Reincarnation Sword God

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Chapter 562 – Dark Heaven Village

Swoosh!

As soon as I began, I lunged forward with my Fast Sword, aiming for Jin So-cheong’s neck. Although there wasn’t a specific name for this sword technique, it was the very first thrust taught in the Thunder God lineage. But Jin So-cheong easily countered my attack, using the Three Treasure Technique to take a big step back.

Thud!
Boom!

A delayed sound of a crack echoed through the air. The sound erupted from both sides of Jin So-cheong’s head, causing her hair to flutter. During her closed-room training in the mountainous area, she must not have cut her long hair, as it flowed down to her shoulders. Glancing at her hair now scattered by the force, Jin So-cheong remarked, “What a scary thrust. Is that ‘Sorrowful Empty Cloud’?”

I nodded in acknowledgment. “You recognized it right away.”

With a smirk, she continued, “You twisted the trajectory using the abilities of the Heavenly Contraction Spear… That last attack was lethal!”

“There’s no need to flatter me. Who are you, if you could dodge that so effortlessly?”

“Just lucky, that’s all.”

As Jin So-cheong’s words settled in, I felt a strange unease. ‘To so easily break through the linkage I had developed while mastering Mysterious and Artistic Movements.’ The training I had been doing with Mysterious and Artistic Movements was not just a specific martial art itself. Instead, it was a process of significantly enhancing the linkage and training of the Thunder God lineage while maximizing my understanding of its application. Therefore, my training encompassed not just Thunder God techniques but also the understanding I had accumulated from the Seven Great Techniques and Eight Immortal Divine Art.

The attack I just made raised my speed to the max with the revelation of “Sorrowful Empty Cloud,” distorting space temporarily with the Heavenly Contraction Spear to confuse my opponent’s vision. Hence, what seemed like a straightforward thrust turned into a deadly three-hit combo that was bound to finish her off.

Yet, Jin So-cheong discerned every shift in my thrust and retreated just enough using the one method that could genuinely counter it, the Three Treasure Technique. As a result, my last assault was rendered completely ineffective against her.

“I understand now. I can’t face you without wielding a spear,” she acknowledged.

Swoosh!

With a calmness, Jin So-cheong lifted her spear and took a stance. Just that motion alone made her presence rise dramatically from nothingness, and the terrifying pressure engulfed my entire being, feeling as if I was thrusting my head into the jaws of a savage beast. I noticed a trickle of sweat forming on my palms and couldn’t help but smile.

“What an honor.”

Jin So-cheong had a habit of not using her spear against someone she considered beneath her. Just like when she effortlessly took down the famed Sword King, Namgung Myeong; she only used minimal force when she deemed her opponent unworthy of her spear. Whether this was due to her pride or her inherent nature remained unknown, but the fact that she was wielding a spear now signified something significant.

It meant that she acknowledged me as a worthy opponent!

In terms of training duration, this was absurd, yet I didn’t question it. Jin So-cheong’s talent was far beyond anything one could be jealous over.

“Three Elements, Four Forms.”

Jin So-cheong’s spear moved slowly.

‘What’s this?’

It appeared to be a slow thrust, without any significant change, just like when I made my advance. I introspected whether this thrust encapsulated elements of the Seven Great Techniques and Eight Immortal Divine Art but sensed nothing of that sort.

How should I respond?

Swoosh!

While I hesitated, her spear slowly invaded my space. Allowing further encroachment was clearly dangerous. Nevertheless, I patiently observed that attack to the end, directing all my senses toward Jin So-cheong’s spear.

Then it happened.

Boom!

“……!!”

I was suddenly propelled backwards, flying far away—at least four paces! I attempted to stabilize myself midair with light body techniques but the pressure was too overwhelming. It wasn’t until I focused all my internal power into my feet that I managed to stop.

“Ugh…”

Grimacing, I stood up. The blade nearly shattered, but somehow, I succeeded in blocking Jin So-cheong’s hit. “You blocked it? How did you catch on to the timing of the attack?” She said, astonished.

“I had a feeling…” I glared at her as I pressed on.

“Was that the [next level] of Thunder God Spear technique?”

With a nod, Jin So-cheong admitted, “Yes.”

In a past life, she had once explained it to me. I recalled that memory.
“When I fought you not long ago, it was an incomplete technique. But I believe this is the next stage of Thunder God Spear technique.” “When I consulted with my master, he said it involves uniting the six forms of spear techniques into one.”

He couldn’t provide a clear explanation, yet he mentioned how the process from single thrusts to the six forms can be condensed into a solitary thrust. He called this stage the “extreme of thrusting.”

If the Thunder God Sword Dance is the final technique of Thunder God Swordplay, then a realm above it existed within Thunder God Spear Technique. That realm was an art where one unified the six forms into one, allowing the execution of the First Thrust, Second Strike, Third Slant, Fourth Entanglement, Fifth Grasp, and Sixth Stroke all at once.

‘Surely he’s reached that level of the Absolute Realm!’

Without a doubt, the Jin So-cheong of the past had perfectly transcended the technique she once only theoretically understood. Yet, despite recognizing that fact, I was engulfed in confusion.

‘There should be a moment where the six forms consolidate… What on earth is the principle here?’

No matter how much of a mind control technique it is, there still need to be at least some martial arts principles present. However, Jin So-cheong’s most recent attack carried no discernible technique of spear play, merely an overwhelming presence. Luckily, I managed to defend myself against her attack, so I decided to contend with her until the end.

Clash!

Our energies collided in the void. After a single technique, Jin So-cheong shifted her strategy, seemingly aiming to exploit my openings with seemingly mundane techniques. Countering with everything I had practiced so far, I faced her head-on.

Crash! Bang!

In an instant, over fifty exchanges had passed. Both Jin So-cheong and I were adjusting our flow using the Three Treasure Technique and the Heavenly Contraction Spear. Given the similarities in available techniques, it was manageable to defend or evade unless one were to use an entirely foreign technique.

Amid this stalemate, I suddenly felt it coming!

Boom!

“Ugh.”

Once again, I was pushed back by Jin So-cheong’s strike, rolling across the ground. This time, I hadn’t even had the chance to apply falling techniques or anything; the sheer strength infused in her spear demonstrated its prowess. Quickly regaining composure, I stood, only to find blood streaming out of my nose.

Tss!

Had the inner membrane torn? Blood flowed freely at once. Yet, without wiping it away, I grasped my sword tightly, glaring at Jin So-cheong. In a duel, regardless if it meant losing fingers or arms, one must focus on the opponent before them.

For a while, we exchanged lethal glares, and fought with vicious sword intent.

“That’s enough!”

Just then, Lee Cheong-un, who had been watching, called for a halt. Finally allowed to wipe my nose, my upper body was drenched in fatigue. It was clear I was at a disadvantage against Jin So-cheong, and I sensed this duel would end in defeat.

“Stop the bleeding.”

“Got it.”

I applied pressure to the wound temporarily to stem the blood flow. As I hastily took care of the torn area, Lee Cheong-un spoke, “That was a fine duel. I trust you gained many insights.”

I sighed at his words. “No need to hold back on my account.”

“Eh?”

“I realized halfway through. Jin So-cheong was sparing me quite a bit.”

Indeed. About twenty seconds into the fight, I sensed that Jin So-cheong was conserving her strength against me. Roughly three-tenths of her capability seemed to be withheld during our match.

At that realization, Lee Cheong-un wore a wry smile. “Even so, that’s impressive. Even if you’re the Dharma Guardian of the White Lotus Sect, going up against the current Jin So-cheong would be no easy feat—yet you’ve drawn out some of her power.”

“Is that the difference in that absolute realm between us now?”

“You faced off against a true superhuman,” he retorted.

As Lee Cheong-un directed a glance at Jin So-cheong, he added, “Look closely.”

Boom!

“…!! Wait, suddenly.”

Out of nowhere, Lee Cheong-un invoked the Thunder Spirit Technique and charged at Jin So-cheong!

The intense lightning and thunderous sound left me taken aback. The current Thunder Spirit was no longer holding back, and the force of it could potentially cause a backlash. I couldn’t help but feel concerned for Jin So-cheong’s safety.

However, after the dust settled, the sight within the hall astonished me once again.

A stalemate!

Lee Cheong-un had his fist poised in front of Jin So-cheong’s throat, while she had her spear pressed against his neck. In that moment, both could bring their opponent down with a single move.

Swoosh!

As Lee Cheong-un withdrew his fist, Jin So-cheong also stepped back with her spear. Then, she turned her gaze toward me. “See that? Jin So-cheong can respond effectively to my Thunder Spirit Technique, and thus stand equally with me.”

“Wha—!!”

“This illustrates the difference between those at the Absolute Realm and those who aren’t.”

Now that I thought of it, it was true. Originally, the Thunder Spirit Technique boasted a speed that no mere human could counter, and even a Dharma Guardian from Su Shin Sect could be rendered combat ineffective in the past. Yet, the Jin So-cheong of now had successfully countered Lee Cheong-un’s ambush.

“It’s not only Jin So-cheong. In fact, those who have reached the Absolute Realm can generally contend with the Thunder Spirit Technique. This suggests that for those at that Absolute Realm, the speed of the Thunder Spirit is not so daunting.”

“Um…”

“Does it not strike you as insightful?”

As I pondered, Lee Cheong-un gave a suggestion. “The essence is that ‘intent’ moves faster than the Thunder Spirit.”

“More precisely, once one reaches the Absolute Realm, their intent is no longer bound by the speed of the physical world. Thus, even I, in that Absolute Realm, have my speed only at a slightly swift level, and cannot rely solely on speed itself to win. Though it’s certain that I am much faster than others, the advantages gleaned are limited.”

“……”

“Even assuming lightning strikes fast, no one can traverse the world in an instant. However, traversing the universe in thought alone seems entirely feasible, doesn’t it?”

That was a profound metaphor. While I contemplated the meaning behind it, Jin So-cheong, who had stayed silent until now, finally spoke up.

“Baek Woong. In fact, I believe I came here today for that very reason.”

“What do you mean?”

“The Thunder Spirit Technique belongs to an upper echelon of enlightenment among the Absolute Realm. Therefore, it demands considerable difficulty, and no matter how talented one is, they cannot master it in a short span. That’s why I engaged in the processes to grasp the Seven Great Techniques and Eight Immortal Divine Art in order to carve out my path. Ultimately, I attained the ultimate secret of Thunder God Spear technique and arrived at the Absolute Realm.”

Jin So-cheong continued, “Through this method, I believe you too can reach the Absolute Realm.”

I grasped her meaning quickly. “You mean for me to behold the ultimate secret of Thunder God Swordplay?”

“Exactly.”

With a vigorous nod, she affirmed, “You, Baek Woong, deserve to be counted among the top swordsmen in Thunder God history. Aside from Lee Cheong-un, hardly anyone in the Central Plains could teach you Thunder God Swordplay. That’s why while your master taught you the Mysterious and Artistic Movements, he also meticulously guided you in swordsmanship. Moreover, didn’t a spark of potential manifest recently that could lead you to the Absolute Realm?”

“Spark?”

“When you beheaded the Sea God, you inexplicably enacted the Thunder God Sword Dance, awakening in the process. At that moment, I believed even I could not defeat the powers you showcased.”

“Ah!”

I recalled that event. When everything crumbled and despair hit, I ignited my final will, unleashing the Thunder God Sword Dance. In that moment of awakening and exhilaration, I successfully severed the neck of the Old Ruler, the Sea God. As the memory flooded back, Jin So-cheong continued, “I suspect that during that time, your powers exploded, and you reached the Absolute Realm temporarily.”

“But why can’t I channel that insight now?”

“That question has been a topic of research and discussion between myself and my master for the past few years. Ultimately, we concluded that the Thunder Spirit is the ‘vessel’ while the Thunder God Sword Dance is the ‘content.'”

“The vessel? The content?”

What kind of metaphor was that?

Seeing my confusion, Lee Cheong-un crossed his arms. “A vessel that has mastered either the Thunder God Sword Dance or any of the techniques in the Thunder God lineage can qualify to step into that higher stage. Like transitioning to the state of Divine Summoning—one can wield the intent-seeking pillar freely. It translates to being invincible in the earthly realm.”

“Whoa! I managed to attain such a level…?”

“But that level is the might of the Thunder God. With a human’s martial spirit and body, managing that power isn’t feasible. Even if you can channel that force, it’s merely a transient explosion of power, and then you forget it. Thus, you need a vessel that can contain and control the Thunder God’s power.”

“That vessel is the Thunder Spirit, right?”

“Yes. The reason our Thunder God lineage has carried on the research of Thunder Spirit through generations is precisely that. There have been several cases, like yours, where one temporarily invoked the Thunder God’s power, yet none could truly make it their own.”

Lee Cheong-un nodded. “At this point, the three of us here can temporarily awaken the Thunder God’s power. It’s because we have reached the pinnacle of the Thunder God martial arts. However, only based on theory, am I the one capable of harnessing that power stably.”

“……”

“When the Thunder God’s power is contained within the Thunder Spirit, the final technique of the Thunder God lineage will be one step closer.”

To use a divine force, one must possess the spirit of that divine force.

That pure essence of nature itself—as intended by Thunder Spirit!

As I absorbed that conversation, questions began to emerge, prompting me to ask Lee Cheong-un.

“Wait a minute. Something seems off…”

“What is it?”

“If that’s the case, shouldn’t you have surpassed the Absolute Realm long ago?”

That was an underlying doubt I held. Lee Cheong-un was undoubtedly in possession of the conditions to be closest to the final technique of the Thunder God lineage. Given his exceptional talent, it should stand to reason that he would be an overwhelmingly prominent figure among those at the Absolute Realm. It wouldn’t even be odd if he was on par with someone like a divine being.

However, objectively, Lee Cheong-un ranked significantly lower than Yeodong-bin, and only slightly behind the Master of the White Lotus Sect. Though it wasn’t clear how he fared against Musashi or the Master of the Twelve Joules since he had never faced them, he certainly wasn’t a simple opponent either. By Lee Cheong-un’s logic, this was entirely contradictory.

Seeming to grasp the nuance behind my question, Lee Cheong-un replied with a bitter smile, “Having the ‘qualifications’ is one thing, while willingly invoking the Thunder God’s power is another matter entirely. In truth, I’ve never experienced that divine visitation of power, as you have. I have no clue what it feels like.”

“Eh?!”

“As such, while I could only surmise about your awakening during the Thunder God Sword Dance, I refrained from giving hasty advice. In fact, none of us here would be able to invoke the Thunder God’s strength intentionally, just like you did back then.”

“……”

“That level transcends human ability and limits. It’s something that can only be gleaned by divine providence. Even Jin So-cheong might rise in level, but she may never be visited by the Thunder God’s power in her lifetime.”

“How could this be…?”

Listening to Lee Cheong-un’s words, a wave of despair washed over me.

If, after tremendous hardships, I eventually managed to learn the Thunder Spirit, could it mean that the power I had drawn in that instance of the Thunder God Sword Dance would depend entirely on luck? Would it even be feasible to wield such an unstable force in the future?

At that moment, Jin So-cheong spoke, “However, there is still a way to obtain more clues.”