Reincarnation Sword God

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00431 Heaven Realm ————————————————————————=

I arrived in Luoyang with my companions riding the Four Great Spirits. As I looked down at Luoyang from the sky, I was engulfed by a sense of dread.

“……!!”

A dark blue mist surrounded the area. The fog was so thick that visibility was nearly zero. Moreover, ghastly screams echoed from all directions as strange creatures scuttled about, and I could see grotesque monsters slithering around.

Blood-red, bead-like objects appeared everywhere, making eerie sounds. Of course, they couldn’t possibly belong to this world. At the same time, a dense magical power was rising up, swallowing the air of the entire city.

A demon realm swallowed by darkness!

While fiery chaos usually symbolizes urban destruction, this hinted at a far worse catastrophe. For an ordinary human, merely breathing in this city would likely drive them insane in no time.

As I gulped down my anxiety while looking down, Mangnyang, who was seated behind me, spoke.

“Baek Woong. Let’s retreat for now.”

“Retreat?”

Mangnyang nodded.

“It’s a foregone conclusion that the Sect Leader has made a formal contract with the [Ancient Ruler]. If I were the Sect Leader, I’d be conducting a ceremonial event in the imperial palace, having secured my base there. Furthermore, the palace’s defenses would certainly be more stringent than ever. Yet, we, who must strike that supreme fortress, are utterly unprepared.”

I understood Mangnyang’s implication.

“Are you suggesting we come up with a strategy?”

“Exactly.”

Mangnyang spoke with increased intensity.

“The opponent is none other than the Master of the White Lotus Sect. Even if we gather our greatest strength, it may still be insufficient. Let’s mobilize all combat forces, including the experts of the Thunder God Lineage.”

“Hmmm!”

“First, we need to step back and formulate a cold-headed plan…”

Mangnyang’s reasoning was utterly logical and obvious. The Leader of the White Lotus Sect was already powerful enough to eliminate three Great Immortals; how much stronger would they become if they officially embraced the Ancient Ruler’s magical power?

And then, suddenly, Zhuge Sa spoke to me from within.

[ Hmph… Hyun is inexperienced with the Demon Path, so they’re naive about this. That assessment is wrong.]

[ Zhuge Sa!]

Having been quiet until now, Zhuge Sa abruptly chimed in. Zhuge Sa, with a hint of irritation, continued,

[ The worst moment for the Sect Leader is right now. Do you think it’s a coincidence that the Sect Leader activated the demonic ceremony just as the Offering Ceremony began? If you arrive fully mobilized with the proper organization, you’d be at a huge disadvantage. They are now desperate, choosing to gamble it all, hoping that no one disturbs them!]

[ ……]

[ The Demon Sorcerer is weakest when performing an Offering Ceremony. If you are to strike the Sect Leader, it must be now. There’s no choice but to confront them directly at this moment.]

I hesitated for a moment, then countered,

[ Your point is valid, but we have no strategy in place. We only came to scout.]

What happens if we go unprepared and get crushed by the Sect Leader?

Zhuge Sa scoffed.

[ Strategy? With the current Sect Leader, can they really fight normally? What strategy can be devised?!]

[ Eh?!]

[ I mentioned earlier that the Demon Sorcerer is at their weakest! Even if the Sect Leader is invincible, if they are to perform the Grand Offering Ceremony in front of Enkai’s Sleepless One, they must personally oversee the entire operation. There’s no Sorcerer in the White Lotus Sect they can trust to handle that for them. Hence, the current Sect Leader is clearly in the weakest state you’ve ever seen.]

[ ……!!]

Is this true?!

“Mang…”

As I opened my mouth to seek Mangnyang’s opinion, Zhuge Sa annoyedly interjected,

[ Stop asking! You think a genius like Mangnyang is going to provide the right answer in such an unconventional situation with no experience? That’s not believing in an adviser; it’s foolhardy to offload all burdens onto them!]

[ Ugh.]

[ Mangnyang is smarter than you, but that’s in normal circumstances. In this situation, you, the reincarnated one, have more experience than Mangnyang and can make a better judgment.]

[ But…]

Zhuge Sa growled more fiercely.

[ I told you to think with your own head! Now is the time. Accept opinions based solely on your judgment. Or tackle it head-on.]

[ ……]

I had no choice but to admit that Zhuge Sa’s words were correct. Although it made sense to consult Mangnyang during this decisive moment, I also felt that I couldn’t rely solely on their wisdom forever. Such a significant decision had to be made by my own will, and undergoing this moment of choice itself was a form of growth.

‘Let’s think.’

I pondered again and again. Examining Mangnyang’s and Zhuge Sa’s opinions, weighing them one by one, I considered what would be the best approach. And then I spoke up.

“Everyone.”

Eyes turned towards me. I gritted my teeth and declared,

“Quickly bring only the elite from the Thunder God Lineage and we’ll assault the imperial palace in the shortest time possible!”

“Hmm!”

“We’ll strike the Sect Leader directly without hesitation.”

Everyone looked surprised. It was understandable since I presented a view that was the complete opposite of Mangnyang’s.

Mangnyang looked at me with an unexpectedly calm expression and said,

“Baek Woong. Is that Zhuge Sa’s opinion?”

“Indeed.”

I firmly added,

“But I believe it’s the right one! I’m not being swayed by Zhuge Sa, so don’t worry.”

Mangnyang briefly sighed in consideration before nodding earnestly.

“Then let’s proceed as you say.”

“Thank you.”

I recalled my earlier thoughts, along with Zhuge Sa’s arguments and my experiences with the Sect Leader. Although I didn’t fully understand it, my instincts warned me that making this strike now would prove critical. Normally, I would have been inclined to follow Mangnyang’s advice, but for this particular reincarnation, I felt Zhuge Sa’s viewpoint was more valid.

Pa-at!

A little later, I headed towards the Zhongnan Sect. There, I found the martial artists from the Thunder God Lineage—Jin So-cheong, Lee Kwang, and Geuk-ho—who were training, and I briefly explained the situation. Although they seemed to grasp only parts of it, Lee Kwang chuckled and replied,

“Anyway, it means we can kill the Sect Leader. Then I will cooperate.”

“That’s all I need.”

Once they appeared to agree, I gathered them into the Wooden Armor. I then asked Lee Cheong-un,

“What if our hands get tangled during the joint attack?”

Lee Cheong-un seemed to immediately pick up on my meaning and, with his arms crossed, appeared deep in thought. Finally, he said,

“The Sword Master Yeodong-bin is much more powerful than I am, so I’ll have to adapt to him. At the very least, I’m confident I won’t be a liability.”

“That’s a relief.”

“However, I can’t make any promises. The Sect Leader’s maximum combat ability is utterly unpredictable.”

“I understand.”

At that moment, Mangnyang, who was beside me, spoke.

“Baek Woong. Take me quickly to General Hwang Yeon.”

“To General Hwang Yeon?”

“It’s bound to reach a resolution quickly; hence, I’ll become Hwang Yeon’s adviser. To restore order in a country thrown into chaos, we must call Hwang Yeon’s forces towards the capital. Only then can peace return after the destruction of Luoyang.”

“Sounds good.”

I took Mangnyang to Hwang Yeon as he had suggested and explained the situation to him. Hwang Yeon listened with a serious expression and then said,

“Baek Woong. Do you remember that the basic principles are heavenly timing, geographical advantage, and the harmony of people—known as the Art of War by Sun Tzu?”

I felt like I was being told something off-topic, but I nodded.

“Yes, I’ve read the Art of War.”

Hwang Yeon had previously given me the military text, and I had memorized much of it by reading it whenever I found the time. Having read the Art of War by Sun Tzu first made it a bit easier to grasp.

“What the Art of War discusses as harmony of people is essentially benevolence. The genius strategist of the Warring States period, Sun Tzu, protected his state through his capabilities while understanding that the nature of warfare is slaughter, yet he wished to govern wars with humanity. Do you know why?”

“Um… I don’t quite understand.”

Hwang Yeon gazed at me with a grave look.

“It’s simple, my friend. Humans can only be governed by benevolence in the end. Though they may lack the sense of justice, their hearts are drawn to warmth. No matter how cruel humans may become, an inherent compassion remains, and that’s what Sun Tzu understood… He advocated for benevolence during the Warring States because the more one opposes that compassion and acts harshly, the more backlash they will receive.”

“……?”

“I do not know the Sect Leader well, but I believe some compassion still resides in his heart. The more you treat the Sect Leader as a monster, the more he will display that one-sided side of himself, but if you can embrace him with your capacity, you may see another aspect of him.”

“Um…”

I sighed while listening to Hwang Yeon’s words.

“I hope it turns out that way.”

His words exposed his character and ideals as the Great General of the Great Ming Empire. I also understood that he had given me the Art of War as a means to cultivate my character because he believed I could become someone great. He was fundamentally the kind of person who liked humanity.

But did the current Sect Leader, who had sacrificed millions of humans in Luoyang without a second thought, still possess humanity? Having encountered the demonic Offering Ceremony several times, I couldn’t help but remain skeptical about that question. Even so, Hwang Yeon’s words were worth keeping in mind, so I decided to remember them for now.

“I’ll become Hwang Yeon’s adviser and manage the troops while observing the situation in Luoyang. If there are any updates on the situation there, please let me know.”

“Understood.”

After leaving Mangnyang at Liaodong City, I headed back to the front of Luoyang with the martial artists of the Thunder God Lineage and Cheon Woo-jin. Cheon Woo-jin, with his arms crossed, said to me,

“Baek Woong, you could take the Four Great Spirits to reach the imperial throne directly, given you possess the coordinates of the palace, but that wouldn’t be wise. Didn’t you hear it from your elder brother already?”

I nodded.

“Mangnyang suggested splitting up to strike the Sect Leader.”

“Exactly. The number of people is insignificant when dealing with the Sect Leader. The rest would only likely die in vain. Therefore, you and Lee Cheong-un ought to confront the Sect Leader while others draw attention in Luoyang and create a diversion.”

Jin So-cheong seemed disappointed.

“What a shame. If I had one more year of training, I could have joined you…”

“……”

I felt that even now he was sufficient. His realm was entirely invisible to me, so it must be at the absolute peak; he was just being humble. Lee Cheong-un had mentioned before that Jin So-cheong was the strongest among the three of us. I thought of what Lee Cheong-un had said.

[ Baek Woong, I’m sorry, but please leave Jin So-cheong out of the attack on the Sect Leader.]

[ Why?]

[ If it’s Jin So-cheong, joining me and Yeodong-bin would be more than enough to strike the Sect Leader. But Jin So-cheong is the very future of the Thunder God Lineage. If he dies, that lineage is finished. Please understand my personal desire.]

[ But if we lose to the Sect Leader, there will be no future.]

[ I will handle that. I’ll do everything I can to stop the Sect Leader.]

I could sense what Lee Cheong-un was thinking.

Currently, Jin So-cheong was the greatest disciple of the Thunder God Lineage, refined to the peak using my obsidian through the experiences of the Seven Great Techniques! As a fellow martial artist, I couldn’t help but empathize with Lee Cheong-un’s feelings. After five years, Jin So-cheong would surely become the peak of the martial world, possibly rivaling the Master of the Twelve Joules.

Jin So-cheong swung his spear and shouted.

“Then I’m off!”

Leading the charge, the three elite martial artists of the Thunder God Lineage dashed toward Luoyang. A dense barrier of magical energy, created by the Sect Leader, stood before them. However, when Cheon Woo-jin waved his hand, an entrance appeared instantly. Soon, they began to unleash their qi and engage in a fierce battle within the city of Luoyang.

Kuu dazzled!

Kieeeek!

Kkekekek!!

The sounds of beasts being torn apart echoed. It hadn’t been long since they entered, yet the trio had already slaughtered hundreds of those monsters. Still, the fight was intensifying within Luoyang, meaning countless more monsters were surely swarming the city.

Watching the chaos for a while, Cheon Woo-jin’s eyes lit up.

“The center of the barrier is moving. Now is the moment!”

“Good!”

Pa-at!

I immediately rushed with Cheon Woo-jin and Lee Cheong-un towards the heart of the imperial palace. Upon arrival, I was astonished by the sight before me.

Wooo—

Hundreds—no, clearly thousands, tens of thousands of spirits hovered in the air. These spirits hadn’t died a natural death, as they were infused with wickedness and bloodlust. A massive rage and hatred spun throughout the air, casting a gloomy shadow upon the realm.

Amidst this, the heart of the imperial palace had changed completely from the landscape I once knew. Although originally merely nominal, it certainly resembled the architectural style of the imperial palace, yet this interior exuded an unmistakably otherworldly ambiance of twisted and bizarre magic unique to a different race. And in place of the palace was a massive altar that soared to seven zhang high.

Upon the very top of the altar stood a figure—it was undoubtedly the Sect Leader. Wearing a mask of expressionless severity, the Sect Leader stared silently in our direction, while beneath the altar, five figures subtly revealed themselves. As I saw this, I clenched my teeth.

“Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Lineage!”

The Dharma Guardian of the Thunder God Lineage, Dokgo Jun, the Dharma Guardian of the Fire Spirit Techniques, Han Baek-ryeong, and the three Elders of the Thunder God Lineage!

The realization that all five of them were Peerless Masters in possession of the Heavenly Spirit Pill made them an overwhelming foe standing right in our path. If the Sect Leader were in good shape, this place could become our grave.

The Sect Leader used the Six Harmonies Assembly to address me.

[ Baek Woong, Deputy Sect Leader. Come here. Are you not on our side?]

I glared at him fiercely and replied,

“Countless people in Luoyang have likely been slaughtered, Sect Leader. What crime did they commit?”

[ To speak of such trivial matters…]

The Sect Leader muttered before adding,

[ Here, there are those who are far more intimately connected, sacrificing themselves than strangers like them. Do you not realize that?]

“What do you…”

[ Baek Woong. You possess spiritual power, so you must know…]

I utilized the All-Seeing Eye to scrutinize the nearby souls wandering about. Moments later, my body began to tremble violently.

“……!!”

Th-This is impossible!

I shouted in shock.

“Sect Leader! No way! This can’t be happening!!”

The Sect Leader responded with an expressionless frenzy radiating blood light from his eyes.

[ This altar is where offerings are made directly to the [Ancient Ruler]. Every slave collected from the slave market… and all the slaves of the Wind Spirit Sect have been sacrificed. Moreover, all the members of the imperial clan and the White Lotus Sect have been offered at once… totaling thirty thousand. The Sleepless One of Enkai will be more than sufficient for evoking Apostles.]

“AAAAHHHH!!”

I felt like I was going insane. It wasn’t just the symbolic weight of the offerings the Sect Leader had mentioned that drove me to madness. The memories of this place flowed into my mind, all thanks to the All-Seeing Eye and White Feather Fan.

Those poor humans had been forced to kneel on this altar, one by one having their hearts carved out or their entrails torn out to be slaughtered, and there were even helpless babies and elderly people among them! Those who resisted had their brains splattered onto the ground from the force of the chains. An astounding total of thirty thousand people!

This—it’s not something a human could do!!

In anger, I shouted at the Sect Leader.

“Sect Leader, why must you?! Do you think it’s justifiable to commit such acts in the name of saving humanity?!”

[ If thirty thousand can save a hundred billion… isn’t that a worthy sacrifice?]

The Sect Leader responded, almost with disbelief.

[ Soon, when Enkai’s Sleepless One engages in a full-scale war against the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, the Law of Cause and Effect will be thrown into chaos. And when that time comes, the hidden whereabouts of the teachings will be revealed all at once. True Martial Essence is right around the corner, Deputy Sect Leader Baek Woong.]

I quickly realized further argument was futile. Biting my lip tightly, I summoned the Moon Sovereign to channel my strength.

“Help me, Yeodong-bin!”

Goo-oo-oo!

The Overlay Technique descends upon me.

As the Moon Sovereign wandered close to me, the Fire Dragon Sword erupted in fiery flames, screaming in rage. Descending upon my body was Yeodong-bin, who was summoned from deep within. He opened his eyes slightly before aiming the Fire Dragon Sword at the Sect Leader.

[ Sect Leader, humanity cannot be saved by the Demon Path.]

The Sect Leader laughed scornfully at Yeodong-bin’s words.

[ So what? Can your Heaven Realm save humanity?]

[ ……]

[ Come, Sword Master. And the disciples of the Thunder God Lineage.]

A strange chaos flickered within the Sect Leader’s mask of expressionlessness.

[ Only the victor may discuss justice here!]

The experts at the absolute peak aimed their intent towards the Sect Leader.

Simultaneously, the owners of the Heavenly Spirit Pill began to unleash their boundless internal power.

The battle to subdue the Sect Leader had begun.