The Sword Emperor's Way of Establishing the Namgung Clan

Chapter 28 - The Karma Exchange Religion (1)

After Heo Il and the other seniors had dug into the trail they had caught during the first mission in Dongling, a place suspected of being a secret branch of the Sun and Moon Cult was discovered.

The Ink Scent Division, which had received the report on the results, also judged that the possibility was high, and a mission was formally assigned to the Heavenly Sword Hall.

The majority of the Heavenly Sword Hall was assigned their respective roles, and Namgung Jun was the same.

According to the mission details, Gong Jun-am, Heo Il, and Namgung Jun were to move as a single team.

“The Karma Exchange Religion. It is a religion I have never heard of. Is it an evil cult?”

“It is a religious sect that preaches for the happiness of all by moderately mixing the doctrines of Taoism and Buddhism. On the outside, it does not harm the common people. Rather, it helps them.”

Namgung Jun’s party was in the middle of heading for Mount Hanshan, in the central part of Anhui Province.

Mount Hanshan was the current situation where the headquarters of the new religion called the Karma Exchange Religion was located.

Gong Jun-am, who had been silent, added.

“Because it is an age of chaos, the world is teeming with all sorts of religions. That being said, it is not right to call all of them evil cults.”

If the Azure Sky Society were to persecute all the various religions in the world under the pretext of them misleading the world and deceiving the people, that would be no different from another form of oppression or tyranny.

“But it is true that the majority of cases smell fishy like this. It is also the reason we are infiltrating the Karma Exchange Religion.”

Unlike a religion that everyone shunned like the Sun and Moon Demonic Cult, it was difficult to carelessly meddle with a religion that had gained the support and cheers of the common people.

This was also the reason that Namgung Jun’s party was infiltrating in secret.

The idea that the Karma Exchange Religion was a hidden branch of the Sun and Moon Demonic Cult was merely a suspicion based on circumstantial evidence; they had to find definite proof.

Only then would the Heavenly Sword Hall, which was moving separately from Namgung Jun’s party, have the justification to storm the Karma Exchange Religion and use military force.

Gong Jun-am looked at the empty space at Namgung Jun’s waist and asked.

“It will likely be difficult to use a sword on this mission. Will you be alright with fist and palm styles?”

The reason Namgung Jun was not wearing a sword was because he had disguised himself as another person.

The Great Young Master of the Hong Family Manor, located in Shita, Anhui Province.

A rising star of the younger generation who had recently been making a name for himself with his fist and palm styles.

Heo Il and Gong Jun-am were hiding their identities as escort warriors accompanying the Great Young Master.

“There is no problem.”

Gong Jun-am, who had heard Namgung Jun’s calm answer, did not say much else.

Not only did he trust Namgung Jun’s wondrous talent, but it was because he knew well that he was not a character to become conceited over his own abilities.

Gong Jun-am silently nodded his head and moved his feet.

Heo Il, who had been listening to the conversation, gently tapped Namgung Jun’s shoulder.

“Young Hero Namgung. Let’s do a good job. In a way, this is a chance to truly finish the last mission.”

Namgung Jun thought of the commoners he had rescued in Dongling.

Though they had been able to save all the commoners who were trapped at that time, looking at the clear traces left in that place, it was surmised that there had been a considerable number of victims even before then.

The clutches of the Sun and Moon Demonic Cult were surely not extending only to Dongling, and since they could not turn all of Anhui Province upside down, the best course of action would be to perfectly take care of Mount Hanshan, which was suspected of being a secret branch.

Strength stealthily entered the fists of Namgung Jun as he thought of the young children who had almost been sacrificed by the Sun and Moon Demonic Cult.

“Of course. I feel reassured to be with you, Senior Heo.”

“Huhu. Very well. Let us quicken our steps.”

***

Namgung Jun’s party, which had ascended Mount Hanshan, was only able to find the members of the Karma Exchange Religion after they had climbed to the mountainside.

The members wore ordinary clothes, like commoners, but around their necks, each wore a spiral-shaped accessory.

Namgung Jun stealthily observed the bearing of the members.

‘They haven't learned martial arts.’

As Namgung Jun’s party approached, the members showed a pleasant smile and asked.

“For what business have you all come?”

“We have come because we have developed an interest in the Karma Exchange Religion.”

“Ooh.”

The attitude of the members toward Namgung Jun was polite.

It must have been because Namgung Jun was dressed in silk clothes that looked precious even at a glance, and was flanked on both sides by two martial artists who appeared to be his escorts, making him look like the son of a noble family.

“If it is not discourteous, may I ask where you have come from?”

“We have come from the Hong Family Manor in Shita, Anhui Province.”

“Ah. The Hong Family Manor!”

The Hong Family Manor was originally a small martial family with no reputation.

However, as the Great Young Master of the Hong Family Manor made a name for himself with his Fist and Palm styles, the reputation of the family had also risen along with it.

The members, who had nodded their heads, stepped aside.

“Welcome. If you continue straight up this mountain path, the headquarters will appear.”

Namgung Jun bowed his head once and continued to climb the mountain path.

Just as the members had said, as they went up along the mountain path, a temple began to be visible at the edge of the peak. Though they had used the grand expression of headquarters, it was merely a slightly large temple.

A great many commoners had gathered at the headquarters, and in between them, martial artists were also mixed in.

‘So it wasn't just a place that commoners sought out. It was true.’

Namgung Jun carefully observed the martial artists in this place. The majority of them appeared to be wandering warriors who roamed the Martial World.

—There was a rumor that an oral formula exists in the Karma Exchange Religion that makes martial artists stronger. It seems those fellows came after hearing that as well.

Heo Il’s telepathic message lingered in Namgung Jun’s ear.

—Does the Karma Exchange Religion also possess martial arts?

Heo Il was startled by Namgung Jun’s telepathic message. In the first place, it was not a telepathic message he had sent expecting an answer.

Telepathy was a skill that required a considerable circulation of internal energy.

To use telepathy as perfectly as Namgung Jun had, one needed a level of internal energy circulation that allowed one to completely emit their internal energy outside the body, like with Sword Qi or Palm Force.

To use telepathy in a stable manner so that it could not be heard by others, one had to have reached at least the Peak Realm.

But Namgung Jun, despite still being at the pinnacle of the First-Class realm, had unfolded a telepathic message very skillfully.

‘His circulation of internal energy is becoming more wondrous by the day.’

Heo Il had to try his best to hide the look of admiration that had stained his face.

In the Azure Sky Society, Namgung Jun was gaining attention for his innate sword talent, but the Heavenly Sword Hall knew that his talents in other fields also went beyond common sense.

Heo Il quickly managed his expression and moved his lips.

—That’s right. I heard that from the rank of Dharma Master, which is above the common members, they have learned martial arts. Among them, it seems some are martial artists, not just pure believers.

Namgung Jun, who had nodded his head very slightly, asked a woman standing beside him.

“What are we waiting for now?”

“We are waiting for the Cult Leader to come out. The Cult Leader will soon deliver his sermon.”

As if on cue after their conversation, the crowd near the platform began to murmur. It was the appearance of the Cult Leader.

The Karma Exchange Cult Leader, who had stepped onto the platform, looked at the crowd gathered at the headquarters, paid his respects lightly, and then immediately opened his mouth.

Every time he finished a sentence, gasps of admiration and cheers erupted from the members. The only ones who were not responding properly were Namgung Jun’s party and some of the martial artists who were checking out the Karma Exchange Religion.

The Karma Exchange Cult Leader’s teaching, which had continued for nearly half a sijin(one hour), reached its final stage.

“Remember this. The karma that we build up must be given and received by each other and thus lessened in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.”

Heo Il’s explanation had been correct.

There was no need to listen closely to the Karma Exchange Cult Leader’s sermon. It was nothing more than a random mix of Taoist and Buddhist teachings that had been fleshed out as he pleased.

‘The Karma Exchange Cult Leader.’

Though he could not feel the Karma Exchange Cult Leader’s aura, Namgung Jun was certain. That he had learned martial arts.

If it was certain that the Cult Leader had learned martial arts, his martial prowess must be higher than that of a Mingjiaowei.

‘The Three Flowers Gathering at the Summit, at the very least?’

Namgung Jun turned his gaze.

As the Karma Exchange Cult Leader disappeared from view, ten figures dressed in the same ceremonial robes revealed themselves.

“The Dharma Masters.”

“It’s the Dharma Masters.”

The commoners each stood in line before the ten Dharma Masters. Then, they began to match hands with the Dharma Masters in sequence.

“I have received karma.”

“I have passed on karma.”

The commoners who had matched palms shared greetings with tired yet labored smiles. With happy faces, as if they had received salvation.

The commoners who had matched hands with the Dharma Masters entered a pavilion to the side, and inside, a bounteous amount of food was prepared.

The commoners, as they received their rations of food, gathered amongst themselves and continued their meal.

‘They’re actually giving out provisions?’

No matter how wealthy a religion was, it was not an easy thing to provide food to this many commoners.

Namgung Jun, who was feeling a sense of doubt, felt that his turn had come.

“I have not seen you before.”

“Yes. I have come from the Hong Family Manor.”

The Dharma Master stealthily read Namgung Jun’s attire and bearing. Though Namgung Jun noticed this, he pretended not to.

Then, just as the other commoners had done, he extended his hand toward the Dharma Master. At that, the Dharma Master also extended his hand.

Namgung Jun’s and the Dharma Master’s hands met. But nothing happened.

After a short moment, the Dharma Master paid his respects to Namgung Jun.

“Karma has been received.”

Namgung Jun, who was looking at the Dharma Master, accepted the greeting calmly.

“Karma has been passed on.”

Following that, Namgung Jun shared a meal with the other commoners. It was when the religious service had ended and Namgung Jun was about to descend the mountain.

“Young Master Hong.”

The Dharma Master who had matched hands with Namgung Jun came to find him.

“By any chance, do you have a moment?”

“For what business do you ask?”

The Dharma Master politely paid his respects.

“Would you not like to have a deep conversation about the doctrines of our religion? It will be a good opportunity for you as well, Young Master.”

Namgung Jun nodded his head.

“As it happens, my interest was just piqued.”

***

The Dharma Master guided Namgung Jun to an inner pavilion that ordinary commoners could not enter. All of those walking about the vicinity appeared to have learned martial arts.

“Please enter.”

The Dharma Master politely guided Namgung Jun in and poured him tea.

“I have heard that the Hong Family Manor is a martial family located in Shita.”

“That is correct.”

“I have heard many of the rumors about you, Young Master. I heard that your martial talent is outstanding, and it seems the rumors were true.”

“You are too kind.”

The Dharma Master smiled brightly and then asked.

“However, your internal energy is lacking compared to your peers. It is not my intention to disparage the Hong Family Manor, but I believe that you, Young Master, must not be satisfied in areas such as support with internal arts or spiritual medicines.”

“Mmm.”

As Namgung Jun let his displeasure show without answering right away, the Dharma Master spoke again.

“It seems that our religion may be able to offer you some help, Young Master.”

Namgung Jun deliberately leaned his body forward as if his interest was piqued and asked.

“And what would that be?”

The Dharma Master slowly began to reveal his aura.

“As you may know, Young Master, all of the Dharma Masters have learned martial arts.”

“Indeed.”

“If there is a common point among the Dharma Masters, it is that the maturity of our internal energy is high for our age. I am the same.”

Namgung Jun nodded his head.

The Dharma Master’s words were not a lie. In truth, for his young age, the Dharma Master’s internal energy was deep.

Since the Karma Exchange Religion was not a great sect and it was not as if they could hand out spiritual medicines to their members like they were dumplings, it was a matter that was enough to raise one’s suspicion.

“Do you not also wish to obtain internal energy more quickly and easily, Young Master?”

“Are you saying that the Karma Exchange Religion knows of such a method?”

The Dharma Master nodded his head.

“It will probably be of great help to you in reality, Young Master.”

“To be honest, it was a matter I was greatly concerned about. But my family does not have the resources to obtain spiritual medicines.”

As Namgung Jun spoke with a slight sigh, the Dharma Master’s expression brightened, if only very subtly.

“Would you like to take a look at this?”

The Dharma Master, as if he had been waiting, took out a slip of paper and handed it over.

‘He’s showing me this just like that?’

Namgung Jun’s eyes narrowed as he cautiously unfolded the folded piece of paper.