Chapter 374
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## Chapter 374. Doing good deeds increases mystical power
In Taoism, the ultimate goal is to achieve immortality.
All efforts to become an immortal point to this purpose. To achieve this, spiritual training is essential, which may include practices such as breath regulation (*조식*, joshik), physical exercises (*도인*, doin), consuming alchemical pills (*복이*, boki), introspection (*내사*, naesa), or performing rituals and offerings.
However, the highest method is to do good deeds.
For Taoists, the virtue of doing good is not only a noble goal, but also a form of spiritual training. Practicing good deeds increases both longevity and mystical power, while evil acts can completely negate the achievements obtained until then.
For this reason, while *Murim* warriors carry out their *journey through the martial world*, Taoists embark on missions of *virtue practice*.
Therefore, it was not surprising that Cheonmyeong Dosan, the master of the *Five Dragons Palace*, ordered Yeon Namcheon to carry out a mission of *virtue practice*.
Although some wondered why Yeon Namcheon, who was still in a period of learning, should embark on such a task, there were not many objections.
With so many Taoist and external disciples in the *Five Dragons Palace*, Yeon Namcheon’s mission was soon forgotten by most.
—
**Around noon.**
A young man walked slowly along the main road, carrying a bamboo load on his back.
It was Yeon Namcheon, who had left the *Five Dragons Palace*.
He wore a Taoist robe and carried a wooden sword along with a bamboo backpack, all provided by the *Five Dragons Palace*.
Inside the backpack were materials necessary for his mission, such as talisman paper (*괴황지*, gwihwangji), red ink (*주사*, jusa), sandalwood oil (*산초 기름*, sancho gireum), and brushes.
—Well, with this appearance anyone would say that I am a real Taoist.
Although he complained through gritted teeth, he did not take off his robe.
Partly because it wasn’t an incorrect statement: he was now officially an external Taoist disciple of the *Wudang Sect*. In addition, he intended to take advantage of this mission to increase his mystical power.
It was early winter, and the main road was deserted, which made the journey somewhat monotonous.
After walking for a while, hunger began to show. Yeon Namcheon looked around for a place to eat.
However, there was no humble hostel or inn in sight. Resigned, he decided to stop in a suitable place and light a fire to cook.
—At least this backpack is useful.
From the bamboo backpack, Yeon Namcheon took out a small iron cauldron that he placed over the bonfire he had just lit.
As the cauldron heated up, he picked up a nearby block of ice and placed it inside to melt.
When the water began to boil, he added rice and, shortly after, tore into small pieces some dried meat that he placed on top of the rice.
After about 20 minutes, he tasted the broth with a spoon, but the taste seemed bland.
—A little salt should be enough.
He took salt out of his backpack, sprinkled it over the broth, and mixed it.
Soon, the smell of cooked rice with dried meat began to rise with the white steam.
Although the dish could not compare to a professionally prepared meal, hunger was the best condiment, and Yeon Namcheon was ready to eat.
Just when he lowered the cauldron from the fire and took the first spoonful to his mouth, he saw a group of five men and two women approaching from the main road.
From their equipment, it was evident that they were *Murim* warriors. They did not seem to belong to the great clans or the main sects, but even so, Yeon Namcheon observed them with curiosity as he ate calmly.
Before he could take more spoonfuls, the group was already within a short distance, moving at a fast pace.
—Sahyung (older brother), it’s cold. Why don’t we rest a little by that fire? —suggested one of the young women.
—Taoist-hyung, let’s stop for a moment. My hands are numb, I couldn’t fight in this state —said another of the men.
The leader of the group, Oh Wollarak, stopped and looked towards the fire that was on the side of the road.
—There’s still a long way to *Nohakou*. I guess we can stop for a moment.
He walked towards the fire, inspecting the young man who was sitting there.
—¿Hmm? He wears Taoist clothes, but he has long, unkempt hair. Could he be an imposter?
In recent times, many people had impersonated Taoists, especially since the *Heaven and Earth Alliance* had begun to recruit sorcerers en masse.
As he observed the young man more closely, Oh Wollarak noticed something on his face that made him frown.
—¿Could it be smallpox?
The possibility that it was a contagious disease put him on alert.
—Wait here. I need to check something.
Oh Wollarak approached the fire with cautious steps and spoke:
—I am Oh Wollarak of the *Sect of the Three Virtues* (*삼절문*, Samjeolmun). By your appearance, you seem like a Taoist. Is that correct?
Yeon Namcheon, with a spoon still in his mouth, nodded slightly.
After all, it was true that he was now a Taoist.
—¿Can I ask what temple you come from?
—From the *Wudang Sect*. I am an external disciple.
Oh Wollarak’s face tightened in surprise. Now that he thought about it, the robe the young man was wearing was certainly that of the *Wudang Sect*.
—Ah, I see. Forgive my ignorance, but do external disciples also wear Taoist robes these days?
—Only because I am an official disciple of the *Five Dragons Palace*. I am on a mission of *virtue practice*.
Oh Wollarak looked at him with a mixture of disbelief and respect.
It was unlikely that anyone would dare to impersonate a Taoist of the *Wudang Sect*, especially in a region under their influence. However, an external disciple as an *official disciple* was something difficult to believe.
—If it’s not a bother, can I ask your name?
—I am Yeon Namcheon.
—Ah… Then you are, Yeon Sohyeop.
Oh Wollarak, still somewhat unsure, decided not to ask any more questions. He had intended to find out if the marks on his face were contagious, but he couldn’t afford to insult someone who claimed to be a disciple of the *Wudang Sect*.
When Oh Wollarak was about to withdraw, Yeon Namcheon stopped him.
—It’s cold. Why don’t you warm up by the fire? These marks are not contagious. They are the result of eating something toxic, nothing more.
Although his explanation sounded clumsy, Yeon Namcheon didn’t want to miss the opportunity to do a good deed.
The group of five men and two women sat around the bonfire.
After a brief exchange of names and greetings, one of the young women, Lee Hwa, pointed to Yeon Namcheon’s wooden sword and asked:
—So, are you a sorcerer/mystic/shaman, Yeon Sohyeop?
Since the Taoists of the *Five Dragons Palace* were famous for their magical abilities, and considering that he was not carrying a real sword, she assumed he was a sorcerer.
Yeon Namcheon, without correcting her, nodded slightly.
—
Yeon Namcheon, as a disciple of the *Five Dragons Palace* on a mission of *virtue practice*, did not deny that he was a sorcerer.
—Yes, that’s right —he replied calmly.
At this, the group of five men and two women relaxed their tension.
Although all disciples of the *Wudang Sect* were respected, there was a huge difference between warriors and sorcerers. The sect’s warriors, with their imposing presence, were often intimidated by others, while sorcerers were treated more like academics or external consultants.
Lee Hwa, an energetic young woman, was encouraged to ask:
—Ah, I see. So you are currently on your mission?
—Yes, something like that —replied Yeon Namcheon with a slight smile.
—Then… could you make us a talisman?
—¿A talisman?
—Yes, we are on our way to *Nohakou*, and the atmosphere feels very tense.
Lee Hwa looked sideways at her leader, Oh Wollarak, waiting for his approval. Seeing that he didn’t object and turned a blind eye, she continued.
—¿Has something happened? —asked Yeon Namcheon curiously.
—At the port of *Nohakou*, *Sinju Chamber of Commerce* and *Sangbang Chamber of Commerce* are in dispute over control. Originally, *Sinju* had the management of the port, but now *Wolsan* is trying to take it away. We, from the *Sect of the Three Virtues*, are helping *Sinju* to defend the port.
—Ah, I understand —replied Yeon Namcheon, immediately understanding that it was a conflict over trade and port rights.
—¿Is there any talisman that can help us in these situations?
—Well, there are talismans for *personal protection*, *elimination of evil energies*, or even a *talisman of overcoming difficulties* (*극난부*, Geuknanbu)…
—¡Oh! Could you make us one of those? I’ve heard that the talismans of the *Five Dragons Palace* are extraordinary.
Lee Hwa, who was barely 18 years old, clapped excitedly, showing a cheerful and youthful attitude. Her enthusiasm infected Yeon Namcheon, who nodded without hesitation.
—Sure, why not?
After all, his mission of *virtue practice* consisted precisely in doing good, and there was no reason to refuse.
He took the materials out of his bamboo backpack: a piece of talisman paper (*Gwihwangji*), red ink (*Jusa*), and a brush impregnated with sandalwood oil. Carefully, he began to write on the paper, tracing the character *극난* (“overcoming difficulties”).
The group of the *Sect of the Three Virtues* watched with curiosity, although some began to lose interest when they noticed the clumsiness of Yeon Namcheon’s strokes. His calligraphy was undoubtedly unrefined, but the solemn air with which he worked added a certain weight to the moment.
When he finished, Yeon Namcheon handed the *Geuknanbu* to Lee Hwa.
—This is a talisman to overcome difficulties. Carry it with you, it will be useful.
—¡Thank you very much!
Lee Hwa took the talisman with a radiant smile, grateful for the gesture. Although she wasn’t sure of its effectiveness, she had faith that it could make a difference.
Seeing this, another woman in the group, Seol Jiyeong, didn’t want to be left behind and approached timidly.
—Excuse me, Taoist, could you make me one too?
—Of course.
Yeon Namcheon quickly wrote another *Geuknanbu* talisman and handed it to Seol Jiyeong, who also thanked him with a slight bow.
However, the men in the group showed no interest whatsoever. Yeon Namcheon’s unimpressive appearance and his lack of skill with calligraphy diminished their confidence in the talismans.
After spending about 15 minutes resting by the fire, the group said goodbye and resumed their journey.
—
Yeon Namcheon remained seated, contemplating the fire, until, suddenly, he got up abruptly.
—I have to see if these talismans really work.
The two *Geuknanbu (talismans of overcoming difficulties)* he had made were common talismans, disconnected from the blessing of *Gucheonhyeonnyeo (Mysterious Woman of the Nine Heavens)* and without particularly powerful energies. However, he wanted to check if his writing was enough to produce any tangible effect.
He loaded his bamboo backpack and began to follow the trail of the group of the *Sect of the Three Virtues*.
After walking for an hour, he reached a point on the road where a sign indicated *Nohakou*. As he continued, he finally saw a wide and majestic river.
—With such a large river, it’s no wonder there are disputes over the port.
Yeon Namcheon advanced slowly, observing the surroundings until, in the distance, he heard angry voices and shouts.
—¡Ah, it seems like I’m in the right place!
He approached calmly and soon saw two groups facing each other, each with about twenty people. They were standing at a distance, exchanging insults and shouts, but without coming to blows yet.
Yeon Namcheon entered a small inn near the port and took a seat by a window that allowed him to observe the confrontation.
—¿What do you want to order? —asked a young waiter.
—A bowl of hot soup.
—¿Nothing else?
—That will be enough.
The waiter, visibly annoyed by the simple order, left the bowl on the table with a dry blow.
—What a stingy type —he muttered to himself.
Yeon Namcheon barely paid attention to the soup. He was more interested in observing the two groups that continued to throw insults at each other without taking action.
—Well, it seems like they don’t plan to fight.
Just when he lifted his chopsticks to taste the soup, the two sides finally lunged at each other, shouting.
—¡At them!
—¡Kill them!
—¡Defend the port!
The fight erupted into total chaos, with weapons clashing and shouts echoing throughout the place.
Yeon Namcheon watched the scene with interest, looking for Lee Hwa and Seol Jiyeong, the two young women to whom he had given the talismans, among the fighters.
—¡That’s it, that’s how it’s done! ¡No, no, be careful, be careful!
As the fight progressed, Yeon Namcheon got so excited that he accidentally hit the soup bowl with his elbow, spilling the broth and breaking the container on the floor.
—¡Damn it!
Despite the disaster on his table, Yeon Namcheon didn’t take his eyes off the battle. He only had one concern in mind: if the talismans he had made would be of any real use to the two young women in the middle of the fight.
—