Reincarnation Sword God

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As I stepped into the Dragon King’s Valley, I soon encountered Dokgo Seong. Initially, he radiated a fierce killing intent through the mist, but now I could easily withstand his overwhelming presence. My limited output of internal power had significantly increased due to the special techniques from the Four Great Families, the Three Treasure Technique training, and reinforcement of my mental strength.

Realizing that attacking me with sheer killing intent wasn’t effective, Dokgo Seong cautiously revealed himself, acknowledging my level. With my arms crossed, I gazed at him, who stood a few ten paces away, and announced, “Dokgo Seong. I am Baek Woong of the White Lotus Sect.”

He did not respond. I continued, “The Sect Leader is looking for you. Let us return to the White Lotus Sect together.”

“Who are you?” he asked.

“I said I am Baek Woong.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Dokgo Seong’s eyes flickered with undisguised vigilance and hostility. “Achieving the realm of the Thunder God Lineage and possessing such terrifying internal power… Who exactly are you? Who allows you, as a disciple of the Thunder God, to carry out the Sect Leader’s command?”

“Hmm…” I paused, carefully choosing my words before speaking again. “First, let me elaborate on my purpose. You can inquire about my identity later.”

“What?”

“The Sect Leader is currently compiling the legacy of the Seven Great Techniques that the founder of the Wudang Sect, Jang Sam-bong, left behind in his old age. He is sincerely training it within the Sect and has enlisted Dharma Guardians like Dokgo Jun and Han Baek-ryeong to assist in the research.”

“……!!”

Dokgo Seong appeared surprised by the sudden revelation. It was understandable; Jang Sam-bong was a legendary figure of the Wudang Sect and a legend in the Martial Arts World, well aware of the significance of his Seven Great Techniques. Maintaining his composure, Dokgo Seong asked, “Dokgo Jun and Han Baek-ryeong? What happened to Yongbi-cheon?”

“He’s dead.”

“What?!”

“The entire Wind Spirit Sect has been relegated to the lowest rank, and Dharma Guardian Yongbi-cheon has been executed for treason and conspiracy. Thus, Yongbi-cheon cannot participate in the research.”

“……”

I could see Dokgo Seong’s hands trembling visibly. Given that the Wind Spirit Sect was once a pillar of the Four Great Families for a millennium and a longstanding rival of the Thunder God Lineage, his feelings of disbelief were entirely understandable. He must have sensed that some unbelievable cataclysm had occurred.

‘ And the more I shake him, the easier it will be to achieve my objectives.’

As I calmly awaited his reaction, Dokgo Seong spoke with a trembling voice. “Did… Did the Sect Leader really annihilate the Wind Spirit Sect?”

“Not annihilation. I merely stripped them of their martial arts and reduced them to underlings under my command. Only Yongbi-cheon is dead.”

“Isn’t that the same? To wipe out the Wind Spirit Sect… what is the Sect Leader thinking?”

“The Wind Spirit Sect was operating the slave market in collusion with the Golden Eagle Guard of the Imperial Palace, amassing significant wealth. They have also been caught selling information to the Imperial Palace concerning the White Lotus Sect. Is it so strange not to exact a punishment?”

“Hmm.”

“It’s actually a good thing for you, being a member of the Thunder God Lineage. One foe has vanished…”

As I teased him, Dokgo Seong furrowed his brow. His expression wasn’t anger but rather one of probing my true intentions. “Who are you to know the internal affairs of the Sect so well? And how could the Wind Spirit Sect end up as slaves and subordinates… Who exactly are you…?”

“Think of it simply. If the leader of the Four Great Families were to hand over a faction as individual property, it would surely be a Dharma Guardian. Moreover, only a Dharma Guardian could be so deeply aware of the internal matters and have the authority to retrieve the sect leader’s nephew personally.”

“……!!”

Dokgo Seong’s face hardened.

From his long sword, a powerful thunderclap of killing intent surged forth. I was still not at the level to directly confront his killing intent, and instinctively flinched backward. Truthfully, if we were to duel, my upper hand in internal power would give me the advantage, but his thunder would inevitably penetrate my protection technique and could inflict fatal injuries at terrifying speed, so victory was far from guaranteed.

Dokgo Seong roared, “Are you pretending to be a Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage?!”

Suddenly!

In the next moment, he lunged forward like lightning, striking with devastating speed. I evaded the attack using the Soul Removal Technique, but the killing intent, like a snake’s tongue, danced and lashed out at me. I gritted my teeth.

‘ As I thought, it’s enormous!’

I frequently experienced this sensation when sparring Dokgo Seong in the past. The range of his attacks appeared much wider than it visually seemed, often catching me off guard. If the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword concealed its strikes like a shadow, Dokgo Seong’s killing intent felt like unpredictable lightning charging from every direction.

Swish!

I thought I had dodged as best as I could, yet felt my hem getting sliced, skin barely parted as if it were paper. Thankfully, I could perform minimal defense with my internal power to prevent horrific internal bleeding, but without a doubt, Dokgo Seong’s offensive power had reached an unimaginable level.

Boom!

Pouring all my internal power into the Thunder Spirit Seal, Dokgo Seong executed a backflip, narrowly escaping into the air. His killing intent seemed to intensify further, as if aiming to conclude matters within ten seconds.

Quickly, I pressed against my injured skin, crying out, “Calm down! If I intended to take you by force, I wouldn’t have come alone!”

“What?!”

“Given your background in the Su Shin Lineage, you must know their power well! If I had brought only two elders from the Su Shin Lineage, this place would’ve been your grave.”

“……”

Swish…

As he was about to launch another attack, Dokgo Seong momentarily eased the killing intent, likely thinking there was a semblance of reason in my words. He didn’t relax his vigilance, maintaining eye contact with me.

“What are you scheming? You’re not just here for a chat, are you?”

“You were the one who attacked first. Do calm down your temper a bit.”

“What is your intention?”

With a roar, Dokgo Seong shouted, while I eyed him carefully, slowly saying, “As I already mentioned, I am a Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage. However, there’s a situation involved.”

“What situation? I don’t know who you are as a successor, but do you forget the humiliation from fifty years ago? You’ve crawled under the same banner as a sworn enemy!”

Dokgo Seong shouted in genuine fury, but I calmly retorted, “Listen carefully. Think deeply about the implications of the Sect Leader’s action in purging the Wind Spirit Sect. He essentially proclaimed the ability to conquer the Central Plains without the need for their strength or the Dharma Guardians.”

Moreover, he had absorbed Yongbi-cheon’s Heavenly Spirit Pill and claimed it for himself.

“……!!”

At my words, Dokgo Seong was startled. His usually fiery temperament could be calmed momentarily, indicating my words had hit a nerve. He faced me with a more composed gaze, considering my statement.

“He absorbed the Heavenly Spirit Pill? Is that possible?”

“The Heavenly Spirit Pill was granted to each lineage by the White Lotus Sect Leader himself. It wouldn’t be strange if it could be reclaimed.”

“If that’s the case… that truly is terrifying.”

“Indeed. So, don’t narrow your vision by being trapped in the hatred of the Thunder God Lineage. Think carefully about what will happen if you do not align with the Sect Leader now.”

“……”

Dokgo Seong appeared to contemplate this for a long while. Finally, he raised his head and spoke, “After the Sect Leader conquers the Central Plains, the Thunder God Lineage will be hunted down.”

“Exactly. That’s why I became a Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage. I aim to preserve the lineage by gaining the Sect Leader’s favor rather than opposing him.”

Though I portrayed it smoothly, I felt my face heat up. The truth was, I was reluctantly forced into the White Lotus Sect because of the Sect Leader’s plans.

“Hm… I can’t believe it.”

“This is as much goodwill as I can offer you.”

I spoke to Dokgo Seong as if issuing a warning, “If you accompany me back to the White Lotus Sect willingly, I can share even more information with you.”

“I have a question.”

“Ask away.”

“Do you also know the Seven Great Techniques of Jang Sam-bong?”

I nodded.

“Of course.”

“Just how advanced is the level of the Seven Great Techniques? I can’t accept that the Sect Leader made such a decision simply because he acquired one of those techniques.”

I pondered what to do. Until now, I had confidently led the conversation according to Zhuge Sa’s guidance, bringing Dokgo Seong to the brink of falling for my words. But should I actually reveal and demonstrate the techniques of the Wudang Sect?

As I hesitated, Zhuge Sa interjected: [What’s the harm? Just show him.]

[Is that really okay?]

[It won’t matter. In the end, whether or not Dokgo Seong learns of the Seven Great Techniques won’t affect any significant trend. Let’s just consider it as benefaction since he’ll surely study it once he returns to the Sect.]

[Got it.]

Taking a deep breath, I addressed Dokgo Seong. “Watch carefully. I will show you the foundational essence of the Three Treasure Technique, as well as the basics of the Seven Great Techniques.”

Boom!

I unleashed my best efforts into demonstrating the Seven Great Techniques, expanded upon it with the Three Treasure Technique, which I understood. Techniques like Cave-Collapsing Sword or Heavenly Contraction Sword had been honed in real combat, so Dokgo Seong likely grasped their power the moment he witnessed them. Once the demonstration of the Seven Great Techniques and the Three Treasure Technique concluded, Dokgo Seong stood in shock, trembling in place.

“Wh… what an incredible martial art. This… this was obtained by my uncle!”

“It’s exceedingly difficult. This is why the Sect Leader is placing his hopes in your talent and calling you to train together.”

I urged him in a gentle tone, “Consider this carefully. This martial art is among the closest to human potential in the world. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to cultivate alongside the best martial artists of this era.”

“I… I…”

“What will you do?”

“……”

At last, it appeared that Dokgo Seong was considerably shaken. He stood there for a long time, contemplating, before letting out a shaky sigh and responding, “Give me some time. I can’t decide right away.”

“Alright. But I can only give you a day.”

“Understood. I’ll come back here tomorrow.”

I warned him sternly, “There’s no use in fleeing. You know best that you won’t escape the Sect Leader’s intentions.”

Boom!

I slipped away from the conflicted Dokgo Seong. Initially, I hadn’t anticipated this outcome, but it surprisingly felt like the situation was unfolding in my favor. Dokgo Seong was now nearly swayed, leaving him with only the final choice, which could already be considered over half the success.

Muttering in presence of the tranquil forest, I remarked, “This truly works. Dokgo Seong is wavers after all…”

[Heh heh. You thought Dokgo Seong wouldn’t waver? I know you were only expecting 80 percent to work, yet it turns out it indeed did work.]

“Dokgo Seong has always emphasized the vengeance and resentment of the Thunder God Lineage, yet that heart can change so easily?”

[Why ask me? What answer are you hoping to hear?]

“……”

[Looks like you’re disappointed.]

Zhuge Sa chuckled inwardly.

[In my observation, the one with the strongest desire for revenge among the Thunder God Lineage is actually Geukho. The others may want to seek revenge as well, but personal issues have clouded their commitment. Geukho is undoubtedly the most fitted for revenge.]

“Geukho, huh…”

[Keep in mind, human resolve isn’t that strong. It’s a different concept than the endurance and will required of martial artists. Humans can easily fall and become corrupt.]

Conclusively declaring this, Zhuge Sa elaborated, [Dokgo Seong will comply with your proposal tomorrow, whether he deceives himself or makes excuses. So let’s clear our minds and head straight to the Imperial Palace.]

“Is it unnecessary to share memories with Dokgo Seong through obsidian?”

Dokgo Seong’s killing intent and swordsmanship skills could prove beneficial. However, Zhuge Sa suggested that we simply discard the idea of involving him this time.

[I don’t understand why you’d want to share memories with someone like Dokgo Seong.]

“Why?”

Zhuge Sa replied irritably, [Dokgo Seong isn’t an evil man, but he’s also not to be trusted. The fact that you shared memories with him and weren’t betrayed is a stroke of luck. He’s an ordinary human who might betray you should the situation turn unfavorable. While I can understand sharing with Lee Cheong-un, sharing with him is risky!]

I smirked and countered, “But I share with you, don’t I?”

[You crazy bastard! Are you nuts?]

“Anyway, let’s draft a strategy before heading to the Imperial Palace. How should I converse with Zhuge Bu?”

[Talk? What conversation?]

“Eh?”

Zhuge Sa snickered.

[Hehe… Conversations are meant for humans.]

Boom!

I suddenly used the Four Great Spirits Technique to teleport to the Imperial Palace. The location I arrived at was the top floor of Inner Imperial Pavilion, specifically Zhuge Bu’s office. He was sitting at his desk, piled high with documents as the Lord of Inner Imperial Pavilion.

Zhuge Bu, feeling my presence, gripped the treasure, the White Feather Fan, in one hand, straightening up as if cautious.

“What is it? Who are you…?”

I silently raised a finger, directing it at him, then commanded, “Weep.”

Zzzt!

“Gaaahhh!!”

Zhuge Bu screamed violently, trembling as if suffering from a high fever, rolling on the floor. He even dropped the White Feather Fan, now unable to use any techniques, writhing on the ground like a larva. It was hard to comprehend the immense pain he must have been experiencing.

Inside, Zhuge Sa cackled. [Hehe. Triggering the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug is a last-resort method. Normally, it’s used for torture like this.]

“……”

[What are you doing? Grab his hair.]

Crack!

I strode forward and seized Zhuge Bu’s disheveled hair, pressing my palm against his forehead to activate the Soul Exchange Technique. Moments later, white spirit energy and blood energy flowed forth, allowing me to effortlessly claim Zhuge Bu’s essence.

Releasing his hair, I addressed the now dazed Zhuge Bu. “I just activated the Soul Exchange Technique. You now operate under my will.”

“Y-You… who…?”

The sheer pain he endured rendered him incapable of resisting.

I took out the red letter that the Sect Leader had given me and handed it to Zhuge Bu. Trembling in agony, he grasped the letter, and I stared at him intently while instructing, “Read it.”

While I could have ripped it open in the process, I suspected the adept Sect Leader had prepared for such instances where I might read it ahead of time. Finally mustering the resolve, Zhuge Bu broke the seal and stated with a quivering voice, “My Lord of Inner Imperial Pavilion… our White Lotus Sect… feels a necessity for a sincere dialogue with you and your companions… Therefore, we desire to exchange the Demon Book for the Nameless Ritual Book by the full moon of next month… please respond.”

“Exchange the Demon Book?”

“W-We propose to trade the Demon King’s Book for the Nameless Ritual Book…”

As he answered through gritted teeth, it was evident Zhuge Bu was suffering from intense pain, saliva dripping from his mouth as he trembled uncontrollably. Observing him evoked a sense of pity. Nevertheless, he had to answer earnestly, as he must have sensed that defying me here could mean immediate death.

I finally continued, “You should know that the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug is embedded in your heart, and I can manipulate it at will.”

“……!!”

“And now, with the Soul Exchange Technique, I can ensure your complete subjugation. Do you understand what that means? It implies that I will know everything you see and hear, and betraying me is impossible.”

“W-Who are you…? Why are you doing this to me…?”

Crack!

I bashed Zhuge Bu’s head against the floor decisively. As blood trickled from his forehead, his expression faded into a stupor, I growled fiercely, “Shut up and answer yes or no.”

“Yes…”

As Zhuge Sa had instructed, I commanded, “Deny the Sect Leader’s proposal. And convey that another meeting is required for better terms. Furthermore, if you reveal my existence or provide any clues to others, I will set the Yin-Yang Heaven Bug to blow up immediately.”

I pressed on five specific acupuncture points, causing the internal Yin-Yang Heaven Bug to writhe, making Zhuge Bu exhale in anguish.

“Ugh…”

“Until next time.”

As I extracted myself from Zhuge Bu, I additionally collected the Nameless Ritual Book located on the third floor. Although it had tracking skills implemented, I could now navigate without concerns since I had full control over Zhuge Bu.

As I wrapped up the affair, Zhuge Sa commented, [There’s still time left.]

“Is there anything else to do?”

[Of course.]

Zhuge Sa grinned wickedly, [Return to the Prophet. And find out the whereabouts of the Seven Luminaries in exchange for the Nameless Ritual Book.]