Reincarnation Sword God

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00529 Dark Heaven Village ————————————————————————

In the past, I never felt it, but the thatched house of Mangnyang definitely felt cramped with three people inside instead of two. Geuk-ho seemed to be struggling to sit, so he simply stood up, and Mangnyang spoke.

“There has been a lot going on since we last met.”

“Indeed.”

“But ultimately, we couldn’t do anything about the absolute lack of power…”

“……”

Mangnyang muttered bitterly and continued.

“Then, in this lifetime, let’s aim for you to reach the Absolute Realm while being as cautious as possible.”

“I think that’s a good plan.”

Absolute Realm!

If I reach that state, I would be able to handle an army of a hundred thousand alone and gain the strength to confront the Overlay Technique. If I ascend to a realm that few in history have reached, I would greatly expand my future movements.

I took out the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate and handed it to Mangnyang.

“Please take this.”

“Thank you.”

“Mangnyang. After the Offering Ceremony, do you intend to rise to the Celestial Realm?”

Mangnyang nodded.

“I believe that would be the smoothest path.”

“While you’re at it, maybe we can also give Cheon Woo-jin the Obsidian…”

“No, that won’t do.”

Mangnyang shook his head.

“Woojin has an exceptionally strong wariness towards others. In his previous life, he took a long time to accept things because of the twists and turns of circumstances; had it not been for that, he would never accept something suspicious like the Obsidian. Even if I, his older brother, were to persuade him, it wouldn’t be possible.”

“Hmm… I suppose that’s true.”

Though I had thought so, hearing it confirmed by Mangnyang left a bitter feeling. Indeed, it was not easy to bring Cheon Woo-jin aboard as a companion. Unless I had enough strength to intimidate him, I couldn’t just throw the Obsidian at him and expect him to join our ranks.

Mangnyang glanced at Geuk-ho, who was standing there.

“Are you truly planning to make him your companion?”

“Yes.”

“You realize he might resent being drawn into this perilous path of Asura, right?”

I pondered for a moment before responding.

“In that case, I will take his memories and return them.”

“Is such a thing possible with the Obsidian’s techniques?”

“It is a high-level technique, but yes.”

At that, Geuk-ho, who had been listening, irritably slumped down.

“I have no idea what you two are talking about, but if you’re going to offer that bastard’s memory, just do it quickly. There’s nothing more boring than tolerating incomprehensible chatter.”

“Hahaha, you’re quite the bold one.”

Mangnyang chuckled heartily.

“Then, Geuk-ho. May I ask one thing as a comrade of Baek Woong?”

“Is this about your guidance? I’ll keep it in mind.”

“What do you think of Lee Kwang?”

“He’s currently the top expert of the Thunder God Lineage, the general, and most likely the one who would get revenge. Also, he is the heir of the Grand Master.”

It seemed this was the current perception Geuk-ho had of Lee Kwang. Mangnyang carefully observed Geuk-ho’s complexion and then spoke.

“If I or Baek Woong were to tell you to kill Lee Kwang, would you comply?”

“……!!”

Geuk-ho’s expression hardened.

“You probably guessed it, but Baek Woong is no ordinary person. He might be the most special existence in this world. If he wishes to give you strength, you may possess power that even surpasses the Dharma Guardian. So, this is a possibility worth considering.”

“Why would we be talking about killing Master Lee Kwang? Do you have some grudge against him?”

“You will understand once you hear Baek Woong’s memories.”

“……”

Geuk-ho seemed to contemplate for a while. Then he spoke.

“I could do it. If it helps eliminate the White Lotus Sect.”

“I see. Got it.”

Mangnyang nodded and addressed me.

“Baek Woong, after giving Geuk-ho some suitable martial arts and spiritual pills, send him back to the Thunder God Lineage. He cannot be a companion.”

“……”

I felt Geuk-ho’s killing intent rising slowly from where he was sitting. I was tense, watching Geuk-ho carefully, unsure when he would draw his sword and attempt to chop down Mangnyang. If I wasn’t careful, the neck of Mangnyang, who had yet to learn any martial arts and was merely an inexperienced scholar, could easily fall victim to Geuk-ho. Even if he seemed weaker than me now, Geuk-ho was still an apex expert, well-acknowledged in the Jianghu.

“Calm down for a moment.”

I warned Geuk-ho and then turned to Mangnyang.

“Why is it that you can’t accept Geuk-ho?”

“Just now, Geuk-ho indicated he could kill Lee Kwang if it means eliminating the White Lotus Sect. In other words, what he’s saying is that he is willing to use anything if it means removing the White Lotus Sect.”

Mangnyang looked at Geuk-ho with an endlessly cold gaze.

“No matter how much I explain the underbelly of the world to Geuk-ho, he won’t be able to forget his grudge against the White Lotus Sect. Not only will he seek revenge on the one who harmed his master, Yongbi-cheon, but he will also not cease in his anger until he eradicates the Sect Leader and everything else.”

“……”

“My words are incorrect, Geuk-ho? You cannot accept any form of compromise with the White Lotus Sect, can you? That’s why I cannot acknowledge you as a companion. If it conflicts with your wishes, you could strike Baek Woong from behind at any time.”

Then Geuk-ho spoke with a voice full of anger.

“What do you know to speak like that? Do you understand the futility of being unable to do anything when my master was torn apart before my very eyes? Who do you think you are to judge me?”

*Kuwung!*

In that instance, my and Geuk-ho’s energy clashed. Thanks to the alcoholic duel I had previously participated in, my inner power had escalated a tier, and heightened senses from battles with pirates sharpened my focus; Geuk-ho’s skills had risen as well. While I could restrain him now, if it went any further, I would ultimately have to duel for survival with him.

Despite feeling the tension, Mangnyang responded coldly.

“Everyone living in this world has someone they wish to kill. Both I and Baek Woong have enemies we long to tear apart. Not just one or two. But that’s a different matter entirely. The issue here is that you, Geuk-ho, are a type that clings to pure revenge and cannot comprehend compromise!”

“Well said.”

“Alternatively, put it this way. If you can compromise with the White Lotus Sect for ten years in hopes of getting your revenge, would you agree?”

“……”

Geuk-ho did not respond. However, the refusal was clear from the intensity of his killing intent not abating.

“But you also have a strong desire for revenge, so you cannot back down like this.”

“That’s right.”

Mangnyang continued.

“If that’s the case, then swear here that you’ll end all your revenge by killing Yongbi-cheon, the Dharma Guardian of the Wind Spirit Sect. Not just now, but with the future generations to come.”

“What are you saying? Future generations?”

“Just as you cannot compromise with the White Lotus Sect, we also cannot easily face betrayal.”

Geuk-ho frowned, but I believed Mangnyang’s proposal was justified. So, I looked to Geuk-ho and spoke.

“Geuk-ho, promise me that if you swear to end it all with Yongbi-cheon, I will ensure you capture him.”

Geuk-ho’s expression softened somewhat.

“Is there a reason we shouldn’t take revenge on the entire White Lotus Sect?”

“Too many complicated problems are entangled in this.”

“Hmm…”

He seemed to be thinking for a while. Then he spoke.

“My only enemy is Yongbi-cheon. If I kill him, I will not ask for anything beyond that.”

“Good thought.”

*Swish!*

I extended the Obsidian to Geuk-ho. He seemed to have sensed that it was a technique for memory transmission and hesitated for a moment before accepting it. Eventually, I transmitted my past life memories to Geuk-ho, and he trembled like a fish that had been speared.

“……!!”

Geuk-ho’s expression changed drastically at short intervals. The volume of my past memories must have been quite immense, as he seemed to be struggling to cope. After a moment, Geuk-ho regained his composure and said.

“The… world…”

“Geuk-ho, do you understand what I mean now?”

“Damn it. I’ve stepped into a massive gamble.”

Geuk-ho spat out curses and continued.

“All these crazy folks. How many times have they done this? Yet they still don’t give up? Even when fighting those fearsome characters…”

“……”

“Baek Woong.”

Geuk-ho looked at me and continued.

“I live with the singular intention of erasing Yongbi-cheon, the one who tore my master to shreds before my eyes. But I can’t imagine enduring dozens of deaths like you while being propelled by my revenge. What drives you to move, exactly?”

“Um…”

Geuk-ho’s question was unexpected.

What was it that compelled me to act right now?

It was a significant question for someone who had recently tasted a horrific defeat. Mangnyang seemed curious about my answer, gazing at me intently. I had no reason to hesitate, so I replied.

“I haven’t gathered all the Seven Luminaries yet, nor reached the Absolute Realm, nor perfected my techniques.”

“…What? That’s it?”

“I can’t give up until I’ve tried everything I can.”

“Assuming you had tried everything. What if you’re still lacking in strength?”

I clenched my fist and replied.

“From then on, I’ll put in the effort and become a god.”

“A god…”

“Even if I reach the realm of gods, if I can’t save humans, then I’ll have to accept that. But until that time comes, I won’t give up.”

“……”

Both Geuk-ho and Mangnyang looked taken aback by my words. Geuk-ho let out a dejected laugh and said.

“Wow… I’ve really become friends with an incredible person.”

“What of it? Are you going to give up now?”

“No.”

Geuk-ho gripped his spear tightly.

“Alright then. Since it’s come to this, let’s go together. Whether it ends in Heaven or Hell…”

After the conversation concluded, Mangnyang said.

“Baek Woong. We don’t have much time before the disaster of the Offering Ceremony comes, so let’s conduct the Offering Ceremony first.”

“Got it.”

*Pa-at!*

I gave Geuk-ho the Black and White Lotus to enhance his internal power, allowing him to cultivate the Seven Great Techniques and Eight Immortal Divine Art within. Along with Mangnyang, we headed to the village of Master Mangnyang for the ritual. I refrained from speaking much to Cheon Woo-jin to avoid any unnecessary complications. Instead, Mangnyang persuaded Cheon Woo-jin to come inside the village.

‘Just as I thought.’

Upon entering the village, a familiar wave of drowsiness washed over me. As anticipated, I summoned Yeodong-bin through the terminal at that moment.

[Welcome, Dharma Protector… huh?]

*Slither!*

As Yeodong-bin let out a stunned sound, I fell asleep.

‘Yeodong-bin, you should meet Master Mangnyang once…’

I wondered how it would go.

A familiar path.

Beyond that path, Master Mangnyang walked calmly in a cat form. Beside me floated Yeodong-bin’s spirit, who looked somewhat bewildered.

[Where is this…?]

[Welcome to my space, Yeodong-bin.]

Master Mangnyang greeted Yeodong-bin.

[It’s been a thousand years, right?]

Yeodong-bin seemed to have grasped the situation. He then said with a bittersweet tone.

[I see. It’s been a while since I saw the Great Immortal.]

*Thunk!*

Without hesitation, Yeodong-bin knelt before the black cat, Master Mangnyang. I was somewhat surprised to see him so respectful. Yeodong-bin only displayed such reverence towards his master, the Fire Dragon Incarnate.

Master Mangnyang looked at me and said.

[What a cute gesture. Were you hoping to have me and Yeodong-bin meet?]

“Well… sort of, I guess…”

[He and I have met before. When he first received the Fire Dragon Sword and was on his exorcism journey, he often received my assistance.]

“……!!”

I was a bit startled and spoke.

“So, it’s not just a coincidence that Yeodong-bin’s shrine is established in this village?”

[Correct. Back then, Yeodong-bin handled several of my requests, and in return, a shrine was built to honor him.]

After kneeling, Yeodong-bin calmly spoke.

[Great Immortal, please stop it; my face is turning red.]

[Hmm. Are you doing well lately, by any chance?]

[What work would there be for the Overlay Technique in the Celestial Realm? I’m diligently working every day to see the Unmatched Path.]

[You’re living quite earnestly. Well done.]

While listening to their conversation, a thought struck me, so I questioned Master Mangnyang.

“Hey! I’ve got a question!”

[What is it?]

“What exactly is this Martial God? Is he one of the Old Rulers? Or an Ancient God? What is he that he suddenly appears before such powerful figures like those of the Overlay Technique and Absolute Realm?”

[ ……]

“You’re an incredible deity, so I thought you might know.”

At my words, both Master Mangnyang and Yeodong-bin focused their attention on me. Yeodong-bin especially looked shocked as if to ask how I knew.

[…Yeodong-bin. Please stop being rude to the Great Immortal.]

[No, it’s an intriguing question after a long time.]

[Great Immortal.]

[Martial God, huh… Yes, he exists.]

Master Mangnyang jumped lightly onto the rooftop. Then he said.

[He exists in the present, past, and future… everywhere. He is a divinity far more divine than the clumsy Old Ruler. However, whether he is a god or not, that is still uncertain.]

“What do you mean?”

[The fields he embodies do not have a defined existence.]

Master Mangnyang scratched the back of his neck with his foot and shook himself off for a moment.

[The abstract meaning of ‘Martial’ poses a question on whether it can even be regarded as a cosmic element. Most deities have domains like time, space, existence, destruction, or elements such as water, earth, fire, and wind, but… it’s unclear if ‘Martial’ fits within those realms. Therefore, even amongst gods, his identity remains elusive.]

“Uncertain identity…”

[Yeodong-bin might know better than I do.]

At Master Mangnyang’s remark, I was taken aback.

[Because he faced the Martial God directly dozens of times during his lifetime.]