Long Live Money in Anime Crossover

P.S.: I took care of some family matters a couple of days ago and just finished. I'll resume updates today. Sorry!

176 Look what I found!

At this moment, Hong Meiling really didn't know whether she should be angry or pleasantly surprised.

Izayoi Sakuya's behavior and tone were practically a carbon copy of the Izayoi Sakuya she knew from the past. And now, the supposedly dead Izayoi Sakuya had reappeared before her eyes—how could she not be overjoyed?

The Izayoi Sakuya before her seemed even more wicked than the Izayoi Sakuya of the past. The old Izayoi Sakuya would merely deduct her wages, at most plunging a few throwing knives into her head. Now, Izayoi Sakuya wouldn't even spare her clothes; was she trying to strip Hong Meiling of all her wealth?

This goes far beyond being a heartless boss; it's downright depraved and a slave owner!

However, despite Hong Meiling's reluctance to admit it, compared to anger and humiliation, a profound sense of relief swept over her, giving her a feeling of finally being relieved. Whatever had happened, now that the real Izayoi Sakuya had reappeared before her, she could finally put down the burden on her shoulders.

Ah...could it be...?

Hong Meiling looked down at the remaining underwear on her body and suddenly understood. Izayoi Sakuya was unhappy; had she taken the head maid's position?

Having figured this out, Hong Meiling's last bit of anger vanished. She even wanted to quickly explain to Izayoi Sakuya that it wasn't that she wanted to usurp Sakuya's position, but rather that the Scarlet Devil Mansion truly couldn't be without a head maid to manage everything. Therefore, she had taken on the role of head maid at Patchouli's suggestion.

However, Hong Meiling still didn't say it. She endured the pain, let go of all the emotions in her heart, and in the end, all her words converged into a very simple sentence.

"Welcome back, Sakuya."

Seeing these heartfelt words, Izayoi Sakuya's dignified expression momentarily became somewhat uneasy. Although this emotion was touching, and Izayoi Sakuya couldn't help but want to delve deeper into it, she was no longer the Izayoi Sakuya she once was; she no longer possessed those memories and feelings.

The reason why Izayoi Sakuya stood here without hesitation as ordered by Momo was at least 70% due to her desire to complete the mission. The remaining 30% was because Izayoi Sakuya thought that if possible, she wouldn't mind working as a maid in the Scarlet Devil Mansion, which would belong to the Hall of Heroes in the future, in addition to serving Momo, so that she could rebuild her friendships with the people in the Scarlet Devil Mansion.

Yes, it's just friendship. Right now and in the future, her master will only be Mo Mo.

As for becoming the Sakuya Izayoi of the past and returning everything to its original state, Sakuya Izayoi never considered this from the beginning, because it was completely impossible.

Izayoi Sakuya wanted to refuse, but seeing the hopeful look in Kurenai Mirei's eyes, she didn't directly reject her. She couldn't deny that the intense feelings were indeed attracting Izayoi Sakuya. Although Izayoi Sakuya felt that these things didn't belong to her, it was the kind of feeling that everyone hoped to receive.

Everyone longs for a home, a home filled with family and friends who constantly think of them and yearn for their return. Despite the conflicts and pressures that arise in daily life, the connection and affection that binds them together is the most comforting thing.

"I'm sorry, I won't be coming back."

Izayoi Sakuya composed herself and spoke calmly. Her flat words instantly widened Hong Meiling's eyes, shattering the hope within them. However, Izayoi Sakuya didn't completely destroy Hong Meiling's hope; instead, she said with a hint of amusement, "However, you can choose to come to my side."

Izayoi Sakuya didn't know the details of Momo's deal with Hong Meiling, but it wasn't hard to guess Momo's purpose. Or rather, Momo's intentions were as clear as day; everyone in Valhalla, even a child like Last Order, had experienced it firsthand, so how could Izayoi Sakuya not know?

Although... she hasn't had a chance to experience it yet, cough cough.

Therefore, Izayoi Sakuya believed that as long as she worked hard in this direction, she would definitely not go wrong.

"Join us?"

Hong Meiling blinked, her eyes filled with confusion. But in an instant, she connected the dots with the deal Mo Mo had just made, and said, "You...you were resurrected because of him, and then you became someone by his side?"

Sakuya Izayoi tilted her head, her fingers twirling her silver braid, and said, "Well, that's not wrong. So, it's impossible for me to come back. According to what you said, I should already be dead, right? Therefore, the only option left is for you to come to my side."

"However, this is not a demand or coercion, but an invitation. I believe you know the situation in Gensokyo better than I do. Perhaps the man behind me is a scumbag in some ways, but he can provide everyone with a true haven."

As she spoke, Izayoi Sakuya activated the ability she inherited from Momo. Amidst Hong Meiling's surprised exclamation, the quantum light carried Hong Meiling into the air and floated up, walking step by step to Momo's side.

"Think about it. I believe Momo is more qualified to tell you the specifics."

By the time the two arrived at Mo Mo's side, Hong Meiling had already gotten used to the changed Izayoi Sakuya and began biting her hair as she personally tended to her right leg. However, what made her frown was that her right leg was almost completely shattered, an injury that her limited bone-setting skills were incapable of handling.

"Damn it, even though these injuries can heal slowly as a youkai, the speed is unacceptable... And now there are no doctors left in Gensokyo, am I going to have to lie here forever?"

"Actually, lying down isn't so bad, at least you can lie down for now. Trust me, it won't be long before you're jumping around all the time."

Mo Mo's voice rang in her ear, startling Hong Meiling. Hong Meiling looked up and realized that she had been handed over to Mo Mo by Izayoi Sakuya.

Because she had already agreed to the deal with Momo, she no longer felt the same wariness and worry she had before. Instead, her eyes were filled with curiosity and hope. She hoped that if Momo fulfilled his conditions, he would grant Hong Meiling's wish. She was curious about who this person was—the one who stirred up trouble in Gensokyo, whom even Yakumo Yukari feared, and who possessed the ability to revive Izayoi Sakuya.

Upon closer inspection, Hong Meiling was somewhat disappointed; he was just a gigolo!

As a strong person, how can you protect those behind you without well-developed muscles?

Clearly, Mo Mo couldn't understand, wouldn't accept, and certainly wouldn't practice Hong Meiling's aesthetic sense. A pretty boy it is, Mo Mo knew that at least the little vampires of the Scarlet Devil Mansion would prefer his type.

"Just lie down inside. Although this is a treatment device designed for humans, I think it should be effective for you too. After all, in terms of flesh and blood, you're not much different from a human."

To her astonishment, Hong Meiling was placed into an egg-shaped treatment pod by Mo Mo. This device was modeled after the treatment pod used by Kuroyukihime in the original Accelerated World series, and was developed in conjunction with the Soul Chasing Technique of the Frog Elder from Academy City.

While it can't reach the level of the Underworld Soul Chaser, thanks to its sophisticated emergency nanobots and various fast-acting medical drugs, anyone still alive placed inside can be kept alive for an extra second. As long as this buys them time from death, they can then be handed over to the Underworld Soul Chaser for further treatment.

"This thing... could it be a cage? Am I going to be a prisoner soon?"

Hong Meiling asked with a puzzled look, but instead of being nervous, she was filled with curiosity and excitement. Mo Mo helped Hong Meiling lie down, then looked at her exposed skin and a look of seriousness appeared on his face.

"What are you looking at... Ah, these things, nothing. As a soldier who has experienced the battlefield, isn't this just natural?"

Hong Meiling's body was covered with countless scars of varying sizes, including a twisted, circular wound on her lower right chest. Clearly, it had been pierced by a sharp weapon; if the wound had gone any higher, it likely would have pierced through Hong Meiling's heart.

"You're only allowed to look, not touch, you bastard! Are you... a lecherous man?"

A blush crept onto Hong Meiling's face, and she crossed her arms. Only then did she realize that her maid outfit had been ruined by Izayoi Sakuya, leaving her in only her underwear. Although she didn't find herself attractive with her scarred body, Mo Mo's advances towards her compelled her to reprimand him.

Mo Mo was taken aback and awkwardly withdrew his hand. This time, he really didn't want to get close to Hong Meiling, but rather to touch Hong Meiling's scars and feel the pain he had never experienced.

"Don't worry," Mo Mo said with an innocent smile to express his apology, "I can guarantee that if you join us, your scars will disappear completely, and you'll have a fair and tender complexion again."

As he spoke, Mo Mo closed the hatch, and streams of invisible, colorless gas shot out. Countless nanobots began to enter Hong Meiling's body, helping to heal her injuries. Fortunately, Hong Meiling was a pure humanoid being, structurally no different from a human; otherwise, Mo Mo would have had to personally act as a traditional Chinese medicine doctor to set her bones.

Tsk... Now that I think about it, this job wasn't so bad after all!

"It seems that I don't need to do anything anymore. Your Majesty has already taken care of everything, hasn't that right?"

Sakuya Izayoi smiled and leaned closer, but Momo shook his head and said, "Without you, nothing would have gone so smoothly. It's because of your existence that the Scarlet Devil Mansion's camp has been wavering from the very beginning."

"So, Sakuya, I'll have to rely on you from now on. At least keep everyone calm before I find out which troublemaker I'm after."

Upon hearing this, Izayoi Sakuya shook her head and teased, "Although I would like to agree to your order, Your Majesty, your newly recruited Heroic Spirit Cirno is quite powerful. Look, she has already successfully defeated the third boss."

As soon as Izayoi Sakuya finished speaking, Cirno's cheerful voice rang out, "Momo, Momo, look what I found! A green-haired guy!"

Author's Note:

P.S.: I'd like to recommend a book by an experienced author who has sold over 20,000 copies. Do you recognize his titles like "A Certain Unscientific Gentleman's Guide to Self-Improvement" and "Infinite Self-Destruction"? That's right, it's War Master. I also recommend his book "My Name is Kousaka Kyosuke, But I Don't Want to Be Pushed Down by My Sister." Of course, if you find this interesting, you can check out his new book, "An Otherworldly Life Starting from a Nightmare Brothel."

Summary:

[8 years old] Brother! I don't like this toy, let's get a different one!

[9 years old] Brother! I don't like this backpack, I want a different one!

[11 years old] Brother! I don't like these sneakers, let's get a different pair!

[14 years old] Brother! I don't like this school, let's change to another one!

[18 years old] Brother! I don't like this sister-in-law, let's find another one!

[That night] Brother...brother...this...position...I don't like it...let's change...ah...let's change it...

177 I'm very curious about your bellies.

"A three-faced boss?"

Mo Mo nodded slightly, recalling the evaluation given by Izayoi Sakuya.

Momo, familiar with Gensokyo, naturally knows that in works based on Gensokyo, the final boss is divided into six levels, known as Stage 1 to Stage 6 Bosses. Stage 6 Bosses are naturally the strongest among the bosses. For example, in "Touhou Koumakyou," a work themed around the two vampires in the Scarlet Devil Mansion, the eldest daughter Remilia is a Stage 6 Boss, while the second daughter becomes an EX Stage Boss due to her special characteristics.

According to Sakuya Izayoi, if the green-haired girl who just appeared is considered the third-stage boss, then Cirno is the first-stage boss, and Hong Meiling is the second-stage boss. This makes Momo wonder who the next few bosses will be. And what about the fourth-stage boss? Could it be the great philosopher Patchouli♂GO?

"Mo Mo, come quick! I didn't expect her to be here too. She... oh, oh, oh!"

Cirno excitedly pulled Koishi along towards Momo, seemingly eager to show off. If, as she claimed, she had truly captured Koishi's heart, then Cirno certainly had reason to boast. Unfortunately, who was Koishi? How could she possibly become Cirno's captive?

Sure enough, Cirno was still holding Koishi Komeiji's hand when she screamed in surprise. She reached out and touched Koishi Komeiji's face, which was right in front of her, and said, "She disappeared! She disappeared!"

In Cirno's eyes, Koishi had suddenly vanished without a trace, leaving no trace behind. Even when Cirno touched Koishi's face and Koishi gave her a sweet smile, Cirno didn't notice a thing.

Komeiji used her ability.

This is the abnormal change that occurred to Koishi Komeiji's abilities after she chose to close her eyes. Originally, her abilities were basically the same as her sister's, but because she resisted her own abilities and chose to seal them away, Koishi Komeiji found herself in an unconscious state, her mind almost blank.

Thus, although Komeiji Ren truly did not use her ability to read other people's minds or control their thoughts, just as she had hoped, she still possessed a subconscious mind even without a primary consciousness. Her ability was part of her instincts, and even if Komeiji Ren did not control it, her ability would still take effect passively.

As a result, Komeiji Ren can easily manipulate her opponent's subconscious, allowing her to act without their notice. Even if Komeiji Ren is standing right in front of them, they cannot perceive her presence.

If everything Momo and Izayoi Sakuya were seeing hadn't already transformed into images created by Yui, and if the mechanical detection equipment hadn't been unaffected by Koishi Komeiji's abilities, Momo and Izayoi Sakuya would have already fallen victim to Koishi Komeiji's tricks. After all, in terms of ability strength, Koishi Komeiji is in no way inferior to her sister.

Now, Momo watched as the familiar settings in his mind came to life before his eyes, finding it rather amusing. Cirno, however, was quite different. The poor girl's initial excitement turned to panic; the sudden disappearance of such a large person had genuinely frightened her.

Cirno's flustered appearance also attracted Ren Komeiji's attention; clearly, Ren was watching Cirno's antics. However, Ren's interest in Cirno lasted only a few seconds. A motive seemed to be driving her, prompting her to reach out to Cirno. Cirno, who was frantically looking around, suddenly collapsed to the ground, breathing evenly, and fell asleep.

Clearly, Komeiji Ren easily subdued Cirno. Cirno's defense against psycho-type abilities is practically zero. After all, Cirno is an idiot; her already limited intelligence is barely enough for action, let alone resisting mental intrusion.

If Komeiji Ren had merely hypnotized Cirno, it could be interpreted as a prank. However, immediately afterward, with a sweet smile on her lips and muttering to herself, Komeiji Ren reached out and touched Cirno's stomach.

Those hands, slightly clenched into claw shapes, and the slightly protruding tips of her nails, made one realize in an instant that Komeiji Komeiji was not just a wandering girl, but a high-level youkai with extremely high danger!

Koishi Komeiji's current state is far from rational or intelligent. For her, any action she takes in the next second is possible. And as a youkai, in an unconscious state, the most likely action for Koishi Komeiji is naturally to follow a youkai's instinct—to kill.

And killing, even if it isn't the largest part of a youkai's nature, is definitely a very important one. Don't forget, before Gensokyo was established, the youkai outside of Gensokyo never stopped killing and fighting from the moment they were born.

Now, it's clear that Komeiji Koi is repeating this behavior. If she were to do as she pleases, Momo has no doubt that Komeiji Satoru would tear open Cirno's stomach and then watch the gushing blood with a pure, joyful smile.

Mo Mo clearly could not allow such a thing. Izayoi Sakuya stepped forward, her quantum light enveloping the fallen Cirno. To Koishi Ren's astonishment, she carried Cirno and flew behind Mo Mo and Izayoi Sakuya, then floated in mid-air.

"Mmm...delicious..."

As for Cirno, she didn't seem to wake up at all throughout the entire process. In her sleep, she seemed to be aware of the existence of the quantum light, opening her small mouth to swallow the milky white light that enveloped her, seemingly still enjoying it.

Cirno, who was under her command, was taken away. Koishi Ren blinked, neither chasing after Cirno nor showing any sign of anger. She widened her eyes, put her finger to her lips, and looked curiously at Momo and Izayoi Sakuya. Clearly, Koishi Ren's curiosity had been diverted to Momo and Izayoi Sakuya.

"Hello, big brother and big sister. Can you see me?"

Komeiji Ren spoke, her timid voice skillfully using honorifics, generally in a very polite and respectful tone. Combined with her obedient appearance, anyone would assume she was a well-mannered and well-behaved young lady. Unfortunately, her next sentence instantly shattered that image, taking on an eerie tone.

"Oh, that's how it is. This is troublesome. If the older brothers and sisters can see me, then I can't secretly tear open their stomachs."

Sakuya Izayoi's face was pale, not from fear, but from discomfort. The existence of Koishi Komeiji was like a source of pollution, using contradictory behavior to destroy people's basic cognition and instilling a sense of dread about collapse.

"Why are you so fixated on my and Sakuya's stomachs? Were you about to tear open Cirno's stomach too?"

Mo Mo asked softly, the strangeness of the topic making Mo Mo feel a little uneasy, but Mo Mo maintained a perfect smile, which seemed to make Komeiji Ren happy to communicate with Mo Mo.

"That's because...everyone was hungry before! That person with nine tails was standing there the whole time, and nobody had eaten dinner. So, I wanted to see what it was like to tear open someone's stomach and see what hunger was all about. I was really curious!"

"So, big brothers and sisters, stand there obediently and let me tear open your stomachs. That way, I'll know why you're hungry, and that person will let you all have dinner."