Reincarnation Sword God

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Chapter 1 – Dark Heaven Village

“Dark Heaven Village! The Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens! She stands as one of the most revered figures among the Great Immortals of the Celestial Realm, and I had the chance to see her once in the past. With a beauty so awe-inspiring, it could invoke reverence, she emerged before me—an unparalleled beauty. She was a master of the Corpse Dissolution Technique and also the former teacher of Ji-seon Mang-nyang.

Furthermore, she worked as the right hand of the Queen Mother of the West, yet I recall that she always seemed troubled and puzzled by the contradictions of her. She had sent her disciples and subordinates to investigate the Queen Mother’s true intentions, but most were assassinated by unidentified entities. Consequently, Ji-seon Mang-nyang wished for me, endowed with the power of reincarnation, to uncover the truth about the Queen Mother and the dark forces of the Celestial Realm through his memories and experiences.

While I recalled the memories I had gathered about the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, the Fire Dragon Incarnate continued speaking.

[The Heavenly Mysterious Woman currently holds the position of Grand Master of the Great, supervising the newly appointed Immortals and teaching ancient techniques. However, in ancient times, she was a battle god who directly fought against the giant race. She is one of the most skilled in combat sorcery in the Celestial Realm and is also a renowned master of military strategy.]

“Mm… I see.”

Ji-seon Mang-nyang had received much instruction from her, learning many of her techniques. The Heavenly Mysterious Woman possessed an array of varied and powerful sorcery that would astonish even the most skilled martial sorcerers of the human realm, numbering an astonishing 369,000 spells. It was common for ordinary human sorcerers to perish without learning even twenty, making it clear that the Heavenly Mysterious Woman was fundamentally beyond human comprehension.

[I’m not sure exactly what the Divine Sword Technique is, but I can feel that its origins are intertwined with the Heavenly Mysterious Woman and the Law of Cause and Effect. It undoubtedly derives from her.]

After a moment of thought, I asked, “Do you know in detail what the Divine Sword Technique entails?”

[… I can’t say for sure. However, if I had to speculate on the intentions of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, it seems she aimed to sever the ties between Yeodong-bin and the Celestial Realm while preserving her combat prowess. Becoming the Divine Sword carries such meaning.]

“Severing the ties to the Celestial Realm? Then what about the current Yeodong-bin…”

The Fire Dragon Incarnate gazed at the Divine Sword with somewhat sorrowful eyes and said, [He has lost his identity as a Great Immortal and is now merely the Divine Sword itself. He has become just an ordinary sword not belonging to the Celestial Realm. In this scenario, he should be seen as just the weapon possessed by Yeodong-bin.]

“……”

[As for me, it’s unclear. As a Great Immortal, Yeodong-bin is a formidable being, and I question if there was any need for him to sever ties with the Celestial Realm through such indirect means… The risks outweigh the benefits. Of course, you, the wielder, could gain much aid from the Divine Sword.]

“That is…”

What kind of plan did Yeodong-bin and the Heavenly Mysterious Woman concoct? And why resort to such a detour as the Divine Sword Technique? My mind was flooded with countless thoughts, but this was far too intricate and challenging a problem for me to resolve alone. Without consulting my advisors and gathering evidence to deduce, it would be nearly impossible to make any progress. I composed myself and said to the Fire Dragon Incarnate, “… Is it alright for you to absorb the flames of chaos? That property is inherently chaotic.”

[Heh heh. Are you worried for me since I’m Yeodong-bin’s wielder?]

The Fire Dragon Incarnate looked at me with glowing eyes, full of admiration.

[It’s fine. In truth, the nature of chaos poses no threat to me. I merely feel a little overindulged.]

“Not a threat at all?”

[I am a primordial being, an incarnation of Shenglong, having lived since the very start of existence. Shenglong survived by consuming the chaos that filled the world, and that essence flows through me as an incarnation.]

“I understand. Have your powers fully recovered?”

[More than eighty percent has returned. Soon, I will be completely restored.]

Seeing how quickly the Fire Dragon Incarnate could recover, it only implied how immensely powerful the Chaos Flames themselves were. Suddenly, I recalled something and asked, “Even though you are the incarnation of Shenglong, I know that your will is separate from your true body…”

[Indeed.]

His confident tone suggested that this was often the case for incarnations; notably, even the Fire Dragon Incarnate, as the embodiment of Changqie, had an individual will different from his true form.

“Then you wouldn’t know the will or current state of Shenglong?”

In response to my question, the Fire Dragon Incarnate casually replied, [Whenever Shenglong wishes, he provides me with information and advice. If he does not desire it, I am left in the dark.]

“…”

[As of now, Shenglong holds no interest in the earthly realm. The Emperor’s shrine remains silent as well.]

“You mean to say he offers no information?”

[The only intention I can feel from him is… hmmm… He is curious whether the promise forged between the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors will be upheld until the very end.]

“A promise?”

[He doesn’t disclose what it entails.]

The promise of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors? What could that possibly mean? What connection does it have to this situation? While I was engulfed in confusion, the Fire Dragon Incarnate spoke again.

[Shenglong is regarded as the right arm of the Emperor and is considered an equivalent existence to the Five Emperors. It would be difficult for us to gauge his will, so it would be wise not to delve too deeply into this matter.]

“… I understand.”

Just as the Fire Dragon Incarnate indicated, it would be futile to speculate on the will of Shenglong, who dwells in the Emperor’s shrine, a place even the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors cannot freely enter. Considering he operates from within it, Shenglong was an incomprehensibly elevated entity.

Recalling Yeodong-bin’s earlier words, [If I can awaken the Fire Dragon Incarnate before the Heavenly Altar descends, a method may emerge.]

[In a situation where the entire Celestial Realm has branded me a traitor to humanity, how could the Fire Dragon Incarnate be of any help?]

[If I can explain the situation after awakening my master, he will guide what needs to be done.]

The Heavenly Altar had already descended. What was it that Yeodong-bin hoped to accomplish by awakening the Fire Dragon Incarnate? And why did he believe that a breakthrough might occur in a scenario where everyone in the Celestial Realm would become enemies? Did the Fire Dragon Incarnate possess some unique insight?

“Fire Dragon Incarnate, the truth is…”

I shared all the details of my fifty-year confinement by Changqie and how Yeodong-bin had entrusted me with the Divine Sword Technique, seeking the Fire Dragon Incarnate’s assistance. The Fire Dragon Incarnate sighed heavily.

[You should have disclosed this earlier… If you just tell me that Yeodong-bin transformed into a Divine Sword without any context, how can I deduce the situation!]

“I apologize.”

It seemed the fact that he was the incarnation of Shenglong had led to him becoming overly inquisitive. Only then did he speak with a tone of enlightenment.

[I’ve figured something out. Perhaps the Heavenly Mysterious Woman hoped you would come seeking her after grasping Yeodong-bin’s Divine Sword.]

“Are you suggesting I seek out the Heavenly Mysterious Woman?”

[Very few can discern that Yeodong-bin’s Divine Sword Technique was not self-taught but rather derives from the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s spells by reading the Law of Cause and Effect. It appears Yeodong-bin wished for me to interpret her intentions.]

After deep contemplation, the Fire Dragon Incarnate continued, [Then it seems Yeodong-bin is being monitored by someone, unable to speak or act freely. Perhaps that’s why he couldn’t divulge everything to you.]

“Monitored?”

[I’m not entirely sure, but for someone to keep an eye on Yeodong-bin, it would likely require someone of at least the level of the Three Cleans or another comparable entity capable of using powerful techniques. It seems Yeodong-bin sought the help of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman to transform into a Divine Sword in an effort to escape that pressure and restraint.]

“Who could that possibly be?”

[To uncover that, you must seek the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.]

“Hmm.”

Is it too late? What Yeodong-bin wanted was probably to prevent disaster before the Heavenly Altar descended, awaken the Fire Dragon Incarnate, find clues, and seek the Heavenly Mysterious Woman. However, the Heavenly Altar had long since descended, and the world was already teetering on the brink of destruction, with the Celestial Realm in shambles after an attack by the Nine Lotus Sect. Would seeking her now even matter?

I felt the situation growing increasingly complicated, but I shook my head and stated, “Understood. I will do my best to seek out the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.”

[And I will do my utmost to assist you.]

Regardless of the mess, something must be done. I needed to uncover the clue Yeodong-bin left me; otherwise, I would be trapped in a cycle of repetition. Though my mouth felt parched from the difficulties ahead, I endured with my willpower.

“By the way, do you have any idea where Gong Gong suddenly disappeared with the Flame Elemental Sword?”

[Gong Gong has gone to meet the Emperor. There is only one person he could mean.]

“Is that…?”

The Fire Dragon Incarnate crossed his arms, gazing beyond the heavens.

[The Yan Emperor Shennong, one of the Three Sovereigns, who faced the Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen directly in ancient times and is the king of the giant race.]

Yan Emperor Shennong! Memories of the legend flooded back.

[If you go further down past the Southern Barbarian Kingdom, eventually descending southward in the islands, you will reach the Great Ocean. A few thousand leagues further south lies the legendary continent where Shennong was said to have been exiled after losing to the Emperor.]

[It stems from the faction of Yan Emperor Shennong. Ever since the first battle between the Emperor and Shennong at Panqian, these two colossal factions have clashed repeatedly throughout the Mythological Age. Gong Gong, descended from Yan Emperor’s line, engaged in war with Jeon Wook, resulting in massive destruction, ultimately culminating in Chiyou’s reign.]

[To my knowledge, the humanity that currently exists is a product of the Three Sovereigns. It is said that Nüwa, Shennong, and Fuxi collaborated on this. Whether Pangu, the creator of humanity, truly exists is unclear.]

[After all, aren’t you imprisoned anyway? Your opinions are irrelevant now. If you wish to go, then go, Yan Emperor.]

The Yan Emperor Shennong, one of the Three Sovereigns and the king of giants, had been continuously imprisoned on the southern continent after his defeat in the combat at Panqian. He was also one of the creators of humanity and appears to have been at odds with the deities throughout history.

While I could not gauge his true strength, given that Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen overshadowed the other Three Sovereigns, it could be inferred that the Yan Emperor Shennong was also a transcendent being, verging on being an Old Ruler. I stared at the sky, pondering, “Is Gong Gong attempting to rescue the imprisoned Yan Emperor Shennong?”

[That’s likely the case. He probably intends to use the Flame Elemental Sword to break the seal.]

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

[Well… it seems unlikely to succeed.]

The Fire Dragon Incarnate’s gaze grew vague. This… was a significant issue!

In a rush, I felt compelled to act. I contemplated using the Palace Examination Technique to locate Gong Gong’s whereabouts but hesitated.

‘Is this something to rush into?’

Am I merely letting my thoughts race ahead of me? While Gong Gong’s attempt to break the Yan Emperor’s seal is indeed critical, would charging in headfirst without any plan truly yield results? Perhaps it would be more prudent to clear my head before proceeding with any significant actions.

While I recognized I needed to take charge, now may not be the right moment.

‘For now, I should seek my advisors’ opinions.’

Pa-at!

I quickly moved to the Kingdom of Duke Du and handed the Obsidian over to Mang-nyang and Zhuge Sa. I rapidly explained the situation, and Mang-nyang remarked, “Baek Woong, you did well. That was an astute judgment. Heading straight for Gong Gong would have been a reckless move.”

“What should I do now?”

“I don’t believe Gong Gong would break his own promise lightly. Moreover, he wouldn’t welcome anyone discovering the location or base where his kin are imprisoned. There’s no need to provoke him by forcing an encounter; if you remain patient, he will come to return the Flame Elemental Sword to you.”

Mang-nyang continued, “The key lies in that moment. Do not act recklessly in probing Gong Gong’s secrets. Approach him confidently and propose that you will assist in breaking the Yan Emperor’s seal. That, in my view, is how to establish a proper cooperative relationship with Gong Gong.”

“… Mang-nyang.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Somehow, it feels like you’re speaking under the presumption that the Yan Emperor’s seal won’t be lifted. Is there any reason for such certainty?”

“Hm, well…”

Just as Mang-nyang was starting to explain, Zhuge Sa interjected, sounding somewhat incredulous. “It’s something anyone can figure out.”

“Why?”

“Didn’t the Fire Dragon Incarnate say it wouldn’t work? Is there anyone among us who knows more about divine status and seals than him?”

“……”

“Sealing the Yan Emperor would require an entity of at least equal caliber or greater. The only ones who could match that standard are the Three Sovereigns themselves. It’s no surprise that a seal established by the Three Sovereigns couldn’t be broken by just a few Luminaries.”

“Oh, that makes sense…”

Zhuge Sa was right. If I had let my emotions dictate my actions rashly, I might have inadvertently provoked Gong Gong, sowing distrust and complicating matters. He continued, “Still, you’ve done well, so for now, return to the Yan Emperor’s seal.”

“Understood.”

Pa-at!

After returning to the Sealed Place, I waited approximately half a moment when a large figure descended from the heavens.

Kuu-gung!!

The being who fell from the sky was none other than Gong Gong. Having regained much of his power as a water deity, he emanated a tremendous and menacing aura of Yin Energy. With faint purple light radiating from his eyes, he tossed the Flame Elemental Sword towards me.

[Here.]

Ta-at!

As I caught the sword in mid-air using the Void Object Manipulation technique, it shrank down to a size manageable for a human. Sighing in relief, I spoke, “You kept your promise.”

[Of course.]

“Where exactly did you just go?”

[To the location of my king…]

“Is it possible that you attempted to break the Yan Emperor Shennong’s seal with the Flame Elemental Sword?”

[Indeed.]

“Has the Yan Emperor awakened?”

In response to my question, Gong Gong coldly replied, [Perhaps he did, but it was still unsuccessful. That seal can’t be undone without dealing with ‘her’ first.]

“‘Her’?”

[It’s a seal established by Nüwa, who holds a deep-seated disdain for the Emperor and invests her power into maintaining it. Unless she is defeated, lifting that seal will be an uphill battle…]

Nüwa!

Hearing that made me realize my advisors’ predictions were indeed correct. To seal a Sovereign, it meant that another Sovereign needed to exert their power. Moreover, if the seal belonged to Nüwa, the Mother of Earth, who is said to have created the Central Plains, it must possess divine capabilities beyond comprehension—unbreakable by just a single Luminary.

[However, I now have a clear course of action. My king has issued me a directive.]

“Even imprisoned, the Yan Emperor can still communicate his will to the outside world?”

[That’s right. No matter how powerful Nüwa is, she cannot confine the will of such an existence entirely.]

“Hmm.”

Lifting his massive right arm, Gong Gong addressed me, [Baek Woong, you too must gather the Luminaries. You and I will amass as many as possible and then present them as offerings to break the seal and bring forth the giant king into the mortal realm. If the power of the Luminaries is bestowed upon the king, he’ll certainly be able to overcome the Emperor.]

Am I out of my mind?!

Gathering the Luminaries just to grant someone else a favor?!

I inwardly cursed but forced myself to respond, “Of course, I’ll gather them, but how do you intend to do so?”

[I will go retrieve the Golden Eagle Guards in the West. You should obtain the Moon Sovereign or the Wood Essence from the East, and then we’ll head to Dark Heaven Village to acquire the Earth Star.]

“… The plan sounds good, but… Won’t it be a bit difficult to acquire the Earth Star?”

[Hee hee hee!!]

Gong Gong laughed maniacally.

[Just watch my power unfold.]

Kuu-gugugu!

With that, Gong Gong vanished into the vast sky. I stared at the empty heavens, pondering, ‘Will he really be able to retrieve the Golden Eagle Guards all alone?’

Is that even feasible?

The Western Golden Eagle Guards were currently sought after by the strongest heretical sect, the Black Brotherhood, and the Guardian was risking his life to seal them. Furthermore, among the adept sorcerers of the Black Brotherhood were powerful Demon Sorcerers, including Peng Zuo, a descendant of Jeon Wook at the level of a Grand Immortal. This was a formidable lineup, which made me feel incapable of even considering taking the Golden Eagle Guards.

Despite Gong Gong’s growing strength, could he really manage to obtain them all on his own?

I shook my head disapprovingly before using the Golden Lamp technique to return to my base.

‘Right now, I should focus on my own concerns.’

To obtain the Wood Essence, I need to visit the Twelve Luminaries. And to acquire the Moon Sovereign…

‘It’s time to prepare for a journey to Mount Tai.’

Whether dead or alive, I would have to follow Jin So-cheong’s wishes and seek an audience with the Celestial Sage.