Reincarnation Sword God

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00389 Celestial Realm (천계) ————————————————————————=

Heavenly Spirit Pill, here we go!

‘Ugh, damn it!’

It should have been a moment of joy, making me jump for joy, but I couldn’t feel happy. The reason was simple: I had already heard from the Prophet that the Heavenly Spirit Pill was related to a terrifying slavery contract involving the Demon God. Even if I were to be reborn as the Heavenly Secret, I had no idea how the restrictions of the Heavenly Spirit Pill would become an obstacle. If I messed up, I might no longer be able to be reborn and end up as a slave to a god, enduring endless suffering.

However, if I showed my distaste here, it would raise too many suspicions. I gathered all my patience to hide my emotional turmoil. Pretending to think, I responded.

“Master, I would like to obtain the Heavenly Spirit Pill after mastering the Three Treasure Technique.”

Surprisingly, the Master questioned my statement.

[Why? Those two things aren’t related.]

“I believe they are related.”

What should I say in response? I tried to grasp at straws, but my mind was in a knot. Even Zhuge Sa, in this crucial moment, would find it difficult to give me an answer. Desperately racking my brain, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

“The Heavenly Spirit Pill represents infinite internal power. One can use their strength as much as they desire. If one becomes accustomed to it, wouldn’t it be difficult to cultivate precise martial arts techniques if the units to unleash power change? Getting the Heavenly Spirit Pill before mastering the Three Treasure Technique seems a bit…”

Huh? Now that I think about it, it sounds somewhat logical, doesn’t it?

While I was still bewildered by my own words, the Master fell into thought. Then, he replied.

[That makes sense. I hadn’t considered that side effect.]

“Uh…”

[Alright. I will put the transmission of the Heavenly Spirit Pill on hold until you master the Three Treasure Technique. Until then, focus on your training.]

“Yes, absolutely.”

I felt relieved that I had navigated that smoothly. Unable to believe it, I asked Zhuge Sa.

[Hey. Did you somehow manipulate my mind?]

Zhuge Sa replied bluntly.

[Don’t be ridiculous. You did all the work yourself, so why pull me into this?]

[Then what I said just now…]

[After all those lives, it’s expected you would have accumulated some wit. The wisdom you’ve gathered burst forth due to your focus. When cornered, your logic increases.]

Explaining himself, Zhuge Sa chuckled.

[If you don’t change your fundamental nature, you won’t be able to unleash that wit in time.]

[If only that weren’t the case.]

I muttered. If only he would just speak nicely.

The Master continued while I was bowing my head.

[Since your strength isn’t greatly needed, it doesn’t matter. If a confrontation arises with the Imperial Palace, prioritize your own survival.]

Instead of feeling insulted, I felt it was strange. So, I raised my head and asked.

“I’m sorry, Master. I believe there are no martial arts experts stronger than me in the Imperial Palace at the moment. Would a confrontation with them be that dire?”

[I’m not afraid of the Golden Eagle Guard or Duke of Guanzhong. The current Four Great Experts are hardly worth mentioning. In terms of martial power, we are certainly overwhelming.]

The Master replied quietly, looking up at the sky.

[However, he will most likely use his power as a priest. The issue is that I can’t predict how formidable that power will be. If he employs sorcery and the Forbidden Law, it will be a tough fight.]

“Who are you referring to when you say ‘he’…?”

I feigned ignorance and asked back. The Master responded.

[The real mastermind of the Imperial Palace! It’s not at least Zhuge Bu.]

“Hmm…!!”

[It certainly won’t be easy.]

Hearing the Master’s words, I let out a sound. It wasn’t because I felt pressure from the fearsome power of the Imperial Palace. I already knew that the Imperial Palace was powerful. I was surprised to learn that the Master viewed the grand scheme of the world with more breadth than I expected.

‘Could it be that the Master is aware of the existence of the Demon Gods or Dragon People nurtured in the Imperial Palace?’

That seemed highly likely.

At first, I thought the Master was merely achieving transcendent martial arts and hiding in the White Lotus Sect, but that was far from the truth. The Master already knew what kind of force the Imperial Palace was, what their backing was, what an [Ancient Ruler] meant, and the balance of darkness that exists beneath this world. Furthermore, he probably anticipated that he and the Imperial Palace would compete for supremacy and was preparing for the future.

Zhuge Sa interjected.

[The Master can also be seen as a Demon Sorcerer. Being able to interpret the Demon Book and establish independent contracts is a level not easily found even in the Western Regions. Well… alternatively, it means he’s in a precarious situation where he could go mad and die at any moment.]

[I see… So the Master’s exchange of demands for the Heavenly Self-Controlled Moon Blade…]

[Correct. The Self-Controlled Moon Blade is a Demon Artifact, hidden with tremendous power. Depending on how it’s used, it could rival the Seven Luminaries.]

[……]

[The Master has obtained two from the Seven Luminaries, but he is in a position equal to them in his current state.]

Zhuge Sa’s words gave me plenty to think about. It was no coincidence that the Celestial Realm assigned me the task of balancing out the earthly realm. It meant that even in the Celestial Realm, they could not meddle easily with the Zhuge Clan Leader and White Lotus Sect Leader; their capabilities had reached an unimaginable level.

[By the way, what abilities does the Self-Controlled Moon Blade possess?]

[Well… I’ve heard rumors of similar Demon Artifacts, but I can’t be certain. Still, it can’t be that artifact. That was sealed away long ago and couldn’t possibly be in the human realm.]

[Why are you so sure?]

[Because that Demon Artifact can summon the power of a very dangerous Outer God.]

[Then, if the Master possesses that Demon Artifact…?]

[That would depend on how he uses it. What’s certain is that your chances of dying a tragic death will dramatically increase.]

[……]

This guy always has to…

When I fell silent, the Master spoke.

[Alright… Then for the remaining seven nights, let’s participate in the research of the Seven Great Techniques.]

I felt delighted.

“Are you really serious about this?”

[Of course, you don’t need to voice your opinions during the research. Just gain what you can.]

And thus, I was able to participate in the research of the Seven Great Techniques, where the Dharma Protectors gathered. The research of the Seven Great Techniques was being conducted in a special training area set up for the Master, where Dokgo Jun, Han Baek-ryeong, and Dokgo Seong were already waiting. Upon spotting me, Dokgo Seong appeared shocked.

“Why are you here…?”

“It happened that way.”

I smiled awkwardly. After a moment, Dokgo Seong patted my shoulder and said,

“Great! You’re an exceptional expert too, so you’ll be a big help in this research.”

“I hope so.”

Dokgo Jun and Han Baek-ryeong didn’t seem particularly interested in me. Once the formalities ended, the Master spoke to us.

[Then let’s resume the research.]

The research didn’t differ much from what I had felt before. I had previously been part of a gathering of prodigies from the Thunder God Lineage, so I was able to smoothly blend in again this time. Of course, I felt the lack of talent keenly once more, but at this point, it wasn’t enough to significantly bruise my mental strength.

‘This is going smoothly.’

However, about half a day into the research of the Seven Great Techniques, during a break, Han Baek-ryeong called to me from a distance using the Six Harmonies Assembly.

[What perfect timing. Have you thought about my previous proposal?]

When mentioning the Six Harmonies Assembly, one normally imagines a resonating sound echoing from all directions, but the technique Han Baek-ryeong used now was a one-way, fleeting transmission. It was a technique that significantly raised the level of secret transmission, clearly showing he was cautious of those around us.

It seemed that Han Baek-ryeong was quite aware of the presence of both the Master and Dokgo Jun, who were absolute experts nearby. Moreover, considering the possibility of the Master eavesdropping, he likely modified the Six Harmonies Assembly to contact me secretly. Though there’s supposedly a legendary technique called the Radiant Heart Technique, there wasn’t anyone within the White Lotus Sect capable of using it.

‘Is he here to discuss that matter?’

Pretending to drink water, I responded using the Six Harmonies Assembly.

[Thinking or not… You only mentioned you could tell me the Master’s weaknesses. You didn’t specify what the request was.]

[In exchange for telling you the Master’s weaknesses, you must kill him if he goes berserk.]

[……]

What does that even mean?

From a contextual standpoint, it seemed reasonable, but I never expected Han Baek-ryeong to request the assassination of the Master. Could it be that Han Baek-ryeong harbored the same intense killing intent towards the Master as Yongbi-cheon?

But this could also be a trap. I pondered cautiously before replying.

[What if I tell the Master about your proposal?]

[Do as you wish. It’s meaningless…]

[What?]

Han Baek-ryeong replied with an uncaring expression.

[Can’t you see what happened to Yongbi-cheon? Whether fast or slow, the Master will eliminate the Wind Spirit Techniques as well. Once those vanish, your fate will swiftly be sealed. I guess you didn’t realize that your relationship with the Maiden is like a pair of lips and teeth.]

In short, it felt like a gamble, with death being the only outcome in any scenario. I was somewhat flustered; I didn’t expect this guy would make such an extreme suggestion. His confidence was so assertive that it made me confused about how to deal with it.

Then Zhuge Sa advised me.

[Just accept it for now.]

[Is that really okay?]

[In my view, Han Baek-ryeong’s proposal isn’t a scheme to test you. What he said isn’t incorrect either. If you don’t hold off the Master’s domination over the world, there’s a real chance you’ll suddenly meet your end before you grow strong enough.]

[What?]

[The speed at which the Master is absorbing the Seven Great Techniques and strengthening himself is faster than expected. If you simply let this proposal slide, you’ll miss your opportunity.]

[Sigh… It seems there’s no other choice.]

I reluctantly agreed to Han Baek-ryeong’s proposal.

[Understood. I’ll do as you say. If you tell me the weaknesses, I’ll prepare to take action against the Master.]

[Hmph… I don’t expect anything from you. What the Maiden wishes for is to stop his rampage. Since you’re the one the Master is nurturing now, there might be a slight chance.]

The tone was subtly different. Before I could fully grasp the difference in nuance, Han Baek-ryeong spoke again.

[The Master has a reverse scale. That reverse scale exists just below the heart. If you can attack that reverse scale, he will suffer immense damage.]

[……!!]

The Master has a reverse scale?!

The term ‘reverse scale’ is commonly used to refer to a dragon’s weak point, but in this context, it must refer to a significant vulnerability, much like the martial arts’s principle. Its meaning didn’t differ much, after all.

Therefore, this information was completely unexpected! But at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel suspicious. How could I trust Han Baek-ryeong, who just suddenly revealed the Master’s weakness? I had just learned about the existence of that reverse scale!

[How do you know this…]

[It’s not just about the Master. Most individuals with strong powers among the Su Shin Sect possess a reverse scale. Moreover, the Maiden has spent years gathering every means to uncover the Master’s reverse scale and its position.]

[It’s hard to believe.]

[You can decide for yourself. The Maiden is of the opinion that we’re nearing disaster, so you’d better make a decision quickly.]

[……]

With that, Han Baek-ryeong ended his use of the Six Harmonies Assembly and didn’t initiate any further conversation. He was completely engrossed in the research of martial arts, avoiding any eye contact with me, ensuring that no one would suspect him. However, my heart raced from the tremendous information I had just received.

The Master’s worst weakness, the reverse scale!

Could it really be true?

But thinking about it now wouldn’t change a thing. It seemed Han Baek-ryeong had no intention of sharing any more information with me. As I had been told, this was merely one more means to prepare against the Master. Zhuge Sa spoke to me, still pondering.

[Don’t hesitate. What Han Baek-ryeong said must be true.]

[What’s your basis for that?]

[In a situation where he holds such crucial information, it would normally be expected to haggle and extract a hefty price from you. However, Han Baek-ryeong merely shared the information without any demands. This indicates an urgent situation where he had no margin for bargaining. He just exchanged words out of necessity and offered you the information without expectations.]

[But…]

I shook my head.

[Is it truly that urgent right now? While it may be said that a battle with the Imperial Palace may be severe, the thought of the Master being defeated doesn’t even cross my mind.]

That would be the reality. Thanks to me, the Master had accumulated tremendous power, but the Imperial Palace had no particular reason to grow stronger. The Master could turn even a Dragon Person into a blood pudding with a single fist, and I didn’t think he could lose.

[……]

[Zhuge Sa?]

[What’s certain is that you must take what Han Baek-ryeong said seriously. Now that you know about the reverse scale, if it comes to a battle with the Master, you must act without hesitation and give your best effort.]

[That makes sense.]

I agreed with Zhuge Sa’s words. Even though my strength didn’t come close to the Master’s, I had known through countless rebirths that the affairs of the world could twist in unpredictable ways. If I knew about the reverse scale, there would undoubtedly be an opportunity to use that knowledge.

And for the next seven nights, I trained martial arts fiercely alongside the Dharma Protectors. As expected, Dokgo Seong possessed extraordinary talent, leading the research of the Seven Great Techniques, with Dokgo Jun and Han Baek-ryeong seemingly assisting him. The Master conducted the research sessions together with them, often deep in thought.

On the day of the decisive battle, the Master declared,

[Then let’s go. To the Gate of Darkness.]

The day had come for the Imperial Palace and the White Lotus Sect to settle their scores.