Reincarnation Sword God

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Chapter 1 – Dark Heaven Village

“That’s more chaotic than I imagined.”

I thought being a Count meant a respectable status and considerable wealth, but that was just a misconception.

“I don’t want to eat this!”

“Aida, there are many people outside starving because they have even less than this. You shouldn’t whine.”

Aida, my younger sister, tossed the bread aside and burst into tears, while our father, Count Bradley Somerset, sternly reprimanded her.

I glanced at the food on the table, imagining that the dining scene in a noble household might resemble that of an ordinary family.

Before us lay a thin, unidentifiable soup and bread that resembled stones in hardness.

Certainly, these were not dishes even a child would find appetizing.

Resolving to eat, I attempted to dip the bread into the soup, but just as I broke it apart—

Crack!

Did I just hear the sound of wood splintering?

—

In the Dark Heaven Village, Yeodong-bin used the Flying Sword Technique to enter the inner palace of Luoyang while standing on his sword. Just as he had been told earlier, he made contact with the leader of the Han Clan. The current leader was Han Geum-wol, the Jade Dragon God, who, upon meeting Yeodong-bin, immediately said,

“Sword Master, under the circumstances, it’s unthinkable to directly confront Empress Wu Zetian now.”

“Do you know something?”

The Jade Dragon God nodded and continued,

“After the world fell into chaos, Empress Wu became wary of threats to her life and called upon the top experts of Jianghu, forming the Six Heroes. They are all part of the current Ten Great Masters of the Martial Arts World, and I was once among them. However, I left that position.”

“I heard about that. Why did you throw away your status in the Six Heroes?”

“Because I rejected an offer for power.”

“……?!”

With a sigh, the Jade Dragon God continued.

“Recently, a corrupt official known as Sang Gwanwna made a secret proposal to all the Six Heroes, claiming he could grant them even greater power; would they follow him? At first, I thought it was insane, and the others felt the same, so we ignored him. But gradually, one or two started to be swayed by him.”

“Sang Gwanwna.”

“And they seemed to be crafting something in the underground of the Imperial Palace, starting from some point.”

Sang Gwanwna!

She was merely an ordinary palace maid in name, but in reality, she held significant power due to her favor with Empress Wu. Most decisions regarding official documents and decrees were made through her, and after Empress Wu ascended, she gained enough power in the court to be referred to as the Chancellor of the Secretary. In effect, she became a chief minister of the current Tang Empire.

“And she is the one who defeated me….”

Since Yeodong-bin learned her name, he had been tracking her every move. He discovered she secretly manipulated the politics and economies of the Tang Empire from the shadows. It was no surprise that she also approached the top masters of the martial world with her corrupt offers.

What exactly is Sang Gwanwna?

Yeodong-bin thought momentarily before replying,

“So the Six Heroes, the greatest masters of the martial world, must have gained bizarre powers and become even stronger.”

“Indeed. The current imperial palace is a lion’s den. Even the most formidable would die the moment they invaded. This includes your Eight Immortals.”

Rumble.

As soon as the Jade Dragon God finished speaking, Yeodong-bin stood up.

“Lead the way.”

“N-No, what…?”

“My goal is to investigate Empress Wu. I will not let fear of the enemy waste my time! If you help me just a little, this mission will be over quickly.”

The Jade Dragon God looked bewilderedly at Yeodong-bin, rumored to be the most handsome man in Jianghu, his expression twisting in disbelief.

“Did you hear me? Six of the Ten Great Masters of the martial world are there…”

“So what?”

“…….”

“Follow me. No time to waste.”

Pop!

Yeodong-bin soared into the sky using the Flying Sword Technique. The Jade Dragon God, staring blankly at his retreating figure, had no choice but to use his magic to follow.

Moments later, Yeodong-bin entered the imperial palace alongside the Jade Dragon God. Upon entering, he seamlessly blended his aura with the surroundings, concealing his presence, prompting the Jade Dragon God to send him a message of admiration.

[Incredible. The Sword Master is also skilled in Stealth Techniques?]

[You must know the location of Empress Wu. Where is she?]

[I will guide you.]

Having once dwelt in the palace as one of the Six Heroes, the Jade Dragon God was well-acquainted with its internal structure. He led Yeodong-bin through many palace buildings, soon reaching the inner palace, where Yeodong-bin sensed a powerful energy surrounding him.

Ssssss.

There were six energies in total. They slowly revealed themselves, surrounding Yeodong-bin and the Jade Dragon God, all wearing masks. The one in the center crossed his arms and sneered.

“Jade Dragon God. How dare you bring an outsider into the imperial palace… You descendants of the Han Clan will face annihilation.”

Then the Jade Dragon God scoffed and replied,

“Hmph! I have known you have long wanted to destroy our clan since I withdrew from the Six Heroes. Don’t pretend to be merciful….”

“Kehehehe…. Regardless of whom you’ve brought, this is your grave.”

He laughed maniacally and charged at the Jade Dragon God with astounding speed.

The Jade Dragon God quickly drew the sword at his waist and unleashed his techniques.

Dragon King Sword!

Clang!

As expected of Jade Dragon God, ranked among the Ten Great Masters, he met the assailant’s attack head-on, producing a deafening clash. However, while executing the Dragon King Sword Technique, the Jade Dragon God quickly suffered internal injuries, his face paling, and couldn’t withstand ten exchanges, coughing up blood as he retreated.

“Kuagh….”

The one who had easily overwhelmed him laughed manically.

“Is this all there is, Jade Dragon God?”

“Blood Lion… How could a mere leader of a heretical sect possess such internal power….”

The Jade Dragon God looked incredulous. He was also a supreme master in Jianghu with remarkable internal strength, yet someone could defeat him that easily! Given the opponent’s heretical background, it was even harder to believe.

“Hehehe! With fifty exchanges, I could easily take your head. I’ve disliked you ever since you flaunted that handsome face.”

As Blood Lion cackled, he signaled to the others.

“Capture those fools!”

Swoosh!

Blood Lion and the other five masters lunged almost simultaneously. In that moment, Yeodong-bin’s eyes gleamed with resolve.

Heavenly Escape Sword Technique

Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram

As Yeodong-bin unleashed his will, countless sword Qi surged forward like fine raindrops, sweeping over the attacking Six Heroes. Two among them, taken by surprise, attempted to block the assault with their Protection Energy Techniques but soon became mere flesh.

Splat!

It was as if wet paper was pierced by sharp needles.

“Ahhhh.”

“What… what is happening?!”

The two previously attacking heroes were reduced to minced meat, shocking the other three to swiftly utilize their techniques for evasive action. However, in that instant, Yeodong-bin raised his sword into the air and activated the Mind Control Technique.

Sword Mastery.

Yeodong-bin’s eyes ignited with fierce flames.

Heavenly Escape Sword Technique

Ultimate Overlord Slash!

The most lethal and powerful slash from the 96 techniques of the Supreme Overlord!

In the next moment, Yeodong-bin unleashed ten sword techniques, which expanded massively, akin to splitting Mount Tai into dozens of segments. These colossal sword techniques targeted the three remaining Six Heroes with incredible speed, leaving them no opportunity to evade or defend against the attack.

Boom!

A torrential downpour of flesh chunks followed.

His Ultimate Overlord Slash cut them down with their protective energies intact, reducing them to multiple bloody pieces. Moments later, blood rained down from the sky. Recovering his sword, Yeodong-bin slowly sheathed it behind his back without uttering a word.

“……!!”

The Jade Dragon God, who had been staggering backward to nurse his wounds, wore a dazed expression. Trembling in shock, he murmured,

“W-What on earth? Sword Master, you have reached the Absolute Realm.”

“…….”

Yeodong-bin said nothing. He wasn’t ignoring the Jade Dragon God’s question; rather, he had just slain the Six Heroes while pondering two significant issues.

First, it seemed he grasped how the Rain Qi operated as he executed the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram. It was something he couldn’t have understood while battling ordinary opponents, but battling supreme masters allowed him to refine his skills further. He would gradually distinguish between the energies of heaven and earth and use them effectively.

Second, the Six Heroes had not been completely annihilated; one remained.

Yeodong-bin glanced towards the empty space. Though it appeared vacant, he directed his fierce killing intent towards it and soon a new figure emerged.

“Whoa, whoa… isn’t that a bit too strong?”

“Why didn’t you join the others for a joint attack?”

“Because I knew we wouldn’t win against you. Unlike those fools, I’m aware of the strength gap. Besides, fighting isn’t my specialty.”

Chuckling softly, the phantom remarked,

“I’ll take my leave now. It’ll be easier to achieve my goal if you stir up the palace… being a successor to the Jade Dragon God has its perks.”

“And who might you be?”

“I am the world’s greatest thief! Call me the Supreme Thief!”

Whiz!

The so-called Supreme Thief suddenly vanished using his Stealth Technique.

Swish.

Yeodong-bin shot a sword technique at him before he completely disappeared, but the Supreme Thief deftly dodged it. As Yeodong-bin recalled his sword, he thought,

‘A tremendous master. Unlike other rabble, he’s on the brink of the Absolute Realm….’

The sword technique just unleashed had the same power as the one used to tear apart the Six Heroes. Yet, not only did it fail to injure him, but it also demonstrated the Supreme Thief’s exceptional skill, clearly placing him above the others.

Yet, he was still far beneath Yeodong-bin’s level. If they were to engage directly, the outcome would be decided in less than two hundred exchanges. He was aware of this, which is why he avoided confrontation and fled. After all, a thief’s role is not to engage in fights. While Yeodong-bin evaluated the opponent’s abilities for a moment, the Supreme Thief’s Six Harmonies Assembly rang through the hall.

[I have valuable information for you. Something unusual is happening in the underground of the Sang Clan?]

It was clear he was trying to manipulate Yeodong-bin for his own agenda. The Supreme Thief’s goal was likely to steal something from within the palace.

“…….”

After a brief silence, Yeodong-bin extended his hand to heal the Jade Dragon God’s injuries. As the Jade Dragon God rose and tended to his wounds, he could only sigh.

“Today, I felt like I saw something otherworldly. But is it really alright for a Taoist to so easily unleash killing intent?”

“It doesn’t matter. They are no longer human.”

“Excuse me?”

Rumble!

At that moment, the bodies of the fallen Six Heroes began to ooze green blood, and a Demon Beast slowly started to rise from it. Witnessing the birth of this grotesque and foul lesser demon rendered the Jade Dragon God speechless, while Yeodong-bin spoke in a calm tone.

“This is common in this era. Strong martial artists seeking to ascend to a higher realm often embrace the demonic path and become monsters….”

“…….”

“The Supreme Thief isn’t corrupted because he didn’t embrace the demon.”

[Splash!]

Yeodong-bin extended his sword Qi, effortlessly finishing the remnants off. He then said,

“You should return now. Seek help from the White Lotus Sect.”

“…Understood.”

The Jade Dragon God had no choice but to accept the grim reality of being a burden.

Tydaht!

Yeodong-bin stepped further into the palace. The deeper he went, the more he felt the vile stench and malevolent energy of another realm swirling around him, eventually discovering the grotesque structures of that realm laid bare before him. The Fire Dragon Incarnate, peeking through the Divine Sword, spoke.

[So, the realm of Dark Heaven has been transported here.]

“Master, could it be that Empress Wu has also become part of the Otherworldly Race?”

[Well… but something feels off.]

“What do you mean?”

[If she were pursuing power, she wouldn’t summon this kind of atmosphere. This space seems set up for something more specific.]

“……?”

Though Yeodong-bin couldn’t grasp the significance, it seemed the Fire Dragon Incarnate had an instinct unique to beings of his caliber. As Yeodong-bin continued deeper and descended a spiraling staircase, he found a woman at the bottom.

Regal attire and appearance—

Slightly wrinkled but undeniably youthful skin that appeared pure and translucent, her demeanor exuded both solemnity and an airy arrogance, marking her as the current master of the Tang Empire, Empress Wu Zetian.

The moment Empress Wu spotted Yeodong-bin, she said,

“I just received a report. You must be the Sword Master Yeodong-bin?”

Yeodong-bin nodded, aiming his sword at her.

“I, as the representative of the Eight Immortals, come to take your life, Empress Wu Zetian.”

Initially, his purpose was investigation, but seeing such blatant reliance on the strength of another realm, he could not let it slip. Yeodong-bin intended to end this right here. Feeling the murderous intent directed at her, Empress Wu flinched, yet she remained steadfast.

“Sword Master, what consequence befalls me upon death?”

“…What do you mean?”

“As one who walks the path of the immortals, you would be capable of answering my question.”

Yeodong-bin calmly examined Empress Wu. It was clear she lacked the combat ability to contend with him, so he did not ease his guard, answering her inquiry cautiously.

“You shall not reach the Underworld normally.”

“And then?”

“Your soul will be harvested by the Celestial Realm for judgment. The Great Immortals of the Celestial Realm will gather to initially assess the severity of your transgressions, and the Three Clarities and the Jade Emperor’s Edict will ultimately dictate your fate.”

“Judgment, you say? When that happens, how gruesome will my punishment be if my sins are great?”

“You will endure confinement in the Thunder Pearl of Mount Kunlun for hundreds, thousands of years, penitent.”

“Heh… is that all?”

A bitter smile spread over Empress Wu’s face.

“Is that really all….”

Her condescending tone surprised Yeodong-bin.

“What are you implying? Do you have any grasp of how torturous such a penalty could be?”

“Well… unless you experience it, you wouldn’t know, but at least your words indicate that the punishment is lesser than that of the End Time Hell I’ve seen via Sang Gwanwna.”

“……!!”

End Time Hell!

Yeodong-bin instinctively knew what it signified. While he remained tense, Empress Wu continued speaking.

“Sang Gwanwna revealed to me what transpires after death. The path leading to the Divine Hall requires the souls of capable individuals to drift into spectral existence, heading to the Underworld… and that all results inevitably lead to becoming prey for the Old Ruler, suffering eternal torment in a living hell.”

“Nonsense.”

“Sang Gwanwna could have deceived you, yes… but I believe her words are true.”

As Empress Wu cast her gaze skyward, she uttered,

“I once considered this Tang Empire as my child… since my offspring would carry on its governance, I have eradicated corrupt officials and restrained noble factions, striving to organize a system for the people to live peacefully.”

“…….”

“I dedicated my body and soul to revive the empire for my own well-being.”

Though Empress Wu was criticized by the masses, she indeed was a strong and politically savvy woman who greatly rejuvenated the Tang Dynasty during her early reign. Had it not been for the infestation of demons and otherworldly races afterward, she would have been revered as an unparalleled ruler. Scholars often puzzled over why Empress Wu seemed to err in governance later on.

“However… if death leads to eternal hell, what meaning is there in all this? Yeodong-bin… if all in the world must rush toward despair… what value does rulership and the power of the emperor hold?”

Yeodong-bin hesitated to respond to Empress Wu’s question.

He knew her words were indeed true.

End Time!

With a vague understanding of the world that would come after, Yeodong-bin could truly grasp Empress Wu’s despair. As he remained silent, Empress Wu spoke again.

“So I have decided to become a God.”

“A God?”

Empress Wu spoke placidly.

“With the help of Sang Gwanwna, after becoming a God, I will ascend to the Dark Heaven and retrieve the souls of the subjects living in the Tang Empire to save them from the End Time. I’ve heard that as a Lesser Deity, it would be possible to gather my own followers there.”

“W-What….”

Yeodong-bin looked at Empress Wu in disbelief, but her gaze reflected pure sincerity, devoid of even a hint of selfishness or deceit.

“Yeodong-bin… I wish to become a God and save my people.”

She held his gaze calmly.

“Have I gone awry?”