Chapter 217
The Thunder God Awakening Spell was designed to transfer the consciousness carrying enlightenment to others. Those receiving the spell would assimilate the enlightenment embedded in the consciousness. The spell had the unique effect of making the user, under its influence, feel as though they had independently attained the enlightenment.
However, the Thunder God Awakening Spell wasn't all-powerful. Obtaining an epiphany through the spell didn't guarantee immediate realization of the enlightenment. It was akin to a toddler who, having just taken their first steps, couldn't sprint right away despite understanding the principle of running.
For the recipient of an enlightenment through the Thunder God Awakening Spell to actualize the epiphany, they needed to possess the necessary foundations. In the context mentioned earlier, the toddler would have to have the physical ability required for running.
Nonetheless, the absence of an immediate foundation didn't render the Thunder God Awakening Spell ineffective. Receiving enlightenment through the spell was akin to knowing the precise destination to aim for. Armed with this clarity, even without an immediate foundation, progress could be made at an accelerated pace.
Baek Cheon-Sang found himself in a state where he wasn't adequately prepared to ascend to the Supreme Realm. Consequently, even with enlightenment gained through the Thunder God Awakening Spell, an immediate transition to the Supreme Realm proved challenging for him.
Mu-Gun was well aware of this reality. Despite Cheon-Sang's current unpreparedness for the Supreme Realm, receiving enlightenment through the Thunder God Awakening Spell would make the ascent relatively easier for him. This alone justified Mu-Gun's decision to use the spell on Cheon-Sang.
Having employed the Thunder God Awakening Spell on Cheon-Sang, Mu-Gun was eager to extend its influence to the venerable elders promptly. However, they were still away in Sichuan Province and weren't expected back for another month.
Until then, Mu-Gun set aside the Thunder God Awakening Spell and thought about the Absolute Realm masters cultivation.
Despite his newfound capability as a Mythic Realm master, Mu-Gun recognized that bestowing Absolute Realm mastery wasn't a casual affair. A prudent approach dictated that the candidates should ideally be at the Upper Peak Realm, and at the very least, they had to have reached the Peak Realm.
Mu-Gun initially considered the Upper Peak Realm masters within the Loyal Heart Alliance. Among the thirteen clans comprising the alliance, the patriarchs of twelve clans were eligible, except for the Baek Sword Sect. Additionally, the five individuals from the Baek Sword SectBaek Cheon-Gi, Baek Cheon-Ho, Baek Cheon-Ung, Baek Soo-Kwang, and Baek Jin-Wonwere also at the Upper Peak Realm.
In total, they totaled seventeen Upper Peak Realm masters, significantly short of Mu-Gun's target of a hundred. His only option was to supplement the remaining slots with Peak Realm masters. For context, the total number of Peak Realm masters within the entire Loyal Heart Alliance was just over a hundred.
By selecting from among them, he could meet his goal of a hundred individuals. Yet, as he had emphasized before, Mu-Gun harbored no intent to elevate the martial realm of martial artists indiscriminately. His foremost criterion was to extend this privilege only to those who, upon careful evaluation of their character, met his standards.
The same principle applied to the Upper Peak Realm masters, and three individuals occupied Mu-Gun's thoughts. Among them were the Byeok Sword Manor Patriarch Byeok Cheol-Seong, the Wind Saber Sect Patriarch Tae Gong-Pyo, and the Sea Palace Sect Patriarch Nam Go-San.
Cheol-Seong and Gong-Pyo had harbored a potent yearning for power since the days of the Zhejiang Martial Alliance. Currently, their aspirations were held in check by the overwhelming influence of the Baek Sword Sect. However, the future held uncertainty regarding how their dispositions might evolve once fortified by increased strength.
Furthermore, Go-San was an individual who prioritized his personal safety and aspirations. If he were to attain the Absolute Realm, there lingered doubt about whether he would venture a risk for the greater good of the world and assume a proactive role.
Nevertheless, these three individuals served as patriarchs of the twelve clans constituting the Loyal Heart Alliance. Excluding them had the potential to jeopardize the unity of the alliance. While the absence of their clans wouldn't necessarily result in the downfall of the Loyal Heart Alliance, there was value in progressing together, considering the journey they had undertaken as a collective.
If they were to depart from the Loyal Heart Alliance, the remaining patriarchs might falter, casting a negative light on the alliance's reputation in the eyes of the outside world. Had these individuals possessed a fatal flaw, Mu-Gun might have considered the risk of excluding them. However, their imperfections were not of such magnitude to warrant that level of concern.
Regardless, whether or not Mu-Gun intervened, as long as Cheon-Sang and the six venerable elders upheld the equilibrium at the core, dissenting thoughts wouldn't easily take root. Most importantly, driven by a shared commitment to safeguard murim, Mu-Gun believed it prudent to proceed alongside them.
Ultimately, Mu-Gun made the decision to employ the Thunder God Enlightenment Spell on his five uncles from the Baek Sword Sect and all the patriarchs of the twelve clans. This secret art enabled Mu-Gun to utilize his internal energy to clear both the conception and governing vessels, guiding them through a transformative process. Importantly, it remained viable even for individuals lacking internal energy and enlightenment.
In theory, if Mu-Gun so desired, he could potentially elevate not just a hundred, but even a thousand individuals to the status of Absolute Realm masters. Furthermore, by applying the Thunder God Awakening Spell to them as well, he could potentially lead them towards the Supreme Realm.
However, Mu-Gun remained acutely aware of the potential predicament that could arise if he abused the Thunder God Enlightenment Spell and the Thunder God Awakening Spell. Throughout history, possessing power had a tendency to fuel the desire to wield it. Furthermore, when individuals with power joined forces, the allure of temptation intensified.
Initially, they might adhere to Mu-Gun's directives, yet with the passage of time, the probability of divergent thoughts emerging was high. However, as long as Mu-Gun retained a presence, rebellion would remain unlikely. The real challenge would surface when Mu-Gun had to depart the Central Plains Murim Alliance to fulfill his responsibilities as the Thunder God's incarnation. The risk of irreversible consequences loomed if conflicting intentions took root in his absence.
Mu-Gun resolved to bestow power only upon those he could trust, ensuring stability in his absence. Additionally, he would limit the granted power to a level he could manage, mitigating the potential fallout even if their intentions diverged from his expectations.
Hence, Mu-Gun established the benchmarks of ten Supreme Realm masters and a hundred Absolute Realm masters. The crucial element lay in the ten Supreme Realm masters, serving as vital figures entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the Absolute Realm masters in Mu-Gun's absence.
Consequently, Mu-Gun opted for individuals he believed would remain steadfast under any circumstancesCheon-Sang and the six venerable elders. Beginning with the selection of those to undergo the Thunder God Enlightenment Spell, Mu-Gun summoned three of his uncles: Cheon-Ho, Cheon-Ung, and Soo-Kwang. He excluded Cheon-Gi, currently serving as the Righteous Blood Branch Leader in Suzhou, and Jin-Won, who was dedicated to nurturing Baek Sword Sect's martial artists in the Sea Dragon Archipelago.
The three people who were called by Mu-Gun appeared at the training hall shortly afterward. "Welcome. I understand that the three of you have been busy, so I apologize for inconveniencing you with my requests."
What are you talking about? Our dear nephew is calling us, so of course we dropped everything else and came running. His third uncle, Cheon-Ung said firmly.
"That's right, you're speaking my language. Isn't our dear nephew the hero who saved murim?" Cheon-Ho, his second uncle, chimed in, nodding in agreement.
Uncles, what are you saying? Mu-Gun smiled shyly.
By the way, why did you call for us? Soo-Kwang asked.
I would like to offer the three of you a proposal.
A proposal? Cheon-Ho asked with a curious look.
Dear uncles, I would like to guide your martial realm to the Absolute Realm. Are you all willing to accept?
You are going to guide us to the Absolute Realm? Are you saying that something like that is possible? Cheon-Ho asked in disbelief.
That is correct.
I think there will be some conditions attached in return for that. Isnt that right? Soo-Kwang asked.
There are no conditions. All you have to do is pledge to use the newly obtained power for murims great cause if you can reach the Absolute Realm. Mu-Gun explained.
Is pledging all we have to do?
I want the Loyal Heart Alliance, not just the Baek Sword Sect, to become the guardians of murim. I also hope that you will be at the center of it, my dear uncles.
There is nothing else to think about. We will naturally do as the Young Patriarch wants. Cheon-Ho happily answered.
Since it is a power I received from the Young Patriarch, I will definitely do as you wish.
I will gladly comply with your will, Young Patriarch.
Following Cheon-Ho, Cheon-Ung and Soo-Kwang also pledged.
I am telling you in advance, but if you go against the pledge and use your newly gained power for a purpose which violates the great cause and righteousness of murim, I will personally make sure that you pay for your crimes. So, you will have to think carefully and answer. Mu-Gun warned them.
Dont worry, that sort of thing will not happen.
Arent you trying to give us more power because you believe in us? Dont worry, we wont betray your trust.
Then, I will place my faith in you and help you gain more power.
As Cheon-Ung had suggested, Mu-Gun placed trust in his uncles. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, he requested them to affirm their commitment with a pledge. Given their immediate and willing acceptance of the pledge, Mu-Gun found no reason to hesitate.
But how are you going to give us power? Cheon-Ho asked.
I am going to use a spell called the Thunder God Enlightenment Spell on the three of you.
The Thunder God Enlightenment Spell?
It is a spell that uses the most extreme energy existing in this worldThunder God Qi to break through your conception and governing vessels as well as help you achieve metamorphosis, Mu-Gun explained.
Our internal energy possesses a different nature compared to the Young Patriarch, so wont there be any issues?
There is nothing to worry about because the Thunder God Qi is capable of commanding all the energy existing in this world, Mu-Gun said firmly.
You have too many worries, Brother. The Young Patriarch definitely knows what he is doing, Cheon-Ho rebuked Cheon-Ung.
Brother, you were also worried inwardly too, so why are you pretending otherwise now? Cheon-Ung said in a baffling tone.
Who said I was worried? I am a firm believer in our dear nephew. Im not lying, I was not worried at all.
Cheon-Ung shook his head at Cheon-Hos idle remarks.
Well then, who wants to go first? Mu-Gun chuckled at the bickering between the two and asked.
Alright then, My older brother who is a firm believer in our dear nephew can go first.
Are you referring to me?
Why? Are you starting to worry after coming this far? Cheon-Ung provoked Cheon-Ho.
Who is worried? Fine, I will go first.
Cheon-Ho stepped up pompously in response to Cheon-Ungs provocation.
Then, only the second uncle should stay here. Could the other two uncles please step away?
As the order was decided, Mu-Gun sent out the other two people except for Cheon-Ho.
Then, when will you use the spell on us? Soo-Kwang asked.
It takes quite some time to perform the spell, so I think I can only do it once a day. Mu-Gun replied.
Then, it seems like we will have to do it tomorrow, not today.
Yes. The two of you can discuss who will receive my guidance tomorrow, and all you have to do is come here after having lunch.
We will do that then.
Cheon-Ung and Soo-Kwang immediately left the training hall.
Then, shall we get started? First of all, please sit in the lotus position in the center of the training hall. The moment the other two left, Mu-Gun said to Cheon-Ho.
Cheon-Ho sat in the center of the training hall as Mu-Gun instructed.
You dont have to be too nervous. Trust me and leave everything to my energy.
Got it.
Then, I will start now.
Mu-Gun initiated the activation of the Thunder God Enlightenment Spell, calming Cheon-Ho's nerves. A momentary flinch escaped Cheon-Ho when he sensed the potent energy piercing through his myeong-mun acupoint. However, he swiftly eased into a state of relaxation, surrendering his body to Mu-Gun's Thunder God Qi. With adept control over Cheon-Ho's energy, Mu-Gun proceeded to clear his conception and governing vessels.
Before he knew it, two hours had elapsed since Mu-Gun initiated the Thunder God Enlightenment Spell. Unhurried, Mu-Gun continued his careful progress, methodically breaking through Cheon-Ho's conception and governing vessels.
After addressing the conception and governing vessels, Mu-Gun promptly directed his focus to the Mud Pill Palace[1]. Though the Mud Pill Palace remained steadfast, it proved defenseless against Mu-Gun's Thunder God Qi. Under the assault of the Thunder God Qi, Cheon-Ho's Mud Pill Palace yielded, succumbing to its influence.
Subsequently, the Thunder God Qi advanced through the Life and Death Gateway. The Life and Death Gateway opened, and the energy of the Celestial Moonlight Cultivation Method surged through the crown of Cheon-Ho's head. The milky white radiance of moonlight qi enveloped his entire body, forming a protective aura around him.
Cheon-Ho's body, enveloped in moonlight qi, ascended approximately three inches above the floor. He entered the Floating Samadhi state, a momentary phenomenon arising from a specific enlightenment during qi circulation. In this state, energy converged towards Cheon-Ho, who hovered above the ground, drawing it in from all directions like a tide.
The moonlight qi enveloping Cheon-Ho steadily expanded in size. This qi, which absorbed the energy from all things in the world to its utmost limit, swirled around Cheon-Ho's body before being drawn in from the crown of his head.
Every subsequent development from this point forward held significant importance. Mu-Gun heightened his concentration, skillfully managing the energy streaming in through the crown of Cheon-Ho's head, directing it towards his dantian. The moonlight qi, saturated with the energy of nature, swiftly inundated Cheon-Ho's dantian.
Despite the fullness of his dantian, the influx of moonlight qi persisted without pause. Mu-Gun took charge, guiding the moonlight qi in an attempt to unlock Cheon-Ho's middle dantian. Following Mu-Gun's direction, the moonlight qi permeated Cheon-Ho's heart.
Under the relentless intrusion of the moonlight qi, Cheon-Ho experienced an intense sensation as if his heart were on the verge of bursting at any moment. The excruciating pain tempted him to cry out 'STOP!' Yet, he clung to his belief in Mu-Gun. Even in the face of potential adversity, he resolved to place his trust in Mu-Gun until the very end.
His belief was soon rewarded. The moonlight qi, delving into Cheon-Ho's heart, coalesced into a singular force, successfully unlocking his second dantianthe middle dantian. Unable to find an alternative path, the moonlight qi congregated within the newly opened middle dantian, swiftly saturating it to capacity.
Subsequently, the bones in Cheon-Ho's body initiated a process of twisting and realignment. Undergoing metamorphosis, his skeletal structure underwent reconstruction. Following the completion of skeletal reconstruction, his muscles and skin, in turn, underwent a similar process of reconstruction.
With an emotional expression, Cheon-Ho opened his eyes after successfully completing the metamorphosis process. At that moment, he had transformed into an Absolute Realm master.
1. The Mud Pill Palace is an area in the upper dantian where qi flows through.
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