Reincarnation Sword God

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The Path of Demons and the Shadowless Gate.

As the master of the Sword Demon sect, I once borrowed the true martial arts of the Shadowless Gate during my past life. Because of that, I recognized that the technique recently used by the Shadowless Sword Emperor, the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword Technique, closely resembled the arts of the Shadowless Gate.

[In fact, it’s two techniques in one. It’s called the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword because it simultaneously employs both the Shadowless Sword Technique and the Soul-Removing Sword Technique.]

[To the opponent, it might just seem like a sword shadow, but what’s truly happening is that the Soul-Removing Sword Technique stealthily aims for the opponent’s neck, making it the essence of the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword.]

Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword Technique!

It was the essence of the Shadowless Gate and belonged to the Sword Demon. Using two sword techniques simultaneously, this noiseless sword shadow targets the opponent’s weaknesses, displaying an extraordinary finesse unexpected from the Heretical Sect. In fact, merely mastering the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword Technique allowed the Sword Demon to claim the leadership of the Heretical Sect.

When I fought with Yeodong-bin earlier, I felt uncertain, but the moment the Soul-Removing Sword Technique was used, my suspicions solidified. Although the basic techniques and flow differed from the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword, when the Soul-Removing Sword was in use, the flow was strikingly similar. Considering the name, it could only be seen as the martial arts of the same sect.

Then, the Shadowless Sword Emperor’s expression momentarily hardened. He transmitted a message to me.

[Please wait just a moment. I will sort out clan matters and explain.]

[Understood.]

I promised the Shadowless Sword Emperor and headed to a nearby hillock. After waiting for about one incense stick’s worth of time, I saw the Shadowless Sword Emperor approach. He gazed at me, standing by the pond, and spoke.

“Baek Woong.”

“Go ahead.”

“What is your true identity?”

As I silently stared back at him, the Shadowless Sword Emperor continued.

“Your extraordinary martial arts and inner strength… It’s simply hard to believe you’re a boy of your age. Did you know I’ve had this irresistible urge to duel with you since earlier? You must be a master who has returned from the Void.”

“……”

“Yet you summoned the legendary sword master Yeodong-bin… and recognized the Shadowless Gate’s techniques at first glance. I’ve never seen anyone as remarkable as you.”

I replied to him calmly.

“I possess the title of Dharma Protector of the Shadowless Gate, so it’s only natural I would know. Additionally, I summoned Yeodong-bin by chance because of a fortunate encounter. What’s important now isn’t my identity, but why you are using the techniques of the Shadowless Gate.”

“Hmmm… Are you perhaps here by the Sword Demon’s command?”

“Not at all. I merely heard there was a hidden genius within the Namgung Clan.”

“Hmm.”

After briefly pondering, the Shadowless Sword Emperor spoke.

“Using the techniques of the Shadowless Gate isn’t an issue for me. After all, I too am a disciple of the Shadowless Gate.”

“……!!”

I had somewhat expected this response, but I couldn’t help but be astonished.

The previous world’s greatest swordsman and probably the strongest master in the history of the Namgung Clan, the Shadowless Sword Emperor, was a disciple of the Heretical Shadowless Gate!

I calmly stared at him.

“I don’t quite understand. Please elaborate.”

“Sure. After all, if I don’t share this story, it seems you won’t let it rest.”

The Shadowless Sword Emperor continued.

“It was over a hundred years ago… I was renowned as the greatest talent of the Namgung Clan, one of the best amongst the Orthodoxy. Naively, without acknowledging the world’s dangers, I wandered the Jianghu while pretending to be a hero. During that time, I faced my match and ended up on the brink of death.”

He said this with self-deprecating humor.

“Thinking I could fight against a famous peak master of the Heretical Sect, all my companions perished. I was merely a naïve kid then. I wouldn’t have had a word to utter even if I had died.”

“Yet, you’re alive now, aren’t you?”

“Right. The one who saved my life at that time was my master, Ximen Geol, who was the former Grandmaster of the Shadowless Gate.”

Ximen Geol!

Indeed, it seemed that the Shadowless Gate traditionally inherited its martial arts through bloodlines. When I looked at the Shadowless Sword Emperor, he continued.

“I desperately begged Master Ximen Geol to teach me the techniques of the Shadowless Gate. He said I couldn’t because I was the unfortunate descendant of the Namgung Clan, yet I vowed to abandon my family for the chance to learn. In the end, I became a disciple of the Shadowless Gate and took the position of Ximen Geol’s second disciple.”

“Second disciple?”

“The direct disciple was Master Ximen Geol’s son.”

The Shadowless Sword Emperor, having replied briefly, perched on a nearby rock.

“For about twenty years, I forgot the Namgung Clan and devoted myself to training in the martial arts of the Shadowless Gate with blood and sweat. It was then that I also learned the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword Technique. After Master Ximen Geol passed away, I held his funeral and returned to the Namgung Clan.”

“I see.”

“…But upon returning, hardly anyone remembered me. Furthermore, many looked down on me, so I discarded my name and wandered the world as a mere swordsman.”

Then, the Shadowless Sword Emperor chuckled lightly.

“It’s funny. Among countless martial artists, no one could endure a hundred breaths against me. I was undefeated a hundred times and, in just a few years, earned the reputation of the Greatest Sword under Heaven and the Shadowless Sword Emperor. My pride soared, and I dreamed of building the strongest sect, disregarding the Namgung Clan.”

“What happened next?”

Naturally, something must have transpired for the Shadowless Sword Emperor to have become a recluse. When I inferred the situation and questioned him, the Shadowless Sword Emperor lamented.

“Right around that time, my senior brother, Ximen Hwi, who was the direct disciple of the Shadowless Gate, came looking for me. He announced that he intended to split from the Shadowless Gate to form his own sect and asked for my assistance. However, I thought I was superior to him and demanded the position of sect leader.”

“You two battled over the position of leader?”

“Indeed. Ximen Hwi’s skills were at a far superior level, and I was utterly defeated.”

The Shadowless Sword Emperor said bitterly.

“It was truly embarrassing! Being called the Greatest Sword under Heaven was merely empty fame among the incompetent. Yet, Senior Ximen Hwi spared my life, considering my contributions to promoting the sect’s teachings, and I promised to live in self-reflection for the rest of my life.”

Finally, I understood the situation and nodded.

“And since then, you’ve remained in seclusion for a hundred years.”

“That’s correct.”

“However, I still don’t understand why you took the secret techniques of the Namgung Clan…”

The Shadowless Sword Emperor cleared his throat.

“I believed that the martial arts of the Namgung Clan were too weak. They had forgotten the basics and clung only to flashy techniques, ultimately facing a dead end. I thought this reliance on secret techniques was the reason and thus took the techniques with me into seclusion.”

“Did that prove effective?”

“It did. As you can see, my disciple, Baek Woong, has reached a high level through tale-based instruction and voluntary training. I believe it was a wise choice to take the secret techniques with me into seclusion.”

I began to see the point.

Martial arts can be spoken of endlessly, but it ultimately comes down to practical experience. If one relies solely on secret techniques without a sense of initiative, creativity, or effort, they will inevitably stagnate. The Sword King Namgung Myeong was a prime example of how, thanks to the Shadowless Sword Emperor’s plans, he grew into a top-tier master of the Jianghu.

While organizing my thoughts, I asked,

“What is your relationship with the current leader, the Sword Demon?”

“The Sword Demon, Seomun Daeryong, is the biological son of Ximen Hwi. I am his teacher’s uncle, yet I have no intention of revealing myself to him.”

“Why not?”

“For the same reason he doesn’t seek me out.”

“……”

In that instant, I understood the meaning behind the Shadowless Sword Emperor’s words.

The Sword Demon likely knew of the Shadowless Sword Emperor’s existence. However, because the Shadowless Sword Emperor kept his vow to remain in seclusion for a hundred years, neither sought to disturb the other, maintaining a sort of peace.

The Shadowless Sword Emperor spoke.

“I believe I’ve said everything I needed to. Now, how about you share your identity and intentions?”

“I believe I’ve already mentioned them…”

“That isn’t an answer. It feels as if you’re hiding a great secret from me.”

Hssss

The Shadowless Sword Emperor gradually released his sword aura. I hastily drew my sword in response, but upon facing the intensity of his presence, it felt like I was plunging into an icy pit. The abilities of the Shadowless Sword Emperor, honed over a century, far surpassed the norms of the Jianghu. Even in my current state, defeating the Shadowless Sword Emperor in a one-on-one duel was utterly out of the question.

I glared at him.

“If you continue this, I will have no choice but to summon Yeodong-bin again.”

“Then it can’t be helped…”

At the mention of Yeodong-bin, it seemed the Shadowless Sword Emperor relaxed slightly. However, a wary expression still lingered on his face.

“I just committed atrocities against the blood relatives and successors of a clan, even if they are crazed beings. Today’s events will undoubtedly remain a tumultuous chapter in my life. Yet here you are, manipulating me according to your own designs, planning on using me and then disappearing?”

“……”

“I cannot allow that. I hope you possess a minimal sense of conscience.”

I pondered.

‘Hmm… It’s true that I’ve exploited Namgung Jo a bit too much.’

Although I had wiped out the Namgung Clan, Namgung Jo himself was not a malicious person. The burden of slaughtering his own family for justice was driven by his conscience. By not informing him of the background, it felt far too unfair.

Contemplating, I spoke to the Shadowless Sword Emperor.

“Very well. Would you be inclined to meet the Sword Demon with me? This matter cannot be decided unilaterally by me; it must be discussed with the sect leader.”

To this, the Shadowless Sword Emperor showed a clear look of unease.

“He would likely reject me. Additionally, I don’t feel comfortable confronting him.”

“That’s something we’ll only find out once we meet. I can’t disclose anything without discussing it with the sect leader.”

“Hmm…”

He let out a contemplative sound before nodding.

“Alright then. I shall meet him once.”

“Excellent choice.”

Drrrrrrr!

I promptly led him back to the Shadowless Gate, and we made our way directly to the Sword Demon.

The Sword Demon appeared to be sitting quietly on the martial arts stage, lost in meditation. Upon sensing my presence, he opened his eyes and noticed Namgung Jo beside me.

“Baek Woong. Who is he?”

“He is Namgung Jo, the elder of Ximen Geol’s disciples.”

“……”

The Sword Demon’s eyes brightened. He then descended from the stage and saluted Namgung Jo.

“I’ve heard your name, Master Namgung Jo.”

Feeling embarrassed, Namgung Jo turned his head to the side and returned the salute with a nod.

“You flatter me. But I assure you, I have not breached any promises made with Ximen Hwi.”

“I would like to know the full context.”

“That’s what I…”

I lightly detached a piece of obsidian and infused it with memories. I then relayed the brief incidents I had experienced within the Namgung Clan to the Sword Demon. After observing the replayed memories, the Sword Demon nodded and remarked,

“I see. If it’s a matter concerning the clan, then I shall acknowledge you, Master Jo.”

Namgung Jo exhaled a sigh of relief.

“On my honor, I have never produced a disciple, nor have I leaked the techniques of the Shadowless Gate externally. Please believe me.”

“Who wouldn’t believe the words of the former Greatest Sword under Heaven, the Shadowless Sword Emperor?”

“Hah…”

At Namgung Jo’s cough, the Sword Demon spoke again.

“Master Jo, why not consider returning to the Shadowless Gate?”

“No, that cannot be. How could a sinner like me, who once coveted the place of sect leader, have the gall to return? I will live out my days buried in disgrace.”

“That’s a thought you shouldn’t harbor.”

The Sword Demon calmly continued.

“Do you know why my father, the former sect leader, sought to officially split from the traditional lineage of the Shadowless Gate?”

“Master Ximen Hwi wanted to aid those suffering from the hypocrisy of the world, as the Jianghu fell into turmoil.”

“Exactly.”

The Sword Demon added,

“I have maintained my father’s legacy for decades as the leader of the Path of Demons, protecting those who have been wronged, accused, and misunderstood. However, I now feel overwhelmed.”

“Overwhelmed?”

Namgung Jo asked in disbelief.

“I’ve heard you have the greatest talent among all past leaders of the Shadowless Gate. In a few decades, you could be aiming for the title of the Greatest under Heaven. How can you claim to be overwhelmed at such a young stage?”

“Against the White Lotus Cult!”

“……!!”

“You’ve heard of the invincibility of the Dharma Protectors, I presume.”

Namgung Jo’s expression turned serious.

“Of course. I once narrowly escaped death at the hands of Dokgo Jun of the Susin Sect.”

“Why did you fight that man?”

“He came to find me, thinking my title of the Greatest Sword under Heaven was arrogant. I barely retained my life by begging for mercy.”

It seemed the Shadowless Sword Emperor and Namgung Jo had faced off against Dokgo Jun at least once.

“That escalated quickly. Currently, the White Lotus Cult is secretly seizing control of the Path of Demons, the Five Great Sects, and the Orthodox Society. They will soon dominate the Jianghu, and I lack the strength to face them. Thus, I ask for your aid.”

“Are you truly willing to fight those monsters? The Green Lotus is beyond human ken.”

“That is why I have Baek Woong here.”

The Sword Demon gestured towards me.

“Baek Woong has the power to defeat not just the Dharma Protectors but also the leader of the White Lotus Cult. In time, he will be able to triumph over them.”

“……!! Is that true?!”

“……”

I did not deny the Sword Demon’s words, for they were rooted in truth.

Yes, I could indeed overcome them at some point.

However, the question remained: how many times would I have to die before that became possible?

Namgung Jo, appearing resolute, stated,

“Very well. I will make it my duty to completely overhaul the Namgung Clan and fully cooperate with you.”

“I sincerely appreciate it.”

It seemed that this nineteenth reincarnation was off to a good start.

From the beginning, I had gained a remarkable ally, the former Greatest Sword under Heaven and the unparalleled master of the Shadowless Gate, the Shadowless Sword Emperor.