Reincarnation Sword God

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I soon arrived at the Shangguan Clan. Currently, the capital, Luoyang, had not yet been engulfed by the shock of the Imperial Palace’s suppression, but an inexplicable sense of unease cloaked the city, and even the light from the sky felt somewhat ominous. I gazed at the front gate of the Shangguan Clan under the overcast sky.

The plaque clearly stated that this was the Shangguan Clan.

‘It’s not that big of a clan, is it…’

There was a long wall, and inside was a three-story building, but considering the reputation of the esteemed Shangguan Hyuk, this cannot be considered large. The Twin Gate Sect alone exhibited several times the grandeur of the Shangguan Clan. The scale of the Shangguan Clan currently visible looked more like a well-to-do merchant rather than a major clan. Moreover, there were no guards in sight at the entrance.

I briefly sensed for any presence before opening the door. The large door creaked as it opened, and as I stepped ten paces inside, I immediately saw the main hall. I heightened my qi sense and felt about a dozen presences inside. They were likely the clan members and servants of the Shangguan Clan.

As I walked further in, a burly middle-aged man with a catfish beard blocked my path and spoke harshly.

“Hey! Kid. This isn’t a place anyone can just walk into.”

I stared at him blankly and replied, “Is this not the Shangguan Clan?”

“It is. But you don’t seem like someone here for treatment.”

“I come from the Imperial Palace.”

At that, the middle-aged man’s face twisted.

“What?!”

“A person I serve asked me to respectfully invite the esteemed Shangguan Hyuk. This is a matter of urgency, so please contact him immediately.”

Given that the chaos in the Imperial Palace was still ongoing, it wouldn’t be wise to directly mention the Sect Leader.

“You crazy fool!!”

The middle-aged man bellowed and suddenly lunged at me.

*Pa-at!*

‘He’s trained in martial arts. And at quite a high level…’

I was surprised and dodged his initial strike. While I suspected he had internal power, the first move had hidden finesse that was quite impressive. The twisting attack was difficult for even a first-class expert to discern in the Jianghu. I could easily repel it with my inner power, but out of curiosity regarding his martial arts, I decided to spar with my own basic technique instead.

*Pababat!*

I swiftly transformed my techniques into the Thunder God Lineage’s swordplay, deflecting his thrust. Once, I repelled it to the left, and the next time, pretending to fall for a transformation technique, I adjusted my balance to block. After a quick five seconds of exchanging blows, the middle-aged man became flustered and stumbled backward. He had intended to grab my collar and toss me, but my technique was not to be underestimated, turning the tables on him instead.

“What… what kind of martial arts is that?”

“I’m not on your level.”

He indeed had competent martial skills for a clan figure, but he was still merely first-class. Certainly not enough to be my match. I waved my wrist and replied, “Do you find me amusing for deliberately embodying the return to simplicity? I do not wish to threaten you, but if you remain uncooperative like this, I’ll have no choice but to use my strength.”

*Ku-gu-gu!*

I gradually relaxed my return to simplicity, pulling my internal power to the forefront. Even as I merely emitted fragments, the middle-aged man’s expression began to turn pale, eventually revealing fear upon his face.

“Uhh…”

With that, I illuminated my eyes and said, “This is my internal power for work. Should I really unleash it and turn this place upside down?”

“T-That’s enough…”

The middle-aged man seemed ready to collapse, all his internal power summoned to resist, but he appeared ready to faint.

At that moment, a voice rang out.

“Enough, young hero.”

*Whoosh!*

It felt as though a spring breeze had blown in, suddenly neutralizing the imposing aura I had released. I turned to see a dignified and refined middle-aged man descending the stairs. I knew intuitively what he had just done.

‘Formless Qi!’

Only those among the peak experts capable of adeptly handling intent could wield this extreme state! The middle-aged man could easily suppress my qi due to his mastery of formless qi, indicating that his skill level was extraordinarily high within the Jianghu.

He shook his head at the middle-aged man, “Mujing, how could you recklessly engage a Half-Transition Master? Even if you are the best among the Guardian Warriors of the clan, you’ve chosen poorly.”

“Ugh… Clan Leader…”

“Stand down.”

With that, the middle-aged man looked at me with clear eyes and sent a secret transmission.

[Has the Sect Leader summoned me?]

As expected.

I sensed I had arrived at the crucial individual and replied, “Indeed, Shangguan Clan Leader.”

The Five Great Physicians of the World, the esteemed Shangguan Hyuk!

He sighed deeply, “Hah… I suppose this day would eventually come. Has he indeed taken control of the Imperial Palace?”

“Indeed. I have been tasked with bringing you.”

“……”

Shangguan Hyuk hesitated before sending a secret transmission back to me.

[The Emperor… is he deceased?]

I felt a bit annoyed and replied brusquely, “I’m not in the condition to indulge your curiosities. If you have questions, it’s best to ask the person involved directly.”

At that, Shangguan Hyuk’s eyes lit up with interest. “You are certainly no ordinary person. However, I hadn’t heard that such individuals existed…”

“I cannot answer that question.”

“Ah, I see. I’ve been rambling on unnecessarily.”

Shangguan Hyuk gazed thoughtfully towards the door. “Understood. Let’s go.”

“Good decision.”

I summoned the Four Great Spirits. As I had asked for them to be treated with respect, rushing to bring them along wouldn’t align with the Sect Leader’s wishes. While I wanted to directly experience the atmosphere of Luoyang on the way, my demeanor on the return should reflect that of an esteemed guest.

“This is…?”

“Quickly get on.”

Seeing the Spirit Beast, Shangguan Hyuk was visibly astonished. After a moment, he regained composure and said, “I was destined to meet a noble person today…”

*Pa-at!*

Not long after, I arrived at the palace room on the Spirit Beast. As Shangguan Hyuk dismounted, he spotted the Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Lineage, Han Baek-ryeong, and Dokgo Jun standing in formation, and an expression of realization surfaced on his face. He then approached the Sect Leader seated on the throne and bowed.

“Your Honor, I sincerely congratulate you on becoming the master of the world.”

The Sect Leader responded joyfully. [Thank you. Your support has been tremendous.]

“It’s nothing really…”

[Without your help, I wouldn’t have been able to uncover internal information of the Imperial Palace, nor the power dynamics of the influential ministers. You’ve made significant contributions to the Sect, and I feel deeply grateful to you.]

“Too kind of you.”

Seeing that, I finally began to understand the situation at hand.

‘The Shangguan Clan was a spy for the White Lotus Sect!’

But how?

From my perspective, the Shangguan Clan didn’t seem particularly well-off or influential. Moreover, considering the earlier incident where the Five Great Physicians were branded as traitors to the martial world, the very fact that the Shangguan Clan was still thriving in Luoyang was peculiar.

In such circumstances, how could the Shangguan Clan acquire high-level information good enough to aid the Sect Leader? As I pondered and tilted my head in confusion, Zhuge Sa interjected.

[The Shangguan Clan has close ties with the Otherworldly Race. That is why the Sect Leader formed an alliance with them.]

[What? How does that link?]

[The explanation I provided last time at the slave market about the Shangguan Clan wasn’t just a cover story. The Shangguan Clan has an actual history as old as the Han Clan, and it is connected with the Otherworldly as well as the Demon Path. This is a secret tied to Shangguan Wan’er.]

[Shangguan Wan’er… ?]

[She was the prime talent of the Tang era, serving under Empress Wu Zetian, a person unmatched in intelligence and genius during her time in the Central Plains.]

Continuing his explanation, Zhuge Sa added,

[Shangguan Wan’er was undoubtedly closely associated with the Offering Ceremony of Empress Wu. The evidence is that the Shangguan Clan she established has managed to withstand approximately a thousand years of existence without falling.]

[The Offering Ceremony…]

[Because of the White Lotus Sect, the Five Great Physicians were persecuted, yet no one dared to lay a finger on the Shangguan Clan. That was due to the Shangguan Clan being under the Sect Leader’s direct influence, and the Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Lineage, Han Baek-ryeong, secretly maneuvered the Twin Gate Sect to protect them.]

[Is that so?]

Zhuge Sa appeared to wear a self-deprecating smile, likely feeling foolish for having once suspected nothing of the Shangguan Clan before becoming a traitorous Sect Leader.

[Haha… only by becoming the Sect Leader did I realize the peculiarities of the Shangguan Clan. That esteemed Shangguan Hyuk has likely established connections with the Otherworldly Race or is well-versed in the Demon Path.]

[Hmm…]

[The reason they could acquire high-level information is simple; if the esteemed Shangguan Hyuk can utilize the Demon Path’s secret arts, he could casually access classified information within Luoyang. Keeping his communications with the Sect Leader under wraps would have been simple as well.]

Now, I began to comprehend a bit better.

While I nodded in understanding, the Sect Leader spoke to Shangguan Hyuk.

[Shangguan Hyuk, the one manipulating the Imperial Palace from behind is someone known as the Four Great Experts, Zhuque.]

“Is that so? I wasn’t aware. Though I suspected there might be such a figure…”

[Of course, he was torn apart by the Shadowless Sect, but I remain skeptical.]

“……”

[That person was likely connected to the Demon Path, so might there be a chance he could resurrect?]

I finally understood the reason the Sect Leader had summoned Shangguan Hyuk to this place. It wasn’t merely to commend him or to discuss merits; he likely sought advice from a Demon Sorcerer who might be equally knowledgeable about the Demon Path! The Sect Leader was quite a cautious character.

Shangguan Hyuk pondered deeply before speaking.

“It’s not impossible. Rather likely, in fact.”

[Hmm.]

“I wish to examine the Imperial Palace’s insides…”

[That’s fine.]

We then wandered around the ruined interiors of the Imperial Palace. After some time, Shangguan Hyuk stood before the Crystal Stele, having inspected the surroundings and the Divine Portrait research room.

“I’m certain of it. Zhuque isn’t dead and will soon be resurrected to hinder the Sect Leader.”

[Is that so? How could he possibly come back to life?]

Shangguan Hyuk placed his hand upon the Crystal Stele and said, “With this Crystal Stele’s power, one could create a backup body at will, much like the Divine Portrait. He likely infused the techniques of the Nameless Ritual Book within it. If his sorcery ability is as I suspect, he would have produced dozens of backup bodies to prepare for contingencies.”

[So, you’re saying we can’t kill him unless we destroy all of his backup bodies?]

“That’s correct.”

[What a headache. Is there a way to locate that place?]

Shangguan Hyuk replied resolutely, “You could offer sacrifices to the gods or, if not, it would only be possible to hunt him down, one by one, to figure it out.”

[……]

The Sect Leader fell silent. After a moment, he crossed his arms and spoke.

[Zhuque must be exterminated by any means possible. He’s the second greatest hindrance after the Master of the Twelve Joules.]

“If that is so…”

[The method I will devise shortly. It won’t take long.]

Shangguan Hyuk spoke cautiously, “… Your Honor, how do you plan to negotiate with the ‘old ruler’ of the Imperial Palace?”

[……]

“Right now, that being is merely observing. Losing a few subordinates isn’t of great concern to the gods. Still, sooner or later, your Honor, you will have to negotiate with that being in some fashion.”

Shangguan Hyuk’s words pierced the heart of the issue.

‘Indeed, at this rate, the Sect Leader will end up fighting the gods again and perish.’

I understood firsthand the horrors of what would unfold if the ruler of the Demon Subduing Hall descended to earth. In the past, the Master of the White Lotus Sect had put forth his all, yet he couldn’t handle even one of that ruler’s arms before being slaughtered. While the Master of the White Lotus Sect had grown stronger since then, whether he could confront the gods remained uncertain. Being a Reborn Person, I was acutely aware that the Sect Leader’s current choices defined the pivotal point of fate.

At long last, the Sect Leader declared.

[It’s quite simple. First, I will offer sacrifices to appease the gods.]

The Sect Leader firmly expressed his will.

[Then I shall strike the Master of the Twelve Joules and, with the power gained from all the Luminaries, stand equal to the ruler!]

“……!!”

In that instant, a chill ran down my spine.

‘Just like that!’

It turned out that my conclusion reached after nearly twenty iterations—had also been reached by the Master of the White Lotus Sect! Ultimately, at this juncture, our goals had aligned! Though our final objectives might differ, the probability of me having to confront the Master of the White Lotus Sect had significantly increased.

Then, Shangguan Hyuk grinned and agreed.

“Very wise. I will follow you to the end.”

[Shangguan Hyuk. Speaking of which, I had promised you a wish upon occupying the Imperial Palace.]

“Ah, yes, that was the case.”

[Speak now. If it’s within my ability, I will do my utmost to grant it.]

“……”

Shangguan Hyuk pondered, then smiled brightly in response.

“I cannot say at this time.”

The Sect Leader replied in disbelief, [You cannot say? Why is that?]

“Because the timing isn’t right.”

[When would that timing be?]

Shangguan Hyuk wore a vague expression as he said, “Let’s say after the Sect Leader seizes the Master of the Twelve Joules.”

[That’s still quite a ways off.]

“It can be achieved soon enough.”

In that moment, I had an instinct.

From now on, the Master of the White Lotus Sect would wage war against the Master of the Twelve Joules to gain the Seven Luminaries. It would undoubtedly be a massive scale clash the likes of which I had never witnessed before.