Heavenly Inquisition Sword Novel MTL - Chapter 344

C344: “You should also work on your way of speaking.”

The Taoist Cheonmyeong’s words left a deep impression on Yeon Jeokha. He had obtained the Yukshingtong (Six Supernatural Powers), but over time, its effects had diminished in his daily life.

“How is the Yeongansul (Spiritual Eye Technique) different from the Cheonantong (Celestial Eye)?”

“The Cheonantong, one of the Six Supernatural Powers in Buddhism, is a supreme blessing that the practitioner obtains through enlightenment. It allows you to not only see what physical eyes cannot, but also to glimpse the future of yourself and others. On the other hand, our Yeongansul is limited to perceiving spiritual presences.”

“Ah.”

“If the Cheonantong is like an ocean, the Yeongansul is like a river. However, with the Yeongansul, you could eventually invoke the Cheonantong, as both are based on faith. Of course, this is only possible for someone who has already attained the Yukshingtong.”

“So, the Yeongansul would be like a door that allows you to use the Cheonantong at will, right?”

“That’s right, but again, that only applies to those who have already attained the Yukshingtong. For now, you are nowhere near entering the world of mystical arts, so it’s not something you should think about.”

Cheonmyeong firmly closed the topic, wondering why a beginner like Yeon Jeokha was so interested in the Yukshingtong.

If he had truly attained it, he would already be at the level of spiritual perception… But this boy hasn’t even begun to learn mystical arts. His questions are out of place.

“Master, when will I be able to learn the Yeongansul?”

“First you must complete the initial stage. It’s like teaching a baby who can’t even stand up to run.”

“Reciting the three texts you mentioned before is the first stage?”

“No. After that, you must also read the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) and the Namhwajingyeong (Zhuangzi). Once you finish with the readings and recitations, you will move on to the question and answer stage with your master. Only those who pass this stage will be able to learn the mystical techniques of the Wudang Sect.”

Yeon Jeokha’s face darkened. He knew he wasn’t good at memorizing texts.

“Do you think I can learn all this in three years?”

“That depends on your aptitude. It could take you three months, three years, or even thirty. Nobody can know.”

“I thought so.”

Yeon Jeokha slumped his shoulders, discouraged. Seeing this, Cheonmyeong added:

“Even though you have the Sword Emperor’s recommendation, mystical arts have their own rules. We cannot allow someone unprepared to become a master of mystical arts in the Wudang Sect. Even if you don’t achieve a high level of spiritual power, you must at least know the basics so you don’t become a laughingstock. Don’t you agree?”

“Yes…”

It was hard to argue. Even if he didn’t have great spiritual power, he should at least know the basics so he wouldn’t be ridiculed.

Seeing that Yeon Jeokha had no more questions, Cheonmyeong continued explaining:

“In the mornings, there will be lectures in Oryonggung. Attendance is mandatory, as faith grows by listening to these teachings.”

“Understood.”

“In the afternoons, everyone will dedicate themselves to the study of their choice. You can learn techniques like swordsmanship or the use of talismans, depending on your interests.”

“Do they also teach swordsmanship?”

“Don’t get confused. The swordsmanship of Oryonggung is designed for exorcisms. It’s closer to a sword dance than the martial combat of Martial Artists. Of course, someone who reaches the level of Manryugwijong (the ultimate unity of all things) might find similarities, but frankly, those kinds of people are extremely rare. So don’t think about using our swordsmanship techniques for normal battles. Here, swords are designed to confront spirits.”

“Ah, understood.”

“Swordsmanship classes are held in Dongwon (Eastern Garden), and talisman classes here in Oryonggung. As for advanced mystical techniques, they are taught in Seowon (Western Garden), but only for those who complete the first stage. For now, you don’t need to worry about that.”

“Do all disciples have to attend the morning lectures?”

“Yes. Not only the disciples of the Eight Immortal pavilions, but also all the Taoists of Oryonggung. Raising the level of spiritual power is a lifelong task.”

“So attending regularly strengthens faith, right?”

“Exactly. Unless you were born as an immortal, you’ll need those lectures. If you had lived in the Do Won Gyeong (The Land of the Peach), maybe you wouldn’t need them. But in the human world, even what seems clear can become confusing over time. If you don’t constantly reflect on the Dao, your physical body will become accustomed to earthly life and your spiritual power will weaken. As in the case of those who, despite having attained the Yukshingtong, cannot use the Cheonantong at will.”

“So attending the lectures is essential to strengthen spiritual power.”

“Exactly. If you come tomorrow, you’ll have a better idea of what Oryonggung really is.”

“Will you be the one leading the lecture tomorrow?”

“The Oryong Chilsa (Seven Masters of Oryonggung) take turns leading them. I am one of them.”

The Oryong Chilsa were the seven main Taoists of Oryonggung, all disciples of the Wudang Sect and responsible for teaching mystical arts.

“Do you have any other questions?”

“Ah, as the Sect Master said, I have to find someone in Namamgung. How should I proceed?”

“Listen to the lectures in the mornings and use the afternoons to search in Namamgung. As you’ve probably already heard, finding someone there is no easy task. It could take you months or even a year. Meanwhile, attending the lectures will be of great help to you.”

“A year? Is it possible that it will take that long?”

“I see you know nothing about Namamgung. It is located on a thousand-meter-high cliff, and it is not only vast, but also extremely dangerous. In many places, there aren’t even paths.”

“No paths?”

With a gesture of frustration, Yeon Jeokha grimaced. He already had trouble navigating with paths; he couldn’t imagine searching without them.

“The Taoists of Namamgung are true hermits. Only those who seek to create transcendent elixirs and achieve advanced levels of alchemy venture there. Even reaching Namamgung is a respectable achievement.”

“Why is that?”

“To create elixirs, one must achieve at least the level of Yeongtong (Spiritual Communication). The Taoists of Namamgung are comparable to the Oryong Chilsa, but their strict standards lead them to avoid any distractions. That’s why they hide in those cliffs.”

“Understood.”

“That’s why I tell you: don’t underestimate Namamgung. If you’re not careful, you could waste time and effort in vain.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

The Taoist Cheonmyeong, as if remembering something suddenly, added:

“Ah, and if you can, you should work on your way of speaking. A master of mystical arts projects authority through their words. What will you do when you face an evil spirit? Will you say: ‘Go away or I’ll punish you!’ as if you were a child?”

“…….”

Yeon Jeokha looked at Cheonmyeong with a stunned expression. No one had criticized his way of speaking until now, and the comment took him by surprise.

“Master, is my way of speaking strange?”

“There you go again. ‘Is my way of speaking strange?’ Tsk, tsk! If you were a real man, you should say: ‘Is my way of speaking inappropriate?’ You speak without authority, without firmness.”

“I’ll try to change it. No, better said, I will change it.”

Yeon Jeokha immediately adjusted his tone, feeling that his new way of speaking made him sound more mature.

“Ah! It seems you understand quickly. That’s how it should be. It will even help you with exorcism.”

“I’m not very interested in exorcisms…”

“Oh, no! If you have come to learn mystical arts in the Wudang Sect, exorcising spirits is fundamental. What kind of nonsense is that? If protecting people from suffering is a heroic act, then exorcism is too. Do you intend to come here to imitate Confucius?”

He was referring to Confucius’ saying in the Analects about avoiding talking about strange phenomena, violence, rebellion, or spirits. This kind of comment was something that practitioners of mystical arts, whose work revolved around the “strange” and the “spiritual,” would find offensive.

“It’s not that…”

“It’s not that!’ No. You must say: ‘It’s not like that.’ Speak with firmness.”

Cheonmyeong stubbornly insisted on correcting Yeon Jeokha’s tone, determined to make him speak with the authority expected of a master of mystical arts.

Yeon Jeokha sighed internally but didn’t argue. Finally, he said:

“Master, I came to learn what mystical arts are, not to become a master of them.”

“Exactly, that’s how you should speak. That’s the right attitude.”

Cheonmyeong quickly changed the subject, aware that he had taken his criticism too far. Perhaps he had reacted out of some insecurity, sensing a slight indifference from Yeon Jeokha towards mystical arts.

After a moment of silence, Cheonmyeong briefly reviewed the rules of Oryonggung:

“In summary, upon waking, you must recite the texts, attend the lectures in the morning, and in the afternoon, focus on what you want to learn. When you decide to go to Namamgung, be sure to inform the Taoists here. If you have an accident, at least we’ll know where to look for you. Understood?”

“Yes, I will do it that way.”

Yeon Jeokha responded respectfully, without questioning further. Although he didn’t understand why Cheonmyeong had raised his voice so much before, he didn’t seem to be truly angry.

—————-

Arriving at Haseongo Pavilion

When Yeon Jeokha arrived at Haseongo, his residence and training ground, he noticed that some people were looking at him sideways. In their gazes, curiosity and distrust mixed, and there were even those who frowned when they saw him.

It wasn’t hard to guess the reason: his unkempt hair, gray as ash, and the face covered in sores didn’t go unnoticed.

Aware of the stares, Yeon Jeokha decided to take the initiative to dispel any worries. He bowed and said:

“Nice to meet you. My name is Yeon Dubi and I have come to learn mystical arts. Don’t worry about the sores on my face; they are not contagious. I hope to have your support.”

His tone, more mature and respectful than before, caused him unexpected satisfaction.

After his introduction, two young men approached with a friendly attitude.

“I’m Man Hwangju, from Henan province. I hope we get along well.”

“And I’m Cheon Sangdong, from Jiangnan. Younger brother, where are you from?”

“From Kaifeng,” Yeon Jeokha replied, referring to the Namyeon Inn in Hwasang village.

“Oh! Kaifeng. I’m from Luoyang,” Man Hwangju said enthusiastically. “Nice to meet you.”

Upon discovering that they were from the same province, Man Hwangju showed more familiarity.

Meanwhile, the others in the pavilion kept their distance. Although some watched Yeon Jeokha, no one else came closer to greet him.

Noticing Yeon Jeokha’s discomfort, Man Hwangju explained in a low voice:

“I don’t know if you know this, but until you pass the mundapsik (the question and answer test), you’re considered more of a guest than a companion here. If they ignore you, don’t take it personally.”

“Mundapsik?”

“Yes. It’s the test where you recite and answer questions about the texts you read and heard in the lectures. Other sects have initiation ceremonies for new members, but here in Wudang, the process is stricter.”

Cheon Sangdong chimed in with a mischievous smile:

“But thanks to that, the Taoists of Oryonggung are respected wherever they go. They know mystical arts in detail, and their services are worth double or triple what other sects charge.”

Yeon Jeokha scratched his head, feeling uncomfortable. Although Cheon Sangdong didn’t seem to have bad intentions, mentioning money suddenly threw him off.

“By the way,” Yeon Jeokha asked, “what does it mean that ‘you are recognized as a companion after passing the mundapsik’?”

Man Hwangju answered with a serious tone:

“It means that until you pass it, you are not considered an official disciple of Wudang. You will be able to train and learn, but you will not be part of the sect’s lineage. Only after passing the mundapsik will you be recognized as a dongmun (sect companion).”

Chapter 344

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