Reincarnation Sword God

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Heavenly Realm

A few days later, the Zhuyong Tribe called us in to announce that the interpretation of the ancient texts was complete. I quietly strolled around the Royal Palace, waiting until their summons reached me. The three members of the Zhuyong Tribe were seated in the Library, beginning to relay the results of their interpretations.

The content was similar to what I already knew.

“The Dragon Flower Water is a being that has awaited eons, warming its seed with fire beside the auspicious day of fire. If you travel three thousand li to the Southern Region of the Great Ocean, you will find the legendary continent where Shennong was exiled after being defeated by the emperor.”

“……”

“And the seal of the auspicious day is located at the largest mountain of that continent. If you overcome the seal and guardian, you will be able to obtain the seed of the Dragon Flower Water.”

Dongbang Mu-gyeol‘s face twisted in distress, while Baek Won-sangma simply wore a silly expression. To them, it sounded like an utterly absurd folk tale. However, undeterred by their reactions, the interpretation continued.

“There are also tales of the primordial pure sacred lotus. Perhaps it is the lotus of your White Lotus Sect.”

At those words, Dongbang Mu-gyeol glanced at me. While I maintained a neutral expression, the Zhuyong Tribe continued their discourse.

“That pure primordial sacred lotus takes the form of the Black and White Lotus, blooming near the ruins of Water Tuesday. The ruins of Water Tuesday are located at the ancient mountain where Emperor Yao left the last evidence of water regulation. There, you will surely obtain the powerful auspicious day’s treasure among the seven auspicious days.”

Dongbang Mu-gyeol suddenly looked as if he had an epiphany.

“The Black and White Lotus…?”

“Perhaps it is the same as what you’ve given us.”

With that, all eyes turned to me. Dongbang Mu-gyeol stared blankly for a moment before glaring at me with a furious expression.

“Who exactly are you?”

“……”

“An improved sacred lotus, you say? Why would you need to lie about such a thing… unless you’ve obtained the primordial Black and White Lotus?!”

Since Dongbang Mu-gyeol was the world’s top physician, he was sharp-witted. It seemed he quickly deduced the truth, but I naturally said to the Zhuyong Tribe,

“Your taste is rather poor. Why go to such lengths to put me in a predicament?”

“Hey!”

Dongbang Mu-gyeol glowered at me, radiating a fierce aura as if he wanted answers, but I ignored him entirely. The Zhuyong Tribe responded coldly.

“We are simply fulfilling the request we received first.”

“Then you must fulfill my request now.”

“Already done.”

Thud!

In the next moment, it was as if Dongbang Mu-gyeol and Baek Won-sangma, who looked ready to pounce on me at any second, suddenly collapsed forward. Their eyes bulged, and their faces turned pale. I approached them, bewildered, and checked their pulses; their bodily states were normal, but they had completely lost consciousness.

“Mental suppression?”

[Our race can suppress the minds of inferior beings. Even if their mental strength is formidable, it’s nothing for the three of us to combine our powers.]

The Zhuyong Tribe seemed unashamed, smoothly retrieving an item from their cloaks. I frowned as I looked at them.

“Surprising, isn’t it? If I had fought Dongbang Mu-gyeol here, everything would have gone awry.”

[Not our concern.]

“Ha…”

I forced a bitter smile.

A few days prior, I had approached the Zhuyong Tribe with two requests. One involved assistance in subduing Dongbang Mu-gyeol‘s group. I had requested that they immobilize them once the interpretation of the torture was complete, and the Zhuyong Tribe had successfully accomplished this. Whether it was magic or some special ability, their mental prowess seemed impressive.

After glancing down at the unconscious Dongbang Mu-gyeol and Baek Won-sangma, I said,

“Additionally, please manipulate their memories for me.”

[You sure are making all kinds of requests. Do you think we’re your lackeys?]

“I’ll ensure the compensation is worthy of your efforts. Otherwise, I’ll have no choice but to wipe out these two.”

[Understood.]

I watched as the Zhuyong Tribe began to implant false memories into their minds as I had requested. After listening to their responses in a hypnotic state, confirming the imprint of the false memory, I neatly placed all three into my Ring. I intended to release them when necessary.

As I produced another pair of Black and White Lotus, the Zhuyong Tribe spoke,

[Produce one more pair.]

“What do you mean?”

[It means we are offering to help you learn the Southern Barbarian language, which you requested.]

“Ah!”

I obediently produced another pair of Black and White Lotus as directed. Then, the Zhuyong Tribe raised a hand and placed it on my forehead, chanting some bizarre incantation. It was clearly in a language of a different kind, one that a human couldn’t even begin to imitate.

Woong

A green light flickered across my brow before dissipating.

“……!!”

In the next instant, I realized I could speak the Southern Barbarian language to a considerable extent. It felt as natural as if I were born and raised there. The Zhuyong Tribe, who had been staring at me blankly, tested me by speaking in Southern Barbarian.

“Can you understand my words? The king of Ayutthaya is Nara Suyuan, and are you aware that he is the Black Prince?”

“Of course. I know very well about Black Prince Nara Suyuan.”

“Good.”

Responding in Southern Barbarian, I watched as the Zhuyong Tribe began to gather up the Black and White Lotus. Their expression was as if they had completed a task. While their demeanor was cold, it was clear that the Zhuyong Tribe fulfilled their requests diligently.

Who else could subdue three supreme masters in such a short time?

No one could do it except a high priest.

‘They are quite useful.’

Both the prophet and the tribe were remarkably competent. Just as I was secretly impressed with the Zhuyong Tribe, one of them spoke.

[Follow us closely. We’ll grant you access to the Tower of Muwang now.]

It seemed it was their natural tendency to handle tasks all at once. It appeared that the prophet of Astana also valued efficiency and speed. I waved my hands and replied,

“No, please wait a moment. I have matters to discuss with Nara Suyuan.”

[We have no time to waste in this place. How long do you need?]

“I’m uncertain, but it is crucial for me. Just a little patience, please.”

[……]

After some deliberation, they nodded.

[Finish within a day and come back here.]

“Understood.”

I stepped out of the room, informing the royal guards I had come to see Nara Suyuan. Moments later, Nara Suyuan appeared from his throne, and I once again saw him standing with Sawasvati.

Nara Suyuan asked,

“I don’t see Dongbang Mu-gyeol. What happened to him?”

“He’s been temporarily subdued due to some conflict.”

“……”

He fell silent, resting his chin on his hand.

“Though it’s not my concern, do ensure it doesn’t cause us trouble.”

“I’ll handle it more thoroughly than you expect.”

“I like that spirit. Be sure to keep your word.”

“Is there any doubt?”

Nara Suyuan seemed to have already received reports that I had ‘taken care of’ Dongbang Mu-gyeol. However, since Dongbang Mu-gyeol wasn’t someone he absolutely needed to protect, he simply let it go. He likely prioritized negotiations with me over Dongbang Mu-gyeol.

‘If I hadn’t discussed this ahead of time, it may have turned dangerous.’

If I hadn’t shown the Obsidian and spoken about it, he might have believed it was akin to endangering his guest if he touched Dongbang Mu-gyeol. That could have led to bloody conflict right here. Thankfully, I had managed to navigate the situation peacefully thanks to convincing Nara Suyuan politically.

Nara Suyuan resumed speaking.

“Let me be clear: I do not consider the memories you showed me to be the complete truth. Hence, I do not fully trust you. You understand this, right?”

I nodded.

“Of course.”

“However, it is also true that I felt the path I must take from the memories you revealed, and I have the instinct that you will play a vital role in that process. Therefore, let’s use each other to pursue our benefits for now.”

“Yes.”

This was extremely diplomatic language, but I considered this answer sufficient. In any case, it indicated that he wouldn’t perceive me as an enemy. While he might find me suspicious, it also implied he felt an immense burden regarding the Ming Empire’s ambitions. Nara Suyuan was likely planning to use me as a pawn on the chessboard in his own strategy.

‘If he intends to make use of me, I might as well let him.’

As I quietly pondered, Nara Suyuan continued.

“I’d like to introduce a technician from the West to you.”

“A technician?”

“He washed ashore and came into our country, interpreting firearm techniques that the Western merchants have kept hidden. He is also a master of metallurgy. Thanks to him, we’ve made significant advancements in firearm technology.”

As Nara Suyuan gestured, a young man entered the room.

He had brown hair and striking blue eyes, a foreigner. He blinked before speaking in Central Plains language.

“Nice to meet you.”

As I glanced at him, Nara Suyuan said,

“He has shown considerable interest in discussing you. Since you speak Central Plains well, feel free to speak.”

“……”

“What would you like to know about firearms?”

I felt perplexed. What on earth was I supposed to say in Central Plains language? It was obvious that he couldn’t explain anything even if I directly asked him for weapon crafting techniques, and even if he could, I wouldn’t understand it, especially with Nara Suyuan watching closely. A brilliant mind might have read the situation, but I was clueless.

The young Westerner tilted his head, shrugging.

“It seems you have nothing to say. Then I’ll be…”

“Wait, just a moment.”

I desperately scrambled my thoughts. What could I possibly say to a Western technician whose name I didn’t even know? I had a feeling Nara Suyuan was playing a trick on me by setting up this bizarre situation. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I started sweating profusely.

“This… what do you think of this?”

Swish

I accidentally pulled out the Golden Lantern and showed it to him, only to be hit by regret.

‘What on earth have I done?’

The Golden Lantern was a magical tool. There was no way this Western technician could recognize it. The moment I realized I had made a useless gesture, my face turned red.

“Impossible.”

He exclaimed.

Suddenly, a deep voice flowed from the young Westerner standing before me.

[Why on earth do you possess the Lamp of Alhazred?]

“Uh?”

In that moment, I realized his words were not in Central Plains but in the language of an otherworldly race. I recognized it as the language I had encountered before. The young Westerner seemed to realize his mistake and quickly smiled again.

“Seems like we’re in the same boat. Please, tell me how you came across that item.”

“Partnership?”

“Don’t play coy with me. Such false modesty doesn’t work.”

The young Westerner seemed oddly eager.

In that instant, I figured out his true identity.

‘This guy is a sorcerer!’

The moment he recognized the Golden Lantern, knew the name of its creator, and spoke in the otherworldly language, it suggested he was indeed a sorcerer, borrowing the power of the “Ancient Rulers.”

A villainous practitioner, much like the Zhuge Clan or an alchemist!

Moreover, for some reason, he assumed me to be a fellow sorcerer and was hoping I would divulge the origins of the Golden Lantern.

I racked my brain and replied,

“First, tell me your name. Then perhaps I will consider it.”

“You’re being a nuisance. Are all Easterners like this?”

The young Westerner grimaced at my inquiry.

“Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim.”

“…….”

The pronunciation was so convoluted that I couldn’t understand anything. It was easier to understand the otherworldly language.

“Just call me Philippus Paracelsus.”

Such a strange name, just like a typical Westerner. I glanced at Nara Suyuan, who wore a knowing smile, as if he anticipated this.

“Quite the tongue-twister.”

“Indeed.”

Paracelsus seemed impatient and said,

“It doesn’t matter how you obtained it. Let’s trade knowledge. What do you say?”

“Sorry, but this is not a negotiable item.”

“Ugh… useless.”

He said sourly, turning away abruptly.

“I’ll be staying in this kingdom for a while, so come find me when you feel like it.”

Woosh

In a flash, he vanished without a trace. Nara Suyuan commented, as if he had expected this,

“As I thought, a headstrong character.”

“That guy is a sinister being colluding with otherworldly races. He’s dangerous.”

As I pointed out Paracelsus’s nature, Nara Suyuan clasped his hands together while seated on his throne.

“So what? He’s still an excellent technician and metallurgist, providing substantial benefit to Ayutthaya. We should make use of him while we can.”

“……”

“Perhaps the Ming Empire’s emperor thinks the same. However, it seems he has let that ‘alchemist’ manipulate him.”

Nara Suyuan seemed to muse over something, before stating,

“It seems fate has not favored you this time. Let’s meet again.”

“Yes.”

I agreed and stepped away from Nara Suyuan, my mind buzzing.

‘Is this what a ruler is like?’

While Nara Suyuan didn’t seem evil, he was clearly using Paracelsus for the sake of his nation’s prosperity. He likely had sensed my suspicion regarding Paracelsus being a sorcerer and wanted to incite him to extract deeper knowledge from him as well.

This entire sequence had been a calculated move, making it all the more dangerous. Though Nara Suyuan seemed smarter than the current emperor of the Ming Empire, predicting when he might be manipulated by the sorcerer to bring ruin to the world was tricky. Although he might avoid using evil methods like human sacrifice, one couldn’t foretell what choices he might make when the kingdom was in chaos.

I decided to head back to the Zhuyong Tribe. I had no more business here.

“Let’s go.”

“Sure.”

Following the Zhuyong Tribe, I soon arrived at the ruins of the giants, just as Dongbang Mu-gyeol had mentioned. It was the legacy of the descendants of the legendary Shennong, known as Chi You, Gua Bo, Gong Gong, and Xing Tian—giant deities of lore.

The ruins resembled a Tower of Muwang without windows. Formed from pitch-black stone with holes, the tower loomed impressively. As I admired the Tower of Muwang from afar, the Zhuyong Tribe gestured for me to follow.

Upon entering the Tower of Muwang, I discovered there was an empty space inside resembling a cavern. However, that area was obscured by green jewel-like walls, rendering it invisible from the outside. Intrigued, I reached out to touch the walls, but the Zhuyong Tribe warned,

“That inside contains a God imprisoned. Do not touch it.”

“A God?”

“There’s a primary seal, but don’t interfere. If any giants wake up, it would be a headache.”

As the Zhuyong Tribe muttered this, they suddenly ascended the spiral staircase of the Tower of Muwang. I followed suit, feeling I would be scorned if I dawdled.

“This way.”

When we finally reached the top of the tower, dozens of Zhuyong Tribe members were already there, taking off their masks and staring at me with blank expressions, giving me an eerie feeling. They all suddenly let out a massive shout.

“……!!”

A moment later, I found myself enveloped in light, arriving in a strange place.

‘What the heck? Just a moment ago, there were so many Zhuyong Tribe members…’

There wasn’t a single Zhuyong Tribe member in sight!

As I shook off my dizziness and stepped outside, one Zhuyong Tribe member awaited. He spoke,

“Half of your one-time use right has been used. Speak to me when you wish to return.”

“What are you talking about?”

“What… don’t you know of the Tower of Muwang’s function?”

“I don’t.”

With a look of incredulity, he stared at me and said,

“Go outside the tower. Then you’ll understand.”

Following his words, I descended the spiral staircase and emerged outside the Tower of Muwang. Upon gazing at the expansive, barren plains around me, it all clicked.

“Wow!”

This place was an entirely new expanse.

A new continent.

‘So this is where the Fire Day exists.’

In the next moment, I grasped the function of the Tower of Muwang. It was a means to teleport between [towers] that exist throughout the world! This location was likely on the southern edge of the world where the Fire Day existed, and I had traversed from the Southern Region to this new continent in an instant.