Reincarnation Sword God

809——————==

True Martial Home

The Asura of the Eight Parts of the Divine was indeed a formidable being, and simultaneously, the Absolute Being of the Celestial Martial World, Pasun, was exceptionally powerful. Even when I had cast the spells of the Evil Spirit in the past, I had managed to recover from severe injuries and enter a secondary transformation, yet even with the help of the Great Immortal, defeating him was not feasible; merely enduring was all I could manage. If the sorcerer Cheong Gong-pyo hadn’t joined in with overwhelming techniques to eliminate him, I would have been assassinated by that guy in the 24th battle at Dark Heaven Village.

That’s why the moment I saw him, I thought it was worth attempting a life-and-death bet.

Because he, too, was a peerless master who had reached the Absolute Realm. Of course, the odds of victory were exceedingly low, but the trial of challenging an enemy to attain impossible enlightenment was a challenge posed by Yeodong-bin. However, since Zhuge Sa’s plan was underway, I had to patiently observe, and coincidentally, Master of the White Lotus Sect, who had joined as an ally of the Bancheon Alliance, felt a surge of competitive spirit and was drawn into battle with him.

‘Which side will win?’

If the Asura shows the power of the Eight Parts of the Divine, then naturally, the Asura would emerge victorious. I’ve heard that he is a demon-level being among the Eight Parts of the Divine. No matter how much the Master of the White Lotus Sect uses the power of the Primordial Spirit, overcoming the Asura’s true form would be a laborious task.

Yet the Asura emphasized his identity as a mercenary without revealing his true form, also emphasizing Pasun’s human status. That meant the Asura had no intentions of revealing his true identity in this fight, and it was uncertain whether he would go all out.

The Eight Parts of the Divine cannot recklessly unleash their true power in the world. This is because the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors are always on the lookout for the likes of Changhil, and revealing one’s true abilities in the Central Plains is tantamount to suicide. This was confirmed when the Celestial Sage Tripitaka prevented the Yacha from transforming during Yeodong-bin’s recollection.

Thus, the question arises: when comparing the martial arts of the pure human form Pasun and the Sect Leader, which is stronger? This was indeed an unknown territory that I couldn’t fathom until now, so I had no choice but to focus all my energy on the battle unfolding before me. Observing the combat of the Absolute Realm was a great learning experience itself.

Sparkl!

Pasun’s left arm vanished in an instant. The moment I thought he had disappeared, I caught a glimpse of space before the Sect Leader cracking with a sudden ‘bang.’ The overwhelming Protection Energy Technique that the Sect Leader had displayed was destroyed by Pasun’s sword power, and the Sect Leader remained observing Pasun, his hands still hanging by his side, as if this attack was nothing significant.

“Interesting.”

Pasun chuckled softly and said, “You want to try countering my attack?”

[…….]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect didn’t say a word, but I understood from Pasun’s words what the initial skirmish was like.

‘The Master of the White Lotus Sect has given up the initiative for the first move. He intends to turn the tide of the fight with a counterattack.’

That was the only interpretation I could make. Pasun’s last attack was indeed a display of absolute power, yet it wasn’t beyond manageable. Pasun had lightly probed the situation, but perhaps he realized unexpectedly that the Sect Leader’s actions were defensive. This could only be read as the Sect Leader opting for a preemptive defense followed by a counter.

But why?

I couldn’t grasp why the Master of the White Lotus Sect chose such an extreme defense for his first move. After all, he possessed the technique of the Absolute First Strike, and if he could bring his opponent into range with it, he could certainly gain an advantage through the absolute speed of the first strike. Obviously, in battles between experts, the benefits gained through preemptive attacks were enormous, and the Sect Leader’s actions seemed puzzling in the strategic sense of Muwak. Although theoretically a counterattack is a good strategy, it was fundamentally a defensive technique that could inadvertently bolster the opponent’s momentum, thus carrying its own risks.

Wooow!

Several mandalas rose around the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

‘That’s definitely the Heart of Heaven’s Abundance!’

An art that can maximize the potential of the Primordial Spirit when the offense and defense are unified! The fact that he used that meant that from the start, the Master of the White Lotus Sect was going all out. However, despite the overwhelming attack potential the Heart of Heaven’s Abundance granted, he hadn’t yet attacked; the mandalas moved around him like a solid fortress.

The heavens and earth are under the will of the Master of the White Lotus Sect. Breaking that defense in a single stroke would be an impossible feat for any expert in the world.

Seeing that defense, Pasun made an admiring noise.

“Impressive… It’s beautiful, almost.”

[Come in.]

“Indeed….”

Pasun’s expression shifted slightly to one of enthusiasm. It was clear he was stimulated by the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s capabilities, and a sinister glint flickered in his eyes as the purple aura he held in both hands flared up like lightning. Pasun then proclaimed as if prophesying.

“Three seconds.”

[…….]

“Three seconds, and I’ll take your arms.”

It was a provocative remark, but the Master of the White Lotus Sect responded calmly.

[Try it.]

“I’m coming.”

Then Pasun took three steps forward and unleashed the First Technique. The swords he held in both hands swung like a knife technique, dispersing a solid line of sword energy.

Jade Shadow’s Enchantment Blade!!

‘That’s!!’

Without a doubt, that was a technique once used alongside the Asura’s ultimate technique, Nirvana of the Absolute! At that time, the attack had been so powerful I hadn’t been able to observe the six ultimate techniques properly, but I certainly remembered its form.

‘So he can unfurl each of the techniques that are used in Nirvana of the Absolute individually?’

The technique of Jade Shadow’s Enchantment Blade was extraordinarily swift and precise. I could assert that it was more exquisite than any martial technique I had seen in my life, and it was beautifully executed.

Moreover, whether it was a technique that had reached the Absolute Realm or merely a result of its radiant purple light intersecting, an immense pressure was palpable even from a distance at the point of intersection where the sword lights that had split into dozens suddenly merged into a single solid line and collided perfectly with the Master of the White Lotus Sect’s Protection Energy Technique.

Kraaanng!!

“……!!”

It shattered!!

The Protection Energy Technique unleashed with the infinite power of the Primordial Spirit was unparalleled in strength and solidity compared to mine; even now, enveloped by the mandala, it had been utterly destroyed. The destructive force was beyond belief, even when witnessed!

However, the Master of the White Lotus Sect, as if he had anticipated this, filled the gap with another mandala, sweeping his hand to turn it around into a counterattack. Pasun hadn’t yet managed to deal even a single hair’s worth of direct damage to the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

Boom boom boom!!

A flash of light burst from the mandala, striking the ground where Pasun was standing. This strike moved at the speed of light, making evasion impossible through normal divine techniques or dodging techniques; moreover, Pasun had just unleashed his attack technique, leaving him completely exposed.

Sparkkk!

But at that moment, Pasun committed an unbelievable act—he hurled both swords into the air! Simultaneously, as if from his waist, he drew a spiraling long sword and unleashed the martial art of Pure Martial again.

Exploding Light-Devouring Sword!!

The orange aura swirled and exploded from Pasun’s sword technique. The Exploding Light-Devouring Sword’s overwhelming power countered the rays of the mandala, allowing it to gently flow away, and Pasun effortlessly retreated, performing what was almost a cloud-like movement, now approaching the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

‘He allowed close quarters!’

Moreover, it was evident that Pasun not only possessed the strength of Muwak but also knew how to utilize gentleness! Having practiced Tai Chi, I could visualize the flow of power itself, and now Pasun succeeded in employing the strong essence of the Exploding Light-Devouring Sword using softness—it was a testament to his great skill.

Aghhh!

Seeing him as a peerless master and the ultimate martial artist, my palms began to sweat as I watched. If Pasun were simply pushing through with power, I wouldn’t have felt this way, but he was using his techniques with pure precision and skill against the Sect Leader.

As Pasun closed in, a strange light emanated from his eyes, and a formidable aura began gathering in both of his arms.

Moon Blade’s Eternal Decree Wave!!

From his dual blades, azure dragons twisted and struck directly against the mandala of the Sect Leader. This time, there was no loud crash; instead, the twin dragons, propelled by a flying force, flung the Sect Leader completely backward.

Sshhhh!

The mandala shattered like glass. The Sect Leader was sent flying backward like an arrow until he crashed into a building.

Kagong…!!

“Master!!”

Han Baek-ryeong shouted from behind. Furthermore, other Dharma Protectors seemed astonished, unable to believe what they were witnessing. Who would have thought the proud Master of the White Lotus Sect would be overwhelmed in just three seconds?!

Yet Pasun, looking at the dust cloud he had created, shook his head as if the taste was bitter.

“…Quite impressive.”

Drip…

In the next moment, a trickle of red blood flowed from the corner of Pasun’s mouth, and simultaneously, from within the dust cloud, the Master of the White Lotus Sect rose, encased in a white mandala, floating in the air. The Sect Leader seemed injured as his shoulder was heavily torn. As Pasun staggered and dropped to one knee from his internal injuries, the Sect Leader looked down at him and said.

[You spent four seconds. If you hadn’t been obsessed with cutting my arms, I might have been in danger.]

“I have no words.”

Having witnessed their final clash, I understood what had transpired. In the past, I hadn’t been able to properly observe the battle of the Absolute Realm, but now I had acquired sufficient capability to do so.

‘The moment the Moon Blade’s Eternal Decree Wave broke through the mandala… Pasun unfolded the Jade Shadow’s Enchantment Blade once again.’

Pasun could unleash multiple ultimate techniques of the Absolute Realm at once. So, he had deceived the Sect Leader into thinking he could only execute one technique and simultaneously cast two upon breaking through the Sect Leader’s defense. The strategy was to sever the Sect Leader’s arms in a single clash, an act entirely within the realm of possibility.

However, the Sect Leader activated the Absolute First Strike at the moment the mandala was breached!

That was the critical moment that had created a variable just now.

‘Just as Pasun had concealed his strength, the Sect Leader also saved his techniques for a decisive moment.’

The Absolute First Strike slowed the perception of time. Additionally, it bizarrely altered the trajectory of the Jade Shadow’s Enchantment Blade aiming to cut off his arms, and simultaneously, the Sect Leader unleashed hundreds of sword energies in retaliation from the level of the Primordial Spirit. Pasun, having lost his breath due to the completely unexpected counterattack, was on the brink of death, but he quickly deployed the Flying Heaven’s Original Energy Spirit Jade across his entire body to block the Sect Leader’s counterattack.

This is where the bout between the two ultimate realms had just unfolded. The outcome was, of course, a decisive victory for the Sect Leader. Since the Master of the White Lotus Sect successfully turned up the mandala for defensive play just before the Moon Blade’s Eternal Decree Wave struck, he suffered minimal damage, while Pasun, being a breath behind, sustained significant internal injuries despite activating the Flying Heaven’s Original Energy Spirit Jade.

Wooooooo!

The Master of the White Lotus Sect gazed down at Pasun, resonating with countless mandalas.

[Indeed, this being is a true Absolute of the Celestial Realm. In respect of that power, I will unleash my full strength to finish it.]

“…Heh!”

[What’s so funny?]

“I’m just happy.”

Pasun chuckled.

“Yeah… Master of the White Lotus Sect, let’s give it everything we’ve got.”

Suuuuuuu…

Darkness began to seep from Pasun’s body.

‘No way!’

I realized that Pasun was about to return to his true form. Seeing this, I hurriedly shouted to the Master of the White Lotus Sect.

“Master of the White Lotus Sect!! It’s dangerous. Stop the duel!”

The Sect Leader’s gaze shifted to me. I shouted vehemently.

“This is no longer the fight of a martial artist! I’ll contain him, so retreat!”

[What do you mean?]

“He is not human! He is the Demon King!”

[……!!]

The Master of the White Lotus Sect recoiled in surprise. It seemed he had realized that the darkness emanating from Pasun was pure chaos.

[Then this is a different story.]

The Sect Leader nodded in agreement with my words and swiftly retreated. Entering a defensive posture once again, he surrounded himself with an ironclad aura like before.

“……”

Seeing the Master of the White Lotus Sect stepping back in response to my warning, Pasun suddenly glared at me.

“Human. Why are you pouring cold water on this duel?”

“It is you who, while being an otherworldly being, disguises as a martial artist to meddle in human affairs!”

Suddenly, a heavy silence fell.

Pasun stared at me with a shocked expression as if taken aback.

“…Kek, Hahaha!!”

Breaking the silence all of a sudden, Pasun burst out laughing. His previously composed demeanor was now replaced by evident anger.

“You speak the words I detest the most! Are you saying that an otherworldly being shouldn’t pursue martial power?”

Such passionate fury!

Had I misjudged him somehow?

Stunned by his reaction, Pasun clutched his head and began to spill his emotions.

“Fine… The human Pasun is finished! If you treat me as the Demon King, then I’ll fight accordingly!”

Kugugugu…

Simultaneously, an unparalleled storm of chaos enveloped him, unlike anything witnessed before.

The darkness he had previously emitted felt trivial, and it was evident that Pasun was aiming to genuinely awaken the Asura within him.

‘No!!!’

I suddenly grasped the mistake I had made. From the beginning, Pasun had claimed to come as a mercenary, indicating the low likelihood of revealing his true form unless absolutely necessary. Moreover, with the pride of a martial artist, he wouldn’t resort to revealing his true self merely because he had suffered a defeat in a promise bearing his name. Yet, I had managed to provoke and damage that pride.

In an instant, I understood why I had made this mistake. It wouldn’t have mattered if I hadn’t realized it, but knowing through my past life ability that he was an Asura made me view him solely from that perspective. The bias and sense of urgency induced by excessive information caused me to err!

I had underestimated the honor of a martial artist like the Asura.

If this continued, I would inadvertently engage in a fierce battle against the true form of the Asura! And considering the Asura was known to be highly potent among the Eight Parts of the Divine, he could potentially be stronger than my ultimate goal, Peng Zuo. With the current army strength, the chances of victory were certainly slim.

‘Ugh, this is no time to panic! I need to clean up the mess I made!’

Panicking, I quickly cooled my head, thinking ferociously. Just before Pasun transitioned from his human form to the Asura, I called out to him.

“I’m sorry!! It was a mistake, so please forgive me for hurting your pride!”

[…….]

He didn’t respond. His eyes were filled solely with the intent to slay us out of anger.

Damn it, what can I say to calm him down?

I didn’t give up and quickly blurted out.

“If you let me off just this once, I’ll teach you how to meet the Martial God!”

Suuuuuuu….

In that instant, Pasun withdrew the overwhelming chaos he had been emitting and unexpectedly returned to his human form. His face wore an expression filled with doubt as he questioned me.

“Is that true?”