Reincarnation Sword God

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00522 암천향(暗天鄕) ————————————————————————=

The enemies entrenched at Mount Tai are the merciless Gin Nara of the Eight Sect! What we need to do is eliminate them before the Heavenly Sovereign descends, while also gathering intel on what schemes Changqie is plotting. Until now, we had no idea who was at Mount Tai, making it impossible to determine if we should risk an attack, but if the enemies are Gin Nara, that’s a different story. Taking them down simultaneously fulfills Jeon Wook’s command, achieving two goals in one blow.

“The problem is whether we can beat the Eight Sect…” Mangnyang calmly stated during the meeting.

“The Eight Sect’s prowess does not fall short of the Demon King of the Baehwa Sect. They were revered as gods in ancient times and were capable of annihilating a nation. We should consider them equal or even stronger.”

“But Gin Nara’s combat power is near the bottom. They’re said to be among the weaker ranks of the Eight Sect.”

“That lower rank could still surpass the Demon King.”

“……”

Mangnyang’s words were spot on. The texts of the Neoumsai referred to Gin Nara as a weak entity, but that was merely from the perspective of divine status. No mortal can truly gauge how strong Gin Nara is.

Miho crossed her arms. “The moment of choice has come again. Baek Woong, will you strike or wait idly by?”

I replied resolutely. “There’s no way we’ll just sit back. Changqie’s manifestation occupying Mount Tai surely indicates some conspiracy. We’ve let it slide until now, but knowing the truth, we have no choice but to engage. If we let that scoundrel be, we’ll surely suffer great losses.”

“Ha ha, now your brain is starting to kick in,” the Sword Demon, near Zhuge Sa, chuckled.

“Baek Woong, I concur with attacking Mount Tai. Even if a few of us die in the process, we have to do it. However, I have one concern…”

“What is it?”

“Couldn’t we just take them out with reversal powers?”

“True,” I agreed.

Rather than going through the hassle of taking down a troublesome strong foe, we could just use the powers to wipe them out easily. It was clear that even the manifestation of Changqie wouldn’t be able to withstand the ruler of the jungle. However, Zhuge Sa countered.

“Not so. That method shouldn’t be used.”

“Why?”

“The ruler of the jungle devours souls completely, turning them into their own. That means we would lose the opportunity to gather Changqie’s intel as Jeon Wook desires. Furthermore, with their actions now becoming clear, will we ever again have a chance to confront that cunning Gin Nara in future lives?”

“……!!”

“Whether we meet a fatal end or not, we must at least bring them down. Only then can we gain information. We need to learn everything about them—their appearance, thoughts, speech, and so on.”

Mangnyang sighed. “Not knowing the relationship between the Celestial Realm and Changqie is frustrating. If only we could confirm that Changqie is an enemy of the Celestial Realm, I would forcefully move Mi-ho.”

“It’s highly possible Changqie is hiding among the high-ranking members of the Celestial Realm. If that’s true, the Celestial Realm becomes our enemy as well.”

Regardless, only one conclusion remained. Jin So-cheong declared, “Let’s go. If we intend to eliminate them, let’s do our best.”

That was right.

We prepared as we had when defeating the Demon King and headed straight toward Mount Tai. However, rather than heading directly to the Heavenly Altar, we cautiously examined what barriers awaited us at Mount Tai’s entrance. Cheon Woo-jin remarked, “I’ve surveyed Mount Tai through the celestial eyes, and it seems there’s nothing out of the ordinary.”

“Do you think you can figure out what trap they’ve laid?”

“It would be possible using the Half Yellow Pearl. Since we’re close, I should be able to harness its effects sufficiently.”

Uwooong!

As Cheon Woo-jin activated the magical artifact, the bright light from the Half Yellow Pearl burst forth like mist. The light soon gathered like droplets, scattering into thousands and flying toward various parts of Mount Tai.

Kiiiiiing–

After a while, a scream echoed out, sounding suspiciously like a demon beast’s roar, and we all sensed that a “trap” had been triggered, prompting us to question Cheon Woo-jin.

“What’s going on?”

“… They’ve concealed the demon beasts so that they can’t be detected by magical techniques. Their numbers are around the hundreds.”

“Are they powerful demon beasts?”

“Seems so. Even now under the effect of the Half Yellow Pearl’s magic, their numbers aren’t diminishing much.”

As Cheon Woo-jin spoke, he raised the Half Yellow Pearl higher.

“O Half Yellow Pearl, show your might!!”

Poof!

Multicolored rays scattered like a waterfall. As the incantation was chanted, explosions erupted all over Mount Tai, sending fragments of demon beast corpses flying through the air. Mangnyang watched the scene with renewed interest and exclaimed, “These are certainly the treasured artifacts that shone in the Sacred War. Such a wide-ranging light attack…”

Schhhuuuuu!

Soon, the Half Yellow Pearl unleashed a fierce light, drawing together the scattered rays into a focal point. But then, Cheon Woo-jin frowned. “Someone’s nullified the Half Yellow Pearl’s magic and sent it back our way… The encirclement of demon beasts is still intact at Mount Tai.”

Mangnyang gasped in surprise. “Priest, is that even possible? That’s a high-level treasure! How could the ability of a magical artifact be nullified?”

“I believe that’s the case. The entity inside must be of the Demon King level.”

Tension filled the space. Cheon Woo-jin assessed the situation but found the strength of Gin Nara formidable.

Just then, a massive roar echoed across Mount Tai.

[I was waiting. You all have finally come because you overestimated your own strength and sought out Mount Tai.]

I defiantly shouted back at the Lion’s Roar. “Gin Nara! What are you hiding? Show yourself proudly!”

[You are a nuisance to our plans. And gathering the Seven Luminaries is extremely dangerous.]

Gin Nara spoke in a voice tinged with anger.

[Come forth! I’ll show you the strength of the Eight Sect.]

“You thought I couldn’t?”

We began our ascent of Mount Tai, fully prepared. Though we could reach the Heavenly Altar directly, it was clear that traps would be laid, so we decided to remove the barriers slowly as we progressed from the outside. While climbing, Mangnyang suddenly halted.

“… We’ve entered the Dead Gate.”

“Huh?”

“Ugh, this is absurd…”

Mangnyang spoke darkly. “This… is the Eight Trigrams Formation.”

“……!!”

“Baek Woong. We must escape with our powers. There’s no other way to break this from within.”

“Understood.”

Pa-at!

I quickly fled with my companions outside Mount Tai. The Sword Demon, confused, asked, “Why are we running? Can’t we break through with strength?”

“No, we cannot.”

“Even against the formation of the Vermilion Bird, Cheon Woo-jin could clear a path or destroy it by himself. Our current forces are far stronger than then, yet we can’t break through this?”

Mangnyang nodded. “The user must be an entity akin to a demigod. If someone of that caliber has cast a perfect Eight Trigrams Formation, its power would be dozens of times greater… If it weren’t for Baek Woong’s powers just now, we would have been utterly wiped out.”

Zhuge Sa’s expression twisted in anguish.

“… And the fact that it’s a perfect Eight Trigrams Formation is the problem. Damn it… In this world, only one person can spread such a thing.”

“Zhuge Yulong!”

“What’s going on? Could that scoundrel actually be the Changqie manifestation of the Eight Sect, Gin Nara?”

Even Zhuge Sa was lost in confusion.

But that was to be expected. Until now, we presumed Zhuge Yulong had been incapacitated by King Mi-hu, losing all powers and territories and was recuperating somewhere. The idea that Zhuge Yulong would suddenly appear in Gin Nara at Mount Tai was utterly unfathomable. Given that Zhuge Yulong was Gin Nara and possessed demigod-level powers, he wouldn’t have been so defenseless against King Mi-hu.

Guuuu!

At that moment, several demon beasts surged out from the inner formation, attacking us. Jin So-cheong and the Sword Demon effortlessly slashed through them, but it seemed this area was unsafe as well. Zhuge Sa turned to Mangnyang and said, “Hyun Ah, what do you think? Can we move straight to the Heavenly Altar and locate the living gate?”

“… That’s impossible. Once inside, the Eight Trigrams Formation is so cunningly devised that we can only recognize it through experience, and the flow of the formation changes without pause. Such a technique couldn’t possibly be created by a mere human.”

“If you cannot break the formation, neither can I. If you can’t, then no lord of formations on this continent will.”

“Cheon Woo-jin, can you resolve anything with the powers of the Half Yellow Pearl?”

Cheon Woo-jin replied curtly, “Do you think I can do anything as a reversal deity? I’m not as adept as my older brother at formations. If it were possible to break through with strength, I would’ve done it earlier.”

“Damn it.”

Annoyed, Zhuge Sa turned to me and said, “Baek Woong! Let’s borrow the firepower of the Fire Dragon Incarnate. That’s our only option.”

“If we expend all our strength to break the Eight Trigrams Formation, we won’t have enough left to fight Changqie.”

“We’ll manage somehow.”

“Alright.”

Uwooong!

The Fire Dragon Incarnate and Jang Sam-bong descended upon my body. I unleashed the maximum power of the Flame Elemental Sword and fired it toward Mount Tai.

Kkwa-kwang!

A massive wave of flames coiled like a dragon, seemingly setting the entire Mount Tai ablaze. But it was just an illusion; in reality, it acts as if an invisible barrier blocked my fire from breaking through as it merely circled around the base of the mountain. Growing anxious, I asked the Fire Dragon Incarnate, [Is it not possible to break through?]

[Not quite. It’ll take time, but I will get through. As powerful as the formation is, it won’t be able to withstand the Flame Elemental Sword. However…]

The Fire Dragon Incarnate peered into the barrier’s interior. [That entity inside is strong. At least on par with a Demon King level. And there’s a feeling I’ve encountered before…]

[What?]

She shook her head. [It must be an illusion. I, the embodiment of fire, have never met Pai Buzong.]

Guuuuuu…

Just as the Fire Elemental Sword began to slowly but surely dismantle the Eight Trigrams Formation, the invisible barrier shattered, and demon beasts began to burn to death everywhere, the demonic energy turning into thick black water that defiled the land. And just as the Flame Elemental Sword finally pierced a segment of the barrier,

Kwang!

A figure emerged and struck the dragon head of the flame. That attack seemed to carry tremendous power, causing the dragon’s head to sway precariously.

[It’s them. Let’s go!]

With that, the Fire Dragon Incarnate harnessed the power of the Flame Elemental Sword and moved directly towards the Heavenly Altar. I assisted the Fire Dragon Incarnate, using my powers to transport my companions along with me.

[Welcome, the Apostle and your minions…]

Before the Heavenly Altar stood the figure that resembled Gin Nara. He looked just like Zhuge Yulong, whom I had previously encountered. However, given the possibility of transformation, we all held our breath and fixed our gaze on him.

Speaking in Zhuge Yulong’s form, Gin Nara proclaimed, [Overconfident fools! This place shall be your tomb.]

I shouted back, “Are you the Zhuge Yulong of the Vermilion Bird?”

[Ah, are you speaking of my master…]

Gin Nara grinned widely. [Indeed. It was my fortune. The compatibility of his Eight Trigrams Arts with my power is exceptional… Now, I shall demonstrate that power.]

Uwoooong!

The moment Gin Nara’s words ended, the Eight Trigrams were once more unfurled around, scattering our allies. Attacked by the embodiment of the Fire Dragon, he swung the Flame Elemental Sword mercilessly towards Gin Nara’s neck, yet it dissipated as if it were an illusion.

As the Fire Dragon Incarnate searched again for the enemy’s aura, Jang Sam-bong said, [Something feels off…]

A thick fog soon enveloped the area, succeeded by the sound of a taunting voice.

[Heh heh, today I finally get to take revenge for my comrade, Fire Dragon Incarnate!]

The Fire Dragon Incarnate replied curtly, [Do you know me? I don’t know you.]

[Oh, I know all too well… Your disciple…]

The fog and darkness intensified. The Fire Dragon Incarnate unleashed the Flame Elemental Sword to dispel the fog, but soon the mist grew increasingly uncontrollable.

[Hup!]

The Flame Elemental Sword shot up once more, facing the fog directly. Gin Nara stood across the mist, folding his arms leisurely as he said, [Heh… It’s annoying that the Great Immortal has the Seven Luminaries with them.]

[You! Prepare yourself!]

[If only your companions were as strong as you.]

Could it be?!

But my ominous premonition rapidly became a reality.

[Here. Take them.]

One by one, the corpses of my companions began drifting towards me.

It seemed that everyone except Mi-ho had perished.

In addition, they all lay with pale faces, resembling a tranquil slumber.

“Ugh… Aaaaaah!!”

I felt my head spinning wildly. The results I utterly could not accept lay before me. The Fire Dragon Incarnate and Jang Sam-bong exclaimed in shock, [Your Revered One!]

[Calm down! This is an illusion.]

An illusion?

It was then that I snapped back to reality, but it was already too late. The corpses vanished, and a single blade of the heavenly light shot up like lightning.

Puk!

“Augh…”

Only after Gin Nara’s hand thrust through my solar plexus did my mind shatter, and the connection to the Great Immortal briefly severed. Gin Nara seized that moment, diving in to deliver a fatal blow.

[You scoundrel!]

As the Fire Dragon Incarnate summoned her energy to attack Gin Nara, he morphed like mist, appearing three paces away. He licked the blood from his hands and said, [Ha ha. What do you wish to see next? The corpses of your parents?]

“Ugh…”

Searing pain overwhelmed my senses. The wound was so severe that it felt like every pore in my body was exploding with each breath I took. But pushing through the pain, I used my powers to heal myself.

Yet even as I recovered, Gin Nara didn’t exhibit any hint of anxiety. Instead, he spoke leisurely.

[Very good. I’ll teach you what a battle between apostles is like.]

I lost my temper and shouted, “Shut your mouth!!”

[Huh?]

“I will not let you be!”

How dare he show me the corpses of my companions?

Swoosh!

As I appeared atop the Heavenly Altar, Gin Nara stared at me blankly before realizing my intention as I pointed the Flame Elemental Sword at the altar, and he paled in horror.

[Y-You madman! Are you out of your mind!]

“We will all perish!!”

We are destined to lose anyway. Then why not take a gamble and mess with that scoundrel!

Just as my sword was about to strike the Heavenly Altar,

*Crash!*

[Oooooooh!]

“Are you serious…”

My body froze. It was primarily due to the Great Immortal’s astonishment, who suddenly suppressed me, and I found the obstruction annoying. I attempted to use the Language of Detachment to send it all away. But even that spell was blocked, and something colossal began to descend upon my body.

The massive entity spoke in a low voice, [Jang Sam-bong. Fire Dragon Incarnate. You two must return to the Celestial Realm.]

Swwwooooshhh!

As that command fell, I felt the spirits of Jang Sam-bong and the Fire Dragon Incarnate leave my body. I knew all too well who could move those two beings with a single command, regardless of their will. It was as if the tremendous power embedded in the command had banished the Great Immortal.

The colossal being said, [Baek Woong, you are a burden. You move as you wish, yet in the end, you only force the main entity to stir.]

“……”

I couldn’t reply at all.

I felt as if I were being crushed beneath the immense force that descended on me.

Before me, Gin Nara appeared aghast.

[B-Bastard… This can’t be happening. Why would you… The Law of Cause and Effect must not allow it…]

[Why not? This person is my apostle.]

[The end! It’s the end! You should never descend to the mortal realm before the prophesied time! You cannot allow this to happen under the ruler’s contract!]

As Gin Nara’s facade of disbelief deepened, the enormous being observed him keenly.

Then, coldly stating, [How presumptuous. Don’t speak of the rulers with your mere insect status.]

With a simple gesture, the boundless darkness of the Original Night swept across the Eight Trigrams and fog that Gin Nara had cast.

Gin Nara desperately released the fog to create a shield, yet the massive presence chuckled, flicking its fingers.

A long, dark spear manifested, slicing through the air towards Gin Nara’s neck with pinpoint precision.

*Krack!*

It was strange. I could see the spear being launched, but the moment it struck was invisible, almost as if time itself had been erased.

[Huuaaaaa!]

Gin Nara’s scream echoed out. With his neck pierced, he dangled helplessly in midair, clearly enduring immense agony. For some reason, at the moment he was struck by the spear, Gin Nara couldn’t even attempt to turn into mist.

The colossal being appeared to relish the sight for a moment but then flicked its finger again.

Puk!

[Urrgh…!]

Horrifyingly, Gin Nara had been skewered from the lower half to the top of his head, resembling a grotesque shish kebab. The most frightful part was that Gin Nara, though he should have already died, was being toyed with by the “colossal entity” who gazed at him with a pleased expression.

[Fire Dragon Incarnate. You shan’t go to the Underworld. I decree your death prohibited.]

With merely two dark spears, the “colossal entity” pinned him down, marveling at Gin Nara’s expression, said, [Now… summon Changqie. If you don’t wish to endure the torments of hell any longer.]

[Urrrgh…!! Three Sovereigns…!!]

[You shall be sent off comfortably.]

As Gin Nara’s howls echoed across Mount Tai, the “colossal entity” calmly declared, [I, Jeon Wook, promise it.]