21st Century Necromancer
Chapter 822 - 818 Problems

Following Chen Yu's instructions, Akagi arrived at the hospital entrance, prepared to greet the Demigod Chen Yu had mentioned. However, what she saw was merely a monk dressed in extremely tattered robes, sitting by the roadside, eating a steamed bun on tap water from a public drinking fountain.

The monk wore a grayish-blue robe that seemingly had seen many years, as it was covered almost entirely in patches.

Rather than calling it clothing, it was more accurate to describe it as layers of patches stitched together.

Despite the monk's attire being worn-out, it was impeccably clean and meticulously maintained.

His face and hands bore the weathered, dark complexion of one who had endured the ravages of time, yet appeared exceedingly clean, untainted by any dust or dirt.

And although the monk was merely eating a steamed bun with cold water—it didn't even appear freshly made—he seemed utterly content, as though he were savoring a gourmet meal.

The monk naturally noticed Akagi but remained deliberate in finishing his bun. Only after he washed his hands under the faucet, wiped his face, and cleaned his mouth did he stroll toward Akagi.

"Apologies for keeping the lady benefactor waiting. Kindly lead the way." The monk placed his hands together and bowed deeply in front of Akagi.

Akagi, of course, greeted the monk in return, though she said little. Instead, she guided the monk into the hospital and into Chen Yu's office.

Despite being the center of attention as they walked, with many people pointing and discussing his peculiar appearance, the monk seemed entirely unaffected, unconcerned by his scruffy figure amidst the sterile uniformity of the hospital.

Although a nurse tried to stop the monk, Akagi's guidance ensured he was not obstructed and smoothly led him into Chen Yu's office.

"Greetings, benefactor. Amitabha." The monk greeted Chen Yu with a Buddhist chant, carrying an air of ordinary modesty that belied any semblance of a Demigod.

Chen Yu watched the monk and naturally stood up from his chair, addressing him politely: "Greetings, Master. May I know what brings you here today?"

The two conversed in Chinese, clearly indicating this was a monk from China.

"I am Monk Xinyuan, merely an Ascetic Monk from the Great Mercy Temple. I dare not accept the title of 'Master' from the benefactor. I have come from China to Japan at someone's behest to visit you, on account of the matters from London." The monk introduced himself while inquiring, "May I ask for benefactor's name and lineage?"

When Chen Yu heard the monk say he was an Ascetic Monk, he immediately understood why he appeared in such tattered attire. For such monks, wearing fine clothing would hinder their spiritual discipline. Only by enduring physical suffering and hardship could they achieve spiritual ascension and progress in cultivation.

These Ascetic Monks were true practitioners, traveling the world with a begging bowl, braving the elements, seeking nothing of physical comfort—a group deserving of utmost respect.

Chen Yu naturally held a certain respect for this ascetic monk who introduced himself as Xinyuan, admiring his willingness to endure physical hardship for spiritual pursuit.

Thus, when addressing Xinyuan, Chen Yu replied warmly and cordially: "I am Chen Yu. Master, please take a seat."

Chen Yu altered his address for Xinyuan and gestured invitingly while sitting down on the sofa.

However, Monk Xinyuan did not seat himself on the sofa but instead sat cross-legged directly on the floor.

When Chen Yu looked visibly surprised, Monk Xinyuan explained, "I am an Ascetic Monk. Were I to sit upon such a comfortable sofa, it would take away many of the trials of cultivation. I hope the benefactor understands."

"I see, then as long as Master does not mind me sitting so high, all is well," Chen Yu replied, showing no inclination to sit on the ground himself. Respect stems from sincerity, not mere imitation.

"No matter at all. It's a privilege as long as the benefactor does not resent my unannounced arrival," Monk Xinyuan replied, setting down his belongings. With his hands resting naturally on his knees, he addressed Chen Yu, "I have come to visit you at someone's behest due to the events in London. I kindly ask the benefactor to recount the truth about the matter. It would be greatly appreciated."

Xinyuan bowed once more after finishing his words.

Chen Yu, seeing this gesture, found nothing objectionable in Xinyuan's behavior. Moreover, the monk's demeanor was pleasing and genuine, so he nodded and replied, "Master, feel free to ask. As long as your questions are ones I can answer, I will not hide the truth. However, some matters may involve personal secrets, and I hope for your understanding."

"That is to be expected. I would not dare ask excessive questions. However, the matter in London is far-reaching and significant; I could not refuse the request to investigate, even if it meant becoming an unwelcome guest to you. If there is offense, I beg your pardon. Amitabha." Monk Xinyuan recited the Buddhist chant again before continuing to ask, "May I inquire about the benefactor's lineage? How long have you cultivated? And when did you achieve Demigod status?"

These were the questions Monk Xinyuan and those who entrusted him were most concerned with. After all, no Demigod comes into being without considerable cultivation. The number of Demigods on Earth was something everyone had a clear sense of.

The sudden emergence of a Demigod capable of summoning other Demigods was undoubtedly unnerving—this warranted a thorough investigation.

"My lineage stems from a fortuitous opportunity during childhood. I self-studied with an ancient book, so I lack any formal lineage. As for achieving Demigod status—that was merely last year." Chen Yu offered no concealment in his response, though hesitated briefly when asked how long he had cultivated: "I am 31 years old this year. I began cultivating during middle school when I first encountered that opportunity."

Chen Yu's words nearly shattered Monk Xinyuan's meditative focus. A hundred years of arduous cultivation couldn't suppress the flicker of envy and resentment rising in his heart. Chanting several Buddhist verses in haste, Xinyuan finally smiled bitterly and remarked, "The benefactor's fortune is extraordinary. This old monk has cultivated for a century to reach my current level of mastery. I thought myself firmly anchored in calm enlightenment, yet I've succumbed to jealousy toward the benefactor—a clear sign my cultivation is not yet complete. Amitabha."

"Master is too modest. I reached Demigod status by taking shortcuts; had I followed the conventional path, I might not have achieved it even within a hundred years," Chen Yu replied humbly, speaking the truth nonetheless.

Had he not leveraged a path related to Divine Creatures—first mastering his Divine Body before accumulating enough faith to ascend as a Demigod—it would have taken him at least a century of gradual cultivation to reach his current level.

Only after hearing Chen Yu's explanation did Monk Xinyuan feel moderately relieved, though a lingering unease persisted.

Setting aside the uncomfortable topic, Xinyuan then shifted focus to the crux of his visit: "Benefactor, may I ask how many Demigod-Level Heroic Spirits you've summoned thus far?"