Reincarnation Sword God

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Chapter 554 – Dark Heaven Village

I headed deeper into the heart of the dark ruins alongside Mangnyang. The ruins grew increasingly ominous and profound. As we emerged from the cave, an expansive area unveiled itself, accompanied by an ever-louder booming echo as we walked through the corridor.

Boom!

Crash!!

The sounds were immense and thunderous, resembling explosive detonations. Yet, as I walked through the hallway adorned in the style of ancient Balhae, I realized the true nature of the noise, and my expression shifted.

“…It seems someone is striking something!”

“Indeed.”

As we progressed a bit further, a spectacle unfolded before us.

Rumble!

Thunder Light fills the sky!

At once, I recalled that phrase as monstrous bolts of lightning erupted and relentlessly pounded against a giant gate. Countless bolts surged forth, each striking with a deadly speed, resembling the appearance of spears and blades, each one imbued with terrifying potential. It felt like a barrage of relentless blows was rendering the front of my vision dizzying.

Crash!

The booming ceased moments later, and in front of us, a blue bolt of lightning transformed into a human form. Sure enough, it was Lee Cheong-un, activating the Thunder Spirit Technique, relentlessly battering the massive door. Upon seeing me, he greeted me with relief.

“Oh, Baek Woong! Have you finally obtained the Sword Thunder?”

“Can you tell just by looking?”

“You’re not the kind of man to rush out before completing your training.”

At Lee Cheong-un’s words, I felt somewhat embarrassed and scratched my head. Beside me, Mangnyang spoke up.

“I apologize for interrupting your reunion, but is it truly impossible to destroy the door?”

“Umm, no. That door cannot be opened physically.”

Lee Cheong-un sighed and continued his explanation.

“With my Infinite Internal Power from possessing the Heavenly Spirit Pill, I channeled all the might of the Thunder Spirit Technique for a whole seven days and nights. I am confident that a strike from my Thunder Spirit Technique could turn that massive gate into scrap metal, but at this level, it’d take hundreds of thousands of explosives to budge it.”

“……”

I gazed at the door in front of me with blank eyes. The door, crafted like a circular space, seemed integrated into the surroundings, and I felt it would be impossible to enter the internal space without opening it. With a flicker of hope, I proposed,

“What if we excavated from the outside? Perhaps we could tunnel underground…”

Swish.

Lee Cheong-un pointed to a space using his index finger. There, a vast tunnel was present, with signs as if a cliff had been carved out. Lee Cheong-un said,

“It seems what we see is not the only barrier. Trying other directions only results in a sensation of the space itself shifting and blocking.”

“Hmm!”

Mangnyang interjected.

“Baek Woong, let me explain. After we came to these ruins, we gathered and studied quite a few texts from Balhae, but the most important secret of the Balhae royal family lies within that royal door. So, we’ve been challenging the door to open for several nights, but to no avail.”

“The royal family, huh.”

I gazed sharply at the massive iron door.

“It must be a barrier sealed with a tremendous sorcery.”

“Our thoughts align. That is certainly a barrier constructed by the Balhae royal family’s last remaining power. Even if we have attempted to break the door so far, if Lee Cheong-un can’t breach it, then no one in this world will be able to break it with mere physical force.”

“In that case, we have no choice but to call upon Cheon Woo-jin?”

“We must resort to that.”

Lee Cheong-un added,

“Baek Woong, there is another method, though. That is to obtain the key to the door— the keys to this gate.”

“A key?”

Step.

I followed Lee Cheong-un forward. When we reached the iron door itself, he took out the Silver Phoenix Fragment from his robe, and miraculously, the fragment fit perfectly into the door’s engraving. However, the door didn’t budge an inch.

I realized upon seeing that.

“It only fits on the left side.”

“Correct. Just as you said. This fragment is likely the key to opening the royal door, but… there must be two keys. Both the right and left engravings require two Phoenix Fragments to unlock.”

“Hmm!”

So, does that mean I need to acquire another Phoenix Fragment?

Lost in thought, I remarked,

“But in my past life, Mangnyang, who led the Bancheon Alliance, had uncovered portions of the truth regarding the Balhae royal family’s secrets and the Earth Star. That is…”

“It is likely that at that time, Mangnyang managed to obtain both fragments, the keys to the royal door. I have gathered quite a bit of information from the remnants of the Sahkyung Yongcheongbu, but I have not obtained as much as that Mangnyang did at that time.”

“Hmm.”

“There is no other way to think but that they ‘opened the door.'”

Mangnyang calmly continued.

“It was a matter of destiny. And during that time, Mangnyang spent over ten years leading the Bancheon Alliance, investing all resources and funds into that endeavor. Of course, compared to our current power, it was minuscule, but still, holding hands with the White Lotus Sect to restrain the Golden Eagle Guards— the Bancheon Alliance was a certain formidable faction, wasn’t it?”

“I see…”

“Unlike then, we have now learned of the royal family’s existence, so it might take at least ten years of searching the Central Plains to discover another Phoenix Fragment.”

“…….”

I couldn’t help but lament internally.

“Dammit! Why did I stupidly do such things back then…”

Had I not fought the Bi Gang-jang desperately and lost to showcase my martial arts to Mangnyang, I wouldn’t have died so futilely near Jinrang Valley. And had I escaped with Mangnyang right then, I could have gathered more information from him, couldn’t I? The foolishness of my past actions suddenly hit hard, but what’s done is done.

I spoke heavily.

“So for now, I have no choice but to summon Cheon Woo-jin to see if he can unseal the Balhae royal family’s barrier with sorcery.”

“That should be the case.”

Bang!

I went with Mangnyang to find Cheon Woo-jin. And as soon as we met him, Mangnyang bluntly said,

“Priest. I need your help with something.”

Cheon Woo-jin replied gruffly,

“What do you want me to do this time?”

“I’m not speaking empty words. I’ll give you a reward.”

Swish.

Mangnyang suddenly drew out the Divine Flame Needle from his robe. Cheon Woo-jin’s eyes widened slightly, and without hesitation, Mangnyang threw the Divine Flame Needle to him.

“This treasure now belongs to you, priest. In exchange, grant me a request.”

“……”

Thud.

Cheon Woo-jin received the Divine Flame Needle and gave it some thought before responding.

“Fine. If it’s in my capacity to do, I’ll help. What is it?”

“Opening the Balhae royal family’s ‘door’.”

“That seems interesting.”

Bang!

We moved back in front of the door with Cheon Woo-jin. I showed him the Silver Phoenix Fragment and explained the current situation, and upon hearing it all, Cheon Woo-jin frowned slightly before speaking.

“…This is quite the headache.”

He approached the sealed door and patted it, then said,

“This barrier is maintained by the lives of great sorcerers. Furthermore, the spirits are entwined deep within the barrier; we can say it’s the strongest barrier among mortals.”

“What level are we talking about?”

Swish.

Cheon Woo-jin tossed the Divine Flame Needle back to Mangnyang while continuing,

“It’s not worth it. Older Brother, I believe we’ll have to drop this request.”

At that, Mangnyang was taken aback.

“What do you mean? Haven’t you become a Great Immortal after enduring that fever? If even you can’t break it…”

“Hah, Older Brother. While my cultivation level has indeed risen significantly, sorcery has its cause and effect. This particular barrier is inherent with powerful resentment and self-sacrifice, making it impossible to breach through mere force. Self-sacrifice is the strongest form of sealing from curses.”

Cheon Woo-jin struck the door with his hands.

“Listen. This was the sound of great sorcerers who devoted their lives in loyalty to the Balhae royal family dying all at once. At least a dozen sacrificed their lives to seal it, refusing reincarnation, becoming part of the barrier. Honestly, I’ve never seen such a mad barrier in my lifetime.”

“……”

Ohhhhh.

To my spirit-sensitive ears, that sound seemed to be gradually resonating. It felt like terrible resentment and screams were brushing past my ears. If I delved deeper with my spirit eye, I might glimpse the sorcerers’ souls, but they were undoubtedly in ghastly forms that I’d rather not witness. I swallowed hard and turned to Cheon Woo-jin.

“Cheon Woo-jin. If you were the legitimate heir of the Balhae royal family, could you perhaps open it without keys?”

“Hmm? An interesting suggestion.”

After thinking for a moment, Cheon Woo-jin shook his head.

“…While there may be potential due to the pledge of authentic blood, this barrier has only one way to breach it. The two Phoenix Fragments must be inserted into the engravings. And considering how long ago Balhae’s fall was, how would we find that bloodline?”

“The Phoenix Fragments, is that the only option…”

“Then take me to the location.”

Cheon Woo-jin said with apparent annoyance.

“I have yet to sow my field properly.”

“……”

Now that I think about it, this guy farms…

Reluctantly, after bringing Cheon Woo-jin back to the village, I returned before the sealed area. Mangnyang was staring deeply at the door before finally stating,

“First, Baek Woong, let’s return to the base.”

“Understood.”

“There’s currently no method available.”

Bang!

We returned to Jangryeong Valley. Then, Zhuge Sa spoke to Mangnyang for a while, whispering, before summoning me.

“Baek Woong. Bring Yeon Jong-hwi here.”

“Why?”

“I think that guy might have a clue.”

I brought Yeon Jong-hwi as per his request. Zhuge Sa gazed at him with calm eyes and asked,

“Yeon Jong-hwi. According to you, two Phoenix Fragments are needed to open the door. How did you come to that conclusion?”

Yeon Jong-hwi promptly replied without hesitation.

“I believe I saw a similar design when I was young.”

“When you were young?”

Yeon Jong-hwi nodded and said,

“As a descendant of the Yanshi royal family, our household had numerous ancient texts. I recall seeing a similarly designed drawing while devouring those books in my childhood.”

“Do you know where that book is now?”

“Well…”

Yeon Jong-hwi hesitated awkwardly before responding.

“When I was sixteen, a bandit group invaded the village, and our entire house burned down.”

“That can’t be a lie, right?”

“Why would I lie? If it helps our cause, I’m ready to offer this Ink-scaled Long Bow as well. I serve Baek Woong as my lord.”

“And what happened when you fought those bandits?”

“What do you mean by that? I killed them all.”

“……”

So he was already a master archer back then?

As I was quietly impressed, Zhuge Sa continued with his questions.

“Good. So you mentioned you intended to go to Zhongnan Mountain, but what’s there?”

“I told you before. My parents said that going there would reveal the origin of my bloodline.”

“But you wouldn’t go without a vague goal, be it a person or a relic. You must have had something specific in mind?”

“Hmm…”

After a moment of contemplation, Yeon Jong-hwi responded,

“Frankly speaking, they told me to find a person.”

“Why didn’t you mention that from the start?”

“Shouldn’t everyone be focusing on helping their master with training? I was worried they’d become concerned if I mentioned my personal matters, so I kept it to myself.”

Zhuge Sa scoffed.

“You need not worry about that. Don’t hide things moving forward.”

“Understood.”

“So who is this person?”

“Um… I was told to find someone named Yeon Murin.”

At that, Zhuge Sa’s eyebrows twitched.

“Yeon Murin… Do you know anything about their age, appearance, or characteristics?”

“I don’t know well. But my father mentioned that Yeon Murin has innate talent, so they should be easy to find. I heard that one relative of my father’s has raised him.”

“A talent? A martial artist?”

“That should be the case.”

Zhuge Sa contemplated for a moment before speaking.

“I’ve never heard the name Yeon Murin. Such a name does not belong to anyone famous in the martial world.”

“Neither have I.”

I know most of the powerful experts of the Nine Great Sects, including the head of the Nine Great Sects. Since I’ve been in Jianghu for tens or hundreds of years, isn’t there no one more knowledgeable than me? Yet, I had never heard of the name Yeon Murin.

Meanwhile, Mangnyang spoke up.

“But Uncle, you must have some idea, right?”

“Yeah. But it’s so preposterous…”

Zhuge Sa rested his chin on his hand and admitted,

“…It won’t do us any good to stall. Baek Woong, you need to take the lead.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Because if my predictions are correct, the best scenario would be for just you and Yeon Jong-hwi to go.”

He continued,

“Right now, head straight to the head of the Zhongnan Sect.”

Bang!!

I arrived with Yeon Jong-hwi near the lake where we had been before, using a wind skill.

‘It’s been a while since I was here.’

This location, quietly established on a corner of Zhongnan Mountain, was special solely for the head of the Zhongnan Sect of the Nine Great Sects. It was known that even the elders seldom entered this place. As I glanced at the distant hut, an elderly man gazed our way from by the lake.

The distance was about seventy paces.

For a normal person, that would be a leisurely distance to walk, but the elderly man deployed his technique like a specter, reaching within ten paces of us in the blink of an eye. Truly, an astonishing peak expert.

He stared at me with piercing eyes, then drew his sword slowly.

Swoosh.

“You’re quite an outstanding expert. Have you come, young man, to test your sword against me?”

“……”

I felt perplexed. Of course, I didn’t think I would lose, but it wasn’t good to create a tense atmosphere right from the start. Then, Yeon Jong-hwi, who was beside me, performed a martial salute and spoke.

“Wait! My name is Yeon Jong-hwi. Could you be the head of the Zhongnan Sect, Yeon Jeong-hong?”

Startled.

“Y-Yeon Jong-hwi?”

He looked somewhat flustered for a brief moment. Then, he focused on the Ink-scaled Long Bow hanging from Yeon Jong-hwi’s back and said,

“Young man, do you have business with me?”

“Do you happen to know the name Yeon Murin?”

“……”

A silence fell upon the atmosphere. Unable to bear the silence, he let out a sigh and replied.

“Indeed. That is my birth name, a name I have since abandoned.”

“Then, could it be…”

With a look of resigned acceptance, he said,

“Is your father’s name perhaps Yeon San-se, correct?”

“That’s right.”

“Hah. Then you are my fifth cousin.”

He forced out a wry smile.

“I didn’t expect you to come looking for me…”

“……”

The head of the Zhongnan Sect, renowned throughout the world, Yeon Jeong-hong, known as the First Sword of Zhongnan, was actually a descendant of the ancient Yanshi royal family from the Warring States Period and Yeon Jong-hwi’s fifth cousin.

As we sat facing each other, he quietly continued to talk.

“Is the reason you came to find me to inquire about blood relations?”

“That is correct, but…”

Yeon Jeong-hong glanced at me and asked,

“Who is this person here?”

“This is my lord, Baek Woong.”

“Baek Woong… That name is unfamiliar to me. But he seems to be quite a remarkable expert.”

He sighed, then looked to me and asked,

“What is your purpose?”

I replied calmly.

“I have no intention of seizing power or hastily causing chaos in Jianghu. I am merely a traveler here with no business with the Zhongnan Sect.”

“Well spoken. So you have come as a messenger of Yeon Jong-hwi’s intention?”

“That is so.”

As Yeon Jong-hwi opened his mouth to elaborate on everything that had happened from his birth to now, and how he had come to meet me here, he left out details about Jangryeong Valley and our actual goal, saying only that we were wandering through Jianghu. While listening, Yeon Jeong-hong murmured,

“Yeon Jong-hwi. Although you are a descendant of the Yanshi royal family, this name has become a hollow title…”

He glanced at Yeon Jong-hwi before continuing,

“You may be my fifth cousin, but in terms of relations, we are practically strangers.”

“……”

“Ha! I have abandoned my status and responsibilities as a member of the royal family throughout my life. I view myself now simply as another famed family lost in time, and so I feared that this might hinder my life, prompting me to discard my birth name and adopt a new one.”

Yeon Jong-hwi, visibly upset, retorted,

“Your words are too much. While I’m not particularly fond of being tied to the royal family, how can you deny your very origin?”

“And then, Yeon Jong-hwi, are you planning to revive the royal family? To incite a rebellion, perhaps?”

Yeon Jeong-hong smirked, as if finding his words amusing.

“All of it is meaningless. I chose to live my desired life.”

Yeon Jong-hwi responded defiantly.

“I have no intention of reviving the royal family either. But you are the only blood relation I have encountered in this world, so please refrain from addressing it in such a manner.”

“I understand. I was too harsh with my words. I will show caution moving forward.”

Seeing Yeon Jeong-hong admit his faults left me a little intrigued.

‘He’s not such a bad guy after all.’

The head of the Zhongnan Sect held considerable authority in the present martial world. Moreover, as one of the top peak experts of the Huashan martial arts, Yeon Jeong-hong surely did not need to bow before anyone in Jianghu. Despite that, he displayed a humble demeanor by acknowledging his mistake.

Yeon Jeong-hong brought over a tea set and poured tea for both of us, saying,

“So your visit is merely to confirm blood relations?”

“That and one more thing piques my interest.”

“What is it?”

Yeon Jong-hwi retrieved the Silver Phoenix Fragment from his robe and presented it to Yeon Jeong-hong, asking,

“Have you perhaps seen something like this before?”

“……”