Reincarnation Sword God

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00413 Celestial Realm ————————————————————————=

I first went to the Heavenly Altar of Mount Huang. This was because it had a unique feature that differed from the other altars, and I wanted to check it out. After scanning the area for any martial artists or other forces nearby, I ascended to the altar.

‘As expected, it’s there.’

The statue of Pangu!

In the creation myth, Pangu, the primordial deity, is said to have been born from the essence of heaven and earth, inside an egg-shaped universe. Pangu broke the egg, sending the light, clear energy up to the sky while using the heavy and murky energy to form the earth. To honor this myth, the abbot of the nearby Hyun Gong Temple had enshrined Pangu.

However, peculiarly, a statue of Pangu was also placed on the Heavenly Altar of Mount Huang. At that moment, I asked the abbot whether he had placed it, but he said that it had existed since ancient times. It was evident that someone had deliberately placed the statue on the altar.

As I stared at the statue of Pangu, Zhuge Sa spoke up.

[Is this a sensation of a reborn person? It’s incredible to pinpoint each detail without any apparent cause and effect.]

“I just think there might be a meaning to it here as well.”

After replying to Zhuge Sa, I started to touch the statue of Pangu. Then I asked Zhuge Sa.

“Zhuge Sa, what exactly is Pangu? Does this creation deity truly exist?”

[You’re asking a troublesome question.]

“The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors are real, and they are deities that can rival the [Ancient Rulers]. So, wouldn’t Pangu, who supposedly created this world, possess powers that exceed even the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors?”

That was what I wanted to know the most.

I was originally someone who didn’t believe in Taoist deities or the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors at all. However, as I delved into mythical secrets, I realized that the Celestial Realm existed and that the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors also did. My perspective on the world changed, so it was only natural that I would be curious about Pangu, who predated the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.

‘If anyone would tell me, it would be Zhuge Sa, the heretical sect leader.’

Zhuge Sa contemplated for a moment before responding.

[As far as I know, humanity currently spread across the world is a result of the Three Sovereigns having a hand in it. It is said that Nüwa, Shennong, and Fuxi joined forces. Pangu, for whatever reason, is said to be the creator of humanity, a being called [Ancient Existence], and the original form of humans was refined by the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. So, whether Pangu truly exists or not is beyond my knowledge.]

“You don’t know? You can’t be certain whether it exists or not?”

[Hmph… Given that not even anyone knows about the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, how many people in the world would know the truth of the creation myths? Only those like the Three Sovereigns themselves or the equally powerful [Ancient Rulers]. A mere mortal sorcerer like me can’t know such things.]

Zhuge Sa, who had responded gruffly, continued.

[However, if Pangu exists, then he is either a metaphor for the explosion that created the world or… a blind and foolish father of all.]

“Father?”

I tilted my head in confusion.

“Was your father alive? Are you saying you are a child of the creator Pangu…?”

Then Zhuge Sa chuckled.

[You crazy fool. ‘Father’ is just a metaphor. Do you really take it literally?]

“……”

[My parents died decades ago.]

You can’t know unless you speak!

As I grew frustrated, Zhuge Sa continued.

[In this world, there exists the Pantheon, which encompasses the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, the [Ancient Rulers], and even the Outer Gods. And at the pinnacle of the Pantheon, there exists a single ruler… a being so supreme that it cannot even be described.]

“Is that ‘Father’?”

[Just mentioning that name is blasphemous, and even the [Ancient Rulers] struggle to utter it. It’s said that even the Outer Gods, who the [Ancient Rulers] worship, revere ‘Father’. That being is the very chaos bubbling at the center of the universe.]

“……”

I was taken aback. I never imagined such a being could exist.

“So… the Outer Gods, which the [Ancient Rulers] worship, are also revered by the [Ancient Rulers]? Are you saying it’s a god among gods?”

[What a childish expression. Well, you can see it that way if you want.]

With a blunt response, Zhuge Sa said,

[If there is truly a creator of this world, it must be ‘Father.’ In my opinion, Pangu is a metaphor for the existence of ‘Father.’]

“Hmm… hey…”

[What?]

I frowned with my arms crossed.

“Calling him ‘Father’ makes me feel weird. My father passed away when I was young, and I can’t even remember his face, so it feels uncomfortable. Can’t we use a different title?”

I lost my parents at twelve. The problem was that my memories of them were so faint that I didn’t recall their faces or any reminiscences. At that time, I was just a naïve child who couldn’t help it.

‘Well… it’s a problem since I was reincarnated while living as a servant in the village chief’s house…’

Still, they were the ones who raised me. While I quietly took pride in that, Zhuge Sa said,

[Oh right. You were a parentless child.]

I burst out shouting.

“You bastard! Can’t you speak nicely?”

[Hmm… then it might be better to call it this way.]

After thinking for a moment, Zhuge Sa said,

[Bubbling Chaos.]

“What’s that? Is there something bubbling in the center of the universe? Like a cook pot?”

[… I envy those like you who don’t think at all. You don’t feel fear at all… Normally, just knowing about this existence would drive people mad.]

Sighing, Zhuge Sa continued.

[In any case, let’s wrap this up. A being like Pangu isn’t important right now, so we should move on to check the remaining altars.]

“Alright.”

I rode the Four Great Spirits and headed to the Heavenly Altar of Mount Tai. It seemed like the altar had been neglected since the Vermilion Bird’s death, as it was in disarray with corpses scattered everywhere. It appeared that many soldiers had indeed died or gone mad during the descent of Nüwa, and they hadn’t even dared to tidy up the altar. If the altar was this bad, the fortress protecting Mount Tai must have already collapsed.

“Hm, not much to do here either…”

Having checked the two altars, the issue remained with the other three.

Hengshan, Huashan, Songshan.

Since there are the Nine Great Sects, I couldn’t avoid confrontation if I wanted to check the altars. After pondering for a moment, I said,

“I need to meet the Master of Zen first.”

The Hengshan Sect and Huashan Sect know little about the capabilities and powers of the altars. The Hengshan Sect was merely a martial arts faction, and the Huashan Sect had become a secular sect by expelling the Taoist group, making them unsuitable for proper negotiation regarding the altars. Hence, the only one who could negotiate is the Shaolin Temple in Songshan, and it has to be the Master of Zen.

[That’s the order. But do you have any idea what to say?]

“Well…”

I hesitated to respond to Zhuge Sa’s question.

‘Damn.’

Now that I thought about it, I didn’t have much to say. Even if I asked for the Master of Zen’s help in snooping around the Heavenly Realm’s information leveraging the power of the White Lotus Sect, would a renowned Master of Zen accept it? I might eventually have to eliminate the Master of Zen by force. I wanted to resolve things peacefully, but convincing the Master of Zen seemed like it would be more challenging than expected.

As I was lost in thought, Zhuge Sa said,

[You’ve missed one step. Don’t go find the Master of Zen yet, but return to visit Master Mangnyang first.]

“Oh, I see.”

Even without Zhuge Sa finishing, I understood why it should be done that way.

The Master of Zen grew thanks to Master Mangnyang’s grace!

If I can receive support from Master Mangnyang, it will be much easier to gain Master of Zen’s help. However, I couldn’t help but murmur in worry.

“When I last visited, Cheon Woo-jin didn’t let me in. Could it be that something has happened to Master Mangnyang?”

[You should visit again just to confirm that. Put that thought aside for now.]

“I understand.”

Pa-at!

I visited Master Mangnyang’s village. As I entered, hiding the Heavenly Secret, this time Cheon Woo-jin blocked me while casting an illusion barrier. Upon seeing me, Cheon Woo-jin said gruffly,

“Why are you here again?”

“Cheon Woo-jin. The Master of the White Lotus Sect has defeated the Southern Flower Immortal. Do you know about that?”

“I know.”

“The Celestial Realm is once again plotting a powerful strike to destroy the White Lotus Sect. I’m here to request that you beseech the Celestial Realm to halt that. So, please let me see Master Mangnyang.”

“……”

In truth, I was planning to snoop around for Celestial Realm information, but this surface-level excuse should suffice. Cheon Woo-jin, looking at me with suspicious eyes, replied.

“Why are you going around the White Lotus Sect so much? The White Lotus Sect is a religion that must be destroyed, and their leader has committed numerous wrongdoings. They’re nothing but harmful beings.”

I answered resolutely against Cheon Woo-jin’s remarks.

“Still better than the Celestial Realm!”

“……!!”

“The Southern Flower Immortal lured ordinary villagers with tranquil spells this time, causing sacrifices in the tens of thousands. Do you know how many casualties were among those manipulated by the spells? What’s the difference between the Celestial Realm, which sacrifices those innocent people for the sake of a grand cause, and the Otherworldly Race?”

After confirming my intentions, Cheon Woo-jin muttered.

“What you say is correct, but persuading the Celestial Realm is impossible. They rarely listen to the proposals of mortals.”

“I’ll handle that myself, so please let me meet Master Mangnyang. I need the assistance of that cat… no, that individual.”

After a moment of thought, Cheon Woo-jin said,

“The situation in the Celestial Realm is currently quite tumultuous. A short while ago, Master was just released from a meeting in the Celestial Realm, so it would be fine to meet him now. However, I can’t guarantee that he’ll give you the answers you desire.”

“That’s fine.”

Finally, Cheon Woo-jin dissolved the illusion barrier and opened the way for me. Soon, I stood in front of Yeodong-bin’s shrine, calling out to Master Mangnyang in my heart.

Crazy cat! Come out right now!!

After a moment, an overwhelming pressure poured out, and I was transported to the world of dreams.

[You always bring an uninvited guest.]

As soon as Master Mangnyang appeared, he cast out Zhuge Sa’s spirit. Then, he bluntly said,

[… Things have escalated too much. I never expected a mortal would knock down the Great Immortal. I have no idea what will happen now.]

Uh-huh! I get it, so please help me use the Heavenly Altar.

There’s no time.

As I projected my strong will, Master Mangnyang twirled his tail once and said,

[From now on, my followers will obey your will. You should be able to receive help from the Master of Zen and the Shaolin Temple as well. But there will be a huge trial awaiting you, so you must fend it off with all your might.]

A huge trial?

What is that?

[Soon, a Heavenly Ladder connecting heaven and earth will be laid. This is a decision of the Three Pure Ones of the Celestial Realm, and I can’t stop it either.]

Thus, with that ominous declaration, Master Mangnyang continued.

[You have 49 days starting now. Find a way to persuade the Celestial Realm during that time.]

Why are you only saying what you want to say today?

I can’t understand what happened, so you should explain that as well!

When I grew exasperated, Master Mangnyang said,

[I never imagined things would turn out like this… No, it might have been the same anyway…]

Leaving that behind, Master Mangnyang disappeared with hurried steps.

I felt a sense of confusion upon realizing how bewildered Master Mangnyang must be.

After waking up, I said to Cheon Woo-jin,

“Cheon Woo-jin. They say the Heavenly Ladder will be laid in 49 days, but what does Master Mangnyang mean?”

Cheon Woo-jin’s face turned pale in shock.

“What…? Are you saying that Master really said so?”

“Yeah.”

“Damn it… those White Lotus assholes… they’ve really messed things up. They could’ve just pretended to be dead…”

Cheon Woo-jin gritted his teeth. After a moment, his face reddened, and he let out a sigh.

“I’ll help you as well. We’ll have to run around like chickens with our heads cut off. Just tell me what you need.”

I couldn’t help but be slightly surprised since I had never seen Cheon Woo-jin willingly cooperate like this.

‘Huh?’

What’s with this unexpected change? This was a guy who’d ignore my pleas even if I kneeled and begged for help, yet here he was acting like this.

“What’s with this sudden mood swing?”

“Hurry!”

Cheon Woo-jin pressed his temples tightly as he muttered.

“Let’s move quickly. We must block the Heavenly Ladder by any means necessary.”