Reincarnation Sword God

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Heavenly Realm

The Apostle of God!

I was somewhat unfazed by the revelation, having somewhat anticipated it from my reincarnation, but the others seemed caught off guard, especially Dokgo Seong, whose expression turned grim. His voice trembled as he spoke,

“God…? So their powers are akin to sorcery?”

“There must be a terminal through which they channel divine power. It’s similar to how I can descend to Yeon-ja,” Yeodong-bin explained, shooting me a glance.

“Yeon-ja, there exists a causal relationship defined by fate between you and me. I cannot determine how it was established, but as long as that causal relationship is set, you will be able to summon me.”

“……”

Causal relationship.

That was an absolute law even the [Ancient Ruler] could not defy.

The terminal for summoning Yeodong-bin was bound by this causal relationship, which seemed to persist even beyond my reincarnation. It wasn’t something tangible affixed to my body but rather a thread of fate connecting me and Yeodong-bin since the instant right after my last life.

‘Causal relationships are truly magnificent.’

As I pondered this, Dokgo Seong let out a low groan.

“Could it be… the Sect Leader…”

It seemed something had struck a chord with him. I left the bewildered Dokgo Seong behind and turned urgently to Yeodong-bin.

“Master, I am struggling with the confusion of sword techniques. I have so many martial arts in mind that it’s tough to consolidate them.”

“Hmm. That seems apparent.”

Yeodong-bin fixed his gaze upon me for a moment before he spoke again.

“Then it may be a bit early, but we must proceed to the third stage of Heavenly Escape Sword Technique.”

“The third stage? Is that the last?”

Yeodong-bin nodded at my question.

“With your level of understanding and mastery, there’s no need to acquire any more secrets of Faith and Liberation. I will impart the final stage of Escape.”

“Wasn’t there a total of five stages?”

“Entering Death, Emptiness, and Heavenly Escape are sequential; it doesn’t matter. You will need at least that much to overcome your confusion.”

At that moment, Dokgo Seong, who had been mumbling to himself, suddenly snapped back to attention and shouted,

“Wait!”

“Why do you say that?”

“Teach me Heavenly Escape Sword Technique as well!”

All eyes turned toward Dokgo Seong. He stood confidently before Yeodong-bin, undeterred.

“I wish to learn the unparalleled sword technique to witness Martial Extremity.”

His expression was filled with confidence. After all, Dokgo Seong, as a leading expert in the Thunder God Lineage, must have possessed exceptional talent since childhood. Now that he had witnessed the prowess of the Great Immortal, it was only natural for him to desire to learn, no matter the cost.

However, Yeodong-bin shook his head, responding decisively.

“You have no connection with me. Only Yeon-ja may learn my Heavenly Escape Sword Technique in this realm.”

“But we’ve already faced each other in combat and conversed. Is this not a martial bond?”

Without the slightest change in expression, Yeodong-bin replied nonchalantly,

“No. Our encounter was only possible because Yeon-ja sacrificed ten years of his lifespan. There is no other connection.”

“……!!”

“Heavenly Escape Sword Technique is just one path. If you hone your martial arts, you will eventually reach the realm of immortals.”

His words carried no ulterior motives or emotions. It was the first time I had witnessed Yeodong-bin, usually a fiery enthusiast, display such cold and detached demeanor. At that moment, I truly grasped that Yeodong-bin was a divine being operating within the strict laws of the Heavenly Realm.

As Dokgo Seong fell silent, Yeodong-bin turned his attention back to me.

“If you wish to learn Escape, then you will need to burn with determination. Are you prepared?”

“What do you mean?”

“It means you may dissolve within the essence of martial prowess.”

“……”

At that moment, connecting with Yeodong-bin’s spirit, I vaguely understood the nature of Escape, the final step of the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique. I realized what a gamble this was.

‘Completely entrusting my soul to Yeodong-bin and absorbing his comprehensive swordsmanship…!!’

The utmost divine possession leading to the state of a trance!

Until now, while summoning Yeodong-bin, I had maintained some level of consciousness to observe reality. But in the stage of Escape, Yeodong-bin would fully invade my awareness, and the sword skills he possessed would merge with my unconsciousness. This was not an experience one could typically endure with ordinary mental fortitude.

I grew curious and asked Yeodong-bin,

“Why is the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique divided into five stages?”

“Because it aims to Seek the World.”

Yeodong-bin gazed skyward with sorrowful eyes as he spoke,

“When it becomes necessary to pass the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique to you in order to achieve the realm of the Immortal Sword, it signifies that the world has descended into chaos. It questions whether you are in need of strength, even at the cost of your own sacrifice.”

I understood what Yeodong-bin meant. Those connected through the terminal must originally be bound by a strong thread of fate, worried about the future of the world. And in return, Yeodong-bin would give his utmost to impart his knowledge and abilities, which were no ordinary powers.

‘Even just absorbing Ji-seon Mang-ryang’s memories was overwhelming…’

For an ordinary human’s mental capacity, it might very well melt away. Yeodong-bin was aware of this as well, which is likely why he had deliberately refrained from suggesting the stage of Escape to me until now. After all, individuals willing to sacrifice themselves for immense power were likely not commonplace.

Yet, without hesitation, I nodded.

“Please, do it.”

After all, I would be reborn upon death. Moreover, there was no telling when I would overcome this chaos with only my own strength. Rather than enduring the gradual depletion of my mental strength through repeated reincarnations, it was far better to take this gamble now.

Yeodong-bin reached out to my heart, warning,

“The chaos you experience seems particularly unique, so you may potentially receive aid from the Eight Immortals. However, the chances of your spirit burning out will increase considerably. Do you agree?”

“Of course.”

“Good.”

Swish…

Suddenly, Yeodong-bin’s form vanished.

At that moment, I felt a deluge of information pouring into my mind, akin to when I accepted Mang-ryang’s assassination techniques. Unlike the highly specialized and refined sorcerous knowledge, this was an intuitive and straightforward arrangement of information. However, as the principles of advanced martial arts unfolded, an astounding clarity enveloped me.

“……!!”

Drip

A massive headache hit me, causing a nosebleed. The pain was so fierce that even I, who was ordinarily resilient to discomfort, found myself struggling to cope. It felt like dozens of moths were flitting around in my head, and each throb was akin to being stabbed with a thin blade in my temples.

Concerned, Kamizumi Nobutsuna beside me spoke up,

“Are you alright?”

“Ah… ugh…”

At the same time, I felt an immense entity boiling up from the depths of my soul’s unconsciousness. This was the true essence of Yeodong-bin’s spirit, overlaying itself upon mine due to my consent. I realized that if this continued, Yeodong-bin would soon fully manifest within me.

Before losing consciousness, the last words Yeodong-bin spoke resonated in my mind.

[This place is indeed swarming with demon beasts. I shall show you the power of the Eight Immortals.]

As my consciousness sank deeper, it felt as if it were merely submerging in shallow waters, and I was still aware of my surroundings.

Yeodong-bin, whether he knew it or not, took control of my body, wielding the sword as he charged forward.

Swish!

It seemed as if he shared my martial experience, as he swiftly applied the method of Nemesis and dashed with ferocious determination toward the front lines of the Living Sea. With each swing of his sword, the demon beasts that surrounded us shattered under his ferocity, making him appear like a fish set free in water.

Eventually, Yeodong-bin reached the colossal worm guarding the Living Sea. He stared coldly at the massive creature, which could likely be dozens of feet long, and drew a line in the air with his finger.

Heavenly Escape Sword Technique

One to the Heavenly Sword

Swish!

[Kraaak!!]

In an instant, the spirit sword forged from his mind dismantled the Guardian of the Living Sea. Seemingly intent on finishing the job, he unleashed several waves of intent and energy. In a blink, the massive worm disappeared without a trace.

Having dispatched the guardian, Yeodong-bin entered a dark cave. It was a one-way path leading to an ancient ruin. Upon reaching a large chamber with an altar, he looked around and soon, an apparition resembling a spirit emerged.

Clad in white Yin-Yang attire, the figure sighed, saying,

“I am Abe no Yoshihira of the Guardian Clan. Are you an immortal?”

Yoshihira seemed to recognize immediately that it was Yeodong-bin controlling my body. Yeodong-bin nodded slowly after a brief pause, replying,

“I must move forward.”

“I cannot allow that. You must gather eight individuals.”

“Is there a reason for that?”

“This place is the domain of the Demon God. If you are defeated, it would bring about grave consequences.”

Yeodong-bin fell silent for a moment before responding,

“This is enough.”

Shushushsh!!!

In the next instant, the spirits of the Eight Immortals simultaneously dwelled within me. Yoshihira seemed to grasp this shocking occurrence and shouted in disbelief,

“Zhongli Quan… Zhang Guolao… Han Xiangzi… Li Tieguai… Yeodong-bin… Lan Caihe… He Xiangu… Cao Guojiu!! Are the Eight Immortals truly descending all at once?!”

He seemed well-informed about the Eight Immortals. They held immense significance among sorcerers.

“Since you possess the ability of Ling Shi, you should be able to see. Clear the way.”

“Do you understand? If you fail, your soul will belong to the Demon God!”

Yoshihira pondered for a moment before sighing,

“Please, do not overextend.”

He formed hand seals, seemingly bestowing some form of blessing upon Yeodong-bin using the power of the Eight Trigrams.

Boom!

A moment later, a gigantic door materialized in the air, and Yoshihira’s figure vanished. Without hesitation, Yeodong-bin stepped inside the portal.

Eventually, the Dead Sea came into view, an immense expanse of forest. Enveloped in a deeper mist of demonic energy than before, it swirled around like a suffocating fog. Yeodong-bin stared into the Dead Sea, drew his sword, and prepared.

Heavenly Escape Sword Technique

Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram

Wind Decides!

A gigantic whirlwind erupted as he charged into the realm of the Dead Sea. The sound of the demon beasts bursting apart echoed as an unimaginable blade wind brushed across the landscape. At that moment, something colossal surged from the ground with a heavy thud.

Roar!

It was the massive, shapeless monster that had previously killed me with a headbutt. I knew that thing well. The issue now was that the creature surfacing from the ground was ten times larger than I had previously encountered.

It was no exaggeration to say it was a monstrous entity beyond reason. Moreover, it wasn’t just this creature; monstrous entities were erupting from all directions with stronger magical abilities than those seen in the Living Sea. It felt as though a cataclysm was about to engulf the world.

Growl…

With that, Yeodong-bin seemed to steel himself, fueling his sword with determination as he called out,

“O my comrades, lend me your strength!”

Then, a voice resounded from somewhere above.

[Yeodong-bin! I, Han Xiangzi, shall bestow a blessing upon you. The poisons and acids of the demon beasts will inflict no harm upon you.]

The blessings of the Eight Immortals began to rain down one after another.

[Yeodong-bin! I, Lan Caihe, shall bless you. Curses will have no sway over you.]

[Yeodong-bin! I, Zhongli Quan, bestow a blessing upon you. You shall gain the power to shatter the sacred.]

[Yeodong-bin! I, Zhang Guolao, shall bless you. Your ability to create doppelgängers shall become limitless.]

[Yeodong-bin! I, Li Tieguai, bless you. Your offensive capabilities shall increase.]

[Yeodong-bin! I, He Xiangu, bestow a blessing upon you. Even the powers of lower demon gods will not affect you.]

[Yeodong-bin! I, Cao Guojiu, bless you. You shall be able to wield the moonlight energy.]

Boom!

The blessings of the remaining Seven Immortals poured into Yeodong-bin, enveloping his body in a radiant light reminiscent of the sun. The already potent aura multiplied exponentially in strength.

The demon beasts in the Dead Sea shrank back as if sensing the magnitude of Yeodong-bin’s power.

With a loud shout, Yeodong-bin charged forth,

“Hraaaah!!”

From the heavens, hundreds of colossal spirit swords rained down, aiming to cleave through the mountain ranges. Simultaneously, Yeodong-bin conjured countless doppelgängers, each radiating fierce combat spirit. I understood that had it been me, I wouldn’t have lasted long under such sheer might, yet Yeodong-bin leaped into tumultuous battle with unyielding fervor.

Kaboom!!

The Six Intent Saintly Heaven Diagram raced across the land like starlight. Yeodong-bin navigated the domain swarming with the vastly stronger demon beasts, making it appear to be his home. Each swipe of his sword cleaved through the beasts, scattering them like pieces of debris. Though some retaliated with curses or poisons, Yeodong-bin seemed to disregard them entirely due to the blessings of the Eight Immortals.

More than twenty giant demon beasts fell beneath his strike in mere moments. Just as we cleared a path ahead, a huge presence surged beyond the horizon, rising like mist.

[Not bad…]

Yeodong-bin appeared to recognize that this figure was of a different caliber from the other demon beasts, likely the Guardian of the Dead Sea. He clenched his jaw and declared,

“O Evil God! I do not fear you!”

[Why be so foolish…?]

The voice of the misty figure echoed ominously. The sight of its colossal, black tendrils rippling ominously across the horizon was an embodiment of terror.

[The end of this world is predestined… the constellations will find their places… the ancient beings shall awaken once more… as the R’lyeh rises, the world will be consumed by chaos… You are just engaging in a meaningless struggle for thousands of years…]

Yeodong-bin silenced for a moment.

Then, he clenched his fist tightly.

“What gives meaning to our battle is the dignity of humanity itself.”

The strong resolve of Yeodong-bin and the Eight Immortals resonated within me. They were united in harmony, rallying courage to oppose the strength of the Evil God. Although the power of the Evil God was immensely strong, beyond the individual strength of any one of the Eight Immortals, the combined might of the Eight Immortals had brought them to a level where they could strive against it.

In that moment, I realized. The Evil God was a being as potent as the Apostle of God, if not stronger. It wore an amusing smile as it spoke,

[It seems I have a fun guest… I shall await you in the Dead Sea…]

Whoosh!

With that, the presence of the Evil God vanished, and a dimensional portal opened beyond the horizon. It seemed that the Evil God acknowledged the power of the Eight Immortals and opened the portal to the Dead Sea. Without hesitation, Yeodong-bin began fiercely battling the demon beasts as he flew toward the dimensional door.

Kaboom!

With a thunderous clash, Yeodong-bin headed toward the next Sea of Ruin. As he crossed through the portal into the Entering Sea, he murmured softly,

“The dimension has warped.”

Was this due to the direct influence of the ancient ruler’s power?

A realm of chaos!

Indeed, the third sea of the Entering Sea was no longer a space where humans could dwell. The boundary between earth and sky had blurred, with chaos wholly engulfing the heavens, causing objects to float aimlessly through the air. The very fabric of reality rippled restlessly.

Amid the peculiar darkness, the roars of demons echoed, leaving faint reverberations. Unlike the Living and Dead Seas, there were no distinct powerful creatures present here, but merely crossing this warped dimension seemed a monumental challenge.

Yeodong-bin appeared to navigate the chaos of the Abyss, finding a path forward and soon soared into a space that emitted a faint light. Inside was a cave.

After a brief moment, Yeodong-bin stumbled upon a massive and primordial altar. Unspeakable, terrible, dark statues were erected within it, and incomprehensible carvings were engraved all around it. Scattered bones and skulls suggested that numerous human sacrifices had occurred here. As he scanned the ominous altar, Yeodong-bin called out,

“Whoever is present, step forward.”

From behind the altar, a figure emerged cautiously. The figure looked at Yeodong-bin with a nervous expression before speaking.

“Who are you? Have you reached this far unaided?”

While Yeodong-bin didn’t respond, the figure seemed to sense my aura and recognized that he was facing a being from beyond this realm. This was evident, as he was enveloped in the potent aura of the blessings from the Eight Immortals.

The figure knelt, bowing deeply as he said,

“You are a divine being. Please help me.”

“Who are you?”

“I am Cheongwol, the Dharma Protector of the Thunder God Lineage.”

Yeodong-bin responded calmly,

“Tell me the path to the Dead Sea.”

“I do not know. I merely survive day by day hiding in this place… To pass through the Abyss, one must either distort the space forcefully or discover a hidden passage.”

“Ultimately, we will have to remove that creature.”

Without warning, Yeodong-bin dashed outside the cave. He took aim at an immensely massive ‘something’ floating in the Abyss—a grotesque creature reminiscent of a whale in the sea.

Roar!

He recognized it! Upon being struck by Yeodong-bin’s attack, the creature let out a wail; yet, the damage it sustained swiftly healed. Yeodong-bin tightened his grip on his sword and shouted,

“I shall purge the malevolence!!”

How many days had passed as Yeodong-bin fought to his limits?

In the end, he succeeded in defeating the colossal creature. Moments later, as the creature plummeted into the Abyss, a gate to the Melting Sea opened.

However, Yeodong-bin’s condition was far from excellent. He appeared exhausted from depleting his divine energy to its limits, despite being an immortal. He bitterly remarked,

“If it weren’t for your strong cultivation, Yeon-ja, I would have perished midway… I can no longer continue…”

He seemed to recuperate forcefully using the blessings of the immortals, barely holding on.

Yeodong-bin took a cautious step toward the Melting Sea to scout the area, intending to rescue Cheongwol the Dharma Protector, who had been saved and was now weeping joyfully.

“Thank you so much…”

Yeodong-bin, unable to use Rebirth, simply continued pulling back through the chaos, engaging in monotonous intense battles against the demon beasts. The spectacle of him unleashing thousands of sword strikes amid the chaos was breathtaking.

Up until that moment, I had observed quietly, but then, I spoke to Yeodong-bin.

“Thank you.”

“……?!”

At that moment, just before Yeodong-bin was about to finish his journey back, he wore a look of disbelief as he took in the situation. He appeared truly startled, saying,

“Yeon-ja… You mean to say that even after fully entrusting your mindset to me in the stage of Escape, you still maintained some level of consciousness?”

“Indeed.”

“Th-This is impossible… How could such a thing occur?”

Yeodong-bin ceased his fluster and returned to the threshold of the Living Sea, speaking in a slightly awkward tone.

“Still, I taught you everything up to the final stage of Escape. I hope it was of help…”

With that, Yeodong-bin and the spirits of the Eight Immortals departed.

As my consciousness gradually returned.

Gahhh!!

I then felt an overwhelming wave of muscle pain and agony cascading over me continuously. The wounds and fatigue Yeodong-bin had accumulated were now returning to me. It was an unbearable pain.

As I lay on the ground, struggling, I faintly heard a conversation in the distance.

“Cheongwol, you’re alive!”

“No, Dokgo Seong…”

“Did you find the Moonlight Slashing Technique?”

“There was none…”

Perhaps I had inadvertently surpassed the trials of the Melting Sea. My consciousness faded.

Half success!

‘Damn it…’

I had pierced through the Living, Dead, and Entering Seas, reaching the doorstep of the Melting Sea, and rescued Cheongwol, but the problem was that my consciousness had remained intact, resulting in the absorption effect from the stage of Escape being reduced to less than half.