Reincarnation Sword God

---

00469 Dark Heaven Village ————————————————————————=

After a brief explanation from Sangwan Hyuk about Deung Gwak’s status, Deung Gwak sat across from me, while Sangwan Hyuk took a position in the middle, acting as an intermediary between us. Neither Deung Gwak nor I found it easy to speak first, so Sangwan Hyuk broke the silence.

“Elder Deung Gwak. There’s a strong possibility that the Master of Shadowless Sword from the Han Clan is currently captured, so I ask for your assistance in rescuing him.”

“And why should I do that?”

“Weren’t you the one who said that when treating a gifted member of your family, you would grant at least one request? I’m planning to use that request now.”

Deung Gwak’s eyebrows twitched at Sangwan Hyuk’s words.

“You’re being a bit vague. The Master of Shadowless Sword has no relation to me, so speak more specifically.”

“……”

Specific reason?

What does Deung Gwak want to hear?

I was momentarily confused about his intentions, but I could grasp the meaning behind Sangwan Hyuk’s next words.

“I will mention the training proposal to the Sect Leader as you desired.”

“That’s acceptable.”

Deung Gwak had subtly demanded additional compensation from Sangwan Hyuk! Once I realized this straightforward flow, I felt a bit disheartened, but then a defiant spirit rose within me, and I spoke to Deung Gwak.

“Elder Deung Gwak, a commoner of Jianghu wishes to ask a question.”

“Feel free to ask as many as you like, as long as you can answer in return.”

“… How do you plan to resolve this? Are you thinking of leading private soldiers to attack the Han Clan?”

I wanted to know Deung Gwak’s thoughts.

While Deung Gwak’s internal power seemed unrivaled and his martial arts impressive, the foe was the Dharma Guardian of the White Lotus Sect and the Fire Spirit Techniques. No matter how powerful Deung Gwak’s martial arts or private force were, they could not suppress such opponents by mere force. It would take a massive army to encircle and defeat them, and attacking a mere clan in such a manner would be nonsensical.

Then Deung Gwak burst into laughter.

“Ha ha ha… I’m not like that fella Eom Sung. The Emperor is currently governing Luoyang; thus, it would be treason to recklessly mobilize soldiers as a mere subject.”

“Are you saying you won’t use force?”

“Why would I need to use force in the first place?”

Deung Gwak continued leisurely.

“You moved me through Sangwan Hyuk. And once I set my mind to something, I will surely accomplish it. You just need to quietly trust and wait for me.”

Before I could say anything, a transmission from Sangwan Hyuk reached me.

[ Be cautious. Elder Deung Gwak is a powerful figure among the high officials of the Great Ming Empire. If you provoke his temperament, even someone like Eom Sung could be in danger, so just keep quiet for now!]

“……”

Eom Sung was a high-ranking minister with significant power in the current court. That was why Lee Kwang, his protective warrior, could support the Thunder God Lineage for a long time just by being a bodyguard. Hearing that even Eom Sung couldn’t compare to Deung Gwak made me realize how formidable the figure before me was.

Of course, to me, such human power didn’t resonate much. It was almost meaningless to someone like me who faced celestial immortals or [former rulers]. However, it would not be wise to grow overconfident and jeopardize the newly formed ally. Moreover, the life of the Sword Demon was at stake in this matter.

I suppressed my rebellious spirit, doubt, and turbulent emotions and bowed my head to Deung Gwak.

“I hope you handle this matter well.”

“Well then, let’s set things in motion. I’ve heard it’s an urgent matter.”

“Where will you go?”

Deung Gwak rose immediately and replied as he walked to the door.

“Naturally, to the Han Clan.”

Flame…

We soon led the servants and guest fighters through the streets of Luoyang at night. Since the Han Clan wasn’t too far from Sangwan Hyuk’s place, we should arrive in less than half a moment. While riding, Deung Gwak said.

“Baek Woong. Your loyalty is remarkable.”

I turned to him, slightly surprised by the sudden statement.

“I owe him a great favor.”

“To not forget an old debt of gratitude is the mark of a true man. Do not forget this stance in the future.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

It seemed Deung Gwak valued loyalty and righteousness highly. Having endless questions about Deung Gwak, I couldn’t resist asking.

“Elder Deung Gwak, why do you seek to meet the Master of the White Lotus Sect?”

“That’s the second question.”

“Yes?”

“If I answer your question now, it’ll count as two answers, so you should naturally answer my question in return.”

“……”

“Of course, I have no intention of revealing anything. This isn’t a shallow conversation to be had with someone I just met, so you only need to answer one question for me moving forward.”

I stared at Deung Gwak in disbelief. He had completely blocked my attempts to gather information as though I were a snake trying to cross a dam, and he had turned the situation around, putting me in a position to answer. It was clear he was articulate.

‘Well, that’s how he manages to hold a high position in the court…’

Suddenly, the horse stopped in front of the main gate of the Han Clan. Instead of guard warriors, there were Heonwon Sect members stationed there, and upon seeing us, they spoke.

“Stop. Do you know this is the Han Clan? State your identity.”

Deung Gwak casually replied from on top of his horse.

“I am Deung Gwak. I’ve come to meet the Clan Leader of the Han Clan.”

“……!!”

The first Heonwon Sect member in front turned pale immediately. Then, he gave a signal to his comrades while bowing his head simultaneously.

“I did not recognize you. Please forgive the rudeness of a Jianghu warrior.”

“Are you one of the martial artists? Can you notify someone inside?”

“Please wait a moment.”

After a brief pause, Han Jin-seong came out, unable to hide his confusion. Despite being a master of expression management, he couldn’t conceal his surprise at Deung Gwak’s visit. Han Jin-seong greeted Deung Gwak politely.

“I am Han Jin-seong, Young Master of the Han Clan. It has been a while. Have you been well?”

“Mm. It’s been a long time.”

It seemed Han Jin-seong and Deung Gwak knew each other. Deung Gwak received the greeting casually and stated.

“I want to meet the Clan Leader, so guide me.”

With a troubled expression, Han Jin-seong replied.

“I’m sorry, but the Clan Leader is resting in his chamber and cannot meet anyone today.”

“Are you saying that even now that I’ve come personally, you’re using sleep as an excuse to deny me a meeting?”

“That’s…”

Deung Gwak threatened in a commanding tone.

“Tell the Clan Leader that if he does not speak with me today, he will regret it for a hundred years.”

Han Jin-seong, seeing no other choice, bowed even deeper.

“Very well, I will report your arrival.”

Han Jin-seong went inside, and after a moment, he ran back out with a somewhat pale face.

“You may enter.”

Deung Gwak suddenly stopped Sangwan Hyuk.

“You better wait outside, just in case.”

“Of course.”

Han Jin-seong led Deung Gwak and me into the Han Clan’s interior. We arrived at the familiar garden of Han Baek-ryeong, but unlike before, her expression was not relaxed. She had come down from the bridge in the garden and was glaring fixedly, her gaze directed at Deung Gwak.

“What are you plotting? You old freak of the scholarly world.”

Deung Gwak responded, seemingly unfazed by Han Baek-ryeong’s words.

“I’ve come at a friend’s request to bring the Master of Shadowless Sword. Word is he hasn’t left the Han Clan yet.”

“Hmph. No matter the title, do you think you can act recklessly here?”

Han Baek-ryeong exuded a murderous intent with her intent, yet Deung Gwak, being an exceptional expert, easily brushed it off.

“My position doesn’t matter. What’s important is whether the Master of Shadowless Sword was invited here and subsequently assassinated. It merits an investigation by the government office.”

Flinch

Han Baek-ryeong seemed to feel threatened by Deung Gwak’s calm words. She fixed her glare on him without concealing her wariness.

“If you plan to wield the power of the government, we have our own considerations.”

“Oh? Did I say something like that? Oh, come to think of it, that method could work.”

“You sly bastard!”

Deung Gwak grinned.

“Perhaps you should show me the Master of Shadowless Sword’s face before something absurd occurs? You aren’t hiding him away just because he’s too handsome, are you?”

“……”

Han Baek-ryeong wore a frustrated expression before replying.

“He is currently in closed room training.”

“Closed room? Why would he be doing that in such a place?”

“He asked for it himself. I will summon him now, so wait!”

Whoosh

Han Baek-ryeong vanished swiftly, employing her high-level fire technique, leaving behind just a whisper of flame. Indeed, her martial arts were so high that even those at the peak level would think twice before challenging her. After some time, she used her martial arts to bring a person into the garden.

Tydaht

To my astonishment, beside Han Baek-ryeong stood the Sword Demon! I was so shocked that I stared at him, and he quickly sized up the situation, giving me a bitter smile.

“Hmm, my apologies Baek Woong. I acted thoughtlessly.”

What on earth is going on?

I was taken aback, but neither Deung Gwak nor Han Baek-ryeong seemed surprised. Moreover, Deung Gwak even showed an expression as if he had expected this.

“Master of Shadowless Sword. I’m sorry for suddenly visiting while you’re busy in closed room training.”

When Deung Gwak mocked him, the Sword Demon deeply bowed, saying.

“I apologize for troubling you with matters of Jianghu, elder.”

“Hmm.”

“May I take a moment to speak with Baek Woong?”

“Do so.”

The Sword Demon came over to me and recounted what had occurred.

“The negotiations have concluded normally. And while discussing the Twin Sword Technique, one Clan Leader wanted to exchange disciples, which I declined. We then agreed that I would learn everything I needed in closed room training over the next month.”

So, that’s what happened!

I felt foolish for worrying unnecessarily. Remembering I had been so irritable with the Master of Shadowless Sword made my face heat up. However, it wasn’t the right moment to complain or argue, so I let out a deep sigh.

“It would have been nice if you had sent me an official communication…”

“I couldn’t do that since it would expose the Han Clan’s vital position. I apologize.”

To think I imagined a major incident was looming when it was nothing significant—it was embarrassing, and my face burned with shame. Eager to escape the scene, I said to the Sword Demon.

“If so, will you come to the Shadowless Gate in a month?”

“I shall…”

Just as the Sword Demon was about to reply with an apologetic expression, Deung Gwak suddenly interrupted.

“Don’t wrap up the conversation on your own.”

All eyes turned to Deung Gwak. He spoke in a leisurely voice as he had gathered everyone’s attention.

“I wish to present a training proposal regarding your forces and the scholarly faction right here.”

Huh?

That was out of the blue. It took me a moment to grasp Deung Gwak’s intent behind such a statement. However, the Sword Demon, Han Baek-ryeong, and Han Jin-seong seemed to have discerned the implications of Deung Gwak’s words all at once and appeared serious.

Han Baek-ryeong crossed her arms and said.

“Deung Gwak. Are you finally moving? Are you speaking as a representative of the Clear Stream Faction and the scholarly world?”

“Absolutely.”

Deung Gwak met her gaze and responded.

“The opportunity has finally come. Until now, the forces of [darkness] were too strong, leaving us no choice but to think about survival. However, their priest mysteriously vanished recently, significantly weakening the faction. A golden opportunity has arisen, so I propose we train together.”

Han Baek-ryeong chuckled lightly.

“Haha… You have great ambition.”

“It’s loyalty to the Great Ming Empire.”

The Sword Demon, who had been listening, added.

“If this path is related to treason, I will have to distance myself from it.”

“Master of Shadowless Sword, absolutely not. There are treacherous forces crawling like snakes next to the Emperor, and we merely aim to eliminate them and achieve peace, not to incite a rebellion.”

“……”

The Sword Demon seemed lost in deep thought.

But now that things had progressed this far, I was beginning to understand the implications.

‘ Deung Gwak intends to strike against the Imperial Palace forces!’

Moreover, he was looking to bring in both the scholarly faction and the Master of Shadowless Sword, as he felt his own forces weren’t enough! The Sword Demon mentioning treason was likely a way to gauge the gravity of Deung Gwak’s intentions based on the awareness he had.

Deung Gwak spoke passionately, his voice filled with confidence.

“Now then, please respond!”

Gulp

I swallowed hard. Realizing the atmosphere was spiraling out of control, I quickly interjected.

“Just a moment!”

All eyes turned towards me. After taking a deep breath, I spoke.

“It seems we have to make a rather significant decision all at once, but how about setting a place and discussing it again tomorrow? It’s not something we should decide right now.”

An atmosphere of scrutiny followed my suggestion. The heads of their vast forces exchanged glances and eventually seemed to agree, responding in unison.

“That sounds good.”

“Okay.”

“Let’s do that.”

Soon, a meeting place and time were determined, and I was relieved to have bought a day’s respite. As I was leaving the Han Clan with the Sword Demon, I heard a transmission from Sangwan Hyuk.

[ Baek Woong. I don’t know what happened inside, but I believe I have repaid you for the grace you’ve shown me.]

[ I understand.]

[ So I ask you to lift the Soul Exchange Technique that the heretical Sect Leader has cast on me.]

I knew why Sangwan Hyuk had so readily assisted me. Regardless, I would have achieved the same result by forcibly invoking the Soul Exchange Technique with Zhuge Sa. I’d always been aware that he didn’t help me out of purely altruistic intentions, so I thought for a moment and then replied.

[ I can’t promise that. But I will make sure Zhuge Sa doesn’t use undue force against you.]

[ … I’m grateful for that alone.]

It pained me to see Sangwan Hyuk trapped by the Soul Exchange Technique, but I couldn’t just casually lift the restriction. He was a sorcerer monitoring all of Luoyang, loyal to the Sect Leader, and still had many hidden agendas. If I carelessly lifted Sangwan Hyuk’s golden seal, it could lead to significant repercussions at crucial moments in the future.