Reincarnation Sword God

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Celestial Realm

Afterwards, the negotiations with Han Baek-ryeong took place meticulously under Mangnyang‘s direction. Mangnyang revealed our identities and explained the background behind the need to eliminate the Namgung Clan. Upon hearing this, Han Baek-ryeong remarked,

“The malice of the Namgung Clan was something I was unaware of. If I had known of such apostates, I would have destroyed them first myself.”

Speaking softly, Han Baek-ryeong continued,

“You may proceed as you wish.”

“Thank you. And, instead of the Namgung Clan being wiped out, might you foster a new clan for us?”

“Wasn’t there a third request?”

“It’s an investment for the future. I’ve identified someone who could be a valuable addition to the Transformation School.”

“Hmm… Who is this person?”

Her curiosity piqued, Mangnyang grinned as he replied,

“I’ve found Bai Li Jeong-woon, the heir of the Bai Li Clan. While his current martial prowess isn’t high, he’s intelligent and steadfast, so I think he will be useful.”

“The Bai Li Clan? You’re saying you want to raise the descendant of a fallen great clan in Sichuan?”

“I can bring him here soon if you desire.”

“No, it’s fine. If someone of your caliber holds him in high regard, he must be of value. It would be good to strengthen the power of the Sichuan Martial World.”

“Thank you.”

As I listened from the side, I let out a thoughtful hum.

“Hmm…”

Bai Li Jeong-woon!

He was a figure I had stumbled upon in Sichuan while searching for Eastern Perfection. The Bai Li Clan had fallen, and he was the only one left guarding their estate, living on the brink of starvation. I had helped him while he was refining his martial skills, and in return, he provided me with information about Dukgo Seong, who was in hiding at Longwang Valley.

I hadn’t paid much attention to him until now, but it seemed Mangnyang had decided to recruit him. I planned to inquire further later and focused back on the conversation.

“Jin So-cheong. Is your master, Lee Gwang, participating in your plans?”

My gaze shifted to Jin So-cheong. She answered calmly without missing a beat.

“No. Master intends to oppose the White Lotus Sect until his death.”

“Hmph… Are you saying you defy your master’s will?”

“If my master’s path is righteous, I will devote my life to following him. However, he does not even understand for what purpose he should live. That path only leads to emptiness and destruction, so as a disciple, I believe it’s my duty to correct him.”

“……”

Upon hearing Jin So-cheong’s words, Han Baek-ryeong appeared surprised, contemplating deeply. After a moment, she asked,

“Jin So-cheong… What do you think of Lee Gwang as a person?”

“His life has been in disarray since Lee Cheong-woon fell.”

Jin So-cheong replied firmly.

“Knowing you, Han Baek-ryeong, a loyal disciple of Eastern Perfection, you must understand the implications of my words.”

“……”

That was a rather audacious statement to make to the Law Protector of the White Lotus Sect. Seeing Han Jin-seong‘s expression in the background shift slightly indicated he was somewhat enraged. No matter how high Jin So-cheong’s martial skills were, such words were not easily uttered considering the Law Protector’s status.

Yet, Han Baek-ryeong did not respond with anger; instead, she fell into thought. Then she said,

“I shall observe where this goes.”

At that moment, Mangnyang interjected,

“About the third proposal I mentioned earlier, would it be possible to meet with the Lord of the White Lotus Sect when presenting the Black and White Lotus?”

“Since you need to explain the efficacy of the Black and White Lotus, that is only natural. You may attend.”

“Thank you.”

We exchanged a few more words and then exited the residence of the Transformation School. Once outside the Han Clan, I was about to use my teleportation technique, but Mangnyang stopped me.

“The Transformation School has started to take note of us. We should only use it in places where people can’t see us.”

“Understood.”

We blended into the crowds of Luoyang, skillfully shaking off our pursuers. Jin So-cheong even detected a few tailers and subdued them. After about an hour, when we finally found a gap, we used the teleportation technique to return to our stronghold at Jinrang Valley.

Upon returning, I asked Mangnyang,

“Mangnyang, you didn’t tell me about Bai Li Jeong-woon. Was this an impulsive thought?”

Mangnyang shook his head.

“No, I went to Sichuan myself using spatial movement to meet Bai Li Jeong-woon. I sensed his talent and potential were exceptional, which is why I decided to recruit him. It doesn’t get better than the descendant of a fallen noble family.”

“Hmm…”

“I initially planned to recruit Sagong Lin from the Sagong Clan to serve as a cornerstone for the Heavenly Alliance. The Sagong Clan is much closer, and Sagong Lin’s martial talent is undoubtedly top-notch. However, there was a reason I couldn’t do that.”

I remembered what Mangnyang was implying.

“Old Sage of Mount Tai!”

“Yes. Sagong Lin is a disciple of the Old Sage of Mount Tai, specifically the Phoenix Guard. Old Sage of Mount Tai hasn’t revealed anything to her, but nonetheless, they share a relationship significant enough for her to receive a talisman. Bringing her in would inevitably attract the attention of Old Sage of Mount Tai.”

Listening to him, it was clear Mangnyang regarded Zhuque as an enemy. He referred to Old Sage of Mount Tai and the Phoenix Guard without mentioning his father at all. Mangnyang’s eyes sparkled.

“Nevertheless, Sagong Lin will be useful when the time comes. If I can use her to set a trap, we can catch Zhuque off guard.”

“Using her… She knows nothing, right?”

“Now is not the time for us to consider her circumstances. Zhuque is an opponent we would struggle against even when pooling together all our brains and might, including Jin So-cheong’s talents. We should focus on winning first.”

“Hmm, got it.”

Jin So-cheong, who had been listening, spoke up.

“Mangnyang, what are you planning to do now?”

“The first priority is to eradicate the root cause of the Namgung Clan.”

Mangnyang stated decisively.

“Now that we have the permission from the Transformation School, I will utilize my information network to widely announce the Namgung Clan‘s misdeeds across the martial world, condemning them. Soon, they will cut off trade with the official factions and be looked down upon by the masters. At that point, the Namgung Clan will attempt to use their power to suppress us, which is when you will need to step in to eliminate their masters.”

“Understood.”

“Just to be cautious, I remind you not to show them any mercy. They are merely obstacles in our path, so remove them thoroughly.”

Mangnyang’s gaze was fixed on Jin So-cheong. I understood the implication behind that look.

‘Mangnyang is concerned about the relationships between Jin So-cheong and the Namgung Clan members.’

It was a valid concern. I had seen firsthand that Namgung Min, a woman from the Namgung Clan, exhibited some slight affection towards Jin So-cheong. I couldn’t help but worry whether the gentle-natured Jin So-cheong, with her heroic spirit, could commit to such a brutal undertaking of annihilating a clan.

Feeling this, Jin So-cheong spoke resolutely.

“There’s no need to worry.”

“Understood.”

Once Mangnyang received this assurance, he continued,

“Most likely, after joining the White Lotus Sect, things will accelerate rapidly. Just to mention….”

I was shocked by Mangnyang’s following words.

“The Lord of the White Lotus Sect isn’t looking for Baek Woong; instead, they will want you, Jin So-cheong, as their disciple.”

“…!!”

‘If the Lord of the White Lotus Sect recognizes her skill level, they would undoubtedly want to acquire the unique techniques she has already mastered. A genius recognizes another genius, so that’s unavoidable.’

My mood soured. I had thought this could be possible, but hearing Mangnyang’s words made it feel even worse. Then, from the side, Jin So-cheong spoke up.

“That would deviate from the original plan, wouldn’t it? Baek Woong needs to acquire the secret of the Heavenly Spirit Pill for it to be meaningful.”

“That’s merely a different approach. You can learn the secret behind the Heavenly Spirit Pill and then pass it along to Baek Woong. It may not be as efficient as experiencing it firsthand, but it will still be sufficient. There are ways to further increase efficiency too.”

“If that’s the case…”

“Yes. Baek Woong will teach you the techniques of Obsidian. Then, you will transfer that knowledge back to Baek Woong. What do you think, Baek Woong?”

Teaching Baek Woong the techniques of Obsidian!

Hearing that proposal made me think for a moment. After contemplating the feasibility, I took a while before speaking.

“This knowledge of techniques is composed of foreign language and magic. I understand it, but I’m not confident that I can convey or pass it on in human language. After all, it’s a skill I gained through the prophet’s magic.”

“I figured as much. Then we’ll have to negotiate with the prophet for additional information.”

“Hm. To acquire more grimoires, I’ll need to get my hands on the Unknown Offering Script from Zhen Huang Pavilion.”

“Let’s not rush that. We can think it through slowly. As for treasures we can trade with the prophet, we should acquire those gradually.”

Mangnyang continued calmly,

“We have many things to take care of, but you can leave the mundane stuff to me. For now, let’s concentrate on destroying the Namgung Clan.”

“Understood.”

“I need to speak with Sword Demon, so let’s use Shadowless Gate.”

Whoosh!

We moved through the Shadowless Gate. After relaying the results of the negotiations with the Transformation School to Sword Demon, he smiled with satisfaction and said,

“That’s excellent news. Then I will proceed accordingly.”

“What are you planning to do?”

“Well… I’ll mobilize the Eight Gates of Magic to pressure the Namgung Clan. And since I have already discussed matters with Mo Yong-yeon, I intend to collaborate with the Mo Yong Clan to form a new faction in Anhui Province.”

Mangnyang nodded.

“So, Anhui will become part of the Shadowless Gate?”

“Haha, isn’t it acceptable to take such profits? The Eight Gates of Magic never even dreamed of pressuring the Namgung Clan. Given the solid alliance of the five great clans and the considerable military power of the Namgung Clan, it would have been unthinkable. Now, it’s still a dangerous gambit.”

“Not at all. Act according to the lord’s wishes.”

After receiving Mangnyang’s response, he then turned to Sword Demon,

“By the way, are you planning to hold a meeting with the Twelve Rhythms?”

“Of course. It seems you have already established conversations with them.”

“From my discussions with Twelve Rhythm Lord, I received confirmation that they are willing to accept the Shadowless Gate as Twelve Rhythm.”

“You’re quite ahead of the game. I have only thought about it.”

“Is that undesirable?”

“No, not at all. It’s actually quite convenient. If I had had an advisor like you back then, I would have conquered the Martial World long ago.”

Sword Demon, who smiled bitterly, remarked,

“Hm… Jin So-cheong. Can you showcase the secrets of the Three Treasures that you acquired?”

“Understood.”

A moment later, Sword Demon and Jin So-cheong faced off in a sparring arena. Having witnessed Jin So-cheong crush the Namgung Clan single-handedly, I could only see her coming out on top again. However, considering Sword Demon had also mastered the techniques of Zhang San-peng, I doubted there would be an overwhelming advantage in this fight.

Whoosh!

After a moment, as Sword Demon and Jin So-cheong exchanged their first attacks, the air around the arena rippled with distorted echoes of the clashing force.

Pshh!

A trickle of blood, like a thread, ran down Jin So-cheong‘s fist. Staring at the wound with a blank expression, Jin So-cheong reached for her spear.

“Hmm!”

I let out a soft hum. The fact that Jin So-cheong had to draw her spear after just one exchange signified something significant. Usually, she hadn’t needed to draw her weapon even when single-handedly destroying the Namgung Clan. The fact she felt the need to do so indicated that Sword Demon had grown that strong.

Sword Demon, looking at Jin So-cheong with her spear drawn, appeared to sweat slightly. Then he quietly stated,

“Remarkable… Just how far have you climbed? It seems impossible to penetrate the gap of the Three Treasures.”

To which Jin So-cheong replied,

“Your level of skill is commendable as well. While you may not have grasped the intricacies of the Seven Star Peering, you have certainly learned to connect the remaining techniques. It’s impressive that you’ve self-taught yourself in such a short time.”

“Hm… I suppose so. I don’t believe I can surpass you.”

With a sigh, Sword Demon lowered his sword.

“I concede.”

“That was a great match.”

After merely one second of sparring, the victor was determined. While others might view it as a disgrace, I recognized that the duel had taken place under extremely precise calculations.

Sword Demon may be inferior to Jin So-cheong, but he could have landed a heavy blow if he had pushed through the life-threatening moment. Assuming he had taken that risk, he could have had a chance of winning, but considering it was a friendly spar, the odds were too slim for that approach.

‘Incredible masters…’

I couldn’t help but marvel. If these two were to join together, defeating the Law Protector wouldn’t be an impossible dream. And if I could uncover the secrets of the Heavenly Spirit Pill, that dream would soon become a reality.

As Sword Demon stepped down from the sparring arena, he said,

“Baek Woong, make sure to teach me as well, just like you did with Jin So-cheong. I’m counting on you.”

“Uh… Even if you say so, it requires an immense amount of Obsidian…”

Sword Demon nodded.

“Alright. I will look for an Obsidian mine as best as I can. If necessary, I’ll buy out that mine. Just wait for me.”

“……”

It appeared Sword Demon was feeling somewhat annoyed after being outmatched by Jin So-cheong. I felt as though I was witnessing a side of Sword Demon, who is always composed and collected. It seemed Jin So-cheong’s martial prowess was significantly denting his ego.

After the sparring concluded, Mangnyang called me aside and said,

“Baek Woong. Let’s strike against the Namgung Clan in seven nights. Until then, leave the pressure to either Sword Demon or me.”

“What’s the reason for that?”

“We need to train at Jinrang Valley. You need to get stronger.”

Mangnyang’s eyes sparkled.

“Now, I will teach you the genuine use of the Heavenly Spirit Technique.”