Reincarnation Sword God

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00424 Celestial Realm (天界) ————————————————————————

I returned to the sect riding the Four Great Spirits with the Sect Leader. The Sect Leader spoke to me as soon as we arrived.

[Baek Woong, this way, our strength is insufficient. The possibility of not being able to form an alliance with the Twelve Joules is quite high. Therefore, we need to change our plan.]

“What do you mean by changing it…?”

The Sect Leader’s eyes flickered momentarily.

[We will ally with the Thunder God Lineage!]

“……!!”

[If we can block the Dharma Guardian, it would be a significant power.]

I realized once again that the Sect Leader could flexibly shift his thinking. He clearly distinguished between friend and foe within him, but depending on the situation, he could ally with and utilize anyone. The way he spoke made it seem like he had already been considering the forging of an alliance with the Thunder God Lineage.

Thinking hard, I responded.

“Then I will proceed with the alliance with the Thunder God Lineage. What will you do regarding Luoyang?”

[We need to leave as much room for negotiation as possible. We will withdraw all sect influences, including the Fire Spirit Techniques. I will leave that task to Han Baek-ryeong.]

“Yes.”

[Up to this point, it’s a conventional response.]

With that, the Sect Leader subtly glanced at me over the edge of the curtain.

[This alone won’t break through the full-scale war with the Celestial Realm. Baek Woong, do you have any plans?]

“……”

I pondered deeply. However, I couldn’t even grasp what methods might be used to confront such a massive faction as the Celestial Realm.

‘The gap in power is too great.’

Yeodong-bin, wielding the Fire Dragon Sword, might possess power equal to or greater than that of the Sect Leader. Moreover, there would likely be several individuals at the same level as Yeodong-bin within the Celestial Realm, and if we included the Great Immortals, Intermediate Immortals, and even lower-level Immortals, it formed an enormous force. Additionally, if divine beings such as the Three Sovereigns or the Queen Mother of the West from the Celestial Realm joined the battle, I couldn’t think of any way to endure that right now.

But that was only natural. The Celestial Realm was not fundamentally an entity that the martial world could resist. Since the Mythological Age, it had guarded and maintained civilization, holding the power of decision over the descendants of humans; their mere existence made it strange to consider fighting back. But since we couldn’t block the Celestial Sovereign through the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, we had no choice but to fight.

“Um… please give me some time to think.”

[Take your time to think…]

I asked Zhuge Sa.

[Zhuge Sa, is there no way we can counter?]

Zhuge Sa responded with an incredulous tone.

[Why?]

[Why do you ask?]

[If I were you, I’d stir up enough trouble and move on to my next life. So why are you asking me? It was understandable when you went to find the Prophet earlier, but now you’re sounding like an idiot.]

[……]

Zhuge Sa continued to grumble.

[There are still many methods available. The Prophet said that petitioning through the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors is the only way, but that’s a very limited perspective. We can still turn things around from now!]

Suddenly, I had a thought.

[How about asking the Demon King, Fengshen War, to fight against the Celestial Realm? With his power…]

[Don’t do that. Do you think that cunning monster would undertake such a risk? He might not lack strength, but fundamentally, he’s trying to establish his own temple in this post-apocalyptic world. He wouldn’t dare fight against the Celestial Realm, which is blessed by the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, in the Central Plains.]

[Hmm…]

[Baek Woong, do you really want to know the way out?]

Zhuge Sa said slyly.

[Then let’s make a deal.]

I frowned at Zhuge Sa, sensing his ulterior motive.

[Dammit! You want me to give you my body in exchange for the way out?]

[Precisely. That’s how we can find a way out.]

[I told you before. I don’t trust you.]

Zhuge Sa seemed to break into a sly grin.

[Time and time again, I’m not asking you to trust me. If this continues, you’ll end up in a corner, forced to struggle until you choose to end your life. Rather than that, why not take a chance with my method?]

I muttered almost disgustedly.

[If you stab me in the back, it would hurt a hundred times more than when the Prophet did.]

[It’s fine, really? Hehehe.]

I couldn’t bring myself to trust him.

But I could gradually feel myself being drawn into Zhuge Sa’s words. Standing idly by as the Celestial Sovereign came down to annihilate the White Lotus Sect was no solution. Perhaps betting on his brain wasn’t such a bad idea after all?

I felt the balance of my thoughts wavering as I sighed.

“… Sect Leader, I will first go speak with the Thunder God Lineage. After that, I will let you know.”

[I understand.]

Swish.

I backed away from the Sect Leader and remounted the Four Great Spirits.

‘I want to know what the Thunder God Lineage is thinking.’

With Lee Cheong-un moving at this time, there must be a reason he was provoking me. Fortunately, I hadn’t yet tapped out all my resources with So Ho Geum-cheon, and with the Moon Sovereign and the National Seal still intact, I could at least hold out against Lee Cheong-un.

Boom!

The first place I headed was the Wudang Sect. Hearing that Jin So-cheong had defeated the Elder of the Su Shin Sect, Dokgo Woo, I wanted to meet Jin So-cheong first. While I knew that Lee Kwang and Geuk-ho were holding the Zhongnan Sect, I opted to meet Jin So-cheong since I didn’t want to see Lee Kwang’s face.

Since I had been to the Wudang Sect before, I could easily ride the Four Great Spirits to the vicinity of the Wudang Sect’s Leader’s Hall. As soon as I dismounted from the Leader’s Hall, I sensed a swift flow of energy nearby. Judging from the Qi I detected, they were probably disciples of the Wudang Sect.

Hiss hiss!

Soon, Wudang Sect’s experts wearing Daoist robes quickly surrounded me. I wasn’t entirely sure of their martial arts skills, but I could tell their aura and posture with drawn swords were anything but ordinary. Naturally, considering this was the Wudang Sect’s main area, near the Leader’s Hall, it made sense. The middle-aged Taoist at the front glared at me and spoke.

“Who are you? I am Hyun-yeo, the Taoist! This is the Great Wudang Sect!!”

A strong practitioner from Wudang Sect, huh.

That means he’s an equal or greater expert than Master Hyuncheon, being a Peak Expert himself. Glancing around, I replied.

“I am not a suspicious person. I have come to see Jin So-cheong.”

Hyun-yeo’s eyebrows twitched.

“To see Jin So-cheong? Reveal your identity!”

“Stop with the ‘you’ nonsense. You’re making the listening folks uncomfortable.”

“Shut your mouth…”

Before Hyun-yeo could act, I spoke up.

“I am of the Thunder God Lineage, just like Jin So-cheong. If you call Jin So-cheong, I will leave quietly without disturbing the Wudang Sect.”

Murmuring.

The gathered Wudang experts wore expressions of surprise. I didn’t know if they knew about the Thunder God Lineage, but it seemed the unexpected turn of events caught them off guard. Hyun-yeo looked me over with calm eyes and responded.

“Which Thunder God Lineage member are you? Just some nameless nobody?”

I frowned at Hyun-yeo’s harsh words.

“Why are you provoking me if I really came here to attack the Wudang Sect? You seem awfully confident in your martial arts.”

“I will not back down even if you are the Half-Transition Master.”

“Honestly irritating!”

I felt like I was beginning to understand what kind of person Hyun-yeo was. Thus far, the Wudang experts I had met, Master Hyuncheon and Master Hyunjong, all had their rigid sides but were ultimately flexible and wise men. However, Hyun-yeo was stuck only in his superficial position and was just an old man squawking without understanding the situation. While my temper urged me to kill Hyun-yeo and turn this place into a river of blood, I restrained myself and said.

“I will wait here. However, if you attack me, I will retaliate in kind.”

“Urgh, you fool!”

Screech!

Hyun-yeo couldn’t hold back his temper and unleashed his Sword Form against me. I recognized it as the Quicksword signature move from the Four Great Techniques that the Wudang Sect prided itself on—his mastery over the Four Image Transformation Technique. This move was particularly powerful among the Five Great Techniques and was renowned for its practical combat applications, making Hyun-yeo’s quick sword a force to be reckoned with.

‘This is ridiculous.’

But having gone through many encounters with Peak Experts and encountered absolute realms, I had met the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. I had no cause to feel anxious over just one technique from the Wudang Sect’s Peak Expert. I simply let his clear sword technique slide by with a gentle twist and lightly grazed Hyun-yeo’s ribs with my Sword Qi.

Boom!

With a thunderous sound, Hyun-yeo flew backward, spewing blood from his mouth. The nearby Wudang disciples were taken aback and shouted in shock.

“This guy!”

“Attack!”

I felt the Qi around me shift as sword lights flashed like lightning towards me. Though I wasn’t looking, I expected it. I had developed a keen intuition through countless battles, and given the obvious level of the Wudang disciples, their tactics were nearly predictable. Naturally, I activated Thunder Shadow Step and weaved through them like a slip of paper, leaving them in realizing that I had positioned myself right behind them.

“Ugh…”

As they turned to find me, I said gruffly.

“You took the first strike. To reiterate, if you attack again, you’ll end up like Hyun-yeo.”

Hyun-yeo, meanwhile, lay on the ground, wounded from the hit, still struggling to bleed out. Though it wasn’t a serious injury, striking the pressure points must have caused significant pain and disorientation. My warning seemed to leave the Wudang disciples hesitating.

Just then,

[What kind of ruckus is this at the Wudang Sect’s main base!]

Whoosh!

As I unfurled my Light Body Technique, Cheongpungja, Cheongilja, and Cheonggyunja flew down from the sky to confront me. Because I had encountered them during my previous life, I recognized them well. All three were Peak Experts battling for the top in the current martial world.

Cheongpungja elevated his Qi and, with eyes flaring, spoke to me.

“You can’t just declare yourself a member of the Thunder God Lineage without proof. State your name!”

It appeared that the three had quietly heightened their senses while observing the situation inside the Leader’s Hall.

“Dammit. Seriously…”

As the thought crossed my mind, irritation surged. Engaging in a shouting match with these hostile sect elders and trying to persuade them left me mentally drained already. Nevertheless, I gathered my thoughts and stated.

“I am Baek Woong, the Deputy Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect and the Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage.”

“……!!”

“Not long ago, a Zonglord from our sect visited the Wudang Sect and was repelled by Jin So-cheong. Today, I came to discuss that matter.”

Murmuring, murmuring.

The Wudang Sect experts visibly showed signs of confusion. After all, a boy standing before them claiming to be the second-in-command of the White Lotus Sect was hard to believe. Cheongpungja hesitated, pondering something, before he finally spoke.

“Could you be here to declare war?”

“Hmph… Declare war? Seems you don’t know your situation.”

In a slightly irritable tone, I continued.

“If I were planning such a thing, I would have left not a single stone left standing in the Nine Great Sects. Fighting against mere minnows like you would be meaningless. Just understand your position and bring me Jin So-cheong.”

“Ugh… this heretic…!!”

Cheongilja and Cheonggyunja flared up, irritated by my taunt. I couldn’t underestimate the combined might of two Peak Experts, so I momentarily stiffened. Just as it seemed a clash was imminent, Cheongpungja calmly interjected.

“Baek Woong Deputy Sect Leader, we sincerely apologize for our emotional reactions. We will have Jin So-cheong come at once.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Cheongilja shouted in anger.

“Leader! We must eliminate this heretic and the White Lotus Sect scum!”

“Right!”

“Let’s get rid of that Deputy Sect Leader!”

As Cheongilja’s shout rallied the Wudang disciples, their killing intent surged, ready to charge. For a moment, I was genuinely worried that my persuasion would crumble. But Cheongpungja quickly said with self-deprecating laughter.

“Just shut up and bring Jin So-cheong to us.”

“Uh… Leader.”

“It seems this matter is beyond our control.”

As expected of the Wudang Sect’s Leader, Cheongpungja grasped the situation calmly. Cheongilja and Cheonggyunja looked disgruntled, but there was nothing they could do. They performed the Light Body Technique to summon Jin So-cheong, who had been in a different lodging, to come forth.

Once Jin So-cheong spotted me, he greeted warmly.

“Deputy Sect Leader Baek Woong. Long time no see.”

I returned the greeting.

“Jin So-cheong of the Thunder God Lineage. I am here today to clarify the position of the White Lotus Sect.”

“Please, speak.”

“Um, well…”

Even as I spoke, I couldn’t hide my awkwardness. I had expected it, but now that I was face to face with Jin So-cheong, I could only manage sounds.

‘Formless.’

A feeling very similar to what I sensed from the White Lotus Sect Leader! An obscure, vague aura tickled my chest as if I was entering the realm of emptiness. It didn’t carry the violent weight of threats or anxiety, but rather felt like a transcendent gaze looking at humanity from a higher dimension.

Jin So-cheong must have undoubtedly reached an absolute realm during our time apart. Regardless of the initial phases, his rate of progress was astonishing.

I calmed my pounding heart and thus proposed.

“… There are many eyes here; let’s move to a less conspicuous location.”

“I understand.”

Before we could move, Cheongpungja said sharply.

“Can’t we just discuss it here?”

I replied pointedly at Cheongpungja.

“This concerns the affairs of the Thunder God Lineage. Outsiders should not interfere.”

“… Got it.”

“Jin So-cheong, let’s board the Four Great Spirits.”

Boom!

I took Jin So-cheong to an empty mountainside and cautiously inquired.

“… Jin So-cheong, what on earth is Lee Cheong-un thinking? Why would he stand against the White Lotus Sect at this juncture?”

Jin So-cheong smiled mysteriously.

“Master Lee wishes to meet you through this incident, Baek Woong. And as expected, he has sought you out.”

“Just as I thought…”

“Before guiding you, I personally have a question to ask you, Baek Woong.”

“What is it?”

Leaning against a nearby rock, Jin So-cheong continued.

“I have heard from the Four Ancestors that you possess remarkable powers of the divine. However, your origins lie within the Thunder God Lineage, and we all know that the White Lotus Sect is your archrival. I can’t help but wonder why you are assisting the White Lotus Sect.”

“……”

“If a master like you were to support the resurgence of the Thunder God Lineage, how wonderful that would be…”

I caught a glimpse of something in Jin So-cheong’s gaze and felt a realization strike me.

‘Lee Cheong-un hasn’t revealed my previous life to Jin So-cheong!’

It was clear that Jin So-cheong wasn’t aware that I was a reincarnator. If he knew about the bitter connection between myself and Lee Kwang, he wouldn’t be asking such a question now. In truth, Jin So-cheong had empathized with my decision to abandon the Thunder God Lineage when I inherited my memories through the Obsidian, but he continued to keep that fact firmly under wraps.

At this moment, it seemed that Lee Cheong-un was dedicated to seriously concealing my secret of being a reincarnated being.

I felt conflicted in that instant. Would it be wise to pass my memories to Jin So-cheong through the Obsidian now? After all, I didn’t think someone as astute as Lee Cheong-un would overlook what I might do.

As I wrestled with my dilemma, Zhuge Sa muttered inside.

[What are you contemplating? Lee Cheong-un doesn’t care what choice you make. If you want to pass your memories to Jin So-cheong, you can. If not, don’t.]

[Well, I should definitely… pass them!]

[But you should understand this: just because you pass your memories doesn’t guarantee that Jin So-cheong will side with you.]

[……]

[Furthermore, letting the secret of being a reincarnator slip is hardly a good option.]

I flinched. It was true that Jin So-cheong was deeply focused on the resurrection and revenge of the Thunder God Lineage at this moment. Even if I were to pass my memories through the Obsidian, there was a significant chance he would draw the line between public and private interests like the past Intermediate Immortals. That was a completely different matter from genuine companionship. Moreover, as Zhuge Sa pointed out, the secret of being a reincarnator should never get out easily.

Lost in thought, I addressed Jin So-cheong.

“That’s a personal matter for me. But I have a question for you as well…”

“What is it?”

“You must have garnered much martial arts training from Lee Cheong-un. Among them, you must have learned the Seven Great Techniques; how far along are you in mastering those?”

At my inquiry, Jin So-cheong smiled brightly as he replied.

“Recently, I have reached ‘Tranquil and Motionless’ and received praise from Master Lee.”

“Tranquil and Motionless?”

“I’ve realized the absence of thoughts in my heart.”

“……?”

What is he talking about?

I expected him to talk about having learned some combination of techniques or mastery of a few techniques. In fact, based on the examples of the Three Treasures Technique or the Landlord’s King of Hell demonstrating their ties to the techniques, it was mostly through such examples that techniques were reinvented.

But suddenly mentioning ‘Tranquil and Motionless’ made it hard to fathom what realm or state that meant.

“Well, anyway, I would like to meet Lee Cheong-un.”

“Let’s go then. Currently, Master Lee is with the Zhongnan Sect.”

“With Lee Kwang and Geuk-ho?”

“Right. I came alone to the Wudang Sect.”

If I had gone to the Zhongnan Sect, I might have met him instantly, but it was probably for the best that I didn’t want to see Lee Kwang. Without thinking too deeply, I nodded and summoned the Four Great Spirits.

“Let’s go.”