Heavenly Inquisition Sword Novel MTL - Chapter 345

**Episode 345: “Only Ten Nyang”**

Yeon Jeokha’s question left Cheon Sangdong with an incredulous expression.

That someone could arrive at Oryonggung without even knowing that seemed hard to believe.

“Didn’t you know? The people in Haseongo, Namchaehwa, and Jogukgu are just like you and me, mere mortals. Among them, only those who pass the question and answer test known as mundapsik can become lay disciples of the Wudang Sect. Even if they don’t reach the main temple, they are still considered disciples of the sect.”

Yeon Jeokha was surprised to hear that he had the possibility of becoming a disciple of one of the legendary Seven Great Sects.

Cheon Sangdong added with a bitter gesture, “Until then, we are nothing more than opportunists waiting for luck. That’s why they barely pay us any attention.”

“Opportunists?” Yeon Jeokha asked, not understanding.

The connection between learning mystical arts at Oryonggung and being an opportunist made no sense to him.

Cheon Sangdong sighed and explained, “Think about it. If someone had real talent, they would already be a disciple of the main temple or have created their own school. But here… how many are really capable? Most of us are here because we failed as warriors and seek a second chance in the mystical arts. Even then, if we don’t pass the mundapsik, we can’t learn anything serious. So, deep down, we are nothing but mediocrity.”

“Ah…”

Finally, Yeon Jeokha understood what he meant. “It’s because they are unfit as both warriors and mystics that they call themselves opportunists.”

Man Hwangju, trying to encourage him, said, “But if you pass the mundapsik, you become a lay disciple of the Wudang Sect, and that’s already a great achievement. That’s why everyone is studying those texts as if their lives depended on it.”

“Is mundapsik really that difficult?”

“Do you think the Wudang Sect would accept just anyone as a lay disciple? They make sure we don’t do anything that tarnishes the sect’s reputation, so they are extremely strict.”

Cheon Sangdong also shook his head as he said, “You will realize in time, but it’s not just difficult; it’s almost impossible. We’ve been here for a month, but those from Jogukgu have been here for over three months and still haven’t passed.”

Man Hwangju added, “It’s not just for us mortals. Even the Taoists from other pavilions, who should be better prepared, often fail. It seems the sect wants to ensure they only accept the best to protect their reputation.”

Just as he finished speaking, one of the men studying the texts intervened, “This place is a spiritual cultivation area. If you want to talk, do it outside. You’re interrupting our concentration.”

Man Hwangju and Cheon Sangdong said nothing. They only gestured an apology and silently left the pavilion, followed by Yeon Jeokha.

Outside, Man Hwangju murmured quietly, “That guy… can’t even give a warm welcome to a newcomer. What an unbearable character!”

Cheon Sangdong, nodding, added, “Exactly. He’s one of us, another opportunist, but he acts like he’s above the rest.”

“Who is he?” asked Yeon Jeokha.

“He’s Yi Doju from Hoguang Province. He’s the best practitioner in Haseongo, so it’s better not to confront him.”

“Ah…”

Now Yeon Jeokha understood why Man Hwangju and Cheon Sangdong had left so quickly.

———-

As the two continued conversing, Yeon Jeokha decided to return to the pavilion. Inside, the others remained focused, fervently studying the texts.

Twelve men, of various ages, were seated in lotus position, sweating as they memorized the sacred texts.

Watching them, Yeon Jeokha thought, “Compared to them, Man Hwangju and Cheon Sangdong seem lazy.”

He was intrigued as to why everyone was so focused on studying the texts in the afternoon when it was supposedly time to learn other skills.

Unable to contain his curiosity, he returned to the pavilion and asked the two men, “Excuse me for interrupting, but I have a question. Why are you studying texts instead of learning skills like swordsmanship or talismans?”

Man Hwangju smiled and replied, “That’s easy to understand if you think about it. The questions on the mundapsik do not include swordsmanship or talismans. Besides, the level of skills taught here to the uninitiated is basic. It would be better to use that time to study the texts.”

Cheon Sangdong, nodding, added, “Anyone can learn those things elsewhere. Passing the mundapsik and becoming a lay disciple of the Wudang Sect is much more valuable.”

“That makes sense…” said Yeon Jeokha, but he still had a doubt: “Then why do you seem so relaxed? You don’t look as worried as the others.”

Man Hwangju and Cheon Sangdong exchanged a glance, and finally, Cheon Sangdong nodded.

Man Hwangju, lowering his voice, explained, “We come from the same place, so I’ll tell you. You probably already know that the Seven Masters of Oryonggung take turns leading the mundapsik, right?”

“Yes.”

“Each of them has their own preferences. They like certain texts or topics in particular. If you know who the next examiner will be, you can focus on what they like and have a great advantage.”

Yeon Jeokha, understanding, asked, “Do you…?”

Both nodded in satisfaction.

Cheon Sangdong, quietly, added, “Finding this out cost us a hundred nyang. Each of us paid fifty. But since you’re from the same place as Man Hwangju, we’ll tell you for just ten nyang. If you accept, you can prepare as relaxed as we are.”

Man Hwangju added, “There are fifteen days left until the mundapsik. What do you say? Even knowing who the examiner is doesn’t guarantee you’ll pass, but at least you’ll know what to expect. It’s much better than going in blind.”

Yeon Jeokha didn’t hesitate much. He reached into his pocket and took out the money.

If he limited himself to eating noodles at restaurants, ten nyang would be enough to survive a year. But compared to learning the mystical arts of the Wudang Sect, that money meant nothing.

‘Honestly, even a thousand nyang would be worth it if it means learning their techniques.’ For someone like him, who wasn’t good at memorizing, there was no reason to hesitate.

Man Hwangju, upon receiving the money, smiled and said:

“Cheong Bulno.”

——————

At Oryonggung: Tae Yanggak

Oryonggung was composed of four pavilions symbolizing the four aspects of the deities of the Sun and Moon. In the innermost pavilion, Tae Yanggak, the Seven Masters of Oryonggung were gathered.

In the midst of the conversation, Master Cheong Bulno broke the silence: “The next mundapsik is my turn, but I don’t think I can do it this time.”

The Taoist Cheonmyeong, leader of Oryonggung, looked at him in surprise. Cheong Bulno, who had always remained calm, now wanted to decline his responsibility, just fifteen days before the test.

Mu Oja, another master, asked with concern, “What’s wrong?”

“I’ve been feeling weak lately and struggle to sit for long. I think my uhwadeungseon (spiritual ascent) is near.”

The other masters nodded, understanding his situation. At over eighty years old, Cheong Bulno was already at an age where he had to consider his return to the heavens.

Mu Oja looked at Cheonmyeong and suggested, “Since Cheong Bulno can’t, maybe I should take over this time.”

Cheonmyeong accepted the proposal with a smile. “That would be ideal. The laypeople gathered here need to see how strict we can be. If you lead the mundapsik, they will understand how high the threshold of Oryonggung is and will strive harder in their training.”

Among the Seven Masters of Oryonggung, Mu Oja was known for his severity. In the months he led the mundapsik, no one managed to pass it.

Mu Oja laughed. “If I’m chosen, the mundapsik won’t please the Sect Leader. He always expects us to increase the number of lay disciples.”

Cheonmyeong, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, replied, “Since when has Oryonggung followed the orders of Sangcheonggung? Don’t worry about that.”

Mu Oja, amused by the comment, said, “It’s strange to hear something like that from someone from Sangcheonggung.”

Within the Wudang Sect, Sangcheonggung was the most prestigious of the four pavilions, located at the top of Mount Cheonju. The most famous warriors of the sect came from there.

Although both Oryonggung, Namamgung, and Taehwagung were part of the Wudang Sect, their structure and approach were slightly different.

While in Sangcheonggung, Taoists used ceremonial names following the order of “Tae, Cheon, Hyeon, Do,” the Taoists of Oryonggung had the freedom to choose them according to their master.

For example, although Cheonmyeong was originally from Sangcheonggung, both Cheong Bulno and Mu Oja were native disciples of Oryonggung.

Cheonmyeong, in a conciliatory tone, said, “We must not forget that even the Sect Leader is from Taehwagung. Each pavilion has its own purpose, and we all work for the good of the sect.”

Finally, Mu Oja agreed. “Alright, I will take the lead in the next mundapsik.”

The other masters did not oppose. Organizing the mundapsik was more of a burden than an honor, as it involved spending the entire day evaluating the aspirants.

—-

The next morning, Yeon Jeokha was abruptly awakened by a bamboo staff hitting his shoulder.

A Taoist was walking through the room, gently tapping those who did not get up on time.

Some disciples got up on their own, but others, like Yeon Jeokha, only reacted after being tapped.

As Yeon Jeokha tried to gather his thoughts, the chants of the sacred texts began to fill the room.

When the staff struck his shoulder again, the Taoist shouted, “Recite!”

Yeon Jeokha quickly grabbed a book at random and began to read, even though his mind was elsewhere.

“Damn it. I didn’t come here to be a Taoist. When will I learn mystical arts?”

He began to regret presenting himself as Yeon Dubi. If he had revealed his true identity, he would probably already be learning the advanced techniques of the sect.

But that thought quickly vanished. He didn’t want anyone to see his face in that state, nor for it to be known that he had been poisoned.

“No, I can’t risk being expelled from here.”

Until he found Baek Ilun, the legendary alchemist of Namamgung, he had to stay.

Resigned, he continued reciting the texts while trying to ignore the constant tapping of the staff.

*Plak!*

Another blow pulled him from his thoughts.

Chapter 345

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