Reincarnation Sword God

---

The Imperial Palace lay in ruins, completely stripped of its original form after the devastating attacks by the Dharma Guardian and the Fire Dragon Incarnate. Outside the palace, masters from the Fire Spirit clan and the scholars merely gazed at the melted debris, their expressions filled with shock. The location where the Emperor once resided had turned into a flat wasteland—an indication of the scale of destruction. Strangely enough, despite the cataclysmic battle, there seemed to be no other damage elsewhere.

A simple meeting room was set up for the main figures involved, including Han Baek-ryeong and Deung Gwak. Han Baek-ryeong addressed Deung Gwak.

“Deung Gwak, we should move to meet the new Emperor immediately. If we delay, the warlords across the Central Plains will rise in rebellion.”

“I was already planning on that without you saying so.”

Deung Gwak glanced at me with a hint of fear in his eyes and added,

“But the Dragon Incarnate… is it really true?”

Han Baek-ryeong responded curtly, her braided hair swaying as she spoke.

“Do you think I’d joke about something like that?”

“Well, that’s not the case…”

“All the promised benefits to our Han Clan must be delivered. Keep your word with me.”

“Of course.”

Deung Gwak said nothing further and began preparing to lead the scholars. Witnessing the supernatural power had made him decide that he shouldn’t meddle. Once it was just the three of us left, Han Baek-ryeong paused for a moment, sipped her tea, and asked,

“Dragon Incarnate, what is your purpose?”

Her gaze was fixed on me, and while her tone appeared polite, I did not miss the icy wariness coursing beneath it. I feigned ignorance and replied,

“I’m not sure what you mean by that. What purpose could I possibly have?”

“The power of the Fire Dragon Incarnate within you is a supreme strength found nowhere in the human world. If you’ve disguised yourself as the Sword Demon’s subordinate, surely there is a reason behind it. I want to know your purpose.”

Her calm tone made it all the more frightening. I could sense she was suppressing her emotions to mask her wariness like a cunning old raccoon. The Sword Demon, who had been silent beside me, interjected,

“There are circumstances. I assure you, there will be no harm to the White Lotus Sect or the Fire Spirit clan, so please understand.”

“Hmph… Sword Demon. How can you guarantee that?”

Han Baek-ryeong retorted coldly,

“If the Dragon Incarnate were to whim and decide to attack our White Lotus Sect overnight, would you be responsible for that?”

“…”

This was serious. While her words remained courteous, her suspicion had escalated severalfold compared to before. At this rate, the Han Clan and the Fire Spirit clan, along with the entire White Lotus Sect, could become hidden enemies. That was certainly the worst-case scenario I could envision at this moment. After a brief contemplation, the Sword Demon stated firmly,

“If the Dragon Incarnate were aiming to unify Jianghu or demonstrate his power, would he employ such bothersome methods? I had no reason to deliberately lower myself for the Fire Spirit clan; I could have just attacked the Imperial Palace or smaller factions while expanding the Shadowless Alliance. The Dragon Incarnate revealing his true strength this time was not intentional, it was an act for justice…”

“Justice?”

Han Baek-ryeong’s expression contorted slightly from surprise. She was clearly taken aback by this unexpected statement. At that moment, Mangnyang, who had been standing beside her, chimed in,

“If the Fire Dragon Incarnate hadn’t acted to eliminate that monster, you two, the Dharma Guardians, would have abandoned Luoyang. And that monster would have devoured the inhabitants of Luoyang, growing rapidly until it became a force that humans could never contend with—akin to a Demon King. Can you even attach the narratives of the White Lotus Sect, Fire Spirit clan, or the Shadowless Alliance to that? Hundreds of thousands of lives were at stake here.”

“Hmm…”

“If the White Lotus Sect couldn’t address that hellscape, the burden would have ultimately fallen on the Sect Master.”

After subtly applying pressure, Mangnyang added assertively,

“Master Han Baek-ryeong! We are martial artists seeking the way of the martial—are we not also those who uphold chivalry in our hearts?”

“……!!”

“We have risen for the colossal purpose of opposing the Demon Path.”

Chivalry!

Upon hearing those words, Han Baek-ryeong looked deeply troubled. After a moment of contemplation, she suddenly bowed her head to me.

“I was shortsighted. Dragon Incarnate, please forgive my rudeness.”

“Oh, yes, of course.”

Taken aback, I accepted her apology almost instinctively. She shed her earlier doubtful expression and spoke more calmly.

“Now, the martial world in Luoyang, as well as Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, and Shandong, will all come directly under the rule of our Fire Spirit clan. If we merely navigate the process of subduing the Nine Great Sects, within three years, the White Lotus Sect will dominate the entirety of the martial world. Furthermore, I intend to support you and your companions as much as possible, given the circumstances.”

She spoke matter-of-factly about something monumental. The fact that the Sect Master of the White Lotus Sect was not even personally involved, yet the powers of the Dharma Guardians and allied martial faction could unify the martial world was extraordinary! Han Baek-ryeong continued with a declaration of an unprecedented achievement in history to be realized soon.

“However, for that very reason, I want to understand exactly what kind of formidable adversary you are set to face… and the process through which you acquired the power of dragons.”

Mangnyang and the Sword Demon seemed ready to speak on my behalf again, but I raised my hand to stop them. For some reason, I had an instinctive feeling that now was not the time for my companions to speak; it was my turn to voice my opinions. I looked at Han Baek-ryeong with a calm demeanor and said,

“I believe in your negotiations, Master Han Baek-ryeong. However, before that, you are the Dharma Guardian of the Fire Spirit clan and owe absolute loyalty to the White Lotus Sect, defending its laws. Everything you see and hear should rightly be reported back to the Sect Master, shouldn’t it?”

“……”

“While I can trust you, I still can’t trust the Sect Master yet. So please understand my need for discretion.”

Han Baek-ryeong’s countenance hardened.

“To voice distrust towards the Sect Master in front of the Dharma Guardian… truly impressive.”

She spoke with a hint of mockery, but it was indeed true. If her acknowledgment of the Fire Dragon Incarnate hadn’t led her to recognize me, bringing up such matters would have indeed sent her into a furious rage, risking our lives. I found myself worrying if I had said something wrong, but Han Baek-ryeong continued lightly,

“Yet I can understand why. To not trust the Sect Master…”

As if mulling over something, Han Baek-ryeong suddenly sent me a secret transmission.

[Please come to the Han Clan alone in fifteen days. Do not inform your companions.]

What?

[I will use this to judge whether I can trust you.]

“……”

I was taken aback, but I concealed my expression for the moment. Han Baek-ryeong’s request to keep this from my companions meant she didn’t want to risk having her intentions discerned and having them press me for answers. As I maintained a calm expression while looking at her, she said,

“… Then I apologize. Our Fire Spirit clan must also assist in restructuring the martial world of Luoyang and maintaining order, so we have much to do.”

“Please take care.”

With that, Han Baek-ryeong eventually vanished. I stole a glance at Mangnyang and the Sword Demon, both of whom seemed unaware of Han Baek-ryeong’s secret transmission. Mangnyang spoke,

“Lady Sword Demon will remain active within the Fire Spirit clan, while we will handle the arrangements for this matter separately.”

“Very well. I will focus on honing my Twin Sword Technique during the remaining training period.”

“Thank you.”

The Sword Demon too followed after Han Baek-ryeong. Alone now with Mangnyang, I remarked,

“Baek Woong, it seems Han Baek-ryeong still doesn’t trust us.”

“Hmm…”

“Has the Fire Dragon Incarnate not responded?”

“Strangely enough, there’s been no reaction following that intense battle…”

As Mangnyang thought deeply, he said,

“Baek Woong, try holding the Fire Dragon Sword and the Flame Element at the same time once more.”

I did as Mangnyang instructed. Immediately, the cool sensation I had experienced earlier disappeared, and I felt the handle of the sword growing hot, with heat radiating along my shoulder like a conduit. I reported this restoration of sensation back to Mangnyang, who nodded knowingly.

“It seems the Fire Dragon Sword is still not fully revived.”

“What do you mean?”

“What you witnessed earlier was only made possible by borrowing the power of the Flame Element. The hundred years of being sealed and nearly tearing apart its spirit cannot be easily undone… The current Fire Dragon Sword likely follows a cycle of awakening and sleeping through the absorption and depletion of the Flame Element’s power.”

“Ugh… Are you saying that…”

I was flabbergasted.

“… I need to restore it again?”

“Exactly.”

Mangnyang spoke adamantly, continuing,

“However, the Fire Dragon Sword will recover its strength at a faster rate than before. Its spirit has regained some coherence, and since the original form of the sword has been restored, its recovery speed will be several times quicker. As we continue this cycle of absorption and depletion, one day, the complete revival of the Fire Dragon Sword will be achievable without the help of the Flame Element—this is the perfect rebirth of the Fire Dragon Sword.”

“Hmm.”

“More than that, the Flame Element truly is astonishing.”

Mangnyang gazed at the Flame Element with a look of awe.

“Sharing so much heat and spirit with the Fire Dragon Sword while remaining unaffected, truly a boundless power that exceeds even that of the Great Immortal… a relic of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.”

“Oh, wait!”

I suddenly recalled something I had forgotten.

“By the way, when do you think it would be appropriate to release the seal on the Flame Element?”

If I could utilize both the Flame Element and the Fire Element together, it would grant me even greater power. Now that the situation in Luoyang was resolved, the time to release the seal on the Flame Element was drawing near. Mangnyang, however, wore a somewhat troubled expression and said,

“In my opinion, at this point, it would be better to gather another unbroken element rather than release the Flame Element’s seal.”

“Why is that?”

“While it is possible to forcibly release the Flame Element, it would mean that three elements have now been unsealed in the current human realm. Moreover, considering that the Eight Trigrams Diagram of the Earth Star located in Dark Heaven Village is likely already in an unsealed state, it would mean once again opening the seal on the Earth Element… Naturally, the balance of the heavens and earth will be disrupted, which will undoubtedly lead to the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, including Nüwa, keeping a close eye on the human world. That way, even if we gather the remaining elements, it would be impossible to unseal them.”

“Yeah, that is indeed a problem…”

The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors were not inclined to engage in war against the [Old Ruler]. In my past life, there were instances where an Emperor like Jeon Wook sought to provoke battles with the Dreamers of Enkai, but that only happened when the other side provided the justification first. The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors would certainly reject anything that could instigate a grand war between divine beings by unsealing elements.

“Honestly, I still haven’t come up with a conclusive answer for this problem. We need to present the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors with a justification for unsealing the elements while persuading them.”

Mangnyang sighed.

“This might be the most difficult problem in the world. Convincing the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, who have ruled the ancient era of the Central Plains, of the justification for unsealing the elements… Ha ha.”

“……”

“Seriously, you’re handing the greatest dilemma in the world to the strategist without any hesitation.”

Mangnyang teased with mock exasperation. I composed my thoughts and responded,

“So you mean gathering unbroken elements is our best course of action for now?”

“For now, yes. In the meantime, you should focus on enhancing your own strength through training, and you’ll need to stay busy looking for Emperor Changqie within the next ten years.”

After answering my question, Mangnyang suggested,

“First, let’s head to Jangryeong Valley. We can check on Zhuge Sa’s condition, and once his Demon Book interpretation is done, we’ll discuss things further.”

“Got it.”

I went to Jangryeong Valley with Mangnyang.

“The valley lord is still in seclusion and hasn’t come out.”

There was still an aura of darkness emanating from Zhuge Sa’s grand chamber, as he seemed to still be ‘interpreting’ the Demon Book, the Nameless Ritual Book. Mangnyang then proposed to me,

“Let’s go visit Zhuge Bu.”

We made our way to Zhuge Bu’s confinement location, and sure enough, it appeared that Si Bi had been managing to feed him well during this time, as his previously sallow complexion had improved a bit. Maybe having regained some of his energy, Zhuge Bu shot a glare at Mangnyang with disdain upon seeing him.

“Heh heh… Hyun, so you were in cahoots with my uncle all along.”

“Think whatever you want. If you want to go back to starving, go right ahead.”

Zhuge Bu flinched at Mangnyang’s threat, clearly shaken. Having experienced hellish hunger, he couldn’t afford to disregard such intimidation. Zhuge Bu hesitated and stuttered,

“Th-the descendant of the Zhuge clan, threatening with starvation… how dell could I have become?”

Mangnyang responded bluntly,

“Weren’t you the one who considered me an untalented bumpkin from the start? If you want to eat properly, you’d better answer my questions directly.”

“What? What questions…”

“What I want to know is this: what led your father to ally with the Demon Path or an Alchemist?”

“……”

“I understand that you’re self-absorbed and indifferent to anyone other than yourself, which leads you to cooperate with the Demon Path, but your father is not that sort of person, so I’m curious.”

Zhuge Bu stared at Mangnyang with lost words before finally replying,

“Hey, Hyun.”

“What is it?”

“I’m too hungry. If you bring me a chicken leg, I’ll talk.”

“Very well.”

I interjected to Si Bi, who had been standing by,

“Make a serving of chicken legs and bring it here.”

“No, Baek Woong.”

“Huh? Mangnyang, what are you talking about? A single serving is plenty for him…”

With firm eyes, Mangnyang insisted,

“I’ll be having some too, so make it two servings.”

Now that I thought about it, Mangnyang had probably been fasting and abstaining from meat while training in the mountains, so it was naturally to be expected he’d want some food.

“… understood.”

A short time later, Si Bi brought the chicken dish, and I lifted a piece to feed Zhuge Bu.

*Chomp chomp…*

*Chomp…*

The two brothers of the Zhuge clan glared at each other, chewing on the chicken legs in silence, and the sound of chicken consumption echoed throughout the secret chamber. Meanwhile, Si Bi and I found our mouths watering at the sight of the delicious chicken. Had I known this would happen, I should have ordered three servings for myself.

‘Ah, chicken looks delicious…’

Having devoured the fragrant chicken leg, Zhuge Bu finally spoke up.

“My father was furious with the Celestial Realm in the past. That rage spurred a plan to save humanity without the help of the Celestial Realm.”

“Zhuge Yulong, is it?”

“Exactly. He said that since your childhood, you had harbored feelings of anger toward the Celestial Realm.”

Anger.

For some reason, I felt an uncanny resemblance between Zhuge Yulong’s and Zhuge Sa’s sentiments. Zhuge Sa had also displayed anger and disdain towards the Celestial Realm at the end of my past life.

“I don’t understand. Your father was the head of the prestigious Zhuge clan, a Grand Sorcerer, and loyal to the Imperial Palace. Why then would he have anger towards the Celestial Realm?”

“……”

Zhuge Bu hesitated for a moment before answering,

“The salvation of the end imposed by the Celestial Realm did not align with my father’s ideals. Moreover, his own wife suffered directly at the hands of the Celestial Realm.”