A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 350

350. The Qualification for the Test

Murmurs rippled through the ranks of the high-ranking monks from the four major sects of Tibetan Buddhism, their voices echoing in the eastern garden of the Potala Palace.

The source of their unease was a group of foreigners who had arrived with the young princess.

Sunbin, the foreigner at the heart of the commotion, felt a wry amusement. Though he couldn’t understand their language and lacked Huang Bangzhu’s translations, he could easily gauge the atmosphere from the monks’ expressions.

However, Sunbin maintained a solemn facade. Now was not the time to betray his inner feelings.

‘Always be solemn and weighty.’

He had to project an air of indifference to their reactions. That was why he had taken such pains to wear this extravagant coat, an article of clothing he would normally avoid.

—You must change your clothes first.

Huang Bangzhu had said with grave emphasis after hearing Sunbin and the Old Master’s plan.

—Appearance dictates first impressions. This is an undeniable truth for anyone with eyes, be they high-ranking monks or commoners. The fact that I was initially perceived as a merchant was partly due to my presentable appearance.

Sunbin wondered if people truly placed so much importance on looks. But seeing how Seorin was particularly favored by women, it wasn’t entirely unbelievable.

—But I’m not exactly strongly built, anyway.

Sunbin, who possessed at least a modicum of self-awareness, pointed out. Huang Bangzhu fixed him with an intense stare.

—If you’re shabbily dressed on top of that, opportunities that might have opened up could vanish.

Sunbin had no retort. In the end, he had been forced to don this excessively elaborate and ostentatious coat.

“You look cool, hyung [older brother or respected male figure],” Seorin murmured quietly from behind.

Sunbin snapped out of his reverie at Seorin’s words. Seorin’s face was bright as he continued, “You look a bit like a show-off, though.”

Seorin’s honest assessment did little to comfort Sunbin, as it essentially meant he looked like an obnoxious person.

But in a way, it was a good thing, since the original intention was to appear somewhat arrogant.

Ting.

The murmuring ceased with the sound of a bell. The chief monk raised the small bell he held. The high-ranking monks immediately fell silent and turned their attention to the young princess.

Step, step.

The young princess, clad in a red robe, walked with natural grace toward her seat.

Sunbin followed, matching his steps to hers. He straightened his back, fixed his gaze forward, and walked with deliberate confidence, careful to suppress his old habits.

—Where did you learn such a peculiar way of walking?

Huang Bangzhu had asked after seeing him dressed up and walking.

—How should I put it… It feels somewhat feminine?

At those words, Sunbin realized that his efforts had inadvertently brought forth the influence of his education at the former Beijing Yiyuan [a place, possibly a school or training center]. That time when he had to become Sunlyeo instead of Sunbin.

Thanks to Huang Bangzhu’s observation, Sunbin had managed to shake off his past mannerisms and adopt a more convincing gait.

Swish.

Reaching her seat, the young princess sat cross-legged on the thick cushion placed on the platform. The chief monk and the other high-ranking monks then joined their hands in prayer and chanted mantras.

The sight of the high-ranking monks wearing golden crowns and ornate robes, arrayed in rows, was quite impressive. The young princess responded in kind, clasping her hands and chanting mantras, after which Princess Potala took her place beside her.

Sunbin and his companions stood between the princess’s seat and the high-ranking monks. Positionally, the young princess, Princess Potala, and the chief monk occupied the center, with Sunbin’s group and the Five Great Vidyarajas [wrathful deities in Vajrayana Buddhism] flanking them, and the high-ranking monks lined up like wings spread out on both sides.

“I.”

The young princess began.

“I wish to declare the incarnation of the Eight Legions here.”

A strange light flickered in the eyes of the high-ranking monks. They were already aware of the content, but the young princess’s demeanor was subtly different from usual.

Previously, the young princess had seemed impatient, eager to gain recognition for everything. She would habitually attach justifications like ‘according to tradition’ or ‘the opinion of the chief monk’ to even the smallest matters.

But that way of speaking had vanished completely. The hesitation that had always been present was gone.

“In accordance with that noble will, the Five Great Vidyarajas are seated here.”

The monks turned their gaze at the chief monk’s voice. The chief monk continued in a calm tone.

“The Eight Legions are mighty protectors of the Dharma [Buddhist teachings] and great commanders leading the Potala army. Who does the owner of Bodhicitta [enlightenment mind] wish to declare as the incarnation of the Eight Legions?”

The young princess turned her head and looked at Sunbin. Along with her, the gazes of the high-ranking monks all turned to Sunbin.

Though sharp, unfriendly gazes were focused on him, Sunbin’s expression remained unchanged. Could anyone, no matter how numerous, compare to Saja Hyuk or the previous Jade Dragon?

“I wish to declare this person as the incarnation of the Eight Legions, Gandharva [a celestial musician in Buddhist mythology].”

Murmurs arose, and a sneer flickered in the eyes of some high-ranking monks. They knew that Gandharva was fond of women.

Sasuyeon, an undeniable beauty, and Dang Wora, whose figure was slender even beneath her veil, were more than enough to suggest that Sunbin was the incarnation of Gandharva.

Sunbin smiled wryly inwardly as he heard the word ‘Gandharva’ and observed the high-ranking monks’ reactions.

‘If Saja Hyuk were here…’

Perhaps if Saja Hyuk were in this place, he would have been declared the ‘incarnation of Sakra [king of the gods in Buddhism]’. And that alone would have created an atmosphere where more than half would have accepted it.

It was unfortunate, but Sunbin could not become Saja Hyuk, just as Gandharva could never become Sakra.

Dding.

The sound of the bell rang out. The murmuring ceased, and the chief monk quietly lowered the bell.

“Whether he is truly the incarnation of Gandharva…”

The chief monk said.

“The Five Great Vidyarajas will test it.”

The gazes of the high-ranking monks shifted to the Five Great Vidyarajas. Sunbin also raised his head and looked at those called the Five Great Vidyarajas across from the princess.

Whoosh.

Gales of energy rushed towards Sunbin without hesitation.

It wasn’t that they harbored killing intent or hostility, but merely meeting their gazes unleashed a powerful force that threatened to engulf him.

‘They’re called Vidyarajas for a reason…’

Not only their appearance but also the subtle energy they exuded seemed more than enough to justify the name Vidyaraja.

—In short, they are living wrathful deities.

Huang Bangzhu had answered Sunbin’s question about the Vidyarajas in that way.

—The moment you confront a Vidyaraja here, you can just consider it all over. But…

Looking at Sunbin with a suspicious expression, Huang Bangzhu had said, “Are you really okay? Your plan is quite plausible, but if you mistakenly end up fighting a Vidyaraja, your life will really be in danger?”

—I’m okay.

Sunbin had replied.

—I won’t die.

—No, you’ll really die, I’m telling you?

Huang Bangzhu couldn’t conceal his unease. But now Sunbin was calmly withstanding the energy of the Vidyarajas and looking at them.

Among them, Sunbin’s gaze lingered on the Vidyaraja with particularly dark skin and thick eyebrows.

Perhaps it was because something about him reminded him of Saja Hyuk when they first met.

“Oh my, does Gandharva like pretty boys these days?”

A cloying woman’s voice cut through the tension. Sunbin saw a woman in exotic clothes gesturing toward their side, specifically toward Seorin.

“You’re a really cute kid. What’s your name?”

Sunbin couldn’t understand her words, but he could tell that she was saying something inappropriate for the setting. That saccharine voice was jarring in such a formal gathering.

Yet no one, not even the Vidyarajas or the high-ranking monks, rebuked her.

Though she wore a provocative outfit like a dancer from India, she was Aizen Myo-o [a deity associated with love and desire], the highest-ranking Vidyaraja in the Vajra realm and the second strongest of the Five Great Vidyarajas.

Sunbin glanced at Seorin, who was looking elsewhere as if he didn’t understand. But the intelligent Seorin would likely have grasped the gist of her words.

“Stranger from afar.”

Sunbin turned his head at the chief monk’s voice. Huang Bangzhu quietly translated the chief monk’s words next to him.

“Will you prove that you are the incarnation of the Eight Legions by facing the Five Great Vidyarajas?”

Swish.

Sunbin took a step forward and slowly inhaled.

He had worn these clothes and maintained a stern expression until now for this very moment.

“This seat.”

The moment the gazes of the high-ranking monks snapped toward him, Sunbin looked down at them with feigned arrogance and continued in a confident tone.

“Is Jinryong Daehyup [Golden Dragon Grand Knight] Sunbin.”

—Huh?

Sunbin had unconsciously echoed back.

—You’re telling me to say Daehyup?

Huang Bangzhu nodded.

—Yes. Actually, the word Daehyup doesn’t carry a very good impression here. The martial artists who come here call themselves Daehyup like dogs and cows, but their behavior is a mess…

Huang Bangzhu clicked his tongue, then looked at Sunbin and said, “But that’s precisely why you should use that kind of title. Since you’re a scholar, how about something like Woryong Daehyup [Crescent Dragon Grand Knight] or Bongchu Daehyup [Phoenix Cry Grand Knight]?”

Those examples seemed to reveal Huang Bangzhu’s preferred reading material.

—Or should I just call you Seowon Daehyup [Academy Grand Knight] or Teacher Daehyup?

—I will say Jinryong Daehyup.

—Jinryong Daehyup? It’s a title I think I’ve heard somewhere?

Huang Bangzhu tilted his head, then shrugged. “Well, it doesn’t matter since the person himself won’t know.”

He didn’t mention that the person himself was Sunbin. It was too embarrassing to say the title himself, but it was better than impersonating someone else’s name.

—Ah, and don’t forget to say ‘This seat’.

Faithfully following the advice, Sunbin continued, as arrogantly as possible.

“Having arrived in this land according to the guidance of fate, I have now heard that you wish to test this seat.”

Huang Bangzhu translated Sunbin’s words. Judging by the high-ranking monks’ distorted expressions, it was easy to guess how much more rude Huang Bangzhu’s translation was being embellished.

“But who in the world can dare to test the sword of this seat?”

Looking at the Five Great Vidyarajas with provocative eyes, Sunbin said.

While the high-ranking monks wore dumbfounded expressions, the eyes of the Five Great Vidyarajas listening to Sunbin’s words were extremely serious, so much so that Sunbin, who was putting on this act, felt a twinge of guilt.

“Then does that mean you refuse to take the test of the Five Great Vidyarajas?”

The chief monk asked, his expression and voice as emotionless as at the beginning. It was almost as if he were devoid of feelings.

Sunbin slowly raised one hand with a wry smile and said, “Sword Maid.”

It was a short phrase, but the result was explosive.

Thud.

In an instant, tremendous pressure blanketed the area. Though it lacked destructive force, it was a force that made everyone present feel suppressed.

“What, what is it?”

“What’s going on?”

The surprised high-ranking monks chanted mantras and fussed about in a flustered manner. However, the Five Great Vidyarajas immediately hardened their expressions and looked up at the sky.

“It’s above!”

Fluttering.

Simultaneously with Aizen Myo-o’s sharp exclamation, a woman in white clothes descended from the sky.

Her long black hair and white clothes fluttering, she landed softly in the center of the plaza like spring petals.

Thud.

The woman’s long hair, which had been fluttering in the air, slowly settled as if it were a lie. She stood up, holding a sword to her chest.

Crack.

Around the ground where the Sword Maid’s bare feet touched, a thick white frost spread rapidly.

The Five Great Vidyarajas stared at the Sword Maid with stiff expressions.

She raised her head and opened her eyes. At that moment, the Five Great Vidyarajas felt as if a sharp sword was aimed directly at their eyes.

“Her name is Sword Maid.”

Sunbin said with a soft smile, which he quickly replaced with a bitter sneer.

While Huang Bangzhu translated his words, Sunbin looked down at the Sword Maid.

As always, with that beautiful face and bleak expression, the Sword Maid stood silently.

She didn’t even glance at Sunbin, only staring at the Five Great Vidyarajas.

“This seat has defeated the Sword Maid. And…”

Looking at the high-ranking monks with astonished expressions, Sunbin said, “I have placed her under me.”

Even as he said it, Sunbin glanced at the Sword Maid, worried that she might feel insulted.

In fact, the Sword Maid had never been Sunbin’s subordinate, and Sunbin had never even considered it.

But he had to say it. That was how he could justify putting the Sword Maid forward.

“This seat’s sword can never be your spectacle. So if you dare to test this seat…”

Confidently, arrogantly, and provocatively, Sunbin said, having prepared everything until now to utter these words.

“First, defeat her and prove your own qualifications.”

Huang Bangzhu quickly translated Sunbin’s words. Silence briefly fell among the high-ranking monks, but it was short-lived.

Suddenly, a fierce debate erupted among the high-ranking monks.

The high-ranking monks began to share their opinions with serious expressions, gesturing to the monks on their left and right, or even across from them.

It was a reaction unheard of in the Central Plains martial arts world.

‘If I throw it properly, it’ll catch fire quickly…’

Sunbin smiled wryly inwardly, recalling Princess Potala’s advice.

Tibetan Buddhism places great importance on debate as a path to enlightenment. Seeing monks, from children to elders, arguing all day long is not uncommon here.

Moreover, the high-ranking monks prided themselves on never losing a debate.

For them to remain silent about the topic raised by the person seeking to become the incarnation of Gandharva in such an important setting was unthinkable.

Though Sunbin couldn’t understand the language, the debate was rapidly evolving into a complex web, intertwined with the positions of each sect.

Listening to the rapid-fire voices filling the air, Sunbin recalled his conversation with the Old Master.

“The Sword Maid?”

“Yes.”

Sunbin had said to the Old Master.

“Sword Maid is the most intense of us. If you want to be picky, maybe third.”

Sasuyeon stood out in terms of beauty, and Seorin was unmatched in cuteness.

But if you were to choose someone who looked strong, after Saja Hyuk and the previous Jade Dragon, it would definitely be Sword Maid. Her intense first impression still lingered vividly enough to make Huang Bangzhu tremble.

“Besides, Sword Maid’s skills are very flashy, more so than Suyeon or Wora.”

Sasuyeon’s advantage lay in instantly deciphering her opponent’s martial arts. Her genius sense neutralized any difficult skill. But in terms of sheer spectacle, it was somewhat lacking.

Dang Wora combined poison skills and various martial arts to create her own unique style. Her Iron Thread Hell would surprise anyone who witnessed it.

However, Dang Wora preferred to wear down her opponent by combining various martial arts, rather than securing a quick victory with a single, powerful skill.

Not to mention Seorin, who wielded Hongjinmanri [a legendary weapon]. Of course, Seorin’s Jogon [a type of bet or wager] was fatal, but in a fierce close combat, it was more difficult for those unfamiliar with martial arts to judge the superior fighter.

In terms of flashiness, the giant snake of Hwasa could create a stronger impression.

“Well, Sanghyoiljeol [a martial art technique] and Ijeol [another martial art technique] seem impressive at first glance.”

The Old Master subtly belittled it out of pride, but it was actually quite remarkable, especially for the masters of the Outer Gate who understood its true meaning.

“So, are you going to ask Sword Maid?”

Sunbin nodded at the Old Master’s question.

“Yes. But she might refuse this time.”

Smiling wryly, Sunbin said, “I have to say she’s my subordinate. ‘If you can’t even beat my subordinate, don’t even dream of challenging me’. That’s my point.”

In fact, this was a strategy to divert attention from the main issue. The important thing was to verify whether Sunbin himself was qualified to be the incarnation of Gandharva, not whether the Five Great Vidyarajas could defeat the Sword Maid.

But if the decision was based on the judgment of the highest-ranking monks, rather than the outcome of a martial arts competition, Sunbin might not pass the verification even if he won.

Therefore, it was better to provoke the opponent, draw them into Sunbin’s plan, and secure a flashy and overwhelming victory.

“They couldn’t even challenge in the first place. Is there a more certain and overwhelming victory than this?”

“Hehehe, that makes sense.”

The Old Master laughed like a villain plotting a nefarious scheme.

“Do it. I’ll have fun watching after a long time. Hehehe.”

Listening to the Old Master’s laughter, Sunbin quietly picked up the teacup and savored the tea, making no sound as the princess had taught him.

“Of course, it would be bad if Sword Maid refuses.”

“That can’t be. But if she says she won’t, tell me.”

The Old Master stroked his beard and said, “I’ll gladly be your subordinate and beat the Five Great Vidyarajas. I might accidentally kill them, though.”

“You can’t kill them.”

Sunbin said with a smile.

“We need them to catch the monsters.”

Sunbin snapped out of his thoughts, but the high-ranking monks were still arguing amongst themselves. Though they didn’t raise their voices, the rapid-fire exchanges filled the air.

The young princess was looking at the Sword Maid with curious eyes, and the chief monk was closing his eyes as if nothing had happened.

Sunbin slowly turned his head and looked at the Five Great Vidyarajas. The four Vidyarajas, including Aizen Myo-o, were displaying sharp hostility toward the Sword Maid.

However, only one person, Fudō Myō-ō [Acala, the Immovable Wisdom King], was staring straight at Sunbin with intense eyes.

Looking at those eyes, which seemed to burn right through him, Sunbin could confirm that his plan had definitely worked.

The success or failure of this plan depended not on causing a debate among the high-ranking monks, but on provoking the Five Great Vidyarajas.

(Author’s words)

Princess Potala: If you throw the bait properly, it’ll catch fire in an instant.

Sunbin: But they’re all high monks, so it’s unlikely that a keyboard battle will break out so easily…

Princess Potala: (Sigh) In front of a keyboard battle, age, gender, education, and even personality don’t matter.