Reincarnation Sword God

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00445 Dark Heaven Village ————————————————————————

After a moment, I realized that a voice was spilling out of my mouth against my will.

“Today is the promised day.”

What? Why am I suddenly saying this on my own?

At that moment, I recalled Zhuge Bu’s explanation that this was a virtual reality. I noticed that Jin So-cheong’s body was moving slowly on its own. It must be Jin So-cheong’s will.

‘So, this shows the expected future.’

If that’s the case, I don’t really need to act or speak. I just have to observe Jin So-cheong moving and speaking like this. It seems White Feather Fan deemed that showing Jin So-cheong’s appearance 50 years later was the most appropriate way to show the ‘future’ I wanted.

I felt a strange flutter in my heart.

Originally, Jin So-cheong was one of the peerless masters ruling the world of Wulin in the future of my first rebirth that I knew. Of course, the talent I’ve personally witnessed in Jin So-cheong far surpassed that, but I was about to indirectly experience the life of Jin So-cheong who roams the world.

As Jin So-cheong walked out of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, he spoke to Gyeong-ho, who was waiting in front of it.

“Brother, I’m ready.”

Gyeong-ho visibly appeared as an elderly man. Given it was 50 years later, he was naturally past middle age and into his senior years. However, due to Gyeong-ho’s deep internal power, he had few wrinkles, and with most of his hair still black with only some gray, he looked more like a strong man in his forties or fifties.

Gyeong-ho spoke bluntly.

“So-cheong, is that bishop or whatever from Nine Lotus Sect really that strong? It’s surprising to see you so nervous.”

Bishop?

It was a term I hadn’t heard before, but Jin So-cheong calmly replied, “As you know, for the most part, I have hidden more than 80% of my strength from the world. Until I gained enough power to defeat the Master of the White Lotus Sect, I intended to continue honing my Absolute Realm. However, even I had to be prepared for death when defeating two bishops.”

“Hmm.”

“I’m sorry to the other peerless masters, but except for one or two, they wouldn’t be able to compete against the bishops.”

It seemed that Jin So-cheong had already fought against the bishops of the Nine Lotus Sect and participated in a life-or-death battle 50 years later.

“……”

“It seems their power isn’t martial arts. They must be stopped before they can grow stronger; otherwise, the powerless commoners will suffer.”

“Ugh, I really don’t understand what’s going on.”

I couldn’t help but be surprised when Gyeong-ho sighed and spoke.

“Is it true that the Nine Lotus Sect has secretly taken control of the True Heaven Alliance and the Heretical Sect and even half-destroyed the White Lotus Sect? I’ve never heard such talk in my life as a martial artist.”

“It’s true, brother. Only a very small number of people know the reality of the Nine Lotus Sect because they control information and create a peaceful martial world.”

“Ugh, this is driving me crazy.”

“Then let’s go.”

I was even more surprised by the follow-up remark.

“To the place where I’m supposed to meet the Master of the White Lotus Sect.”

Master of the White Lotus Sect?

What does that mean?

Tydaht

Soon, Jin So-cheong and Gyeong-ho displayed incredible light body techniques, crossing mountains and fields until they arrived in a very remote rural mountainous area. They then entered a dim cave, where to their astonishment, the Master of the White Lotus Sect was sitting cross-legged.

[You have arrived, Jin So-cheong.]

“It’s been a long time.”

The Master of the White Lotus Sect smiled widely.

[Hehe… Is it the first time since ten years ago when you single-handedly invaded the White Lotus Sect to avenge your master, took down the Dharma Protectors, and achieved a standoff with me…]

“That was in the past.”

[You’re truly a monstrous genius in martial arts.]

The appearance of the Master of the White Lotus Sect was pitiful. About 30% of his face mask was destroyed, revealing a hideous face of an otherworldly race, with blue blood dripping all over his body. Moreover, one of his arms had vanished, indicating he had suffered greatly at the hands of someone.

Jin So-cheong responded gloomily.

“It seems all the Dharma Protectors were killed by the bishops.”

The Master of the White Lotus Sect laughed bitterly.

[Heh… How can a human contend against the minions of the Evil Spirit? It was sheer luck that I managed to escape alive.]

“Can you fight?”

[Of course I can. I’ll do anything to defeat the bishops.]

At first, I couldn’t fully grasp the situation.

‘So… the bishops of the Nine Lotus Sect killed all the Dharma Protectors and turned the Master into a cripple?’

I succeeded in understanding the situation, but words failed me.

Is such an absurd future really in existence? There are beings in this world whose power surpasses that of the Master’s primordial spirit or the Dharma Protectors’ Heavenly Spirit Pill! Yet, the word ‘Evil Spirit’ also indicated a close connection to the [Ancient Ruler], who resides in the depths of this future Nine Lotus Sect.

Gyeong-ho looked at the Master of the White Lotus Sect with a shocked expression.

“I can’t believe it. If he’s that strong, what about the bishops…?”

[There is a gap even among apostles. Moreover, the apostles receiving the authority of the Evil Spirit, one of the strongest ancient rulers… There exists a hidden world that martial artists like you do not know.]

The Master, who had been silent for a moment, turned his gaze to Jin So-cheong.

[The Nine Lotus Sect has likely already taken the Imperial Palace. The Demon Subduing Hall of the Imperial Palace has probably been wiped out too. Are you still planning to assault the Imperial Palace?]

“Yes. There are no options left.”

Jin So-cheong bit his lip tightly.

“According to information, there has been a mass human sacrifice in the Southern Sea. At least a hundred thousand people have already been sacrificed…”

At those words, Gyeong-ho was astonished.

“What do you mean? If such madness occurred, the world would have been in chaos…”

Jin So-cheong glanced at him.

“Don’t you understand, brother? The martial world has already become nothing more than a shell. Everyone living on this land is beguiled, suffering while knowing nothing, and the very few who know the truth are either silenced by fear of the otherworldly race or have gone mad. If even you, someone traveling the world as one of the peerless masters, didn’t know…”

The Master, who had been sitting quietly, muttered.

[It’s disheartening… I never imagined the trinity balance maintained for decades could be shattered this way… I hadn’t expected the Evil Spirit to intervene…]

“There’s no time to lament. We must eliminate the bishops to prevent humanity from facing extinction.”

[……]

The Master sighed once more.

[If you had possessed the Seven Luminaries, how wonderful would that have been! If only you had the Seven Luminaries…]

Jin So-cheong’s eyes glittered with curiosity.

“The Seven Luminaries? What is that?”

[It’s a secret treasure containing the powers of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors from ancient times… If you had that power, I believed that humanity could stand against the gods. I searched tirelessly for it while clashing with the Imperial Palace, but ultimately found none…]

“Hmm…”

[Even if you obtain just two of the Seven Luminaries, an ordinary warrior can gain power rivaling the Dharma Protectors.]

As the Master mumbled that, he continued.

[Jin So-cheong. There hasn’t been any news from the Twelve Joules in a while. Something must have happened in the Eastern Martial World, where the Master of the Twelve Joules is.]

“What are you trying to say?”

[In the current martial world, there are almost no ones who have reached the Absolute Realm… Likely, just you, me, Dokgo Seong, and the Sword Demon would constitute the four… Among them, you have the potential for further growth and could possibly reach an unprecedented level.]

“……”

[Jin So-cheong… Do not confront the Imperial Palace yet. Find the Seven Luminaries first. If you gain the power of the Seven Luminaries, you will be able to defeat the High Priest and the bishops.]

The Master’s words sounded urgent. After a moment of silence, Jin So-cheong spoke.

“Master, you don’t have long to live. Did you sustain a fatal injury while fighting the High Priest?”

[You’ve noticed.]

“What kind of nonsense is this? What do you expect when you ask me to join forces with such a body? Shouldn’t you be looking for your own way to survive?”

Though Jin So-cheong reproached the Master, I sensed a heart capable of embracing even those who were enemies of his master. The Master chuckled and told him.

[I can’t go to the Celestial Realm or the Hell after I die… What awaits me is only an eternity of suffering… I’m just sorry that I couldn’t fulfill the dreams of the Dharma Protectors who were with me. Now, my last hope rests only with you, Jin So-cheong.]

“Ugh!”

[It seems your thoughts are still unclear… Come back tomorrow.]

With that, the Master turned away to sit against the wall. Gyeong-ho looked displeased as he regarded the Master’s back, but Jin So-cheong shook his head and said.

“Brother, let’s go.”

Jin So-cheong began to descend the mountain along with Gyeong-ho. They stopped by a nearby village to order food and find a place to spend the night. When the two ordered cold noodles and chicken at the tavern, they received a meal that, while not luxurious, was still decent.

“Damn it. Why does that Master act so high and mighty, even after losing everything and becoming a beggar? Why not just ignore him?”

Gyeong-ho grumbled. Despite the considerable passage of time, it seemed hard for him to view the Master of the White Lotus Sect, the ultimate enemy of the Thunder God lineage, in a kind light. Given the intense hatred from his youth, it wouldn’t have been strange for him to attack and kill him right away, but there seemed to be reasons why Gyeong-ho wouldn’t harbor significant animosity toward the Master.

“……”

“So-cheong?”

Jin So-cheong was staring down at the meal with a stiff expression. He then spoke.

“Brother, don’t eat.”

“Huh?”

“This is human flesh.”

*Clap!*

“You wicked bastards!”

Jin So-cheong rushed straight at the elderly couple running the tavern and stabbed them with his spear.

*Grrr!*

As human limbs burst forth, tentacles poured out with grotesque sounds, releasing a strange wave as they attacked Jin So-cheong. They were massive, reaching three spans in size.

Gyeong-ho shouted, clearly displeased.

“What the hell? You think this is a joke while we’re eating?”

*Shimmer!*

From Gyeong-ho’s spear, the Thunder Cloud Palm erupted. Gyeong-ho from 50 years later seemed to reach a level beyond that of Lee Kwang. As the Thunder Cloud Palm swept through the otherworldly beasts disguised as the elderly couple, they were utterly destroyed, crushed to the point of becoming unrecognizable.

“It seems the couple was killed.”

Jin So-cheong said bitterly.

“Brother, such things are happening all over the world. For reasons unknown, these wicked otherworldly beings are blatantly infiltrating, committing massacres and human sacrifices everywhere. And these events began after the Nine Lotus Sect’s power grew.”

Gyeong-ho rubbed his temples.

“Seeing it firsthand, I can believe it. I thought I could live the rest of my days in peace after you avenged the Thunder God lineage, but what kind of chaos is this?”

“Brother, let’s go find the Master again. His help is absolutely necessary.”

“Tch!”

Though Gyeong-ho grumbled, he accompanied Jin So-cheong back to meet the Master. When they faced the Master of the White Lotus Sect again, Jin So-cheong spoke to him.

“You told me to find the Seven Luminaries, but there’s no time for that. I attempted to glean more through Mangnyang, as you suggested, but the world has fallen into despair. Moreover, the capital Luoyang is shrouded in magical power and could transform into a land of the dead at any moment.”

[……]

“We must strike against the High Priest before it’s too late. Please assist me.”

The Master murmured in a low voice.

[Hmm… Is there any chance to draw in Dokgo Seong or the Sword Demon?]

“I have no idea where Dokgo Seong is, and the Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong has turned into a madman who commits massacres in a fit of madness over his lost daughter. There’s no room for collaboration with them.”

Suddenly, I felt a pang in my heart as I watched the situation unfold.

‘The Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong… has gone mad out of sadness for not finding his daughter!’

From Jin So-cheong’s perspective, who was unaware of the circumstances, he might view the Sword Demon as merely a strong martial artist, but I understood. The Sword Demon had desperately searched for his daughter, but either he never found her or discovered her corpse, which drove him into madness.

The Master sighed as if he had no choice.

[Understood… Then I will accompany you on your path to confront the High Priest. If I gather my last strength, I should be able to handle one or two bishops…]

“Thank you.”

They descended the mountain, heading toward Luoyang. On their way, they passed a dilapidated area just ahead of the capital, where Jin So-cheong seemed to head toward a remote area in search of someone.

“You’re here… Jin So-cheong.”

A man slowly emerged from behind the dark trees, looking distinctly different from Gyeong-ho and Jin So-cheong. He appeared as an aged white-haired elder, looking far past his prime, yet he didn’t seem particularly strong.

Upon seeing him, Jin So-cheong greeted him.

“Mangnyang, I have brought the Master of the White Lotus Sect.”

“It seems so… *Cough*.”

Mangnyang?

I felt panicked upon seeing the old man coughing. Could this be the future appearance of Mangnyang?! Of course, I had predicted Mangnyang would still be alive in the timeline I lived, but seeing it like this was beyond words.

The future Mangnyang gazed at the ruins with a somber expression.

“My Master has disappeared somewhere to strengthen the Battle Ground, and my disciple has gone to the Celestial Realm to formulate measures… It seems I have no choice but to do my best.”

“You are the best strategist I know.”

“Thank you.”

Mangnyang brushed aside the compliment before speaking to Jin So-cheong.

“According to my information, it seems they intend to stir things up in Luoyang during the upcoming full moon. If they are not stopped, innocent people will be sacrificed…”

“Full moon? Why that day?”

“On the full moon, the power of sorcery and symbolism is at its peak. It is also the day when the moon’s strength is strongest, and the power of the sea intensifies. Most likely, they plan to conduct a large-scale human sacrifice involving millions of people… intending to summon their master, the Evil Spirit, to this land, and revive the absolute demon sealed within Luoyang.”

Mangnyang spoke with a grave expression.

“Even if I try to take action, there aren’t any further strategies to devise… All I can do is predict the hiding place of the Master of the White Lotus Sect and inform you. I’m sorry, Jin So-cheong.”

“No, you have done enough.”

“……”

Slowly walking into the shadows, Mangnyang said.

“Jin So-cheong. I can feel that the end of this world is approaching…”

Then, Mangnyang vanished into the unknown. The Master of the White Lotus Sect, who stood behind, spoke.

[What will you do now?]

“I have no choice but to eliminate the High Priest.”

[It seems we have no choice.]

The three of them looked almost simultaneously toward Luoyang Castle.

*Rumble!*

In the overcast sky, an enormous figure with gigantic wings flickered and disappeared, illuminated by lightning. With a silent gaze fixed on the sky, Jin So-cheong raised his spear.

“Let’s go.”