Chapter 28
Reverse Karma Sect (1)
After the traces discovered during the first mission in Dongneung had been thoroughly investigated by senior members including Heo Il, a location suspected of being a secret branch of the Sun Moon Divine Cult was uncovered.
Upon receiving the report, the Fragrance of Ink Division also judged the possibility to be high, and an official mission was assigned to the Heavenly Sword Hall.
Most of the hall’s members were given individual roles.
Namgung Jun was no exception.
According to the mission plan, Gong Junam, Heo Il, and Namgung Jun would operate as a single team.
“Reverse Karma Sect. I've never heard of such a religion. Is it an evil sect?”
“It’s a faith that mixes Daoist and Buddhist teachings together and preaches happiness for all. On the surface, it doesn't harm commoners. In fact, it helps them.”
Namgung Jun's group was traveling toward Hapsan in central Anhui Province.
The headquarters of the newly established religion known as the Reverse Karma Sect was currently located there.
The silent Gong Junam added,
“These are troubled times. All sorts of religions are springing up throughout the world. That doesn't mean we can label every one of them an evil sect.”
If the Changcheon Society used “protecting the people from deception” as an excuse to oppress every religion under heaven, that too would become another form of tyranny.
“Still, most cases that smell this suspicious turn out to be trouble. That's exactly why we're infiltrating the Reverse Karma Sect.”
Unlike the Sun Moon Demon Cult, which everyone avoided, religions that enjoyed the support and admiration of commoners could not be touched carelessly.
That was also why Namgung Jun's group was infiltrating in secret.
The suspicion that the Reverse Karma Sect was a hidden branch of the Sun Moon Demon Cult remained only a suspicion.
They needed proof.
Only then would the Heavenly Sword Hall, which was operating separately from Namgung Jun's group, have justification to storm the sect and use force.
Looking at Namgung Jun's empty waist, Gong Junam asked,
“It'll be difficult to use a sword during this mission. Will your fist techniques be enough?”
The reason Namgung Jun was not carrying a sword was because he had disguised himself as another person.
The eldest son of the Hong Family Manor in Seoktae, Anhui Province.
A rising young talent who had recently begun gaining fame through his fist arts.
Heo Il and Gong Junam were concealing their identities as guards accompanying the young master.
“There will be no problem.”
Hearing Namgung Jun's calm reply, Gong Junam said nothing further.
Not only did he trust Namgung Jun's astonishing talent, but he also knew the young man was not someone who grew arrogant because of his gifts.
Gong Junam silently nodded and continued walking.
Listening beside them, Heo Il lightly patted Namgung Jun on the shoulder.
“Young Hero Namgung, let's do our best. In a way, this is a chance to truly finish what we started during the last mission.”
Namgung Jun recalled the commoners they had rescued in Dongneung.
Everyone imprisoned there had been saved.
Yet judging by the traces left behind, it was obvious that many victims had perished there before they arrived.
The Sun Moon Demon Cult's influence certainly extended beyond Dongneung alone.
Since they could not search every corner of Anhui Province, completely dealing with Hapsan—the location suspected to be a secret branch—was their best option.
Thinking of the children who had nearly become sacrifices of the Sun Moon Demon Cult, Namgung Jun unconsciously clenched his fist.
“Of course. Having Senior Heo with me is reassuring.”
“Heh. Good. Then let's pick up the pace.”
After climbing Hapsan and reaching the mountainside, Namgung Jun's group finally encountered members of the Reverse Karma Sect.
The believers wore ordinary clothes no different from commoners.
However, each of them wore a spiral-shaped ornament around their neck.
Namgung Jun discreetly examined their qi.
They haven't learned martial arts.
When the group approached, the believers greeted them with warm smiles.
“What brings you here today?”
“We became interested in the Reverse Karma Sect.”
“Oh?”
The believers treated Namgung Jun with great courtesy.
He was dressed in fine silk garments, and two martial artists who appeared to be attendants accompanied him.
Anyone would assume he was the child of a distinguished family.
“If it isn't rude, may I ask where you've come from?”
“We've come from the Hong Family Manor of Seoktae in Anhui Province.”
“Ah, the Hong Family Manor!”
The Hong Family Manor had originally been a minor martial family with little reputation.
However, the fame gained by its eldest son through his fist arts had elevated the family's standing as well.
Nodding, the believers stepped aside.
“Welcome. If you continue straight up this mountain path, you'll reach the headquarters.”
Namgung Jun bowed politely before continuing along the trail.
Just as they had been told, a temple soon came into view near the peak.
Though they called it a “headquarters,” it was merely a somewhat larger-than-average temple.
A considerable number of commoners had gathered there.
Among them were also martial artists.
“So it wasn't just a place frequented by commoners. The rumors were true.”
Namgung Jun carefully observed the martial artists present.
Most appeared to be wandering vagabonds of the martial world.
At that moment, Heo Il's voice transmission echoed in his ear.
“There are rumors that the Reverse Karma Sect possesses secret formulas capable of making martial artists stronger. It seems those people came after hearing that rumor as well.”
The Reverse Karma Sect has martial arts as well?
At Namgung Jun’s voice transmission, Heo Il flinched in surprise.
He had never expected a reply when he sent the transmission in the first place.
Voice Transmission was a technique that required extremely refined internal energy control.
To perform it as flawlessly as Namgung Jun did required enough mastery of internal energy to project it completely outside the body, much like sword qi or palm force.
To transmit words steadily without others overhearing, one generally needed to have reached at least the Peak Realm.
Yet Namgung Jun was still only at the very peak of the First-Class Realm and was already using the technique with remarkable proficiency.
His control over internal energy becomes more astonishing by the day.
Heo Il had to struggle to conceal his amazement.
Within the Changcheon Society, Namgung Jun was famous for his heaven-given talent with the sword.
But the Heavenly Sword Hall knew that his talents in other areas also far exceeded common sense.
Quickly regaining control of his expression, Heo Il replied through voice transmission.
That's right. Starting from the rank of Dharma Master, those above ordinary believers all practice martial arts. Among them are not only devoted followers but martial artists as well.
Namgung Jun gave a slight nod before turning to a nearby woman.
“What are you all waiting for?”
“We're waiting for the Sect Leader to appear. He'll soon deliver a sermon.”
No sooner had she answered than murmurs spread through the crowd gathered around the platform.
The sect leader had appeared.
Ascending the stage, the Reverse Karma Sect Leader greeted the assembled crowd before immediately beginning his sermon.
Every time he finished a sentence, cheers and exclamations erupted from the believers.
The only people who did not respond enthusiastically were Namgung Jun's group and a few martial artists who were merely investigating the sect.
The sermon continued for nearly half a shichen.
Eventually, it reached its conclusion.
“Remember this well. The karma we accumulate must be shared among one another and gradually shed on the path to the Pure Land of Bliss.”
Heo Il had been correct.
There was no need to listen carefully to the sermon.
It was little more than a patchwork of Daoist and Buddhist teachings twisted and combined according to the sect leader's own preferences.
The Reverse Karma Sect Leader...
Though he could not directly sense the man's qi, Namgung Jun was certain of one thing.
The man practiced martial arts.
And if that was true, his level of cultivation was undoubtedly higher than that of the Ming Cult Guardian they had encountered before.
At least the realm of Three Flowers Gathered at the Crown.
Namgung Jun shifted his gaze.
As the sect leader disappeared from sight, ten individuals dressed in identical ceremonial robes stepped forward.
“It's the Dharma Masters.”
“The Dharma Masters have arrived.”
The commoners lined up before the ten Dharma Masters.
One after another, they clasped hands with them.
“I have received karma.”
“I have passed on karma.”
The commoners who touched hands with the Dharma Masters looked utterly exhausted afterward.
Yet they smiled happily, as though they had received salvation itself.
Those who completed the ritual entered a nearby hall.
Inside, large quantities of food had been prepared.
The commoners received meals and sat together to eat.
They're actually providing food?
Even for a wealthy religion, feeding this many people regularly would be no simple matter.
Puzzled, Namgung Jun realized his turn had arrived.
“I don't believe we've met before.”
“Yes. I've come from the Hong Family Manor.”
The Dharma Master discreetly examined Namgung Jun's attire and qi.
Namgung Jun noticed but pretended otherwise.
Just as the commoners before him had done, he extended his hand.
The Dharma Master extended his own.
Their palms met.
Yet nothing happened.
A moment later, the Dharma Master bowed respectfully.
“I have received karma.”
Looking calmly at him, Namgung Jun replied without hesitation.
“I have passed on karma.”
Afterward, he joined the others and shared a meal.
The gathering eventually ended, and Namgung Jun prepared to descend the mountain.
That was when it happened.
“Young Master Hong.”
The Dharma Master who had clasped hands with him approached.
“Do you happen to have some time?”
“What is this regarding?”
The Dharma Master respectfully cupped his hands.
“Would you be interested in discussing our teachings in greater depth? I believe it would be a valuable opportunity for you as well.”
Namgung Jun nodded.
“I was becoming interested myself.”
The Dharma Master led him into an inner hall where ordinary believers were not permitted.
Everyone moving about the area appeared to be someone who practiced martial arts.
“Please, come in.”
The Dharma Master ushered him inside and poured him a cup of tea.
“I've heard that the Hong Family Manor is a martial family located in Seoktae.”
“That is correct.”
“I've long heard rumors about you, Young Master. They say your talent is extraordinary. It seems the rumors were true.”
“You flatter me.”
The Dharma Master smiled.
“However, your internal energy is lacking compared to your peers. I do not mean to disparage the Hong Family Manor, but I imagine you are not fully satisfied with the support you receive in terms of cultivation methods and spiritual medicines.”
“Hmm.”
Namgung Jun deliberately allowed a trace of displeasure to appear and remained silent.
The Dharma Master continued.
“I believe our sect may be able to help you.”
Pretending to be intrigued, Namgung Jun leaned forward slightly.
“And how would that be possible?”
The Dharma Master slowly revealed a portion of his qi.
“As you know, all Dharma Masters practice martial arts.”
“Indeed.”
“And if there is one thing we all share, it is that our internal energy far exceeds what our age would normally suggest. I am no exception.”
Namgung Jun nodded.
The man's words were not false.
For someone so young, his internal energy was unusually deep.
The Reverse Karma Sect was not a major sect, nor could it distribute spiritual medicines like steamed buns.
The situation naturally raised questions.
“Surely you also wish to gain internal energy more quickly and more easily?”
“Are you saying the Reverse Karma Sect possesses such a method?”
The Dharma Master nodded.
“I believe it would genuinely be of great help to you.”
“To be honest, I've been troubled by my lack of internal energy. But my family lacks the resources to obtain precious spiritual medicines.”
As Namgung Jun spoke with a faint sigh, the Dharma Master's expression brightened ever so slightly.
“Then would you care to look at this?”
As though he had been waiting for those exact words, the Dharma Master immediately produced a folded sheet of paper and handed it over.
They're showing me this so easily?
Carefully unfolding the paper, Namgung Jun's eyes narrowed.