Reincarnation Sword God

---

00503 Dark Heaven Village ————————————————————————

I retreated from the White Lotus Sect with Musashi and returned to Jangryeong Valley. Then I told the people about what I had experienced.

“Hmm… I never thought it would turn out like this.”

Mangnyang said with a contemplative tone.

“If that’s the case, then the White Lotus Sect is practically destroyed. Even though the Fire Spirit is mimicking human personalities, ultimately, that’s [the Old Ruler]. With the Sect Master dead, there’s nothing left to expect from them.”

“Damn it… Is there a chance he might come our way?”

“Absolutely. He’s likely gathered enough information from the White Lotus Sect Master, and he must be fully prepared to intervene in the human world. We might cross paths with that presence again sooner than we expect.”

“……”

“It’s a tangled web of mountains.”

He said with a bitter smile.

“Baek Woong, can you freely wield the Apostle’s power to reverse time?”

I nodded my head.

“Of course.”

“Until now, it was sealed due to the Law of Cause and Effect because it was too powerful, but it will surely help in future events. However, thinking of it as a time manipulation ability explains a lot.”

Cheon Woo-jin, who had been listening beside us, spoke up.

“The grave injuries you’ve sustained while fighting the martial masters have been healed by reversing time, and the reason you survived after the Sea God’s onslaught is that you reverted to a ‘body prior to the Great Destruction.’ And the unrestricted teleportation is possible to places from ‘the past you’ve been to,’ right?”

“Correct.”

“Such Apostle powers are not something granted to mortals.”

Cheon Woo-jin was honestly amazed.

Until now, I had unconsciously activated the power of Jeon Wook only minimally in critical situations. The power of the divine was too strong, and thus constrained by the Law of Cause and Effect. However, through the battle with the Sea God, Jeon Wook felt the need to enhance my power, and I had been training for five years in the Heavenly Contraction through the heated periods to be able to use it properly.

I said to Mangnyang.

“But I can only use the ability to turn back time two more times in the future.”

“Why is that?”

“Three times a year. That’s the limitation.”

“Is that restriction also due to the Law of Cause and Effect?”

“That’s what Yeol told me.”

Those who heard my words fell deep into thought. After a long silence, Miho spoke up.

“Baek Woong. Why don’t you go to Jeon Wook and ask him to lift the restrictions?”

“Do you think that’s possible?”

“Right now, the manifestations of Changqie are blatantly active, the Demon King is wreaking havoc, and the Heavenly Sovereign is set to descend. The resurrection of the [Old Ruler] from the White Lotus Sect means it wouldn’t be strange if the world collapses tomorrow. Isn’t this the exact moment to lift the constraints of the Law of Cause and Effect?”

At that point, Mangnyang interjected.

“No, Miho. That wouldn’t be wise.”

“Why?”

“Even if we rewind time, we still cannot defeat a divine being. It can only be utilized to escape death as it may just delay the moment of being caught off guard. What’s important now is to cultivate our own strength.”

“What strategies do you have?”

At Miho’s question, Mangnyang calmly replied.

“First, aim for using the ‘Self against Self’ strategy, and the other is to free the Seven Luminaries.”

Miho quickly understood, perhaps due to her sharp mind.

“So, you’re suggesting we free the Water Element of the Seven Luminaries?”

“Exactly. Baek Woong’s power has significantly weakened since before the battle with the Sea God, so we need to free another Luminary to increase our own strength.”

Mangnyang clenched his fist.

“Under normal circumstances, the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors would never allow the freeing of more than three Luminaries. However, given the current crisis, this could be an opportunity.”

The Sword Demon exclaimed in admiration.

“Indeed! Apart from freeing the Seven Luminaries, we have no alternatives.”

“We need to prepare the offering for the Offering Ceremony and move quickly. We don’t know when the reborn [Old Ruler] from the White Lotus Sect will come for us.”

Just then, Jin So-cheong, who had been listening in, abruptly spoke.

“I have a concern.”

“What is it?”

“It’s about that Mangnyang Master.”

Jin So-cheong continued calmly.

“Even in such dire circumstances, he hasn’t made a move. The threat of the Demon King, Bijeong, destroying the duel arena in Luoyang is significant, yet he remains inactive. Does this not imply that this situation is not a great crisis for him?”

“…..”

Mangnyang pondered for a moment before responding.

“Master just doesn’t have the strength to act at this time.”

“Is that really so? To me, it seems like he’s watching carefully…”

“Even if what you say is true, what can we do? We can’t force the Master to act.”

I found it strange that Jin So-cheong harbored suspicion towards Mangnyang master. I had expected him to ask about the martial discussions or the Overlay Techniques, but he focused on an unexpected aspect. However, I couldn’t just dismiss it as Jin So-cheong had a very keen intuition, so I took his words to heart.

‘Now that I think about it, what on earth is that cat up to?’

He seemed to do nothing to help while teasing people, but at times provided important clues or directions. All his thoughts or actions appeared to transcend what a human could imagine. I increasingly felt that understanding what a divine being truly was remained elusive.

Mangnyang remarked.

“To implement the Self against Self strategy, we must first gain the assistance of the Master of the Twelve Joules. Baek Woong, you and Musashi should visit him and say this.”

Mangnyang’s plan sounded plausible. Indeed, it could resolve the immediate problems we faced. However, I felt worried as I spoke up.

“What if he overpowers me and takes the remaining Luminary?”

“Musashi.”

Mangnyang turned to Musashi. As their eyes met, he said.

“You have agreed to obey Baek Woong for ten years. If the Twelve Joules orders you to subdue Baek Woong, what will you do?”

Musashi replied bluntly.

“I will not obey.”

“So you’re saying if the Twelve Joules and Baek Woong were in conflict, you’d side with Baek Woong, is that correct?”

“That is correct. He was my original target. The day we fight will simply arrive sooner.”

“That’s good, Baek Woong. If Musashi goes with you, there’s no need to worry.”

Upon hearing Musashi’s answer, I felt relieved. I had seen enough of Musashi to know he was not one to lie. Moreover, to Musashi, the Master of the Twelve Joules was more of a mountain to overcome rather than a lord to serve, giving him little reason to side with them.

‘I made the right choice bringing Musashi along.’

He truly was the most reliable ally in this state. Mangnyang seemed to recall something.

“Oh, speaking of which, it seems we need to organize the Twin Sword Technique.”

“I’ll take care of that.”

With Musashi in tow, I headed to the training ground where the Sword Demon and Jin So-cheong were practicing. When I explained the purpose of my visit, the Sword Demon glanced at Musashi and spoke.

“I believe it would be wise to understand the characteristics of his Reverse Sword Technique as well.”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… Then I’ll spar with Musashi once. That way, I can understand his swordsmanship’s peculiarities.”

Swish.

Miyamoto Musashi faced off against the Sword Demon. Knowing just how strong Miyamoto Musashi was, I emphasized from the start that this duel was supposed to be a non-lethal spar. Perhaps because of that, both men faced each other with wooden swords they had taken from nearby, rather than real blades.

‘Staring at them, I know they could kill someone with a reed, but let’s hope they restrain themselves…’

Interestingly, the Sword Demon, who originally practiced a single sword style, was engaging in this spar using twin swords. It seemed like a test of his Twin Sword Technique’s achievements.

Miyamoto Musashi looked at the Sword Demon with calm eyes and stated.

“You’re using an unusual martial technique.”

“You can tell that at a glance?”

“Let’s see if I can comprehend it.”

Clang!

In an instant, the two master martial artists clashed for a second in the air. And remarkably, the result appeared to be evenly matched. Miyamoto Musashi extended a light that shimmered outwards, but the Sword Demon’s twin swords narrowly blocked that attack. However, perhaps due to a fundamental difference in skill, the Sword Demon swayed back slightly.

“……!!”

But I was taken aback watching.

Even though Musashi was undoubtedly a master of the Absolute Realm, he performed an attack that was blocked head-on?!

Musashi’s eyes sharpened as he went on the offensive. This time, instead of the earlier shimmering light, it looked like a slow and heavy thrust filled with all sorts of variations. The Sword Demon deftly moved his twin swords to parry and counterattack, repeating the process.

Smack!

‘He’s being slow.’

Strangely, this second exchange felt slow enough that I could maintain adequate judgment, unlike the first clash. Perhaps it was because both masters had recognized each other’s capabilities, and were intentionally holding back their might to show a more controlled spar.

After about twenty seconds, Miyamoto Musashi withdrew his sword. He then expressed his respect in the unique way of the Dongyeong Martial Artist.

“Sword Demon. Excellent martial arts. With your prowess, you could indeed become my rival one day.”

It meant ‘not right now.’ Although he indirectly expressed his superior skill, no one dared to contest Musashi’s arrogance at that moment. A master of the Absolute Realm held the right to say such things. On the contrary, the Sword Demon replied with a dry laugh at Musashi’s words.

“I too have come to understand the terror of the Reverse Sword Technique. Thank you.”

When the spar ended, I asked the Sword Demon.

“What just happened?”

“I blocked Musashi’s Two Heavens One Style using the 99 Harmonies Technique and the Reflection of the Intent.”

“What?! That’s the Eight Immortal Divine Art…”

My surprise elicited a chuckle from the Sword Demon.

“Regardless of how basic it is in Fire Spirit techniques, mastering the Twin Sword Technique at such a rapid pace isn’t feasible. The reason I could is that I received their Twin Sword techniques while training alongside the Eight Immortal Divine Art. Since the Eight Immortal Divine Art isn’t a common martial art but rather an insight, I was able to practice it solely through meditation.”

“Is that so?”

“The last time I complained, but my skills have indeed made significant progress. Thanks to that, even if Musashi was lenient today, I could stand up to him.”

Finally, the Sword Demon began explaining to me.

“As you know, the 99 Harmonies Technique requires both a strong ability to break and control styles to even begin learning. Moreover, one must deeply contemplate the techniques in weaponry to derive countless variations. It transforms ordinary sword techniques instantly into first-class swordsmanship.”

“Yes.”

“However, even if you derive those many movements, the core principle, or ‘li,’ remains unfulfilled. While I pondered this while learning the Twin Sword techniques of the Fire Spirit, I accidentally discovered the reason. That is the same as the Eight Immortal Divine Art: the Reflection of the Intent.”

“……!!”

“The Reflection of the Intent is a mental skill that allows one to reflect the opponent’s mind like a mirror. By executing the 99 Harmonies Technique while simultaneously utilizing the Reflection of the Intent, I could draw the opponent’s martial heart towards mine.”

“Martial heart, you say…?”

Not understanding entirely, I tilted my head, and the Sword Demon chuckled.

“Hearing it a hundred times isn’t as good as seeing it once. This time, you should spar with me.”

“Alright.”

I began the spar against the Sword Demon. Without hesitation, I unleashed the Bowing Sky Slash towards the Sword Demon, wielding my twin swords.

Swish.

‘Ah?!’

In that moment, as I clashed for just an instant, I felt as if my power was being drawn into the Sword Demon. Immediately after that feeling arose, the Sword Demon shifted his energy like flowing water, dispelling the spatial distortion mixed with my Bowing Sky Slash, and countered with the same strike as mine.

Boom!

I quickly raised my wooden sword to block the Sword Demon’s thrust, but I was sent flying backward with considerable force. The potential concealed within was astonishing, making it impossible for me to endure with my Southern-Special Technique. As I uprighted myself and attempted to attack again, every time I struck, the Sword Demon’s twin swords flowed gracefully, effortlessly deflecting my strikes or retaliating anew.

The Sword Demon lowered his swords and remarked.

“Didn’t you feel anything after taking my counter?”

“It was incredibly intense.”

“That wasn’t my power. It was merely your power being returned to you.”

“……!!”

“I utilized the Reflection of the Intent to mirror your heart into mine. Therefore, I could totally read your attack patterns and return them in kind. Moreover, the twin swords possess exceptional defensive qualities, so you likely felt far greater pressure.”

“To think that was even possible…”

I never would have guessed it. I had just thought the 99 Harmonies Technique merely enhanced the transformations of variations but blending it with the Reflection of the Intent turned into the ultimate counterattack technique! I was astonished and called over Jang Sam-bong for questions.

[Jang Jin-in. Did you consider this possibility within the Eight Immortal Divine Art?]

[I thought it might be possible, but I handed the research to my successors.]

Jang Sam-bong seemed somewhat proud as he stroked his beard.

[The Sword Demon is truly an exceptional martial artist. If he were a disciple of the Wudang Sect…]

[Would you then spar with him?]

[Haha! Well, of course.]

In an instant, Jang Jin-in accepted my request with eagerness.

[Eh?!]

What was this?! He accepted it way too easily! That feeling of my self retreating all at once was something I hadn’t experienced even with Yeodong-bin, so I was taken aback. Jang Jin-in grasped his wooden sword confidently.

[Let us compete.]

The Sword Demon couldn’t hide the joy on his face.

“To find myself sparring with the legendary Grand Master Jang Jin-in…!! This is incredible.”

Crack!

Jang Sam-bong had clashed with the Sword Demon several times, and after a thunderous noise, he seemed to realize something.

[Excellent, how about this?]

“Ugh.”

Smack!

Using an unheard-of Absolute Slash combination technique, he began to spar with the Sword Demon continuously, and although the Sword Demon appeared flustered, he started to counter the combination technique. It looked like clouds were billowing, and both the Sword Lights and Sword Shadows erupted in hundreds, making it quite a fearsome scene.

[Haha! What an excellent match, what an excellent match!]

Just as the Sword Demon was joyfully clashing swords, Jin So-cheong beside them quietly picked up a spear.

“Jang Jin-in! Allow me to take a turn as well.”

[Come on!]

Clang!

As Jin So-cheong thrust forward utilizing the Thunderclap, Jang Jin-in joined his palms in greeting and slowly assumed the first stance of Tai Chi.

Yang’s Divine Art.

The Sword Demon to the left, Jin So-cheong to the right, both unleashed the Absolute Slash on Jang Sam-bong, yet his body seemed to split in half as he unleashed different techniques from each hand. Remarkably, he even expelled multiple Intent Control techniques in a single breath, and despite Sword Demon and Jin So-cheong teaming up, they appeared quite overwhelmed. Perhaps feeling invigorated, Jang Sam-bong spoke joyfully.

[Unlike the Eight Immortal Divine Art you’ve created, I had a combination planned while bequeathing the Seven Great Techniques. Let’s see how you fare against this.]

The moment his words ceased, Jang Sam-bong’s form splintered into three.

Each one possessed an equal force to the full entity, and it was the most potent Intent Control.

The Seven Great Techniques.

A Combination Technique.

The Three Refined Master’s Hand.

The Seven Great Techniques.

A Combination Technique.

The Mysterious Heavenly Dragon Wave.

The Seven Great Techniques.

A Combination Technique.

The Nine Palaces of Heaven’s Web.

Whoosh!

“Kyyaah!”

“Ugh!”

As Jin So-cheong was launched into the air by the Three Refined Master’s Hand’s energy, he used the Thunderclap to evade, but as the momentary Reverse Heaven’s Rotation mixed in with the tracking force launched towards him, he let out a scream. Meanwhile, the Sword Demon barely managed to deflect the Mysterious Heavenly Dragon Wave using the 99 Harmonies Technique, but he appeared noticeably drained, and finally, known as the Wudang Sect’s ultimate technique, the Ten Forms of Resurrection shot towards them transformed into the Nine Palaces of Heaven’s Web by Jang Sam-bong. The two could only stumble back in disbelief.

Boom!

Jin So-cheong and the Sword Demon lay sprawled on the ground, writhing in pain. The Sword Demon struggled upright, muttering.

“This, this is the Grand Master of the Martial World and Beyond Heaven. What a tremendous learning experience.”

“…….”

The sight of Jang Sam-bong wreaking havoc struck me with astonishment. No matter how much they practiced martial discussions, the two before my eyes were among the top warriors in the current Jianghu but were treated as playthings.

Miyamoto Musashi, who had been observing thus far, appeared to have a competitive spirit flare up as he approached with his sword raised.

“Impressive. Teach me a technique as well.”

[Haha! Very well.]

No! Don’t do it!

I’m going to die!

Boom!

Boom!

Ultimately, I had to spend the entire day watching Jang Sam-bong successively duel against three masters. Of course, it was an invaluable experience, but when Jang Sam-bong’s divine presence faded, I felt as if my entire body was being torn apart from muscle soreness. The instant his divine aura dissipated, a scream resembling that of a slaughtered pig escaped me.

“Kyah!”

It felt like I was about to die from the pain, having used all my potential to the utmost. As I crawled around in agony after the duel, Jang Sam-bong, seemingly apologetic, spoke.

[Um… I apologize, Dharma Protector. I got a bit carried away and…]

[… I didn’t know that Grandmaster Jang Jin-in enjoyed fighting… That should not have been part of the inheritance.]

Jang Sam-bong seemed to respond as if taken aback.

[In my era, I loved sparring and dueling. I defeated many villains, including that of the original Empire.]

[What?! You preferred peace over conflicts and confrontations…?]

[It was simply boring without a rival after reaching the Absolute Realm…]

[……]

I had no intention of learning the painful truths of martial history…

I had no choice but to take a day off due to my ailments; the next day, I had to set out towards the Master of the Twelve Joules.