Chapter Fourteen: The Arrival of the Mission-Paradise of Destiny(The Blessing of the Morning Star)

Chu Fan paused his cultivation upon hearing the words. An hour of training had not elevated his mastery of swordsmanship by a level.

Yet he was not too disappointed; after all, such progress required time and patience.

He washed his hands at the distant water reservoir, returned to the house within the courtyard, and took a seat.

When he removed his hood and caught sight of the food before him, his gaze flickered.

Owing to the era, the meals were rather simple, hardly what one could call delicious.

But Chu Fan had anticipated this before arriving in the world of Demon Slayer, so he had prepared some instant noodles to serve as an occasional treat.

This was the first time Xiao Ju had seen Chu Fan’s face. She realized he was far more handsome than she had imagined—a charming and striking young man. For a moment, she was stunned.

However, worry about whether her breakfast would suit his taste soon overshadowed her admiration, and she watched Chu Fan anxiously.

He picked up a rice ball and began to eat. The rice balls, seasoned with pickled plums, were much tastier than he had expected—at least, they were not hard to swallow.

“These aren’t enough. Bring me some more,” he said.

Within minutes, Chu Fan had finished breakfast, but he was only partially full, prompting him to speak.

“Yes,” Xiao Ju replied respectfully, relieved that Chu Fan had eaten the meal without complaint and even asked for more. She hurried to fetch the prepared stack of rice balls, knowing that Pillars possessed extraordinary bodies.

Many Pillars had hearty appetites, so she had readied plenty of food.

After ten minutes, Chu Fan’s hunger was sated. He sat at the table, sipping tea.

“By the way, Lord Phantom Feather, this residence will be yours from now on,” Xiao Ju said, folding her hands in a gesture of respect. “But it hasn’t yet been named. Would you please give it a name?”

“Let’s call it Chrysanthemum House,” Chu Fan replied, setting down his teacup after a moment’s thought. He glanced at Xiao Ju as he spoke.

“Why that name…” Though her face was hidden behind a white mask, Xiao Ju’s heart raced and her cheeks flushed at the name. She whispered her question.

“If humanity truly prevails one day,” Chu Fan said,

“then let this house be your reward—as my guide, and for tending to my daily needs in the times to come.”

He listened to her heartbeat, rapid and intense, and gazed at the wisteria trees in the courtyard.

In the world of Demon Slayer, wisteria is something demons both fear and avoid. Without these trees, one might be killed by demons at night.

The village where the Pillar lived was also sheltered by wisteria.

“This is a gift from our lord to you Pillars. How could I accept it?” Xiao Ju protested. “With such a powerful warrior as Lord Phantom Feather, and so many strong Pillars, I believe humanity will surely defeat all the demons and win. After victory, you can continue living here.”

She waved her hands earnestly, her tone full of conviction.

“I’ve already named it. From now on, it’s Chrysanthemum House,” Chu Fan said, observing her faith-filled expression without further explanation.

For in truth, whether humanity or demons claimed victory, if Chu Fan survived, he would eventually leave this world.

He wondered what would become of the Demon Slayer world after he departed.

If possible, Chu Fan would gladly leave Chrysanthemum House to Xiao Ju as her reward.

Then he rose, walked to the courtyard, and resumed his training.

“Alright, from now on this residence will be called Chrysanthemum House,” Xiao Ju said, seeing that Lord Phantom Feather had returned to his cultivation and did not wish to speak further. She nodded in acquiescence.

Watching his focused demeanor, Xiao Ju realized she had misunderstood him.

Upon reflection, it made sense. Members of the Demon Slayer Corps made it their mission to slay demons, and the Pillars loathed them even more.

Pillars who married and had children were usually retired; those still active on the frontlines rarely considered marriage, lest they leave themselves with attachments.

Thus, naming the house Chrysanthemum House and promising it as a reward after victory was perhaps Lord Phantom Feather’s way of expressing his hope for humanity’s triumph and for peace.

That afternoon, Kanao, the adopted daughter of Shinobu Kocho, returned to Butterfly House.

As she approached the house, she heard the sound of wooden swords swishing in the neighboring courtyard, along with the rush of wind.

Her sister had told her that the neighboring courtyard had been prepared by the lord for future Pillars. If a Pillar chose it, someone would move in next door.

Kanao recalled the new Pillar—the tall, imposing figure clad in a white, ornate robe whose face was obscured, whom she had met yesterday and who had advanced directly to the highest rank.

As Shinobu’s adopted daughter, Kanao had trained for years and grown strong, yet even she had to rise slowly from the lowest rank.

But this man named Phantom Feather, whom she had never heard of, was instantly recognized by the lord, and qualified to receive a Nichirin sword and become a Pillar.

Kanao pondered this briefly, but did not spy on him, instead returning quietly to Butterfly House.

The younger girls greeted her with smiles as she entered.

Three days passed quietly.

That noon, Kanao was training, waiting for her Nichirin sword so she could begin her missions.

Suddenly, a crow circled overhead, its voice echoing:

“Fifty-seven li south of the main road, two Demon Slayer Corps members have gone missing. Suspected demon activity.”

The crow repeated the message.

Kanao felt a sense of urgency and ran outside.

Just as she reached the door, a fierce wind swept past her—so fast that the white figure she had seen on the mountain trial was already a mere speck in the distance.

“He’s able to deploy without even possessing a Nichirin sword—such confidence and strength,” a gentle, melodious voice remarked beside her.

Kanao turned to see her sister Shinobu Kocho, who had also come out, gazing after Chu Fan with admiration.

In her sister’s eyes, Kanao saw a hint of envy, though she could not quite understand why.