Reincarnation Sword God

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Heavenly Realm

Mangnyang spoke up.

“And do you know why I didn’t bother asking Queen Mother of the West for Miho’s pardon during this Offering Ceremony?”

I thought for a moment before answering.

“Is it because of my freedom of movement?”

If I were to ask Queen Mother of the West for Miho’s release, Miho would acquire a debt to escort me for ten years. That has led to multiple clashes between Miho and her companions. Mangnyang seemed to be aware of that discord.

“That’s one reason, but there’s another.”

“What is it?”

“This time, we learned a significant truth about Miho. It’s that she was one of the nine tails of Demon King Dalgi, and that Queen Mother of the West purified her over hundreds of years to create Miho as we know her.”

“Hmm.”

I let out a hum. According to Sword Hero Yeodong-bin, Miho was indeed a manifestation of Demon King Dalgi. This time, it seemed like we were getting unexpected information. As I contemplated the meaning behind Mangnyang’s words, he continued.

“What if you meet Miho, hand over the Obsidian, and she discovers this truth? Can you predict Miho’s reaction?”

“… Honestly, that might not turn out well.”

“That’s a matter directly tied to her existence and identity. Naturally, she’ll be very confused. If Miho experiences immense turmoil, you will surely be swept away by her confusion, and this life will flow uncontrollably beyond your control. Your mental energy will deplete as well.”

Mangnyang’s words were valid. With nothing to say, I scratched my head while Mangnyang spoke again.

“When you tell Miho the truth, make sure you have gathered some understanding first.”

I realized the hidden meaning behind Mangnyang’s words.

“So that’s why we’re heading to the Heavenly Realm!”

“Exactly.”

Mangnyang nodded.

“I didn’t stake my reputation on the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens for no reason. You also retain the memories of Virtuous Lineage Mangnyang, so you know this, but she was my master. Also, she’s the Goddess of War working as Queen Mother of the West’s right hand. While learning the Corpse Dissolution Technique under her guidance, there will be opportunities to uncover information related to Miho.”

“Hmm.”

I hadn’t considered that angle. As I admired Mangnyang’s calculation, he gazed at the sky and continued.

“Moreover, the Heavenly Mysterious Woman constantly struggled with contradictions regarding Queen Mother of the West. Therefore, Virtuous Lineage Mangnyang trusted your reincarnation ability and chose to transfer memories and experiences through the Corpse Dissolution Technique.”

“I also hold those memories.”

Reflecting on that, I added,

“Queen Mother of the West possesses another essence separate from her human manifestation. However, it is said this essence vanished somewhere in the Heavenly Realm after the mythical age.”

“To speak more frankly…”

Mangnyang sighed.

“The Heavenly Mysterious Woman sensed that Queen Mother of the West was scheming something, but she didn’t know exactly what. She suspected that this conspiracy was related to the missing essence of Queen Mother of the West, as well as the [Ancient Ruler]. However, many of the immortals under her fell victim to assassination.”

“Hmm.”

That information, too, aligned with the memories of Virtuous Lineage Mangnyang. Many of the Virtuous Lineage under the Heavenly Mysterious Woman were annihilated by a mysterious entity. They likely met their demise attempting to unearth the conspiracy.

“Virtuous Lineage Mangnyang intended to dig into that intrigue after handling matters in the Imperial Palace, but believed he lacked the capability.”

His abilities were relatively unremarkable compared to other Virtuous Lineage members.

As I listened, I realized how immense the conspiracy I had stepped into was. Virtuous Lineage Mangnyang was a phenomenal sorcerer, one of the highest ranks among earthly immortals, yet he felt insufficient! It was evident I’d have to risk my life to uncover Queen Mother of the West’s intentions.

“To erase someone without a trace, it must be a Great Immortal doing it, right?”

“I believe it will be difficult. That calamity would at least have to be a Fighting Immortal among the Great Immortals to achieve that. Or perhaps someone who has completely become a deity.”

“A Fighting Immortal.”

“Not all Great Immortals are exceptionally powerful. Some may be just as capable as Virtuous Lineage. However, those who ascended as masters of combat, like Sword Hero, possess extraordinarily high battle prowess.”

After making that point, Mangnyang waved his hand.

“Well, anyway, let’s discuss what’s to come. First, let’s recruit Sword Demon and Jin So-cheong as companions.”

“That sounds good.”

Pa!

After discussing our plans, I headed to Pirate Island with Mangnyang.

Upon arriving at Pirate Island, the Blood Sabre Group had been annihilated. The pinnacle masters of the Shadowless Gate had decimated them without mercy. Sword Demon was tending to the survivors, and I met him alongside Mangnyang.

Sword Demon laughed boisterously.

“Haha! It’s the first time I’m seeing you in this life, Mangnyang.”

Mangnyang gave a wry smile.

“Funny how it’s both a reunion and a first meeting; I’m also experiencing such an unusual scenario, Lord Sword Demon.”

“Who wouldn’t feel that way?”

“Have you taken care of everything?”

“Indeed. I had been waiting for you.”

It appeared that Sword Demon had already completed the rescue of his daughter, Seon Mun-hye, and taken revenge on the Blood Sabre Group. All that remained was returning to the Shadowless Gate. Sword Demon glanced at me then said,

“Baek Woong, I have something to discuss.”

“Yes?”

“I suspect the Imperial Palace is behind the Blood Sabre Group.”

“……?”

What on earth was he saying? At this moment, Mangnyang chimed in.

“Indeed, that seems likely.”

“Hmm. I regret not having the ability to transfer memories, but considering how difficult it felt for me even with the power of the Shadowless Gate, that level of influence likely comes only from the Imperial Palace. Moreover, if Tu-ma has the Wind God Clan backing, it’s quite apparent. Since the Wind God Clan has allied with the Imperial Palace, their schemes likely extend from there.”

After laying out his suspicions, Sword Demon continued.

“That’s why I plan to investigate the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament this time.”

I was taken aback by Sword Demon’s words.

“Are you sure about that? It’s incredibly dangerous there.”

“That’s why I have my own plan. It will be easier with your help.”

Mangnyang, who had been listening, remarked,

“So you’re considering joining the Twelve Principles?”

“Ha! You’re indeed the world’s best strategist…”

Sword Demon expressed his surprise with admiration. Apparently, Mangnyang had read Sword Demon‘s thoughts. As I looked at them blankly, Mangnyang explained,

“Baek Woong, the Shadowless Gate will inevitably face pressure from the White Lotus Sect due to their position as the leader of the demonic factions. To gain more freedom of movement, we need reliable backing to stand equally against the White Lotus Sect. While we collaborated with the Thunder God Clan in the 17th lifetime, throughout the world, the only force capable of matching the White Lotus Sect is the Twelve Principles.”

“Ah!”

“Moreover, the Twelve Principles Lord possesses the Moon Piercing Blade, which is the prize for winning the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament. This means there’s at least some connection with it. Gaining assistance from the Twelve Principles Lord would make investigating Luoyang significantly easier.”

“I see.”

“For that purpose, you’ll have to exert yourself like you did in the past.”

I felt a headache coming on thinking about what I needed to do moving forward. So I frowned and said,

“Does this mean I have to meet Twelve Principles Lord again?”

“There’s no choice. He’s an exceedingly treacherous being, so we must meet him more than once to discern his true intentions.”

After saying this, Mangnyang shrugged.

“In the 17th lifetime, you uncovered the White Lotus Sect Lord’s intentions. There’s substantial information in knowing that he aimed to obtain the Rebirth Technique of the Deathless Mother. If you effectively utilize White Lotus Sect Lord’s obsession, elevating yourself within the sect will become much easier. It’d be simpler to steer him according to your wishes.”

“Hmm.”

“There’s much to do ahead. First, you need to recruit Jin So-cheong as an ally.”

Sword Demon, having been listening to Mangnyang’s words, asked,

“Wait a moment, Mangnyang. Is it necessary to bring in Jin So-cheong at this point?”

Mangnyang looked somewhat surprised.

“Why do you ask that?”

“Jin So-cheong has hardly played any significant role throughout Baek Woong’s past lives. Of course, while he helped rein in Lee Kwang when he went on a rampage, that’s a separate issue that could be resolved without involving Jin So-cheong. We all know that controlling the Thunder God Clan is incredibly challenging, so I’m not sure we should take the risk of bringing Jin So-cheong in.”

“……”

Sword Demon‘s remarks were logically sound. He, too, was a person endowed with extraordinary intelligence and reasoning abilities. After listening to Sword Demon fully, Mangnyang made an impressive gesture with his fingers, clearly upset.

“Your words make sense. However, I still believe it’s essential to have Jin So-cheong on our side.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s the greatest genius in the Central Plains, the lynchpin who can mobilize all factions, including General Hwang Yeon. The reason Jin So-cheong hasn’t shown much involvement until now is that we’ve failed to cultivate him effectively.”

“……!!”

Sword Demon widened his eyes. He spoke with a trembling voice.

“I can’t believe it. Are you genuinely evaluating Jin So-cheong’s talent to that extent?”

“Yes. If we neglect to nurture him, we won’t have a future.”

Mangnyang continued speaking slowly.

“We’ve learned from the failure of the 17th life that unless we gather the Seven Stars, we won’t be able to challenge the Imperial Palace’s deities. However, obtaining the Seven Stars is extremely challenging, and there’s no guarantee we would earn that even after revisiting Baek Woong’s past lives over ten times.”

“That’s true. I know there’s a Fire Star located at the far southern end, but how long will that take to reach?”

“Even so, the life we live now is the reality. We can’t just sit back and wait to be defeated. Therefore, we must at least have the potential to fight against the gods, and I believe that potential lies with Jin So-cheong.”

“Wow… Don’t you realize?”

Sword Demon said, seemingly frustrated.

“Even the White Lotus Sect Lord couldn’t stand against the very gods. And the White Lotus Sect Lord is someone who can be called the greatest of all time within the realm of martial arts. No matter how much of a genius he is, do you believe Jin So-cheong can reach the level of the White Lotus Sect Lord?”

“No.”

Mangnyang replied with absolute confidence.

“He will surpass the White Lotus Sect Lord, one day.”

“……!!”

“Moreover, nurturing Jin So-cheong is akin to nurturing Baek Woong.”

Both Sword Demon and I were left in utter disbelief.

What in the world was Mangnyang talking about?

Was he being serious?

Yet having spent decades with Mangnyang, it didn’t seem like he was joking or rambling. Sword Demon appeared just as bewildered by Mangnyang’s perspective as I was. With a sense of helplessness, we felt we had reached the limits of our martial skills, while the strategist, Mangnyang, negated that limit.

After contemplating for a long while, I said,

“If you believe that, then I’ll place my trust in Jin So-cheong as well.”

“Thank you.”

Sword Demon also let out a thoughtful groan before responding.

“Understood. I won’t bring up the matter any further.”

“… Are you upset?”

“Don’t paint me as a petty person. But coldly considering, anyone can see that Mangnyang is speaking of an idealistic theory.”

“……”

Sword Demon’s words sounded calm, yet they felt strikingly real.

‘Could Jin So-cheong really surpass the White Lotus Sect Lord?’

Even I, who had been observing Jin So-cheong, found it hard to believe. The martial skills of the White Lotus Sect Lord transcended anything I had ever known and even expanded my perspective. Everyone knew that no one, no matter how genius they were, could surpass such an extraordinary being. Except for Mangnyang.

Eventually, we handled the affairs on Pirate Island and brought Jin So-cheong and the Shadowless Gate members along with Seon Mun-hye back to the Shadowless Gate.

Sword Demon said,

“Please come back soon. We need to move ahead with our alliance with the Twelve Principles then.”

“Understood.”

“Oh, if you can bring Sasaki Kojiro along, that’d be great. He’s quite valuable.”

“I’ll try my best.”

Pa!

Soon, riding the Rising Bubble as we arrived, it turned out to be the Azure Dragon Martial Officer. This time, Mangnyang also insisted on coming along. It seemed he wanted to personally see the location for this life. Mangnyang looked around the rooftops and said,

“To get close to Jin So-cheong this time, we need to be a bit discreet. Don’t reveal that you’re the successor of the Thunder God Clan right away. I want to avoid entanglement with Lee Kwang as much as possible.”

“What should we do then?”

“A simple method presents itself.”

Mangnyang smirked.

“Soon, the Celestial Shadow Body will be in danger. You can preemptively rescue the daughter of the Moyong Clan from that incident.”