[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong-":3,"chapter-this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-25":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","This Pillar in Demon Slayer Is Extremely Strong but Overly Cautious",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2335951,4566,"Chapter 25: Zhu Shi","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-25",25,"\u003Cp>Passing through this “wall,” he found himself behind it, in the backyard of a small villa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Near the gate of the backyard stood two figures—more accurately, two ghosts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the two ghosts before him, Zero guessed they must have some unique quality, since they lived here undetected for so long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he did not act immediately, but remained alert, and in that moment activated his [Analytical Glasses] to scan the data.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Analyzing… Analysis complete.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Name: Zhu Shi—Female]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Age: 500]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hobbies: Reading, Black Tea]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ability: Medical Skill]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Occupation: Doctor]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Superior: Kibutsuji Muzan (formerly affiliated)]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Blood Demon Art: Distorting Blood—Visual Dream Fragrance, Daylight Demon Fragrance, Unobstructed Passage Fragrance.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Personal Information: Possesses exquisite medical skill; once lured by Kibutsuji Muzan, she unknowingly became a demon, then, in a loss of reason, killed her own husband and children, followed by nearby residents.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon regaining her senses, she was filled with remorse; later, she encountered Kibutsuji Muzan again, but knew she could not oppose him, so she suppressed her emotions, went undercover beside Muzan, seeking weaknesses to destroy him.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During a night in the Warring States period, Kibutsuji Muzan was severely wounded by a powerful swordsman and fled; Zhu Shi thus broke free from his control. The powerful swordsman, upon learning of her past, chose not to kill her, but let her go.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through relentless effort, she modified her body with medicine, freeing herself from Muzan’s control and drastically reducing her need for human flesh—she now sustains her reason and physical strength with only minimal human blood.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this information, Zero’s mind raced—he felt he had seen this before!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After much thought, he remembered: he had investigated these details in Ubuyashiki Kagaya’s study in the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, but those were only his own hypotheses, unverified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, by accident, he had encountered them—and they matched his guesses almost exactly, with only minor discrepancies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Based on the data from the [Analytical Glasses], Zero was certain: the “powerful swordsman” mentioned was Kyojuro Rengoku.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, his earlier hypothesis in the Ubuyashiki mansion was correct…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi and the male ghost standing behind her were puzzled by the strange man before them, holding a scythe and standing motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His crimson right eye stared at them, while a strange blue object on his left eye glowed—what was it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The male ghost could no longer tolerate it—he had been studying medicine with Zhu Shi in the infirmary when he sensed his Blood Demon Art had been triggered, so he rushed out to investigate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi, also curious, stepped out with him to see what was happening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hence, this scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, you ugly woman over there! Who are you? What are you doing here?” the male ghost growled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yushi-san, don’t be so rude!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Zhu Shi-sama!” At Zhu Shi’s words, the male ghost named Yushi-san instantly became meek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero was reviewing the data when he heard himself called “ugly woman”—a sudden, inexplicable rage flared inside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To mistake him for a woman was bad enough—but to call him “ugly”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, he vanished from his spot, reappearing beside Yushi-san, the scythe’s edge pressed against his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss, please wait—” Zhu Shi, sensing danger, tried to intervene, but before she finished speaking, Zero drew the [Dark Alloy Paralysis Gun] from his waist and aimed it at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if any movement from them would mean instant decapitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t move! Move again and I’ll kill you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This guy… his speed is terrifying…” Yushi-san was terrified—he felt Zero’s killing intent, a bead of cold sweat sliding down his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi also felt the killing intent and quickly spoke: “Miss—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m male!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi finally realized the person before her was a man; without close inspection, one might easily mistake him for a woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I apologize—I thought you were a woman. Could you please lower your weapons? Yushi-san didn’t mean any offense—he only worries for me, wants to protect me. If he offended you, I apologize on his behalf.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Zhu Shi’s words, Zero still did not lower his weapons. Though the [Analytical Glasses] had revealed the general truth, how could he prove they posed no threat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing he remained unmoved, Zhu Shi took action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She slowly approached Zero, pressed her forehead against the gun’s muzzle, and pointed at his scythe with her finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re from the Demon Slayer Corps, aren’t you? I know demons like us can’t be trusted, so I beg you—spare Yushi-san. He has never harmed anyone! I turned him into a demon myself—I’m willing to be your hostage, do with me as you please!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero wasn’t surprised Zhu Shi knew of the Demon Slayer Corps—she had been saved by Kyojuro Rengoku, who was a member of the Corps at the time, so it was unsurprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhu Shi-sama…” Yushi-san tried to stop her, but she silenced him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero had seen this scene countless times—he was used to it. But he did have questions for Zhu Shi, so he finally lowered his weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Zhu Shi exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you… may I ask your name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zero.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Zhu Shi. This child is Yushi-san. I apologize for what just happened.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need. I was wrong to intrude here—I apologize to you both.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph!” Yushi-san grunted in displeasure, glaring hatefully at Zero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yushi-san!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Zhu Shi-sama!” At Zhu Shi’s voice, Yushi-san became docile again, his eyes filled only with her: Zhu Shi-sama is beautiful today too!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zero saw another emotion in Yushi-san’s eyes—deep affection, tenderness… and a mother complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is just a replica of Inosuke Hashibira!” Zero silently grumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Inosuke Hashibira: Achoo!)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zero-san…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just call me Zero.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll call you Zero. This isn’t a good place to talk—could we go inside?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The minor disturbance ended. Zhu Shi and Yushi-san led Zero into the house’s parlor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please sit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi gestured to a nearby sofa. Zero sat without hesitation, placing his scythe beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi sat opposite him; Yushi-san stood behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze remained locked on Zero, as if ready to launch himself at any sign of threat to protect Zhu Shi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, Zero, let me reintroduce myself: I’m Zhu Shi, a doctor. This child behind me is Yushi-san—I turned him into a demon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though we are demons, unlike others, we need only minimal blood to survive—obtained by paying patients for blood during treatment. Yushi-san requires even less.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spoke quickly, fearing he might misunderstand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Zero. I’m a Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pillar!” Zhu Shi’s eyes widened in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder you’re so powerful—you’re a Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned to Yushi-san: “Yushi-san, prepare some tea and snacks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Zhu Shi-sama!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before leaving, Yushi-san shot Zero one last glare—as if warning: Don’t dare disrespect Zhu Shi-sama, or I’ll kill you!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero ignored him completely, making Yushi-san nearly jump in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Yushi-san left, Zero spoke first: “So, Zhu Shi—what is it you wish to discuss with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Call me Zhu Shi. I want to know why you came here—and how you knew that wall was fake?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing special—just instinct. I finished my mission and decided to wander. I was looking for a place to rest when I noticed something odd here…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero recounted what had happened; Zhu Shi understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see. Your perception is remarkable. Then, I have a request—could you help me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Yushi-san entered with a tray of snacks and two cups of tea, placed them on the table, then returned to stand behind Zhu Shi, tray tucked under his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Why should I help you? Even if I do, what do I gain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero almost laughed—they had just met. There was no reason for him to help her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he did, it required equal value in exchange—in other words, this was a transaction. Both sides needed matching stakes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero: “Moreover, even if I were willing, what’s your reason?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi: “The reason is we share a common enemy: Kibutsuji Muzan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero: “Zhu Shi, you misunderstand. I joined the Demon Slayer Corps not because of Kibutsuji Muzan—I have no personal grudge against him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi: “Then… why did you join the Demon Slayer Corps?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero: “I joined to gather information and investigate. I’m searching for a way to leave this world, and joining the Corps gives me access to resources and protection. In return, I eliminate demons and fulfill the Pillar’s duties—it’s an exchange.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The truth was, Zero was less a Pillar of the Corps and more a partner of Ubuyashiki Kagaya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubuyashiki provided Zero with information, support, and status; Zero, in turn, eliminated demons and carried out Pillar responsibilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero: “Besides, Kibutsuji Muzan is just a baby who’s lived over a thousand years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it was Zhu Shi’s turn to be stunned—no one had ever called Kibutsuji Muzan a “baby.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi: “A baby? Kibutsuji Muzan isn’t a baby—he’s the Demon King! He’s lived since the Heian period!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero: “So what? His age is less than half mine. In terms of age, I could be his ancestor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi: “This… how is that possible? How can a human live that long?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero: “I have lived this long. And I’m not from your world. Whether you believe it or not—that’s your choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhu Shi’s mind remained unsettled—she couldn’t believe it, yet something inside her insisted it was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She never imagined that someone in this world could live longer than Kibutsuji Muzan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, Yu Shilang could no longer hold back and blurted out: “You brat, what do you mean by showing such disrespect to Lady Zhu Shi?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing someone call him “brat” again, Zero smirked darkly: “Huh～Brat? Hehehe～Yu Shilang, little kid, several demons before you called me that too… and look what happened to them…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zero’s sinister smile, Yu Shilang felt a chill run down his spine—he sensed something terrible was about to happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duang～\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One minute later, Yu Shilang stood at the door, a giant roasted chestnut smoking faintly atop his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ow～Damn brat!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Yu Shilang was about to scold Zero, the door opened again—without warning…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duang～\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the door shut, another medium-sized roasted chestnut, also smoking faintly, appeared atop the first one on Yu Shilang’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it! Is this brat a wind-ear!?” This time, Yu Shilang didn’t speak aloud—he only thought it in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door opened once more. Yu Shilang was already frightened, but Zero didn’t step out—only then did he finally exhale in relief…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duang～\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another small roasted chestnut now sat atop his head, stacked with the other two like three rice dumplings of different sizes piled together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Yu Shilang stood silently at the door, saying nothing, thinking nothing—he didn’t understand how Zero had appeared behind him just now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if Zero knew exactly what he was thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Yu Shilang stood quietly at the door, waiting as the three roasted chestnuts on his head slowly healed themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the parlor, Zero sipped tea leisurely, as if nothing had just happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn’t admit that the third time he went out and punched him again was purely because he found Yu Shilang annoying—yeah, that’s exactly it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Yu Shilang at the door knew Zero’s true thoughts, he’d storm in and fight him to the death—though whether he could win was another matter…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi sighed helplessly, gently pressing her delicate fingers to her forehead—she had seen everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s return to our earlier conversation. You said you’d help me—but what do I gain? Or what can I offer you in return?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero set down his teacup and looked directly into Zhu Shi’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I…” Zhu Shi didn’t know how to respond—she had indeed been careless. Asking a stranger for a favor like this was inappropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet she still had no idea what she could give Zero—or what equivalent value she could offer in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After much thought, she finally made up her mind and replied: “If you help me, I… I… I’ll agree to any condition you set!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi’s gaze met Zero’s without flinching—her eyes were resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Any condition!?” Zero was stunned—Zhu Shi’s decisiveness proved this task was no ordinary request. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have said that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, she had made an enormous sacrifice—once he fulfilled her request, she’d give him anything without hesitation… even herself…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Why are so many corners of my mouth curling up? What lewd fantasies are running through my head?)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Zero sighed faintly and said: “Alright… tell me, what do you need me to do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You… you agreed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, tell me what the task is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I need you to collect blood from demons. I’ve been studying their blood to find a drug capable of defeating Kibutsuji Muzan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Done!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really? You really will?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Zhu Shi could finish speaking, Zero pulled two specially designed frozen portable coolers from his [Nanospace]—each time he extracted blood from a demon, he stored it here for later research.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi was stunned again—how was he capable of such a thing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero placed the coolers on the table and opened them—inside were rows upon rows of small test tubes; a rough count showed at least a hundred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These are all the blood samples I’ve taken from demons I’ve captured. Take them all! I don’t know if it’s enough?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Demons: I ****…)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi stared at the test tubes, her eyes bright with joy—then slowly dimmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s a lot… but only demons whose blood concentration most closely matches Kibutsuji Muzan’s will help my research progress.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? What level of demon do you need?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At least a Twelve Kizuki rank—especially the Upper Moons. Their blood concentration is closer to Kibutsuji Muzan’s. And the Twelve Kizuki can also turn humans into demons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi’s words plunged Zero into silence again—confirming his earlier suspicion: the Twelve Kizuki could turn humans into demons too!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zero fall silent, Zhu Shi assumed it was too difficult and quickly added: “I know this is hard, so you don’t need to answer right away…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero: “That’s it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi: “?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Zhu Shi could speak, Zero pulled another specially designed large syringe from his [Nanospace] and handed it to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the blood of Upper Moon Five Yuhu. Just a little—do you think it’s enough for your research?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yuhu? There’s an Upper Moon with such a strange name?” Still, seeing the blood before her, Zhu Shi was ecstatic—she could sense the immense concentration of Kibutsuji Muzan’s blood within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Upper Moon Five Yuhu: I ****…)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry about names. Now, let’s talk about my conditions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Shi snapped out of her excitement, remembering her own promise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he had already helped her—it was now his turn to set terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Say it. Whatever you ask, as long as I can do it, I… I… I’ll agree!” Zhu Shi was nervous, clutching the collar of her kimono tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And she had already resolved—no matter the condition, she would fulfill it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My condition is simple: tell me Kibutsuji Muzan’s traits and abilities.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero said “traits” instead of “appearance” because he suspected Kibutsuji Muzan, having lived a thousand years, must disguise himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could survive by hiding in plain sight, he must have integrated into modern human society, understanding human habits and living among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he could only move at night, he would certainly be vigilant and observant of everything around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So even if Kibutsuji Muzan disguised himself, certain traits would remain unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And since Zhu Shi had lived beside him for so long, she must know something of his methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That way, if I ever encounter him, I can prepare a proper strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, I agree. I just hope you’ll be gentle… Wait? That’s it?” Zhu Shi was puzzled—not because she doubted him, but because Zero’s condition was absurdly simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Then I’ll change it. When your medicine is ready, I want a sample too. Deal?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s all?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. What did you think it was?” Zero rolled his eyes, but noticed her tense expression and frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss Zhu Shi, you seem nervous?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, you must be mistaken.” Zhu Shi quickly adjusted her demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zero, I can agree to both your conditions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then it’s settled! Happy cooperation, Miss Zhu Shi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Happy cooperation. Also, if you’d like, you can just call me Zhu Shi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, that would be disrespectful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine. At least now we’re friends, aren’t we?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Zhu Shi smiled beautifully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I won’t refuse your kindness, Zhu Shi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm. By the way, you said you needed a place to rest—would you mind staying here temporarily? I have extra rooms.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll trouble you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meow～\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, a tricolor cat appeared at Zero’s feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zero, this is Chachamaru. She’s also a demon, like me. If you need anything, you can send messages through her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero looked at the cat and smiled, bending down to pick her up and stroke her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chachamaru didn’t resist—she seemed to enjoy it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I look forward to working with you, Chachamaru.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Meow～”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After chatting a while, Zhu Shi seemed to remember something and asked: “Zero, if it’s not too much to ask… could you give me some of your blood? I’d like to study it. Is that possible?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she proposed it, Zero immediately refused: “Sorry, Zhu Shi—I cannot agree to that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see… I was too abrupt. My apologies.” Though she’d expected refusal, hearing it still left her with a pang of disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she could study Zero’s blood, she wanted to find what made it different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps, if his blood could serve as a catalyst, could it accelerate her research?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stopped overthinking and called toward the door: “Yu Shilang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Zhu Shi call, Yu Shilang opened the door and replied: “Lady Zhu Shi, what is your command?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yu Shilang, prepare a resting room for Zero.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Lady Zhu Shi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I won’t disturb you further, Zero. Go rest well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm. Thank you, Zhu Shi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Lang clenched his teeth at Zero calling Ju Shi by name, but dared not react—Ju Shi stood right before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero placed Chachimaru on the sofa, picked up his scythe, and left the parlor under Shi Lang’s guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zero and Shi Lang departed, Ju Shi fixed her gaze on the vials of blood on the table, recalling past events, her face twisting into a monstrous expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oni no Kizan Muzan! You turned me into this, killed my husband and child—I will find a way to defeat you! Even if I must descend into hell, I will drag you down with me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh～\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She took a deep breath and regained her composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could he really… have lived that long? Can humans truly achieve such a thing?” Recalling her conversation with Zero, her heart stirred again, restless and unquiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I never thought his conditions were so simple—I was shallow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tidied the items on the table and carried them to the underground laboratory; she would continue her research.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With so much blood now available—including the blood of the Upper Moon demons closest in concentration to Oni no Kizan Muzan—she felt that she would soon break through her current stagnation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>",3175,"2026-06-20T21:22:22.338Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","a6f0ae60b57441e560c22c12071255e217f2866d98b8066f2403fb4d105ac398","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-26","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-24",128,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthis-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--cover.jpg"]