Reincarnation Sword God

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Celestial Realm

Paaatt!

As we arrived at Mount Tai using the technique of bead floating, the familiar scenery unfolded before us. The hill that Lee Kwang had declared to be the “Absolute Formation” was right in front of our eyes. Cheon Woo-jin slowly examined the hill and said,

“It’s a trap. Crafted by someone of remarkable skill.”

“Can we break it?”

“It’s not that breaking it is the problem, but if we do, we’ll have to fight the master of the formation for our lives.”

I tilted my head.

“What’s the issue with that?”

After all, we had to settle the score with that existence, who was most likely the Old Sage of Mount Tai or the Vermilion Bird from the Four Great Experts of the Imperial Palace. We needed to ascertain their abilities to gain an advantage in our next lifetime. Everything was in place—location, justifications, and strength—there was no reason to decline the fight.

Then Cheon Woo-jin narrowed his eyes and asked,

“Do you even know what this formation is?”

“I don’t really understand…?”

“Hmm. While you’ve learned some basic techniques and formations, it’s understandable that you wouldn’t know. This is the legendary Eight Formation Diagram.”

“……!!”

I was taken aback by Cheon Woo-jin’s words and asked in disbelief,

“The diagram spread across this hill is the Eight Formation Diagram? Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. Only the Eight Formation Diagram can wield such powerful forces of the Eight Trigrams.”

“That’s…”

An ominous feeling engulfed me.

My previous experiences were ringing alarm bells.

‘I’ve encountered the Eight Formation Diagram before. And the one who unleashed it was…’

Lord of Inner Imperial Pavilion Zhuge Fu!

In my past life, an outstanding sorcerer known as Zhuge Fu, also referred to as the Treasure of the Central Plains, had wielded the Eight Formation Diagram as a guardian formation for the palace. Back then, I had neutralized the diagram using the technique of bead floating, but in reality, I had just received help from that exaggerated treasure of the otherworldly beings. There was no guarantee that I could breach a properly set-up Eight Formation Diagram.

Was Lord of Inner Imperial Pavilion Zhuge Fu present here?

After some contemplation, I figured it was entirely possible. The Old Sage of Mount Tai had a connection with the Imperial Palace, which in turn was linked to Zhuge Fu. It wouldn’t be strange for the Old Sage of Mount Tai, who could potentially be the Vermilion Bird, and Zhuge Fu to be working together. Perhaps Zhuge Fu was here to aid the Old Sage.

While I was deep in thought, Cheon Woo-jin spoke up.

“This formation is linked to the life force of its creator. It’s proof that the resolve of whoever set this up is immense.”

“What do you mean?”

Cheon Woo-jin sighed.

“Normally, a formation wouldn’t be set up this way. Even if the formation is broken, the creator would typically remain unharmed. Yet, they’ve chosen to strengthen the formation by connecting it to their life force, which means if the formation is shattered, they die as well.”

“……”

“So if this formation breaks, that person will die, making them desperate to protect it.”

Upon hearing Cheon Woo-jin’s explanation, I realized we were in a dire situation.

In the past, I had been unable to directly breach the Eight Formation Diagram. If it had been further enhanced by that life-seal technique, breaking it would be exceedingly difficult. In the situation where I needed to secure the Heavenly Altar of Mount Tai, this was a considerable obstacle.

Listening to Cheon Woo-jin, Jin So-cheong, who was there beside us, spoke up.

“It seems like breaking this formation is something only you, Cheon Woo-jin, can handle. Is there nothing we can do to help?”

Cheon Woo-jin crossed his arms and pondered for a moment before saying,

“Something feels off inside. Once I open the entrance of the formation, you must hurry in and accomplish your task within a brief moment.”

“Are we unable to destroy the Eight Formation Diagram?”

Cheon Woo-jin shook his head.

“The one who set up this diagram is an extraordinary sorcerer. A formation set up by someone willing to stake their life is not something I can easily break, even for me. I’ll need at least a day to conduct the right ceremony to dismantle it.”

“Hmmm.”

“We should have enough time to scout the interior for about a brief moment.”

It seemed this Eight Formation Diagram was indeed not something even the illusory god Cheon Woo-jin could easily break. Thus, we needed to confirm what was happening inside while he opened the way. As Jin So-cheong and I readied our weapons, Cheon Woo-jin formed a seal and shouted,

“Quickly, quickly, like a binding command!”

Wooooosh!

With a mysterious sound, it felt as if a distorted space wavered before my eyes. Cheon Woo-jin closed his eyes and softly instructed,

“Don’t stray to the side; head straight forward. If you go sideways, your life can’t be guaranteed.”

“Understood!”

Paaatt!

Together with Jin So-cheong, I dashed toward the hill. Jin So-cheong matched my pace while casting the Demon Suppressing technique and said,

“I hope Mangnyang is safe.”

That was precisely what I wished for even more desperately. If something had happened to Mangnyang, it would be a real catastrophe. Regardless of whether Mangnyang was inside or not, my thoughts were growing increasingly complicated. Thanks to the extraordinary speed of the Demon Suppressing technique, we reached the interior of the hill in no time.

Whoa!

At the bottom of the hill was a massive basin, and there stood the Heavenly Altar. Strangely, the altar of Mount Tai appeared ten times larger and wider than those found elsewhere. Near the altar were three figures, one of whom I recognized instantly,

‘Zhuge Fu!’

He was indeed present!

Had Zhuge Fu set up the Eight Formation Diagram?

The other two figures wore large hats, obscuring their faces. As we appeared on the hill, it seemed they sensed us, their gazes turning our way. Jin So-cheong stood atop the hill and said,

“Baek Woong, we don’t have the luxury of talking to them. We must kill them all.”

“What do you mean?”

“We can’t afford to give them any leeway.”

Jin So-cheong’s face was grim. He seemed to have made up his mind already. A warrior’s instinct was eerily alerting him to grave danger.

“Oh, I’m getting that feeling. I’ll take on the one at the back; leave the other two to you.”

“Got it.”

Given the urgency of the situation, the only option left was to plunge into battle.

Clang!

Jin So-cheong dashed in at a speed that seemed to transcend sound, launching a powerful spear thrust at the one in the back. It was so fast that I almost lost sight of Jin So-cheong’s movements. An instant later, the air erupted with the sound of air being split.

‘He’s leaving no room!’

I could not afford to remain idle. Responding with a half-beat delay, I charged at Zhuge Fu. Zhuge Fu, possessing remarkable skills far beyond an ordinary sorcerer, sensed the speed of my attack and raised his hand. A blue aura whirled around his hand.

Boom!

The clash of our energies created a subtle crack in the air. Following that, a series of distorted explosions erupted, and my sword danced in succession, aiming for Zhuge Fu’s vital spots. Yet, surprisingly, Zhuge Fu stayed composed despite my unexpected ambush, casting his techniques to fend off my attacks.

Swish!

Zhuge Fu retreated two steps but utilized that rebound to launch the Ultimate Technique. I thought it resembled the drunken stumbling of a tipsy person, casually dodging my rush while delivering a series of counters laced with Soul Driver powers.

‘Remarkable skills!’

I quickly realized I could be in serious trouble if I recklessly countered. So, rather than forcefully striking back, I opted to defend with the Cave Collapsing Strike first. Gradually, as Zhuge Fu’s counterattacks collided with my defenses, openings naturally emerged, and I seized one to insert a technique of the Thunder God Sword Dance.

“Haah!”

Slash!

“Ugh!”

Zhuge Fu let out a painful gasp as he staggered back. Unlike his earlier strange movement techniques, this time he genuinely seemed to be injured. It made sense; I had exploited a genuine weakness in his martial arts. This confirmed that my abilities were superior to Zhuge Fu’s current prowess, but I sensed that his defenses were so solid that using the Thunder God techniques at full power would be premature. I needed to wait for a better moment to strike decisively.

In the rapid exchanges of techniques, while I managed to launch continuous attacks on Zhuge Fu, I had to take a moment to assess the strange individual beside him.

‘Who is this person?’

Despite the clash of martial skills with Zhuge Fu, this individual showed no signs of joining in. They didn’t even seem to be casting spells to attack me, merely staring vacantly like an ordinary person. This individual appeared to be in their early twenties, standing tall enough. I briefly pondered if it could be Mangnyang, but clearly, it was a different person.

As Thunder reverberated, Zhuge Fu stumbled.

“Cough!”

He coughed out a stream of blood and exclaimed,

“You’re a master of the Thunder God art…!!”

Could he guess my skills merely from my technique? Or did he already know my true identity from the very beginning?

My mind whirled with countless thoughts, but regardless of that, my body moved instinctively—a habit developed from countless real battles. Even if my mind was in disarray, I had to press on to survive.

‘Die!’

My sword extended straight out, streaking like a falling star. As I executed the rapid strike of the Thunder God Swordsmanship, Zhuge Fu gritted his teeth, reached for his weapon, and infused it with his own energy before swinging it toward me.

Bang!

Once again, the powerful energies clashed in the air. My superior cultivation sent him stumbling back as he bled from his lips and retreated three steps.

‘Hmm?’

I had expected Zhuge Fu would retreat instantly using some teleportation technique. After all, his skills in sorcery should have been stronger than his martial skills, making it clear that this was just the beginning of a serious battle. To my shock, rather than fleeing, he lifted his weapon and engaged me in a martial clash, effectively sealing his own advantages, much to my benefit. But this raised questions in my mind.

‘Why wouldn’t he escape?’

Something was off, but this was an opportunity. Determined to take Zhuge Fu down completely, I gathered my killing intent and prepared for a stronger thrust.

In a moment of silence, my momentum surged, and I executed a thrust like never before.

Whoosh!

“Ugh!”

Zhuge Fu let out a pained moan. Blood sprayed as I pierced a crucial point, inflicting a near-fatal wound. I was all but certain that just one more technique would finish him off.

Just then,

Brrr!

Zhuge Fu’s form ignited and exploded into a radiant light, disappearing without a trace. He had used some technique to flee at the last moment. At the same time, the enigmatic figure beside him spoke up.

“Such a young one possesses remarkable martial skills.”

Whoever this person was, how dare they comment on someone else’s age?

I was furious and charged at them to deliver a lethal strike. After all, I intended to eliminate everyone present, and I felt no pangs of conscience about that. The fewer potential enemies there were, the better for me.

“Wait…”

The figure seemed startled by my sudden attack. However, I had no intention of halting. After all, anyone here had to be killed.

Swish!

With my sword drawn, the head of the mysterious figure fell to the ground in a clean sweep. They had shown no considerable martial skills or spells despite their calm demeanor. With the head rolling on the ground, I hastily went to aid Jin So-cheong.

Jin So-cheong was still fiercely engaged in battle, having not paused for breath. His spear techniques flowed uniquely, swirling like a tempest, packed with tremendous momentum. The sight of his energy cascading forth was a sight to behold.

Boom!

“Haah!!”

The figure in the hat clashed with Jin So-cheong, releasing a bright battle cry as they swung their weapon. A blue light surged from their blade, successfully deflecting Jin So-cheong’s fierce energy and executing both attack and defense simultaneously. The complexity of their techniques left me astounded.

“……!!”

A formidable master!

In just two months, Jin So-cheong’s prowess had surpassed mine significantly, stepping into a new level of mastery, and here he was, violently attacking with a vortex that I could hardly handle. Yet, the hat-wearer skillfully maintained a perfect balance between offense and defense, fighting evenly with Jin So-cheong. This person’s martial skills undoubtedly sufficed to name them a top master in the Jianghu.

Eventually, it seemed like the hat-wearer was straining as blood trickled from his mouth. Though his skills were impressive, he appeared to be lagging behind Jin So-cheong. As he retreated, he shouted,

“Hahaha, have you come seeking revenge for your father? How utterly meaningless.”

What? Does he know who Jin So-cheong is?!

I was stunned by the unexpected revelation, but Jin So-cheong remained unfazed. He merely continued to unleash his attacks with a detached demeanor, pouring forth the utter deadliness of the Thunder Spear. A multitude of spear shadows surged forth, attacking the individual from eighteen different directions, and the hat-wearer gritted his teeth, managing to block them with expert fencing techniques.

Crash!

A streak of lightning dashed through the air. Jin So-cheong, in a moment I couldn’t even perceive, lunged forward and severed one of the hat-wearer’s arms clean off. The severed limb sailed through the air before crashing to the ground. Before the arm could even hit the ground, Jin So-cheong swung his spear again, delivering a vicious blow while the enemy stumbled about.

“Urghh. To think I cannot withstand even the basic techniques…”

As the hat-wearer tumbled across the ground, Jin So-cheong’s expression hardened even more. It seemed he was preparing to finish the fight as he raised his spear. Just one more technique would drive this foe to their doom!

But in that very moment,

“I command you to stop.”

“……!!”

Jin So-cheong froze. His body seemed to lose control, as if immobilized by those quiet commands. Even when he regained movement, the hat-wearer had already managed to recover.

The voice casting that strange command wasn’t from the hat-wearer but came from behind us. I turned back to see the one who had issued the command walking toward us.

“Hehe. Truly amusing. You catch more flies with honey, they say.”

“Ugh!!”

I was aghast.

The person whose head I had severed was walking around with it in their hands!

This person was undoubtedly none other than the one I had cleanly beheaded just moments ago! The decapitated body was brandishing its own head and speaking!

“Mmm… as expected, a comfortable body.”

As I stood petrified at the absurd scene defying all common sense, the young figure pressed their head firmly against the severed neck. In the blink of an eye, the severed area healed perfectly without any trace. The strange blue-eyed figure glared at me and Jin So-cheong before saying,

“Vermilion Bird, capture these two.”

Then, the sword-wielding master clad in the hat nodded and proclaimed,

“Fear not.”

The hat-wearer was indeed the Vermilion Bird of the Four Great Experts of the Imperial Palace and the Old Sage of Mount Tai.

They were effectively the enemies standing in our way.

But something felt wrong. Jin So-cheong remained paralyzed, showing a blank expression as if he couldn’t move. It seemed he hadn’t shaken off the effects of the strange language-based command he had just endured.

‘Who is that?!’

What kind of monster could command the Vermilion Bird like that?

Moreover, how could someone walk around after being decapitated and cast such powerful commands? Was this even human?

Whatever the case, staying here and continuing this fight was disadvantageous. I realized Jin So-cheong’s instincts had been correct, but with things having escalated beyond quick resolutions, we needed to flee. If Zhuge Fu were to arrive, there would be no way to escape.

“Let’s go.”

I used bead floating to move beside Jin So-cheong. Then, in that fleeting moment, I quickly took him along with me and teleported to a different place. The sensation of pure white light flickering was overwhelming, and when I came to my senses, we found ourselves in the middle of a dimly lit structure.

Cheon Woo-jin had waited for us and looked surprised.

“What’s going on?”

“There’s no time to explain. The enemy might come pursuing us soon, so we must flee…”

Just then,

“Divine Banquet of Marriage Departure!”

Chiriiriring!

We suddenly found ourselves surrounded by thousands of talismans. Caught off guard by the sudden barrier, Cheon Woo-jin’s expression hardened, and there, about a little distance away, Zhuge Fu made his appearance with a teleportation spell. Spotting Cheon Woo-jin, he smoothly remarked,

“Hmm… What brings the so-called Illusory God to this place? No matter how you may call yourself an Illusory God, your death is assured now that you’re trapped in the Divine Banquet of Marriage Departure.”

“Zhuge Fu!”

“It’s been a while.”

Zhuge Fu seemed to recognize Cheon Woo-jin, who also had a stoic look on his face, staring back at him. Unexpectedly, I noticed Zhuge Fu’s injuries from my previous attack had already healed. As Cheon Woo-jin glanced at Jin So-cheong, he responded in a fierce tone,

“So that’s how it is. You’ve already completed the ritual?”

Zhuge Fu, smiling knowingly, said,

“You’re quite astute. Indeed, the offering ceremony has concluded.”

“……!!”

“The foundation of the Millennium Empire has been laid.”

What does that even mean?!

As I struggled to grasp the situation, I heard Cheon Woo-jin’s voice in my head.

[This is the worst-case scenario. If we can escape from here, it won’t be the absolute worst.]

[What came to pass?]

Cheon Woo-jin sighed.

[It seems that Mangnyang has been captured by them, which resulted in them taking control of the offering ceremony. An immortal monstrosity has now been birthed.]

[Ugh…]

[Zhuge Fu has also gained significant power from this ritual, multiplying its efficacy. If it were the Zhuge Fu of old, I could’ve been relaxed, but now it’s uncertain.]

I ground my teeth. The worst conceivable scenario had unfolded before me.

I sensed Cheon Woo-jin understood there was no time left to explain, as he spoke quietly to Zhuge Fu,

“Where is Mangnyang? We came here looking for him, so if you return him, we’ll withdraw quietly.”

At that moment, Zhuge Fu burst into laughter.

“Ha ha ha!! The young master has always belonged to the family. There’s no need to worry; I’ve ensured no harm comes to him.”

“That’s laughable. You must have brainwashed him into becoming your puppet. And yet you claim kinship?”

“Hmph… You shall share the same fate.”

Crackling!

The thousands of talismans surrounding us erupted in bright light. Zhuge Fu seemed prepared to unleash the full extent of the Divine Banquet of Marriage Departure to obliterate us. The illusory god Cheon Woo-jin extended his hand, summoning a spectral dance, but it barely seemed enough to resist the overwhelming incoming talismans.

I wondered if such a desperate situation could even exist.

Mangnyang had already become an enemy’s hostage, Jin So-cheong was incapacitated by some command, and now I was on the verge of being killed by Zhuge Fu!

‘… No. This isn’t the real worst-case scenario!’

Despite the despair, I gritted my teeth.

Dying was easy.

If I just stood back and did nothing, I would surely die.

What mattered most was how I would die!

Paaatt!

I moved with bead floating to Cheon Woo-jin’s side and, in that brief moment, teleported, bringing both Cheon Woo-jin and Jin So-cheong with me to another location. The flickering sensation of white light enveloped me, and once I regained consciousness, we found ourselves at the center of a dimly lit, vast building.

Cheon Woo-jin swayed slightly as we arrived via bead floating. He then asked,

“Where are we?”

“… Far away, several thousand miles. Is it possible for them to catch up to us here?”

This was the place where the prophet of Astana resided.

Instinctively, I felt that fleeing here had been the right choice.

After a moment of consideration, Cheon Woo-jin replied,

“He’ll catch up in less than half a breath. His tracking techniques are unparalleled in the world.”

“I believe you’re right.”

As expected, Zhuge Fu’s relentless tracking had already been something I had experienced several times. To use this brief time wisely, I first checked on Jin So-cheong’s state, who seemed to be half-conscious.

“What happened to Jin So-cheong?”

Cheon Woo-jin muttered in annoyance at my inquiry.

“He was affected by the command. He won’t recover until the language artist dies.”

“I understand he’s a language artist, but is the power of such language naturally so potent?”

To my knowledge, language arts weren’t supposed to be that powerful. They were typically meant for subtle suggestions and used for brainwashing purposes. Even with a specialized language artist, I had heard their capability wasn’t particularly grand. Yet, seeing Jin So-cheong in this state, I found it unfathomable that a language artist could incapacitate such an exceptional master.

“It’s likely the initial command stemmed from an ancient ruler through the offering ceremony, granting an original ritualistic power. The one who executed it is probably that young man.”

By “that man”, he meant the one who had cast the earlier language-based command.

After thinking briefly, I asked Cheon Woo-jin,

“Cheon Woo-jin, that young man is…”

“Your guess is probably correct.”

“What do you mean…?”

I hesitated, not wanting to accept a certain notion. But with the circumstances compiling, one conclusion rang through my mind.

“That man is…the Emperor?!”