Chapter 69
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: The Buddha's Path, The Human Path
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U Gyeongcheon suppressed his own fervent desire for life and asked calmly.
The Dongcheon Lama hesitated for a long while before answering.
“It won’t be easy. A sacrifice will be necessary.”
After a prolonged pause, the Dongcheon Lama finally spoke.
“A sacrifice? What kind of sacrifice do you mean?”
“We can’t just kill it outright. We’ll have to drive it somewhere.”
“Then…… you’re saying we need someone to take this monstrosity into their body in my place?”
“That’s right. And it can’t be just anyone.”
U Gyeongcheon fell silent, gazing at the ceiling with heavy eyes.
The Dongcheon Lama slowly continued.
“It’s impossible to forcibly extract it with raw power. If I poured all my strength into my Dragon Image Prajna Art, I might be able to kill it……”
“And?”
“But then the host—you, Leader U—wouldn’t survive either. This abomination has already rooted itself deep within your core true energy……”
“So what method do you propose?”
“What else? We create a path for it to leave your body and transfer to another, luring it to move of its own accord. All I can do is drive it out and guide it.”
U Gyeongcheon let out another deep sigh and asked.
“Who would be the sacrifice? What conditions must they meet for it to transfer?”
The Dongcheon Lama spoke slowly.
“First, they must be a disciple of the Buddha, upholding the Dharma. The deeper their faith, the better. Second, their internal energy must be strong. The stronger, the better. If their energy is weak, not only might it refuse to transfer, but even if it does, it would devour them and kill them soon after……”
“Hmm…… That makes perfect sense.”
“The real problem comes next. If they themselves aren’t willing to sacrifice for you, Leader U, it’s impossible from the start.”
U Gyeongcheon sighed deeply once more and replied.
“You’re right. It won’t transfer if they don’t accept it. But who would make such a sacrifice? Among those who practice Buddhist martial arts…… it’s essentially courting death.”
Even at U Gyeongcheon’s self-mocking words, the Dongcheon Lama remained still, lost in thought without response.
After a long silence, the Dongcheon Lama spoke.
“Not everyone who takes it in dies. If they can fight and kill it after receiving the abomination……”
“Where in the world is such a person?”
U Gyeongcheon retorted bitterly.
“Why not? I could do it.”
At the Dongcheon Lama’s words, U Gyeongcheon feigned surprise and looked into his eyes.
U Gyeongcheon was at a loss for words, simply waiting for what the Dongcheon Lama would say next.
“You sought me out, Leader U, to borrow my power to remove that monster, didn’t you?”
“That’s true, but…… not to that extent……”
“Om mani padme hum. If I am a living Buddha, I must do a Buddha’s work. No need to wait. Let’s begin.”
“Then how should I repay your compassion?”
“Compassion is repaid with more compassion. If one acts out of compassion expecting repayment, is it truly compassion?”
“Urgh…… I understand. But I am still just a man. If Buddhas have their path, men have theirs.”
Now the two simply gazed at each other in silence.
Moments later, the bell tolling noon prayers echoed faintly.
The Dongcheon Lama, listening to the bell, slowly rose and shed his red monastic robe draped over his upper body.
He sat facing U Gyeongcheon.
The two raised their hands, pressing their palms against each other’s heart.
“Now it begins. Leader U, simply empty your mind.”
As the Dongcheon Lama spoke, their forms began to vanish into a golden aura.
The two elite lamas who had guarded the Dongcheon Lama’s side and collapsed under U Gyeongcheon’s palm force were now stationed outside, guarding the entrance to the Heavenly Buddha Hall.
The western mountains were already dyed in gold.
The sun was setting, yet no sound emanated from within the Heavenly Buddha Hall.
The old lama who had guided U Gyeongcheon inside that morning arrived at the entrance in a flurry.
But he was blocked by the guarding experts.
“Hey! What is this? Don’t you see what’s happening at the foot of the fortress?”
“No matter what, we’ve been ordered not to let anyone in.”
Frustrated beyond measure, the old lama pounded his chest and bellowed.
“Quiet! The Demonic Cult’s forces have arrived at the fortress base with thousands of cavalry. Even Senior Goi-pa, Ananta, and hundreds of Guardian Dragon warriors have been taken prisoner.”
“Even if the sky falls, we cannot defy the Living Buddha’s command. Cease this commotion and wait.”
Unable to hide his anxiety, the old lama stood at the edge of the small courtyard before the Heavenly Buddha Hall, gazing down at the scene unfolding below.
The view from hundreds of paces outside Potala Palace’s walls was clear as day.
There, thousands of cavalry flying blue banners had formed neat ranks.
The full forces of the Azure Heaven Dragon Cavalry under Azure Dragon Divine General Wi Jonggi, who had set out from the valley that morning, had galloped all day to arrive at the base of Potala Palace.
The old lama wasn’t the only one stamping his feet in frustration.
The sudden appearance of these mysterious cavalry had filled all the citizens of the fortress with terror, and every martial artist had gathered, weapons in hand.
In particular, the lama warriors responsible for Potala Palace’s defenses had assembled alongside the elite Esoteric Cult experts awaiting orders, ready to descend and intercept the enemy.
However, due to the Western Frontier’s geography—where fodder grass for horses was scarce—cavalry units were rare in the region.
Facing properly arrayed cavalry would be difficult indeed.
Fortunately, the three thousand Azure Heaven Dragon Cavalry riders who had arrived and formed ranks below Potala Palace had not moved since, simply waiting for something.
Moments later, the general commanding all military forces in the Western Frontier arrived before the Heavenly Buddha Hall, clad head to toe in armor.
“Heavenly Buddha Army General Na Taehap has arrived and awaits His Holiness the Dharma King’s command. Please relay this.”
The high lamas representing the Western Frontier began gathering before the Heavenly Buddha Hall one after another.
They too sought an audience with the Dongcheon Lama, but the two guarding lamas gave the same unyielding reply to all.
“As we’ve said, no one—no matter who or for what reason—is to enter.”
Frustrated, Heavenly Buddha Divine Army General Na Taehap turned to the old lama who had arrived first.
“So, this started after you received that old man this morning?”
“Yes. What in the world……”
“It’s unlikely, but could something have happened to His Holiness’s safety?”
“No, I doubt it. Can’t you feel it, General? That majestic golden aura emanating from the Heavenly Buddha Hall. He must be cultivating some tremendous divine art.”
“Why now, of all critical times……”
“Hey! That’s irreverent. How dare you question the Living Buddha’s actions……”
Rebuked by the old lama, Na Taehap averted his gaze and stepped back.
Even he, who held the region’s military authority, could not be forgiven for impugning the Dharma King’s authority.
At that moment, the golden aura seeping from the Heavenly Buddha Hall suddenly vanished.
Then, as if a massive explosion had occurred, the doors burst outward.
“Boom!!!”
Everyone in the front courtyard of the Heavenly Buddha Hall paled in shock, dodging the debris before turning their eyes inside.
With the sun set and no windows, the interior was shrouded in darkness, revealing nothing.
But suddenly, two red lights flashed in the gloom.
Flickering ominously as they scanned the surroundings—they were someone’s eyes.
Then the owner of those eyes began to reveal himself.
His entire body erupted in a blazing crimson glow.
“T-That’s…… the Great Sun Blood Buddha Divine Art at the Twelfth Star……”
The watching lamas knelt as one toward him, prostrating themselves.
They began chanting various mantras.
“Om mani padme hum…… Suru suru maha suru su suru svaha……”
The crimson-blazing figure in the darkness slowly emerged.
“Heaven above and earth below, I alone am honored—such a thing does not exist. But now I know what truly reigns alone.”
Muttering thus, he stepped out of the Heavenly Buddha Hall—none other than the Dongcheon Lama.
He addressed the people prostrated reverently at his feet.
“Why have you all gathered here making such a fuss?”
“Living Buddha, behold the insolent foes arrayed at the foot of the fortress. Grant us your guidance, and we shall act accordingly.”
As Na Taehap rose and prostrated himself to report, the Dongcheon Lama lifted his flickering red eyes toward the direction of the Azure Heaven Dragon Cavalry’s camp.
“Guests have arrived—shouldn’t we receive them properly?”
“You speak truly. If you command it, we shall lay down our lives.”
“Why throw away your lives for such a thing? Go now—slaughter a hundred sheep and a hundred cattle, and deliver the meat to them.”
At the Dongcheon Lama’s unexpected command, they all paled in shock, and Na Taehap asked in a trembling voice.
“Living Buddha, do you truly mean to bring meat for them to eat? I fear they will ravage this land and slaughter our kin after feasting.”
“Kekeke…… Fools. Simply do as I say. You will soon understand my intent.”
“We obey.”
Na Taehap backed away on his knees and left the Heavenly Buddha Hall courtyard.
The Dongcheon Lama turned his dignified gaze to the remaining lamas and issued another command.
“A distinguished guest has arrived at Potala Palace—hasten and prepare the Grand Banquet Dharma Assembly. Tonight, incense shall burn in the halls, and meat entrails shall roast in the courtyards. See to it.”
The lamas receiving his order paled once more.
The Grand Banquet Dharma Assembly was the highest rite of hospitality for esteemed visitors to the Western Frontier.
The Dongcheon Lama turned from the lamas toward the Heavenly Buddha Hall and murmured softly.
“Come out. Now.”