Wudang Sacred Scriptures

The Master of Yeongmudang was an Il-dae Disciple, known as Hyeonmun Dojang.

“Senior Brother Hyeonmun, these are the new disciples from the Training Hall this year.”
“Junior Brother Kang, you’ve worked hard.”
“It’s just my usual duty, hardly something to call hard work.”

“I heard this year’s new disciples were particularly troublesome.”
“There were some difficulties, but thanks to them, we found some exceptional talents.”
“Well, exceptional or not, they’re still from the Training Hall.”

“……”
“Ah! That wasn’t meant as a remark against you.”
“It’s fine. In any case, they are promising, so please take good care of them.”

“They will simply do what is required of them.”
Hyeonmun Dojang spoke coldly.
“Either way, you’ve done well. You may take your leave now.”

“Since I’m here, may I have an audience with the Great Senior Brother?”
“Unfortunately, the Great Senior Brother has entered secluded training.”
Without hesitation, Hyeonmun Dojang cut off Kang Ik-yu’s request.

“Do you wish to say your farewells to the children?”
It was a clear dismissal.
“I’ve already said what I needed to. I shall take my leave now.”

Kang Ik-yu glanced at the Training Hall disciples once before turning away.
Kwak Yeon watched the Chief Instructor depart, feeling a sharp ache in his chest.
“Everyone, pay attention.”
The atmosphere around Hyeonmun Dojang turned even colder.

“As of today, you have become disciples of the Main Sect of the Great Wudang Sect. That means you must dedicate yourselves fully to proving your worth. You will train in fundamental techniques here in Yeongmudang for one year, after which you will be selected as disciples by the various Palaces. You must not neglect your training for even a moment.”
The disciples stiffened in shock. Another selection process awaited them.
“If you have any questions, speak now.”

“What happens if we are not selected?”
“You will continue training as general disciples.”
Hyeonmun Dojang’s voice remained firm.

“There is something far more important for you to remember.”
“……?”
“You should already know that the martial arts of our sect are built upon scholarly study. Your potential has already been proven, so I am not too concerned. However, if you fail to cultivate internal energy within this one-year training period, you will not be allowed to remain in the Main Sect.”

The disciples recoiled in alarm. In other words, they could be expelled from the Main Sect entirely.
“Master, has such a case ever occurred before?”
“Not during my time as the Hall Master.”

“Ah……!”
“However, I cannot guarantee the same will hold true this year.”
Nothing about Yeongmudang seemed different from life in the Training Hall.

The only distinctions were that the instructors were Il-dae Disciples, and that they would now begin formal martial arts training.
The very first lesson began that same day, led by Yeongmudang’s Hall Master, Hyeonmun Dojang.
“In the Training Hall, you practiced basic Danjon Breathing Techniques. Forget all of that. Starting today, you will learn new breathing techniques based on Internal Cultivation Methods.”

One of the disciples hesitantly raised a hand.
“Master, I have a question.”
“What is it?”

“We’ve only just arrived at the Main Sect.”
“And?”
“Is it normal to begin training immediately without even an induction ceremony?”

The question resonated with all the new disciples.
They had given up hope for a grand welcoming ceremony, but they had at least expected a simple induction ritual.
Becoming an official disciple of the Main Sect—shouldn’t that involve some kind of ceremony, like paying respects at the Ancestral Shrine?

“Did anyone stop you when you crossed Haegyeomji?”
“No, Master.”
“That is because you are already recognized as disciples of the Main Sect.”

“……!”
In other words, crossing Haegyeomji itself was the induction ceremony.
Hyeonmun Dojang continued.

“As new disciples, you will be grouped together as peers. When you leave Yeongmudang, the Palace Lords who selected you will assign you a master. Based on that, your Senior-Juniorship rankings will be determined. At that time, you will formally conduct the Induction Ceremony alongside the Sword Bestowal Ritual, where you will receive your swords.”
The disciples flinched.
“Does that mean we will also have designated senior and junior ranks among ourselves?”

“Correct. Our sect follows strict generational and hierarchical order. A prestigious sect is built upon tradition and discipline. Therefore, devote yourselves to training and produce results.”
Kwak Yeon felt an overwhelming sense of pressure.
At the Training Hall, competition had been relentless.

And now, in the Main Sect, the competition would simply continue unseen.
Kwak Yeon raised his hand.
“Master, what happens if we are not chosen as disciples by any of the Palaces?”

Hyeonmun Dojang looked at him.
“You will continue practicing the martial arts of Yeongmudang and train as a general disciple.”
“……”

“That is nothing to be disappointed about. Yeongmudang teaches the foundational techniques of the entire Main Sect. Even Chief Instructor Kang, for example, became a top-class martial artist through these teachings.”
The expressions of the new disciples darkened.
After all, who wouldn’t wish to learn Supreme Martial Arts?

Hyeonmun Dojang suddenly raised his voice.
“You should already understand the value of time. Even on the first day, would you waste it on some meaningless induction ceremony?”
The new disciples responded in unison.

“No, Master!”
Hyeonmun Dojang, still as cold as ever, continued.
“Before I teach you Internal Cultivation Methods, I will explain the foundation of our studies. All Internal Cultivation begins with Seated Meditation. Does anyone know why?”

The disciples remained silent.
Hyeonmun Dojang clicked his tongue.
“Did you learn nothing about meridians in the Training Hall? How could you not know even the most basic principles?”

Under his reprimand, the disciples’ faces flushed red with embarrassment.
It was only natural. The extent of their meridian studies had been limited to the early stages of Byeong-rank training. After that, they had been preoccupied with physical conditioning.
The only knowledge they had needed was enough to understand the basics of internal cultivation methods.

“Chief Instructor Kang said these were outstanding talents—was that all nonsense?”
When Hyeonmun Dojang’s rebuke turned toward the instructors of the Training Hall, Kwak Yeon could not hold back and raised his hand.
“You—speak.”

“It is because seated meditation stabilizes the meridians and allows the vital acupoints to open.”
Hyeonmun Dojang’s eyes glinted with interest.
He had expected a simple response, something along the lines of maintaining a stable posture and regulated breathing, which would have been enough to warrant some praise.

“What do you mean by stabilizing the meridians?”
“People unconsciously expend energy to maintain their balance, which causes fluctuations in the meridians. When sitting cross-legged, the posture stabilizes, preventing the meridians from becoming unsettled.”
“And what do you mean by opening the vital acupoints?”

“When sitting in the cross-legged position, the body naturally aligns so that the soles of the feet, the palms, and the crown point toward the sky. This posture allows the twelve meridians to converge, which naturally opens the vital acupoints.”
Hyeonmun Dojang now understood that Kwak Yeon had considerable knowledge of meridians.
“You are correct. Did you study this separately?”

“I simply remembered what the instructor at the Byeong-rank Training Hall taught us.”
Kwak Yeon didn’t mention that his insight came from repeatedly visualizing the Celestial Meridian Map in his daily practice.
He hadn’t spoken to stand out or seek recognition.

He had only wanted to stop the Training Hall instructors from being belittled.
Hyeonmun Dojang clicked his tongue before speaking again.
“There is a significant difference between acting with understanding and acting without it. You should now realize why seated meditation is the foundation of internal cultivation. The greatest benefit comes from breath regulation through energy circulation. However, a warrior cannot spend their entire life seated in meditation. After mastering seated meditation, you must advance to standing cultivation and eventually to lying cultivation—both of which allow breath regulation in different postures. Ultimately, you must reach a state where you can regulate energy while in motion. This is known as moving energy cultivation.”

The disciples were shocked.
They had always believed that energy circulation had to be practiced in a seated position, as failing to do so correctly could lead to energy deviation.
“Why do you all look so surprised?”

“We’ve been told that improper breath regulation can cause energy deviation and must be done with extreme caution.”
“That is true. Which is precisely why we teach Taiji Internal Arts to beginners.”
“……?”

“Taiji Internal Arts form the foundation of this sect’s internal cultivation. It is easy for novices to practice, carries minimal risk, and can be transitioned from seated meditation to standing and, eventually, to moving cultivation—without significant risk of energy deviation. However, it does have one drawback: it accumulates energy slowly.”
At the mention of slow energy accumulation, the disciples' faces fell with disappointment.
They were well aware that even the Outer Sect disciples practiced Taiji Internal Arts.

Having become official disciples of the Main Sect, they had naturally assumed they would learn something far more advanced.
Hyeonmun Dojang, having trained many disciples in Yeongmudang, was familiar with such dissatisfaction.
“You fools! You can’t even walk yet, and you want to run? Taiji Internal Arts are the foundation of all internal cultivation methods in this sect. The energy you build through it will eventually take root, sprout, and bloom. Moreover, it allows for standing, lying, and even moving energy cultivation. In terms of utility alone, it is an unparalleled art passed down through the ages. If you are dissatisfied with this, then leave the sect immediately!”

At his thunderous reprimand, the disciples fell silent.
“Regardless, I will now teach you the key formulas of Taiji Internal Arts. You are already familiar with the twelve meridians and 360 vital acupoints, so understanding the formulas should not be difficult.”
Kwak Yeon sharpened his focus.

This was the moment he had been waiting for.
He had spent countless hours imagining the flow of energy through the Celestial Meridian Map.
Did it matter if this was only a basic internal cultivation method?

Had he not endured all hardships for the sole purpose of making his visions of flowing internal energy a reality?
“Taiji is the origin of all things and is known as the One Principle. From Taiji emerges Yin and Yang, forming the Two Forces. The harmony of Yin and Yang brings forth Heaven, Earth, and Humanity—the Three Fundamentals. As the Three Fundamentals interact, Yin and Yang further divide into the Four Symbols: Greater Yang, Lesser Yin, Greater Yin, and Lesser Yang. This division establishes the four cardinal directions, bringing forth the Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water…”
Kwak Yeon concentrated intensely, determined not to miss a single word.

In his mind, the universe was forming, Heaven and Earth taking shape, landscapes and all living things coming into existence.
“These elements, along with space and time, complete the Ten Directions, embodying the presence of Taiji energy in all things. The Primordial Celestial Lord, inspired by the Grand Cosmos, created humanity in its image, making the human body a microcosm.”
Hyeonmun Dojang seamlessly recited the introductory text of Taiji Internal Arts before proceeding to the key formulas and their interpretations.

The new disciples held their breath, focused entirely on his words.
If the key formulas were poetry, then their interpretations were the meaning behind the verses. They were the very essence of internal cultivation.
“Place your focus on the Sea of Qi, three inches below the navel. Align yourself with the Two Meridians—Conception and Governing Vessels. The twelve-month cycle corresponds to the Twelve Principal Meridians, and the movement of the sun and celestial energies gives rise to the 360 vital acupoints. By breathing in harmony with the energy of the universe, you elevate your Innate Vital Energy and merge it with your Acquired Vital Energy, allowing communion with all things.”

As Kwak Yeon listened, he realized that Taiji Internal Arts was far more than a mere basic technique.
There were deep connections to the principles of Boundless Dao Scripture, an ancient doctrine.
After imparting the key formulas, Hyeonmun Dojang had the disciples commit them to memory for the rest of the day before finally allowing them to practice energy circulation.

“Inhale through the nose, leaving thirty percent of the breath in the lower abdomen while exhaling the remaining seventy percent through the mouth. Inhale softly and without interruption; exhale subtly and imperceptibly. The key principle of breath regulation: Soft inhale, subtle exhale. This method must be applied not only in energy cultivation but in all aspects of your daily life.”
That was the entirety of Taiji Internal Arts training for the first day.
Moreover, no specific time was allocated for energy cultivation practice.

Hyeonmun Dojang, who had been so relentless on the first day, now appeared entirely indifferent.
“Isn’t this strange?”
Seok Jangsan asked as he sat across from Kwak Yeon during their meal.

“What do you mean?”
“Yesterday, he taught us Taiji Internal Arts, but he didn’t tell us when to practice it.”
“Maybe he expects us to figure it out on our own.”

“That could be the case, but for someone who was so strict yesterday, it feels odd that he didn’t mention it at all. He only told us not to be late for morning training.”
“He probably meant that we should handle it ourselves.”
“Maybe, but… wait, Kwak Yeon, why are you getting up?”

“I can’t just sit here doing nothing.”
“Huh?”