Chapter 348: Potala Palace, Dalai Lama (4)

Yi-gang was sitting at the desk in the room assigned to him.

Potala Palace was not particularly grand, except for the copper tiles gilded with gold.

The architectural style, though magnificent, was restrained.

This was likely because it was a temple and a place of worship.

The accommodations were the same.

A simple bed with plain furniture.

However, Yi-gang sat on a stone chair, shaped in a somewhat exotic fashion.

Potala Palace was situated at a high elevation, and Yi-gang’s room was on the ninth floor, by the window.

It reminded him of the view from a high-rise building.

In front, he could see the deep blue sky and the mountain ranges touching it, while below, Lhasa was visible.

Scattered houses dotted the landscape, and a lake was frozen solid.

Yi-gang stared blankly out the window while recalling the Dalai Lama’s explanation.

When he asked whether the bad relationship with the Evil Cult began from the moment they targeted him, the Dalai Lama answered that it was not the case.

“It’s neither coincidence nor design… it must be fate.”

The Dalai Lama was a reincarnator like Yi-gang, someone who remembered their past life.

Of course, Yi-gang only remembered his most recent life, and that life had not been in this land, but somewhere far away.

However, that seemed to be of no importance.

“As with any cult, they always seek their identity in ancient scriptures or prophecies. They firmly believe their adversaries are reincarnators without the mark of oblivion.”

“Then…”

“That’s why there’s the saying ’cut the grass and remove the roots. ’ If they suspect someone could become their enemy, they believe they must eliminate them first.”

Could the Evil Cult have noticed that Yi-gang was a reincarnator without the mark of oblivion?

In response to this question, the Dalai Lama shook his head.

“If they had, they would have already tried to kill the temple master. It would have been easier to kill him than me.”

That would be true.

The Dalai Lama, the leader of the lamas at the mountain palace in this highland, compared to Yi-gang, who was born as the sickly first son of a martial arts family.

If the Evil Cult truly targeted Yi-gang’s life, he would have been dead by now.

This was also the reason why the Evil Cult’s Cardinal personally led the invasion of Potala Palace.

Their goal was to kill the Dalai Lama, who might be their true adversary.

“If I die this time, the real adversary of the Evil Cult might be you alone.”

There might be other reincarnators without the mark of oblivion.

That’s why the Dalai Lama told Yi-gang to survive.

The Dalai Lama had no intention of dying, and Yi-gang had the same plan.

“Well, that works out.”

A gruff voice broke Yi-gang’s train of thought.

It was sitting on a chair turned around in the corner of the room.

Dam Hyun, resting his arms and chin on the backrest, continued speaking, “Those bastards from the Evil Cult are just trash, the scum of the world. They were always the kind of people who should have been killed and used as fertilizer.”

Dam Hyun, who already hated humans in general, had an even greater enmity toward the Evil Cult.

He wasn’t obedient enough to confuse the will of his group with his own.

His hatred for the Evil Cult was personal, not that of the Azure Forest.

“You’re lucky to have joined the Azure Forest. Just sitting still, those bastards will eventually come after you. They’re people you’ll have to fight one day.”

“That’s true.”

Dam Hyun’s words were right. From the very moment Yi-gang met Sohwa, an inevitable bad connection with the Evil Cult had been formed.

It was perhaps better that Yi-gang had been destined to be the ‘adversary’ of the Evil Cult since his birth.

“I don’t like the idea of bringing a band of robbers. It’s pathetic that the king of trash leads a parade with his trashy followers.”

Dam Hyun chuckled.

There was a mixture of anger in his tired gaze.

Dam Hyun was the one whose entire family was massacred by a band of robbers when he was young.

His hatred for the Evil Cult was laced with this personal vendetta, and there was killing intent in his voice.

Yi-gang stood up from his seat.

“It would be nice if we could defeat Cardinal this time.”

“Indeed. We must.”

“They must not know that we’re hiding here. In case things go wrong…”

If Potala Palace failed to deal with the Mad Wind Society and Mang-hon.

Yi-gang’s group would have two choices.

To escape or to join forces and attack Mang-hon.

The Dalai Lama had recommended escaping, but Yi-gang didn’t consider that option alone.

‘You’ll help us, won’t you?’

「Let’s think positively about it.」

Bodhidharma was beside Yi-gang.

The divine presence Bodhidharma had shown at Mount Song was not ordinary.

Wasn’t it true that Seomun Jae, the Unorthodox Union Leader and one of the top-ranked Ten Grandmasters, acknowledged his defeat without even swinging his sword?

「I’ve said it before, but that was only possible in that situation. The bishop of the Evil Cult wouldn’t easily yield to such things.」

Of course, the situation was a bit different now.

Defeating a Cardinal would undoubtedly not be easy.

Moreover, Bodhidharma warned him.

「Remember, you are not the only one who might have helpers.」

The Cardinal of the Evil Cult would surely have some kind of backup or countermeasures.

「Cultivate yourself and protect yourself. If you want to become a transcendent, this is the only way.」

‘I will.’

There was still time before the Mad Wind Society would reach Potala Palace.

Yi-gang had no intention of wasting that time.

Preparing also meant refining his own cultivation.

“Master, I will go visit the Dalai Lama.”

“Eh, what are you going to do, study scriptures?”

In the short time available, the best thing Yi-gang could do was learn the essence of the Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body.

Yi-gang told the Dalai Lama that he had learned the Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body at the Imperial Palace.

Normally, when a foreigner learns the sect’s secret teachings, it often leads to an intense reaction.

If it had been another sect, they might have tried to kill Yi-gang, accusing him of stealing their secret techniques.

But as Bodhidharma predicted, the Dalai Lama agreed to teach him the Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body without hesitation.

「The Living Buddha is one who understands the greater purpose. He will not act in a narrow-minded way.」

As Yi-gang was about to leave the room, Dam Hyun also stood up.

“Alright, I have things to do as well.”

“…What are you going to do?”

Yi-gang squinted as he spoke.

“I’m going to investigate this place a bit. Something feels off about it.”

“Feels off?”

“Yeah. The lamas here seem a bit off, and the Dalai Lama’s the same.”

Yi-gang and Dam Hyun had one thing in common.

Neither of them easily trusted others.

There was a desire to personally assess what kind of people they were dealing with.

“Just don’t cause any trouble.”

“Heh…”

Dam Hyun let out an ominous laugh, and Yi-gang continued to glare at him seriously.

“Alright, I got it.”

Yi-gang finally received Dam Hyun’s confirmation before leaving the room.

The place Yi-gang headed to was the main hall where he first met the Dalai Lama.

There, as before, the lamas were guarding the massive iron doors.

However, unlike before, they opened the door for Yi-gang as soon as he arrived.

The warm and humid air, difficult to find in the Tibetan Plateau, filled the air.

As Yi-gang entered, the Dalai Lama spoke, “Does it seem like I’m indulging in luxury? While everyone else is shivering in this cold place, wearing only a robe, I’m the only one staying in such a warm and cozy place.”

“I hadn’t thought of it that way,” Yi-gang responded.

The Dalai Lama seemed pleased by the reply.

“That’s kind of you. However, you’re right about the luxury. There is a reason why this place is warm, but I’ve specifically prepared the flowers and water plants because it’s to my liking.

“…Heh, you’re not pretending to be uninterested, are you?”

Yi-gang’s face may have clearly shown his thought, ‘So, what does that mean for me?’

As someone seeking knowledge, Yi-gang decided to change his approach.

“You have a good eye for flowers.”

“Oh my, you’re even good at flattery. You don’t need to flatter me so much; I’ll still teach you the Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body.”

Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body.

The mysterious martial art of Potala Palace.

Yi-gang straightened his posture and prepared for his lesson.

“What did you think this scripture was about when you learned it?”

“I was told that it was a martial art created by the first Dalai Lama, which cultivates the power to repel demons while also developing the upper dantian.”

“How did you use it?”

“When I recited it, my mind became clear, and my spiritual eye opened.”

“I see. It’s not a method that falls short of its essence.”

Today, the Dalai Lama was alone in the area.

He stretched his foot over the surface of the artificial pond.

With a splash, the water should have touched his ankles, but there was no sound at all.

The Dalai Lama was floating above the water.

This was an advanced level of Qinggong, referred to as ‘Water Surface Flight’ or ’Stepping on Floating Leaves to Cross Water. ’

“Do you think you could do this?”

Yi-gang tried to follow suit.

He applied the secret art of light footwork, focusing his Qi and carefully adjusting the Qi flowing from the Yongquan acupoint.

Soon, he was able to float on the water, just like the Dalai Lama.

“Excellent.”

The Dalai Lama looked at him with a proud expression.

“Yes, actually, the essence of the Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body isn’t anything special.”

He walked over the surface of the pond.

It was certainly a display of an Absolute master’s skill, as there were barely any ripples on the water despite walking on it.

“So, there’s nothing much I need to teach you. The Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body is simply something you recite.

“Of course, not everyone can experience its effects. One must have deep cultivation, and the upper dantian must be vast and well-developed. However, you are more than qualified.”

The Dalai Lama turned to Yi-gang and lightly tapped his temple.

“You can trust what I say, for I am the creator of the Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body.”

Though he appeared to be a young man now, in reality, it was the previous life of the Dalai Lama who had created the Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body.

“It’s a matter of location, location.”

Dalai Lama spread his hands as he spoke about the place.

“Here, in this mountain-top garden, the effects of the Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body are maximized.”

“So that’s why the architectural style is so unique.”

Yi-gang looked up at the ceiling.

It was filled with strange patterns, thangkas, and mandalas.

It seemed to have been specially prepared for magical purposes.

“The Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body allows one to experience the Six Divine Powers. Even I, who have not reached Bodhidharma’s level, can use them to some limited extent, thanks to this technique.”

Bodhidharma remained silent.

“Through Divine Eye and Divine Ear, I have seen many things here.”

Could Yi-gang also see things from a thousand miles away if he stayed here?

“While staying here, it would be good for you to try as well. Would you like to?”

“…Alright.”

There was no reason to refuse.

Yi-gang stood at the point where the Dalai Lama had pointed.

“Water is said to be the mirror that reflects a person’s heart.”

Then, he looked down at the smooth surface of the water.

The floor was covered with smooth black stone, and his reflection was clearly visible like a mirror.

His hair had grown long and looked messy.

“You won’t be able to see anything from the start.”

The Dalai Lama placed his hand on Yi-gang’s shoulder.

“Focus on the light that glimmers on the surface. If you get used to it, you’ll be able to see something within a few days.”

It seemed that experiencing the essence of the Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body would take more time than Yi-gang expected.

“The key is patience.”

“What should I be looking for?”

“Why are you asking me about your heart?”

Yi-gang hesitated for a moment.

He didn’t know what exactly he was supposed to see.

“I’ll try it first.”

But taking action wasn’t a bad approach either.

Yi-gang recited the Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body in his mind.

In a moment, innumerable samādhis were attained.

Washing away all afflictions and crossing the great sea of suffering.

May I quickly gain the eye of wisdom.

…

May I quickly gain the body of truth.

The Dalai Lama quickly added with a chuckle.

“Reciting it aloud gives faster results…”

But then he was taken aback.

Ripples began to form on the water’s surface on their own.

When he looked at Yi-gang’s eyes, he saw that the focus was gone, and his pupils were shining brightly.

Yi-gang had clearly fallen into the state of the Scripture of Inexhaustible Mind and Body’s deep concentration.

This was the fastest rate of acquisition that the Dalai Lama, even with his experience, had ever seen.

“Heh, that was quick.”

Yi-gang was already seeing something.

The bandits of the wilderness were charging forward.

Among them, there was a lone figure sitting peacefully atop a carriage.

The man, dressed in white paint and black attire, had tattoos on his lips, ears, and face, with various ornaments hanging from his body.

Yi-gang immediately sensed that this man was the Cardinal of the Evil Cult, who was heading towards them.

And the place they were heading to was…

‘…Rangachen Village?’

The village Yi-gang had passed through, where he had left the girl named Tsering.

A small village lay on the path that Mad Wind Society and Mang-hon were heading towards.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep