Episode 73. The Master of the Chamber, a Beneficial Being
Despite the public appearance of the famous religious sect, there were no clashes for some time.
Some said it was ‘the calm before the storm’, while others said it was ‘the Justice League protecting itself’.
Then, something shocking happened on New Year’s Day.
The famous Buddhist monk, Xuanzang, held a Buddhist ceremony at the imperial palace.
The famous religion that the Justice Alliance declared to be a public religion in the martial arts world ended up being recognized by the country.
From then on, people have been debating the identity of the famous religion.
Some people called it socializing, but there were many who did not acknowledge it.
In the meantime, many previously unknown facts about famous religions were revealed.
For example, they were a new religion that combined Buddhism and Taoism.
The famous believers believed that the Demon King was a magician.
In Buddhism, a sage is a benevolent being who protects and guides sentient beings and helps them govern themselves.
There are five types of rulers in the world: first, parents, siblings, and relatives; second, the laws of the world in which one lives [official laws]; third, the teachings of one’s teacher [teacher laws]; fourth, the King of the underworld [閻羅王]; and fifth, the Buddha [佛].
Interestingly, the famous religion tried to overcome the problems of this world through the King of Hell. That is what makes it different from Buddhism, which relies on Buddha, and the rest is largely the same.
There was only a Taoist element added to it, so it could not be said to be evil.
As the field sorcerer frequented the imperial palace, a heated debate broke out between the Justice League and the Yuming Church.
The definition accuses the cult of using people as sacrifices.
Then, the famous church responded by saying, “Show us the evidence.”
The Justice Alliance presented the mummified body of Yang Won, but failed to prove that it was the work of Yu Mingyo.
The long debate finally ended in the spring with the victory of the famous religion.
It was unreasonable from the beginning to attack a famous religion that had the support of the imperial family as a cult.
The Justice League suffered great damage to the famous church, but it was not officially dealt with.
***
The speech of the eastern part of Luoyang.
Waryongjang.
As the weather cleared, Baek Mi-ju, the owner of Waryongjang, called her eldest son, Waryong Swordsman Yeon Mu-baek.
Yeonmu Baek, who had gone up to the main hall of the inner quarters, sat quietly across from Baek Mi-ju. Since getting married last fall, he had become quite well-mannered.
Baek Mi-ju, who was looking at the ledger, glanced at her son’s face and got straight to the point.
“When did Namgung Se-ga say people would leave?”
“… … .”
When there was no answer, she glared at her son with reproachful eyes.
Namgung Cheon and Namgung Yeon, siblings, twenty members of Cheongcheon-dae, and five survivors from Hapbi, a total of twenty-seven people have been staying at Waryongjang since last year.
The reason they didn’t return to Hapbi was because Namgung Se-ga had been reduced to ruins, but on the other hand, they were afraid of Wolha Seonja. They couldn’t go because she might continue to target Namgung Se-ga.
Baek Mi-ju accepted Namgung Se-ga, who had nowhere to go. It was because of their long-standing friendship, but more than that, it was in preparation for when Wolha Seon-ja came to Waryongjang.
However, as the year passed and there was no movement, her mind began to change. She thought that Wolha Seonja had excluded Waryongjang from her target of revenge.
Well, what kind of revenge is this when the true moon swordsman Yeonmu Ryong is dead?
When spring came and there was no movement from Yumyeonggyo or Wolhaseonja, that thought became certain.
“Do you know that we have been borrowing 100 nyang of silver from Baeksesangbang every month since last winter?”
“yes.”
“It’s money that can be repaid in a few months if relations with Nokrim improve, but we must not forget that we are in debt to run Waryongjang.”
“Mother, the Wolhaseonja is still… … .”
“It’s been half a year since the fall of the Namgung family. If Wolha Seonja is after Waryongjang, it wouldn’t have been quiet until now. Even if Wolha Seonja comes. At first, I accepted Changcheondae because I thought it would be helpful, but now it doesn’t seem to be. If Wolha Seonja comes, how can they stop them?”
“I can’t stop it, but I can buy some time until the Heavenly Sword Master arrives to help.”
“Isn’t there any guarantee that the Heavenly Sword Master will help?”
“The Justice Alliance said that they would protect the integrity of the Jeongpa. The Sword Master of Uicheon will come.”
“Well. Do you know who the leader of Hebi is now? It’s Musan Sochuk who wiped out Namgung Se-ga. Now, the Justice Alliance is also watching the face of Yu Myeong-gyo. If Namgung Se-ga’s people trusted the Justice Alliance, they would have already returned to Hebi. But they all remain in Waryongjang. Do you know why? It’s because they don’t completely trust the protection of the Justice Alliance. And yet you still say that the Sword Master of the Heavenly Sword will come running.”
“… … .”
Yeonmu Baek was left speechless by Baek Mi-ju’s sharp criticism.
The reason why the survivors of the Namgung family could not return to Hapbi was because they were afraid of Wolha Seonja. And behind that, there was distrust of the Justice Alliance.
The Justice League did not impose any sanctions on the Musan Sochuk who annihilated the Namgung Se family. Not only that, they even condoned their loss of Hapbi.
Honestly, I doubt that the Uicheonmun will help Waryongjang even if he gets trampled by Wolhaseonja. Since Waryongjang doesn’t belong to Chilpaimun, he might be shunned like Namgung Se-ga.
‘No, I’ll ignore you. Even if I were the lord of Uicheonmun, I would do the same… … .’
A bitter smile appeared on Yeonmu Baek’s face.
Unlike twenty years ago, today’s famous religions hold both power and authority.
Baek Mi-ju’s voice came into the ears of Yeonmu Baek, who was lost in thought.
“Let them go before summer starts. They know we’re in bad shape, so they won’t accuse us of being unfaithful.”
“……yes.”
In the end, Yeonmu Baek decided to follow his mother’s wishes.
I couldn’t ask Namgung Se-ga to support me knowing that he would have to borrow 100 nyang of silver every month.
Yeonmu Baek headed straight to the guest room.
Then, I met Namgungcheon, the Cheongungum swordsman, who was walking in the yard.
“execution.”
“Oh, okay. Do you have anything to do in the morning?”
“I just happened to come by. By the way! Is there any news from your uncle yet?”
“huh.”
Namgungcheon’s face darkened.
In Muga, they teach children from a young age how dangerous the world of martial arts is. In a life where death and killing are commonplace, death is nothing special. However, when their blood relatives are wiped out and even their fathers disappear, it is just devastating.
“I’m sorry. I brought that up for no reason… … .”
“No, it’s okay. I believe my father is alive somewhere. He’s not someone who would leave so easily.”
“I think so too.”
Namgungcheon, who had been staring at the distant sky for a while, glanced at Yeonmu Baek and spoke.
“What do you have to say? It’s okay, just tell me. What did your aunt say?”
“Oh, no. By the way, when do you plan on returning to Hapbi?”
“I have decided not to return to Hapbi for the time being. But I do not intend to stay in Waryongjang any longer. I plan to leave within a few days, so tell your aunt that as well.”
“Are you going out?”
“I can’t stay in Waryongjang’s care forever.”
“But suddenly… … . If it’s not Hapbi, where are you going?”
“Luoyang.”
“Luoyang?”
“Well, I plan to observe the situation there a bit more and then return at the appropriate time.”
“If you are going to be in Luoyang, then there is no need… … .”
“I know exactly what the situation is like at Waryongjang, so I can’t continue to cause trouble.”
“No, it isn’t.”
However, Yeonmu Baek couldn’t bring himself to say, ‘Please stay.’
Namgungcheon patted Yeonmubaek on the shoulder as if to encourage him.
“It’s okay. My father’s acquaintance happens to be at the mutual aid association, so I’ll help him out with the work for the time being.”
“What if it’s something upstairs?”
“I’m an escort for the Sanghaeng. I’ve decided to help the Sanghaeng going to Muhan and Nanjing.”
“Oh! I see.”
Yeonmu Baek couldn’t hide his regretful expression.
The best Namgung Se-ga in the world is the escort of the upper class!
I can’t help it since I’ve lost everything, but the more I think about it, the more my heart aches.
Yeonmu Baek tried to make his face look bright.
“Namgung Se-ga’s escort is a blessing to both sides. If the Namgung Se-ga flag is raised, the green forest will naturally open the way. Think of it as enjoying your journey.”
“Are you still on good terms with the Nokrim?”
“Yes, I sent a gift to O Bong San Chae, but there was no response. I don’t know what they want.”
“When I pass by Obongsanchae, let me know.”
“Among the Four Great Heroes, there is a young thief who possesses the martial arts of the Three Great Heroes of the Green Forest. It seems that he is the only one who is dissatisfied with Waryongjang.”
“The Three Lords of the Green Forest?”
“Yes, that’s what they said.”
For a moment, Namgungcheon frowned slightly.
It was embarrassing, but if the opponent was a Nokrim Samjon-level martial artist, it would be difficult for the current Namgung Sega to handle him. Since I was the one who brought it up first, it was hard to go back on it, and my mind was complicated.
“But the conversation will go well. They say that the Five Bongsipgeol are not cruel and ruthless. In fact, they only harass Waryongjang, and other people call them heroes.”
“Huh! That’s really weird.”
Namgungcheon’s complexion brightened slightly.
If Yeonmu Baek’s words are true, I think I might be able to figure out the reason.
***
Three days later, the people of Namgung Se-ga left Waryongjang and took refuge at the Sangjo Sangbang in Luoyang. The attention of the Sanggye was focused on the Sangjo Sangbang that had acquired Namgung Se-ga.
April 1st.
Sangjo Sangbang’s Bangju Son Wol, Daehangsu Son Myeong, and Namgung Cheon gathered together to discuss the detailed schedule of the upcoming trip.
Sonwol carefully opened his eyes.
“Namgung Sohyeop, I’m sorry to ask you to do this when I don’t even know if your father is alive or dead. If the green forest hadn’t been in an uproar, I wouldn’t have asked you to do this so hastily… … .”
“It’s okay. I’m glad I can help with the work upstairs.”
“Thank you for thinking so. However, it won’t be easy. Since the rise of the famous religion, the Nokrim has become truly bold… … .”
A sigh escaped Sonwol’s mouth.
While Jeong Ui-maeng was busy keeping Yu Myeong-gyo in check, Nok-rim was running wild like a fish in water.
Chilpaimon didn’t go out to fight against Nokrim like before. No, to be more precise, he didn’t have the energy to do so anymore.
Chilpaimon was also anxious to protect his own territory.
After the famous religion received royal recognition, not only the Sapa but also the moderate factions began to visit the famous religion. Among them, there were many masters who joined the famous religion.
As a result, the power of the Chilpaimon was bound to decrease.
Merchants from big cities also quickly moved from Chilpaemun to Yumyeonggyo one by one.
Not only the guest houses, taverns, pubs, gambling houses, but even tea houses and restaurants could not escape the popularity of the famous school.
As a result, large and small fights broke out here and there.
It is a battle between a new breakwater that has entered the market with the support of a famous bridge and a breakwater that was previously in charge of protection and management.
The world was in turmoil, and the mountains and fields were teeming with thieves.
It had been a long time since Nokrim had even left the coffin.
‘Tch! Even so, it won’t be easy.’
A bitter smile appeared on Namgungcheon’s lips.
I can’t believe there will come a day when the Daenam Palace Family will hear such words from someone like Nokrim.
Son Myeong, who saw Namgungcheon’s frowning face late, said a word.
“Your Majesty, Nokrim is like an afterlife messenger to people like us, but to Namgung Se-ga, he’s just a puppy.”
“Oh, that’s what I mean. If they just saw the Namgung family flag, they would hide tightly and not come out.”
Sonwol, who realized his slip of the tongue too late, hurriedly started to clean up the mess.
“Your Majesty, when will the ship depart?”
“It’s three days later. This trade fair will be the largest since our Sangjo Sangbang opened. Since Namgung Se-ga is in charge of security, the merchants are flocking in.”
“Okay, I understand. I will prepare accordingly.”
After hearing the story about Sangro from Son Wol and Son Myeong, Namgungcheon returned to the guest house.
Wuxia,
