Reincarnation Sword God

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Heavenly Realm

The being known as Jeon Wook appeared to have a bizarre form. Clad in a flowing dark blue imperial robe, his hands dangled languidly, yet they too seemed engulfed in darkness. And his face looked as if it were made of chaos itself, rendering him unrecognizable as human. I could distinctly sense he was something resembling a ‘human.’

The oppressive aura he emitted was overwhelmingly burdensome for any human to bear. As expected, Cheon Woo-jin also wore a troubled expression, while Zhuge Sa had closed his eyes, muttering a protective incantation for himself. Even the most skilled sorcerer could hardly maintain their sanity in the presence of a divine status. Yet, all I felt was a maddening pressure, so I slowly opened my mouth.

“Jeon Wook! I’ve come to ask for two favors.”

[ ……]

Jeon Wook remained silent. The silence emanated a strange sense of pressure, causing the yokai serving him to flinch. At last, Jeon Wook spoke.

[ You have not yet offered the tribute.]

Tribute?

“……”

As I puzzled over this, Zhuge Sa opened his eyes and stepped forward. He moved the effigies onto the altar and raised the dagger he held.

“Jeon Wook! Will you accept this tribute?”

Jeon Wook craned his neck, peering intently at the effigies. After a while, he finally spoke.

[ Very well.]

“May you be pleased!”

Thwuck!

Without a hint of hesitation, Zhuge Sa plunged the dagger into the hearts of the effigies. One by one, he extracted their hearts and placed them upon the altar before kneeling down. Moments later, the hearts seemed to evaporate, turning into dust that was swiftly absorbed into the abyss of the void.

Upon receiving Zhuge Sa’s offering, Jeon Wook raised his right hand, appearing satisfied.

[ Speak. The conditions of the Offering Ceremony are fulfilled.]

Seeing this scene, I thought to myself,

‘So it means he’ll take what he can get before starting?’

Even a god wouldn’t engage in a losing deal, it seems. I found the thought somewhat humorous, so I fixed my gaze on Jeon Wook and continued,

“I have two requests! Can you grant them?”

[ Go ahead and speak.]

“Firstly, please allow the sealing of the Water Element to be lifted!”

Clink!

As I raised the Water Element to the heavens, a vivid blue light suddenly blazed forth from the day of the Water Element. The mystical energy emanating from it spread like mist, startling the yokai and divine beings accompanying Jeon Wook.

[ Khaaaack!!]

[ That’s the Seven Luminaries, isn’t it?!]

[ How could such a sinister object…]

The yokai began darting around in panic, while the lower deities fidgeted nervously. It seemed they sensed terror merely from facing the Seven Luminaries. As the sky quickly descended into chaos, Jeon Wook waved his hand.

[ Silence!]

Boom!

In an astonishing display, simply by waving his hand, Jeon Wook quelled the fray among the thousands of summoned yokai and deities into an eerie quietude. It was akin to how courtiers would behave when a king grew furious.

Jeon Wook extended his abyssal face to look down at me.

[ Master of the Water Element, you know the truth of the Seven Luminaries, do you not?]

“Indeed.”

[ How much do you know?]

“I know that failing to properly release the Seven Luminaries through the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors will lead to the [Old Ruler] descending upon the Central Plains.”

Jeon Wook fell into deep thought at this revelation. Then, he suddenly made an exclamation.

[ Remarkable. You’ve uncovered that much as a human?]

“……”

From his words, I could infer one thing.

The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors did not wish for humans to know the truth of the Seven Luminaries!

That much was clear from Jeon Wook’s statement. It seemed there was a reason the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors wanted to conceal the truth of the Seven Luminaries from humanity. Thus, even if I were to question Jeon Wook about the lies of Taehwa Cheonjon here, it wouldn’t be particularly beneficial. While I pondered internally, Jeon Wook continued speaking.

[ You are not an ordinary being, human.]

“Who among the divine wouldn’t be extraordinary?”

[ Even we, the ones who created the Seven Luminaries, never thought there would be a day for its release before the age of dissolution arrived. The reason we formed an ancient contract was to delay the predetermined end.]

What on earth did that mean?

Both Zhuge Sa and Cheon Woo-jin, like me, were baffled by the hidden implications behind Jeon Wook’s words and furrowed their brows. It felt as though an immense secret hid behind the Seven Luminaries, but I had no clue what it was. Jeon Wook continued.

[ If it is you, you may be qualified to become the Master of the Water Element. In the name of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, I grant you the title of Master of the Water Element.]

Woosh!

At that moment, the ancient script inscribed on the Water Element glimmered silver and then ignited into flames. The burning characters swiftly vanished, and the sword of the Water Element extended a couple of inches. I could distinctly feel an immense energy flowing directly into me through the Water Element.

“……!!”

It felt entirely different from the forced possession I experienced with Iteun. Back then, it was an overwhelming force being forcefully shoved into me by the supreme deity Iteun, but now, the Water Element felt like a divine sword being bestowed, channeling the strength of heaven and earth directly into me.

There wasn’t a single swordsman in the world who wouldn’t covet the Water Element upon seeing its magnificent visage.

As I swallowed hard, Jeon Wook spoke again.

[ Tell me your second request.]

As the liberation of the Water Element unfolded more easily than expected, I found it hard to grasp the reality of it. Just then, Jeon Wook’s voice broke through my daze.

“Recently, the Emperor of the Ming Empire received the command of domination and immortality from the Fourth Sovereign, Changxi. Please grant me a way to break that command and nullify his authority. I want to take down the Emperor.”

[ ……]

If Jeon Wook granted this request as well, it meant I would achieve everything I set out to obtain in today’s Offering Ceremony. I clenched my fists in anticipation, and silence wrapped around us. Jeon Wook appeared unhurried as he floated in the air, contemplating something.

‘There’s no reply…’

Just how long did that strange silence last?

Jeon Wook finally spoke.

[ Do you not desire immortality or a divine status?]

“What? What do you mean…?”

[ Throughout history, not many have conducted the Offering Ceremony. Those who did had a chance to become gods. It would be easy to grant your wish, yet why would you forsake the opportunity to become a deity?]

“……”

Jeon Wook’s questioning left me bewildered.

‘Immortality? God?’

These were things I hadn’t truly contemplated. My singular focus had been on rescuing Mangnyang and defeating the Emperor, leaving little room for such thoughts. For a moment, I pondered the idea of immortality.

If I were to become immortal, I could indeed enjoy many benefits. I’d often meet my demise, but it would be much less frequent. Yet, that meant I would lose the chance for reincarnation via the Sky Amulet. After mulling it over, I realized that immortality wouldn’t be particularly advantageous for me.

And what about becoming a god?

How would that differ from immortality?

‘It’s meaningless!’

Mihow had told me that attaining divine status would grant one a supreme sense of fulfillment, entirely distinct from the material world. While I had no idea what that felt like, I certainly did not feel compelled to achieve it. Being a god wasn’t appealing to me in the slightest. Life as a human already felt burdensome; what use would being a god serve?

After a brief contemplation, I replied to Jeon Wook.

“I have no need for that.”

[ Your heart is true. I have never encountered a human like you throughout history… to dismiss immortality and divine status as trifles.]

“……”

[ Very well. I shall grant your request.]

Swish

Jeon Wook’s arms appeared to fade away. His limbs seeped into the darkness and enlarged moments later, revealing themselves in the heavens, tearing reality apart as if it were a piece of paper. Then, from the void, Jeon Wook extracted something and looked down at me.

[ The emperor’s divine aura, which blankets the Nine Realms, shall be with you!]

Boom!

A strange energy enveloped me. It felt like a yellowish fabric being draped over me, and upon contact, it instantly concealed its form. It seemed to possess some sort of divine blessing. I sensed the energy flowing into me but didn’t feel any immediate changes, so I tried moving my body.

It didn’t seem like a blessing that directly boosted my abilities.

After bestowing me the blessing, Jeon Wook regarded me and said,

[ There is a certain familiarity about you. It feels as if I am approaching a grand essence, which fills me with vitality. Hence, I will grant you one more request.]

A scream echoed.

“Gasp!!”

“No way! My heavens…”

Cheon Woo-jin and Zhuge Sa nearby were taken aback. They seemed genuinely shocked, unable to control their emotions, their mouths agape.

‘What is happening?’

I thought they were making a big fuss for no reason while considering what further request to make. Having released the seal on the Water Element and obtained a blessing to counter the Emperor, I had achieved most of my immediate objectives. Now that Jeon Wook had offered to fulfill one more request, I should aim for something advantageous.

Mihow’s words resurfaced in my mind.

[ Baek Woong. You must succeed in the Offering Ceremony this lifetime and uncover the true essence and identity of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. Understanding what they truly desire can lead us to a way to topple them.]

Yes.

I needed to discover the identity and desires of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.

That was precisely what Mihow yearned for.

With my resolve set, I spoke.

“Jeon Wook! Why did the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors create the Seven Luminaries? And what is the relationship between you and the [Old Ruler]?”

“Baek Woong!!”

At that moment, Cheon Woo-jin suddenly looked horrified and grabbed my collar. Sweat was pouring from his forehead as he exclaimed,

“Stop! You cannot…!”

I brushed his hand away from my collar and retorted.

“No matter the cost, I must get to the bottom of this. It’s none of your business!”

Cheon Woo-jin raised his voice as if flustered.

“Dammit…!! What you’ve mentioned is the primordial secret! Do you think they would easily reveal that? You’d face the wrath of the Creator God!”

“Facing death?”

I chuckled lightly in response,

“That would be fine by me.”

Having lived eternally repeating reincarnation, his threats didn’t faze me. Cheon Woo-jin was left speechless. Meanwhile, Zhuge Sa glared at me sharply.

“Hey, Cheon Woo-jin. These threats don’t work on him. He’s someone who has already accepted death as part of life.”

“Seems you know me well.”

“However, I agree with Cheon Woo-jin. Let’s drop this. It’s reckless. This would only lead to self-destruction.”

I shot a sideways glance at Zhuge Sa, replying,

“Even if it leads to my downfall, that’s my choice. You’re merely here to enjoy the spectacle, right?”

Zhuge Sa frowned.

“Then promise me. You’ll die alone.”

“Understood.”

I fixed my gaze back on Jeon Wook and shouted,

“Jeon Wook! If my earlier question seems too rude, then just kill me! These two are innocent.”

[ ……]

Jeon Wook stared down at the earth. Though his form lacked features like eyes or a mouth, I somehow felt as if he was watching us. We all looked up at Jeon Wook in tension, and after a brief moment, he spoke.

[ I shall answer your question.]

After a brief pause, Jeon Wook continued,

[ In the primordial beginnings, amidst the vast flow of time, we were born. We transcended the loops of time and causal relations. Moreover, we were aware of the births of heaven and earth and the universe. We innately knew we were permitted to reign over this world. Not a single life form in this realm could ever reach our toes. At the pinnacle stood my progenitor, the Yellow Emperor, Gong Sun Xuan Yuan. He unified us and granted us our rightful place.]

He seemed to be explaining the birth of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.

‘We?’

That phrasing caught my attention. As I concentrated, trying not to miss a single word, Jeon Wook continued.

[ Simultaneously, we were aware of when the world’s end would come. It is the malevolent deity that brings forth that ending; however, the architect behind it is an even greater being. Thus, we resolved to not merely stop the end, but to delay it.]

“Delay it?”

The delay of the end.

That was something even Sword God Yeodong-bin had mentioned. The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, along with the Celestial Realm, indeed seemed to possess awareness of the world’s demise and proposed ‘delay’ as a countermeasure.

[ Indeed. Thus, we enabled human civilization to prosper while creating the Seven Luminaries to embody their hopes. Through the contract of the Seven Luminaries, passing blessings from the [Old Ruler], we could cease needless battles and maintain a truce. The Seven Luminaries became a symbol of this. You were granted thousands of years of peace.]

After explaining to that point, Jeon Wook added,

[ Even after humanity perishes, we will persist. The Seven Luminaries are merely the Emperor’s whims and simple grace. It would be wise to comprehend our relationship with the [Old Ruler] through that lens. With that, I believe I have provided you with sufficient answers.]

“……”

I remained deep in thought before asking a question.

“Then, are the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors currently in the Heavenly Realm?”

[ We are not there.]

“Huh?”

[ Not quite… You could say we are there, or you could say we are not.]

That was an incredibly convoluted response. However, it seemed like something Mihow might just decipher. I wasn’t certain what those words meant, but I had certainly succeeded in obtaining a considerable clue. I bowed my head deeply to Jeon Wook.

“Thank you.”

[ The day I see you again, I would like to gather you among my followers. Farewell!]

Fwoosh!

In the next moment, all the yokai and deities that had filled the heavens vanished, and the dark abyss lifted. Jeon Wook’s visage also suddenly disappeared. Once I realized that the Offering Ceremony had concluded, I let out a sigh of relief.

“Phew.”

I turned back to Cheon Woo-jin and Zhuge Sa.

“It seems the Offering Ceremony is over! Now let’s move.”

Cheon Woo-jin sighed.

“Baek Woong, I will soon inquire with my master and surely unearth your true identity. You are the most mysterious being I’ve ever encountered in my life.”

“Mysterious, you say?”

“Jeon Wook is renowned among the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors as the most savage and cruel being. To have earned his favor and even received additional blessings… a being like you must have never existed throughout history.”

Cheon Woo-jin continued,

“I will ask seriously. Are you truly human?”

“Do I look anything but human? Am I a monster, perhaps?”

I retorted somewhat irked, flailing my arms for emphasis.

“Sadly, I cannot sprout tentacles!”

“……”

Zhuge Sa chuckled from the side.

“Crack, crack. You fools.”

Both Cheon Woo-jin and I turned to Zhuge Sa in unison, shouting,

“Shut up!”

After tidying up the Heavenly Altar, we exited the volcano.

In any case, the basic preparations had been completed. Before moving to Cheongryong Military Camp, I turned to Zhuge Sa and Cheon Woo-jin.

“We’ve got issues stemming from the White Lotus Sect. What should we do?”

As I recounted the involvement of the White Lotus Sect, Zhuge Sa and Cheon Woo-jin appeared to ponder deeply. After a while, Cheon Woo-jin was the first to respond.

“I have no business concerning that. Handle it yourself.”

I expected him to say just that.

As I frowned, Zhuge Sa interjected,

“It’s not impossible to persuade them, you know? If you’re clever enough, you could sweet-talk them. From my observations, the warriors of the Thunder God Lineage seem to be stubborn blockheads.”

“What kind of cleverness should I employ?”

“Hmmm… Try this out.”

Zhuge Sa shared his strategy with me. Upon hearing it, I thought it was quite plausible and admired his plan.

“Indeed. It’s worth a shot.”

“Make sure to remember this golden advice.”

“If only you did not self-praise, it would’ve been perfect.”

As I grumbled, Zhuge Sa warned,

“However, one individual needs to be cautious. I can’t predict how he will react.”

I knew precisely who Zhuge Sa referred to.

But there was nothing I could do about it.

“I’m aware.”

Sorry for the late upload due to lack of sleep recently T_T I lay down on the sofa and when I opened my eyes, five hours had passed…