Reincarnation Sword God

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The elder seemed taken aback when he heard my words.

“What… what do you mean? Do you even realize what you’re saying, Gongja?”

“Of course.”

I was convinced that Zhuge Sa held the solution to this situation. I really disliked that guy, but he wasn’t the type to throw out a trashy scheme for no reason. At least he knew that looking down on someone after succeeding was a fundamental trait of a strategist. So, I began to express what Zhuge Sa prompted me to say in my mind.

“Whether it’s a princess or a divine sword, it’s still an otherworldly item. It simply can’t match the power of a Demon Book that can provide enormous strength to its user. That Damo may be of precious grade, but it’s still not that level, right?”

“……”

“I want to see Demon Path items. That truly is the most valuable treasure in the world.”

As I made my assertion, the elder lowered his head and fell silent. Then, he suddenly shifted his tone and spoke in a grim voice.

“You are not Shangguan Zheng.”

A chilling hostility suddenly struck me. Of course, I was used to danger and animosity, so I wasn’t that rattled, but I realized that the malice radiating from the elder was distinctly different. It was a dense hostility of a different quality than what ordinary humans exuded, accompanied by a strange aura I had never encountered before.

‘What is this? Does he practice Qimen Martial Arts?’

[Stop the useless thoughts and answer quickly. This is a crucial moment.]

But regardless of my doubts, Zhuge Sa continued to urge me to speak. I had no choice but to continue.

“What makes you think I am not Shangguan Zheng?”

“The Shangguan family has been a renowned family in Luoyang since ancient times. A child of the Shangguan family, who has produced the Five Great Representatives of the World, couldn’t possibly know about Demon Books or Demon Artifacts.”

I replied, feigning disappointment as Zhuge Sa instructed me.

“You truly are an ignorant fool. Do you not know the essence of the Shangguan family?”

“What did you say?”

“The ancestor of the Shangguan family, Shangguan Wanyan, was Wu Zetian’s foremost strategist and confidant. And Wu Zetian had deep dealings with the Otherworldly Beings, so it should be you who doesn’t know that our Shangguan family understands the secrets of the Demon Path better than anyone else.”

“……”

The elder gaped at my words, clearly astonished. Yet, I was just as surprised, so I turned to Zhuge Sa and asked,

[Hey, is that true? Really?]

Zhuge Sa grew irritated.

[Just shut up and focus on the conversation! I’ll explain later.]

[Alright.]

I quickly composed my expression and continued.

“One more thing. As a descendant of the Shangguan family with abundant knowledge, I realized your true nature long ago. You haven’t revealed your name or identity to me, yet you cannot just be an ordinary overseer of the slave market. You are the supreme ruler holding a critical position in this slave market and, I know you’re an Otherworldly Being too…!”

Huh? Really?

This old man is an Otherworldly Being?

I was hardly able to believe it, blinking in disbelief as I struggled to articulate. It was my first experience finding it hard to accept a truth even while stating it.

Upon hearing what I said, the elder remained silent for a long moment with his head hung low. Eventually, astonishing changes began to occur.

Crack, crack…

It seemed as if his body was melting away. The skin of a human was melting like mucus, and chunks of crimson flesh were dropping off. The form that dripped like candle wax soon twisted in the air with a pitch-black aura, and after a while, he presented an appearance utterly unrecognizable as human.

It looked like a column with wings. The body was enormous, with several tentacles protruding, and its head had a gaping maw, reminiscent of a quivering sea creature. The way it balanced itself with a massive straw-like leg looked utterly bizarre. But despite appearances, I had a feeling it was rather agile.

That existence then began to communicate directly with my mind.

[You know much. I had no idea a Shangguan family member possessed such a secret. I apologize for my rudeness.]

Though it was the language of the Otherworldly Beings, it seemed like a self-translation was provided into human brains. From the looks of it, this entity was undoubtedly a high-ranking being among the Otherworldly. I was fascinated by the sight of an Otherworldly Being I had never seen before, yet I continued to follow Zhuge Sa’s guidance.

“You’re a member of the Ancient Race that waged war against the descendants of Evil Spirits in the distant past. I heard you currently reside in the Northern Hemisphere, yet how have you come all the way to the Central Plains?”

[Hoohoo… You certainly know a lot. To put it simply, I’ve come to spy on humans and fulfill my thirst for knowledge. The time of destruction is fast approaching, so preparations must be made.]

“……”

I had no idea how vast Zhuge Sa’s knowledge of the Otherworldly Beings was. So I thought to myself.

[What is this Ancient Race?]

[It’s a long story, but the Ancient Race is an advanced species far beyond humans. You could say they are the rulers who have stepped back from the stage.]

[Are they strong?]

[Physical abilities are nothing special. But in terms of civilization, it’s on a completely different level. Compared to the Ancient Race, humans are no more than monkeys.]

That bizarre-looking Otherworldly Being was apparently that impressive?

As I gazed at it with newfound surprise, it spoke.

[Shangguan Zheng. Do you truly wish to buy a Demon Book? You seem to understand its value, so you should also know how rare and expensive it is.]

It was a mix of a threat and mere confirmation of the fact.

“I actually came prepared with information.”

[What?!]

“I heard that you struck deals with certain humans. I was referred to you by the Sect Leader of the Baehwa Sect, and I even heard that you are the second most infamous dark trader in this realm.”

Upon hearing this, the Ancient Race chuckled sinisterly.

[Hehehe… A recommendation from Zhuge Sa? That makes sense.]

“Will you cooperate with me?”

The Ancient Race replied, seemingly unimpressed.

[Of course. But if you received a recommendation from Zhuge Sa, you must have lost your mind… You’re a frightfully daring human.]

“……”

Zhuge Sa. What have you been doing in your life…

Additionally, I now understood who the “merchant” Zhuge Sa referred to before visiting the slave market. From the very beginning, Zhuge Sa had no interest in Fengshinyu or the Imperial Palace; he came here to make a deal with the “Ancient Race” in front of me! But no matter how much of a Demon Sorcerer he was, to deal with an Otherworldly entity living in this world was utterly insane.

‘Normally, you’d feel fear and madness the moment you encounter an Otherworldly Being…’

Zhuge Sa appeared to read my thoughts and laughed.

[You’re ridiculous. Who’s worse than me here?]

After a moment, the Ancient Race extended its tentacles into the air and conjured a translucent square. It began to manipulate the squares with its tentacles as if they were physically present.

[What kind of Demon Book do you want?]

“I’d like something like the ‘Hanra’… or perhaps one of the Forbidden Tomes.”

The Ancient Race grew furious.

[You madman! Are you really a Demon Sorcerer?! Looking for those here in the human world?]

“Just tell me if you have them or not.”

[I don’t. They would be in the Western Regions.]

“Then what kind of Demon Book do you have?”

[Before I tell you, I need some kind of collateral.]

The Ancient Race’s expression became menacing. I casually replied,

“Just tell me first. I’m sure I can pay you.”

[…I have the ‘Golden Branch.’]

“Oh? While it isn’t as good as the nameless ritual texts or the Nine Demon Genesis, it’s still a remarkable Demon Book.”

[You insolent fool. How dare a mere human speak of the rank of a Demon Book?]

“Hahaha.”

Though the Ancient Race grumbled, it sounded more like a playful tone than real hostility. Meanwhile, I could feel the madness shared between us as Zhuge Sa mentioned it, sending chills down my spine, as if they might casually start talking about human flesh.

‘This guy Zhuge Sa… is completely sharing the viewpoint of the Otherworldly!’

This was no longer a human’s mentality. Just feeling disturbed, I then said,

“Regardless, I want to buy the Demon Book ‘Golden Branch.'”

The Ancient Race twisted its tentacles and replied,

[What’s your offer?]

“A down payment, I suppose? You really lack any dignity in being a merchant.”

[If you don’t like it, then forget it. I don’t have to sell to you.]

“Ugh…”

Zhuge Sa grumbled in my head.

[You’d ask even your own parents for an offer when selling them, wouldn’t you? Seems like I’ve gotten the short end of the stick here.]

I felt a wave of worry wash over me.

[…Whatever you’re mumbling, you can handle this, right? It’s bad if things go awry.]

[Don’t worry.]

After taking a deep breath, I said,

“I have mastered the ‘Divorce Technique,’ enabling me to collect Souls (魄). Look!”

Woosh!

I displayed two portions of Souls I had collected yesterday in my palm, having processed them with my energy. Upon seeing this, the Ancient Race trembled its tentacles and said,

[Interesting. Do you propose to provide Souls to me?]

“Of course. If I have Souls, it becomes easier for your clan, which lies dormant in Antarctica, to maintain vitality, doesn’t it?”

[You know many things… but your offering seems rather insufficient.]

“I’m proposing to pay for the Demon Book in installments.”

I maintained my air of confidence, continuing my act as Zhuge Sa had advised.

“For the next ten years, I will collect Souls for ten thousand people and present them to you. How about that?”

[Ten thousand… hmm… I’ll need some time to think about it.]

“I won’t offer anything more here. I want to see your sincerity.”

[……]

The Ancient Race flapped a tiny wing-like appendage. It seemed to be a typical phenomenon when such beings were deep in thought. After a while, the Ancient Race spoke.

[The terms are sufficient. However, I would like to know your purpose in seeking a Demon Book.]

“Why do you want to know that?”

[A Demon Book has a significant relation to the ‘Ancient Rulers.’ Thus, if mishandled, a contract could go awry, bringing calamity. Naturally, I need to know your goal.]

“To put it simply, to increase my power. Does that suffice?”

[No… that will not do. I cannot pass the Demon Book to you so easily.]

“……”

The Ancient Race continued,

[I cannot grant you the Demon Book at this time. The installment contract is too uncertain, and your motivation is murky. However, for your sincerity, I will trade you a Demon Artifact.]

“That’s ridiculous. Holding onto a Demon Book would be pointless…”

[Watch your tongue, or I’ll annihilate you myself.]

“Fine then. I’ll play along.”

Swish!

[Let’s make this trade.]

After a moment, the Ancient Race summoned something from the dark space and handed it to me. As I held it, I realized it was a silver-glowing bracelet. The bracelet had a yellow gemstone embedded in it with strange carvings engraved on it. I glanced down at the bracelet and asked,

“Is this the contract bracelet for the Demon Beast?”

[You’re quite knowledgeable. It’s a top-tier item.]

“Two hundred portions of Souls, how about that?”

[You’re a fool. Did you not understand that I only accept full payments?]

“Ugh… In that case, let’s trade with this.”

Thud!

I took all the gold and silver ingots that the Sect Leader had given me out of my rings. The Ancient Race examined the riches with an appreciative gleam in its eye, then said,

[This is acceptable. However, I would prefer that you hand over that ring to me.]

“Not a chance. If you want that, you’ll have to give me the Demon Book, ‘Golden Branch.’”

[Hmph… Fine. This will work…]

As the Ancient Race tried to respond, I suddenly interrupted.

“No, that calculation doesn’t add up.”

[What did you say?]

“You need to also tell me about the human faction you are working alongside in managing the slave market. I want to know their leadership positions too. That’s how the trade will match up.”

[What do you need that for?]

“Listen here. I’m ending the slave market today.”

The Ancient Race seemed shaken, its tentacles trembling.

[What?! What are you saying?]

“The Unfathomable Mother’s Sect has caught wind of this and is heading over. The preparations for an assault have already been made.”

[……]

Seeing the Ancient Race silent, I felt an unease rising inside me. It seemed like Zhuge Sa was recklessly steering the conversation, and I had no idea if this would go smoothly. Above all, what frustrated me was that I couldn’t ascertain Zhuge Sa’s intentions behind his words.

The Ancient Race finally spoke.

[You tell me of the attack in exchange for knowledge of the forces behind it? How would I know whether that’s true?]

“Because I intend to become your regular customer.”

I smiled slyly as Zhuge Sa advised me to.

“You’re going to see me frequently; why worry about the dealings with the human factions? I can gather Souls, and I can offer far better trades than them.”

[Hmm…]

“There’s no time. If I want to get this market sorted out before it becomes chaos, you need to make your decision swiftly.”

[Alright. I’ll trust you on this, though it might be risky.]

The Ancient Race seemed to have completed its calculations and, after a moment, flapped its wings as it spoke.

[The Imperial Palace directly collaborates with me, and that Imperial Palace interacts with a group of martial artists called Fengshinyu. The overseers of the slave market reside on the highest floor of the red-tiled building right next to this one.]

“I see. Tell me about their defense status and abilities too.”

[Understood…]

Whoosh!

The Ancient Race tossed a diamond my way. As I caught the diamond, I suddenly felt an immense influx of information flooding into my mind.

‘Memory transmission technique!’

But it was different from the obsidian technique I possessed. The foundational structure and principles were completely different. However, the effect of “transmitting” memories remained the same. Soon, I gained detailed insights into the structure of this slave market and the identities of the people present.

After a moment, the Ancient Race opened a dimensional gate in the air to step through.

[Until we meet again.]

Whoosh…

As the Ancient Race vanished, I couldn’t help but exhale, feeling the tension dissipate.

“Huff.”

It felt like some inexplicable deal had just zipped past me. I mentally questioned Zhuge Sa.

[Hey. What in the world was that transaction? Explain it to me!]

[Explanations? You really are a dullard.]

[You keep saying things only you understand; this isn’t fair! Quickly clarify!]

I shouted, and Zhuge Sa replied, exasperatedly,

[You’re the bait.]

[What?]

[You wanted a Demon Book, but what you can take from here is only that bracelet. Now it’s just observations.]

[I don’t get it…!! Just please explain.]

Zhuge Sa retorted bluntly.

[This is ridiculous. Hyun even accepted a guy like you as a lord…]

[Stop treating me like a fool…!!]

At that moment, I felt a surge of anger rise up to my head. So, without hesitation, I began to chant the Incantation for Severing Bonds. Maybe this would help me rattle Zhuge Sa off my back!

Zhuge Sa suddenly chuckled.

[Hah, finally revealing your true colors. You could have used the Incantation for Severing Bonds at any time, but I just let you linger because I thought I might be of some use to you? But now you’re only thinking of getting rid of me, huh?]

Fuming, I shouted,

“Shut up! I don’t need a jerk like you!”

Zhuge Sa didn’t back down and kept goading,

[Sure… Give it a try. I’m getting bored. It’s laughable that you think you can stand against the ‘Ancient Rulers’ with such a mere vessel.]

Pause.

I hesitated in my invocation of the incantation, suddenly feeling a tingle of doubt at Zhuge Sa’s words. He relentless continued to mock me.

[Hey, you foolish one! You’ve gotten too accustomed to only hearing good things from Hyun. With every reincarnation, your abilities are increasing, so you’ve developed a bit of confidence, right? You were thinking that you’ve achieved a level fitting for a lord, huh?]

Zhuge Sa unleashed a sharp rebuke in a previously uncharacteristically earnest tone.

[Don’t kid yourself. For you to fluctuate so easily and reverse your decisions like flipping a palm shows you’re still far from being ready.]

“Ugh… You must be getting anxious since you might be kicked out, huh?”

[Let me reiterate: If I am wrong, then argue against me. Is that really appropriate for someone who thinks they can stand against a god, based just on a few clumsy remarks by a strategist? Compared to conquerors across all ages, you’re pathetically timid.]

“……”

As I fell silent, Zhuge Sa continued calmly,

[I told you repeatedly. Don’t keep asking me for everything; you should use your own head to think. But it seemed like since I was in your head, you stopped employing reason and only relied on me. Was the transaction I conducted truly indecipherable? No, perhaps you could have understood the cause and effect with some thinking.]

“… That…”

[Hyun has indulged you time and time again throughout your many reincarnations. Perhaps he thought it would be nice to let you grow up while helping you with his intellect, nurturing sympathy for you as he looked forward to the day you could expel this wretched mortal. Truly commendable!]

As the subject of Hyun came up, I found myself left speechless. Zhuge Sa’s words were striking directly at a weakness I had tucked away deep inside. He chuckled again,

[If you want to expel me, go ahead. Just know that it signifies your own limitations.]

“Son of a….”

I slumped down, lost in thought. After pondering for a long while, I finally spoke up.

“… I apologize. I’ll reconsider.”

Zhuge Sa was right. Maintaining this would yield no progress for me.

Chasing Zhuge Sa away with the Incantation for Severing Bonds would be simple and likely successful. However, the sharp retorts Zhuge Sa had thrown at me earlier made me want to think more deeply. Was it my instinct as a reincarnated being? If I failed to take in the harsh truths he shared, it felt like my growth would be halted.

Seeing that, Zhuge Sa smirked.

[So you’re not entirely hopeless after all. Alright, let’s hear what you have to say.]

“… Setting the desire for a Demon Book aside, using the Demon Beast Contract Bracelet should allow me to grow faster, right?”

[Absolutely.]

“But there’s something I genuinely find perplexing. What do you mean by bait?”

[Hmm… It seems you still don’t fully grasp Baekryun’s intentions.]

Zhuge Sa continued.

[Baekryun doesn’t trust you. Even so, in this critical mission to catch Fengshinyu’s tail, she dispatched you almost alone. Furthermore, your identity as Shangguan Zheng is quite conspicuous. Thus, there’s only one answer.]

“Could it be…?”

I was shocked by Zhuge Sa’s next words.

[It has likely already started. You were the bait to attract the attention of the slave market overseers, and the main force must be arriving by now. This was a double-speared strategy from the get-go.]

Boom!

A tremendous noise echoed. The moment I turned my head, I recognized a new phase had arrived.

Water Dragon!

A massive Water Dragon, spanning over twenty feet in length, floated in the air over the slave market. Standing atop the Water Dragon was a figure, and as I focused my internal energy to identify it, I immediately recognized who it was.

‘Dokgo Jun…!!’

The priest of the Shinryu, wearing a golden dragon mask, stood on the Water Dragon with his arms crossed, gazing down at the scene. Behind him stood dozens of figures clad in uniforms marked with the character for ‘Water,’ all boasting staggering martial prowess.

Indeed, the Shinryu had come here to strike against the Fengshinyu!