Reincarnation Sword God

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Before I set out with Zhuge Sa to find the Zhuyong Tribe, I decided to check what I had on hand. After all, since the barrier protecting the Fire Element had been lifted, I could summon the Fire Element at any moment, and it wasn’t like there was anyone in the remote southern continent who could bring the Fire Element out first. As I rummaged through my treasures one by one, Zhuge Sa observed closely and said,

“Baek Woong. There’s nothing useful for me here, at least not from you.”

I was taken aback and retorted,

“What? Is this your treasure? What do you mean?”

Zhuge Sa clicked his tongue.

“Have you forgotten the powers of the Zhuyong Tribe? They are a ‘Great Race,’ possessing mental abilities stronger than any sentient beings. They can even read secret transmissions.”

“Oh.”

“You seem to have high mental defense for some reason, so you might be difficult to read, but for us human demon sorcerers, it’s a different story. When standing before them, all your thoughts will be laid bare, and if they wish, you’ll fall under mental suppression.”

Zhuge Sa made a valid point.

In fact, when I had asked the Zhuyong Tribe to suppress three Peak Masters, including Eastern Perfection, they had easily knocked them unconscious. That was proof that the mental strength of a Peak Master couldn’t withstand their domination. It was also no surprise that Zhuge Sa, despite being a skilled sorcerer, wouldn’t be confident resisting their mental attacks.

Zhuge Sa touched my treasures one by one and then said,

“These treasures are all excellent, but nothing boosts mental defense. If I go along, I’d likely just be a burden, as they would read all my intentions before any negotiations.”

I pondered his words for a moment and then spoke,

“Zhuge Sa. Weren’t you quite unresponsive when you met the Prophet, King of the Zhuyong Tribe?”

“That entity is the Sorcerer King of Is, a being so advanced he can even make direct deals with the ‘Ancient Ruler.’ It doesn’t matter if I resist or not; it’s just not worth getting overly emotional.”

“……”

It hit me just how mythic the Prophet was. Zhuge Sa sternly advised me,

“Baek Woong. You must seek out a demon artifact or treasure that enhances mental defense for your next reincarnation. Otherwise, when your companions stand before high-level otherworldly beings, they might as well not exist. Because mental suppression isn’t confined to just the ‘Great Race.'”

“Hmm…”

“Think about it. The scenario where your martial artist companion gets mentally suppressed and betrays you.”

Zhuge Sa made a strong point.

I had given opportunities to Jin So-cheong, the Sword Demon, and the Master of Shadowless Sword, but if they turned into enemies due to mental suppression, they could easily wield their swords against me! It seemed the mental suppression of the otherworldly beings operated independently from a martial artist’s mental strength, making it potentially dangerous. As I wore a serious expression, Zhuge Sa chuckled.

“Well, the ‘Great Race’ is indeed particularly strong in mental abilities. It’s a rare trait, so don’t worry too much.”

“So what are you going to do? Are you not going to follow because your memories may be read?”

“Of course not. Do you think I’m going to just watch you get taken advantage of again? Do you have any idea how smart they are?”

“……”

“There’s a way. Now that this has happened, let’s go visit Hyun for a bit. I’ll fill you in on everything that’s happened.”

So, I set off towards Jinrang Valley with Zhuge Sa. After Mangnyang obtained his powers in the Inner Gate of the Three Sovereigns, he had intended to refine himself first in Jinrang Valley. If he hadn’t left to ascend the recruitment gate by now, there was a high probability he would still be there.

Upon arriving at Mangnyang’s place in Jinrang Valley, I noticed a vast spirit energy emanating from near the bamboo grove beyond the hut.

Guuuu…

“Hmm!”

Seeing spirit energy visible to the naked eye made me gasp. Spirit energy is different from the pure energy that a martial artist cultivates; it’s an effect caused when a sorcerer’s magical abilities interact with mental power. Like ordinary Qi, spirit energy can also be used to enhance oneself.

However, spirit energy is challenging to observe unless one is born with talent or has studied magical techniques. If such energy can be seen with the naked eye, it indicates extraordinary power. I strode purposefully towards the bamboo grove.

Wuuuu…

There, I spotted Mangnyang sitting cross-legged on a rock, reciting some unknown incantation while levitating the Inner Gate of the Three Sovereigns in mid-air. To my astonishment, silver and golden flames swirled around his body, intertwining in a spiral. Mangnyang was drenched in sweat as he diligently chanted the incantation when he gradually lowered his aura.

Then, Mangnyang opened his half-closed eyes, looked our way, and smiled.

“You’ve come!”

“Sorry for interrupting your training.”

“No worries. This is just basic training anyway.”

That overwhelming spirit energy was just basic training?!

Zhuge Sa, who had been watching from the side, commented,

“It seems he has absorbed quite a bit of power from the Inner Gate of the Three Sovereigns.”

“I’m still far from it.”

“By the way, I have something to say, so follow me for a moment.”

Mangnyang nodded. Seeing Mangnyang treating Zhuge Sa with some level of respect was unexpected, as he used to show open disdain and disgust towards Zhuge Sa.

A little later, I took a fragment of obsidian and infused it with my memories up to this point, handing it to Mangnyang. He took in the memory from the obsidian and remarked,

“I see why you’re here. Take this.”

Mangnyang pulled out a suspicious fishhook from his belongings and handed it to me.

“Thank you.”

“Thank you? It was originally yours.”

I accepted the suspicious fishhook and gave one end to Zhuge Sa. With this, our preparations were in place. Initially, I had intended to give it to Mangnyang to execute another plan, but since I urgently needed to gather information about the Zhuyong Tribe, borrowing it temporarily was the priority.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked Mangnyang,

“Mangnyang, how’s your training going? Do you think you can break through the recruitment gate?”

“Hahaha. How long has it been since we parted, for you to frivolously discuss the recruitment gate? Those who have trained a lifetime as Taoists or Immortals shed their shells to become Earth Immortals, and among those Earth Immortals, only the exceptional ones pass through the gate.”

Zhuge Sa, who had been standing nearby with his arms crossed, chuckled.

“Hehe. Hyun, you truly are a master of deception. You’ve gained a peerless fortuitous encounter, and your confidence is evident.”

Then Mangnyang nervously smiled and said,

“… Even so, I think it will take at least three years.”

“Cough, cough, cough.”

Zhuge Sa found it amusing and continued laughing, turning to me.

“Baek Woong. It seems you’ll have to make a choice later.”

I understood what Zhuge Sa meant, giving a complex expression. I nodded briefly.

“I’ll make a careful choice. Or I could dig up another one.”

“If you’re going to dig up another one, wouldn’t it be better to set things up in advance? Try seducing that fox.”

“……”

Mangnyang, who had been sitting in front, appeared to understand the cryptic conversation fully.

“Well… don’t overthink it. You can only start something after obtaining the Fire Element, right? Other secondary matters can wait until later, Baek Woong.”

“Thank you, Mangnyang.”

“I’ll continue my training here, so come back to return the suspicious fishhook later.”

I soon parted ways with Mangnyang and took Zhuge Sa to Jangryeong Valley.

Zhuge Sa cast the Soul Exchange Technique on me and said,

“Strike while the iron is hot. Go right away.”

I felt uneasy being under the Soul Exchange Technique, but I nodded. I thought Zhuge Sa wouldn’t betray me this time, and even if the technique was strongly cast, I was confident I could resist.

“Got it.”

[Paaat!]

I organized my thoughts and used the Golden Lamp technique to head to the Tower of Muwang. Although I had initially met the Zhuyong Tribe in Ayutthaya in the south, there was no guarantee that the group led by Eastern Perfection had arrived, nor could I be sure the Zhuyong Tribe would be there. The most certain method was to go to the Tower of Muwang, which allowed intercontinental transfers, and meet with the Zhuyong Tribe members acting as administrators there.

[Whoooosh]

Upon arriving in front of the Tower of Muwang, a desolate wind blew. Giant ruins were scattered about, and in front of me stood the black, hollowed stone structure of the Tower of Muwang. As I stood quietly waiting in front of the tower, a figure in red emerging from the nearby ruins approached me and spoke.

“Human. You have come here using a demon artifact. Are you a demon sorcerer?”

I performed the Martial Authority and replied,

“Zhuyong Tribe. My name is Baek Woong. I have come to make a deal with you.”

[Swoosh]

[Swoosh]

At that moment, I sensed the figures of Zhuyong Tribe members from various places in the giant ruins all staring intently at me. They all must be members of the Zhuyong Tribe. I could feel considerable pressure, but for now, I chose to wait for the response of the figure in red. The figure contemplatively replied,

“You’re an odd human. What kind of deal have you come for?”

Great!

Though the question seemed simple, it carried a lot of meaning. If the Zhuyong Tribe could read a human’s mind as easily as flipping a palm, there would be no reason for them to ask me about the transaction. While it could be a trick, I was confident it was not. Even the Zhuyong Tribe couldn’t read or suppress my mind.

Clearing my throat, I answered,

“I want to know the abilities and the exact location and shape of the Dragon Flower Tree hidden near the Fire Element. While I’m at it, I’d like to know the weaknesses of the protector Gong Gong as well.”

“Why should we tell you that?”

“That’s…”

Just as I struggled to find the words, the voice of Zhuge Sa came through the suspicious fishhook I had kept close.

[Here it comes. Just say what I instruct you to say.]

[Understood.]

This was our strategy.

By using the Soul Exchange Technique to share sight and sound while communicating through the suspicious fishhook over long distances! This way, Zhuge Sa could negotiate with the Zhuyong Tribe without the worry of revealing his mental state. I began to speak as Zhuge Sa instructed.

“I’ve been granted permission to possess and liberate the Fire Element as an Apostle of the Sovereign Jeon Wook. The barrier has been completely lifted, so I can bring the Fire Element out right now.”

*Whispers*

The surrounding members of the Zhuyong Tribe appeared shocked by my statement. Perhaps it was unexpected, as the figure in red before me appeared somewhat flustered in response.

“Is that true…?”

“You can find out through your king.”

“……”

The Zhuyong Tribe member gazed at me with a conflicted expression, seemingly communicating mentally. After a moment, the Zhuyong Tribe member spoke,

“O Apostle of Jeon Wook, Baek Woong. We understand the situation, but what do you want from us? No matter how much of an Apostle of the Three Sovereigns you are, we have no reason to give you information for free.”

Their tone had clearly changed. The status of being the Apostle of the Three Sovereigns appeared to be something even the proud ‘Great Race’ couldn’t dismiss so easily. I adjusted my tone to match theirs.

“I’m not asking for it for free. I’ll provide adequate compensation. Both now and in the future.”

“What kind of compensation are you talking about?”

I echoed Zhuge Sa’s words and continued,

“If you help me and provide the information, I will do my utmost to assist the Zhuyong Tribe as an Apostle of the Three Sovereigns in the future. You know better than anyone what status being an Apostle entails.”

“……”

I could feel the Zhuyong Tribe around me becoming increasingly agitated. Their pupils widened as they finally responded to my words.

“Wait. This matter is too significant, so we must report it to our king.”

Isn’t that just the Prophet?

I scoffed internally and said,

“Do as you wish. But if the answer isn’t favorable, then I’ll have no choice but to give up…”

[Whooshing] –

After a moment, a silver ring began to float above the head of the Zhuyong Tribe member before me, and a silver light started emanating from its eyes. It seemed they were maximizing their mental abilities to communicate with their king, the Prophet. After a long while of ‘talking,’ the Zhuyong Tribe member finally said,

“Alright. We accept that proposal.”

“That’s good.”

“We will provide the information you desire.”

I grinned.

‘They’ve kept the treasure close.’

The clever strategy was to leverage the Apostle’s name to negotiate with the Zhuyong Tribe! By promising that the Apostle would support the Zhuyong Tribe in return for information, I wouldn’t have to use my treasures directly.

Rather than worrying about how much treasure I would lose by bargaining with arrogance, this was far better. Also, it would reduce the number of unnecessary negotiations with the Zhuyong Tribe when searching for Changqie’s whereabouts. Of course, if the Zhuyong Tribe asked me to aid them, it could cause complications, but that would simply change when the cost would be offered. It was absolutely certain that I had saved treasure that could be utilized now by leveraging the Apostle’s worth.