With Minamiya Chiya stepping into view, both the demon monk and the female ghost froze for a moment.
Who was this boy?
And that strike just now… was that really something someone his age could unleash?
"Benefactor, I discovered this first…"
The monk narrowed his eyes, forcing a measured tone.
"For you to interfere like this… isn't that a bit improper?"
"And you even attacked from behind!"
His words sounded righteous, but the killing intent in his eyes was unmistakable.
Chiya almost laughed.
That tone, that way of speaking… it reminded him far too much of certain shameless monks from his previous life.
"Heh. Don't try that with me."
"You're not worthy of talking about Buddhism."
Chiya's expression turned cold.
"I've already set my sights on this one. If you still want to fight me over it, I don't mind letting you experience my fists firsthand."
His tone was domineering, completely unrestrained.
"..."
Mizuhara Rei, the ghost, felt her thoughts stall.
What kind of day was this?
First a ruthless monk, now this even stranger young exorcist.
The monk was stunned for only a moment.
Then came anger.
No one had ever dared speak to him like this.
Especially not while trying to take his prey right in front of him.
"You're courting death."
"I'll send you on your way right now!"
With a roar, the monk lunged forward.
His body shot out like a cannonball, his fist glowing faintly with Buddhist power as it smashed toward Chiya's face.
The force behind it was immense.
Enough to shatter stone.
But
Chiya didn't even flinch.
That punch carried no real threat to him.
"Send me on my way?"
"Let's see who ends up getting 'sent off' today."
Before the monk's punch could land
Chiya moved.
A single slap.
Fast.
Faster than the monk's attack.
Smack.
The sound echoed sharply.
The damage wasn't much.
But the humiliation was enormous.
The monk froze for a split second, a faint handprint appearing on his face.
"You !"
Before he could even finish
Another slap landed on the other side.
Then
The counterattack began.
Fists.
Relentless.
Heavy.
Each strike landed faster than the last, like a storm breaking loose.
The monk was completely overwhelmed.
Every time he tried to fight back, an even fiercer blow forced him back into submission.
The sound of impacts filled the room.
His chest caved inward under the barrage.
Blood spilled from his mouth as he let out uncontrollable cries of pain.
From the side, Mizuhara Rei stared in shock.
The man who had just forced her into a corner…
Was now being beaten like a stray dog.
This boy…
He's at least on the same level as my former ally… maybe even stronger.
Could he be a top-tier exorcist?
At his age…? Impossible…
Another heavy blow landed.
The monk collapsed to the ground.
Defeated.
Completely.
"You… how… how do you know techniques like that…?"
He coughed blood, his voice trembling.
"Who… are you…?"
His body was covered in bruises, his robes torn apart.
He couldn't understand.
If they were both practitioners of similar paths, why was he the only one getting beaten senseless?
Chiya stepped forward slowly.
"Shut up."
"Now you answer my questions."
"If you lie…"
His foot lifted slightly.
The monk's eyes widened instantly.
"I… I understand, senior brother! Ask whatever you want!"
His tone changed immediately.
Respectful.
Obedient.
Even submissive.
Chiya smirked slightly.
"Your kind really learned well from the old traditions… shameless when it matters."
The monk forced an awkward smile.
"So you're from overseas… no wonder…"
His mind raced.
He had run into someone far more troublesome than expected.
Chiya didn't bother explaining.
Instead, he got straight to the point.
"You practice dual cultivation methods, don't you?"
The monk hesitated for a second, then nodded quickly.
"Yes… it's a fast way to cultivate…"
Chiya's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't press further on that topic.
Instead, he began asking about the monk's origins, his temple, and the forces behind him.
The monk answered everything honestly.
Piece by piece, the information fell into place.
Chiya soon realized something.
He had heard of this temple before.
Back when he was dealing with supernatural remnants for officials in Osaka, some of them had mentioned a temple that provided exorcists… as long as the payment was sufficient.
If not, they would only send weaker practitioners.
Typical.
No matter the world, some things never changed.
Greed.
Status.
Power.
They all followed the same rules.
Chiya let out a quiet breath, his thoughts settling.
This encounter…
Had been more valuable than expected.
...