Reincarnation Sword God

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00443 Dark Heaven Village ————————————————————————=

I visited the Dark Heaven Village with the Sword Demon to meet a blacksmith named Seoljo. Of course, he was only nominally a blacksmith; Seoljo was the former grandmaster of Namgung Clan, a swordsman from the Shadowless Sect who once held the title of the Greatest Sword under Heaven.

*Twang – twang –*

The Master of Shadowless Sword, who was hammering iron with tools, glanced back, sensing our presence. Both the Sword Demon and I felt no need to hide our strength, so we naturally exuded the aura of our Realm of Intent. The Master of Shadowless Sword subtly assumed a combat stance and spoke in a low voice.

“Looks like some capable guys are here… Have you come to kill me?”

I felt significant pressure from the Master of Shadowless Sword. However, it wasn’t the same level as before. His words indicated that my skills had increased quite a bit while practicing the Three Treasure Technique, and in comparison to the absolute beings I had encountered, the Master of Shadowless Sword was relatively weak. Even so, I still couldn’t be confident about defeating him in a one-on-one fight.

I stepped forward and introduced myself.

“Master of Shadowless Sword. I am Baek Woong, and this is the Sword Demon, Seo Mun-dae-ryong, the current leader of the Shadowless Sect.”

“…”

The Master of Shadowless Sword visibly flinched at the Sword Demon’s introduction. It seemed that the Sword Demon’s identity was truly unexpected, as he couldn’t hide his agitation. The Sword Demon then stepped forward and addressed him.

“Pleasure to meet the former Greatest Sword under Heaven.”

“Hmm… What brings the Greatest Expert of the Heretical Faction here?”

“I’m already aware of everything, so you don’t have to hide anything…”

The Sword Demon spoke quietly while his eyes sparkled.

“Namgung Jo’s mentor.”

“Huh!”

“I bear no grudge or regret about the past and wish to lift the decree issued by my father starting today.”

Namgung Jo was shocked.

“Is… is that true?”

“Yes, but you must right the wrongs.”

“Right the wrongs?”

Eventually, we brought the Master of Shadowless Sword, Namgung Jo, back to the headquarters of the Shadowless Sect and explained the atrocities committed by the Namgung Clan. We vividly recounted the evidence and the testimonies of the kidnapped women. The Master of Shadowless Sword trembled and said,

“I… can’t believe it! How could this happen…”

“I swear on my life that all this is true.”

The Master of Shadowless Sword wore a somber expression as he lamented,

“Haha… If what you say is true, then I will definitely punish the Namgung Clan.”

“That’s only natural.”

The Sword Demon replied with an indifferent gaze.

“After defeating the Sword King Namgung Myeong and the Namgung Clan, I ask that you join me to create a new alliance.”

“What do you mean?”

“The current situation in the world is chaotically tangled. Alone, the Shadowless Sect cannot maneuver through it, so I hope that you will join us in forming a faction capable of impacting the entire Jianghu.”

“… You brought me in for purely practical purposes, didn’t you?”

“I won’t deny it. But it’s also for the sake of upholding the values of humanity and chivalry spoken by my father. I wish to create an organization that surpasses the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families.”

“I understand. I will do so.”

After a while, the Master of Shadowless Sword mentioned that he wanted to gather his thoughts before engaging in fratricidal conflict and stepped out, leaving the Sword Demon and me behind. The Sword Demon sighed as he sat back in his chair.

“Now, here’s how things stand. I intend to use this mentor to seize control of the Anhui Martial Arts world and ultimately subjugate all the Eight Demons of the Demon Path. Of course, the reason I gather such forces is to assist you in your future endeavors.”

“Is that so?”

The Sword Demon chuckled at my unenthused response.

“Heh… This is my own gamble in life, aiming to shift the balance of the Martial World, yet you seem indifferent. I suppose in comparison to the divine being you are targeting, this is nothing.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Anyway, I’m glad you came to see me. How about we take a moment to rest and lay out our plans?”

I said to the Sword Demon,

“Senior Sword Demon, I have one question.”

“What is it?”

“Do you think… if I hadn’t been able to rescue Seo Mun-hye, that you would have been able to save her by your own power?”

The Sword Demon flinched. However, upon realizing my inquiry was filled with genuine curiosity rather than ridicule or intimidation, he calmed down. He scratched his chin while pondering before replying,

“… I probably wouldn’t have. From what I can remember about the scale of the slave market in your obsidian recollections, it must have been quite large. If the Imperial Palace and the Wind Spirit Sect intervened directly, then it would mean we would inadvertently have to confront the White Lotus Sect. I can’t be sure I could have rescued her before she was sacrificed as an offering. Judging by the circumstances, there would have likely been only about a month left.”

“……”

So that’s how it could have ended up.

“I suspect I know what you’re thinking. You’re curious about the ‘original history’ if you hadn’t taken action?”

I nodded.

“That’s right.”

“Hmm… I’m an ordinary person, so I don’t often think about such matters, but it is indeed a thought provoking issue.”

“I aim to save those suffering during their past lives, but I am also curious about what history would look like without any intervention.”

“Heh! Are you quite openly saying you don’t want to save my daughter in front of me?”

“……”

“Just kidding. I know you don’t mean that. I understand why you sought my advice.”

The Sword Demon continued with his arms crossed.

“Well… Perhaps what you’re most concerned about is the Nine Lotus Sect.”

“Yes, you hit the nail on the head.”

I marveled at the Sword Demon’s wisdom for pinpointing exactly what I was thinking.

The Nine Lotus Sect!

It was the mysterious cult that emerged at the end of the Serving Guard period in my first life. It was known for human sacrifices, human flesh consumption, and bizarre sorcery. The Nine Lotus Sect rapidly expanded its influence from southern China, causing chaos across the Central Plains, and later faced bloodshed when the state recklessly sought to exterminate them.

Originally, the Nine Lotus Sect’s rise would occur more than 40 years from now. So for now, there was no need or reason to worry about it, but the reason I found it troublesome was different.

After taking a sip from his tea, the Sword Demon spoke.

“Even as the Supreme Being of the Heretical Sect, I hear many bits of information and pride myself on my knowledge and insight, but I’ve never heard of a sect like the Nine Lotus Sect. You’re likely wary of the Nine Lotus Sect because their future religion is likely a gathering of fanatics worshipping the [Old Rulers], am I right?”

“Yes, that’s correct. The Nine Lotus Sect is undoubtedly linked to the [Old Rulers]. However, there lies an oddity in that.”

“What is it?”

“As you know, the current Central Plains is bizarrely balanced with the three major powers: the Master of the White Lotus Sect, Zhuge Yulong, and the Twelve Joules. Logically, the White Lotus Sect ought to be able to sweep through the Central Plains, but Zhuge Yulong is checking their advance with the power of the [Old Rulers], while the Twelve Joules are watching both of them. Even in such a precarious balance… ”

As I trailed off, the Sword Demon understood my implication.

“You’re puzzled that, like in your first life, peace has been maintained for decades despite the tipping point being so dangerously close?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm. Indeed, it’s worth questioning. Even I find it strange.”

The Sword Demon suddenly seemed to remember something.

“Ah! Could it be because of that [Sorcerer] you expelled at the beginning?”

“……”

“The Sorcerer mentioned they escaped through time and space. That implies they no longer have entanglements with you from your previous life. In fact, that Sorcerer never appeared again in your previous life, and the Imperial Palace’s main adversary has switched to an [Alchemist].”

The Sword Demon continued, locking his fingers together.

“So, from the moment the [Sorcerer] escaped, the ‘original history’ you knew might have vanished without a trace.”

“… Honestly, I’ve thought about what you just said many times over the decades since it pertains directly to me.”

I scratched my head.

“Thus, I want to know about the future. I wish to see if the Nine Lotus Sect appears in this ‘changed’ future and if peace will continue for decades until then.”

Then the Sword Demon burst into laughter.

“Ha ha! Peace! Such a notion! With my daughter and other innocent folks being taken as sacrifices by pirates, the Namgung Clan holding sex slaves, and General Hwang Yeon trapped in the Great Thunder Valley, while the Imperial Palace is crafting artificial soldiers, this situation is anything but peaceful.”

“……”

“Well, that may be true. History doesn’t recount the tales of victims or the weak. It could very well appear peaceful on the surface, whilst the vulnerable are being plundered and cannot raise their voices.”

“But, because of my conscience, I can’t turn a blind eye.”

“I suppose that’s true. If you didn’t know before, you can’t just abandon the notion of rescuing those in need now that you do. You can’t just hide for decades. That’s what troubles you.”

“That’s correct…”

The Sword Demon appeared to be deep in thought. After a prolonged awkward silence, he said,

“I feel like there might be a way.”

“What method do you propose?”

“Um… I’m not entirely sure. Is there someone proficient in Qimen Dunjia or sorcery around? It seems we need to consult someone of that caliber.”

Immediately, a name popped into my head.

“I know one person.”

“Ah, it would be Cheon Woo-jin. Once we defeat the Namgung Clan, let’s visit him together.”

“I’ll make sure we do.”

We then led the Master of Shadowless Sword, who had been meditating outside, back to the Namgung Clan’s headquarters. Perhaps the timing was off, as neither Sword King Namgung Myeong nor the Eight Swords of Namgung were present. However, as soon as the Master of Shadowless Sword began making a ruckus, Namgung Clan’s warriors began to gather from everywhere, and eventually, a standoff unfolded between Sword King Namgung Myeong and our group.

Sword King Namgung Myeong spoke with an expression of confusion,

“What’s going on here…?”

“Shut up, you beastly scum!!”

The Master of Shadowless Sword glared at him fiercely, causing the Sword Demon beside him to speak.

“I will enumerate the charges, Sword King.”

Upon recognizing the Sword Demon, Sword King Namgung Myeong instantly growled,

“Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong…!! How dare you deceive my uncle?!”

“Heh. To be using such words in a situation like this is quite foolish.”

“What?!”

*Crash!*

The Master of Shadowless Sword began to attack, scattering mist that clouded the surroundings.

“You bastard!”

*Crash!*

As if on cue, Sword King Namgung Myeong and the Sword Demon clashed blades, and the sounds of swordplay echoed throughout the area. Watching them, I realized,

‘The Sword Demon wants to demonstrate to me his skill level.’

Moreover, the martial artist’s competitive spirit likely led him to seek out the Namgung Clan. While the two peak experts decided their fate, I knew the Master of Shadowless Sword would handle the remaining trash, so I sat back to watch the extraordinary duel.

*Slice!*

Sword King Namgung Myeong’s sword path was robust, with a mix of imposing and adaptable flair. The Sword Demon lightly dodged and unleashed the unique dual strike of the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword to corner him slowly. It resembled a clash of Yin and Yang, as their sword techniques exhibited distinctly different characteristics.

“Huh!”

Eventually, the Sword Demon unleashed the Invincible Sword technique, beginning to utilize the techniques of the Realm of Intent. Sword King Namgung Myeong furrowed his brows, parrying each strike from the Sword Demon, but imperfectly, sustaining five wounds on his arms and legs. Stumbling, Sword King Namgung Myeong nevertheless held firm, blocking a potentially lethal opening.

‘He truly is the strongest swordsman among the Five Great Families.’

For about seventy seconds, I observed the unfolding battle and could gauge the skill levels of both fighters. The Sword Demon was undoubtedly a level or one and a half levels higher than the Sword King, with both appearing to have similar practical combat experience. However, the fact that the Sword Demon wasn’t effortlessly ending the Sword King indicated that the latter was also no easy opponent. That said, at this rate, the Sword Demon would indeed sever the Sword King’s head within three hundred seconds.

*Swoosh!*

The Sword Demon, seeing his advantage, took a step back and remarked bitterly,

“Is this all I can manage without the Seven Great Techniques… I’ve surely been a frog in a well.”

It seemed odd that he would feel gloomy even while winning, but I understood why he felt such regret. So, I quickly said to him,

“There’s no need to compare yourself to the divine beings or the Master of the White Lotus Sect.”

“Not at all. I do indeed feel quite despondent.”

The Sword Demon proudly considered his martial arts to be at the pinnacle of Jianghu and held a degree of self-confidence. But seeing my obsidian recollections of the top-tier warriors, from the divine beings to the Master of the White Lotus Sect, the Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Lineage, the Twelve Joules, the Overlay Techniques, and others, must have shattered his worldview.

*Crash!*

At that moment, the Master of Shadowless Sword, having dispatched the henchmen, launched an assault on Sword King Namgung Myeong, who desperately resisted, but within ten seconds, his head was severed by Shadowless Soul-Removing.

“Ugh!”

Before long, the bloodbath at the Namgung Clan was put to rest, and the Master of Shadowless Sword began to reorganize the Namgung Clan’s remnants. It was decided that we would later establish a unified force named the Shadowless Alliance.

I didn’t return directly to the Shadowless Sect with the Sword Demon but instead headed to Master Mangnyang’s village. I approached Cheon Woo-jin and said,

“Cheon Woo-jin, I came looking for you because I have a question…”

Cheon Woo-jin replied, appearing somewhat annoyed as he unfolded the Illusion Fog.

“Do I have to answer everything you’re curious about? Why don’t you go practice your peaceful techniques some more?”

“Don’t be so haughty. I’ll pay you well if you help me.”

*Whoosh!*

I tossed a box containing various precious metals and some samples of Black and White Lotus toward Cheon Woo-jin. After examining the box carefully, he responded,

“Feel free to ask whatever you want.”

The Sword Demon stepped forward and asked,

“I am the Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong. I’m actually curious about Baek Woong.”

“Baek Woong?”

“I heard that Baek Woong can see glimpses of future possibilities. If so, it would only be a mere observation of potential; since the observer intervenes, it becomes difficult to ascertain the exact probability… Am I correct so far?”

“That is correct.”

“Then, under the premise that the future is fixed, would it be possible to use Baek Woong to observe that potential?”

“……”

Surprised by the question, Cheon Woo-jin seemed to ponder while resting his chin. After a moment, he replied,

“It’s entirely feasible. The Baek Woong was originally a treasure made by Zhuge Liang to observe the fate of Shu after his death, so it must have been designed for that purpose.”

The Sword Demon’s face lit up with excitement.

“Indeed… That ability can be used even without sorcery, right?”

“I can’t be sure, but treasures usually require immense magical power to be used. It’s tough for anyone without a natural affinity to wield a treasure without years of rigorous dedication. Someone trying to use Baek Woong’s foresight without any magic knowledge would likely perish.”

“I see. That’s very helpful.”

Afterward, we stepped back from Cheon Woo-jin. The Sword Demon chuckled and said to me,

“With this, we have a method.”

“Indeed.”

I clenched my fist, filled with ambition. Clearly, my choice not to rush into overwhelming my lifespan but rather to review past events was indeed the right one.

“We can use Baek Woong to uncover the ‘original history.’”

If I could discover the original history, it would become much easier to discern whether I was making the right or wrong choices now. Moreover, it would enable me to clearly identify what I needed to prepare in order to confront the divine being! At this moment, my primary goal had shifted to obtaining Baek Woong.