Reincarnation Sword God

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Heavenly Realm

The technique Mangnyang spoke of was indeed the Spirit Invocation Technique. To someone already familiar with the Spirit Summoning Art, it felt a bit strange to query the need for Heavenly Yin’s Techniques. After all, since I could summon Yeodong-bin, wasn’t that enough? But then Mangnyang said,

“Yeodong-bin’s power is formidable, but you can’t rely on him entirely. He is ultimately a figure of the Heavenly Realm.”

“Hmmm.”

“Moreover, the potential applications of Heavenly Yin’s Techniques are endless. Once you become proficient in them, you will understand all this.”

I began learning the methods and intricacies of Heavenly Yin’s Techniques right there. Normally, it would take months just for this, but with Mangnyang using the spiritual energy of the Three Sovereigns Gate to etch knowledge into my mind, I got the hang of it quite quickly. After about four hours of alternating between rest and practice, I returned to the lodging in Guanzhong with Mangnyang.

“Hmph. While I could just watch Yeodong-bin, it’s better if we head to the Shadowless Gate first.”

“That sounds better.”

I set off with Mangnyang to the Shadowless Gate. I figured it’d be more productive to train than hang around in Guanzhong. During the remaining time, I also made sure to impart the teachings of Jang Sam-bong to Sword Demon, and learned techniques from Mangnyang.

“Familiarizing yourself with the Heavenly Yin’s Techniques while laying the groundwork for other skills is key. You have the knowledge from Jang Sam-bong’s teachings, but it would be wasted if you can’t utilize it.”

Mangnyang‘s guidance was incredibly insightful; learning techniques had become easier and more enjoyable than before. I also made it a point to boost Sword Demon and Mangnyang’s cultivation with Black and White Lotus during this time.

With about a month or so left, we returned to Guanzhong to keep an eye on the Zhao Family Estate, waiting for Namgung Hwan to make his move.

‘There he is; Namgung Hwan is out.’

It looked like he and his group were starting to ride off. We moved slightly ahead, timing our arrival at Hangu Pass as the sun began to set. If things went according to plan, this would be around the time Jin So-cheong would show up to rescue Namgung Hwan.

Kaka-king!

“Ugh, release the Heavenly Yin Body!!”

“Stand down!”

Jin So-cheong’s spear swirled horizontally, scattering silvery light, causing three or four First-Class Experts to somersault backward. In mere moments, a fierce battle was unfolding with numerous martial artists engaging.

As expected, Jin So-cheong was indeed fighting amidst the horde of martial artists. I was about thirty paces away, hidden away, watching the unfolding scene with admiration.

“No waste in movement.”

At this point, I was certain I would overpower Jin So-cheong in a direct confrontation, yet the way he fought was incredibly restrained with no needless openings. While my own understanding and power might be lacking, it was clear he had the makings of a true master. I could see how much he was holding back as well.

If Jin So-cheong truly unleashed his full power, those twenty or so martial artists surrounding him would be reduced to mere Tears of Blood. There was no one among them capable of taking him on.

“Now’s the time to make our move,” Mangnyang said.

“Understood.”

Thud!

I stepped forward. At present, the situation hadn’t yet escalated to casualties, with First-Class Experts surrounding Jin So-cheong and Namgung Hwan. As I slowly emerged from the darkness, one of the martial artists shouted,

“Who’s that brat? Get lost…”

Thud!

In an instant, his face met my fist, sending him flying to the ground, unconscious. Focus shifted towards me, prompting two or three First-Class Experts to attack in unison. The martial artist I knocked out just now was already a renowned name within the world of martial arts, so they recognized the threat I posed immediately.

‘How naive.’

I effortlessly caught a whip that came flying towards me with a mere finger, applying force to dislocate the assailant’s shoulder. I didn’t stop there; I wielded my blade and knife, countering their strikes with Thundercloud Soft Fist’s Nirvana Kick.

Bam!

They couldn’t even scream as they crumbled in a single blow. Although it had the power to shatter skulls, I held back enough to leave them with just concussions for now. When I scanned my surroundings coolly, the other experts recoiled, hesitating to engage.

Though brief, the gap in our levels had become glaringly obvious in the arena.

“Who are you?” one asked, visibly shaken.

I answered bluntly,

“Can’t you tell? I’m an Expert.”

“……”

“Stop blabbering nonsense and shut up.”

Wham!

“Ugh.”

He couldn’t handle the insult and charged at me again, but after just a second, I flicked my finger, sending him tumbling backward like a frog, knocked out. His skill was too poor to even comprehend my Finger Flicking Technique. Clearly, he was desperate for a fight. Something seemed off about the situation, and amidst the crowd, a pale-faced martial artist stepped forward.

“Are you a renowned Expert from the Wudang Sect?”

A recognized title like Myeong Ryongja?

The surrounding martial artists tilted their heads in confusion, still unsure of who I was. However, I was all too familiar with the name. It became clear that this Color Demon was quite knowledgeable about the various prodigies hidden within the martial world.

‘Perhaps my age and skills gave him that impression.’

Given my capabilities mixed with Wudang Sect training, it would contribute to his assumptions. I didn’t see the need to explain, so I replied casually.

“Wouldn’t it be best for you to leave now? I could unleash the Killing Code at any moment.”

“Heh heh heh… Sounds unlucky for you.”

Paaah!

The Color Demon grumbled and promptly fled without even looking back. Despite being among the stronger martial artists, his flight was without hesitation—a wise choice for someone with a reputation that often dodged justice effortlessly.

‘Should I hunt him down?’

I briefly considered chasing him to crush his skull but soon abandoned the thought. It wasn’t worth my time on such trivial matters. Instead, I directed a Lion’s Roar at the bewildered martial artists remaining.

[Those who don’t disappear in three counts, I will kill myself!]

“Ugh…!!”

[One! Two!]

The reactions before I reached three were drastically split. Some folks still held onto their weapons and tried to charge me, while others turned tail and fled. The ones daring to attack numbered about a dozen—each one a First-Class Expert.

[Three!]

Shwa-chak!

“Slice!”

In the blink of an eye, five heads separated from their bodies while they were in mid-attack. I only compressed the blade’s strength, yet they couldn’t even sense the speed and trajectory of my strike. In the chaos, I nimbly leaped in, blade extended.

With every swing, flesh was cleaved, and blood flowed, as the world around me shattered. As I unleashed my technique, the twelve had dwindled to just two, frozen in fear and unable to move.

“Ugh…”

“P-please spare us…”

Crack!

Just as I was sending the remaining two to the underworld with a final slice, Jin So-cheong intervened to block my attack. Drawing energy into his spear, he managed to redirect my strike. However, due to the vast difference in our powers, he looked visibly pained.

Jin So-cheong said,

“That’s enough; you’ve killed enough!”

“… Alright.”

I sheathed my weapon, feeling a sense of unease.

‘Jin So-cheong. Those scoundrels were planning to violate women and assassinate you. What’s the point of saving such trash?’

I wanted to express my feelings to him, but he remained oblivious to everything going on. Speaking to him now would hold no value. With an exasperated sigh, I turned to Jin So-cheong and said,

“I’ve been searching for powerful martial artists as well. If you’re okay with it, shall we have a match?”

Instantly, Jin So-cheong readied his spear, a hint of tension in his demeanor.

“Alright!”

He acquiesced but tilted his head slightly.

“However, your style seems to be from the Thunderclap School. Are you one of its successors?”

I opted not to respond to that question and spoke what I needed,

“If you win, you must ensure Namgung Hwan and Mo Yong-yeon are sent to safety. But if I win…”

“If you win?”

“Then you have to grant me one wish of any kind.”

“… Fine.”

Jin So-cheong took his stance. I recognized that while I was stronger than him, I couldn’t afford to underestimate him, so I made sure to take my stance effectively and prepared for the competition of intent.

Whooo—

While I believed I had the upper hand, suppressing him wasn’t proving easy. Jin So-cheong, focused entirely on defense, was no ordinary opponent, fighting fiercely to match me. I clenched my teeth and decided to risk it by employing Jang Sam-bong’s decisive techniques.

Boom!

As the space warped, my Ground Shattering Strike flew forth. Caught off guard, Jin So-cheong was pushed back, and I began to gain the upper hand, thanks to the time advantage I had from our exchanges.

However, each time I sought to land that decisive blow, Jin So-cheong managed to ward off my critical attacks with stunning precision. It seemed like he was desperately fighting to hold his ground, but in reality, his defense was remarkably effective. I found myself unable to capture a definitive victory even after over a hundred blows.

Anxiety set in.

Facing someone I could clearly outmatch yet struggling to gain the upper hand was frustrating!

Bam!

It was only after four hundred seconds that Jin So-cheong was struck by my kick after already being worn down. Exhausted, he could no longer withstand my strength.

‘Phew!’

I let out a sigh of relief. Jin So-cheong collapsed to the ground, then sprang back up, panting heavily.

“Why were you holding back?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb. You could have killed me just now with that kick.”

That was true. I had spotted a significant opening earlier and opted for a kick instead. My energy was sufficient to have wrecked him completely.

Crossing my arms, I answered,

“It was a match, wasn’t it? I just earned my victory.”

Grunt.

Jin So-cheong grimaced, clearly not satisfied. After enduring for four hundred seconds, he utilized his Thunder Strike, but ultimately, he couldn’t best me. Yet I was the one left sweating profusely. Amused by Jin So-cheong’s indomitable spirit, I pulled out a massive Obsidian Stone.

“Here, take this.”

“Is this your request?”

“Indeed.”

“I can’t take this! Something so suspicious…”

I shot him a cold look.

“Are you saying you won’t keep your promise?”

Jin So-cheong pondered for a moment and then deduced,

“No, perhaps I’ve underestimated this. I will accept your Obsidian Stone.”

“It’s not just any stone; it’s Obsidian.”

“Such an odd fixation…”

Just as Jin So-cheong grumbled and took the Obsidian Stone, his expression quickly twisted in shock.

“Ugh…”

His face shifted dramatically because that enormous Obsidian Stone held the essence of my past life experiences, not to mention the teachings passed down from Jang Sam-bong and the Thunderstrike Techniques from Dukgo Seong. Receiving all that information at once, it was natural for him to be astonished.

After a brief moment, Jin So-cheong spoke, his expression entirely transformed, revealing that he had inherited the memories of my past life.

“Baek Woong! The way you approached me like this means you’ve forsaken your master?”

Behind him, Namgung Hwan and Mo Yong-yeon appeared puzzled by his words. Just as I was about to respond, Mangnyang, who had been watching from behind a tree, came forward and shouted,

“Jin So-cheong, think carefully! Simply not killing Li Guang shows how much Baek Woong is enduring this situation!”

“……!!”

Jin So-cheong grit his teeth, startled by the sudden change in the situation. However, he quickly grasped the reality of it. Looking at Mangnyang, he asked,

“So you’re saying you won’t harm my master?”

“Of course. We won’t give him any benefits, but we won’t harm him either. Li Guang can continue living as he has.”

Mangnyang continued with a chilly gaze.

“What we need is you. We need your strength for Baek Woong to advance.”

“That’s right… So this is why this all has unfolded.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Jin So-cheong lamented,

“Is it impossible for everyone to understand one another?”

“……”

I didn’t have a response for Jin So-cheong. I understood his perspective; he felt deep affection for his master and wanted to help him. Yet, Li Guang’s nature was too narrow-minded, and that was now too difficult a situation. His usual behavior finally caught up to him.

“Well then, I look forward to our partnership, Baek Woong.”

“And I you.”

Whoosh!

As our conversation concluded, Jin So-cheong suddenly pressed the tip of his spear to Namgung Hwan’s throat.

“W-what are you doing, friend!”

As Namgung Hwan panicked, Jin So-cheong coldly replied,

“Friend? No way.”

“What…?”

“My previous self chose to ignore your true nature even when I was aware of it. I refrained from acting rashly to prevent bringing trouble not just to myself but also endangering my master and the Thunderclap School. But now that I’ve allied with Baek Woong, I plan to act according to my own judgment.”

With his chilling words, Namgung Hwan remained unnervingly still.

“You once wiped out eight minor sects, abducting women of outstanding beauty and imprisoning them in Namgung Clan’s basement. Word has spread even in the underground.”

An explosive stream of accusations came out of nowhere.

“……!!”

Eavesdropping, Mangnyang turned to Jin So-cheong, revealing that he had suspected something.

“Info from the Divine Maiden Sect?”

“Indeed.”

“So you saved Namgung Hwan despite knowing the rumors?”

In response to Mangnyang’s inquiry, Jin So-cheong sighed.

“I thought they were just idle rumors. After all, Namgung Hwan is a poster boy for righteousness, so any jealousy-driven rumors would seem like slander to me. Still, an uneasy sensation lingered, and I intended to investigate the Namgung Clan personally after this was all sorted.”

I see; that’s why Jin So-cheong would occasionally leave to train.

“That’s just an excuse.”

“… It’s indeed an excuse. Until now, I didn’t wish to meddle in others’ affairs. I refused to burden my master with issues I couldn’t handle. That embodies my limitations as Jin So-cheong.”

He appeared melancholic, not the typical righteous moralist but a dejected human being.

Unable to remain quiet, I interjected,

“That’s enough! Let’s focus on the tasks at hand now; the past is behind us.”

“Baek Woong, will you really forgive me?”

“Forgive? Worry not, as you won’t make the same mistake again.”

I replied firmly, turning to Namgung Hwan.

“Let’s verify the facts before we discuss anything further.”

I was filled with anticipation. It seemed the day had finally come for me to utilize Six Harmonies Heart Slash and Eight Trigrams Seal properly.