Reincarnation Sword God

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00517 Dark Heaven Village (암천향) ————————————————————————=
There’s intel that an unexpected enemy is hiding in Mount Tai!
Upon hearing that, I pondered what to do.
“Hmm… It’s awkward to go out and engage, but leaving it be is also uncomfortable…”
Even if the other four Heavenly Altars are intact, if one gets occupied, it would be troublesome. The Heavenly Altar could practically be seen as a connecting passage between heaven and earth, and if one adept in sorcery took control, it could become a crucial spot for spying on information from the Celestial Realm. A being that occupies the Heavenly Altar could become a significant variable when the descent of the Heavenly Sovereign occurs, potentially bringing harm to us.

The enemy must be a powerful sorcerer who can set traps undetectable even by the clairvoyance of the Illusory God Cheon Woo-jin. There’s no way we can just crawl into the trap they’ve laid out and fight. It would be disastrous regardless of whether we have many or few warriors on our side. Sorcerers who establish their positions through mechanized formations or traps wield tremendous power.

That being said, it’s not possible to simply obliterate the Heavenly Altar from a distance. If the Heavenly Altar is destroyed, Jeon Wook’s boundary will also be breached, allowing the descent of the Celestial Realm immediately. That itself would trigger a calamity.

As if reading my thoughts, Mangnyang spoke up.
“The best scenario right now would be if King Mi-hu strikes Mount Tai again.”
“Do you think that can just happen on command?”
“If we report that the altar has been taken over by a monster, maybe we can make something happen with the Celestial Realm…”

As Mangnyang trailed off, Cheon Woo-jin intervened.
“That won’t do, older brother. You know why.”
“This is frustrating…”
“The Celestial Realm already perceives us as allied with the apostle of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. Unlike before, they probably won’t listen to us properly now.”

Cheon Woo-jin was right. Until now, because of the specific nature of Mangnyang and Cheon Woo-jin being disciples of Mangnyang Seonsa, the Celestial Realm easily accepted our opinions. However, the Celestial Realm treated the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors as potential threats. With both Mangnyang and Cheon Woo-jin on my side, the Celestial Realm would be less willing to listen to us.

Zhuge Sa spoke up.
“At this stage, it’s safe to say there’s no opponent soft enough to fall for a surprise attack. They’re all strong opponents. The best strategy is to recognize the danger and quietly build up our strength. Cheon Woo-jin should regularly watch the movements at Mount Tai with his clairvoyance.”
“Is that so?”
“This time, we want to monitor the White Lotus Sect, so let’s use the remaining Divine Portraits.”

Cue the sound of “Boom!”
Zhuge Sa combined the remaining three Divine Portraits into one unit and sent it towards the Xinjiang region. Of course, for safety, he didn’t send them directly near the White Lotus Sect but made them gather information starting from the outskirts. It was possible because he had taught the Divine Portraits the necessary techniques for information gathering.

As a result, unexpected information arrived.
[After compiling the rumors circulating in the Xinjiang Martial World, it seems a new Master of the White Lotus Sect has been inaugurated, and they plan to change the sect’s name.]

I was taken aback and responded, asking naively.
[Really? The White Lotus Sect hasn’t been destroyed?]
[Yes. The villages conducting trade with the White Lotus Sect are intact, and the lord of Xinjiang hasn’t made any significant movements. The folks in Xinjiang think something might have happened to the White Lotus Sect, but they aren’t particularly concerned.]

[… Do we know what kind of person the new leader is?]
[That’s unknown. However, unlike the previous leader, they do not wear a mask and are described as a young man.]

A young man.
Hearing that, I immediately thought of the young master.
“It seems they’ve transformed into the appearance of the young master Dokgo-seol.”
They undoubtedly transformed into a human form instead of the wrinkled, hideous appearance I saw back then. I suppressed my mixed feelings and asked further.
[They said they’re changing the sect’s name? What name are they adopting?]

I was taken aback by the response that followed.
[They will be called the Nine Lotus Sect (나인교).]
[……!!]

What in the world does this mean?
Why is the Nine Lotus Sect suddenly popping up here?
Although it was an utterly unexpected development, the Divine Portraits, being mere puppets that follow orders, had no reason to distort information out of personal feelings. I shook my head and instructed the suspicious fishhook to continue the search.
[… Understood. Keep investigating.]
[Yes, understood.]

I calmed my surprised heart and informed my companions of the new information obtained from the Divine Portraits. Upon hearing this, Zhuge Sa frowned.
“Nain-gyo… a smelly taste.”
“Zhuge Sa, what’s going on?”
“It seems that the embodiment of the Old Ruler desires the Nine Lotus Bishop instead of the Master of the White Lotus Sect.”
“Why exactly the Nine Lotus Sect…?”

I couldn’t understand.
Why would the apostle of the Evil Spirit prematurely mention the sect name that will be established in the future? Since the name is purposely given by the Old Ruler, it must have significant meaning. While the atmosphere thickened with silence, Jin So-cheong slowly started to speak.
“I suspect we might be misunderstanding something about the Old Ruler.”
Everyone’s attention shifted to Jin So-cheong. Despite having participated in the conference without offering much input until now and mainly training martial arts after discussions, it was unusual for Jin So-cheong to make a statement first.

I inquired back at Jin So-cheong.
“What do you mean by misunderstanding?”
“Previously, the young master’s embodiment that descended upon the White Lotus Sect seemed to regard the Evil Spirit as a rival. Thus, we assumed there was significant opposition between them, right?”
“That’s right. It was clearly seen that they considered that existence a foe. That’s why we find it odd now that they’re changing the name to the Nine Lotus Sect, the faction of the Evil Spirit.”
Jin So-cheong crossed his arms.
“But… what if this is a competition of goodwill?”

“……”
“What if, until they achieve a common goal, they are in a cooperative relationship? Maybe they decided to rename it Nine Lotus as a foothold for the Evil Spirit’s advancement?”

I was flabbergasted by Jin So-cheong’s suggestion.
“Wh-what? Cooperation between those monsters… why would you think that?”
“I don’t have a specific logic, just a hunch. When I saw a hypothetical future during my time with Baek Woong, I had a feeling about it.”
After listening to the conversation, the Illusory God Cheon Woo-jin spoke bluntly.
“Goodwill competition between the Old Ruler and the Evil Spirit… What an oddly mismatched combination.”
While I didn’t particularly like Cheon Woo-jin, I had no choice but to agree with him in this instance.
The idea that the most malicious beings of this world, like the Old Ruler, would engage in “goodwill competition” is absurd! Each of these Old Rulers is an absolute transcendent being that no one can handle; why would they do something so amiable?

But unexpectedly, Zhuge Sa, being well-versed in demon arts, wore a serious expression with furrowed brows. After thinking hard for a moment, he spoke heavily.
“…That might be possible.”
“Zhuge Sa.”
“Right now, we need to gather more information.”
We continued to collect information through the Divine Portraits for five days. Eventually, we began to acquire more detailed information.

The masters of the Wind Spirit Sect have been roaming around extensively.
The Su Shin Sect is nowhere to be seen.
Currently, they are frantically gathering books from across the continent.
Those were the three pieces of information. I tilted my head in confusion.
“They’re selling the wealth of the White Lotus Sect, gold and silver, and even weapons, to buy books? What’s going on with that?”
“……”
Zhuge Sa, pondering deeply, spoke.
“I think they’re searching for the Demon Book (마도서).”
“The Demon Book?”
“If they’re collecting all these books, there’s no other reason to suspect. The Demon Book often gets mixed in with regular books without anyone noticing.”
“Why does a divine being need the Demon Book?”
“I can’t fathom. For an existence like the Old Ruler, needing a Demon Book is unfathomable; it’s like a toy for them, being the masters of magic.”
Mangnyang interjected from the side.
“Uncle, perhaps the book they’re seeking contains the record of the end (종언)?”
“No way.”
Zhuge Sa quickly negated that thought.
“End refers to the calamity that takes place five hundred years after the constellations find their rightful places; it’s not recorded in my Nameless Ritual Book. While it warns about the occurrences before the end, it doesn’t include the process or result. Because that’s a secret only known to the divine!”
“So you mean that if it’s not in the Nameless Ritual Book, it definitely won’t be in an ordinary lower-grade Demon Book?”
“Right. Moreover, even if there is a superior Demon Book higher than the Nameless Ritual Book, it wouldn’t be found among mundane books in the Central Plains. Those books harbor tremendous magical powers, so the previous owners would have turned into disasters long ago.”
While The Sword Demon was listening, he added.
“I’m not sure, but it seems unwise for the White Lotus Sect to be buying books in bulk. If that monster finds what it’s looking for, the world’s destruction will arrive even sooner, won’t it?”
“That’s likely the case.”
“Then I will mobilize the Martial World Forces to prevent the books from flowing in. At least until the Heavenly Sovereign comes down.”
All eyes turned to The Sword Demon. He spoke confidently.
“The Eight Demons of the Demon Path have significant connections with the trade in various regions of the Central Plains. Unlike the True Heaven Alliance, which suffered during the Blood-Ming Valley incident, they managed to escape and hide. Enforcing a blockade on trade under the guise of being the association’s leader will help hinder merchants traveling to Xinjiang.”
In other words, he intended to use the power of the underworld sect to suppress the merchants. It was indeed an efficient approach, but I felt worried.
“Isn’t that dangerous?”
“It will be. If the Elder of the Su Shin Sect or the Su Shin Team comes looking for me, I’ll be a dead man…”
The Sword Demon grinned.
“Isn’t it an honor to use my life to thwart the plan of a deity?”
“……”
“And since it’s just until the Heavenly Sovereign arrives, I only need to hold them off for a month.”
Seeing another companion willing to sacrifice himself left me with a heavy heart. The Sword Demon had already gained little from practicing the dual-sword style in this lifetime yet was willing to move for me. Then Zhuge Sa spoke next to me.
“We shouldn’t act purely based on sentiment. If we’re to do this, let’s devise a solid plan.”

“Understood, Zhuge Sa.”
“I have something to ask.”
Zhuge Sa stared at The Sword Demon and Jin So-cheong before continuing.
“Can you both capture the Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Lineage together?”
“Hmm…”
“It might be a bit challenging.”
The reactions from both were somewhat different. It seemed Zhuge Sa caught on to something from that reaction.
“Alright. Then this plan should hinge on when Baek Woong decides to set it in motion. If Baek Woong gives the word, the two of you will head out and disrupt the plans of the White Lotus Sect.”
“Why?”
“For now, spend the next few days sparring with the two of them and gauge their levels. You’ll understand what I mean.”
“Understood.”
I decided to follow Zhuge Sa’s directive.
Until now, I had imparted the Seven Great Techniques to them, then granted them personal time, and with the descent of Jang Sam-bong, we had spars occasionally. However, due to the reason that sparring too often was undesirable, we hadn’t had many proper fights.

‘Zhuge Sa’s words indicate that he wants to assess their levels seriously by calling down Jang Sam-bong.’
The two seemed to have understood the intention, preparing their stances and emanating killing intent towards me. The moment I summoned Jang Sam-bong, the duel would commence. Curious, I asked The Sword Demon and Jin So-cheong.
“I wonder how much stronger you have become…”
“Heh heh. Just note that what you delivered was truly a fortuitous encounter unprecedented in the history of martial arts.”
“Likewise. You won’t be disappointed.”
I wanted to observe as well. I nodded and shouted.
[Jang Sam-bong, come forth!]

Boom!
At that moment, Jang Sam-bong was summoned into me.
“Haap!”
“Take this!”
The simultaneous Mind Control Techniques came flying at me, instantly delivering a deadly attack. Compared to our previous bout, it felt like a world apart; they were twice as quick as they had been before.
Boom!
[Hoh!]
Jang Sam-bong invoked the Tai Chi Mask, summoning sixty-four Tai Chi symbols into the air as he unleashed his power, but Jin So-cheong pierced through the Tai Chi symbols with his Thrusting Technique, continuously posing threats to my formation. Jang Sam-bong gracefully maneuvered the Tai Chi symbols to surround Jin So-cheong, but in the next moment, Jin So-cheong evaded his range with his Lee Hyeong-hwan technique.

That wasn’t all. Seizing a fleeting opening, The Sword Demon’s Invincible Sword struck, reaching a realm of True Sword Arts while emitting fine Peerless Sword intent, severing the Tai Chi shield of Jang Sam-bong in succession.

Bang!
As their powers collided, a thunderous sound echoed, and overwhelming shockwaves rained down on the ground. The entire training ground was on the verge of being obliterated, the canyon threatening to collapse; however, Jang Sam-bong upheld his defense with his ultimate technique. Floating in mid-air, he expressed admiration.
[Excellent…]
He gazed down at the two.
[To create a Congruent Formation within such a short time and elevate it to the realm of technique… all this with the essence of the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword Technique and the Thunder God Lineage martial arts. Furthermore, layered with the True Martial Seven Cuts Classic and the Eight Immortal Divine Art, it’s truly the world’s finest Congruent Formation!]

The Sword Demon forced a bitter smile.
“Among the Martial World experts, no one would discern the intricate nuances of that Congruent Formation… Truly, an Overlay Technique.”
[You are indeed children blessed by the martial arts! If there had been martial artists like you in my era, achieving the position of the world’s number one would have been arduous for me…]
That felt like the highest praise possible that the Overlay Technique Jang Sam-bong could offer.
He added,
[Yet, you’re still far from it. I’ll work hard to ensure you see the Beyond Heaven itself.]
Boom!
That day’s spar evolved for over half a moment. Everyone was utterly exhausted, but there was still fighting spirit ablaze in the eyes of Jin So-cheong and The Sword Demon. As Jang Sam-bong gained the upper hand, his offensive intensified, yet they managed to endure as best as they could with defensive techniques. Jang Sam-bong said, satisfied.
[With any luck, I hope you can forget the elementary techniques…]
Boom!
Jang Sam-bong released the summon. I, having completely depleted my internal energy while Jang Sam-bong utilized all his strength and vitality, now collapsed and gasped for breath. Regardless, the depletion of energy Jang Sam-bong expended was my responsibility.

I wiped the sweat from my forehead and asked,
“When did you manage to learn the Congruent Formation? You didn’t have it last time…”
“It’s nothing much; discussing the Seven Great Techniques and Eight Immortal Divine Art with Jin So-cheong revealed some overlapping points in our understandings of the martial arts. By seizing that intuition, it became natural for me to train and consequently develop a viable Congruent Formation. Through which I progressed even faster.”
“……”
While he spoke without concern, it was truly remarkable. It’s common for practitioners to merely become accustomed to fundamental techniques; yet within this short month, they mastered everything to an application stage and reached a new realm by sharing enlightenment. Such an achievement was only attainable due to both of their exceptional martial capabilities.

Only then did I grasp Zhuge Sa’s words.
“… Let’s rest today and set out tomorrow.”
Zhuge Sa sensed that these two, when joined together, could likely defeat even the Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Lineage. However, he was also aware that their humility stemmed from their desire to improve.

At this level, unless King Mi-hu personally came, they would have no chance of death. Even if they encountered danger, they’d have sufficient endurance until our allies arrived to rescue them.

The next day, we regrouped the Divine Portraits that were stationed in Xinjiang and began with Jin So-cheong and The Sword Demon pairing up to counter the plans of the Nine Lotus Sect. The Sword Demon revealed himself as the leader of the Shadowless Alliance, instantaneously mobilizing the information network to gather the leaders of the Eight Demons of the Demon Path, directing them to block the trade routes heading to Xinjiang.

I was able to observe the assembly of the Eight Demons through Cheon Woo-jin’s clairvoyance.
I could see the Black Demon grumbling in a gathering of the Eight Demons’ leaders.
“Damn… recovering from the damages caused by the Blood-Ming Valley incident is quite tough, and now I’ve got to deal with this unnecessary mess? No matter how you say it, even if you’re the Shadowless Sovereign, what’s the point…?”

Boom!
“Uwaaargh!”
The Black Demon was smashed against the wall after taking just one of The Sword Demon’s strikes. Despite being an Ultimate Expert from the Assassin lineage, he couldn’t withstand even a single hit. The Black Demon coughed up blood and passed out immediately.

“……”
The remaining leaders of the Eight Demons froze, realizing The Sword Demon’s prowess.
He smirked.
“Be careful with your tongues. I could easily slaughter all of you and absorb your power without a care.”
The Earth Demon beside the Black Demon trembled as he cautiously spoke.
“Um… Sword Demon. When did you grow so strong…?”
“It’s absurd…”
“He took down the Black Demon in one hit…?”
“The World’s Number One Demon?”
“……”
Trembling wasn’t just limited to the Earth Demon, but also the Poison Demon, Madness Demon, Shadow Demon, and Blood Demon were all visibly shaken. They were quaking, not acting like Ultimate Experts at all, clearly realizing the vast gap between themselves and The Sword Demon. It was evident that they comprehended how easily The Sword Demon could annihilate them, even if they tried to unite.

Only one, the Fight Demon, folded his arms and narrowed his eyes, seemingly lost in thought. While he too felt a sense of fear, he had a reason for pondering deeply. The Sword Demon noticed and stared intrigued at the Fight Demon.
“What is it? Do you have something to say?”
“Shadowless Sovereign.”
He said with a trembling voice.
“Why not consider meeting my master? It will definitely serve to aid your plans…”