Reincarnation Sword God

---

Chapter 594 – Dark Heaven Village

“So chaotic, it’s wild!”

Holding the sword, I could immediately feel the influence of Yeodong-bin’s technique, the Moon-Style Defense Technique. It wasn’t that the Guardian’s sword was so fast that I couldn’t defend myself, but my arms felt ready to snap from the strain during this match against the guardian and his three legendary beasts.

‘What the heck is this strength?!’
Incredible power! The sheer physical strength infused in the Guardian’s giant sword was dozens of times stronger than the enhancements I got from my own internal energy. Because of that, I couldn’t even dream of counterattacking, just desperately dodging with the slightest movement.

Every other expert I faced had relied on Qi and intent, but this Guardian had the potential to subdue absolute masters solely with his raw physical might.

Suddenly, the Guardian unleashed a Lion’s Roar.
[Haaah!]
Boom!

I prepared my Protection Energy Technique in response, but it shattered like paper, and I had no choice but to meet his attack head-on with my Divine Sword Technique, channeling all my energy into it. Just as we reached a brief pause in our exchange, the Guardian spoke up.
[Are you trying to mock me? Stop the silly antics and face me properly!]

“W-what nonsense. When have I ever played tricks?”

[Are you trying to play the martial arts game pretending to be human, wretched descendant of an evil spirit?]
His eyes blazed with furious light.
[Return to your true form! Even if you become your true self, I shall cleave that chaotic body apart!]

“Y-yes, I’m human, I assure you…”

Silence fell in the hall.

The Guardian’s darkened eyes bulged with rage.
[Why has a human come to my domain?!]
“Um, well…”

[I don’t want to hear it! Get out of my sight!]

“……”

What a ridiculous question to ask and then brush off!

I quickly realized that the Guardian was absolutely furious, and provoking or challenging him might lead to disaster. So I cautiously continued, watching his expressions.
“In this world, the balance of Yin and Yang has collapsed, causing the Yin energy to swell. I can feel the intensity of the Fire energy emanating from you has also grown more powerful.”

The Guardian’s size was originally that of a giant, now reduced to something resembling a tall human, with flames radiating from him like a blazing inferno. At my words, the Guardian flinched slightly before replying.
[What do you mean by that?]

“According to the myths, the Guardian was once a water deity. If the Yin energy has grown stronger, shouldn’t the power of fire have weakened in turn? I was curious.”

[… So you truly are human. The minions of the evil spirit clearly do not understand my circumstances.]

The Guardian had a scoffing demeanor, responding to my curiosity.
[Human. Did you come here with an eye for the Flame Elemental Sword?]

“To be honest, yes.”

[Then there’s nothing more to discuss. Leave…]
Sure, closing my mouth and leaving might keep me safe, but I’d gain nothing. While I had a premonition I might die here, I steeled myself and spoke up.

“O Guardian! I seek the Flame Elemental Sword and other powers, to eliminate the evil spirit!”
If I merely think of saving my own skin and end up with nothing, I’d feel too sorry for Jin So-cheong, who has waited for me for fifty years. For her sake, I’d take this dangerous leap.

[……]

The Guardian looked at me, stunned, but I pressed on.
“Recently, we humans banded together to take down the Nine Lotus Sect leader, acting as a proxy for the evil spirit. With the power of the Flame Elemental Sword, we will have a fighting chance against it.”

[Hahaha…!!]
The Guardian broke into an uproarious laugh, mockery dancing in his eyes as he continued.
[I see. A human thinks taking down a mere toy of the evil spirit is cause for celebration, and now you’ve come seeking the Flame Elemental Sword. But this is foolishness. Get lost.]

“What are you saying? You know the power of the Flame Elemental Sword. If we gather its strength and channel it, we can…”
[You truly know nothing at all. Do you realize what the Flame Elemental Sword actually is?]

The Guardian’s tone shifted dangerously.
[The Flame Elemental Sword is the key to annihilation. It is an unparalleled, mighty divine artifact, but using it to kill a deity flips all logic on its head. The one you claim to have defeated is but a toy of the evil spirit, so its power is several hundred times greater.]

“……”

[Among humans, you seem quite the hero, but disturb my tasks, and you shall face death.]
The Guardian’s words dripped with budding malice. Until now, he had merely laughed, but it was clear he was beginning to consider taking my life. I had never thought he was fighting seriously, thus I swallowed hard.

‘What to do? How can I convince him…’
Suddenly, another thought flashed through my mind.
Why was the Guardian here?
Was it merely to guard the Flame Elemental Sword?

“……!!”
Lightning struck in my mind, sending a shiver through my body. Trusting my instincts as a reborn person, I carefully spoke.
“Are you here as the [Guardian of the Flame Elemental Sword], or…”
At that, his gaze flickered with uncertainty.
“As the god of the giant race?”

[… What do you mean?]
A strange energy began to radiate from him, but I continued speaking, recalling Jin So-cheong’s death and refusing to falter.
“I understand you are the unwitting guardian of the Flame Elemental Sword. The guardians of the Seven Luminaries were once the Demon Kings and gods across the land, but due to the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, they were demoted to guardians. Therefore, in a situation where the seal of the Flame Elemental Sword has broken, and the balance of Yin and Yang is disrupted, is it still necessary for you to defend it?”

[……]

“The influence of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors has surely dwindled. You seem to be bound here by some force that no longer applies to you, yes? Or rather… you act as if you own this sword.”

[What are you trying to imply?]
I narrowed my eyes, staring at the Guardian.
“You’re merely pretending to guard, waiting for the time when the influence of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors is gone. You want to take the Flame Elemental Sword back for your race once your constraints are lifted, don’t you?!”

[……!!]
“Simply a supposition, so no need to be too angry.”
I had truly crossed a line.

I had provoked him beyond measure, but I had no regrets about my actions. In a world filled with uncertainties, trusting my instincts was the only certainty I had.

An tense silence hung heavy before the Guardian finally spoke.
[Hero of the human race, what is your name?]
“Baek Woong.”
[You don’t seem like a fool being toyed with, interesting.]
That remark signaled his acknowledgment of my speculation.

As I focused on him, the Guardian continued.
[Your words are mostly correct. The causal laws have drastically collapsed in this world, and the influence of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors has essentially vanished, so I too am no longer bound to guard the Flame Elemental Sword. Fifty years have already passed.]

If what he said was true, then the power of the evil spirit must have weakened significantly when it rampaged through Luoyang. Remembering the Guardian’s words, he continued.
[Yet, despite being able to leave, I’ve chosen to guard the Flame Elemental Sword. Because, just as you said, it is an invaluable treasure I wish to use for my people.]

“Why not just take it and run? It wouldn’t have mattered either way.”
[Hah… the evil spirit seeks the Flame Elemental Sword as well. No matter where I go in this world with it, the minions of the evil spirit would hunt me relentlessly. It was far wiser to create a barrier with this sword to protect my clan’s base.]

“I see.”
[You seem knowledgeable about the Flame Elemental Sword and the secret of the gods. Perhaps you could help locate the other Flame Elemental Swords.]
With those murmurs, the Guardian asked,
[Baek Woong, would you join hands with me?]

“Join hands?”
[There are two conditions on my side. First, provide all the information and locations you have on the Flame Elemental Swords, and second, find a way to completely break the seal placed upon me by Jeon Wook. If you do that, I will grant you the Flame Elemental Sword.]

“Hmm…”
[When the seal is broken, I plan to search for the other Flame Elemental Swords. Together, we can share their might.]
The first condition was simple: just share what I knew.
However, the second condition, breaking the seal of Jeon Wook, was an absurdly complex challenge. I hesitated before replying.
“I know little of this Jeon Wook’s seal. Could you please elaborate on it?”

[The final curse that bound me as a protector instead of a deity is this very flame. This flame is the intricate curse Jeon Wook set upon me.]
Flames erupted around him suddenly, blazing with almost unimaginable intensity. They rose sky-high, before fading back down. The Guardian spoke with a pained expression.
[Eliminate this flame that binds me! Without it, I could regain my strength and face Jeon Wook once again.]

I questioned his words.
“Chuk-yung? You mean a member of the divine race?”
[Hehe…!! A traitor among my kin! He held power second only to Jeon Wook within the Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace, and ultimately led us to defeat at Pancheon. If it weren’t for him… even if Chihu had fallen, we would have fought longer…]

“……”
[Though I was born with the power of flames, Chuk-yung’s flames are of chaos! His energy contrasts mine and seals my power across eternity.]
The Guardian lamented and declared,
[By my name, I swear. I will keep my promise made just before! Find a way to break this curse for me.]
“Understood.”
[Now, hand over the information on the Flame Elemental Swords.]
“Of course.”
Letting out a sigh, I said,
“Then may I also ask a favor?”
[What is it?]
“I must awaken the Fire Dragon Incarnate sleeping within the Fire Dragon Sword. It has to absorb the power of the Flame Elemental Sword for thousands of years.”
[That much is acceptable…]
Wuuuu…

I brought the Fire Dragon Sword to the Flame Elemental Sword, allowing it to absorb the fiery essence. After a tremendous heatwave poured into the sword, I felt the power of the Fire Dragon Incarnate stirring within it.

I shared the locations and information of the Flame Elemental Swords with the Guardian. He appeared to concentrate as he tried to memorize the details. Meanwhile, I asked if I could take the Dragon Flower Tree with me.
[Take the Dragon Flower Tree. It is useless to me.]
Nodding, I dug up the Dragon Flower Tree from the ground nearby and placed it into my wooden armor.

“I’ll return soon.”
Boom!
Once my errand was complete, I returned to the base of the Blood Sabre Group and conveyed my experiences to Zhuge Sa and Mangnyang using the obsidian. At that moment, Mangnyang who had been listening spoke up.
“Well done, Baek Woong. That was a shrewd decision.”
“Ha ha ha.”
Zhuge Sa smirked mischievously, seemingly not pleased.
“It would’ve been so entertaining if the Guardian had tried to kill you in one shot.”
“Don’t say that.”
I shook my hands nervously.
“The Guardian hadn’t used all his strength. Had he fought seriously, I wouldn’t have been able to use Golden Lamp before being killed.”
While I spoke innocently there, I truly believed I would lose if I fought against the Guardian. Despite how strong my Divine Sword Technique was, I felt the Guardian’s power surpassed even that of ordinary Demon Kings.

And for good reason. The Guardian was originally an ancient deity who fought evenly against Jeon Wook and was now slowly unsealing. He was simply something a human could never contend with.
Could it be because I gained the Divine Sword Technique? It seemed I could somewhat gauge the powers of these unprecedentedly mighty beings I had previously no chance of measuring.
‘Is this because I inherited Yeodong-bin’s sense…?’
As I stared blankly at my hand, Mangnyang spoke up.
“If we wish to break the Guardian’s curse, Chuk-yung, that divine being, is crucial. If I recall correctly, Chuk-yung was originally the vassal and descendant of Yan Emperor Shennong, but later vanished entirely due to the legends of the flame god.” Many small tribes in the southern part of Zhongyuan worship him as a deity.
“What’s their relation to Chuk-yung?”
“Clearly, Chuk-yung would be the forefather of the Zhuyong Tribe, so they likely have deep connections. You must discover that from now on. However, the prophet must have escaped this planet back to his homeworld by now…”
After contemplating for a moment, Mangnyang added,
“Baek Woong. Go to the Tower of Muwang and make contact with the Zhuyong Tribe. That’s the only choice we have right now.”
Boom!
I headed to the Tower of Muwang in the southern continent. However, upon arriving at the location where I’d previously been, nothing was there. It felt as empty as a desolate wasteland where nothing ever existed.
‘Damn it. Did they leave this world following the prophet?’
The Zhuyong Tribe, a race of beings with great power and technology, would likely find it trivial to leave dimensions or planets. It made sense they would opt to flee rather than stick around in this world where an evil spirit had gained the laws of cause and effect and run rampant.

When I reported the situation to Mangnyang through the suspicious fishhook, he responded,
[That’s not it. Even in the face of great danger, they wouldn’t leave so easily—keep searching elsewhere.]
[How can you be so sure?]
[The Central Plains were a perilous region from ancient times, a battleground for the Three Sovereigns and the Old Ruler, yet the Zhuyong Tribe has remained until the end. They likely desire to verify what their “prophecy” is as well.]
[……!!]
[They surely have reasons to stay in this world. So it’s unlikely they would all flee. Even if they left behind books or scouts, there should be some traces if you look well enough.]
Mangnyang’s reasoning did hold merit. The prophet, being the “king” of the tribe, undoubtedly had to flee, but it wouldn’t make sense for all his subordinates to do the same. I steadied my resolve and set off toward the ruins of the ancient deities I had previously visited, guarded by the Zhuyong Tribe.
Boom!
Crack—!
Arriving near the ruins of the giants where I had once negotiated with the Zhuyong Tribe, I found the Tower of Muwang had vanished again. However, thankfully, the ruins of the giants were still firmly in place.
‘They must not have thought it necessary to move the ruins along with them.’
I took a deep breath, gazing determinedly at the ruins actively guarded by the Zhuyong Tribe.
“Here I go.”
Within those ruins, there surely lay clues related to the Zhuyong Tribe.