The Demon King, reborn in Japan as a monk

Nothing happened that night, and the next day arrived.

After washing up, Shi Yuanzhang bid farewell to Yuanfei and tore open the space in front of him, stepping back to Yujing City of Daqian. In an instant, he appeared in the room of Su Mu, the courtesan of Sanhualou.

Su Mu was startled, but relaxed again when she saw that the person was Ishihara Akira. She leaned back lazily on the cushion and continued reading the book in her hands.

"It's rare that you still know to come back," Su Mu said casually.

"What? Missed me?" Upon hearing this, Ishihara Akira walked over to Su Mu and sat down next to her, pulling her into his arms with a mischievous smile.

"Have you forgotten the essence of my Supreme Dao cultivation? The Supreme Dao is about forgetting emotions. I'm too busy forgetting you to even think about you," Su Mu said, rolling her eyes at him in annoyance.

"The 'forgetfulness' in 'Supreme Forgetfulness' doesn't mean forgetting. By the way, has anything sensational happened in the capital recently?" Ishihara Akira smiled, reached into Su Mu's clothes, and asked while holding the white jade steamed bun that could save the common people.

Chapter 526 Tianxiang Tower

"A big deal? Is the death of the Empress a big deal?" Su Mu pondered for a moment, then said with a smile.

“Yes,” Ishihara Akira replied with a smile.

Seeing Ishihara's calm demeanor, Su Mu became even more certain of her suspicions: Shi Yi was indeed involved in the Empress's death! She just wasn't sure how close they were, and what role the Consort Yuan, who disappeared on the same day, was playing.

However, she didn't ask directly. It wasn't really her concern anyway; knowing it involved Shi Yi was enough. As for the rest…

She is no longer entirely the Holy Maiden of the Supreme Dao, with her mind still on the Supreme Dao. She now also has the identity of Shi Yi's woman, so naturally she has to think about him appropriately.

There's also the concept of "forgetting emotions," as Ishihara Sho said. The "forgetting" in "forgetting emotions" doesn't really mean forgetting, but rather transcending it. It means being able to view the occurrence and changes of emotions from the perspective of a third party or bystander, based on the foundation of feelings, and ultimately reaching a point where one is not troubled by them or held onto them.

That's why she was able to accept everything so calmly, instead of being like the previous Holy Maiden Meng Bingyun, who lost her power due to falling in love, and was even killed by Madam Zhao and Zhao Wan'er.

That's a typical case of not reaching the level of transcending emotions in the highest realm...

Speaking of this, we must mention the Heaven-Shattering Earth-Striking Technique. Its method of shaping reincarnation is simply an unparalleled method for comprehending emotions, understanding life and death, and transcending realms!

Regardless of whether you originally had the aptitude, it can force you to comprehend what you should comprehend through reincarnation and personal experience. This is the fundamental reason why Su Mu was able to master true transcendence at a young age, and why so many women around Ishihara Akira could easily break through the barrier of life and death and reach the Ghost Immortal realm, so that the tribulation thoughts he sent out were not wasted.

Otherwise, even if he had enough resources to make an ordinary person become a ghost immortal in an instant, that person would only be a fake ghost immortal, unable to break through the barrier of life and death, unable to grasp the essence of ghost immortality, and thus vulnerable in front of a true ghost immortal.

……

"Besides the Empress's death and the banquets of various states, what other exciting events have occurred in Yujing City recently?" After listening to Su Mu's account of the changes caused by the Empress's death and the events that had taken place in Yujing City during this period, Ishihara Akira asked again.

"In Yujing City? The only place that can be considered lively is the newly opened Tianxiang Pavilion, which is three streets away from here. Because the women there are exceptionally beautiful and talented, and the decor is quite stylish, it has attracted a lot of customers who were turned away by our Sanhua Pavilion. It seems to be poised to replace Sanhua Pavilion as the number one brothel in Yujing City, causing quite a stir. You're not talking about this kind of liveliness, are you?" Su Mu thought for a moment and then described what he considered to be lively.

"Tianxianglou, this name... didn't you investigate its background?" Ishihara Akira's eyes flickered as he asked with a smile.

"How could we not investigate?" Su Mu straightened up from Shi Yuanzhang's embrace, straightened his clothes slightly, and said, "Unfortunately, we didn't find anything. It's like it suddenly appeared out of nowhere. There are no deep-rooted connections behind it, and it has no connection with the Great Qian royal family. Yet, no one has bothered Tianxiang Tower, and no one covets its reputation or the benefits they could gain by occupying it. If there's nothing fishy going on behind this, I won't believe it no matter what." Su Mu shook his head and said, "Unfortunately, my identity is special, so it's not appropriate for me to go and experience it directly, or meet the courtesan there. Otherwise, perhaps I could have discovered something."

"Tianxiang Pavilion... then leave it to me. I'm also very curious about who dares to so openly challenge Sanhua Pavilion, and your status as the top courtesan of Sanhua Pavilion." Shi Yuanzhang pulled Su Mu into his arms again and laughed loudly.

"I bet you only came back for Tianxiang Tower. All that talk about spying and satisfying your own curiosity is just a pretext," Su Mu said, rolling her eyes at him and getting straight to the point.

"We'll see through it but not say anything, we'll still be good friends," Ishihara Akira said, kissing Su Mu on the cheek.

I can't be bothered with you.

……

Shi Yuanzhang stayed with Su Mu until evening before dressing up a bit and leaving Sanhualou for Tianxianglou.

"Welcome, sir! Please come in. Do you wish to listen to some music or do something else?" The greeter at Tianxianglou greeted him warmly, as if they were all old friends.

"What else can you do?" Ishihara Akira, like a seasoned pro, stepped forward and put his arm around the waist of the woman he was greeting, leaning close to her and saying with a smile.

"Isn't this a rhetorical question you already know the answer to?" The greeter didn't mince words, playfully patting Ishihara Sho and laughing.

Just like Sanhualou, which operates a brothel in addition to its high-end business to maintain operations, Tianxianglou also provides services similar to those of general entertainment venues. It all depends on whether you have the money and the need for them.

"Then get me a private room, and call over your prettiest girl. I'll listen to some music first, and then decide whether to do something you'd like to do," Ishihara Akira said with a smile.

"Alright, please follow me, guest."

Then, the hostess swayed her hips and led Ishihara Yuki to the second floor...

Then, not long after, the wine, food, and girls playing the zither and singing entered the room, sat down, and began their performances.

Naturally, there were also women who would accompany him and urge him to drink, sitting next to Ishihara Akira and serving him his drinks.

The enjoyment Ishihara Yumi received, in terms of service quality and level alone, was truly unmatched by entertainment venues in ancient times, or rather, in the context of ancient society.

Besides the decor and facilities...

Of course, Ishihara Akira didn't come here simply for enjoyment, but for investigation. So, in addition to enjoying himself, he didn't forget to set aside his thoughts and open his senses to find his target—Yun Xiangxiang's whereabouts.

It wasn't complicated at all. In just a moment, a pleasant voice reached Ishihara Akira's ears without the surrounding women noticing: "I wonder if you would be interested in coming to the backyard to meet me?"

"I couldn't ask for more." After saying that, Shi Yuanzhang's eyes flashed slightly, and he pulled the consciousness of all the women in the room into an illusion. He then left a thought that made them look like him and continue to enjoy themselves, while he himself flashed away and followed the voice to a courtyard behind Tianxiang Tower, where he met the owner of the voice, who was also his target—Yun Xiangxiang.

She wore an elegant white dress, her hair was tied up with a hairpin, her eyes were gentle, her face was bright, and her whole body seemed to exude a maternal glow, making people feel relaxed and approachable.

Especially with the elegant and pleasant scent emanating from her, Ishihara Sho instantly felt as if he were in some kind of wondrous secret realm, and no hostile or evil thoughts arose in his mind.

"The Heavenly Fragrance Secret Technique is indeed extraordinary." Ishihara Akira's thoughts shifted, smoothing out the ripples in his mind, and he smiled at the woman in front of him.

Chapter 527 Yunxiang

"You have indeed come for me. But I don't understand when and how I was exposed." Hearing Ishihara's assessment, Yun Xiangxiang sighed, picked up the teapot in front of her with a somewhat helpless expression, poured a cup of tea for Ishihara, and asked frankly.

“Tianxianglou, Tianxiangjuan, the name Yunxiangxiang, and the anomalies of Tianxianglou itself, aren’t they obvious enough?” Shi Yuanzhang walked over and sat down opposite Yunxiangxiang, picked up the teacup in front of him and took a sip as if he were doing it properly, and said with a faint smile.

"So what is your purpose?" Yun Xiangxiang asked curiously.

"If I said I wanted to share a bed with Miss Xiangxiang and go to Wushan together, what would Miss Xiangxiang think?" Shi Yuanzhang chuckled.

"Your Excellency is indeed very direct. In all my years of life, I have never met anyone who has expressed their thoughts so directly and frankly." Yun Xiangxiang was taken aback, then responded with a mixture of surprise and amusement.

“It’s probably because I’m unique enough,” Ishihara Akira laughed.

"Xiangxiang isn't being coy. Sharing a bed isn't out of the question, but only if you can demonstrate enough charm that Xiangxiang would willingly submit to you," Yun Xiangxiang said with a smile.

"Are you willing..." Shi Yuanzhang smiled and immediately activated the Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique and the Heavenly Demon Power to influence Yun Xiangxiang's emotions.

Suddenly, Yun Xiangxiang felt that the image of Shi Yuanzhang in front of her had changed, becoming particularly attractive, making her want to get close to him and be held in his arms. At the same time, a unique thought began to emerge in her heart...

"Your methods are impressive, but if you think you can get Xiangxiang through this, you'll only be disappointed." Realizing that there was something wrong with her condition, Yun Xiangxiang immediately activated the techniques she had learned from the Three Volumes of Heavenly Fragrance, using the exotic fragrance to calm her mind. With a clear and calm gaze, she spoke softly to Shi Yuanzhang.

"The Heavenly Fragrance Secret Technique truly lives up to its reputation." Seeing that his actions had no effect, Ishihara Akira wasn't discouraged. He smiled slightly and praised again, "I'd like to know, what is Xiangxiang planning to do this time in the mortal world? Seek revenge? Or pursue transcendence?"

"Xiangxiang has already been reincarnated, and the past is no longer my concern. Naturally, there's no question of revenge. However, given the opportunity, Xiangxiang wouldn't mind causing Meng Shenji some trouble. So, my current wish is simple: to cultivate diligently, strive to overcome more tribulations, and see if I have a chance to become a Yang God. As for transcendence, that's something only high-ranking gods and great saints would consider. Although Xiangxiang is confident in her talent, she's still quite far from that point. She doesn't dare to dream of transcending the world, achieving immortality, and living a carefree life." Yun Xiangxiang glanced at Shi Yuanzhang and didn't hide anything, explaining her thoughts.

As for how much of it was genuine and how much was influenced by Ishihara Sho's abilities, only Yun Xiangxiang herself knows.

Are you satisfied with my answer?

"If I could offer you a spot in the Transcendent Realm, or give you the opportunity to transcend the mortal world, would you be willing to accept it?" Ishihara Akira nodded and asked Yun Xiangxiang with a serious expression.

"Are you so confident that you can transcend this?" Yun Xiangxiang asked in surprise and disbelief.

"If I said I could leave this world anytime I wanted, would you believe me?" Ishihara Akira said with a confident smile.

Yun Xiangxiang frowned, unsure whether she should believe Ishihara Akira's words.

After all, what Ishihara Akane said was vastly different from her understanding of the cultivation world.

However, since it concerns transcendence, as long as the price she pays is within her psychological limits, she doesn't mind trying to follow Ishihara Akira to see if she can truly gain the qualification for transcendence and break free from the limitation that a Yang God master only has one lifespan.

Although she is only at the sixth level of the tribulation realm and is not even a creator, it does not prevent her from making preparations in advance.

After all, even a Yang God only has one Yuan, which is 129,600 years of lifespan. She didn't think that she, a Six Tribulation Ghost Immortal, could live longer than that.

"What do you want?" Yun Xiangxiang didn't ask Ishihara Sho to demonstrate his detachment to prove the truth of his words; she simply asked with a solemn expression.

“I want three volumes of Heavenly Fragrance,” Ishihara Sho said decisively.

Yun Xiangxiang remained silent, not expecting Shi Yuanzhang to be so ruthless, directly demanding the fundamental inheritance of the Fragrance Sect from her!

"Surely we can't even exchange the chance to transcend for the inheritance of the Fragrance Sect, can we?" Seeing Yun Xiangxiang's silence, Ishihara Sho emphasized again.

“I can first teach you the contents of the Human Fragrance Scroll from the Three Heavenly Fragrance Scrolls. As for the Earthly Fragrance Scroll and the Heavenly Fragrance Scroll, I can only give them to you after things have progressed to a certain point. After all, what you’ve said so far is just empty talk to me. Without any supporting evidence, I can’t just hand over the Three Heavenly Fragrance Scrolls to you like this,” Yun Xiangxiang replied after thinking for a while.

"Forget about the human incense rolls, I have some already. So if you want to offer chips, you'd better bring out the earth incense rolls instead." Ishihara Akira chuckled and began to bargain.

"You have the incense roll in your hand?" Yun Xiangxiang asked in surprise.

“Yes.” Ishihara Akira nodded.

"Yes, that's possible. But then you'll only be able to get the Heavenly Fragrance Scroll when things reach the very last moment," Yun Xiangxiang reminded her.

"Whatever. I didn't lie to you anyway," Ishihara Akira said, waving his hand dismissively.

"Alright then." Seeing this, Yun Xiangxiang couldn't help but believe Ishihara Sho's explanation a little more.

Without further ado, she recited the contents of the Earth Incense Scroll in front of Ishihara Shō, and with the various illustrations and texts that her magic manifested, she clearly presented everything about the Earth Incense Scroll to Ishihara Shō.

"By the way, do you have any clues about the whereabouts of the Great Zhou Emperor and the Third Prince?" After finishing recording the contents of the Earth Incense Scroll, Ishihara Akane seemed to suddenly remember something and asked Yun Xiangxiang.

"Why are you looking for them?" Yun Xiangxiang asked, puzzled.

“I am very interested in the Sky City in the hands of the Great Zhou Emperor, but unfortunately I have been unable to find its whereabouts. I can only hope to get clues from the Third Prince. If you know anything about it, you might as well provide it, which will also help me to implement the Transcendence Plan as soon as possible and take you away from this world,” Ishihara Akira said with a smile.

“After the Great Zhou Dynasty was destroyed, the Great Ancestor separated himself from the Great Thousand Worlds and is currently hiding in some Lesser or Middle Thousand Worlds to practice his skills. The Third Prince is still active in the Great Thousand Worlds, but he is also homeless. He may be in the Great Qian Dynasty one day and in another place the next. I don’t know much about his situation. But why do you think I know their movements?” Yun Xiangxiang asked curiously.

"After all, your Fragrance Fragrance Sect was a staunch supporter of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it was the state religion of the Great Zhou Dynasty. So it's only natural that I would suspect that there is some connection between you."

“Then you are mistaken. Our Fragrance Sect, or rather my cultivation philosophy, is different from others. I like to go with the flow. That is to say, whoever is the dominant force, whoever is the protagonist of this part of the story in the long river of history, I will appear by their side, and then take advantage of the protagonist’s invincible characteristics to gain some benefits. So long after the Great Zhou was destroyed by the Great Qian, I had already lost contact with the Great Zhou Emperor and others.” Yun Xiangxiang shook her head and explained.

"Going with the flow, following the trend... that's not a bad choice. Unfortunately, now that I'm here in this world, all destiny and fortune will be mine, so it won't be so easy to find a protagonist to invest in."

"It's alright, then I'll stay by your side."

Chapter 528 East Sea Demon Ape Ba

"Then I'm going to the East Sea Cloud Mist Mountain, the Western Regions Essence Temple, and the Nine Abyss Divine Realm. Do you want to come with me?" Shi Yuanzhang looked at Yun Xiangxiang across from him with a smile and asked.

"East Sea Cloud Mist Mountain, Western Region Essence Temple, Nine Abyss Divine Realm, what are you planning to do?" Yun Xiangxiang asked in surprise.

None of these three places are easy to deal with.