Reincarnation Sword God

---

00400 Celestial Realm ————————————————————————

I blinked, momentarily unable to believe that I had become the master of the Moon Sovereign. Convincing Nüwa just moments ago had felt like walking on a tightrope, utterly draining my mental strength. Finally, when I heard the hum of the Three Divine Tools of the Moon Sovereign resonating around me, I managed to gather my wits.

“Things are going well.”

Becoming the liberated master of the Seven Luminaries meant that my power had surged drastically. I had already experienced this boost when I liberated the Water Element and had a taste of that strength. Perhaps my current power was at least on par with that time.

As I maneuvered the Moon Sovereign at will, I turned to Cheon Woo-jin and asked, “Do you know what special abilities the Moon Sovereign possesses?”

“I wouldn’t know about that either. This is my first time seeing the Moon Sovereign…”

Cheon Woo-jin stared curiously at my Moon Sovereign before adding, “Considering that the creator of the Moon Sovereign is the goddess Nüwa, it must be related to the lunar shadow. Especially, I would assume it has abilities associated with the Yin.”

“Hmm…”

“You should inquire about the details later during the Offering Ceremony. That would be better.”

I nodded. Conducting the Offering Ceremony was a bit awkward, but understanding the abilities of the Moon Sovereign wasn’t bad. I thought it would have been better to ask while I was receiving the powers from Nüwa earlier, but I had been too overwhelmed to think of it.

[Hey, Zhuge Sa. By the way, why were you silent at the beginning when Nüwa appeared?]

When I asked my question, Zhuge Sa replied bluntly.

[Are you mad? Is that even a question? I’m a floating spirit relying on your body right now. No matter how high I soar, that fact doesn’t change. What would happen if I encountered the formidable godly aura of Nüwa who descended directly onto Earth?]

[Ah-ha.]

[Don’t “ah-ha” me… Be grateful I didn’t ascend in that moment. If an ordinary human or sorcerer had been there instead of me, they would have gone insane upon encountering Nüwa.]

[Is it really that intense?]

[Go ahead and check around. Many of the soldiers stationed in this fortress on Mount Tai would have gone mad.]

Unintentionally, it seemed that summoning Nüwa had spread calamity around. Of course, I didn’t feel much sympathy for those soldiers, as they had kidnapped innocent commoners under the orders of the Vermilion Bird for human sacrifices.

At that moment, a strange thought crossed my mind. The fact that even the ill-tempered Zhuge Sa acknowledged the overwhelming power of Nüwa’s divine aura spoke volumes. She was indeed one of the exalted Three Sovereigns. Yet here I was, having faced her directly without a hitch.

‘Hmm… Is it thanks to my training in martial arts that my mental strength holds up?’

I brushed it off nonchalantly as Zhuge Sa continued.

[Let’s move on to the next stage.]

[Understood.]

I nodded and turned to Cheon Woo-jin. “Cheon Woo-jin! Let’s go unleash the seal of the National Seal.”

“……”

“Cheon Woo-jin?”

“I’ve thought it through, and my mind has changed.”

What the hell is he talking about all of a sudden?

Cheon Woo-jin crossed his arms and said, “As I mentioned before, there has to be something in return for this.”

“Ugh…”

“Releasing the Moon Sovereign through the Offering Ceremony is an essential mission as a messenger of the Celestial Realm. However, breaking the National Seal is purely out of your greed. I can’t work for free.”

“We can’t just let the Master of the White Lotus Sect take the National Seal. That’s unreasonable.”

“Hmph. Then you better offer up some compensation.”

I glared at Cheon Woo-jin throwing a tantrum and said, “Just be honest. You’re just feeling butt-hurt, right?”

Cheon Woo-jin grinned slyly. “Of course. Why should you get all the goodies while I do all the work?”

“Hmm.”

“I’m not your subordinate, so figure it out yourself.”

With that, Cheon Woo-jin plopped down, sulking.

I scratched my head. It wasn’t just that Cheon Woo-jin was being stubborn; he did have a point. Both taking down the Vermilion Bird and breaking the seal of the National Seal were tasks that he alone could help me with, so I couldn’t just brush aside his words. To be honest, I had considered attempting to sneak by without giving anything, but now it seemed I had to offer something.

Zhuge Sa spoke from within me.

[It’s unavoidable. Give him the knowledge of the Earth Immortal Mangnyang contained within the obsidian.]

[Huh? That?]

I possessed the spell knowledge and experiences of the Earth Immortal Mangnyang, along with the techniques of the Heavenly Secret Technique from the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate. Zhuge Sa was suggesting to give him that.

[It would hold treasure-level value, so he will likely accept it.]

[Ugh… I guess there’s no choice.]

I smacked my lips in annoyance and said, “Then I’ll share the techniques from the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate with you.”

“……!!”

Cheon Woo-jin looked quite surprised.

“Really?”

“I’ll embed the memories into the obsidian, so don’t you dare complain.”

I said that and then set off with Cheon Woo-jin towards the hidden obsidian mine in the underground of the Imperial Palace. It was about time to get some additional obsidian while it was available. After roughly an hour of mining, I unearthed a large piece of obsidian and transferred the spell knowledge of the Earth Immortal Mangnyang into it, handing it over to Cheon Woo-jin.

He took the obsidian with a skeptical expression, but as soon as the transfer of memories began, his eyes widened in shock.

“Umm!”

After some time accepting the knowledge transfer, Cheon Woo-jin sighed once it concluded.

“Wow… You’re more impressive than I expected.”

“Is that sufficient?”

“Of course. I’ll crack the seal of the National Seal without any further complaints.”

Cheon Woo-jin declared cheerfully. It seemed the spell knowledge I provided bore an unexpectedly immense value. Although I personally felt that my understanding of magical techniques was lacking, this was evidently not the case for Cheon Woo-jin.

Zhuge Sa cautioned me.

[That’s obvious. From now on, you must be careful to not become an enemy of Cheon Woo-jin.]

[What happens if I do?]

[If Cheon Woo-jin begins cultivating with that spell knowledge, he will soon become a Great Immortal. You can’t compete with just the Moon Sovereign.]

[……]

Bitter thoughts swirled in my mind.

Pa-at!

Moments later, I arrived with Cheon Woo-jin at the barrier of the National Seal hidden underground in the Imperial Palace. The current master had likely returned to the main headquarters, so we could come without concern. Cheon Woo-jin, glancing at the surroundings, suddenly thrust his palm forward.

“YAH!”

Bang!

The barrier crumbled immediately. I felt a wave of shock at the sight.

In the past, I had to summon the Eight Trigrams from both hands and recite complex incantations to destroy the barrier, and yet now, it was shattered as if it carried no weight against his single blow? I was dumbfounded and turned to Cheon Woo-jin.

“Isn’t this a barrier made by a god?”

Cheon Woo-jin lumbered forward and responded, “This barrier was made by human sorcerers who prayed to the god Empress Wu Zetian during the Mantang Era. Thus, it isn’t truly made by a god. Naturally, I can break it.”

“Wait… you broke it too easily…”

“What does it matter? It’s broken now.”

Cheon Woo-jin spoke in a completely nonchalant tone. There wasn’t even any hint of pride or arrogance, indicating he genuinely viewed it with indifference. In that moment, I felt the genuine weight of Cheon Woo-jin’s unrealistic level of skills.

‘So this is how one becomes immensely strong with a string of fortuitous encounters amongst the best sorcerers in the Central Plains?’

Regardless of whether it was directly crafted by a god or not, a barrier that was prayer-made by the best sorcerers and melded with divinity would surely be a grand barrier, crafted with all their might. I had been unable to touch it till now, but his ability to destroy the barrier with a single spirit call transcended reasoning.

Eventually, we stepped inside and arrived at the chamber where the National Seal was sealed. In one corner of the chamber, we could see a square object radiating with a radiant light. It was the National Seal, which was adorned with a dragon carving and bore a divine light I had seen before.

Before approaching the National Seal, I glanced at Cheon Woo-jin. He seemed to catch my eye and bluntly said, “You catch on quickly. Understood.”

With a wave of his hand, the energy surrounding the National Seal dispersed. Before, Cheon Woo-jin had warned me that there might be traps or additional barriers encircled around the National Seal, so I had tacitly asked him to seal it beforehand.

I walked closer to the National Seal and picked it up with trembling hands.

Whoosh!

In that instant, I felt myself being thrown into darkness as my soul submerged in a massive illusionary realm. Heaven and Earth sparkled like stars amidst the darkness! I had been here before, in the very center of that universe, the luminous sphere. As I reached out to it, a voice echoed.

[I am the artifact left by the Sovereign Shao Hao Jin Tian. Are you worthy to become the owner of the National Seal, the artifact of the Three Sovereigns?]

I immediately replied with confidence, [Of course! I am Baek Woong! I am the master of the Moon Sovereign from among the Seven Luminaries and recognized by the Celestial Realm and Nüwa!]

[No…!!]

The will of the artifact seemed taken aback. After scanning my soul for a moment, it said with admiration, [I see… You are indeed worthy of being the master of the National Seal. Quite remarkable. You possess the presence of the primordial night… an immense being is felt here…]

Suddenly, the artifact’s tone shifted to a respectful one as its will continued, [Now, I acknowledge you as the master of the National Seal, and I shall grant you the All-Seeing Eye of the Earth and Sea. May it be of help to you.]

[Wait!]

I halted the will of the artifact before it granted me the abilities and questioned, [I have a curiosity—what exactly is the All-Seeing Eye? You should at least explain it before giving it to me.]

[Ah… of course.]

The will of the artifact began its explanation. [The All-Seeing Eye is a third eye that allows you to see everything.]

[Is it the Eye Technique?]

[It is of a different dimension than a mere technique. The All-Seeing Eye allows you to see anywhere in this world, and you can read the information of that place. Moreover, as you master it, you can gain the knowledge of great beings.]

I cocked my head in confusion. [Great beings? Are you talking about the Sovereign Shao Hao Jin Tian?]

[I am also uncertain. Such knowledge is not within the grasp of a mere artificial spirit like myself. What is certain is that the knowledge of great beings was carefully handled even by the Three Sovereigns.]

[Hmmm… Will it raise my power?]

[You will understand once you use it directly. It’s a futile endeavor to explain more…]

[Got it.]

Whoosh!

Moments later, my vision shifted back to reality. I noticed that not only did the National Seal have the dragon engraving but now also had the phoenix engraving added as well. This was a token indicating I had been recognized as the master of the National Seal. I knew Cheon Woo-jin would undoubtedly throw a fit if I told him that I had attained the All-Seeing Eye, so I calmly stated, “It’s all done. Let’s head back.”

“……”

Cheon Woo-jin looked at me with an expression of discontent and said, “I thought as much, but you’re insufferable!”

That guy really holds a grudge!!

Feeling a mix of bewilderment and irony, I said, “For crying out loud, I did what you asked! Could you just stop…”

“Ugh… If your level of technique was even moderately good, you wouldn’t be making me feel this way.”

This time, perhaps because he had taken something from me, he had refrained from hurling insults. Zhuge Sa, who had been spectating, chuckled at the scene.

[To him, it’s like putting pearls on a pig, so of course, he’d feel like that.]

[So what should I do!]

[This is why I keep telling you to properly practice your techniques until you reach a greater realm. Then, you could also search for the National Seal on your own.]

[Damn. Techniques are so difficult.]

[Haha.]

I inwardly grumbled.

Master Mangnyang once said that I had far less talent in spell techniques than in martial arts. That evaluation was brutally objective; despite the numerous offerings and efforts I had put into my studies with Miho’s artifacts for years, my mastery was still weak. By average standards, someone who obtained spell techniques like mine would have already become a Grand Sorcerer by now.

Yet, I barely scraped by with basic-level techniques that were only enough to handle one person. My ability in spell techniques was undeniably pathetic. Even after having the accumulated experiences and knowledge from the past 200 years of Mangnyang’s training, I still couldn’t make sense of it. I was struggling to grasp even the Heavenly Secret Technique and the Soul Exchange Technique. Fortunately, thanks to Zhuge Sa’s help in this life, my talent had improved slightly as the leader of the Heretical Sect, so perhaps things would get somewhat better.

A little while later, I dropped Cheon Woo-jin off in front of the village of Master Mangnyang. Before we parted ways after the tasks were complete, I asked Cheon Woo-jin, “Cheon Woo-jin. I want to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“Have you heard any news or tracks about Mangnyang? Even something small…”

Cheon Woo-jin’s eyes sparkled as he replied, “Your older brother has been in seclusion to build his strength. I can’t tell you his location.”

“So you do know something.”

“Leave it alone. Your brother expressed a desire to build his strength until it could be of help to you. He will come to you when the time is right.”

“Hmm…”

“Since we met like this, why not ask one more question? I’ll share whatever I know.”

It seemed that my inquiry about Mangnyang had earned some goodwill from him. After a moment’s thought, I said, “Have you, by chance, seen a nine-tailed fox named Miho?”

“Ah. Of course.”

“……!!”

He answered right away!

I stared at him in shock, and Cheon Woo-jin continued, “That spirit came looking for you here in the village. She offered to your master and inquired about your whereabouts, but after that, she left without any further news.”

“She offered to Master Mangnyang?”

Cheon Woo-jin let out a chortle. “Hehe. Riding around the Central Plains on the Spirit Train, even if she’s a nine-tailed fox, there’s no way she could keep up with you. Besides, if she’s currently at the White Lotus Sect, there are far too many dangerous people around for her to approach.”

“……”

I was left speechless. Even while standing there, Miho’s face kept spinning in my mind. I had presumed it would be that way, but thinking about how she must have struggled made my heart ache. I wondered if I shouldn’t have mentioned her to the Queen Mother.

“The nine-tailed fox left after receiving training from your master. So she’ll be fine on her own.”

“Master Mangnyang trained Miho…?”

“The spell abilities of a nine-tailed fox are incomparable to that of a human. Moreover, it seems he took quite a liking to her…”

After mumbling that, Cheon Woo-jin warned, “Baek Woong, you are at the eye of the storm right now. Every move you make will shake the world, so please act with caution.”

Finishing his words, Cheon Woo-jin swiftly entered the village.

As I mulled over his words, Zhuge Sa engaged me again.

[Baek Woong. The time has come.]

[What time has come?]

Following Zhuge Sa’s words, I realized that I was about to confront Master of the White Lotus Sect.

[It is time for a deal with him.]