Reincarnation Sword God

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Chapter 1 – Dark Heaven Village

“This place is truly a divine land bestowed by God?”

Mangnyang continued with his explanation. “This area likely contains the first divine soil granted by Jeon Wook, used to control a great flood, and transformed over time into a hill that shelters these ruins. But as time passed, the divine power contained in the soil spread outward, drawing in the surrounding land’s energy, altering the originally flat terrain into mountainous regions. I suspect that a new topography known as Mount Huang emerged, burying the remnants of the ancient land deep within.”

“That’s all well and good, but…”

While organizing Mangnyang’s explanation in my mind, I countered, “There’s no evidence that this basin or the Mount Huang area is indeed divine soil.”

“I knew you would say that. As soon as I received my uncle’s message, I dug through texts to research the characteristics of divine soil. I also learned an appropriate command from an expert affiliated with the Bancheon Alliance.”

“An expert?”

“A man named Jeon Wook from Goryeo instructed me in ancient techniques.”

With that, Mangnyang scooped a handful of earth from the area where the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng had grown and recited a command. “Odoil igwanji.”

Woooh—

As soon as the command finished, the soil erupted in a brilliant green glow. The glare was so intense that it was blinding, yet no malevolence was felt—rather, it seemed a holy power. As I gazed on in fascination, Mangnyang continued.

“This command measures the divine energy within objects, revealing their true forms or that of monsters. Additionally, it’s a versatile spell useful for wind manipulation or spatial techniques among other applications.”

“Oh, that’s quite handy.”

“Observe closely. If the energy is null, it will originally appear black, but in this case, it’s green. The measurement stages of energy are five levels total: black, yellow, crimson, white, and green.”

Once I grasped Mangnyang’s meaning, I replied, “So it’s the highest stage—green! That means it possesses the strongest energy.”

“Exactly. Even the soil in most mystical mountains rarely surpasses red or white light.”

Spreading the earth across the ground, Mangnyang continued, “If we explore other areas, we’ll confirm, but the soil surrounding the Black and White Lotus and the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng certainly possesses immense energy. Such power can only come from the divine soil granted to a king during the Mythological Age.”

“Hmmm. That means…”

While I crossed my arms and thought, I ventured a guess. “The divine soil has expanded, allowing the ancient spirit beasts, such as the Black and White Lotus and the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng, to flourish?”

“Correct. As of now, that’s the most compelling theory.”

Mangnyang chuckled. “Divine soil is ‘living’ soil that grows and expands on its own. Over thousands of years, it has built up to form Mount Huang without losing the divine power from the Mythological Age. This Mount Huang can be deemed a blessed ancient land in itself!”

“……!!”

“The reason such unrealistically potent spiritual pills like the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng can grow here. Where would you find an environment that can condense energy for a thousand years? That pond beneath us is probably divine soil as well.”

“Indeed…!!”

I marveled. Having reincarnated over twenty times, it felt as though most of my questions about the remnants of this land were finally being answered. However, I had parts I still didn’t understand, so I turned to Mangnyang.

“…It’s great we’ve figured this out, but what do we do now? How can divine soil be utilized?”

“Hmm…”

Mangnyang sighed briefly before saying, “The uses are infinite. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I’m not sure…”

“The simplest utilization would be to consume the divine soil. Eating it when hungry could stave off hunger and potentially enhance one’s energy. But it’s unlikely many humans have intentionally consumed soil in Mount Huang…”

“……”

“And aside from this basin and a few specific locations, there aren’t many places within Mount Huang where the divine energy is retained.”

That much was true. While in severe droughts, some might resort to eating dirt, generally, consuming soil doesn’t significantly benefit human sustenance. I remembered being so desperately poor and hungry that I ate dirt and tree roots; it only left me feeling miserable.

“Next, we could boil the divine soil in water for use in alchemy or refining materials. Being an energy-infused substance, it could serve as a high-quality ingredient—allowing for the creation of artificial energy pills.”

“Ooooh!”

“However, significant research would likely be required. It’s your uncle’s area of expertise, so it would be wise to ask him later.”

I felt exhilarated and pressed on with my questions. “What other uses are there?”

“Well, how about farming on it?”

“N-No… farming?”

I countered, but Mangnyang nodded vigorously.

“There’s a history of formidable spirit beasts like the Black and White Lotus and the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng flourishing in this area. Given that I can tell the divine soil still has extraordinary energy, it shouldn’t pose a problem to cultivate more.”

“Are you suggesting growing spiritual pills?”

“Exactly!”

Mangnyang grinned. “Just like how the White Lotus Sect found a spiritual land to cultivate Sacred Lotuses in the vast Gansu basin. If we farm it well, it won’t be impossible to reap a large harvest of spiritual pills in the near future.”

“……!!”

“By mobilizing the full capability of the Bancheon Alliance, we’ll collect as many seeds or propagules of spiritual pills as possible. If all goes well, we could produce experts comparable to those of the White Lotus Sect in droves. Plus, the offerings to the Celestial Realm would become abundant as well.”

“Ooooh!!”

Amazing! Does this mean we can cultivate rare spiritual pills in large quantities using divine soil?

As I rejoiced, Mangnyang rested his chin on his hand and said, “This is my personal conjecture, but I believe the divine soil could be a significant factor distinguishing the Black and White Lotus from the Sacred Lotus.”

“What do you mean?”

“It is certain that the Sacred Lotus is an artificial variant that separated from the Black and White Lotus. However, during its early cultivation, it probably had little difference from the Black and White Lotus. When it was cut off from the endless energy provided by the divine soil, its quality diminished over generations.”

“Hmmm… but the Sacred Lotus still significantly boosts internal power just like the Black and White Lotus. That’s why there are thousands of peak first-class Sacred Lotus warriors in the White Lotus Sect.”

Mangnyang nodded at my words. “Indeed, the fundamental boost in internal power remained intact due to the concentrated essence harvested from the selected spiritual land in Gansu. However, there seems to be a major difference between those grown on divine soil and those that aren’t—specifically concerning the purification of harmful curses or commands from evil entities.”

“Is that so?”

“Therefore, while the Black and White Lotus can cure the Young Master’s strange disease, the weakened Sacred Lotus cannot.”

Calmly concluding, Mangnyang continued, “Now, let’s head to Baekhwan Peak.”

“Why Baekhwan Peak?”

“There are Black and White Lotuses in Baekhwan Temple. While they only cultivate the Black Lotus, there’s no doubt that the divine soil, which forms the basis of Mount Huang, exists there as well. The fact that it retains its blackness without degrading to a Sacred Lotus serves as proof.”

“Oh!”

Pa-at.

Finally, I set off with Mangnyang toward Baekhwansa, observing from afar the monks going about their daily routines. I couldn’t help but feel a rush of emotions.

‘It’s been quite a while since I was here.’

Back when my reincarnation began, I had lived for a few years near Mount Huang, desperately trying to consume the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng to become a martial arts expert. It felt like just yesterday, but the memories seemed incredibly vivid. Eventually, Mangnyang and I walked toward a pond filled with black lotuses, and Mangnyang plucked one to examine closely.

“Hmm… It’s necessary to consume the Black and White Lotus together to activate their peak potential, but with only the Black Lotus here, it lacks any effect. There’s no enhancement for internal power.”

“Is the terrain around here confirmed to be divine soil?”

Mangnyang picked up a handful of dirt near the pond and recited the command, causing green light to emanate. “Indeed.”

“Sure enough…”

“I’ll consult with the abbot.”

Mangnyang promptly approached the abbot of Baekhwansa and requested permission to use the temple’s land.

“Ha ha… you chose a peculiar time to visit, right after the previous abbot has passed.”

Realizing the new abbot was a rather young monk, I felt bittersweet.

‘That old man has passed away…’

From what I remembered, he was already quite elderly when I last saw him, and it wouldn’t have been surprising for him to die of old age. Given enough time had passed since my reincarnation, it seemed likely he succumbed to the years. A sense of melancholy washed over me.

The abbot asked about our purpose, and Mangnyang provided a relatively honest account, omitting anything about the spiritual pills while only mentioning the mysterious energy in the soil near the pond. He also promised to provide substantial financial support in the future, producing a few gold nuggets to present.

In response, the abbot accepted with a hint of reluctance, saying, “I see. You seem to be quite a wealthy sponsor; could you help establish a new temple nearby?”

“I’ll support everything.”

“I shall relocate the temple shortly.”

We easily acquired the divine soil, implying that Mangnyang’s influence and financial power were significant in the realm of ordinary people. Yet, watching the monks move for money felt slightly unsettling.

Once everything was settled, Mangnyang declared, “Let’s return. I’m looking forward to ten years from now.”

I gazed blankly at the scenery of Mount Huang from Seolwon and replied, “Will I even be alive by then?”

Having brushed death countless times, I lacked confidence.

As I answered in a voice barely above a whisper, Mangnyang patted me on the shoulder.

“Ensuring that happens is our duty as your aides.”

Looking up at the sky, Mangnyang continued, “Baek Woong, I must say… I think there’s a particular reason you’ve received the Heavenly Secret.”

I turned to Mangnyang, intrigued. “What do you mean?”

“If either I, Jin So-cheong, or my uncle had obtained the Heavenly Secret, perhaps the process of taking down this [Old Ruler] would have progressed far more during the 23 reincarnations.”

“…That’s true…”

It was something I constantly pondered.

What if it weren’t me, but Jin So-cheong? What if it were Mangnyang? What if it were Zhuge Sa?

Yet, every time I considered such thoughts, I felt my mental strength wane, compelling me to silence myself. Mangnyang continued.

“However, Baek Woong, not one of us is trying to seize the Heavenly Secret from you. Why do you think that is?”

“I’ve always wondered that…”

“It’s because we aren’t fools chasing after immediate gains.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Mangnyang smiled ruefully. “…Ha ha. It’s likely that both the Heavenly Secret and its master surpass our imagination.”

“……?”

“It’s simply not the stage to discuss betrayal.”

Mangnyang’s words were somewhat difficult to grasp. He suddenly turned away, speaking again.

“Baek Woong. Remember this.”

Mangnyang smiled. “As long as you don’t lose your will as a king, we will dedicate our lives to you until death.”