Reincarnation Sword God

---

Heavenly Realm

After parting ways with Dokgo Seong, I decided to take Jin So-cheong with me. Lee Kwang seemed none too pleased about me bringing Jin So-cheong along, but since Dokgo Seong had vouched for him, he had little choice but to allow it. After all, Dokgo Seong could read my memories and knew full well I wouldn’t harm Jin So-cheong.

‘What should I do?’

I had resolved to train Jin So-cheong until we met again, but I still felt conflicted. Of course, it was true that Jin So-cheong wouldn’t grow much if things remained as they were, but conversely, if I began teaching him, I’d soon find it hard to keep up with his growth. I was painfully aware of just how extraordinary his talent was.

After some thought, I led Jin So-cheong toward Jinrang Valley.

Thud!

Upon arriving at Jinrang Valley, I found Cheon Woo-jin there. He seemed to be working on a nearby farm, gripping a large sickle in one hand. He looked at us with a grumpy expression and said,

“Your senior has returned. You can find him in the hut.”

“And Zhuge Sa?”

“I sealed him back in the other dimension because he caused too much ruckus.”

“……”

They must have made quite the fuss if they got sealed again after such a short absence. Considering Cheon Woo-jin’s usual brusque demeanor, it was clear he and Zhuge Sa were not clicking well. I shook my head and headed to the hut to meet Mangnyang.

Inside the hut, Mangnyang was awaiting us on the bench. He greeted us cheerfully.

“Oh, you’ve come!”

“Mangnyang, did everything go well on your end?”

Mangnyang grinned and replied,

“Of course! I’ve gained new strength.”

“Congratulations!”

Indeed, Mangnyang radiated an aura of spiritual energy that hadn’t been there before. It was a clear indication he had reached a significant level as a sorcerer. He then glanced at Jin So-cheong standing beside me and said,

“You’ve brought a companion.”

At that, Jin So-cheong bowed slightly.

“Greetings. I am Jin So-cheong of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School.”

“Ah… A pleasure.”

It appeared Mangnyang already knew Jin So-cheong, as he welcomed him comfortably. With the memories from my past life being passed down, it was no surprise Mangnyang recognized Jin So-cheong. He simply chose to play it cool.

After a short while, I explained everything that had transpired. When the topics of the Old Sage of Mount Tai and Zhuque came up, Mangnyang’s expression grew serious. He was silent for a while before saying,

“The situation has entered a new phase.”

“What do you mean?”

“With the emergence of the variable called Zhuque, we need to change our response.”

Mangnyang looked at me intently and added,

“Before we proceed with explanations, we need to clarify something.”

“What do you want to clarify?”

“Are you genuinely considering accepting Jin So-cheong as a true companion?”

At Mangnyang’s question, I let out a deep sigh. He had pinpointed the exact issue that was currently causing me the most headache.

“I came here because I haven’t reached a decision.”

“Good. Then let me speak on your behalf.”

Mangnyang faced me directly and spoke firmly.

“Do not hesitate in your insights and teachings! And it’s best to expand your circle of companions whenever possible. Maintain this principle in your future lives.”

“Why is that?”

I rejoined with a question. There was a reason I asked. After all, passing my memories through the Black Obsidian was a double-edged sword for me. It was tenfold more effective than trying to persuade someone with words, but conversely, it meant revealing my most guarded secrets. If someone had bad intentions, I could end up significantly harmed or dead.

Mangnyang calmly continued,

“If your goal is merely personal advancement, you wouldn’t need to use the Black Obsidian. However, as it stands now, you might be gathering causal rates to fight against divine beings. That means you should not hold back when it comes to bestowing upon your companions.”

“What if someone betrays us?”

“That would actually benefit you. You could simply choose not to include them as a companion in the future.”

“……!!”

“We are currently extremely lacking in power. Until we gather strength, we shouldn’t hesitate to use any means necessary.”

I could grasp Mangnyang’s reasoning. Even if we pooled human power together, it was uncertain whether we could reach divine levels. So, instead of suspecting everyone individually, it was wiser to expand our group of allies, as that would provide me the greatest benefit.

“Excuse me, but I don’t quite understand what you’re discussing…”

At that moment, Jin So-cheong interjected, confused. After glancing at the perplexed Jin So-cheong, Mangnyang spoke softly,

“Baek Woong, the choice is yours. What will it be?”

After a moment’s thought, I nodded.

“I’ll follow what you’ve said.”

Swish

‘Is this the last Black Obsidian? I suppose I’ll have to dig for it again.’

I resolved to revisit the Black Obsidian mine soon. While lost in thought, I offered the Black Obsidian to Jin So-cheong. He stared at it blankly, so I encouraged him,

“Jin So-cheong. If you accept this Black Obsidian, you will come to understand the significance of our conversation.”

“What do you mean?”

“And our relationship will also change from what it is now.”

“……?”

“What’s certain is, if you don’t accept my memories through the Black Obsidian, our discussions will no longer progress.”

Jin So-cheong crossed his arms, contemplating. Finally, he said,

“Will my martial arts improve?”

I chuckled.

“Of course.”

“Well then, I’ll trust you for now.”

After a moment, Jin So-cheong placed his hand on the Black Obsidian, and I cast the memory transmission spell.

Bam!

As Jin So-cheong absorbed a copious amount of memories, his gaze momentarily became unfocused. He stood still for a while, and after about half a breath, he loosened his stiffened form and shook his head.

“I can’t believe it.”

He seemed to have received the memories without issue.

“It may be hard to believe, but it’s true, senior.”

“……”

Jin So-cheong still wore a bewildered expression. It was only natural, considering my memories spanned 17 life cycles. While Dokgo Seong might have brushed past many things due to not knowing, Jin So-cheong had many intersections with me, making it all the more confusing for him. He must have felt as if he were peering into lives he didn’t even know he had.

After a while, Jin So-cheong said,

“You worked hard for over a hundred years, and in the end, you surpassed me. Impressive.”

“Are you mocking me?”

“Not at all. Under normal circumstances, one would tire and give up before putting in the effort you did.”

Jin So-cheong wasn’t mocking me; he looked genuinely impressed. It was a refreshing acknowledgment that could only come from someone like him, a genius aiming for a thousand years of martial mastery. He regarded me with a worried gaze and said,

“However, I find it awkward to refer to you as a senior. Even if in a past life I was your senior, your current stature resembles that of my master. So what should I call you?”

Indeed, titles and forms of address were a matter worthy of consideration. After thinking for a moment, I replied,

“Let us call each other equals from now on. I’ve decided to regard you as my true companion, so there won’t be any hierarchy.”

Jin So-cheong grumbled,

“I can’t shake the feeling that I’m getting the short end of the stick here.”

“I mean, I put in over a hundred years of effort, didn’t I? Cut me some slack.”

“Ugh.”

For a moment, we exchanged looks before bursting into laughter.

“Ha ha ha!”

Despite the seriousness of the subject, neither of us felt uncomfortable, likely because we had no negative feelings toward each other from the beginning. Of course, I bore some inferiority complex regarding Jin So-cheong’s talent; however, I had mostly resolved that in this life, enabling me to open my heart to him.

While we were talking, Mangnyang addressed Jin So-cheong.

“As you now understand, Baek Woong’s goal is to reveal the secrets of the divine beings that disturb the human realm and to correct the chaos. We have no way of knowing how powerful a being may appear in this process. Do you still have the confidence to fight alongside us?”

Jin So-cheong nodded.

“Of course. In fact, I am quite pleased with this proposal.”

“Pleased?”

Looking up at the sky, Jin So-cheong said,

“I have felt a strong sense of emptiness. I’ve diligently practiced martial arts under my master’s teachings, but the thousand-year martial path feels endlessly distant. I often found myself adrift without knowing where I stood. That is why my progress in martial arts has been somewhat stagnant.”

“……”

I understood. It dawned on me why Jin So-cheong’s growth would nearly stall if he remained in the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. While he had been stimulated by the mysterious martial artist in his youth, he had likely felt disillusioned with the mundane routine. Given his exceptional talent, it was only natural there would be no challengers around to inspire him, thus leading to a sense of emptiness creeping in.

“However, before seeing the memories through the Black Obsidian, I was greatly inspired by you, Baek Woong. The existence of a martial artist who is younger yet stronger than I was a tremendous shock.”

“In comparison to you, my talents are barely worth mentioning.”

“Results speak for themselves. You have every right to be proud.”

Speaking in a nonchalant tone, Jin So-cheong continued,

“I want to become your companion moving forward, increasing my level alongside you. If it’s you, I believe you can help me reach the ultimate martial mastery.”

“……!!”

At that moment, Jin So-cheong’s declaration felt as if he was destined to reach the ultimate realm. If someone else had said those words, I would have dismissed it as a joke; however, being said by Jin So-cheong, it felt like an inevitable truth. That’s simply how exceptional he was as a genius.

A sense of unexplainable reverence washed over me. A slight difference in talent could breed feelings of inferiority, but when the gap was this wide, it became pure admiration.

‘Yes. Perhaps Jin So-cheong can do it!’

After all, I would eventually have to contend with divine beings. If Jin So-cheong could surpass the gods with human martial arts, it would be phenomenal! I was suddenly filled with hope that my journey toward my goal could be significantly shortened.

“Understood.”

I spoke firmly,

“I will support you to the best of my abilities.”

Determination settled in my heart.

“Now then, let’s lay out a real plan.”

As my conversation with Jin So-cheong wrapped up, Mangnyang casually climbed onto the bench and sat down.

“…..”

Sitting together at the table, I felt a peculiar sensation. After decades of time passed, it felt like we had finally converged into one place. Mangnyang, sensing the awkwardness, cleared his throat before opening up.

“Ahem. Anyway, let’s discuss what we need to do now.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“First and foremost, Baek Woong, you will train Jin So-cheong here in Jinrang Valley. As for me, I plan to organize the Half Heaven Alliance starting now.”

What in the world was he talking about? I exclaimed in astonishment,

“Are you really intending to organize the Half Heaven Alliance now? Isn’t that a bit ambitious?”

Considering the previous life was quite far behind, the Imperial Palace’s demon soldiers must have been sufficiently trained by now. That meant the palace’s strength had dramatically increased. There was a considerable risk that operations of the Half Heaven Alliance, run by Mangnyang, could get crushed by an assault from the Imperial Palace.

However, Mangnyang shook his head dismissively.

“The Half Heaven Alliance we’re creating this time is not to confront the Imperial Palace directly. It’s merely a minimal measure for post-processing.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Baek Woong, as you know, the response from the Heavenly Realm in this life is different from before.”

Mangnyang spoke with a sharp gaze.

“The old sage who once cultivated the forces of the Yellow Turbans has descended and is active on the ground, and the Queen Mother of the West has ordered the Moon Sovereign’s recovery. The reason the Heavenly Realm’s activities have become so active is precisely due to the Offering Ceremony we requested.”

“What does the Offering Ceremony have to do with the Heavenly Realm’s actions?”

Mangnyang stared quietly at the sky for a moment before speaking.

“I’ve mentioned that those who perform the Offering Ceremony gain the powers of immortality and magic, obtaining the authority of a priest who communicates with the ‘Ancient Rulers.’ Depending on the situation, a new ruler may also be born.”

“A new ruler?”

“The ‘Ancient Rulers’ are beings born as a result of reaching the ultimate plane of sorcery. The Offering Ceremony serves as a conduit to summon them to Mount Tai. No one knows who may be summoned. If a being of low standing is called forth, we can rest easy, but if a higher-ranking one appears, it could bring about an enormous calamity.”

“A higher-ranking one?”

“I’m speaking of the Outer Gods. Beings so unfathomable that even the ‘Ancient Rulers’ revere them as deities…”

Mangnyang muttered,

“The Heavenly Realm likely wishes to avoid that at all costs. As such, they’re creating a religion in the human world to assemble power and are setting their sights on eliminating us. The new religion that is currently rampaging in Hebei is sure to become an enemy and obstruct us in the future. The one behind it is the Great Immortal.”

“Hmm.”

“The Moon Sovereign’s quest is in line with this as well.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

I widened my eyes at Mangnyang’s continued speech.

“The Heavenly Realm has expressed its intent to stop the Offering Ceremony, even if it means releasing the Moon Sovereign. Since you have a causal connection, wouldn’t the Seven Luminaries need to counter with the Seven Luminaries?”

“……!!”

I froze in shock for a moment and quickly blurted out,

“But the Moon Sovereign needs to fight for it! The Dharmabodhi sorcerers would have to risk their lives to fight; how could that ever happen?”

“Do you forget that it’s the Queen Mother of the West giving those orders?”

“What about her?”

Mangnyang sighed.

“If Miho only needs to find the seal of the Moon Sovereign, the Queen Mother of the West may very well descend herself, risking the chaos of causal rates, to directly challenge Miho’s protector. The Queen Mother of the West is a Celestial Deity several times more powerful than Ye Dong-bin; she would easily unlock the Moon Sovereign’s seal.”

“……”

I realized that things were spinning out of control more than I anticipated. At the same time, I didn’t want to accept the worst scenario in my mind. I spoke with a trembling voice,

“So you’re saying… Miho will become the master of the Seven Luminaries and block my path?”

“Exactly. But that would only create chaos and stir up confusion in the world. That’s exactly why I wish to establish the Half Heaven Alliance, to ensure we’re prepared to handle the chaos that will arise. I also want to utilize the Half Heaven Alliance and the Thunder God lineage to secure the altar of the Five Great Mountains.”

Mangnyang’s expression was resolute.

“It’s only a matter of time. You must decide promptly.”

Though he hadn’t explicitly put it out there, his intent was clear:

I must either claim Miho as an ally or exclude him.

Either option posed a difficult decision for me.

After contemplating, I asked,

“Is it absolutely necessary for us to proceed with the Offering Ceremony at all costs? If we could just gain the power to overthrow the Imperial Palace and diminish the chaos…”

“Not at all. We must carry out the Offering Ceremony in this life, even if we have to go to extremes.”

Mangnyang showed no signs of backing down. Clenching his fists, he proclaimed,

“The reason I went to such lengths, risking my life to obtain the Three Sovereigns’ Secrets, is precisely for this. After interpreting the Three Sovereigns’ texts, I have come to know that if we utilize their relics during the Offering Ceremony, we can summon the Three Sovereigns.”

He seemed to be trying to use the causal rates I possessed as a medium to summon the Three Sovereigns. I pondered,

“Must we summon the Three Sovereigns?”

As I voiced my doubts, Mangnyang responded,

“Which Three Sovereigns do you think will be summoned when offering the causal rates? It would be none other than the Great Emperor.” The light gleamed in his eyes.

“By conversing with the Great Emperor, we can gain secrets about the Three Sovereigns and, furthermore, reconnect the heavens and the earth. If we achieve this, we can challenge the Heavenly Realm directly and obtain various divine powers long forbidden to humans.”

“Forbidden powers for humans?”

“I suppose you wouldn’t have known. When the Great Emperor severed the connection between the heavens and the earth, human sorcery underwent significant decline. Many divine abilities that the primordial humans could wield naturally were sealed away in the Heavenly Realm. Unlocking those would empower us further.”

“Is that so…”

As the conversation neared its conclusion, Mangnyang prepared to take his leave. He mentioned he was going to check on the altar of the Five Great Mountains and then spoke to me,

“While I’m at it, I’ll find out what kind of person this Zhuque who resides on Mount Tai is. If he’s nothing problematic, I’ll deal with him on the spot.”

“Wouldn’t it be better if I went with you?”

“No need for that. If I possess the Three Sovereigns’ texts, most issues will be resolved, so you should save your time.”

Mangnyang appeared more confident than ever. Having acquired the relics of the immortals and rapidly advanced to the realm of a high sorcerer must have bolstered that confidence. I worriedly said to Mangnyang,

“If you need any help, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“Of course. Then.”

As Mangnyang departed, I contemplated for a moment.

‘If Miho intends to find the Moon Sovereign’s whereabouts, it’s going to take time. The Heavenly Realm seems to be just as clueless about the Moon Sovereign’s location, while the Twelve Lunar Spirits who know its whereabouts are likely concealing their information.’

Based on my past experiences, it would take Miho a minimum of a decade to uncover the Moon Sovereign’s identity. I realized that I would need to seize the opportunity before then. To do that, I had to accumulate more power while training Jin So-cheong.

I said to Jin So-cheong,

“Let’s begin the transmission of memories.”