Reincarnation Sword God

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Chapter 5 – Dark Heaven Village

Zheodong-bin gathered his strength and prepared for the fight as Lee Cheong-un swiftly unleashed the Thunder Spirit Technique, aiming his finger directly at Zheodong-bin’s neck. It was a straightforward thrust, much like the one we’d practiced in our duel moments ago, yet that jab contained an undeniable lethal force that few could thwart in the entire realm. Even the Dharma Guardian would likely find himself pierced.

However, Zheodong-bin was different.

Heavenly Escape Sword Technique!
Moon-Style Defense Technique!

His senses were attuned to the extreme moment of time, allowing him to effortlessly perceive his foe, leaving no moment of weakness unaddressed. In his earlier duel against the Master of the White Lotus Sect, he had elegantly deflected countless qi streams with the Heart of Heaven’s Abundance. With the Moon-Style Defense as his eyes, Zheodong-bin lightly maneuvered his sword to deflect Lee Cheong-un’s thrust.

Clang!

Even though the sword and finger clashed, it resonated like two iron masses colliding. This was because Lee Cheong-un had gathered the power of the Thunder Spirit Technique into his finger.

“Heh.”

Upon realizing his first attack had failed, Lee Cheong-un lifted his spear, transforming once more into a storm of thunder as he fell into combat posture.

Thunder Spirit Technique!
Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear!

Strikes of blue lightning burst forth, distorting the void, summoning swirling storms in abundance.

“……?!”

What in the world was that?!

The massive onslaught of lightning released was an amalgamation of various martial techniques. While I could discern that it fundamentally derived from the Absolute Slash method of the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear, it extended chaotically into countless Transformation Techniques. I struggled to wrap my head around the display. Meanwhile, Zheodong-bin remained unwavered, steadily deploying his Sword Form.

Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram!
Sea Decision!

The flowing sword form glimmered as if it were dancing upon waves. Although Lee Cheong-un’s initial lightning spear rained down with terrifying vigor, once ensconced within Zheodong-bin’s sword technique, its power began to wane, followed by a barrage of lightning strikes exploding around me as if celebrating a festival.

Pipipiping!

A Thunder Dragon surged from the depths of the sea!

This duel could certainly be expressed as such. Zheodong-bin stood firm while effortlessly countering the infinite Thunder Dragons in a show of skill that seemed endless. In a split second, hundreds of strikes surged forth and then retreated, a clash of enlightenment without a trace of the opponent visible.

Boom!

Suddenly, with a flash of blue lightning, Lee Cheong-un returned, launching an assault from the front. Though it appeared to be a surprise attack, Zheodong-bin sensed the intent through the Moon-Style Defense, aiming to strike Lee Cheong-un’s neck, forcing Lee Cheong-un to twist his stance for a counter.

Kaboom!

With each strike from Lee Cheong-un’s spear, Zheodong-bin responded in kind, causing thunderous sounds to reverberate. I realized that Lee Cheong-un wasn’t just wielding the eight great spear techniques with ease; he was seamlessly blending in techniques beyond my knowledge, showcasing an advanced level of martial arts that felt like a tremendous dance.

Tydaht!

Had it been about three hundred seconds?

Lee Cheong-un finally halted his assault, returning to his human form. He dusted off his hands with a wry smile.

“Much appreciated. Truly incredible techniques.”

Appreciated? I hadn’t sensed anything like that in our duel just now, but Zheodong-bin naturally replied.

[The only one I must slay with all my effort is the Demon. Your Thunder Soul isn’t a treacherous technique, so how could I fight with lethal intent?]

“I too have a killer technique, yet it seems ineffective. That ‘eye’ level is truly remarkable.”

[……]

Observing Lee Cheong-un muttering, with a peculiar expression, he finally remarked.

“Yet, can that sword technique genuinely be considered a method of Creation from Nothingness?”

What sort of question was that?

The onlookers appeared puzzled, but Zheodong-bin seemed to grasp the essence of the query. His expression briefly grew solemn before he responded.

[That’s merely a level arbitrarily determined by the human martial world. My formless sword cannot be adequately described in clumsy words.]

“I see. Nothing generates, and something generates life… Truly a technique of the Immortals.”

[If you comprehend this, shouldn’t you also pursue a formless state of understanding?]

“Hoho! Don’t jest with me. The essence of your sword art and my path are destined for different heights.”

With a hearty laugh, Lee Cheong-un added,

“Zheodong-bin. You’re aware that Baek Woong’s capacity for martial arts only stretches a decade at most, right?”

[Of course.]

“The solution is singular: You need to strengthen your Heavenly Escape Sword further… can you do that?”

[It is possible.]

Zheodong-bin confirmed while adding a caveat.

[However! It will only be a temporary solution. And if you do not wish to pay with your lifespan, you must offer a corresponding payment.]

“I understand. I will discuss this with Baek Woong.”

[That was an enjoyable duel.]

Whoosh…

With Zheodong-bin’s power finally dissipated, I found myself utterly exhausted, collapsing to my knees in the training ground.

“Huff, huh… huh…”

Having dueled for merely three hundred seconds, I felt a fatigue akin to running the entire night. Engaging at such an extreme level drained both my spiritual and internal power almost entirely. As I knelt, Lee Cheong-un approached me.

“Baek Woong, do you know what I just implied?”

I wiped the sweat from my chin, answering, “I do. The master Jang Sam-bong told me.”

I recalled the words from my previous life, where I learned martial arts from Master Jang Sam-bong.

[Your capacity will fill quickly under Zheodong-bin’s immortal sword. Not only the Seven Great Techniques but every potential derived from them has been sharpened by geniuses—achieving them all is impossible.]

[The fundamental solution is to enhance the sword within your soul, but alas, only Zheodong-bin can perform this. I can only assist you in slightly widening that capacity, putting a temporary hold on limitations…]

[For now, I will bestow you my blessing for ten years of training. Starting now, I will teach you the Seven Great Techniques, but you must learn to control your practice moving forward. Otherwise, your capacity will falter, and madness will seep into your mind. If you wish to avoid true internal disruption, remember my words.]

That was it. After learning the Seven Great Techniques, I received the Eight Immortal Divine Art, yet my ability to handle it was far too lacking. Thus, as Zheodong-bin’s sword also approached its own limits, the only solution was to enhance his sword, and only he could achieve that.

Fortunately, Zheodong-bin agreed to strengthen the sword, leaving the task of convincing him remaining. Lee Cheong-un stroked his chin, saying,

“I think it would be better for you to offer some treasures to Zheodong-bin as a ritual offering. Even if you’re barely alive, casually trading your life is unwise.”

“That sounds reasonable.”

“And one more thing… your capacity has likely not yet reached its full extent.”

“Huh?”

“It seemed you could barely grasp my Transformation Techniques and Absolute Slash from our recent duel.”

Reluctantly, I nodded, “That’s true.”

“Though many strong opponents have fought with you under empowered conditions, your capacity still doesn’t match your battle experience. Yet my techniques as a member of the Thunder God lineage went unnoticed… I could feel Zheodong-bin was forcibly restraining his efforts.”

“……”

Indeed. While I was focused on experiencing the Absolute Realm during the empowerment, it seemed to inadvertently impede Zheodong-bin. Lee Cheong-un likely sensed this through his unique intuition.

“You need to spend more time refining the techniques of the Thunder God lineage. A strong foundation is essential for ascendance.”

“Well… I suppose my training needs enhancement.”

I grasped Lee Cheong-un’s words. In truth, while Master Jang Sam-bong had said my capacity had only a decade of growth, it implied I had more than that due to my poor understanding of the Thunder God lineage. It could be seen positively, yet his indirect criticism of my training made my face flush.

As if sensing my embarrassment, Lee Cheong-un chuckled.

“Don’t be too disheartened. This is merely the high standard of the Absolute Realm and the techniques of the Thunder God lineage—you’re an impressive expert. Besides, you’ve hardly dedicated yourself solely to martial arts during your reincarnation, right?”

“What should I do from here on out?”

“First, you must consult with the Zhuge Clan. Determine how much of a sacrifice you can make.”

We proceeded to the Zhuge Clan and reported the events to them. After pondering for a moment, Zhuge Sa responded.

“Lee Cheong-un, I’m not a martial artist, so I don’t know, but how many more thresholds does Baek Woong have to overcome to reach the Absolute Realm?”

“Though Baek Woong stands at the edge of peak mastery, realistically, there are still at least five thresholds to the Absolute Realm. That’s the vast and profound nature of the martial arts world. Moreover, accounting for the significant advantage Baek Woong has from his immense internal power, he still has a long way to go.”

“What a complicated matter.”

Zhuge Sa murmured with a frown.

“Then there’s no choice but to formally perform a ritual offering instead of an ordinary one while in the empowered state. That would yield greater efficiency…”

“I understand.”

Pa-at!

I arrived at Master Mangnyang’s village, laden with treasure. I told Cheon Woo-jin that I had come to perform the offering ceremony. He greeted me, his face weary and gaunt, yet voiced his displeasure.

“… Must it be done here? You and Zheodong-bin’s connection could allow for a direct offer…”

“Conducting the ceremony in the Celestial Realm allows for a more significant portion to return to Zheodong-bin.”

“Uh… follow me.”

Indeed, as Master Mangnyang had indicated. Whether he had foreseen it or not, Cheon Woo-jin had decided not to inquire about the terms but would simply proceed to assist.

I finished my preparations for the ritual and called out to Zheodong-bin right from the start.

“Come forth, Zheodong-bin!”

Paat!

Suddenly, Zheodong-bin appeared atop the altar, speaking.

[What a bother…]

“I only expect you to ensure everything is in order afterwards, no changing the subject.”

[A materialistic fellow.]

Who would say such a thing!

I gritted my teeth internally but presented my offerings to Zheodong-bin.

“Here is the Silver Phoenix Fragment, Muramasa, gold and silver bars, the hide of a beast from the moon, and the halberd. This should suffice, right?”

It felt as though I were pouring every last necessary item into the mix. Those gold and silver bars had been treasures stolen from a pirate crew, and I lamented their loss due to their potential in expanding my wealth. Yet, disguising my reluctance, I gazed at Zheodong-bin as he looked down pensively before finally speaking.

[It is sufficient.]

“Oh, then regarding the enhancement of the sword…”

[But why have you left this here?]

Hmm…

Zheodong-bin exerted his mysterious power, placing the Silver Phoenix Fragment upon the spirit form of his palm. His expression seemed somewhat displeased as he gazed at the fragment. Curious, I tilted my head and inquired.

“Uh? I’m not sure what’s going on, but I thought you might like it since it seems like a treasure…”

[Hmmm.]

“……”

An air of mystery arose, prompting me to ask.

“What exactly is this matter you speak of?”

[This is…]

Zheodong-bin hesitated as if reluctant to respond, then finally stated,

[It is a treasure owned by the royal family of Balhae. I have a bitter connection with it, so I do not wish to accept it.]

By turning his head away, it was evident that he truly loathed the Silver Phoenix Fragment.

“A bitter connection?”

[No reason to explain.]

It seemed this was more than an ordinary bitter connection. I hurriedly retrieved the Silver Phoenix Fragment from the altar, and only then did Zheodong-bin accept the offerings, radiating a bright light.

[I shall strengthen the sword, stabilizing your capacity.]

Fshhh!

I distinctly felt a clarity settling into my mind, even sharper than before. Simultaneously, something within me shimmered, resembling a pure white blade. That blade, having quietly resided in the depths of my heart’s darkness, exuded an extraordinary aura.

‘Is this the Immortal Sword?’

Once the task was complete, I returned to Jangryeong Valley. When I conveyed the outcome to Zhuge Sa, he expressed intrigue.

“The royal family of Balhae, is it?”

“He mentioned that.”

“Let me take a look at the Silver Phoenix Fragment.”

Zhuge Sa accepted the fragment, inspecting it closely before commenting.

“It seems necessary to delve deeper into the background of this item…”