Chapter 58: The Terrifying Weapon

“Knowing how to pick up a weapon is naturally important, but knowing how to put it down when necessary is even more important. The weapon in your hand can not only kill demons, but can also easily kill humans.”

Before Chu Yang began testing the weapons, Himemiya was earnest and insistent in his warning, showing profound care for his well-being.

“Mr. Himemiya, rest assured, I know the significance of the power I carry,” Chu Yang replied sincerely, before walking up to the pile of heavy weaponry to examine them closely.

Flails, maces, chain flails, giant slab axes taller than a man, and Zanbatos with blades nearly as wide as a door.

Watching this, Chu Yang broke into a cold sweat.

This wasn't weapon selection; this was choosing torture implements. It was a crime scene kit!

Among them were even long-handled sabers and *shuo* spears, deeply characteristic of ancient China. Even Guan Yu would have given them a thumbs up.

Himemiya's own weapon was actually a modified version of a chain flail, with a wide axe attached to the other end to further enhance its lethality. In all fairness, he very much hoped Chu Yang would choose something similar to his own.

However, Chu Yang ultimately chose the Zanbato.

At least this thing was a blade.

The others had absolutely nothing to do with a "Nichirin Sword," and Chu Yang wasn't particularly keen on using them. At worst, he could just rename it "Iron Crusher" or "Moon Slasher"—they looked similar enough anyway.

Himemiya let out a sigh, looking somewhat disappointed.

What was wrong with the chain flail? It had high lethality and was easy to operate; it could take down demons one by one.

He truly didn't know how to appreciate fine craftsmanship!

Himemiya reminded him, “You are not yet an official member of the Demon Slayer Corps, so the weapon in your hands is only temporary, meant to allow you to participate in the Final Selection.”

“Although the forms of the weapons differ, the techniques are largely the same. You only need to learn how to adapt in the details.”

Himemiya picked up a weapon and began demonstrating the sword techniques of Stone Breathing for Chu Yang.

Most heavy weapons share common usage techniques. Himemiya hoped Chu Yang could find a style that suited him and allowed the Zanbato to play to its strengths.

Chu Yang watched intently, etching every single movement into his mind.

Because Stone Breathing had so few successors, its forms were far fewer than other styles. Himemiya stopped after demonstrating the Fifth Form.

“That is all the techniques I will teach you; the rest depends on your own efforts.” Himemiya set the weapon down and pressed his palms together. “If there is anything you don't understand, you can ask me now.”

Chu Yang shook his head, indicating he had no questions.

Seeing this, Himemiya couldn't help but sigh, feeling a strange sense of loneliness. Teaching a genius like Chu Yang was indeed very easy, but if it was *too* easy, he felt a lack of accomplishment—especially since Stone Breathing was the most difficult of the five major breathing styles to master.

“Lately, I must go out to investigate demon movements and clear the demons in this jurisdiction. Therefore, you must remain in the temple alone to train. Remember, light the Wisteria Incense at night.”

When mentioning the Wisteria Incense, Himemiya's expression became somewhat unnatural, as if recalling a sorrowful memory. He returned to his room to pack his belongings and gave Chu Yang one last set of instructions before departing.

After Himemiya left, Chu Yang went up the mountain to fetch water every day. Even when the water vats in the backyard were full, he continued the task with tireless enthusiasm.

The results of his training were highly visible. He was soon able to return to the temple by noon, even leaving himself an entire afternoon to practice his sword techniques.

However, Chu Yang clearly had not taken Himemiya's instructions to heart; the Wisteria Incense placed in the temple was never once lit.

Half a month passed. Chu Yang was practicing his sword techniques in the courtyard late into the night.

Suddenly, he caught a strange scent.

It was a foul odor that was difficult to describe—as if a pile of rotting food and corpses had been left together to ferment continuously.

The stench was so intense that Chu Yang almost vomited!

He suddenly realized... this was the scent of a demon!

Immediately, Chu Yang activated his Observation Haki. He finally heard something approaching the perimeter of the temple at extreme speed, like a starving beast spotting prey.

Chu Yang held his breath, skillfully entering the state of Total Concentration Breathing, his eyes fixed intently on the main gate.

*BOOM!!!*

With a thunderous crash, the gate collapsed. A dark shadow lunged from the darkness, charging toward Chu Yang under the moonlight!

At the same moment, Chu Yang leaped high into the air!

The Zanbato in his hand swung downward with immense weight, slashing toward the shadow!

[Stone Breathing, Second Form: Upper Moon Rock]

The sheer power caused the air to vibrate, and the violent gust of wind startled the shadow attempting the sneak attack.

This guy with the Zanbato was no ordinary human!

As death descended...

The shadow roared internally, exerting every ounce of strength to dodge the strike!

It succeeded!

The Zanbato had originally been aimed at its head. Instead, it sliced from its right shoulder all the way down to its right leg, literally cleaving it in half!

“AAAAAAHHHHH!!!”

A blood-curdling scream erupted from the shadow—partly from pain, and partly from terror.

In just a single exchange, Chu Yang had dealt it a devastating blow!

If it hadn't been a demon, it would have died instantly!

After cutting through half of the shadow's body, Chu Yang passed by it. Both turned back simultaneously, locking eyes with one another.

The shadow was indeed a demon, and it took the form of a delicate-looking youth. However, its face was hideous, covered in eerie, grotesque markings.

The youth demon's eyes were blood-red as he stared fixedly at Chu Yang, seemingly trying to memorize his face to seek revenge later.

“I clearly aimed for the head. What a waste...” Chu Yang felt a bit uneasy. This was his first battle with a demon, and he had underestimated the opponent's speed.

The youth demon, standing on one leg with only half a body remaining, had no intention of fighting to the death against this swordsman who looked roughly his own age. It knew that fighting to the death only had one outcome: death.

Thus, without a second thought, it leaped onto the eaves, intending to scale the wall and flee this strange temple.

A gust of wind blew.

The shadow of death from moments ago surged in the youth demon's heart again. He instinctively veered to the right, only for that familiar, massive Zanbato to swing past his left shoulder.

With a *squelch*, another arm flew off.

With a *thud*, the arm landed on the ground, joining the previous one to form a pair.

This time, the youth demon did not scream. He felt as if he had been shoved into an ice cellar, trembling uncontrollably; his fear of death clearly outweighed his pain.

“Oh? That was fast. I missed again!” Chu Yang looked at the youth demon with some surprise. The demon's ability to predict danger was almost on par with his Observation Haki; he had actually managed to escape death twice.

“Is your Blood Demon Art predicting danger?” Chu Yang stared at the youth demon with a displeased expression.

The youth demon was startled, for Chu Yang had guessed correctly. His Blood Demon Art could indeed predict danger to a certain extent by enhancing his instincts.

The demon's body was regenerating at a very high speed.

However, he was unsure if he could hold out until his body was fully restored. The youth opposite him was watching like a predator, wielding a blade as large as a door that could easily slice his body apart.

Despite carrying such a heavy weapon, the boy's speed was as swift as lightning!