Reincarnation Sword God

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The elder experts of the Elder Council must have seen the power I unleashed, as they quietly sent me back to the Thunder God building without bothering me. As I caught sight of the Wind Spirit figures working within Thunder God, I couldn’t help but wonder what to do with these troublesome burdens.

‘They have no martial arts skills, and I have to take care of them…’

Moreover, there were quite a number of them. While Dokgo Jun and the Sect Leader had entrusted me with them as if doing me a favor, now it felt like I had taken on an unnecessary load. Feeling irked, Zhuge Sa spoke up.

[There’s a pretty good-looking beauty from the Wind Spirit lineage; why not summon her and make her serve you? Maybe two-to-one, or three-to-one…]

[Are you out of your mind? How many times do I have to tell you I won’t do such things?]

[Then it would be better to use them as test subjects for the Soul Exchange Technique. If not, I can teach you a few forbidden techniques to offer up those Wind Spirit folks as sacrifices.]

[……]

Realizing that Zhuge Sa was genuinely suggesting this sent a chill down my spine. This wasn’t some third-rate joke from Extreme Tiger; Zhuge Sa was seriously presenting me with a path of brutal human slaughter. I knew that following Zhuge Sa’s advice would be the most “efficient” way to utilize the Wind Spirit, but I couldn’t bring myself to choose that path. Instead, I sighed in exasperation and asked.

[Zhuge Sa, why do you treat humans like trash?]

[Huh?]

[I can’t understand it at all. Throughout my life, I’ve seen a fair share of evildoers and murderers, but I’ve never seen anyone treat humans as meat like you do. Ordinary people wouldn’t even think like you, no matter how much they die and come back. What kind of life have you led to think this way?]

My question seemed to catch Zhuge Sa off guard, as he momentarily fell silent. Then he chuckled and replied.

[Hehe… well said. To the people in this world, humans are nothing more than meat.]

[What?]

[In a history that cannot be aptly described, an ancient “Old Being” created the first humans for consumption and companionship. In the very distant past, humans were no different from cattle or pigs raised by the Otherworldly Race. Then came the war between the Old Beings and the Evil Spirits, resulting in their slumber, and all that was left was the emergence of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors who bestowed civilization upon mankind.]

As Zhuge Sa explained, I sensed a dismissive shrug in his shoulders.

[Well, that’s just a superficial reason. I simply feel disappointed that I see no value in humans.]

[Value? Isn’t just living enough?]

[Hmph… to practice the Soul Exchange Technique and not grasp the essence of life and death. I suppose it might be harder for you since you can reincarnate.]

Somehow grumbling, Zhuge Sa continued.

[Speaking of which, you should know the Sect Leader is even crazier than I am. If you follow him to the end, amusing things will happen.]

[Huh…?]

I was genuinely surprised.

It was one thing for him to recognize his own madness, but to think he would admit that the Master of the White Lotus Sect is crazier than himself! Knowing how insane Zhuge Sa is, I couldn’t help but be astonished.

However, the Master of the White Lotus Sect I observed seemed passionate about his goals and only mildly sinister; there was nothing about him that could be definitively considered ‘crazy.’ He indeed possessed a unique charm as a religious leader, but that alone felt weak to label as madness.

[No matter how I think about it, he doesn’t seem crazy…?]

[Hehe, he’s absolutely crazy, just very hopelessly so. I felt his madness just a moment ago, and it sent shivers down my spine.]

[……?]

[In any case, from now on, your relationship with the Sect Leader will change. Don’t be a fool; follow along well.]

The meaning behind that change in relationship would become clear the very next day.

The Sect Leader summoned all the Dharma Guardians and Elders from the Wind Spirit and Fire Spirit lineages the next morning before making an unequivocal decree.

[From today, Baek Woong will be appointed as the Deputy Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect.]

Murmurs…

Everyone except the Sect Leader looked utterly bewildered. The elders seemed ready to voice their concerns, but before they could, the Fire Spirit’s Dharma Guardian, Han Baek-ryeong, stepped forward and asked.

“Sect Leader, what’s going on all of a sudden?”

[Just as you heard. Thunder God Dharma Guardian Baek Woong will be transitioning to the position of Deputy Sect Leader from today.]

“Such a position or title for a Deputy Sect Leader has not existed in the history of the White Lotus Sect for a thousand years. This is unprecedented!”

As Han Baek-ryeong expressed her surprise and attempted to intervene, the Sect Leader countered.

[I hadn’t explained it to you, but Baek Woong has formed an equal alliance with me. So, I simply arranged a fitting position for him.]

“An alliance…?”

[That is correct. The authority of Deputy Sect Leader Baek Woong is equal to mine, and starting today, everyone other than me must respect Baek Woong and revere him as your superior.]

“…….!!”

The murmurs grew louder. A monumental event was unfolding, flipping upside down the thousand-year tradition of the White Lotus Sect.

I was equally flabbergasted, but Zhuge Sa’s words snapped me back to reality.

[The Sect Leader is attempting to win you over in some way.]

[By offering better treatment?]

[That would typically be quite effective. The position you just attained allows you to wield power comparable to an emperor across the entire Central Plains, not just within the White Lotus Sect.]

[…….]

That’s true. It was because the Imperial Palace Forces, which had formed a massive axis with the White Lotus Sect, had been completely obliterated, and the White Lotus Sect absorbed that power entirely. The position of Deputy Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect was indeed as the Sect Leader said, an authority equating to the emperor.

However, I understood that declaration was essentially meaningless. Because the power he proclaimed would be less than dust compared to the truths of the Mythological Age and the authority of the hidden rulers. I felt a surge of anger and tried to step forward, but Zhuge Sa stopped me.

[Stop.]

No, I’m going to step forward.

[You’re planning to shout and make a scene, aren’t you?]

Why did I even propose that alliance? I didn’t want to be dragged around by the Sect Leader anymore, only to have it happen again…

[This is the Sect Leader’s declaration and a response to your alliance proposal from yesterday. If you cannot accept this line, the Sect Leader will annihilate you here without hesitation, even if it means allowing your suicidal charge. Do you think you can face not just the Sect Leader, but the Dharma Guardians and Elders here? You’d essentially be fighting the White Lotus Sect itself. Even if Sword Master Yeodong-bin descended here, it would be an unwinnable battle.]

[But… if this continues, I’ll just be dragged along as the Sect Leader intends.]

[You’ll have to endure it, you fool. How long do you plan to let your ideals guide your decisions to ruin everything?]

Zhuge Sa shot back at me.

[Smile! Smile, I said! If you can’t smile now, you’ll be a loser.]

Smile, huh?

If I don’t let my emotions control me, I’ll only end up swayed by the Sect Leader. Yet still, I have to smile.

Feelings I just couldn’t accept surged from within me, but eventually, I managed to hold back. Normally, I would have ignored Zhuge Sa’s words and acted on my own, but after spending so much time with him, I understood a part of him. I sensed the sincerity hidden beneath his dog-like tone.

In the end, I forced myself to move my facial muscles and control my thoughts.

Soon, I was able to smile widely.

“Thank you, Sect Leader.”

[Looks like we can walk together from now on. It will also provide opportunities for us to understand each other.]

The Sect Leader, having said that calmly, suddenly turned to Han Baek-ryeong.

[Han Baek-ryeong. Do you not find my decision acceptable?]

Han Baek-ryeong replied without showing any concern.

“I was simply surprised to see you breaking a thousand years of tradition.”

[That’s enough.]

Clearly, the most unhappy person in this situation was Han Baek-ryeong. She was helplessly watching the Sect Leader wielding control over everything according to his whims. However, perhaps due to her adeptness at emotional control, I sensed no agitation from her.

After a moment, once the Deputy Sect Leader appointment ceremony concluded, the Sect Leader stated.

[Deputy Sect Leader Baek Woong. Follow me.]

I followed the Sect Leader in silence. He took me to the same spot as yesterday and spoke.

[A watcher I had assigned to you reported back to me. They suddenly vanished using the Four Great Spirits, and I also received reports of you entering the location associated with Sangwan Hyuk.]

“……”

[Since we are in an alliance, mutual trust is essential. Tell me what you’ve been doing during this time.]

If the Sect Leader is not imposing upon me to perform rituals, then our cooperative relationship should not be any different than before. After exchanging opinions with Zhuge Sa, I opened my mouth. I recounted the incident of slaying the Vermilion Bird and the commission I received for the treasure from Sangwan Hyuk.

The Sect Leader appeared surprised as he responded.

[You took down the Vermilion Bird? Is that true?]

“Indeed. I’ll bring the evidence right away.”

A moment later, after I retrieved Zhuge Yulong’s head I had hidden in the Thunder God building, the Sect Leader examined it intently. Once he confirmed the condition of Zhuge Yulong’s backup body, he exclaimed in astonishment.

[If you truly eliminated the Vermilion Bird, then you’ve accomplished something remarkable. We can now focus on the battle against the Twelve Joules.]

He then mumbled to himself, seemingly satisfied.

[Indeed, you have proven yourself worthy of an alliance with me.]

“Sect Leader, may I ask something?”

[Ask away.]

“I assume the old ruler from the Demon Subduing Hall still views the White Lotus Sect with contempt. You mentioned you would appease him; what method do you have in mind for that?”

This was a very important issue. If a god were to get angry and seek to eliminate the White Lotus Sect, then not even the current Sect Leader would have a way to contend with that. However, during the time we had suppressed the Imperial Palace, he hadn’t elaborated on that method. When I looked at him with suspicion, the Sect Leader replied.

[I have already appeased him.]

“What?”

[By offering Sangwan Hyuk a Divine Portrait, I’ve put out the immediate fire, and I promised to conduct a proper ceremony once we return to the main faction to offer him a tribute. For at least the next ten years, there shouldn’t be any issues.]

A reservation for offerings!

Considering that the old ruler harbored a fierce and evil nature, this was not an easy task. Yet it seemed that the old ruler, lurking behind the Imperial Palace, had taken the Sect Leader’s proposal quite easily, as long as there were no changes to the tribute he would receive.

I was curious and asked.

“What kind of tribute did you promise to offer?”

[Before I answer that question, let me ask one thing.]

“Yes?”

[My life’s goal is to implement True Martial in this world. Since my youth, I have tirelessly focused on honing my demonic path and martial arts techniques. I have a steadfast sense of purpose.]

The Sect Leader, having gotten in the mood, continued with his inquiry.

[However, Baek Woong, you seem to lack much interest in life. What were you following me for?]

“……”

How should I respond?

After a moment of contemplation, I countered.

“I’m curious about the world you intend to create.”

That’s right. This life feels like a jumbled-up mess, but currently, my strongest motivation is to observe the Sect Leader and figure things out. The more I dig into the truths of the White Lotus Sect that I had previously only skimmed over, the more it feels like my journey is significantly shortening.

[I see.]

The Sect Leader seemed greatly satisfied with my answer, as I could almost feel him smiling through the mask. He then said.

[The offerings I promised to the god are the Twelve Joules and the Goryeo.]

“……!!”

[Once we overthrow the Twelve Joules, there’s nothing left to see in that land of the Eastern Peninsula. My idea is to offer them all as food for the old ruler.]

“Th-that…”

[I considered handing over a slice of the Central Plains, but that would be a massive loss. Thus, I decided to bestow to the barbarians outside the Central Plains.]

I paused, stunned by his unexpected response.

He’s going to annihilate the Twelve Joules and Goryeo!

Considering that souls handed over to the old ruler wouldn’t even reincarnate, they would be toys forever. This would plunge tens of millions of people into an unspeakable tragedy—simply for being at odds with him! I had never imagined that the Sect Leader would speak so nonchalantly about this.

‘Was he this wicked?’

Until now, I considered him to be somewhat devious yet living by his own beliefs, thinking he wasn’t crossing any lines. Thus, even if I felt discontent toward his unilateral attitude, I could never genuinely hate or despise the Sect Leader. But his attitude now showed someone tossing lives away like trash, reminding me even more of Zhuge Sa or Zhuge Yulong.

As I internalized my bewilderment, Zhuge Sa remarked.

[It’s not unexpected. If you defeat the Twelve Joules and acquire the Seven Luminaries, you won’t be at a complete disadvantage when fighting against the old ruler. Once you use that power to seek out the Seven Luminaries, you’ll find them all eventually. With your objectives in sight, there’s no need for pretentious moralizing.]

[So the Master of the White Lotus Sect is truly a ruthless fellow?]

[Hehe… what criteria are we even using to define good and evil?]

Zhuge Sa chuckled.

[The Master of the White Lotus Sect doesn’t think he is evil at all. In fact, he genuinely likes humanity and is genuinely worried about the future of mankind. He just doesn’t care about the sacrifices that come along with it. If the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s plan succeeds, the vast majority of humans might actually be saved. So, what right do you have to label him as evil?]

[He’s trampling on others’ lives without a second thought for his own ambitions.]

Zhuge Sa responded as if startled.

[Wow, really? I know another guy like that.]

[What?]

[This fellow named Baek Woong, who used his reincarnation experience to thoroughly crush the Vermilion Bird and tortured his son to death. Even after his entire family was annihilated, he had no guilt whatsoever. He didn’t even bother to give them a proper grave and simply flaunted his severed head instead.]

[……]

This bastard?! Didn’t you play a hand in that too!

[Hey, it’s not bad to make moral judgments. Just don’t carelessly impose your standards of humanity onto others. To discern good and evil in this world tainted by the evil god, we need a more flexible and relative standard than the ethics of the human world!]

I could feel a commanding tone in Zhuge Sa’s final words, devoid of madness. It encapsulated the insights he’d amassed as an enlightened being regarding humanity. Even if I didn’t like Zhuge Sa’s words, it was evident that they did broaden my perspective.

As I remained silent, the Master of the White Lotus Sect added.

[Deputy Sect Leader Baek Woong, continue to participate in the research council on the Seven Great Techniques going forward.]

“I plan to do just that.”

[We will settle the score with the Twelve Joules a year from now. You’re still lacking a lot, so until then, focus on training.]

A year!

I tilted my head at his words.

“Why not engage in battle right now? The Twelve Joules are currently unable to handle the Seven Luminaries…”

[It’s my intuition. I have a feeling that the true terror of the Twelve Joules isn’t found with the Seven Luminaries but rather in something else. So I’m postponing the battle until I believe the odds are in my favor.]

“…….?”

[If the Self-Controlled Moon Blade’s essence were intact, that would be wonderful.]

Something scarier than the Seven Luminaries?

But I could hardly disregard the seriousness in the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s tone. If it were an intuition from an Absolute Being who surpassed human martial arts, it was something I couldn’t simply brush aside.

Thus, I returned to ‘daily life’ once more. During the day, I participated in the research on the Seven Great Techniques, and at night, I honed the Soul Exchange Technique.

Then, three months passed.

While I was training, an elder from the Elder Council, Ilro, burst in, shouting.

“Sect Leader! We’re in big trouble!”

[What’s happened?]

From Ilro’s ensuing words, I could sense that something serious had indeed occurred.

“The Taiping Dao has raised a great army in Hebei, occupying nine provinces. The emperor from Luoyang has sent a letter requesting assistance from you, Sect Leader.”