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I went to Jinrang Valley and began receiving teachings from Mangnyang about the Heavenly Secret Technique. To be precise, I already knew about the training and deployment methods from the previous lesson, where I got about four half-moments of instruction, and today was all about how to use them properly.

Mangnyang said, “Alright, first show me the technique.”

Chirring –

As I activated the Heavenly Secret Technique, patterns began to form at my fingertips. There were ten unique patterns in total, engraved one on each fingertip, each one stranger than the last, neither resembling the Eight Trigrams nor the Five Elements. When the patterns appeared, Mangnyang continued, “Last time you learned how to display the patterns and keep them active. Do you know what they’re for?”

“Of course. The patterns are like candles; as long as they are maintained, the technique remains active,” I replied.

“Well understood.” Mangnyang nodded and added, “This technique is recorded only within the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate, meaning it was originally meant for Immortals alone, not permitted to humans. Because of this, it holds tremendous power, and if you use it wisely, it’ll be a huge help.”

“Hmmm… I’ve displayed the patterns, but what’s next?”

“While maintaining the patterns, focus your mind on the principles of circulation.” Mangnyang recited slowly like a mindless chant.

“In the universe, there are cycles. The cycle spans 129,600 years and contains the four seasons. The first half, which lasts 64,800 years, is called ‘Pre-Heaven,’ while the latter half is ‘Post-Heaven,’ and this grand cycle flows throughout the world as the six energies reign over it.”

“……”

“The six energies are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and they compose a year. The energies of the heavens receive spiritual essence. The Heavenly Secret Technique begins when you can freely manipulate the powers of these six energies.”

I had a vague understanding from previous explanations, but it still felt challenging. As I strained to grasp the technique in my head, Mangnyang extended his ten fingers to me.

“Look closely. The patterns rising on each of my ten fingers are ancient vows that control the six energies.”

“Vows?”

“I mentioned before that the Heavenly Secret Technique is related to Spirit Invocation,” he explained.

“Indeed.”

“Honestly, Spirit Invocation is highly difficult and dangerous. To call a spirit, one must be born with a Spirit Medium Physique, possess exceptional talent for the technique, and have a great deal of spiritual energy. Unlike other techniques that can be studied and learned with enough effort, those without talent can’t even approach Spirit Invocation,” he elaborated.

“Hmm…”

“The vow of the ten fingers allows even those without a Spirit Medium Physique or talent to use Spirit Invocation as it’s a reservoir of divine power.”

I contemplated this before asking, “But wasn’t Yeodong-bin or the Great Immortal summoned to me before? How does that work?”

“That’s because the Great Immortal descended after receiving proper compensation. All the burdens of the contract were borne by them, so your own abilities were irrelevant. But let’s be honest, your Spirit Invocation talent is nearly nonexistent,” Mangnyang replied.

“……”

“Though, thanks to your numerous summonings, your spiritual affinity has likely increased, so you might have reached an ordinary level now.”

Mangnyang had a knack for poking at sore spots. As I mulled over his words, he added, “However, while the entry requirements for Spirit Invocation are strict, once properly used, it yields results more intuitively and reliably than any other technique. I’m sure it’ll be a great help going forward.”

“So, what do I need to do while the vow of the ten fingers is maintained?”

“Close your eyes and focus your mental strength on the ten fingers, connecting to the spirits around you.” Mangnyang instructed. I shut my eyes and tried to sense the spirits nearby. Unlike usual, I felt an abundance of white, glowing entities floating through a world engulfed in darkness. There were thousands of these white will-o’-the-wisps swirling within a radius of about a hundred yards. It was overwhelming, causing me to gasp.

“Th-There are so many.”

“All those are spirits and souls drifting through the world.”

“Why are there so many?”

“Because it’s not just human souls. Plants and animals have souls too. Before they reach the afterlife, their spirits and bodies separate, leaving only pure spiritual bodies behind.”

“What’s next?”

“Now, expand your range of perception. With your current abilities, you should be able to sense up to twenty li.”

Sssssss

As I broadened my sensory perception, it felt like vast expanses were flooding into my awareness. It felt as if the darkness between heaven and earth was engulfed in a whirlwind of light. Countless spirits were swirling around me! The sensation was so alien; my skin crawled with goosebumps. It felt even somewhat eerie.

“Among all those spirits, you should be able to detect something particularly massive. There should be a soul that is hundreds of times larger than the others.”

“…I can feel it.”

True to Mangnyang’s words, amidst the hundreds of thousands of souls, I detected giants among them. Instead of floating like the small souls that resembled feathers, these massive souls remained stationary, hardly moving. While observing these colossal spirits, I suddenly spotted something intriguing.

“Whoa, there’s something huge and red!”

There was something even larger than the massive souls, tinged bright red and wriggling like it was alive.

“Don’t touch that. It’s either an evil spirit or a great demon.”

“What?!”

“They are malevolent beings that missed the time of ascension and inflict harm upon others. Remember its location so you can go hunt it down later.”

As he finished speaking, Mangnyang said, “Now, it’s time. Command the colossal spirits by saying ‘I summon you according to the vow of the ten fingers.’ They’ll respond.”

I nodded and mentally shouted, “I summon you according to the vow of the ten fingers!”

Pa-at!

As my thought completed, I noticed the massive souls appearing near me. They started to take shape, slowly transforming into human forms. Mangnyang chuckled and said, “As expected, there are powerful spirits nearby.”

“Mangnyang, what should I do now?”

“Choose any one of them and welcome it into your body.”

After scanning my surroundings, I pulled one of the spirits into my body. It slipped in like water being absorbed and soon took control. Yet, my consciousness remained clear, and I could sense that the Spirit Invocation was a success. The spirit within me spoke in a gruff voice.

“Why have you summoned me?”

Mangnyang asked, “Who are you?”

“I am Dian Wei!”

“Whoa… starting off with a heavyweight,” Mangnyang exclaimed in amazement.

“Ten li northwest from here, there’s an evil monster. Could you take care of it?”

“Got it!”

Dian Wei, as he was called, borrowed my body and drew a sword. Soon, my sword was enveloped in a bluish energy that looked like an axe. Then Dian Wei charged northward, eventually arriving at a ruined shrine.

[Kraaahhh!!]

There, coiled like a snake, was a demon. Judging by the corpses strewn about, it seemed to have devoured quite a few people. With fire in his eyes, Dian Wei shouted, “Die!!”

With a clang, Dian Wei hacked at the snake demon, taking it down. His swings weren’t particularly skilled, but the power and speed behind them were incredible. I couldn’t help but wonder if I could muster that level of potential even with my techniques. Moreover, he seemed so resilient that despite being bitten several times and sustaining no injuries, his vitality was astonishing.

After finishing his task, Dian Wei began to separate from my body and said, “I have fulfilled your request.”

“……”

While I stood there dumbfounded, Mangnyang suddenly appeared with the speed of teleportation, chuckling as he spoke.

“Baek Woong, check how many symbols you still have.”

“…There are nine left.”

“Each time you summon a spirit, one of the symbols gets extinguished. The spirit will remain summoned and infinitely maintained until your request is fulfilled. Plus, you can directly access the power and knowledge of that spirit.”

“What are you saying?”

Mangnyang laughed softly. “Baek Woong, check your memories. Aren’t there new experiences stored in your head?”

“Whoa!”

Upon reflection, I realized I had gained knowledge about axe techniques and combat I had never encountered before! It wasn’t the fanciest martial art, but it was an incredibly practical fighting style that maximized my strengths. I could even tell the technique of a general essential for battling on the front lines! Such expertise typically took years of axe fighting to acquire.

“That’s the battle experience of the legendary warrior Dian Wei. By summoning him through the Heavenly Secret Technique, you’ve assimilated part of that experience,” he confirmed.

“Wow… the strategies of a Three Kingdoms warrior.”

“But with your world-class martial skill, a mere warrior’s essence probably won’t excite you much,” Mangnyang continued.

After his comments, he instructed again, “This time, confirm the form of the spirit and choose someone who looks like a scholar instead of a warrior.”

“Understood.” I again invoked a colossal spirit with the vow of the ten fingers. Indeed, I spotted a spirit dressed like a scholar, as Mangnyang had described. Curious, I decided to inquire.

[Who are you?]

[I am Fang Xuanling.]

Ah! I was taken aback.

Fang Xuanling!

He was a major political figure during the Tang Dynasty, a brilliant strategist and chief among the eighteen scholars of the Jin Wang. Also, he was a trusted aide to the legendary Emperor Li Shimin, often referred to as an unparalleled sage. Anyone who had studied any bit of history couldn’t fail to know him. He was indeed a key minister supporting the Tang Dynasty right after its founding!

‘Could it be…’ I felt dumbfounded at the thought of having someone from a millennium ago before me. Fang Xuanling gazed at me intently and said, “If summoned by a vow, you must have a request.”

“Ah, then I would like to gain some knowledge…”

“That shouldn’t be a problem.”

Swoosh!

A moment later, Fang Xuanling began channeling to me, seeming absorbed in thought. Mangnyang, who was standing by, asked, “Do you need writing brush, ink, and paper?”

“I do.”

“Then, let’s go.”

Mangnyang guided Fang Xuanling back to Jinrang Valley using the teleportation technique. Upon arrival, Fang Xuanling grabbed a brush and began to write profusely on paper. After a considerable amount of time, once the spirit invocation released, I saw that he had written enough knowledge to fill two entire volumes!

As I was brushing off my hands, still a bit shaken, Mangnyang remarked, “This knowledge is about a thousand years old, so there might be some irrelevant parts, but he is indeed a sage. His accumulated political wisdom is remarkable.”

“Could this be the technique to summon the spirits of great individuals?”

“Indeed.” Mangnyang nodded.

“With the Heavenly Secret Technique, you can summon ancient spirits whenever necessary and obtain their strength and wisdom. As you accumulate more uses, your growth rate will accelerate even more rapidly. With this, you might reach your goals before your previous lives stack hundreds high!”

“……!!”

“Moreover, the more you use it, the more your Spirit Medium Physique and Spirit Power will develop, making it a double win.”

I realized this technique was incredible. I could summon legendary generals, sages, and monarchs who left their mark on Central Plains history, request their help, and gain a part of their experience. Though not as grand as the blessings from the Great Immortal or the summoning of Yeodong-bin, its potential for future applications was endless.

‘Truly a technique recorded only in the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate left by the Great Immortal…’ Such convenient, powerful techniques were not typical; this was exclusive to Immortals. Suddenly, a question sprang to my mind, and I turned to Mangnyang.

“Mangnyang, but why don’t these ancient spirits head to the afterlife?”

“Hmm?”

“Fang Xuanling was a person from a thousand years ago, and Dian Wei was nearly fourteen hundred years back. According to Buddhist principles of reincarnation, shouldn’t they have gone to the afterlife and reincarnated into new beings?”

“……”

Mangnyang looked quite troubled. He replied, “Well, it’s complicated, but allow me to mention that your question contains a misconception.”

“What do you mean?”

Mangnyang sighed. “The afterlife and the underworld aren’t the same thing. They are distinctly different.”‘

“……? What does that mean?”

Mangnyang’s gaze drifted upward. “It means all humans in this world cannot escape from God’s reach even after death…”

 

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