve lost all face at the Red Lotus Courtyard—too embarrassed to return,” Wang Yunshan added.

What the—? Still going?

Lu Jiuzhang was astonished. This was stubbornness to the extreme.

“My wife is too overbearing. I must resist her, or I’ll never survive in Changshui County!” Wang Yunshan declared.

Judging by his words, that made sense. An overly domineering wife was not a good thing, especially for someone like Wang Yunshan. Who could have imagined he’d be beaten so badly at home?

Too tragic!

“Brother Wang, you—” Lu Jiuzhang began, but was interrupted by a fierce woman’s voice echoing from afar…