Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Celestial Realm

I followed Eminent Monk Myeongseo's guidance into the depths of Shaolin Temple. Rather than heading to the areas bustling with ordinary disciples, we ventured into the innermost grounds. Soon, we arrived at a vast pagoda and the Grand Hero Hall, where Eminent Monk Myeongseo pointed to the mountain behind it.

"The Heavenly Altar lies on that mountain behind the Grand Hero Hall."

"......"

I inwardly realized that infiltrating this Heavenly Altar would be nearly impossible. The Grand Hero Hall of Shaolin Temple was the residence and meeting place not only for the Shaolin head but also for the pinnacle experts of the temple. It went without saying how difficult it would be to enter the wild mountain behind it. In a sense, the eminent monk had led me straight to a place that might cost my life.

I questioned the eminent monk.

"What did Mangyang Zen Master mean when he said those words...?"

"I'll explain that shortly."

After his curt reply, the eminent monk addressed his fellow monks nearby.

"Yes."

Whoosh!

I leaped up the mountain with the eminent monk using lightness skill. Before long, we reached the place called the Heavenly Altar. Observing its form, I noticed it was virtually identical to the one on Mount Heng. There were differences in maintenance, but structurally, it was the same.

The eminent monk spoke.

"This Heavenly Altar is constantly tended by Shaolin disciples. Unlike the other Heavenly Altars on the Five Great Mountains, it receives unwavering attention."

"What do you mean?"

"It means that among the Five Great Mountains, only Shaolin knows the true significance of the Heavenly Altar. Only here is the legend preserved that this is the site of the myth that twisted the bond between heaven and earth..."

"...?!"

The eminent monk slowly walked up to the Heavenly Altar. He fiddled with a massive stele at its center and continued.

"It's said that Zhuanxu of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors severed the connection between heaven and earth by rendering the Heavenly Altar's function obsolete. From the moment the Heavenly Altar lost its power, gods could no longer easily intervene in human affairs. Humans, too, found ascension exceedingly difficult."

"If the Heavenly Altar has lost its function, isn't maintaining it pointless?"

"Even if it's lost its function, a Heavenly Altar is still a Heavenly Altar—a pathway forged by the gods to the human realm. Who would dare neglect it, not knowing when or how it might be used again? It is humanity's duty to preserve it until that day comes."

"......"

I realized the eminent monk was well versed in these mythical legends. He might even be a sorcerer. Glaring at him, I said:

"You're hiding something. And it involves Mangyang Zen Master..."

The eminent monk replied innocently.

"Why do you say that? Mangyang Zen Master is the overseer of all the wandering altars across the continent and humanity's guardian deity. This monk has received his aid since youth."

"Since youth?"

"Not just this monk. All of humanity survives today thanks to his efforts."

What was this about?

Seeing my bewildered expression, the eminent monk continued.

"Mangyang Zen Master often bestows the Heaven-Breaking Blessing upon promising sages and true men across the lands, allowing them to grow. It's because of him that those fated to fall prematurely can rise, stand against evil, and uphold the banner of justice."

"What??"

I was stunned.

That annoying black cat had such abilities? As I reeled in shock, the eminent monk said,

"As you know, this world teems with the colossal evil gods called the [Ancient Overlords] and their followers. By human logic and culture, we should easily succumb to malevolence. That we possess good and justice instead is because Mangyang Zen Master blocks the evil gods' influence."

"......"

"He is no being judged by Buddhist or Daoist values. He is something more cosmic."

I'd never considered that.

"Mangyang Zen Master even foretold in a dream vision that you would come today. Thanks to him, this monk gets to speak with you."

I pondered deeply. I'd learned Mangyang Zen Master's role was far greater than expected, but I still felt no respect for that cat. How many times had he teased me without offering clear help!

"Why did Mangyang Zen Master reveal that?"

The eminent monk smiled faintly.

"Why, to show you the Heavenly Altar, of course. Without this monk's intervention, could you have seen the Heavenly Altar on Mount Song?"

"Hmm... No, probably not."

I admitted honestly. The eminent monk's junior brothers, like Myeongjae and the others, were top-tier experts even by the standards of the entire martial world. There was no guarantee I'd defeat them in combat, and if the Shaolin's 108 Arhats, Eighteen Arhats, or Four Great Diamond Guardians joined midway, I'd truly be done for. Even sneaking in with Soul Vanishing Step was questionable.

'This was an insane difficulty.'

A chill ran down my spine. To glimpse just the Heavenly Altar on Mount Song required staking my life. After deep contemplation, I bowed towards the Heavenly Altar. The eminent monk said,

"Mangyang Zen Master instructed this monk to aid you. Thus, should you face any evil demons in the future, Shaolin will lend its strength."

"I appreciate the offer, but..."

I was flustered by the eminent monk's sudden proposal.

Shaolin Temple, the leader of the righteous sects, aiding me?

All because of one word from Mangyang Zen Master?

From my reincarnated perspective, it was undoubtedly a massive boon, but I couldn't readily accept it. Felt like being swept along by that dubious black cat's whims. Yet, my situation wasn't so favorable that I could refuse, so I reluctantly nodded.

"...No, thank you."

"Did you visit Mount Song to inspect the Heavenly Altar?"

"No."

I explained my suspicions about Mount Tai Old Man and how I was traversing the Five Great Mountains in search of him. I also recounted the massacre at Mount Hua Sect. The eminent monk listened gravely before speaking.

"Mount Hua Sect once rivaled its head branch as a sect of sorcery, but they diminished the role of sorcerers and expanded solely as a martial force. As a result, their sorcerers split off independently. When the Yi Clan attacked, they had no means to repel them..."

"That makes sense. Sorcery seems far more effective against the Yi Clan than martial arts."

The eminent monk nodded and continued.

"There must be a mastermind behind the Yi Clan that struck Mount Hua Sect. And it likely ties to Mount Tai Old Man. Our head branch will investigate him as well."

"Thank you."

I saw no need to reveal my reincarnator status to the eminent monk. I'd accidentally let it slip to Dugoseong, but there was zero trust between us. A sudden thought struck me, and I asked.

"I heard Mount Tai Old Man paid respects at the Heavenly Altar here a year ago. What level is his martial prowess? Any distinguishing features?"

"He always wears a gray straw cape and hides his face with a bamboo hat. As for his skill level... he's extraordinarily powerful."

"How powerful exactly?"

"This monk lacks full confidence in subduing him. In terms of martial arts, he's firmly a renowned master, a supreme expert who could vie for the world's best save against guardian deities."

"Hmm..."

I frowned. Sa Gong-jin's accounts as his disciple lacked objectivity, but hearing it from the Shaolin leader confirmed it. Mount Tai Old Man's prowess was beyond what I could handle now. Strictly speaking, no one short of a guardian deity could match him.

'This is a headache.'

The eminent monk said,

"We permitted his worship at the Heavenly Altar assuming he was a hidden recluse of the Daoist lineage performing rites. But if, as you say, he has suspicious aspects, it might have been part of his scheme."

"Didn't you say the Heavenly Altar's function is already lost?"

He shook his head.

"No. The one who severed it could restore it."

"...?!"

"Of course, no human could manage it alone, but it's not impossible. This is troubling..."

The eminent monk muttered worriedly before asking,

"Anything else?"

I thought for a moment, then said,

"This is a rather trivial question, but is that all right?"

"Go ahead."

"You seem to know General Jin Cheonhui. What connection do you have with him?"

"Heh heh..."

The eminent monk let out a hollow chuckle. It was an unexpected question. He laughed heartily before answering.

"Surprising. What makes you think that?"

"Just a hunch."

"True to Mangyang Zen Master's acquaintance, you hide yourself well."

The eminent monk smiled wryly and continued.

"General Jin Cheonhui and I share a long history. This monk once owed his life to the general's stratagems."

"Do you also know he was actually of imperial blood?"

Flinch!

This time, the eminent monk truly stiffened in shock. He let out a deep sigh.

"Don't recklessly spread such facts abroad. Had you not been Mangyang Zen Master's acquaintance, you'd have found grave peril here."

"Hmm... My apologies."

"It's one of the continent's most critical secrets."

Gazing at the sky with wistful eyes, the eminent monk said,

"If, by any chance, General Jin Cheonhui's sole son survived the rebellion... he would be the unparalleled heir to the throne. His claim precedes even the current emperor's."

"Precedes?"

"The current emperor lacks legitimacy. From this monk's position, I'll say no more."

"Understood."

Hearing this from the eminent monk solidified my certainty.

'Jin So-cheong... was meant to become crown prince and then emperor.'

Likely, when Lee Gwang was released from the execution squad, he secretly protected Jin So-cheong and smuggled him from the palace. Those in the know, like Emperor Hyeon Yeon, must have shielded him from the shadows. They shared the secret.

However, their views on Jin So-cheong differed. The eminent monk and Grand Marshal Hyeon Yeon believed he should rightly ascend the throne, while his protector Lee Gwang sought only to raise him as a martial world supreme expert.

'Why?'

Lee Gwang's choice was more pragmatic. Forcing Jin So-cheong onto the throne lacked realism and guaranteed no happiness. Perhaps he thought a natural martial prodigy like Jin So-cheong would find fulfillment in the martial world.

Yet, having observed Lee Gwang closely for so long, I sensed something more. It hinged on his fierce loyalty for king and country intertwined with vengeance against the White Lotus Cult—a contradictory existence.

'At that moment, I realized it was time for a frank talk with Lee Gwang. Even without Dugoseong's urging, I was missing a crucial piece about him.'

'Alright. When the time comes to sever his life path, I'll clarify it.'

Wrapping up my thoughts, I clasped hands toward the eminent monk.

"Then I'll take my leave."

"May I know your next destination?"

"You must have an idea already."

"Heh heh, caught me."

The eminent monk chuckled sheepishly before adding,

"A word of advice: beware his swordsmanship when facing Mount Tai Old Man. It's absurdly powerful."

"Gongsun Swordsmanship?"

He nodded.

"It's the signature technique that elevated him to one of the Three Great Elders of the righteous sects. Be cautious—doubly so."

"Yes."

After gathering intel from the eminent monk, I headed for Mount Tai.

Flash!

'The promised month hasn't passed yet.'

Still, I felt Mount Tai Old Man was most likely on Mount Tai. There were no signs of him hiding at Mount Hua and it was bloodbath, or on Mount Heng, Mount Heng, or Mount Song. I couldn't be certain, but I'd scour them thoroughly enough. I'd check Mount Tai once more before combing the Five Great Mountains again, but for now, it seemed the surest hideout.

Arriving near Mount Tai, I pondered my options.

"Hmm... Should I stop by Seven Kills Village?"

Dugoseong had tasked me with assassinating the White Lotus Cult Leader. His logic: topple the leader, and the cult's tentacles would mostly wither. But currently, becoming the leader's disciple appealed to him, so it was wiser to probe his secrets first. That way, I wouldn't waste the chance to kill him or make a detour to Seven Kills Village a waste of time.

Mount Tai's vicinity teemed with checkpoints and soldiers. Few martial sects dotted the area, overrun instead by impoverished slash-and-burn farmers and bandits. It was a wretched reality, perfect for grim reflection. Lacking notable sights unlike other regions, my face darkened as I observed the area.

'Let's scout Mount Tai before Cheongwol or Dugoseong arrive.'

I decided to roam Mount Tai alone before the others came. Dodging soldiers' eyes while mapping key spots would save time later. Soon, I activated Soul Vanishing Step and climbed the Mount Tai vicinity like a mouse hunting.

Swish swish swish!

For about four or five days, I roamed Mount Tai ceaselessly with Soul Vanishing Step. Though vast, its size was no match for the technique's speed—I covered it swiftly. Soldiers and checkpoints posed issues, but they couldn't detect the movement. When risk loomed, I concealed my presence and hid, evading notice.

After another full day, frustration set in.

No Mount Tai Old Man!

After such thorough searching, his absence pointed to two possibilities.

'He's inside a checkpoint, or stop Mount Tai...'

Lacking nerve to enter the checkpoints, I'd stuck to the wilds. Drawing soldiers' eyes gained nothing. Mount Tai's summit was off-limits to civilians, guarded by checkpoint soldiers. I calculated mentally.

Four checkpoints ringed Mount Tai. One crowned the summit; the rest guarded valleys. Scouring each was impractical.

More importantly, what scenario had Mount Tai Old Man inside a checkpoint?

Officials and soldiers despised martial experts. They viewed them as disruptors of order. That went double for a righteous grandmaster like Mount Tai Old Man. No reason to let such a figure linger.

'Something's off.'

Just in case, I sneaked to the summit checkpoint for a peek. Soldiers patrolled the fortified walls thickly, with occasional high-ranking officers. No high martial artists among them, but infiltration felt dicy.

Too many!

At least a thousand garrisoned the summit checkpoint. Baffling for a mountaintop, but Mount Tai's rating status made it vital to the throne, justifying the numbers. Even I lacked confidence breaching a thousand eyes, so I gave up.

Worse, watch-posts and beacon towers flanked it. Any disturbance would summon reinforcements from nearby posts—over five thousand within an hour. An ironclad defense.

I decided to camp near Mount Tai's entrance, awaiting Cheongwol and Dugoseong. They'd sense my qi and find me.

Sure enough, days later, Cheongwol in his bamboo hat and Dugoseong arrived at my makeshift shelter.

"Been well?"

"Greetings, Master."

As I clasped hands, Dugoseong laughed heartily.

"Hahaha, touring the land after so long was fun."

"Where did you go...?"

"Stopped by to see that Lee Gwang punk."

"...?!"

Stunned, I heard Cheongwol beside me add.

"We told Lee Gwang to cooperate with our master too."

"What...?"

It was then.

"Ah, young hero! Long time no see!"

A cheerful voice rang from the entrance. Glancing over warily, I spotted a familiar face.

"Jin So-cheong...!!"

"Ahem..."

Beside him stood the sullen-faced Lee Gwang. Apparently strong-armed from Guangdong. As I stood dazed, Dugoseong spoke.

"Good, you arrived first. Brief us on the situation."

"Yes."

I recounted touring the Five Great Mountains first, the Mount Hua massacre, and the high likelihood of Mount Tai Old Man at the summit checkpoint. Dugoseong clenched his fist triumphantly.

"Perfect—let's go!"

"G-Go?"

Dugoseong grinned.

"With this lineup, what's to fear? Smash 'em all!"

Base garrison: over a thousand. Reinforcements: at least five thousand.

He meant storming that iron fortress with just five. Aghast, I was speechless as Cheongwol beside me beamed.

"Been a while since it'll be this exciting."

"......"

Were they serious?

Thousands of troops!

As I panicked, the most rational, Lee Gwang, reined them in.

"Eliminating them isn't the issue, but we must first confirm Mount Tai Old Man's presence, elders."

"Hmm, true! Then you go, Lee Gwang. You held office once, right?"

Lee Gwang grimaced briefly, Clearly fed up with Dugoseong's recklessness.

"...Retired and a wild man now—going myself would just arouse suspicion."

"So frustrating... Hey, you—what'd you do in office?"

"My... apologies."

Dugoseong tsked, and Lee Gwang cautiously said,

"So I contacted my successors and juniors. Wait a few days."

As Lee Gwang predicted, two days later, a messenger from General Jang Gyeong sik of Shandong arrived, accompanied by two or three officers who met Lee Gwang. They clasped hands and said,

"We bear General Jang's orders. Here's your pass."

"Well done."

"Farewell!"

Clop clop.

As the officers departed, Lee Gwang handed me the pass.

"Issued by Jang Gyeong sik. With this, investigating Mount Tai Old Man's presence will be straightforward."

"Thanks."

"Hmph."

Lee Gwang curtly turned away, sending me a transmission.

[I don't know your schemes, but if you're using our Thunder God Style, I won't let it slide.]

Despite being dragged out by Dugoseong unwillingly, he eyed me warily. Felt enough—I was suspect. But my feelings toward him weren't warm either, so I shot back via transmission.

[And what's your game? Knowing Jin So-cheong's imperial heir, why raise him merely as a Thunder God Style expert?]

It was then.

Lee Gwang froze in place. Flames flickered in his eyes as he glared.

"...Looks like you and I need to settle things someday!"

Ramble!

Thunder light flickered.

His killing intent surged dangerously. More intense than our last spar. I'd rarely seen Lee Gwang's anger boil this hot, so I tensed and swallowed hard.

Was Lee Gwang the type who grew stronger in life-or-death battles?

As his killing intent peaked, Dugoseong wedged between us, waving a hand. His intent energy brushed by, calming the aura. Dugoseong tsked.

"Lee Gwang, Baek Woong. Youth makes your blood boil too easily. Restrain yourselves."

"My apologies."

"My apologies."

Dugoseong continued displeased,

"If this happens again on route to Mount Tai, none of you will hear the end of it."

"We'll keep it in mind."

And so we ascended Mount Tai.

Midway up, Jin So-cheong transmitted to me.

[Baek Woong, Don't quarrel with my master.]

[What do you mean?]

[Deep down, Master is thrilled a fine Thunder God Style expert appeared. We can get along from here—let's make it work.]

[......]

Was that possible?

Doubtful, I didn't reply to Jin So-cheong.

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