Reincarnation Sword God

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00518 Dark Heaven Village ————————————————————————=
Tu-ma’s sudden proposal. The Sword Demon responded, unfazed.
“Very well. Will the rest follow my orders?”
“Of course.”
After waking the fainted Black Horse and securing the consent of the Seven Demons, the Sword Demon followed Tu-ma to an undisclosed location. Heading to a place devoid of people, Tu-ma said to the Sword Demon,
“Sword Demon. My master is the leader of the White Lotus Sect, Dharma Guardian Yong Bi-cheon.”
The Sword Demon shrugged in response, for he was already familiar with this fact through the information he had obtained via Obsidian.
“I see.”
“My master, Yong Bi-cheon, is in great distress right now. If the Shadowless Alliance can meet and assist him, I will offer everything from my faction, the Shura Sect, and a vast force will side with the Shadowless Alliance.”
In a scenario where he knew nothing, he might be tempted. However, the Sword Demon was aware of the enormous tides regarding the Wind Spirit Sect and reacted coldly.
“I don’t want to.”
“……”
“I’m not in a position to expand my influence through this Yong Bi-cheon or anyone else. Didn’t you hear? What I want is to block the upper path leading to the Heavenly Stronghold.”
“Why block it?”
“I have no reason to tell you.”
The Sword Demon glared and continued,
“I’m not in a generous position to entertain your clumsy schemes. Do you seem to have two lives?”
“That… um…”
“Looks like Tu-ma will sleep here.”
Srring
As the Sword Demon drew his sword, Tu-ma’s expression changed. Surely, he never expected the Sword Demon to directly threaten his life. Instinctively invoking his survival instincts, Tu-ma suddenly knelt before him and shouted,
“I-I’m sorry! I dared to test you; it’s a mortal sin! Please spare my life!”
“Hmph…”
“I’ll explain everything; please let me go.”
The Sword Demon reluctantly replied,
“Go ahead.”
“My master, Yong Bi-cheon, recently learned that the main camp of the White Lotus Sect collapsed and the previous leader died. So, he aimed to gather the remaining Wind Spirit Sect in the Central Plains for seclusion, but he felt a strong sense of unease due to a lack of power. In that time, the Shadowless Alliance called for the Eight Demons of Martial Daos, and I was given this mission to come here.”
“To join hands… sounds convincing.”
The Sword Demon muttered with a sneer.
“Fine. Take me to Yong Bi-cheon immediately.”
“Why… why?”
“I just want to see the face of someone who wishes to ally with me.”
“I understand.”
Swish
The Sword Demon, along with Jin So-cheong, began to move with Tu-ma, and Cheon Woo-jin’s long-distance vision was cut off. Then through the Suspicious Fishhook, the Sword Demon’s words reached me.
[ Baek Woong. Jin So-cheong and I will meet Yong Bi-cheon.]
[ Is that okay?]
[ It’s fine. You know why the Zhuge Sect tested us.]
[ If it’s dangerous, call anytime.]
[ Understood.]
Pa-at
The communication through the Suspicious Fishhook ended. I, feeling anxious, turned to Zhuge Sa.
“Shouldn’t we go help?”
“No need.”
“……”
Aren’t you being a bit too firm?
“However, the Sword Demon is truly impressive. Is he not the supreme being of the Heretical Sect? Brilliant mind, great judgment and flexibility, and formidable strength… I can see why I once wanted him as my master.”
Zhuge Sa praised, turning to Mangnyang.
“Hyun Ah. Why didn’t you jump into the Martial Arts world?”
Mangnyang replied,
“I haven’t been very interested.”
“But you have considerable martial arts talent and know a mix of knowledge from both past and present, and you’re a genius in Qimen Dunjia, aren’t you? You could have easily played around with the fools of the Martial Arts world who only know how to use swords. If you had joined the True Heaven Alliance, you would have been quite successful. You could have used the experts of the True Heaven Alliance to destroy the Eight Demons of Martial Daos.”
“Stop teasing me, uncle.”
Mangnyang sighed.
“If I can imagine the wicked and dark side of this world, how could I turn my attention to the Martial Arts world?”
“But until Baek Woong came looking for you, you did nothing but hide under altruism. You merely fooled some officials with your sharp tongue and piled up money using the knowledge of wisdom… Can you claim that’s superior to a life as a soldier in the True Heaven Alliance?”
“……”
“I’m the same. This world has already perished, so I had no expectations. It has been a long-held thought.”
Zhuge Sa concluded, suddenly fixing his gaze on me.
“I’ll tell you in advance: up until now, you all have wasted your innate genius, talents, and time while overpowering others. So when this foolish blockhead asks for help, don’t be selfish; just assist him, alright?”

I was taken aback by Zhuge Sa’s unexpected words.
“Zhuge Sa. What’s with this madness all of a sudden? What are you trying to say to me?”
“Not to you.”
“Huh?”
Then Mangnyang wore a wry smile beside me.
“Uncle just gave advice to us, the latecomers. If you die, you’ll be meeting us in the next life.”
“… Ah!”
“It’s quite difficult to accept Black Obsidian so easily on the first try. You need to lower the resistance somehow.”
“I see…”
Zhuge Sa chuckled.
“In this life, Hyun, you lagged behind me in strategy, didn’t you? Do you admit it?”
“I admit it.”
“But it’s not because your abilities and wisdom are inferior to mine. It’s just that the original ‘Mangnyang’ was too intent on pulling Baek Woong’s past life along, making it impossible for him to respond adequately to the situations.”
“I know. Conversely, uncle, you had no attachment to yourself, so you easily adapted with the thought of ‘abandon everything for the victory of the past life.’ I was filled with thoughts about my future ever since I left the Imperial Palace; hence I couldn’t do that.”
“Haha. Baek Woong now isn’t exactly the kind of little fish that Mangnyang could control back then.”
As Zhuge Sa chuckled, Mangnyang spoke in a voice filled with resolve.
“… Even if I can’t see the end in this life, I will achieve greater results in the next.”
“I hope so.”
Then Miho, who had been watching from the side, spoke with a slightly annoyed tone.
“What a bizarre bunch. Nothing is resolved yet, and you’re all chatting away as if you’ve lived your entire lives.”
Zhuge Sa grinned.
“Miho, you should also express some affection to Baek Woong in advance, shouldn’t you?”
“What are you saying?”
“From now on, we really don’t know what lies ahead, so we should leave a will.”
Miho, seeming to understand Zhuge Sa’s intent, spoke irritably.
“You crazy bastard! You’ve certainly earned that nickname, Guangsheng.”
“Thanks~”
Miho turned to glance at me and said,
“Baek Woong. Don’t worry about it. It’s best not to engage with a madman who goes around leaving wills.”
“Kekekekek.”
“……”
However, I couldn’t laugh at their joking words at all.
Will (遺言).
‘Yes. Just now, Mangnyang and Zhuge Sa left me their will.’
Both Mangnyang and Zhuge Sa were serious and not joking. For the very next day, situations could twist, causing my death and the start of a new life, and so they had prepared words for that moment. This will was likely left to suppress my emotions and keep me calm should I face sudden death, as reaching my goals would become faster if I suffered less.
Is this indeed the right path?
Is it right to pursue the salvation of humanity knowing all my companions might perish?
Even though I chose this route, I suddenly felt a deep fear.
This feeling was different from the fear I felt in the presence of an [Old Ruler] or a powerful being. Perhaps it was the emotion fearing that my heart might plunge into despair the very next moment.
“……”
No. Such weak thoughts wouldn’t achieve anything.
Having already started, I must see it through to the end. As I accumulate these past lives, new truths will reveal themselves, through which I can discover the best strategies a little bit at a time. If I stop now, then the deaths of my companions who died for me will all be in vain.
‘I will not give up.’
I reaffirmed my resolve.
I will definitely keep the vow to prevent the demonic gods’ destruction.
It was around two moments later that I received communication from the Sword Demon again.
[ Baek Woong. Can you hear me?]
[ What happened?]
[ Hmm… let’s just say it was an unexpected outcome. For now, I’ll head over there.]
The Sword Demon sounded somewhat uncomfortable. I began to worry whether he had fallen victim to Yong Bi-cheon’s schemes.
‘Is he alright?’
As I grew anxious, Zhuge Sa chuckled softly.
“Hehehe. Has the final result come?”
“They say they’re coming.”
“It will be quite an entertaining show.”
An entertaining show?
I realized what Zhuge Sa meant only a moment later.
Boom
“Urgh… what are you planning to do with me?!”
“……”
I couldn’t speak when I confirmed the face of the person kneeling before me, bound. I then ignored his question and stared in disbelief at the Sword Demon and Jin So-cheong.
“… Y-You really captured him?”
Jin So-cheong, with her spear slung over her shoulder, replied,
“Baek Woong. It wasn’t a one-on-one; we teamed up and caught him in just five hundred seconds. So it’s a bit dishonorable.”
“But… that’s not the point…”
The Sword Demon burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! I’ve felt like I’ve just been eating the meals of Jangryeong Valley, so this can be considered paying my dues, right?”
“Absolutely. No, it’s more than enough.”
I muttered as I gazed at the captured figure.
“I can’t believe you brought Yong Bi-cheon back.”
The person knelt before me was none other than Yong Bi-cheon, the Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Sect. Not only him, but four or five others who appeared to be elders of the Wind Spirit Sect were also captured nearby. I examined their appearances and then asked the Sword Demon,
“Was Yong Junil not with you?”
“Not that I know of. He seems to be acting independently.”
Upon hearing our conversation, Yong Bi-cheon bellowed,
“You bastard!! Don’t you dare touch that child!!”
“Hmm.”
I looked closely at the furious expression of Yong Bi-cheon.
Who would have thought such a day would come?
The Yong Bi-cheon I once feared and found overwhelming in my tenth life has now been brought to his knees!
‘This will be an interesting sight to witness.’
Suddenly, I wondered if the ropes binding Yong Bi-cheon had a special quality. I turned to the Sword Demon and asked,
“Is this not the famed Dragon Binding Rope?”
“Are you talking about the rope that can capture dragons with just a single throw? Hah… this rope is not that legendary treasure at all. It’s just a sturdy rope.”
“What? But this guy is…”
“Heh.”
The Sword Demon wore a slightly bitter smile.
“To be honest, we did not defeat the Dharma Guardian at his peak. This guy showcased tremendous internal power and Mind Control Techniques, but that was it… He wasn’t able to utilize the Infinite Internal Power. The same goes for the Mind Control Techniques.”
“What?!”
“Our assumptions were correct. It might have been a bit of a risk, but we decided to capture him. At this moment, I’ve sealed Yong Bi-cheon’s Qi using my unique blood technique.”
If that’s the case, does that imply the possibility I’m thinking about?
I blinked in disbelief and cautiously asked Yong Bi-cheon,
“Yong Bi-cheon. You haven’t… lost the Heavenly Spirit Pill, have you?”
“……”
Yong Bi-cheon seemed to squeeze his eyes shut. Then he hung his head low.
“Kill me.”
“Ugh…”
I let out a sound of contemplation.
‘Seeing Han Baek-ryeong gave me a hint, but…’
Yes.
Our assumption—having the Dharma Guardian as a target despite sending out only two, and the captured figure of Yong Bi-cheon before me—implied something important. It meant that the current Nine Lotus Sect, previously the White Lotus Sect, had lost the Infinite internal power from the Heavenly Spirit Pill.
Han Baek-ryeong had confided in me that her power waned after dispatching the Sea God. This suggested that the moment the Sea God was slain, the pact was broken, leading to the diminishing supply of infinite internal power. If they were no longer receiving the infinite internal power from the Heavenly Spirit Pill, Yong Bi-cheon would merely be a Peak Master of the Wind Spirit Sect, which would explain why Jin So-cheong and the Sword Demon could easily capture him.
However, my continuing concern was whether it was only Han Baek-ryeong’s situation or that of the other Dharma Guardians too. If either Dokgo Jun or Yong Bi-cheon’s Heavenly Spirit Pill were still intact, it would endanger our forces, so I needed to keep confirming. No matter how strong Jin So-cheong and the Sword Demon became, I still couldn’t be sure they could face a Dharma Guardian head-on and win.
Zhuge Sa smiled broadly.
“Excellent work, Sword Demon! With this guy captured, we can try something more.”
“Test?”
“Heh. Let’s start with an interrogation.”
Zhuge Sa cast the Soul Exchange Technique on Yong Bi-cheon and the Dharma Guardians of the Wind Spirit Sect, commencing an interrogation. He asked in detail about Yong Bi-cheon’s experiences since the collapse of the main camp of the White Lotus Sect.
Zhuge Sa inquired,
“Has the Heavenly Spirit Pill completely vanished?”
“No… there’s still… some…”
As Yong Bi-cheon spoke in a dazed manner, he continued,
“About 20% of the original power from the Heavenly Spirit Pill remains… but it’s no longer infinite internal power… and I can’t exert my original strength…”
“Did you know why that is?”
“I don’t know at all… but I suspected that other Dharma Guardians did too… I no longer have the confidence to protect the Wind Spirit Sect… I considered hiding in the darkness of the Martial Arts world…”
“Hmm. I see. So as time passes, the Heavenly Spirit Pill dwindles…”
Srring
After extracting a few more pieces of information, Zhuge Sa drew out his long sword.
“Good. Thanks for cooperating.”
Schwa!
“Z-Zhuge Sa!”
I cried out in surprise.
Zhuge Sa unhesitatingly beheaded him with his long sword! However, I was the only one startled; everyone else looked on as if they had anticipated this. Had I intervened just then, I might have stopped it, but no one did since they thought Zhuge Sa had a reason for his actions.
Thud
Yong Bi-cheon’s head rolled to the ground, and blood sprayed like a fountain. Even at this horrific sight, Zhuge Sa spoke with an indifferent gaze.
“The soul isn’t moving. It’s mine now.”
Suspended before Zhuge Sa’s palm, a pure white orb of soul floated into view.
Mangnyang said, as if he understood,
“That’s a significant achievement.”
“Indeed.”
As Zhuge Sa wiped the blood splatters from his face with his sleeve, he said,
“Baek Woong. With this, we can save the White Lotus Sect.”