Reincarnation Sword God

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### True Martial Home

I was at a point where I had almost mastered the secret technique of the Transformation of White Smoke, but now I was pondering what to do next.

‘ Hidden conditions…’

At this rate, it was merely a matter of having acquired eight ordinary martial arts techniques. Although the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique and the Transformation Technique had their difficulties, they were not that hard. Compared to mastering the Thunder God Lineage’s peak techniques or the Seven Great Techniques, it was like comparing a drop in the ocean; even if I took my time, a year would be more than enough to achieve them all.

However… the Supreme Thief had definitely incorporated hidden conditions into this martial art. Just mastering it wouldn’t be sufficient; I’d need to satisfy some conditions while having learned this martial art to trace his footsteps as his successor. Even if I tried to find the Supreme Thief, I couldn’t use the Heavenly Secret Technique to locate him, as I needed to know his whereabouts first. Whether he was alive or dead, knowing his location was crucial to using the technique.

‘ Hmmm… Hidden conditions… How do I find them?’

As I pondered, a thought suddenly crossed my mind.

“… Oh? Now that I think about it.”

Hadn’t I been overlooking something important?

If I wanted to find the hidden conditions, I had to get this point straight first!

As soon as that thought struck me, I started contemplating how to put my plan into action and moved immediately. I used my technique and flew straight to the Han Clan’s Manor in Luoyang.

Whoosh!

Sticking to the walls of the Han Clan’s Manor, I used both the Stealth Technique and the Transparency Technique to completely hide my presence. The faint aura left behind when I appeared could not be helped, but there was only one peak expert in the Han Clan who might notice it, and he wouldn’t be suspicious enough about it.

Swish!

After taking a moment to catch my breath, I slowly moved with the lightness of my technique as if I was made of feathers. Although nearby servants and other odd jobs passed by, they couldn’t feel a breeze or any presence at all. Even the guests of the Han Clan hiding all around the manor failed to detect me. I felt a surge of pride that my stealth skills had reached a new level, but I decided not to get cocky, as the effectiveness of the Transparency Technique was significant.

Sneak!

The place I reached was the inner sanctum deep within the Han Clan estate. This was a location reserved exclusively for high-ranking members or direct descendants of the clan. I recalled my previous memories to sense areas where I could detect a person’s presence and pinpointed an exact location.

‘ There it is. Practicing martial arts, huh?’

The distance was about ten paces. Although it couldn’t be seen from the front, I felt a figure moving violently in a room deep to my left. Given the vibrant movement of his aura, he was likely practicing the Fire Spirit Techniques. I wanted to get closer for a better observation, but it was clear that would lead me to be detected, so I decided to follow through with my original plan.

Whoosh!

I used the Soul Removal Technique to swiftly penetrate and approach the opponent, launching a sudden attack. The target seemed taken aback by my unexpected assault, but quickly regained composure and countered my strike, resulting in a loud crash as our skills collided in mid-air. However, in that moment, I had already slipped behind him and pierced his acupoint with my index and middle fingers.

Phew!

As his acupoint was struck, he staggered and fell to his knees, powerless.

Thud!

“……!!”

The opponent seemed shocked, his expression expressing disbelief as he found himself subdued in just one second. Despite the ambush, this guy was undoubtedly a skilled master himself. Since I had sealed his acupoints to prevent him from making noise, I stood quietly behind him and sent a secret transmission.

[ Han Jin-seong. I have a question for you.]

That’s right.

The one I had subdued was Han Jin-seong, the Young Master of the Han Clan!

His martial skills had surpassed the peak level, nearing the path of peak mastery, but he was still someone I could subdue within a second if I was quick enough. Han Jin-seong attempted to turn his head to see my face, but his movements were completely hindered and, thus, impossible. I sent him another secret transmission.

[ The treasures in the Longmen Grottoes… how did you come by them?]

“……”

[ I came to ask this. If you’re willing to cooperate with my question, nod. If not, shake your head.]

Without hesitation, Han Jin-seong nodded. I then released the seal so he could speak and allowed a bit of movement in his shoulders. Turning to look at me, he spoke.

” Who are you? A master of Half-Transition?”

Han Jin-seong was on edge but didn’t scream or try to struggle, realizing that any futile resistance would only endanger his life.

I stepped forward, facing him, and quietly replied to his inquiry.

” That may be so. If you answer my question, I won’t harm you and will leave you be. However, if you lie, I’ll be back for you.”

As my warning hung in the air, Han Jin-seong began to speak.

” The treasures from the Longmen Grottoes are items that our Han Clan acquired through our merchant association established on the continent. Specifically, they are possessions bestowed upon me by our clan leader.”

” The clan leader you refer to must be the one from the Fire Spirit Techniques, Han Baek-ryeong.”

“… Yes. You are knowledgeable about us.”

” I’m not an enemy of the Fire Spirit Techniques, so you don’t need to worry. I’m not affiliated with the White Lotus Sect or any of its other factions, nor with the Master of the White Lotus Sect.”

“……”

I continued speaking.

” Han Jin-seong, I’m sorry, but I am taking all the treasures from the Longmen Grottoes. However, I have a significant question regarding the secret technique of Transformation of White Smoke, thus my visit.”

” Hmm…”

” If you inherited the treasures of the Fire Spirit Techniques from your clan leader, you must have evaluated them all before sealing them in the Longmen Grottoes. Regardless of how I view the Transformation of White Smoke, it seems only a compilation of third-rate martial arts techniques, not something a successor of the Fire Spirit Techniques would value. So why is it kept alongside such powerful treasures?”

That was my greatest curiosity.

Han Jin-seong inherited the treasures of the Longmen Grottoes from Han Baek-ryeong, a leader of the Fire Spirit Techniques. So, why had he decided to keep the technique of Transformation of White Smoke, a technique of seemingly no great value, alongside treasures of immense strength like the Azure Dragon Halberd and Platinum? If he had the insight to perceive value, he could easily conclude that it was worthless, yet I needed to understand Han Jin-seong’s reasoning in keeping it.

Then Han Jin-seong, looking perplexed, said,

” How… outrageous! You come to steal all my treasures and yet have the gall to inquire why garbage is mixed in with them?”

He was correct. I scratched my head sheepishly and replied.

” I didn’t steal the treasures for personal gain! I can confidently say that both the Azure Dragon Halberd and the Platinum are for a greater cause. However, the Transformation of White Smoke seems to hold some profound secret, and thus I came to ask the original owner, you.”

” How brazen of you.”

” I would appreciate your guidance.”

Han Jin-seong hesitated for a moment before saying,

” I, too, found this perplexing, but the Transformation of White Smoke was given to me by the Jade Dragon God, Han Geum-wol, who received it from none other than the Supreme Thief, the greatest thief of the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, as a descendant of the Han Clan, I could not cast it away and have been keeping it.”

“… Han Geum-wol?”

” Yes. He was the clan leader of the Han Clan during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty.”

At that moment, I felt as if I had been hit in the head with a hammer.

Jade Dragon God, Han Geum-wol!

He was undoubtedly a figure that appeared in Yeodong-bin’s recollections!

[ Sword Master Yeodong-bin. If that is the case, it would be ill-advised to strike against Empress Wu Zetian directly.]

[ After the world fell into chaos, Empress Wu gathered the top masters of Jianghu to form the Six Heroes. All of them were among the Ten Great Masters of the martial arts world, and I had once belonged to that group. However, I eventually left that group.]

He was a companion of the Eight Immortals, and recognized as one of the top ten masters in the world during the Tang Dynasty. When Yeodong-bin sought to investigate Empress Wu, he infiltrated the Imperial Palace alongside him. During a life-threatening incident against the Blood Assassin, a member of the Heretical Sect, it was the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique, the Extreme Overlord Slash that allowed him to survive.

He undoubtedly avoided death after escaping that crisis and ultimately decided to ally with the White Lotus Sect, placing the entire Han Clan under their protection. Then, he took a plunge into the Fire Spirit Techniques, leading the Han Clan to thrive as a well-known family of the White Lotus Sect for over a millennium.

Yet the idea that such a figure as Han Geum-wol would hand over the Transformation of White Smoke to the Supreme Thief?!

I couldn’t believe my ears and turned to Han Jin-seong.

” Han Jin-seong! What does that mean? Do you perhaps know the full backstory?”

” I’m sorry, but I don’t have any knowledge about that.”

” The clan leader, Han Baek-ryeong, must know?”

” How would I know that? Please, I beg you, don’t inflict any further pain on our Han Clan and leave us be. I won’t hold a grudge for the treasures you’ve taken and for invading our ancestral home.”

Han Jin-seong’s earnest plea made me flinch. Indeed, pushing for more answers wouldn’t suit me, but at the same time, I felt a dark and tempting option crawling out from within my heart.

… I’d use the Soul Exchange Technique on Han Jin-seong.

Then, after forcing all of his information out of him, I’d use the technique on him to create an opportunity to seize Han Baek-ryeong.

And then I’d do the same to Han Baek-ryeong…

After that, I could use her to target the Master of the White Lotus Sect…

‘ … Ugh, no!!’

I hurriedly shook my head. If I used the Soul Exchange Technique to pivot control upon control like connecting rings, I would inevitably become a nefarious villain.

Instead, I’d seek a compromise and spoke to Han Jin-seong.

” Alright. Then where is the tomb of Han Geum-wol?”

” W-What? Are you suggesting you’re going to sell our ancestor’s grave?!”

” No. I plan to ask directly to his spirit. I possess the ability to summon souls.”

” You’re out of your mind.”

” If you don’t believe me, I’ll take you along and show you.”

” If I refuse to tell you the location of the tomb…”

I threatened him.

” I will kill every guest of the Han Clan and eliminate Han Baek-ryeong. Just so you know, it wouldn’t be difficult for me.”

Of course, I didn’t mean it.

” ……!!”

” Let’s work this out amicably.”

Han Jin-seong flinched. After some thought, he seemingly realized it might be a possibility, speaking weakly.

” … There’s a shrine near the Longmen Grottoes dedicated to the Fire Spirit Techniques. That’s where you’ll find the tablets.”

” Good. Let’s go.”

Though it didn’t quite sit well with me to threaten Han Jin-seong, who had previously shown me kindness, there was no other choice. I would apologize sincerely later and repay his kindness. Although it felt like a threat, this was still a more polite option than coercing him with the Soul Exchange Technique and treating him like a puppet.

Whoosh!

Using my technique, I moved with Han Jin-seong toward the vicinity of the White Lotus Sect and quickly headed toward the shrine of the Fire Spirit Techniques. Once I arrived and ascended all the stairs leading to the shrine, Han Jin-seong, with a shocked expression, remarked.

” I can’t believe you teleported… Who exactly are you?”

” There are many tablets. Which one holds Han Geum-wol’s spirit?”

Normally, I could have summoned a powerful spirit the moment I arrived at this shrine, but given that this shrine bore a history of over a thousand years and contained many strong spirits, pinpointing Han Geum-wol could prove challenging. Therefore, ensuring I found the right one was crucial.

” Over there.”

” Hmmm.”

I picked up the tablet Han Jin-seong had indicated and activated the Heavenly Secret Technique.

Whoosh!

Moments later, one of the flames signaled out, extinguishing, and before my eyes appeared the spirit of the Jade Dragon God, Han Geum-wol. Thanks to the Heavenly Secret Technique, he materialized visibly even to regular eyes, causing Han Jin-seong’s eyes to widen in shock, as Han Geum-wol’s spirit addressed me.

[ What is your desire for summoning me…?]

” Jade Dragon God, Han Geum-wol. What I seek is all the information you have regarding the Supreme Thief and the Transformation of White Smoke. Answer all my questions.”

The spirit of Han Geum-wol seemed momentarily startled. I pressed on with my inquiry.

” By what means did you acquire the secret technique of Transformation of White Smoke?”

[ Hmmm… Why do you wish to know that?]

” Let’s not waste time. After all, you must fulfill my wishes to achieve ascension, right?”

[ That is true… However, I had promised to keep that a secret with the Supreme Thief.]

” You are already dead, right? So, you need not care for promises made when you were alive.”

[ Well, if you insist…]

Han Geum-wol nodded and continued.

[ After steering the Han Clan into the Fire Spirit Techniques, I diligently practiced their arts to become an Elder in just 15 years. To be truthful, given my reputation as one of the top ten masters of Jianghu, I thought I’d rise quicker. However, there were just too many peak experts in the Fire Spirit Techniques… Anyway, while preparing to elevate my clan, that individual came to visit me.]

” The Supreme Thief?”

[ Yes.]

” What was your relationship with the Supreme Thief that led him to visit you?”

[ He was a bizarre figure without regular motivations yet had his own sense of loyalty; we were drinking buddies. We weren’t best friends, but he was a kindred spirit.]

I thought deeply.

‘ If what he said is true, it means that the Supreme Thief visited Han Geum-wol fifteen years after the confrontation between Yeodong-bin and the great dragon…’

What had the Supreme Thief been doing for those fifteen years?

While I was considering, Han Geum-wol continued his story.

[ The Supreme Thief claimed that he had traveled the world and finally found something he desired. He then entrusted me with the secret technique of Transformation of White Smoke and asked me to keep it at the clan’s estate, saying I could practice its contents too.]

” Found something he desired? What was it?”

[ Hmm… I distinctly remember…]

As Han Geum-wol racked his memory, he spoke.

[ He said he had discovered the true location of the Xuanyuan Sword.]

” ……!!”

[ However, that place was extremely perilous, and before leaving, he wished to leave a successor behind, thus relying on me to hold onto the Transformation of White Smoke.]

I was taken aback.

‘ He found the true Xuanyuan Sword?!’

The Supreme Thief had only received plausible intel from Gongsun Byeok, who had been the head of the Gongsun Clan at the time, and the Xuanyuan Sword he possessed was merely a replica, not the real deal. In fact, no one had yet recognized the Xuanyuan Sword, and even the prophet claimed ignorance about what it was. And yet, the Supreme Thief had discovered its true location?!

I was baffled and asked.

” Where is that place?”

[ He didn’t tell me. However, he left me with a clue.]

” A clue?”

Han Geum-wol nodded and said.

[ He stated that someone who mastered the Transformation of White Smoke to its peak and became the world’s best thief would naturally comprehend their whereabouts.]

” The world’s best…?”

A thought sprouted in my mind, and I quickly deduced the information.

It was clear.

[ The hidden condition] was to master the Transformation of White Smoke to become the world’s best thief!

Only then could I truly succeed in the Transformation of White Smoke and figure out where the Supreme Thief had gone!

Despite that, I still found it implausible and remarked.

” Where is the sense in this? How could one become the world’s best thief with such a third-rate martial art, and just being recognized as the best—how would that allow one to decipher the whereabouts of the Supreme Thief?”

[ Hmmm… Now that you mention it…]

” Now that you mention it?”

[ The world’s best thief can steal what cannot be stolen, so perhaps that was a hint.]

” ……”

Stealing what cannot be stolen?

What kind of wordplay was that?

I was bewildered, yet suddenly enlightened. This wordplay was precisely the riddle offered by the greatest road of the world and the beginning of a treasure hunt spanning a millennium. I spoke to Han Geum-wol.

” Alright, then Han Geum-wol, did he happen to say anything regarding the descendants of the Gongsun Clan?”

[ He did mention that too. He said he had tracked down the sons of Gongsun Byeok, namely Gongsun Jung, his eldest, and Gongsun Seok, his second son, but they were assassinated by unknown assassins. However, the whereabouts of his youngest, Gongsun Hae-ran were remarkably perplexing; he retained a high likelihood of carrying the bloodline of the Gongsun Clan.]

” ……”

The Gongsun Clan’s heirs, designated protectors by the Jianghu, had fought hard to survive, yet it appeared both older brothers among the three siblings had been murdered. Feeling a touch of bitterness, I spoke.

” Understood. You may return.”

Having sent away Han Geum-wol, I turned to Han Jin-seong.

” Please forgive my rudeness. As you can see, I merely sought information and had no intention of harming your clan.”

” Truly, what kind of being are you? To summon a soul from a thousand years ago… I’ve never heard of such arts.”

Han Jin-seong, astonished, spoke further.

” You are a remarkable figure. Would you consider joining forces with our Han Clan? You don’t seem like an evil person, and I believe we could assist you with all the resources of our clan.”

” … I have no such intentions. Please forget what you witnessed today.”

I left Han Jin-seong at his original position and exited the Han Clan. Under different circumstances, I would have sought the help of the Han Clan, but at this moment, I had entrusted all my plots and operations to Zhuge Sa. It was impractical to associate with different forces without consulting Zhuge Sa, as it would only cause more trouble. If it became necessary, Zhuge Sa could reach out again later.

Upon returning to Zhuge Sa, I relayed the information I had garnered from my visit.

Zhuge Sa responded.

” This information is merely secondary. The key point is whether you see a chance at definitely subduing Musashi. Is there a way to swing any variables with the Transformation of White Smoke? You seem to be taking an excessively circuitous route.”

” ……”

” So what are you planning?”

” Well… I suppose I’ll need to train, but I’m not quite sure how.”

” Ha-ha-ha… It’s not a difficult task to knock Musashi down, yet you seem genuinely reluctant. If you insist, I’ll give you an assignment.”

Zhuge Sa began to outline a task.

” From the Leader of the Nine Great Sects, the Master of the Twelve Joules, and currently the Emperor of this continent, steal an item utilizing the skill of Illusionary Theft. If you succeed, you’ll be hailed as the world’s top thief.”

” ……”

” Oh, just a note; you may use Stealth Techniques, but avoid Transparency Techniques. And if you can’t complete this within a month, just go take down Musashi instead. I don’t want to waste any more time.”

I was taken aback.

Steal from the prominent figures of the world within a month?

Was that even possible?

” Ugh… I suppose there’s no alternative.”

Ultimately, I clenched my teeth.

I would succeed, holding the will of the Reborn Person of twenty-seven lifetimes as my pledge!

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