Reincarnation Sword God

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Dark Heaven Village

“Why on earth has the daughter of the Sword Demon, one of my companions, become the Nine Lotus Bishop?!”

I was completely taken aback by the unexpected appearance of someone I never thought would take that role. She had clearly been suffering from an unknown identity that came with a high fever. In confusion, I could hardly gather my thoughts. The Nine Lotus Bishop looked at me with an amused glint in her eye and said,

“Are you of my kind? Is that a human shell? No… upon closer inspection, you’re entirely different. What exactly are you?”

“…?”

What in the world is she talking about?

The Nine Lotus Bishop briefly wore a confused expression before continuing,

“It seems the gods have taken an interest in you. Should I save you and take you along?”

“Wait! Are you Seo Mun-hye?!”

At my question, the Bishop replied,

“The original owner of this body had that name. Now, I am the master of this form… Although I am borrowing a human body, I am a descendant of the Great Evil Spirit.”

“Descendant of the Evil Spirit? Are you an Otherworldly Race?”

“……”

The Bishop looked at me with disdain, refusing to answer, but it was enough to make me speculate about the situation. That chilling smirk held no trace of human emotion.

What stood before me was a spiritual entity of the Otherworldly Race! This was definitely not Seo Mun-hye, and her consciousness was nowhere to be found. The being before me was a powerful evil spirit known as a “Descendant of the Evil Spirit.” It had taken over Seo Mun-hye’s body with its mental strength, manifesting as the Nine Lotus Bishop.

But something didn’t quite add up.

A [Descendant of the Evil Spirit] would indeed be a formidable Otherworldly being, but it wasn’t strong enough to wipe out a Celestial Sage or an Emperor of Soul Exchange. Moreover, why was such a potent entity, regarded as a powerful [Master], residing in a human body, especially in that of Seo Mun-hye? Was there a compelling reason for it to dominate her physique?

As I pondered, the Nine Lotus Bishop muttered,

“The gods have spoken. They wish for you to be saved and taken…”

“……”

“Shall I kill the rest?”

The Nine Lotus Bishop slowly raised her hand.

In that moment, Jin So-cheong launched herself forward like a thunderbolt and charged at the Nine Lotus Bishop.

Ka-boom!!

A thunderous explosion erupted as an intense battle began. The clash was so rapid and powerful that there was barely any chance to strategize. It wasn’t just fast; it was Jin So-cheong’s countless mind control techniques and martial arts sweeping over the Bishop.

In a split second, the Bishop responded by swinging her hand with incredible speed to counter Jin So-cheong’s attack. However, even I could tell her movements lacked any finesse of martial arts; it was merely overwhelming physical prowess suppressing the mind control techniques. It was clear that her innate physical capabilities were on an entirely different level, possibly dozens of times stronger than a human.

‘Unbelievable… She’s not dodging or blocking; she’s just enduring it!’

I was astonished as I watched. No matter how extraordinary her physical abilities were, a novice like her couldn’t handle Jin So-cheong’s mind control techniques without getting hurt. Yet, she seemed virtually unscathed! It was beyond any living being’s natural defenses; it resembled the impenetrability of Dalgi’s barriers.

Looking human was all a facade; this entity was undoubtedly a cosmic monster. Honestly, it was Jin So-cheong’s martial power that was astonishing, forcing such a creature into a position where it couldn’t counterattack.

At that moment, Poison King Tang San shouted as he witnessed the clash,

“I’m joining in too!!”

Splash!

His spear transformed into a blue hue as he joined forces with Jin So-cheong to attack the Nine Lotus Bishop. In an instant, the realm of two supreme experts converged, creating a terrifying wave of energy that reverberated for a hundred yards.

As I watched the fight unfold, trying to find an opening, Mangnyang stepped up to aid Jin So-cheong, unleashing his techniques, while Zhuge Sa pulled my arm.

Being pulled back by Zhuge Sa, he spoke urgently,

“Baek Woong. Do you have any secret weapons? Even against a Sea God, do you have something that can truly turn the tide?”

“Well…”

“Jin So-cheong and Tang San are merely buying time against the weakened Nine Lotus Bishop. If she were at full strength, they’d all be dead within ten seconds. If it doesn’t work, we need to run right now. Make a choice quickly!”

“Ugh.”

“If I use the Demon Book for self-sacrifice, it won’t work in this situation, so think carefully!”

Clearly, Zhuge Sa was also uncertain about summoning the [Old Ruler] using the Demon Book. Given that the Evil Spirit now possessed the Cause and Effect, ruling the Earth, there was no way any [Old Ruler] would risk coming in opposition to the Evil Spirit. Furthermore, witnessing how the Evil Spirit had a dominant advantage over other rulers because of its ‘Revelation’ offered a stark reality check.

As I racked my brain at Zhuge Sa’s request, I recalled that the secrets from the Tower of Muwang had been used already, leaving me with only the Divine Sword Technique to rely on. Even if I attempted the Seven Luminaries, the water element was still unreleased, making its utility questionable. The Fire Dragon Sword was also not fully recovered and was merely a famous sword at this point. I could temporarily increase power by maximizing the energy of the National Seal, but how effective would that be against the Nine Lotus Bishop?

‘With this level of power, defeating a Sea God-level being is another story entirely…’

Even though the Nine Lotus Bishop was weakened, she could still be considered a monster capable of vanquishing the armies of the Celestial Realm, equating her in strength to a Sea God. Jin So-cheong buying time wasn’t an exaggeration.

But then, something happened.

Vroom!

“……!!”

The sword within me cried out. I couldn’t comprehend it fully, but a rush of war spirit resonated in my mind, invigorating me.

I can do it.

I slowly nodded at Zhuge Sa’s words and lunged forward.

‘Right. There’s no way I’m running away after coming this far!’

Didn’t I come here to settle things with the Nine Lotus Bishop, be it success or failure? If she regained her strength, such a tragedy as today would repeat itself. It would be wiser to strike while she was still weak.

‘Let’s put aside the trivial matters for later.’

What I needed now was courage!

And I would ignite the will that Yeodong-bin entrusted to me!

“Yaaah!!”

Gohooo!

As I dove into the battlefield, the Fire Dragon Sword in my hand erupted in massive flames, transforming into a fire dragon and wrapping around my arm. Along with the conflagration, another sword appeared in my left hand.

Though the Divine Sword was not real, it began to move as if it possessed life itself. I pulled the energy from the National Seal from the depths within, launching a single strike forward.

Koooom!!

In response to my blow, the Nine Lotus Bishop attempted to sever the Fire Dragon Sword with a technique similar to the technique of the Agile Student, but she staggered back, unable to withstand the sword’s power.

“Hmph!”

“Amazing.”

As I joined in on the combined efforts in the arena, Jin So-cheong and Tang San seemed taken aback but regained their composure. Until now, they had been in a state of retreat despite their combined efforts, burdened by the overwhelming physical prowess of the Nine Lotus Bishop.

Jin So-cheong sent an unseen message,

[Baek Woong! Can you read the movements in the Absolute Realm using the Divine Sword Technique?]

[Of course!]

I gripped the swords tightly with both hands and responded.

[Not sure how, but Yeodong-bin is lending me strength!]

I had thought Yeodong-bin would appear upon using the Divine Sword Technique, but she had simply become a sword. Yet strangely, from the moment I grasped the sword, I found myself perceiving the movements of both Jin So-cheong and Tang San in the Absolute Realm, as well as the speed of the Nine Lotus Bishop, which was beyond them.

And then, I understood the state I was in.

Heavenly Escape Sword Technique!

Moon-Style Defense Technique!

The culmination of the exceptionally transcendent combat experience that Jin So-cheong had gathered over hundreds of years, a supernatural ability that could thwart an enemy’s sneak attack as an unconditional latecomer! The Divine Sword’s power interlaced with my eyesight, amplifying my overall strength multiple times above the ordinary.

Now I could see it.

The tightly woven barriers of martial experts, like a spider’s web, and the dozens of layers of mind control techniques!

Ka-raang!

I swiftly followed Jin So-cheong’s attack, swinging both the Divine Sword and Fire Dragon Sword simultaneously, landing an additional hit on the Nine Lotus Bishop. Though she faced this attack head-on, she casually recognized it, turning to speak as though intrigued.

“I didn’t expect humans of your caliber to remain on the ground.”

Doom!

“Ugh.”

“Indeed, below standard.”

But as the Nine Lotus Bishop snapped her fingers, the independent practitioner Poison King Tang San let out a soul-rending scream, flying away with blood-drenched wounds. It seemed his combat prowess was akin to that of the Heart of Heaven’s Abundance, sending chills down my spine as I realized the sheer strength behind her finger technique.

Uplifting her arms, the Nine Lotus Bishop summoned chaotic powers before declaring,

“The Nine Lotus Bishop attempted to merge chaos and the essence, but a true master of chaos requires no such thing. Simply absorbing pure chaos grants one sufficient power.”

“What?”

“I’ll take a short rest…”

Pap zzzz!

Suddenly, in an instantly unfolding event, dark lightning engulfed the Nine Lotus Bishop, and moments later, her power seemed to surge several times stronger. Donning a cloak of chaos, she quickly recuperated from the damage inflicted at the Tower of Muwang! It appeared to be a unique ability linked solely to her being a [Descendant of the Evil Spirit].

‘Damn it! It was indeed the right choice to strike now!’

If left alone, she would recover to her original strength within a few days!

Ssss…

However, due to the price of the restoration, she was momentarily immobilized, leaving her utterly still. Jin So-cheong and I acted instinctively, recognizing that now was our chance, and we both rushed in to strike the Nine Lotus Bishop.

Bang!

“Gah.”

Jin So-cheong was hurled back, groaning. He flew away with the force of the Divine Harmony, but it seemed he could not break through the protective barrier, leading to his left arm being stained with blood. I also felt chaos sweeping over me the moment I encountered her barrier.

Mangnyang let out a pained cry.

“Emergency Barrier!”

Then, with Mangnyang’s help, a protective shield saved me from immediate death. Being consumed by chaos would surely lead to my demise as a human body could not withstand such power. I quickly retreated, considering my next move.

‘I can’t break through that barrier…’

The problem was, not knowing the nature of the magic made it particularly hard to devise a counter. My options were limited to overwhelming force or countering her spells directly. I could see the volatile shell of chaos she surrounded herself with cracking like an egg.

At that moment, Jin So-cheong composed himself, aiming his spear at the Bishop with renewed focus. He seemed to gather all his strength at the tip of his spear, barely opening his eyes.

I could feel it.

That attack was the culmination of Jin So-cheong’s mastery realized fifty years from now. I surmised that he hadn’t employed this technique from the start because it required a particular grace that hadn’t been ready until now.

In a frozen moment where time seemed to stand still—I felt as if in a tranquil black-and-white world, where Jin So-cheong was speaking directly to me. It was common for masters to share their thoughts during moments of heart command, but it felt as if he had reached a realm where he could control even that fleeting moment.

[Baek Woong. Look.]

Before my eyes, the tip of Jin So-cheong’s spear loomed like a mountain. At that moment, my entire being focused on his spear as I felt his will.

[In the ultimate realm, time is the same as distance. Recognizing the infinite combinations of flow is nearly impossible due to myriad conditions. Hence, I realized that collars of flow exist above and below, continuously circling. Knowing that it flows from high to low makes it simple. To move against the downward flow is all that’s needed. For fifty years, I’ve dived into the ultimate martial arts and this principle has revealed itself to me.]

The spear began its slow rotation.

[Behold, the void gives rise to energy.]

Cord-like threads formed in the air and began to merge with nature; it felt monumental, like interpreting a great artwork. Though Jin So-cheong hadn’t moved a step, his presence grew ever larger in the space surrounding him.

[Baek Woong, as you approach the limits of martial arts, the potential for Araya Consciousness will emerge, revealing the Primordial Void. Ultimately, martial arts can be defined as the essence of the Primordial Void, opposing chaos. The pursuit of martial arts is, in essence, obtaining the undying string of the ultimate chaos, a spiritual path expressed in palpable forms by the Daoist concept of Taiji.]

The qi points begin to converge, and the meridians synchronize. A space that transcended the limitations of the body formed as naturally as the rising surface of water, drawing in the qi from outside into my being.

Did I imagine it?

Jin So-cheong appeared as a divine being.

In the moment he preached the principles of martial arts, his expression darkened with a profound sorrow—a great lament.

[… This absolute cycle, the ultimate flow that goes against taboos, is almost impossible to grasp with human capability. Yet, this power is allowed only for humans… In the three thousand worlds, exclusively in the domain of the Martial God.]

Isn’t that a contradiction?

An ultimate flow beyond human understanding, yet it’s permitted only to humans?

[It’s a grievous contradiction, but that’s why there’s the Martial Soul. The Martial God has left his mark only to those who could resolve those contradictions…]

When my doubts arose, Jin So-cheong seemed to respond as if he could sense my thoughts.

[And I’m simply a stepping stone to that Martial Soul… Yet even so, I… ]

His voice faded into sadness.

As time seemed to stretch thin, I felt my vision turning whiter. The chaotic flows sprinting through and twisting into countless combinations converged in one profound change, reaching a metaphysical level.

When my consciousness returned to the fragmented moments of thought, I saw Jin So-cheong’s devastating strike penetrating the heart of the Nine Lotus Bishop.

[With this soul, I shall grant you the path of the Martial God, Baek Woong!]

Divine Domain Ultimate Technique!

Divine Authority One Realm!

Galaxy Obliteration!

For a moment, rays of light scattered, and with an earth-shaking sound, the chaotic barrier shattered.

Kaboom!!

The barrier fell, and Jin So-cheong’s spear struck the Nine Lotus Bishop’s chest. Suddenly, she unleashed a tremendous regenerative ability that ensnared the spear. She seemed to nonsensically prepare to strike Jin So-cheong down, but in that instant, her movements froze, and confusion washed over her.

[No… This can’t be… The constellation connection has been severed… I can’t hear the voice of the gods… This is absurd…]

Puh-kaw!

The regenerative ability abruptly ceased, and a look of unspeakable horror emerged on the Nine Lotus Bishop’s face. She tried invoking another ability, but it failed, and she screamed in terror.

[How can human power breach the domain of a god…!!]

Kaboooom!

Jin So-cheong followed through, thrusting the spear down as if to drive the Nine Lotus Bishop into the ground, causing a tremendous earthquake in Luoyang. In an instant, his body and spear morphed into a sphere of light, echoing Jin So-cheong’s monumental shout across the arena.

[Haaaargh!!]

Jin So-cheong’s will spread widely, reminiscent of divine spore clouds. Receiving the benefit of the Hae-gwang-sim-yo, I could almost feel Jin So-cheong’s determination and pain resonating within me. Despite the torment of each cell being scraped away, he never ceased the advance of Galaxy Obliteration. All matter of light converged at the tip of his spear.

Du-du-du!

“……!!”

Amidst the overwhelming light swallowing everything, I could see Jin So-cheong transforming into beams as if becoming an immense blaze. It wasn’t a Thunder Spirit Technique; it indicated that he had reached an unfathomable level of power. The very essence of his being became a single spear, increasingly reinforcing its might as it pierced through the Nine Lotus Bishop.

Kaboom…

Moments later, the commotion quieted; an enormous crater, spanning over a hundred yards, formed in the arena. Jin So-cheong remained still, the spear embedded in the Bishop’s chest.

The Bishop, seemingly losing consciousness, lay almost entirely motionless.

Yet, dark energies flickered ominously from her head, suggesting that the Evil Spirit, which had dominated Seo Mun-hye, sought to escape. This indicated the injury Jin So-cheong had dealt was indeed catastrophic to an entity that could approach the level of a Demigod.

Jin So-cheong had almost single-handedly overcome the Nine Lotus Bishop!

“Jin So-cheong!!”

As I approached, calling his name, Jin So-cheong knelt, speaking in a voice weaker than ever before.

“Galaxy Obliteration can only be unleashed once… After using it, I have foreseen my end. My understanding has yet to reach the divine realm. That’s why I couldn’t use it when the Nine Lotus Bishop invaded before.”

His expression wavered sorrowfully.

“What…!!”

“Baek Woong, I believed that one day… you would return…”

Stunned, I gazed at Jin So-cheong’s body, now lifeless, as he collapsed.

“……”

I continued to stare in astonishment at the body of the once-iron-willed genius. To think he fell so helplessly after achieving such an enormous feat of defeating the Nine Lotus Bishop.

With the massive achievement of subduing her, I felt a surreal disconnect, nearly losing my sanity. Then, the Celestial Sage stepped forward, reaching out to the Nine Lotus Bishop’s spirit to invoke a spell.

“Seal!”

Shhhh!

“Kuh! So powerful! Can I truly imprison this in the Celestial Realm? I’d wager I can’t…”

Moments later, the Celestial Sage muttered under his breath as he quickly withdrew the spirit after performing the sealing technique. However, his right arm was severely burned, showing that sealing her spirit had been no trivial matter—marking the capabilities of the Evil Spirit’s descendants as nothing short of formidable.

The Celestial Sage glanced at me and remarked,

“Baek Woong? If you inherit Jin So-cheong’s legacy, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“……”

“It’s not something that needs to be addressed right now; come to Mount Tai in three days.”

Splash!

The Celestial Sage ascended on his cloud and vanished. However, I was too caught up with the shock of Jin So-cheong’s death to concern myself with his departure, merely gazing blankly at his body.

‘Jin So-cheong.’

Could he have been holding out against the Great Nine Lotus and the Otherworldly beings for fifty years, all while waiting for me?

Did he endure the agony of losing his companions all the while, saving his ultimate technique and the summoning of the Celestial Sage in preparation for my return?

The enormity of the pain and patience he must have experienced filled me with an overwhelming sense of guilt.

‘If only I hadn’t wasted fifty years because of Changqie…’

As I trembled with the sense of powerlessness, Mangnyang and Zhuge Sa approached. Zhuge Sa observed Jin So-cheong’s body with icy estimation before stating,

“Unfortunately, it appears his soul has been captured by some cosmic entity. The Soul Exchange Technique won’t work. I doubt he can be recycled in the Divine Portrait.”

“Zhuge Sa!!”

Fueled by rage at his cavalier dismissal of Jin So-cheong’s death, I shouted.

“Baek Woong. Does mourning his heroic sacrifice change anything? Shouldn’t you focus on ensuring victory for us instead?”

“……”

“You already owe us fifty years of debt. Whether you wished it or not.”

I clenched my fists.

“I know!”

Zhuge Sa’s stern warning regrounded me.

“I won’t give up.”

That’s right; this was no time to pause. I had to proceed so that Jin So-cheong’s death would not go in vain.

I had no choice but to move forward and give it my all.

With my resolve fortified, I shouted into the void,

“Until I behold the destruction of the gods… I will never give up!!”