Reincarnation Sword God

---

Heavenly Realm

I began my training with Mangnyang at Jinrang Valley, focusing on the techniques of the Heavenly Secret Technique. To be precise, I had received about four lessons on the training and unfolding methods previously, so today was supposed to be about the accurate application of those techniques.

Mangnyang said,

“Now, first, try to unfold the technique.”

Chil-ling –

As I activated the technique, patterns began to appear at my fingertips. There were a total of ten symbols inscribed, one on each fingertip. Each pattern had a strange shape that was neither an Eight Trigrams Diagram nor one of the Five Elements. As I displayed the patterns on my fingers, Mangnyang continued,

“Last time, you learned how to emit and maintain the symbols of the Heavenly Secret Technique. Do you know what role those patterns play?”

“Of course! You said they function like candles, meaning as long as the patterns are maintained, the technique will also be sustained.”

“Very well understood.”

Mangnyang nodded in approval and said,

“This technique is recorded only in the Text of the Three Sovereigns. Thus, originally, only the Immortals could master it, and it is not permitted for humans. Because of that, it possesses tremendous power, so if used well, it can be of great help.”

“Hmmm… I’ve displayed the patterns, but what do I do next?”

“While maintaining the patterns, concentrate your mind to contemplate the principle of circulation.”

Mangnyang recited slowly as if chanting a spell,

“The universe has a cycle. That cycle spans 129,600 years, which includes the four seasons. The initial six months amount to 64,800 years, referred to as Pre-Heaven (先天), while the latter half is Post-Heaven (後天). And such vast seasonal changes flow through the world, which is why the four seasons are governed by the Six Energies (六氣).”

“……”

“The Six Energies are Wood (木), Fire (君火), Upper Fire (相火), Earth (土), Metal (金), and Water (水). These six energies make up a year, and the heavenly energies will gain the spirit of heaven. The Heavenly Secret Technique starts when you can manipulate the powers of the Six Energies freely.”

I had a rough understanding from previous explanations, but it was still difficult. As I pondered over the intricacies of the technique, Mangnyang extended his Ten Fingers towards me.

“Take a good look. The patterns on my ten fingers are ancient promises that govern the control of the Six Energies.”

“Promises?”

“I believe I explained earlier that the Heavenly Secret Technique is related to Spirit Invocation Technique (降靈術).”

“Indeed.”

“Actually, the Spirit Invocation Technique is incredibly complex and dangerous. To summon a spirit, one must have an innate Spirit Medium Physique and exceptional talent in magical arts, as well as possess significant Qi. Therefore, unlike other techniques that can be somewhat usable with study and effort, the Spirit Invocation Technique is unreachable for those without talent.”

“Hmm…”

“The promise of controlling the Six Energies with your Ten Fingers can serve as a celestial reservoir (Heavenly Power) that allows you to use the Spirit Invocation Technique even without the Spirit Medium Physique or exceptional talent.”

I thought deeply and posed a question,

“But I’ve had many visits from Yeodong-bin and the Great Immortal, right? How does that work?”

“That’s because the Great Immortal descended in exchange for the proper price. All contractual burdens were borne by the Great Immortal, thus your capacity is inconsequential. However, it’s reasonable to say that your own talent for Spirit Invocation is quite limited.”

“……”

“Oh, of course, after having experienced many descents, your spiritual affinity has likely risen to an average level by now.”

Mangnyang sometimes had a knack for probing intellectual jabs. Just as I was pondering, Mangnyang continued,

“However, although the entry conditions for the Spirit Invocation Technique are stringent, if you can utilize it properly, it can yield results that are more intuitive and assured than any other technique. I am confident it will be of immense help to you in the future.”

“Hmm… So what am I supposed to do while the Ten Finger Pact is maintained?”

“Close your eyes and attune your mental energy to the Ten Fingers to sense the surrounding spirits.”

Following Mangnyang’s instruction, I closed my eyes and tried to feel the nearby souls. Unlike usual, in this world suffused with darkness, I sensed something exceptionally pure and bright floating around. Within a radius of about a hundred yards, thousands of white, will-o’-the-wisps-like souls were swirling about. It felt overwhelming, so I murmured,

“Th-There are so many.”

“All of those are wandering spirits and souls.”

“How can there be so many?”

“Because it’s not just human souls. Animals and plants also possess spirits, so before they enter the Underworld, their souls are filtered, leaving only pure spirit forms.”

“What should I do now?”

“Expand your perceptive range. At your current level, you should be able to sense up to about twenty miles.”

Susussu

As I widened my perception, it felt like a vast expanse entered my awareness. I felt the darkness spanning between heaven and earth enveloped in a vortex of light. Countless souls and spirits were swirling throughout the void! It was such a novel experience that it sent chills down my skin, almost feeling eerie.

“Among countless souls, there will be a particularly massive one. A soul that is hundreds of times larger than the others.”

“… There is one.”

Just as Mangnyang said, there were enormous souls amid the tens of thousands of spirits. They sat still, almost immovable, in contrast to the small souls drifting about like feathers. While observing the giant souls, I suddenly noticed something curious.

“Oh, there’s a huge red one.”

It was more enormous than the giant souls, pulsing as if it were alive.

“Don’t touch that. That’s likely a malevolent spirit or a great monster.”

“What?!”

“They are wicked entities who have missed the opportunity for ascension and inflict harm on others. If you remember their positions, you can hunt them down later.”

Turning to me, Mangnyang said,

“Now, the time has come. Speak to the great souls ‘I summon you under the pact of Ten Fingers.’ They will come to you.”

I nodded and inwardly shouted,

“I summon you under the pact of Ten Fingers!”

Paat!

As soon as I finished my thought, I could see the great souls appearing near me. The spirits emerged, gradually reshaping from a round form into a human figure. Mangnyang chuckled softly.

“Indeed, there are many powerful spirits around here.”

“Mangnyang, what should I do now?”

“Choose any one of them to accept into your body.”

I glanced around and drew one of the souls into my being. It flowed into me as if water was being absorbed, soon taking control of my body. Yet, my consciousness remained clear, confirming that the Spirit Invocation was successfully completed. The spirit occupying my body soon spoke in a gruff voice,

“Why have you summoned me?”

Mangnyang queried,

“Who are you?”

“I am Dian Wei!”

“Oh… A heavy hitter from the start.”

Amazed, Mangnyang continued,

“There is an evil monster ten miles to the northwest. Can you deal with it?”

“I understand!”

The spirit known as Dian Wei drew a sword through my body. A moment later, a blue aura wrapped around my sword like an axe. And then Dian Wei dashed madly to the northwest, ultimately arriving at a dilapidated shrine.

KRRAAAAHHH!!

There, a snake-like monster was curled up. Judging by the human bones scattered around, it seemed to have devoured quite a few people. Dian Wei’s eyes lit up with fury as he shouted,

“Die!!”

Kwawng!

Moments later, Dian Wei slashed the snake monster with my sword. Though his axe skills weren’t remarkable, the sheer power and speed he displayed were astounding. I questioned whether I could even harness such potential with my own magical abilities. Plus, his vitality seemed formidable; he sustained several bites from the snake monster without a scratch.

After completing his task, Dian Wei detached from my body and said,

[I fulfilled your request.]

“……”

As I stood there in a daze, Mangnyang, who had appeared using his teleportation technique, laughed and said,

“Baek Woong, check your Ten Finger Pact.”

“… There are eight left.”

“Every time you invoke a spirit, one is extinguished. The spirit remains invoked as long as it fulfills your request, and you can utilize its powers and knowledge.”

“What do you mean?”

Mangnyang chuckled softly.

“Baek Woong, reassess your memories in your mind. Don’t you have new recollections?”

“Whoa!”

Indeed, it felt as if I had obtained knowledge of axe skills and combat techniques that I had never experienced before! Although it was too crude to be called a martial art, it was a practical combat style that maximized one’s strength. Additionally, I grasped the bodily techniques essential for battlefield generals. Such training typically required years of combat with an axe to acquire.

“That’s the battlefield experience of the fierce general Dian Wei. With the Heavenly Secret Technique, you summoned him and indirectly gained that experience.”

“Hoh… The combat methods from the era of the Three Kingdoms.”

“Hehe. However, with the exceptional martial talent you possess now, you likely don’t find the summoning of such a warrior particularly enticing.”

As Mangnyang spoke, he commanded again,

“This time, ensure to verify the form of the spirit and summon someone resembling a scholar, rather than a warrior.”

“Understood.”

I summoned another great spirit under the Ten Finger Pact. This time, there was indeed a soul that appeared in the guise of a scholar. Hesitating, I chose to converse with the spirit.

[Who are you?]

[I am Fang Xuanling.]

[Gasp!]

I was taken aback.

Fang Xuanling!

He was a great statesman and sage from the Tang Dynasty, leading the famed 24 Advocates and known as a close aide to the renowned monarch Li Shimin. Anyone who has studied even a little history would know of him. He was essentially one of the prominent ministers who supported the Tang Dynasty right after its establishment.

‘Could it be…’

Standing in front of me was a politician from over a thousand years ago. Fang Xuanling gazed at me pensively and said,

[If summoned by a pact, you must have a task for me.]

[Uh, then could you grant me some knowledge…]

[It is not difficult.]

Shwooosh!

Shortly after, Fang Xuanling invoked his spirit, appearing deep in thought. Standing beside him, Mangnyang asked,

“Do you need paper and ink?”

“I do.”

“Let’s go together.”

Mangnyang led Fang Xuanling back to Jinrang Valley using his spatial movement. Once at Jinrang Valley, Fang Xuanling seized a brush and began writing extensively on paper. After a while, when I witnessed the Spirit Invocation dissipating and saw the outcome, it turned out to be two volumes packed with all kinds of knowledge that Fang Xuanling possessed.

With my hands slightly trembling, I brushed them off, and Mangnyang remarked,

“Though it contains some useless parts from about a thousand years ago, he is indeed a sage. There’s a great deal of political wisdom concentrated there.”

“Ugh… Could this be the technique of summoning a remarkable spirit?”

“Indeed.”

Mangnyang nodded in agreement.

“With the Heavenly Secret Technique, you summon ancient spirits when necessary to gain their power and wisdom. As you accumulate the uses of the technique, your growth speed will accelerate beyond your original capabilities. This way, you may reach your goal before you agglomerate hundreds of past lives!”

“……!!”

“Moreover, the more you use it, the more your Spirit Medium Physique and spiritual energy will develop, which is a double-edged sword.”

I suddenly realized how remarkable this technique was. I could summon illustrious generals, sages, and rulers of history into my being, request their assistance, and acquire a portion of their experiential wisdom. Although it might not match the blessings of the Great Immortal or the summons of Yeodong-bin, its potential for future application was boundless.

‘Truly the secret art recorded in the Text of the Three Sovereigns left by the Great Immortal…’

Ordinary techniques could never be this convenient and powerful. This was a technique reserved for Immortals, hence its incredible strength. I suddenly became curious and asked Mangnyang,

“Mangnyang, but why don’t these ancient spirits go to the Underworld?”

“Hmm?”

“Fang Xuanling was from a thousand years ago, and Dian Wei lived nearly fourteen hundred years ago. According to the principles of reincarnation in Buddhist teachings, they should have passed into the afterlife to be reborn as new beings, shouldn’t they?”

“……”

Mangnyang showed a somewhat troubled expression and responded,

“Explaining that would be complicated, but I can tell you that there is one thing wrong with your question.”

“What is it?”

Mangnyang sighed.

“The Afterlife and the Underworld are not the same. They are distinctly different.”

“……? What does that mean?”

Mangnyang’s gaze turned skyward.

“It means that all humans in this world cannot escape the chains of gods, even after death…”

The serialization of Noblesse has come to a temporary halt at Chapter 329 today.

I will return with a pay-per-chapter system starting October 1!