Reincarnation Sword God

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Next, the Zhuge Clan retrieved about 200 gold bars and piled them up, which would likely leave an ordinary human speechless. However, for me, wealth held little significance, so I felt no considerable excitement.

“This is future activity funding,” Zhuge Sa remarked.

“Did you take that from others?”

“There are plenty of rich and foolish folks in this world!”

Zhuge Sa responded nonchalantly and continued speaking.

“By the way, I also bought information about Changqie from that guy.”

“Hmm!”

That guy must refer to the slave trader of the otherworldly race.

‘If I have information about Changqie, I can proceed further.’

As I focused on Zhuge Sa’s words, he kept dropping hints without revealing much. Suddenly stopping, I questioned him, “What’s wrong?”

Zhuge Sa glanced at Cheon Woo-jin next to him and told me, “If we don’t clarify this, we can’t continue with our discussions.”

“Clarify what…?”

“That thing, that thing.”

I think I understand Zhuge Sa’s intention.

‘Obsidian!’

By showing me the Obsidian, he wants to share the secret of my rebirth and the knowledge I’ve obtained thus far, establishing a bond as companions. Sharing secrets means there’s a chance to keep Cheon Woo-jin on our side in the future.

But as I interpreted Zhuge Sa’s intent in my mind, his secret transmission reached me.

[I recommend not sharing the Obsidian. It’s your choice, but I’d prefer if you sent Cheon Woo-jin away.]

I was taken aback by the unexpected advice.

[What? Didn’t you say to use the magic of the Obsidian?]

[With Hyun here, that’s what I had to say. But Cheon Woo-jin already knows quite a bit about the world’s secrets, and the elements for him to be on your side seem weak. Moreover, he dislikes you quite a lot. If you accept him as is, betrayal is a certainty. No, he’s the type who can stab you in the back without even considering it.]

[……]

[The choice is yours.]

It’s a complicated decision.

Zhuge Sa seemed to put on a show for Mangnyang by outwardly hinting at a ritual to make him a companion with the Obsidian, but deep down, he strongly hesitates to accept Cheon Woo-jin as a companion. Of course, I’m sure his negative feelings towards Cheon Woo-jin play a role, but he perceives Cheon Woo-jin as someone overflowing with potential for betrayal.

Difficult.

This matter needed careful consideration. Out of all the suggestions from Zhuge Sa so far, those related to human trust have never been wrong. He maintains a rather cynical and critical viewpoint toward humans, enabling him to objectively regard human nature.

“……”

After thinking deeply, I spoke to Cheon Woo-jin. “Cheon Woo-jin, I’d like you to step out for a moment.”

“Huh… Do you want to discuss secrets then?”

“No…”

“I will step out.”

Cheon Woo-jin sneered and swiftly exited. I attempted to say something, but in that moment, Zhuge Sa cast a soundproof barrier around the space Cheon Woo-jin just left. It was such a quick action that when I looked at Zhuge Sa, he said, “That guy doesn’t think of us as companions either. Don’t feel guilty or try to justify yourself over this.”

“Hmm…”

Mangnyang appeared to realize the situation, speaking bitterly.

“Uncle, Cheon Woo-jin is not that kind of person. I believe he will aid us.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes.”

Zhuge Sa shook his head.

“You may see it that way, but I don’t. The genius who lived in a sterile state and has only ever relished his own brilliance wouldn’t visit us just out of concern for your sake. While Cheon Woo-jin may never betray Mangnyang, either I or Baek Woong can be easily betrayed.”

“But…”

“Hyun, do you not understand what it means for you to receive Baek Woong’s Obsidian?”

“I understand.”

“It’s no different from being a divine apostle. Alone, you will uncover the secrets of the world and the Seven Luminaries and possess the martial arts knowledge of Ji-seon Mangnyang, the techniques of Tai Ping, and over a hundred years’ worth of martial arts training experience and the Peerless Divine Technique. While not all of that can be transferred due to the capacity of the Obsidian, the fact that it holds so much is obvious.”

“……”

“There’s no telling what actions Cheon Woo-jin will take upon receiving those memories. Unless he has a special connection with Baek Woong, normally, he might misuse that knowledge to seize control over the world.”

Zhuge Sa’s words were so emphatic that Mangnyang seemed momentarily lost for words. Yet, with unyielding resolve, he spoke.

“I trust the Priest. We must also consider that this lifetime, he is different from before. Recklessly rejecting him would be a grave mistake, as it could lead to losing all our chances.”

Mangnyang’s argument had merit.

Bestowing the Obsidian would mean that even the conversations we had been having about Cheon Woo-jin would be recorded as they were. Of course, I could consciously choose to omit certain things, but there’s a high chance Cheon Woo-jin would catch on to that discomfort. If I lose trust in double measures, I might lose the opportunity to bring Cheon Woo-jin onto our side forever.

“Given that, what will you do, Baek Woong?”

Both advisors’ gaze shifted toward me. I hesitated before speaking to Mangnyang. “Mangnyang, it’s not about whether I can or can’t trust Cheon Woo-jin. The reason I asked Cheon Woo-jin to step out was not to exclude him, but because we needed time to organize our own thoughts. Until just now, we hadn’t come to any kind of consensus.”

Both Mangnyang and Zhuge Sa nodded as if finding sense in that.

“Indeed.”

“And isn’t it necessary for us three to discuss and decide on how to accept him? If I were to accept him unilaterally without such discussions, that wouldn’t be right either. After all, we are companions.”

Upon hearing my words, Mangnyang smiled with joy.

“To think you’ve reached that conclusion… You’ve truly turned into a different person than before.”

Zhuge Sa cleared his throat.

“Ahem. So what will you do?”

“Zhuge Sa, I see your point, but I cannot blindly trust Cheon Woo-jin. For now, I want to remove the soundproof barrier, call him back in, and discern his true intent. After I assess him, only then will I share the Obsidian.”

Zhuge Sa frowned.

“Isn’t that too dangerous? If someone like Cheon Woo-jin, a Grand Sorcerer, were to betray you, you might never be able to be reborn again. If it’s that guy, he could even deploy sealing magic endlessly.”

“Don’t worry.”

I replied firmly to Zhuge Sa’s concern.

“My trust in him will be replaced by trust in Mangnyang.”

Mangnyang insisted that we completely trust Cheon Woo-jin. If we trust Cheon Woo-jin, then it’s only natural for Mangnyang to bear the responsibility for that trust.

Even if I were to be betrayed this time, I wouldn’t hold it against him.

Because I wouldn’t blame Mangnyang even if he were to betray me.

That’s what it meant to bind trust.

Pa-at!

“Come here.”

After Zhuge Sa lifted the soundproof barrier, I called Cheon Woo-jin back. In our gathering of four, I spoke directly.

“Cheon Woo-jin. As you know, I hold a great secret. And now I want to share that secret with you.”

Upon hearing my words, Cheon Woo-jin scoffed.

“What do you want? Did someone ask you for this?”

“Don’t act tough. Mangnyang wants to trust you.”

Startled, Cheon Woo-jin reacted slightly at hearing Mangnyang’s name. Not letting that reaction slip away, I smoothly led the conversation.

“The reason I want to share this secret with you is that it is essential in order to protect Mangnyang going forward. By sharing secrets, we can safeguard Mangnyang. After all, you came here to protect Mangnyang, right? It’s a way to make your goal easier.”

“Ha! I wonder just how grand this secret is that you speak so solemnly.”

I grinned as I tossed the bait.

“It’s a truly great secret. One cannot defeat the Sea God without possessing a great secret.”

“……”

“I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

Cheon Woo-jin appeared deep in thought. Then, with a calmer gaze, he looked at Mangnyang and said, “Older Brother, is what this person is trying to reveal to me related to why you are acting on his behalf?”

Mangnyang nodded.

“Of course it is. It’s also a secret about the power that Baek Woong holds.”

“… I can’t make sense of it. If you don’t want to tell me, you can just kick me out, right? I don’t get why you’re being this insistent.”

As Cheon Woo-jin grumbled, Mangnyang replied, “Priest, I trust you.”

“……”

Silence lingered for a while. After some time, Cheon Woo-jin broke the quiet, saying, “If you’re going to reveal a secret, I have no reason to turn it down. Go ahead and enlighten me.”

“You can’t have that attitude.”

“What do you mean?”

I stared at him blankly.

“I need assurance. Even if you learn this secret by your own mouth, you must promise you won’t betray us or leak it.”

“What if I refuse to say it?”

“Then our relationship will end here. As I mentioned, I’ll pay you with the Flame Elemental Sword and you can head back to your village.”

I said this nonchalantly, which prompted Cheon Woo-jin to chuckle.

“Ha, you’re really coming on strong… Fine, I won’t leak it or betray you. Is that enough?”

“Take this Obsidian.”

Swoosh!

Cheon Woo-jin caught the Obsidian I tossed to him. In that instant, I swiftly cast the magic of the Obsidian.

Buzzing!

“……!!”

Cheon Woo-jin wore a shocked expression as memories flooded in. He gazed into the sky while attempting to sort through the overwhelming amounts of information for a while. And once his mind cleared, he looked at me, dazed.

“W-wait, a Reborn Person?!”

“Just as you witnessed. I am a Reborn Person, and Mangnyang and Zhuge Sa are assisting me.”

“That’s ridiculous. That can’t be…”

Cheon Woo-jin mumbled.

“… But then it makes sense why someone so young would possess such overwhelming power and treasures.”

Mangnyang spoke up, “Priest, what will you do now?”

“What do you mean?”

“Baek Woong has succeeded in taking down the ‘Old Ruler’ after roughly twenty deaths. Don’t you wonder how far we could go if we help him?”

At that moment, Cheon Woo-jin retorted, “As I said before, my view hasn’t changed. It’s close to a futile effort just like that damned Demon Sorcerer.”

That damned Demon Sorcerer? I glanced at Zhuge Sa, but he kept his expression unchanging. Cheon Woo-jin continued.

“Because the Sea God is a lower-tiered being among the [Old Ruler]s. He exists at the bottom of the hierarchy. There are many greater divine statuses than that guy. I’ve mentioned before that there may even be beings a hundred times stronger than him. That is the true horror and despair of this world.”

“Then let me ask you, Priest. You’ve seen the memories from Baek Woong’s first and second lives, right?”

“I have.”

Mangnyang shouted vigorously, “Who would have imagined that the ignorant Baek Woong would be able to take down the Sea God? Although he had great fortune on his side, there’s no one in this world who could catch the Sea God, even with luck! Even the esteemed Great Immortals wouldn’t dare try!”

Cheon Woo-jin appeared momentarily speechless at that question.

“Um… that is…”

“The potential for a Reborn Person to evolve is beyond what mere mortals like us can measure.”

After saying this, Mangnyang approached Cheon Woo-jin and grasped his hand.

“Priest! Please help us. It’s a request.”

“Older Brother.”

“I’ve been helping Baek Woong in his rebirth for quite a while now, but I’m slowly beginning to feel the limits of my power. Our enemies are growing ever more powerful. Keeping up with them while following Baek Woong is draining all my time and energy. My recent adventure, bearing the Divine Fever, was because I felt I would be helplessly killed if I couldn’t assist Baek Woong.”

“……!!”

“Having defeated the Sea God, the balance of the world will be immensely disrupted, leading to another kind of demon emerging. The enemies will continue to grow stronger beyond the comprehension of mankind. It’s possible that divine apostolic enemies may emerge everywhere. If you do not help us, Baek Woong might face sudden death before finding Changqie.”

Cheon Woo-jin remained stunned, then rubbed his forehead.

“C-can I have a moment to think?”

As Mangnyang let go of Cheon Woo-jin’s hand, he fell into deep contemplation, appearing to genuinely agonize over the situation before finally speaking.

“Are you really confident in being able to prevent the return of Le Lue during the apocalypse?”

“I can’t say I’m confident. If I did, that would be a lie.”

I continued, “I will do everything I can. Even if I can’t stop it, by trying, I’ll do my utmost to find a way to prevent the catastrophe.”

“… Hmm. There is an additional condition.”

“What? What condition…?”

“I don’t want to help without something in return. Hand over the Osidian along with all the magical knowledge, including Tai Ping. If you do that, I will assist you with all my might.”

“But for that to happen…”

The capacity of magic also increased, so a massive Obsidian several times bigger than a person was needed. The trouble was, such a colossal Obsidian was rare, and if I used it on Cheon Woo-jin now, others would struggle to reap its benefits. In fact, I had been saving it to hasten the growth of Mangnyang, Zhuge Sa, the Sword Demon, or Jin So-cheong.

Suddenly, Cheon Woo-jin sported an obviously bored expression.

“If you need a massive Obsidian, just go find more, right? What the hell, how could you be so ridiculously slow with just a few words?”

“Ugh.”

“It seems the Priest is truly a Bodhisattva. How did you endure working next to such a fool… did you not catch cancer or something?”

Cheon Woo-jin muttered under his breath before stating, “Regardless, I’ll help.”

“Thank you!”

I realized that Cheon Woo-jin had firmly joined us as a comrade. Though I was somewhat uncertain, it was thanks to Mangnyang’s proactive involvement that Cheon Woo-jin found many aspects acceptable. In other words, without Mangnyang, there’s no way I could have brought Cheon Woo-jin to our side, so I found myself appreciating Mangnyang’s presence anew.

‘Could it be that acquiring the Divine Fever and suffering was all part of Mangnyang’s plan…?’

A thought flickered through my mind, but if Mangnyang calculated that far ahead, he must possess genius-level talent in handling human psychology. Of course, Mangnyang wouldn’t express that in words, so I had no choice but to guess for myself.

As the situation settled, Zhuge Sa finally retrieved information about Changqie.

“The information I heard from the slave trader regarding Changqie was a bit unusual.”

“What was it?”

“Changqie has been keenly observing this world and has sent many avatars to the mortal realm for surveillance, or so I heard. Up to this point, this was information we already had.”

Zhuge Sa continued, resting his chin on his hand.

“The problem is, there are a total of eight avatars.”

“Eight?!”

I exclaimed in shock, “Can one normally create that many avatars?!”

Avatars!

Avatars are entities created by powerful Great Immortals or divine apostolic beings when they’re reluctant to appear directly in the mortal realm. Generally, the power of an avatar is weaker than that of the main body, but because they carry the will of the divine being, ordinary humans cannot contend with them. Additionally, I understood that even divine beings would consume considerable strength to create an avatar.

Zhuge Sa displayed a dubious expression.

“That’s utterly nonsensical. It’s highly likely that Changqie is more special than we initially thought.”

“Hmm.”

“The more pressing issue is that these avatars haven’t been active recently; they’ve been active for a long time—perhaps since the early history of China.”

Zhuge Sa continued to reveal his findings.

“I tried to find out the names and identities of these avatars, but the slave trader attempted to cheat me, so I couldn’t learn much. He demanded an outrageous price, and I had no choice but to withdraw.”

“So… the only harvest was knowing that Changqie has eight avatars?”

“Of course, it isn’t just that. If you want to know more about his avatars, he suggested visiting the Tianzhu or the Thunder Sound Temple.”

Tianzhu is a vast continent located to the west, while the Thunder Sound Temple is a monastery for Lama monks positioned at the boundary between Tianzhu and the Central Plains. The Thunder Sound Temple is also classified as a Martial World Force since the Lamas there are known to master martial arts to a high degree.

“Tianzhu… Thunder Sound Temple… I’m at a complete loss here. If he’s monitoring the Central Plains, why is there a connection to the western realm?”

I couldn’t grasp Changqie’s intentions.

At that moment, Mangnyang, who had been listening, organized the situation.

“From now on, let’s proceed multifacetedly. Passing directly through Dark Heaven Village to reach the moon and search for Changqie is our last resort; we must first track and capture the avatars to learn their true intent.”