Nima Galchen, one of the martial artists from Podalap Palace, was feeling quite restless lately.
It had been almost a year since Podalap Palace had adopted a half-sealed stance.
Nima Galchen was sensing a kind of crisis.
“I can understand the Lord/Lady of the Palace’s feelings for the Little Princess…”
The internal atmosphere of Podalap Palace was gradually sinking. The monks, understanding the mood of the Lord/Lady of the Palace, had started to voluntarily limit their joys little by little, and as the Little Princess’s condition worsened, so did their self-restraint.
The weight of their self-restraint, which was increasing bit by bit, had reached a point where even light conversations felt awkward…
Every time Nima Galchen went out to enjoy the sights, it felt as though life was just a chore.
“Today, at least it seems I might have some fun.”
Creak.
As he opened the small door for supplies, Nima Galchen awaited the merchants. The merchants who brought in daily necessities were practically the only channel to hear news from outside.
“You all must have had quite the trouble to come this far.”
“Not at all! It’s you, Milseung, who must be working hard!”
As the merchant waved his hand, the porters began to unload various necessities. However, their pace was noticeably different than usual. Normally, even when urged by the merchants, the porters would respond slowly, but today they were sweating and moving quickly as if they had left something urgent behind.
“Oh no, this won’t do…”
For Nima Galchen, who wanted to engage the merchants in conversation to hear stories about the world, this was perplexing.
“Ahem, is there something urgent going on?”
“Yes? Ah… is it because those guys are acting like this?”
“Just a different vibe than usual, and it’s concerning.”
“Ah, that’s…”
Seeing the merchant’s complexion darken, Nima Galchen figured an interesting story was about to unfold. Unlike the Buddhism of the Central Plains, which indiscriminately passes down the law, the Lama sect strictly demands qualifications for one to receive the teachings and truths of the law. Therefore, the merchants hesitated to share worldly stories with the Milseung practicing in Podalap Palace.
They thought it was disrespectful to disturb the serene practice of the Milseung devoted to their lofty ideals.
“Come on, man, those Milseung don’t even touch the outside world.”
Podalap Palace began with the first Lord/Lady of the Palace, who was an ordinary martial artist seeking spiritual realization, inviting Lamas from various sects to build the palace. Strictly speaking, those martial artists guarding Podalap Palace and honing their martial arts were martial artists, not monks. They merely used the law as a means to enhance their martial skills.
Internally, Podalap Palace strictly separates practitioners honing their martial arts from monks.
However, to the outside merchants, practitioners and monks were no different.
“What’s wrong? How could you say that worldly affairs are dirty? Knowing how the vulgar live is also a part of practice.”
So hurry up and tell me. I want to hear the scandalous news you deem sinful.
“Indeed…!”
The merchant, overjoyed, brought his hands together and finally spoke.
“These lazy mules are moving quickly because they wish to see a show!”
“A show, you say? Perhaps a circus has come to town.”
“Yes, it’s something like a circus…”
“Something like…?”
“It’s called magic!”
The porter carrying the goods chimed in. The merchant glared at him, but the oblivious porter excitedly explained, gesturing wildly and spitting a bit in his enthusiasm.
“These men and women from the Central Plains have been going around the streets doing performances! The ladies have skin as white as snow and are incredibly alluring, and the tricks they perform with their delicate hands are simply remarkable! You forget to even look at their faces as you get lost in their skills!”
“Ho, is that so?”
A circus from the flourishing culture of the Central Plains? It seemed they were using a rather ominous name for their magical techniques.
“Truly a talented circus from the Central Plains, then.”
“Oh, their skills are indeed true magic! They are, quite frankly, far superior to the tricks of a circus!”
“Hey! Stop rambling and get back to work!”
The merchant repeatedly bowed his head in apology.
“Have you seen their performances?”
“Um, yes, I’ve seen it a few times.”
“Their skills are that impressive?”
“They really are! Whenever they show up in Rasa, people flock to see them like clouds. Usually, performers try to extort money by holding the audience hostage with their skills, but these folks from the Central Plains freely show their magic, allowing even those foolish enough to spend all their daily wages on drinks to enjoy the show.”
Nima Galchen wanted to ask more about these magicians, but the workers had already finished their tasks.
“…Good work.”
“We shall take our leave now.”
The workers, having finished their jobs like lightning, along with the merchant, disappeared.
Nima Galchen stroked his chin.
Supplying goods to Podalap Palace was considered a great honor among merchants. The merchant who had been bowing in front of Nima Galchen acted like a lowly trader, but in reality, he owned a grand estate in Rasa, had numerous concubines, and commanded hundreds of people. Even someone of that stature was not stingy with his praises for a spectacle.
He wanted to see it.
If he hadn’t heard the story, he might not care, but how could he suppress his excitement after hearing a tale that piqued his interest?
“Magic, magic…”
The name of the technique wielded by the people from the Central Plains happens to be magic (魔術)?
“Maybe… if I play my cards right, I could go out and see it properly?”
No matter how much of a martial artist he was, he was still one of the Buddhist disciples. There were outsiders using a technique with that ominous name, magic, emerging from the city of Rasa beneath his feet. How could he let that go?
Was it just a name, or were they indeed employing wicked methods? This warranted a thorough investigation over time!
Nima Galchen immediately raced off to get permission to go out.
“Are you serious right now…”
Nuru Buchi grimaced upon hearing Nima Galchen’s plan.
“You’re considering going out to see a dubious performance at a time when the Little Princess’s condition is worsening?”
“However, it would be foolish to ignore the matter. If they are just another circus, then fine, but what if they are truly employing malicious techniques?”
“Hmm…”
Nima Galchen thought Nuru Buchi was slowly being swayed and pressed further.
“It has been nearly a year since the main palace has remained silent. It’s possible that the wicked are approaching Rasa, thinking we are completely asleep.”
“Is that really the intent?”
“Of course! I will step out and thoroughly ascertain the skills and intentions of these people from the Central Plains.”
In the end, Nuru Buchi had no choice but to permit Nima Galchen’s outings.
However, the results turned out to be different than expected.
Not only did Nuru Buchi join Nima Galchen, but also his older brother, Sudalcha.
“…Nuru Buchi? Sudalcha?”
“What are you doing? Hurry up and guide us. If they are truly wicked, can you handle it alone?”
“We might risk developing biases against outsiders, so we must investigate thoroughly over the next few days.”
…These people just wanted to go see the show themselves, didn’t they?
Nima Galchen shot a suspicious look at the two but rank was law.
“What are you waiting for? Move! We have to hurry to see that magic!”
“…Yes.”
*
I pulled a card from my pile and displayed it to the crowds. It was a magic card designed to be the same size and material as a modern poker card.
On the card was a cute squirrel.
“Everyone, in fact, this squirrel is a magical squirrel.”
“Ridiculous!”
“I had to seal it because it loved to ride around on me so much, but if you just look away for a moment, like this!”
I made the squirrel card disappear from my hand.
“Wait, it was just here!”
I performed comical antics as I pulled the squirrel card out from various places on my body. I tucked the card into a small pouch attached to my belt and squeezed it shut.
“Where’s that little guy now!”
As the squirrel kept appearing from different places on my body, gasps of amazement erupted from the crowd. In the beginning, those who had jeered thinking I had simply hidden the same card were now completely won over by the multiple cards I kept revealing.
“Truly impressive!”
It had been quite some time since I began performing on the streets of Rasa. Fundamentally, Rasa lacked sufficient entertainment options. Naturally, people flocked to the performance.
I am Ho Cheon-an.
Though I may seem unassuming, I am a Peak Expert.
In the midst of the crowd, I caught the scent of someone from Podalap Palace. Specifically, I tracked a presence that was hiding and then revealed itself — a bald martial artist.
It’s not that there weren’t any martial experts in this western region.
However, unless someone from Podalap Palace was sneaking out to watch a magic show, there would be no reason to hide while watching.
The presence of martial arts was definitely in alignment with that of a monk.
Apparently, he must have completely immersed himself in the magic I was showing, forgetting to conceal his presence.
Just in time.
“Everyone! Did you enjoy the show?”
“It was fun!”
“Do it again tomorrow!”
“Haha, if you all say you enjoyed it.”
I produced the squirrel card once more and shouted.
“It says it enjoyed it too!”
Hahahaha!
After waiting for a wave of laughter to pass, I opened my mouth.
“Did you know that a stage is being set up in the southern square?”
Murmurs. Murmurs.
“My fellow magicians and I are preparing for a performance there! The stage should be completed in a day or two. We will present astounding and mysterious magic that cannot even be compared to what you’ve seen here!”
“Oooh…!”
“Please look forward to it and lend your support!”
As I waved the squirrel card, coins and silver tokens rained down in response. Although these coins and tokens were not like those from the Central Plains, in the end, they were valuable metals.
Shaking off the coins accumulated on the overturned mat, I slowly turned into an alley.
If a true martial artist from Podalap Palace had come down, there was no way they wouldn’t follow me.
I was a Peak Expert, after all.
Whether they were Central Plains outsiders or not, it was suspicious for a Peak Expert to be performing street magic. If it wasn’t just one of Podalap Palace’s martial artists following me and if I encountered others from Heukmyo, Tang Do-yeon, or Miss Yeo Il-ye, it would be even more peculiar that a beautiful maiden who had reached an extraordinary peak was performing street magic.
So now, whether the person from Podalap Palace behind me happened to casually stumble upon my performance, or whether they were investigation agents sent to look into the ‘Magic’ that had such a disgusting aroma was the point of concern.
And it seems the answer was the latter.
Three bald men blocked my path.
“Since it appears you are from the Central Plains, I shall refer to you as Benefactor. I am called Nuru Buchi, a wandering monk.”
“Oh, to meet practitioners like you here, it must be the Buddha guiding us. I am Ho Cheon-an from Sacheon.”
“I witnessed your earlier performance. As a Buddhist disciple, the name of magic caught my ear.”
Indeed, the allure of magic truly works wonders.
It wouldn’t make sense to disregard the character of magic when claiming to be a Buddhist disciple.
“This Nuru Buchi is striving to cultivate an unwavering heart, yet it seems my practice is inadequate. I am left wondering why a Peak Expert like yourself is showcasing magic on the streets.”
This is unexpected.
I assumed an official investigation team from Podalap Palace would emerge when the performance stirred the town of Rasa.
While it’s a bit early to say, it isn’t a bad turn of events.
“If you gentlemen are curious about my background, I’m happy to share, but it’s quite a lengthy story for the street. What do you say we move to my abode instead?”
“Hmmm…”
The three monks exchanged glances and then clasped their hands together.
“We shall accept your invitation.”
I smiled broadly and looked at the three.
It would be the movement of one of the massive forces rivaling the Nine Great Sects — Podalap Palace. The key to unlocking the doors of Podalap Palace was certainly the magic performance, but I never thought I would easily earn the qualification to enter Podalap Palace and cure the Little Princess with just a magic show.
No matter how good the food may be, one dish alone cannot make a feast.
Now, to ensure that these three monks who have been lured by the bait of magic think, ‘It wouldn’t be surprising if they know the healing methods for the Nine Yin Absolute Pulse.’
Is there not a saying about the power of connections?
To get the Lord/Lady of the Palace at Podalap Palace interested in us, I needed to properly roast and serve the three who would convey our news to the Lord/Lady of the Palace.
Thus, it was time to lay the groundwork.
For example, even if they don’t actually know the healing methods for the Nine Yin Absolute Pulse, I should lay a foundation that makes it seem perfectly natural.
So I should seat the three practitioners and share my dramatically tragic story of the wandering magician group Ho Cheon-an, traveling this far to overcome a special physique’s curse.
