Reincarnation Sword God

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Paaat!

Following Zhuge Sa’s guidance, I headed to Seven Kills Village. Since the rescue operation from the Blood Blade Group had already been initiated, I possessed the black badge received from the one-eyed elder. Before entering Seven Kills Village, I hesitated while gazing at the peak of Mount Tai.

‘The Vermilion Bird must be residing there now.’

The Vermilion Bird. Essentially the worst opponent I had to defeat right now. Toppling the Vermilion Bird would be tantamount to eradicating the Imperial Palace itself. The Emperor was merely a puppet, and the remaining Xuanwu and White Tiger weren’t that formidable either; thus, defeating the Vermilion Bird meant striking down the Imperial Palace. As I continued to stare at the summit of Mount Tai, Zhuge Sa spoke up.

[I’m curious as to what Zhuge Yulong was thinking when he allied with the Otherworldly Beings; that might be one reason he’s helping you right now.]

“Isn’t that your brother? And you were expelled for having learned the heretical arts…”

[……]

After a brief silence, Zhuge Sa responded.

[Don’t stop at just bringing down Zhuge Yulong. If you don’t understand why he made such a choice, you won’t be able to move forward.]

“That sounds even more difficult.”

I grumbled as I entered Seven Kills Village. Just like before, the villagers welcomed me, including the village chief, and guided me to the ancient rulers of Amcheonhyang through Baekmok. Since the spirit beast couldn’t enter Amcheonhyang, I left it in a spiritual state, waiting at the village.

Paaat!

I made my way to the ancient ruler deep in the jungle. He regarded me with hundreds of eyes embedded in his body and spoke.

[Speak… I grant you one right to reverse life and death with the power bestowed upon me… No one can escape this ability…]

After hearing his words completely, I spoke from my heart.

[Please bring back the Thunder God Sect’s protector Lee Cheong-un!]

[Understood…]

Tentacles began to writhe and extend from the ancient ruler’s body, touching a certain point in the air. Suddenly, something resembling smoke began to flow from the void. The ancient ruler blew at the smoke, sending it away somewhere.

[He is revived…]

[Thank you.]

I respectfully bowed and was about to leave when the voice of the ancient ruler reached my ears.

[You must speak to the one who serves the Black Goat… Many transcendents are watching over you… Misfortune shall approach.]

I tilted my head in confusion. However, I soon grasped the meaning and nodded in affirmation.

[Understood.]

Paaat!

Returning to Seven Kills Village, I exited the village without delay. Just as I was riding the spirit beast Sasubang, Zhuge Sa’s voice echoed in my mind.

[You really can’t be reckless, heh heh.]

He sounded rather smug.

[That was a warning for Byeok Jisang, wasn’t it?]

[Indeed. The current transformation has been engulfed by demonic energy and has turned into the territory of the Black Goat. However, that’s something none of the ancient rulers want. At the very least, more than three ancient rulers see him unfavorably.]

[Does the Black Goat refer to an Outer God?]

Zhuge Sa replied irritably.

[How can you know so little about Outer Gods or the ancient rulers? With all the Demon Arts books you’ve collected, it would be normal to have studied and understood their contents.]

[It’s not decodable.]

[… The Black Goat is one of the Outer Gods, one of the highest entities. Even the ancient rulers regard him as a god, and he originally has no interest in this tiny world. He embodies fertility and abundance.]

I was taken aback.

[Fertility and abundance? I wouldn’t sense that from such sinister energy…]

[Do not think from a human perspective. It’s inherently too transcendent for you to comprehend.]

Zhuge Sa spoke firmly, continuing.

[In any case, you’ll be monitored by ancient rulers of the same level, so you don’t need to worry about that for now. Just go find Lee Cheong-un.]

“I was already planning to do so.”

Paaat!

I rode the Sasubang toward Lee Cheong-un’s tomb, guided by Lee Kwang previously. The tomb of Lee Cheong-un was not just unkempt; it was amidst a dense forest, brimming with various flora. I walked toward the grave, wielding my sword to clear the underbrush.

‘Where could he be?’

If Lee Cheong-un had revived, he would surely be around here. Just as I was surveying the area, a sudden voice broke through.

“Boy. Where is this place?”

A voice, like a ghost’s, startled me. I turned to the source only to find a figure standing atop a branch, seemingly out of place given the frail, thin branch’s inability to support human weight.

The one speaking was a young man in his early twenties. He had a well-defined jawline, striking features, and a demeanor unrepresentative of his physical appearance suggested. By all means, someone catching a glance might think him a mere well-read scholar.

Yet, at first sight, I recognized him as a formidable master. His aura reached that of an extraordinary realm, enveloping my surroundings with an invisible pressure that even suppressed my very spirit.

A quick cold sweat broke out across my forehead. The only individual in my current life who could be considered a master above me was the Sword God Namgung Jo, yet even when he unleashed his sword energy, I had never felt such an intense tension. The sensation that if we fought, defeat was all but certain gripped me tightly.

If I were at a lower level, I might not have noticed, but being at a middling level meant I could clearly sense the dire situation.

This feeling was eerily similar to the time I encountered the leader of the White Lotus Sect. Swallowing hard, I glanced at the man, and he spoke softly.

“You’ve achieved the Thunder Spirit. You’re quite skilled. Are you one of the disciples of the Thunder God Sect?”

I nodded hastily.

“Yes, I am. And you are…”

“How strange. I had thought my end was near, yet here I am, still very much alive. I had my dantian destroyed back then, with no way to survive…”

The man, resting his chin on his hand as he mumbled, suddenly turned to look at me.

“Why are you here? Does this have something to do with my revival?”

“… Um, well…”

When he turned his gaze towards me, I felt as if I were shrinking under his intense scrutiny.

‘Why am I feeling like this?’

It was merely an ordinary gaze. There was no invisible power or pressure wrapped around it. Nevertheless, for some inexplicable reason, I felt deeply oppressed, as if I could not stand up to the figure before me.

This person was undoubtedly a monstrous master! I trembled for a moment, but I managed to get my composure.

“… I am honored to meet you, I am Baek Woong, the inheritor of the Thunder God Sect.”

“Baek Woong… that’s not a name I know among the inheritors.”

“Indeed, I have come here for a reason. However, before that, there’s something I need to verify.”

The man stared at me silently, prompting me to speak with a voice barely retaining its steadiness.

“Are you the protector of the Thunder God Sect, Lee Cheong-un?”

At my question, he nodded.

“Yes, that’s correct. I am Lee Cheong-un.”

“……!!”

Upon confirming, I couldn’t help but make an involuntary sound, though I had expected it.

The most powerful protector in the history of the Thunder God Sect, hailed as the greatest genius—an absolute master! Moreover, he was the master of Lee Kwang, making him akin to an ancestor in my eyes. Yet, facing him in person, I was at a loss for words.

Perhaps it was because his first impression was different from what I had anticipated. I had envisioned Lee Cheong-un as a seasoned man with a strong demeanor, yet the young man before me was practically indistinguishable from an ordinary scholar. However, it was his overwhelming prowess that confirmed his existence.

After a moment of gathering my thoughts, I spoke.

“Lee Cheong-un, I used my magic arts to bring you back to life.”

Lee Cheong-un’s brows twitched.

“That means…”

“Yes, the protector has passed away in the past. However, I have revived you.”

“Hmmm… that’s hard to believe.”

Lee Cheong-un appeared skeptical, rightfully so; it would be foolish to believe such a statement immediately. Yet, he softened slightly, as if indicating he was willing to entertain the absurdity.

“Fine. Let’s say you did bring me back; how long has it been since I died?”

“Roughly fifty years.”

“Puhaha!”

Lee Cheong-un burst into laughter as if finding it utterly ridiculous, waving his hand dismissively.

“That’s nonsense! Get lost; I need to return to the sect!”

“Wait…”

Swish!

It was a flash—the next instant, I felt something brush past me, and my entire body went numb, becoming immobile. Thankfully, I seemed able to speak, though I had been incapacitated in the blink of an eye. I felt him strolling away behind me.

‘What the…’

I had been practicing martial arts for over a century. During that time, I felt I had surpassed Lee Kwang and progressed to a level above many masters of the Central Plains. Yet here I was, being casually subdued by Lee Cheong-un as if it were all a mere game. While I had heard of Lee Cheong-un’s prowess, it was unimaginable that he could suppress me so effortlessly.

I couldn’t let him get away.

If he returned to the White Lotus Sect, it would spell disaster!

I desperately tried to call out.

“Thunder…”

Suddenly, Zhuge Sa’s voice erupted in my mind.

[You foolish brat! Don’t fall for it!]

[What?!]

[Does it make sense for Lee Cheong-un to leave you here and simply return to the sect? Especially when he has the means to interrogate you using the Thunder God’s torturous techniques? If he could suppress your entire body’s blood points, why has he only allowed you to speak?]

My clarity returned in an instant.

[Ah!]

[He’s checking the information you possess before torturing you! Don’t be a fool!]

[……!!]

[Call Sasubang right now and escape before he starts torturing you! Once that starts, it’ll be the end of you!]

In that fleeting moment, it hit me: Lee Cheong-un was drawing me into a psychological trap. He could have tortured me on the spot, but instead wanted to observe my reactions first, waiting for me to reveal something crucial before commencing his torture. Without that, the current situation made no sense.

I felt a chill run down my spine.

‘This man truly is Lee Kwang’s master…!!’

It was inconceivable to perform the duties of a protector without an exceptional mind. Particularly for someone dubbed a genius, the level of cunning must be great beyond compare.

‘Damn it!’

I hastily called for Sasubang and fled toward the residence of the White Lotus Sect. I had no time to waste. Though my blood veins had been restrained, I believed I could resolve it with time.

Paaat!

Just as I briefly relaxed while observing the surroundings of the White Lotus Sect.

“Hmmm. Where is this place?”

“……!!”

That eerie voice! Before I knew it, Lee Cheong-un had placed his hand on my shoulder. In an instant, he must have touched my body while I was riding Sasubang, following the space shift. An overwhelming sense of fear gripped me, nearly causing me to faint.

To my paralyzed form, Lee Cheong-un said.

“… Ah, I see now. This is the dwelling of the Thunder God Sect… but it has changed quite a bit. Then, this must be the White Lotus Sect.”

“…….”

“Since I’ve left blood points untouched, do share your thoughts. I wouldn’t want to torture a fellow disciple.”

He outright mentioned torture!

Lee Cheong-un spoke calmly, yet I understood the true nature of the Thunder God Sect. Lee Cheong-un most likely had a predilection for destructive tendencies, capable of inflicting violence without hesitation. I felt a wave of cold sweat covering me, knowing that I was on the verge of experiencing the full scope of the Thunder God Sect’s torturous methods.

‘Should I… kill myself?’

I knew well the extreme agony inflicted by the Thunder God Sect’s torturous techniques. I could endure up to the second stage somehow, but beyond that, I doubted my ability to cope; perhaps I would succumb to a complete mental breakdown and never recover from it.

However, I knew that staying calm in such situations was crucial. Gritting my teeth, I regained my composure.

“Please release my blood points. I will tell you everything.”

“Hmmm. Can I trust you?”

“Yes. Should there be any falsehood, I shall accept my doom.”

Upon hearing my response, Lee Cheong-un’s eyes sparkled.

“You are indeed one of the Thunder God Sect’s disciples. I’m impressed that you can say that.”

“……”

In the next instant, the blood points in my body were released as if they had always been like that. I had once again failed to observe Lee Cheong-un’s movements, sending another shiver down my spine. I had seen many masters, but none had ever subdued me in such a surreal manner as he did.

I sighed and spoke.

“You might find it hard to believe. But if you’re ready to hear me out, would you kindly ride the Sasubang with me?”

“If I am to trust you, I should keep my word.”

“Then…”

Paaat!

I headed straight to the obsidian mine within Dongyoung. I smashed off a suitable piece of obsidian, crafting it to about the size of my fist, then infused it with memories using the arts of obsidian. The contents included a brief yet comprehensive account of my experiences since my reincarnation and how I brought Lee Cheong-un back to life.

‘This is the only way.’

I knew that while Lee Cheong-un appeared to be speaking kindly, he would immediately resort to torture should any detail deviate from the truth. Given that he was the type to engage in the level of psychological warfare he had already demonstrated, it was clearly obvious he would aim to extract accurate info through torture rather than indulge in idle chatter. Besides, I lacked the verbal wit to bamboozle Lee Cheong-un. Thus, I decided to persuade him by showing my memories engraved within the obsidian.

Sure, I could end it all right now, but that would be foolish. Having brought back Lee Cheong-un, even if it risked my life a little, I wanted to hear the information straight from him. This was my gamble.

As I presented the obsidian, Lee Cheong-un showed interest.

“What is this? You suddenly arrive at a mine to give me some obsidian…”

“This is my own art, the obsidian technique. With it, one can convey their memories to another.”

Lee Cheong-un smiled slyly.

“Why would I accept this suspicious chunk of stone? Where’s the guarantee that it won’t have mind control or deceptive spells imbued within?”

Lee Cheong-un was not merely an ordinary single-minded martial artist; he seemed to have considerable knowledge regarding magic arts and mechanisms as well. Given the characteristics of the White Lotus Sect, it was only logical for a protector to be well versed in such matters. I responded carefully to his words.

“It’s precisely because you’ve come this far that I present it to you.”

“Hmmm?”

“Assuming there’s even the slightest chance I’m deceiving you, wouldn’t you surely be able to dispatch me in an instant?”

“……”

Lee Cheong-un silently scrutinized me and nodded, acknowledging my point. His overwhelming speed surpassed any normal martial skill, being quite literally unfathomable. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to move without alerting me.

I stood firm.

“There is no lie within this obsidian, you will see it for yourself.”

“Whether it’s true or not is secondary; your attitude is very much like that of a Thunder God Sect disciple. I like it.”

Lee Cheong-un responded and accepted the obsidian.

Paaat!

“Hmm!”

For a moment, Lee Cheong-un was surprised as he consumed the memories. After nearly half an interval, he shook his head, astonished.

“Unbelievable… you’re saying if I die, I will start my life over from childhood?”

“Correct.”

Since I withheld the matter concerning Cheonam Big Secret, he was unaware. This had usually been a common topic whenever I conveyed information through obsidian to others.

“And… ha ha… it’s real. Fifty years have passed, and I now have a disciple from my disciple…”

Lee Cheong-un’s expression turned vacant. It was no surprise; the realization that half a century has passed since his death, along with all I had experienced within the Thunder God Sect, posed a significant shock. At this moment, Lee Cheong-un was likely organizing the memories regarding the Thunder God Sect in his mind.

After a brief pause, Lee Cheong-un spoke.

“Well, your goal is to obtain the Thunder God’s ultimate technique, the Thunder Spirit’s Soul, correct? Currently, you are a disciple of the White Lotus Sect and also the protector of the Thunder God Sect…”

“……”

“Hmmm, how should I phrase this?”

Lee Cheong-un chuckled wryly.

“First… Baek Woong, how about just giving up on the Thunder Spirit’s Soul?”