Reincarnation Sword God

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Heavenly Realm

What a surprise to see Miho here!

Proclaiming herself the owner of the Moon Sovereign, Miho unleashed her Fox Fire toward the Emperor. With what seemed to be just a flick of her wrist, a silvery flash surged forth like waves, soaring in dozens of brilliant sheets. The Emperor had no chance to dodge and was engulfed by the light.

Whooosh!

Without a single explosive sound, the aftermath of the silvery flash left the area impeccably clear. Even the ground was cleanly sliced away, resembling a dry cross-section. The Emperor, along with the Alchemist who was guarding him, vanished without a trace.

‘What kind of technique was that?’

Before I could ponder further, Miho huffed in annoyance.

[You dodged. But you won’t be able to run forever!]

It seemed Miho was gathering her energy again, presumably to track down the Emperor. As I hurriedly tried to speak to Miho, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect’s voice reached me through the Dharma Protector‘s resonance.

[Capture the Emperor. We can talk afterward.]

[What do you mean? What about the Emperor‘s proposal?]

[The situation has changed. For now, just follow my orders.]

Just moments ago, the Sect Leader appeared to be seriously contemplating the Emperor‘s offer. Now, however, he was intent on capturing the Emperor for a discussion. It felt hard to believe that the situation had turned so quickly. Considering the Sect Leader‘s might, he could have captured the Emperor any time, so why was he enlisting my help now?

‘Damn it. I can’t figure out his intentions.’

One thing was clear: Miho’s appearance had caused a change in his mindset. Perhaps this could be an opportunity for me, so I decided to remain calm and act accordingly. After all, I needed to capture the Emperor too, so I resolved to follow the Sect Leader‘s instructions.

[Understood.]

Suddenly, a glint sparked in Miho’s eyes.

[There you are!]

Shink!

In an instant, Miho vanished. She must have used the power of the Moon Sovereign to locate the Emperor, who had moved elsewhere using the Alchemist‘s sorcery.

‘Ugh, how do I follow them?’

I felt at a loss. I could use Apprehension to teleport as well, but unlike magicians, I couldn’t transport myself to unfamiliar places or detect enemies hidden in barriers. At this moment, Miho and the Emperor had completely vanished from my view.

‘If only I had trained more in sorcery…’

I stood there awkwardly, unable to process the sudden change in circumstances. Just then, the Sect Leader turned to the Dharma Protectors and commanded,

[Yongbi-cheon, you shall guard Baek Woong.]

“Understood!”

[Dokgo Jun, tidy up the situation outside and return. Your role is the most critical.]

“Understood!”

[Hmph. How troublesome.]

The Sect Leader extended his arm and obliterated the Imperial Palace’s Great Dragon Hall completely.

Kaboom!!

When a building usually collapses, debris and structures scatter everywhere, but the Sect Leader’s strength was so overwhelming that it felt as though the entire Great Dragon Hall soared into the air. Eventually, even the rubble vanished as if incinerated, leaving only an immaculate void.

‘Is that… human martial arts?’

I was astounded. Though I could somewhat destroy the Great Dragon Hall with my power, the force the Sect Leader demonstrated eclipsed my maximum output by several folds.

[Move.]

“Yes.”

Upon receiving the command, the Dharma Protectors sprang into action.

Han Baek-ryeong followed the Leader into the void with his martial arts, while Dokgo Jun rushed outside. At that moment, Yongbi-cheon, wearing a black tiger mask, approached me.

“I’ll guard you as per the Leader‘s orders.”

“……”

Both I and Lee Kwang glared at Yongbi-cheon intensely. Wasn’t this guy the nemesis of the Thunder God Clan? Then Yongbi-cheon chuckled.

“Heh. I’ve been meaning to settle this with you lot someday. But not today. There’s a common enemy at hand; let’s not fight amongst ourselves for now.”

“Just don’t get in our way. You can follow the Leader if you want.”

“Not a chance. My orders are to guard you.”

Yongbi-cheon said smugly, crossing his arms.

“Why don’t you just head outside and join the team? This place is dangerous.”

“Dangerous my foot… The Eight Trigrams Formation just got obliterated. This is nothing but bare ground now.”

“Watch your mouth.”

Yongbi-cheon grumbled, but I was stating facts.

Even though the Zhuque was dead, the Eight Trigrams Formation had not yet been disbanded. The Leader‘s recent strike had uprooted it to the core, destroying it all in one shot. Knowing that the Eight Trigrams was a top-tier barrier, I couldn’t help but be shocked. The Leader‘s martial prowess was beyond human comprehension.

Noticing my expression, Lee Kwang, who stood pale beside me, spoke up.

“That’s true… In any case, if we’re to chase the Emperor, we need to seek the help of Cheon Woo-jin or Zhuge Clan.”

“Hmm, that’s right.”

“We should head out first.”

“Understood.”

I had been bewildered, thanks to the sudden appearance of Miho, but Lee Kwang made a calm judgment. Just as I agreed and was about to move…

Kiing…

“Eh?!”

I was startled. Not two steps later, the Eight Trigrams Formation had restored itself! It was still within the danger zone of the Life Gate, but my knowledge of sorcery indicated that the patterns engraved all around were a clear sign of the Eight Trigrams unfolding.

‘How is this possible?’

This Eight Trigrams Formation seemed off!

Normally, formations are dispelled according to suitable break methods or upon the sorcerer’s death or deactivation. Yet, it was as if this formation was unfazed by the Zhuque’s death; it simply unfolded on its own, continuing to hold strong, and now it had revived. This was a phenomenon beyond even the sorcerous knowledge of the highest realm.

Yongbi-cheon sensed the oddity and asked,

“Hey, what’s going on? The atmosphere has changed.”

“… This place is dangerous. We must escape.”

“Right. You should listen to me.”

“Shut your trap and place your hand on my back.”

“……”

Pak!

In the next instant, I activated Apprehension, teleporting outside with Yongbi-cheon and Lee Kwang. Upon emerging, allies including Black Mage and Dokgo Seong awaited us. The Black Mage looked at us in surprise.

“What happened?”

“As you can see, it was the Moon Sovereign that annihilated the Great Dragon Hall, and the Emperor and Alchemist have fled.”

I quickly explained what had transpired inside.

“What about the Zhuque?”

“Lee Kwang killed him.”

All eyes instantly turned to Lee Kwang. However, he seemed so exhausted from unleashing his techniques that he ignored their gazes completely. Listening nearby, Cheon Woo-jin remarked,

“He’s dead? Then why is the Eight Trigrams Formation back up?”

“I don’t know. But the Zhuque definitely exploded under Lee Kwang’s attack.”

“Strange indeed.”

As Cheon Woo-jin muttered, Zhuge Clan spoke up.

“I have a guess. But there’s one thing I need to confirm.”

“What is it?”

“Is it true that the Zhuque was the former Master of the Underworld?”

Zhuge’s query seemed to hesitate slightly. I answered firmly,

“Without a doubt. He called himself Zhuge Yu-ryong, the head of the Zhuge Clan.”

“……”

Zhuge’s expression shifted into one of deep contemplation. It made sense that if I was correct, the Dharma Protector Zhuque was indeed Taesan Noong, making him his full brother. It seemed Zhuge hadn’t simply come here for curiosity’s sake; he might have been here to confirm this fact.

After a brief moment, Zhuge finally spoke.

“The reason the Eight Trigrams Formation has resumed is simple: Zhuge Yu-ryong has resurrected.”

“What? Don’t spout nonsense!”

“It makes sense. It follows the principle of a Super Transcendent person.”

Zhuge continued mumbling before clarifying,

“My brother, Zhuge Yu-ryong, is a master of the Eight Trigrams. It’s easy for him to implant a foundation into a human body and instill spiritual energy into both the flesh and spirit. It’s just that he lacked stability and duration.”

“What on earth are you saying?”

He frowned.

“You idiot… Zhuge Yu-ryong has prepared multiple perfected bodies like a Super Transcendent. When an unfortunate event occurs, he can freely transfer his soul to those bodies. Originally, he wouldn’t have been able to do this alone, but it seems the Alchemist is a rather excellent sorcerer.”

“……!!”

Chills ran down my spine as I grasped Zhuge’s words. Stumbling, I blurted out,

“A-are you saying he created clones?”

Zhuge nodded.

“Initially, the one who crafted the Clones of the Master in the Imperial Palace was likely my brother. They were used as offerings to the [Old Ruler], but it seems he created spare bodies for himself just in case.”

“So Zhuge Yu-ryong is…?”

“Probably resurrected using a secret location where he had spread his spare body.”

Zhuge glanced at the Eight Trigrams Formation before continuing,

“And this Eight Trigrams Formation would have reactivated the moment he opened his eyes.”

“……”

“Ha ha… My brother is quite cautious. Even though he must have received immortality through the offering rites, he still carefully steps on the stones.”

I could feel my body tremble with shock. To think there was sorcery that allowed one to resurrect as many times as desired using spare bodies! It was a level of high sorcery that should never be allowed under normal reasoning. It wasn’t just me; most of the martial artists present were wearing blank expressions while listening to Zhuge’s explanation.

Cheon Woo-jin spoke up,

“And every one of those actions must have angered the will of the Heavenly Realm. So it’s likely the Moon Sovereign has descended.”

“Cheon Woo-jin, do you know where Miho and the Emperor are?”

Cheon Woo-jin nodded.

“I was tracking them as soon as I heard what you said. I’ve gotten a rough outline.”

“Let’s go now!”

As I shouted, Cheon Woo-jin glanced at me and said,

“What do you plan to do? With the Leader, Emperor, and the Moon Sovereign causing chaos, do you truly believe you can survive?”

I hesitated before replying,

“Now that it’s come to this, I can fight using the power of the Moon Sovereign.”

This wasn’t baseless confidence. The Seven Luminaries were currently supplying me with tremendous spiritual energy, something I had never dreamed of before. I could use not only martial arts but other abilities as well.

“Think it over. If you can preserve this combat power, you could establish an unprecedented force in the martial world.”

Cheon Woo-jin subtly pointed behind me. Unknowingly, I turned my gaze to his gesture, and there were all the allies I had gathered so far: Black Mage, Dokgo Seong, Jin So-cheong, Zhuge Clan, and Lee Kwang stood together. Calculating their influence and martial power, it was indeed a formidable force.

Yongbi-cheon crossed his arms and said,

“I’m not particularly thrilled about the talk of forces, but I do think you’re onto something. What do you plan to do by running to the battlefield where the Leader is fighting? Don’t get swept away; just stay still.”

“……”

Suddenly, Black Mage interjected,

“Baek Woong, just go.”

All eyes turned toward Black Mage. Yongbi-cheon shot him a slightly murderous glance, but Black Mage did not seem to mind as he spoke.

“If you were an ordinary human, I would have advised you to heed Cheon Woo-jin‘s words. However, your situation is different. For you, gaining as much experience as possible is advantageous.”

“Hmm…”

“Don’t hesitate; just go. Leave the aftermath to us.”

“Thank you.”

Dokgo Seong nodded from the side, adding,

“Right, don’t worry! What’s the worst that can happen?”

They all knew I was a reincarnator. With shared memories, they understood my situation well. I felt a sense of gratitude rise within me as I nodded my head.

“Thank you.”

Just then, Yongbi-cheon spoke coldly,

“How dare you ignore my will?”

Grwoooow!

Yongbi-cheon’s power surged, boiling over. His limitless energy, enhanced with tremendous potential, caused everyone around to feel unnerved. If Yongbi-cheon moved here, immense damage would undoubtedly ensue.

I glared at him and said,

“Just follow me. You can accompany me to protect me.”

“Ha ha… You think it’s that easy to knock you out?”

“Try if you can.”

Swish!

I raised the Seven Luminary Snare and faced Yongbi-cheon. When I exhibited my intent to fight, he wore a face of disbelief, but it soon transformed into a look filled with menace.

“So you dare challenge a Dharma Protector based on your measly martial arts? Have you lost your mind?!”

“Of course, I’m not counting solely on my martial arts.”

“You believe in the orders of the Leader, huh? I can cause you immense suffering without killing you.”

I couldn’t help but be cheeky.

“Then why don’t you pipe down?”

“What?”

Pakt!

I sprang into attack, employing the middle strike of the Thunder God’s Dance against Yongbi-cheon.

“You crazy fool!”

Yongbi-cheon conjured a massive, defensive energy while simultaneously creating dozens of wind talismans in mid-air. In the blink of an eye, he summoned an array of talismans—his abilities in line with a Dharma Protector, nearly transcending human capabilities. Normally, this power would be enough to capture even a Guardian of the Seven Luminaries, yet I pressed onward apparently unfazed.

Skachk!

In the next instant, as if intending to crush my body, Yongbi-cheon’s talismans were obliterated by dozens of silvery blades extending from the Seven Luminary Snare. With unwavering momentum, my body rushed forward, cleaving through Yongbi-cheon’s massive energy shield and slicing just past the ridge of his shoulder.

“……!!”

As I landed a third strike, I aimed for Yongbi-cheon’s vital spot, compelling him to activate his Wind Shield to escape and simultaneously attempt to sneak attack me. However, I ignored his tricks, again putting my faith in the power of the Snare, swinging my weapon. It obliterated the Wind Shield illusion in an instant, causing Yongbi-cheon’s pupils to widen.

Shwip!

“Wanna keep going?”

“Ugh… Ugh.”

Yongbi-cheon’s eyes bulged. Again avoiding my attack using Overcoming Technique, his protective energy and wind talismans failed to offer any defense. He seemed to lift off into the sky to rain down talismans, but that meant in direct confrontations, I wouldn’t be pushed back easily. He trembled, his hands shaking,

“How… how terrifying! I never imagined such a thing existed…”

“Think it through. Isn’t it better that I support the Leader with this Seven Luminary Snare?”

“Hmm… Fine.”

Yongbi-cheon reluctantly seemed to nod in agreement.

Once our discussion concluded, Cheon Woo-jin waved his hand and chanted some incantation.

“Ha!”

Pak!

Moments later, I found myself in an unfamiliar location with Yongbi-cheon and Cheon Woo-jin. The terrain appeared to be a canyon, dense with foliage. However, upon glimpsing the brilliant light beyond the canyon, I was left speechless.

Whether Miho had truly become the genuine Moon Sovereign was evident as a radiant aura enveloped her, and she stood with her eyes closed, concentrating and waving her hands.

Wheeeeng!

The silvery Moonlight emanating from Miho filled the air, striking the dozens of grotesque worms summoned by the Alchemist and exploding into a massive burst.

Kaboom!

Miho seemed to strike back against an overwhelming multitude of monsters darkening the sky and ground, utilizing powers bestowed by the Moon Sovereign.

Kuoooh!

Kaboom!

The Emperor and the Alchemist floated in mid-air, watching the chaotic battle unfold, their transparent orbs glimmering as they laughed heartlessly.

[Ha ha ha! You’ll become my concubine once I capture you, oh fox!]

Miho could hardly respond to his taunts as she continued to expend her energy in the struggle. The monstrous horde summoned by the Alchemist was so massive that even the master of the Seven Luminaries seemed overwhelmed.

‘Where’s the Leader?’

I hurriedly searched for the Leader’s location, but I couldn’t find him. He must have arrived ahead and was still observing the situation. True to his cunning nature, I cursed under my breath, gripping the Seven Luminary Snare tighter.

“Let’s go!”

We must rescue Miho!