Reincarnation Sword God

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00464 암천향(暗天鄕) ————————————————————————=

I began by reflecting on the weaknesses in my Three Treasure Technique. When I squared off against the Master of Shadowless Sword, it seemed like we were evenly matched at first, but in the end, I was pierced through a flaw in my technique and took a critical hit. If it weren’t for the powers I gained as Jeon Wook’s Apostle, I would have died on the spot.

‘No. That’s not a weakness of the Three Treasure Technique. It’s my weakness.’

Jin So-cheong and the peak experts who had mastered the Three Treasure Technique all demanded “accuracy” from me. The Three Treasure Technique is one of the ultimate martial arts, but my lack of skill exposed its flaws, stemming from my poor breathing. I realized I needed to practice it like a madman in real combat to improve my proficiency.

After pondering areas for improvement in the Three Treasure Technique for about half a moment, I moved on to the next practice.

“Master of the King of Land!”

I called out as I focused my finger to gather strength, moving my internal power according to the essence of the King of Land that Lee Cheong-un had restored and the teachings of the sect leader. Slowly, the King of Land billowed forth, and a web-like energy extended from my finger. Perhaps due to a lack of concentration, the Qi I generated wasn’t very dense.

Still…

There, in the practice ground, a mark three feet wide appeared quickly, bearing witness to my overwhelming internal strength. I gritted my fists in bitterness as I saw that power.

“Too clumsy…”

In terms of achievement, it might barely reach this level.

The King of Land used by the sect leader or Dokgo Jun, or even Lee Cheong-un, was on a different level. It unleashed the terrifying power of the Heavenly Spirit Pill without holding back, pouring out destruction across a vast area. But all I could do was create a crossing form; I was unable to wield the King of Land properly.

If I could use the King of Land correctly, I wouldn’t have to worry about dealing with pawns. Although the King of Land is somewhat inferior in the realm of advanced techniques, its efficiency of internal power is extremely high, making it specialized for mass slaughter. Once again, I practiced the essence of the King of Land before moving on to the next form.

Next up was the Reverse Heaven Wheel. I replayed the characteristics of this martial art in my mind.

The Reverse Heaven Wheel is a tracking, guided attack!

If one carelessly faced it head-on, they’d likely get entangled in dense energy and suffer massive losses. Moreover, if an underling were to take it, chances of counterattack would vanish, making it a martial art meticulously designed for victory. That’s why, when the sect leader used the Reverse Heaven Wheel against Lee Cheong-un, he chose to evade with the Thunder Spirit Technique instead of facing it head-on.

In other words, it’s a solid technique that guarantees a preemptive strike against opponents. I knew that mastering the Reverse Heaven Wheel would make one a top martial artist in the world, but as I tried to unfold it, I sighed.

“… I only know the principles and dogma, but it feels too difficult to execute…”

It was another technique like the Three Treasure Technique. One needed outstanding insights and to surpass many difficult stages of understanding to use it properly! With no other choice, I had to practice the Reverse Heaven Wheel just enough to solidify my memory and move on.

Zan Gong Wun Yo.

Ninety-Nine Harmony Returns.

Five Element Strong Qi.

Seven Stars Thunderbolt Finger.

Fate of the Dragon.

I felt a sense of despair as I realized that every remaining technique was a masterpiece yet nothing I could fully practice. Nothing could clearly be asserted to be harder than the Three Treasure Technique; they all required exceptional insights. It was clear that mastering them would require more grueling effort than learning the Three Treasure Technique.

‘Ah, but perhaps this…’

After hunkering down for two or three days, reassessing my potentials, I suddenly felt a surge of insight, and my face lit up.

Seven Stars Thunderbolt Finger!

This was similarly difficult, yet it was the potential of the Seven Great Techniques, made uncommonly close to the Thunder God Lineage’s techniques, infused with pride by Lee Cheong-un, the master of the Thunder God Lineage. So as I dug deeper, I began to feel a familiarity with the Seven Stars Thunderbolt Finger, unique to the masters of the Thunder God Lineage. As long as the integrity of the Seven Great Techniques was preserved, it could rival any techniques of the Thunder God Lineage in ferocity and strength.

Its usage was relatively straightforward. It was a blend of the Heavenly Five Divine Decisions and the True Martial Seven Cuts Classic, mixed with the essence of the Thunder God Fist. It required greater complexity in advanced applications, but generating base destruction didn’t demand great effort.

I utilized the Seven Stars Thunderbolt Finger and extended my index finger.

*Boom!!*

*Boom!*

“Wahaha!!”

The feeling of rainbow-like lightning beams shooting from my fingertips thrilled me. Moreover, when my energy clashed with its target, it exploded magnificently. Regardless of everything else, the sensation of wielding a true chi-based martial art was exhilarating. I felt like the Seven Stars Thunderbolt Finger was a perfect match for me and continued to practice it vigorously.

After around twelve half moments of non-stop martial arts training, I felt exhausted and took a moment to rest. During my meditation, I worked on accumulating magical energy, as taught by Cheon Woo-jin, while also trying to enhance my foundational abilities in the Soul Exchange Technique and the Peaceful Art. I realized there was a mountain of tasks waiting for me as I set my mind to start practicing.

So, I lost myself in training for about fifteen days. When I thought I had completed my review of the Seven Great Techniques, I resolved to properly delve into the Peaceful Art.

‘The basic energy for the Peaceful Art’s initiation is ready.’

With a foundation in place, even if my talent was slightly lacking, I could still gain achievements. I tightened my focus and searched my mind for information about the Peaceful Art, moving beyond basic practices to uncover advanced spell techniques.

The Peaceful Art is a divine technique that, in its ultimate form, can even control heavenly storms, a skill of the Great Immortal. However, unlike the Heavenly Secret Technique, it wasn’t solely for the Great Immortal; even ordinary sorcerers could learn it. Thus, there were probably quite a few sorcerers in the world, besides me, also studying the Peaceful Art. The power of this technique varies dramatically with talent and proficiency.

The foundation of the Peaceful Art rests in illusion techniques. I concentrated on one of the basic techniques that deceives perception.

Oh ho, it’s easy?

The basic techniques weren’t very difficult, and perhaps due to my foundational energy supporting me, within two days, I had grasped quite a bit. I gained confidence. Not stopping there, I rummaged through my memories to acquire the 18 techniques that make up the foundation of the Peaceful Art.

And then I realized.

‘Just because the basics are easy doesn’t mean I can relax!’

To breakthrough to intermediate techniques, I needed to be able to use the 18 foundational techniques effortlessly, like breathing, but from here the difficulty escalated dramatically. Even a casual glance revealed they were far from abilities I could master within a year or two. Moreover, the foundational techniques, while not incredibly powerful, were merely of such caliber that they might suit a roadside sorcerer, so I knew I couldn’t take a shortcut.

“Ugh, it can’t be helped…”

With no other option, I had to alternate my practice between the Seven Great Techniques, Soul Exchange Technique, and Peaceful Art. Each one seemed like something that might take a lifetime to master with my talent, but for now, I approached it with the mindset of deeply imprinting these techniques upon my soul. There was even a thought that perhaps this approach might create a synergistic effect, making it easier in the long run.

Thus, for nearly two months, I dedicated myself to my training. One day, while focusing on the training, I used the Seven Stars Thunderbolt Finger and took a brief rest.

“You, little hero, are truly amazing.”

I heard Seo Mun-hye’s voice and turned toward her. She handed me a towel to wipe my sweat and spoke.

“With your current martial arts level, there are probably few who can match you in the world, yet you’ve been training without even a thought for food.”

She had returned to the sect after a long time, having taken care of herself, and now appeared radiant. Once a nearly silver-haired beauty, she looked like a lovely flower adorned in beautiful garments with porcelain skin. However, I was already smitten with Miho, so I felt little impact from her striking appearance and replied.

“My power is still quite inadequate. My foes would squash me with a mere fingertip.”

At that, Seo Mun-hye gasped, covering her mouth in genuine surprise.

“Goodness…!! Is that possible? In my life, aside from the Master of Twelve Joules and my father, I’ve never seen a martial artist as strong as you.”

“……?”

When the Master of Twelve Joules was mentioned, I furrowed my brows in puzzlement. After recalling my memories, I understood her words.

[… I sought to obtain the Self-Controlled Moon Blade (紫靈焉月刀).]

[I received information that the Self-Controlled Moon Blade holds secrets of the world’s finest martial skill.]

[The current owner of the Self-Controlled Moon Blade is the previous champion of the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament, known as the Greatest Person Beyond the Wall (塞外第一人). It’s the Master of Twelve Joules. He possesses the Self-Controlled Moon Blade.]

That’s right. In the past, Seo Mun-hye revealed she had aimed to obtain the Self-Controlled Moon Blade during her participation in the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament. She mentioned that the Master of Twelve Joules had won it in the previous tournament.

‘Maybe the Master of Twelve Joules realized from the beginning that the Self-Controlled Moon Blade was a tremendous artifact and participated just to acquire it…’

The Self-Controlled Moon Blade was no mere treasure hiding the world’s finest martial art. It was an incredibly powerful artifact, powerful enough that even the Master of the White Lotus Sect used it to summon his Apostle back. If I were to acquire it, it would bemuch appreciated, but as of now, it was in the hands of the Master of Twelve Joules, making it hard to obtain.

I pondered deeply and said, “Seo Mun-hye, you reached the top four of the previous Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament, correct? That means you’ve seen the Master of Twelve Joules personally.”

“Yes, that’s right. I saw him fight as well.”

“What kind of person was he? Did he perhaps wear a puppy mask?”

“……?”

Seo Mun-hye responded with a puzzled expression. “A puppy mask? He was a peerless beauty, rivaling Song Ok and Ban An.”

“Hmm…”

“All spectators of the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament praised his appearance.”

Wait, he didn’t wear that puppy full-bodied costume during the tournament? If not, does that mean he only wore it when he met me?

‘Well, even Lee Joo-hee of Goryeo mentioned he was good-looking.’

As I sorted through my thoughts, Seo Mun-hye continued.

“I remember he defeated all his opponents in a second. His weapon was a pure white saber.”

“… Saber? Was it not the Cosmic Fragment?”

“He always wore the Cosmic Fragment at his waist, but he never used it.”

“……”

I could understand fully. Contestants in the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament were normally peak experts or those entering the ranks of ultimate masters, making it an exceedingly high-level competition for mere martial artists. However, to the Master of Twelve Joules, who had already attained an absolute realm, everyone else must have been like children. He probably used only the saber to defeat everyone in a single second while not even needing to bring out his main weapon, the Cosmic Fragment.

‘Asking about the Master of Twelve Joules’ martial arts would be pointless.’

Even if he’s a peak expert or even an ultimate master, it would be impossible to discern the martial traits of someone at the level of the Master of Twelve Joules. I contemplated deeply and eventually asked the question I had refrained from during our exchanges, considering her pride as a martial artist.

“Miss, this question may seem rude, but is it okay for me to ask?”

“After you saved my life, how could I not answer a question like that? Please, ask without worry.”

“Regarding the martial arts and appearance of the one who defeated you in the top four, what was he like?”

“That… that is…”

Seo Mun-hye seemed hesitant to recall that humiliating memory, stuttering slightly. This was why I had avoided touching on her pride as a martial artist until now. After a while of hesitation, she replied.

“He was a masked, unknown swordsman.”

“A swordsman?”

“He didn’t reveal his name upon participation and wielded mysterious sword techniques from an unknown origin. He also defeated every opponent in a second, and while I managed to endure for three seconds, I ultimately suffered from a sword energy puncture…”

“… A tremendous martial artist indeed.”

Upon hearing that, I thought it was impressive. My current level was high, even among ultimate masters, but I couldn’t guarantee I could defeat Seo Mun-hye in three seconds. Moreover, Seo Mun-hye was already a peak expert herself, mastering the Master of Shadowless Sword at a high level. Pushing through with pure internal power might allow me to win in three seconds, but matching her skill in swordsmanship alone was a tremendously difficult task.

A suspicion began to rise within me. “With skills like that, he’s undoubtedly a top-tier swordsman in the martial world. Did you glean anything about him?”

“I’m not sure… His sword was so freewheeling.”

As Seo Mun-hye thought deeply, she suddenly exclaimed. “I remember the three techniques he deployed! I’ll try to demonstrate them.”

“Please do.”

I felt the need to learn about the swordsman who defeated Seo Mun-hye. Until now, I had thought her defeat was due to her recklessness, but her martial arts prowess was considerably higher than I expected. Plus, I couldn’t afford to overlook a master capable of defeating her in just three strikes.

Whoosh!

Seo Mun-hye positioned herself in the center of the training ground, treating me as her opponent and executing her technique.

First strike, second strike, third strike.

When those three attacks concluded, Seo Mun-hye sheathed her sword.

“When it got to this point, I had already been struck.”

“……”

“Little Hero?”

As I witnessed the flow of Seo Mun-hye’s sword techniques, I felt a heavy shock wash over my mind. It felt like I had just uncovered unexpected information here.

“That’s it… How could this be possible…”

It was unmistakable.

Although her three strikes seemed erratic, I recognized that style of swordsmanship.

It was the Wind Demon Sword Technique (風魔劍法), a secret transmission from the Wind Spirit Lineage!

In my past life, during my time as a deputy leader of the White Lotus Sect and the Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Lineage, I had gained insights into the system of martial arts from the Wind Spirit Lineage while subjugating their masters. Among those techniques, the Wind Demon Sword Technique was one of their secret arts that I temporarily allowed the elders of the Wind Spirit Lineage to showcase under my relaxed restrictions due to the possibility of them becoming enemies in the future.

‘Could it be…?’

Two potential figures of the Wind Spirit Lineage popped into my mind, both of which seemed quite likely. To confirm whether my suspicions were correct, I headed toward the Sword Demon.