Chapter 395
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## C395. “Néidan and Sincere Faith”
The practitioners and masters listening to the lesson looked on with curiosity.
Master Baekun had mentioned the name “Mysterious Woman of the Nine Heavens.”
At first, people wondered, “Can thunder be invoked with that deity?”
But they soon realized he was mistakenly referring to the “Thunder Lord Who Resounds in the Nine Heavens.”
When speaking for a long time, it’s normal for words to get tangled.
A smile appeared on people’s faces.
Master Baekun, unaware of his mistake, continued his lecture now that the atmosphere had relaxed.
“Are there any questions about the thunder technique?”
Of course, it was a considerate question for new practitioners.
A young apprentice, with an enchanting face, hesitantly raised her hand.
“What’s your question?”
“Since I don’t know much, I have a doubt. So far, you’ve been talking about the thunder technique, right?”
“Correct, I was specifically referring to the technique of the ‘Thunder Lord Who Resounds in the Nine Heavens’.”
This time he said it correctly.
The smiles on some practitioners’ faces widened.
The new apprentice, a member of the Shiyan Sect, nodded.
It was something she knew as well.
“I don’t know if I should ask this, but I have a personality that can’t contain its curiosity.”
“Yes, feel free to ask.”
“I entered the sect about a month ago to receive teachings on mystical techniques. I wonder, in the case of the thunder technique you mentioned, is it truly possible in practice? Not in theory, but in reality. If it’s possible, then there should be a master famous for their thunder technique, right?”
In short, she was asking if the thunder technique was truly viable.
It was an understandable concern for someone who had just entered the sect.
The practitioners who had witnessed Yeon Namcheon’s thunder technique remained indifferent.
However, the new practitioners nodded, feeling that her question made sense.
“Is it possible to perform a technique like thunder? To which I answer yes. But whether there’s a master famous for their thunder technique, that’s a different matter. Why?”
Master Baekun paused.
When the crowd’s gazes focused again, he continued speaking.
“That’s due to the matter of mystical power.”
“Mystical power? I also understand the difference between internal power and mystical power. But Murim practitioners reach skill levels like sword wind, sword energy, and even the union of sword and spirit. Why can’t masters do the same?”
“Do you remember what I said when talking about the thunder technique?”
“It was so long, I don’t know what you’re referring to.”
“How did I say the thunder technique is used?”
“Ah, you mentioned that it’s based on ‘Néidan’ and that talismans and prayers are used together.”
“You’ve listened well. To manifest mystical power, both ‘Néidan’ and ‘Sincere Faith’ are needed. ‘Néidan’ can be cultivated like warriors through breath regulation, that is, through the art of internal breathing. The problem is the ‘talismans’ and ‘prayers.’ That’s directly related to ‘Sincere Faith,’ not technical skill or memorization.”
The mention of “Sincere Faith” left the young apprentice with a dazed expression.
Certainly.
She had forgotten that part.
Taoist techniques, of course, are based on Taoist faith.
There’s no doubt that faith is an important element for mystical power.
The problem lies in faith.
Who can know the existence of faith and its magnitude?
“There are many masters who have cultivated ‘Néidan.’ If they dedicate themselves to the breathing technique, they will deepen their level. It’s like a warrior’s internal energy deepening. However, faith cannot be cultivated in that way. That’s not obtained through practice. Do you agree?”
“…Yes.”
“If you only have a little spiritual power, anyone can use the thunder technique. But the way it manifests depends on the level of ‘Néidan’ and the depth of faith. If you have the opportunity to learn later, you’ll understand, but most only achieve a small flash. That’s the magnitude of their ‘Néidan’ and their faith. The reason why there are no masters famous for the thunder technique is a matter of faith. That’s why, in the Palace of the Eight Immortals, we make practitioners pray and read sutras. In fact, the question-and-answer format is just a superficial procedure. Through this process, we hope that practitioners will develop faith. Only then will true masters be formed.”
“So, does that mean that a strong faith in the ‘Thunder Lord Who Resounds in the Nine Heavens’ is needed to properly use the thunder technique?”
“Exactly.”
“Ah! It’s not an easy thing.”
A sigh escaped the young apprentice’s lips.
There are many deities in Taoism.
It’s difficult to know the deities, and you also have to believe in them for the technique to be completed.
At that moment, someone spoke.
“I don’t think blaming faith is the answer to everything. If for so long no one has been able to do it, doesn’t that mean it’s simply impossible from the beginning?”
It was a new practitioner who seemed to be in his thirties.
Master Baekun turned his gaze towards the man.
Sometimes, when the lesson heats up, there are those who express themselves provocatively.
“Could you introduce yourself?”
“I am Hwa Gyeongbu, a practitioner of ‘Namchaego’.”
Hwa Gyeongbu was known in the Shiyan Sect, but he only mentioned that he was from ‘Namchaego’.
Master Baekun looked around with a calm gaze.
“You say it’s a matter of faith, so you ask if that means it’s not possible. Proving that it’s not impossible would be the most correct answer, right?”
The masters of the Five Dragons Palace nodded.
There’s a saying that seeing once is worth more than hearing a hundred times.
“I’m going to show you what the thunder technique is like.”
Master Baekun took the practitioners to the courtyard.
As they walked, he glanced at Yeon Namcheon, but said nothing.
It was an occasion to demonstrate the thunder technique of the “Thunder Lord Who Resounds in the Nine Heavens,” so he didn’t want to involve him.
It wouldn’t be appropriate for him to use the thunder technique with the spell of the ‘Mysterious Woman of the Nine Heavens’ here.
Master Baekun took out a thunder talisman from his robe.
After seeing Yeon Namcheon’s thunder talisman, he had perfected his technique and taken it to a new level.
Now he could not only invoke thunder, but he could call down lightning.
I’m going to show you what the thunder technique is like.
“Thunder Lord Who Resounds in the Nine Heavens, I only trust in you, please reveal thunder with your divine power! [九天應元雷聲普化天尊 但慿霹靂威神力]!”
He threw the talisman into the air along with the prayer.
Suddenly, dark clouds gathered over the courtyard and a rumble echoed.
Then, a bolt of lightning struck before the practitioners.
Zap!
In an instant, the practitioners’ mouths opened wide.
It was the first time they had seen a mystical technique in action, something they had only heard about.
And it was the thunder technique, the most powerful.
Those who witnessed the harmony of heaven and earth, Hwa Gyeongbu and the young apprentice, couldn’t breathe properly.
“With this, I conclude today’s lesson. The thunder technique is one of the techniques that can be learned after passing the question-and-answer format. I hope everyone can pass the exam.”
The practitioners, finally regaining their composure, looked at Master Baekun with surprised eyes.
————
Lunchtime.
Yeon Jeokha, observing the spring atmosphere of the Palace of the Eight Immortals, headed to the dining hall a little later.
Shortly after receiving his meal, he sat down in a nearby empty chair.
Then, he casually glanced at the people sitting at the same table.
They were all unfamiliar faces.
It seems he had sat at a table full of new practitioners.
While eating with chopsticks, a woman on the other side discreetly got up.
Looking at her plate, still full of food, she quickly averted his gaze.
It was obvious that she was trying to change places because of his presence.
Realizing that the woman looked familiar, he realized she was the same person who had asked questions passionately during the lesson.
As expected, the woman turned around and sat at an opposite table.
Although it bothered him, he couldn’t blame her.
It wouldn’t be easy for her to eat in front of a man who could be a carrier of disease.
As he tried to focus on his meal, a man next to him started complaining.
“Eh, what’s going on? Do I have to change places too? There are many empty seats, why do I have to sit here?”
He wondered what was going on with that kind of behavior, and realized it was Hwa Gyeongbu.
At that moment, when Yeon Jeokha was about to say something, Hwa Gyeongbu got up from his chair and moved to another table.
The place became more comfortable, but his mood didn’t improve.
“Ah, those…”
Every time he got used to it, someone new appeared and caused trouble.
He tried to calm his discomfort as he slowly focused on his food, but it wasn’t easy.
Chewing in frustration, Yeon Jeokha finally gave up and got up from his place.
He noticed Hwa Gyeongbu and the woman who had changed places.
Seeing them eating as if nothing had happened, his anger intensified.
They didn’t know that a small action could hurt someone a lot.
If they behaved like that in the martial arts world, they would surely be stabbed in the back.
Those people needed a good lesson.
“This jerk…!”
Just as he was about to let out an insult, someone waving their hand from afar interrupted him.
“Namcheon Socheop (Taoist Brother)!”
It was Baek Seol-yeon, the outer disciple of ‘Yeodongbin’.
“You’re alive thanks to Baek Sojeo (Taoist Sister)!”
Yeon Jeokha suppressed his anger and headed towards Baek Seol-yeon’s place.
The three disciples of the Baekhwa Palace, who were eating with Baek Seol-yeon, spoke almost in unison.
“When did you arrive?”
“Just before the lesson. I came for a walk after listening to the lesson.”
Yeon Jeokha sat down among the four girls.
Lee Doju and Cheong Cheon-seok had already left after eating.
However, being with people who welcomed him with joy, his appetite started to return.
Yeon Jeokha enjoyed the food while chatting casually with his classmates after a long time.
The laughter made Son Gae-in’s gaze open a little wider.
The disciples of ‘Yeodongbin’ smiled brightly at the strange man.
The three young female disciples were the object of admiration among female practitioners.
And how could they laugh and chat happily with that strange man?
Particularly, Baek Seol-yeon, with her exceptional beauty, attracted the attention of all practitioners.
She, even, kept talking non-stop in front of that stranger.
As if she wanted to get his attention.
“What’s going on?”
She tried to ignore it, but she couldn’t help but listen.
Finally, Son Gae-in, chewing listlessly, got up from her seat.
As she left the dining hall, she heard a strange sound.
“Namcheon has arrived.”
“I saw him too. He said he would go out to practice benevolence, so I thought he wouldn’t be back until summer.”
“Damn, some are lucky and fly high, while we’re here in this situation. Sigh.”
“At least your face wasn’t ruined. Would you rather be ‘Yeodongbin’ with that face? Or stay in ‘Namchaego’ with your current face? If you ask me, I would choose to stay in ‘Namchaego’ with my current face.”
“Pff!”
Son Gae-in realized that the man in front of her was Yeon Namcheon.
Curiosity arose in her, and she approached the two practitioners.
“Excuse me, can I ask something?”
Seeing that a beautiful young woman was approaching, Man Hwang-joo nodded enthusiastically.
“Ask me whatever you want. There’s no one who knows more about the Palace of the Eight Immortals than us.”
Cheong Sang-dong nodded as well.
“That’s right. We’ve already gone through the question exam more than eight times. If it’s something about the question exam, you’ve come to the right place.”
Son Gae-in shook her head and then said in a low voice.
“No, I actually want to know about the person named Yeon Namcheon. What kind of person is he?”
Then, Man Hwang-joo responded while gnashing his teeth.
“There’s no one who knows him better than us. Everyone’s deceived. What kind of person is he? Well…”
Man Hwang-joo and Cheong Sang-dong told Son Gae-in everything Yeon Jeokha had done in the Palace of the Eight Immortals.
Son Gae-in couldn’t close her mouth at the absurd antics he had done.
“So he was a shameless scammer!”