A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 349

349. The Five Great Vidyarajas

The test to be recognized as an incarnation of the Eight Gods of the Celestial Dragons was simple.

It was to prove one’s martial prowess as a guardian deity and a divine general leading the Potala monastic army.

“That sounds good. Specifically?”

Elder Guen took a sip of his tea and asked.

“A martial contest.”

Son Bin replied. He almost told him not to make noise while drinking tea, but stopped himself. After all, Elder Guen wasn’t one to be bound by such things.

“Did the Princess say so?”

“Yes.”

After meeting the young Princess, she invited Son Bin to discuss the matters that would follow.

She informed him that she was willing to declare Son Bin’s group as incarnations of the Eight Gods of the Celestial Dragons and that she had begun to actively engage in subduing the demons.

The Princess expressed her gratitude with a joyful face, saying that it was all thanks to Son Bin, but he struggled to maintain eye contact.

Perhaps it was because he was conscious of her words, but he kept noticing ordinary things, such as her figure naturally revealed through her clothes, or her red lips.

As a result, he was embarrassed to make proper eye contact.

He felt pathetic that an adult, not a curious boy, and especially a scholar, was so shaken by the Princess’s words.

“Who’s the opponent? Who’s coming out?”

At Elder Guen’s words, Son Bin shook off his wandering thoughts.

“I heard that the current commander [승장] of the Potala monastic army and the best experts of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism [서장밀교] will come forward. They say they are not to be taken lightly.”

“I’d imagine so.”

Elder Guen smiled and said.

“Whenever the experts of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism [서장밀교] show up, the martial world [강호 무림] is shaken up. Perhaps it’s because of the esoteric nature of Esoteric Buddhism [밀교], but their martial arts are quite unique, making them difficult to deal with. Well, once you reach the realm of outer appearance [외사], forms and styles don’t really matter much.”

Elder Guen, who was speaking, put on a serious expression.

“Still, you can’t ignore the internal energy they possess. These monks literally risk their lives and spend their entire lives in ascetic practice.”

Son Bin nodded. In the martial world [강호 무림], the martial arts of Shaolin [소림] hold a special meaning. It is even said that all the martial arts in the world originated from Shaolin [소림].

Moreover, Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism [서장밀교] prides itself on inheriting the orthodox lineage of Buddhism [불교] and does not shy away from asceticism. It would be strange if their internal energy wasn’t great.

“Still, after coming here, it seems like they do everything they need to do.”

Son Bin smiled at Elder Guen’s grumbling voice.

“That’s why the Princess also told me not to take the Five Great Vidyarajas lightly.”

“The Five Great Vidyarajas?”

Elder Guen frowned at the unfamiliar term. Son Bin immediately explained.

“They say that’s what they call the best experts of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism [서장밀교] here. The number changes from time to time, but currently there are five, so they call them the Five Great Vidyarajas.”

It was like the Four Heavenly Kings [천외사성] of outer appearance [외사]. There were even times when there were up to ten Great Vidyarajas.

“Vidyarajas…”

Elder Guen frowned and muttered. His voice sounded unusual, so Son Bin asked.

“Do you know them?”

After a moment of silence, Elder Guen replied.

“About ten years ago? I fought someone who called himself a Vidyaraja of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism [서장밀교].”

“Then, could that person have been one of the Vidyarajas here?”

“Who knows? But what does it matter who comes out?”

Elder Guen said bluntly.

“Just win.”

That was right. But Son Bin still had something to say.

“There’s a bit of a problem.”

“A problem? What problem?”

“Although we’re having a martial contest, the final decision is made by the leaders of the Four Great Sects [사대종파].”

At Son Bin’s words, Elder Guen’s brow furrowed even more.

“What? The result of the martial contest should speak for itself, so what’s with the separate final decision?”

Son Bin absolutely agreed with that. But this wasn’t just about picking the strongest person, it was a ceremony to recognize the ‘Incarnation of the Eight Gods of the Celestial Dragons.’

Perhaps the decision to only hold a martial contest was thanks to the power of the ‘Owner of Bodhicitta’ and the ‘Potala Princess.’

“So, the Princess told me to show overwhelming martial prowess as much as possible. To the point where no one can raise any objections.”

He didn’t say ‘like Saja Hyuk [사자혁],’ because he would know even if he didn’t say it.

“There’s nothing greater than your sword.”

Elder Guen asserted, puffing out his chest.

“Not recognizing that only proves their lack of discernment.”

Son Bin smiled at Elder Guen’s words, which were full of pride for Son Bin and his sword. Elder Guen’s warmth, warmer than the teacup in his hand, was conveyed to his heart.

“But other people may not think so.”

Son Bin knew his sword. It was very different from Saja Hyuk’s [사자혁] overwhelming presence, which was evident just by looking at him.

Son Bin’s sword, which followed the noble flow, was extremely marvelous to the experts of outer appearance [외사], but to those who didn’t know martial arts, such as the high-ranking monks of the Four Great Sects [사대종파], it would only seem like ‘he won by chance.’

They might even say, ‘What kind of martial art is that?’

“Those who can recognize it will recognize it anyway. Do you have to take care of those who can’t recognize the obvious result?”

Elder Guen said gruffly. It wasn’t directed at Son Bin, but at the foolish people who would belittle Son Bin’s sword without even having the discernment to recognize it.

“Because there are those in the world who try to distort even the clear truth. So, as the Princess said, it wouldn’t be bad to make it 확실하게 [kwaksilhage – 확실하게 means ‘certainly’ or ‘definitely’ in Korean].”

Elder Guen, who had been making an unpleasant expression, nodded as if he couldn’t help it.

“So? What are you going to do?”

Son Bin smiled.

“To give an overwhelming impression, it would be good to have something as flashy and grand as possible. Then, how about this?”

After a while, Elder Guen, who was listening to Son Bin’s explanation, chuckled.

“Kekeke, that makes sense.”

Elder Guen laughed like a villain plotting a wicked scheme.

“Go ahead. It’ll be an interesting sight to see after a long time. Kekeke.”

Listening to Elder Guen’s laughter, Son Bin quietly picked up his teacup and savored the tea.

He didn’t make a sound, as the Princess had taught him.

* * *

A subtle tension was lingering in the eastern garden of the Potala Palace.

This rectangular plaza, surrounded by white buildings, was also the entrance to the White Palace, where the Princess of the Potala Palace and the Owner of Bodhicitta resided.

However, this tension was not only because it was the entrance to the White Palace.

It was because the leaders of the Four Great Sects [사대종파] and high-ranking monks had gathered to verify the guardian deity declared by the Owner of Bodhicitta, the incarnation of the Eight Gods of the Celestial Dragons.

“Tsk, what is going on?”

An old high-ranking monk wearing a splendid red robe [가사] and a golden crown frowned and said.

He was sitting on a long, high platform set up near the White Palace, and dozens of high-ranking monks were lined up to his left and right.

Their golden crowns and the decorations on their shoulders sparkled dazzlingly in the sunlight.

“An incarnation of the Eight Gods of the Celestial Dragons [팔부신중] out of nowhere. And to entrust the command of the monastic army to foreigners who haven’t even converted [귀의]? I wonder what the young Owner of Bodhicitta is thinking, tsk tsk.”

The high-ranking monk chanted a mantra [진언] with a dissatisfied expression. A middle-aged high-ranking monk sitting next to him calmly responded.

“It must be the Princess’s will, not the Owner of Bodhicitta’s. She keeps warning that the demons will be a disaster that will cover this entire land.”

“Hmph, nonsense.”

The old high-ranking monk, who had let out a sigh, said in a clear voice.

“How can mere creatures dare to endanger the Pure Land [정토]? Such thoughts only bring confusion! Why don’t they know that!”

“That’s right.”

Another high-ranking monk wearing splendid monastic robes [승복] expressed his agreement.

However, the old high-ranking monk frowned. The two belonged to different sects [종파] that were constantly at odds with each other.

“They say they’re doing it for the safety of the sentient beings of this land, but in the end, the Princess’s intention is to show that the young Owner of Bodhicitta is fit to ascend to the throne.”

He continued, not caring that the old monk was frowning.

“No matter how much of a Princess of Potala she is, it is truly ridiculous to invoke sentient beings to achieve her own personal gain.”

“But the damage caused by the demons cannot be ignored.”

Another middle-aged high-ranking monk cautiously spoke.

“Now that their appearance is being reported even around Lhasa [라싸], I am concerned that it may pose a great threat to the safety of the pilgrims.”

That was a very common-sense statement. However, the old high-ranking monk frowned even more.

“If there isn’t even that much difficulty, how can it be called asceticism [고행]? Life and death are only fleeting illusions, so even if they die, they should gladly accept it as a journey to enlightenment!”

At that rebuke, the middle-aged high-ranking monk closed his mouth. There was nothing to say when he came out like that. But a high-ranking monk from another sect [종파] spoke for his feelings.

“Haha, caring for the weak sentient beings is also a heart of compassion, so there is no need to be so upset.”

He said with a rather generous smile.

“But even if it is the right thing to do, if there are those who seek to benefit from it for their own personal gain, it is something that must be stopped.”

At those words, the high-ranking monks looked at the palace lord’s [궁주] seat, which was still empty.

Right below the empty palace lord’s [궁주] seat, the old great scholar was chanting a mantra [진언] with his eyes closed.

The great scholar above the hierarchy [서열] and the Princess of the Potala Palace actually belong to the same sect [종파]. Although he has handed over the position of leader of the sect [종파] to another monk, the other three sects [종파s] can’t help but always doubt the fairness of the great scholar.

“But I thought the great scholar was against the enthronement, but now it seems that’s not the case.”

Their gaze towards the great scholar was not very kind. Although he is currently acting as a fair mediator with the regent [섭정승], they believe that he will eventually side with the Princess.

“But declaring the incarnation of the Eight Gods of the Celestial Dragons [팔부신중] is the unique authority of the Owner of Bodhicitta. If these foreigners win this martial contest…”

*쿵.*

The stone floor vibrated subtly. The middle-aged high-ranking monk, who was speaking, flinched and turned to the side.

A monk with large eyes, thick eyebrows, and broad shoulders was standing there, holding a huge spear [창] that was much taller than him.

Without a golden crown or fancy decorations, he was only wearing a red robe [가사], but the intense aura he exuded was enough to overwhelm anyone who saw him.

“Should I take that to mean that our Five Great Vidyarajas will lose?”

He was speaking confidently even to the high-ranking monks of the Potala Palace. He was the commander [승장] leading the Potala monastic army and one of the Five Great Vidyarajas, the Northern Vidyaraja.

Originally, the Vidyarajas are made up of outstanding warrior monks produced by each sect [종파].

However, being the most outstanding of the era is not enough to become a Vidyaraja. Only by being recognized through a life-and-death martial contest with the current Vidyarajas can one be named in the ranks of the Vidyarajas.

Therefore, the Vidyaraja was a name that should be respected as the pinnacle of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism’s [서장밀교] martial power, beyond sects [종파s]. Even if the opponent was a high-ranking monk of the Four Great Sects [사대종파].

“Haha, how could that be? No one doubts the martial prowess of the Five Great Vidyarajas.”

The old high-ranking monk said with a benevolent smile.

“I’m just saying that the Immovable Vidyaraja might make the wrong decision for the sake of the young Owner of Bodhicitta.”

His gaze turned to a man sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed.

With a huge physique, unusually dark skin, and red eyebrows soaring into the sky, he exuded an intense presence. He was the leader of the Vidyarajas, the Immovable Vidyaraja.

“How dare you!”

*Urururu.*

The Northern Vidyaraja’s voice, filled with momentum, echoed through the plaza. The faces of the high-ranking monks sitting in a row changed at once.

“Are you doubting the loyalty of the Immovable Vidyaraja?”

The Northern Vidyaraja’s voice resounded through the plaza. It was only natural that he was so angry about the story about the Immovable Vidyaraja, not himself.

The position of the Immovable Vidyaraja is special. He must have the martial prowess to subdue all other Vidyarajas, as well as unwavering loyalty to the Owner of Bodhicitta.

The Immovable Vidyaraja must be the pillar of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism’s [서장밀교] martial power and become a god of destruction who will destroy this entire land if the Owner of Bodhicitta wishes.

Although he is currently following the orders of the great scholar because the Princess has not yet formally ascended to the throne, everyone acknowledges that the Immovable Vidyaraja is the last bastion of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism [서장밀교].

But now the old high-ranking monk was saying that the Immovable Vidyaraja might deliberately lose for the sake of the Princess’s enthronement. Even in front of the Northern Vidyaraja.

“Stop it.”

A low voice echoed through the plaza. The Immovable Vidyaraja, who had been closing his eyes, opened his mouth.

When the Northern Vidyaraja turned his head, the old high-ranking monk, who had turned pale, took a rough breath. If he had been even a little late, he would have collapsed clutching his chest, unable to withstand the Northern Vidyaraja’s momentum.

The Immovable Vidyaraja said nothing more. The Northern Vidyaraja turned his body without even looking at the old high-ranking monk.

*Cheok, cheok.*

The high-ranking monks wearing golden crowns and decorations watched in silence as the Northern Vidyaraja returned to the Immovable Vidyaraja’s side.

*Thud.*

The Northern Vidyaraja sat on a thick golden cushion. The other Vidyarajas were guarding their places next to him.

“I told you not to get excited over trivial matters, didn’t I?”

A skinny warrior monk sitting next to him said to the Northern Vidyaraja as if scolding him. At first glance, he looked like a 까깐한 [kkakkanhan – 까깐한 is a Korean word that describes someone who is picky, strict, or fastidious] middle-aged monk, but he was also a man with the name of the Eastern Vidyaraja.

“Oh my, it can’t be helped.”

A clear woman’s voice replied. She, who was also sitting in the seat of the Vidyaraja, was surprisingly wearing Indian [천축’s] clothes instead of a red robe [가사].

The intense red skirt and the top that barely covered her chest revealed not only the upper part of her chest and shoulders, but also her sensual waist and navel.

Her hair was combed so tightly that it stuck to her scalp and tied back, and a red teardrop-shaped dot was 찍었다 [jjigeotda – 찍었다 means ‘stamped’ or ‘marked’ in Korean] on her brown forehead.

“The Northern Vidyaraja is originally a thunderbolt-like personality, so…”

Her appearance, smiling with her long eyelashes, was incomparably seductive.

Although she looks decadent at first glance, she is actually the Ragaraja [애염명왕] who is at the highest level of the Vajra realm [금강계] and governs desire [애욕]. If she sincerely steps forward, even the radical Northern Vidyaraja would have to take a step back.

Even now, despite her seductive wink, the same Vidyarajas didn’t even twitch an eyebrow, and even the high-ranking monks with deep experience [연륜] didn’t even pay attention.

Only a few young middle-aged high-ranking monks are having a hard time hastily closing their eyes and diligently chanting a mantra [진언].

“Oh my, they’re finally coming out.”

This time, all the monks and Vidyarajas reacted. The young Owner of Bodhicitta and the Potala Princess were walking out of the entrance of the White Palace leading to the plaza.

The young Princess did not wear a golden crown or a grandiose robe [가사]. The Potala Princess was also quietly following behind the young Princess in her usual beautiful appearance [모습], and behind them, the appearance [모습] of unfamiliar foreigners appeared.

“Tsk tsk.”

Some high-ranking monks frowned and clicked their tongues. It was an action that didn’t suit them at all as high-ranking monks, but no one pointed it out.

“What is this…”

Someone muttered as if sighing. And that was also representing the hearts of all the high-ranking monks in that place.

*Cheok, cheok.*

The appearances [모습] of the foreigners who appeared before them were very diverse. There was a pretty boy with a bright expression who had no tension at all, and there was also a woman of absolute beauty who would make your eyes pop out.

Even if the old man with white eyebrows was walking with his hands behind his back with a dissatisfied expression, the high-ranking monks couldn’t help but frown at that frail woman who was covered in a black veil and was suspicious beyond compare.

Moreover, the most disappointing thing was the young man walking among them.

“That’s the incarnation of the Eight Gods of the Celestial Dragons [팔부신중]?”

A mocking remark mixed with absurdity leaked out. Perhaps it was a natural thing to say.

That young man with a gentle impression was wearing quite fancy and imposing clothes, but it was clear to anyone that he was a scholar [문사] or a student [서생].

The problem is that the young scholar [문사] is clearly the person whom the young Owner of Bodhicitta is trying to recognize as the incarnation of the Eight Gods of the Celestial Dragons.

The absolute divine generals [신장(神將)] and dharma protectors [호법신(護法神)] who stand at the pinnacle of the Potala monastic army, command them, and even the Five Great Vidyarajas must acknowledge [인정] their authority.

“How can this be…”

Some old high-ranking monks turned their heads away with bitter expressions. The reactions of the other monks were similar. Some were smiling mockingly or shaking their heads.

But the reactions of the Five Great Vidyarajas were different.

“Hmm.”

The Northern Vidyaraja groaned without realizing it. The expression of the skinny Eastern Vidyaraja and the Southern Vidyaraja, who had been silent, also hardened.

The Ragaraja [애염명왕] was sparkling with interest in her seductive eyes, but only the Immovable Vidyaraja was looking at the foreigners with deep eyes without even a trace of wavering [흔들림].

(Author’s words)

In fact, the person who is getting the most attention right now is the cute Seorin [서린].