Chapter 142: The Japanese Underworld

"Fishing?"

Hearing such an absurd request, Ye Tian stood frozen, momentarily doubting he had heard correctly. He hurried to explain, "I meant that any wish could be granted. Wouldn't it be better if I just gave you money?"

"If we get something for nothing, we'll be punished by the Emperor. We can earn money by selling fish, so please, help us fish instead!" Sachiko giggled.

After a moment of contemplation, Ye Tian frowned. "Alright then, I agree."

Although back in the Dragon Kingdom, his senior sister and Li Muqing were likely frantic, searching the world for his remains, and logically he should have returned long ago, he felt it was better to keep his word once promised.

The night passed without incident.

The next day, Sachiko burst through his door early to wake him. "Did you rest well, Ye-kun? Today will be quite exhausting."

"Hmm, let's go." Ye Tian nodded, shouldering the fishing net he had prepared in advance, and set out with Sachiko and her grandfather.

Sachiko's grandfather, Jōnosuke, walked cheerfully in the lead, carrying the heaviest net on his back. The simplicity of a working man was etched onto his weathered face; he seemed entirely unburdened by the weight of life. Sachiko followed, her lips pressed together, brows furrowed as she carried various tools. Despite her petite frame, her eyes were filled with resolve, and though she struggled, she didn't utter a single complaint along the way.

It was evident that while the rulers of the Eastern Archipelago were heinous, the common people at the grassroots level were still striving to persist, remaining simple and kind-hearted. Just like Sachiko and her grandfather—though they were alone in the world, they remained positive and optimistic, never harboring resentment toward life. Even though they were from the Eastern Archipelago, they had never harmed anyone; on the contrary, they had saved him, a man who had killed countless of their ninjas.

Observing this, a warmth stirred in Ye Tian's heart.

He did not know why, but ever since he ascended to the Harmony Realm, his emotions had become much more detached. Many people and events could no longer influence his mood. For instance, regarding Zhang Jiao, whom he had killed—in the past, he certainly would have shown mercy and let him escape. Yet, in the end, he had stood firmly by his own convictions and struck the man down without hesitation.

In other words, after achieving the Harmony Realm, logic played a greater role in his actions. This transformation was not necessarily bad, but sometimes it was terrifying to contemplate. Could it be that the path to immortality ultimately leads to a heartless Great Dao? That was too frightening.

Thinking that he might one day become a cold-hearted person who abandons his wife to ascend alone, Ye Tian couldn't help but feel a lingering fear.

However, from the looks of it, his emotions were still quite rich; it was just that the sentimental side was buried a little deeper. That was a relief.

"Ye-kun, look! That's our fishing boat ahead!" Seeing they were finally reaching their destination, Sachiko let out a long sigh of relief and hurriedly gathered all her strength, rushing toward the boat with her gear.

But halfway there, she stopped in her tracks.

At the corner of the fishing boat stood a dozen thugs in uniform black jackets. Judging by their disciplined formation, this was clearly part of an organization.

"Hey, Sachiko. It seems you forgot to pay your protection money."

The leader, a yellow-haired man a full two meters tall, squinted unceremoniously, raking his eyes over Sachiko.

Sachiko’s body trembled at the words, her eyes darting away. "But... didn't I already pay last month, Mr. Nakano?"

"Last month is last month. We're in the latter half of the month now. Don't tell me you want me to bring my men to your house to collect it?"

"You jerk, don't push your luck!"

The yellow-haired man stepped forward, grabbed Sachiko by the collar, and lifted her up. "Little girl, if you don't respect the rules of our