Reincarnation Sword God

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Han Baek-ryeong seemed to be scrutinizing me, her eyes glowing with interest.

“So, your skills are quite substantial. Your inner power is impressive…”

“In front of the Dharma Protector, I’m nothing more than a firefly before the sun.”

“Not quite. It’s more like the difference between the ocean and a river.”

“……”

With a curious metaphor, Han Baek-ryeong lowered her long pipe and said,

“Who are you? I’ve never seen someone like you in the Thunder God Lineage at its peak.”

“Do you think I’ve reincarnated?”

“Of course. Come on, you didn’t achieve that level of inner power at your age, did you?”

“I’m not that old. It’s a misunderstanding regarding my reincarnation.”

At my reply, Han Baek-ryeong stared at me in silence, contemplating. Suddenly, she hurled her pipe at me with a swift motion.

The pipe looked slow, almost suspended in the air, but in reality, it was packed with explosive force, cutting through space as it flew toward me. The visible form wasn’t its real position; it was definitely an illusion created by mind techniques. I recognized that move in an instant, gritting my teeth, and infused my sword with all my strength to counter it.

Boom!

A massive explosion echoed. At the same time, I was blasted back, tumbling to the ground, while Han Baek-ryeong retrieved her pipe as if in a state of relaxed mastery and walked toward me.

“That was my signature move, Sword Soul Technique, executed to my utmost ability just now.”

She said coldly.

“So, even the top-level martial artists of Jianghu would find it impossible to defend against my strike; their blood vessels would burst. But you managed to take it head-on without any damage to your weapon. That means your current level of inner power is second to none, except for the Dharma Protector.”

“Ugh.”

“I see you’re not even injured. Quite remarkable inner power.”

Han Baek-ryeong stated with admiration.

“Such inner power is only held by the Master of Zen in the Martial Arts World at present. And yet, you claim it’s not reincarnation?”

“Believe it or not, it’s true. I simply had a fortuitous encounter with some elixirs.”

“Hmm.”

After adjusting her grip on the pipe, Han Baek-ryeong continued,

“Regardless, it’s fine. If the Sect Leader acknowledges you, I have no choice but to follow suit. However, if anything happens to the Young Master or the Fire Spirit Sect, I will never forgive you.”

“……”

“Then rest comfortably.”

Whoosh

With a sudden burst of flames, Han Baek-ryeong vanished, leaving behind a trail of fire. That must’ve been the Fire Spirit Sect’s teleportation technique, Fire Shadow Step, I had heard about from Mangnyang. It’s supposed to be an exquisite technique that balances an elegant touch with extreme offensive power.

‘Rest comfortably? Don’t mind if I do!’

I grumbled internally while realizing that the Sect Leader’s actions were quite extravagant. Despite the considerable distance from Luoyang to Jangryeong Valley, Han Baek-ryeong’s personal visit signified just how much my existence was attracting attention. Perhaps the Sect Leader had even heard firsthand that I was to be made the Dharma Protector. The current actions seemed to be a process of monitoring my suspicious self while also gathering information.

Once Han Baek-ryeong disappeared, I headed over to Seobi, who had been waiting outside. She seemed to have fainted from the blast earlier, so I infused some inner power into her to revive her. After a moment, she slowly regained consciousness, and I sighed in relief.

“Good thing you’re alive. You’ve even picked up some martial arts, haven’t you?”

“The Previous Generation Sect Leader taught me. But that blast was too powerful anyway.”

That much was understandable. She had been injured previously, so I had to treat her as well. A regular person might not have only fainted but could have died from such a powerful energy blast. I was grateful it had ended like this and said,

“Anyway, let’s go see General Hwang Yeon now.”

“Yes.”

Following her lead, I headed to the residence of General Hwang Yeon. He was dressed in white, quietly reading a book, and upon my arrival, he closed it.

“You’re here.”

“How are you feeling, General?”

“I’m fine. The air here is good, and the food is tasty.”

Hwang Yeon replied, looking at me intently.

“It seems you too have been caught up with the White Lotus Sect Leader.”

“Shamefully, yes.”

“Hmm… Can you tell me how all this came to be? I unexpectedly received the Sect Leader’s support to contest the royal palace, but it all feels so sudden.”

I had no choice but to explain to Hwang Yeon the circumstances surrounding my capture by the Sect Leader. He listened until the end and then said,

“Well, for you and me, it seems this has turned out to be a blessing in disguise? You’ve been elevated through the White Lotus Sect, while I, unexpectedly, have gained the assistance of the strongest force in the Martial Arts World.”

“Don’t joke. The Sect Leader is merely keeping me alive for entertainment. If I become unnecessary or boring, she’ll kill me at any moment.”

At my flustered reply, Hwang Yeon chuckled lightly.

“That’s true for you alone. Are there any beings in the Eight Great Sovereigns of the Central Plains who can escape the clutches of the White Lotus Sect Leader? It’s just that you are nearby, and others aren’t.”

“Hmm…”

“A being of such absolute caliber should be recruited rather than made an enemy. That’s why the imperial court has never laid a hand on the White Lotus Sect founded in Gansu province. The previous Sect Leaders could have assassinated the Emperor at any time.”

“Phew, I feel overwhelmed on what to do next.”

Hwang Yeon chuckled and handed me a book.

“What’s this?”

“It’s the Book of Military Classics, one of the Seven Books of Military Classics, Sima’s Techniques. I had nothing to do until you came, so I was reading it. The previous Sect Leader seems to have quite the fondness for books; the place is piled with countless texts from both ancient and modern times.”

I stared at him in disbelief.

“Sima’s Techniques is a military strategy book, isn’t it? How could it possibly be useful to me?”

“Ha ha.”

Hwang Yeon just smiled without responding. I had no choice but to tuck Sima’s Techniques into my robe, and only then did he continue,

“Though you grumble about your situation, I can sense you harbor a hidden dagger. As long as you don’t give up, a path will surely open. So, keep your mind well-regulated and strive for a favorable outcome.”

“Understood.”

“I’ll do my best in my own way.”

I stepped away from Hwang Yeon. It seemed he was trying to think positively about the current situation. In fact, it was a blessing in disguise for him. But I couldn’t afford to have such optimistic thoughts.

Boom! Crack!

While I had fortunately regained the Heavenly Secret due to the Sect Leader’s whims, the loss of the teleportation and storage was a stinging blow. Besides that, didn’t I lose all sorts of treasures as well due to the Sect Leader? The thought of the Sect Leader taking advantage of my elixirs, military books, and such made my insides boil.

‘If only I could kill myself and restart right now.’

But I held back. As long as I was alive, I could somehow regain my footing. And the longer I survived, the more information I would gather, which would benefit my future lives. I pushed aside my humiliation and despair and vowed silently to endure as much as I could.

And now, I had to cut off contact with Mangnyang as much as possible. It seemed he had somehow escaped the Sect Leader’s grasp, but who knew how long that would hold? If I reached out to Mangnyang first, the Sect Leader would probably ensnare him too, so I had to avoid that. For the time being, I could only focus on life at the White Lotus Sect.

It would be best to visit Mangnyang at a critical moment.

“The Lord is calling for you.”

The next day, when the Sect Leader summoned me, I headed to the Jangryeong Valley Lord’s hall. Upon arriving, I was surprised to see unexpected figures standing there.

“……!!”

Duk Go-jun, Yong Bi-cheon, Han Baek-ryeong!

The three Dharma Protectors of the White Lotus Sect were lined up beside the Sect Leader. In that moment, I realized that it wasn’t just Han Baek-ryeong who was present in Jangryeong Valley yesterday; all the Dharma Protectors had gathered there for the Sect Leader’s summons.

This place had become a true scene of the Dragon’s Den. As I gulped under the tremendous pressure, the Sect Leader spoke slowly,

[Bai Woong. Though I didn’t mention it yesterday, thanks to the black-and-white lotus you possessed, the Young Master has been freed from her curse and awakened.]

“C-Congratulations!”

[Furthermore, the treasure you held seems to have been very useful. You, yourself, have made a significant contribution to our sect, and thus we bestow upon you the position of Dharma Protector of the Thunder God Lineage and grant you the Heavenly Spirit Pill.]

Hearing those words, I glanced at the other Dharma Protectors, but none seemed particularly agitated, indicating that they must have already been briefed. However, the looks they cast were anything but warm, prompting me to quickly bow and respond,

“Thank you!”

[You are to follow Yong Bi-cheon to assist in matters with the Wind Spirit Lineage, and return to the main sect afterward. As soon as you return, the Heavenly Spirit Pill will be bestowed upon you, so do your best.]

Yong Bi-cheon?

Though I felt hesitant, I answered with a loud voice.

“Understood.”

The White Lotus Sect Leader appeared pleased and said,

[From today, the reign of the White Lotus Sect will begin. You will all assist me in achieving our final goal for the sect.]

“Honor and Glory!”

“Honor and Glory!”

As Baek-ryeong stood at attention, she said to the Sect Leader,

“Lord, shall we head to the Flaming Spirit Lineage now?”

[Indeed.]

With that, the Sect Leader and Han Baek-ryeong disappeared somewhere. It seemed the Sect Leader intended to return to the main sect using the Flame Road of the Flaming Spirit Lineage, which indicated that he would not be staying much longer at Jangryeong Valley. Han Baek-ryeong had come here as the representative of the Fire Spirit Lineage to guide the Sect Leader out of respect.

Thus, the meeting with the White Lotus Sect Leader concluded. As the Dharma Protectors dispersed, Yong Bi-cheon approached me and said,

“Follow me.”

Despite the fact that I was probably perceived as an enemy by Yong Bi-cheon of the Thunder God Lineage, he spoke calmly. So, I walked alongside him and asked,

“Why aren’t you annoyed that I’m from the Thunder God Lineage?”

At that, Yong Bi-cheon replied, as if finding it laughable,

“Since the Sect Leader said that the Young Master has been freed from her ailment, the reign of the White Lotus Sect has already been booked. Why would I care about the Thunder God Lineage that was expelled fifty years ago?”

“……”

“There may have been a time when you were our rivals, but that’s no longer the case. For fifty years, we of the Wind Spirit Lineage have not been idle and have cultivated power beyond compare to yours. Even if the Thunder God Lineage returns to our sect, you will forever remain at the bottom, so don’t dream foolishly.”

I felt a surge of indignation arise.

‘This bastard…’

I could read the disdain lurking beneath Yong Bi-cheon’s words as a martial artist of the Thunder God Lineage. No matter what, I couldn’t feel good listening to such arrogant speech. Besides, I harbored deep grudges against Yong Bi-cheon, so I replied curtly,

“Whatever the mission is, I wish I wasn’t alongside you.”

“I’d prefer that too, but sadly, we have to work together.”

“What mission warrants the top Dharma Protectors to be involved?”

After a moment’s silence, Yong Bi-cheon replied,

“We’re heading to form an official alliance with the Twelve Laws of Jianghu!”

“……!!”

The Twelve Laws?!

Why the heck are they coming up now? I was taken aback, but soon enough, I began to grasp the situation.

‘The restrictions that plagued the White Lotus Sect’s entry into the Central Plains have vanished. It seems that before dealing with their greatest nemesis, the royal palace, they intend to secure an alliance with the greatest external variable, the Twelve Laws. If the Twelve Laws became enemies, it would pose a significant danger!’

Though I hadn’t witnessed it before, it seemed the Sect Leader had tasked Yong Bi-cheon with the alliance mission. As I pondered, I questioned him again,

“So you’re only forming an alliance, yet why do I have to tag along?”

“What an annoying brat.”

Yong Bi-cheon grumbled in response.

“The leader of the Twelve Laws is an extraordinary martial artist, an ‘extra-human’ that even our Sect Leader cannot look down upon. Moreover, their three Masters are formidable as well. It’d be dangerous if we faced an ambush at that venue, so a small, elite force is needed.”

“Hmm…”

I let out a low hum.

‘The Twelve Laws are quite something indeed.’

As a top Dharma Protector of the Wind Spirit Lineage, Yong Bi-cheon was a powerful figure. Yet, he still felt uneasy facing the Twelve Laws alone, enough to want to bring even one more high-caliber warrior. This hinted that the martial power of the Twelve Laws might indeed surpass even the Dharma Protectors.

“Then, is your son Yong Jung-il going too?”

“He is.”

“You’ve been rumored to be quite protective of your son, but you’re bringing him along anyway. Are you planning to protect him if need be?”

I tried my best to provoke him. I felt like I wanted to scratch that sore spot since Yong Bi-cheon didn’t sit well with me. But instead, he responded with a smirk.

“Ha ha, quite the opposite. My son is the most dependable among us.”

“……?”

What does he mean by that?

Before I could ask, Yong Bi-cheon finally lost his temper.

“Ugh, shut up! We’re about to depart, so pack your stuff and follow me!”

“… Understood.”

Damn it.

If I were to be unjustly killed by the Twelve Laws, I would definitely make sure to send you off to the afterlife too.

Apologies for the delay. I miscalculated and thought October had 30 days when I used my reserved item (…)