Reincarnation Sword God

---

Chapter 15: The True Martial Home

As I floated like a sword body, leaning on a single blade while wearing the guise of Yeodong-bin, a flurry of thoughts raced through my mind. I knew I shouldn’t have such an attitude before a life-or-death duel, but it was inevitable. I couldn’t help but wonder how close I truly was to Yeodong-bin while wearing his mask and if my Heavenly Escape Sword Technique would work against Musashi.

Swoosh!

Musashi’s sword flew horizontally. It may have been described as flowing, but it shattered the storm of my Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram with an unimaginable speed. Before my sword cloud could envelop him, it was brutally torn apart, a clear testament to my inexperience. Gritting my teeth, I thought, ‘Wow, Musashi! You can perception such minute details and cut through the weakest points so effortlessly? But…’

I can’t rely on you forever.

I must surpass you and reach higher realms!

My gaze sparkled brightly as I unleashed the six harmonies of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram from the tip of my sword and returned to my Heavenly Escape Sword Technique. This technique, evolved from its original form by Fire Dragon Incarnate, was one I had grown very familiar with thanks to her countless uses while being borrowed. It felt like approaching swordplay itself would be more effective against Musashi than just mimicking the sword shape of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram.

Heavenly Escape Sword Technique.

Water Fire Dragon.

With a dragon roar echoing, my sword moved swiftly, releasing a blade of sword strength shaped like a dragon. As the water and fire properties of the dragon-shaped Qi burst forth, Musashi immediately severed the blade’s will with his sword drawing technique, decapitating the dragon’s head in thin air. As if in retaliation against Musashi’s attack, I stepped forward and struck with my legs.

Thunder God Lineage.

Thunder Cloud Fist.

Heavenly Dragon Leg!

Boom!!

As my kick aimed for Musashi’s head, he instinctively raised his shoulder and blocked it with a shoulder technique. My entire internal power was behind that kick, yet somehow he shrugged it off like it was nothing, proving that he was quite skilled in body techniques too.

At that moment, Musashi unleashed a deadly move again, and while keeping my distance, I decided to cast the Three Treasure Technique.

Whoosh!

“Hmm.”

Musashi made a low sound. Given that if I grasped Heaven, Earth, and People using the Three Treasure Technique, no matter how great the expert, they couldn’t attack me within a second. As the most powerful ascending method among the Seven Great Techniques, when deployed, Musashi tried to widen the distance.

‘Not happening!’

I closed the gap at the same pace he retreated, continuing to assault him with the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique. A flowing, white sword path blocked his escape route, and Musashi cast an annoying threat technique.

Ancient Swordplay, Nenyuu.

Ultimate Technique.

Meteor Slash!

Boom!!

In that instant, I realized that my left index finger had suddenly been severed, as if time itself had stopped. Musashi’s riposte was so precise and subtle with a melody of blade intent that I hadn’t even noticed. The thought of losing a finger nearly crushed my fighting spirit, but I quickly brushed it aside, focusing on Musashi.

A finger? I can afford to lose that.

I’ll take your arms, Musashi!

With heightened focus, I roared with an intensity I’d never shown before as I unleashed the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique.

“Uaaaaah!”

Whoosh!

Dragon Flame!

This phenomenon often occurred when the Fire Dragon Incarnate unleashed the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique!

Each time I deployed the technique, the sword flames flowed like red lava through the sky, leaving behind afterimages. These weren’t mere flames, but manifestations of sword mastery. Anyone caught in its path would be struck directly. At this moment, in the midst of a pursuit, it was the perfect way to pressure my opponent.

Musashi, who was trying his best to avoid close combat, seemingly recognized that retreating further would put him at a disadvantage and finally took his stance to face the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique head-on. Musashi unleashed the mysteries of Dongyoung Swordplay, his eyes gleaming with bloodlust.

Demon Exorcism!

Kamae Tachi!

Swish!

In an instant, I felt the invisible wind blade surround my body, mixing with the dragon flames, exploding with killing intent. Musashi, having evaded the pressure of the dragon flames, didn’t hesitate to unleash a Supreme Slash aimed right for my neck.

“……!!”

Supreme Slash!

Boom!

I managed to block the Supreme Slash with my own, but this time the thunderous roar seemed to implode, shaking the very ground beneath us. The vortex created by our clash sent both our bodies swirling into the air. The violent wind greater than before was a clear sign I had failed to adequately counter his Supreme Slash, evident by the marks of blood streaking across my arms.

What just happened?

‘He can use the Supreme Slash again…’

Though it wasn’t on par with the Divine Kill Slash, Musashi generally would be fatigued from using the Supreme Slash. Given my past experiences, there was no doubt that he wouldn’t be able to counterattack anymore after such a move, so I pressed forward. It seemed unlikely that someone who had just used a deadly technique twice would be attacking with full strength.

Yet him utilizing the Supreme Slash again was unexpected.

I caught a glimpse of Musashi in the air. When I saw the ominous intensity flowing from him, enhanced by bloodlust, I was taken aback.

Musashi was smiling.

“I’m really enjoying this… It feels like a good fight.”

“You….”

“Let’s end this.”

The face of a demon…

In that moment when I laid eyes on Musashi, it was the only thought that crossed my mind.

His aura and combat instincts enveloped the vicinity like an Asura manifesting. And simultaneously, one absolute talent emerged in my mind.

Demon Mask!

According to Yeodong-bin’s past recollections, the Demon Mask was a talent that those involved in the martial world feared, even in their dreams, while they aspired for it.

It was a congenital talent of the Sword Demon, overshadowing the exceptional while making ordinary geniuses seem mere mortals. Gifted with terrifying reflexes and superhuman recovery, they embodied every form of misfortune and could master any martial arts, becoming a peak expert.

However, it also bore a natural killing intent akin to the Death Blade, inciting significant catastrophic events. Possession of the Demon Mask was exceedingly rare, occurring once every two hundred years, imbuing its wearer with the power to challenge the highest echelons of the martial world. It was precisely why the Eight Parts of the Divine demon Yacha had been keeping a close watch on the young Yeodong-bin.

‘…So that’s it.’

In a land barren of martial arts, Dongyoung was unexpectedly home to an unparalleled swordsman who could rival the central plains and Goryeo. Musashi was born with the innate talent of a Sword Demon. Simultaneously, this indicated that he possessed a talent identical to that of the legendary Yeodong-bin.

Musashi was currently showcasing the Demon Mask and fighting fiercely from the bottom. Those adept at wielding Intent and Qi had their mental strength enhanced right alongside all other abilities. Thus, Musashi’s next attack would leave me with no way to defend if he executed the Supreme Slash perfectly.

Tremble…

The hand holding the sword shook uncontrollably.

Having sustained severe injuries to my arms and hands, my mind buzzed unsteadily. I had switched masks too frequently, and the wild killing intent and fighting spirit within my head were beyond my control. Compounding that, the number of times I failed to block his Supreme Slashes was a constant reminder of my shortcomings, bringing forth a sense of despondency.

‘…I’ve never executed the Supreme Slash perfectly in this battle. Each time had some flaw, and Musashi capitalized on all of them….’

This thought made it clear that no matter how much I stabilized my mind and spirit, there were still chinks in my armor exposed to someone at Musashi’s level.

At least another ten years of training might be necessary to eliminate those shortcomings. Would I even be able to use the Supreme Slash effectively in our next clash?

Physically and mentally, I had the upper hand, but if this continued, I felt I would lose. I lamented on the fact that after 27 reincarnations, I still couldn’t best Musashi but quickly shifted my perspective.

No more whining.

Even if I could call upon Yeodong-bin or Jang Sam-bong in this fight, they wouldn’t fight for me. Relying on those characters meant I couldn’t depend on others to face my trials. It was a journey for me to become stronger that no one else could undertake.

…..

Even in the face of darkness and despair, isn’t life about not stopping until the very end? Having tasted the bitter essence of bottomless defeat, I, Baek Woong, stood up!

‘Let’s go!’

Even if I die, I’ll die with dignity!

I shook off the needless worries and chaos in my mind, clearing my thoughts once more. Musashi’s gaze lit up upon seeing my stance.

“What sword technique is it that you’re so obsessed with?”

“Obsession…?”

“There seems to be a significant tale behind it.”

“…Perhaps.”

When did I first obtain the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique?

When I first received it, I had no thoughts. However, during that fateful time when Yeodong-bin descended and banished the sea demon, I bore witness to the essence of that technique and was captivated by its sheer power. Since then, I unknowingly leaned on Yeodong-bin’s divine presence to learn the technique, striving to refine my talent and expand my capacity through various trials.

As memories flickered past my mind, I suddenly realized one crucial truth.

“Divine Sword Technique.”

Whoosh!

I infused the power of the Divine Sword Technique into my Heavenly Escape Sword Technique. Suddenly, a hazy aura resembling sword intent circled around me.

The Divine Sword Technique had the ability to concentrate the caster’s causality and karma into a divine sword. Even though I had only recently acquired this power, and my causality and karma were insufficient, it was surely better than having none at all.

Tydaht!

“Then die!”

Musashi illuminated in bloodlight and soon executed the Divine Kill Slash with full alignment to his sword.

He seemed to have deemed that there was no need for further probes, thinking the situation was in his favor. It made sense, as just a moment ago, I had been disheartened by his unwavering strength despite employing strategies to break through. With this, he surely believed he could eventually punch through my defenses, even should I attempt to use the Supreme Slash again.

Here he comes.

Holding the divine sword, I witnessed the moment of the Divine Kill Slash unfold before me. It was a miracle spawned from my extreme focus; the conceptual image of the Divine Kill Slash appeared like a perfect long saber. The blade contained the will of destruction, designed to cut through anything in its path, so much so that even divine beings seemed susceptible to it.

That was… [Real].

Musashi showed no doubt in his mind that he could slice through anything with that power.

In the realm of absolute energy where the strength of will transformed into pure power, Musashi’s conviction would undoubtedly serve as a formidable weapon.

That Divine Kill Slash was his genuine heartfelt technique!

In contrast, I still couldn’t pin down what constitutes my utmost strength.

Does this mean I am a fraud?

Is my life as a thief, wielding fake techniques and merely changing masks, truly my authentic life?

Were my aspirations of becoming a martial artist merely a childish act of neglecting my true talents? I don’t know.

Logically, in such a dire moment, I should raise both hands to gather the harmony of Tai Chi and execute the Supreme Slash. Plainly, there was no way to counter Musashi’s Divine Kill Slash without it. However, for strange reasons, something was preventing me from unleashing the Supreme Slash, and I found myself resigned to the possibility of dying as well.

‘Is there really such a thing as a martial mind?’

The Supreme Thief once said,

“There is a heart in martial arts.”

At that time, I thought it was utter nonsense, but strangely enough, it seems I understand it now. It felt as though I was donning clothes that didn’t fit— that the Supreme Slash itself rejected me.

Without being able to unify my mind and spirit, I knew full well that using the Supreme Slash would be akin to placing a pearl on a pig’s neck.

So then, what is my martial heart?

What feelings linger within all the martial arts I’ve practiced since birth?

Tears streamed down my cheek in that moment. They were tears of regret and ignorance. In the face of such thoughts, I found myself loathing my own inadequacies.

‘I don’t know….’

Ignorance.

There seems to be no way to break free from that curse.

“Uaaaa!!”

In that moment, I felt something within my heart release. Astonishingly, without invoking the Supreme Slash, I reached out with my sword.

Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram!

Why I chose to counter the Divine Kill Slash with the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram is still a mystery. Naturally, my incomplete sword intent couldn’t hold a candle to the Divine Kill Slash and was cleanly severed by it. In the ensuing moment, Musashi’s sword pierced my abdomen.

Thud!

Musashi, the victor, grimaced with disgust on his face.

“……”

Swish!

Without a word, Musashi pulled his blade from my gut and flicked the blood off. As I stumbled and knelt, Musashi turned his head and said.

“How trivial.”

I understood why he felt that way. It was clear he couldn’t fathom why I’d chosen such a disastrous counter like the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram instead of executing the Supreme Slash at the end. Normally, Musashi wouldn’t hesitate to behead me immediately after winning. Instead, he merely inflicted a single stab in contempt.

“I can’t believe I fought against someone who can’t even overcome themselves….”

Was it the instinct of someone who shared the battlefield? Musashi seemed to have grasped the conflict I had just experienced.

“Fulfill your promise and divulge all the information.”

Yet I was so absorbed in my own self-reflection that I nearly forgot the sharp pain radiating from my abdomen. Musashi’s voice barely registered in my ears. Why was I unable to comprehend the heart of martial arts?

Why was I unable to achieve the true state of a heartfelt warrior?

Why was I still wandering in the confines of ignorance?

How many years has it been…?

‘…I understand. This isn’t about whether I have talent or not.’

I have a critical flaw. I muttered to myself as I slowly stood up. Musashi merely glanced at me without striking as I stood there defenseless.

I held the sword with vacant eyes and pondered.

There was no need for a mirror.

The mask of Yeodong-bin I wore was not my true self anyway.

As a mask performer, I only have to act as “Yeodong-bin” in my mind…

And a performer must never forget their true self; hence, understanding the authentic heart is impossible.

Especially without gaining the mask of the abyss.

But…

Even a mask performer has a heart.

The one who knows the heart behind the mask is only oneself.

What if I said I didn’t even have that heart?

Does that mean my heart cannot become a martial heart?

‘I can’t give up like this.’

Roar!

In that instant, the divine sword in my hand began to shine.

As I wished, the causality flowed into the divine sword. Slowly, I began to recite a verse.

Right now, I am Yeodong-bin.

“I am the sword of the world.”

If my current self has no substance— if I am merely a fake— then I shall not seek the genuine any longer.

I will simply act even more perfectly.

“I will become the sword that encompasses the world!!”

Boom!

The tip of my sword once again unleashed the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram. Musashi’s expression twisted in annoyance at that moment, and he swung his blade with intense disgust.

“You idiot!”

Swish!

Musashi surely thought of my Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram as a mere imitation. He was confident that he could shatter such a clumsy mimicry with his strike. That conviction was not misplaced; without question, a mediocre imitation couldn’t disrupt Musashi.

Clang!!

“……?!”

Yet in that instant, my divine sword pushed back against Musashi, causing him to falter significantly as our blades collided. The unexpected force rattled Musashi, but I didn’t relent, shoving my consciousness into the divine sword as I cried out.

“Uaaaaaa!!”

Boom!

In that instant of clashing blades, I didn’t mind the gaping wounds in my palms or the muscles and tendons exposed in my arms. I merely poured everything into my divine sword as my nose bled from the intensity of focus.

“Eh… are you…?!”

“You bastard…!”

“I… know nothing!! But one thing is clear…”

I grit my teeth, staring straight into Musashi’s bloodthirsty gaze.

“Admiring someone isn’t a crime!!”

Boom!!

At that moment, the divine sword exploded, sending Musashi sprawling backward. It was a pressure so immense he couldn’t even unleash his techniques.

While wielding the divine sword, I realized that it was consuming my memories, causing me to spit out blood.

“Cough!”

The accumulation of causality through the Divine Sword Technique.

In simpler terms, it meant that memories could be transformed into power.

If I infused my memories into it, I could temporarily turn my martial arts skills into strength. Though the transforming power was exceedingly brief and barely usable in prolonged battles, at least it offered a moment of enhancement.

It could explain why Yeodong-bin employing the Divine Sword Technique exhibited stronger offensive power than others.

I couldn’t help but smile, thinking I was experiencing the first actual application of the Divine Sword Technique in combat.

“What will happen if I utilize Baek Woong-style Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram?!”

Boom!

Once more, I infused my Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram into the Divine Sword Technique, charging towards Musashi. Naturally, it was just a poor version compared to the original, but thanks to the Divine Sword Technique instilling causality and memories, the martial skills I learned from the Wudang Sect and Thunder God Lineage became sheer power, amplifying the pressure behind my sword. Musashi, not willing to back down, executed the Supreme Slash, and a collision of strengths erupted in mid-air.

Boom!

“Ugh!”

“Uagh!”

Both of us simultaneously screamed in agony as we collapsed, drenched in blood. Our injuries were so close that we couldn’t really tell who had the upper hand anymore, yet we got up as if competing with each other.

“Graaah!”

Then, in a haunting expression, Musashi summoned all his power to unleash the Divine Kill Slash, while I, resolved to meet my end, unleashed my own incomplete Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram to face him.

I simply unleashed it on my own whim; it truly didn’t resemble the genuine at all.

Wee-ing!

In that moment, strangely, I felt my imitation of the Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram rotating spontaneously even within that chaotic flow.

It was bizarre, yet because of that, the rotating Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram shifted its properties, transitioning from a sword flow to a rain flow of intent, striking Musashi in a vital point.

Thud!

Even as Musashi coughed up blood, he plunged the blade directly into my throat. It should’ve been a fatal wound, but I felt almost no pain, barely grasping the shallow blade with my hands just in time to avoid death.

Thud!

New Shadow School.

Blade-less Technique.

“…….”

“Huff, huff.”

Thud!

As the two of us lay in a pool of our own blood, I drew my sword sheath from my waist and struck Musashi’s shoulder. With a sound, a piece of his flesh fell, and Musashi swung his sword to sever two of my fingers.

Swish!

Oh, I’m really going to die.

Seeing Musashi’s blade aimed directly at my brow filled me with the certainty of impending death. But in spite of that dread, my divine sword remained profoundly calm, and finally, a single sword intent pierced through Musashi’s chest.

Boom!

‘…Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram… Land Intent….’

I don’t know why that emerged at the final moment, but in that transcendent clash between mind and body, our battle drew to a desperate close. Musashi, appearing as though he needed to say something, gazed at his chest but slowly began to fall back.

Boom!

I clutched my wounded abdomen, tears of blood streaming as I thought, “I… I won….”

The ten consecutive battles aren’t over yet, but victory is at hand.

I’ve toppled Miyamoto Musashi, a figure among the three great masters of the world, one of the absolute experts!

---