Reincarnation Sword God

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Chapter 1 – Dark Heaven Village

The reason I intend to venture to Dark Heaven Village is, of course, to reclaim the Earth Star from the Seven Luminaries. Currently, the Earth Star has been snatched away by Sang Gwanwna and is offered in the Offering Ceremony of Empress Wu Zetian, existing in Dark Heaven Village. As a result, Empress Wu Zetian has become a lesser deity under the authority of the Old Ruler of the Imperial Palace. Moreover, the methods of reaching Dark Heaven Village are extremely tricky and dangerous, with no guarantee of defeating a divine entity, which is why I had been treading carefully until now.

However, I have firmly resolved to challenge Dark Heaven Village in this life. At that moment, Zhuge Sa chuckled.

“Are you going to execute one of the strategies from the last life proposed by the Zhuge Clan? Have you made up your mind to die like a mayfly?”

“Yeah.”

I retorted somewhat calmly.

“Waiting indefinitely until I accumulate personal power is a waste of time. I’d rather collide a few more times to obtain firsthand information.”

“Haha! This is quite amusing. It’s clear you’re a Reborn Person… Now I understand why I’ve been fully cooperating with you; it seems there’s someone crazier than I am!”

Laughing maniacally, Zhuge Sa turned to Mangnyang.

“Hyun Ah. We need to hear your opinion as well. What do you think about this guy’s mindset now?”

“……”

Mangnyang seemed deep in thought, propping his chin. He, too, was gathering and analyzing the info from my obsidian, processing it in multiple ways. After a pause, he began to speak slowly.

“You didn’t mention something important, Baek Woong.”

“Hmm?”

“What will you do if you encounter Miho again in this life…?”

“… Hmm.”

I sighed. Mangnyang’s sharp insights made me realize he had hit the nail on the head regarding the core issue I was trying to gloss over. Mangnyang continued his train of thought.

“While Seo Mun-hye’s situation is significant, how to approach Miho, who may even be the incarnation of Nüwa, is even more critical—a hidden ace that could upend the Celestial Realm… But the emotions tied to the obsidian you showed still seem muddled, so you haven’t considered how to handle Miho yet.”

I winced, as that was painfully true.

Struggling to articulate a response, Zhuge Sa crossed his arms.

“Indeed, what Hyun says is spot on. If you can’t clarify that, you’ll just waste more time. So, Baek Woong, what do you want to do with Miho?”

“That’s…”

“It’s unnecessary to give us a clear answer. It’s ultimately a matter between you two. However, at the very least, I’d like to know the direction you want to take as your strategist.”

I contemplated for a moment before answering.

“Similar to what I feel for Seo Mun-hye. I think the current Miho won’t be able to maintain her composure after hearing all that information.”

“So, you’ll keep it hidden for now?”

“… I don’t think she could handle it well.”

I couldn’t fathom the shock Miho would endure from seeing my memories. Up until now, she had only perceived the Celestial Realm as somewhat shabby, but what I learned this time—a truth that the Queen Mother of the West is Nüwa and that Miho might have been used by her—would be a shocking revelation, possibly tearing her world apart.

Even if Miho were to overcome that mental blow, I currently had no means to amplify her power significantly. Presenting her with despair without a solid solution felt more like torment than anything else.

Reading my thoughts, Mangnyang sighed softly.

“Ha! Baek Woong… You’re an incredible person.”

“Hmm?”

“Ordinary folks would have already worn out their emotions after 24 lives, yet you still manage to show consideration for her… Do you not realize you’re many times more unfortunate than Miho?”

“……”

“If that’s the case, our role should be to find ways to help Miho grow in the future.”

“I’d appreciate that.”

Once the discussion about Miho was wrapping up, Zhuge Sa spoke up.

“There are currently three methods to get to Dark Heaven Village. One is to descend through the realm of dreams and overcome the Gatekeeper’s test; another is to directly pass through the dimensional portal, which would force you into a head-on clash with the Old Ruler. The last way is to use your Golden Lamp to teleport to a designated location.”

That was indeed a method I was aware of. Nodding, I prompted Zhuge Sa to continue.

“Going to Dark Heaven Village via the first method would be the most reasonable and safe choice. Are you considering attempting that?”

I shook my head.

“No. I’ll use the third method first.”

“Why?”

“I want to know what the owner of the Golden Lamp was thinking when they drew me in.”

Since my past lives, strategists have suspected the Golden Lamp I possessed was suspicious. Its remarkably strong capabilities paired with few restrictions raised doubts that it might be a malicious artifact designed to ensnare its owner. Given the likelihood that those doubts were true, I had previously refused every proposal to head to the locations shown by the Golden Lamp.

However, having already made up my mind to die, deliberately stepping into a trap could also become a viable option. Furthermore, I might uncover new information amid that trap. Zhuge Sa, crossing his arms, responded.

“Well then, you didn’t need to seek us out. You could have tested it right after obtaining the Golden Lamp in Shandong, so why come here?”

Scratching my head, I replied.

“I had to discuss Seo Mun-hye with the Demon Leader…”

“Haha. So you figured you’d have time afterward while investigating Chiu, and thought you’d consult us during that spare time? You really are preoccupied with all kinds of matters.”

“Ugh… That’s true.”

Zhuge Sa’s keen insight was impressive. Amid his chuckles, he continued.

“Alright. Let’s assume it takes about three months for the Demon Leader to investigate the Seo family. During that time, it would be best for you to strengthen yourself as much as possible.”

“Understood.”

“We’ll assist the Shadowless Gate. You, on the other hand, need to go find that Tang San brat. He’d be quite the little squirt at this point.”

*Clap!*

I utilized the Spatial Technique to head towards the Four Talents Sect. Given the considerable distance to Sichuan, I figured I’d need a solid three days of continual sorcery to reach there, and I began to garner some understanding of the intricate practices of the Spatial Technique. After all, if you use it hundreds of times, you’re bound to become familiar with it.

Upon reaching the vicinity of the Four Talents Sect, I didn’t go straight in. Instead, I scoured the nearby hills, searching for any gaps to slip through.

‘… Tang San. That brat is…’

According to Tang San, he held tremendous resentment towards the entire Four Talents Sect, a hatred that was gruesomely justified. Yet, that did not mean that exterminating the entire clan was justifiable.

I searched for the locations where the Four Talents Sect’s branch family and the outer disciples resided, as described by Tang San. Despite the opulence of the main Four Talents Sect buildings, crumbling shacks were huddled together at the back, revealing within them the scent of murky water and decay.

Using Stealth Technique, I quietly slipped inside, looking for the small hut Tang San had mentioned. By the narrow path leading towards the mountain region, an elderly woman was mumbling to herself, sifting seeds with a bat, while a little kid lay sprawled within the hut.

I glanced at the old woman before walking silently into the hut and approached the child lying inside.

“Are you Tang San?”

A little kid who could only be about three or four years younger than my current self. While younger, he was still a kid of similar age. When I suddenly appeared, Tang San turned to me, a look of surprise on his face.

“Who… Who are you?”

“I am Baek Woong.”

I replied and sat down heavily.

“Eek.”

Startled, Tang San pulled out a smoke grenade from his pocket and quickly tossed it outside, but using my internal strength, I’d already set up a barrier, so the grenade bounced off uselessly.

“You won’t hear any noise from inside. Not even from that old woman.”

“Damn it!! Are you trying to kill me?”

Raging, Tang San yelled, but I spoke calmly.

“Do I need to go through the trouble of killing you? Let’s just talk without acting foolishly.”

“……”

Tang San’s expression changed completely, and he slumped down where he stood, feigning panic just seconds ago appearing like a ruse.

“You seem like quite the master. If I’ve poisoned you and you show no reaction, that makes you something else.”

“I’m immune to all poisons.”

It turned out that the earlier act of feigned panic was an attempt to draw out my weaknesses, buying time until his pre-set poison could take effect. Despite his young age, as Tang San himself put it, he was quite clever and sly, having likely mastered intermediate poisonous techniques at the Four Talents Sect at his age.

I addressed Tang San.

“I know you want to tear the entire Four Talents Sect apart. I heard that you dreamed of dismembering the clan leader and his wives, piercing their bodies with mortars, and turning them into pickled fish to feed your peers.”

In genuine shock, Tang San exclaimed.

“Wow, what?! Can you read minds?! I think about that so often!”

“……”

What utterly disturbing imagination I had just voiced. And fifty years from now, Tang San would have indeed executed that horrifying fantasy. The Four Talents Sect did meet its end, with all of its bloodlines becoming pig feed under Tang San’s hands. Regardless of the immense hatred he bore, he was a truly terrifying child.

‘Should I really make this brat an ally?’

While nurturing him would effectively increase my potential absolute realm comrades, it felt complicated.

However, the Tang San before me was not like Zhuge Sa’s kind of madness. Zhuge Sa’s insanity somewhat aligned with my purpose, making it something I could accept. But Tang San’s madness was directed at bloodlines, a fierce reaction to grievances, leaving me uncertain of whether I could control him.

Yet I had already promised the future Tang San I’d accept him as an ally. If I broke that loyalty, he would no longer offer me his assistance.

‘Alright. I suppose I’ll try nurturing him a little and see how it goes.’

I dispelled my hesitation and said to Tang San, “I’m here with a request from your future self. I’ll be taking you as my ally.”

Tang San scoffed.

“I don’t know what nonsense you’re spouting, but dreaming of being allies is just ridiculous. Either kill me or leave me be.”

“Take this.”

I tossed the obsidian towards Tang San. Despite his wariness, he managed to catch it, and at that moment, I transferred my memories to him.

*Fwoosh!*

“……!!”

Tang San seemed startled as he absorbed my memories. Moments later, he looked astounded and began to tremble with joy.

“Ha… Hahaha… Is that really true?! This is phenomenal!”

“Do you get it now?”

“Haha! Hahaha!”

He seemed to lose his rationality, shedding laughter while saying, “By showing me this memory, it means you agree to the destruction of the Four Talents Sect, right? Excellent! Ha ha!”

“… Yes, but there’s a condition.”

“What is it?”

“You exterminated the innocent warriors of the Four Talents Sect without exception, as the ruthless methods implied.”

I glared at him, emphasizing my words.

“Only eradicate the ones directly responsible for your grievances. Don’t cause unnecessary massacres. That is my condition for making you an ally.”

“… Well, that does make sense. You seem to have a sense of righteousness beyond appearances.”

Tang San’s eyes glinted with madness as he continued.

“But do you even have the right to lecture me? I don’t think so!”

“What was that?”

“Like me, you sought revenge. The only difference is that you ended theirs simply. You’re just as guilty of returning the pain.”

“……!!”

I froze in place. For indeed, I had also taken revenge on my abusers in my past. Trying to counsel him against seeking revenge would simply come off as a hypocritical contradiction.

Tang San flashed a genuine, friendly smile.

“Well, because of that, I find myself liking you. There’s a sense of kinship.”

“That… is.”

But there was no way for me to atone for this. My history of slaughtering the clan leader’s family in the past was something I couldn’t erase no matter what I tried. The truth of my sins had come to light, and I found myself speechless as Tang San added.

“Baek Woong, let’s be honest. You and I, although at differing degrees, have lived through abuse and pillage.”

“What…?”

“The Four Talents Sect was my enemy, while the clan leader’s family was yours. I had the talent for revenge, and you simply lacked that capability. If you had talents akin to mine, you would’ve done precisely the same thing. You’ve already done it, in fact.”

“……”

“I admire you, Baek Woong. You acted decisively without feeding false niceties. Haha, that’s immensely gratifying!”

I wanted to refute Tang San, but I had no words left to say.

“Baek Woong, as you know, I’m not a child of Tang Mugyeok, nor a member of the Tang’s bloodline.”

Tang San continued.

“My father was a martial artist from a minor faction, but he was murdered by Tang Mugyeok’s poison, and my mother was raped before my dying father’s eyes just because she was beautiful. After that, I was forcibly brought into the Tang Sect as a bastard, and the trueborn ones harassed me. You’ve suffered that kind of humiliation too, so I believe you understand my struggles.”

“… Hmm.”

We seem to share that painful experience.

“My mother’s still being violated by that bastard Tang Mugyeok, and I returned home bruised and battered from their beatings just yesterday. Isn’t it a garbage life? The revenge target happens to be the leader of the Five Great Families, which makes it all the harder to achieve.”

“……”

“I’d wager the reason I attain supreme mastery in the future is, indeed, to kill that Peak Master.”

Raising his arms, Tang San revealed his bruised and battered body. Growing up just like me, he must have weathered relentless beatings. In fact, he must have suffered even worse torments at the hands of better off Tang sect descendants. Coupled with the enmities of his parents, it was evident he had borne a seething malice for decades.

“Baek Woong, please accept me as your ally. My heart races terribly right now. I feel you’re someone I can trust.”

Tang San pleaded with a sincere voice.

But his earnest plea fell on deaf ears for me. Instead, an immense guilt surged within.

‘What have I done in the past?’

I realized suddenly how appallingly I had slaughtered in my prior lifetime. In an attempt to unravel all the scorn and grievances I’d received since birth, I had unleashed a spree of violence. Ultimately, I even plucked out Kim Manje’s eyes. Back then, I had no deep thoughts about it, but now I could see how horrendous that act truly was.

‘Damn it…!! Did I really do that?’

The regret overwhelmed me!

Was it really necessary to go that far? My past grievances weren’t nearly as devastating as his. Had I merely reprimanded the clan leader’s family, it would have sufficed, yet at that moment, impulse drove me to mass slaughter.

In their presence, I’d wish to apologize repeatedly and even offer my own eyes to Kim Manje in penance. Yet, there’s no way to atone for my sins now. That past has been buried under the repeated lives I lived as the Heavenly Secret and exists solely in my memories. As for the ones I slaughtered? They live perfectly well back in their village now. Such is the effect of the Heavenly Secret’s reincarnation.

Only I bore the memories of the original sins.

So how was I to atone for this regret and guilt?

Should I live eternally, burdened by my suffering alone?

“……”

In that instant, I recognized the dreadful weight of the Heavenly Secret. Even if this Heavenly Secret didn’t directly lead me to ruin, as past lives accumulate, I wouldn’t be able to bear the weight of my deeds. Should I continue reincarnating from now on, I would inevitably face greater regret, suffering, and eventual demise.

‘So that’s why…’

I recalled Zhuge Sa’s warnings to end this life as quickly as possible. Back then, I had found it puzzling, but now, in conversing with Tang San, I understood.

I am not a god but a human. My mental strength is certainly not limitless; therefore, as the Law of Cause and Effect piles up, my spirit shall inevitably be crushed! Even if I could acquire endless power by reincarnating hundreds of times, I would ultimately become something that can’t be called human anymore. If I were to still be human, then the only option left is to reduce the number of my reincarnations.

I clenched my teeth. I wouldn’t abandon my sins, but given the current state, my wish for victory has only grown more fervent.

Destroying the divine beings to end this life—this would also pave the way to rescue myself.

“Alright.”

I decided to accept Tang San as my ally. Afterward, I placed him and the old woman into my Wooden Armor and infiltrated the Four Talents Sect. I sought out Tang San’s mother, rescued her, and placed her within the Wooden Armor as well.

Once I transported Tang San and his family to Jangryeong Valley, Zhuge Sa spoke to me.

“Baek Woong. It’s about time you go with Hyun to perform the Sacred Offering in the Celestial Realm. After receiving the blessing, absorbing the divine energy from Jeon Wook’s statue with Cheon Woo-jin’s assistance should suffice.”

“Understood. However, what blessing should I receive…?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

Zhuge Sa grinned wide.

“You should receive that guy’s blessing.”