Reincarnation Sword God

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Heavenly Realm

The next day, I left Jinrang Valley with Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong. Cheon Woo-jin decided to stay behind to seal off the Zhuge Clan while guarding Jinrang Valley. After entering Luoyang discreetly, we booked separate lodgings. Mangnyang ordered a cup of tea at the inn and spoke up.

“As I said yesterday, I plan to meet Han Baek-ryeong today.”

“Are you rushing to slow down the response from the Wind Spirit Sect?”

“Exactly. The incident has only been a day or two, so now is the best time. The Wind Spirit Sect will have heard the news by now, but they likely lack the details, making it the perfect moment for negotiation.”

After this, Mangnyang carried on.

“It’s foolish to negotiate with someone who is fully informed. It’s those dealing with vague information we want to engage; they’ll have to act before they uncover the entire situation.”

Our discussions from yesterday had reached completion. Bringing it up again was merely a precautionary measure. I glanced at Jin So-cheong, thinking,

‘Well, it should be fine with Jin So-cheong here.’

I couldn’t accurately gauge Jin So-cheong’s current martial prowess. Even if Han Baek-ryeong decided to take action, I believed Jin So-cheong would somehow handle it.

Gaining martial arts after a mere month seemed excessive, but it was not so. Blessed with her talent, Jin So-cheong had absorbed a century’s worth of my martial knowledge and experience all at once. Thus, it was reasonable to say that she had effectively received the benefits of over ten years of diligent training.

I hesitated before bringing it up.

“Mangnyang, what do you think of Han Baek-ryeong?”

“What do you mean? She’s a monster-like master capable of turning things upside down.”

“No, I mean can we be allies in future lives?”

I hadn’t actively crossed paths with Han Baek-ryeong until now. In fact, she had helped me countless times throughout my ten plus lives. Perhaps I could even share Obsidian with her.

“Hmm…”

Mangnyang pondered for a moment, seemingly taken aback. Then he replied,

“There’s a possibility. However, there are uncertainties, so I can’t make any guarantees yet.”

“Uncertainties?”

“She’s a resourceful woman who can adapt to situations. Hence, sometimes communication flows easily, giving off a refreshing vibe. But she never recklessly gives up her own interests. If push comes to shove, it’s anyone’s guess what decision she might make. Unlike us, she has a massive force to protect.”

“Hmm…”

Indeed, there wouldn’t be a scenario where Han Baek-ryeong abandoned the Wind Spirit Sect.

“Baek Woong, remember this: just because someone communicates well doesn’t mean you can trust them. Whether you can trust someone or make them trust you is a different story altogether.”

“Got it.”

I suddenly felt like I learned a valuable lesson. While I mulled over Mangnyang’s words, Jin So-cheong piped up,

“Let’s order a chicken while we’re at it. I’m feeling a bit hungry.”

“Sounds good!”

“Let’s eat!”

Both Jin So-cheong and I readily agreed with him, and shortly after, a delicious dish of fried chicken was served. Suddenly, Jin So-cheong poured the sweet and spicy sauce over the fried chicken. I gasped and exclaimed,

“What the heck! Why are you pouring it?!”

Jin So-cheong looked puzzled.

“Because I thought it would taste better that way…”

Then Mangnyang laughed loudly and said,

“What a foolish thing to say! You should dip it!”

“Is… is that so?”

As Mangnyang and I expressed our disappointment, the innkeeper, passing by, chuckled and said,

“Haha, whether you dip or pour, it will taste great. Enjoy!”

I grumbled in response,

“Ugh… dipping is definitely better.”

However, since Jin So-cheong had already doused the chicken, there was nothing I could do but eat it as it was. Ordering another seemed like an extravagant idea. After devouring the fried chicken and finishing a second stew chicken, we exited the inn.

Approaching the Han Clan entrance, I sensed once again the lingering presence of the Heonwon Sect, much like before. I hadn’t realized it earlier, but my skills had reached such a high level that I could now clearly gauge their prowess. They were clearly elite fighters known throughout the Jianghu.

As expected, the Heonwon Sect seemed to find both Jin So-cheong and my skills to be quite formidable, as they dropped their concealment and blocked our path. The leader among them glared at us, asking,

“Who are you?”

Mangnyang waved his hand in a comforting gesture, replying,

“We’re here to meet the clan leader of the Han Clan. We have a gift.”

“A gift? Tell us what it is before we let you through.”

“Sorry, but I can’t do that. It must be delivered directly to them.”

“You are uninvited guests. If you don’t disclose your names and affiliations, I advise you to leave.”

Ssssss

The moment the Heonwon Sect finished speaking, I felt several masters stealthily revealing their presence all around us. Top-tier fighters were keenly monitoring our openings. Mangnyang, unfazed, chuckled and responded,

“I am Mangnyang from the Bancheon Alliance. Not long ago, I delivered a gift to Han Jin-seong, the young master. Have you not heard?”

“Hmm…”

The Heonwon Sect appeared flustered and glanced behind them. Standing there was Ki Ryong Shingun, the strongest among the guests of the Han Clan, also wearing a flabbergasted expression. Then, Ki Ryong Shingun stepped forward as the representative of the guests and said to me,

“We need to verify some facts, so please wait.”

At a signal, the Heonwon Sect swiftly dashed inside. Moments later, Han Jin-seong, the young master of the Han Clan, emerged. He looked at Mangnyang with surprise written on his face. Then, Han Jin-seong cupped his fists in greeting.

“I am Han Jin-seong. Thank you for the previous gift, Bancheon Alliance Leader.”

Rustle

The guests from the Han Clan showed signs of amazement. They had undoubtedly assumed we were uninvited guests, eager to kick us out, but in reality, we were genuine visitors. With a subtle hand gesture from Han Jin-seong, the guests concealed their presence and slipped back inside, while he smiled and continued,

“We may have been somewhat rude. However, we have been on high alert due to some troubling rumors lately, so please understand.”

“Oh, no problem. But what troubling rumors are you referring to?”

“Let’s discuss that inside.”

“Understood.”

We followed Han Jin-seong into the Han Clan’s inner premises. I discreetly sent a message to Mangnyang.

[So the roaming around was preparing for this?]

[Haha, of course! I’ve already established the foundation for the Bancheon Alliance in Luoyang, and I’ve done my groundwork within the Han Clan. Today’s visit should encounter no problems.]

Mangnyang seemed to have everything prepared. I followed him in with admiration, as Han Jin-seong guided us into a tranquil room. Upon entering the room, Han Jin-seong invited us to sit, and moments later, he initiated the conversation.

“Thank you for the gold bars you sent to commemorate the establishment of the Bancheon Alliance. However, I apologize for not having been able to respond as I was unaware of the alliance’s standing.”

Seems Mangnyang utilized the gold bars I had given as startup capital. Mangnyang, smiling, replied,

“Haha, not at all. Today’s gift is the real deal.”

I noticed Han Jin-seong’s eyes twinkling at this.

“Oh? Is that so?”

“Of course! I’d like to deliver it directly to the clan leader.”

“I am acting on behalf of the clan leader. Receiving it from me will be equivalent to receiving it from them.”

Mangnyang chuckled softly, replying,

“It’s a rather significant matter; I doubt the young master could handle it.”

“What kind of gift could possibly warrant that much concern?”

Han Jin-seong asked, appearing incredulous.

“If I may say so, it would be rude to claim the wealth of the clan isn’t significant, but considering how affluent the Han Clan is, a few gold bars wouldn’t be seen as a grand gesture. However, it is the sentiment in sending it that merits our meeting.”

That’s true. Based on the information gathered so far, the Han Clan and the Wind Spirit Sect possessed immense wealth. They supported all five great clans simultaneously and even bought off a number of officials in Luoyang, so it was fair to say they could fill a room with golden bars. Han Jin-seong’s statements were definitely not an exaggeration.

Just then, Mangnyang burst out laughing.

“Hahaha! I most certainly knew that! Everyone is aware that the Han Clan is a hidden treasure trove!”

“What are you referring to?”

“What I brought today is a treasure that cannot be replaced with mere gold or wealth!”

“Hmm… What is it?”

“As I mentioned earlier, I won’t consider presenting it unless I meet the clan leader in person. However, it is indeed a treasure worth the clan leader’s attention.”

“……”

Han Jin-seong paused to think before replying,

“I will arrange for you to meet the clan leader. But know that you must stand by your words.”

“Of course.”

The statement about standing by my words hinted that if the gift turned out to be unsatisfactory, I might get killed. Given that this is the core of the Wind Spirit Sect, where the Dharma Protector resides, it felt chilling. Additionally, many formidable masters of the Wind Spirit Sect likely lurked here without us knowing.

Yet, with Jin So-cheong and Mangnyang by my side, my mind relaxed, and I felt at ease. No one could be more trustworthy than them at this moment.

Finally, we were allowed to enter the innermost garden. There, standing like a doll, was a stunning black-haired beauty. I already knew she was Han Baek-ryeong, the Dharma Protector of the Wind Spirit Sect, having met her on several occasions.

Han Baek-ryeong glanced at us and inquired,

“Which one of you is the leader of the Bancheon Alliance?”

Her tone was incredibly rude for a first meeting, yet no one in the room raised a fuss about it. Everyone recognized her defense was justified given her status. Stepping forward, Mangnyang pressed his palms together in greeting.

“I am Mangnyang, the leader of the Bancheon Alliance, here to meet the Dharma Protector of the Wind Spirit Sect, Han Baek-ryeong.”

“……!!”

Instinctively, both Han Baek-ryeong and Han Jin-seong stiffened. The direct confrontation was unexpected enough for even Han Jin-seong to show his surprise. Han Baek-ryeong shot Mangnyang a piercing gaze, releasing her presence, but Jin So-cheong and I exerted our strength to block it. Realizing what happened, Han Baek-ryeong wore a bemused expression.

“So you’re quite the capable ones. Are you also from the Bancheon Alliance?”

At a loss for words on how to respond, I opted for silence. In these situations, it was best to let Mangnyang take the reins. Sure enough, he nonchalantly replied,

“These two aren’t from the Bancheon Alliance, but like me, they have come to meet the Dharma Protector. It’s quite a significant matter.”

“What…?”

“First of all, let me say this.”

Mangnyang paused for effect before continuing,

“We wish to join the White Lotus Sect. To that end, we have brought tribute, and we hope you will listen to our proposition.”

“……”

Han Baek-ryeong took a moment to think before asking,

“How did you know we were the White Lotus Sect and that I was the Dharma Protector?”

“I gathered information while establishing the Bancheon Alliance. During this process, I investigated the funding connected to the five great clans, leading me to discover this.”

“It’s hard to believe so easily.”

Before Han Baek-ryeong could turn it into an interrogation, Mangnyang was quick to interject.

“One more thing I must tell you.”

“What is it?”

“I cannot say I am entirely unrelated to the White Lotus Sect either.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Mangnyang gestured towards us.

“The two you see here are Baek Woong and Jin So-cheong. They are both disciples of the Thunder God Lineage.”

“……!!”

“Thanks to their help, I was able to establish the Bancheon Alliance.”

Gulp!

This time, Han Baek-ryeong could not conceal her surprise. She likely hadn’t anticipated the Thunder God Lineage to appear here. After staring blankly for some time, she finally spoke.

“I see. So are you aiming to revive the Thunder God Lineage? But why did you provoke the Namgung Clan, Jin So-cheong?”

Jin So-cheong answered her calmly.

“You already know the reason. They brutally annihilated minor clans and kidnapped women to serve as sex slaves. Such actions are inhumane and violate the teachings of the White Lotus Sect, so we destroyed them.”

“……”

Han Baek-ryeong seemed to be deep in thought. After a while, she spoke again.

“Jin So-cheong, your martial skills cannot be easily evaluated, even by me. You are likely the strongest among the survivors of the Thunder God Lineage. How have you accumulated such skills at such a young age?”

“I cannot disclose the secrets of my martial arts.”

Mangnyang clapped his hands, interjecting,

“Now then, I think it’s time to get to the main point. Are you inclined to accept our tribute?”

Han Baek-ryeong chuckled coldly.

“Humph… Show me. That tribute better have as much value as the Namgung Clan.”

“Well, I believe it has at least ten times that value.”

“What?!”

Mangnyang pulled out the Black and White Lotus that he stored in a pristine wooden box. As he presented the box tenderly to Han Baek-ryeong, she expertly used a technique to retrieve it from three feet away. Upon examining the Black and White Lotus inside the box, her expression hardened.

“What is this…?”

“It is known as the Black and White Lotus. As you can see, while the White Lotus resembles the sacred lotus of the White Lotus Sect, the unique part is that both the black and white varieties grow in the same pond. And their efficacies differ.”

“What effects does it hold?”

“I believe you can infer from the spiritual energy emanating from the Black and White Lotus.”

Mangnyang grinned slyly.

“The Black and White Lotus possesses powers to dispel curses or magical abilities. I suspect the Dharma Protector will find it quite useful.”

“……”

Han Baek-ryeong gazed intently at the Black and White Lotus. She then shifted her focus back to Mangnyang and asked,

“Do you have any conditions?”

Though Mangnyang could have negotiated using the Black and White Lotus in his hands, he intended to present it to her directly out of understanding her character. He knew that she would certainly reciprocate any gifts gratefully, revealing mutual trust by handing the item over first to make a good impression.

“Yes.”

“Speak.”

After taking a deep breath, Mangnyang replied,

“There are three main points.”

“That’s quite a bit of ambition.”

“Given the value of the Black and White Lotus, I assure you, these conditions are not excessive.”

Han Baek-ryeong responded curtly, appearing slightly displeased.

“Humph, go ahead.”

“The first is that you grant us permission to completely annihilate the Namgung Clan. The second, please assist in the return of the Thunder God Lineage to the White Lotus Sect.”

“And the third?”

“Allow me the chance to personally meet the Lord of the White Lotus Sect.”

At this, Han Baek-ryeong glanced at Han Jin-seong.

“Jin-seong, what do you think?”

Han Baek-ryeong inquiring Han Jin-seong was unusual as she seldom sought his opinion. This signal indicated that she viewed Mangnyang‘s proposal as highly significant. After pondering deeply, Han Jin-seong finally replied,

“I believe it would be acceptable.”

“Indeed.”

Han Baek-ryeong continued,

“I’ll accept that proposal.”