Reincarnation Sword God

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Heavenly Realm

The Demon Beasts swarming toward Miho were akin to Raging Waves. Thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, moved as if they were alive. It looked like it was overwhelming for Miho to fend them off using the power of the Moon Sovereign. Suddenly, a brilliant idea struck me on how to save her.

‘When in a hurry, take a detour!’

I grasped Cheon Woo-jin’s hand firmly.

“Cheon Woo-jin!”

“Wha—what?”

He appeared flustered, and I quickly pressed on.

“Do you have a technique that can wipe out thousands of Demon Beasts at once?”

“Hmm…”

With typical genius, Cheon Woo-jin quickly understood the situation. He nodded.

“Take me there.”

“Sure!”

“But we must take Zhuge Sect with us.”

For a moment, I didn’t understand why. But for now, I decided to go along with Cheon Woo-jin’s suggestion and headed to where our allies were.

Given Miho’s abilities, she wouldn’t lose immediately—at least, there was some breathing room. I quickly made my way using Boiling to break away from the front lines and summoned Zhuge Sa once I reached my party.

Zhuge Sa seemed to grasp Cheon Woo-jin’s intent immediately. He frowned and protested.

“That’s mine! Why are you trying to use it without permission?”

“If we lose this battle, it’s all over. Are you that stupid?”

“Damn it… This debt will cost you dearly.”

Zhuge Sa grumbled.

Swish!

I rapidly returned to the battlefield with the two sorcerers. As Cheon Woo-jin gave a quick signal, Zhuge Sa pulled out the Crystal Stone Tablet from another dimension, and Cheon Woo-jin placed his hands on it, shouting,

“Urgent spell command!”

With the incantation, an incredible force of Illusion Fog burst forth from Cheon Woo-jin’s center. The momentum was so tempestuous that within moments, visibility was reduced to a hand’s breadth due to the fog stretching for miles. Following this, a magical barrier far stronger than that protecting Mangnyang Seonsa was established around us.

Woooom!

Kiieee!—

From within Cheon Woo-jin’s barrier of Illusion Fog, we heard the wails of Demon Beasts. The advancing army of Demons had momentarily halted. However, after a brief moment, Cheon Woo-jin waved his hand, allowing our party to see clearly without the barrier’s effects.

“……!!”

I had no choice but to be astonished. The thousands of Demon Beasts were spinning in place like they had lost their souls! Seeing creatures caught in the barrier’s illusion from a barrier master’s perspective was utterly pathetic. Cheon Woo-jin smirked and said,

“It’s impossible to deploy Illusion Fog like this with just my power, but I borrowed a bit of the Crystal Stone Tablet’s strength.”

“Damn it…”

I heard Zhuge Sa’s annoyed voice. He had anticipated Cheon Woo-jin’s intentions from the start. Anyway, everything was going according to my plan, so I resumed assessing the battlefield.

‘The Emperor and the Alchemist seem flustered. And Miho is holding on…’

This was the moment to reach out to Miho. I asked Cheon Woo-jin,

“Cheon Woo-jin, can you wipe out the ones caught in the fog?”

Cheon Woo-jin shook his head.

“That won’t be possible. Their Demonic Aura is too strong; attempting that would cause the Illusion Fog to collapse.”

“Understood.”

I responded and glanced at Yongbi-cheon.

“Use the power of the Heavenly Spirit Pill to clean up the Demon Beasts. I’ll have a chat with the Moon Sovereign.”

Yongbi-cheon growled, annoyed.

“Am I your subordinate? Who do you think you are to give orders?”

“The Illusion Fog won’t last infinitely. Do you plan to let that pesky bunch just run wild?”

“… You’ll pay for this later!”

With fiery determination in his eyes, Yongbi-cheon swiftly took to the sky. He conjured dozens of wind bombs and began hurling them at the Demon Beasts.

“Die already!!”

Ka-boom!!

Kuoooh!

The Demon Beasts, struck by the wind bombs, burst into pieces, with only a small fraction charging at Yongbi-cheon. It appeared that the Illusion Fog inhibited their reactions to incoming attacks, causing them to respond sluggishly. Normally, even a Guardian of the Seven Luminaries with infinite inner strength would struggle against that army of Demon Beasts, but Yongbi-cheon was effortlessly slaughtering them like a lion among a flock of sheep.

“Miho!!”

In the meantime, I dashed toward Miho. She seemed to recognize me and turned to look, her expression revealing her acknowledgment thanks to the residual effects of the Moon Sovereign‘s power.

Miho looked at me with a puzzled expression and said,

“You… from that time?”

“Yeah. It’s Baek Woong!”

“What’s the Master of the Lunar Realm doing here?”

I tilted my head.

“What about you?”

“……”

After a moment of thought, Miho replied coldly.

“I don’t owe you any explanations. My goal is to take down the Emperor, so don’t interfere!”

“Hmm.”

Seeing Miho’s guarded demeanor put me in an awkward position. As a Messenger of the Heavenly Realm, she had likely received help from the Heavenly Realm to liberate the Moon Sovereign, positioning her as its master. And given that I had freed the Lunar Sovereign, I was evidently at the top of her watchlist. Miho was in no position to speak comfortably with me, be it by choice or coercion.

But I had something in mind. I replied calmly,

“My goal is to eliminate the Emperor as well. What do you think about cooperating for a moment?”

“Cooperate…?”

“You possess the Moon Sovereign, and I possess the Lunar Sovereign. Combining the powers of the two Luminaries should allow us to take down the Emperor, who enjoys the protection of the Three Sovereigns.”

“……”

Miho glanced at the Lunar Sovereign in my hand. Then she said,

“Fine! Then give me the Illusion Fog‘s vision.”

“Of course.”

I hurried back to Cheon Woo-jin. I requested him to restore Miho’s vision within the Illusion Fog. Once Cheon Woo-jin waved his hand, Miho gradually floated down to the ground as her vision returned.

Ka-boom!

In the front lines, Yongbi-cheon was continuing his frantic slaughter. Watching that scene, Miho said,

“Let’s attack together.”

“Okay.”

Miho was surprisingly proactive about partnering up with me, unlike how a typical Messenger of the Heavenly Realm would act. It seemed she had realized during her battle with the Demon Beasts that relying solely on her strength was inadequate and was prioritizing realistic choices and mission execution.

Raising the Three Celestial Artifacts of the Moon Sovereign around her body with a silver glow, I lifted the Lunar Sovereign and gathered my strength. I thought we would simply help Yongbi-cheon from here, but something unexpected occurred.

Crackle…

“……!!”

“What?!”

Suddenly, the lights of the Moon Sovereign and Lunar Sovereign intensified. Resonance rang out, and a tremendous vibration erupted. After the wave passed, I realized the power flowing through the Lunar Sovereign had multiplied many times over and become immensely powerful.

It felt like the strength to tear the heavens apart!

And I wasn’t the only one startled; Miho’s expression mirrored my shock. Then, she shouted,

“Let’s go!”

“Sure!”

Miho and I charged toward the mass of Demon Beasts simultaneously. Miho unleashed the Moon Shadow from the Three Celestial Artifacts, and I deployed the Thunder God’s Dance technique to unleash a massive wave of energy.

Ka-boom!!

It was only a single attack.

Yet the combined power of the two Luminaries coalesced mid-air, suddenly enlarging and intensifying, crashing down upon the array of Demon Beasts. It resembled a beam of light that split the world.

“Whoa.”

Yongbi-cheon was so alarmed by the ferocity that he retreated, using his Wind King Technique. The light enveloped the chasm.

Whoooosh!

The shockwave rushed forth.

The ground bore a fan-shaped scar, its size extending for miles, created in the blink of an eye. I had seen plenty of powerful techniques before, but nothing could compare to this scale. The geography was completely altered, and an entire mountain had been blown away! The Demon Beast horde that had once filled the land was utterly wiped out.

“This… this is…”

Even I was at a loss for words as I stared in awe at the aftermath.

‘The Luminaries can wield this level of power?’

I was aware that once I released the Lunar Sovereign properly, I had gained tremendous strength. I wouldn’t have recklessly charged at Yongbi-cheon earlier without that confidence. The Lunar Sovereign was, after all, a divine treasure imbued with significant power.

However, who would have guessed that when the powers of the two Luminaries combined, resonance occurred and strengthened themselves dozens of times over?

This was information I had never known before, and it sent chills down my spine.

This wasn’t just the level of a mere weapon; this was akin to a divine artifact!

Then…

Just imagine what would happen if all seven scattered Luminaries in this world combined their power!

“……”

Even Miho looked wide-eyed in disbelief. After a moment to regain her composure, she said,

“The Emperor has moved even further away.”

“Where?”

“Follow me!”

Whooosh!

Miho soared off toward a direction. Perhaps being considerate of me, the speed was just manageable enough to keep up. I quickly utilized Shadow Step to follow closely behind her.

‘Darn it. I’m not getting a chance to hand over the Black Obsidian…’

I was grumbling in frustration. I needed to somehow deliver the Black Obsidian so we could communicate, but the urgency of the situation left me no room to bring it up. If I mentioned it recklessly, I was certain Miho wouldn’t accept the Black Obsidian due to her caution.

Moments later, Miho entered deeper into a basin, where the Emperor and the Alchemist awaited. They had descended from their translucent orbs and planted their feet on the ground.

The Emperor, slightly pale, remarked,

“Is that the power of the Luminaries? Truly impressive.”

“The one enjoying the benefits of the Luminaries will be you alone, Emperor.”

“Hahaha… You’re amusing. Even as an Emperor, I wouldn’t desire such benefits.”

Chuckling, the Emperor looked back at the Alchemist and said,

“Isn’t it about time?”

“Of course…”

Pak!

Then, out of nowhere, the Alchemist‘s body disintegrated into pieces. It was such a sudden occurrence that the Emperor, who was talking with the Alchemist, as well as Miho and I, couldn’t help but be stunned.

Then the infamous cry of the Synthesis Technique echoed throughout the venue.

[Well done, Baek Woong. You’ve created a much better situation than I anticipated.]

Tap, tap…

From behind the nearby tree, Baek Ryeon-kyung and Han Baek-ryeong emerged, looking as if they had been there all along. I momentarily realized that the Alchemist‘s sudden disintegration was a move by Baek Ryeon-kyung, and I couldn’t help but feel chills knowing that neither Miho nor I had sensed the premonition of that attack.

‘What in the world? Is that also a technique from the White Lotus Sect?’

No, it felt more like divine power!

I had frozen for a moment before addressing Baek Ryeon-kyung.

“Yes, that’s enough. Now please eliminate the Emperor as well.”

I felt a sort of relief wash over me. After all, eliminating the Emperor and destroying the Imperial Palace would mean I had achieved my objective. As long as I could save Mangnyang, it would be a perfect resolution.

However, Baek Ryeon-kyung crossed his arms and replied,

[He won’t be killed.]

“What?”

Just then, the Emperor seized the chance and shouted the incantation of his spear.

“Everyone shall die!!”

Ka-boom!

Suddenly, a sensation of pressure crashed down upon my shoulders and heart. The weight was substantial enough that even I, a martial arts master, staggered slightly in response. If I felt this much pressure while being blessed by the Three Sovereigns, it was clear that a common human would likely perish instantly.

“Ugh.”

“Hmm.”

But nobody in this spot succumbed to the Emperor‘s command. Miho, as the Master of the Moon, only swayed slightly, even having received numerous blessings from the Heavenly Realm, while Han Baek-ryeong’s complexion turned slightly pale.

Of all of us, even Baek Ryeon-kyung didn’t budge at all; instead, he casually walked toward the Emperor. Seemingly confused, the Emperor faltered, unable to grasp the situation.

“What… what?! The incantation of my spear has absolute effectiveness on humans…”

[Emperor, you lack the qualification to wield that power. Your mental and spiritual faculties have faltered, thus undermining the effectiveness of your divine power. Looks like a puppet can only be a puppet, after all.]

“What?!”

Baek Ryeon-kyung scoffed.

[Everyone here possesses the divine power and blessings of the gods. While it would be dangerous if you had the authority of the Three Sovereigns, you should be able to withstand a measly string of the Spear of Three Sovereigns, right?]

Snap!

“Gah!”

As Baek Ryeon-kyung made a grabbing gesture in mid-air, the Emperor was dragged upward, struggling in vain. The sight of him flailing around like a fish out of water was utterly pathetic.

I shouted at the high priest.

“Kill him!”

[……]

Yet Baek Ryeon-kyung remained motionless, as if hesitating. Just as Miho seemed to approach the limits of her patience and took a step forward, the high priest spoke again.

[It’s time for the real one to come out. I wish to have a chat with the genuine article.]

What did he mean by that?

As soon as the high priest finished speaking, someone suddenly appeared from a spot where there had been nothing. That person, clad in a conical hat, gazed at the Emperor before shifting their attention toward Baek Ryeon-kyung.

“Looks like you’ve realized that killing the Emperor is meaningless. Truly, you are extraordinary among humans.”

A hint of admiration laced their words. Baek Ryeon-kyung, wearing a mask, stood still, unreadable as ever. When the high priest gazed at him silently, the stranger finally spoke again.

“I can now infer your thoughts.”

[Is that so? What are your insights?]

A bitter smile briefly crossed their face.

“High Priest Baek Ryeon-kyung. You are indeed a reckless one.”

[……]

“What you have in mind lacks feasibility. Why don’t you give up now and settle for being known as the strongest among the mortals?”

The one who appeared was none other than Zhuge Yu-ryong. Just as predicted by Zhuge Sa, he had moved his soul into a spare body created using the Crystal Stone Tablet and the Eight Trigrams Technique. The energy emitted was exponentially stronger than before, compared to when he had been in the Dragon Fight. It was so potent that I trembled under its pressure.

No doubt.

That guy possessed the strength of a Guardian of the Law. This was an impossible potential that shouldn’t be allowed for a mere warrior. I had felt this sensation when a Guardian of the Law unleashed their full power.

‘Even so…’

But even then, the strongest being in this realm was still Baek Ryeon-kyung, the High Priest of the White Lotus Sect, with two Luminaries holders present, alongside Han Baek-ryeong, a Guardian of the Law. No matter how strong Zhuge Yu-ryong had become, I couldn’t fathom why he would appear so brazenly.

The high priest’s voice broke the silence a moment later.

[That cannot be.]

Miho’s expression also turned rigid in disbelief.

[I am here to settle accounts with your god!]