The temporary lodging Mr. Cheng Mo spoke of was a half-collapsed hunter's cabin in the mountains that he had discovered a few days earlier during his "hunting." It was relatively secluded and could barely offer shelter from the wind and rain.
The group helped each other, struggling to reach it.
The rain drummed against the eaves all night, finally turning into a soft patter at dawn.
The air was damp and cold, but compared to the bloody storm of the previous night, it was heaven.
Inside the cabin, Cheng Mo once again displayed his efficient, almost detached, "medical skills."
He carefully examined the injuries of Murata's squad, focusing on a deep claw wound on Murata's arm and a laceration on another team member's leg.
Cleaning, applying medicine, and bandaging—his movements were fluid and precise, without a single wasted motion.
Watching the red swelling of his companions' infected wounds visibly recede, and even begin to show slight signs of closing, Murata's astonishment was immeasurable.
This medicinal effect far surpassed any wound medicine commonly used at Butterfly Mansion!
And that miraculous method of wound cleaning… "Sir… your medical skills are truly… miraculous!"
Murata couldn't help but exclaim again, his tone filled with respect, "And that powder you used just now…"
"It's a family recipe; it just has some effect in preventing wounds from festering," Cheng Mo casually interrupted, putting away his medical supplies. "Compared to that, Mr. Murata, what are your plans next? This place isn't absolutely safe."
Murata's expression tightened. He glanced at Kojima and Arai, who were still unconscious but breathing more steadily, and said in a deep voice, "We must send the intelligence back as soon as possible and request support to escort the injured to the nearest Fuji House… By the way, you seem very familiar with the area around Fujisawa Town?"
He recalled how Cheng Mo had accurately pointed out the demon's weakness and led them there earlier.
Cheng Mo nodded, his tone as calm as if discussing the weather: "In business, one must always be familiar with the local area. That old forest on the north slope, and the back alley near the mine pit to the southwest—it's best not to go there at night."
The places he casually mentioned were precisely the areas with the densest demon energy, which he had confirmed with his Eye of Truth.
Murata's pupils constricted slightly!
These two places were exactly where their squad had felt something amiss during their previous patrols but hadn't been able to pinpoint the exact source of danger!
How could this mysterious merchant know so much?
Could his "family knowledge" also include information on how to deal with demons?
An itinerant merchant who possessed miraculous medical skills, special medicines, seemed to know the patterns of demon activity, and was also highly skilled in combat… His value was immense!
Especially for the Demon Slayer Corps, who constantly fought demons and suffered extremely high casualties.
Murata's heart pounded, and an uncontrollable thought emerged.
He took a deep breath, his demeanor becoming even more solemn, even with a hint of earnestness: "Mr. Cheng Mo, your life-saving grace, your assistance last night… I, Murata, have no way to repay you! Please allow me to boldly make a request!"
Cheng Mo looked at him.
Murata straightened his back, his tone very serious and earnest: "Behind the Demon Slayer Corps, there is a place of utmost importance called Butterfly Mansion. It is a place for treating the wounded, and even more, it is the core center for researching medicine and developing methods to combat demon poison!"
"The one in charge of Butterfly Mansion is one of the Demon Slayer Corps' highest-ranking fighters, a 'Pillar'—Lady Kocho Shinobu, the Insect Pillar!"
When Murata mentioned the name "Kochou Shinobu," a trace of genuine awe flashed in his eyes.
"Lady Kocho is unmatched in both medicine and poison, especially skilled in pharmaceutical research, and her temperament is… uh… very rigorous."
Murata carefully chose his words, "Your medical skills, and these miraculous medicines, I believe will be an immense treasure for the Demon Slayer Corps and for Butterfly Mansion!"
"I can report it immediately and introduce you to Butterfly Mansion; you will definitely be highly valued! Please consider it!"
After speaking, he propped up his injured body and solemnly performed a dogeza.
Cheng Mo's eyes, upon hearing the words "Butterfly Mansion" and "Insect Pillar Kochou Shinobu," brightened slightly, then instantly returned to their calm, well-like state.
Butterfly Mansion, Insect Pillar Kochou Shinobu.
This was precisely one of the key targets he intended to contact in his plan.
However, a perfectly appropriate look of hesitation and concern appeared on his face. He frowned slightly: "Butterfly Mansion? Insect Pillar? Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Murata, but I am just a traveling merchant, accustomed to freedom, and only wish to conduct small businesses, making a living with my family's inherited skills."
He paused, his tone carrying clear "worry."
"Furthermore… forgive my bluntness, but you Demon Slayer Corps members constantly fight those terrifying 'demons' head-on, which is too dangerous. My meager skills and medical knowledge are barely enough for self-preservation, and I truly do not wish to get too deeply involved."
This explanation was reasonable and perfectly fit the persona of a "merchant" with special skills who only wished to protect himself.
Murata immediately grew anxious upon hearing this: "Mr. Cheng Mo, please reconsider! Your medical skills and medicines can save countless lives of our members; I believe this is more meaningful than any business!"
"As for compensation, our Demon Slayer Corps will never treat you unfairly! As for safety, you can rest assured; we will dispatch our strongest members to protect you!"
Cheng Mo still "hesitated," stating that he needed more time to think.
Seeing this, Murata wasted no time and immediately relayed the message to his superior in charge of this area—a Hinoe-ranked swordsman named Matsui, emphasizing Cheng Mo's miraculous medical skills and the value of his intelligence.
The following evening, the Hinoe-ranked swordsman named Matsui arrived at the hunter's cabin with two team members.
He was a man of about thirty, with a resolute face and sharp eyes.
He first carefully examined the injuries of Murata, Kojima, and Arai. Especially when he saw the wounds, which had almost completely controlled the infection and were even beginning to heal, a look of shock, similar to Murata's earlier, appeared on his face.
He then inquired in detail about the battle that night, particularly Cheng Mo's peculiar "glowing short stick" and the precise details of how he pointed out the demon's weakness.
After verifying everything, Matsui's demeanor became incredibly solemn.
He walked up to Cheng Mo, who had been sitting quietly in the corner as if it had nothing to do with him, and bowed deeply.
"Mr. Cheng, I am Hinoe-ranked swordsman Matsui. Thank you immensely for saving Murata's squad! Your kindness, the Demon Slayer Corps will always remember!"
He straightened up, his eyes fervent and sincere.
"Please seriously consider Murata's proposal! As a Hinoe-ranked swordsman, I assure you that the Demon Slayer Corps will do its utmost to guarantee your absolute safety! Your medical skills and knowledge are an irreplaceable treasure to us!"
"Lady Kocho Shinobu has always been looking for ways to improve the survival rate of our members. Your appearance might be the turning point that the Pillars and the Master have been waiting for!"
His tone was even more earnest and carried more weight than Murata's.
Cheng Mo remained silent, his fingers unconsciously tapping gently on his knee, as if engaged in a fierce internal struggle.
The air in the cabin seemed to solidify; both Murata and Matsui watched him nervously.
After a long while, Cheng Mo slowly raised his head, a hint of helplessness on his face, and perhaps a trace of being swayed. He sighed: "Alas… Since Mr. Matsui has said so much… Very well. I can accompany you to Butterfly Mansion to meet Lady Kocho, the Insect Pillar."
"But I also ask you both to understand that I am, after all, a merchant. The specifics… will need to be discussed after we meet."
Upon hearing this, Matsui and Murata's faces instantly erupted with immense joy!
"Of course! Of course! Everything will be according to your wishes, sir!"
Matsui quickly promised: "I will immediately arrange for personnel… No, I will personally escort you, sir, and the injured to the nearest Fuji House, and then proceed to Butterfly Mansion as quickly as possible!"
Plan successful.
Cheng Mo lowered his eyelids, concealing the fleeting glint in his eyes.