The Demon King, reborn in Japan as a monk

"Are you all packed?" Ishihara Akira asked, getting up.

"All packed up," Lian Xiuxiu said, picking up the guqin from the side and holding it in her arms.

“Let’s go then,” Ishihara Akira said.

"Yes."

Without lingering, the group removed the life-and-death talisman from Cha Zhiqin's body with their double-handed technique as they passed by. They then went straight down the stairs, through the bustling hall, and left Xiaohuaxi amidst the stunned and even incredulous gazes of the surrounding guests. They got into the carriage driven by Xing Laosan and, with a shout of "Giddy up!", quickly disappeared into the night.

Then, the news that Miss Lian Xiuxiu, the top courtesan of Xiaohuaxi, had been taken away spread throughout Huangzhou Prefecture from the mouths of guests leaving Xiaohuaxi, causing an astonishing uproar that was beyond imagination...

"Xiuxiu, I heard you're good at design. So, if I want to build a cruise ship for us, what do you think would be the best design?" After returning to the inn, Shi Yuanzhang spoke directly to Lian Xiuxiu, who was still somewhat bewildered.

Chapter 390 Overpowering the Xining Sect

"You, are you really an immortal?" Standing on the deck of the flying cruise ship designed by Lian Xiuxiu, gazing at the clouds outside and the earth beneath her feet, Jin Bingyun, whose face had been expressionless, showed a look of shock and disbelief like that of an ordinary person. She murmured to Shi Yuanzhang, who was watching the cloud scenery with her.

"Are you willing to believe me now?" Ishihara Akira put his arm around her waist and chuckled.

Jin Bingyun remained silent. The facts were already laid bare before her. No matter how shocked she was, she had to admit that the man beside her named Shi Yuan might truly be a true immortal who had descended from the heavens.

“Let’s go back to the cabin,” Ishihara Akira said.

Jin Bingyun didn't speak, but her body didn't resist Ishihara's actions. She followed his lead back to the cabin and arrived at the room that, in Ishihara's words, was where the three of them—he, Jin Bingyun, and Lian Xiuxiu—would live together in the future. There, she saw Lian Xiuxiu calming her excited emotions by playing music.

Yes, she never expected that the domineering man who took her out of a place like Xiaohuaxi would be an immortal descended to earth!

But the facts are already before him, and even if he doesn't want to believe it, he has no choice but to.

At the same time, she couldn't help but feel somewhat fortunate. Although Ishihara was domineering, he treated her fairly well and respected her quite a bit. Not only was the appearance of the cruise ship based on her design, but the layout and furnishings of the rooms inside were also largely in accordance with her wishes. He never beat or scolded her, nor did he force himself on her.

Although she had prepared herself for the day she was brought back, she was not so bored or self-degrading as to ask Ishihara Akira why he didn't want her, since she had managed to get through it safely.

In addition to Ishihara Akira's youthful appearance, the slight changes brought about by cultivating the Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique, and the natural, almost demonic, attraction emanating from him, Lian Xiuxiu herself knew that if Ishihara Akira really took her, she could actually accept it.

At least deep down, she was quite satisfied. She was many times better than that Sha Qianli or the other leaders of forces who coveted her.

Not to mention, Ishihara Akira later gave her a sonic martial art called Fuxi Yantian Gong, which she then practiced...

"How are you doing? Getting used to it?" Ishihara Akira sat down opposite Rei Xiuxiu and asked, looking at her calm exterior but with a slight fluctuation in her voice.

"It's nice here. There's no rocking or swaying like a real boat. Apart from not being able to go out for a stroll when I'm bored, the environment here isn't much different from when I was in Xiaohuaxi. I'm quite used to it," Lian Xiuxiu said with a smile.

"That's good. If there's anything you're not used to, just let me know so I can work on it as quickly as possible," Ishihara Akira said with a smile.

"Ok."

……

Although the speed of the airship was not as fast as that of airplanes in later generations, or even as fast as that of a normally driving car, it was still flying. There was no need to worry about mountains or rivers blocking the way, and it could travel in a straight line. So in just over half a day, the airship officially flew to the airspace above the Xining Sect, where Zhuang Qingshuang was located, another target that Shi Yuanzhang had locked onto.

Then, Shi Yuanzhang, Jin Bingyun, and Lian Xiuxiu said "Wait for me on the ship," and like extreme enthusiasts who were about to commit suicide, they jumped off the spaceship, which was parked hundreds of meters high, with a leap of faith, and fell like cannonballs towards the Xining Sect below.

Just as it was about to reach the ground, it stretched out its palm and launched a Shinra Tensei at the ground. The reaction force from the impact counteracted the acceleration due to gravity, and it slowly landed on the ground.

谷彳

However, this also attracted the attention of the Xining faction.

Of course, this was intentional on Ishihara Akira's part; otherwise, with his abilities, he could have easily infiltrated the Xining Sect without anyone noticing and taken the person away.

"So-and-so from the Xining School greets Your Excellency. May I ask who Your Excellency is...?" At this moment, a mature-looking man with a sense of composure walked to the edge of the dent created by Ishihara Sho, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and greeted Ishihara Sho with a respectful expression.

Although he didn't see how Shi Yuanzhang got in, he could see the extent of the impact crater in front of his feet. It was definitely not something an ordinary expert could create with a casual strike. At least, even Zhuang Jie, the leader of their Xining Sect, couldn't do it! It was easy to imagine how powerful the newcomer was. Before the leader arrived and the purpose of the newcomer was understood, it was best not to offend him.

"Where's Zhuang Jie? Let him come out and talk to me," Shi Yuanzhang said calmly, glancing at the man.

"This... please wait a moment, I will go and invite the sect leader over."

But before he could finish speaking, he was silenced by a loud voice.

"No need, I'm here." The next moment, a figure shot swiftly to the edge of the impact depression and stood next to the man who had spoken earlier.

"My name is Zhuang Jie. May I ask your name?" Zhuang Jie sized up Ishihara Sho and greeted him politely with clasped hands.

"I am Ishihara." Ishihara Zhang said, as he channeled his power, causing his body to slowly float off the ground. His feet dangled in the air, and the way he naturally sank in made Zhuang Jie and the surrounding Xining Sect disciples' pupils shrink, giving them a clearer understanding of Ishihara's strength.

He was definitely at the level of a grandmaster. Although it was unknown how he compared to Pang Ban, the demonic master who had suppressed the martial arts world for sixty years, he was certainly not comparable to any of the people present.

Because neither the sect leader Zhuang Jie, nor his disciples, nor any of the experts they knew or saw could cultivate their martial arts to the level of Shi Yuanzhang, who was almost like a god or demon.

"I wonder why Lord Ishihara has come to my Xining Sect..." Zhuang Jie composed himself and asked again.

"Sha Qianli, is Jian Zhengming a disciple of your Xining Sect?" Shi Yuanzhang asked in return.

"Yes." Zhuang Jie's heart tightened immediately upon hearing this, and he replied nervously.

“That’s it then. Originally, I came here to wipe out your Xining Sect, but on my way here I heard that Sect Leader Zhuang has a beloved daughter named Qing Shuang, about eighteen years old, who is known in the martial arts world as the Fragrant Sword. I’m quite curious and would like to ask Sect Leader Zhuang to invite her out so I can meet her. If her appearance satisfies me, I’m willing to spare the Xining Sect’s punishment for her sake.” Shi Yuanzhang said slowly with a half-smile.

"You wish to see my daughter?" Zhuang Jie asked, frowning.

Just because of Ishihara Akira's tone, it didn't sound like he just wanted to meet her.

"Does Your Excellency really only wish to see my daughter?" Zhuang Jie pressed.

"Of course, it's not as simple as just meeting them. After all, Sha Qianli and Jian Zhengming committed the crime of annihilating their entire family in my eyes. How could I possibly forgive them just because of your daughter's face? At the very least, she should sacrifice herself to atone for her sins before I can spare the lives of everyone in your Xining Sect," Shi Yuanzhang sneered.

Chapter 391 Heading to the Mysterious Valley

"You!" Zhuang Jie was furious. His clenched fists cracked under his fists, showing just how intense his anger was.

"You don't want to? That's fine too. After I destroy your Xining Sect, I won't have to worry about not finding Zhuang Qingshuang's whereabouts." The next moment, Shi Yuanzhang's figure flashed and appeared in front of the minor sect member who was talking to him. With a press of his palm, the latter spat out blood and flew backward.

However, it only looked like it caused a lot of damage, but it didn't actually kill the other person.

After all, his purpose in coming to the Xining Sect was Zhuang Qingshuang, who was the daughter of the sect leader. Regardless of the reason, he had no need to completely wipe out the Xining Sect.

Then, Shi Yuanzhang turned around again and attacked the other Xining Sect disciples around him.

The scene was brutal. In almost every exchange, a disciple would cough up blood and fly away, or fall to the ground motionless, looking as if he were really dead. This made Zhuang Jie, who was initially caught off guard, increasingly angry and agitated.

"You bastard, stop right now!" Zhuang Jie realized what was happening and immediately drew his sword, chasing after Ishihara Sho.

But Shi Yuanzhang completely ignored him and continued to strike the Xining Sect disciples one by one until no one else was standing in the arena except Zhuang Jie. Only then did he slowly turn around, use his Lingxi Finger to pinch the tip of Zhuang Jie's thrusting sword, and with a slight force, the sword in Zhuang Jie's hand broke off from where Shi Yuanzhang's fingers were pinching it. Then, with a backhand flick, the broken blade shot towards Zhuang Jie at great speed.

Zhuang Jie managed to dodge, but he missed the chance to avoid Ishihara's attack and was caught by Ishihara at close range, who grabbed his throat.

"I'll ask you one last time, where is Zhuang Qingshuang?" Shi Yuanzhang lifted Zhuang Jie into the air with one arm, looking at his face, which was flushed from lack of oxygen, and asked coldly.

"Release my father!" At the same time, a clear and cold shout came from behind Ishihara Sho, towards the interior of the Xining Sect, drawing his attention.

Then, the figure of a young, beautiful, slender, and fair-skinned girl with an exceptionally large and magnificent bosom came into Ishihara Yu's view. Her face was like ice, cold and hostile, staring at Ishihara Yu with an unfriendly expression that said, "If you dare to do anything to Zhuang Jie, I'll fight you to the death." This immediately confirmed Ishihara Yu's identity.

Zhuang Jie's beloved daughter, Zhuang Qingshuang, is a beauty known in the martial arts world as the "Fragrant Sword."

“Give me a reason to release him.” Ishihara Akira turned around and asked Zhuang Qingshuang directly.

"You wanted me, didn't you? I agree." Zhuang Qingshuang blushed, but her tone and expression were full of determination as she replied.

"Okay." Shi Yuanzhang chuckled and casually tossed Zhuang Jie next to Zhuang Qingshuang.

“Father,” Zhuang Qingshuang ran over and asked with concern.

"Cough cough cough... Qing Shuang, you... sigh..." Zhuang Jie coughed violently a few times to catch his breath, then looked at his daughter with a complicated and tender expression, wanting to say something, but in the end he couldn't say what he wanted to say.

The reason is simple: besides being Zhuang Qingshuang's father, he is also the leader of the Xining Sect! Therefore, although he feels pain and resentment at sacrificing his daughter to save his own life and even the other disciples of the Xining Sect, his position as the sect leader and his desire not to let the Xining Sect perish in his hands prevent him from telling his daughter not to care about him...

So, after much deliberation, we ended up with this result.

But deep down, he hated Sha Qianli and Jian Zhengming, the two people who caused all this, to the core. He planned to send someone to bring those two bastards back as soon as Ishihara left, and then personally deal with them to relieve Zhuang Jie's pain of losing his daughter.

谷芟

……

In short, after all the commotion, Zhuang Qing Shuang's attitude improved slightly after learning that Shi Yuan Zhang had held back and hadn't actually killed anyone in the Xining Sect. However, it was only a slight improvement. After all, any normal woman wouldn't be in a good mood after learning that someone had come to her house and made a scene just to take her back and play with her.

Even though this person wasn't very old, and was clearly different from the old man, his martial arts skills were unique in the martial arts world, and he possessed a strange charm, just staring at him for a little too long made her heart flutter and she wanted to throw herself into his arms. But in the end, he wasn't the one she had found, the one she liked and who liked her back, the one she was compatible with. So, it was inevitable that she would feel a little uncomfortable.

But since things had come to this, she couldn't go back on her word. So, after confirming that the Xining faction, especially her father, was alright, Zhuang Qingshuang reluctantly let Ishihara Zhang take her away to the air cruise ship.

"Who exactly are you?!" Zhuang Qingshuang exclaimed in astonishment, feeling her worldview being reshaped as she looked at the surrounding clouds and the ground beneath her feet.

“Your man,” Ishihara Akira said with a smile.

Then they took her into the cabin and introduced her to Jin Bingyun and Lian Xiuxiu.

"Bingyun, you know the way to the Misty Valley, right? Point it out to me." Sitting next to Jin Bingyun, Shi Yuanzhang raised his hand and pointed in the air, creating a mountain and terrain map out of thin air—similar to a 3D satellite map in later times—and said to Jin Bingyun beside him.

"The Misty Valley is..." Jin Bingyun frowned slightly and thought for a moment before remembering the location of the Dual Cultivation Sect and giving it the address.

Without hesitation, Ishihara Akane immediately changed course and flew towards Mimizutani.

……

A little over a day later, the spaceship arrived above the Misty Valley.

As usual, Shi Yuanzhang greeted Jin Bingyun, Lian Xiuxiu, and the newly arrived Zhuang Qingshuang before descending into the misty water valley, which was surrounded by water and resembled a secret peach blossom paradise, in a manner of divine intervention.

"Sister Xiuxiu, is that guy sick?" As Shi Yuanzhang left, Zhuang Qingshuang walked up to Lian Xiuxiu, who was practicing her newly learned Fuxi Yantian Gong while playing the zither, and quietly asked her.

"What?" Lian Xiuxiu was taken aback and pressed down on the strings.

"Look, he clearly has beautiful women like Sister Xiuxiu and Sister Bingyun around him, whose looks are arguably the best in the world, so why doesn't he do 'that' to us? Judging from his actions, he's a normal man." Zhuang Qingshuang asked with a puzzled look.

"Isn't it good that he doesn't touch us? What? You actually want him to touch us?" Lian Xiuxiu asked curiously.

"No, I'm just wondering, if his purpose in bringing us back wasn't for that kind of thing, then why did he capture us?" Zhuang Qingshuang asked, puzzled.

“Then I don’t know. Why don’t you ask Sister Bingyun? She was one of the first people to follow that guy, maybe she’ll know something.” Lian Xiuxiu said, glancing at Jin Bingyun who was sitting calmly on the other side.

"If I'm not mistaken, he'll probably make his move against us after this trip is over," Jin Bingyun said coldly to the two of them, meeting Lian Xiuxiu's gaze.

Chapter 392 Gu Ningqing

This time, Shi Yuanzhang didn't announce his arrival with great fanfare like he did when he went to the Xining Sect. Instead, he landed silently on the ground like a ghost, and then used his senses to search for the whereabouts of the people living in the Misty Valley, as well as the depth of their internal energy cultivation and whether their appearance was fresh and refined.