Reincarnation Sword God

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Heavenly Realm

I spent a little time at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School discussing how to counter the Gongsun Sword Technique with Jin So-cheong. Drawing from his experiences, Jin So-cheong deduced the flow of the technique and informed me about its potentially dangerous stances. He then said,

“Baek Woong, I recommend actively using the Gulgong Sword and the Cheonchuk Sword when facing that guy.”

“Why is that?”

“If you can adjust the harmonics, it will disrupt the integrity of the Gongsun Sword Technique. It’s a good counter based on compatibility.”

Suddenly a thought struck me, and I asked,

“Could it be that you applied this in the fight at Mount Tai…?”

“Indeed. I utilized the insights I received from Jang Sam-bong during your training. I believe you could also lead the battle favorably just like I did.”

“That’s a relief.”

I sighed in relief. If that were true, then facing the Vermilion Bird wasn’t an entirely hopeless endeavor. Jin So-cheong looked at me thoughtfully before asking,

“What will you do now?”

“I plan to stop by Dongyoung briefly before returning to the Hwasin Sect. I need to create an opportunity to speak with the Leader of the White Lotus Sect as soon as possible.”

“Good idea.”

A short while later, Jin So-cheong and I headed to Dongyoung using a teleportation technique. Upon arriving at the obsidian mine in Dongyoung, I began mining quality obsidian while avoiding the workers’ gaze. Jin So-cheong picked up a small piece of obsidian in a deserted tunnel, examining it curiously.

“There’s nothing particularly special about it, but in your hands, it becomes a treasure of the world.”

“It’s not that convenient. The capacity to contain memories varies depending on the size, and that’s quite bothersome.”

While the obsidian technique seemed omnipotent, it clearly had its limitations. If I wanted to convey all the knowledge, experiences, and martial arts I had accumulated over my life at once, I would need an enormous piece of obsidian larger than twenty sheets. Such obsidian was nearly impossible to find in the human world. The greater the memory capacity and the longer the time’s traces, the more oversized the needed piece became.

“Now, let’s go find Miho.”

After mining enough obsidian, we headed toward the Heavenly Emperor Palace in Kyoto, where Miho was said to be. Upon arriving at the palace, I checked for any signs of Miho and tried to find traces of her suspicious magic. Yet unexpectedly, we could find no trace of her at all.

‘No?’

Miho was absent!

The Heavenly Emperor, who should’ve been muddled by Miho’s manipulation, was alert and engaged in state affairs, and there were no signs of her magic around. It was strange, so I appeared before the Emperor using the Reversal of Marriage Spell.

“Uh!”

“I apologize for the sudden visit.”

After bowing to the Emperor, I said,

“Do you not remember living under the influence of the nine-tailed fox spirit? We happened upon traces of that spirit during our pursuit.”

“Hmm…”

The Emperor cast a cautious glance around before replying,

“Are you one of that fox’s subordinates?”

“If we were subordinates, we wouldn’t be chasing after it. We need to meet that spirit urgently.”

“That spirit broke my enchantment a little while ago and left. So now, I am merely fulfilling my duties as the Emperor. That’s all I know.”

“Where did it go?”

The Emperor looked troubled as he said,

“I want to tell you, but I just don’t know. If I had to say, all I’ve heard is that it went over to Goryeo.”

“Goryeo… What was it searching for?”

He waved his hands dismissively.

“I don’t know. Please, do not bother me further. I wish to continue living like this.”

“I understand.”

I exited the Heavenly Emperor Palace with Jin So-cheong. Jin So-cheong seemed fascinated by the architectural style and clothing of the people in Dongyoung as this was his first visit. Standing atop a building, I pondered and then said to Jin So-cheong,

“Jin So-cheong, let’s go to Goryeo.”

“Going isn’t a problem, but do we have time to search for Miho in Goryeo?”

“We just need to check two places.”

“Two places?”

I nodded.

“If Miho isn’t at either of those, then we can’t do anything.”

Pah!

I first used teleportation to head to Mani Mountain in Ganghwa Island, where a barrier was often maintained by Seosan Great Master, who resided with his disciple Yujeong. However, what I wanted to see wasn’t the disguised Mani Mountain itself but the altar of the Moon Spirit, so our intrusion was undetectable by Seosan Great Master’s barrier. His barrier only extended to the outside.

Once we arrived at the ancient Moon Spirit Altar, I scanned the surroundings, then entered the inner chamber to check if the Moon Spirit was still preserved.

‘It’s here.’

I confirmed that the three divine vessels of the Moon Spirit were intact. As long as I didn’t touch them to take them, the guardian of the Moon Spirit wouldn’t be summoned, so I left it alone and exited. Jin So-cheong asked,

“Is the Moon Spirit present?”

“Yes, it seems Miho hasn’t reached here yet.”

“That’s a relief. Where do we head next?”

“I’m thinking of going to Geochang.”

“Geochang?”

I cracked my neck and responded,

“The Emperor mentioned earlier that a passageway to Takamagahara might be in Geochang. If that’s the case, Miho will surely explore that location to seek the Moon Spirit.”

“I don’t quite understand. Can you explain in more detail?”

“If Takamagahara is a gateway to the Divine Realm, that place should resemble a place we know.”

Upon hearing my words, Jin So-cheong pondered briefly and then exclaimed in realization,

“The Heavenly Altar!”

“I didn’t catch on before, but it seems quite certain. There’s likely some site in Geochang similar to the Heavenly Altar of the Central Plains. If Miho is searching for the nearest sacred place in Dongyoung, she would stop there.”

Of course, it was also very possible that it was another location entirely and not the Heavenly Altar. But for now, it seemed better to explore in a positive direction.

“Indeed, that makes sense.”

Jin So-cheong nodded and then gazed at me with a strange look.

“You’re truly unpredictable. Sometimes you’re utterly ordinary, but at other times, your brilliance is remarkable. It’s proof that you’re growing through this adventure.”

I chuckled a bit, replying,

“I just piece together the information I acquire and keep thinking. As if everything was meant to be one, the more I learn new facts, the more they connect with past stories. Since I’m not particularly clever, I have to organize that.”

“No, just doing that is already quite impressive. Perhaps your greatest talent lies in that area.”

“Stop with the flattery. Let’s hurry and move.”

I brushed off Jin So-cheong’s praise, feeling a bit embarrassed. Truth be told, this deductive reasoning ability had been unconsciously acquired over long years spent with Mangnyang.

First, I had never been to Geochang, so I traveled to Haein Temple in Hapcheon first. I had previously been close to Haein Temple while searching for it. Once I arrived in Hapcheon, I immediately began running toward Geochang.

As I entered the Geochang region, I felt perplexed. There seemed to be a place somewhere that resembled Takamagahara, but pinpointing it precisely was quite difficult. While I pondered, Jin So-cheong suggested,

“All the Heavenly Altars are on mountains. Let’s climb a nearby high mountain.”

“That sounds good.”

However, nothing particularly tall or rugged caught my eye. Unlike the mainland, Goryeo’s mountains were low and gentle, leaving a bland impression. It was bothersome to search indiscriminately, so we ultimately decided to gather information at the nearby Haein Temple.

The abbot of Haein Temple, Great Master Daejeong, was a sorcerer affiliated with the Twelve Principles but had retired, being an elder figure. He was also a monk of the Caodong Sect. When we met Daejeong Great Master, he said,

“The Geochang area in ancient times was referred to as Jata-guk and Geoda. It used to be where the Gaya Kingdom was located and was a battlefield during the Three Kingdoms Era. However, I don’t sense any significant anomalies here as you describe.”

“I see…”

“I don’t know where you’ve heard such strange rumors, but Ming people wandering around wouldn’t be viewed favorably within the Twelve Principles.”

Daejeong Great Master said this politely, then dismissed the audience. His somewhat cold attitude made me relieved; I was grateful he simply entertained our inquiries since he could have attacked us with his sorcery due to suspicions.

‘No, there must be something in Geochang.’

While pondering how to find any unusual places, another thought crossed my mind.

‘Wait, Takamagahara is a plateau, right? Then let’s check higher plateaus first.’

I left Haein Temple and started searching the plateaus around Geochang. After about two hours of searching, something indeed cropped up—a special plateau that appeared to be sealed by sorcery. There were strong perception-impeding barriers in place to prevent normal humans from entering, with protective barriers active as well. Jin So-cheong seemed to catch on and remarked,

“It seems like this place is another dimension.”

“I have a feeling this might be Takamagahara.”

“Do you want to attempt to break the barrier? This seems like it could be shattered with intent, unlike the Eight Trigrams.”

“Of course!”

Bam! Bam! Bam!

We focused our intent and broke the barrier blocking the plateau. The concentrated power of our will had the ability to shatter the techniques and barriers. Especially since Jin So-cheong and I ranked among the best in the Central Plains, breaking this level of barrier posed no challenge. This was quite different from the absolute treasures that were intrinsic defenses like the Eight Trigrams.

Woooosh!

Upon entering the barrier, a thick aura from the other dimension flowed out. It wasn’t quite enough to influence reality yet, preserving the present realm; however, if the demonic energy intensified, it would certainly warp the physical laws of reality like in the Blood Realm or Spiritual Realm. This spot exuded a peculiar aura, and it was exceedingly likely to be Takamagahara.

Jin So-cheong murmured,

“Baek Woong, after we leave this place, we should avoid further contact with the Twelve Principles. I can’t shake the feeling that the Great Master Daejeong we met just now knows about this place.”

“I think so too. This seems to be a location secretly hidden by the Twelve Principles, much like Mani Mountain on Ganghwa Island.”

As we ventured further inside, we came across a stone monument.

[Imperial Domain of Ijinashi]

I furrowed my brow.

‘Does this mean Ijinashi is the territory of this?’

Then, as we climbed further up the gorge and reached a basin, it happened.

Wham!

Suddenly, darkness and black winds swept in. At the same time, a whispering, sinister laughter echoed from all directions. I recognized this phenomenon well from the sorcery knowledge imparted by Jiseon Mangnyang. I quickly grabbed Jin So-cheong’s arm and shouted,

“Step back!”

Bash!

We hurriedly withdrew from the point where the other dimension was closing in. What looked like an ordinary plateau before us was, in fact, the entrance to another world. Just a few steps forward, and we would have been pulled into an unknown land. Given the density of the dark energy closing in, it was certainly a place I had long known about.

I muttered bitterly,

“Damn… this place connects directly to Dark Heaven.”

“Isn’t Dark Heaven where the Demon Gods reside?”

“Exactly. I think this Takamagahara acts as a dimensional portal.”

A dimensional portal!

A direct connection to Dark Heaven!

This was a location that the great celestial beings and Taoist divine entities risked their lives to seal. The more portals open, the easier it becomes for the former rulers of the dark heaven to wield their power in the world. Often, when disasters strike, it can be linked to the existence of these portals.

So, it turned out that Takamagahara was not, contrary to our expectations, a location connecting heaven and earth like the Heavenly Altar. No, perhaps it had been used that way in the past, but currently, it was merely a dimensional portal consumed by another realm. It was almost unbelievable that a portal with such immense magic power had been sealed here.

I recalled the information the Emperor had provided:

[According to her mutterings, it seems there are otherworldly beings in this world. After contemplating the matter, I learned where the stronghold of these beings exists. If you go there, you might find a lead on the Seven Luminaries you are searching for.]

[That place is called Takamagahara, akin to the divine realm you imagine. But upon reflection, it seems that is indeed the stronghold of these otherworldly beings.]

[Only to the Emperor has it been revealed that Takamagahara is not a land where gods come but a place sealed off from evil entities and also a passage. Those who came from there wielded immense power and dominated the Dongyoung ground as gods. I believe that place is where the beings you refer to as otherworldly dwell.]

“……”

None of that was incorrect.

This Takamagahara, where the otherworldly beings originating from Dark Heaven made their appearance in our realm, likely was Geochang. Those beings of divine power would soon arrive in Dongyoung to reign as gods. The assumption that Takamagahara was a dimensional portal was already established. Initially, I had considered stepping into this place could be similar to situations like the Heavenly Altar, but that wasn’t the case.

“Hmm… then according to the monument, Ijinashi might be the very first ruler who became the god of Dongyoung.”

I felt a sense of understanding settle into my mind. As I sat there contemplating, Jin So-cheong beside me asked,

“Baek Woong, what’s your plan?”

“For now, let’s retreat. Whether there’s a lead on the Seven Luminaries here remains uncertain, but I doubt Miho would have ventured into a place like this.”

I felt a bitter disappointment creeping in. I wanted to meet Miho and at least discuss things with her, but I had no way of knowing her current whereabouts. The only silver lining was that I had confirmed the location of Takamagahara.

‘There’s no way I can immediately stop Miho from gathering the Moon Spirit.’

Pah!

We returned to the Central Plains. Then, I planned to make contact with the Hwasin Sect in the capital, Luoyang. As we parted ways, Jin So-cheong said,

“With me along, I’d only draw unnecessary suspicion from the White Lotus Sect. I wish you success.”

“Trust me.”

After dropping Jin So-cheong off at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, I headed to the Han clan estate in Luoyang. Upon arriving, Han Jin-seong awaited me.

“Did the mission go well?”

Han Jin-seong greeted me with a gentle smile, to which I nodded.

“It was uneventful.”

“That’s a relief.”

“By the way, I want to join the Leader’s sect right away…”

As I subtly shifted the topic, Han Jin-seong responded,

“My lord wishes to speak with you about that.”

“The head of the Han clan?”

“Please follow me for a moment.”

“Understood.”

I followed Han Jin-seong to the reception room of the clan leader. There, Han Baek-ryeong was lounging, her ebony-like hair draped down as she lazily rested a tobacco pipe. Upon spotting me, she stared silently before finally speaking up.

“Why do you wish to battle the Imperial Palace? What’s your objective?”

That was right at the heart of the matter. I hadn’t properly conveyed any information to the Hwasin Sect yet, but she had immediately grasped the essence of my actions. Still, I maintained a neutral expression and replied,

“What do you mean?”

“Jin-seong, explain it to him.”

Han Baek-ryeong’s blunt command prompted Han Jin-seong, who turned to me and said,

“Currently, all organizations and intelligence factions of the Imperial Palace are pursuing three individuals. One of them is yourself, Baek Woong. We confirmed that the second is Jin So-cheong from the Thunder God Lineage while the last one remains unidentified.”

“……!!”

“The martial world hasn’t caught wind of it yet, but the Imperial Palace plans to apply pressure on the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families soon. Our Han clan obtained this information beforehand.”

I quickly pieced the situation together. It was likely that the Evil God Zhuque had issued a summons for us, given our interference with the Emperor’s offering ceremony at Mount Tai. The Imperial Palace would see us as targets worthy of elimination. When I fell silent, Han Jin-seong warned,

“Don’t tell any lies in front of my lord. Your life won’t be guaranteed.”

This didn’t feel like a threat but rather a sincere warning from Han Jin-seong. He was in the same boat as me, and he wouldn’t want my reckless words to provoke Han Baek-ryeong’s anger, leading to my downfall. In this situation, telling the truth seemed to be imperative.

‘What should I do?’

If I said everything, there was no guarantee Han Baek-ryeong would cooperate with me. She might just hand me over to the Imperial Palace and wrap things up nicely. Revealing the truth would raise too many questions, and I couldn’t trust Han Baek-ryeong to that extent. After all, our relationship was one of mutual use.

Ultimately, I made my choice.

“I had to fight the Emperor at Mount Tai.”

Stating as much as I could, I began recounting everything that transpired over the last half hour. I shared the ritual of sacrificing and the conjunction with the Thunder God Lineage, my search for Mangnyang, and the Emperor’s newfound powers from the rights to claim souls.

“……”

As I continued, the expressions of Han Jin-seong and Han Baek-ryeong froze in response. The intensity of the revelations coming forth clearly overwhelmed them. Han Baek-ryeong’s fumbling with her tobacco pipe increased, indicating her inner surprise.

“… So that’s how it is.”

Once I finished speaking, Han Baek-ryeong immediately said,

“If what you say is true, then the Emperor has indeed become an immortal superhuman.”

“Absolutely.”

“And the divine decree…? Is that really true?”

“Yes.”

Silence enveloped the room for a moment.

Then, Han Baek-ryeong spoke,

“Prepare to leave immediately.”

“What do you mean?”

With her subsequent command, I realized the situation was about to escalate further.

“I will take you to the main faction of the White Lotus Sect. And you must relay what you just told me in detail to the Leader.”