Reincarnation Sword God

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**Dark Heaven Village**

Not long after arriving in Luoyang, I couldn’t help but be quite surprised.

“Is everything restored?”

Since this was literally the site of a divine war, I had thought that everyone, except for the humans Jin So-cheong had evacuated, must have perished. Given that the buildings were completely in ruins, it was the only conclusion I could draw. Yet, after returning from meeting Zhuge Yulong, I found that Luoyang had astonishingly regained its original form, as if it had never been destroyed. All the buildings were standing as they once did.

“How could this be…?”

As Seo Mun-hye looked around, bewildered, Jin So-cheong commented.

“It seems there’s no trace of life.”

“Perhaps it was the work of our Master.”

Cheon Woo-jin spoke, brushing his hand along the nearby stone wall.

“He must have reversed the time of inanimate objects.”

Curious, I asked Cheon Woo-jin.

“Why didn’t he bring back the humans or living creatures?”

“I don’t really know. But I think, if we end up fighting the Jin, bringing them back would only mean they die again, so he probably chose to leave them as they are.”

“…But that doesn’t explain why the buildings were recreated.”

“Our Master is an extraordinary being. It’s only natural that our wisdom wouldn’t be enough to fathom his intentions.”

Just then, Zhuge Sa chimed in.

“That’s rather irresponsible to say. No matter how divine a being may be, they must have a purpose, which calls for means, isn’t that the Law of Cause and Effect?”

“Hmph….”

“I can formulate a hypothesis.”

I turned to Zhuge Sa.

“Zhuge Sa, do you have something on your mind?”

“I’m just curious about the fact that Luoyang is an ancient capital over a thousand years old.”

“Ancient capital…?”

Zhuge Sa continued.

“I’ve mentioned this before, but despite Luoyang’s weaknesses, why could no one abandon it?”

“Hmm… Wasn’t it because of the Battle Ground? And you were the one who mentioned it.”

I scratched my head.

In fact, Zhuge Sa’s point wasn’t the first time such a question had been raised. The Five Great Physicians’ Sangwan Hyuk had once told me about it.

[…Baek Woong. This Luoyang city… is a strange one. Do you know why…?]

[Originally, this city didn’t fit as the capital of a grand empire. Because it’s hard to defend when surrounded by enemies, has a major weakness in the southern terrain, and has too many places to defend beyond easy transport. Thus, many kings and nobles designated Luoyang as their capital post the Warring States period, yet realized its issues and pondered solutions. Moreover, when the northern barbarians set up their dynasty, plans were seriously discussed to move to Yan Jing due to geographical reasons. That was certainly the reason why the Yongle Emperor strongly pushed for a move of the capital.]

[However, even with a foundation in Yan Jing, the Yongle Emperor did not relocate the capital.]

[No… was it an earlier issue? Even Zhu Yuan Zhang, who established the Ming Dynasty, did not move the capital from Luoyang. In short, despite its inefficiency, the emperors of the Ming Dynasty maintained Luoyang as their capital. Zhu Yuan Zhang, who had the painful experience of being invaded by the Yuan Dynasty, kept Luoyang, which was difficult for defense. Originally, Nanjing would have been more appropriate.]

[Both Zhu Yuan Zhang and the Yongle Emperor did consider moving the capital from Luoyang. But there was a reason they had to give it up. The absolute hegemonic rulers of the world had to surrender for Luoyang.]

Then, the question Sangwan Hyuk raised at the time was one Zhuge Sa had provided an answer to.

The Battle Ground.

It was the mythic-level barrier of the Great Yu era, and it was hypothesized that Master Mangnyang was maintaining it, which prevented hegemonic rulers from abandoning Luoyang. Since then, I had assumed Zhuge Sa’s reasoning was accurate, and I hadn’t thought further about Luoyang’s standing. Then Zhuge Sa said.

“Back then, I merely formulated a hypothesis based on my immediate thoughts. But now I can provide a more profound answer.”

“Are you saying there’s another reason?”

“Isn’t it strange? No matter how absolute the hegemonic rulers or emperors controlling the lands may be, none could fully grasp the darkness and underworld of existence. Even if Master Mangnyang’s barrier is incredibly formidable, it can’t overturn all governing principles for those living in the mundane.”

“That is quite true.”

“I believe this city of Luoyang itself possesses immense power. And that power likely takes a form easy for secular rulers to comprehend….”

“…Power, you say? If such a thing existed.”

I tilted my head as Zhuge Sa continued.

“Zhuge Yulong wouldn’t neglect to utilize such a power. However, it wouldn’t be contradictory either. Zhuge Yulong had no need to exploit it at all. He was already reaping benefits just by formulating plans quietly in Luoyang.”

“Do you know what kind of power it is?”

Zhuge Sa nodded.

“Luck!”

“…….”

“In simpler terms, those who chose not to make Luoyang their capital ended up in ruin. Meanwhile, those who made Luoyang their foundation managed to maintain their dynasties amid various challenges, ending on a decent note.”

“W-What do you mean?”

“Can’t you grasp it? Those who abandoned Luoyang ran into misfortune, while those safeguarding and restoring it thrived. It’s sheer luck at its core. Nothing could be clearer.”

“Is it… all because of that?”

I was flabbergasted.

Are you saying that the reason emperors like Zhu Yuan Zhang and the Yongle Emperor couldn’t abandon Luoyang was merely due to luck? That sounded like superstition, something scholars would laugh about!

But at Zhuge Sa’s words, Cheon Woo-jin sighed.

“That does seem likely….”

“Is it true?!”

“Yes. Looking closely at these structures, I can discern that the luck flows through the geomancy. I didn’t notice it due to the muddied human energies weaving together normally, but since this is a newly erected city, it’s quite palpable. Luoyang is immersed in a great current of luck.”

“……!!”

Zhuge Sa chuckled mischievously.

“Indeed. Delving through the historical data in my head led me to that conclusion. Rulers probably were swayed by the allure of the Demon Subduing Hall or interacted with the Priestess, realizing that abandoning Luoyang would bring about ill fortune. I bet that is why the Yongle Emperor reconsidered moving to Yan Jing.”

“Hmm…!!”

As I pondered, I spoke.

“If that’s the case, does it mean that the very buildings of Luoyang invoke luck as a barrier?”

“That seems likely.”

“But Luoyang has experienced fires set by Dong Zhuo during the Three Kingdoms period and has been ruined many times. Wouldn’t that mean the flow of luck must have been severed numerous times?”

“Nonetheless, that’s merely destruction caused by humans. Even mobilizing a hundred thousand men, it’s nearly impossible to raze such a large city to the ground. And the destruction caused by humans is always something that can be restored by humans. A burned location doesn’t have a legitimate reason for a home not to be built.”

With that, Zhuge Sa continued.

“And likely, Master Mangnyang was the one who turned Luoyang into a nexus of luck. The blessing of Great Creation infused it with a barrier naturally. Over the long years, human civilization and buildings intertwining formed and strengthened its historical significance.”

He touched a nearby building pillar and mumbled.

“In other words, Luoyang itself is a conceptual living entity and a living barrier.”

“Wait! That’s the same as saying Master Mangnyang decided on Luoyang as the capital thousands of years ago.”

“What’s wrong with that? It wouldn’t be odd if Master Mangnyang were to destroy the world today.”

“…But why? Why did Master Mangnyang insist on making Luoyang the capital?”

“I’d need to meet Master Mangnyang directly to learn that, but in any case, it wouldn’t be for any harmful reasons to humanity.”

Isn’t that astounding?

To think that Luoyang itself was akin to a massive source of luck!

And from Zhuge Sa’s explanation, a blessing came to mind.

“The Blessing of Great Creation!”

With its profound description, I still didn’t fully understand what kind of effect it had, but regardless, I had just confirmed that the Blessing of Great Creation could, indeed, alter history. While I was in shock, Cheon Gong-pyo spoke bluntly.

“Regardless, since a barrier crafted by a deity like Master Mangnyang cannot be drawn upon or utilized from here, why don’t we prioritize examining the Transference Gate instead?”

“Why the Transference Gate?”

“If we can utilize it, things should become a lot easier moving forward.”

That’s certainly true.

We walked through the empty streets of Luoyang and soon arrived at the old Imperial Palace. The expansive grounds and structures remained, yet with no humans around, it felt desolate. Regardless, as the sorcerers sensed the magical energy, we ventured deeper into the palace’s heart and discovered massive iron doors scattered about.

“This is the Transference Gate….”

It was astounding. Hundreds of iron doors, each about three stories high, were set in a circular formation likely conjured by magical energy. Before us lay portals that could transport one anywhere in the world in an instant.

I began experimenting, entering and exiting through the Transference Gate. Sure enough, the moment I stepped in, I found myself in unfamiliar locations I had never been to before, and returning was extremely easy. The most remarkable part was that no special incantations were necessary; it was simple as just opening and closing the door.

I muttered, puzzled.

“Why didn’t the Imperial Palace forces activate the Transference Gate from the start? Taking over the world would surely be a piece of cake.”

Both Changhil and the palace didn’t seem to activate it until their plans were well underway. In the beginning, the Transference Gate was never used at all. When I raised my question, Zhuge Sa explained.

“These Transference Gates have stabilized thanks to the offerings made. Originally, they required large human sacrifices to awaken.”

“What?!”

“Artifacts created through demons invariably crave human blood, flesh, souls, and suffering. Not to mention, if Changhil’s creation from the Yin Dynasty needed such sacrifices, human sacrifices would have been a given.”

“…….”

“For Zhuge Yulong, creating a Divine Portrait must have taken priority. He likely had no room to waste precious offerings on human sacrifices for the Transference Gate.”

“That makes sense….”

“In any case, the Transference Gate requires further examination. Plus, let’s start preparing a barrier to guard against any potential assaults.”

Zhuge Sa decided to investigate the Transference Gate while concurrently studying the books received from the Su Shin Sect. Jin So-cheong and Tang San began polishing their martial skills, sharing experiences of when the sword demon surpassed the “Little Trap.” Meanwhile, the Celestial Sage prepared guards against any potential ambush from Jin. Additionally, Cheon Gong-pyo commenced crafting powerful barriers alongside Cheon Woo-jin.

“What can I do?”

As I stood there feeling lost, Zhuge Sa tossed a comment my way.

“You should read the archives of the Su Shin Sect as well. No matter how you slice it, having you absorb the knowledge firsthand would be the most efficient.”

“Got it.”

Reluctantly, I decided to occupy myself with reading. Sitting together in the dark, profound space felt rather strange. Although it wasn’t hard to read with the lit light, a sense of loneliness crept in.

Rustle, rustle.

As I picked up any book to read, I soon realized this was the foundational martial arts manual of the Su Shin Sect. It contained everything from the basics of their internal training, moving meditation techniques, to techniques for manipulating Qi and blood.

Since it wasn’t harmful to me, I read with reckless abandon but suddenly grabbed another book to read.

“Is this the Su Shin Sect’s martial arts manual…?”

I found that the martial arts of the Su Shin Sect pursued the strategy of calmly and coldly gauging one’s opponent to defeat them in a single blow. As I examined the basics, I suddenly felt a strange sensation.

“I can’t believe that the movements of Dokgo Jun or the Master derived from this.”

It felt just like a martial art belonging to a prestigious orthodox faction with a soft, feminine character. When Dokgo Jun or the Master unleashed their formidable slashes, I sensed a force of overwhelming destruction that was devoid in this.

“Could it be? Is it due to the Heavenly Spirit Pill?”

The martial arts of the Su Shin Sect didn’t follow the methodology of pouring out immense strength. Instead, it focused on restraining and refining power to exploit the opponent’s weaknesses with precision. But if one were to use the Heavenly Spirit Pill for maximum efficiency, the character of the Su Shin martial arts wouldn’t align. Whether that had been toxic, I couldn’t ascertain at that moment.

And then, it happened.

Swoosh—

Time suddenly stopped. And upon realizing this, I immediately drew all seven Luminaries into my grasp.

“Damn!”

This was undoubtedly Jin’s doing.

Is he attacking even before we can prepare?

“I can move!”

Fortunately, it seemed my assumption was correct that equipping the Luminaries enhanced my potential, allowing me to resist Jin’s time-stop. Naturally, it made sense when I was wearing all five. The instant I summoned the power of the Luminaries, I felt a tremendous force within, as if I had gained the powers of the Heavenly Spirit Pill.

I quickly surveyed the surroundings. I realized no companions had been struck yet, and Cheon Gong-pyo, Cheon Woo-jin, and the Celestial Sage were the only ones effectively resisting the time-stop. The rest were completely frozen in place.

But, at least, Cheon Gong-pyo and Cheon Woo-jin, although immobilized with discomfort on their faces, were definitely aware, while the Celestial Sage was igniting his Fire Eye Golden Spirit Technique, conjuring flames. Only the Celestial Sage approached me, engaging in conversation.

“Those two are protected by sorcery, so they still retain awareness but cannot move. It will only be counterattacks if approached. They won’t go down easily to Jin.”

“Understood. What about the Sage….”

“I’m also infused with the chaos powers. Though my energy does feel quite drained.”

Cheon Woo-jin licked his lips.

“I suppose we’re being summoned.”

It seemed so. An indescribable wave of chaos was surging toward us. For now, I had managed to stave it off, but under normal circumstances, any human struck by it would experience massive mental turmoil or the fracture of self. Moreover, the chaotic wave persistently beckoned us towards a specific location.

I declared firmly.

“We’re not going. That guy can’t infinitely use the time-stop either.”

“Is that so? I’m going.”

“What?! It’s a trap.”

“Isn’t it strange that they would wait for us to get prepared before they struck us? Especially up until we got to the heart of the Imperial Palace.”

“…….”

“My gut feeling tells me that he could have attacked us at any time. And no matter when he strikes, you and I would be all that could offer resistance. The situation was always the same. So, why wait until reaching the palace?”

“I’m not sure.”

The Celestial Sage muttered with gloomy eyes.

“This is a threat. It’s the confidence of knowing he can win at any time.”

“Hmm….”

“He’s saying that fair combat ends here. If we don’t move, he’ll start picking off the weaker ones one by one. That much is certain.”

“What? He didn’t say that outright; isn’t that a bit presumptuous….”

“Oh, come on. Having fought for my life countless times since the era of the Demon King, do you think I’d misread the intent behind a mere foe? You should read the enemy’s motives the instant you sense danger.”

He gave a bittersweet smile before continuing.

“In this case… you stay here.”

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