Reincarnation Sword God

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True Martial Home

Zhuge Yulong hesitated as he stared at the obsidian in my hand. After a moment, he spoke.

“…Is that a technique for transferring memories?”

“Yes.”

“Did Zhuge Sect receive that technique?”

Without a word, I nodded. It seemed like Zhuge Yulong understood my intentions in an instant and grasped the situation.

“…….”

After a while, Zhuge Yulong extended his hand towards the obsidian. I believed he was ready, and I immediately transferred the memory.

Whooooosh

As the memory was sent to Zhuge Yulong, he stumbled for a moment. Seeing that, my heart raced with anxiety.

Was Zhuge Yulong going to lose his mind?

Considering the precedent that ordinary humans without exception either went mad or chose suicide, it wouldn’t be strange if Zhuge Yulong fell into madness here. Unless, of course, he was one of those special cases like Zhuge Sect, who held the madness of supernatural beings, or Abe no Seimei fused with a god. But I believed Zhuge Yulong could handle it, and so I placed my bet.

After a moment—Zhuge Yulong wiped the blood dripping from his nose with his sleeve. Then he spoke.

“Reborn person. I have a request.”

“Are you okay? Is your mind….”

“Don’t worry. The memories you showed me were things I had already suspected to some extent, so there was not much shock.”

“…….”

So, he had always envisioned the end of the world or the time of judgment in his head?

At a point where there were still five hundred years left?

For Zhuge Yulong, it seemed that confirming what he had already suspected wasn’t so mentally destabilizing.

Zhuge Yulong continued with his request.

“Save Jin Cheon-hwi.”

At that unexpected suggestion, my eyebrows twitched.

“Are you talking about the father of Jin So-cheong?”

“Yes.”

“Why do you want to save him?”

I continued in a perplexed voice.

“Obsidian can only be used once per life. Whether to kill or save, it must be utilized to its utmost effectiveness. What help could Jin Cheon-hwi possibly be in this situation?”

Jin Cheon-hwi was originally a general known for his outstanding martial arts as a disciple of the Shaolin’s hidden faction, and he was also said to be a genius with the best strategies. Normally, he would be the kind of person to consider saving at least once. But right now, the situation was urgent, and I had to break through the Life Sea as quickly as possible, so what use would Jin Cheon-hwi have for me?

To my question, Zhuge Yulong replied.

“Let me rephrase. If you do not save Jin Cheon-hwi, I will not become your companion.”

“What?!”

“Accept my terms.”

“…….”

I felt completely dumbfounded. Until now, anyone who received the obsidian would have clearly recognized the hierarchy between the reborn and themselves, which would have given me a significant advantage. Yet here was Zhuge Yulong attempting to initiate negotiations! I crossed my arms and spoke.

“It doesn’t matter if I refuse.”

Zhuge Yulong’s eyes gleamed.

“It does matter. If you refuse my request, I will immediately inform the deities of the reborn’s existence through the Demon Subduing Hall.”

“……!!”

I flinched.

“I realized the moment I saw your memories. Reborn persons always walk a razor-thin line, and the moment your existence and identity are revealed, the deities will either be on guard or attempt to seal you. Therefore, just the fact of your identity being known to the deities is dangerous.”

I never even considered such a threat!

But it was certain that if the Old Rulers discovered the identity of a reborn person, they would inevitably take strong action. Even the master of the Seven Luminaries had sent their incarnations to make contact at the risk of disturbing the balance of heaven and earth. So it went without saying that the Old Rulers would be exceedingly hostile toward a reborn person suspected of crossing the Great Wheel of Destiny.

Then, Zhuge Sa, who had been listening beside me, let out a laugh.

“Brother, did you think I wouldn’t consider that threat?”

“Sa.”

“It’s indeed a valid threat for the reborn Baek Woong. The moment it’s known, deities will swarm him, making normal progress impossible. However, do you know what that simultaneously means?”

Zhuge Sa pointed a finger at Zhuge Yulong.

“It means that no matter what methods you use at that moment, your own dream will become impossible to realize. Many of the Old Rulers might think all their problems will be solved if they obtain the reborn, but who would care about you, just a lackey of the Demon Subduing Hall? Whether you endure for five hundred years or not, that moment will mean all your plans will crumble.”

“…….”

“No powerful benefactor will feel the need to negotiate with you moving forward, and you’ll only feel an excruciating sense of powerlessness as you stare into the abyss of chaos. Is that really what you want?”

“I do not want it.”

Zhuge Yulong continued softly.

“However, living as an incarnation of a reborn, being tossed about by countless destinies, is equally miserable. I don’t see this exchange as a significant loss. Looking into the memories, it seems you all waste this life in vain. Besides, you’ve already crossed the line.”

Swoosh

Zhuge Yulong pointed to the corpse of Zhuge Bu lying sprawled on the ground. Zhuge Bu seemed to be glaring with resentment at his unfair death.

“Look. In this life, you killed Zhuge Bu because he was useless, right? His only misfortune was standing on the opposite side of a reborn. What guarantee is there that you won’t do the same to me?”

Ugh….

When I saw Zhuge Bu’s corpse, I pressed my temple, feeling a headache coming on. Then, I secretly spoke to Zhuge Sa through the suspicious fishhook.

[Zhuge Sa! Why did you kill Zhuge Bu? Now everything’s a mess….]

It would have been sufficient to just shake him a bit to inflict some pain; that felt excessive. But despite my blame, Zhuge Sa offered no retort and instead smoothly engaged Zhuge Yulong.

“Is Zhuge Bu really useless? The same goes for you. As the world approaches its end, even overlays are dying like insects; what value do human evaluations and rankings hold? However, I acknowledge your brain and ideas, and that’s the only reason I’m considering using you.”

“…….”

“We don’t intend to be at your mercy. We’re far too pressed for time and lack leisure for it. Do as you please.”

“The advisor’s role is only to incant and strategize. You seem to disregard Lord Baek Woong and say whatever you want.”

With that retort, Zhuge Yulong glared at me.

“You’ve heard my intent; I am resolved. Are you resolved, Baek Woong?”

“…….”

I couldn’t help but deeply ponder my situation. I knew well that Zhuge Yulong in front of me was someone who would go through with his threats. What was intimidating about Zhuge Yulong was not just his top-notch intellect, but also his fierce will, decisiveness, composure, and action-oriented nature.

After debating, I reached a conclusion.

“Got it. I will save Jin Cheon-hwi with the obsidian.”

There was no time for grudges against Zhuge Yulong and an easy pass to the next life. I had to find some conclusion this life, or I would only waste time. And what benefit would it bring to me to harbor more hatred toward Zhuge Yulong, who had originally been my enemy? Plus, it was clear that holding onto Zhuge Yulong to torture him wouldn’t lead anywhere, so I thought I might as well fulfill his request.

“Alright. Then I will also assist you.”

Then through the suspicious fishhook, I heard Zhuge Sa clicking his tongue.

[Tsk…. I thought there was a 70% chance you’d just give up, but you fulfilled his request.]

[Zhuge Sa! I cannot gamble with a 30% chance of failure when there’s not a moment to spare.]

[Fool. Superior negotiations are all about pushing through while ignoring that. But fine. Do as the lord has chosen.]

Zhuge Sa seemed to express disappointment, but I didn’t intend to be overly greedy.

‘As the reborn is overwhelmingly superior, I must show some leniency.’

If I were to aggressively push as Zhuge Sa suggested, it would lead to overwhelming despair for them. The fear and powerlessness of potentially becoming enslaved in the cycle of infinite lives was a heavy burden. Therefore, if I didn’t leave some avenue for escape, we could never truly become companions later.

I spoke to Zhuge Yulong.

“I’ll agree to save him for now, but what’s your reasoning? I’d like to hear why you insist on saving him.”

“The reason….”

After a moment of silence, Zhuge Yulong replied.

“Before the establishment of the current Great Ming Empire, countless calamities and hardships befell us. Invasions by foreign clans, internal corruption, weakened imperial power, famines—all these pushed the empire towards ruin. Normally, this empire should have perished long ago, and a new dynasty should have risen.”

“Hmmm….”

“The one who saved the empire from crisis was Jin Cheon-hwi. He, along with me, Lee Kwang, and the Four Great Experts of the Imperial Palace, acted according to his will and strategies, eliminating dangers one by one while stabilizing the empire of the previous emperor. His strategies surpassed mine by far, and his martial arts were nearly at the Absolute Realm; saving him would be of enormous help. He is an exceptional figure.”

“Jin Cheon-hwi’s martial arts were near the Absolute Realm? That’s a first for me to hear.”

I said, dumbfounded.

“Wasn’t he a genius of military strategies, surpassing General Hwang Yeon?”

“That’s only a part of the ability he showed to the world. He was undoubtedly one of the top three experts in the world.”

“…….”

“If Jin Cheon-hwi comes back to life, I will tell you more detailed stories.”

I had the sense that something was being concealed.

I was learning for the first time that Jin Cheon-hwi was an extraordinary master, and it didn’t sound like a lie, but for some reason, that alone couldn’t be the only reason Zhuge Yulong was so determined to save him.

Regardless, as I had promised, it made sense to fulfill Zhuge Yulong’s request.

“Alright. Just wait.”

Whoosh

I went alone to the deity of the jungle and used the obsidian to make my wish.

“God! Please bring Jin Cheon-hwi back to life!”

Kugugugugu….

To my surprise, the deity didn’t respond immediately but stirred up a quiet chaos while observing me. I couldn’t figure out why, but it felt intensely delaying and hesitant.

‘Huh? This hasn’t happened before….’

This deity typically acted to resolve issues immediately, whether to kill or to save. But now it seemed like it was hesitating without any comments. However, it didn’t show hostility toward me either, so I was at a loss for what to do.

Just then, the deity spoke in a divine language.

[I cannot save him.]

“……?!”

[Make another wish.]

Not being able to save him? What does that mean!

Having never encountered such a situation before, I shouted in disbelief.

“God! What do you mean you can’t save him? Isn’t life the opposite of death? Why can’t you save him?”

[…….]

The deity fell silent again before saying.

[I cannot save him.]

“Why not? At least give me a reason….”

[Do not mention his matters again. This is not a mere game to be trifled with.]

“……?”

I had the feeling the deity was getting somewhat agitated. Then I brought up a thought.

“Uh… so, does this mean that he might be alive right now and cannot be saved again?”

[Do you not understand my words…!!]

Bubbling

Green bubbles began to rise from the deity’s surface, indicating that it was getting angry. This was the first time I’d ever seen that existence genuinely rage, and I felt unease wash over me, so I carefully spoke to the deity.

“F-Fine. Then please grant that Jin Cheon-hwi [does not exist] and turn it into [existence].”

If someone asked for my assistance, I was obligated to fulfill it to the end.

I was determined to bring Jin Cheon-hwi back to life, even just out of spite!

[…….]

“…….”

[You truly are tenacious…. Had it not been for the terrible Law of Cause and Effect that condensed within you, you would have endured an eternity of hell right here. Be grateful that my curiosity has taken precedence over my anger.]

“Understood.”

The deity, who had been speaking irritably, spat out its words.

[Very well. I will grant your wish as you have said. Yet the consequences will all be yours to bear….]

Whoosh

In an instant, I was back in the real world.

I immediately used the Golden Lamp to ascend to the Huangshan peak where Zhuge Yulong and Zhuge Sa awaited, and explained the situation. Zhuge Yulong nodded and then spoke.

“Let’s head to the ancestral tomb.”

“You mean the royal mausoleum?”

“Yes. Jin Cheon-hwi’s body is buried there.”

Whoosh

We made our way to the palace, heading towards the mausoleum. Arriving near the mausoleum, we looked for Jin Cheon-hwi, but there was no sign of his figure or even his effigy to be found. Despite Zhuge Yulong and Zhuge Sa employing various techniques to search, a gloomy atmosphere prevailed, and nothing appeared.

Zhuge Sa spoke.

“Has the deity truly revived Jin Cheon-hwi?”

“In reality, it seemed the deity was unwilling to revive him, so I cleverly asked for the request to turn [non-existence into existence]. It said it would fulfill that wish.”

“Hmmm… that could be interpreted differently. So we need to sift through the situation one by one.”

Zhuge Sa wore a serious expression before making a shocking suggestion.

“First, let’s dig up Jin Cheon-hwi’s grave.”

“What?! Dig up the grave?”

“Is that really such a big deal right now? Hurry up and dig.”

Pavavak

Zhuge Yulong’s earth-shattering technique combined with my internal energy brought Jin Cheon-hwi’s grave up in an instant.

And when we opened the stone coffin to look inside—

Nothing.

The body of Jin Cheon-hwi, which should have been slowly decaying after countless years, should have naturally left only bones by now…but he was utterly absent.

Zhuge Sa examined the inside of the coffin closely and sniffed before saying.

“There’s no odor of flesh or bones, nor any signs of mold or stains. Even if the bones had decayed, it shouldn’t have reached this state. There was never a body here in the first place.”

“…….”

“This is a perplexing situation. Hyung-nim, what could have happened?”

“…This can’t be.”

Zhuge Yulong murmured, seemingly in confusion.

“I personally saw him being buried. I was the one who closed his coffin….”

At that moment—

“It’s been a while, Yulong!”

A lively voice came from the entrance of the mausoleum.

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