Chapter 99: King Man-geum

Chapter 99: King Man-geum

Is this not the Thousand Gold Temple, the home of the great King Man-geum? My disciple and I have journeyed here to dispel the curse cast by the reckless beings of the abyss. But what on earth has happened inside the Thousand Gold Temple?

Well, that we dont know. We were only told to close the doors because a dangerous person might come.

Yes. We intervened because we sensed a different kind of magical power than usual.

It seems weve come full circle.

At any rate, it appears there was no specific order to stop me.

So something like that happened. I imagine that guarding the Thousand Gold Temple is a responsibility of great importance.

The Jangseungs were moved by the professors words and they showed a hint of emotion, If only slightly.

We apologize for our hasty and thoughtless actions. Could you perhaps send a message to King Man-geum on our behalf? At the very least, we would be grateful if you could arrange for us to meet with the master of the Thousand Gold Temple.

Hmm If its about the master

Well, conveying a message should be fine

As you can see, we have neither the intention nor the ability to harm the Thousand Gold Temple. We only wish to lift the curse that the beings of the abyss have placed on us.

Ah, understood. Just wait a moment.

Yes, we will call the master for you.

Was the problem actually resolved? This gentleman had resorted to a tricksters solution in the end.

No need for that, elders.

Suddenly a new voice joined in.

It came from atop the wall of the Thousand Gold Temple.

Among the spectators from the Thousand Gold Temple, one figure stood out.

Despite the absence of wind, there was a man in a fluttering black durumagi and a large-brimmed hat.

Commander of the Thousand Gold Temple?

Cheon-seul, were you watching?

No, I just arrived because I heard there was a disturbance. But elders, how can you justify collapsing the road like this?

These ghosts wont listen to us!

The collapse was the work of that poor mage.

The man known who was called Commander and Cheon-seul held his hat as he leaped from the wall.

Upon landing, it became clear that he was considerably taller than me.

While he wasnt as tall as Orb, he certainly seemed taller than Jang Hyeon-deok.

As he walked toward us, his durumagi (robe) that was improperly fastened billowed open, revealing the clothes underneath.

. The clothes he was wearing underneath the robe were a t-shirt with a beautiful girl character from a famous anime drawn on it and flashy leopard print pants.

Ah, if it isnt the brother who travels seated, long time no see.

Its been four years, indeed a long time. Commander Thousand Gold, you still look healthy.

The Professor and Commander Thousand Gold exchanged warm greetings.

Our elders seem to have started it, but its time to put away that toy now, isnt it?

Since you wouldnt entertain a conversation I apologize for being rude.

With that, the professor tucked away the flag of open hearts he was holding in his hand.

The other party was Commander Seo Cheon-seul, the second in command of the Thousand Gold Temple.

Compared to his illustrious title, his demeanor is not so much brisk as it is casually relaxed and loose. Ugh, Seo Cheon-seul turned his head towards me.

Ah its understandable that the elders were sensitive.

The posture of Seo Cheon-seul looking at me that is, he shoved his hands into the pockets of his leopard-print pants under his durumagi and exaggeratedly bent his waist.

This is exactly the typical stance of a back-alley punk looking to start trouble.

Am I being picked on here right now?

I said nothing and just looked straight back at Seo Cheon-seuls face.

Here we are, friends and company. I hope the long journey hasnt worn you out. Weve finally arrived!

Within the bustling Thousand Gold Temple, where goblins, flowers, clay jars, and even buildings mingled in disorder, there was a notably quiet and tidy space.

A vast courtyard unfolded before our eyes.

Trees were neatly lined up on either side of the courtyard and each tree was blooming with hundreds of different flowers at the same time. Remarkably, flowers that typically do not grow on trees, such as tulips and sunflowers, were also present.

Following the impressive array of flowering trees, a large Hanok awaited us. It was noticeably large even by the standards of the Thousand Gold Temple. It resembled the other Hanoks in shape, but it was about three times larger than any other building around.

This was not simply a matter of scale. The building itself was enlarged as if the diagonal corners of a typical Hanok had been stretched. It was like the house of a giant from a fairytale.

The thickness of its pillars was tripled, the size of the roof tiles was tripled, and even the size of the central sliding doors was three times larger.

Seo Cheon-seul gestured to us with a smile.

It was a signal for us to proceed on our own.

The professor and I slowly walked through the rows of flowering trees toward the front of the Hanok.

At the front of the Hanok, there was a wide stone platform laid out.

The platform had no patterns or decorations, yet somehow it did not seem ordinary; it felt like an altar prepared for a great deity.

We stopped in front of this platform that looked like an altar.

The professor who was seated in his wheelchair bowed his head and spoke.

I have followed the light that illuminates the path and have set foot in the Thousand Gold Temple. Please do not cast us out.

As soon as the formal greeting ended, the air suddenly began to feel heavier.

An immense power could be felt from beyond the central sliding doors of the Hanok.

The owner of the Thousand Gold Temple, King Man-geum, had arrived.

The grand presence beyond the large sliding doors spoke with a voice that resonated not through the air but through the soul.

|Speak Your Desire.|

Since things that should remain hidden have revealed themselves in this world, we seek once again what we have always desired.

|Speak Your Desire.|

The professor briefly lifted a teal bundle he had been carrying and whispered to me.

Mage friend, Im sorry, but could you place this on the platform? Leave it tied as it is.

Yes.

I took the bundle and placed it on the platform. When I stepped back, the professor began to recite what seemed like a ritual incantation.

May what belongs in dreams return to dreams, and what belongs in darkness return to darkness. We wish for that which we cannot forget, yet wish to forget, to return to the depths of oblivion.

|Speak Your Desire.|

My close friend who was fighting against the enemies of the Thousand Gold Temple has fallen into a deep sleep. I seek an object that can awaken him.

|Take this.|

The professor once again asked me to bring him the bundle.

As soon as I picked up the bundle, I realized that the object inside had transformed. What seemed like it might have been as big as a rice cooker was now a very small and light object.

I handed the sagging bundle to the professor.

He untied the bundle with a smile and pulled out a small glass bottle, perhaps a medicine vial, and then gently patted my shoulder before saying,

Now, its your turn.

Ah, so its my turn now.

I briefly looked down at the bag I was holding. Fortunately, the bag Tudor had entrusted to me hadnt caused any trouble. Now, with this and the cursed jewels I brought, my business at the Thousand Gold Temple would be concluded.

I have followed the light that illuminates the path and have set foot in the Thousand Gold Temple. Please do not cast us out.

This was a kind of ritual.

Its not like there was a fixed rule like a magical spell, but because it has been customary to say this for a long time, it has become something that must be said.

Now, I should wait for King Man-geum to say

|Come closer.|