Chapter 3
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 3
Guided by Gong Ah, Ise stepped into the small conference room of the Central Main Hall.
Mongryeon was already waiting for him. She looked Ise up and down, her gaze warm with approval.
"Now that you're well-fed and cleanly dressed, you look much more presentable."
"It is all thanks to your care, Leader."
"Keep this in mind: a healthy body is a solid foundation, and upon it rests true power. Moving forward, make sure you eat three full meals a day, plus snacks at least twice a day."
"Yes, Leader."
Mongryeon clapped her hands twice, then handed him a silver identification tag.
"This proves your identity here at the Ghost-Guarding Temple. Do not lose it. Keep it on your person at all times."
"Understood."
"Now, let me explain what lies ahead. I intend to help you enter the Great Martial Dao."
"The Great Martial Dao?"
"Yes. I will explain the details in due time. For now, just think of it as the largest, most systematic, and absolute strongest demon ghost hunting organization in existence."
Ise listened intently, engraving the name 'Great Martial Dao' into his mind.
"To enter the Great Martial Dao, you must possess four virtues: Knowledge, Martial Prowess, Bravery, and Dao Principle."
Knowledge: The fundamental information required to hunt demon ghosts and the wisdom to achieve enlightenment.
Martial Prowess: A healthy body and formidable physical strength.
Bravery: The audacity to face death without fear in the presence of the enemy.
Dao Principle: The mindset of remaining centered on the Dao and doing what must be done.
Hearing this explanation, Ise tilted his head. "That feels... somewhat different from what I imagined."
"Naturally. I will tell you this much in advance: the Great Martial Dao is not an organization that hunts demon ghosts out of burning revenge. Hunting them is merely a means to an end. Ultimately, it is a Daoist Temple."
"I don't quite understand."
"That is completely normal. For now, we will focus on two things that take time. First, your identification tag grants you access to the library at the far end of the Main Hall. It holds countless books recording the history and knowledge of the Dogwi Tribe. Start by studying the texts related to ghost exorcism, step by step."
Ise's eyes sparkled at the mention of a library. From a young age, he had learned to read quickly, and he had always loved visiting Master Wisaeng's study to devour books.
"Second is building your basic physical stamina. Train every day for as long as your body holds up. As for what kind of exercises to do, refer to the Basic Physical Training Guide in the library."
"Yes, Leader."
"We will focus purely on your basic stamina for about a month."
"Understood."
Mongryeon's lips curled into a smile, deeply pleased with his crisp, straightforward response.
* * *
One week passed since she gave him those brief instructions.
Having traveled quite far on a covert mission, Mongryeon decided to check on her human disciple's progress. She sent a message to the Dogwi of the Ghost-Guarding Temple, inquiring about the boy's well-being.
However, the response returned by carrier pigeon was simply: 'We do not really know.'
They reported only that he ate lunch, exercised for three shijins, ate dinner, and then vanished behind closed doors.
What on earth is this kid up to?
Returning to the Ghost-Guarding Temple a few days later, Mongryeon finally realized why the Dokkaebi hadn't been able to keep track of Ise's whereabouts.
The stubborn boy did absolutely nothing besides eating, exercising, and reading.
After lunch, he would begin his workout. After dinner, he would head straight into the library.
There, he would read all night, sleep for about two shijins—roughly four hours—on the hard library floor, eat the rice balls he had brought with him, and continue reading until lunchtime.
He was even pointlessly meticulous, dutifully logging every single book he read in the rental records—and his reading speed was simply unmatched.
To the Dogwi Tribe, who absolutely detested reading, this behavior was baffling enough to make a Dokkaebi weep.
Gong Ah would occasionally drop by out of curiosity, only to get bored, let out a long yawn, lean against his shoulder to snooze for a while, and then leave.
She grumbled that he sat so still it was actually comfortable to use him as a pillow.
Though Mongryeon had told him to work hard, she hadn't expected him to go to such extremes.
Mongryeon looked back and forth between the kitchen maid and Ise, letting out a soft chuckle.
"Is reading really that enjoyable? He doesn't even notice if the food is going into his mouth or his nose."
"I knew he was exceptionally clever! Did you already know, Leader?"
"If he had been born into a powerful family, he would have become a great scholar. He's extraordinarily sharp. Make sure you take good care of his meals."
"Yes, don't worry. As you can see, he eats his fill."
"Tsk, at least he listens."
Mongryeon walked over to Ise, who was currently shoveling food into his mouth in a frantic hurry.
Clearly, he intended to finish as quickly as possible so he could shut himself back up in the library.
Unable to watch this any longer, Mongryeon set a bowl of water down in front of him.
"Eat slowly, before you choke."
"Leader." Ise paused, acknowledging her.
"How much sleep are you getting?"
"I sleep from the Hour of the Rat to the Hour of the Ox."
Two shijins. Four hours.
That was hopelessly insufficient. Worse, he was merely catching fitful naps on the hard library floor.
"Sleep more."
"How much more should I sleep?"
"Double it."
"..."
"Have you forgotten my words? You need to eat well and sleep well to grow tall."
"But the time... I need to increase my physical training hours now."
"You've grown comfortable here, haven't you? Are you backtalking me now?"
"...I will increase my sleep."
"And sleep in your room. The floor isn't good for deep rest."
"..."
"Answer me."
"Yes, Leader."
Just as Mongryeon instructed, Ise increased his sleep time and began sleeping in his own quarters.
Of course, if there was a problem with this arrangement, it was that his meal times became even shorter to compensate.
* * *
A month had passed since Ise joined the Ghost-Guarding Temple.
Mongryeon's worries soon proved groundless. Ise had stopped going to the library altogether.
Instead, he drastically increased his basic physical training time.
Now, he spent almost his entire day doing nothing but eating, sleeping, and exercising.
Mongryeon summoned Ise. "Why haven't you been going to the library lately?"
"I have memorized all the books. Now, I only need to stop by occasionally to make sure I haven't forgotten anything."
Mongryeon could hardly believe her ears. The boy certainly wasn't the type to lie, but this defied all common sense.
"To what extent have you memorized them?"
"Not word for word without a single mistake, but I remember almost all the core concepts."
"I will have to test that. Tell me about the 'Shin Choe' from the Gangsan Records."
"It is a high-grade demon ghost with a Danger Level of Two. It possesses a human face, a monkey's body, and only one arm and one leg. It unleashes Yin Art through a mournful, wailing cry, and its weakness is Water Art."
Mongryeon scoured her memory, testing him on everything she knew. Yet, the boy recited the information fluently without a moment's hesitation, as easily as a monk chanting scriptures.
It seemed his knowledge base might even surpass hers, despite her being a veteran of a hundred battles.
"...I had my doubts, but putting your reading speed aside, your comprehension and memory are truly extraordinary. Excellent. Even if you think you've memorized everything, drop by occasionally to cement it into your long-term memory. Make it second nature. Though, it seems you already know to do that."
"Yes, Leader."
"Do not forget: Ghost Exorcism is not accomplished with brute force alone. Like a tiger hunting its prey, you must create a situation where victory is absolute, and fight safely."
"I will keep that in mind."
She then scanned Ise's body up and down. "Your physical training seems to have been thorough as well."
He had developed a healthy amount of lean muscle without hindering his growth. His frame and build were developing splendidly.
What a truly satisfying disciple he was. Regardless of his origins, she couldn't help but dote on him.
Though it was sooner than she expected, if he had truly read all the books in the library, it was time to gradually reveal the deeper truths of this world to him.
Only by setting a clear goal before embarking on true cultivation could he aim for the higher realms.
"What is a demon ghost?"
"A wicked entity."
"I commend your guts to call them wicked right in front of a demon ghost," she smirked. "But be a bit more specific."
Ise pondered for a moment, organizing his thoughts before answering calmly.
"They are beings that strove to become Divine Beasts or Immortals but lost their Dao Principle, became tainted by demonic energy, and fell. Alternatively, they are entities that died and became vengeful ghosts or evil spirits due to deep worldly grudges."
"Correct. That is the standard description of a demon ghost. Of course, there are exceptions like us Dogwi, who are adapted to demonic energy from birth. Then, what is demonic energy?"
"I read an explanation describing it as tainted divine energy, but I didn't fully understand it."
"That explanation is roughly correct. Divine energy—known as Spiritual Energy in the Mortal Realm—is the mysterious power that forms the foundation of this world. It determines fate and balances Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements."
Mongryeon paused for a breath before continuing.
"Whether human, animal, or plant, if one awakens an innate Spirit Root through some fateful encounter—or acquires a Spirit Root later in life—they can overcome their mortal lifespan, defy the heavenly laws, and become a transcendent being. Tell me, how old do I look to you?"
"You look like you're in your early twenties."
"Don't flatter me."
"...You look to be between your thirties and forties."
"You shaved off quite a few years. I stopped counting a long time ago, but I am over three hundred and forty years old."
Ise did the math in his head. Dogwi lived twice as long as humans, so their natural expected lifespan should only be around two hundred years.
"The process of cultivating the Dao to become an Immortal is called Immortal Cultivation, and those who pursue it are known as Cultivators."
"That sounds like a story from a novel. Then, are you a Cultivator as well, Leader?"
"We Dogwi do not seek the Dao, but in terms of accumulating demonic energy to reach higher realms and transcend our physical limits, the core principle is exactly the same."
Though this might be Ise's first time hearing about it due to his young age, tales of Cultivators active all across the world were actually quite widespread.
Especially for those whose livelihoods involved dealing with demon ghosts, it was considered basic knowledge.
"You will learn about Spiritual Energy in detail when you enter the Great Martial Dao anyway. After all, there's nothing more absurd than a demon ghost discussing the Dao."
"Earlier, you mentioned that the Great Martial Dao isn't an organization hunting demon ghosts out of revenge, but rather a Daoist Temple using hunting as a means. Are they Cultivators?"
"Indeed. The Great Martial Dao is a faction that seeks to achieve Immortal Cultivation. They accumulate Spiritual Energy through the Ghost-Banishing Spirit-Purging Cultivation Art while actively hunting and exorcising demon ghosts."
"That doesn't seem to suit me."
"You don't know what you're talking about. Maintaining your composure and a steadfast center even while pursuing revenge—that is precisely the quality of a supreme Cultivator."
"Is that so?"
"Of course, there are other Daoist Temples out there, and you could build your strength by joining martial halls or other organizations... but aside from a tiny fraction of Cultivation Sects and a few Cultivation Clans, most are completely half-baked. Among them all, only the Great Martial Dao can be called the true primary heir of the Cultivation World. They possess absolute orthodoxy."
Ise listened quietly to Mongryeon's explanation. Her words were as captivating as the old myths told by a grandmother.
"Without a Spirit Root, you cannot wield Spiritual Energy, making Ghost Exorcism virtually impossible. Facing even a mid-grade demon ghost would mean getting ripped limb from limb the moment you meet. You don't seem to have a Spirit Root, but do not worry. Once you join the Great Martial Dao, they will 'create' one for you."
"Then when can I take the entrance exam for the Great Martial Dao?"
"The eligible age to take the Great Martial Dao's entrance exam is between sixteen and nineteen. It is held once a year, meaning you will have exactly four chances in your entire lifetime."
"Is there a reason for the age limit?"
"If you are too young, your body is not fully developed and therefore unfit for the training. If you are too old, a Spirit Root can no longer be created."
"I understand."
"Providing a Spirit Root is beyond my power... and since you are so intelligent, you can clearly take care of the Knowledge aspect on your own. So, for the next six years, my task is to teach you how to master your body. Follow me."
Mongryeon led Ise to the armory.
The Dogwi Tribe was just as famous for their combat arts and weapon skills as they were for their demonic power.
Given their immense innate strength, their primary weapon was the Golden Shattering Club—often called the Dokkaebi club. However, there was no weapon they couldn't wield, be it swords, sabers, or spears. They could even subdue low-grade demon ghosts with pure bare-handed strength alone.
Ise had actually sparred with young Dogwi of his own age on occasion. Each time, he had keenly felt the insurmountable physical gap between their species.
"Is there a weapon you want?"
"Not particularly..."
If he had to choose, perhaps a hand axe. It was a tool he had been familiar with since childhood.
Ise selected a Small Axe and a shield.
At first, he had wanted to use two axes, one in each hand, but protecting his mortal body seemed like the absolute top priority.
"A Small Axe. The reach is a bit short when swinging, but when dealing with demon ghosts, well, it doesn't matter much. Most of them will have a longer reach than you anyway. Why did you choose a shield?"
"Because I read that protecting oneself before attacking the opponent is the second principle of hunting."
"Good. Carry those as your primary equipment. However, when hunting specific demon ghosts, you must prepare an appropriate secondary tool in your shield hand. Just like when you faced the Wadu Scholar holding a spear filled with bamboo salt. In a way, you instinctively know how to hunt demon ghosts."
"Yes."
"Use those for now. I'll get you much better weapons soon. Let me start by teaching you how to properly use your body. Once you master the basics of Unarmed Martial Arts, I will teach you the secret techniques of the Dogwi Tribe that can be used even without Spiritual Energy: Dokkaebi Footwork and Dokkaebi Sense."
Ise nodded, his face full of anticipation.
"For your information, my training is fierce."
"Please train me with the mindset that if I happen to die in the process, so be it."
"Arrogant brat."
Contrary to her harsh words, Mongryeon wore an expression of intense satisfaction.