A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 341

341. The Avatar of the Heavenly Dragon Eight Divisions

Potala Princess’s statement that even humans could turn into monsters was shocking. The group remained silent, unable to utter a word.

“What’s the reason you can’t do anything?”

No-gun asked, his words sharp. He furrowed his thick, white eyebrows as he questioned the Potala Princess.

“It’s not like the Potala Palace, with all its power, is unable to act… In other words, the Potala Palace organization itself isn’t functioning properly, right? Then there must be a reason. Is it political strife?”

No-gun’s insight was astute. The Potala Palace, the pinnacle of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism and the de facto ruler of this land, wasn’t helpless due to a lack of power.

The Potala Princess sighed softly. The fact that she had to reveal the internal issues of the Potala Palace to outsiders was deeply shameful.

However, she had no choice.

“To my shame, conflict between the four major sects has been ongoing for many years within the Potala Palace.”

“Four major sects?”

No-gun frowned at the unfamiliar term. Governor Hwang, acting as interpreter, asked the princess for her understanding before explaining to the group.

“Allow me to explain. The four major sects refer to the four largest schools within Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism. The largest sect is also known as the Yellow Sect [Gelug].”

“What is this, the same old story here too? Sects instead of factions?”

No-gun frowned, seemingly dumbfounded. He had somewhat expected religious purity, but here too, the sects were divided and in conflict.

Son-bin felt the same way. Suddenly, Princess Kyunghee’s mocking voice, saying, ‘People never change,’ seemed to echo in his ears.

“Every organization has internal strife. But this is strange.”

Governor Hwang, who had been speaking with a bitter expression, tilted his head.

“It’s not like the conflict between the four major sects is new, and it shouldn’t be enough to render the Potala Palace helpless, right? With the Master of Bodhicitta present, how could…”

“Master of Bodhicitta? Who’s that?”

No-gun interrupted Governor Hwang’s words and asked. Seeing unfamiliar terms pop up every time he spoke, Son-bin once again realized the cultural differences.

“Here, it refers to the highest-ranking monk who is revered as the incarnation of Buddha. He is the living Buddha who is the reincarnation of the first Master of Bodhicitta and also the head of the Potala Palace.”

“So, he’s the head of the Potala Palace? Then why not just say that instead of using such a complicated title?”

No-gun frowned. The title of the head of the Potala Palace wasn’t unfamiliar even in the Jianghu [martial arts world] .

The pinnacle of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism and the de facto absolute ruler of the Tibetan lands was none other than the Palace Head.

“It’s difficult to simply call him the Palace Head. In Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism, and in this land, the title ‘Master of Bodhicitta’ carries immense weight. He is considered the incarnation of Buddha, a living Buddha, you see?”

Governor Hwang spoke with a serious expression. However, No-gun scoffed.

“That’s just what they say in Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism. Even the monks of Shaolin, who are also Buddhists, would never acknowledge that, right?”

“Oh, is that so? I only have a superficial understanding… Anyway, that’s how it is here.”

“Then ask her. What is the Palace Head doing? Is he perhaps dead?”

Governor Hwang frowned at No-gun’s disrespectful words. At that moment, the Potala Princess quietly spoke.

“The Master of Bodhicitta has reincarnated and taken on a new body.”

Governor Hwang was startled. Although the answer was given in the local language, the princess clearly understood the group’s conversation.

The group noticed this from Governor Hwang’s surprised expression. However, No-gun, who had uttered the blasphemous words, didn’t even blink.

“So, the previous Palace Head died, and a new successor has taken over. But he hasn’t been formally recognized yet, I see?”

No-gun asked, directly addressing the Potala Princess. The princess sighed softly and said,

“The reverence of all monks towards the Master of Bodhicitta is unwavering. However, the Great Scholar [a high-ranking religious official] opposes the enthronement of the new Master of Bodhicitta because he is too young, and the Regent Minister [the acting secular ruler] cannot mobilize the Potala monastic army due to the conflict between the four major sects.”

Governor Hwang, who was interpreting, looked troubled. New terms like ‘Great Scholar’ and ‘Regent Minister’ had emerged.

Governor Hwang once again asked the princess for her understanding and explained to the group.

“Ah, let me explain again. Until the Master of Bodhicitta is enthroned, the religious authority is held by the Great Scholar, the second-highest-ranking living Buddha. Secular power is delegated to a separately appointed Regent Minister.”

“So, the Great Scholar doesn’t recognize the new Palace Head, and the Regent Minister can’t mobilize the army because he’s wary of the four major sects?”

Thanks to No-gun’s quick understanding, Governor Hwang was spared the trouble of explaining further. However, Son-bin raised another question.

“If he’s the second-highest-ranking living Buddha, does that mean there are multiple living Buddhas?”

“There are enough to be in every village.”

Governor Hwang’s answer was concise and accurate. Son-bin inwardly wondered how there could be so many living Buddhas, but he refrained from speaking rashly about other people’s customs and kept silent.

“It’s not that the new Palace Head hasn’t been recognized. In fact, the authority to find the new Master of Bodhicitta lies with the Great Scholar, the Regent Minister, and the high monks of the four major sects. In other words, he has been recognized, but he can’t be formally enthroned because he is too young.”

Son-bin felt that it was a more systematic process than he had initially gathered from Governor Hwang’s explanation.

For example, separating the responsibilities of religious and secular power, and having experienced high monks determine the next Palace Head, was a wise measure to prevent chaos, although fundamentally for religious reasons.

“Before the formal enthronement, even the Master of Bodhicitta cannot mobilize the Potala monastic army. And it seems that the four major sects are opposing the Regent Minister, whose term is nearing its end, from wielding military power.”

“In the end, the new Palace Head isn’t being recognized because he’s young. And those who currently hold power are too busy fighting among themselves. It’s political strife, all right.”

No-gun summarized everything Governor Hwang had explained so far in one sentence.

“But? What’s the reason for telling us all this? You’re not expecting us to catch monsters instead of your monastic army, are you?”

No-gun said to the princess with a look that suggested it was out of the question. Son-bin also had a similar thought.

The princess slowly spoke.

“Although he has not been formally enthroned, the Master of Bodhicitta can, according to tradition, declare the incarnation of the Eight Divisions of the Devas and Asuras.”

“The incarnation of the Eight Divisions of the Devas and Asuras?”

No-gun frowned, then smiled wryly and said to the Potala Princess,

“Oh-ho. I see now. You’ve put some thought into this, haven’t you?”

The princess calmly accepted No-gun’s mockery. However, Son-bin found it difficult to understand what he was saying. First of all, the Eight Divisions of the Devas and Asuras was an unfamiliar term.

“The Eight Divisions of the Devas and Asuras?”

“Yes. It refers to the eight supreme guardian deities of Buddhism. They are deities from ancient Indian religions, such as Asura and Yaksha [demigods and nature spirits]. The first is Indra, and the second is the Dragon, so they are also called the Heavenly Dragon Eight Divisions.”

Son-bin had heard of names like Asura and Yaksha. But it was the first time he had heard that they were gods of ancient Indian religion and guardian deities of Buddhism.

“They’re gods of ancient Indian religion, so why are they in Buddhism…?”

“They converted, or so the story goes. Of course, that’s what they say in Buddhism.”

Son-bin wondered if the ancient Indian religion would just stand by, but he listened to No-gun’s next words.

“Even if they are gods, in Buddhism, they are merely beings who have not yet attained enlightenment. Moreover, an incarnation is far inferior to the true form in many ways, so even if the incarnation of the Heavenly Dragon Eight Divisions appears in the form of a foreigner who has not converted to Buddhism, there would be no problem.”

Son-bin finally understood No-gun’s words.

In other words, the Potala Princess was suggesting that Saja-hyuk could be declared the incarnation of the Heavenly Dragon Eight Divisions, even if he was a foreigner and had not converted to Buddhism.

As their conversation ended, the Potala Princess, who had been waiting quietly, spoke.

“The incarnation of the Eight Divisions of the Devas and Asuras has the authority to lead the Potala monastic army in place of the Master of Bodhicitta. Although you must pass a test to be recognized as an incarnation, with the martial prowess that our benefactor has shown, it will not be difficult.”

What is required of the incarnation of the Heavenly Dragon Eight Divisions is not extensive knowledge of scriptures or a long history of practice.

It is absolute martial prowess worthy of being called a guardian deity. And Saja-hyuk is more than qualified to be a guardian deity.

Because he is the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon.

‘I see.’

Son-bin realized what the Potala Princess was trying to say. And the princess confirmed Son-bin’s understanding.

“I humbly ask for your help, benefactor.”

The Potala Princess turned her head and looked directly at Saja-hyuk. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke.

“Please, become Indra of the Eight Divisions of the Devas and Asuras and lead the Potala monastic army to save this land. If the monastic army does not move as soon as possible, this place will soon turn into a land of monsters.”

Governor Hwang conveyed the princess’s words, but Saja-hyuk did not answer. A heavy silence fell, and no one dared to speak.

‘Ah, this is…’

Son-bin caressed his teacup and thought to himself.

‘It’s going to be a rejection.’

It was wise not to even mention compensation. Saja-hyuk is not someone who can be swayed by such things.

Moreover, Saja-hyuk has his own agenda.

The Potala Princess’s pleading expression is beautiful enough to melt any man’s heart, but Saja-hyuk is definitely not someone who is swayed by beauty.

‘Or is he? When he looks at Lady Suyeon…’

Lady Sasu-yeon was said to resemble his mother. If so, she must be an unparalleled beauty. Perhaps Saja-hyuk does care about appearances to some extent, Son-bin thought idly. Then,

Clunk.

Saja-hyuk put down his teacup. That small sound was like thunder to the people, especially to Governor Hwang, who was anxiously watching the princess and Saja-hyuk.

“What is your will?”

Saja-hyuk’s heavy voice was unexpected. Son-bin’s eyes widened. Saja-hyuk was asking Son-bin.

None other than the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon, Saja-hyuk.

“Me?”

He couldn’t help but ask, even though he knew the answer. He could even see the expression of the former Jade Dragon twisting strangely.

Saja-hyuk silently nodded. Son-bin was momentarily stunned but soon replied.

“If I can help, I will.”

“Why? You have no connection to these people.”

“That’s true. No one will recognize me for doing this, and it would be fortunate if nothing bad happens, let alone receiving a reward.”

Good deeds are not always rewarded. Rather, blame and disgrace, and sometimes a tragic death, may come as a result of doing good.

The lives of loyal subjects who shine in history were like that, and the sages with great aspirations also experienced the same thing.

Knowing this, Son-bin smiled bitterly. But that expression was not dark.

“But goodness is so brilliant and beautiful. Everyone is fascinated and drawn to its light, sometimes loving and longing for it, or hating and rejecting it. But no one can ever turn away from it.”

Son-bin said as he caressed his teacup. He could not forget the image of the Bloodpeak Goldthread Lotus sacrificing himself for others.

How shocking was that sight to Son-bin, who thought of himself as a good person? It was truly light. A great light that instantly illuminates all delusions and darkness.

“Of course, I don’t have the confidence to give up everything like the saints. But.”

Son-bin himself is just a weak human. Loved ones, and the children of Seowon [private Confucian academy], are more precious than others.

“But if I can, I will. Not because I want any gain or reward, but because I have decided to do so myself.”

In fact, it is not entirely without benefit.

If this place becomes a land of monsters, the Central Plains will also be in danger, even if the Great Snow Mountain blocks it. So, in the big picture, helping them is also for his own good.

However, Son-bin’s decision to help was a choice made prior to such calculations of gain and loss.

“Because doing good is, by nature, like that.”

Saja-hyuk looked at Son-bin with calm eyes. But Son-bin could feel warmth in those seemingly indifferent eyes.

“It’s a little different from what I think.”

Saja-hyuk said as he raised his teacup.

“Walking the path that you yourself have chosen is also the path of a warrior [武道, way of the warrior].”

That was clearly a sign of affirmation. More pleased than any compliment, Son-bin unknowingly wore a bright smile.

Silence fell while Saja-hyuk savored the tea. Governor Hwang, who was looking back and forth between Saja-hyuk and Son-bin, carefully said,

“Um, Sir Saja. So, what should I say to the princess…?”

He affirmed Son-bin’s words, so it seemed like he would help, but he said ‘it’s different from his own thoughts,’ so it seemed like he wouldn’t.

Not only Governor Hwang but also others were curious about Saja-hyuk’s answer.

Saja-hyuk put down his teacup and looked straight at the Potala Princess. His eyes were as noble and intense as the Great Snow Mountain.

“Since my friend has spoken.”

Saja-hyuk said in that heavy voice.

“It will be as he said.”

It was shocking. Especially to those who knew Saja-hyuk. Saja-hyuk called Son-bin ‘my friend’ and answered that it would be as he said.

“What…?”

Even No-gun was surprised and opened his mouth at the unexpected answer, and Sasu-yeon couldn’t hide her expression of wondering if he was the father she knew.

On the other hand, Son-bin, who was recognized as ‘my friend,’ could not hide the joy spreading across his face, and the former Jade Dragon turned his head as if he didn’t even want to see his face.

The princess’s face also brightened, and Governor Hwang also couldn’t hide his joy.

Rustle.

The Potala Princess stood up. In the eyes of the people, she quietly knelt on one knee, placed her hand on the floor, and bowed her head.

Surprisingly, it was not the Tibetan etiquette, but the very old court etiquette of the Central Plains imperial family.

Clatter.

The princess’s ornaments fell down and made a sound. She said with her head bowed.

“Thank you, benefactor.”

It was a short word, but it was enough to make Governor Hwang’s mouth drop open.

The Potala Princess, who did not even show her face to high-ranking monks, knelt down and bowed her head. It was something Governor Hwang could not even imagine.

Son-bin and others were also surprised. But the former Jade Dragon, No-gun, and Saja-hyuk himself were calm.

“There is no need to thank me.”

The Potala Princess smiled at Saja-hyuk’s words. But Saja-hyuk raised his teacup again and did not even return her greeting.

People were speechless at the series of shocks, but on the other hand, Son-bin was looking at Saja-hyuk with a pleased expression. Saja-hyuk’s words ‘my friend’ were so pleasing.

Son-bin, who had never gained the world, thought that it seemed more joyful than gaining the whole world.

However, Son-bin’s emotion did not last long. Because Saja-hyuk’s words were not over yet.

“Because my friend will do it.”

Saja-hyuk said as if it were the most natural thing in the world. But to others, especially Son-bin, it was not natural at all.

“Huh?”

Without even realizing that a strange word had come out of his mouth, Son-bin stared at Saja-hyuk with his mouth wide open. But Saja-hyuk was silently savoring the tea.

Slurp.

The sound of Saja-hyuk drinking tea echoed quietly in the middle of the silent room.

(Author’s words)

A bolt from the blue, a thunderbolt out of the blue, self-inflicted, a tsunami of absurdity and embarrassment.