Reincarnation Sword God

---

Chapter 623 – Dark Heaven Village

“Whoa, this is more chaotic than I thought!”

As Yeodong-bin moved my body, the power of the National Seal surged through me, igniting a sensation of elation. A single deadly sword shot out, slicing through the moment itself, demonstrating the overwhelming prowess of the Overlay Technique.

Just then, Sang Gwanwna from the Eight Parts of the Divine swung her sickle, but it felt less like she was blocking Yeodong-bin’s Absolute Slash and more like she was scattering movements into empty air.

*Ku-gung!*

Despite Sang Gwanwna’s awkward defense, Yeodong-bin’s sword clashed against something, producing a loud reverberation. I observed the entire situation from a corner of Yeodong-bin’s consciousness and thought, “Is that defensive technique?”

The latent potential in Yeodong-bin’s strike was something even the Master of the White Lotus Sect couldn’t easily counter. If a master of the Absolute Realm couldn’t withstand such destructive force, then Sang Gwanwna must have displayed a remarkable skill to avoid being injured. If it was indeed some ancient technique, it had to be at an impressive level.

At that moment, Cheon Woo-jin beside her gathered his energy and shouted, “Urgent Convergence Command!”

*Pagaak!*

The transparent shield created by Sang Gwanwna shattered, and she stepped back, seemingly startled. However, Yeodong-bin, not one to allow her any respite, charged in at tremendous speed and unleashed the cloud-like sword qi using the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram.

*Kwa-kwang!!*

With an explosive sound, it appeared as if Sang Gwanwna was being torn apart. But that vision quickly transformed into fluttering shreds of cloth, as her form shifted dimensions and reappeared a little distance away.

Having witnessed this bizarre scene, Cheon Woo-jin murmured in amazement, “Demon King Realm! To think that ancient technique still exists…”

Sang Gwanwna, having brushed off the attack with ease, addressed Yeodong-bin, “Are you truly intent on fighting me, Yeodong-bin?”

[Are you not the one who desires this fight?]

“Perhaps I could concede the Fire Dragon Sword to someone of your caliber.”

Huh? Oddly enough, Sang Gwanwna didn’t seem too eager to fight. Just moments ago, she behaved as if she would attack if Yeodong-bin withheld the Fire Dragon Sword, but now she appeared surprisingly nonchalant. Yeodong-bin, undeterred, remained poised with her blade directed at Sang Gwanwna.

[Put that away!]

*Pa-at –!!*

A flash-like strike!

With Yeodong-bin’s remarkable sword speed, she unleashed a massive swing that seemed to slice through heaven and earth. Of course, Sang Gwanwna was included in that trajectory, but she again evaded using the Demon King Realm’s techniques.

*Pakang!*

Unexpectedly, the space Yeodong-bin had cut twisted and began to drip a dark, sinister liquid, gurgling eerily. Those grotesque sounds could only belong to a monster, piling high on the ground as Yeodong-bin muttered, [Once again, deceiving people and setting traps, just like last time.]

Sang Gwanwna chuckled, “Indeed, things are different from a thousand years ago. Back then, you were caught by this same technique, weren’t you?”

[Don’t mock me.]

“Hehe.”

Sang Gwanwna responded as if meeting an old friend, leaving me utterly bewildered.

“What in the world is the relationship between Yeodong-bin and Sang Gwanwna?”

Yeodong-bin was the Sword Master who saved the human world a millennium ago, while Sang Gwanwna was a Yasha, part of the Eight Parts of the Divine. There seemed to be no trace of connection between them, so what sort of bond could there be? As I was puzzled, Yeodong-bin drew her sword again and launched it like a divine blade.

*Kwa-kwang!*

Yeodong-bin swung her sword, which transformed into a hundred, then a thousand blades, as the changing sword shadows eliminated any escape for Sang Gwanwna. She attempted to react quickly by casting her technique, but Cheon Woo-jin was quick to intervene.

Moreover, with each swing of Sang Gwanwna’s scythe, a dazzling sound echoed, and as sound waves spread out, Yeodong-bin unleashed her Absolute Slash to break through the assault, which was a spectacular sight.

It was truly gorgeous!

Yet, as I watched this magnificent battle unfold, a chilling realization dawned on me.

“Could it be… Sang Gwanwna is still hiding her true power even while being attacked by two?”

Currently, Yeodong-bin was no longer concealing her strength. As a Great Immortal, I knew Yeodong-bin was channeling the power of the National Seal into the Demon Sword Hrungting, showcasing her ultimate capabilities. Furthermore, it seemed she had no intention of holding back, continuously utilizing the peak techniques from the Six Intent Saintly Heaven.

However, Sang Gwanwna casually intercepted all attacks with her sickle and techniques, dragging the battle into a war of attrition. I could vividly sense that she was concealing her potential, inducing a sense of dread within me.

The real problem was that despite Sang Gwanwna’s impressive performance, I couldn’t grasp her true abilities or skills. Her movements seemed lazily unrefined for someone of her prowess, and I couldn’t decipher the flow of the techniques she cast.

*Kwa-kwang!*

Yeodong-bin launched numerous deadly swords altogether, but Sang Gwanwna skillfully whirled her sickle to defend herself. Suspecting futility, Yeodong-bin paused briefly and remarked, [I can’t tell what you want. Are you playing with me?]

“It’s not that I want to. I merely wish to understand your capabilities without the Fire Dragon Incarnate.”

Calmly, she continued, “You’ve undeniably improved compared to last time, but the latent potential you had when slaying the dragon has faded.”

[……]

“If you were to fight a dragon again now, you would lose.”

What is she talking about?

Yet, Yeodong-bin’s demeanor showed she was in full agreement.

[Indeed, you were testing my strength.]

“Hehe, this was quite an enjoyable diversion.”

With that laugh, Sang Gwanwna extended her hand toward me, “Hand over that Demon Sword. I shall seal it completely, and thereafter, I will not intervene in your matters.”

[How can I trust such words?]

“I swear it as a member of the Eight Parts of the Divine.”

[…Understood.]

Remarkably, without a hint of hesitation, Yeodong-bin tossed the Demon Sword to her! Catching the sword, Yeodong-bin abruptly turned and quickly departed with Cheon Woo-jin.

*Shwoop…*

Once we reached the outskirts of Luoyang, Yeodong-bin turned to me in a flustered state.

“Yeodong-bin. Even so, she is part of the Eight Parts of the Divine; how can I trust her…?”

The spirit form of Yeodong-bin appeared before me.

[Then I trust her honor.]

“No, but that’s…”

Before I could protest, Cheon Woo-jin interjected, “Stop. He’s right.”

“What?”

“A high-level being like her won’t take a lightly sworn oath on her existence. Since she swore as a member of the Eight Parts of the Divine, she cannot possibly break that promise.”

“……”

So that’s what it meant?

Yeodong-bin then asked me, [Are you planning to confront that witch again?]

“I don’t intend to. This was merely a coincidence.”

[Unless your strength doubles, best not even dream about it. That witch has caused plenty of calamities throughout the history of the Central Plains.]

“Hmmm.”

After mulling it over, I queried Yeodong-bin again, “What was your relationship with Sang Gwanwna?”

[……]

“Please tell me. She is a member of the Eight Parts of the Divine who embodies the will of Emperor Changqie, and I need information to prepare for any future disasters.”

As I earnestly begged, Yeodong-bin appeared somewhat swayed. She sighed and said, [Yenja, can you tell me first?]

“What do you wish to know?”

[Why is there such a bond between us that allows for our connection? Where did this connection begin, and why is the Sword Master so firmly embedded within your heart?]

“……!!”

[If you’re reluctant to share, then I will simply take it as a matter of loyalty.]

I was flabbergasted.

Of course, the reason was that during my previous life, I had received a severe loss from Yeodong-bin, and our connection had continued beyond that. The Heavenly Secret’s reincarnation power bound the threads of fate to the next life. Yet, if I revealed this, I would inevitably have to disclose the truth about my previous life to Yeodong-bin.

Could I really do that?

While Yeodong-bin himself was nothing less than an honorable person, he was affiliated with the Celestial Realm right now, and everything he witnessed could potentially become information for Queen Mother of the West. Considering his control over the Golden Crow’s Ten Thousand Ghosts in the Celestial Realm, I couldn’t afford to be at ease. And knowing that Queen Mother of the West was Nüwa, it was clear that she would try to capture me, seal me, or siphon my abilities if she learned about my reincarnation power.

However – at the same time, I was left with no other choice. The reason Yeodong-bin asked me about the foundations of this bond was undoubtedly because the past he cherished was just as precious to him as my reincarnation abilities. Secrets that cannot be shared would never lead to trusted conversations! If I didn’t explain that reason to Yeodong-bin, he would never confide in me about Sang Gwanwna or the events from a millennium ago.

I was deep in thought when suddenly, Cheon Woo-jin intruded, speaking to Yeodong-bin.

“Sword Master, do you believe that Sang Gwanwna is evil?”

From his gaze, it seemed he was trying to buy me some time for contemplation. While I felt gratitude toward him, Yeodong-bin replied slowly.

[It cannot be concluded that she is evil.]

“Why not?”

[Though she has committed countless heinous acts, she has done just as many good deeds. Furthermore, all her actions stemmed from the strong influence of a higher being, and that is the will of the Divine. It is not something a Great Immortal like me can discern right from wrong.]

“Good deeds? Was that as great an achievement as the destruction of Balhae?”

In response to Cheon Woo-jin’s remark, Yeodong-bin replied.

[She saved countless lives during the great chaos before the establishment of the Sui Dynasty. She was a wandering holy figure, rescuing powerless common folks from massacre. I had confirmed this during my existence, so she’s an entity unbound by notions of good or evil.]

Did she really perform such selfless acts?

Cheon Woo-jin seemed dumbfounded, asking, “Why does she not distinguish between good and evil?”

[For reasons unknown. Yet, she wields an unfathomable power, and it is certain that she took an interest and intervened during the chaos of the Mandang era well before my life time.]

As I contemplated, I turned to Yeodong-bin and questioned, “Then, Yeodong-bin, I wish to know one more thing. If you can answer this, I will disclose my secrets without hesitation.”

[What do you want to know?]

“As far as I understand, Sword Master, you are gathering strength in preparation for an event in the future. Why are you conserving your power and building up this cause-and-effect?”

This had long been my greatest curiosity. For quite some time, Yeodong-bin had possessed opportunities to unleash more immense power using her status as a Great Immortal, yet she consistently chose to conserve her strength and avoid any expenditure of cause-and-effect. This clearly indicated she was preparing something.

Upon hearing my question, Yeodong-bin paused, searching for a response.

Then she finally spoke, [You are indeed a mysterious one. Even my companion, the Eight Immortals, knows little about such matters… How did you come to this?]

“Can you tell me?”

This was the final hurdle. The moment she answered my question, I would run the risk of offering her Obsidian to form a bond. Despite the possibility of Queen Mother of the West attempting to seize or murder me for my reincarnation power, I had resolved to place my life into Yeodong-bin’s hands during this lifetime.

Yeodong-bin fell silent, deep in thought.

Finally, she broke the silence with but a single phrase.

[The reason I am gathering strength and cause-and-effect is something I cannot divulge.]

At that moment, a heavy sense of exhaustion washed over me. Indeed, it seemed the time for sharing all information between us had not yet arrived. Nevertheless, when Yeodong-bin added her next comment, I felt a bit more settled.

[However, it cannot be revealed because it is part of a huge plan. I cannot betray that secret by mere personal will.]

“A huge plan, you say?”

[A plan for a flicker of hope.]

Having spoken this, Yeodong-bin continued calmly.

[You, Yenja, have grown distrustful of the Celestial Realm. I can understand your sentiments.]

“I’m sorry.”

With that, she straightened her sword and formed the Daoist hand seal.

[But this is also fate. Since I sensed your resolve to uphold justice in our realm, I will share with you the past.]

“Are you serious?”

I had thought she would refuse but she appeared determined to proceed.

After a brief period, Yeodong-bin placed her hand on my forehead and said, [Behold. This is the memory from a thousand years ago…]