Reincarnation Sword God

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Heavenly Realm

Entering the White Lotus Sect!

I had always thought that I needed to accomplish certain tasks to uncover the secrets of the Heavenly Spirit Pillar, yet various complications prevented me from proceeding. Now that the discussions with Mangnyang were over, I could smoothly enter the White Lotus Sect.

Mangnyang said,

“Baek Woong, Han Baek-ryeong promised to respond within three months at the latest. However, being the person she is, we should expect contact soon.”

“Finally entering the White Lotus Sect, huh?”

“Hehe, are you looking forward to it?”

“To be honest, I am.”

In the early days of acquiring the Heavenly Secret, I never imagined myself joining the White Lotus Sect. Everyone around had an air of secrecy and avoidance regarding the sect, and I was content just learning the ways of the Thunder martial arts while wandering the Jianghu. However, as stronger enemies continually appeared, the need to dig into the heart of the White Lotus Sect to gather information grew significantly.

I remarked to Mangnyang,

“So, does that mean I can train in Jinrang Valley during this time?”

“Hmm. There’s something more urgent.”

“What is it?”

“It’s about Zhuge Sa.”

Zhuge Sa?

I couldn’t understand why he was bringing up Zhuge Sa now. He’s currently confined within the Treasure Mountain base, unable to move an inch! Then Mangnyang explained,

“Acquiring the Namgung Clan’s secret Sunu-Gu has changed the situation. We need Zhuge Sa’s assistance.”

“What kind of assistance do we need?”

“Previously, Zhuge Sa gave you the Soul Separation Technique as leverage during your exchange.”

“Ah.”

I recalled the memory from the past.

‘Certainly, I remember the three of us exchanging items in front of the prophet, me, Cheon Woo-jin, and Zhuge Sa.’

The details of that conversation sprang to mind. Zhuge Sa had offered the Soul Separation Technique in exchange for the Crystal Stele.

[ … I will give you this secret technique.]

[ The Soul Separation Technique?]

[ It’s the best item I possess. I believe it will be sufficient.]

At that time, Cheon Woo-jin had jeered at the Soul Separation Technique, saying it belonged to the leader of the heretical sect. Even though he said it mockingly, that was enough to persuade me to accept Zhuge Sa’s offer and hand over the Crystal Stele. I reflected on the past and said,

“But back then, I was so flustered that I couldn’t even properly study the Soul Separation Technique.”

“That’s what would happen.”

“Is it really that important for Zhuge Sa to have the Soul Separation Technique?”

To my question, Mangnyang nodded.

“Originally, I intended to have you strengthen your training in the Heavenly Spirit Pillar, but I thought of another plan. It’s a strategy to facilitate the search for the Fire Spirit, one of the Seven Luminaries.”

“……!!”

Fire Spirit!

As one of the Seven Luminaries, it’s on par with my Water Element Divine Sword! I had successfully reached the legendary continent where the Fire Spirit is said to exist, but faced with difficulties learning about its eclipse, I had returned. Jin So-cheong, who had been listening nearby, popped a dumpling into his mouth and said,

“They seem to plan to use the Sunu-Gu and Soul Separation Technique in tandem.”

Mangnyang seemed impressed with Jin So-cheong’s remark.

“Exactly.”

I was curious about how they planned to combine these two. Looking at Mangnyang with interest, he explained.

“To determine when an eclipse will occur in the Southern Continent, we need astronomical observation equipment and data. Those materials are stored in the Inner Imperial Pavilion of the Imperial Palace, so you, Baek Woong, can utilize your Water Element Technique and Mok Gap to retrieve them anytime. Do you understand so far?”

“Hmm, right.”

“However, you cannot use that astronomical data as it is. As I mentioned before, this world is round.”

“……?”

Mangnyang pointed a finger toward the sky.

“The land we stand on revolves around the sun. Therefore, there are time differences in the east, west, north, and south, and the rising and setting of the sun and moon can significantly differ. You, of all people, who have traveled thousands of miles in a flash using your Water Element Technique, would understand that best.”

I nodded.

“That’s true.”

When moving thousands of miles at once, the difference between day and night can be stark. Previously, Mangnyang’s explanation had sounded nonsensical, but after experiencing flying around the world using the Water Element Technique, I had certainly felt the essence of the world being round. Mangnyang continued,

“So, based on the astronomical data from the Central Plains, we can use astronomical observation equipment to estimate when an eclipse will occur in the Central Plains, but we will need to measure again in the Southern Continent since the location differs.”

“Hmm!”

I noted his words and asked,

“During the eclipse in the Southern Continent, would we not be able to see it from the Central Plains?”

“Correct. Because an eclipse is a phenomenon that can only be observed from a single, localized point. When continents differ, it may not be visible, and even on-site, there’s a high probability that it can only be seen from limited locations.”

“Ugh!”

“In fact, the dates of eclipses have been noted since ancient times. Through mathematical and physical calculations, we can know which years and which sun or moon they will appear. Hence, if it’s a different continent, we must start from scratch in calculating, since there are no observational materials…”

Mangnyang, muttering so, continued,

“The worse thing is that total eclipses are extremely rare astronomical events.”

“Is that an issue?”

“Because they are rare, the cycle can be very long. In severe cases, they can appear only once every few decades.”

I was taken aback as I realized what Mangnyang meant.

“Then, do you mean that the Fire Spirit’s ruins might not open for several decades from now?”

“That’s just a guess and a stroke of luck. If we’re lucky, we might find the Fire Spirit soon, but if not, we could be waiting for decades.”

“……”

“Anyway, we must measure the astronomy of the Southern Continent before we can begin.”

Mangnyang took a gulp of water and said,

“And for that astronomical measurement, we will use the Soul Separation Technique and the Sunu-Gu.”

“Please tell me the concrete plan.”

“It’s simple. With the Soul Separation Technique, we will bind the souls of the locals to my form and have them conduct astronomical observations. Then, through the Sunu-Gu, I will gather and compile the results they measure.”

“……?”

“Astronomical measurements require considerable time and human resources, so this method is the best. Later, after subduing the Imperial Palace, we can replace them with golem-like beings, but for now, the Soul Separation Technique is essential.”

Hearing this, I felt a bit absurd. I questioned back,

“Binding souls to bodies using the Soul Separation Technique? Is that the technique’s ability?”

“Indeed. That’s why the Soul Separation Technique is regarded as the most powerful secret technique of the heretical sect, and it’s not something to be lightly dismissed in Taoism.”

Mangnyang opened his palm to reveal five colors of energy as he continued explaining.

“The Soul Separation Technique essentially allows one to place their soul into an empty body, but at advanced levels, you gain the ability to manipulate both your soul and spirit freely. This means you can control not only your own soul and spirit but also those of others.”

“I don’t quite understand. Can you break it down?”

“Um… To simplify, a person under the Soul Separation Technique can live just as normally, but in reality, their soul is under the caster’s surveillance. You can control them at will, and know everything they see and hear. This doesn’t just apply to one person, but multiple subjects at once as well.”

“……!!”

Not just me, but even Jin So-cheong was astonished by his words.

To share another’s five senses and manipulate them at will!

And the subject wouldn’t even realize they were under the technique!

Both Jin So-cheong and I, having survived long in the Jianghu, knew exactly how terrifying that power was. Furthermore, if Mangnyang was to be believed, the Soul Separation Technique could target several subjects at once. I trembled at the sheer might of the Soul Separation Technique.

“Such… such a terrifying technique!”

“That’s why the heretical sect has persisted with disdain from the martial world for nearly a thousand years.”

“Wait a moment. Then, did Zhuge Sa cast the Soul Separation Technique on me in my previous life…?”

Suddenly struck by that thought, my face turned pale as Mangnyang chuckled.

“Consider Zhuge Sa’s character. If he discovered you were a reincarnated soul, would he just let you be? He would surely subdue you and extract your soul to claim that power for himself. Zhuge Sa is certainly not one to leave a reincarnated soul that poses a threat.”

“Ah!”

True, that made sense.

“The fact that Zhuge Sa has not taken any action until now proves that he has not cast the Soul Separation Technique on you. Well, such a powerful secret technique comes with its own constraints when cast.”

Meanwhile, Jin So-cheong, who had been listening quietly, asked,

“Mangnyang, how do you know so much about the Soul Separation Technique?”

“Hmm?”

“The heretical sect is not currently active in the martial world, and there hasn’t been any news about them for over a hundred years. They are like a legendary sect. There are only whispers about the Soul Separation Technique being a technique for manipulating souls, but few know its true nature. Yet you seem to know a lot about both the technique and the heretical sect.”

“Hmm…”

Mangnyang stroked his chin as he answered.

“I am a direct disciple of Mangnyang Seonsa, the protector of Taoism. Although I lack talent and haven’t amassed any formidable skills, it would not be an exaggeration to say that I have studied the methods and secret arts of all existing sects, whether Buddhist, Taoist, or Confucian. Naturally, I have heard many details regarding the heretical sect and the Soul Separation Technique. My master, Cheon Woo-jin, is the same.”

“Your master taught you this?”

“The accumulation of knowledge by my master transcends humanity and touches on the workings of the universe. No sage in this world could bear comparison to him.”

Mangnyang said without any obvious emotion.

“Anyway, once we obtain the Soul Separation Technique from Zhuge Sa, we will use it not only for astronomical measurements but also in many other areas. So, we need to persuade Zhuge Sa.”

“Persuade him… how exactly?”

“That’s precisely why I need your help, Baek Woong.”

Mangnyang sighed and continued,

“Zhuge Sa‘s intellect is on par with mine. Thus, he won’t be easily swayed by half-baked proposals or tactics. To persuade him, we must provide an equivalent compensation, something that only you can manage.”

“Hmm… I need to offer him treasures in exchange for the Soul Separation Technique, I see.”

“Baek Woong, what do you think would be good?”

“……”

At Mangnyang’s question, I placed my chin on my hand and thought.

‘What treasures could justify an exchange for the Soul Separation Technique?’

Originally, I would have considered the Black and White Lotus or gold bars. However, the Black and White Lotus has nearly all been consumed at this point, and I also don’t have many gold bars left. Moreover, it’s questionable whether Zhuge Sa would even be interested in the Black and White Lotus or gold bars.

The most reliable method might be to exchange the Crystal Stele for the Soul Separation Technique, just like in my previous life. But I wasn’t sure if retrieving the Crystal Stele was a wise move.

Taking it from the center of the Imperial Palace would be relatively easy, but I had no idea how the forces of the Imperial Palace would react to that. On the one hand, I could certainly deceive the alchemists, but I knew the Imperial Palace has various means to bolster their power. Furthermore, they would likely resort to underhanded tactics to recover their losses.

It felt reckless to provoke them without properly engaging them just yet.

That leaves me with options like the Water Element Divine Sword, the Golden Alchemy, the Mok Gap, the Obsidian, or even the namesake Wu Ming Jisa. But each of those is precious beyond measure.

If I had to say, the Obsidian and the Wu Ming Jisa were left, but comparing the Obsidian to the Soul Separation Technique, it lacks value.

I thought long and hard before finally saying,

“I’ll need to steal either the Wu Ming Jisa or the Crystal Stele from the Imperial Palace.”

“That’s right. And that’s something only you can do in this world.”

“Is that really okay?”

I asked worriedly.

“If the Imperial Palace rebels because of that…”

“That variable is beyond my estimation as well. But it should be fine, so don’t worry and just go.”

Mangnyang smiled brightly.

“No matter how things unfold, as long as you acquire the Soul Separation Technique, it’s a win for us.”

“……”

In that moment, I realized how Mangnyang’s approach to planning had fundamentally shifted. It transformed into a strategy of pouring everything into me under the assumption that I could die at any moment. Instead of feeling uneasy or displeased, an intense determination surged within me.

‘I can’t live like this for long.’

There’s a limit to this cycle of reincarnation. I might endure it for fifty or a hundred times, but beyond that, my mental fortitude would falter. Furthermore, my companions, including Mangnyang, surely wouldn’t want to die either.

I need to end this reincarnation as soon as possible and restore everything to normal.

With a firm resolve in my heart, I answered powerfully,

“Then I’ll head out right now!”