Reincarnation Sword God

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Heavenly Realm

As I arrived at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, Dokgo Seong was waiting for me.

“We have much to discuss. Let’s talk inside.”

“Alright.”

He seemed to be walking somewhat hurriedly, as if he had genuinely been waiting for my arrival with bated breath. Once we stepped into the inner room of Warrior Dragon Hall, I found Lee Kwang, Jin So-cheong, and Cheongwol already present. It appeared they had decided to wait there unless something significant occurred. After sitting down, Dokgo Seong spoke.

“First, tell me what’s been happening.”

“Yes.”

I assumed he was already aware of my time spent with Jin So-cheong. So, I briefly recounted my negotiations with the White Lotus Sect and the Offering Ceremony, mentioning that I had gained the ability to contend against the Emperor. Hearing this, Dokgo Seong seemed quite pleased.

“Good, if you can deal with that strange sorcery, taking down the Imperial Palace shouldn’t be impossible.”

“However, there’s something I need to say…”

“What is it?”

I glanced around the room. Taking a deep breath, I began to speak.

“Please join forces with the White Lotus Sect.”

“……!!”

At that moment, an ominous aura erupted from Cheongwol and Lee Kwang. Cheongwol’s expression was one of disbelief, as if he couldn’t fathom my request, yet he struggled to suppress his murderous intent. That twisted look on his face could easily change into one of vicious fury. Lee Kwang wore a cold, composed demeanor, but I could sense the deep rage simmering beneath.

Jin So-cheong maintained a stoic expression, with his eyes closed, while Dokgo Seong rested his chin on his hand, seemingly pondering the situation. He appeared the most composed among us, and indeed he was. After a moment, he spoke.

“Explain the situation. You wouldn’t just blurt out something absurd without reason.”

“The Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sect wishes for the Thunder God Lineage to return. He appointed me as the Dharma Protector Lion of the Thunder God Lineage and took me on as his disciple.”

“Ha ha ha… a Dharma Protector Lion…”

Dokgo Seong chuckled softly, but while his mouth smiled, his eyes remained cold as ice, revealing his suppressed fury. This reaction was expected, so I needed to continue before his emotions surged out of control.

“That’s exactly why I think we must ally with the White Lotus Sect.”

“Why? Baek Woong, do you think it’s all roses just because you got the Dharma Protector Lion, the Heavenly Gathering, and the Sect Leader’s supreme martial arts?”

Dokgo Seong’s words dripped with sarcasm. I replied slowly,

“You know that’s not true. And if I were after those things, I would have distorted what I just said. I want to use the Sect Leader’s offer as a cornerstone for the revival of the Thunder God Lineage.”

“What do you mean?”

Clenching my fists, I pressed on.

“Think about it. The Sect Leader has already dispatched the White Lotus Sect’s Elders to the stronghold of the Storm Clan. This isn’t just a casual affair; it signals a serious decision to wage war against the Imperial Palace. He proclaimed as much. With five days passed since then, most of the White Lotus Sect’s powerful fighters are likely stationed near Luoyang by now.”

“That makes sense.”

“And if the White Lotus Sect wins the battle against the Imperial Palace, then it will claim dominance.”

As I gazed intently at Dokgo Seong, he seemed to grasp the implications.

“Are you suggesting that after the White Lotus Sect gains control, we assassinate the Sect Leader?”

“Exactly.”

I nodded firmly.

“If we take advantage of the opportunity and use the power of the Thunder God Lineage, we can cause chaos within the White Lotus Sect when the time is right. By then, the Thunder God Lineage will surely experience a significant revival.”

“Hmm… So you’re advocating for a convoluted plan?”

“After all, weren’t we planning to assassinate the Sect Leader from the beginning? Plus, we could have the White Lotus Sect deal with the Imperial Palace as well.”

“……”

Throughout the conversation, I noticed that the lethal aura emanating from Cheongwol and Lee Kwang had subsided. Cheongwol’s expression showed he was contemplating the truth of my words, while Lee Kwang remained coldly impassive.

After a lengthy pause for thought, Dokgo Seong sighed.

“So, you propose a strategy of dealing with hostility by using hostility? If that works, the Thunder God Lineage can definitely be revived in ten years.”

“We’ll need time to gather the remnants and acquire the secrets of the Heavenly Gathering, so it won’t happen immediately.”

“Indeed. Hehe… that’s quite a good plan.”

Dokgo Seong seemed to lighten up, letting out a faint chuckle. At that moment, Cheongwol, who had been listening, spoke up with concern.

“Elder, I’m having trouble understanding how we can assassinate the Sect Leader. Is there even a method for that?”

With resolve, Dokgo Seong replied,

“Cheongwol, I can’t go into details right now, but Baek Woong possesses the capability to assassinate the Sect Leader perfectly. I can guarantee that on my name, so don’t worry.”

“Hmph…”

Cheongwol crossed his arms, appearing deep in thought, and then turned to Dokgo Seong.

“However, doesn’t it seem excessive for Baek Woong to be the Dharma Protector Lion of the Thunder God Lineage?”

“What do you mean?”

“By lineage and martial arts, it only makes sense that Elder Dokgo Seong should be the Dharma Protector Lion. To be appointed as such means becoming a master of the Thunder God Lineage. Currently, I believe Elder Dokgo Seong is the only one qualified for that position.”

Cheongwol’s words were completely valid. No one in the room would question the logic in that statement. Clearly, in a normal scenario, Dokgo Seong would have the first claim. I contemplated rebutting, but deemed it unwise to interject and chose to wait for Dokgo Seong’s response.

As expected, he finally spoke up.

“You’re right. In a normal situation, I should take on the role of the Dharma Protector Lion. I chose to step back in the competition with Lee Cheong-woon because his talent as a genius is incomparable, but it was originally my time.”

“Of course.”

“However, this is not a normal situation. The Sect Leader favors Baek Woong as the Dharma Protector Lion, which indicates his desire to effectively control the Thunder God Lineage through Baek Woong. Considering we are accepting the White Lotus Sect’s proposal, opposing that would be meaningless.”

“Why would it be meaningless?”

Dokgo Seong sighed.

“It’s painfully obvious. I know.”

“Why?”

“Because, dear disciple… the Sect Leader is that kind of person. He’s been like this since he was young! He has never once bent his will.”

“……”

Cheongwol fell silent. Among those present, no one knew the Sect Leader better than Dokgo Seong, being an elder of the same clan. His judgment was likely correct. Based on everything I had seen, it was clear that the Sect Leader was incredibly stubborn.

Dokgo Seong continued,

“Fortunately, Baek Woong’s skills are not lacking for a Dharma Protector Lion. He has mastered the three principles of the Thunder God Lineage to a considerable level, and most importantly, he has grasped the Thunder God Sword Dance. Moreover, he knows many martial arts from the Thunder God Lineage. I see no reason why I can’t acknowledge Baek Woong.”

“……!!”

Cheongwol’s expression shifted to one of shock. He looked at me with evident disbelief, but I chose to ignore his gaze. Eventually, he seemed resigned and said,

“Hmph… If that’s your decision, then I can’t argue.”

“Good. That would be best.”

At that moment, Lee Kwang unexpectedly interjected,

“Are you all taking this lightly?”

The room temperature plummeted with his sudden remark. Both Dokgo Seong and Cheongwol’s expressions became stiff. Cheongwol seemed ready to pounce on Lee Kwang, summoning an aura of hatred, but he restrained himself, forcing out his words.

“What did you say? Did I mishear you, Lee Kwang?”

“Oh, I apologize. The situation just seems so ridiculous that I couldn’t help but speak up.”

“Damn it! Are you implying I’m out of my mind?”

Cheongwol shot to his feet.

Kugugugu…

Lightning-like energy crackled around his hands. If he wanted, he could obliterate an area three yards wide in a heartbeat. Given that Cheongwol’s martial arts had reached extraordinary levels akin to those of the Thunder God, there was no guarantee that Lee Kwang could defeat him.

Lee Kwang kept his voice low,

“Could you let me speak for a moment? As a direct disciple of the Sect’s master, do I not have the right to speak on such important matters?”

“Hmm.”

Cheongwol hesitated. Although his words had irritated him, Lee Kwang was indeed the sole direct disciple of the former Dharma Protector Lion, Yi Cheong-woon. When it came to the matter of choosing a Dharma Protector Lion, no one had more to say than Lee Kwang. Cheongwol, realizing this, suppressed his anger and finally relented.

“Very well, if you have something to say, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

Lee Kwang took a deep breath and continued,

“I have two questions about this matter.”

“Questions?”

“The first is the Sect Leader’s true intentions.”

Thus, Lee Kwang, having gathered his thoughts, spoke with unwavering resolve.

“The Sect Leader ordered me to gather the Thunder God Lineage. However, if we heed his words and head to the main base of the White Lotus Sect, can we guarantee that it won’t be a trap?”

“Um…”

“He might very well be plotting to annihilate us. Thus, I cannot agree so readily. Relying solely on the Sect Leader’s word isn’t realistic.”

Upon hearing Lee Kwang’s words, Dokgo Seong appeared deep in thought again. He leaned on his chin and finally replied,

“What about your second question?”

“It connects to the first. There’s a possibility the Sect Leader might have struck a deal with Baek Woong.”

“I’m not quite following you.”

“If we follow Baek Woong’s words and head to the White Lotus Sect’s stronghold, the worst case scenario is that we would all be wiped out. After that, Baek Woong could gain the Dharma Protector Lion position, the Sect Leader’s supreme martial arts, and the Heavenly Gathering all at once, becoming a formidable individual. It’s a perfect plan.”

“……!!”

“After that, he may try to raise disciples fitting to his liking, effectively putting the Thunder God Lineage under his thumb.”

Lee Kwang’s calm words rippled through both Dokgo Seong and Cheongwol. Cheongwol’s expression was one of apparent confusion, a sign of Lee Kwang’s ability to shake the hearts of men. Although Dokgo Seong was much more composed than Cheongwol, he too seemed perplexed by the situation.

Lee Kwang pressed on,

“Let’s be realistic here. Can we entrust our lives and the Thunder God Lineage to someone like Baek Woong? I absolutely cannot do that.”

“Um…”

I was flabbergasted.

‘How did he manage to speak so convincingly?’

Lee Kwang had not mentioned a single word about wanting to become the Dharma Protector Lion. Instead, he ignited the doubts that the elder masters of the Thunder God Lineage had been suppressing while directly attacking the very trust everyone had in me. At the same time, by using the term ‘realistic,’ he dismissed the grand vision I had painted for the future of the Thunder God Lineage.

It was truly cunning and clever rhetoric!

This was a clear indication that Lee Kwang was no imbecile with brute force, but rather a shrewd and resourceful figure with wit and adaptability. If I didn’t handle the situation correctly, I would find myself entangled in Lee Kwang’s machinations, leading to a tough spot.

‘I need to refrain from unnecessary actions here.’

What could I possibly do in the face of such a challenge?

I locked eyes with Dokgo Seong and said,

“Elder.”

“……”

“You know the reasons you can trust me. You also know for certain that I cannot commit perjury.”

I subtly reminded Dokgo Seong of our shared secret regarding the obsidian stone from my past life. He let out a low hum before responding,

“I know. But…”

“Yes?”

“Something suspicious has been happening lately, such as the kidnapping of Mangnyang. Things have only grown more tangled from there. Even today, trying to share information with the Sword Demon through the Divine Maiden Gate, it felt off.”

“What do you mean?”

“Of course, I trust that the Sword Demon is someone we can rely on. However, it’s also true that he is a stranger.”

“……”

“I’m feeling uneasy.”

In that instant, I realized where Dokgo Seong’s unease stemmed from.

It was the uncertainty surrounding the memories associated with the obsidian stone!

The obsidian showed me my memories like a slideshow, making it difficult for anyone to doubt their reality. However, for Dokgo Seong, while he could comprehend my memories, applying them directly to the real world was a different story altogether. The breadth of my experiences and the strangeness of the events I had witnessed left him with little choice but to suspect that what I told him might be fabricated.

After a brief moment, Dokgo Seong declared,

“Perhaps we should put this on hold…”

He shook his head and continued,

“Baek Woong, if you want to go on your own, feel free. But I wish to preserve our strength and observe the situation a bit longer.”

“That’s wise.”

Cheongwol agreed from the side. He had always thought it improper for me to be given the title of Dharma Protector Lion at such a young age. Lee Kwang wore a faint smile, evident that things were going as he had planned.

I felt frustrated.

‘No! That’s not it!’

The only worthy rival the White Lotus Sect currently faced was the Imperial Palace. The Sect Leader was aware of this, which is precisely why he boldly chose to attack the Imperial Palace without hesitation. After they defeat the Imperial Palace, the White Lotus Sect would rise to a position of unstoppable power, and I’d be severely left behind in the face of that unstoppable force.

If the Thunder God Lineage didn’t participate in the attack on the Imperial Palace, even if we returned to the White Lotus Sect later, we would be at a severe disadvantage. It was undoubtedly going to be the hardest battle the White Lotus Sect would ever face. If the Thunder God Lineage joined later, the opportunity for recognition would likely no longer exist. Revival of the Thunder God Lineage would become increasingly distant.

Yet, even with these realizations swirling in my mind, articulating them here was daunting. My calculations were based entirely on the assumption that the Thunder God Lineage would move according to my plans. In the current climate, where Lee Kwang’s words had cast doubt on my motives, any attempt to explain would only sound insincere.

‘What to do?’

Before coming to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, Zhuge Sa had warned me about the need to persuade the Thunder God Lineage.

[ Just be careful of one particular person. He’s utterly unpredictable.]

[I know.]

[ If Lee Kwang begins to create obstacles, then I’ll have no choice but to go all out against him.]

[ I’ll have to risk it all against him.]

Zhuge Sa had been exasperated, pounding his chest as he said,

[ You fool! Is that the only option that comes to your mind? Who’s to say you can take on someone skilled in battle?]

[ Then what should I do?]

[ Without a doubt, a person like Lee Kwang would cunningly weave his way in and sow discord. To disrupt that ploy, you need to create a facade and negotiate with the instigator. You should even try to pull him into your intent to persuade him from the start.]

[ Sounds tough.]

[ Damn… If only you understood this by now, I wouldn’t have to explain it.]

……

Now, I somewhat understood what Zhuge Sa meant by those words. Since Lee Kwang had evidently made the decision to sow discord, no matter how much I tried to reassure Dokgo Seong and Cheongwol, it would only backfire. I just couldn’t match Lee Kwang’s aptitude for manipulating human psychology. He was a prominent figure, navigating the Imperial Palace filled with intrigues while exerting enough pressure on the political scene.

So then, I had to persuade Lee Kwang.

Or, if all else fails, I would need to deliver a substantial shock to him.

A different type of battle was approaching me now.

I wracked my brain desperately before sending a message to Lee Kwang.

[ Lee Kwang.]

He seemed reluctant to acknowledge my message, only preparing to nitpick my words. Gritting my teeth, I pressed on.

[ Your disruption is in vain. Because this matter concerns you as well.]

[ If you say one more word, I’ll make sure you won’t even be able to step foot in the Thunder God Lineage.]

Lee Kwang’s response was not merely a threat.

He was eagerly waiting for me to make a slip. The moment I misspoke, he would ignite Dokgo Seong’s suspicions and have me expelled. Fully aware of the risk, I took a deep breath and placed my bets.

[ General Hwang Yeon told me something. When the late Emperor passed, the Crown Prince was present at the throne, and the Vermilion Bird, Tai Shan, was there too.]

[ What…?]

Lee Kwang’s eyes widened as though he was thrown off guard. I believed I had hit the nail on the head and continued.

[ General Hwang Yeon said you likely wouldn’t know this because after that night, the political landscape changed so drastically that the existence of the Vermilion Bird was buried, and you have been too preoccupied with martial world matters to notice.]

[ Is that true? Really, the Vermilion Bird was there at the Emperor’s passing?]

[ You should definitely have your doubts. Given that both the Emperor and the Vermilion Bird have arrived here, you can’t think that the Emperor’s death has no relation, right?]

I covertly threw my final jab.

[ You’re already swimming in suspicion yet now doubting your most profound belief in loyalty.]

“……”

Lee Kwang’s face turned pale. The mask he had been wearing, which allowed him to manage the situation calmly, seemed to shatter. After a brief moment, he sighed deeply, then said,

“… I see. Now that I think about it, you may be right.”

Dokgo Seong looked at him with an expression of surprise.

“What do you mean?”

“The Sect Leader isn’t the type of person to concoct such a shallow scheme. Besides, I need to witness the Sect Leader’s martial arts one more time to devise a countermeasure.”

“Hmm… that’s true.”

“It would be best to follow Baek Woong’s lead for now. We can discuss the Dharma Protector Lion matter later.”

“Alright. If you believe so, let’s go with Baek Woong’s suggestion.”

Dokgo Seong quickly changed his stance. I thought he might have been a bit gullible, but quickly realized that it was quite the opposite. Dokgo Seong genuinely held Lee Kwang in high regard. He might even believe that the priority of the Dharma Protector Lion position should rest with Lee Kwang and not himself. Thus, when he found himself caught between my explanation and Lee Kwang’s, upon Lee Kwang siding with me, he swiftly changed his position.

‘Have I surmounted this hurdle?’

While I internally sighed in relief, Jin So-cheong sent me a message.

[ Baek Woong, I need to speak with you.]

[ What is it?]

[ Please allow me to convey the insights of the Mugang Sect to my master. If my master’s abilities improve, it will greatly aid our future plans.]

I shook my head.

[ Don’t say such nonsense. You know my history with him, right?]

[ I’m aware that you managed to persuade your master somehow just now.]

There was an unusual urgency to Jin So-cheong’s tone.

[ I have a strong feeling that something has changed in your master. Unlike the last time you met, he’s been changing significantly. For your final life, please trust him at least once.]

[ ……]

Trust him?

Was I being asked to trust Lee Kwang?

I was almost irritated enough to lose my temper. However, witnessing how Jin So-cheong had a seemingly limitless genius, I couldn’t dismiss his words outright. After some inner deliberation and clenching my teeth, I finally responded.

[ … Fine.]

[ Thank you.]

This was the last time.

I would never send another message to Lee Kwang.

I apologize for the delay. I’ve been feeling under the weather lately… OTL I’ll do my best to write diligently.