Reincarnation Sword God

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Chapter 571 – Dark Heaven Village

Jin So-cheong was quietly holding his spear, gazing forward intently. He took a deep breath and took a step, as if parting water, with all his energy seemingly flowing into the tip of his spear.

‘Is it a formation?’

I, watching from a distance, couldn’t quite grasp the profound meaning behind Jin So-cheong’s move.

As he stepped forward, the Master of the White Lotus Sect unleashed a powerful assault towards Dalgi, employing the Heart of Heaven’s Abundance technique.

[Kwa-gwa-gwa-gwa!]

It was as if mountains could crumble! While not as fearsome as when he’d brandished his divine powers in Luoyang, the boundless strength emanating from the Master’s Primordial Spirit was formidable. In an instant, hundreds of strikes pierced through like a wedge, rendering an ordinary martial artist incapable of either defending or evading.

*Swish, swish, swish…*

[Hmm…]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect murmured softly. Despite launching a tremendous attack, a translucent barrier had repelled his advance around Dalgi. The shimmering barrier, moving fluidly like clear water, appeared flexible but was certainly not going to shatter easily.

Dalgi’s eyes widened, a mocking crimson light flaring up. His voice reverberated through the space.

[Do you think you can tear through my barrier with that kind of power?]

*Zzzzzzz!*

[Kwa-gwa-gwa-gwa!]

From Dalgi’s eyes, beams of red-yellow light burst forth, suddenly igniting everything before him in a cone of flames. The attack range exceeded a hundred feet, rendering any ordinary sorcery impossible to evade. But in that moment, Mangnyang drew formations, teleporting all our allies to safety elsewhere.

“Odoil-Iguanji,” he declared.

*Pa-at!*

Mangnyang executed an advanced technique combining spatial bending and quick movement. After pouring a massive amount of energy, he swayed unsteadily, with the Sword Demon supporting him.

“Are you alright?”

“Ugh… It’s not the time to take on that monster. Let’s hide with the Seven Luminaries’ defensive formation until that sorcery defense barrier is lifted.”

“Understood.”

*Ta-daht!*

At the moment Mangnyang’s words fell, all the experts of the Bancheon Alliance seamlessly positioned themselves in formation. Just as Dalgi raised three tails again, launching massive fire pillars in all directions, the entire allied force at the Seven Luminaries’ defense abruptly vanished.

*Pa-at!*

Once again, the members of the Bancheon Alliance appeared in unexpected places. I watched the spectacle in awe, exclaiming, “Incredible!”

The Seven Luminaries’ Defense!

This technique allowed our forces to instantaneously teleport, activated by the sorcerer at the center, taking advantage of the formation. This advanced sorcery from the ancient era, not typically taught to regular sorcerers, was documented in the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate. Mangnyang had honed this technique over time, now finally deploying it.

‘Using the Seven Luminaries’ defense doesn’t consume much energy.’

Once, due to the urgency of the moment, Mangnyang had abruptly exhausted his energy entirely, but from now on, he merely had to maintain the formation to activate the sorcery. Under normal circumstances, they could evade Dalgi’s consecutive area attacks.

Then, the Master of the Twelve Joules summoned the Cosmic Fragment, reciting a spell as the entity itself appeared.

“In the name of Haebak, I command you to freeze them all!”

*Ku-gu-gu-gung!*

The entire Void Space seemed enveloped by an ice dragon. The formidable ability of the Master of the Twelve Joules, who had previously frozen thousands of merfolk, now revealed itself, causing even Dalgi to falter.

*Ki-ki-ki-ki…*

The sorcery defense barrier surrounding Dalgi emitted a fierce noise, warping under the chill of the spell. It was evident that the spell’s coldness was penetrating Dalgi’s barrier. Yet Dalgi, seemingly unfazed, roared defiantly.

[As Dalgi commands, you shall return to the frost!]

*Ling-Ren of the Language Spirit!*

“What?!”

Caught by this unexpected power, the Master of the Twelve Joules was thrown into chaos, but it was already too late.

*Cheon-cheon-cheon!*

The ice dragon began to lose its form, reverting into pure coldness and spiraling back to the one who had cast it. The Master of the Twelve Joules hurriedly swung the Cosmic Fragment to absorb the spell, but the coldness visibly froze from his fingertips.

“Ugh…”

The Master of the Twelve Joules screamed, soon enveloped entirely by coldness.

*Cheon-cheon-cheon!*

His body was swiftly frozen, as if buried in eternal ice for a day. The chilling pressure was so overwhelming that the Three Masters did not even consider aiding him, retreating instead. In the blink of an eye, his form solidified into an ice cliff, measuring ten spans.

“……!!”

What in the world did I just witness?!

The great Master of the Twelve Joules falling so simply…

Yet, even trapped in ice, it seemed he still clung to life, feebly wiggling. The sharp-eyed Cheon Woo-jin, observing from a distance, commented with interest.

“Seems like his resistance to the Cosmic Fragment and Moonlight Gravity proved effective enough to keep him alive.”

“What on earth just happened?!”

“Something like Dalgi’s power can reflect divine spells without much training. Ordinary sorcery attacks won’t affect him, and even if one could breach that barrier, he would reflect it just like now.”

“Insane…!!”

I gaped, astounded. Despite the capabilities of the Cosmic Fragment, rivaling the Seven Luminaries, it was reflected so easily?

‘Oh, wait. I remember Dalgi countering the Fire Dragon summon by Yeodong-bin before.’

That summon held immense strength, resulting only in a dampening effect, but Dalgi had previously attempted to nullify it with a roar akin to a spell. He truly was a monstrosity capable of withstanding the maximum output of the Overlay Technique.

What on earth could defeat him?

To physically engage him with martial arts, I would need to breach Dalgi’s sorcery defense, but even if I succeeded, he would reactively reflect the attack!

I was flustered, and Cheon Woo-jin chimed in.

“Well, fortunately, that barrier isn’t infinite. It has a limit to the damage it can absorb. Once we reach that threshold, then we can strike at Dalgi with conventional martial arts.”

“How much damage do we have to accumulate?”

As I asked, Cheon Woo-jin stared intently at the screen displaying the battle.

“Let’s see… I reckon we’ll find out soon enough as that monster shows us.”

*Pa-bat!*

Jin So-cheong had already crept up close to Dalgi. However, in contrast to Dalgi’s mountainsome size, Jin So-cheong resembled mere ants, making it seem like Dalgi didn’t particularly regard his presence. After all, what insect could pierce through his barrier?

*Woo-woo-woo…*

Lightning crackled around Jin So-cheong, bathing him in a glow for a fleeting moment, revealing him like a being of light.

‘Thunder, Thunder Spirit Technique?!’

*Shhhh…*

But that transformation was instantaneous, reverting to his human form again.

‘Was that just my eyes playing tricks on me…?’

Jin So-cheong lunged with his spear at Dalgi, who had begun unleashing a torrent of spiraling rays. Using the Three Treasure Technique, he made a speedy attack while executing a piercing strike.

*Thwack!*

[What…!]

In that moment, Dalgi was preparing to unleash fire from his mouth, only to glance down and find Jin So-cheong maintaining his thrust. Though Dalgi appeared untouched by injury, it was clear that the barrier encasing him had thinned.

What was happening?

[You little!!]

*Kwa-gwa-gwa-gwa!*

But Dalgi, seemingly irked, lifted a tail to strike Jin So-cheong, who swiftly evaded, backing off. Still, Dalgi, seemingly frustrated, swung multiple tails simultaneously, placing Jin So-cheong in a precarious position.

[Wise Intervention.]

At that moment, the Master of the White Lotus Sect stepped in, invoking the Absolute Realm to slow down Dalgi’s attack, providing Jin So-cheong a chance to escape.

As Jin So-cheong retreated, the Master gave him a sidelong glance and transmitted a message.

[Young adept of the Thunder God Lineage, what technique is that?]

Jin So-cheong met his gaze and replied.

“It has no name.”

[Is that so… So you can’t assign one yet…]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect, muttering incomprehensibly, proceeded to speak again.

[Let’s set aside our historical grievances for a moment. I and the Dharma Protectors shall support you—pierce that tiny hole.]

“I’m in.”

[Let’s go!]

With no delay in his words, the Master of the White Lotus Sect relinquished his restraint, unleashing his absolute strength towards Dalgi, exhausting boundless Qi. Thousands of blows showered down upon Dalgi, coupled with the Absolute Realm’s spatial constriction, slowing down his movements.

[Ha-up!]

“Take this!”

The Dharma Protectors, seeming to have understood the Master’s intentions, released their energies, launching colossal elemental attacks. As the Master and the Dharma Protectors focused their firepower, even Dalgi began to stagger back.

*Kawa-gwa-gwa!*

I observed the scene, feeling elated as I exclaimed, “Boundless internal power! With this, the barrier will…!”

Cheon Woo-jin bluntly retorted, “You fool. Can’t you see the situation?”

“What?”

“Even with the power of the White Lotus Sect, we can’t defeat Dalgi outright. We can hold him, but…”

He pointed at the screen with his finger.

“Look closely. As the barrier falters, that monster is getting ready for something. He’s most likely mid-chant for another spell while we’re occupied.”

“Preparing…?”

“The Five Elements Power is gathering. Dalgi will soon retaliate ferociously.”

*Crackle, pop!*

Around Dalgi, fireballs, lightning orbs, and storm spheres began to materialize. The sizes varied, each exceeding ten spans, floating harmlessly without immediate threats to our forces. But I quickly grasped Cheon Woo-jin’s implication.

“Are… are you saying he’s converting the energy from the Dharma Protectors’ elemental attacks into those spheres?”

Cheon Woo-jin nodded.

“Dalgi isn’t a puppet just sitting there taking hits. He’s a cunning Demon King poised to unleash sorcery. Knowing the White Lotus Sect possesses boundless internal energy, he’d naturally devise a different strategy.”

“If those spheres all combine…”

“The Five Elements Power will augment, creating a massive explosion alongside Dalgi’s flames. Anyone caught inside will meet their end.”

“……”

I was left speechless, as Cheon Woo-jin gazed ahead with strain in his eyes.

“The Master of the White Lotus Sect has gambled everything. If the Master of the Twelve Joules can breach Dalgi’s barrier before all that energy coalesces, then the rest of us can dive in and inflict damage on Dalgi. If not…”

“Total annihilation.”

“Exactly.”

I gritted my teeth, shouting, “We can’t let that happen! I must go right now…”

“Wait. We haven’t heard a signal from Zhuge Sa yet.”

“……”

“Also, the Master of the Twelve Joules won’t go down without a fight.”

*Kwakwakwang!*

*Boom!*

The area rang with continual explosions as tremendous destruction engulfed the hall. The Dharma Protectors were drawing on boundless internal power, but no matter how much they struck, Dalgi seemed utterly impervious, leading to visible fatigue among the ranks. Even the Master was showing signs of wear, the range of his Absolute Realm slowly diminishing.

Just then, Jin So-cheong bore down again. Despite the massive size of Dalgi, he detected Jin So-cheong’s movements, swiftly swinging five tails at him.

“Ussha!”

*Pa-bat!*

With a fierce shout and a flash, Jin So-cheong quickly repositioned out of danger. The one who moved him was grinning as he greeted.

“Wow. With our Colonel down, you’re our only hope now.”

“You are…?”

“I’m Hong Gil-dong from the Dan Clan. I’ll assist you to close in on that monster along with the Master of the Twelve Joules.”

*Swish, swish!*

Suddenly, countless identical clones emerged from Hong Gil-dong’s body—over two hundred in number! Even Yong-bi-cheon, engaged in battle, gasped in shock.

“No way?! So many…?”

The sheer number of clones was a sight to behold, prompting even the Grand Master of the Wind Spirit Lineage to express astonishment.

“Alright, this should do!”

*Boom!*

He waved his hands towards the clones, instantly transforming them into Jin So-cheong’s figures. When Jin So-cheong looked around, the clones mimicked his every action. Realizing Hong Gil-dong’s intention, he surged forth towards Dalgi once more. Rapidly swinging his tails, Dalgi decimated the clones one after another, yet seemed to lose track of the real Jin So-cheong.

“Ha-up!”

Once again, Jin So-cheong’s remarkable thrust struck at Dalgi’s side.

*Ka-wang!*

This time, the barrier shielding Dalgi visibly weakened. The feeble barrier seemed close to its last breaths, indicating Dalgi was indeed feeling the pressure.

[How are these insignificant humans…!]

That was when it happened.

“There’s an opening!”

As Jin So-cheong’s strike landed, out of nowhere, Miyamoto Musashi’s Sword Form appeared behind Dalgi’s neck, having stealthily evaded detection, searching for the right moment.

Miyamoto Musashi leaped up, launching a critical downward slash.

*Divine Kill Slash!*

*Purrk!*

[Kuuaah!]

Whether it was Musashi’s decisive blow or sheer luck, Dalgi bowed his head dramatically due to the impact. However, Musashi, having aimed for a clean cut, only managed to strike Dalgi’s neck due to the barrier deflecting his strike. He quickly retreated, slightly disappointed.

“Excuse me.”

*Pa-at!*

Using the Divine Kill Slash had drained most of Musashi’s stamina and power, preventing further continuous attacks. Meanwhile, Dalgi, enraged, searched furiously for Musashi, his eyes flaring bright with rage.

[Now it’s done! You shall all perish!!]

*Kiiing!*

The spheres of the Five Elements summoned by Dalgi began to radiate brightly, as the flames in his mouth erupted forth. The moment the spheres detonated, everyone in the hall would meet their doom. But at that very second, the Three Masters materialized right in front of the flames, initiating their sorcery.

*Whoosh!*

A green barrier formed, successfully blocking Dalgi’s blazing flames! The Three Masters managed to withstand Dalgi’s flames; yet, as their hands began to blister, smoke arose from their arms. When their arms swelled to a red-hot state, the danger escalated.

[Step aside!]

Yet the Master of the White Lotus Sect immediately intervened, supporting the Three Masters and holding back Dalgi’s flames just enough for them to avert a fatal catastrophe. They had at least managed to survive once more.

[Kuuaaah!]

Dalgi wouldn’t stop there, emitting fierce screams while continuously unleashing massive fire pillars in all directions. It was his most intense assault yet, sending both the Bancheon Alliance and the Twelve Joules into disarray and panic.

“Ha-up!”

Despite the chaos, Jin So-cheong again cut through, now the only one who could counterattack Dalgi at this moment. He committed himself to the fullest, darting with his spear.

*Pierce it!*

His quick strike aimed for Dalgi’s throat, and when the spear tip finally reached him, an unprecedented phenomenon occurred.

*Kwakking!*

[Ah… no…!!]

The barrier enveloping Dalgi shattered like glass, and the shimmering haziness that had clung to him vanished entirely. Unable to comprehend the broken barrier, Dalgi’s eyes widened in disbelief, and within that crucial moment, Jin So-cheong’s spear broke through as he transformed into a ray of light.

“Die, Demon King Dalgi!”

With all his heart and soul infused into the Heart Command Technique, he cried out.

*Kwak-ing!*

[Kuuaaah!]

A single ray of light pierced through Dalgi’s body like an arrow, sending him barreling against the wall. Moments later, with an earth-shattering boom, Dalgi’s form crashed against the stone wall, shuddering like a fox pierced by an arrow.

Yet Jin So-cheong, having accomplished this feat, began to drop from the air, utterly drained. If it continued, he might faint and plummet to his death.

“Jin So-cheong!”

At that instant, Mangnyang, weaving gracefully through the Seven Luminaries’ formation, snatched Jin So-cheong mid-air. Having grounded him safely, Mangnyang boomed, resonating across the hall.

“The barrier is broken! All-out attack!!”

*Pababat!*

In that moment, all of the elite members of the Twelve Joules and the Bancheon Alliance began coordinating a concerted assault on Dalgi, channeling their combined energies and sorcery towards him like a ferocious swarm.

*Kwakwakwang!*

*Puh-kak!*

[Kaayaah!]

With the swords piercing into Dalgi’s gargantuan body as techniques struck him, it became clear—though the fierce onslaught rained down, his massive frame barely sustained significant wounds. The Sword Demon and the Extreme Tiger gave it their all, yet to Dalgi, it felt as insubstantial as a mosquito’s sting against a bull.

At the next moment, the Master and the Dharma Protectors ignited their own powers and leapt forward, with fire in their eyes.

[Finish him off!]

*Kwa-gwa-gwa-gwa!*

A cascade of colossal destruction fired off in a sequence of strikes, transforming Dalgi into a bloodied figure. In response, the other experts maneuvered to evade the Dharma Protectors’ attacks, aiming for Dalgi’s vital points, much like ants swarming a larger creature.

How long did that relentless assault continue?

Suddenly, bloodied but determined, Dalgi regained consciousness, bellowing defiantly.

[Kuuaaah!]

*Kwak-king!*

Yet again, a weak barrier materialized around him. Though bloodied, Dalgi stood ready to fight, raising nine tails high in the air, scaring the surrounding humans, making them recoil in fright.

Seeing the new barrier, the Master furrowed his brow.

[What a beast… How much stamina does he have left? It’s been over a whole cycle since we struck without his barrier…]

Mangnyang, using the healing spell from the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate, revived Jin So-cheong’s consciousness and shouted loudly.

“It’s ultimately become weaker! One more time! If we break it this time, we’ll finally end it!”

[Good! Let’s finish this. We cannot withstand any more of this demonic presence on our land.]

The repetitive battle to penetrate the barrier resumed. While the main forces, Jin So-cheong and Musashi, remained incapacitated, Dalgi too had expended energy, making it significantly easier. He could no longer hurl flames with ease and avoided using sorcery fancifully.

Did another whole cycle pass?

[Kuuaaah!]

*Kwak-king!*

“All-out attack!!”

“Uwaaaaah!”

This time, it was to finally put an end to him, as everyone surged in with determined desperation.

*Purbak!*

*Kwajik!*

[Kuuaahhh…!]

Dalgi bled profusely as dozens of warriors mutilated him, and at some point, his massive form began to shimmer and transform into a luminous figure.

*Paaaah…!*

[Kuuh… It’s infuriating…!]

With a mournful cry, Dalgi’s towering body morphed into a beam of light, soaring into the skies. Unable to sustain his physical form any longer within the present realm, he retreated back to the Golden Crow Island where he was originally sealed. He had forfeited the battle, on the brink of annihilation.

*Thud…*

“I… we won…”

Each individual in the hall collapsed, completely spent. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but injuries were rampant, and even the Dharma Protectors bore numerous wounds. Only the Master of the White Lotus Sect seemed unscathed, while Mangnyang might have fainted several times from shockwaves alone.

While the sight was quite disastrous for a ‘victory,’ everyone in the hall understood—

We had finally toppled the divine apostle!

Now, the path to dismantling the shadowy figures of the Imperial Palace had been opened.

The Master, sensing the exhaustion, glanced back at the seemingly frozen form of the Master of the Twelve Joules, exclaiming,

[Looks like he’s… dead. ]

Could the Master of the Twelve Joules, who was trapped in eternal ice due to a reflected divine spell, ever return to life again?

Everyone could confidently conclude he would not.

“……”

The Three Masters didn’t reply. A silence fell until suddenly Usagar spoke.

“The Master of the Twelve Joules has taken his last breath.”

The sudden report left us all shocked, yet no one seemed to panic. The tumult of battle had brought the urgency to a head, leaving little time for thought. Instead, a representative emerged from the Dan Clan—Hong Gil-dong.

“Even if the Master is dead, we will persist. The Ming Dynasty’s Imperial Palace must fall today!”

[It seems our intentions align. Let’s go.]

The Master’s eyes gleamed with fire.

[At last, the time has come to rip the wings off the Vermilion Bird!]