Reincarnation Sword God

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I immediately headed to the Han Clan, where Han Baek-ryeong was located, along with Dokgo Jun. The Han Clan was in a state of chaotic busyness, with corpses scattered everywhere, and traces of battle and blood hinted at a significant bloodbath that had occurred. Most of the bodies did not belong to the Han Clan but appeared to be outsiders.

With a worn-out expression, Han Jin-seong, the Young Master of the Han Clan, spotted us and bowed in accordance with martial authority.

“I greet the Dharma Guardian.”

Since Luoyang had already fallen under the grip of the White Lotus Sect, there was no longer a reason to deceive or disguise myself as the Dharma Guardian. Dokgo Jun received the greeting lightly and asked,

[Where is Han Baek-ryeong?]

“I will take you there.”

We followed Han Jin-seong to find Han Baek-ryeong, who was staring out of her room, gazing at the darkened sky. After a moment, Dokgo Jun spoke to her.

[What’s the current situation in Luoyang?]

“Not good. The madmen are appearing incessantly…”

Crash!

Right then, the sound of breaking glass echoed, followed by fierce combat. Running towards the noise, we saw ten crazed individuals charging in and fighting against the guests of the Han Clan. Surprisingly, the madmen weren’t martial artists but commoners.

“Ahhh!!”

“Stop them!”

Amazingly, within moments, a few guests were slaughtered by the madmen’s terrifying strength and speed, leaving only first-class experts struggling to subdue them. Despite having their arms severed by sword qi, the madmen continued to attack, shock spreading through the experts.

Dokgo Jun watched the scene unfold and snapped his fingers.

Boom!

The madmen burst into pieces, unable to resist the strong qi of the dragon form, regardless of their enhanced physical abilities. After resolving the situation, Dokgo Jun, somewhat displeased, spoke to Han Baek-ryeong in a slightly uncomfortable tone.

[Is this the kind of thing that keeps happening?]

“Exactly. Now you know the power of the madmen.”

[Hmm… They may not be dragons or demons, but they’re still troublesome.]

Each madman possessed combat capabilities comparable to a fierce tiger. Their life force, brute strength, and reflexes far exceeded those of ordinary people, making them creatures that first-class experts had to gamble their lives against. If such madmen continued to swarm in the hundreds of thousands, a catastrophic situation would undoubtedly ensue.

“If this continues, Luoyang will be annihilated. The peacekeepers are failing in their duties.”

At Han Baek-ryeong’s words, Dokgo Jun glanced at her.

[What’s important now isn’t that. We’ve learned the enemy’s intention, and I need your help.]

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll explain it.”

I stepped forward on behalf of Dokgo Jun to share the information I had gleaned from the Southern Flower Immortal. After listening to the explanation, Han Baek-ryeong thought deeply before speaking.

“Shouldn’t we first speculate who might be the rival of the Sect Leader in the Celestial Realm? I’ve heard that treasures have close ties with immortals, so logically, it would be a higher Great Immortal with corresponding ancient tales.”

It was a valid point. However, upon hearing that, I couldn’t help but sigh.

“Ha… How am I to find this out when the enemy could strike at any moment?”

“Deputy Sect Leader. I’m sorry, but I have no guesses either. You should seek Sangwan Hyuk.”

Even after being appointed as Deputy Sect Leader, Han Baek-ryeong seemed less than pleased, usually maintaining a neutral stance in the absence of the Sect Leader. Of course, since Han Baek-ryeong’s position was not simply a role to debate, I didn’t feel the need to question it.

“Sangwan Hyuk?”

“If he doesn’t know, no one will.”

I believed Han Baek-ryeong’s words. Unless it was Sangwan Hyuk, a demon sorcerer who could cooperate with the Sect Leader to unveil Luoyang’s most secret information, who else could possibly know the location of the treasures at this point?

“Thank you…”

But just as I was about to take action, Zhuge Sa spoke as if disappointed.

[You fool. Watching you struggle like this is unbearable. Why are you trying to take the long way around?]

[What do you mean?]

[There’s a simpler way to find out than going to Sangwan Hyuk.]

When Zhuge Sa revealed this method, I let out a sigh internally.

[Hmm, right.]

It was absurd that I hadn’t thought of the most obvious option, being swept away by the unexpected appearance of the Southern Flower Immortal and tangled up in confusion. The first place I needed to go was the other side. I glanced at Dokgo Jun and said to Zhuge Sa,

[… But I can’t bring Dokgo Jun there.]

[Just shake him off. If you can’t handle that, how do you plan to stop the Southern Flower Immortal?]

[Ugh, fine.]

I organized my thoughts and then spoke to Dokgo Jun.

“Dokgo Jun. I have a hunch about where to go, so I’ll be heading to the Four Great Spirits for a bit. You help Han Baek-ryeong maintain Luoyang’s order.”

As expected, Dokgo Jun displayed his displeasure by wrinkling his golden dragon mask.

[Where do you think you’re going? I’ll be coming with you.]

“Sorry, but that’s not going to happen. It’s a place I can only go alone.”

[That’s absurd… A Deputy Sect Leader daring to act independently in this crisis without reporting?]

As Dokgo Jun took a step forward, I quickly retorted.

“There’s no time for us to bicker. You know better than anyone what my relationship with the Sect Leader is. We need to support each other to achieve mutual benefit; clinging onto me like this would only poison the Sect Leader.”

[Hmm…]

“I need time to use my own methods.”

Dokgo Jun hesitated and then nodded.

[Understood. Please don’t do anything reckless.]

“Just take care of yourself.”

I threw a frustrated remark as I set off on the Four Great Spirits, heading straight to the village near Luoyang. After burying the Heavenly Spirit Pill in a nearby pine grove, I stepped inside the barrier. Feeling the Illusion Technique barrier, Cheon Woo-jin appeared before me.

Cheon Woo-jin spoke with a tone lacking respect.

“What now?”

“Don’t tell me you didn’t know? The Southern Flower Immortal has caused a major uproar!”

As I retorted, Cheon Woo-jin nodded.

“Of course I know. He’s a renowned figure in the Celestial Realm. And I know the Southern Flower Immortal has come forward as the vanguard and is flaunting their trickery. But what does this have to do with me?”

This guy, being the strongest sorcerer in the human realm, seemed aware of everything even while seated here. But his laid-back and dismissive tone incited my irritation rather than respect. I realized it wasn’t the time to bicker with Cheon Woo-jin, so I waved my hand aside.

“… Regardless, step aside. I have something to ask Master Mangnyang about this incident.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“What?”

“Master doesn’t have to respond to your whims. Don’t bother him and just get out of here.”

Why is he so prickly?!

When we parted ways not too long ago, I recall it being a relatively pleasant farewell, yet today, his response was unusually cold. But it was nearly impossible to bulldoze my way through due to his high prowess. As I hesitated, Zhuge Sa interjected.

[Something feels odd. It’s best to retreat.]

[What? You called me here, and now you want to leave?]

I was astounded, retorting.

Indeed. I had imagined that directly offering sacrifices to Master Mangnyang and asking about the situation would surely yield information. It seemed much more practical and certain than seeking Sangwan Hyuk! But now, Zhuge Sa was suddenly advising me to back off, leaving me bewildered.

Zhuge Sa spoke cautiously.

[This method is definitely easy and precise… But Cheon Woo-jin’s reaction is strange.]

[Why?]

[He’s not the type to shun you for no reason. Don’t you recall his reaction last time?]

[Hmm.]

Although he tends to speak as he wishes, I clearly remembered Cheon Woo-jin’s final reaction as positive. He had even given me somewhat of advice, so I remembered.

[It seems something has happened to Master Mangnyang, whom he’s guarding. If not, his behavior wouldn’t make sense.]

To which Zhuge Sa replied.

[It doesn’t seem like now is the right time, so let’s leave before we leave a bad impression. Cheon Woo-jin should not become an enemy.]

[Damn it.]

I clenched my jaw. If something really had happened to Master Mangnyang, there was no way Cheon Woo-jin would willingly provide answers. It was right to leave quietly at this point. I sighed, feeling regret, and asked,

“Cheon Woo-jin. Currently, madmen and thunder strikes are appearing within Luoyang, sacrificing innocent lives. Do you think this is right?”

I figured I should at least hear Cheon Woo-jin’s perspective. He responded icily.

“I believe the White Lotus Sect and the Twelve Joules, who pushed the Celestial Realm to this point, are entirely to blame.”

“What do you mean?”

“The Celestial Realm has a fundamental limitation—it must manage the mortal realm. And it won’t hesitate to use any means necessary to do so. The emergence of the true essence of the Celestial Realm is entirely your responsibility.”

With that, Cheon Woo-jin averted his gaze and began to walk back into the Illusion Technique barrier.

“I’ll give you a piece of advice. Let go of Luoyang. Otherwise, you will truly regret it.”

“……”

“If you end it with Luoyang, there’s a high probability that the Celestial Realm’s devastation will stop on its own, so remember my words.”

I looked blankly at the Illusion Technique barrier, where Cheon Woo-jin had disappeared.

‘Give up on Luoyang?’

If he was saying that much, then the attack on Luoyang must have been a well-planned assault by the Celestial Realm. With a heavy heart, I immediately rode the Four Great Spirits towards the Sangwan Clan.

Crackle! Crackle!

Black lightning crackled near the Sangwan Clan. The corpses of madmen who tried to invade the clan lay charred on the ground. Watching the madmen rush in like moths to a flame only to meet their end, I felt incredulous. Sangwan Hyuk must have created a defensive barrier with his sorcery.

Of course, I could have entered without the need to utilize the Four Great Spirits’ dimensional bypass ability. Arriving at Sangwan Hyuk’s study, I found him looking out at the outside scenery and addressing me.

“It seems you have something to ask.”

“The Southern Flower Immortal, Wu Gil, and Zhang Jiao are attacking Luoyang. They’re after a treasure said to awaken a strong overlay technique… Since you have craved such treasures, do you have any hints?”

Sangwan Hyuk shook his head.

“I don’t have any hints.”

“Really?”

“Would I be pleased if Luoyang fell? But I can only watch because I lack the power…”

Sangwan Hyuk, who seemed to be fumbling, appeared to lack strength. I scratched my head at the sight.

‘Well, this guy is more of a sorcerer than a demon sorcerer. He might not know much about the treasures…’

I inquired further, but he had no information. Realizing that further gathering of intel would be futile, I returned to report to the Sect Leader.

The Sect Leader listened calmly to my account and then said,

[It seems there’s no choice but to confront them head-on…]

“Are you sure?”

[Luoyang is to be the foundation for proclaiming the White Lotus Sect’s glory in the future. Some risk must be taken.]

Whoosh!!

A short while later, the Sect Leader summoned all of us, including the Dharma Guardians and the Heavenly Spirit Pill owners.

[Let’s go.]

Then, he gathered the rest into the wooden armor, taking me along as we rode the Four Great Spirits. Upon nearing the large forces of the Taiping Dao, which were incompetently charging forward, the Sect Leader wasted no time dismounting from the Four Great Spirits, releasing the wooden armor.

The order of the Sect Leader was given.

[Wipe them all out.]

[Yes, my lord!]

[Yes, my lord!]

BoomBoomBoom

A horrifying storm of qi began to stir in the hall. Five individuals, including the Dharma Guardian and the Heavenly Spirit Pill owners, appeared in the hall and started unleashing their qi indiscriminately. Each one of them could wield infinite internal power, feeling more like a natural disaster than martial arts.

Boom!

Within moments, everything within a five-li radius was slaughtered and vanished. Their powerful forces whirled through like a tornado, grinding down mountains and fields, carving lines of light into the void. The ground blazed, and dragons, both the water dragon and fire dragon, flew through the air. I gulped, witnessing this terrifying spectacle.

This was the power of the Heavenly Spirit Pill!

Even before the Sect Leader had stepped in, they seemed to have already slaughtered more than ten thousand of the Taiping Dao’s forces. At this rate, a military would hold no meaning against the White Lotus Sect. Moreover, displaying seemingly boundless stamina, they felt less like martial artists and more like tactical weaponry of unmatched ferocity.

About half an hour must have passed, right?

As the White Lotus Sect continued its massacre, the Sect Leader, who seemed to be surveying the front line, suddenly went pale. He swiftly warned the foremost elder of the Su Shin Sect, Dokgo Woo.

[Yu! Back away!]

[What?]

[Everyone, retreat behind me!]

The elders of the Su Shin Sect, who had been rampaging in the front, hurriedly used their martial arts to retreat to the Sect Leader’s rear. The Sect Leader then summoned a peculiar mandala from his entire body and raised the internal energy to its utmost level, as thousands of mandalas blossomed, bursting forth with light like the sun on a bright day.

Boom!

I realized with shock what the Sect Leader was casting.

‘Heart of Heaven’s Abundance?!’

The strongest technique he would never use unless facing a true adversary! Even against Lee Cheong-un, he had saved it for encounters with the Twelve Joules or the Demon Sorcerer—an ultimate mandala that was materializing right before my eyes. While I might not have known the exact power of Heart of Heaven’s Abundance, I did know that it was a technique so powerful that even the invincible Sect Leader would hesitate to use it in specific locations.

Whooo!

The mandalas formed by Heart of Heaven’s Abundance intertwined like a lotus flower, twisting in a spherical shape. The spiraling mandalas hovered in the air, appearing to protect the followers of the White Lotus Sect.

Confused, I asked the Sect Leader, who was concentrating.

“Why did you suddenly…?”

In a cautious voice, the Sect Leader replied.

[It’s a trap. We’ve already fallen into a formation.]

“What?”

[An array set by the Great Immortal, so its power will be tremendous.]

Whoosh!

After a moment, the Sect Leader gathered the Dharma Guardians and the Heavenly Spirit Pill owners into the wooden armor and threw it to me. As I caught the wooden armor, the Sect Leader continued to speak.

[Sect Leader Baek Woong. Lead them all to the main sect. They are not opponents we can fight without sufficient preparation.]

“……”

It seemed that despite slaughtering tens of thousands of the Taiping Dao, it was merely bait to activate the formation. According to the Sect Leader’s words, we were right in the center of a large array created by three Great Immortals! The decision to evacuate everyone else except himself was undeniably rational. I asked the Sect Leader,

“Can’t we just break through together using the power of the Heavenly Spirit Pill?”

[That won’t work. This array isn’t as simple as it seems; I have a feeling about it.]

“A feeling?”

[My intuition sparked from having reached the Primordial Spirit and reaching a higher realm—my seven senses are warning me.]

As the Sect Leader spoke, he gazed at me quietly.

[What are you doing? Hurry and go.]

I met the Sect Leader’s gaze and responded.

“Why should I trust you to take care of them? What if I use the wooden armor to seal them away forever?”

[If you were that sort of person, you would have arranged a scheme with me months ago, right?]

“……”

[I know you want to see some resolution through me. As long as that thought exists, you won’t betray me.]

At that moment,

Crash!

Suddenly, the sky darkened, and lightning fell with rain. Three divine energies arose at the defense of Heaven, Earth, and People, forming a shape that surrounded the leader of the White Lotus Sect from afar. The presence that appeared before the Sect Leader was the Southern Flower Immortal, who smiled coldly and spoke to him.

[Running away? Do you think that’s possible?]

[Southern Flower Immortal.]

[Indeed. You wicked one. You’ve helpfully walked into a trap, and now it’s time to end it.]

[Do you think it will go as you wish?]

The moment the Sect Leader retorted, the Southern Flower Immortal raised a long staff in one hand.

[Wu Gil, Zhang Jiao.]

[Yes, Master!]

As the two Great Immortals responded, he squinted his eyes and commanded.

[Use the treasure!]