Demon Slayer: Strength Gained with Every Swing of the Sword

Feng Yu was practicing under the waterfall, while Sakonji Urokodaki found himself on his way back, pondering whether he should inform his lord that he had taken in a genius young disciple.

"Should I tell him...? After all, Tomioka hasn't yet taken up the position of Water Pillar... And Tomioka, that child..."

It seemed as if he had come to a realization, as he let out a sigh and muttered, "Forget it, let's just let things take their course. Tomioka is quite strong, but that... mental block..."

"Good luck, Feng Yu. I hope your generation can put an end to this tragic world..."

One Month Later

During this time, Feng Yu focused intensely on mastering the Breath of Water technique, while also using real swords to face the intricate traps and mechanisms set by Sakonji Urokodaki.

At the same time, he used a pet contract voucher on Xiao Bai, noticing that the fox's spiritual intelligence was steadily increasing. After consuming three Soul Cleansing Pills, Feng Yu felt their effects on him were diminishing, so he left the remaining two pills for Xiao Bai. As a result, Xiao Bai's size grew larger.

For a month, Feng Yu's life was filled with either cultivating or petting Xiao Bai.

Mainly, after Xiao Bai consumed the Soul Cleansing Pills, its fur became softer and more delicate, a feeling that Feng Yu found utterly pleasant.

And, because of the pills, the fox's distinct musky scent began to fade away. Every time he pet the fox, he couldn't help but recall the tales from his past life, in which fox spirits were so alluring.

Of course, with the increased mastery of the Breath of Water, Feng Yu's own aura became steadier and more composed.

One day, Feng Yu came across Sakonji Urokodaki, who was unusually silent. After asking, he learned that Tomioka had become the Water Pillar in the Demon Slayer Corps.

Feng Yu knew this meant that the plot of this world was about to begin...

A sense of urgency began to rise in his chest.

Although he spent his days training alongside Xiao Bai, the daily sign-ins and lottery draws had provided him with many snacks and extra sword swing opportunities from his past life.

These became an additional source of sword swings beyond his personal training.

Another month passed.

Feng Yu used his sword swing opportunities to raise his Body Strengthening technique and swordsmanship to the small mastery stage.

It cost him 400,000 sword swings in total, and seeing his hard-earned swings disappear overnight felt like a return to the starting point.

Feng Yu almost wanted to grab his sword and go cut down some demons right then and there.

Sakonji Urokodaki had also noticed Feng Yu's growing skill with the sword and the breathing technique.

With a serious tone, he said, "I've taught you everything I can. From now on, it's up to you."

"Follow me…"

Feng Yu obediently followed Sakonji Urokodaki up the mountain.

He knew this would be the final trial: using his sword to cut through the massive boulder...

"We're here, this is the place…" Sakonji Urokodaki said, pointing ahead.

"As long as you cut through this boulder with your sword, I will allow you to proceed to the final trial."

Feng Yu was stunned. While watching the anime in his past life, this boulder didn't seem so large, but standing before it now, he realized just how massive it was.

It was like a small mountain. Even though Feng Yu was already 165 cm tall, it seemed insignificant in comparison.

"Master Urokodaki, I can do it."

Feng Yu gathered himself, his expression calm as he spoke.

Sakonji Urokodaki nodded and then turned, walking back down the mountain.

Now, only Feng Yu and Xiao Bai remained.

"Xiao Bai, come here, let me pet you."

As he stroked the fox's fur, Feng Yu finally smiled.

"Here, eat this."

He took out a Soul Cleansing Pill from his spatial pouch.

Feng Yu had drawn this pill from the lottery just a couple of days ago.

He had noticed that Xiao Bai didn't seem immune to the effects of the pill, as it still worked wonders even after Xiao Bai had eaten several of them.

Now, Xiao Bai had grown to the size of a large Alaskan Malamute.

Every day, Feng Yu would go into the mountains to hunt for rabbits, sparrows, or even wild boars.

Yes, wild boars. One day, when Xiao Bai dragged back a wild boar larger than itself, both Feng Yu and Sakonji Urokodaki were stunned.

They never expected that Xiao Bai could already take down full-grown wild boars.

Sakonji Urokodaki couldn't fathom it.

He suspected that it might have something to do with Feng Yu, but he didn't voice his thoughts. After all, everyone has their secrets, and Feng Yu was his disciple.

After eating the Soul Cleansing Pill, Xiao Bai stopped playing around and quietly lay down beside Feng Yu, falling asleep.

"Looks like your appetite is growing… if you come with me to slay demons, you'll definitely stand out... This is troublesome..."

After petting Xiao Bai for a while, Feng Yu stood up, grasping his sword. He muttered to himself, "This challenge... is immense."

"Ding!"

The sword struck the massive boulder with force, leaving only a shallow scratch.

"I didn't expect that with seventy percent of my strength, it would only leave a mark."

"This feels like iron ore... the rebound is insane..."

"This is... so damn satisfying."

"It looks like I'll need to give it my all..."

Feng Yu took a deep breath.

"Hey-ha!"

The Sword in his hand descended.

Clang.

The sword cut into the massive boulder a few centimeters deep.

"It looks like in order to split this stone, I'll have to push my swordsmanship to its limits..." Feng Yu muttered.

And so, every day, Feng Yu swung his sword at the boulder, each strike using all his strength.

He could feel himself growing stronger with each passing day. His understanding of swordsmanship deepened, and every swing brought him one step closer to mastery.

"Hah... Ha... this is exhausting..." Feng Yu lay on the ground, his body drained, and without realizing it, he fell asleep.

In his dreams, Feng Yu vaguely sensed someone calling his name.

He opened his eyes, and before him stood a young man wearing a fox mask with a scar at the corner of his mouth. His attire was a yellow, orange, and green hakama, decorated with turtle-shell patterns. Alongside him was a girl with a fox mask bearing floral patterns on the cheeks, her green-black hair cascading down her back.

Feng Yu knew immediately who they were: Makomo and Sabito.

"Who are you?" Feng Yu rubbed his eyes and asked with a yawn.

"I'm Sabito," the young man replied. "This is Makomo. We're both disciples of Sakonji Urokodaki, your senior brother and sister."

"You're really something, even a genius. You're stronger than both of us," Sabito added.

"Ah, thank you."

Feng Yu held a deep respect for these two. They were willing to risk their lives for their comrades.

Still, he didn't fully agree with their philosophy. When one couldn't protect others, the first thing they should consider was their own safety.

Feng Yu certainly didn't have the self-sacrificial spirit they displayed.

But that didn't diminish his admiration for them.

"Come on, let's spar. If you beat me, you'll have succeeded in splitting this boulder. Sparring is the fastest way to find your own shortcomings."

As he spoke, Sabito drew his own Sword.

Unlike when he faced Tanjiro in his past life, Sabito wasn't using a wooden sword. He was wielding a real one.

"Is this recognition of my strength?" Feng Yu thought to himself, his grip tightening on his own Sword.

"Here I come, Sabito-san. Be careful," Feng Yu said softly.

With that, he charged forward.

"Hmph."

Sabito readied his sword and began to engage with Feng Yu.

As they sparred, Sabito pointed out Feng Yu's weaknesses.

"Too slow, too slow. Your strikes lack force, too lazy. You're not committing to killing me..." Sabito said, his tone sharp.

Hearing this, Feng Yu's inner fire was ignited. His eyes sharpened, and his posture shifted. He began to spar fiercely with Sabito.

But despite his best efforts, he soon found himself defeated.

Feng Yu guessed that Sabito's swordsmanship had likely reached the level of perfection.

On the sidelines, Makomo watched the exchange, silently admiring Feng Yu's talent.

In truth, from the moment Feng Yu became a disciple of Sakonji Urokodaki, they had both sensed his potential.

It had been less than half a year since Feng Yu joined. And in just that short time, he had achieved results that broke their own records.

Makomo thought to herself: "Perhaps Feng Yu can accomplish what we never could..."

"Sabito-senpai, you're amazing! Hahaha!" Feng Yu laughed heartily. Although he had lost, he realized his own shortcomings. To have a swordsman of Sabito's caliber guide him was a priceless opportunity.

It was not shameful to seek advice from those stronger than oneself.

Sabito looked at Feng Yu with silent admiration, though his expression remained cold and distant.

"In the coming days, Makomo and I will take turns sparring with you, until you defeat us..." Sabito said, his tone serious.

With that, a thick mist descended, and their figures vanished.

Feng Yu stood in the clearing, whispering softly into the air, "Thank you. I'll avenge you both, and fulfill your wishes..."

The only response was the rustling of bamboo leaves swaying in the wind. 

--------------------------------------

Join my patreon for early chapter: patreon.com/sorkarnayeem