Reincarnation Sword God

---

00465 Dark Heaven Village ————————————————————————=

It seemed that the Sword Demon had also been training diligently, forgetting to eat and drink for nearly three months like me. His face was somewhat unkempt, and his beard had grown long. However, contrary to his appearance, his eyes were filled with vitality, indicating that he had been practicing martial arts vigorously. As the Sword Demon emerged from the closed training facility, he spoke to me.

“Baek Woong, is something the matter?”

“I have a guess about the identity of the one who defeated your daughter.”

“Hmmm.”

“He was a master of the Wind Spirit Sect’s Secret Sword Technique, the Wind Demon Sword, and someone of that caliber…”

The Sword Demon interjected ahead of me.

“It must be Yong Junil.”

“Uh…”

I was a bit taken aback, as it seemed he already knew. The Sword Demon chuckled lightly and said,

“I’ve already heard about your daughter, and through the Obsidian, I also received your memories. So I had suspected it for some time.”

“R-Right.”

“The only person who could master the Wind Demon Sword at that level is the Dharma Guardian Yong Bi-cheon and his son Yong Jun. But, as the leader of the Huashan Sect, Yong Jun is certainly going to focus on his sword techniques over Yong Bi-cheon. Therefore, he must be the fiend who defeated my daughter.”

“That is correct.”

I felt a little awkward. It seemed I had unearthed a monumental fact, but it was embarrassing since the other party already knew. The Sword Demon laughed heartily.

“Haha, it’s not a bad thing. That truth has actually spurred me to focus intensely on my training.”

“So you’re saying the target for revenge is now the Wind Spirit Sect?”

“Precisely.”

The Sword Demon’s gaze sharpened.

“Even if I know, currently, I lack the power to defeat the Wind Spirit Sect. Hence, I must refine myself with the power passed down through the Seven Great Techniques to fight them. Perhaps that’s why I’ve been training day and night for nearly three months.”

“Don’t overdo it.”

“I’m aware. Knowing the true power of the White Lotus Sect, I’m considering a long-term strategy.”

With that said, the Sword Demon continued,

“Now, let’s confirm your progress before getting to the main topic. I actually have some information that I wanted to share.”

“Understood.”

I finally stood opposite the Sword Demon in the sparring arena, and he stared blankly at me wielding the Fire Element and the Fire Dragon Sword, then spoke,

“Speaking of which, you mentioned that it takes thirty-seven days for the Fire Dragon Incarnate to awaken. Have you completed that time?”

With a somewhat awkward expression, I replied,

“I’ve had it out continuously, feeding it energy, but the Fire Dragon Incarnate hasn’t awakened. In pure time, it’s far exceeded thirty-seven days…”

“Hmmm, that’s strange.”

“For now, I plan to keep it out.”

“That’s a good idea. Now, let’s go!”

[Whoosh!]

At that moment, the Sword Demon unleashed the Invincible Sword and attacked me. Perhaps due to unleashing the Fire Element, I felt invigorated, and the Invincible Sword seemed to move as if in slow motion. Thus, I easily dodged the Invincible Sword and launched a counterattack.

In that instant, the Sword Demon used the techniques of the White Lotus Sect.

Ninety-Nine Harmonies Return (九十九合理歸).

*Clang!*

As our swords collided, we both were sent flying back. I quickly regained my footing, feeling a bit flustered.

“No…”

It appeared to be a tie at first glance, but I couldn’t make sense of the outcome. With the power of the Fire Element unleashed, combined with my substantial internal power, there should have been devastating force latent in my sword strike. However, the Sword Demon used the technique from the Eight Possibilities of the Seven Great Techniques, the Ninety-Nine Harmonies Return, and matched me equally head-on.

The Sword Demon grinned.

“Baek Woong, I have become more than twice as strong since before. You cannot defeat me solely with strength!”

“How did you manage that?”

“Ninety-Nine Harmonies Return is a technique that Lee Cheong-un created after contemplating both sides of the Soft Can Control Hard and Hard Can Break Soft teachings of the Wu Dang Heavenly Techniques. It draws from the profound aspects of Tai Chi Yau Ji Willow Sword, Cave-Collapsing Sword, and the True Martial Seven Cuts Classic. It can nullify all power. However, it has the flaw of being difficult to wield, making it undoubtedly the martial art with the highest versatility.”

“……!!”

“Now, shall we continue?”

*Whoosh!*

I exchanged blows with the Sword Demon for a hundred seconds before taking a break. I acknowledged, as per the Sword Demon’s words, that I couldn’t overwhelm him with just the Fire Element and battle aura. Despite having trained day in and day out for three months, the Sword Demon had genuinely become more than twice as powerful.

“Remarkable. How did you manage that in such a short time…”

The Sword Demon wiped the sweat from his brow and replied,

“It’s because my martial arts are good. You’ve practically given me the results of centuries of research by peerless geniuses on the ultimate martial skill.”

“Haha…”

“Hmm, Lee Cheong-un is indeed a genius. I never imagined he could derive so many techniques using the flexibility of the Seven Great Techniques… Truly a remarkable martial artist worthy of the title Grand Master.”

After a moment of admiration, the Sword Demon looked up at the sky.

“Yet, the more remarkable one is Jang Sam-bong.”

“Hmm?”

“While Lee Cheong-un has derived many techniques, they are merely the possibilities originally contained within the Seven Great Techniques, and even the derived techniques do not stray from the essence of the martial arts. Everything is intermingled and harmonious; this is truly a divine design… I can’t help but wonder about the might of the ultimate technique, the Peerless Dominance, crafted by Jang Sam-bong.”

“……”

The Sword Demon continued speaking.

“Baek Woong, during these past three months, I’ve inquired about the masters of Twin Sword Technique from all over Jianghu and found five in total. I invited them to the Shadowless Gate, and they should be arriving within ten days. Would you like to learn the basics of Twin Sword Technique from them?”

So that was what he wanted to convey. I nodded immediately.

“Yes, I’d like that.”

“And until then, I will teach you the Seven Great Techniques in a way that’s easier for you to grasp.”

“Thank you.”

Even though the Sword Demon had trained during the same period, he seemed to have achieved ten times more. He had refined many of the techniques from the Eight Possibilities to the point of practical application, providing me with significant guidance in my relatively elementary understanding.

While training together, I had several opportunities to speak with Seo Mun-hye. To be precise, it was strongly hinted that it was the Sword Demon who desired these conversations. I asked Seo Mun-hye,

“Seo Mun-hye, why has your hair turned white?”

She stood beside me on a moonlit night, stroking her hair as she replied,

“I’m not quite sure. It just happened while I was cultivating the martial arts of the Shadowless Gate.”

“… May I take a look at your pulse?”

“Of course.”

I examined Seo Mun-hye’s body closely. However, even with my medical skills from the Hua Tuo lineage, I couldn’t identify any unusual ailments or bizarre diseases. Seo Mun-hye straightened her clothes and stood up, saying,

“Every physician I’ve consulted said I don’t possess any special pulse or constitution.”

“I thought so too.”

“I’m currently fine, so I’m leaving it for now, but…”

She trailed off. Having white hair could understandably cause significant concern. No matter how much of a free-spirited woman in Jianghu she was, being different from others could still feel like a significant obstacle. I felt pity for her and held her hand, saying,

“Don’t worry. I will surely uncover the cause and let you know. If it can be fixed, I will fix it.”

“Thank you, Young Hero…”

Seo Mun-hye seemed to wipe away a tear and then cautiously asked,

“Do you have someone you like?”

“I do.”

“What kind of person is she…?”

What kind of person, indeed.

‘… No, should I say what kind of fox?’

As I thought of Miho, I was filled with complex emotions and forced a wry smile. Even now, I couldn’t help but think and long for Miho deep down, but there were so many things I had to do. I didn’t want to lead Miho to a fate of death, so I tried to avoid contact. Until now, I thought I could solve everything in one lifetime, but now that seemed impossible.

When would I be able to live happily with Miho?

I found myself mumbling,

“… I want to grow old happily with her when everything is over.”

If it were Miho, she would probably accept my ugly appearance and my foolishness. No, even if she couldn’t accept it, I had already come to the point where I couldn’t think of anyone but Miho. When I softly replied, Seo Mun-hye seemed taken aback and then said,

“You really like that person…”

“…”

“It’s getting late. Sleep well…”

I couldn’t quite understand Seo Mun-hye’s intention behind her question, so I tilted my head in confusion before resting and returning to my training. When there was time to train, it needed to be done to reduce the chances of death.

A few days later, the masters of Twin Sword Technique who the Sword Demon had searched for from across Jianghu gathered at the Shadowless Gate. I stood next to the Sword Demon in my capacity as a Dharma Guardian, watching them. The Sword Demon looked at them and said,

“I’m pleased to have such esteemed masters from various martial communities gathered here. I am the leader of the Shadowless Alliance and the Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong.”

A sturdy-looking middle-aged man with a brusque appearance stepped forward and cupped his fist in greeting.

“It’s an honor to meet the illustrious leader of the Shadowless Alliance!”

With that, the four others beside him also offered their greetings. The Sword Demon graciously displayed humility.

“Please, no need for such formalities… I’ve heard that everyone gathered here is an outstanding expert in Twin Sword Technique, which makes me very grateful.”

“Did the leader call us to accept us into the Shadowless Alliance?”

“Indeed. At the same time, I wanted to ask you all to teach my Dharma Guardian here the Twin Sword Technique.”

Their gazes shifted to me. Since I was currently embodying the Return to Simplicity, I didn’t appear imposing. I could have used my aura to subdue them, but the reason I intentionally didn’t was to assess their true abilities under disguise.

At that moment, one slender Twin Sword Technique practitioner raised an eyebrow.

“Hmmm… Are you saying we should pass down our martial arts? But how could we do that? Our martial arts are our greatest secrets and can only be taught to our direct disciples.”

“I fully understand the concerns of everyone here. Therefore, I ask that instead of your own techniques or martial arts, you convey the basic understanding of [Twin Sword Technique] to Baek Woong. Even a level sufficient to be transferred in the teachings of martial arts would be adequate.”

*Murmur*

The five masters exchanged glances, looking pensive. One of them stepped forward carefully and said,

“Well, if that’s the case, will you give a high position in the Shadowless Alliance to whoever provides substantial teachings?”

“I am more than willing to do so.”

“Then I will earnestly teach you.”

They soon relaxed, and the atmosphere lightened, breaking into laughter. It seemed they were thinking that I appeared to be a junior in the Shadowless Gate, and as a result, they could gain honor. However, witnessing this farce, I felt a little disappointed, my expression stiffening.

‘What a drag. I can’t believe I have to learn from such fools…’

I could easily gauge their martial arts level. At best, they were first-rate martial artists, with only one closings in on the peak. Of course, they might be experts in Twin Sword Technique, but I questioned whether I could adequately apply the techniques of the Gan Jiang and Fire Dragon Sword after learning from such low-level practitioners.

But at that moment.

*Whoosh –*

A strong feeling rushed past. The Sword Demon seemed to feel it too, as his expression sharpened in an instant. He addressed the figure in the straw hat who had been quietly observing from the far left.

“Blood Wolf Head (血狼隊主), you seem displeased.”

The master referred to as Blood Wolf Head responded carelessly,

“I’m not particularly bothered, Sword Demon.”

“Don’t hide your true self. I have a feeling that you are the one I’ve been waiting for.”

“What do you mean…?”

“You, a peak expert, can’t stand being treated as one of these rabble, can you?”

“……”

The Sword Demon firmly turned to the other four.

“I’ve changed my mind. You all may leave; you do not qualify to join the Shadowless Alliance.”

“Wha- what!”

“This…!”

They were flustered, but soon they were weakly chased away.

Now only the masters of the Shadowless Gate and Blood Wolf Head remained in the hall. Despite being flabbergasted, Blood Wolf Head calmly stared at the Sword Demon. The Sword Demon leaned back in his chair, resting his chin on his hand as he slowly spoke.

“To be honest, I was uncertain. I invited you under the pretense of coincidence, but I was also worried you might not accept due to suspicion…”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

“I know why you accepted my invitation. It’s not to gain a position in the Shadowless Alliance but to scout my forces, sent by Han Baek-ryeong, isn’t it?”

“……!!”

Startled, Blood Wolf Head suddenly drew the twin swords he had on his back.

*Boom!*

“Ugh.”

“Gah!”

Simultaneously, nearby masters of the Shadowless Gate were sent flying backward. The crimson aura spilling from his swords was overwhelming. As Blood Wolf Head unleashed a fierce killing intent, his martial arts level surged dramatically, fiery energy swirling fiercely around his swords.

What swirled around those twin swords was undoubtedly Sword Strength!

The Sword Demon chuckled lightly.

“It’s an honor to meet a peak ace of the Fire Spirit Techniques.”