Reincarnation Sword God

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00478 Dark Heaven Village ————————————————————————

Swish!

A heavy light swooped in.

The moment I recognized it, a chill ran down my neck. I had narrowly escaped the dangerous range with my peak sense, avoiding the immediate beheading, but the moment I took a breath, blood gushed from my throat.

Puh-kok!

“……!!”

I hurriedly used my internal power to stem the bleeding from my neck while surveying my opponent’s sword path. At the same time, I could objectively assess my body’s condition.

It was a fatal wound, yet I was still alive. Looking at the depth of the cut, it wouldn’t have been strange to die immediately, but it seemed that my body, now in an indestructible state, held up just fine. My opponent seemed to realize this as well, momentarily showing surprise before launching a serpentine series of strikes.

Clang!

The sword struck with the sound of thunder in the air. Yong Junil had used his sword path three times, two slashes to my upper body and one thrust to the lower. If it was simple, it was indeed a simple strike, but the moment I faced the second attack, I noticed a gap in my defense and had to roll away to dodge it.

As I sprang up with my non-elastic light body technique, I saw a powerful sword flying towards me. I couldn’t help but feel exhilarated.

‘If it’s power-based, then I have the advantage!’

With my overwhelming internal power, I couldn’t possibly lose to anyone short of a master or an elder! I confidently prepared to clash with Yong Junil’s sword path, but at that moment, something strange happened.

Puh-erk!

“Guh!”

I staggered backward. Beside me, Mangnyang shouted in surprise.

“Baek Woong!”

My side was cut. Though the blood surged late, I even felt grateful for that.

‘Huff… Huff…’

I was completely caught off guard.

Under ordinary circumstances, a single stroke wouldn’t just be a mere cut, but I could have easily lost a chunk of my side, erasing a tenth of my upper body. That was because just before, unexpectedly, the Invincible Sword had struck and sent me reeling. It had come flying in, completely deceiving my senses, showcasing Yong Junil’s incredible mastery of the technique.

I was going to die like this!

I unleashed my Fire Element and summoned the power of the Seven Luminaries. At the same time, I activated the strength of the National Seal to enhance my body’s regeneration ability. As a tremendous power radiated from me, Yong Junil grasped his sword overhead and executed a swift cut.

KABOOM!!

A thunderous blast erupted, but I couldn’t see Yong Junil being pushed back. Up until now, the peak masters who had faced my powerful strikes had all suppressed my force with their own, yet he stood firm and matched my blade directly. Still, it seemed tough for him, as he slightly staggered.

‘What was that just now…’

I felt a sense of suspicion.

For just a moment, a brilliance shimmered around Yong Junil’s sword before it completely vanished from my sight! When that intangible blade reappeared, it was holding steady against my powerful stance. I sensed Yong Junil murmuring in the moment of mental command.

[My sword form is incomplete.]

Before I even pondered its meaning, I lost myself in a frenzy, unleashing the Seven Great Techniques and the Thunder God Sword Dance upon Yong Junil. Each of my strikes, powered by the hidden might of the National Seal and Seven Luminaries, was impossible for even the Dharma Guardian to face head-on, forcing Yong Junil to evade instead of parry, just as he had moments before.

The momentum continued! No matter how illustrious Yong Junil’s swordsmanship was, the Heavenly Contraction Sword of the Seven Great Techniques was just as formidable, and my power surged like an erupting volcano—so naturally, it was expected.

‘I will win!’

Just as I spotted an opening in Yong Junil and prepared to cut him down, I suddenly stopped mid-swing. I had the chance to sever his life, yet I hesitated because he [did not evade].

I stared blankly into Yong Junil’s eyes. To my surprise, he looked at me with very clear eyes, not harboring a shred of killing intent. Then he spoke.

“Will you not cut me?”

I sheathed my Fire Element and replied.

“Ten seconds.”

Indeed!

Yong Junil had ceased all action, believing the fight over since the ten-count had ended! As a peak sword hero, I understood that intention, thus I halted my sword as well. In this situation, it did not sit right to strike his neck.

Yong Junil said,

“The words of the Dragon Incarnate were true. The sword cut on your neck has already healed completely… As a human, I sincerely apologize for daring to doubt and attack a divine being.”

Having said this, Yong Junil suddenly raised his sword as if to strike his own right arm. I was taken aback and rushed in to stop his self-harm.

Clang!

“What are you doing?”

“Will you not accept my apology?”

“That’s…!”

I wanted to say something, but my words caught in my throat. Yong Junil’s unexpected appearance, challenging me to a duel and then attempting to sever his own arm in apology, was utterly out of the blue, causing my thoughts to freeze. Then, Mangnyang, watching from the side, explained.

“The Dragon Incarnate could find no reason to be your enemy. Thus, he merely stopped this unnecessary self-pity.”

“Ha! Is that so…”

Yong Junil chuckled heartily. At that moment, the elderly Elder Deung Gwak rushed out from the depths of the mansion and yelled.

“What’s going on?!”

Glancing at Elder Deung Gwak, Yong Junil replied.

“It’s been a while, Elder Deung.”

“Hmm! Yong Junil…”

It seemed they were familiar with each other. Elder Deung Gwak looked at us, bewildered, and said,

“First, let’s stop the quarrel and go inside. We will talk inside.”

We followed Elder Deung Gwak into his mansion. True to his status as a respected high official, he possessed an enormous estate, comparable to that of Eom Sung, and it was evident that he was one of the wealthiest men even in Luoyang. Furthermore, inside were lavish decorations of white jade, silver, gold, and more, appearing to be quite valuable.

As Mangnyang observed the reception room, he spoke sarcastically.

“Elder Deung, if I recall correctly, you strive to aid the weak, the commoners, and the honest scholars, yet it seems you’re not living simply yourself.”

Elder Deung Gwak responded nonchalantly,

“Just because one identifies with a party that helps the weak doesn’t mean they must be poor. I swear this wealth is legitimate, passed down from my ancestors since the Three Kingdoms Period, and I haven’t acquired a single piece unlawfully.”

“Is that so?”

“Ah, as expected from the talented Zhuge clan member, you’re quite perceptive, Zhuge Xian… or should I say Master Mangnyang?”

As Elder Deung Gwak said this subtly, Mangnyang replied,

“It’s astonishing that you know me, a mere scholar.”

“Is it surprising? I’ve heard rumors of Master Mangnyang’s incredible prophetic abilities and foresight, which have greatly aided many high officials.”

Elder Deung Gwak smiled.

“I think all of that is merely a byproduct of wisdom.”

“Ha-ha, please feel free to call me Mangnyang from now on.”

“I shall do so.”

Mangnyang merely laughed it off, but I felt a sense of astonishment within. Until now, Mangnyang had always pricked at others’ weaknesses through keen insight, yet Elder Deung Gwak had deftly turned Mangnyang’s words back upon him.

‘He really is a seasoned politician.’

Elder Deung Gwak suddenly turned to Yong Junil.

“Yong Junil. It’s surprising that you, who has always been in Mount Huang, would come this far. Do tell me, has the White Lotus Sect’s business brought you here?”

I was internally astonished by his words. This indicated that Elder Deung Gwak was also aware that Yong Junil was the leader of the Huashan Sect and the successor of the Wind Spirit Sect. While he didn’t mention the Wind Spirit Sect directly, such a level of acknowledgment showed mutual awareness. In response, Yong Junil folded his arms and replied,

“It’s said that the Dragon Incarnate has upheaved Luoyang. Not to mention, I’ve heard that my father suffered a crushing defeat at his hands, which left me no choice but to verify his strength.”

It seemed that the incident with the Fire Dragon Incarnate casually sweeping away the Yongbi-cheon was indeed the reason. Upon hearing this, Elder Deung Gwak squinted and said,

“From my perspective, that cannot be the sole reason…”

“……”

“Did you come here for revenge?”

“That’s not it.”

Yong Junil answered definitively, glancing out the window as if disengaging the conversation. He seemed reluctant to chat.

“Either way, it’s good. It looks like we nearly had an accident while warriors clashed in martial arts.”

Elder Deung Gwak bowed his head to me.

“I apologize to the Dragon Incarnate for any offense caused by my curiosity and eagerness to understand martial arts.”

As Elder Deung Gwak addressed me formally, it felt awkward, but after receiving a subtle prompting from Mangnyang, I nodded and replied,

“It’s no trouble at all.”

“So, what brings you all to visit the ancestral home?”

This is what mattered. Instead of me, Mangnyang leaned forward and began to speak.

“Elder Deung, excuse me, but we are deeply interested in how Confucianism and the Dragon Incarnate will further shape the order of the Imperial Palace and the Great Ming Empire. We came to hear the perspectives and insights on this matter directly from one involved.”

“I see…”

Elder Deung Gwak, in the midst of contemplation, responded casually.

“I had discussions with Han Baek-ryeong until yesterday. Tomorrow, there will be a ceremony for the Emperor’s enthronement, marking the start of the construction of the new Imperial Palace. To achieve this, I’ve already sent out official letters to bring in skilled carpenters to the Imperial Capital. The foundation work for the palace should be completed in two years, restoring its former grandeur.”

“That’s not the kind of superficial conversation I’m looking for.”

“Then what is it?”

“I’m asking how you, leading Confucianism and its scholars, will guide this nation as it becomes the actual powerhouse of the new regime.”

Elder Deung Gwak fell silent in response to Mangnyang’s question. He rested his chin on his hand and spoke.

“It seems the Dragon Incarnate and his subordinate have a deep interest in the mundane matters of humanity.”

His sarcasm didn’t sway Mangnyang.

“You must speak earnestly. How the power structure surrounding the Great Ming Empire flows depends entirely on us.”

“Just like a Zhuge, smart as a whip. Understood.”

After a deep sigh, Elder Deung Gwak clasped his hands and continued,

“Our scholarly community is a force that fights against the gods with the assistance of the divine. This will probably remain the case moving forward. We’ll make every effort to ensure that evil influences do not infiltrate the Imperial Palace again like last time.”

Fight against the gods with the assistance of the divine?

Both I and Mangnyang had shocked expressions at the unexpected statement. Mangnyang asked,

“What do you mean by that? Isn’t Confucianism a group of scholars studying Confucianism, striving for clear principles in the mundane world? Why is ‘the Divine’ mention by the head of such a group?”

“Huh. To those who know nothing beyond the surface, I would’ve given that answer as well. However, the Dragon Incarnate stands before me; someone who has recently wrestled with powers beyond humanity and fought against otherworldly monsters. It would be an act of folly to ignore this reality while discussing the teachings of Confucius. After all, aren’t you residents with one foot dipped in this concealed world?”

“Hmm.”

“There’s a thing many Confucians overlook: the fundamental of Confucianism is to seek truth from facts. An ontology that excludes the real world is, in fact, our taboo.”

Elder Deung Gwak spoke with a wry smile.

“Well, as I mentioned earlier, our scholarly community is a secret society fighting the otherworldly beings oppressing humanity since the Silver Age. Our group has expanded massively since the days of Confucius, striving to lead the ideologies of Ancient China to righteousness (正道). That is us; the scholarly community.”

“…….!!”

Mangnyang contemplated deeply before speaking.

“Please explain in more detail.”

“Of course. Among our founding figures, the most famous is Confucius. He traveled across various states during the Warring States Period, imparting teachings and taking in disciples, but all that was a part of the scholarly community’s activities. Since before his time, we have opposed human sacrifice and evil arts. Even afterwards, we held discussions with the various philosophical schools such as Legalism and Mohism, occasionally compromising, and built a secular world beyond religion. This has persisted for thousands of years.”

I interrupted his speech, curious to ask,

“Why have intellectuals in Ancient China sought to escape from religion for thousands of years?”

“Because of the evil divine beings known as the [Old Rulers].”

Elder Deung Gwak spoke to me with a calm gaze.

“It is too easy for this world to fall into evil, and human nature also tends toward evil, making it easy to seek power from evil gods. This is why we had to create what we call ‘reality’ for humankind, consistently perceiving religion as mere stray and foolish superstition.”

“Reality?”

“As soon as one begins to rely on divine beings, humanity’s essence shifts to a passive state indefinitely. If they can freely believe and revere religions, it would only be a matter of time before an evil empire obsessed with human sacrifices is born. This is what our scholarly community has endeavored to prevent.”

That sounds quite convincing.

‘Certainly, when considering something like an Offering Ceremony, it rings true.’

Despite the scholarly community’s rigorous efforts to curb the tyranny of rulers, Qin Shi Huang had ultimately performed the Offering Ceremony, leveraging the powers of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. It was quite natural for power holders to seek the power of the divine.

Mangnyang thought for a moment before speaking.

“There’s one thing that doesn’t add up.”

“What is it?”

“With what power could you contest the otherworldly beings and the [Old Rulers]?”

“……”

“Those entities possess such formidable power that facing them with merely human strength is impractical. Simply building a secular system based on Confucianism would make it impossible to oppose them. For the scholarly community to have functioned for thousands of years, what source of power have you relied on?”

Mangnyang was correct. Just the strength of a single high-level otherworldly being would appear like a god to an ordinary human. No matter how philosophically right the scholars were, if they tried to oppose with brute force, they would be crushed. Even peak masters who have trained years in martial arts could fall to otherworldly beings.

“As I mentioned earlier, it is the power of the gods.”

Elder Deung Gwak spoke gravely.

“No… I should say our scholarly community’s very formation was the will of that divine being. It creates a paradox. Our scholarly community, which outright rejects religion, gods, and even the divine statuses of Taoists or Buddhists, originates from that divine will…”

“What god are you referring to?”

“Rather than a god… We call that being the [Great Will].”

Elder Deung Gwak spoke.

“Since ancient times, there exists a divine being that has implanted the will [to benefit humanity widely] into the subconscious of mankind, spreading its blessings to those with strong will and abilities. The concept of correct naming, which we follow as our banner, was also hinted at by this entity, embodying the teachings of Confucius.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

“Master Mangnyang, do you know the phrase, ‘When the North Star is properly positioned, all other stars take their positions to support it’ (爲政以德、譬如北辰居其所而衆星共之)?”

Mangnyang nodded.

“It’s a famous quote of Confucius. It means a ruler should exercise proper discretion from his position while the vassals support him.”

“That is not all it means.”

“Huh?”

“That phrase inherently possesses spiritual power.”

Elder Deung Gwak’s shocking words echoed.

“The theories and teachings of Confucianism circulating in society are merely a secular system discussing the world. The divine being I just mentioned has infused his power into it, becoming a sort of ‘strength.’ This ‘strength’ operates through words and thoughts, enhancing the natural qualities inherent in humans. It becomes the power to subdue evil and is the righteous naming that defies evil calls!”

“……!!”

“Because of this, even a distinguished scholar of Confucianism, who knows no martial arts or techniques, can shake off evil spirits or monsters with sheer will. It’s a power comparable to those who have trained in Taoism or Buddhism.”

“Is that so…”

“Thus, with the assistance of this benevolent divine status, we have protected humanity for thousands of years.”

At that moment, Mangnyang’s expression became heavy as lead.

And he sent me a secret transmission.

[Baek Woong, did you perceive it?]

[Somewhat…]

I understood what Mangnyang was inferring.

Because upon hearing Elder Deung Gwak’s words, a very similar power came to mind.

‘The Blessing of the Great Creation!’

The power granted to humanity by Master Mangnyang!

A colossal strength that defies fate and resists otherworldly beings must indeed come from Master Mangnyang himself.