Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Secrets of the Eight Trigrams

Heavenly Realm

I easily found the silver phoenix carving in the study of the Han Family Manor in Taegyeong Village. It was the dead of night when everyone was asleep, so I encountered no resistance. I stared blankly at the silver phoenix carving and thought to myself.

'Fuxi's Eight Trigrams...'

Mangyang Seong had told me that if I wanted to grow stronger, I should seek out Fuxi's Eight Trigrams. Fuxi, one of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, was also known as Emperor Taihao, a creation deity of the highest order. He was also known for creating the Eight Trigrams and passing them down to humanity.

As far as I knew, the original Eight Trigrams were contained in the Seven Luminaries, specifically the Earth's Eight Trigrams Chart, which existed in the imperial palace of the ancient Bailhae Empire. However, it was said to have been stolen due to the schemes of the forces of darkness. That was the truth that Mangyang from my past life had uncovered through this phoenix carving.

After that, I had no particular reason to seek out the silver phoenix carving. Not only did I feel uneasy about taking a perfectly fine family heirloom, but I also had no real need for it. However, in this reincarnation, I felt it was important to make good use of this silver phoenix carving.

I would use this silver phoenix carving to find the Earth's Eight Trigrams Chart!

'Come to think of it, what exactly are the Eight Trigrams?'

Mangyang often mentioned the 'power' of the Eight Trigrams, and most existing spells and sorceries fell under their direct or indirect influence. By that logic, the being known as Taihao Fuxi could be called the progenitor of all sorcery.

"......"

Come to think of it, Hyuncheon Doin lives nearby.

'Hyuncheon Doin must know a lot about the Eight Trigrams.'

Though I had the vast and profound knowledge of Daoist arts from Transcendent Mangyang in my mind, it was too extensive and complex for me to fully comprehend. It was like opening a blocked reservoir—unless I calmly processed it, I couldn't absorb it. Since I was already here, I decided to meet Hyuncheon Doin before leaving.

Mangyang could explain it to me, but he was currently preoccupied with assimilating Transcendent knowledge as his own. I needed to understand at least some of it myself.

I headed to Taijeong Pavilion. A disciple of Taijeong Pavilion, sweeping the front with a broom, spotted me and said,

"What brings a child like you all the way here?"

"I have come to seek knowledge from Pavilion Master Hyuncheon Doin, who possesses renowned wisdom."

My words flowed eloquently, leaving him slightly troubled. Seeing my clothes as quite luxurious and refined, he seemed to mistake me for the son of some high-ranking noble and cautiously replied,

"Hyuncheon Doin does not see just anyone, but I shall inform him especially. Who are you?"

"I am Baek Woojin, studying sorcery. Please relay that."

"Understood. Wait here."

A short while later, he returned and said,

"Be careful with your behavior before the Doin."

"Yes."

I met Hyuncheon Doin again. It had been so long since I last saw the transcendent figure of the Daoist. The last time was when we parted after subduing the Azure Horse Four Evils, so it felt like reuniting with an old friend after a long time.

"Haha... a mejuvenated high expert, no less."

Hyuncheon Doin seemed to think that upon sensing my energy. In a way, I truly was rejuvenated. I shook my head at his words and sat down.

"I am not that remarkable. I had a fortuitous encounter."

I roughly explained to him that I had not achieved true rejuvenation. Hyuncheon Doin looked skeptical but appeared willing to let it pass since I insisted. As he poured me warm tea, Hyuncheon Doin said,

"In any case, what brings a transcendent peak expert like you to me?"

"There are various circumstances, but to put it simply, I came to study the Eight Trigrams further."

"The Eight Trigrams?"

"I have reached a considerable realm in martial arts, but the path I seek lies even further ahead. Thus, I am studying sorcery, but I was wandering without understanding what the Eight Trigrams truly are. Hearing that a renowned Daoist lived nearby, I came to inquire."

"Hmm... It seems you know something already. Tell me what you know first."

I explained to Hyuncheon Doin the basic knowledge of the Eight Trigrams I had learned long ago. Hyuncheon Doin pondered for a moment and said,

"You know everything worth knowing about the Eight Trigrams. That's enough to be recognized as a novice sorcerer. So what more piques your curiosity?"

Huh, that's not it.

I was slightly flustered, expecting him to point out gaps in my knowledge. Organizing my thoughts, I said,

"I have heard that there exists the original Eight Trigrams that Fuxi bestowed upon the mortal world. So I thought there must be a more advanced realm to the Eight Trigrams."

"Ugh...!!"

Hyuncheon Doin let out a groan and said,

"You must be referring to the legendary treasure, the Seven Luminaries. Specifically, the Earth's Chart."

"Do you know what the Seven Luminaries are, Doin?"

"It's a tale secretly passed down in Daoist lineages, of course I do."

Hyuncheon Doin paused in thought before continuing.

"If it's the Prenatal Eight Trigrams engraved on the Earth's Eight Trigrams Chart, I surmise it differs greatly from the Eight Trigrams used by humans."

"Prenatal Eight Trigrams?"

It wasn't an entirely new concept. Surely, related knowledge existed within Transcendent Mangyang's memories. The moment I heard the term, I felt the sediment of stagnant memories slowly dissolving.

"Fuxi, the creator of the Eight Trigrams, can be said to be the being who delivered 'fire' to humanity in primordial times. And it is said that this fire was transmitted through the Jianmu Tree, a heavenly ladder made of wood—meaning fire originated from the heavens."

I was baffled.

"Fire came from the heavenly realm? That seems odd..."

Fire and flames are natural phenomena. Even if deities were involved, could they arbitrarily create such natural forces? Though it was myth, I questioned it, and Hyuncheon Doin answered,

"Hmm... The Kunlun Sect has an interesting legend regarding that."

He chuckled casually and said,

"What Fuxi passed to humanity was not the fire of natural phenomena."

".....?"

"The transmission of fire by Fuxi is interpreted as the same as bestowing the Eight Trigrams upon humanity."

I was astonished at that point and retorted,

"Are you saying the Eight Trigrams hold divine principles as precious to humanity as fire?"

"To my knowledge, no sorcery in this world escapes the principles of the Eight Trigrams. Thus, sorcerers largely accept the Kunlun Sect's legend as fact."

Fuxi of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors did not bestow fire and the Eight Trigrams as two separate things upon humanity.

From the beginning, he gave only one: the Eight Trigrams.

Yet that alone was more than enough.

".....!!"

At that instant, a fragment of knowledge in my mind melted away completely. Hyuncheon Doin's words strongly stimulated my memories, unlocking associated knowledge. However, my logical faculties and computational ability still couldn't keep up, so full understanding eluded me.

"Right... Transcendent Mangyang knew this theory too... He regarded it as the most crucial principle for using the Nine Heavens Mysterious Woman's immortal arts..."

It felt like a major gain. Feeling ready to discuss it with Mangyang now, I clasped my hands in a Daoist salute to him.

"Thank you for your enlightening words."

"Haha... Any Daoist of our lineage could share such tales."

"No, it was truly a great help."

Just in case, I asked him,

"By any chance, are there bandits mepanging nearby?"

"Hm? No, it's peaceful."

"I see."

It seemed the Azure Horse Four Evils' rampage occurred later, as the world grew chaotic and the Eight Demonic Sects' control weakened due to Dokgo Jun. The warlockies would start running wild in a few years from now. I bid farewell to Hyuncheon Doin and left the place.

Flash!

I teleported next to the Sword Demon at Moyoung Gate. Soon after facing him, he said upon hearing my story,

"You stirred up quite a storm in Luoyang. As expected of Baek Protector."

I scratched my head sheepishly.

"Don't tease me."

"I'm serious. No one would have imagined toppling the head of the Twin Gate Families. Haha."

The Sword Demon, laughing heartily, soon grew solemn and said,

"Still, it's good that you left the Han Family Manor for now. Otherwise, the lies would catch up with you."

"What do you mean?"

"Others might not know, but Protector Lion Ryu Dokgo Jun is cousins with Dokgo Sung and knows him well. He also knows his exact seclusion spot, so he might visit Dokgo Sung personally to verify your words later."

".....!!"

I had known that but hadn't considered it, so I let out a groan.

'I overlooked Dokgo Jun.'

The Sword Demon said firmly,

"From now on, you must meet Dokgo Sung without fail. And form a master-disciple bond with him in advance."

I agreed with the Sword Demon. It absolutely could not be exposed. At the very least, I had to clean up by aligning the truth with the lie I had told. After saying that, the Sword Demon crossed his arms.

"Teach me Wudang Sect's ultimate arts for the next three months, then go to Dokgo Sung."

"Will three months suffice?"

"When I received your memories via the black obsidian, I also obtained fragmented insights. So I already have a rough sense of it. I expect to learn much faster than before."

"I see."

It seemed not just superficial sensations but fragments of memories also transferred through the black obsidian's sorcery. As I nodded in understanding, I asked the Sword Demon,

"By the way, how is Sasaki Kojiro doing?"

"I'm making good use of him. In a few years, he'll be an excellent protector for our sect. His skills are impressive."

"Hmm..."

"And after hearing about your Luoyang exploits, one thing bothers me."

"What is it?"

The Sword Demon said calmly,

"It's the Twelve Rites."

"...Pardon?"

Why bring up the Twelve Rites here? As I looked puzzled, he stroked his chin and said,

"You said among the Twin Gate Families, the three houses excluding the Han Family Manor had ties with the Twelve Rites. That's suspicious."

"Why?"

"The Twelve Rites is indeed a massive force. But for the Luoyang Twin Gate Families to ally with the Twelve Rites based in Liaodong is too distant and improbable. Normally, such an alliance wouldn't even form; they'd be lucky to meet once in a lifetime."

".....!!"

"Yet the heads of those three houses chose alliance with the Twelve Rites... It suggests it wasn't an alliance they desperately sought."

I pondered the Sword Demon's words and said,

"You're saying the Twelve Rites reached out first?"

"Most likely. Otherwise, those house heads would normally ally with Central Plains forces."

I thought the Sword Demon's speculation made sense. I hadn't considered it much when hearing from Han Jinseong, but Luoyang to Liaodong was indeed too far. It was logical to assume the Twelve Rites Lord extended his hand first to expand influence in the Central Plains.

The Sword Demon said,

"When you return to Luoyang, observe your surroundings carefully. There might be a Special Agent."

"Special Agent? What's that?"

"It's information I gathered recently while investigating the Twelve Rites."

The Sword Demon gazed at the ceiling and continued.

"It's said the Twelve Rites has a unique existence called the Special Agent. They move solely on the orders of the Twelve Rites Lord, Man Ha-ryeong Gate's master, and the sect leaders all mind the Special Agent's intelligence. Some even fear them."

"Hmm..."

Even if it's just a special intelligence operative, why would the Twelve Rites leaders fear it?

I tilted my head but soon set the thought aside. If a Special Agent existed, I'd encounter it eventually; I could deal with it then. I stayed at Moyoung Gate and began teaching him Jang Sambong's ultimate arts again for the next three months.

"What a fortuitous encounter for me."

The Sword Demon laughed heartily, delighted. Indeed, even before, the Sword Demon learned at a genius martial artist's pace, but now he absorbed it at a terrifying speed, like reviewing familiar material. His claim that three months would suffice held no exaggeration.

Flash!

After fully transmitting the martial arts to the Sword Demon, I went to Mangyang. Meeting Dokgo Sung to align our stories was important, but I felt the need to update Mangyang on events so far.

"Mangyang! Where are you, Mangyang?"

I searched for Mangyang in the hut at Jinrang Valley but didn't find him. Instead, a gruff voice echoed from within the Illusion Dance.

"Senior Brother went to Copper Mountain for sorcery training and is absent."

"Cheon Woojin!"

"You've been bustling about everywhere, it seems."

The one greeting me in my stead was Mangyang's junior brother, Phantom God Cheon Woojin. He didn't seem particularly pleased to see me and sat on the hut's porch railing as he spoke.

"Senior Brother said it will be hard for him to return for about a year. He left word for you to do as you wish in the meantime."

"Is that true?"

"Why would I lie to you?"

Cheon Woojin had a prickly attitude, but he didn't seem the type to deceive. After thinking it over, I said,

"What's at Copper Mountain that Mangyang went there?"

"Copper Mountain has the ruins of Gwangseong-a, a sage from ancient times. Senior Brother seems intent on building power there."

"Gwangseong-a!"

I flinched.

Gwangseong-a was the sage said to have instructed Yellow Emperor Gongsun Xuanyuan in ancient times. Naturally, having taught one of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, his status in the Heavenly Realm was immense, and all Daoists under heaven revered him as divine. Some even viewed him on par with Queen Mother of the West. Ruins of such a Gwangseong-a would surely be extraordinary.

But I didn't fully understand, so I pressed further.

"Didn't Mangyang originally go to Kunlun Mountain for training? Why not re-enter Kunlun Sect?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but Senior Brother said there's no need to break through the Dragon Gate again, so he's taking a faster, easier path. He must have found a clue in some text."

"......"

In that moment, I felt memories in my mind unraveling.

'Right. Mangyang figured it out from the inherited memories. There's a hidden manual unknown to all at Gwangseong-a's ruins on Copper Mountain...'

That manual was the unparalleled treasure left by the Heavenly Realm's Purple Mansion Mansion Immortal: the Three Sovereigns Inner Text. Transcendent Mangyang had learned its location and power upon gaining rank in the Heavenly Realm, but his assigned mission took precedence, so he couldn't pursue it. Mangyang appeared to be skipping basic training to swiftly gain power via the Three Sovereigns Inner Text.

Mangyang was also grinding away with bone-shattering effort.

I nodded inwardly and said to Cheon Woojin,

"Understood. Then tell Mangyang I'll be training under Dokgo Sung."

"Got it."

"By the way, where's Zhuge Sa?"

"I sealed him away because he kept whining."

"What?"

As I stared at Cheon Woojin in disbelief, he shook his head vigorously and said,

"He kept trying to flee to the mortal world or Dark Heaven Fragrance, and persistently attempted to transfer his soul to puppets, so I got annoyed and sealed him with my illusion arts. He won't emerge into the world until I allow it."

"I-Is that possible? He's the Heretic Cult's leader."

Knowing the level of the Heretic Cult's sorcery that Zhuge Sa wielded, I couldn't easily believe it. In curses and magic, Zhuge Sa had reached an unexcelled realm. Cheon Woojin said coldly,

"The Heretic Cult is merely historical losers who sank with the Demonic Cult. Moreover, relying solely on earthy sorcery can never touch me."

"......"

Arrogant confidence!

I newly realized the man before me was an immense powerhouse. Even when Mangyang was surrounded by 100,000 troops and the Brocade Guard before, he had leisurely trusted only in Cheon Woojin's illusion barrier—that was because he knew Cheon Woojin's sorcery had half-transcended humanity.

'Can this guy be controlled?'

In a way, it was like gaining a tremendous ally, but I knew today's comrade could become tomorrow's enemy depending on circumstances. I had no idea how to restrain Cheon Woojin if he acted erratically on his whims.

A genius upper immortal who should have ascended long ago but chose to linger on earth following his master!

That was Phantom God Cheon Woojin.

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