Reincarnation Sword God

---

00382 Heavenly Realm ————————————————————————=

From the next day, I continued to receive the Three Treasure Technique from the Sect Leader. After about a month of teaching me silently, the Sect Leader finally spoke.

[Baek Woong, your memorization skills are exceptional.]

I glanced at the Sect Leader, surprised by the compliment. As he said, I always utilized the Thunder Spirit Classic during my memorization, which made my memorization quite impressive. Decades of practice allowed me to possess superior memorization skills compared to an ordinary person without relying on the Thunder Spirit Classic. That’s why I could extract and comprehend details from my past life that had transpired many years ago.

The Sect Leader continued.

[However, your ability to comprehend is exceedingly weak. This is only in comparison to geniuses, but I find myself weary when teaching you.]

“…”

[Still, it’s entertaining. Seeing you work hard without being lazy is refreshing.]

Was that a compliment?

While I was confused, the Sect Leader stood up.

[It will still take a long time for you to master the Three Treasure Technique, but today, I’ll share with you what I’ve understood about Jang Sam-bong’s Seven Great Techniques.]

I eagerly responded.

“Yes!”

[The brilliance of the Three Treasure Technique lies in its harmonious combination of the Cave-Collapsing Sword, Heavenly Contraction Sword, and Seven Stars Shadow, resulting in perfect evasion. Furthermore, its subtleties can also be intermingled in both attack and defense. Theoretically speaking, once fully mastered, the Three Treasure Technique is an unparalleled world-class martial skill, finding almost no equal in Jianghu.]

The Sect Leader’s words flowed smoothly.

[However, this applies to the other Seven Great Techniques as well. I’m yet to grasp the Peerless Technique, but I’ve realized other Seven Great Techniques can also be combined.]

“……!!”

Other combinations exist?!

I stared in shock at the Sect Leader, who slowly extended his hand.

[Now, look. This is what happens when extreme internal power is infused into the Heavenly Five Divine Decisions.]

Boom!

Light coalesced around the Sect Leader’s five fingers and shot forward. A finger was created, exploding with terrifying speed, creating a hole in the stone wall just six meters away. The absence of sound suggested it was a controlled display of formidable power. After demonstrating the Heavenly Five Divine Decisions, the Sect Leader spoke to me.

[And observe what happens when it’s combined with the Tai Chi Yau Ji Willow Sword.]

Swish!

Once again, the Sect Leader gathered internal power in his fingers and scattered it forward. Amazingly, hundreds of thread-like energies overlapped and surged forward, creating a large Go board on the stone wall.

“……!!”

The basic technique completely transformed!

At that moment, I realized how formidable that transformation was and shivered.

‘If that had come flying at me, could I have dodged it…?’

It wasn’t merely zigzagging through space; there was a quivering change within the crossing flashes, making it impossible to predict the trajectory it would take during real combat. Moreover, the Sect Leader had only discharged the basic technique in a straight line, meaning it could actually be operated as several times more complex transformations. As I swallowed hard, the Sect Leader spoke.

[As you can see, it has become a world-class martial skill in itself. Though it hasn’t been named, with further research, it could surely be elevated to a level comparable to the Three Treasure Technique.]

“Is that… really true?”

[Indeed, that’s why Jang Sam-bong is regarded as a truly great being.]

The Sect Leader looked up at the sky, evidently in genuine admiration.

[I’ve never met Jang Sam-bong, but he truly was a great martial artist. He’s a figure that appears only once in several thousand years of martial arts history.]

I had never heard the Sect Leader praise anyone like this before. Although he had given equal appraisal to Zhuge Bu, he seemed to treat him as weaker in some subtle way. However, as he talked about Jang Sam-bong, there was palpable reverence and respect expressed by the Sect Leader, causing me to catch a glimpse of an unexpected side of him.

[However, the Peerless Technique… that one is truly incomprehensible.]

“Is the Peerless Technique impossible to interpret?”

[Yes. It’s ambiguous for use in offense, defense, or evasion. Everything about it is unclear. It doesn’t even mix with the other six great techniques. I’ve spent time researching what it was created for, but I just can’t figure it out.]

The Sect Leader’s words reminded me of past memories.

A martial skill remarkably unique and powerful if believed to be created by Jang Sam-bong.

When I had only learned the basic techniques, it felt that way, yet the Sect Leader seemed to view even that as just a shell. Simultaneously, I recalled what Bright Dragon had said.

[Even if I’ve dedicated my life to mastering Wudang Sect’s martial skills, I might just barely obtain the Peerless Technique at the end of my life. For any of us three, mastering that technique would be a tall order—almost fierce in its difficulty.]

[Achieve Sword of Heaven. Only at that level will you finally be qualified to study the Peerless Technique.]

[Also, it feels like, to master the combined techniques of the other six great techniques, one must also harmoniously learn them.]

“……”

Based on the clues I had gathered about the Peerless Technique until now, I believed I possessed the minimal qualifications to study it. That’s because I had reached the realm of Sword of Heaven by materializing the Mind Control Technique.

However, according to Jin So-cheong, I was still lacking. She theorized that the qualifications for the Peerless Technique involved harmoniously mastering the remaining six great techniques.

‘I thought mastering all the basic techniques of the Seven Great Techniques wouldn’t hold much significance. However…’

If Jin So-cheong’s idea of “harmoniously mastering the remaining six great techniques” meant attaining an absolute martial arts level where I could acquire the derivative techniques of the six great techniques…?

Shiver!

As I envisioned that terrifying level of martial skill, chills ran down my spine. Simultaneously, I felt a slight sensation of the essence of the Peerless Technique. Perhaps this instinct was simply because I had been clinging to the Seven Great Techniques far longer than the Sect Leader.

The Sect Leader spoke.

[Baek Woong. I actually haven’t mentioned this to you, but recently I’ve also entrusted Dokgo Jun with researching the Seven Great Techniques.]

“What?!”

[Dokgo Jun is also a martial genius. His involvement will surely accelerate the research on the Seven Great Techniques.]

I barely suppressed a frown. While it was unavoidable that the Sect Leader would pass on the Seven Great Techniques to others, the thought of it spreading further stirred unease within me. I even thought it might be close to malice to mention it when I had no power to change the scenario. Nevertheless, the Sect Leader continued speaking.

[And yesterday, Dokgo Jun suggested that sharing it with other Dharma Guardians would yield faster results. He said no one could catch up with the depth of the Seven Great Techniques on their own.]

“Could it be that…”

[Yes. He wishes to also pass it to Han Baek-ryeong.]

Is he trying to tease me?

I couldn’t hide my sour expression any longer and said.

“Please do as you wish, Sect Leader. How could I interfere with your decisions?”

[It wasn’t meant to tease you. Han Baek-ryeong is also a martial genius celebrated in the history of Fire Spirit Techniques, so a more efficient study can be achieved. However, I still feel somewhat unsatisfied.]

I sensed something in the Sect Leader’s words and asked.

“What do you need me to do?”

[I need you to bring someone.]

As expected.

To start serious research, they needed someone with even more outstanding talent, and I was being ordered to fetch them. As I stared intently at the Sect Leader, he continued.

[The person to bring is Dokgo Seong, the former guardian of the Thunder God Lineage and a member of our Su Shin Sect. He currently resides in the Dragon King’s Valley in Sichuan, so you must ride the Four Great Spirits to fetch him.]

“……”

Dokgo Seong!

Hearing him mentioned so unexpectedly by the Sect Leader threw me into confusion. Why is Dokgo Seong brought up now? Then Zhuge Sa chuckled from within.

[It’s reasonable to mention him. He entered the Thunder God Lineage at a late age, and yet he surged to join the ranks of its top masters, a talent endowed with the ability to learn two martial styles simultaneously. He’s perhaps the most outstanding talent the Sect Leader can find at this point.]

[What should we do?]

[If we accept him outright, he will surely be suspicious. We need to tread carefully.]

Following Zhuge Sa’s advice, I feigned discomfort and protested openly.

“Sect Leader, didn’t you make a promise when you made me a disciple? You said you wouldn’t make use of me for gathering Thunder God Lineage members.”

[Ah, that’s true.]

“I want nothing to do with the Thunder God Lineage. If it’s something another person can handle, please let it be that way.”

[Heh heh…]

At that moment, it seemed like the Sect Leader chuckled softly beneath his mask.

[I’m not bringing him in for Thunder God Lineage purposes. Dokgo Seong is a child with the finest martial talent among our clan members, and he’s also my nephew. This is strictly a matter within our Su Shin Sect and my family and thus, you have an obligation to carry it out.]

“Ugh…”

[His current martial skills should be comparable to yours. If we must fight, we’ll have to, but for now, let’s aim to bring him in through conversation.]

The Sect Leader deemed Dokgo Seong’s and my martial powers to be similar. Since I felt the same way, I had no objections to his evaluation of our strengths. I reluctantly nodded and replied to the Sect Leader.

“Sect Leader, how is it that such a talented member of the Dokgo Clan has joined the Thunder God Lineage…?”

[He found it unsettling to grow strong in my way. Everyone has their differences. However, had he followed my methods obediently, he would likely have become a guardian of our Thunder God Lineage, not Jun.]

“……!!”

Is that so?

‘In the heyday of the Thunder God Lineage, truly, geniuses and prodigies gathered…’

As I pondered thoughtfully, the Sect Leader spoke up.

[There’s one more task you must undertake, so listen carefully.]

“Yes.”

[Regardless of whether the persuasion of Seong succeeds or fails, after that, take this letter to the Lord of the Inner Imperial Pavilion, Zhuge Bu, at the Imperial Palace.]

From the conversation, it seemed the Sect Leader didn’t intend to intimidate Dokgo Seong into submission immediately. In other words, he somewhat respected Dokgo Seong and implied that the researching of the Peerless Technique wasn’t overly urgent.

Swiftly,

The Sect Leader tossed me a red letter using Void Object Manipulation. The letter was sealed in parchment and emanated an ominous energy. Out of curiosity, I asked.

“Should I just deliver it? What does it say…?”

[You don’t need to know.]

So decisive. I rubbed my head, asking.

“Then… is there no need to hear back from Zhuge Bu?”

[No. Just drop it off and come back.]

“… Yes.”

[That concludes today’s discussion. I will give you a grace period of three days to execute all your tasks and return.]

Whoosh!

As soon as the Sect Leader wrapped up, he vanished from the spot. I stood there dazed, holding the letter, when Zhuge Sa’s voice snapped me back to reality.

[What are you doing? Get moving.]

[Oh right, to Dokgo Seong…]

[You fool? The Sect Leader specifically gave you a grace period! Why do what he says immediately? We should take this opportunity to visit the Prophet of Astana first. It won’t take long.]

That sounded reasonable.

Swish!

I heeded Zhuge Sa’s words and directed the Four Great Spirits towards Astana. Upon entering a large building, I descended and, just like before, the Prophet appeared before me.

[Human…?\]

“Prophet! I’ve come to make a deal with you!”

[Deal…?]

I nodded enthusiastically and spoke.

“Are you aware of the Demon Book of Su Shin? I’ve discovered its location and wish to trade that information with you!!”

[Hmm…]\

The Prophet seemed intrigued by my proposal. He remained silent in the darkness for a while before responding.

[If that information is true, I would be willing to make a trade.]

“Alright! Then, I’d like to ask about the contract regarding the Demon Book of Su Shin.”

[I don’t know who you are, but am I obligated to answer everything just because you ask…? A corresponding payment is necessary. Just providing the location isn’t enough…]

I confidently grinned and replied.

“A payment sounds good. I will also trade with you the secrets regarding the Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu.”

[Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu…? Why…]

“I offered it. Weigh its value and choose.”

The Prophet appeared to be in deep thought. After a moment, he finally spoke.

[… Fine. I may feel like I’m losing out, but I agree to share the information.]

Excellent!

A short while later, I disclosed all the concealed information regarding the Heaven’s Gate contract, especially the matter about the Water Element of Seven Luminaries. Mine was information I had gained over my past life. Upon hearing this, the Prophet shook as if shocked, glaring at me with his tentacles trembling.

[That… the stigma… you’re a Reborn Person…!]

“What’s the matter? I provided the information you wanted.”

[Well… this level of sharing seems acceptable…!]

I waved my hand dismissively.

“I’ve given you the information. Now, return the favor with your knowledge.”

[Alright. Talk about that contract… I will advise you.]

I began to divulge about the White Lotus Sect leader, the Heavenly Spirit Pill, and the ominous suspicions hidden within the Heavenly Spirit Pill’s contract. The Prophet listened calmly before speaking.

[That White Lotus Sect leader is… mad… Such chaos is beyond description… Is that a choice made only because of the attention from ‘Father’…?]

“What’s the relationship between the Heavenly Spirit Pill and Su Shin?”

[A slave contract.]

The Prophet replied resolutely.

[Even without seeing the detailed contract, I can tell. This is because I possess knowledge concerning both elements of water and demons. It’s evident that contract exchanges the spirits. Half goes to the throne of chaos while the other half is retained by him. Usually, treasures are obtained by offering sacrifices, but this one seems to have exchanged that for infinite internal power.]

In other words, it meant half of the spirit would go to the throne of chaos while the other half belonged to Su Shin. As I contemplated that statement, I tilted my head.

“It just means he sold his spirit to a god. Isn’t that something demon sorcerers do?”

[Not quite…!]

The Prophet’s next words left me startled.

[A spirit consumed by the Water God merely endures for a moment’s pain… but one absorbed by the great one… ‘Father’… will live in despair for eternity, a fate even the [Former Ruler] would sympathize with… This is a foolish and stupid contract that no demon sorcerer would dare undertake.]