The Demon King, reborn in Japan as a monk

"Don't worry, as long as you two are obedient, I will still save you some face." After a while, Ishihara released Zhao Feirong, but still held her in his arms, and said to the Hua sisters who were full of worry.

"What exactly do you want from us?" Hua Nongyue asked nervously.

"Are you sure you want to say this here?" Shi Yuanzhang glanced at the surviving Yaochi Sect disciples around him and said meaningfully.

"Then let's go to the side," Hua Nongying suggested.

"can."

The group then disappeared into the woods beside the road. After confirming that no one could hear them, they asked Ishihara Akane about his purpose again.

"First, I need you to hand over the Yaochi Sect's inheritance that you possess." Ishihara Akira didn't mince words and immediately stated his conditions.

"That's impossible!" Hua Nongyue retorted immediately before her words had even finished.

“Nothing is impossible. Don’t forget, you have already put your faith in me and opened your minds. I have the ability to enter your consciousness at any time and take what I want from it. Making you hand it over voluntarily is giving you dignity and face. Otherwise… humph.” Ishihara Sho sneered.

The Hana sisters remained silent, knowing that what Ishihara Akira said was true, and could only keep quiet and continue to listen to Ishihara Akira's other demands.

"Secondly, since you have become my prisoners, I will naturally receive corresponding benefits," Ishihara Akira said with a smile, stating the second condition.

"What else do you want?" Hua Nongying asked warily.

"What do you think?" Ishihara Akira grabbed Zhao Feirong's body and asked in a clear yet ambiguous tone.

"You shameless!" the Hua sisters said, their faces turning pale with shame and indignation.

"I don't think I've ever told you that I'm a good person, have I?" Ishihara Akira chuckled lightly, seemingly proud rather than ashamed.

"What do you want from us?" Hua Nongying asked in a deep voice, forcing herself to calm down after taking a deep breath.

"Hand over your inheritance, hand over all the sea charts in the hands of the Yaochi Sect, and then obediently follow my instructions. Perhaps one day I will take pity on you and release you from my control. As for now, you should accept the fact that you have become my prisoners." Shi Yuanzhang replied in a nonchalant tone.

"You want a nautical chart?" Hua Nongyue asked in surprise.

“Yes, I want all the sea charts that your Yaochi Sect possesses,” Shi Yuanzhang nodded affirmatively.

The merit robe is manageable; once we reach the southern naval camp, we can obtain it by following Hong Yi to wipe out that water fortress. But what about the Buddha statue containing the current Tathagata Sutra? That's hidden on a giant whale island near either the Divine Wind Kingdom or the Izumo Kingdom. Without a nautical chart, he has no other way to get it except by conducting a thorough search.

Besides, in addition to Giant Whale Island, this nautical chart can also be given to Hong Yi so that he can use it to make a name for himself or something. One map can be used for multiple purposes, so why not?

“Okay, we’ll give it to you.” The Hua sisters exchanged a glance, and finally, Hua Nongying, the elder sister, answered.

“That’s more like it.” Ishihara Akira laughed. “When will I be able to get the nautical chart?”

“At our pace, it will take at least a month,” the Hua sisters said after a moment’s thought.

After all, given the state of communication in this world, even with the existence of magic, it would take a considerable amount of time to send a sea chart from another continent—mainly because the map of this world is too large and transportation is inconvenient. So, the claim of a month was not an exaggeration, but a fact.

“Alright, then you can arrange for someone to send the nautical chart to the southern naval camp a month from now…” Ishihara Akira nodded in agreement.

Chapter 461 Reunion

After quickly agreeing on the time and method of the transaction, the Hua sisters didn't want to stay any longer with Ishihara Akira, who was clearly not a good person and had designs on their bodies. So they gathered the Yaochi Sect disciples around them and fled along the ancient southern road towards their Yaochi Sect's territory, or rather, the Yaochi Sect's stronghold in the vicinity...

"You're just going to let them go like that?" Zhao Feirong asked expressionlessly as she watched Yaochi's people leave.

"What's wrong? Are you unhappy that I didn't devour them like I did for you?" Ishihara Chang put his arm around Zhao Feirong's waist and chuckled.

Zhao Feirong remained silent, but she still expressed her thoughts—yes, I'm not satisfied, so what?

"Don't forget, my thoughts reside within their souls. So as long as they can't break free, they won't escape my grasp. Sooner or later, they'll all become my bedmates, just like you," Ishihara Akira said calmly. After a pause, he continued, "Alright, things are almost done. It's time for us to meet up with Hong Yi."

"Are you sure you want to take me to see Hong Yi?" Zhao Feirong asked, frowning.

Just moments ago, she was threatening to fight Hong Yi, but now she's gone and acting alongside him. Regardless of the consequences, Zhao Feirong feels very uncomfortable, at least in terms of saving face.

Especially since she was still Ishihara Akira's prisoner and treated like a servant, she didn't want to see any acquaintances she knew!

Especially someone like Hong Yi, whom they used to treat with such disdain as an 'enemy'...

"What does it matter? After all, you are siblings, and Hong Yi is not as narrow-minded as you think. In addition, with me mediating between you, Hong Yi will not do anything to you," Shi Yuanzhang said with a nonchalant smile.

He's just a plaything; he wouldn't care what Zhao Feirong thinks.

It would be more like it would be Qin Mengyao instead.

Then, without further ado, Shi Yuanzhang led Zhao Feirong and Jin Zhuer away from the ancient southern road and appeared in Hong Yi's marching group.

"Who goes there?!" Qin Mengyao shouted angrily.

The others also stopped and became alert.

“It’s me,” Ishihara Sho revealed himself.

"Brother Shi. Who is this person next to you...?" Hong Yi was taken aback, then looked at Zhao Feirong next to Shi Yuanzhang with a puzzled and somewhat incredulous expression, and asked.

“Zhao Feirong,” Shi Yuanzhang said with a smile.

"Zhao Feirong, what is she now...?" Hong Yi's heart skipped a beat, and he asked in surprise.

“She is now my prisoner, and she is responsible for taking care of my daily life,” Ishihara Akira said with a smile.

"Hiss..." Hong Yi gasped upon hearing this. As a native of Daqian and the son of Hong Xuanji, he had a deep understanding of the power of the Da Luo Sect. Although it was not powerful enough to be the most powerful in the world, it still had a great influence in this small area in southern Daqian.

This can be seen from the fact that the Da Luo Sect previously used a so-called Da Luo Pursuit Order to incite bandits from all over the south to attack him, an official of the imperial court. Shi Yuanzhang (Shi Yi) has not only captured Zhao Feirong, who had previously acted extremely aggressively, but has also forcibly transformed her into his servant. If the Da Luo Sect finds out about this, they will not let it go.

Most importantly, Zhao Feirong has a special identity—according to Shi Yuanzhang's previous introduction, she is not only the daughter left behind by her father Hong Xuanji, but her mother is also the leader of the Da Luo Sect. Therefore, it is not an exaggeration to say that Zhao Feirong is the Holy Maiden of the Da Luo Sect. Having her by his side would have a positive effect: it would confuse those who originally wanted to attack him, making them unclear about his relationship with the Da Luo Sect, whether they had reconciled or had become hesitant to attack, thus eliminating the possibility of an attack.

On the downside, it would make the Da Luo faction even more hostile towards Hong Yi, intensify the pursuit, and make the subsequent journey even more turbulent.

However, he didn't say anything. After all, it was a fact that the Da Luo Sect had its eye on him, and it wasn't something that only started after Ishihara Akira captured Zhao Feirong. Not to mention, he would need Ishihara Akira and his wife to protect him on his journey. So, since Ishihara Akira had the courage to bring Zhao Feirong with him, it meant that he had enough confidence and ability to deal with the troubles ahead, and he didn't need to worry about or give him any advice.

With that thought in mind, Hong Yi put aside his own thoughts and welcomed Ishihara Akira's official return.

"By the way, Brother Hong, I've found you a job." After explaining Zhao Feirong's situation, Shi Yuanzhang seemed to belatedly realize something and said to Hong Yi.

"Work?" Hong Yi asked, puzzled.

"Let me introduce you—" As he spoke, Shi Yuanzhang picked up Jin Zhu'er, who was perched on his shoulder, and said, "This is Jin Zhu'er, the granddaughter of the Rouran National Preceptor, the Golden Spider Dharma King. She ran away from home because she was unhappy with the marriage her grandfather had arranged for her. She is currently on the run and needs someone to protect her for three years. So I took the liberty of helping you, Brother Hong, take on this job."

"Don't worry, I'm not asking you to work for nothing." Shi Yuanzhang interrupted Hong Yi, who was about to speak, and continued, "As the price for protecting it, it will pass on to you the secret cultivation method it learned from its grandfather, the Great Mighty Heavenly Dragon Bodhisattva Contemplation, and the Great Marrow Cultivation Secret Method of the Great Zen Temple, the Dragon Elephant Seal. Brother Hong, aren't you worried about not having a decent soul cultivation secret method and martial arts technique? These two secret methods from the Great Zen Temple perfectly meet your requirements, and they are in the same lineage as the Bull Demon Mighty Fist you are currently practicing. You can quickly get started and form combat power without any adaptation."

"In addition, Jin Zhu'er herself is a cultivation master who is close to the level of a ghost immortal and is proficient in various secret manuals. You can ask her for advice when you encounter problems, or ask her to help you when you encounter difficulties. I think this business is a win-win situation, isn't it?"

"Hey, you never said he needed my help when he ran into trouble," Jin Zhu'er interjected, somewhat annoyed.

"He protects you, and you protect him. It's a mutually beneficial relationship. Does it really need to be brought up? Besides, if he really gets into danger because of official business or other reasons, who will protect you for the rest of the time?" Ishihara Akira retorted.

“Of course it’s you,” Jin Zhu’er said matter-of-factly.

“I won’t stay by his side forever,” Ishihara Akira laughed.

"You bastard, how dare you deceive me! Aren't you afraid my grandfather will cause you trouble?" Jin Zhu'er said angrily.

“From the very beginning, I said that I couldn’t protect you for three years, right? That’s why I recommended Brother Hong to protect you, and you agreed. You shouldn’t have forgotten that, right? As for your grandfather, the Golden Spider Dharma King, let’s not even talk about whether he will come looking for trouble for you. Even if he does take action for you, are you sure he can find me, or even if he finds me, can he beat me?” Ishihara Akira asked with amusement.

"My grandfather is a Thunder Tribulation Ghost Immortal!" Jin Zhu'er said proudly.

“Me too,” Ishihara Akira said calmly.

"what!?"

Without wasting words, Shi Yuanzhang released the unique yang energy of a Thunder Tribulation Ghost Immortal, enveloping Jin Zhuer and Zhao Feirong, causing their expressions to change immediately, realizing that what Shi Yuanzhang said was true...

Chapter 462 Shuiyang Prefecture

"What did you say? Fei Rong is with Hong Yi and his group right now?" In Shuiyang City, which was near the Jinghai Army camp that Hong Yi was heading to, Hong Yi's elder brother, Hong Kang, who was guarding the area, looked at the woman reporting the situation to him in disbelief and exclaimed, "What on earth is going on?"

"The specifics are still unclear, but what is certain is that Senior Sister Zhao Feirong is indeed currently traveling with Hong Yi's group, and she should arrive in Shuiyang City by this evening at the latest," the woman replied, shaking her head slightly.

"Didn't your people go and confirm?" Hong Kang asked, frowning.

“According to our deduction, if Senior Sister Fei Rong wasn’t just playing around, the only reason she might have gotten involved with Hong Yi’s group is if she was captured. Given Senior Sister Fei Rong’s spiritual cultivation and martial arts level, it’s absolutely impossible for an ordinary person to capture her, let alone force her to follow their enemy without resistance. Therefore, the elders in the sect suspect that there must be a master of spiritual cultivation in Hong Yi’s group. Approaching rashly would likely be discovered by them, which is why we haven’t been able to re-establish contact with Senior Sister,” the woman explained.

"What are the plans of the Great Luo Sect now?" Hong Kang nodded noncommittally and asked again.

"We've already arranged for the elders who were previously pursuing the Dream God's Secret to come over. However, the journey is quite long, and it will take them about a day to arrive. Therefore, we need Lord Kang to find a way to delay Hong Yi and the others' journey so that the elders can proceed more easily." The woman explained the arrangements made by the Great Luo Sect.

"Delaying action? Perfect. I haven't seen my half-brother for a while now. Since he's left home to live independently, I, as his older brother, should naturally take care of him... Guards."

Then, accompanied by heavy footsteps, several burly men in armor appeared in the courtyard where Hong Kang and the woman were, which seemed to be used for martial arts practice.

"Arrange for a few men to guard the city gate. As soon as they see my good brother, they should invite him back to me," Hong Kang casually instructed.

"Yes," the soldiers replied.

Without lingering, he turned and left Hong Kang's residence, heading towards the city gate that connected to the ancient southern road.

"Isn't Lord Kang worried that Hong Yi will refuse?" the woman asked with concern after the soldiers left.

"Don't worry, they'll handle it." Hong Kang said with a faint smile.

Then, without further ado, he walked to the center of the arena, circulated his qi and blood, and began practicing the various techniques of the Heavenly Cycle of Life and Death, which were passed down in his family or, more accurately, within the Great Luo Sect…

……

Not long after, at the city gate.

"But is it Young Master Hong Yi in person?" Just as Hong Yi's group arrived near the city gate, a burly man stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and asked loudly.

“I am Hong Yi, and you are…” Hong Yi stopped his horse, dismounted, and looked at the burly man with equal eyes, asking him in return.

"I am a guard under Young Master Kang. I am here on Young Master Kang's orders to invite Young Master Yi to his residence for a chat." The burly man clasped his hands in a fist salute again, explaining his identity and purpose.

“Young Master Kang…” Hong Yi frowned upon hearing this, and asked further to confirm, “Is it Hong Kang, who is currently serving as the Governor of Shuiyang Prefecture?”

"It is indeed Lord Kang," the burly man affirmed.

"Okay, I understand. Lead the way." Hong Yi pondered for a moment before looking up at the burly man in front of him, who seemed ready to retaliate if he didn't follow him, and nodded in agreement.

"Young Master Yi, please follow me." Then, several other burly men also came out from the city gate and gathered around Hong Yi's group, pretending to protect them, but actually guarding them, and followed Hong Yi's group into the city.

"It seems the visitors are up to no good," Ishihara Akira said to Hong Yi via telepathy.

"It's probably related to Zhao Feirong," Hong Yi replied mentally.

"You mean, Hong Kang wants to use your stay at his residence as an opportunity to contact Zhao Feirong?" Ishihara Akira asked thoughtfully.

“After all, Zhao Feirong’s previous behavior clearly showed that she was not on my side, but now she has inexplicably followed my group. It’s inevitable that the people of the Da Luo Sect would guess that something might have happened to her, but they are wary of Brother Shi’s presence and cannot investigate directly. Therefore, they plan to use Hong Kang and my brotherhood to intercept me under the guise of an invitation, so as to facilitate the actions of the people of the Da Luo Sect.” Hong Yi analyzed with his eyes full of wisdom.