Heavenly Flow Merchant Group (4)

"A clinic? What do you mean by that?"

"Mu-Jin's treatment method is unlike anything currently found on the continent. There are surely patients like Master Hyun Kwang, my mother, and myself who cannot be cured by conventional methods. I propose to open a clinic where such patients can be treated using Mu-Jin's methods."

This was the instinct of a merchant.

Immediately after receiving treatment from Mu-Jin and Hyun Kwang, Ryu Ji-gwang was convinced: "This is a profitable business."

Moreover, Ryu Ji-gwang had connections as the head of the Heavenly Flow Merchant Group, connections with high-ranking officials and local wealthy individuals.

Among these wealthy individuals and officials, many were elderly and had conditions similar to his mother's. Introducing these people to Mu-Jin and facilitating their treatment could yield enormous profits.

Of course, starting such a business after just one treatment could be risky. If the treatment was ineffective, it could be seen as a scam.

Despite this risk, Ryu Ji-gwang was determined to push forward with this venture, driven by more than just a merchant's instinct.

'Recently, the movements of local factions have been unsettling.'

It was about the safety of his family. If he, his mother, or any family member were in danger, Ryu Ji-gwang chose Shaolin, specifically Hyun Kwang, as their refuge.

The extraordinary display by Hyun Kwang during the treatment greatly influenced Ryu Ji-gwang's decision.

The Heavenly Flow Merchant Group had become a prominent merchant group through transporting countless goods across the continent. Thus, it operated both as a merchant group and a security escort company, employing numerous guards and martial artists.

Despite being the head of such a significant merchant group, Ryu Ji-gwang had never witnessed such miraculous feats as those displayed by Hyun Kwang.

At first, he considered approaching Hyun Kwang directly.

'He seemed like the epitome of an austere monk who had severed all ties with the secular world...'

Having never seen Hyun Kwang indulge in alcohol or meat, Ryu Ji-gwang concluded that approaching him with wealth was the worst idea.

Therefore, he decided to approach Mu-Jin, whom Hyun Kwang cherished, and through Mu-Jin, maintain a continuous relationship with Shaolin by conducting business together.

However, whether fortunately or unfortunately, the Hammer Registry Hall Abbot Hyun Myung only partially understood Ryu Ji-gwang's intentions.

"The Head of the company has offered a significant amount for Mu-Jin's treatment. Thus, it feels like the clinic you propose to open in Dengfeng County would cater only to the wealthy. Amitabha."

He understood only the merchant's intention to do business with the rich.

"I plan to donate half of the clinic's profits to Shaolin."

"As I have repeatedly said, our Shaolin does not engage in business using the abilities of our disciples."

"I don't see why you consider it business. Half of the clinic's profits could be used by Shaolin to help the poor."

"If we treat only the wealthy to earn money, the world will criticize Shaolin."

"..."

Although Ryu Ji-gwang didn't show it, he sighed inwardly.

If he had made this proposal to any other sect or the Five Great Families, they would have gladly accepted.

In fact, some sects and families, which only pretended to be righteous, might have even tried to extort more money from him.

'I don't have to worry about extortion, but it's frustrating that I can't communicate.'

While Ryu Ji-gwang was contemplating this, Mu-Jin carefully spoke up.

"May I be allowed to say something?"

"Speak."

With Hyun Myung's permission, Mu-Jin posed a question.

"If I understand correctly, the biggest issue with opening the clinic is that Shaolin would be criticized for treating only the wealthy, correct?"

"Indeed."

"In that case, wouldn't it be better to treat both the rich and the poor without distinction? How could providing medical care to save lives be criticized?"

While Ryu Ji-gwang found Mu-Jin's words frustratingly obvious, the unexpected suggestion that followed caught him off guard.

"Of course, if the treatment fees are set high, the poor won't be able to afford it, and if set low, the Heavenly Flow Merchant Group will incur losses. Regardless of how low the fees are set, the poor, who struggle to make ends meet daily, will still find it difficult to afford treatment. So, what if we divide the treatment facilities into two?"

"Divide them into two?"

Sensing that Mu-Jin might have a brilliant solution, Ryu Ji-gwang asked, and Mu-Jin met his expectations.

"Yes. One facility would be completely free. The other would cater to the wealthy, just as the Heavenly Flow Merchant Group intended."

"Rich people aren't fools, Mu-Jin. Why would they use the expensive facility when there's a free one?"

"By differentiating the two. Equip both facilities the same way, but in the free one, treatment is provided collectively. In the paid facility, treatment is by appointment and personalized to provide the best care to a single patient."

Mu-Jin's idea was inspired by the business model of large fitness centers: offering free access to the gym while charging high fees for personalized training sessions.

Mu-Jin had two main reasons for involving himself in this conversation. First, he was frustrated by the stubborn rejection of the donation to Shaolin by the Hammer Registry Hall Abbot. Second, he suspected that the Heavenly Flow Merchant Group might currently or eventually be involved with the underworld.

Mu-Jin was determined to dig deeper into the inner workings of the merchant group by conducting business together. He added a blunt comment that was likely to make Hyun Myung frown.

"As you know, wealthy people love luxury items. Despite having the same tea, they pay silver or gold for premium brands. This is partly due to the superior aroma, but also due to vanity."

"Hahaha. I see what you mean, Mu-Jin. The contrast between the free facility and the exclusive, high-end facility will make the wealthy even more inclined to use the latter!"

Ryu Ji-gwang, familiar with this logic from his business experience, burst out laughing, clearly pleased.

However, Hyun Myung found the conversation unsettling.

"Mu-Jin, how can a disciple of Shaolin speak of worldly vanity and exploit it for money?"

Mu-Jin looked at Hyun Myung with a puzzled expression, as if to say, "What's wrong with that?"

"What are you so afraid of, Hall Abbot?"

"What!?"

"You were afraid Shaolin would be criticized for treating only the wealthy to make money, so I suggested treating both the rich and the poor. Now you say we are exploiting the rich. Are you so scared of being criticized?"

"Are you mocking Shaolin right now?"

Despite Ryu Ji-gwang's presence, Hyun Myung couldn't contain his anger, but Mu-Jin didn't back down.

"Do you really think that fear of criticism aligns with the teachings of the Buddha and Bodhidharma? The scriptures teach compassion for all beings. So why is Shaolin hiding in the mountains out of fear of criticism? With all due respect, I'm more afraid of neglecting people in need out of fear of being criticized."

Hyun Myung's face looked like he had been hit hard.

Mu-Jin didn't particularly hold Buddhist compassion for humanity in high regard. He was just venting his frustration at Hyun Myung's constant rejections.

Mu-Jin continued to speak, now more bluntly.

"West of India, there is a country of foreigners. In that country, a magistrate exploited the people with harsh taxes. His concubine tried to stop him."

Hearing this unfamiliar tale, everyone in the room focused on Mu-Jin with curiosity.

"The magistrate mocked her and said, 'If you ride around the county naked on a horse, I will reduce the taxes.' What do you think she did?"

"Did she actually ride naked on a horse?"

"Yes. She rode naked as he demanded, and he kept his promise to reduce the taxes. Would you criticize her for this?"

"Well, no, but others might."

At Hyun Myung's answer, Mu-Jin shook his head.

"People are not fools. Everyone in that county understood her intention and compassion. They all went inside their homes to avoid embarrassing her during her ride."

There was one exception, the man who would become infamous in modern times for voyeurism, but Mu-Jin didn't feel the need to mention this.

"Similarly, even if some criticize, people will understand Shaolin's compassion. And even if they don't, what matters is that Shaolin is trying to help people."

Hyun Myung and Hye-Min closed their eyes and recited the Buddha's name.

When they opened their eyes, their expressions were much clearer.

"Alright. Half of the profits will be used by Shaolin for charitable purposes, and we will include a free treatment facility. However, this requires the Abbot's approval. I will discuss it with him and decide."

"Thank you for your decision. My mother and I will continue to visit Shaolin for treatment, so please inform us when a decision is made."

Ryu Ji-gwang bowed in gratitude, and Hyun Myung responded in kind.

That evening, while Mu-Jin was sparring in Hye-Gwan's pavilion, Abbot Hyun-Chun came to see Hyun-Kwang.

Hyun-Chun had heard everything from Hyun Myung and came to inform Hyun-Kwang.

"Mu-Jin is indeed guiding Shaolin in the right direction, senior."

Hyun-Chun felt as if he had been struck by Mu-Jin's words.

The only thing that puzzled him was how Mu-Jin knew such a story about the western foreigners.

"Haha. Thanks to Mu-Jin, Shaolin will receive a hundred gold taels and more in the future."

"Yes, senior. Shaolin will use the money Mu-Jin earns to lead in charity."

"Hahahaha."

Hyun-Kwang laughed and looked directly at Hyun-Chun.

"Then we should reward Mu-Jin for his efforts in securing funds for Shaolin's charity."

"What kind of reward?"

Hyun-Kwang took a sip from his bottle and spoke.

"How about giving him a Great Rejuvenation Pill?"

"What do you mean by that, senior?"

"Thanks to Mu-Jin, Shaolin will receive a large sum of money. We can afford to give him one Great Rejuvenation Pill."

Hyun-Chun felt dizzy from Hyun-Kwang's casual suggestion.

'They said he became strange after failing to achieve Nirvana. It must be true!'

A strange scent wafted from Hyun-Kwang's bottle.

"Senior! Is that...?"

Hyun-Kwang smiled mysteriously.

"Does it matter what's in this bottle? If the Great Rejuvenation Pill is too much, at least give him a invocation pill."

"...."

Hyun-Chun thought.

Could the person before him be an imposter wearing Hyun-Kwang's face?