Reincarnation Sword God

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Fwaaat

Upon riding on the Sa Bul Sang and arriving in Gaebong, an appropriately bustling area caught my eye. This was indeed Jeongdu, the place I had received information about from the Sect Leader. As soon as I mentioned it to the Sa Bul Sang, it took me there without delay. Unlike having to recall every place in my mind, this was a rather nice perk. I headed to a location called Changpyeong Hall to meet my contact.

Changpyeong Hall appeared to be a martial arts training hall on the surface. However, upon showing the Dharma Protector token of the Thunder God Lineage to the gatekeepers, their expressions changed completely as they spoke.

“We’ve been waiting for you.”

“This way…”

As I followed them inside Changpyeong Hall, I found about forty men seated in the room. One of them stood up and performed a respectful bow.

“I am Sangmun, the leader of Changpyeong Hall. It’s an honor to meet the Dharma Protector of the Thunder God Lineage.”

“Are you from the Protection Lineage too?”

Hearing my question, Sangmun nodded.

“I belong to the external faction of the Protection Lineage. I will do my best to assist you with this mission.”

“Then the Helper the Sect Leader mentioned…”

“Oh, that’s not me. Another person is waiting for you at the mission site.”

“……?”

It seemed that Sangmun was not the Helper the Sect Leader had referred to. As I looked at him with a puzzled expression, he continued.

“Our external faction isn’t strong in martial arts but specializes in gathering intelligence and funding. I’ll provide more details shortly.”

“Understood.”

“Rather, have you had a meal yet?”

I shook my head.

“I’ve already eaten. I want to hear about the mission’s information first.”

I didn’t want to waste time on meals offered by others in a foreign place. Though I was said to be immune to poison, it never hurts to be cautious.

“Understood.”

Sangmun then sat down across from me and started discussing various topics. After taking a moment to sip some water, he continued.

“There are signs that the Wind Spirit Sect is heavily involved in the slave market. Moreover, the Golden Eagle Guard’s activities have also been noted. I understand that your mission as the Dharma Protector is to find evidence connecting the Wind Spirit Sect and the Golden Eagle Guard, is that correct?”

“The Sect Leader didn’t provide such detailed information.”

“Hmm… I apologize for the oversight. In any case, you can capture specific trading spots or even apprehend enemies. Also, the bureaucracy has been put under control, so feel free to act as necessary.”

“… The bureaucracy has been controlled?”

I exclaimed in surprise.

“Yes. All the power players below the Lord of Gaebong are under the influence of the Protection Lineage. No matter how significant an event, it can be covered up, so don’t worry.”

“……”

I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the Protection Lineage’s influence. Even the Lord of Gaebong, a high-ranking official ruling over a large area, had only one level below the magistrate. The fact that they had everyone beneath them in their grasp meant they could influence the lives of at least several hundred thousand people at will, making it all too easy to amass wealth.

The troubling aspect was that not only Gaebong was under the Protection Lineage’s control. I couldn’t determine which areas of the Central Plains were also under their influence. The Wind Spirit Sect and the Transformation Sect that meddled in the martial world were formidable, but the Protection Lineage’s power to conquer entire regions was unfathomable.

[What are you surprised about? The Protection Lineage should be capable of at least this much. If they can’t do this, how could they ever stand against the Imperial Court?]

Zhuge Sa scolded, and I snapped back to reality. I cleared my throat and spoke.

“Alright then. I’ve heard the auction at the slave market is tomorrow; what should I prepare for it?”

“We’ve got everything ready, including a carriage, attendants, and even the auction attendance tickets. The auction begins at You Shi (around 5 PM), so it’ll be nighttime activity.”

“You Shi… That means it will start when it gets dark.”

“Dharma Protector, how much do you know about Gaebong’s slave market?”

“I don’t know much. Only that it deals with slave trading…”

That was the reality of it. Even when I lived as an Escort in the past, there were only vague rumors about the slave market; I had no first-hand experience. The same went for my previous life, where I hadn’t had the luxury to investigate the slave market due to being busy with other matters. As I replied, Sangmun spoke carefully.

“They say there will be at least two thousand slaves available for trade tomorrow. It’s the largest market held in the last three years.”

“Two thousand…?”

I exclaimed in surprise.

“Are they really trading that many slaves? Isn’t that a bit too much? No matter how bad the law and order is, you’d think it would attract attention…”

“Yes. Normally, it’s impossible. Between the numbers and the location, it’s a tough setup. However, the organizers have declared they will use special methods to avoid drawing attention from the public. Because of this, slave traders from across the Central Plains are flocking to Gaebong.”

Sangmun sighed.

“I’m unsure what methods they’ll be using, but currently, Gaebong is swarming with slave traders and wealthy individuals looking to purchase slaves. Everyone is eager for quality slaves.”

I tilted my head in confusion.

“I don’t get it. Let’s say they’ve somehow managed to organize such a massive slave market. Wouldn’t buyers appear suspicious when they buy a slave?”

“Apparently, the organizers have a plan in place for that too.”

“……”

“The issue is that even the Protection Lineage has gathered information about the buyers, but we have yet to figure out what special method the organizers will deploy. We suspect it may involve some sort of magical technique, but we aren’t certain.”

Listening to Sangmun, I pondered and replied,

“Since I’m participating in the slave auction, I hope to find out about that method as well.”

“Yes. If it is indeed a magical technique, the one using it won’t be an ordinary magician. It’s crucial that you find out.”

“Got it. Any other information?”

“Hmm… There are rumors that formidable martial masters from the martial world have been hired as bodyguards for the slaves, which has made reconnaissance difficult.”

That piqued my curiosity.

“Formidable martial masters…? To what degree?”

“You should surmise that by seeing the Helper the Sect Leader assigned you. Based on the pieces of information I’ve gathered, he probably deemed them adequate.”

“Hmmm.”

The Helper who would assist me.

Thinking of the three Protection Lineage masters within my cap, they indeed constituted immense power. Combining forces with them would likely render most opponents powerless. Suddenly, I remembered and asked,

“Wait a moment. You haven’t mentioned who my Helper is yet, have you? Who is it?”

“Hmm, well…”

Sangmun hesitated before speaking.

“He said he would reveal it himself tomorrow. I believe that’s the Sect Leader’s intention as well, so I can’t disclose it from my position in the external faction.”

“Who on Earth is it?”

“……”

When Sangmun fell silent, I spoke with a hint of annoyance.

“Hmph, understood. Just tell me how to meet the contact.”

“I’m sorry.”

After receiving all the necessary information from Sangmun, I said to him,

“I’ll be training in my room, so please call me when it’s time.”

“Understood.”

I planned to remain quietly in my room for a full day. It would be pointless to roam around collecting information and drawing unnecessary attention. Besides, I needed to meditate on the Three Treasures Technique and the Soul Exchange Technique, so I decided to stay in seclusion.

However, as soon as I entered my room, Zhuge Sa chimed in.

[You dimwit. Stop wasting time and get moving.]

“What’s with you all of a sudden?”

[It’s time for Soul Exchange Technique training.]

Pabab!

“Ack…”

Following Zhuge Sa’s cue, I subdued a passing Sibi and, once her blood flow was restrained and she fainted, I touched her forehead and extracted her Bai, which soon entered my body. Then, I began to activate the Bai’s movement as Zhuge Sa guided me.

Sssss

[Alright. Now your vision is shared. Let her go.]

Once I released the Sibi’s blood flow and laid her down in a suitable spot, she seemed confused but slowly began to stir. She wouldn’t know that I had knocked her out so quickly. Then, I sat in a lotus position in my room and began operating the techniques Zhuge Sa taught me to start sharing her sight.

I can see it.

The scenery she views reflected in my closed eyes. However, it wasn’t vivid and felt hazy as if shrouded in mist, which was likely due to the low achievement of my Soul Exchange Technique.

[It seems your achievement is still low, making sensory sharing seem challenging. Let’s practice the Soul Extraction Technique instead.]

[Soul Extraction Technique?]

[You’ve stolen her Bai. From there, you can steal the Bai of a third party using her as a medium.]

[Is that really possible…?]

[Stop asking and just do it. When else are you going to practice if not now? Especially in a place like the White Lotus Sect where the Sect Leader’s gaze is direct?]

With no choice, I waited as advised until the Sibi encountered another person. Not long after, a Guardian Warrior approached her, and they appeared to be exchanging banter. As I idly observed the scene, I was suddenly taken aback when the Warrior leaned in close, grinning as he embraced her, bringing his face near hers.

‘Ack!’

Is this a kiss?! My vision was appalled by the sight.

‘The shiny, greasy skin of that dude up close is something I did NOT want to see!’

‘So they’re a couple, huh… Ugh… but…’

I nearly retched at that moment, but Zhuge Sa managed to calm me down with his words.

[Great! The physical contact is intense, making it easier for you to practice Soul Extraction. Quickly, implement the techniques.]

[Ugh… this is not good for my mental health…]

[Heh. Just wait till your shared senses spread to all five; you’ll be out cold. Stop whining and get practicing.]

Tch…

I followed the technique, attempting to extract the Bai from the Guardian Warrior as well. Surprisingly, I was able to feel his Bai being drawn toward me easily. It seemed, as Zhuge Sa mentioned, the more intense the physical contact, the easier it was to perform the Soul Extraction Technique.

Feeling joyful after my first successful attempt, my expression quickly soured.

Shit! Why are they taking off their clothes, you crazy fools!

The two entered a room and began disrobing! I certainly didn’t want to see the warrior’s bare body, and through the woman’s eyes, I could feel intense lust dripping from her gaze!

Eww!

I felt like throwing up! The sight of the guy’s erect member sent chills down my spine, making my hands tremble. Zhuge Sa cackled.

[Oh, this is getting interesting! It looks like they are about to have a good time! ]

[How do I cut this shared vision?!]

[Why would you want to? This is great entertainment!]

My head throbbed as I mentally screamed.

[Shut up and tell me how to cut this off! I’m about to hurl!]

[Oh, come on, it’s just getting good…]

Zhuge Sa whined while explaining how to terminate shared sight. Once I severed the vision, I found myself with two extra Bai collected, and Zhuge Sa explained,

[Alright. The Bai you’ve gathered can be used to influence those two later. However, it’s better to exhaust your Bai using various methods instead.]

[Different methods?]

[Bai is the essence of energy. While it represents existence, it also serves as a resource. The more you have, the more advantageous it becomes for exchanges.]

[……?]

Zhuge Sa remarked,

[I’ll explain the details tomorrow. Anyway, since you’re heading to the slave market, you’ll definitely meet that important character.]

[Who is that?]

[The merchant who deals in underhanded trading! You need to meet him.]

I spent the remaining half of the time reviewing the Three Treasures Technique I’d learned from the Sect Leader and enhancing my proficiency in the Soul Exchange Technique. As I focused on meditation, time flew by quickly. Thus, a full day passed, and Sangmun came to call for me.

“Dharma Protector, it’s time to set off.”

I got up, fully dressed and equipped with money, just before You Shi. My surface-level persona for the auction was that of a “wealthy young master,” intending to play the fool while buying a slave at the auction.

“Let’s go.”

Clop clop clop

As I rode in the carriage with Sangmun, passing through familiar pathways, he spoke.

“The destination is in the Zhi Li Zhai region. It’s a small village with nothing amid the mountains, but… it doesn’t seem likely they could house two thousand slaves for a market.”

“Aren’t you coming with me?”

“No. You only have that one invitation.”

I pulled out the blood-red invitation from my hand. This invitation was uniquely drenched in crimson, made from parchment, and the black letters were engraved in a peculiar manner.

Finally, the carriage came to a stop. Once I disembarked, I realized the carriage could go no further due to the narrow canyon ahead. I silently bid farewell to Sangmun and walked into the mountains of Zhi Li Zhai.

‘What a narrow mountain path.’

After walking for about a hundred paces on the small trail, the invitation in my hand suddenly glowed, causing a blood-red passageway to emerge in thin air before me.

“What’s this?”

I looked around, but the presence of people was steadily diminishing. Guests were approaching from all directions, but one by one, their energy appeared to fade away. They were undoubtedly entering the passageway opening before me.

With no other choice, I had to proceed through this passage. As I steadied myself and focused on it, Zhuge Sa remarked,

[Using a blood passage as a transit point? Someone’s truly lost their mind. The outcome might be all of them becoming the prey of the monsters!]