Descent from the Mountain (1)

Descent from the Mountain (1)

 The Next Day

Ryu Ji-gwang and Yeon Ga-hee visited Shaolin Temple again, and Mu-Jin led them to Hyun Kwang's pavilion. As the treatment for the three patients was concluding, Hyu Min, the direct disciple of the Hammer Registry Hall Abbot, came to the pavilion.

"I greet Elder Hyun Kwang."

"Hahaha, it's been a while, Hyu Min."

After briefly acknowledging Hyu Min's greeting, Hyun Kwang glanced at Mu-Jin and Ryu Ji-gwang.

"It seems you have come to see Mu-Jin and the Merchant Chief."

"Yes, Elder."

Hyun Kwang nodded at Hyu Min's words and addressed Mu-Jin and Ryu Ji-gwang.

"I will rest here with Lady Yeon, so please proceed comfortably."

"Hahaha, Merchant Chief, young Mu-Jin, please go ahead."

Mu-Jin and Ryu Ji-gwang politely greeted Yeon Ga-hee and Hyun Kwang before following Hyu Min. Initially, it seemed they were heading to the Hammer Registry Hall, but Hyu Min led them to the abbot's office instead.

Inside the abbot's office, the abbot Hyun Chun and the Hammer Registry Hall Abbot Hyun Myung were waiting.

"Greetings. I am the abbot, Hyun Chun. Amitabha."

"I am Ryu Ji-gwang, the leader of the Heavenly Flow Merchant Group. It is an honor to meet the esteemed abbot."

As the abbot greeted him with a half bow, Ryu Ji-gwang responded with a cupped-fist salute.

"We have heard about your proposal from the Hammer Registry Hall Abbot and view it positively. We invited you here today to discuss the project in more detail."

After explaining to Ryu Ji-gwang, Hyun Chun glanced at Mu-Jin and continued.

"Mu-Jin's treatment methods are crucial for this project, and from what I've heard, the foundation of the project is based on his ideas, so we invited him as well."

"I intended to invite young Mu-Jin to the meeting anyway, abbot."

Ryu Ji-gwang agreed with a nod.

After the introductions, they all took their seats. Naturally, everyone's attention turned to Mu-Jin.

"I heard that you suggested dividing the facilities into free ones and specialized ones for the wealthy."

"Yes, abbot."

"Do you have a more detailed plan in mind?"

"For the free facility, we need to accommodate multiple patrons simultaneously, which can lead to confusion in treatment or education. Therefore, it would be better to have different exercise routines scheduled by time slots or days."

"Different exercise routines by day?"

"Yes. One day could focus on exercises that loosen the legs and feet, another day could concentrate on the hips, and another on the back and shoulders. By having a room or guide in front of the clinic to inform patrons, the education process can be more organized. Patrons can visit according to their specific needs."

Mu-Jin explained methods adapted from large fitness centers.

"This approach also makes it easier to use equipment in large quantities. Only the equipment needed for the specific time slot or day would be taken out of storage, while the rest remains stored. This is particularly useful as some Pilates equipment can be quite large, and having everything out at once could create chaos."

Considering the free facility would need to conduct exercises for many people simultaneously, multiple pieces of the same equipment would be required.

"For the specialized treatment facility, after assessing the patient's condition through acupressure or palpation, a comprehensive treatment plan using various tools tailored to each patient's needs would be ideal. Adding heat therapy and electrotherapy at the end would make it perfect."

After listening to Mu-Jin's explanation, Abbot Hyun Chun seemed somewhat concerned.

"Mu-Jin, I understand that heat therapy and electrotherapy are particularly effective for severe conditions. Shouldn't these also be available in the free facility?"

"There are two issues, Abbot. One is that there are not enough people skilled in heat therapy and electrotherapy. The other is the differentiation from the specialized facility."

"Hmm. Given time, we can train more people in heat therapy and electrotherapy. Since we began treating Elder Hyun Kwang, the Disciplinary Head and Hyu Dam have already instructed their disciples to train in these techniques."

Currently, only the direct disciples of Hyun Gong and Hyu Dam had received these instructions. However, given time, all who had learned techniques related to heat and electrotherapy could be trained.

Yet, the issue of differentiation between the specialized and free facilities remained.

'To be a Buddhist, and to struggle with issues of discrimination...'

As Hyun Chun pondered this, Ryu Ji-gwang spoke up.

"I have a solution for the differentiation issue, Abbot."

"Oh? Please share your thoughts, Merchant Chief."

"Since we plan to establish a clinic, we can have physicians stationed there as well. For those using the specialized facility, in addition to receiving treatment, they can also be provided with medicinal decoctions or acupuncture tailored to their therapy, which would be enough to differentiate the services."

"If we are going to have physicians, what about this?"

Mu-Jin added to Ryu Ji-gwang's suggestion.

"If word spreads, many will likely flock to the free facility. If we attempt to provide heat therapy and electrotherapy to everyone, it will become overwhelming. Instead, we can have physicians at the free facility to assess and select those with severe conditions for additional heat therapy and electrotherapy."

"Then it seems we have a rough framework."

"It was indeed wise to include Mu-Jin in this meeting, Abbot."

"Hahaha, I am merely grateful that you see the potential in one of our Shaolin's rising talents. Thank you, Merchant Chief."

Further discussions followed, and the structure for the large fitness center, or rather the musculoskeletal treatment clinic, which was to be run jointly by Shaolin Temple and the Heavenly Flow Merchant Group, began to take shape.

The free facility for the less fortunate would follow a method derived from modern GX classes(Group Ex Classes). 

The specialized treatment facility would offer a luxurious course starting with acupressure and massage, followed by Pilates and yoga, manual therapy, electrotherapy, and infrared therapy. Additionally, high-quality Dragon Well tea, snacks, medicinal decoctions, and acupuncture would be provided.

"Acquiring an estate, renovating the interior, and ordering a large quantity of exercise equipment will take time. Meanwhile, our Shaolin will select and train disciples to participate in the treatment. Mu-Jin."

"Yes, Abbot."

"Aside from electrotherapy and heat therapy, we will need to educate those managing the free facility on the use of the exercise equipment and the Muscle Stretching Technique. I will inform the Outer Hall Leader, so please share your knowledge with the senior disciples of the Outer Hall and the Hammer Registry Hall."

Abbot Hyun Chun, who had assigned a new task to Mu-Jin, turned to Ryu Ji-gwang again.

"How long do you estimate it will take to prepare the treatment facility and exercise equipment, Merchant Chief?"

"I estimate it will take about a month."

"By that time, our Shaolin's preparations should be nearly complete."

Eventually, the rough plan was finalized with the agreement to open the clinic after about a month of preparation. Abbot Hyun Chun and Ryu Ji-gwang decided that the specific details would be discussed whenever Ryu Ji-gwang visited Shaolin Temple for treatment.

"Hall Leader of the Hammer Registry Hall, please guide the Merchant Chief. Mu-Jin, stay behind as I have a matter to discuss with you."

After the meeting concluded, Abbot Hyun Chun detained Mu-Jin. Naturally, Mu-Jin remained in the Abbot's office with a sense of curiosity, while Ryu Ji-gwang left with the Hammer Registry Hall Leader, Hyun Myung.

Once they had departed, Hyun Chun, who had been silently watching Mu-Jin, reached into his robe and handed a small box to Mu-Jin.

"What is this?"

"It is an Invocation Pill."

"?????"

Seeing Mu-Jin's perplexed expression, Hyun Chun explained in a calm tone.

"You have accomplished a great feat this time, so I am giving you this as a reward. Be extremely careful when consuming it to avoid any issues."

Mu-Jin's expression changed drastically upon hearing Hyun Chun's explanation. He had not anticipated receiving an Invocation Pill in this manner, but he was not one to refuse such a gift.

"Thank you, Abbot!"

Mu-Jin quickly performed a ceremonial bow and accepted the box from Hyun Chun's hand, making the latter smile wryly.

'I can't tell if Mu-Jin is becoming more like his senior or if his senior is becoming more like Mu-Jin.'

"Amitabha."

Unconsciously, a Buddhist chant escaped Hyun Chun's lips.

---

When Mu-Jin returned to Hyun Kwang's pavilion with the Invocation Pill, Ryu Ji-gwang and Yeon Ga-hee had already left.

"Hahaha, it seems you've received a nice gift."

Hyun Kwang casually asked as he saw Mu-Jin's cheerful demeanor.

"Yes! The Abbot gave me an Invocation Pill as a reward for my recent contributions, Grandfather."

"Hahaha, what a stingy... I mean, what a joyful occasion."

Mu-Jin chose to ignore the strange word he thought he had heard and assumed it was a mistake.

"How about taking it now with my assistance?"

"Yes, let's do that!"

Mu-Jin was eager to experience the effects of the elixir.

He sat next to Hyun Kwang, crossed his legs, and listened intently.

"Listen carefully, Mu-Jin. Absorbing the energy from an elixir is different from absorbing external energy through your breathing."

"What is the difference, Grandfather?"

"When you absorb external energy through your breathing, it enters through your nose and mouth. However, the energy from an elixir travels through your esophagus and into your stomach. Do you understand?"

"You mean I should focus on the energy from the elixir entering my body rather than the energy from my breathing?"

"Hahaha, exactly. Also, every time you exhale, the absorbed energy from the elixir will leave your body through your breath. But if you become greedy and try to hold your breath to keep the energy in, you will risk falling into a state of inner turmoil. You must let go of your greed."

"I understand."

"Do not hastily use your cultivation technique to absorb the energy of the elixir because you are reluctant to lose any through your breath."

For the first time, Hyun Kwang warned Mu-Jin sternly.

Mu-Jin took Hyun Kwang's words to heart and took a deep breath.

He then took the Invocation Pill from the box and swallowed it whole.

As the Invocation Pill was crushed between his teeth and mixed with his saliva, energy began to radiate from it.

'There's no need to rush, but it's also wasteful to let it escape.'

Mu-Jin believed there was no need to chew the elixir finely, so he swallowed it whole to prevent any energy from escaping through his mouth.

The crushed and chewed Invocation Pill traveled down his esophagus to his stomach, and Mu-Jin could vividly feel the energy spreading through his body.

'Phew.'

Focusing on the energy radiating from the Invocation Pill, Mu-Jin activated his cultivation technique.

Great Vehicle Mind Dharma Technique (大乘心法).

After learning the Buddha's Heart Technique and the Prajna Heart Technique, Mu-Jin had started mastering the Great Vehicle Mind Dharma Technique as a third major technique after becoming a senior disciple. It had been three months since he began learning it, and he had no issues using it. While he had not yet reached the level of being able to perform it as fluently as the Prajna Heart Technique or the Buddha's Heart Technique, he was progressing well.

As Mu-Jin focused on the energy from the Invocation Pill and activated the Great Vehicle Mind Dharma Technique, the energy began to move along his meridians according to his will.

Following the principles of the Great Vehicle Mind Dharma Technique, the energy circled through his meridians and settled in his dantian, harmonizing with his own inner energy.

However, there was a problem.

'Damn it. I underestimated the Invocation Pill; there's too much energy.'

Though the Invocation Pill was considered small compared to the larger elixirs, Mu-Jin had only been practicing martial arts for a little over two years. 

Even though he could perform the Prajna Heart Technique and was learning the Great Vehicle Mind Dharma Technique, his inner energy was only equivalent to about seven years of cultivation. 

Despite absorbing the Invocation Pill's energy twice using the Great Vehicle Mind Dharma Technique, there was still more energy radiating from it than his own inner energy.

'Now I understand why I was warned against being greedy.'

To absorb all this energy without wasting any cultivation, Mu-Jin felt he would need to stop breathing for at least half a moment. Alternatively, he would have to operate his inner energy technique at least ten times faster than he was doing now. 

In simple terms, both options were suicidal acts. 

*Phew.* 

As he exhaled deeply, the energy from the Invocation Pill began to dissipate, but Mu-Jin cleared his mind. 

"I'll absorb only what I can." 

Clearing his mind, Mu-Jin focused solely on the energy emanating from the Invocation Pill in his stomach and continued to use the Great Vehicle Mind Dharma Technique.

After some time had passed, the energy from the Invocation Pill that had remained in his stomach finally dissipated entirely. 

"Did I absorb about three or four doses...?" 

Even though he had only absorbed that much, it felt like his inner energy, which had been condensed in his dantian, had doubled in quantity.

Naturally, feelings of regret arose as Mu-Jin thought about the energy that had flown away despite his efforts. 

Just as Mu-Jin was attempting to gather the energy with the Great Vehicle Mind Dharma Technique within his regretful thoughts...

"Mu-Jin, from now on, you will absorb the dispersed energy from the Invocation Pill in the atmosphere. Focus. You must not lose concentration under any circumstances." 

Suddenly, Hyun Kwang's words pierced Mu-Jin's ears. It was a somewhat incomprehensible story, but if Hyun Kwang said it, there must be a reason. 

Mu-Jin, who had been absorbing the energy from the Invocation Pill internally, now began to absorb the ambient energy as he normally would.

*!?* 

Mu-Jin was about to express his astonishment inadvertently. If Hyun Kwang hadn't warned him beforehand, an accident would have occurred. 

Surprisingly, as Mu-Jin began to absorb the external energy, the energy that had previously escaped through Mu-Jin's breath was now being sucked into his nose and mouth along with the energy from the Invocation Pill. 

This was the skill Hyun Kwang was employing. 

It was a skill that masters often used when taking elixirs. 

To absorb the energy that escaped through their breath while absorbing the energy from the elixir, they would bind the escaping energy with their own inner energy. 

But it was impossible for Mu-Jin, who had not reached that level, to use such a skill while absorbing the energy from the Invocation Pill. 

That's why Hyun Kwang, instead of Mu-Jin, had been binding all the energy that Mu-Jin had exhaled so far. 

And now, Hyun Kwang was distributing the energy from the Invocation Pill, which Mu-Jin could absorb in one breath, little by little into Mu-Jin's nose and mouth. 

This was an endless task. 

Since Mu-Jin's dantian was not yet large enough, he could not absorb too much energy at once. 

And so, bit by bit, Hyun Kwang was blowing the energy from the Invocation Pill into Mu-Jin's nose and mouth for him to absorb. 

How long had it been since he started absorbing the energy from the Invocation Pill that Hyun Kwang was blowing into him? 

Suddenly, as if struck by lightning, Mu-Jin, who had absorbed all the energy, opened his eyes with a dazzling light.