[TS] Became a Peach Saint – Chapter 287

“Uh, Daeju. What on earth is that…?”

“……”

It was the Shaolin Temple’s anti-demon barrier, which had steadfastly protected the temple from demons. However, a golden light was shimmering and overflowing beyond the walls, piercing through the barrier that even blocked sound.

Thanks to this, the Heavenly Blood Members, who had been hiding far away from the Shaolin Temple, all stared blankly at the sky in unison.

If there was any disturbance in the Shaolin Temple, it could only mean one thing: their escort target had entered it.

“Heavenly Blood Members, release the seal.”

Feeling the sense of crisis, the Heavenly Blood Leader had no choice but to issue the order to his members.

Fortunately, the Buddha-nature flowing out of the Shaolin Temple warmly embraced even the Heavenly Blood Members, who had trained in demonic arts.

***

“Ahh…”

Grandfather Hye Neung sat facing Saripul, clasped his hands together, and slowly closed his eyes.

Then, Buddha-nature began to rise from his body, resonating with the golden lotus floating around Saripul.

Oooom─

The resonance sound was incredibly clear.

Just listening to it made the heart feel at ease.

“Ball!”

“Monk’s head and Buddha’s head aren’t balls. Baekseol’s ball is here.”

“Yes!”

When I took out Baekseol’s beloved ball from the storage space, she climbed up with it.

“Huu…”

I felt a chill from the top of my head.

“Pit!”

“Danpung’s ball is here too.”

“Pit-it!”

Danpung also climbed up with the ball.

This time, it felt like a cursed massage pad was stuck to the top of my head.

“You rascals. Why are you playing with balls on my head?”

“It’s fun!”

“Pit-it!”

“We’re playing inside so we don’t disturb Grandfather.”

I grabbed the two and put them in my robe pocket, feeling them squirm inside.

Goblins carry around big things like roasted potatoes, liquor bottles, and pipes in their pockets, so it seems they gave me a big pocket for my convenience.

It’s big enough for the two small creatures to play in.

─Click, click.

“Huu─”

Grandfather still sat motionless, hands clasped, eyes closed.

It was a solemn and majestic sight.

Though I couldn’t hear it, many conversations must have been exchanged.

I hoped this opportunity would help Grandfather move forward a bit more.

Deng──!

Meanwhile, the bell rang again, signaling that time was running out.

“Huu─”

As I smoked a cigarette and waited a little longer, Grandfather rose from his seat, still in the same posture, and bowed his head to me.

“Amitabha. Thank you, Shin Yi. Thanks to you, this old man could gain confidence in the path he’s walking.”

“That’s a relief.”

“It still feels like a dream. I don’t know how this was possible, but you are my benefactor, Shin Yi.”

It was an extremely short time.

Looking at Grandfather Hye Neung’s relieved expression, it seemed he had achieved a bit of what he desired.

Deng──!

When the bell rang once more, I felt a gaze on me.

I looked up and locked eyes with Saripul, who was staring right at me.

At that moment, the world darkened.

Even the flame from the pipe I was holding was swallowed by the darkness.

Then, a golden energy gathered and sank to the ground, spreading out like a lotus flower.

Using the radiant golden lotus energy as a lantern…

Looking ahead, I finally see Saripul surrounded by the nature of Buddha.

The symbol of Buddha, the golden nature of Buddha (紫磨閻浮檀金).

In the darkness, Saripul’s Buddha nature rises like a dandelion blooming through the cracks of concrete.

“Hello.”

**《The child who chooses the path of asceticism》**

Even though the story is told right in front of me, it feels like the voice echoes from all directions.

Did Grandfather also share stories here?

“It doesn’t really feel like a path of asceticism. I have friends, and it’s fun. Right?”

From Hongik’s pocket, the two who were playing peek out.

“Great!”

“It’s great!”

They’re the type to catch on to conversations like ghosts.

“That’s what they say.”

Hearing my answer, a smile blooms on Saripul’s lips.

**《A harsh trial to prove yourself will soon come upon you》**

“Hmm. I’m not really into fate theories…”

**《The Fighting Victory Buddha proved himself through struggle》**

The Fighting Victory Buddha, the Buddha who wins through battle. It’s the story of Son Goku.

It seems he already knows I’m close with Son Goku.

To prove himself solely through battle, that monkey must be quite mad.

**《Mara Papiyas proved himself through demonic means》**

Ding──!

**《The Vajra Warrior proved himself through strength》**

The stories Saripul tells and the ringing bells mix into a jumble.

Even in mud, a lotus can bloom.

In this chaotic situation, Saripul finally throws a question at me.

**《Cheondo, how will you prove yourself?》**

As I ponder, Saripul casts a wise gaze at me.

“I…”

Demonic means.

Strength.

Struggle.

There are three good examples from the pioneers.

There’s a path already paved, so why overthink it?

“Can’t I just mix all three appropriately?”

**《…A disaster. Do you think mixing good and evil will lead to the Middle Way?》**

“Well, I’m not as exceptional as those folks. I think if I just walk forward, that’ll be my path.”

I pull out freshly fried potato chips and a jar of Heavenly Peach Wine from the storage space, and Saripul’s gaze shifts.

“That’s not really important, but here, take this. I made it.”

Saripul’s gaze mixes with bewilderment.

“If your conscience pricks you, just say ‘Amitabha Buddha’ once before eating.”

Finally, Saripul shows a warm smile.

At the same time, the snacks and wine I placed in front of him vanish like smoke.

**《May wisdom accompany your journey to Cheondo》**

Golden light pours from Saripul’s hands.

Like a waterfall dyed in gold.

Ding!

**《The infinitely wise Saripul expresses his support for Cheondo》**

Ding!

[You inherit the potential of Saripul’s Buddha nature.]

**《Baekseol, the child of the Blue Moon, supports the peach again》**

“Yes!”

“Han So-jeo.”

─Click, click.

“Hoo─ Why?”

“We’ve arrived. That over there is the Murim Alliance.”

The grandly built pavilions come into view at a glance.

I thought it would be a moderately sized group since they called it an alliance, but I guess I was wrong.

The scale is so enormous that words like “massive” naturally come to mind.

“This place is really lively.”

“Jeongju is one of the major cities. Especially since the Murim Alliance is based here, the public safety is good.”

It doesn’t seem like an exaggeration, as there are quite a few children running around and playing without a care.

“Why are so many people gathered over there?”

Jeon Ho nods at the place I’m pointing to.

“That’s where they’re submitting applications for the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering.”

“Dragon and Phoenix Gathering?”

I think I saw something like that written in the note Grandma gave me.

“It’s a martial arts tournament. It’s an opportunity open to everyone, so it’s considered a gateway for young martial artists.”

“What’s good about winning?”

“Honor is the biggest reward. The top eight receive the titles of Dragon and Phoenix, and you can also exchange undefeated tokens for prizes.”

“Undefeated tokens?”

“Yes, if you look around, you’ll see martial artists wearing undefeated tokens.”

As Jeon Ho said, there are people wearing undefeated tokens on their waists, chests, and everywhere else.

“The Dragon and Phoenix Gathering has a main tournament and free sparring. Applicants must display their undefeated tokens in a visible location, and token holders can spar to take each other’s tokens.”

“So if you collect a lot, you can exchange them for other things?”

Jeon Ho nods.

“The Dragon and Phoenix Gathering has an age limit, so everyone is considered equal. That’s why you can’t refuse a sparring challenge from someone else.”

“What the heck. There’s gonna be a lot of bloodshed, huh?”

“That’s also true. There are even factions moving in the shadows just to collect those wooden tokens. But if it gets too serious, the Murim Alliance steps in, though they tend to turn a blind eye to smaller issues.”

“Oh…”

It’s a world that values individual martial prowess, so social norms are weak. Whoever came up with this free-sparring system in a place like this must’ve been out of their mind.

“Han So-jeo, really…”

“This sounds fun.”

“……”

Jeon Ho’s pupils beside me shake, unable to grasp the situation.

“Han So-jeo, please…”

“What’s with the ‘please’? I’m gonna trade them for something good. How do I apply?”

“Sigh. You just need to get an application form over there, write your name, and submit it.”

Jeon Ho, letting out a deep sigh, finally explains the process.

“Let’s collect a lot of tokens and get some rewards.”

“Exciting!”

“It’s great!”

“There are two types of tests to qualify for the preliminaries. First, you must possess at least three undefeated tokens. Second, you must be able to leave a mark at least one inch deep on that iron stone over there with a single strike.”

Next to the person receiving applications with a chair and table, there’s a dark rock placed prominently.

That must be the iron stone. One inch is about 3 cm, so it’s basically a way to filter out the weak.

“Alright! I’m gonna do this.”

I pull out my beloved Bit sunglasses from my storage space, and my energy instantly rises.

With that, I head toward the crowd, and everyone, clearly trained in martial arts, senses my presence and looks at me.

“What are you looking at?”

“Are you talking to me now?”

“Did you fight with a tabletop instead of a sword? Look at this guy’s face.”

I thought my guys were no joke, but this friend glaring in front of me has his face covered in sword marks.

Still, it’s a familiar face, so I actually like him.

“Huh! With the Murim Alliance warriors here, I won’t cause trouble right away, but if you receive the title of ‘Undefeated in Combat,’ you better be prepared.”

The guy who snorted turns his head again.

“Alright. But how old are you?”

“Of course, I’m just a little over twenty!”

“With that face, you’re in your twenties? Stop lying. You’re at least mid-thirties.”

“You…!”

The guy who turned his head to glare at me finally looks forward again after a glance from a Murim Alliance warrior.

“Hey, is your nickname something like ‘Liar Sword’? Or maybe ‘Face-Slashing Sword’?”

Thud.

As soon as the words end, I hear the sound of teeth grinding from the front.

“Stop it and come forward to sign here.”

“Okay.”

While bickering with the ‘Liar Sword,’ it’s already my turn.

The person sitting in the chair hands me a paper, and after scribbling my name, they throw a glance at me.

“Miss. Do you belong to any martial arts school or family?”

“Nope, I don’t.”

“Ahem! Then you must successfully complete the iron stone test over there before the preliminaries begin.”

The man who handed me the wooden ‘Undefeated in Combat’ title seems to have finished speaking and waves his hand, signaling the end.

“Chik, chik.”

“Whew—”

Being blatantly ignored doesn’t feel too bad.

“Ah, thrilling.”

“Miss Han, are you okay?”

As I approach Jeon Ho with the ‘Undefeated in Combat’ title, he looks at me with a strange expression.

“Yeah. Look, I got the ‘Undefeated in Combat’ title.”

“Do you really plan to participate?”

“That guy over there is participating too.”

I see someone approaching me like a wild boar that’s been hit first.

“Liar Sword, come here.”

“You…! I am…!”

Smack!

When I slap the ‘Liar Sword,’ his eyes roll back, showing the whites, and he kneels down.

“Jeon Ho, look. I already have two ‘Undefeated in Combat’ titles.”

“Uh, that’s not how you’re supposed to do it…”

“Will they give me something if I collect a lot?”

“Beep— Beep!”

“King Sunflower Seed? That sounds good.”

“Exciting!”