Reincarnation Sword God

---

Bam!

I infiltrated the Imperial Palace using my Boiling Technique. The first place I arrived at was the inner sanctum of the palace where the Crystal Stele was located. It could also be called the Ruins of the Two-legged deep within the Abyss, and I knew it was a sparsely guarded area, only accessible to a few key officials.

I took a quick glance at the Crystal Stele. There were 14 clauses, filled with poetic content interspersed with metaphors. I was already familiar with its contents from my previous encounter.

[ Unfailing truth, clear and most genuine.]

[ To achieve the singular miracle, above and below are the same; the top and bottom are the same.]

[ And since all things emerge from a single meditation, everything is interconnected.]

[ The sun is its father; the moon is its mother; the wind is its womb, and the earth is its nurse.]

[ Here lies the father of the perfection of all things.]

[ The power of all things is unified in the earth.]

[ With careful and great skill, extract the fire hidden within the earth, which is difficult to sense in its entirety.]

[ This ascends from the earth to the heavens and descends from the heavens to the earth, receiving power from all that is above and below.]

[ You will attain the glory of all things.]

[ The ambiguity will disappear.]

[ This is the strongest force, permeating all liquids and passing through all solids.]

[ Thus, the world was created.]

[ With three pieces of wisdom and philosophy, I am called Hermes Trismegistus.]

[ This plate contains the movements of the sun.]

“…Hmm…”

Looking again at the Crystal Stele, I was engulfed in contemplation. Until now, I had simply taken it without thinking, but now I was curious about how this stele wielded such powerful magical power.

‘This Crystal Stele came from the West, and it’s a treasure that Westerners are coveting. So, was it originally created by the figure known as Hermes?’

I had left it to Mangnyang and the sorcerers, but I felt the need to research this Crystal Stele myself. The current task is my own growth. If I can harness the ‘power’ of the Crystal Stele, I wouldn’t have to rely on anyone else.

I then stored the stele in my Mok Gap and headed to the Inner Imperial Pavilion, where the Nameless Ritual Book was held. As expected, the pavilion was empty, and the Nameless Ritual Book was right in front of me. However, I couldn’t just take the Nameless Ritual Book, so I recalled Mangnyang‘s advice.

[ Baek Woong, this time you must take not only the Nameless Ritual Book but also the Astronomical Measurement Data and the Astronomical Equipment.]

[ Where is that located?]

[ As you know, the Nameless Ritual Book is on the 3rd floor, and the Zhuge Clan is on the 5th floor. The astronomical materials are on the 4th floor, about thirty volumes are stored neatly, making them easy to find.]

[ The 4th floor, huh…]

[ The astronomical equipment, being the latest import from the Western Regions, must be acquired without fail.]

It would have been easier if I had gone with Mangnyang, but should the Zhuge Clan appear, his identity would be revealed. It was important to remain unnoticed in the Imperial Palace for now.

‘I’ll just take the Nameless Ritual Book later.’

If I take the Nameless Ritual Book, the Zhuge Clan could follow me with teleportation techniques. Knowing that, I just intended to check its location for now.

I cautiously headed to the 4th floor while concealing my presence.

Unlike the 3rd floor, the 4th floor had signs of activity. I hid and checked if it was the Zhuge Clan, but it turned out to be an ordinary scholar. With apparently no martial arts skills, they seemed easy enough to evade.

‘The astronomical materials should be here…’

After quickly stuffing four shelves into my Mok Gap, I scanned around and spotted a separate room housing the astronomical equipment. Unfortunately, two or three scholars were lingering in front of that room, making it difficult to extract the items. I could use the Malhwan Technique to sneak in, but since it wasn’t originally meant for stealth, it carried a high risk of discovery.

‘It can’t be helped.’

Invisibility Technique

As I cast the spell, my body turned transparent. This was one of the most useful techniques I knew, having previously used it to sneak into Namgung Hwan’s chamber. Combining the Invisibility Technique with stealth tricks, I could conceal my presence without drawing anyone’s attention.

I then entered the room with the astronomical equipment and swiftly packed everything into my Mok Gap. Contrary to my expectations, the equipment had many unique forms, making it hard for me to distinguish each one. Believing I’d gathered enough, I returned to Jinrang Valley.

Upon returning to Jinrang Valley and showing the equipment to Mangnyang, he seemed pleased.

“That went well.”

“Mangnyang, I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“What’s the meaning of the 14 clauses on the Crystal Stele?”

“Oh… so you’re curious about that. It seems you’ve taken an interest in Alchemy.”

“Thinking about it, I realized I knew almost nothing about the Alchemy practiced by alchemists.”

After pondering my response, Mangnyang said,

“Actually, Alchemy isn’t solely a technique found in the West. There’s a similar study known as Yandan in the East as well. However, it seems the Westerners have developed it further into the realms of magic and divination…”

“Can Alchemy really turn lead into gold?”

“Of course. Just look at the second clause of the Crystal Stele.”

Following Mangnyang‘s words, I took out the Crystal Stele from my Mok Gap and scanned the second clause, which read, [ To achieve the singular miracle, above and below are the same; the top and bottom are the same.]

“Sky and earth, up and down.”

Mangnyang pointed at the second clause with his finger.

“The Crystal Stele is fundamentally a creation manual for making the ultimate substance, the Philosopher’s Stone. Clause 4 states the energy of the sun and moon, the most sacred substances in the world, are originally one, doesn’t it?”

“The energy of the sun and moon?”

“The sun represents fire, energy, and sulfur, while the moon represents water, essence, and mercury.”

“Ah.”

“The fire that exists in the heavens is unified with the water that exists in the earth, and the water on earth is united with the fire in the heavens. This is easier to understand through the Five Elements Cycle.”

Mangnyang continued, in a low voice.

“These two circulate and combine to form the Mysterious Pearl, or the Philosopher’s Stone. This shape is metaphorically expressed in the line, [the bottom and top are the same; the top and bottom are the same].”

I found it fascinating and asked,

“Mangnyang, this phrasing sounds like a riddle; how can you interpret it so specifically?”

“I told you. Alchemy is a science studied even in the East. I am well-versed in the theories of the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams, so interpreting this is not particularly challenging. Moreover, the theory of the Crystal Stele touches upon the most fundamental aspects.”

“Hmm.”

“However, these 14 clauses hold no direct efficacy. They are merely theories, and the true power of the Crystal Stele lies in its ability to materialize those theories.”

Mangnyang caressed the surface of the Crystal Stele as he spoke.

“This Crystal Stele is crafted with advanced alchemy and is made from a material unseen in this lifetime. I cannot explain its composition with any metallurgy knowledge I possess. Perhaps only the alchemist who brought the Crystal Stele from the West knows its material.”

“So, its material is miraculous, allowing it to exert powerful magical energies?”

“Exactly.”

I pondered deeply and then said,

“Then, if I break off a piece of this Crystal Stele and use the fragment…”

“That won’t work. The Crystal Stele is created with high-level sorcery; breaking it would risk collapsing the whole structure. Moreover, there’s more information within if you read it through to the core, so it’s best not to tamper with it.”

Mangnyang spoke firmly and continued,

“Anyway, do you have any more questions?”

“From clause 13, it seems the one who created the Crystal Stele is some western figure named Hermes, right?”

“Hmm… I’m not certain about that. It seems mysterious.”

Even Mangnyang had aspects he didn’t know. As I reflected on this, Mangnyang said,

“Well then, let’s go see Zhuge Sa.”

Mangnyang and I headed to the cottage where Cheon Woo-jin resided. Seeing us approach, Cheon Woo-jin rose from his fieldwork.

“Brother, you’re here?”

“Yes indeed. We came to meet Zhuge Sa.”

“Got it.”

Bam!

As Cheon Woo-jin retrieved Zhuge Sa from the Saha Office talisman, the figure erupted from the painting with a flash. Zhuge Sa stood staring at us and remarked,

“You brat! How dare you treat your uncle like this?”

Irritated, Zhuge Sa caught Mangnyang off guard, eliciting a snicker from him.

“Let’s get straight to the point. How about we exchange the Crystal Stele for the Soul Separation Technique?”

“……”

In a nutshell, Mangnyang cut through the lengthy pretense and got right to business. Zhuge Sa paused for a moment, contemplating before speaking.

“Are you talking about that Crystal Stele I know?”

“It’s indeed a treasure of Alchemy.”

“Hmph… I’ve only heard rumors about it. Let me see how it actually looks.”

Upon Zhuge Sa’s proposal, Mangnyang shook his head.

“Uncle, first tell me if you’re willing to consider the exchange.”

“Hmph. If it’s the authentic Crystal Stele, I would certainly be open to trading.”

Zhuge Sa said with a strange smile.

“Initially, if you had come to Jinrang Valley when you first emerged from the Imperial Palace, I would have been willing to grant you the Soul Separation Technique. Didn’t I mention that before?”

“……”

I stared at Mangnyang in surprise. If that were true, it meant Mangnyang had a chance to become the next leader of the School of Demonic Paths previously! I also realized that Zhuge Sa held him in high regard. Mangnyang fell silent before replying.

“Baek Woong, take it out.”

“Understood.”

I took out the Crystal Stele and revealed it to the space. Zhuge Sa gasped, brushing his fingers over the Crystal Stele.

“Wonderful! No doubt about it, it’s the real deal.”

“Uncle, will you trade?”

“Of course… but.”

Trailing off, Zhuge Sa continued.

“I’m curious why you need the Soul Separation Technique at this moment.”

“What if I can’t tell you?”

“Then I can’t trade. While I might desire the Crystal Stele, it’s not essential to me.”

This was a bad turn of events. Mangnyang sighed softly before saying,

“We plan to use the Soul Separation Technique to measure astronomy in the new continent.”

Zhuge Sa’s expression turned bizarre.

“Eh? What sort of nonsense are you spouting?”

“Unless you promise to help us, I’m afraid I can’t reveal any further details.”

Zhuge Sa, visibly baffled, waved his hand dismissively.

“Honestly! You’re not giving an inch, are you?”

“Who wouldn’t?”

“Let me think about it for a moment.”

“Sure thing.”

Zhuge Sa stood with his hands behind his back, engrossed in thought for a while. Then he said,

“Fine. Until I’m no longer able, I’ll offer assistance. If I find it too burdensome, it’s not my issue.”

“Must you always add unnecessary caveats?”

“Why not, it’s not my business anyway.”

“… You’re truly a challenge to respect.”

Mangnyang sighed before explaining the situation to Zhuge Sa.

It covered the various forces within the Imperial Palace, the schemes being devised, information pertaining to the Seven Luminaries, and the Taishan Noong. The sheer amount of information was so extensive that it surprised even me as I listened.

‘Did he just share nearly 70% of our findings?!’

Is it really okay to spill this much to Zhuge Sa?

However, it seemed Mangnyang deemed it more important to draw Zhuge Sa into our plan, even if it meant exposing our information. Given the quality of the shared information, even Zhuge Sa remained momentarily stunned as he absorbed it.

After some time, Zhuge Sa finally regained his composure and spoke.

“… So Zhuge Yu-ryong is the Taishan Noong, a renowned orthodox figure? And a priest serving an evil god…”

“If that’s true, I stake my life on it.”

“……”

Zhuge Sa appeared quite shocked. Then his face broke into a loud, mocking laugh as he exclaimed,

“Zhuge Yu-ryong, this hypocritical fiend… He dared to exile me, calling me evil when I joined the School of Demonic Paths? Hahaha…”

“I’m not here to defend my father, but that was indeed a righteous choice.”

Mangnyang continued calmly.

“The School of Demonic Paths worshipped the Ancient Ruler, and the sorcery they practiced was nothing more than the evil magic of human sacrifice. How could the Zhuge family condone that?”

“Haha! I know that, which is why I didn’t complain and left the family grudgingly. I just wanted to sever ties with my brother and live the rest of my life as I wished. Yet, my brother is now serving the Ancient Ruler…”

Zhuge Sa covered his face with his hand, chuckling to himself.

“This is just ridiculous! I feel sick.”

“What are you planning to do?”

“Of course, I will cooperate. Until the day I give my brother a swift kick.”

Swish!

Saying that, Zhuge Sa conjured a tome in this space and tossed it to Mangnyang. Upon receiving the book, he said,

“This is the Soul Separation Technique. But I must warn you that I find that method inefficient.”

“What do you mean?”

“Casting the Soul Separation Technique on the locals to acquire astronomical observation data dozens or even hundreds of times… while feasible, it’s rather straightforward, isn’t it?”

Zhuge Sa chuckled, continuing,

“Why not just march into the Imperial Palace, seize the \[Door\], and then lead an army of ten thousand to conquer the barbarian continent? There might be those who are well-versed in the total solar eclipse legend among the chieftains. That would be easier.”

“Hmmm!”

Zhuge Sa’s suggestion sounded believable. That certainly seemed like a much simpler approach. Mangnyang calmly replied,

“I’ve considered that method too. However, there’s no guarantee we can decisively defeat the Imperial Palace, nor is there any assurance that the chieftains are knowledgeable about the Ruins of the Eclipse. Thus, finding a more dependable time is essential.”

“Hmph… Do as you wish.”

Zhuge Sa grumbled, but at that moment, I realized something.

Zhuge Sa had joined us as a companion, driven by his own motives.