Reincarnation Sword God

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00395 Celestial Realm ————————————————————————

After receiving the request from Sangwan Hyuk, I pondered.

“It’s a fortunate coincidence, but…”

If I return to the main sect following the sect leader, I’ll have no choice but to receive the Heavenly Spirit Pill inheritance. Last time, I made up an excuse about martial arts chaos to brush it off, but the sect leader isn’t someone to take lightly. Next time, when the proposal for the Heavenly Spirit Pill arises, they’ll definitely prepare everything in a way that I can’t dodge it.

For now, while I fulfill Sangwan Hyuk’s request, I need to find a way to avoid receiving the Heavenly Spirit Pill from the sect leader. It would be most comfortable to run away from them, but somehow, I had a gut feeling that if I distanced myself from the sect leader now, I would miss out on some crucial information.

While I was mapping out my strategy in my head, Zhuge Sa burst into laughter.

[You really struggle to think. Yet at least you’re not off course.]

I was getting tired of paying attention to this annoying guy. I pretended not to hear and asked Zhuge Sa.

[What does Sangwan Hyuk want the treasure for? He could just receive it from the sect leader.]

[It means that he’s greedy.]

[Greedy?]

[When the sect leader said he would grant a reward for subduing the Imperial Palace, if he wanted the treasure, the leader would have easily given it to him. However, the reason he didn’t propose it and entrusted you with a different request is to keep a debt to the sect leader. He thinks he can milk it for as much as possible.]

I shook my head.

[That’s ridiculous. What if the leader doesn’t keep that promise…?]

[Of course, the sect leader might break promises depending on the situation, but at least they try to stick to their words. That’s why having a debt means a lot. Sangwan Hyuk evidently knows the sect leader’s character quite well.]

[……]

[You won’t know the reason he needs the treasure unless he tells you. For now, let’s focus on how to obtain the treasure.]

Zhuge Sa was right. I had already asked Sangwan Hyuk why he needed the treasure, but he dodged my question. Given the circumstances, there was no choice but to carry out the request. I thought for a moment and said.

[Should I look for Mangnyang?]

[You’ve come up with a lowly plan. What a fool.]

This guy always gives me a headache when he mocks me.

[What! What’s wrong with that?]

Zhuge Sa snickered.

[You probably thought the Fire and Seven Golds fan that Hyun has is the easiest to obtain?]

I snapped in annoyance.

[Right! I can’t find Baek Woo Sun since I have no idea where Zhuge Bu disappeared to, and there’s no way that Cheon Woo Jin would hand over the Land and Earth Diagram if I asked him. The National Seal is under careful watch, and I wouldn’t be able to lift the seal myself, not to mention that I have no clue where the Fire Dragon Sword is. And the suspicious fishhook is in the hands of the leader! So if seeking Mangnyang isn’t the answer, then what is?!]

[Hehe. That’s the thinking of an ordinary person.]

Chuckling, Zhuge Sa continued.

[You must be thinking about digging through intelligence networks to find Mangnyang, or going to confront him, or whining to me. But any of those options are simply poor decisions, hence my comment about it being a lowly plan.]

[What?]

[Think of it from Mangnyang’s perspective. Wouldn’t he notice the rising power of the White Lotus Sect? Of course, he surely knows that your cooperation with the sect leader is well-known, implying that the sect has gained strength since then. In this situation, Mangnyang will never show himself unless he is thoroughly prepared, no matter how hard you search for him.]

[Ugh…]

[It’s incredibly difficult to find Hyun, who has decided to hide. Moreover, you know it’s too tough for you to use the intelligence networks or act conspicuously right now, right? You do realize that you have some unwanted surveillance, don’t you?]

I glanced around. Although hidden, two experts from the Su Shin Sect were discreetly observing me from a distance. I could win in a fight, but we’re in a position where fighting is not an option, so we just ignored each other.

[Right.]

[Finding Hyun right now is a poor plan. Remember that.]

With my arms crossed and thinking quietly, I asked.

[Then what’s the middle plan?]

[Set a trap and wait starting now in Luoyang.]

[What? A trap? Why?]

[Hehehe… You truly know nothing.]

Zhuge Sa mumbled as if sighing.

[Let’s skip your whims and stick to the facts. The one who killed the Vermilion Bird is cursed by God. But why hasn’t the sect leader been killed?]

[Uhm…?]

I blanked out for a moment before realizing.

[You mean to say the Vermilion Bird is still alive? But that’s a known fact, isn’t it…?]

[Fool. Knowing it means nothing. You don’t understand the implications of it being alive at all.]

[……]

[Think about it from the Vermilion Bird’s perspective. He barely escaped with his life after losing to the overwhelming power of the White Lotus Sect and switched to a spare body. Consider what he might be thinking now.]

[Well… He would probably look for an opportunity to retaliate against the White Lotus Sect.]

[So how would he retaliate? What would be needed for it? More information, of course. What information could that be?]

[Um… That would…]

Stumbling over my thoughts, Zhuge Sa said.

[Information from the Celestial Realm. He’s currently holed up at the Heavenly Altar of Mount Tai, eavesdropping on information from the Celestial Realm.]

[Ah…!!]

[The White Lotus Sect can’t topple the forces of the martial world at all. But gathering intel from the Celestial Realm might create opportunities. Why? Because Zhuge Yulong is a powerful sorcerer and a demon sorcerer at that.]

I hadn’t thought of that!

“Right, the Vermilion Bird is watching over the Celestial Realm from Mount Tai with the identity of the Old Sage of Mount Tai!”

I had obtained that information a while back, but couldn’t connect it with the current situation. As I felt something clicked in my head, Zhuge Sa continued.

[And he’s likely obtained some jackpot information. What could that be?]

[What is it?]

[It’s your intel. Just recently, you negotiated with Yeodong-bin and received credentials as the Moon Sovereign, aiming to check the earthly conqueror. If Vermilion Bird has gotten intel from the Celestial Realm, it would definitely be jackpot information. Why? Because if he solves you, one of the Seven Luminaries will be his for free.]

[……!!]

[Moreover, you doomed Zhuge Bu with the Soul Exchange Technique, leading to his death in the end. The resurrected Zhuge Bu will definitely recognize your face. If you are Zhuge Yulong, how could you just let him be? It’s obvious he would approach you to kidnap or attack you without hesitation.]

Not a single word was wrong. I pondered deeply and realized the situation was worsening.

[So are you saying we should set a trap and wait?]

Zhuge Sa sneered.

[Right. By now, you surely understand why the foolish suggestion to search for Mangnyang in the Central Plains is a bad idea, right?]

[Shit…!!]

I felt an urge to vent my frustration at Zhuge Sa’s dismal words, but I had nothing to say. I hadn’t thought of any of the details regarding the middle plan before Zhuge Sa pointed them out. I calmed my overwhelmed emotions and asked.

[… So what’s the best plan?]

Zhuge Sa chuckled lightly.

[Hehe. Do you want to know?]

[Tell me. After all, we have to go with the best plan.]

[But first, I need to confirm something. Are you willing to gamble your life on this adventure?]

[Huh?]

[That’s assuming that if you succeed in the adventure, things will go much smoother.]

What kind of question is this?

I felt confused but shook my head.

[No, I don’t plan on doing that.]

[Why?]

[Something about this life feels special. The longer I survive, the more information I feel I can gather, so I prefer to move cautiously.]

[Hmm… Is that so?]

[Why do you ask such a question?]

[Oh, it’s nothing. Then I’ll explain the best plan.]

Zhuge Sa spoke nonchalantly.

[The best course of action is to head straight to the village where Mangnyang is located. For now, that’s our best option.]

[Oh? Rather, shouldn’t we go to Mount Tai first and confront the Vermilion Bird…]

[Crazy! The Vermilion Bird, who lost to the White Lotus Sect, is lying low in its last sanctuary, the Heavenly Altar at Mount Tai, which shouldn’t be compromised, and you think you can just go there alone? The sect leader may face serious counterattacks even by directly confronting it, so are you mad?]

[……]

I didn’t even mention bringing the sect leader or the Dharma Guardian along. Naturally, I doubted how the sect leader had learned about the intel, to begin with, and the likelihood of the situation spiraling out of control was high.

[Stop talking and go to where Mangnyang is. That’s the only way for things to unfold correctly.]

“Wait, before that, I want to stop by there…”

I concocted a thought and spoke to Zhuge Sa. After hearing my idea, Zhuge Sa responded.

[It’s not bad. Although it might be unnecessary.]

“Are you saying we can’t do it?”

[It’s nothing important. There’s no need to maintain a close relationship with the Thunder God Lineage.]

Zhuge Sa muttered sourly, but I ignored it and decided to proceed.

Pa-at!

Before heading to your village, I rode the Four Great Spirits to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. The Azure Dragon Martial Arts School was not closed, but it seemed many of the disciples had decreased significantly, with only about twenty remaining. As I entered deeper into the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, I spotted two experts from the Thunder God Lineage.

Lee Cheong-un, who spotted me, greeted me with apparent joy.

“You’re here. Baek Woong.”

“Have you been well?”

“It’s been a fulfilling day after day.”

Next to Lee Cheong-un stood Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong. As I observed their spirits, I instantly perceived that something about them had changed since our last encounter.

“Hm… This is…”

They were different from the past when they had researched the Seven Great Techniques and reached higher realms. I could feel a more fundamental Natural Spirit Energy flowing within them. Moreover, there was an impression of a flexible will that felt far less rigid. While I wasn’t fully sure, I had a feeling that this difference was significant.

Lee Cheong-un spoke up.

“I wish to know what has transpired during that time. Can you recount the details?”

“Yes.”

I nodded and explained the events that had occurred since parting from Lee Cheong-un. After finishing my summary, to ensure accuracy, I took out the obsidian I had kept in my bosom and handed it over, imbuing it with my memories. After reading the memories, Lee Cheong-un exhaled deeply.

“The Spider King! The leader has concentrated his research on the destructive power of the Seven Great Techniques.”

“Do you happen to know what the principle behind that technique is?”

“Of course.”

Lee Cheong-un confidently responded and then explained.

“The result of combining the Tai Chi Yau Ji Willow Sword, Heavenly Five Divine Decisions, and Bowing Sky Slash. You can view it as the overwhelming chi you had seen before was magnified according to the techniques of Bowing Sky Slash. Detailed changes in the techniques have been applied, but there’s no need to elaborate on each one.”

“Hm.”

“But that’s completely different from the Three Treasure Technique. It was designed to dominate and destroy rather than flexibly utilize the methods of Muwak. It fits perfectly with the sect leader’s tendencies.”

“How does the Spider King compare to the Three Treasure Technique in terms of strength?”

“The Three Treasure Technique is certainly superior. Once you master the Three Treasure Technique, you can evade all of the Spider King’s attack range and hit its weaknesses. However, that also depends on your level of mastery.”

Lee Cheong-un mumbled this then continued.

“Baek Woong. There is no need to disturb the sect leader unnecessarily.”

“Why? What do you mean?”

He smiled calmly.

“He doesn’t realize the true essence of the techniques and is just flailing about. There’s a glimpse of winning chances.”

“……”

Flailing about?

Having witnessed the terrifying power of the Spider King firsthand, I found it hard to agree with that claim. Lee Cheong-un, who not long ago had wiped out hundreds of demons with a single strike, seemed like a monster himself when he spoke of the possibility of winning.

I glanced at Lee Kwang. He stoically replied.

“What is it?”

“Do you now acknowledge that the master has been resurrected?”

“I have no reason to answer that.”

As I was about to retort in annoyance, Jin So-cheong waved her hand next to me.

“Baek Woong. Don’t get hung up on it. We feel grateful towards you.”

“Uh, I understand.”

I shared with Lee Cheong-un the insights and revelations I had gained from attending the sect leader’s research meetings. Immediately, Lee Cheong-un and the masters of the Thunder God Lineage displayed expressions of recognition.

“Good. You must inform us of your techniques too.”

I, in turn, learned from Lee Cheong-un about the intricacies of the Seven Great Techniques for roughly two moments. Although it was a short transmission, I felt it would be incredibly useful. As the information exchange concluded, Lee Cheong-un suggested.

“How about staying for a few days? I’d like to explain things in more detail…”

“Thank you, but I too have surveillance from the Su Shin Sect. If I don’t hurry, I might end up stepping on my own tail. If that happens, the secrets of this place could be exposed.”

“That makes sense. Then be cautious.”

“May you be in peace.”

Pa-at!

Once my inner matters had concluded, I immediately rode the Four Great Spirits to the village where Mangnyang was located. Entering the village while hiding the Heavenly Secret, I felt a sense of alienation.

Woo-woo-woo

It was a stronger energy of the barrier surrounding me, more tightly entangled than before. As I felt stifled and twisted my body, the barrier pressed down on me even harder. Just as I felt like I couldn’t breathe, a voice echoed in the void.

[Baek Woong. What brings you here?]

As Cheon Woo-jin’s voice came, his figure appeared only three paces away from me. Enveloped in colorful clouds, Cheon Woo-jin’s appearance indicated that this was not reality but the realm of illusions. At least without liberating the Seven Luminaries, I wouldn’t be able to pierce through Cheon Woo-jin’s illusions.

Clearing my throat, I replied.

“I’ve come to meet Mangnyang. After that, I have something to discuss with you.”

Cheon Woo-jin glared at me with unkind eyes and spoke.

“I’ve heard you joined the White Lotus Sect and participated in the battle against the Imperial Palace. If you don’t clearly state your reason for being here, you won’t meet my master.”

“My reason for coming? Is that what you want to know?”

“Speak.”

I smiled slyly and said.

“You know I became the messenger of the Moon Sovereign, but I came here to seek advice from the guardian of Taoism, Mangnyang, due to an important task.”

“What is that task?”

Suddenly changing my expression, I spoke solemnly.

“You have no right to ask that. Move aside at once!”

Cheon Woo-jin looked dumbfounded.

“What? Are you saying this while being trapped in my illusions, where your life hangs in the balance?”

“Of course.”

“Do you really need to face something hot to regain your sanity…?”

As Cheon Woo-jin tried to use magic, I shouted forcefully.

“Cheon Woo-jin! No matter how great you are, you’re just a disciple of Mangnyang and a mundane being who isn’t even a Earth Immortal. Blocking my path, the chosen messenger of the Celestial Realm is an offense in itself, isn’t it?”

Abruptly

The colorful clouds enveloping me halted, scattering into the air. With Cheon Woo-jin seemingly irritated, he glared at me through gritted teeth. Having struck a nerve, Cheon Woo-jin continued to glare at me as I boldly waved my hand dismissively.

“Move aside. Right now.”

Cheon Woo-jin stepped aside, speaking curtly.

“Be prepared if it’s some trivial matter.”

“Ah, I’m so scared.”

Finally, I was able to stand before the shrine of Mangnyang.

“Mangnyang, I’ve come to meet you!”

And shortly after, I slipped into a sleep.

[How interesting. Is it a side effect of the Soul Exchange Technique?]

A black cat was walking towards me along the opposite path. I looked at Mangnyang and said.

“What side effect?”

[The soul of the heretical sect leader resides in the same body as you. But that’s neither a success nor a failure. It’s just a matter of the preconditions of the Soul Exchange Technique being flawed.]

I could see white flames floating gently around the black cat’s body. As I gazed absently at the flames, Mangnyang spoke up.

[Time to send back the uninvited guest.]

Whoosh!

The white flames vanished. It seemed that those flames were the soul of Zhuge Sa. When Zhuge Sa accidentally followed me into the dream world, it appeared Mangnyang sent him back.

‘God is truly God.’

As I marveled at Mangnyang’s prowess, he spoke.

[You’re tainted with intense Evil Qi. However, your essence has not fallen at all. It’s the first time I’ve seen something like this.]

“Are you saying I’m tainted?”

[Yes. But this otherworldly Turbid Qi has not devoured your soul. Even the kind of Turbid Qi that could corrupt even a Great Immortal…]

As Mangnyang murmured, he placed his front paw against my forehead.

[I shall purify you. This can’t be left as it is.]

Woo-woo

In that moment, a refreshing feeling washed over my mind. As I fidgeted with my forehead, Mangnyang added.

[I know perfectly well why you came here. You wish to borrow Cheon Woo-jin, don’t you?]

“Uh… Is that not possible?”

[It’s not impossible.]

After a moment of silence, Mangnyang continued.

[Recently, in a meeting of the Great Immortals in the Celestial Realm, the Queen Mother of the West stated that the Heavenly Ladder needs to be restored.]

“……?”

[She became irate to the point of shaking the terrestrial realm’s chaos.]

In this dream world, I couldn’t hear Zhuge Sa’s advice. I frowned and contemplated before asking.

“Does the Heavenly Ladder mean resurrecting the Heavenly Altar?”

[That’s correct.]

“Why? What does that mean?”

[It’s a warning from the Celestial Realm.]

Mangnyang looked unusually displeased. As he walked next to me with his tail raised high, he continued.

[It’s not wise to entrust the great plan of the Celestial and Terrestrial realms to a troublemaker like you. If you can’t prevent accidents, shouldn’t you at least address post-processing?]

“So you’re saying the Celestial Realm will handle the chaos on its own?”

[If you can’t restrain the sect leader and the Master of the Twelve Joules, then that would likely be the case.]

“Damn it! What the…”

I felt utterly bewildered. I had taken on the position of the Celestial Realm’s messenger, eager to handle the Moon Sovereign, but it seemed like things were spiraling out of control beyond what I had imagined. As Mangnyang stole a glance back at me while walking down the path, he said.

[The revival of the Heavenly Altar is something I don’t wish for either. But I hope you will do your best.]

“Have you awoken?”

When I opened my eyes, Cheon Woo-jin was standing before me. Staring at me blankly, he spoke.

“Let’s go then, Celestial Realm’s messenger.”

Cheon Woo-jin wore an expression dripping with irritation, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Seeing that face cheered me up, and I returned a sly grin.

“You’ll have to help me work hard now.”

“I know, so shut up.”

“You know what we’re about to do, right?”

“Ugh.”

“You must have heard it from Mangnyang, right?”

As I teased, Cheon Woo-jin could no longer control his rising irritation and shouted.

“Of course! We’re heading to kick the ass of that piece of shit, the Vermilion Bird, who’s spying on the Celestial Realm!!”