Reincarnation Sword God

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00386 Celestial Realm ————————————————————————=

After the prophet’s deal ended, I headed towards Dragon King’s Valley to hear Dokgo Seong’s answer. I could head to the Western Regions on the Four Great Spirits right now, but the problem is, I don’t know what kind of place the sacred ground with Golden Eagle Guards is. The Four Great Spirits can go anywhere I haven’t been before, but when I just asked the Four Great Spirits, the answer came through like this.

[ The sacred ground called Pallias does not exist in this world.]

“What do you mean?”

[ It means it doesn’t exist in the places touched by the Celestial Realm. So.]

The Four Great Spirits refused to move like that.

‘ There’s no such seal for the Golden Eagle in this world?’

Zhuge Sa spoke to me as I was lost in thought.

[ They said it’s the home of sorcerers and alchemists. Then, of course, they would seal valuable treasures like the Golden Eagle in the otherworldly realm and protect them. Such places can’t be found even in the Celestial Realm.]

[ So what should I do now?]

[ What else is there to do? You have to find a sorcerer who knows about that Mundus.]

[ Mundus?]

[ Those in the Western Regions divide the world into Mundus.]

Zhuge Sa replied bluntly.

[ Don’t think about the Golden Eagle right now. The priority is the White Lotus Sect, so look into that later.]

[ Got it.]

I ordered some noodles and chicken and waited until dawn. After calmly recovering my Qi and physical strength, I went to meet Dokgo Seong.

Upon entering Dragon King’s Valley, Dokgo Seong was waiting for me, standing tall. He stared intently at me before speaking.

“I will return to the White Lotus Sect.”

“You’ve made a good decision.”

“……”

He continued to stare at me intensely and asked.

“Baek Woong. Do you think it’s okay for the Sect Leader to unify the world?”

I couldn’t easily grasp the intent behind his question. However, seeing Zhuge Sa remain silent seemed to indicate that it was a situation where I could just express my opinion. After organizing my thoughts for a moment, I replied.

“At least he’d be better than the current Emperor. The current Emperor is a tyrant without equal and a wicked man who offers humans as sacrifices without a second thought. The Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect is stealthy, but he has some self-restraint, so he wouldn’t go too far.”

“Is that really so?”

“Hmm?”

At Dokgo Seong’s rebuttal, I looked at him. Dokgo Seong didn’t hide his complicated expression and said.

“I’ve watched my uncle for a long time, yet I still can’t assess his limits or character. When he reaches the realm of being an absolute invincible, no one can predict what actions he might take.”

“What do you want to say?”

“I plan to stab a dagger into my uncle’s back when the time comes.”

With a chilling remark delivered calmly, Dokgo Seong’s eyes glinted sharply.

“I hope you’ll help me in the future.”

From those words, I could read Dokgo Seong’s true intentions.

‘ You think one day I’ll betray the Sect Leader, don’t you? And you’re hoping to have a sparring session with me then.’

While it wasn’t incorrect, I nodded and replied to him.

“Of course. But until then, pledge loyalty to the White Lotus Sect.”

“Understood.”

After our conversation ended, I returned to the White Lotus Sect with Dokgo Seong.

*Pa-at*

Leading Dokgo Seong towards the Hall of the Sect Leader, I finally got to see the Sect Leader.

“Sect Leader! I have completed all the missions.”

The Sect Leader, looking from beyond the entrance, sent a Six Harmonies Assembly.

[ You brought the successor. Did you deliver the letter?]

“Yes! I ensured it was delivered.”

[ Good job…]

The Sect Leader fell silent for a moment before speaking.

[ Seong Ah, I’m glad you came to help me.]

Dokgo Seong, with his round eyes, glared at the ground before replying.

“Sect Leader. I have not forgotten the atrocities you committed against us.”

[ Is that so…]

“It wouldn’t just be me.”

The Sect Leader appeared to chuckle lightly at that remark.

[ Ha ha… Well… I’m also looking forward to the day the Thunder God Lineage seeks revenge.]

“……”

[ However, that’s not now. You must help me with my research going forward.]

The Sect Leader concluded as he addressed me.

[ I have something to discuss with Seong Ah, so you stay outside.]

“Understood.”

[ I won’t call you again today, so feel free to move.]

I exited the meeting room and headed toward the Thunder God Lineage’s building. As I entered, wanting to rest my weary body after a while, I saw someone standing in front of the door.

When she saw me, she said,

“It’s been a while.”

“Han Baek-ryeong…”

Blocking my path was Han Baek-ryeong, the Dharma Guardian of the Fire Spirit Lineage. She entered without any presence and swept her black hair behind her neck as she spoke.

“I came to talk. Can you at least offer me a cup of tea?”

“……”

“Don’t call anyone.”

I couldn’t understand why she had come to see me. However, since having a conversation wouldn’t hurt, I nodded.

“Sure.”

I brewed some tea.

*Clatter*

Once I finally sat across from Han Baek-ryeong, she stated her business straightforwardly.

“Baek Woong. There’s no need to be holding onto the Wind Spirit Sect. Just get rid of them.”

“……!!”

“Since they were under your ownership from the beginning, the Sect Leader won’t say anything.”

What is this sudden talk?

I couldn’t help but doubt Han Baek-ryeong’s intentions when she suddenly told me to oust the Wind Spirit Sect. However, since there still hadn’t been any detailed explanation, I raised an eyebrow in question.

“What do you mean all of a sudden?”

“It’s simple. Keeping the Wind Spirit Sect is pointless.”

I glanced around and said.

“That’s careless. The night speaks to mice; why bring that kind of talk here…”

Then Han Baek-ryeong chuckled lightly.

“Do you think this maiden is that foolish? I’ve already set up a barrier, so no one can hear our conversation. I didn’t want to discuss things clumsily through secret transmissions, so I did this.”

“Hmm!”

Upon closely observing the surroundings’ energy, indeed, there was a massive flow of energy encircling us in a circular pattern. It seemed to be a sound-blocking ability. However, creating such a space would require a level of skill that is unimaginable for an ordinary martial artist. This must be something only Han Baek-ryeong, as the master of Heavenly Spirit Pill, could do.

I cautiously said,

“Why do you think it’s pointless?”

“The Sect Leader has eradicated Yongbi-cheon, but the Wind Spirit Sect is not yet destroyed. The successor of Yongbi-cheon, Dong Jun-il, is still alive and well as the leader of the Nine Great Sects, Huashan Sect.”

“Hmm…”

“Given Yong Jun-il’s wisdom and tactics, there’s a possibility that they could collaborate with the Wind Spirit Sect within the White Lotus Sect and create a troublesome situation.”

“So you’re suggesting we expel the roots of the problem from the White Lotus Sect in advance?”

“Exactly.”

“……”

Yong Jun-il!

In my opinion, excluding the Heavenly Spirit Pill, his martial arts skill might even surpass Yongbi-cheon. Even Jin So-cheong, who swept through the Namgung Clan with bare hands, had to be greatly prepared to confront him, indicating he was at a level far beyond ordinary Peak Masters. Moreover, possessing not only brute force but also wisdom, mental techniques, and caution, as long as Yong Jun-il is alive, the Wind Spirit Sect has not yet been eradicated.

Han Baek-ryeong’s perspective was correct, but I still felt suspicious of her intentions. So, keeping my guard up, I replied.

“Your argument makes sense, but why did you come all the way here to tell me directly? If it was necessary, the Sect Leader would give me instructions.”

“The Sect Leader is currently too busy with research on the Seven Great Techniques. Wouldn’t it be better to handle such trivial matters in advance?”

“……”

“Ha ha, you’ve got a gaze full of suspicion.”

After taking a sip of tea, Han Baek-ryeong continued.

“Right. This is just a suggestion and merely the prelude. The real conversation starts now.”

“What kind of conversation?”

“Baek Woong. Do you think if you obtain the Heavenly Spirit Pill you could surpass the Sect Leader in the future?”

“Hmm.”

I let out a sound of contemplation. Then I replied.

“That’s probably difficult. The Sect Leader’s Primordial Spirit is far superior to the Heavenly Spirit Pill…”

“I’ve also gathered intelligence that the Sect Leader has several holders of the Heavenly Spirit Pill in the Su Shin Sect.”

“……”

“Baek Woong… this maiden has come with a very important request for you.”

Finally, Han Baek-ryeong looked at me with piercing eyes and said.

“If ever… the Sect Leader runs amok… wouldn’t you want to know the greatest weakness that can stop him?”

“……!!”

I realized this was the real story.

The Sect Leader’s weakness!

Does Han Baek-ryeong know what it is?

I stared intently at her and let out a contemplative sound.

“Hmm… what are you thinking?”

Then Han Baek-ryeong shook her head in disappointment.

“From the way you’re retreating, it seems you have no intention of answering today.”

“No, it’s not that…”

Han Baek-ryeong stood up from her chair, turning swiftly with a flourish, saying,

“Anytime is fine. If you’re intrigued by my proposal, I hope you’ll respond.”

*Pa-at*

In an instant, Han Baek-ryeong disappeared like a flame. The energy barrier surrounding the area also disbanded. I stood there, flustered by her sudden visit, when Zhuge Sa, who had silently observed everything, spoke.

[ Well, that was smooth.]

[ Was it wise to listen to Han Baek-ryeong until the very end?]

[ No. Your response just now was correct. That girl is cunning enough that nothing could be accomplished on the first meeting.]

[ … The Sect Leader’s weakness…]

Zhuge Sa chuckled softly.

[ Did you think that watching the purging of the Wind Spirit Sect wouldn’t concern her? Do you remember what Yongbi-cheon said?]

[ Of course.]

[ Did Yongbi-cheon think that way alone? Do you suppose Han Baek-ryeong trusted the Sect Leader implicitly? That crafty girl must have been several times more anxious about it.]

[ ……]

That made sense.

[ Han Baek-ryeong isn’t reaching out externally like Yongbi-cheon. Instead, she has observed the Sect Leader closely for decades, looking for his weaknesses. That must be her countermeasure.]

[ So it’s likely that Han Baek-ryeong knows the Sect Leader’s weakness?]

[ Eight or nine out of ten. Given that she came here directly, it’s likely she didn’t come to play games. She must have an instinct that you are the substantial variable that could change the current situation. This isn’t something she could just delegate to someone else.]

[ Hmmm.]

Zhuge Sa said firmly.

[ Han Baek-ryeong will not visit again. If you want to hear the story, you’ll have to make contact with her.]

[ When would be a good time to do that?]

[ It would be best when an envoy arrives from the Imperial Palace in a little while. The timing will distract the Sect Leader’s attention.]

[ I do have something curious about that.]

I crossed my arms and tilted my head.

[ Is it really okay to threaten Zhuge Bu to that degree without any aftermath? I still feel uneasy.]

Zhuge Bu had placed a tracking spell on the Nameless Ritual Book, so when I take it and go to the Astana’s prophet, he will likely find out. There’s a chance he might even know my current location because of the tracking spell. And no matter what, facing Zhuge Bu in my current state would be a life-threatening risk, so I couldn’t help but feel anxious.

Then, Zhuge Sa chuckled softly.

[ That guy knows the power of the Soul Exchange Technique. If he has fallen into the Soul Exchange Technique, there’s no way he’ll consider it a life worth living. Let alone in a state of being intertwined with Yin-Yang Heaven Bug, he would never speak of his condition to the Vermilion Bird Zhuge Yulong. If he’s incredibly foolish, he might cling to a slim chance, but he’s smart enough to avoid reckless actions.]

[ So it’s fine for now.]

[ Not just fine. That guy is now practically your slave. You can use him without hesitation going forward.]

Zhuge Sa suddenly thought of something.

[ Right. Use the Soul Exchange Technique to share senses with him. That would be advantageous.]

[ Right now?]

[ Do it.]

[ Then I will.]

*Sssss*

I drew upon the energy of the Soul Exchange Technique and began to resonate with Zhuge Bu, thousands of li away. Soon, I felt Zhuge Bu’s Qi powerfully enveloping my skin, and I sensed the flow of his sensations pouring into my body.

As I calmly concentrated on allowing the sensations to be shared, I felt an overlaying sense of unity.

[ Vision… hearing… that’s enough for now. It will take some time to properly share the olfactory and tactile senses.]

Indeed. I was now in a state of feeling what Zhuge Bu was seeing and hearing. What I was looking at was Zhuge Bu’s perspective.

Zhuge Bu was walking along a mountain path. Climbing a somewhat rugged cliff, it seemed he didn’t have any attendants with him. After ascending a bit higher, the temperature dropped, and snow began to accumulate, creating a pristine white landscape.

‘ Where is this?’

It felt strangely familiar.

About half a moment passed. Zhuge Bu halted his steps and threw an amulet into the air before suddenly shouting.

“Open!”

*Pa-at*

In that instant, a translucent membrane in the air shimmered slightly, and astonishingly, a new path appeared on the once-broken cliff! Zhuge Bu slowly walked inside, and after a short meal, he arrived at a strange altar, piled high with rocks.

Zhuge Bu bowed respectfully to the figure sitting on the altar and said,

“Father. The White Lotus Sect’s successor has come.”

The being sitting quietly turned a glance at Zhuge Bu. The moment I caught sight of his face, I felt my teeth clench.

Vermilion Bird Zhuge Yulong!

Zhuge Bu had certainly come to find the Vermilion Bird residing in Mount Tai!