Reincarnation Sword God

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00527  Dark Heaven Village  ————————————————————————=
“……”

When I woke up, I found myself in the lodging of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. This familiar place must surely belong to the Grandmaster, so I scratched my head and got out of bed.

Then, I encountered Jin So-cheong, who was waiting outside. She bowed lightly upon seeing me.

“Did you sleep well through the night?”

“Who?”

Suddenly, I realized that both Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong had uncovered my internal power level. And if they saw that power, they could only think of me as a master of Half-Transition. Coming to my senses after sobering up, I scratched my head in embarrassment over my foolish mistake when Jin So-cheong said,

“It seems you are an expert from the Thunder God Lineage. Might you be one of the successors?”

“You noticed that I achieved Thunder Spirit.”

“Yes, indeed.”

I sighed and replied, “I’m not in a position to explain my circumstances. The trouble from earlier will soon be compensated for, so please wait just a bit.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

Huh?

Taken aback by her unexpected question, I looked at Jin So-cheong. She continued, “If someone like you, an expert, drinks so much that you lose consciousness, it must mean you’re burdened by great troubles and sorrows. The grief of losing a sect is something our Thunder God Lineage shares, and we wish to assist you.”

“……”

I could feel her sincerity in those words, devoid of any schemes. At the same time, a painful feeling welled up inside me.

‘In the end… Jin So-cheong also perished.’

The Jin So-cheong of this life was not the same as the one of my previous life, who lost her life charging at the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. And that incident arose because of my wrong choices, leading to the ascent of the sovereigns. I found myself at a loss for words, overwhelmed by disillusionment with myself.

If I form bonds again, people will die again.

I had prepared myself for it, but now I needed time alone to think.

“… I appreciate your kind intentions…”

Swoosh!

Suddenly, something flew toward me, and I quickly grabbed it. It was a long sword, thrown by someone walking toward me.

“Your skills truly seem impressive.”

I glanced at him coldly and said, “Samjeol Lee Kwang. What on earth are you doing?”

Lee Kwang casually replied, “I thought you might be in danger wandering around without any guards, so I wanted to gift you one of our martial arts practice swords.”

“Huh…”

My expression turned even frostier. Though he spoke casually, he likely desired to test the abilities of the unidentified master of the Thunder God Lineage. And when I questioned his rudeness, he deftly changed the subject.

‘He probably realized that fighting me would be difficult for him.’

In fact, I was confident I could win against Lee Kwang right now. The insights I gained from Jin So-cheong’s teachings on the Soul Removal Technique not only enhanced my footwork but also significantly boosted my overall martial arts skills.

As I pondered whether to knock Lee Kwang down, I glanced at Jin So-cheong beside me and reconsidered.

‘… Jin So-cheong died because of me.’

I couldn’t carelessly knock down my master before I even had a chance to apologize for that incident. Unable to face my guilt, I turned my gaze away and replied to Lee Kwang,

“I will gladly accept your kindness. Then, I wish for the prosperity of the martial arts school.”

“Are you leaving?”

“That I am.”

“Before you go, how about visiting Geuk-ho? He mentioned he has something to say.”

Geuk-ho?

My curiosity piqued, I nodded.

“Understood.”

I learned the location and headed to find Geuk-ho. He was lying in a large lodging among the crowd, reeking of alcohol. No matter how skilled he was, he likely consumed an amount of liquor that would put anyone in a stupor. Geuk-ho squinted at me with bleary eyes and said,

“Hey, Baek Woong… so you really are a master of Half-Transition?”

“… Maybe.”

“I heard you’re from the Thunder God Lineage, but why were you drinking so much? Was there something that painful?”

“……”

“If you don’t want to answer, you don’t have to… I’m in the same boat.”

Geuk-ho lay back on the bed, chuckling before continuing, “It’s hilarious. My master was killed by the Wind Spirit Sect, and here I am, living like a mere post by a tavern because I’m too weak…”

“Geuk-ho, you must have the capabilities of an elder in a great sect.”

“What? You can tell just by a glance? I haven’t even fought yet.”

I replied casually, “You can tell by looks.”

“Seriously… you’re more impressive than I thought.”

Geuk-ho mumbled as if he found it ridiculous and then spoke again. “Anyway, it seems Lee Kwang wants to keep you around… He told me to coax you into sharing our current status and future goals…”

“Is that so?”

“Since you’re a master of the Thunder God Lineage who has reached Half-Transition, it makes sense. Otherwise, Lee Kwang wouldn’t have to dig into his own pockets to pay for your drinks, and you’d probably wake up in the cold prison of the bureaucrats.”

“Hmmm.”

“But… just go. Just leave.”

I felt something odd in Geuk-ho’s words and raised an eyebrow.

“Leave?”

“Yeah. Just go wherever you want. After all, you came here as you pleased.”

“That’s true. But if I don’t help you, making a comeback will be difficult for you all.”

Geuk-ho chuckled at my question.

“At this rate, revenge on the White Lotus Sect will be impossible either way.”

“……!!”

“Lee Kwang talks big about revenge, but he’s excessively swayed by personal emotions. For him, revenge is not a purpose, just a reason. He’ll just drag it out and end up achieving nothing. Or he’ll recklessly rush in and be snuffed out like a moth to the flame.”

I looked at Geuk-ho anew.

‘He understands Lee Kwang well.’

Though Lee Kwang appears to be a vengeful spirit on the surface, he is actually a tumultuous person harboring dual aspects within. It’s something I only realized after countless reincarnations. I thought for a moment, then said to Geuk-ho,

“It’s as if you’re not one to say that.”

“Who am I to boast? I just… unlike Lee Kwang, who has built up so much, I have nothing left. Even if he dies, I have no choice but to pursue revenge.”

“… I see.”

The moment I looked into Geuk-ho’s eyes, I realized.

Geuk-ho was the true vengeful spirit.

He was someone who would press on with his desire for revenge, indifferent to external situations or justifications. In the past, when we discussed the possibility of bowing to the White Lotus Sect for personal gain, Geuk-ho had resolutely refused and chosen the path of wandering. Though it seemed like a foolish action, it meant his will would not be bent under any circumstances. He stood in stark contrast to Lee Kwang, who was conflicted by loyalty to the imperial family and his own contradictions.

‘If Geuk-ho’s skills could be supported… the White Lotus Sect would face a significant crisis.’

As I quietly observed Geuk-ho, sensing this impending storm, he suddenly grinned.

“What are you staring at? Am I that good-looking?”

“Well, you are better-looking than I am.”

Geuk-ho made a face as if insulted.

“Ugh… don’t take jokes seriously. I’m not popular with the ladies.”

“I was genuinely hurt because I thought you meant it.”

“Hahaha.”

I gazed at the chuckling Geuk-ho, falling into deep thought.

‘Maybe it’s not a bad idea.’

Actually, it might even lead to a new opportunity. Right now, I felt somewhat exhausted. Having witnessed the deaths of my companions, I was emotionally drained and barely escaped madness, but I was still quite tired. Thanks to Geuk-ho drinking with me, I felt a little rejuvenated and wanted to repay him.

After concluding my thoughts, I said to Geuk-ho,

“Geuk-ho, will you follow me?”

“What?”

“I can give you the strength to take revenge on the White Lotus Sect. And I’ll show you a new world you’ve never known.”

Geuk-ho looked bewildered.

“Uh… um, I’m not interested in that…”

“I’m not talking about anything like that.”

“Just kidding, hehe.”

Geuk-ho was trying to brush it off carelessly, but when my gaze turned serious, so did his expression. He had the wit to grasp someone else’s sincerity. After thinking for a while, he suddenly picked up the spear by his bedside and stood up.

“How about we have a match? Then I can judge whether to follow you or not.”

“Sounds good.”

I nodded.

“Seeing is believing.”

Thud!

Geuk-ho and I leaped down from the tall pavilion, heading outside the castle. Knowing we both excelled beyond peak experts, we were aware a fight in the city would cause a huge commotion. Once we reached the grassy outskirts beyond the castle, Geuk-ho said,

“You really do have an astonishing internal power. What on earth have you done to attain such power? Have you been gorging on spiritual pills like they’re food?”

“Die and come back to life over twenty times, I suppose.”

At my response, Geuk-ho chuckled.

“I see now that you have quite the sense of humor.”

“……”

I hoped it was simply a joke.

Soon, a standoff formed between Geuk-ho and me, and he launched the first attack.

Clang!

Geuk-ho’s spear struck fierce and powerful. I hadn’t recognized it when we first met, but he had evidently refined his energy into spear flames and could also wield strong qi. He might have lacked experience and insights, but he was certainly among the top-tier experts.

Taking his age into account, Geuk-ho was a genius as well.

‘Well, that explains why he’ll become one of the Ten Great Masters in the future…’

As thoughts raced in my mind, I countered Geuk-ho’s Thunder Spirit Eight Forms with my Thunder Dragon Sword. The Basic Technique of the Thunder Dragon Sword infused my energy, creating an impeccable defense. Every assault bounced off as if repelled by an invisible barrier, causing Geuk-ho to retreat.

“Impressive.”

Geuk-ho gulped.

“You’re stronger than even Master Lee Kwang.”

“Geuk-ho, there’s no need to hold back your secret techniques.”

“What?”

“You’ll understand what I mean soon enough.”

Whoooom!

I quickly employed the Soul Removal Technique, breaking through with a flash. With movements reminiscent of Lee Hyeong-hwan, Geuk-ho swiftly concealed his weaknesses and narrowly avoided my strikes with his own Soul Removal Technique. However, as he utilized his technique, I recalled how Jin So-cheong had once closely chased after me in close combat and accelerated my speed.

Zing!

The air trembled slightly as our chase continued. My divine techniques and internal power surpassed his, leaving Geuk-ho unable to shake me off.

“Ugh!”

Unable to endure any longer, Geuk-ho shifted to offense and unleashed his secret technique. I patiently waited for that moment, ready to counter with my own technique.

Soul Removal Technique!

Sky Light!

Boom!

When the Sky Light technique collided, an explosion echoed in the void. As soon as I discerned the opening formed by Geuk-ho, I charged in, halting my sword tip just before his solar plexus. Geuk-ho, having his vulnerability seized, ceased resisting.

He didn’t bother looking at the sword’s edge positioned before him. Instead, he looked at me with suspicion and asked,

“How did you master the Soul Removal Technique?”

“Is it so surprising for me to use it? You’re not the only one who can perform the Soul Removal Technique. Cheongwol the Dharma Protector can wield it too.”

As soon as I replied, Geuk-ho grumbled.

“Damn it. My pride is shattered. That technique was my sole lifeline.”

“Now, my martial arts don’t end here. If you wish, I can offer you something even better than the Sky Light—a truly extraordinary treasure…”

“…….”

I slowly lowered my sword and asked, “Will you follow me?”

Geuk-ho raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

“Why me?”

“……”

“Master Lee Kwang is far stronger than I am, and my fellow disciple, Jin So-cheong, has a talent beyond comparison. That girl is a true genius. I don’t understand why you would want someone as mediocre as me.”

“Stop dismissing your worth so carelessly. Even the most worthless talent in the world can grow strong one day.”

I dismissed Geuk-ho’s words and continued, “And you drank with me. With no personal interest involved. That alone is sufficient reason for us to become comrades.”

“Comrades? You’re not trying to make me a subordinate?”

“If you wish to become a subordinate, feel free.”

“Lol. No, I can tell you want to drink with me again.”

Geuk-ho burst into laughter, dropping his spear.

“Alright then, I’ll follow. But I’m going to teach you a thing or two about leadership.”

I suddenly remembered and warned him,

“I should mention—I’m going down a path of chaos. Facing the Master of the White Lotus Sect will be a walk in the park compared to the hardships I’ll encounter, but will you still come?”

“… I don’t know what you’re planning, but I don’t mind. Staying here is worse.”

“Great.”

I realized that a new connection had formed. Geuk-ho would also become my companion moving forward.