Reincarnation Sword God

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I can’t believe the Leader of the White Lotus Sect just pointed at me! I was so taken aback I momentarily lost track of what to say. In my surprise, I jumped up, forgetting I was even in front of him.

“I’m not qualified for that!”

[Why?]

“Jin So-cheong’s talent is far superior to mine!”

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect fell silent for a moment before responding.

[That’s not what I’m considering. I want Baek Woong to be my disciple.]

“……?!”

What should I do in this situation? I glanced at Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong, but they looked surprisingly calm. Mangnyang nodded at me, sending a message.

[It’s okay. Just accept it. After all, you have the Cloak of Rebirth, so you can contact us anytime.]

It seemed Mangnyang had anticipated this type of situation. Finally feeling a bit steadier, I bowed to the Leader of the White Lotus Sect.

“I apologize; I was flustered and made a mistake. I am truly grateful for your great grace.”

[Good…]

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect trailed off and then proclaimed the Six Harmonies Assembly.

[Mangnyang is appointed as the Dharma Protector, and Jin So-cheong as the Left Protector. Since you were originally companions, I hope you help each other and promote the sect.]

“Honorable leader!”

“Honorable leader!”

[Then I will give you your first mission.]

The first mission from the Leader of the White Lotus Sect! We all perked up at his command. Without showing any sign of movement, he continued.

[You are to gather the practitioners of the Thunder God Lineage scattered throughout the Central Plains and bring them back to the sect.]

Should I say this was expected? It was a reasonable command but also a daunting one. After all, we were already entering the sect with a sword in our hearts, and the resentment against the White Lotus Sect was intense among the survivors of the Thunder God Lineage. Would they even listen to our words? That’s why I had been conflicted about choosing between the Thunder God Lineage and the White Lotus Sect until now.

Mangnyang stepped forward and spoke.

“Leader, I have something to say.”

[Speak, Mangnyang.]

“If we just tell the practitioners to return, they will inevitably fight back, and we won’t be able to subdue them one by one. If you could provide some kind of reward for them, we will do our utmost to complete the mission.”

[Hmm…]

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect seemed to ponder this for a moment. Then he said,

[Say that I will guarantee them high positions within the sect and pass on the teachings of Lee Cheong-un. This is a promise I make in my honor.]

“……!!”

[Most will surely return.]

Though he said this nonchalantly, Mangnyang beside me was sweating profusely on his forehead. It seemed he understood the implications behind the Leader’s words and was feeling that fear. Mangnyang managed to respond,

“Understood.”

[Also, if you successfully complete the mission, I will grant you the Heavenly Spirit Pillar.]

The Heavenly Spirit Pillar! I couldn’t help but let out a sound of surprise at the mention of it. A device that channels divine power entirely and allows unlimited cultivation! The temptation to receive it as a martial artist was hard to resist. Besides, wasn’t this entire venture into the White Lotus Sect meant to learn how to acquire the Heavenly Spirit Pillar?

‘What is this? The conditions are too good!’

No matter how I thought about it, this was not a proposal that the supreme Leader of the White Lotus Sect would make to mere remnants of the Thunder God Lineage. Rather, it felt like a generous offer he would extend to an equal. The fact that he didn’t present any conditions or threats, but rather offered this, left me with no choice but to doubt the Leader’s true intentions.

“I will do my utmost.”

[Good.]

Satisfied, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect murmured and pointed his finger at me.

[The Dharma Protectors are dismissed; Dharma Protector Baek Woong, come with me.]

“Yes.”

As Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong were led away by the hands of the elders, I found myself stuck in place, awkwardly still bowing. Even though he told me to follow, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect was nowhere to be seen behind me—what was I supposed to do?

However, moments later, a whisper brushed against me.

This way.

Swoosh!

I was startled by the voice that seemed to pass right by my ear, turning quickly, but found nothing there. Moreover, the form of the Leader of the White Lotus Sect had already vanished. Realizing he had passed by me using some hyper-speed technique, I shivered involuntarily.

‘What a monster…!!’

Having trained in martial arts for a century, I had reached a level where I could compete with even the top masters of the Central Plains. My reflexes and senses surpassed those of ordinary martial artists. I could even instinctively perceive the fleeting presence of an extraordinary master’s swift blade, but now, I couldn’t even catch a glimpse of the Leader of the White Lotus Sect!

Even if I unleashed the maximum speed of the Desolate Unity, I couldn’t guarantee that I could achieve the same level of technique he had just displayed. I started to doubt whether I could even keep up with half of what he did. This brought me to another desperate realization:

In the current situation, I was no more than a mere second in the eyes of the Leader of the White Lotus Sect.

Just a single flick from him could have easily taken my life.

The mountains were too high. How much training would it take to stand against such a monster? I bit my lip and followed the energy trail the Leader of the White Lotus Sect left behind. It was easy to follow since I could feel the vast flow of his energy guiding me.

After walking about fifty paces, I arrived at a garden filled with the vibrant bloom of flowers. It was a beautifully manicured space, with trees planted all around. The design was so well done that it resembled a picturesque scene, overflowing with fragrance.

In the center stood the Leader of the White Lotus Sect, calmly looking up at a tree. His attire was the same as when I had seen him during the battle at the Imperial Palace—an ornate purple robe embroidered with golden threads, and a crown atop his head. He wore a mask that left no expression or form etched upon it, making him appear both majestic and intimidating.

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect asked me,

[Baek Woong, do you know what this tree is?]

I took a glance at the tree. Observing its cascading leaves and shape, it was clear to me that it belonged to a single species. I quietly responded,

“It’s the Dragon Flower Tree.”

The Dragon Flower Tree isn’t too common, but it can be found here and there. It was also known as the Bodhi Tree and was an impressive large tree with remarkable sprawling foliage. I understood it was brought back from Heavenly Contraction. At my answer, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect stroked the tree and said,

[Unlike this common Dragon Flower Tree, I wanted the real one, but it’s no longer necessary. I feel quite grateful to you all for that.]

“……”

Had I entered the White Lotus Sect without any prior information, I would’ve found this statement confusing. However, I knew that the Leader of the White Lotus Sect had sent someone south to collect legends to cure the affliction of the Young Master, and, knowing the background related to the Dragon Flower Tree’s divine power, it made sense.

The Dragon Flower Tree is said to be the tree from which the future Buddha will be born, making it a significant part of the White Lotus Sect’s legends. The Leader of the White Lotus Sect had been contemplating how to cure the Young Master’s affliction and had resolved to make a significant offering to the Tree Mother, thus seeking a suitable Dragon Flower Tree as a sacrifice. But now that he had received the Black and White Lotus, the affliction was healed, making the tree unnecessary.

The words of the Leader of the White Lotus Sect continued.

[You must be curious why I chose you as my disciple.]

“Yes, I am.”

[Even if Mangnyang doesn’t mention it, I could tell the talent of Jin So-cheong surpassed yours just by looking at it. At such a young age, he’s already transcended the Mind Control Technique, a talent like his is only seen once in a lifetime.]

Who could he be talking about?

While I was secretly curious, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect continued.

[However, I find you even more interesting.]

“Why is that?”

[Did you think Mangnyang and Jin So-cheong would fail to divert my interest away from you? And while Jin So-cheong pretends to be the center of attention, I suspect you are actually the one leading the group. Yet you are less skilled than Jin So-cheong and not as clever as Mangnyang… quite intriguing.]

“……”

That stings.

It felt like the Leader of the White Lotus Sect was simply stating facts, and yet it hurt. Nevertheless, as the leader of a major organization, he seemed capable of grasping our relationship at first glance. I quietly remained on guard and asked,

“Are you going to kill me?”

Typically, in such cases, the suspicious individuals are all eliminated in the martial world. Who would welcome a master harboring ulterior motives? I shut my eyes tight, thinking the end of my life was near, but the Leader of the White Lotus Sect replied blandly,

[I don’t recklessly toy with people. How much more so when they have talent like yours? Eliminating an enemy is easy, but creating allies is far harder, so I won’t act rashly. Don’t worry.]

“Hmm…”

For a moment, I could feel the depth of the Leader of the White Lotus Sect’s character. His bland tone contained absolute confidence and pride, combined with the composure of a winner and room for acceptance. He also seemed to have a strong belief that no matter how hard we tried, we would ultimately submit to him, which left me feeling disheartened.

‘Truly the absolute master of the Martial World…!!’

His character dwarfed anyone I had ever seen before. Perhaps the only one comparable to him might be the Twelve Moon Ruler?

As I was internally marveling at him, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect said,

[If you plan to use the White Lotus Sect, that’s acceptable too. In fact, I welcome those who possess enough strength to utilize us. You must have that level of capability for me to acknowledge you.]

“I have no intention of betraying the White Lotus Sect.”

[Hehehe…]

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect chuckled mysteriously and then suddenly placed his hand upon the Dragon Flower Tree.

Creak!

“Gah!”

I was startled by what I saw. The majestic Dragon Flower Tree, taller than a person, seemed to wither in an instant, reduced to a dead stump. It looked to me like it had been drained of all its life force, and I couldn’t help but gasp in shock.

Whoosh!

The astonishing events did not end there. After the Leader of the White Lotus Sect brushed his hand gently over the Dragon Flower Tree again, the previously wilting tree started writhing back to life, visibly reviving before my very eyes.

Power over life and death!

The ability to freely absorb the energy of all things and recreate life! This was no exaggeration; it was tantamount to the legendary Absorption Technique, and possibly even stronger than the original!

After demonstrating this incredible feat of bringing the Dragon Flower Tree back to life, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect said,

[Baek Woong, what do you think energy is?]

A completely out-of-the-blue question. I took a moment to collect my thoughts before answering.

“It’s the power that pervades all things in the world, the source that sustains life, and the driving force that generates superhuman abilities.”

[That’s about how the martial world defines it.]

“Isn’t it?”

[……]

After a moment of silence, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect looked toward the heavens.

[During my countless training sessions to reach the utmost limit, I realized one thing: my Primordial Spirit Body did not originate from the Void, but rather it came from the Great Void.]

“What do you mean…?”

[The Great Void refers to energy. The Great Void is energy, and energy in its scattered form is essentially the Great Void.]

With those words, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect suddenly raised his finger to point at the sky.

[Behold. What lies at the end of this world?]

I could see nothing.

I couldn’t even comprehend what he was talking about.

To me, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect’s words sounded like the raving of a lunatic. Yet deep down, I could sense that he was undoubtedly speaking of the transcendent state of enlightenment. This realization made me feel inadequate. When I hesitated, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect lowered his finger and continued speaking.

[You may not understand right now. But… among all in this world, just one person understood the Great Void. That fact also lies within the Four Calamities…]

“Who is that?”

[He is already dead.]

With a brief response, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect suddenly fell silent, wrapped in a profound aura. It felt like the weight of oppressive energy could drive me mad just being in the same space. My instincts were on high alert, as if my very brain might melt from the intensity!

The silence of madness.

When that oppressive silence ended, the Leader of the White Lotus Sect had vanished before my eyes, leaving just the echo of the Six Harmonies Assembly reverberating in the air.

[Come to find me after your mission is complete. Then, we will finish the conversation we started today.]

Thud!

“Gah… gah…”

I collapsed to the ground in shock. I gripped the dirt beneath me with trembling hands, unable to control the quaking.

“Gah…”

It’s so overwhelming.

The Leader of the White Lotus Sect didn’t harbor any murderous intent; he simply unleashed his dominance from the realm he inhabited, yet I couldn’t hold on against it—fighting against such ever-changing energy was impossible! The ability to create a space akin to the Mind Control Technique—that meant the Leader reached a level where he could alter his surroundings at his whim.

I felt tears welling up.

‘Jin So-cheong. Can you truly do it? Can you reach that kind of monster?’

No, that’s not the concern.

What’s terrifying is realizing even the Leader of the White Lotus Sect, an absolute being in the martial world, is but an insect before a true god. I vividly remember the past when he had been brutally slain by a genuine deity. The goal I’ve set is just too far away.

Can I really defeat an [Ancient Ruler]?

“……”

I clenched the dirt tightly. Gathering strength in my legs, biting my lip, I stood up again.

“Damn it… there’s no other choice!”

I have to do it.

I will do it.

As long as this reincarnation and my life permit me, I will create a future where my comrades can be happy. I refuse to be crushed and die beneath the whims of absolute beings. That’s my resolution.

Even if defeating a god seems like a mere joke—it’s the same for me.

Because I refuse to give up!