Reincarnation Sword God

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Heavenly Realm

An eerie sound of swords echoed as twenty sword lights swept through the space. The Plum Blossom Sword Masters, forming the Plum Blossom Sword Formation, had unleashed their sword energy within an hour. I easily evaded their attacks using the Soul-Destruction Technique, but hesitated on whether to take them down, opting to step back for now.

‘Something just isn’t right.’

I was aware that among Otherworldly Beings, there were plenty of strange groups and practitioners who wielded bizarre techniques. I didn’t know what could happen if I rashly harmed them. While it would be a piece of cake for me to defeat the Plum Blossom Sword Masters before me, I decided to observe my surroundings first.

Shh-shh-shh

Even while dodging with the Soul-Destruction Technique, I could tell that the swordsmanship of the Plum Blossom Sword Masters was remarkably refined. Although they didn’t even graze my hair, I couldn’t help but think that, under ordinary circumstances, this would feel like a deadly trap. I was grateful that I had strengthened my martial arts before coming.

‘Hmm… What’s that?’

While scanning the surroundings, I suddenly noticed something odd. As I evaded a sword energy through a thin gap, I spotted more eggs lurking in the darkness beyond. However, these eggs didn’t seem as large as the one illuminated under the Thunder Light; they looked to be about the size of a watermelon. To check the situation further, I channeled my energy into the Thunder Spirit Seal and sent it flying toward the eggs.

Boom!

“Huh?!”

The outcome was unexpected. I had merely aimed to illuminate the area with the beam of the Thunder Spirit Seal, but the approaching Plum Blossom Sword Masters all lunged toward it. As expected, the beam charged with my energy was incredibly potent, and upon contact, their bodies were torn apart and burst. Blood and flesh splattered into the air.

It seemed six of them had died at once.

The absence of screams indicated they either lacked pain sensitivity or were completely unconscious. Even so, what on earth was happening? The scene bewildered me; I had no intention of attacking, yet they collided with the Thunder Spirit Seal, leading to their demise. Then, I understood the reason.

‘They’re trying to protect the eggs!’

The Plum Blossom Sword Masters might have been enchanted by a certain technique, becoming mere guardians for the eggs. They had been infused with a mission to protect the eggs, devoid of pain or awareness. This implied that their master cherished the eggs greatly.

This place was the Hatching Grounds.

From an ecological perspective, it was undoubtedly a crucial location for their tribe. After pondering this, I clenched my fist tight.

“Well, no need to hesitate then.”

Given the importance of this place, guards and Otherworldly Beings would undoubtedly be summoned here. While I was lost in confusion over the current situation, I had directly hit the heart of the Otherworldly Beings’ operation. Therefore, it was clear I needed to destroy the Hatching Grounds as quickly as possible.

Boom-boom!

I gathered all my energy and continuously sent the Thunder Spirit Seal toward the eggs. The Plum Blossom Sword Masters, under the Otherworldly Beings’ control, rushed toward the Thunder Spirit Seal like moths to a flame, trying to block it with their bodies. However, once I fully committed my energy, the momentum was too overwhelming for one or two human bodies to withstand. Soon, all over twenty of the Plum Blossom Sword Masters were shredded to pieces, and the Thunder Spirit Seal effortlessly smashed the enormous egg.

Crash!

Accompanied by a grotesque sound, blue liquid erupted into the air. It emitted a horrid stench as it splattered and soaked into the ground, turning a putrid green. As the leathery surface ripped open, the writhing muscles beneath it appeared alive and terrifying. And from within the giant egg, I could spot something oozing out.

“… A fly?”

It was quite large. About the size of a fully-grown chicken that could be held in someone’s arms. But given its many jointed legs and large compound eyes, the only term that seemed appropriate was “fly.” The giant fly had antennae on its forehead and mouth. Still seemingly alive, it wriggled around in the blue amniotic fluid.

As I contemplated what to do with it, I approached and stomped on one of its legs. With a crunch, the giant fly’s body jerked violently, and it let out a horrific sound from its mouth’s antennae.

[ @&$#@((!! ]

The giant fly flailed and rolled around in pain as blue bodily fluid splattered everywhere. It continued to babble in the language of Otherworldly Beings, but strangely enough, after a moment, I began to understand it slowly.

[ Ah%&@#k!! What are you doing to my leg!! I’ll never forgive you!!]

“……”

[ I can’t believe I’ve turned into this!!]

I could comprehend its words quite clearly now, even disregarding a few unclear phrases. While listening to it, I realized that this fly was indeed the one responsible for the destruction of the Huashan Sect, and it seemed it was undergoing some kind of metamorphosis to become stronger inside the egg.

I seized one of the giant fly’s antennae and said,

“Otherworldly Being. Did you turn the Huashan Sect into this?”

The giant fly rolled its enormous compound eyes as if it understood or not. Repulsed by its appearance, I gathered the Thunder Light in my hand. As my energy swelled, I prepared to release the Thunder Spirit Seal toward the pile of eggs.

“Answer me clearly, or I’ll destroy all of your eggs.”

Then it happened.

“The eggs! Let them be! We did it!”

The giant fly squawked, stammering, but still articulating human language, albeit awkwardly. I was taken aback; I never expected this thing, with such a different anatomical structure, would be capable of human speech! I thought it would resort to some magic, but who knew it could actually converse!

‘What a cunning creature.’

I glared at it and asked,

“Why did you do that?”

“We came from afar! We needed nutrients for our tribe’s preservation! And we needed servants to protect the eggs!”

“……”

Listening to its clumsy human speech, I pondered.

‘So you were attempting to secure human slaves for the supply of nutrients for the eggs and offspring. You brainwashed the masters of the Huashan Sect and used them for abduction and protection duties.’

This otherworldly species seemed quite intelligent, well aware of humans. After deliberating my next course of action, I asked,

“Can you restore the masters of the Huashan Sect to their original state?”

At that, the creature seemed to perk up with a sense of self-importance and replied,

“I alone can! Just let me go!”

“How can you do that?”

“Just pull out the ones that entered their brains!”

“Entered their brains? What do you mean by that?”

When I asked, the giant fly twitched its compound eyes and said,

“I’ll show you one!”

Swish!

At that moment, one of the Huashan Sect masters, who had been sitting dazed in the darkness, wobbled toward me. This man, seemingly in his mid-thirties, had a blank expression and was drooling. Suddenly, something dark crawled out from between his eyebrows!

Slurp!

Wriggling out from the man’s brow was another giant fly that looked identical to the one I was holding! It burst out and buzzed away, while I examined the man, who showed no signs of injury despite the fly’s emergence.

From this sight, I instinctively understood the capabilities of these creatures.

‘They can penetrate through physical barriers and invade the brain! And control humans.’

At this rate, even if the masters of the Huashan Sect possessed excellent martial arts, they wouldn’t stand a chance. If these flies invaded their brains and began manipulating their spirits, they would be completely brainwashed. It was a simple but terrifying ability.

The giant fly chimed in,

“You are a strong human! I’ll let you off today! Go back!”

“… What about the remaining Huashan Sect humans? They can’t possibly all be here.”

“They’re inside, inside!”

Still gripping the giant fly, I proceeded deeper into the darkness. I raised my energy and lifted the Thunder Spirit Seal into the air, illuminating the area far brighter than torches. While somewhat inefficient and a waste of energy, it was an acceptable method given the need for visibility right now.

After going approximately thirty more steps inward, I was met with a horrifying scene.

“Ugh…!!”

An inferno of hell was unfolding before my eyes. Otherworldly Beings that resembled giant flies buzzed around, chattering in their language, decorating human skulls with meat stuffed within them like goblets. Humans, entwined in each other, were engaging in sexual acts, while the Otherworldly Beings giggled at the sight.

Around them hung what appeared to be captured civilians, their innards gnawed out. Some were seen sucking up another human’s brain. While there were still some living humans mixed in, they seemed driven insane by torture, bleeding profusely.

It was a scene akin to hell or even worse, brought about by the nameless sacrifices!

I felt my teeth grind in pure rage. I could also sense Yeodong-bin wanting to descend upon this chaos.

[ Yeon-ja! Based on my experience with exorcism, those beings are an extremely evil and sadistic species. There’s no need for mercy.]

[ Yeodong-bin! I don’t need your help; I can handle everything myself!]

Yeodong-bin spoke with concern.

[ They employ formidable mental techniques. It could be dangerous.]

[ Mental techniques?]

[ A very powerful ability. Be cautious.]

Realizing there was no choice, I decided to entrust my body to Yeodong-bin.

[ I beg you.]

If my mind were dominated or I fainted, I wouldn’t be able to utilize my martial arts. I knew I had a strong mental fortitude, but I couldn’t be entirely sure, so I made the request. I had to avoid becoming a slave, doomed to suffer eternal torment.

Rumble!

[ I have come to exterminate the pests!!]

With that, the clouds began swirling and enveloping the giant flies. The strikes would be unanticipated. The giant flies were soon caught one by one in a powerful vortex of sword force. Their physical prowess, which seemed insignificant to me, couldn’t withstand the storm that swept through, resulting in half of them quickly perishing.

As thousands of sword energies rained down, some of the mutant giant flies that held any magical prowess vanished as if trying to escape.

Whoosh!

‘Teleportation?’

I was astonished, unable to comprehend. They appeared to be mere flies, yet they could wield such advanced techniques!

[ Hand over the brains!!]

Some seemed to try to materialize their bodies to invade my brain, as they lunged toward me. These incorporeal forms clearly seemed unaffected by physical attacks, even penetrating through sword energies.

But Yeodong-bin, possibly due to his exorcism experience, glared coldly at these Otherworldly Beings, positioning his sword vertically.

[ Haap!!]

Bam!

As Yeodong-bin gave his command, the incorporeal flies were flung back into the air and exploded. In panic, they started to flail and scatter as one was pierced by swords akin to a skewer. Once he finished clearing the area, I was intrigued and asked,

[ What just happened?]

[ They possess ethereal abilities that allow them to ignore ki. In such cases, gathering intent to counterattack renders their brains unable to keep up, causing them to burst.]

[ I see.]

It appeared that the intent could eliminate the intangible forms. Shivering at the thought of these creatures wanting to invade my brain, I pursed my lips as Yeodong-bin sprinted out to catch the fleeing flies. I asked him,

[ What can we do about those flies that invade human brains?]

[ There should be a powerful sorcerer in charge of that species. If we eliminate that sorcerer, their commands for invasion should cease.]

[ How do you know that so well?]

[ This species has always plagued humanity, emerging from shadows during the era of darkness and chaos. I’ve fought them around three times in total.]

Yeodong-bin muttered bitterly. I felt a burden weighing on my heart.

‘There’s no way to negotiate with Otherworldly Beings.’

What I witnessed earlier was truly horrifying. If I hadn’t built up a resistance to brutal sights through years of adventure, I might have gone insane or reached my mental limits. If this breed could perform cruelty as a part of their daily routine, they were undoubtedly a species that needed to be exterminated. I understood the deep-seated hatred and disgust Yeodong-bin held for these beings.

Rumble!

As I stepped outside, dark clouds suddenly gathered in the sky, swirling ferociously. Yeodong-bin summoned his sword and soared into the sky, shouting.

[ You wicked beings! Did you think you could toy with humans and live?!]

The sky was filled with swarms of flies. They laughed, tossing out their chittering thoughts toward Yeodong-bin.

[ Hehe… humans… a species blessed by their blind and foolish fathers! We were not meant to be here, but we came to torment you! And did not you humans beckon us?]

[ Mad beings… Do you serve that vile creature?]

[ Yeodong-bin! According to our memories, you were a demon slayer a thousand years ago. Here, it shall end for you!]

Crack!

A staggering amount of lightning coalesced in the air. A sudden surge of dreadful thunder rumbled as if threatening annihilation. I felt a sense of dread wash over me, realizing that should that lightning strike, survival for any human was improbable.

‘These flies can perform such an astonishing sorcery?’

There was no way I could block that thunder with my defense. I had no idea what to do if I were to encounter that. I had to finish this before the lightning fell, but even that was no guarantee. As Yeodong-bin had worried, it seemed I was still lacking power to face any intelligent elite of the Otherworldly Beings.

But Yeodong-bin concentrated his strength and shouted,

[ Cry out, Divine Sword of the Fire Dragon!]

Heavenly Banishment Sword Technique!

Divine Sword of the Fire Dragon!

Destruction of Light!

[ Return, you vile one!]

With the Divine Sword of the Fire Dragon, my body transformed into a colossal mass of light, charging forward with the will of Yeodong-bin behind me. This was the ultimate technique Yeodong-bin had used to defeat the descendants of the Dark Deity before. The flies rallied together in response, shouting,

[ Barrier!]

Crash!

Unlike the previous encounter, the flies banded together as a colony. Thus, a solid defense barrier formed in the air, seemingly set to block Yeodong-bin’s assault. However, he ignored that and amplified the strength of the Destruction of Light, roaring in fury.

[ Disappear!!]

The barrier couldn’t withhold any longer against Yeodong-bin’s might, shattering like glass. In the next moment, the flies were engulfed by the divine fire of the Fire Dragon, completely obliterated before they could even scream. They weren’t merely cooked; they melted entirely under such intense flames, ensuring no life remained.

Kaboom!

A thunderous noise rang out as Yeodong-bin landed on the roof of the hall with his sword.

[ I have defeated the enemy!]

The explosions subsided.

He looked down at his sword and said,

[ Yeon-ja, there’s something we need to discuss.]

[ What is it?]

[ You have earned the right to perform the Sacred Rite with your companion. It’s about that matter.]

I was surprised; Yeodong-bin had never previously mentioned this. Perhaps it was because he belonged to the Heavenly Realm that he took the Sacred Rite quite seriously. After hesitating for a moment, Yeodong-bin continued,

[ From the chaos you witnessed today, it is evident that the Otherworldly Being’s influence has infiltrated every corner of this world.]

[ Are you suggesting that our request for the Sacred Rite caused this chaos?]

[ No, not exactly. It seems these flies came summoned by someone. They probably aim to achieve their goals by utilizing the Otherworldly Beings.]

I thought Yeodong-bin’s assessment was accurate. No matter how uncontrollable the Otherworldly Beings might be, it was indeed strange to specifically target the Huashan Sect for their sacrifices. The likelihood of someone directing the Otherworldly Beings to attack the Huashan Sect was high.

[ Then…]

[ Regardless of what the two of you wish to gain from the Sacred Rite, I ask for your assistance in eradicating the dark forces lurking in this world. They will undoubtedly interfere with your Rite and attempt to steal your rights.]

[ What happens if they succeed?]

[ ……]

After a moment of silence, Yeodong-bin said,

[ They will demand a rapid operation of the celestial constellation. We must not allow that…]

[ Operation of the celestial constellation?]

[ Inquire with your companion for the details. He has recently secured the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate and is being closely monitored in the Heavenly Realm.]

Mang-ryang succeeded!

I felt a surge of joy, wanting to dance in my heart, as Yeodong-bin slowly withdrew from my body.

[ We shall meet again soon…]

After Yeodong-bin retreated, I eliminated all remaining flies lingering within the building. Though some tried to charge at me in ethereal forms, once I employed the tactics Yeodong-bin had taught me, they were easily handled. After smashing all the eggs, the demonic aura receded significantly. Furthermore, having eliminated the flies that wriggled out of the survivors’ foreheads, it wouldn’t take long for the Huashan Sect survivors to return to normal.

Yet, most were left in madness.

“Uh-huh-huh… Hehehe…”

“Ehee… Eee?”

I felt a pang of sadness, knowing many promising martial artists and female masters among the Huashan Sect members had turned into tragic slaves of the Otherworldly Beings. Some had fallen to the shame of laying eggs, and restoring them would undoubtedly require considerable effort. Most nearby civilians had perished, reduced to mere skeletons.

In the end, only about three or four sound individuals emerged from the rubble. I spent an entire day treating the wounded and the abused. Once the situation stabilized, I was finally able to speak with the representative of the survivors.

“The Sect Leader has perished.”

A young man in his twenties, identifying himself as the last disciple of the Huashan Sect, Mo Jun-gi, spoke mournfully.

“The Huashan Sect… has been annihilated… We cannot carry on its legacy.”

“Did the outer disciples that went out all perish?”

“Not at all. However, the Sect Leader and the elders who knew the secrets of our core martial arts and techniques have all perished from torture… This leaves us unable to even remain part of the Great Wudang, let alone as a minor sect.”

Stunned, I retorted,

“Despite this situation, no one outside has noticed?”

“It’s due to thorough brainwashing… With the flies swarming inside their brains, they dominated everyone’s mind. Even our Sect Leader spread false rumors during his seclusion for cultivation, ensuring that no one sensed any abnormalities.”

“Since when did they invade?”

Mo Jun-gi pondered for a moment before replying,

“About a month ago.”

“A month…”

I found the timing too coincidental.

‘Could it be…?’

Was the Huashan Sect’s destruction somehow related to our request for the Sacred Rite?

But right now, there was no certainty. I decided to return to the lair of the flies I had previously captured to interrogate them. Turning to Mo Jun-gi, I proposed,

“If it’s alright with you, how about seeking shelter with the Han family in Luoyang?”

“The Han family…”

“I will inform them to aid you, so you will receive funds and support to regroup your survivors.”

Mo Jun-gi shed thick tears, lamenting,

“Ah, what a nightmare… How could such a thing happen…”

“……”

I shook my head and withdrew from the Huashan Sect.

Next, I needed to visit Songshan.