Reincarnation Sword God

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After exchanging the Crystal Stele for the Separation of Yin and Yang Technique, I began receiving teachings from Zhuge Clan alongside Mangnyang. The Separation of Yin and Yang Technique itself was a technique of ancient secrets, but naturally, it was far better to learn it from someone who had mastered it to the level of a grandmaster. Particularly, the gap in accomplishment at the foundational level was nothing to scoff at.

Zhuge Sa said,

“The Separation of Yin and Yang Technique is a skill for handling the Hun (魂) and Po (魄). Though we call it a technique for moving the Hun for convenience’s sake, fundamentally, it deals with the materialization of the soul itself. Therefore, one must possess the talent of a Spirit Medium to cultivate the Separation of Yin and Yang Technique.”

Spirit Medium.

That meant a constitution suited for practicing spirit possession; it was a natural talent. Those born with the Spirit Medium constitution had the ability to see spirits and souls without needing to practice techniques. Zhuge Sa, who had said this, then looked at both Mangnyang and me, letting out a chuckle.

“You two have no inherent spirit medium talents but have built your ranks over time. You’ve met the basic conditions!”

For Mangnyang, it was thanks to acquiring the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate that his power surged, qualifying him. For me, it seemed that the ten years of nurturing the treasures given by Miho, the excessive use of Black and White Lotus, and the techniques of the Heavenly Divine Scripture had significantly contributed as well.

Mangnyang asked,

“I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“The Flame Flower Cult originally sought to gain strength through communication with the Other Races. The deity of the cult, Ahura Mazda, is a dualistic monotheism. I understand that the believers of Flame and the Ahura Mazda represent the ‘Old Ruler’ of the faraway constellations.”

Zhuge Sa listened quietly and then replied,

“That’s correct. But?”

“If their attribute is fire, then what’s the background for the Separation of Yin and Yang Technique, a high-level spiritual skill? I haven’t heard this from my master either.”

Zhuge Sa drew in a breath; he seemed intrigued.

“Hmm, you’re curious about unusual matters…”

Having grumbled, he also appeared entertained; after all, as the leader of the Flame Flower Cult, he wouldn’t mind showing interest in his own religion.

After thinking for a moment, Zhuge Sa spoke,

“The Flame Flower Cult originally served the Elemental Spirit of Flame. As you mentioned, that being was the Old Ruler. However, since that being was too indifferent to this world, the Flame Flower Cult gradually declined, prompting them to think of ways to retain their followers. As a result, they obtained the skills from the Zhuang Dao’s techniques and Taoist’s ancient mastery, thus creating the Separation of Yin and Yang Technique.”

“……”

Upon hearing this, Mangnyang seemed baffled, staring blankly before saying,

“You mean the deity they worship was indifferent to the human world, leading to the decline of the cult? Are you asking me to believe such nonsense?”

“Who said to believe me? It’s the truth, so you can believe it or not; do as you wish.”

Zhuge Sa retorted curtly.

“It’s already a mistake to serve a vast existence that doesn’t need worship to survive. Anyway, despite the Flame Flower Cult still holding some Evil Techniques, focusing on the Separation of Yin and Yang Technique is essential because of that,” Zhuge Sa added.

“I see.”

Eventually, Zhuge Sa taught us how to practice the Separation of Yin and Yang Technique. He showed us several hand seals and postures before saying,

“Practice these hand seals and postures for three months. This training enhances your ability to separate the Po, so it will take at least three years to reach a level of mastery.”

“Understood.”

“For now, there’s nothing more to teach. The basic stage is the same whether you look at the secrets or not. Once you’ve completed the training, come back.”

Saying that, Zhuge Sa swiftly returned to his lodging. It seemed he was eager to see the Crystal Stele he received as soon as possible.

‘What a lack of courtesy.’

Yet, I had no retort since the initial stages of any study are often dull and involve simple, repetitive training.

Mangnyang turned to me and said,

“Baek Woong, you don’t have to fully focus on the Separation of Yin and Yang Technique. I’ll take further steps for it, so use the remaining time to learn the seasonal cycles from Jin So-cheong.”

“Is that alright? It seems even focusing on one thing might not be enough…”

“The Separation of Yin and Yang Technique isn’t something you can master in a short time. However, the seasonal cycles can be swiftly learned through Jin So-cheong in your next life if you just remember the tricks. And we should prioritize nurturing Jin So-cheong to maximize efficiency, so a balanced compromise is best.”

Mangnyang said decisively,

“It’s best to master at least one thing properly… While true, in this case, starting anything is more beneficial.”

“Understood.”

Following Mangnyang‘s words, I dedicated half my day to training the Separation of Yin and Yang Technique while spending the rest of the time learning the seasonal cycles from Jin So-cheong. The Separation of Yin and Yang Technique, being a simple separation training, seemed something I could manage alone.

Jin So-cheong, while teaching me the seasonal cycles, said,

“Baek Woong, don’t think of these three steps as mere footwork.”

I sat down and stared at him thoughtfully. It was indeed that time again; as my training hit a snag, Jin So-cheong would provide a piece of advice.

“The Seven Stars’ Evasion (七星遁影) changes according to the movements of the Big Dipper. And when the energy of the Seven Stars rises sharply, their positions switch.”

Swoosh!

Jin So-cheong appeared in another spot without a sound, showcasing a marvel that seemed akin to teleportation. He continued speaking,

“Visualize yourself as the axis of the Big Dipper and imagine the movements of the other six stars in your head. Only then can you unite the stars and complete the seasonal cycles of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity.”

Listening to his advice, I still couldn’t comprehend what it all meant. I understood the theory, but it felt as elusive as grasping at clouds; I couldn’t make heads or tails of it. The further I progressed towards higher realms, the more metaphors increased, and within those metaphors lay dozens of insights condensed, making it difficult for an ordinary person to detect.

I practiced intensely for two hours but ultimately came up blank. Finally, I sighed deeply and said,

“It’s too difficult. Honestly, I don’t understand anything.”

“Hmm… I thought I explained it simply.”

Jin So-cheong seemed troubled. After thinking diligently, he suggested,

“Why don’t we gather another massive Obsidian so that I can impart martial enlightenment to you in exchange?”

“I’ve considered that approach before, but it presumes you also need to master the technique of Obsidian. It’s risky to trade recklessly with the Prophet, and right now, I can’t find anything as large as that earlier Obsidian.”

“Hmm, I see.”

“The Sword Demon mentioned that he would look for the Obsidian mine, so if any news comes, I will think about it.”

As I pondered, an idea sprouted in my mind; if I could sneak away to steal from the Imperial Palace’s indiscriminate books of ritual, I could directly deal with the Prophet. However, I decided against it. The Seasonal Cycles were fascinating, but I had no idea what events awaited or what I might need to trade in the future. I wanted to conserve my trade with the Prophet just in case something unexpected occurred.

For the next ten days, I trained in the Separation of Yin and Yang Technique with Mangnyang and the seasonal cycles with Jin So-cheong. Even after this prolonged training, I felt like I hadn’t achieved anything substantial. Instead, it felt like I was treading water, leaving me disheartened.

Mangnyang remarked,

“It’s normal, so don’t worry.”

“Normal?”

“Indeed. Whether it’s the Separation of Yin and Yang Technique or the Seasonal Cycles, achieving even one can lead to global prominence. Mastering it within ten years is already a success, so don’t stress too much.”

“……”

In other words, it meant that if I continued sealing myself away like I currently was for ten more years, I would be okay?

A sense of faintness washed over me, but I shook my head vigorously. After all, gaining such techniques felt like a blessing in itself! With that thought, I decided to focus solely on my training.

Thus, about a month passed.

One day, Mangnyang went down to the village in Jinrang Valley and returned with a letter. He said,

“We’re heading to the Han Family clan in Luoyang immediately. We received a summons.”

“A message came?”

Mangnyang nodded.

“Admission into the White Lotus Sect has been granted. They’ll likely use the Spirit of Flame of the Fire God School to teleport us.”

“Ah.”

The Spirit of Flame of the Fire God School!

It was a convenient technique that allowed instant movement between any places with a similar fire altar. I didn’t know why the Fire God School had such powerful techniques, but it was also the driving force behind their immense wealth. The ability to transport goods rapidly without waste offered immeasurable benefits in trade.

We prepared and then visited Zhuge Sa. He seemed to be concocting something, handling mercury on a large iron plate. He glanced our way and remarked,

“What’s going on?”

“We plan to go to the White Lotus Sect. Please proceed as we discussed earlier. Use your talents as you see fit in Jinrang Valley.”

“Understood. After all, I kept Cheon Woo-jin under my watch, didn’t I?”

“More like a companion than a watch, I’d say.”

Zhuge Sa smirked and said,

“A companion? Goodness! You should experience being trapped in the Sanhada Palace and see if you’d still say that!”

“I merely asked for a reduction in the subjective time spent in Sanhada Palace out of respect for my uncle. There’s no reason to complain.”

“Just go and return. Tasks you assigned should be easy to accomplish.”

“I’ll leave it to you.”

We left Zhuge Sa and set off on horseback. There were other means of getting straight to Luoyang, such as using Divine Technique or boiling techniques, but we chose this inconvenient route because of the surveillance by the White Lotus Sect. Knowing that they would likely deploy experts and spies to keep tabs on our movements, arriving instantly would undoubtedly attract suspicion. Additionally, using Divine Technique would drain unnecessary stamina, making horseback a better option.

After traveling for about four hours, while resting at a deserted trail, I asked Mangnyang,

“I didn’t ask earlier, but what did you assign to Zhuge Sa?”

“Oh, that.”

Mangnyang answered,

“I asked him to manufacture a gun.”

“A gun?”

“I created an approximate blueprint while dismantling that Western rifle you showed me and provided it to Zhuge Sa. With the Crystal Stele, it’s possible to forge excellent metals regardless of the flame’s temperature, so Zhuge Sa should be able to reproduce something similar. He could produce around five thousand within half a year.”

I tilted my head,

“Why do we need guns?”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it? I plan to supply them to General Huang Yeon of the North Dragon Troops in Yong Dong.”

“……!!”

The North Dragon Troops came into the picture? I looked at Mangnyang with surprise as he said,

“Those guns could revolutionize the era. They are not matchlock guns but breech-loading rifles.”

“Breech-loading?”

“Firearms that use cartridges.”

Continuing, Mangnyang stated,

“Moreover, the North Dragon Troops will become a pivotal force when they soon attempt to seize the Imperial Palace. Thus, supplying the most advanced firearms to them will increase their chances of victory against Eo Il Gun.”

“Is the North Dragon Troops capable of wielding firearms?”

“The North Dragon Troops were the first group to utilize the latest technologies of the Ming Empire on the frontlines. They are quite familiar with firearms and cannons as well. It won’t take long for them to be trained.”

Mangnyang’s eyes gleamed.

“If only three thousand of them could operate as sharpshooters, the state of the war would drastically change!”

“……”

I couldn’t help but feel skeptical. While I had experienced the impact of firearms and warfare firsthand, merely wielding them wouldn’t guarantee outstanding influence on the battlefield, would it? I was impressed by the rapid reloading, but when hundreds of thousands were clashing on a grand battlefield, it was hard to say how effective they would be. Yet Mangnyang seemed to perceive something incredible in those firearms.

Jin So-cheong chimed in, evidently troubled,

“Mangnyang, while it’s good that the North Dragon Troops are getting stronger, we can’t be certain that General Huang Yeon or the Master of the Twelve Regulations will continue to follow our wishes. They’re all significant players of this era, and they might take unexpected actions in crucial moments.”

“Of course, that’s true. Especially the Master of the Twelve Regulations should be watched closely.”

Mangnyang continued.

“But as long as we possess the Seven Luminaries, the Master of the Twelve Regulations can never backstab us. Until then, it’s for the best to keep him in line.”

“The Master of the Twelve Regulations… I wonder what he’s thinking.”

“I’m not sure either, but I found something interesting during our last meeting.”

“Interesting?”

As both Jin So-cheong and I turned our attention to Mangnyang, he fidgeted with his hands and said,

“He acted as if he had a long-term vision guiding him to manage the world.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“It’s almost as if he observes the affairs of the human world from a higher vantage point. More accurately, it felt as though he wasn’t in a hurry, making his moves one by one as if he were immortal. I sensed the demeanor of a seasoned individual.”

“Hmmm…”

“Though he appears to be a young man in his twenties, he might actually be quite old.”

Was it possible that the Master of the Twelve Regulations was also someone who had undergone a transformation?

While I mulled over this in my mind, Jin So-cheong interjected,

“Baek Woong, there’s a high-ranking person approaching.”

With that, both Mangnyang and I sharpened our senses, extending them towards the campfire. Strangely, even though I could discern the presence of dozens of concealment techniques, I felt nothing in particular. The intruder seemed to be positioned much farther away, and Jin So-cheong could discern that presence with his intuition.

I quietly asked,

“Is it strong?”

“… Yes, strong.”

A bittersweet reply came from Jin So-cheong, who continued,

“I’ll speak with him. So you just watch, Baek Woong.”

Who could possibly invoke such seriousness in Jin So-cheong?

I pondered this question, but soon, the answer unveiled itself. The familiar face emerging through the bushes was one I would never forget, even in my dreams. The well-defined physique radiated a sharp energy, and he gazed at Jin So-cheong thoughtfully, saying,

“You’ve brought ruin upon the Namgung Clan.”

“Yes.”

“I’ve heard tales of the Sword King Namgung Myeong. And recently, his son, the Heavenly Blade Dragon Namgung Hwan, was killed by a mob after being stoned by women in the marketplace.”

“I apologize for killing your friend.”

“It’s fine. After all, I had no affection towards that bastard. Thank you instead.”

The man, speaking softly, began to elaborate,

“I know you can take responsibility for your actions. But are those beside you not leading you down a treacherous path?”

“……”

Jin So-cheong fell silent and then replied,

“Absolutely not. These two are Mangnyang and Baek Woong, my benefactors. They assist me on the path of righteousness.”

“Is that so? They are truly remarkable individuals.”

The man responded in a low voice, his eyes glinting.

“However, I can’t sit back any longer. If you attract any more attention, reviving the Thunder Sects will become increasingly difficult, so let us return to the Azure Dragon Section.”

Indeed.

The man who stood before us was none other than our master of sorts and a hundred years of animosity – Azure Dragon Lee Gwang.