Reincarnation Sword God

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00479 Dark Heaven Village ————————————————————————=

Deung Gwak then discussed with Yu Lin and the Fire Spirit Sect how they would share the Imperial Palace. He was already secretly purging or absorbing the officials of the Emperor’s faction, while the Fire Spirit Sect planned to stabilize the martial arts world in Luoyang and actively expand their influence. He mentioned that within ten days, the new emperor, Jeonghu, would be proclaimed.

Mangnyang, who had been silently listening, spoke up.

“Isn’t it contradictory to say that the Confucianists shouldn’t discuss monsters and supernatural powers as per the ideology mentioned earlier?”

“Not at all. The reason the Confucianist said not to discuss monsters and supernatural powers is precisely because such beings do exist.”

“What do you mean?”

Deung Gwak explained cautiously.

“You should know this, but beings belonging to [darkness] can easily approach those who get lost in vague delusions of self. If we casually talk about monsters and supernatural powers, the shell of reality can easily crack, calling forth [darkness] to humans. It can even summon calamity when the [ancient rulers] call for one.”

“I see.”

“That is why it is forbidden. It’s not that there are no monsters or supernatural powers; they exist and are dangerous, so we mustn’t give them any excuses. If we don’t give them any excuses, surprisingly, the otherworldly races can be quite peaceful.”

Mangnyang glanced at me. He understood Deung Gwak’s words very well through my experiences.

In a past life, when I suppressed the Imperial Palace and fought Zhuge Bu, I felt the ominous [call] of a malevolent spirit inviting me into an infinite darkness from the constellation. It was such a terrifying [call] that I chose to harm myself and commit suicide to refuse it. Perhaps the reason the Confucianists forbade discussions of monsters and supernatural powers was to prevent such [calls].

“There might be research results or relics left by an alchemist at some location in the Imperial Palace. If an ordinary person were to come into contact with them, it could lead to a great disaster, so we must retrieve them.”

“Indeed. I will be sure to mention it.”

“Although the buildings of the Imperial Palace have melted, there may still be something hidden in the basement.”

After murmuring that, Mangnyang then asked Deung Gwak, “What would you have done if the priest had not gone missing and the darkness of the Imperial Palace continued to exert its power?”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“I’m asking whether the Confucianists would have remained silent about their misdeeds.”

Deung Gwak sighed at Mangnyang’s question.

“Hmm… Perhaps they would have.”

“Why?”

“Is it bad taste to ask what I already know? The power of the Confucianists is weak enough that we cannot drive out the evil races without relying on the power of the White Lotus Sect. Even if we can handle the power of the righteous to put up minimal resistance against the otherworldly races, it is merely for self-defense. The righteous can suppress the names of the otherworldly races, but it has little effect on powerful otherworldly beings or humans who collude with them.”

“Hmm…”

“We are essentially secular scholars. We would have to carefully observe until the situation became untenable and then escape from the capital Luoyang to ensure our survival.”

He stroked his chin and continued speaking.

“Are you satisfied?”

“That was a thoughtless question, my apologies.”

“Not at all. It was a perfectly reasonable question.”

I understood why Mangnyang asked the previous question. Throughout my past lives, I had overturned the forces of the Imperial Palace many times, but the Confucianists had risen to prominence far more than twenty times. He asked this question to understand why they had only recently come into the spotlight.

‘Perhaps… the likes of Deung Gwak or key figures within the Confucianists sensed a grand disaster approaching and fled before it happened.’

The Confucianists were not exorcists, monks, or immortals; they had their limitations. The Confucianists led by Deung Gwak were powerful in the secular world but were a small force in the hidden world. They couldn’t directly utilize supernatural techniques or martial arts to counter their foes; they had no choice but to move human forces instead.

“By the way, how do you know Yong Junil?”

In response to Mangnyang’s question, Deung Gwak replied,

“The leader of the Huashan Sect visited me once long ago. I became acquainted with him then and thus have known him ever since.”

“What was that about?”

“Don’t pry too much.”

As Deung Gwak frowned, Yong Junil, who was standing beside him, spoke slowly.

“In the past, I lacked funds to establish and run the Huashan Sect, so I came to ask the elder for a loan.”

“Hey, why are you bringing that up now?”

“Elder, I’d prefer not to arouse undue suspicion from them.”

Deung Gwak seemed a bit flustered, but Yong Junil nonchalantly continued speaking.

“Also, I have repaid that loan not long ago, so our debtor relationship is settled. However, the debt of gratitude remains unresolved, so today is a visit in goodwill.”

“I see.”

His response was as smooth as if he had been preparing for it. It seems Yong Junil was indeed an astute individual.

Deung Gwak coughed slightly, as if feeling somewhat awkward.

“Hmm! Do you have anything more to say?”

Mangnyang remarked,

“I would like to meet the new emperor. Could you write me a letter of introduction?”

“Of course, I must do that. I was just about to suggest it.”

“And also discuss the future…”

“Heh heh.”

Deung Gwak smiled.

“During the time I was overlooked by the emperor, I will reinstate the talented officials and military officers who were sidelined.”

Eventually, we concluded our discussions with Deung Gwak and headed towards Yong Junil’s residence with the letter of introduction in hand. Just before we reached the carriage, I glanced back at Yong Junil, who stood outside as if to see us off, and I spoke curtly,

“Are you planning to follow us?”

“Wherever I go is my own choice.”

“Don’t follow us.”

Yong Junil did not respond.

Clop clop

As the carriage set off and began moving along the official road, Mangnyang spoke to me telepathically.

[That person will follow us.]

[That figure seems likely.]

For some reason, there seemed to be a great interest from Yong Junil towards me beyond the matter of him being involved with my father, and since I felt uneasy about the possibility of him deducing our movements in Luoyang, Mangnyang suggested to me.

[Since our meeting with Jeonghu was detected from Deung Gwak’s residence, let’s continue as planned for now. After meeting with Jeonghu, we can leave Luoyang immediately.]

[That sounds good.]

[Let’s talk about Yong Junil later.]

As we continued on the road, Mangnyang suddenly spoke to me.

“Baek Woong. Look outside. Isn’t it very spacious?”

“Indeed.”

Clop clop

“Riding this luxurious carriage along the official road and enjoying the scenery of Luoyang is an experience that ordinary people seldom get to have. Moreover, the gaze from outside satisfies one’s desire for honor.”

I looked at the scenery outside. Indeed, there were large buildings erected here and there, and there were many people, with commoners and peasants marveling at our carriage and casting looks of awe. It was no wonder, as this carriage given by Deung Gwak was a massive luxurious vehicle that only the highest-ranking officials could use. It wasn’t just pulled by one or two horses; there were other escorting carriages in the front and back as well.

“……”

But I wasn’t particularly drawn to it. While it’s true that having an unknown multitude looking at me with envy was quite pleasurable, I felt strangely unsatisfied with this lifestyle. Living a life honored and affluent by everyone didn’t seem particularly appealing.

‘Why is that?’

Although it directly related to the honor-seeking and desire to be favored that I had recently contemplated, I found it unappealing, which left me feeling bewildered. As I pondered this, Mangnyang chuckled to himself and said,

“You’re really an enigma. Just when I think I understand you, there’s another side to you…”

“Am I such a strange person?”

“Well, you’re certainly not ordinary. You’ve always had quite a strong obsession, don’t you think?”

Mangnyang supported his chin and continued gazing out at the scenery as he spoke.

“However, you cannot use that to define normality or abnormality. It is merely one gauge to judge your character and desires. Understanding what kind of person you really are is solely your own responsibility. The most important thing is whether you, Baek Woong, are satisfied with your current self.”

“Indeed…”

I felt a sense of realization from Mangnyang’s words. As he pointed out, I was denying my strong desire for self-promotion and was confused at the moment. But that aspect is also myself, so there’s no need to judge recklessly.

Our carriage soon arrived at Jeonghu’s residence. As soon as we reached, he came out to greet us at the front garden, and being from a royal family, his dwelling was extraordinarily lavish.

“Zhuge Xian! Long time no see!”

Upon seeing Mangnyang, Jeonghu greeted him warmly. Mangnyang smiled wryly.

“Your Majesty, I am now referred to as Mangnyang. And this is…”

“I’ve heard from Deung Gwak. They call you the Incarnation of the Dragon.”

“Correct.”

Jeonghu squinted his eyes slightly and looked at me before turning to Mangnyang and laughing heartily.

“Haha! Whatever you are, you are a precious friend to me. And your friend is a friend of mine.”

Jeonghu beamed.

“In the palace, when I was struggling, you often lent me your wisdom and advice, allowing me to survive until now. To me, you are like a benefactor, and I’ve always wanted to invite you into the palace.”

“Now that is flattery.”

“However, you’ve refused all official positions and have only been in Jinrang Valley lately. I’ve even prepared a fourth rank position for you at my recommendation…”

Jeonghu’s expression darkened. Mangnyang merely smiled bitterly, but I felt I understood his feelings.

‘If one were to hold an official position in the Imperial Palace at the emperor’s recommendation, it would inevitably attract the eyes of the astrologer and the powers of the Imperial Palace, and he wouldn’t want to walk a thorny path…’

From Mangnyang’s perspective, it must have been easier to live leisurely in Jinrang Valley.

“Anyway, come in. Let’s talk about what we haven’t been able to discuss.”

“Yes.”

We followed Jeonghu into the inner reception room. As expected, the opulent interior was comparable to Deung Gwak’s residence. After engaging in casual conversation with Mangnyang for about a meal’s time, Jeonghu finally got to the main point.

“You’ve probably already heard from Deung Gwak, but I will soon ascend to the position of the Great Ming Emperor.”

“Congratulations.”

“However, if I remain like this, I will again become a puppet manipulated by Deung Gwak. His faction played a major role in toppling the former emperor, and both the Duke of Guanzhong and the Golden Eagle Guards are utterly wiped out. I have no power whatsoever.”

Jeonghu suddenly grasped Mangnyang’s hand tightly.

“Mangnyang! I beg you. Please assist me. I need you to become a proper emperor.”

“……”

There was some truth to Jeonghu’s words. Deung Gwak, as the leader of the Confucianists, was quite open about his desires. Regardless of his pursuit of justice, the likelihood of his faction controlling the politics and making the emperor a puppet was undoubtedly high.

Mangnyang hesitated and replied,

“Even if you say so, I’m just an ordinary scholar; how can I confront a high official like Deung Gwak?”

“If you wish, I can grant you authority equivalent to that of the Prime Minister.”

“What?”

“I’m saying I will give you the title of Prime Minister. Not just a nominal title, but with full and genuine authority delegated to you.”

Both Mangnyang and my expressions froze.

Prime Minister.

That referred to the chancellor, and under the current political system, where the emperor has direct control and has strong loyal forces in the Duke of Guanzhong and the Golden Eagle Guards, it was nearly a nominal position. However, for Jeonghu to offer the Prime Minister’s position to Mangnyang meant granting him responsibility that would outweigh all high officials in China’s political scene. If that were true, it meant Mangnyang would assume political power at a surprisingly young age, in his thirties at most.

“Your Majesty, that…”

“It’s not an outrageous claim. Deung Gwak has already come to negotiate on making me emperor, and during the next negotiations, he agreed to do whatever I asked. He cannot reject my requests. If he abandons me and puts another royal family member on the throne, it will surely trigger rebellions in various places.”

“Hmm.”

“Everyone knows the royal family is incredibly inept to the point where they can’t even exploit me. If one of them enters the capital, it will surely create a chaotic era of blood for blood.”

Jeonghu spoke earnestly.

‘He has good insight.’

I thought to myself that he was quite a clever individual. Typically, when one becomes emperor, they might be consumed by the joy, but this man had a solid grasp on his current position and survival strategy. He was undoubtedly suited to be an emperor.

After a moment of contemplation, Mangnyang spoke.

“Your Majesty, I apologize, but I have greater matters to attend to and cannot assist you. Instead, I can recommend someone with skills comparable to mine. From now on, please deliberate on important matters with that individual.”

“What… what do you mean? Greater matters?”

Jeonghu was astonished.

“I’m saying that I, who will surely become the next emperor, will offer you the position of chancellor of the Great Ming Empire! How can there be a greater matter than that?”

Though his words may seem arrogant, it indeed was a remarkable opportunity. For an ordinary person, just serving as a lowly official in the Imperial Palace would be difficult, yet a chancellorship guaranteed by the next emperor was an immense authority. For ambitious individuals, it was something they could never refuse! Thus, it was only natural to view Mangnyang strangely for refusing such an offer outright.

“It’s about saving the world.”

“Saving the world?”

“Your Majesty, you must be aware of the bizarre entities lurking within the Imperial Palace. I once hid in Jinrang Valley out of fear of those beings to nurture strength. And this time, I’ve gained the power of the Dragon to eliminate the evil entities.”

“……”

“However, those entities are not completely eradicated. They can return at any time, and when they do, they will reappear as even more powerful demons, corrupting the masses. The Incarnation of the Dragon and I must fight against them.”

Jeonghu thought for a long while before replying.

“… I understand. My perspective was limited.”

“I’m relieved to hear you say that.”

“Then who is that individual?”

“Sima Jing.”

“Sima Jing?”

Mangnyang answered confidently.

“He’s a talented descendant of the Sima clan, significantly intelligent, but he lost his position during the previous emperor’s purges and fell into a minor role in Guanzhong. His political and administrative skills are either comparable or superior to mine, so please employ him.”

Jeonghu nodded.

“Since you are vouching for Mangnyang, he must surely be a reliable candidate. I will appoint him.”

“Thank you.”

I along with Mangnyang soon exited Jeonghu’s home. As I assessed whether Yong Junil was still following us, we found a secluded spot and used the Golden Lamp technique to return to Jangryeong Valley.

Paat!

I asked Mangnyang,

“Who is Sima Jing? I’ve never heard of him before.”

“He’s a direct descendant of the Sima family, which has been around since the Three Kingdoms period. He possesses exceptional intelligence and helped me greatly during my studies. He’s an outstanding individual who will assist the new emperor well. His intellect might even match Zhuge Bu.”

“You seem to know many exceptional people.”

“Luoyang is a city of a thousand years of history, so it’s a place where great talents naturally gather. Sima Jing is also skilled in Qimen Dunjia, so I think we’ll forge a good connection moving forward.”

After casually answering, Mangnyang suddenly stopped and asked me,

“Baek Woong. How did the confrontation with Yong Junil go earlier?”

I understood why Mangnyang was asking. So I responded heavily,

“It seemed like Yong Junil was beyond the peak of experts.”

“I see…”

That was my impression. My current strength had risen to a level where I could look down upon most average peak masters, but my inability to smoothly operate the Mind Control Technique left some vulnerabilities in my basic skills. It was almost expected that I would have been hit once during the duel with Yong Junil or the Master of Shadowless Sword. Until the Three Treasure Technique matured, incidents like this were likely to occur frequently.

Besides my lack of strength, Yong Junil’s abilities were remarkably high. Without the Seven Luminaries or the National Seal, it wouldn’t be strange if I were to be utterly defeated by Yong Junil instead of pushing him away. That was not an element of swordsmanship that could be discussed among peak masters.

“Would you say Yong Junil is at the entrance of the absolute realm?”

“……”

I deeply contemplated Mangnyang’s question and replied,

“I’m not at a level to make that judgment yet.”

It was a cowardly answer, but it was the truth. How could one recklessly declare anything about the entrance to the absolute realm without even reaching the realm herself? If the Sword Demon, who might have become stronger than me by now, were considered, perhaps he could measure that level, but speculating on Yong Junil’s level without even mastering the Seven Great Techniques would be nonsensical.

This wasn’t a situation to flaunt bravado or pride. For martial artists, accurately assessing an opponent’s strength was literally a matter of life and death. Thus, I had to candidly speak with Mangnyang despite the potential for shame.

“What’s certain is that Yong Junil can be considered the strongest among the leaders of the Nine Great Sects.”

I elaborated on Mangnyang’s words.

“Moreover, he might even be the top expert of the Wind Spirit Sect.”

“Is that so?”

I spoke cautiously.

“If Yong Junil lacked the Heavenly Spirit Pill, he might not be able to match me.”

Because I had clashed with Yongbi-cheon several times, I knew his techniques to a certain degree. It was clear that Yongbi-cheon was among the upper echelon of peak masters, but the fighting style I had just experienced with Yong Junil felt on a different level. It was more like we fought on equal terms than me gaining the upper hand with the Heavenly Contraction Sword.

Mangnyang crossed his arms.

“That’s strange. Wasn’t Yong Junil’s master his father, Yongbi-cheon? Yet Yong Junil’s focus is on swordsmanship, not aerial techniques like Yongbi-cheon. No matter how talented he is, it doesn’t make sense to abandon the teachings of his martial arts lineage to develop a new sword style that touches upon the absolute realm.”

“About that… I’m not sure either. But his swordsmanship was incredibly free and powerful. I think it can even be placed alongside the Gongsun Sword Technique or the Heavenly Contraction Sword.”

“Could it be attributed to the Huashan Sect’s techniques?”

“……”

I shook my head after some thought.

“That doesn’t seem right. I’ve collided with the elders of the Huashan Sect, and their sword techniques were entirely different. It doesn’t seem like the techniques of the Wind Spirit Sect either.”

My confidence in making that assertion stemmed from the fact that I was familiar with both the Huashan Sect and Wind Spirit Sect techniques. However, the swordsmanship I encountered from Yong Junil did not belong to either category.

“Baek Woong. We’ve obtained some very valuable information. Up until now, it has been impossible to accurately gauge Yong Junil’s martial arts realm due to his extreme caution during your past lives. We’ve now directly faced someone who stood by and watched even as the combat forces of the Wind Spirit Sect were swept away.”

An excited Mangnyang stated.

“Remember the exchange from just now well, and discuss it with the Sword Demon. If we can unveil the origins of his sword techniques, we might yield unexpectedly positive results.”

“Understood.”

I recalled a singular term in my mind.

‘Sword Form.’

Yong Junil had mentioned that term during the Heart Command Technique moment. Although it was a word often used in swordsmanship families, somehow it felt like it contained the essence of Yong Junil’s renowned swordsmanship.

We went to Zhuge Sa. The character Sibi was meticulously tending to him, and Zhuge Sa’s complexion had improved significantly. I felt Zhuge Sa’s pulse and could tell that he had entered the recovery phase and would likely regain consciousness within a few days.

Mangnyang suggested,

“Let’s stay in Jangryeong Valley until Zhuge Sa awakens.”

“Very well.”

I saw this as an opportunity and decided to receive instruction on techniques from Mangnyang. Mangnyang pointed out several mistakes in the Tai Ping magic techniques I practiced, and I spent my time day and night cultivating the Soul Exchange Technique and Tai Ping.

About three days passed? Zhuge Sa finally opened his eyes.

“Have I been asleep for such a long time?”

“Not for that long, uncle.”

We recounted to Zhuge Sa the events that had transpired. He jokingly remarked,

“Instead of making a fuss to summon the Five Great Physicians, why didn’t you just let me die and have my soul transferred to the divine portrait through the Soul Exchange Technique?”

“I opposed that.”

Mangnyang responded gravely.

“It would have been a grave matter if your actual body died. Even if the divine portrait resembles a human, it’s merely an artificial life form, so it’d be vulnerable to a spiritual attack. Furthermore, the moment you transfer to the divine portrait, the magical power obtained from the Demon Book might also dissipate.”

“Right, that makes sense.”

Zhuge Sa turned his head and spoke in a voice almost like a mosquito.

“That was my mistake.”

Why did he apologize in such a small voice?

I tilted my head in confusion, but soon Zhuge Sa regained his complexion and said,

“So, Baek Woong, you were beaten by Yong Junil?”

“Ugh.”

Suddenly being jabbed in a sore spot made my voice falter. Zhuge Sa chuckled.

“You’ve still got a long way to go.”

“I didn’t expect that guy to be so strong.”

“Indeed. How fortunate! If you had targeted Yong Junil to defeat him during your past life experiences, it would have been immensely difficult.”

“……”

“Sometimes, being a bit careless can have its advantages.”

Thinking back, I remembered that I had once acted out of anger against Yong Junil due to the actions of the Huashan Sect. If I had set my sights on defeating Yong Junil back then, it would have been exceedingly difficult, considering that I had lived more than twenty past lives.

“Anyway, right now, Yong Junil isn’t the priority. It’s about time to abandon interest in Luoyang and prepare for Dark Heaven Village.”

“How so?”

“We should allocate about five years to train and enhance our abilities. And you should practice the Twin Sword Technique while restoring the Fire Dragon Sword fully with the power of the Fire Spirit. Once we are equipped with such strength, we shall attempt to enter Dark Heaven Village through the Dream Stairs.”

“Why five years? We could train a bit longer…”

“Hey. How could we predict how many years we’d wander trying to find the moon in Dark Heaven Village? Five years is just a maximum estimate, and once the Fire Dragon Sword is fully revived, we can challenge whenever we are ready. Just remember that the ten years Jeon Wook mentioned is shorter than you think.”

Zhuge Sa, who replied gruffly, turned to Mangnyang and spoke.

“Hyun Ah, five years should be sufficient, right?”

Mangnyang nodded his head. Then he said,

“I think that should be enough.”

“Good. Then let’s train.”

I asked Zhuge Sa,

“Zhuge Sa, are you feeling alright now? Any side effects from the Demon Book…”

“Don’t worry. As long as I don’t dig any deeper into it, I shouldn’t worsen.”

Zhuge Sa seemed reluctant to elaborate on his condition.

Thus, while staying in Jangryeong Valley with Mangnyang and Zhuge Sa, I became aware that the time had come.

‘Today is the fifteenth day since the appointment.’

I had been outside a few days ago, using the excuse of training in the mountains. As it had gotten suitably late, I used the Golden Lamp technique to head towards Luoyang.

Paat

I arrived at the Han Clan’s reception room. It was nighttime, and there was not a single light, the surroundings suffused with darkness. However, with the senses of an expert, I had grasped the positions of the surrounding objects, so I proceeded slowly forward.

Hwalak

Suddenly, candles were lit on both sides, illuminating the reception room. And now, on the opposite side of the room, Han Baek-ryeong lay back, her smoking pipe hanging limply.

“You’ve kept your promise, Incarnation of the Dragon.”

Indeed. I had promised to meet Han Baek-ryeong, the Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Sect, on the fifteenth day without mentioning it to anyone. It might have been wise to discuss this with Mangnyang or Zhuge Sa, but for some reason, since Han Baek-ryeong had been mentioning ‘trust,’ I had decided to apologize to them later and come alone. This was based on my confidence that even if she had laid a trap, I could escape using my own strength.

Han Baek-ryeong glanced at me and spoke,

“Do you have any idea what I wanted to discuss with the Incarnation of the Dragon?”

“I have no idea.”

“……”

She laid down her smoking pipe and stood up. Then she said,

“Incarnation of the Dragon, please defeat the Master of the White Lotus Sect. In return, I shall offer you everything from the Fire Spirit Sect.”