Chapter 28: Karmic Reversal Cult (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 28: Karmic Reversal Cult (1)
Acting on clues from the mission in Tongling, Heo Il and the other seniors had investigated further, eventually uncovering a location suspected of being a secret branch of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult.
The Ink Fragrance Department received their report and, deeming the information credible, assigned a formal mission to the Heavenly Sword Hall.
Most members of the Heavenly Sword Hall were given their roles, and Namgung Jun was no exception. According to the mission details, he, Gong Jun-am, and Heo Il were grouped together to move as a single team.
"The Karmic Reversal Cult… I've never heard of a religion by that name. Is it some kind of heretical cult?"
"It's a sect that blends Daoist and Buddhist doctrines to preach universal happiness. On the surface, they don't harm commoners. In fact, they actively help them."
Namgung Jun's group was currently heading toward Hanshan, a mountain in central Anhui Province. Hanshan was the location of the main headquarters for the newly emerged Karmic Reversal Cult.
Gong Jun-am, who had been quiet until now, added, "We live in turbulent times, so all sorts of new religions are springing up. We can't simply brand them all as heretical cults."
Indeed, if the Azure Heaven Association were to persecute every new religion under the pretext of protecting the public, it would be no different from another form of tyranny.
"However," Heo Il interjected, "the vast majority of them are suspicious. That’s why we’re infiltrating the Karmic Reversal Cult."
Unlike the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult, which everyone shunned, a religion that enjoyed the support and acclaim of the common people was difficult to move against rashly. This was precisely why a covert infiltration was necessary.
The suspicion that the Karmic Reversal Cult was a hidden branch of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult was purely circumstantial; they needed concrete evidence. Only then would the main force of the Heavenly Sword Hall, operating separately from their team, have the justification to storm the cult’s headquarters and use force.
Gong Jun-am glanced at Namgung Jun's empty waist and asked, "It will likely be difficult to use a sword on this mission. Will you be fine with just fist and palm techniques?"
Namgung Jun wasn't carrying a sword as part of his disguise: the Eldest Young Master of the Hong Family Manor, located in Shitai, Anhui Province—a rising star who had recently been gaining a reputation for his fist and palm techniques.
Heo Il and Gong Jun-am were posing as his escort warriors.
"It won't be a problem," Namgung Jun replied calmly.
Hearing this, Gong Jun-am didn't press the matter. He not only trusted Namgung Jun's remarkable talent but also knew the youth wasn't one to become arrogant about his natural gifts. Gong Jun-am simply nodded and continued walking.
Having listened to their exchange, Heo Il lightly patted Namgung Jun on the shoulder.
"Young Master Namgung, let's do our best. In a way, this is our chance to truly wrap up the previous mission."
Namgung Jun recalled the commoners they had rescued in Tongling. Although they had managed to save everyone imprisoned there at the time, the traces left behind suggested a significant number of victims had come before them.
The Sun-Moon Demonic Cult's evil clutches surely extended beyond Tongling. Since they couldn't search every corner of Anhui Province, their best course of action was to thoroughly clean out Hanshan, their suspected secret branch.
Recalling the young children who had nearly fallen victim to the cult, Namgung Jun unconsciously clenched his fists.
"Of course. I feel reassured having you with me, Senior Heo."
"Haha, good. Let's quicken our pace."
*
After ascending Hanshan, Namgung Jun’s group first encountered followers of the Karmic Reversal Cult about halfway up the mountain. The followers wore ordinary clothes like typical commoners, but each wore a spiral-shaped ornament around their neck.
Namgung Jun subtly assessed the followers.
'They haven't trained in martial arts.'
As his group approached, the followers greeted them with gentle smiles. "What brings you here today?"
"We came because we grew interested in the Karmic Reversal Cult."
"Oh!"
The followers were exceedingly polite to Namgung Jun. At a glance, he wore expensive silk robes and was flanked by two escort-like warriors, making him appear to be a young master from a noble family.
"If you don't mind me asking, may we know where you have come from?"
"We are from the Hong Family Manor in Shitai, Anhui Province."
"Ah, the Hong Family Manor!"
The Hong Family Manor was originally an obscure, minor martial family. However, as its Eldest Young Master gained fame for his fist and palm techniques, the family's reputation had risen along with him.
Nodding, the followers stepped aside. "Welcome. If you follow this mountain path straight up, you will find our main headquarters."
Namgung Jun gave a polite nod and continued up the path.
Just as the follower had said, the path led them to a temple visible near the peak. Though they used the grand term "main headquarters," it was merely a slightly large temple.
Quite a few commoners had gathered there, with some Martial Worlders interspersed among them.
'So it was true that it's not just commoners who visit this place.'
Namgung Jun carefully observed the Martial Worlders present. Most appeared to be wandering warriors of the Jianghu.
Heo Il's voice transmission echoed in Namgung Jun's ears.
-There were rumors that the Karmic Reversal Cult possesses a mnemonic formula that makes martial artists stronger. It seems they came after hearing about it.
-Does the Karmic Reversal Cult have its own martial arts? Namgung Jun sent back.
Heo Il was startled by the reply. He hadn't expected one in the first place. Voice transmission was a technique that required a significant level of internal energy control. To perform it as flawlessly as Namgung Jun, one needed the same level of control required to project internal energy externally, like when forming Sword Qi or Palm Force. To stably transmit one's voice without others overhearing, one had to have reached at least the Peak Realm.
Yet, despite still being at the peak of the First-Rate stage, Namgung Jun executed the voice transmission with extreme proficiency.
'His control of internal energy grows more astonishing by the day.'
Heo Il had to struggle to hide his look of sheer admiration. While Namgung Jun was drawing attention within the Azure Heaven Association for his innate sword talent, the Heavenly Sword Hall was well aware that his talents in other areas also defied common sense.
Heo Il quickly composed his expression and sent his reply.
-Indeed. I heard that those holding the rank of Dharma Master, who stand above the ordinary followers, have trained in martial arts. Among them, some are not true believers but Martial Worlders who have joined the cult.
Giving an almost imperceptible nod, Namgung Jun turned to a woman standing nearby and asked, "What is everyone waiting for right now?"
"We are waiting for the Cult Leader to appear. He will be delivering a sermon shortly."
No sooner had she finished speaking than the crowd near the platform began to buzz. The Cult Leader had arrived.
Stepping onto the platform, the leader of the Karmic Reversal Cult offered a brief bow to the crowd and immediately began his sermon. Every time he paused, gasps of admiration and cheers erupted from the followers. The only ones not responding enthusiastically were Namgung Jun's group and a few Martial Worlders who were merely observing the cult.
The sermon, which went on for nearly an hour, finally drew to a close.
"Bear this in mind," the Cult Leader concluded. "The karma we accumulate must be shared and exchanged with one another to be shed before we reach the Pure Land."
Heo Il's explanation had been correct. There was no need to listen closely; it was nothing more than Daoist and Buddhist teachings cherry-picked and embellished to suit the Cult Leader's own tastes.
'The Karmic Reversal Cult Leader.'
Although he couldn't gauge the man's aura, Namgung Jun was certain that he had trained in martial arts. If the Cult Leader was a martial artist, his prowess would surely surpass the Bright Order Rank.
'At least the Three Flowers Gather at the Crown stage?'
Namgung Jun shifted his gaze.
As the Cult Leader disappeared from view, ten figures clad in identical ceremonial robes stepped forward.
"The Dharma Masters."
"It's the Dharma Masters," the crowd murmured.
The commoners lined up before the ten Dharma Masters. Then, one by one, they began to press their palms against the Dharma Masters' hands.
"I have received the karma."
"I have passed on the karma."
Despite looking utterly exhausted after the exchange, the commoners forced weary smiles. Their faces looked blissful, as if they had truly found salvation.
The commoners who had finished pressing palms entered an adjacent hall, where a bountiful spread of food had been prepared. Receiving their rations, they gathered in groups and began to eat.
'They're actually distributing food?'
No matter how wealthy a religion was, providing food for this many people was no easy feat.
As Namgung Jun pondered this, he realized his turn had arrived.
"You are a new face," the Dharma Master said.
"Yes. I am from the Hong Family Manor."
The Dharma Master subtly assessed Namgung Jun's attire and presence. Namgung Jun noticed this but pretended not to. He then extended his hands toward the Dharma Master, just as the others had done. The Dharma Master did the same.
Their hands met. However, nothing happened.
After a brief moment, the Dharma Master bowed politely to Namgung Jun. "I have received the karma."
Looking at the Dharma Master, Namgung Jun calmly accepted the greeting. "I have passed on the karma."
Afterward, Namgung Jun shared the food with the other commoners. The service had just ended, and he was preparing to descend the mountain when a voice called out.
"Young Master Hong."
The Dharma Master who had pressed hands with him approached. "Do you happen to have some time?"
"What is this about?"
The Dharma Master bowed respectfully. "Would you care to have a deeper conversation regarding our cult's doctrines? It will be a wonderful opportunity for you, Young Master."
Namgung Jun nodded. "I was actually just growing interested myself."
*
The Dharma Master guided Namgung Jun to an inner hall where ordinary commoners were not permitted. Everyone walking around this area appeared to have trained in martial arts.
"Please, step inside."
The Dharma Master politely showed Namgung Jun in and poured him some tea.
"I have heard that the Hong Family Manor is a martial family located in Shitai," he began.
"That is correct."
"I have heard rumors about you, Young Master. They say your martial talent is outstanding, and it seems the rumors were true."
"You flatter me."
The Dharma Master smiled faintly. "However, your internal energy seems lacking compared to others your age. I do not mean to disparage the Hong Family Manor, but I imagine you must not be satisfied with their Heart Methods or the support they can provide in terms of spirit elixirs."
"Mmm."
When Namgung Jun didn't answer immediately, allowing a flicker of displeasure to cross his face, the Dharma Master spoke again.
"Our cult may be able to offer you some assistance, Young Master."
Pretending to be intrigued, Namgung Jun leaned forward slightly. "And what might that be?"
The Dharma Master slowly began to release his presence. "As you may know, Young Master, all of our Dharma Masters have trained in martial arts."
"Indeed."
"What we all have in common is that our internal energy is exceptionally deep for our age. The same goes for me."
Namgung Jun nodded. The Dharma Master's words were no boast. Indeed, his internal energy was remarkably deep for his young age. Since the Karmic Reversal Cult was not a major sect and could hardly hand out spirit elixirs to its followers like steamed buns, it was certainly a matter that raised questions.
"Don't you also wish to acquire internal energy more quickly and easily, Young Master?"
"Are you saying the Karmic Reversal Cult knows a way?"
The Dharma Master nodded. "It will likely be of immense help to you."
"To be honest, I have been worrying quite a bit about my internal energy," Namgung Jun said with a soft sigh. "But my family does not have the means to procure spirit elixirs."
As he spoke, the Dharma Master's expression brightened, if only ever so slightly. "Would you care to take a look at this?"
As if he had been waiting for this exact moment, the Dharma Master pulled out a slip of paper and handed it over.
'He's showing me this just like that?'
Unfolding the paper carefully, Namgung Jun's eyes narrowed.