Reincarnation Sword God

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Heavenly Realm

The words of the Leader of the White Lotus Sect sounded absurd and indicated a colossal concept.

Defeating a God!

No matter how the Leader of the White Lotus Sect transcended human ranks with his martial prowess, could he stand on equal footing with an immense being known as a God? Regular humans might not perceive the distinction between a divine being and an immortal, but through countless reincarnations, I understood the vast chasm that lay between them, akin to heaven and earth. Just as I thought this, Zhuque replied.

“What kind of settlement do you desire? Speak your mind.”

[It’s nothing grand. I wish to borrow his power to obtain the Dharma Text of the Non-Birth Mother, scattered across the world.]

Zhuque fell silent for a moment, processing the Leader of the White Lotus Sect‘s words. Then he spoke.

“So, that was your true intention.”

[I have conveyed my will. Now, I need your answer.]

Zhuque answered, sounding vexed.

“Even with that wish, you’re being rather absurd. Do you really think our God would honor such a proposal?”

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect wore a mask, so I had no way of knowing his expression. After a moment, he emitted a dark aura and replied,

[I’ve come here to show your God my strength.]

“What?”

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect pointed to the sky.

[Don’t underestimate me. Did you think I was unaware that you all are stalling for time to summon your Apostle? I came here to take him down.]

“……!!”

[No matter how powerful a God may be, he would listen to my side should I defeat the Apostle.]

Zhuque flinched, clearly taken aback. The pressure being emitted by the Leader of the White Lotus Sect intensified, filling the arena. Regardless of Zhuque’s power, he couldn’t withstand the full force of the Leader of the White Lotus Sect when he began to exhibit his might. Only then did Zhuque remove his conical hat.

Swish…

Beneath the hat was Zhuge Yulong, just as I had seen before. His resurrection through a spare body, as mentioned by the Zhuge Clan, suddenly seemed entirely real to me. Zhuge Yulong stared at the Leader of the White Lotus Sect with solemn eyes and remarked,

“Are you planning to obtain the Dharma Text to practice the teachings? Your strength likely stems from your interpretation of that Dharma Text, the ominous one you can’t bear…”

[It’s just a fragment of the Absolute Being. However, in the grand scheme, it amounts to the same.]

“……”

[I considered responding to the Emperor‘s proposal earlier, but I was hesitant. That brat is merely a mortal puppet without any guarantee he’d provide what I want. So, conversing with a direct Divine Priest like you is more feasible.]

Ku-gu-gu…

The sky appeared to be drenched in a massive crimson flame. A ghastly aura converged at the center of the sky, exuding a menacing atmosphere. Everyone present recognized that this omen signified the impending arrival of a God’s Apostle.

Zhuque, seemingly frustrated, said,

“You could have simply accepted the Emperor‘s offer and lived comfortably, but now you wish to negotiate with a God! How reckless.”

Although Zhuque lamented, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect merely chuckled in return.

[Even if I am reckless, I can hardly be more sinister than you lot. Can’t you tell just by looking at him?]

“What do you mean?”

[The Emperor present here is genuine, but the one you usually keep in the Imperial Palace is a fake. Even if something unfortunate happens, only the fake body will disappear.]

“……”

[Well, it’s time.]

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect subtly extended his hand forward. Zhuque’s eyes went wide in realization.

“Don’t!”

Puhwaak!

In the next moment, Zhuque’s body exploded backward. It seemed he had taken a severe injury as he lay on the ground, thrashing in a pool of blood. However, the true victim of the Leader of the White Lotus Sect‘s maneuver was the Emperor.

The Emperor shattered into countless pieces, reduced to mere fragments. I looked at the Leader of the White Lotus Sect in shock.

“Didn’t you say you wouldn’t kill him?”

[That was merely bait to draw Zhuque into this space.]

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect replied casually, before extending his hand once more.

Pach!

In that moment, Zhuque’s body vanished. It seemed he had dodged the Leader of the White Lotus Sect‘s attack.

[What a shame.]

Seeing that unfold, I realized the Leader of the White Lotus Sect must have a plan. He roughly anticipated Zhuque’s ability to resurrect. However, it was also evident that even though Zhuque might revive, he would struggle to do so repeatedly in quick succession, meaning the Leader of the White Lotus Sect had to provoke Zhuque into appearing here by precariously holding the Emperor’s life in the balance. Now having dealt a significant blow to Zhuque, it was likely that he wouldn’t be able to act for a while.

With the Imperial Palace’s forces quickly taken care of, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect turned his gaze towards me and Miho. He began to send a Six Harmonies Divine Call.

[As you might have guessed, an Apostle will soon descend here. I wish for you to fight alongside me against the Apostle.]

“What are you saying?”

[Even I wasn’t sure if I could win against an Apostle alone. However, with the combined strength of two Luminaries, we should be able to manage.]

“……”

At that moment, I realized the Leader of the White Lotus Sect‘s change of heart. Originally, he might have contemplated yielding to the Emperor, but circumstances changed, prompting him to observe the power of the Luminaries. Having witnessed their might, he clearly believed that he could defeat a God’s Apostle, hence had wiped out the forces of the Emperor.

At that instant, Miho, who was beside me, coldly remarked,

“Why should I do that? I’ve already achieved my goal, so I no longer have any business here.”

[I am aware you are a Messenger of the Heavenly Realm. Shouldn’t it be examined whether this matter falls within the realm of the Heavenly Realm‘s duties?]

“Hmm…”

Miho wore a contemplative expression.

It was then that I felt a sudden surge of power, as if Yeodong-bin was approaching me. It clearly indicated Yeodong-bin was attempting to descend onto my position, and I was flustered. Where had he been just a moment ago to suddenly want to descend now?

‘Yeodong-bin, what’s going on?’

Yeodong-bin answered my question.

[Reader! I will need your power to fight the Apostle. Leave it to me.]

‘What… Did the Heavenly Realm decide to confront the Apostle?’

[If the Apostle obtains causality and descends to this land, a great calamity will strike. If there’s a chance to win, we must strike him down.]

Yeodong-bin had a point. If he took over my body to fight, it was evident he would exhibit unprecedented strength. However, I couldn’t easily surrender my body to him, as I had suffered death in the past due to Yeodong-bin. Maybe all the struggles I endured to enhance my martial prowess were to avoid becoming overly reliant on him.

What would Mangnyang have chosen in such a situation?

I pondered briefly and then turned to Miho.

“Miho, I have something to say.”

“What is it?”

“If you accept this Black Obsidian, I’ll follow whatever choice you make here. I swear it on my name.”

I took out the Black Obsidian, which contained my memories, and presented it to Miho. Normally, she would ignore my proposal, but the current situation was crucial for her. Depending on my choice, she could either gain a significant advantage or be put at a severe disadvantage. Miho, being clever, seemed to quickly grasp the implications and glared at me.

“Using cunning tricks, are we?”

“Trust me. After all, how could a curse affect you, who bears the direct blessings of the Heavenly Realm?”

As a Messenger of the Heavenly Realm, she was under the protection of numerous Great Immortals and Divine Priests, allowing her to disregard most curses in this world.

“What is this Black Obsidian?”

“This is an item that allows you to transmit your own memories. What’s inside is my memory.”

Miho stared at me incredulously and replied,

“You’re saying you want to show me your memories? What does that even mean right now?”

“You’ll understand once you receive it. The choice will be yours.”

I insisted fervently.

“It won’t harm you in any way.”

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect observed us with interest. I felt the sky grow progressively redder, as the power of the Demon surged strongly. Though I wanted to continue speaking, time was of the essence, increasing my anxiety. Miho, perhaps sensing this urgency, had a stone-cold expression.

Miho glared at me fiercely before responding,

“Alright! But if you’re deceiving me, I won’t hold back.”

She accepted it!

“Here.”

I let out a sigh of relief as I handed the Black Obsidian to Miho. She took it, and moments later, my memories began flowing to her. Miho stood there expressionless for a while, then began to tremble.

“You… No way… that’s…?”

Miho couldn’t hide her confusion. I looked at her and said,

“You’ve met me several times. We simply failed to connect due to circumstances this time.”

“That’s unbelievable… that…?”

As Miho mumbled, she eventually regained her composure. Then she said,

“Even if this memory is true, I cannot trust you.”

“I understand. But at least I hope you realize I have reasons to assist you.”

“……”

Miho was clearly torn. After a prolonged silence, she stared at the Leader of the White Lotus Sect again and said,

“I will follow your proposal.”

[You made a wise choice.]

She sighed.

“Ha, given that a purge order has been issued from the Heavenly Realm, I must give it my all.”

It seemed Miho reached a decision. In that case, I had no reason to spare my life in this life. Whether we won or lost, it was clear I could gain much from this battle. I nodded and said to the Leader of the White Lotus Sect,

“I will fight as well.”

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect smiled contentedly.

[That’s good… then I will summon the Dharma Protector Lion.*

“But the other two are far away, so it will be difficult…”

[Do not worry.]

Suddenly, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect brought his hands together. A bizarre pattern emerged on his palms, radiating light as he concentrated his energy, which shone as brightly as the sun.

Pach!

“……!!”

In the next moment, the Dharma Protector Lion, Yongbi-cheon, and Dokgo-jun appeared before us. They immediately prostrated themselves before the Leader of the White Lotus Sect, as if this were the most natural thing in the world. I looked at them in surprise, and the Leader of the White Lotus Sect explained,

[There’s no need for astonishment. This is the authority of the Leader of the White Lotus Sect. I can summon the Dharma Protector Lion when needed.]

The Leader spoke gracefully, looking up at the sky.

[They should be descending shortly.]

“Will we be able to win?”

[Heh heh.]

I realized from the Leader of the White Lotus Sect‘s laughter that I had asked an unnecessary question.

After all, with the Emperor, Zhuque, and the Alchemist taken care of, the only course left was for the Leader of the White Lotus Sect to battle the Apostle and negotiate with a God. The situation had any route of retreat closed off, leaving us with the sole option to fight.

Roar…

The sky was entirely filled with crimson clouds, making the world look drenched in blood. Red lightning struck from all directions, creating disconcerting vibrations. The dense aura made it difficult to breathe, far beyond what we’d experienced thus far.

I firmly grasped the power of Water Element. Within me, Yeodong-bin continued to speak.

[Reader! Hand over your body to me!]

“……”

[Your abilities are insufficient!]

I snapped in irritation.

“Just sit tight! There are things I must do that only I can!”

[What…]

Even as I argued with Yeodong-bin, the descent of the Apostle continued.

Roar…

Darkness approached.

From within the blood-red clouds, a colossal being began to take form, almost like a mountain, cloaked in silver fur and possessing nine tails. The sheer presence of this being was enough to fill the plains with pressure; it was none other than the Fox.

I had seen that being before.

Thus, I gritted my teeth and muttered,

“Dalgi.”

A God’s Apostle and an entity on the level of the Demon King!

It had returned once again. However, there were two significant differences this time.

One was that Dalgi did not appear as a bubble; it was plainly visible. Considering how incredibly powerful she was, allowing ones beneath her to even observe her clearly was odd.

The second was that ten small forms floated around Dalgi. While they were small compared to her, each of those figures were of sufficient size to be human. Those ten beings likely possessed substantial power as well.

As soon as Dalgi appeared on the surface, she glanced once at the Leader of the White Lotus Sect, then joyfully smiled at Miho.

Uhu-huh… my tails are here now.

Tails?

While Dalgi spoke strangely, Miho’s face went pale. It seemed she had lost her fighting spirit. I turned to look at Miho in shock.

“Miho! Are you okay?”

“… Ugh… That… oh no…”

Suddenly, Miho slumped to the ground, pouring sweat. I worried that Dalgi might attack, but strangely, Dalgi merely observed Miho with intent. At that moment, I finally understood the reality of the situation.

‘Dalgi is attempting to subdue Miho’s soul!’

If she succeeded, it seemed that she would consume Miho’s soul afterward.

This was nothing short of absurd. No matter how much of a God’s Apostle Dalgi was, to dare to devour Miho, who had become the master of the Seven Luminaries?

Then the Leader of the White Lotus Sect addressed Dalgi.

[O Apostle of the God, I am the Leader of the White Lotus Sect.]

Dalgi’s gaze flickered toward the Leader of the White Lotus Sect. His words continued.

[I’m sorry, but you must die.]

Uhu-huh, madman!

Dalgi laughed mockingly at the Leader of the White Lotus Sect‘s words, nodding her head.

[Go, Ten Celestial Generals of Gold Owl.]

As she spoke, the ten divine figures suspended near Dalgi began to move closer toward us.

[Fight!]

Zhunming!

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect and the three Dharma Protector Lions began to prepare for an all-out confrontation. I realized that the situation was too pressing to delay further.

‘Damn, there’s no choice!’

I wanted to save my cards for a more decisive moment, but losing the initiative seemed like it would jeopardize the entire situation. Even one Dalgi was tremendously powerful, and her minions, the Ten Celestial Generals, likely wouldn’t be weaklings either. If we weren’t careful, we might exhaust all our strength before facing Dalgi. Plus, Miho’s state was concerning.

I bitterly pondered, recalling the memories in my mind as I slowly formed the hand seals. I then sent forth the energy of Water Element as I quietly shouted:

“O Stars flowing in the time of destruction! I beseech your power. I worship the upcoming millennium!”

Crackle!

At that moment, as I activated the curse of the Evil God learned from the Prophet, a tremendous force rushed through me, multiplying my power to an incredible level, comparable to that of the Water Element. It was not merely the power of the incantation itself; it felt as though someone had been waiting for me to borrow this strength.

Instantly, an incredible force from the stars imbued my body.

Before long, darkness unfurled in the void, rapidly entangling the Ten Celestial Generals. They seemed startled for a moment, but were soon dragged away, melting into the void as many more tentacles surfaced to bind them.

The dark tendrils extended into the air, intertwining restlessly.

As the writhing tentacles reached for Dalgi, she struggled to evade them, retreating while unleashing flames.

Ka-boom!

Though the tendrils waned under the might of Dalgi’s fire , they remarkably stripped away the transparent barrier encapsulating her. Just as the Prophet had said, the tentacles managed to dismantle the protective spells around Dalgi.

Staggering, Dalgi, visibly injured, exclaimed in shock,

[A curse of the Evil God! Moreover, powers only descendants can wield… Are you a descendant of the Evil God?!]

Wanting to cast the spell again, I frowned, realizing I only had a single use from the Prophet. Whether permitted or not, mortals could wield the power only once. Thus, I felt an overwhelming sense of regret and replied,

“What’s certain is that this will be your grave!”

I saw as Miho was regaining her senses. Once I confirmed her complexion had returned to normal, I spoke with Yeodong-bin.

‘Yeodong-bin, can you summon the Eight Immortals?’

[Of course. If I borrow the power of the Water Element, it can be done.]

‘Then let’s go!’

Crackle!

Yeodong-bin descended into my body. He spoke as though conversing with himself.

[This Tentacle is far superior to my treasured Hwa-ryong Sword. Though it’s unavoidable…]

With the Water Element tentacle raised high, Yeodong-bin proclaimed,

[Ten Luminaries! Grant me your strength.]

Divine mists swirled as the Eight Immortals appeared, glowing with sacred light one by one. This time, instead of just bestowing blessings upon Yeodong-bin, each seemed to embody their power as independent entities.

As the Eight Immortals manifested, Dalgi roared,

[Not a chance!]

Having used her powers, the Ten Celestial Generals that were previously tied up now emerged from the void, struggling to intervene.

The Eight Immortals spoke to Yeodong-bin,

[The Ten Celestial Generals of Gold Owl? If they interfere, we won’t be able to reach Dalgi!]

[You righteous Sword Master, we will contend with them!]

[Please fulfill Justice upon this land!]

One by one, the Eight Immortals, each with their treasured possessions, soared into the skies, initiating their battle against the Ten Celestial Generals.

Ka-boom!

In the blink of an eye, it felt as though the sky was on fire. The Earth shook under the massive pressure, with the clash of the Demon techniques from the Ten Celestial Generals and the Eight Immortals’ techniques causing explosive warfare. Amid this struggle, Miho, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect, Yeodong-bin, and the three Dharma Protector Lions charged directly toward Dalgi.

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect shouted,

[Haah!]

His voice carried a simple battle cry.

Crash!

Yet the instant the Leader of the White Lotus Sect roared, Dalgi staggered backward from a heavy blow. She flew back and tumbled several hundred meters away, visibly shaken.

[If I only had my defenses intact, you wouldn’t stand a chance…]

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect responded,

[Do not underestimate the realm of Primordial powers.]*

In an instant, his figure vanished from sight. Even Yeodong-bin, known as the strongest among the Eight Immortals, lost track of the Leader of the White Lotus Sect momentarily. Accelerating to a point where he scarcely resembled a living being, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect soon summoned the formations of Taiji.

The Taiji grew larger as it approached Dalgi, before the Leader of the White Lotus Sect unleashed a grand palm strike. Just as with the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara, each strike contained overwhelming force, capable of collapsing mountains.

The light that streamed behind him resembled a celestial radiance illuminating the void, blazing inward.

Yeodong-bin gazed on in awe.

[As a mere human, how can you reach such heights…]

Within the shapeless shadows of the Taiji, only the Leader of the White Lotus Sect moved freely.

Even more fearsome was the speed of the Leader of the White Lotus Sect’s movements and the hundred or more illusions he created, amplifying his power exponentially. The Zhang strikes unleashed a torrent of energy that tore through the space, creating countless rays that dissected Dalgi’s body.

[Die already!]

Moments later, Dalgi expelled flames toward the Leader of the White Lotus Sect. The blazing inferno contained the power to incinerate an entire nation from ancient times. Just moments ago, it had proven strong enough to dispel the curse of the Evil God. According to past experiences, this flame would likely be formidable enough to nullify the Fire Dragon Summons executed by Yeodong-bin.

Whir—

[I am the master of the Five Elements!]*

In response, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect clasped his palms together, radiating light. The Taiji returned to him, and soon transformed into the shape of the Five Elements, erupting with immense coldness and chill, releasing a blast that deflected Dalgi’s flames without leaving a scratch. Dalgi looked alarmed.

[What?!]

[Water counters Fire—did you not know?]*

With a leisurely reply, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect waved his hand through the air. As soon as the form of the Five Elements materialized behind him, golden rings representing the five elemental attributes emitted light. The Leader of the White Lotus Sect resumed his assault on Dalgi with astonishing speed, one that defied the limits of human existence.

Kaboom!

While withstanding such bombardment, Dalgi occasionally lashed out at me with her tails, and Yeodong-bin managed to block some of those strikes.

Had I faced those attacks, I would have surely crumpled under their might, so allowing Yeodong-bin to take over was a wise decision indeed.

“Leader!”

“I’ll assist!”

Crash!

Just then, the three Dharma Protector Lions joined the fray, unleashing an unrelenting stream of energy against Dalgi. It was evident that never before in the Martial World had the Leader of the White Lotus Sect and the three Dharma Protector Lions collaborated together.

Dalgi, overwhelmed by the tides of power raining down, retracted in fright. I couldn’t help but sound my admiration internally.

‘What a ridiculous defense!’

Even with the Leader of the White Lotus Sect and the Dharma Protector Lions launching a balanced assault, Dalgi managed to evade serious injuries. While she appeared to have sustained some abrasions and hints of damage, there wasn’t a single grievous wound.

At that moment, Yeodong-bin turned towards Miho, who was nearby.

[Miho! Activate your Moon Shadow!]

[… What’s that? Why am I compelled to answer to Dalgi’s summons…]*

Miho looked bewildered. The psychological control she nearly suffered had left her stunned. As Yeodong-bin spoke again,

[You were one of the nine tails of the Demon King Dalgi in the ancient era. When the Queen Mother of the West subdued Dalgi’s reign, one of the tails was severed and brought to the Heavenly Realm for purification over hundreds of years. As a result, you were reborn as the Fox of the Heavenly Realm.]

[……!!]

[However, now that you have attained power through the Moon Shadow, you have established your own consciousness, making you an independent being. You are self-aware, so don’t worry.]

Miho appeared dazed, momentarily frozen. Then, she snapped back to reality and shouted,

[Yes! Let’s destroy her!]

Kiieee!

The powers of the Moon Shadow and Water Element resonated harmoniously. Dalgi seemed to sense danger as she attempted to flee from that position, yet the Leader of the White Lotus Sect, noticing her struggles, suddenly unleashed his skills.

[Hyeongyeob!]*

Time felt drastically slower. Though the reason remained undetermined, the atmosphere thickened. This was not some mere mental control; it felt as though the universe had seized, freezing everything around us, sinking our thoughts into slumber. It was clear that, even for the Leader of the White Lotus Sect, this technique transcended typical power.

[In this space, I dominate as the Primordial!]*

Puhgak!

In the midst of profound stillness, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect moved his hand, akin to how a gentle Buddha might act. His movements shackled the constellations, causing Dalgi to writhe in confusion. Just as she was about to breathe fire once more, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect delivered a brutal counter-strike. Moments later, a colossal fist slammed into Dalgi with terrifying force.

In a heartbeat, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect unleashed thousands of strikes, immobilizing Dalgi entirely.

This is the essence of a God!

As I grasped the significance behind this technique, I felt shock seize me. Keeping everything around him in a state of forced mental domination, while accelerating himself to astonishing speeds, leaving his opponent vulnerable and slow!

‘How on earth can a martial technique even compare to this?!’

This was an experience nowhere near what we would categorize under typical martial arts! The Leader of the White Lotus Sect‘s skill exceeded anything imaginable by a martial artist’s standards. Even though the presence of a God’s Apostle like Dalgi had diminished due to the Curse of the Evil God, I had never even envisioned a scenario where I could defeat her.

In martial arts, it seems there indeed exists a “next level” that transcends the conceptual limits of common skills.

[……]*

As he did, Yeodong-bin hesitated in fully activating the powers of the Seven Luminaries, as if he were contemplating beyond that moment. Surely, Yeodong-bin himself might hesitate over whether he could rein in Dalgi after subduing her. However, it seemed he perceived the elimination of Dalgi as paramount, as he channeled the strength of the Water Element.

[Take this!]*

As Yeodong-bin shouted, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect and the three Dharma Protector Lions fell back. Dalgi, already battered from endless strikes, stood rigidly, hindered by her injuries.

With a final desperate roar, Dalgi threatened,

[Once I revive, you will regret this…]

A brilliant flash surged forward.

Just like when we had swept thousands of Demon Beasts away, the combined power of the two Luminaries surged forth, engulfing everything in its path. As Dalgi howled, she was swept away and was ultimately annihilated, leaving behind devastated land that now billowed smoke.

Paddi-dumm…

Yeodong-bin glanced at the Leader of the White Lotus Sect, and remarked,

[Why do you refuse to ascend? You would surely reach the position of a Great Immortal.]

It seemed the Leader of the White Lotus Sect realized that I was the one wielding Yeodong-bin and not myself. Chuckling softly, he answered,

[I have yet to reach the ultimate stage.]

Hearing those words made Yeodong-bin stiffen.

[Could it be you encountered a Demi-God? Has a Demi-God appeared before you?]

[Hehe… indeed. I consider this a blessing.]

Yeodong-bin did not respond further and instead surveyed the state of battle behind us.

[Have the Ten Celestial Generals vanished?]

Indeed,

The scene of the Ten Celestial Generals engaged in a frantic battle against the Eight Immortals began to fade. Presumably, since Dalgi, their summoner, had perished, they consequently returned to the void from whence they came.

The curtain fell on this grand battle.

I stood at a loss for words in light of the incredible achievements before me. Regardless of what unfolded, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect and the Seven Luminaries had joined forces to vanquish Dalgi. Surpassing even the strongest being, whose power matched that of an absolute existence, should be regarded as an impressive triumph.

And there was no doubt regarding the prowess of the Leader of the White Lotus Sect. He was clearly the finest among all in history.