Reincarnation Sword God

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After enjoying a delicious bowl of Ginseng Chicken Soup, we left the White Lotus Sect and made our way to the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. When we arrived, Lee Kwang was already back, and he greeted us in Waryong Hall with a slightly sullen expression. After hearing the details from Jin So-cheong, Lee Kwang shot a sidelong glance at me.

“So, that Baek Woong has become a Dharma Protector of the Thunder God Lineage?”

“Yep.”

“His skills definitely justify it, but I can’t fathom the Sect Leader’s intentions.”

Lee Kwang murmured to himself.

“So why have you come to see me?”

“We need to present evidence to the Sect Leader that we are uniting the Thunder God Lineage. Only then will he reveal the secrets of the Heavenly Spirit Pillar.”

“Hmph… sounds suspicious!”

With a firm tone, Lee Kwang’s eyes glinted sharply.

“The Heavenly Spirit Pillar is a boundless source of internal strength. For him to just hand that over to you three like it’s nothing is an overly generous condition. It would also directly disrupt the balance of power that has been maintained within the White Lotus Sect for ages. I can’t imagine that the Sect Leader is sane enough to propose such terms.”

He had a point there. Mangnyang, who was listening nearby, chimed in.

“I believe it’s entirely possible, Elder.”

“Why do you think so, Mangnyang?”

“Think about it. The Sect Leader, being the head of the Spirit Lineage, has a significant need to keep the Wind Spirit Sect and the Thunder Spirit Sect in check. By nurturing the Thunder God Lineage, he could alert them to their own powers, thereby solidifying the Sect Leader’s authority. Besides, he might think that to uplift the lagging Thunder God Lineage, there should at least be three holders of the Heavenly Spirit Pillar.”

Lee Kwang looked dumbfounded.

“That’s absurd. Most of the Thunder God Lineage successors harbor deep-seated vendettas against the White Lotus Sect. You really think the Sect Leader would be able to manage the chaos that would ensue from three hostile holders of the Heavenly Spirit Pillar? With the Young Master back from his treatment, why would we engage in such foolishness? This sounds more like a pipe dream.”

“Your statement may generally hold, but…”

Mangnyang trailed off before continuing,

“The Sect Leader has shown a strong obsession with the Ultimate Secret of the Thunder God Lineage. That changes everything.”

“What?!”

“He’s simply instructed us to gather the successors of the Thunder God Lineage, but eventually, he intends to have them research the Ultimate Secret to complete the Thunder Spirit Soul. And through the owner of the completed Thunder Spirit Soul, he plans to advance his own martial arts skills.”

“……!!”

Lee Kwang looked genuinely shocked. This was likely a perspective he had never even considered before. The Leader of the White Lotus Sect, already unbeatable in martial prowess, wishing to improve his own skills using the past techniques of the Thunder God Lineage? For Lee Kwang, who had been expelled over fifty years ago, it was a thought impossible to fathom.

Mangnyang continued,

“Moreover, the Sect Leader’s ability has reached a point where he could handle any number of Heavenly Spirit Pillars single-handedly. Even Wind Spirit Sect’s Yongbi Cheon was subdued by a mere finger from him and fell to the ground, making him no longer human.”

“Is he really that powerful…”

Lee Kwang murmured, deep in thought. Then he said,

“So… does he think that no matter how strong our Thunder God Lineage becomes, he can handle us?”

“I’m quite certain of it.”

“Ha ha ha!!”

Lee Kwang suddenly burst into loud laughter. After a long fit of giggles, his face reddened, and he said,

“Alright then, if he thinks so little of us, it’s time to teach him a lesson! I’ll show him that believing he can control the Thunder God Lineage is a grave mistake!!”

Unlike his previously passive and skeptical attitude towards collaborating with the White Lotus Sect, Lee Kwang now was entirely assertive. This was due to his realization that the Sect Leader completely underestimated the Thunder God Lineage. As a direct descendant of the lineage, being belittled like this would naturally stir an uncontrollable rage within him.

‘He’s fired up.’

I thought to myself. Once Lee Kwang got riled up, there was no stopping him. He had a nature filled with unexpected poison, brutality, and genius that would trample anyone who stood in his way—a force that had allowed him to endure the chaotic martial world on his own.

Lee Kwang soon regained his composure and said,

“I’ve identified a total of three successors to the Thunder God Lineage. We’ll gather them at the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School within seven days.”

“Excuse me, but who are they?”

“One of them is Extreme Tiger. He’s the rightful heir to the Soul-reaping Spear, hiding in Guanzhong as a pillar.” Jin So-cheong chuckled awkwardly.

“He’s quite the free spirit.”

“The next is Beom Gyeon. This guy is known as the Demon Spear in the martial world and is active in the Northern Region.”

Upon hearing that, Mangnyang looked surprised.

“The Demon Spear Beom Gyeon! A top-tier master of spear techniques in the Northern Region?! He’s one of the successors?!”

“That’s right.”

“How incredible!”

“The last one is in Luoyang, serving as bodyguard to the treacherous official Eom Sung.”

Mangnyang tilted his head at Lee Kwang’s statement.

“So, the treacherous official Eom Sung is known to be corrupt. How did he have a Thunder God Lineage successor as his bodyguard? Additionally, this name seems to be unknown in the martial world…”

Lee Kwang laughed bitterly at that.

“He’s hiding because he’s like a candle in the dark. By being Eom Sung’s subordinate, no one dares to touch him. Also, Jeong Yun-bo is no ordinary person.”

“Who is he?”

“He’s a member of the Ghostly Spirit Faction of the Thunder God Lineage, and a master of the Rotating Fist.”

Everyone was left astounded by the added information.

“His martial skills surpass mine.”

“……!!”

“He simply doesn’t enjoy making a name for himself in the martial world, hence why he stays a bodyguard; even Eom Sung treats him with great hospitality and respect.”

For Lee Kwang, who typically considered himself superior, to acknowledge someone else’s prowess to this degree! I had never imagined this, given the pride he had always exhibited. Even the Sword Demon he often looked down on couldn’t compare, could he?

In that moment, I could gauge the extent of Jeong Yun-bo’s abilities from Lee Kwang’s words.

‘A peerless master!’

While his overall prowess might not match Lee Kwang’s, he was undoubtedly at the pinnacle of martial artists, a true transcendent being worthy of astonishment. I had thought that there wouldn’t be such impressive successors in the Thunder God Lineage, but it turned out I was entirely wrong.

Since Lee Kwang had shared this much information, it was practically the bottom of the barrel. Perhaps that’s why Mangnyang decided to speak up.

“Elder, we’ve also pinpointed the whereabouts of Dokgo Seong.”

“Really?!”

“Yes. Could you accompany us to persuade him?”

Without hesitation, Lee Kwang nodded.

“Of course! If we can have Dokgo Seong’s support, the task will become much easier.”

“……”

I couldn’t shake off a slight feeling of unease at how smoothly everything was proceeding. It felt somewhat like a curse. Everything that had once been a painstaking grind to progress was suddenly unfolding without a hitch—the absurdity of it was jarring.

What really irked me was the fact that all this had happened because Lee Kwang had been so cooperatively agreeable. Just his calm assistance had turned many things around.

‘Damn it! You’re really like an onion, aren’t you?’

No matter how much I peeled away, more layers kept emerging.

What was truly frightening was that there still seemed to be reserves of power within Lee Kwang. At this point, it felt more annoying than anything. As I sat there in incredulity, Jin So-cheong broke the silence.

“I have one question.”

“What is it?”

“I believe your Master is a brother-in-arms with Elder Deng Guo of the Clear Current Sect.”

“Um, yes.”

“If Elder Deng Guo were to ignore a plea for aid from the Thunder God Lineage in crisis, what scenario would you imagine?”

Jin So-cheong must have brought this up, recalling my past life’s memories, wanting to guess the reason behind the Thunder God Lineage being dismissed when it sought help from Elder Deng Guo.

“……”

Lee Kwang bore a look of surprise at the unexpected question. It was probably a question he never dreamt of Jin So-cheong asking him. But he quickly regained his composure and replied calmly.

“It would only be a case where the entire Clear Current Sect’s self-preservation was at risk.”

“Self-preservation?”

Lee Kwang nodded.

“The Clear Current Sect is a progressive faction advocating for proper governance and virtuous rule, like a guidepost for politics. To the monarch, they are like a thorn in the side. However, the reason the Clear Current Sect continues to survive is that it houses many capable advisors. If it were to be purged, the crown itself would struggle to maintain authority. Thus, the monarch has no choice but to accept their criticisms.”

“I see.”

“However, even so, the officials of the Clear Current Sect bear the constant risk of being annihilated under the monarch’s absolute authority. If things go awry, they risk being tagged as rebels, leading to their complete destruction. That’s why they are extremely principled and strive for utmost integrity, as they know that their vulnerabilities are always being monitored by the Shadow Guard or the Golden Guards.”

After pausing for breath, Lee Kwang continued.

“If Elder Deng Guo were to refuse my assistance, it would only be in a case that poses a significant threat to the Clear Current Sect’s self-preservation.”

Mangnyang marveled at Lee Kwang’s articulate reasoning.

“Impressive, indeed. Not many current officials are that observant…”

“Working beneath the Shadow Guard, one sees and hears a lot. But why do you ask?”

Without evasiveness, Jin So-cheong replied directly.

“Actually, we have gathered intel that Elder Deng Guo is currently under severe pressure from a rival force existing in Luoyang. There’s a chance he might not be able to offer us help.”

“Hmm… what force?”

“One powerful enough to label the entire Clear Current Sect as rebels.”

“It could only be the Duke of Guanzhong and the Golden Guards.”

“There’s one more. The Wind Spirit Sect.”

“……”

Upon hearing Jin So-cheong’s words, Lee Kwang took a moment to ponder before realizing.

“So they’ve allied with the imperial palace. What a damnable combination.”

“It seems their bond is quite solid.”

“Alright, worry not. I can break their unity, so you don’t need to stress over that. Mobilizing my network will make it easy.”

Lee Kwang gathered his spear and said,

“Then let’s get moving. The sooner we act, the better.”

We took Lee Kwang with us and immediately headed for Sichuan. When we arrived at Longwang Gorge in Sichuan, a thick mist lay before us, and soon Dokgo Seong revealed himself. He looked quite flustered.

“Are you all members of the Thunder God Lineage? And you, you’re Lee Kwang?!”

Lee Kwang nodded.

“That’s correct.”

“Hmm… what brings you here?”

“Please, lend us your strength.”

At that, Lee Kwang detailed the developments so far and our plans. Initially, Dokgo Seong appeared intrigued by the tale but his expression quickly shifted from curiosity to a stern and fiery anger.

“Uncle!! How can you so blatantly disregard the Thunder God Lineage?!!”

Crash!

Dokgo Seong’s face turned violently red with rage, and in a spectacular show, a bolt of lightning struck from the clear sky. His intentions surged suddenly, pulling in the lightning energy from the heavens. This was proof of Dokgo Seong’s prestigious standing.

Moments later, after settling his emotions, Dokgo Seong spoke again.

“I understand. I will do everything within my power to assist you. If we can acquire the Heavenly Spirit Pillar and the Ultimate Secret, we’re certain to defeat the Sect Leader.”

“We will surely make it happen.”

After Dokgo Seong joined us, we began searching for the successors of the Thunder God Lineage as directed by Lee Kwang. Our first stop was Chun Gyeong Kwan, Guanzhong’s Li Ming Pavilion, where we found Extreme Tiger indulging in day drinking. As soon as he spotted him, Dokgo Seong roared.

“Hey you! Day drinking in broad daylight?!!”

“Wha—?!”

Extreme Tiger jumped in surprise, flailing to regain his footing. Dokgo Seong’s commanding voice, infused with intentions and lightning energy, overwhelmed him completely. Intuitively aware of Dokgo Seong’s mastery, Extreme Tiger gulped nervously and stammered.

“Y-you mean, respected elder?”

“Get your drunken state under control! The smell of alcohol is unbearable!”

“Yes, sir!”

Extreme Tiger summoned his internal strength to expel the remnants of alcohol from his system, causing his face to return to its normal color, and the stench vanished. After scratching his head in embarrassment, Lee Kwang addressed him.

“Extreme Tiger, we’re gathering all successors of the Thunder God Lineage from here onwards.”

“What’s going on?”

Lee Kwang succinctly explained the recent events to him, and Extreme Tiger’s expression turned contemplative.

“Returning to the White Lotus Sect… isn’t that a path leading away from vengeance?”

“We’re walking right into the tiger’s den to catch the tiger.”

“I’m not comfortable with this. How can I seek vengeance with the enemy’s help?”

“Trust me, Extreme Tiger.”

“……”

After a moment of deep thought, Extreme Tiger sighed heavily.

“Then just kill me. I can’t go along with this. No matter the strategy, I refuse to bow my head to my enemy.”

That was unexpected. The usually carefree Extreme Tiger held such a resolute stance? It seemed that Mi Ho’s assessment of him as someone steadfast in spirit was right on point. As he spoke, the expressions of everyone present began to turn complex.

And then Lee Kwang nodded.

“Then it seems we have come to the end of our bond, Extreme Tiger. I wish you well.”

Extreme Tiger deeply bowed to Lee Kwang.

“Thank you, Elder Lee Kwang, for your guidance!”

“Yes.”

Swish!

With that farewell, Extreme Tiger executed his Soul-reaping Spear technique and vanished into thin air. Just like that, their connection had been severed. It was evident that under standing each other’s lack of compromise, both Lee Kwang and Extreme Tiger swiftly settled their emotions.

Dokgo Seong grumbled in discontent.

“What a stubborn fellow! Does he think no one has grievances? Everyone seeks retribution by any means necessary.”

“Calm down. Everyone has their own perspectives.”

After saying this, Lee Kwang turned to me.

“Next, we’ll head for Beom Gyeon.”