Reincarnation Sword God

---

Dark Heaven Village

“The World Tree?!”

I was taken aback by Seimei’s words and stared at him. Then I asked, “The World Tree? How can you recognize it?”

“My Amaterasu Ookami is merging with me, and it is reacting to this seed. Do you see?”

*Kururururuk*

As Seimei extended his hand, strange sun patterns flickered, bubbling like liquid. I could feel immense power emanating from that pattern, realizing it belonged to a type of divine power. I responded to Seimei, “You merged with her? Didn’t you summon Amaterasu to save Dongyoung in the past?”

“It wasn’t just a simple summoning; I had to abandon my human traits to accept her. Only then could I wield the powers of a legendary entity.”

Seimei chuckled self-deprecatingly. “…Half of my body belongs to her. She consumed part of me back then. Because Amaterasu devours the summoner, she can continually descend without worrying about the law of cause and effect.”

“……”

“So I am immortal but still mortal. One day, she will consume me entirely.”

I looked at Seimei with mixed feelings. Despite his eternal youth, there was a reason he could empathize so perfectly with humanity.

“That’s why I can be certain. This seed is undoubtedly the World Tree. The clearest indication of its nature is the divine status.”

The World Tree.

I repeated the words in my mind. I originally knew little about the World Tree. The Sacred Altar Tree in the North of Goryeo was said to span nine worlds, serving as a powerful barrier, and was the most perfect life born from chaos, but I only grasped this fully after learning the demon path from Zhuge Clan.

I recalled Zhuge’s explanation about the World Tree from the past.

[Outside this world exists a universe filled with a source called “Chaos,” its breadth infinite. Every planet, galaxy, and world belongs to the chaos.]

[And chaos births countless lives, creating myriad civilizations. As chaos conceives all things and expands the universe, the density of chaos mutates, leading to destruction as well. Amidst this, beings transcending life were born, and throughout ancient times, civilizations rose and fell in reverence to them, called “Old Ruler.”]

[However, there exists chaos, born from a similar density as the Old Ruler, yet lacking will and merely achieving completeness as life.]

[In the infinite eons of the universe, the miraculous probability of the most perfect purification of chaos is the World Tree.]

[You could also call it an unhatched “Old Ruler.”]

[Thus, the World Tree serves as a powerful barrier that can even check the Old Ruler, a hope creating a minimum possibility for countless mortals to survive.]

Simultaneously, I recalled Zhuge’s uncomfortable words and said, “But… Seimei. The World Tree is originally something almost impossible to find in the material realm, right? Even searching through this star and the star realms, I thought it was almost impossible to find one.”

Indeed.

Zhuge had said that even if you searched within a light-year, the possibility of finding the World Tree among the vastness of space approached null. It was fundamentally a multidimensional existence with the ability to move between dimensions at will, making it nearly impossible to discover in the material realm. Even high-level otherworldly beings journeying through the universe considered finding a World Tree a rare event. Thus, having a World Tree thriving in the North of Goryeo was a miraculous probability itself.

That’s why I had given up hopes of finding another World Tree after breaking the Sacred Altar Tree. So Zhuge must have forcibly obtained the unhatched seed hidden at the base of the Sacred Altar Tree, even risking fighting Zhuge Yulong.

But who would have thought the seed beside the Flame Elemental Sword was the World Tree?

Seimei replied, “I wouldn’t know. But if Mangnyang, your strategist, asked me for this, it seems he suspected that the seed of the Dragon Flower Tree was the World Tree.”

“Hmm…”

“This could definitely be a solution. No, it must be. Will you truly give this to me?”

“Sure. I’ll give it to you.”

When I assured him without hesitation, Seimei suddenly looked at me with tears of gratitude and held my hand.

“Thank you, Baek Woong. That you chose to hand over the seed of the World Tree means you are Dongyoung’s benefactor.”

“……”

I didn’t know what to say. Setting aside the value of the Dragon Flower seed, I was inevitably confronted with the order of events.

‘We destroyed the World Tree…’

Though it was Zhuge’s plan and Cheon Woo-jin executed the destruction, I couldn’t escape responsibility either. No, with my goal of breaking the god through rebirth, I couldn’t avoid that duty. In the end, my companions acted for my sake.

That’s why I found it hard to accept Seimei’s gratitude entirely as the person responsible.

“I… am not worthy of thanks.”

I struggled to voice my thoughts. Seimei, however, said, “I know your group’s involvement in the destruction of the World Tree in Goryeo. I observed the Grand Hall as a spirit puppet, so I grasped the whole story.”

“……!!”

“So initially, I harbored a deep grudge and planned to take revenge… but when Dongyoung was in danger, I set aside my pride and grudge and came here. And I confirmed with my own eyes that you still think of the greater good. I can assume there were also special conditions for you.”

“Seimei.”

“I will forget my grudge against you.”

Abe no Seimei slowly stood up. “And I will certainly repay the favor for the seed of the World Tree you gave me.”

To be able to let go of his grudge and say such a thing, Seimei was indeed a person of great character. I suddenly became curious and asked him, “Seimei, the Zhuge Clan said that an immense amount of time and conditions are required for the World Tree to grow. Even if the Sea God is silent now, it should be impossible in the short term to cultivate a World Tree, right? I’ve heard it takes at least a millennium.”

“I will take care of that.”

With a simple reply, Seimei began to gradually disappear, as if transforming into paper to shift his form.

“Baek Woong… I wish you a successful journey.”

*Pa-at!*

Seimei vanished. And in that moment, the lake, which had been shining silver and echoing with its name, began to tremble violently.

*Wuuuuuuung.*

The space shuddered. More precisely, the entire space-time before my eyes felt like it was shaking. And then, Mangnyang’s illusion was summoned above the lake, sitting cross-legged with a mirror beside him. His expression was solemn, and I couldn’t help but gaze at him when Mangnyang slowly spoke.

[Baek Woong, it was good to eliminate the Twelve Joules with the Black Paw.]

“Are you okay now?”

[……]

Mangnyang didn’t answer. Feeling an ominous premonition, I looked at him, but Mangnyang calmly continued speaking.

[From now on, I will transfer all the images, memories, and experiences stored in the mirror to you, Baek Woong. Simultaneously, I will use the power of the mirror to send my uncle your way.]

“What… do you mean? You aren’t coming with us…”

I was stopped mid-sentence as I realized something. The emotion in Mangnyang’s expression wasn’t solely solemnity; it was determination.

Then, after a brief moment, I shouted erratically, “No!! Stop! Whatever the reason, there has to be a way for all of us to return together.”

[…There is no longer.]

Mangnyang let out a hollow laugh and continued. [Just now, the Twelve Joules suddenly fell, and two of the Seven Luminaries resonated, creating a tremendous vibration that completely destroyed the palace of the Primordial North. All the underlings attacking the Twelve Joules in the underworld were annihilated, and the palace will collapse soon.]

“Mangnyang!!”

[This place cannot hold out much longer either. However, there is a way to escape safely with the mirror alongside my uncle, so I must do what I can.]

“Damn it!! Don’t say that.”

I gritted my teeth and shouted. “I will do whatever it takes to save you.”

[There may not be no solution. But if that solution involves the Demon Path, I will firmly refuse.]

“Mangnyang.”

[Baek Woong, remember this: for the sake of ultimate victory… you must not lose your humanity. Even if it means giving up efficiency, preserving your nature as a human will be the true path to kingship. I have always believed that.]

“What… does this mean…?”

[My uncle often said: we are simply chess pieces for a lord who possesses endless ‘Qi,’ and if I recklessly miss my chance here, leading to our demise would be an utterly foolish death.]

Mangnyang suddenly smiled. [It feels good to unburden myself now… I’m sorry for not being of help to you all this time.]

*Pa-at!*

At that moment, I lost consciousness. And as my eyes slowly closed, an overwhelming amount of information swirled into my mind, the last thing I saw being Zhuge’s body being summoned here through the lake.

[Your fate… ultimately… flows toward… something…]

I heard someone’s voice. The illusion wearing the garb of an Ancient High Priest. Though I couldn’t see their face, it felt like chaos was swirling around.

Amidst my pounding head, I felt the voice pressuring me, yelling at me.

[Why did you make that irrational choice back then? The easiest and surest way to victory was right in front of you…?]

[You must want to become a king as well…]

[But… I will give you, once more, a chance…]

Another chance?

As I pondered over the words, the voice continued.

[Think simply… fighting and overcoming by yourself is an illusion…]

[Attach yourself to the strong… you will find yourself in the position of a man above ten thousand…]

[Even the feared end… will no longer be terrifying…]

[Enjoy the immortality and peaceful millennium that follows the end…]

[Follow the simplest answer…]

What is this guy talking about?

I was filled with questions.

*Suwaaaaah!*

“Ohh…”

At the same time, a tempting feeling swept over me. The visions being shown by the voice made me feel overwhelming wealth, beautiful women, and immense pleasures. I realized I could obtain everything I desired and enjoy horrifying riches that rivaled even the Emperor of the Great Ming Empire. Given that I had been distanced from pleasure until now, it felt like an immense temptation.

But then, in that moment.

[Baek Woong.]

I heard a voice calling me. Unlike the seductive tone that had been luring me, this voice felt incredibly familiar and comforting. Thanks to that, I could shake off the seduction and turn my attention back to the owner of the voice.

[I wished to meet you again in life, yet we meet like this.]

I couldn’t say anything. I wanted to retort, but no words came forth, and my mind went blank. Yet I felt an overwhelming sadness that led me to shed tears uncontrollably.

Why am I feeling this?

Why do I cry the moment I see that person?

…Yes.

That’s right.

I too wanted to see that person once again in life.

[Why are you crying? Ha ha, I can’t just leave my daughter with someone so much of a crybaby.]

[Stop it, now. If you cry too much, it makes you look shallow.]

He seemed to wear a wry smile, and just as I finally stopped crying, he said, “…My father enjoyed reading martial arts theories from all walks of life. He actively incorporated the techniques of the Asura into the swordplay, altering it greatly. My father told me——”

He paused for a moment before saying, [Somewhere in this world, there exists an ultimate realm that returns to the essence of myriad martial arts… This is a theoretical state, but those who achieve it will conquer the world.]

[I was able to witness the one who reached that state during the battle with the Twelve Joules.]

[That is the Absolute Realm of Heavenly Unrestrained Technique.]

*Wuuung.*

In an instant, a transparent sword appeared between us. Holding the hilt lightly, he aimed the sword at me and began speaking slowly.

[In the moment we stand facing each other with swords, we instinctively feel fear towards one another. That’s natural when the skill difference is immeasurable, especially when we don’t know each other. The reason we ‘gaze’ at our opponents is precisely for that: it’s the fate of martial artists.]

[But what if someone exists who does not need to gaze at their opponent?]

[That person knows no fear. Because they know everything, they don’t feel the fear of the unknown. Additionally, they can be seen as someone who anticipates all circumstances regarding mutual slaughter.]

[However, the adversary who faces them will inevitably feel boundless fear. This is especially true for martial artists who resolve matters swiftly. Miyamoto Musashi was such a person.]

You feel no fear?

Knowing everything?

[Remember, Heavenly Unrestrained Technique is not the same as precognition.]

[However— always, it can suppress the preemptive attacks of latecomers. You will understand the difference whenever you confront him with martial arts.]

[Facing him directly, there won’t be a mere slip of a thousand calculations, let alone a billion calculations.]

[Though it seems impossible for a human to achieve this state… the Twelve Joules have accumulated martial arts in a rather peculiar manner.]

[Rather than Heavenly Unrestrained Technique, I would say the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram or Thunder Spirit Technique are more human-like.]

[If one assumes the Absolute Realm reflects the life of a human, then the Twelve Joules’ life is beyond imagination.]

Each of his words was etched in my mind.

No, it’s more accurate to say they were inscribed.

My martial arts foundation was certainly subpar, but the words from my opponent transcended mere explanation, concurrently flooding me with vivid sensations. In fact, all the thoughts and experiences he had as he faced Heavenly Unrestrained Technique were flowing into me.

At the same time, the Absolute Realm he obtained solidified and was transmitted intact. It felt as though there was no gap between my absence while he was at Dark Heaven Village; that realization spoke to me. I felt as if I were experiencing the life of a Sword Demon myself, and I understood in my gut that it birthed a small resolve within me.

Now, I think I understand.

I can step forward.

When I was reflecting on that realization, he suddenly crossed his arms and looked at the illusion behind me.

[So that was the haunting that binds you.]

Do you know what that is?

[Not at all. What is it?]

[In truth, I should have already died, so I cannot say what this semblance of myself should do.]

[But don’t worry. Worrying about the unknown is bound to be a loss.]

I couldn’t disregard it.

If it plays with my fate…

[If someone wishes to shake you, it’s a sign that they can do nothing if you remain unshaken. Isn’t that so?]

Ah.

[Someday you are a man who might attempt to kill even gods. A man who can kill gods wouldn’t lose face over petty concerns.]

In that moment, I was on the verge of bursting into laughter. I found great reassurance and courage from the seemingly nonchalant demeanor of my opponent.

And I felt the pressure and strange allure I had experienced in this realm wash away all at once. At the same time, the illusion that had been tempting me diminished until it was nearly invisible, and I could feel my consciousness gradually surfacing.

I looked out ahead.

And there, I discovered not only the one who had conveyed Muwak’s realization to me, but another individual standing nearby. The newly appeared figure fluttered a fan and spoke.

[Baek Woong, the ceaseless shaking you’ve experienced in this life isn’t your own will.]

[There will be countless trials to come, but the current difficulties are largely artificial.]

[But overcome them.]

He smiled warmly.

[Will this not pass as well?]

The person next to him flinched.

[Oh dear. This friend is repeating what I said before.]

[Sorry about that. It’s just such a profound statement…]

[Hahaha. I shall take my leave now.]

[Very well.]

They both laughed heartily and began to drift slowly away from me.

I watched their backs and thought,

Don’t go.

Why are you leaving me behind?

Frustrated, I chewed on my lips and wiped my tears.

… No, I know I will meet them again.

But knowing what this farewell means makes me even sadder.

How many times must I undergo this anguish?

How many times must I feel this sorrow?

Even though the only reason to walk this path of Asura is fury, can I truly finish it with just that?

“…I will win. No matter what, I will win.”

The words came out first.

I gradually opened my eyes and stood up. I could see the Zhuge Clan, in a trance, and my companions looking at me with concern.

There was no time to lie down.

I lit my resolve and gritted my teeth, standing upright as I shouted,

“Let’s go! We will reclaim the lost Moon Sovereign and Wood Essence!!”

Having seen a way to win, I no longer hesitated.

To not make the wishes of the Sword Demon and Mangnyang in vain, I will definitely achieve victory in this life!

After all, it is my repayment to them!

---