Reincarnation Sword God

---

00463 암천향(暗天鄕) ————————————————————————=

Right now, my way of effectively using the Flame Elemental Sword and the Fire Dragon Sword revolved around the Reverse Sword Technique and Twin Sword Technique. The former was a martial art mastered by Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro, using long and short swords in its methods. The latter, while not common in the Central Plains, was a unique school that occasionally emerged as a branch of swordsmanship.

I was in a situation where I had to choose one of the two, whether I liked it or not. This was because I knew a significant secret.

[To find and liberate Gan Jiang (the Flame Elemental Sword).]

[As far as I know, Gan Jiang and Makya were created as a pair of the Seven Luminaries. When using Gan Jiang and Makya together, I heard there is immense power capable of destroying even gods.]

This was the information provided by Master Mangnyang during my previous life!

It was said from the beginning that Su-yo and the Flame Element were made as a pair of the Seven Luminaries. Because of this, when Su-yo and Moon Sovereign resonated, they could demonstrate power beyond what I experienced and were said to have the capability to annihilate gods. That’s why I had been using all means to obtain the Flame Element.

Currently, I had both Su-yo and the Flame Element in my possession. However, only the Flame Element had been liberated so far; Su-yo remained sealed. I could forcibly seek an upper-tier practitioner for the Offering Ceremony, but intentionally held back from liberating Su-yo. After all, it was obvious that Jeon Wook would be hesitant to agree to it.

The more Luminaries one possessed, the mightier the owner would become, but the unsealing of all Seven Luminaries meant breaking the Non-aggression Pact between the Three Sovereigns and the [Ancient Masters] due to the wedge existing in the East. Moreover, if Su-yo followed after the Flame Element was liberated, since the Moon Sovereign was already in a liberated state, it meant the trifecta of Elements would be freed, which Nüwa was extremely wary and opposed to. Jeon Wook wouldn’t simply ignore her stance either.

In other words, I had to find a method and prospects to persuade the Three Sovereigns while obtaining all Seven Luminaries from here on out. Before that, the best combination I could obtain was the liberation of the Flame Element and the Fire Dragon Sword; thus, I needed to master the corresponding martial art to properly wield these two weapons.

‘Hmm… despite the power of the Reverse Sword Technique being undeniable…’

The power of the Reverse Sword Technique documented in the Book of Five Relationships was no joke. It had elevated Sasaki Kojiro, an ordinary warrior with outstanding talent, to a level equal to the best swordsman of Dongyoung, and the true owner, Miyamoto Musashi, had reached an absolute realm. The Reverse Sword Technique from the Book of Five Relationships could be regarded as one of the strongest martial arts existing today, with guaranteed absolute capabilities.

However, it was a martial art that relied heavily on innate talent. The Sword Demon openly remarked that it was a technique meant only for geniuses, which gave a clear idea about its difficulty. With my own talent being mediocre at best, mastering it felt almost impossible.

So do I need to practice the Twin Sword Technique of the Fire Spirit Techniques?

“……”

This too was a vague problem. Just because the Reverse Sword Technique was hard didn’t mean the Twin Sword Technique was easy. Furthermore, to learn the Fire Spirit Techniques, one had to join its sect, which ultimately meant establishing connections with the White Lotus Sect, leading to significant variables in my future actions. I could not predict how the figures of the White Lotus Sect would perceive my current martial arts either.

After much contemplation, I decided to find the Sword Demon first. The Sword Demon was currently the most reliable person I could consult regarding Muwak.

Pa-at!

“Oh, you made it,” the Sword Demon greeted, seemingly delighted.

“I was waiting for your visit,” he said with a chuckle.

“It’s been a while since we last met.”

“Haha. Have a seat.”

I exchanged stories with the Sword Demon about what had transpired. After listening to my tale, the Sword Demon nodded, taking a cautious demeanor.

“Indeed… To wield divine weapons in both hands, one must master the Twin Sword or the Reverse Sword Technique. That’s a plausible thought.”

“But as you know, either way, it’s quite difficult.”

“Of course! You have been accustomed to handling spears and swords until now, but Twin Swords and Reverse Sword Technique are entirely different martial arts realms. It’s like starting from scratch.”

The Sword Demon muttered.

“Hmm… In the meantime, I’ve collaborated with a master and significantly expanded the Shadowless Alliance. Currently, I have acquired the Anhui Martial World previously occupied by the Namgung Clan, and we have signed a Non-aggression Pact with the Wudang Sect. Soon, I plan to subjugate all Eight Demons of the Demon Path.”

“Has it already come this far?”

I was somewhat astonished. It hadn’t been long since I parted with the Sword Demon, and it wasn’t too long since the leadership of the Namgung Clan was obliterated. Yet, the power of the Shadowless Alliance had reached a level that could challenge the Eight Demons of the Demon Path. The Sword Demon responded.

“My master has been a tremendous help. I intend to do my utmost to assist you with this power.”

“Thank you.”

“As part of that… Let’s start by seeking out a master of the Twin Sword Technique within the martial world. Although it might not reach the level of the Fire Spirit Techniques’ Twin Sword Technique, it should still greatly benefit you to learn from someone who has achieved the mastery.”

“If you could do that…”

I felt that the Shadowless Alliance would indeed be helpful. The Sword Demon’s influence had spread throughout the Black Dao, surpassing even the Nine Great Sects; thus, he would greatly assist in finding talents and resources. While I was inwardly pleased, the Sword Demon continued,

“And there are two more methods.”

“Really?”

“One of them can be done right here and now.”

The Sword Demon called out to the outside.

“Bring me Socharang!”

Soon, Sasaki Kojiro walked toward us. It seemed difficult to call him by the name Dongyoung, so he had been arbitrarily renamed. Sasaki Kojiro looked at us with a stoic face as the Sword Demon said,

“Socharang! I have a consultation regarding something only you, the master of the Reverse Sword Technique, can provide.”

“As the sect leader wishes, I shall comply.”

“Actually, this here is Baek Woong…”

The Sword Demon then asked Sasaki Kojiro why I wanted to master the Twin Sword Technique and the Reverse Sword Technique, and how I should train for them. After closing his eyes and pondering for a moment, Sasaki Kojiro spoke in hesitant Central Plains dialect,

“I shall personally teach you. Baek Woong, follow me.”

We followed Sasaki Kojiro to the training area. He pulled out a short sword and a long sword, tossing one at me for each to catch. Then he said,

“As you seem proficient in Dongyoung, I’ll explain in that language.”

“Understood.”

Kojiro explained slowly in his native tongue.

“As you think, the Reverse Sword Technique and the Twin Sword Technique are fundamentally different types of swordsmanship. The Reverse Sword Technique utilizes two swords of differing lengths, which contrasts with the flow of martial arts sought after in the Twin Sword Technique. Now, use the Reverse Sword Technique to block my initial strike for just ten seconds.”

“Got it.”

Zzzkkk!

Klang!

I used the Reverse Sword Technique to fend off Kojiro’s attack. Since Kojiro’s techniques were far below mine, I anticipated I could easily block him. However, by the third time blocking his initial attacks, I felt my limbs tangled a bit, and there were gaps forming in my stance. By the sixth strike, I broke out in cold sweat, and by the tenth, I couldn’t block it head-on and merely reacted with reflexes and techniques to evade.

After ten seconds, Kojiro stepped back and said,

“Even if this is your first time wielding the Reverse Sword Technique, you would have felt it just now. The Reverse Sword Technique is not merely about offense and defense becoming one; it demands ultimate intuition and combat awareness. Attack is prioritized over defense. This is in stark contrast to Twin Sword Technique, where the balance between left and right swords seeks to create perfect offense and defense. The Reverse Sword Technique is fundamentally aggressive.

“I see…!!”

I immediately understood the differences between the two martial arts from Kojiro’s explanation. One experience is worth a thousand words. Meeting the master of the Reverse Sword Technique face-to-face allowed me to grasp it more easily than anyone else could. Kojiro continued,

“The basic stances of the Reverse Sword Technique and Twin Sword Technique are different, so I’d recommend stopping your training in both.”

“Good advice, thank you.”

It felt like I had received valuable advice from Kojiro. After he took his leave, I recounted my conversation to the Sword Demon, who listened joyfully, laughing.

“Haha. Just as expected!”

“I guess I’ll need to focus on mastering the Twin Sword Technique.”

“Sure, that makes sense. Then let me share another method with you.”

“Another method?”

When I asked back, the Sword Demon sat in a chair and replied,

“Masters of the Twin Sword Technique might be rare, but they could exist in the Fire Spirit Techniques, somewhere in the Central Plains Martial World, and certainly in another place.”

“……?”

“The Thunder God Lineage.”

“Gasp!”

This was a point I hadn’t considered at all, making me inhale sharply. The Sword Demon leaned forward, saying,

“From your memory of the Black Obsidian, I distinctly know there exists a unique sect of the Thunder God Lineage called the Ghostly Spirit Sect. They are not only into martial techniques and forbidden laws but also specialize in unique combat techniques like the Twin Sword Technique. Finding a Thunder God master from the Ghostly Spirit Sect might also be a method.”

That was indeed true. During my past studies with the Thunder God Lineage, I learned the Ghostly Spirit Sect’s specialized techniques, Magnetism Ghost Blade and Hell King’s Hand, from the leader, Green Moon. Of course, due to my talent, I could only grasp the basics and foundational techniques, but I had interacted with the Ghostly Spirit Sect at that time as well. Moreover, Green Moon once boasted that their sect had a multitude of martial arts, including Twin Sword Techniques and stealth techniques.

Hesitating, I said,

“Um… I’d like to keep that as a last resort.”

“Are you reluctant to contact the Thunder God Lineage? A master of the Twin Sword Technique from the Thunder God Lineage would undoubtedly be a formidable expert.”

“……”

“I see. In that case, I’ll take it upon myself to gather information.”

“Thank you.”

Finding Green Moon wouldn’t be difficult. Leading the Black Moon Group, he was lurking in the Black Dao, plotting the Thunder God Lineage’s resurgence. Since the Sword Demon had inherited the memory of my Black Obsidian, he could easily find Green Moon and his faction if he wished. Yet, I wanted to avoid contacting Green Moon at this point.

‘Hmm… The answer still seems to rest with the Fire Spirit Techniques…’

I had already sensed that the best choice among various methods was to learn the Twin Sword Technique of the Fire Spirit Techniques. No, I had been somewhat aware of that even before visiting the Sword Demon. However, because I had faced death many times, I had formed a habit of contemplating various methods, leading to this roundabout way of thinking.

As I was lost in thought, the Sword Demon spoke.

“Baek Woong. Can you properly teach me the Seven Great Techniques?”

“Yes. I will.”

Honestly, I felt it would be better to refine what I currently had together with the Sword Demon. My mind was cluttered, and since immediate problems were unresolved, it felt like the right time to practice. I decided to remain in the Shadowless Gate for the time being and pass the Seven Great Techniques to him.

I cut out a portion from the great Black Obsidian and infused it with my martial arts memories, transmitting it to the Sword Demon. He pondered the memory for a moment and praised it.

“Indeed! Excellent work.”

“Then I’ll practice now.”

“Feel free. I’ll provide you with space to train.”

The Sword Demon prepared a large separate room for me and set up some sparring partners. I felt delighted to finally have an environment for solo practice.

‘Soul Exchange Technique, Peaceful Charm, Seven Great Techniques…’

I had three sets of skills to learn. It’s never a bad idea to revisit what I already possess before diving into the new realm of Twin Sword Techniques. Plus, after my 19th death, I hadn’t explored the eight possibilities of the Seven Great Techniques thoroughly, so training had become even more urgent.

The eight possibilities created by the previous master of the Thunder God Lineage, Lee Cheong-un, during his research of the Seven Great Techniques were as follows:

Three Treasure Technique

Spider King

Reverse Heaven’s Wheel

Lingering Void

Ninety-Nine Harmonious Returns

Five Element Strong Qi

Seven Stars Explosive Thunder Finger

Ruyi Illuminating Spirit

Strictly speaking, among these, the Three Treasure Technique and Spider King weren’t directly created by Lee Cheong-un; he merely systematized them. Hence, it could be said that he purely created a total of six techniques. Since I had only managed to grasp the Three Treasure Technique out of these, I found myself overwhelmed thinking about when I could acquire the remaining seven.

‘But… it’s still crucial to reinforce the basics to avoid forgetting!’

I lack talent. However, I have done my utmost to acquire martial arts and techniques by borrowing the talents of others. Even if I am merely a repository of martial arts knowledge, I will surely acquire the ultimate skills and defeat the deities governing Heaven and Earth!