Reincarnation Sword God

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790——————==

True Martial Home

All this time, I had fought with countless blessings from Yeodong-bin, even receiving his Heavenly Escape Sword Technique. As his direct disciple, I’d witnessed his swordplay up close, so despite Yeodong-bin being my opponent, I was confident I could at least manage to land a single hit.

CLANG!

However, the moment that single second passed, I felt my steel long sword break in one strike, and at the same time, Yeodong-bin’s blade grazed my throat. My strongest Sword Thunder technique was easily deciphered, and his Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram’s Wind Resolution flowed in as smoothly as a breeze, targeting my vital point.

A thin line of blood sliced my neck, but I barely managed to evade. It was a narrow escape, as if I had only dodged by the thickness of a piece of paper. As I stumbled back, I thought:

Half was skill, half was Yeodong-bin going easy on me.

If I hadn’t had some skill, I wouldn’t have evaded at all—

‘He could have easily finished me off…’

Yet, Yeodong-bin could have effortlessly expanded his attack range to sever my head in that instant. Normally, it would have been impossible by conventional martial theory, but the sword circle of his Six Intent Saintly Heaven was a divine technique capable of reaching such realms. I realized this in a flash, and I deeply felt the gap in our abilities.

There lay a stack of papers.

How many were there, really?

There seemed to be dozens piled up, but I couldn’t gauge the actual distance between them.

“……”

To think there was still this much of a gap.

As I stemmed the blood from my wound using my internal power, I glared at Yeodong-bin, who merely looked back at me impassively. His eyes held no emotion, and it made me feel drawn in.

At that moment, Yeodong-bin spoke.

[Where did you hear about the Martial God and the Infinite Whirlwind?]

It seemed he had spared me to ask that question first. I replied to him.

“In exchange for that, please let me endure for 99 seconds!!”

[…….]

Yeodong-bin momentarily wore a cold expression before responding.

[I will promise that.]

Huh?!

I had forced that proposal in hopes of shaking his resolve, yet he actually accepted it?!

‘If I can survive the last 100 seconds without being knocked out, then I pass?!’

Even so, I was almost killed while trying to trade blows. As long as I could hold out until the 100th second, my journey to meet the Martial God would surely succeed! If I solely focused on defense, it wasn’t impossible!

Moreover, knowing Yeodong-bin’s personality, once he made a suggestion, he wouldn’t go back on it, so it wasn’t just a sly trick.

Suddenly, a sense of confidence returned to me. I then said to Yeodong-bin.

“I heard about the existence of the Martial God from Master Mangnyang, and based on that, while searching around, I learned about the Eight Parts of the Divine and the story of Yacha during the glorious times.”

For now, it wasn’t the time to reveal the Obsidian to Yeodong-bin. If he discovered everything immediately in the Celestial Realm, it could complicate matters if I were to pass this trial. I mixed truth and lies as I spoke, yet Yeodong-bin appeared slightly startled.

[Yacha of the Eight Parts of the Divine… how much do you know?]

“I’m familiar with nearly all the tales from a thousand years ago. I know that Yacha made a deal with Empress Wu Zetian to elevate her to the Dark Heaven as a deity in exchange for hundreds of years of cause and effect for the Tang Empire, hastening the descent of the End Dragon. Furthermore, I also know that you, alongside the Eight Immortals and the White Lotus Sect members, teamed up against that dragon.”

[…….]

Yeodong-bin’s expression shifted slightly. This signified that he had transitioned from a merely indifferent executioner to one who found interest in my tale.

‘Good. Maybe I should spice it up a bit more…’

I continued.

“It was apparent that the White Lotus Sect held the Four Great Artifacts, granting them immense power. The record left by the Divine Maiden details their participation in the battle against the dragon and your mysterious incredible strength in defeating it with a single strike.”

Of course, this was a lie. Whether such records existed, I had no idea, nor had I ever searched for them. The Divine Maiden might have documented them, but at least I didn’t recall seeing any such thing.

However, Yeodong-bin was unable to see through my words. To him, what I said was mostly true, and since it was the truth, doubting the entire process of reaching it was impossible. In fact, Yeodong-bin had indeed received assistance from the Four Great Artifacts.

Hence, it seemed he began to trust my words, slowly responding.

[I see… But did she record anything about the Infinite Whirlwind?]

“The Divine Maiden had Divine Abilities. Therefore, she knew somewhat about the commonly shared experiences of those who encountered the existence of the Martial God. I found it recorded in the White Lotus Sect.”

Everything I was saying was made up on the spot. I was merely piecing together thoughts in my head, and I felt a bit anxious.

After a moment, Yeodong-bin said.

[I owe a debt to the Divine Maiden and the White Lotus Sect. If they hadn’t assisted me, I certainly wouldn’t have been able to subdue the dragon alone. However, it is regrettable that I cannot involve myself in worldly affairs while taking care of my own matters.]

“Have I answered your question?”

[All my curiosities have been resolved. Yeodong-bin, you may unleash your fullest.]

“I understand! Since my previous sword has broken…”

I pulled out the Water Element from beneath my armor. And I chuckled.

“I shall use the Water Element.”

If I used the seven luminaries, I might gain an advantage over Yeodong-bin!

[The Seven Luminaries? You are quite the unique character, Yeonja.]

“Is that not allowed?”

[It is fine.]

“Then!”

Whoosh!!

I immediately activated the Soul Removal Technique and lunged forward with astounding speed while channeling the Thunderclap, greatly enhancing my overall physical abilities. Then, I unleashed the Sword Thunder even more fiercely, attacking Yeodong-bin as if waves of sword energy were crashing against him.

‘With this, I can…!!’

But as my dazzlingly swift attack was suddenly rendered futile, Yeodong-bin effortlessly wove a sword line in a horizontal arc. Although it seemed slow, the fluidity of his movement made it continuous, easily surpassing the speed of my sword technique.

In that fleeting moment, I felt his voice.

[How trivial.]

BAM!

Yeodong-bin easily evaded my attack and immediately unleashed the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram.

Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram

Cloud Resolution

Countless sword energies descended like an ocean of clouds, piercing towards my entire being, and in that instant, I recalled previous memories, attempting to replicate the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram.

‘I can do it too…!!’

Didn’t I experience fighting by directly entering the future Yeodong-bin?! Thanks to that sensation, I instinctively knew how to operate the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram. I summoned my intent to materialize the six harmonies of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram in the air, and just then, I managed to clash against Yeodong-bin’s incoming attack.

BANG!

“……?!”

My sword unfolded like an immense cloud as well, but inexplicably, it got entangled with the cloud of his sword energy and was abruptly consumed. In an instant, I found myself surrounded by a mass of sword energy alongside my single blade, and sensing the imminent danger of being torn apart like a pile of flesh, I hastily retreated with the Soul Removal Technique.

However, the moment I pulled back with the Soul Removal Technique, Yeodong-bin unleashed his Invincible Sword and severed my left arm. It was so swift that it felt as if he had anticipated all my movements, leaving me no chance to escape. I twisted my body, forcing out my maximum Protection Energy Technique to block his attack.

Swoosh!

“Cough….”

Of course, even with my Protection Energy Technique, I couldn’t completely fend off Yeodong-bin’s Invincible Sword. Blood spurted from my left arm as I felt a sharp sting. Yet, more than the pain, a tremendous emotion washed over me.

Fear.

‘Just moments ago, he could have easily plunged his blade into my heart along with my left arm.’

It felt like a cat toying with a mouse. During the first round, the overwhelming difference had been hard to sense, but after colliding again, the disparity was laid bare before me.

What was this?!

No matter how skilled Yeodong-bin might be, could there truly be such a gap even though I had stepped into the Absolute Realm?! I had somehow defeated Yong Junil, a reincarnator, after all!

I shouted to Yeodong-bin.

“Yeodong-bin!! What do you mean by saying my Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram is just a mimicry?!”

[You ask a question so obvious.]

Swiftly,

Yeodong-bin retrieved his Invincible Sword and replied calmly.

[You have not yet established the Heavenly Pillar of intent, but you have mastered all the other martial components well enough to express stepping into the Absolute Realm. However, in the end, if you cannot regulate the world with the pillar of your will, then no matter how exceptional your martial arts, they become meaningless.]

“……!!”

[Even if you performed the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram against someone weaker than you, it would have been sufficiently countered. You seem used to handling intent, but it alone cannot realize the essence of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven.]

Yeodong-bin continued speaking.

[And Yeonja, your Divine Technique may be unmatched, but you failed to comprehend its true intent, failing to integrate it completely into your martial arts. How can you unleash peerless martial skill without first establishing balance in the lower body, which is most crucial to martial art?]

Is he talking about the Soul Removal Technique?

Indeed, I could confidently say the Soul Removal Technique was the best in the world. I had never seen a faster and more efficient divine technique in my past life. While some external beings might display speeds that exceeded the Soul Removal Technique, among martial art techniques, nothing surpassed it. Besides, I had always felt that the Soul Removal Technique didn’t blend well with my martial arts.

Yeodong-bin’s gaze gradually turned colder.

[At this point, you must have realized it yourself. You are unworthy to challenge the ‘Door.’]

“I cannot accept that.”

I raised my voice.

“How grand could opening that ‘Door’ possibly be, that it is so difficult to even qualify for a chance? Does opening it mean salvation for the world?”

[You speak words that fall on deaf ears.]

Tydaht!

After sharing gazes with Yeodong-bin, we exchanged strikes again, clashing madly. However, despite it being labeled as a duel, it was clear Yeodong-bin targeted every single one of my weaknesses, while I merely focused on evading those vulnerabilities repeatedly. Surely, among the martial artists in the world, there were only a handful that could pinpoint the flaws in my sword technique, yet the Sword Master’s Moon-Style Defense Technique was on another level altogether.

At fifty seconds.

“Ugh!”

I was knocked down backward by Yeodong-bin’s kick to my solar plexus. Even though I tried to block it with my Protection Energy Technique, it felt like my insides were turning to mush. It seemed that Yeodong-bin’s techniques were not separate from his sword; he could embed the power of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven into his physique. Yeodong-bin leisurely waited for me to get back up.

At eighty seconds.

BAM!

Before I could even move my sword halfway, Yeodong-bin seized my wrist and slammed my neck into the ground. This was a suppression method one would expect during a brawl between a first-class expert and a third-rate thug, and I never expected to experience it myself, which left a massive psychological shock.

What the heck is that ‘gaze’?

I felt a terrifying power I couldn’t fathom when I used the Moon-Style Defense Technique before. Although I had been utilizing the blessing from the Celestial Sage’s Fire Eye Golden Spirit to respond as accurately as possible, that was only a level of clarity in observing the opponent’s movements. Yet Yeodong-bin seemed to predict the very flow of combat itself, his insight was on another plane.

I finally recognized that the battle between the past Yeodong-bin and the Master of the White Lotus Sect had been a clash of peerless martial artists beyond my current reach. Moreover, I felt acutely how far short I fell, even though I had stepped into the Absolute Realm.

Moments passed, and breathlessly, I muttered.

“…Sword Master. It’s the 99th second.”

[Indeed.]

At that moment, I could believe it.

Yeodong-bin’s claim of granting me 99 seconds was neither bravado nor arrogance. No matter what course followed, he could effortlessly dismantle me within those 99 seconds before finishing me off in the final second. The skill gap had been insurmountable from the very start! But I gathered my last ounce of stubbornness and said to him.

“From now on, I will explain how I intend to endure the final second.”

[Why explain that to your adversary?]

“Because otherwise, even if I win, I might not be recognized.”

[Very well. Speak.]

“First, I could use the curse of the Evil Spirit to summon the power of the Old Ruler and eliminate you.”

At my words, Yeodong-bin coldly replied.

[Is that truly possible?]

“Yes. However, I wonder if that would be deemed worthy of opening the Door.”

[No. That method is unacceptable, as a powerful demon sorcerer would disrupt the path of the Martial God; demon sorcery or curses are not allowed.]

So it was as I expected.

I did not lose heart and continued speaking.

“Then, I could infuse my Water Element with my Yin Spirit Power to borrow the strength of the spirits to eliminate you. Alternatively, I could unleash the Seven Luminaries and use the power of the liberated Seven Luminaries to amplify my very potential.”

Of course, I had never attempted such tactics before. It was merely a possibility that I pulled together on the notion of Jeon Wook’s Yin Spirit Power being capable of infusing the spirits or emotions residing in powerful artifacts. And considering the strength seen during the trial of the Seven Luminaries, the spirit of the Water Element could be extraordinarily powerful if awakened.

[Of course, that cannot be done. Yin Spirit Power is the divine power of a god. Thus, that method would be no different than borrowing strength from the divine. In the end, that would be a trick of sorts.]

“I see.”

Then, not only would it be impossible to awaken the spirits, but even summoning multiple liberated Seven Luminaries to overcome Yeodong-bin would also be absolutely forbidden. What Yeodong-bin sought was for me to cast everything aside and confront him directly with my martial skills.

“Then for my final method…”

With utmost focus, I pulled the needle from my pocket, placing it at my temple.

“I will use the Great Destruction technique to open the Eight Gates and unleash everything to take you down. Of course, doing this would mean my death afterward.”

[…….]

“Can that be treated as martial skill?”

At my question, Yeodong-bin slowly nodded.

[Very well. Bring it on.]

Bring it on—

I found those words succinct and impressive. Simultaneously, I felt a sense of acknowledgment for the fields of acupuncture and medical techniques I had built up until now.

‘Let’s go.’

I unleashed the Great Destruction, the worst technique from the Hua Clan’s one faction. Thinking rationally, it was undoubtedly my best strategy to challenge Yeodong-bin. As the Door began to awaken, my physical capabilities gradually ascended to a dimension beyond comprehension, and the immense internal power throughout my body surged dramatically, resonating with the world around me, stirring up the winds for dozens of miles.

KUUUU!!

GUGUGU!!

So, unleashing the Great Destruction here alters the natural surroundings? I had deliberately chosen to fight in this remote region, anticipating the devastation that would ensue if unleashed near the Central Plains.

Yeodong-bin, observing me as I floated in the eye of a typhoon, showed no sign of emotional disturbance; perhaps compared to a dragon-like supernatural being, my current strength appeared trivial.

“UAAAAAA!!”

I unleashed a full-powered slash at Yeodong-bin. In my mind, I recalled the singular, overwhelming strike used against the Sea God, yet somehow, I could not replicate that perfect martial art. Instead, all the fundamental techniques I cultivated since birth converged into a sharp thrust, wishing to defeat the Sword Master Yeodong-bin!

KIIING!

As expected, Yeodong-bin appeared unable to parry, block, or counterattack my strike, just as during the previous 99 seconds. It seemed even he, the Sword Master Yeodong-bin, could not withstand the sheer force and speed of my attack. Each of my strikes might have been powerful enough to exceed the impact of a colossal meteorite falling to the Earth from the heavens.

With his Moon-Style Defense Technique, Yeodong-bin seemed to have caught on to my attack. No matter how swift and powerful the attack, it was still another absolute realm of the martial arts that could be met head-on.

However, I held firm confidence that even with his Moon-Style Defense Technique, he couldn’t simply parry the current force of my attack. If that were possible, he should have been able to kill the Master of the White Lotus Sect with a single strike. The Moon-Style Defense Technique did not cover the gap in power.

And just as I anticipated, Yeodong-bin seemed uncertain about how to respond at that moment. To weakly counterattack or evade would lead to his entire being being utterly crushed. The reason Yeodong-bin always fought precariously against the Master of the White Lotus Sect in their past battles was due to requiring razor-sharp insight, allowing for not a single error.

‘It must be the Formless Sword!’

The Six Intent Saintly Heaven’s Internal Harmonies and the Formless Sword!

That was the ultimate sword technique Yeodong-bin revealed against formidable foes. It epitomized the true Formless Sword, a pinnacle to those pursuing martial arts. I felt a surge of honor shoot through me at the thought of dying beneath it.

But.

What Yeodong-bin unveiled next was not the Formless Sword. He half-opened his eyes and took the posture of the Three Talents Sword Technique before abruptly freezing as if dead. In that instance, a halo began to illuminate behind Yeodong-bin’s head, slowly revealing itself in my vision.

What is that…?

It felt as if an infinite transformation swirled within my mind, a change my neurons could barely fathom. At the same time, Yeodong-bin’s Three Talents Sword Technique simplified further, evolving into the Great One’s stance, and I could feel thoughts and elements cascading from it. Then, the sword itself began to rise smoothly, cradling the essence of nature.

The clouds scattering completely.

It felt as if verses whispered in my ear, and Yeodong-bin gently began to form a circle, perfectly matching the climax of our swords. Caught off guard, I was unprepared for him to meet my tremendous strike so effortlessly with his sword.

The lonely round moon hangs in the sky.

BANG!!

When I regained my senses, I found myself sprawled out on the ground, mud wafting into my nostrils. Meanwhile, Yeodong-bin was slowly sheathing his sword behind his back. In that moment, I couldn’t comprehend what had just transpired, lying there dazed. Yet, I heard Yeodong-bin’s voice.

[Yeonja. I felt your longing for me to respond to your attack with my maximum Absolute Slash.]

“…….”

[However, if one continuously clashes in sheer force, inevitably the weaker party breaks first. Even if I inflicted considerable damage with my Formless Sword against you, the one who opened the Eight Gates would have become more ferocious. Since you wished for strength overcoming strength, I merely avoided that and sought creating harmony through gentleness.]

“So… that’s how it is….”

Cough!!

Still lying on the ground, I spat blood. I hadn’t received any severe injuries from Yeodong-bin’s attack, but my internal energy was brutally reflected back on me, resulting in grave internal injuries.

At the same time, I began to comprehend what his last Absolute Slash was like.

Yeodong-bin’s sword was capable of reassembling itself within the infinitely circulating forms based on his desires.

And just moments ago, he had read my every strength and channeled it back into nothing.

As my power reached a vacuum state, I could only bear the formidable force of the Eight Gates crashing upon me.

“……”

I felt no resentment, even at the brink of death. Instead, I felt reverence.

Because Yeodong-bin’s techniques were divine skills that even I, having barely entered the Absolute Realm, could not help but admire. Though my level had clearly risen, the gap felt even larger, leaving me in awe of the mysteries of martial arts.

‘Turning the Eight Gates open would be futile…’

If it looked like Yeodong-bin had only exerted power in the last second, in truth, he must have been capable of fighting that way from the start. The Master of the White Lotus Sect had expended strength endlessly, but unlike him, Yeodong-bin could channel his energy back and did not fall short of being at the same level of the Absolute Realm. Even if I had opened the Great Destruction from the beginning, defeating Yeodong-bin would have been impossible!

In that case, I would have no choice but to raise my skill level.

Mastering the Six Intent Saintly Heaven, the Moon-Style Defense Technique, and the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique—all divine skills—to bring them within arm’s reach of grasping their essence was my path forward.

“Haha…”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me and let out a laugh.

I had been so trapped in the burdens of gathering the Seven Luminaries, negotiating with the gods, and fighting demon sorcerers that I hadn’t properly faced martial arts at all. But now, I felt utterly unburdened. I should have done this sooner; it seemed I had been swept up too much by the changes of the world.

[Now you may let go of many things…. Without you even knowing it, the constraints you held have been lifted; that’s fortunate.]

I recalled the words of the Taoist Master, who had spoken to me not long ago.

That must have meant something similar.

Having broken away from the shackles of desperately seeking the Seven Luminaries, sorcery, and the world’s secrets, I had gained the leisure to train my strength—perhaps that was what granted me the release from the constraints I had obtained in the 24th cycle.

As I donned a face of having let go of something, Yeodong-bin displayed a peculiar expression.

[You lost, yet aren’t you bitter?]

“I lost because it was worth losing.”

[That is always the truth.]

“Could you finish it now?”

[No. You seem to be thinking of something.]

Whoosh!

Yeodong-bin turned away and gradually vanished.

[It was an entertaining duel….]

As the rain began to pour.

A lonely demise commenced in an empty void.

“Ugh… ugh.”

It hurt.

I felt intense pain within, sensing the end of the Great Destruction approaching. Though I had felt this sensation several times before, I never truly got used to it. With rainwater trickling down my cheeks, I stared straight ahead and broke into a grin.

Let’s die with a smile.

For I have gained hope.

This was my 25th death.

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