Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm

Heavenly Realm.

The White Lotus Cult Leader's words came out of nowhere and encompassed a concept too vast to fathom.

To settle things with the gods!

No matter how much the Cult Leader's martial arts had transcended those of a mortal individual, could he truly stand on equal footing with the colossal existence known as a god? An ordinary person might brush it off due to ignorance of the gulf between immortals and gods, but I knew from my countless past lives that the difference was as immense as heaven and earth. Sure enough, the Vermillion Bird responded.

["What kind of settlement do you seek? Speak your true intentions."]

["It's nothing major. I simply wish to borrow his power to obtain the Dharma texts of Musang Nomo scattered across the world."]

The Vermillion Bird fell silent for a moment at the Cult Leader's reply. Then he spoke.

["So that was your true aim."]

The Vermillion Bird replied with a weary tone.

["Even that is far too arrogant. Do you truly believe the god we serve would deign to accept such a proposal?"]

With his faceless mask, there was no telling what expression the White Lotus Cult Leader wore. After a pause, he emanated a dark aura as he spoke.

["That's precisely why I've come here—to demonstrate my power to your god."]

["What?"]

The White Lotus Cult Leader pointed a finger toward the sky.

["Don't play dumb. Do you think I wouldn't notice you stalling to summon your apostle? I've come here to defeat him."]

"...?"

["No matter how mighty a god may be, he'll have to hear me out once his apostle falls."]

The Vermillion Bird flinched in evident shock. This was partly because the Cult Leader's power was intensifying, unleashing pressure that shattered the chamber. Even if the Vermillion Bird's strength had grown, he couldn't handle the Cult Leader alone once he began exerting his full might. At last, the Vermillion Bird removed his bamboo hat.

Swoosh...

Beneath it was the exact face of the Vermillion Bird Je Gal Yu-yeong I'd seen earlier, confirming anew the Je Gal-yung's claim that he had been resurrected using a spare body. Je Gal Yu-yeong stared at the Cult Leader with sunken eyes before speaking.

["You intended to obtain the Dharma texts and exact their teachings? Your strength must stem from interpreting them. That ominous Dharma no-one can withstand..."]

["They are but fragments of the Absolute One. In the grand scheme, it amounts to the same."]

"..."

["I considered accepting the Emperor's proposal just now but hesitated. That puppet of a mortal offered no guarantee of delivering what I desire. Dealing directly with you, a divine priest, is far more promising."]

Rumble...

The sky seemed to drown in vast crimson flames. Menacing energy gathered at its center, sending a ferocious aura. Everyone present recognized the sign: the god's apostle was about to descend.

Frustrated, Vermillion Bird Je Gal Yu-yeong spoke.

["You could have simply taken half the world as the Emperor proposed and lived in peace... To negotiate with a god? Such arrogance."]

Though the Vermillion Bird sighed in lament, the White Lotus Cult Leader chuckled in response.

["I may be arrogant, but I'm not as insidious as you. Just look at him, isn't that proof enough?"]

["What do you mean?"]

["The Emperor here is real enough, but the one left in the palace was a fake. Even if Disaster struck, only the false body would be lost."]

"..."

["Now, the moment has arrived."]

The White Lotus Cult Leader slowly extended his hand forward. Seeing this, the Vermillion Bird's eyes widened.

["No!"]

Boom boom boom

In the next instant, the Vermillion Bird's body exploded violently, sending him flying backward. He writhed on the ground amid a pool of blood, gravely wounded. But the true victim of the Cult Leader's strike wasn't the Vermillion Bird—it was the Emperor.

The Emperor shattered into chunks of flesh. Stunned, I stared at the Cult Leader.

["Didn't you say you wouldn't kill him?"]

["He was mere bait to draw the Vermillion Bird here."]

The White Lotus Cult Leader replied nonchalantly and extended his hand again.

Flash

At that moment, the Vermillion Bird's body vanished. It looked as if he'd dodged the Cult Leader's attack.

[Pity.]

Seeing this, I realized the Cult Leader's scheme.

He had roughly guessed the Vermillion Bird could resurrect. Even so, instant repeated resurrections would be taxing, so he'd used the Emperor's life as leverage to force the Vermillion Bird's appearance. And now, with a major blow dealt, the Vermillion Bird wouldn't be causing trouble anytime soon.

Having swiftly eliminated the imperial threat, the White Lotus Cult Leader turned his gaze toward Miho and me. He slowly transmitted telepathic intent via his Six Harmonies True Energy.

["You must have guessed it, but the apostle will descend here soon. I want you to fight alongside me against it."]

["What do you mean?"]

["Even I was uncertain of defeating the apostle alone. But with two of those immense Seven Luminaries powers, we can manage. Aid me."]

"..."

Only then did I understand the shifts in the White Lotus Cult Leader's mindset. He'd initially prioritized eliminating the Emperor, but circumstances changed, leading him to observe the Seven Luminaries' power. Convinced it could fell a divine apostle, he'd swept away the Emperor's group.

Miho, standing beside me, responded coldly.

["Why should I? My goal is achieved; I have no further business here."]

["Given you're an emissary of the Heavenly Realm, shouldn't you check if this falls under Heaven's karma?"]

["Hmm..."]

Miho appeared thoughtful.

It was right then.

Ssssr...

"Urk."

I suddenly felt Yeo Doeng-bin's power surging through the spirit link. This was unmistakably her attempting to descend upon me, leaving me flustered. She hadn't shown so much as a glimpse earlier—why now?

'Yeo Doeng-bin, what's going on?'

She answered my question.

[Reincarnator. You'll need my power to fight the apostle. Entrust your body to me.]

'What... Has the Heavenly Realm decided to battle the apostle?'

[If the apostle claims the Law of Causality and descends to this land, calamity will follow. If victory is possible, it is right to subdue it.]

Yeo Doeng-bin's words rang true. If she fought using my body, she'd wield unprecedented night. Yet if I died because of her before, so I hesitated to yield my body easily. Perhaps all my near-death struggles to hone my martial arts were to avoid relying on her so readily.

What would Mang-eung have chosen here?

After agonizing, I looked at Miho.

"Miho, I have something to say."

"What is it?"

"If you accept this black obsidian, I'll follow whatever choice you make here. I swear on my name."

I pulled the black obsidian containing my memories from my throat armor and offered it to her. Privately, Miho would ignore it, but the situation was critical for her. My decision could greatly disadvantage or benefit her. Her sharp mind grasped this instantly as she glared at me.

"You're playing tricks."

"Trust me. What curse could affect you, under the Heavenly Realm's direct protection?"

Miho was now the Heavenly Realm's emissary. Blessed by great immortals and celestial gods, she was impervious to worldly curses.

"First, tell me what that black obsidian is."

"It's an item that stores and transmits memories. Mine are inside."

Miho looked baffled.

"You're going to show me your memories? What meaning does that hold now?"

"You'll know once you take it. The choice is yours."

I urged her urgently.

"It won't harm you, I swear."

The White Lotus Cult Leader watched with keen interest. I felt the sky growing ever redder, demonic energy intensifying. With no time for more talk, anxiety gnawed at me. Miho knew it too; her face hardened.

She glared fiercely before speaking.

"Fine! If you're deceiving me, I won't let it slide."

She accepted!

'Phew!'

I sighed in relief and handed her the black obsidian. Miho took it, and soon my memories began flowing into her. She stood dazed for a while, then trembled.

"You... You way... that..."

She couldn't hide her confusion. I met her gaze.

"You've met me many times. This life just got tangled up."

"Impossible... such..."

Miho muttered, then composed herself.

"Even if these memories are real, I can't trust you."

"Fair enough. But at least I have reason to help you."

"..."

Miho pondered. After standing silently, she glanced at the Cult Leader.

"I'll go along with your proposal."

[Wise choice.]

She sighed.

"Has, with the subjugation order from the Heavenly Realm, I must do my utmost."

Miho had decided. Then I had no reason to hold back this life either. Win or lose, this battle promised great gains. I nodded and told the Cult Leader.

"I'll fight too."

The White Lotus Cult Leader replied approvingly.

[Good... Then I'll summon the Dharma Protectors.]

["The other two are far away; it won't be easy to bring them now..."]

[Worry not.]

The White Lotus Cult Leader clasped his hands. Strange patterns emerged on their backs, glowing brightly. As he focused his energy, the light blazed like the sun.

Flash!

"...!"

In the next instant, Dharma Protectors Yong Bi-cheon and Cheong Jun appeared before us. They immediately prostrated to the Cult Leader, as if it were the most natural thing. Amazed, I stared at the Cult Leader.

[No need for surprise. This is the White Lotus Cult Leader's prerogative. He can summon the Dharma Protectors at will.]

Stating it casually, he looked skyward.

[It's about to descend.]

"Can we win?"

[Heh.]

His chuckle made me realize it was a foolish question.

With the Emperor, Vermillion Bird, and even the alchemist crushed, the only path was to fell the apostle for the Cult Leader and plan and confront the god. The floor, all burned images, leaving no choice but to fight.

Rumble!!

The sky filled with blood-red clouds, dyeing heaven and earth crimson. Crimson lightning struck everywhere, sending white vibrations through the air. The dense demonic power made breathing labored, far beyond anything before.

I gripped Su-yo Mang-ye tightly. Yeo Doeng-bin kept calling from within.

[Reincarnator! Yield your body to me!]

"..."

[Your power alone is insufficient!]

Irritated, I snapped.

"Quiet down! There's something only I can do."

"What..."

Even as I argued with Yeo Doeng-bin, the apostle's descent continued.

Rumble...

Darkness manifested.

From the heart of the blood-red clouds, a colossal being slowly coalesced. Mountain-like in size, covered in silver fur, with nine tails—it exerted pressure filling the plain simply by existing. It was a nine-tailed fox.

I'd seen this being before.

Grit-ing my teeth, I muttered.

"Dai gi."

The god's apostle and a Demon King-class entity!

It had appeared again. But two differences from before.

First, Dai gi's form was visible, not a bubble of haze. Given its immense yokai power bared lesser beings from beholding, it was odd.

Second, ten small figures floated around Dai gi. Small relative to it, yet human-sized each. They were likely powerful in their own right.

Dai gi, upon manifesting, glanced at the White Lotus Cult Leader, then fixed on Miho with a cold smile.

[Heh-heh... So my tail was here...]

Tail?

Dai gi's cold words pierced Miho's face drastically. She seemed to lose her will to fight. Alarmed, I checked on her.

"Miho? You okay?"

"...Urk... That thing... Ahh..."

Miho collapsed to her knees, sweat poured from her; something was grossly wrong. Fearing the apostle's attack, I issued—but odd, Dai gi merely stared. Then I realized.

Dai gi is suppressing Miho's soul.

Once subdued, it would devour her soul.

Unbelievable. Even as a god's apostle, to devour the Seven Luminaries' master outright?

Then the White Lotus Cult Leader addressed Dai gi.

[Apostle of the gods, I am the White Lotus Cult Leader.]

Dai gi's gaze flicked to him. The Cult Leader continued.

[Apologies, but you must die.]

[Heh, madman!]

Dai gi sneered and nodded.

[Go, Golden Turtle Ten Heavenly Lords.]

The ten figures near its massive body floated toward us.

[Fight.]

"By your command!"

The White Lotus Cult Leader and three Dharma Protectors prepared to engage. With the situation escalating, I knew delay was fatal.

'Damn, no choice!'

I'd wanted to save it for a crucial moment, but losing initiative meant no future. Dai gi alone was intimidating, these minions seemed formidable too. We might exhaust ourselves before reaching it. Plus, Miho's state was poor.

Bitterly, I recited the memory, slowly forming hand seals. Channelling Su-yo's spirit power into the incantation, I roared loudly.

"Starfall of rain's hour! I borrow thy authority, I revere the millennium to come!"

Crackle

That activated.

Activating the ominous god's incantation from the Seer ballooned my power to near Su-yo's level—not a spirit spell's effect, more like someone eagerly lending strength. Vast stellar power flooded me.

Soon, void tentacles surfaced in the air, seizing the Golden Turtle Ten Heavenly Lords in dark bindings. They panicked, but were dragged into the void. The tentacles multiplied dozens, hundreds-fold.

Primordial Night with through the sky.

Writhing tentacles reached for Dai gi. It thrashing to evade, then spewed massive flames.

Boom boom boom

The tentacles withered in its flames, but the transparent barrier around Dai gi seemed stripped away. As the Seer said, the tentacles dispelled its protective spell.

Reeling from damage, Dai gi cried out in horror.

[An ominous god's incantation! And its descendants' exclusive authority... Are you the ominous god's vessel? No, that's impossible!]

I wanted more, but the Seer granted me use only. Mortals could invoke it once. Regretfully, I retorted.

"The only certainty is this is your grave!"

Miho stirred, regaining composure. Confirming her recovery, I messaged Yeo Doeng-bin.

'Yeo Doeng-bin, can you summon the Eight Immortals?'

[Of course. With Su-yo's power, it's feasible.]

'Then let's go.'

Crackle

Yeo Doeng-bin descended upon me. She spoke as if to herself.

[Better than my treasured Fire Dragon Divine Sword, this Mang-ya. Inevitable, I suppose...]

She raised Su-yo Mang-ya high.

[Seven Luminaries! Lend me your power.]

Divine smoke rose, and the Eight Immortals of China I'd seen in the great defense manifested one by one, radiant and ethereal. Unlike mere blessings, each brimmed with independent might.

Spotting them, Dai gi bellowed.

[Impossible!]

Dai gi invoked power; the Golden Turtle Ten Heavenly Lords, dragged by the ominous incantation earlier, burst back into this space.

The Eight Immortals addressed Yeo Doeng-bin upon seeing them.

[Golden Turtle Ten Heavenly Lords! They'll draw us before we reach Dai gi.]

[Sword Immortal Yeo Doeng-bin! We'll handle these heretics of the Absolute Cult!]

[Realize justice on this land!]

Eight Immortals soared with their treasures, clashing against the Ten Heavenly Lords.

Boom boom boom

The sky blazed instantly. The ground quaked under vast pressure as the Ten Heavenly Lords' Absolute Cult sorceries collided spectrally with the Immortals' Taoist Spells. Amid the fray, Miho, the White Lotus Cult Leader, Yeo Doeng-bin, and the three Dharma Protectors charged at Dai gi simultaneously.

The White Lotus Cult Leader shouted.

[Hah!]

A simple kisi.

Boom boom boom

Yet at its outburst, Dai gi's body reeled as if struck hard, flying back two mountains' distance. Staggering in panic, it ground its teeth.

[If my barrier held, item like you...]

The White Lotus Cult Leader retorted.

[Underestimate the Primordial Spirit Realm at your peril.]

In that instant, the Cult Leader vanished from sight. Even Sword Immortal Yeo Doeng-bin, boasting divine speed, lost track. A shadow looming large above Dai gi, a colossal fist summoned the Taiji.

The Taiji grew enormous near Dai gi. From its distinction, he thrust one hand, manifesting a colossal palm. Before Dai gi could react, the Cult Leader struck.

Boom

Like Thousand-Armed Guanyin. At extreme speed blurring even Yeo Doeng-bin's senses, each strike carried mountain-shattering force. The aurora trailing him evoked light subduing a heavenly demon.

Sword Immortal Yeo Doeng-bin marveled beside.

[How can a human reach such heights...]

Within the warped Taiji, only the Cult Leader moved freely.

More terrifying: his speed multiplied hundreds of afterimages, multiplying power hundredfold. Hundreds of arms, unleashing pressure that pushed space itself; night wheels manifests, gnawing Dai gi's form.

[Die!]

Soon, Dai gi exhaled fiery breath at the onslaught. That flame had incinerated nations in antiquity, repelled the ominous incantation earlier, even nullified Yeo Doeng-bin's Fire Dragon Sword in past records.

Whirring

[I am master of the five elements!]

The White Lotus Cult Leader clasped hands, radiating light from his body. The Taiji returned to him, forming five elements' shapes. Vast cold and frost surged, extinguishing Dai gi's flames instantly. Panicked, Dai gi panicked.

[What?]

[Water overcomes fire. Did you not know?]

Casually retorting, he pressed the air. Five elemental shapes formed behind, birthing five attribute light wheels. His attacks resumed at inhuman speed.

Boom boom

Dai gi lashed tails at me sporadicaly mid-attack. Yeo Doeng-bin deflected them. Attacks I'd never survive—yielding my body was right.

"Cult Leader!"

"We'll help."

Boom boom boom

Three Dharma Protectors joined, unleashing ultimate techniques with Infinite Internal Energy from Heavenly Spirit Pills. The White Lotus Cult Leader and Dharma Protectors ganging up was unprecedented in the martial world. Dai gi flinched, curling under the storm of attacks.

I marveled inwardly.

'Unreal durability...'

Even the Cult Leader and Protectors hammering its battering body hardly wounded it grossly. Tears and shocks here and there, but no critical damage.

Yeo Doeng-bin addressed Miho nearby.

[Miho, activate Wol-yo.]

[...What is that? Why did that Dai gi call to me...]

Miho seemed dazed, the near-mental domination had shaken her. Yeo Doeng-bin explained.

[Thousands of years ago, in antiquity, you were one Demon King Dai gi's nine tails. When Queen Mother of the West subdued its rampage, she severed them, purifying one into the Heavenly Realm for centuries. Thus reborn as the Heavenly Realm's fox—you, Miho.]

[...!!]

[But now, with Wol-yo's power granting ego, you're independent. Self-existent—fear not.]

Miho stared blankly, shocked. Then she rallied.

[Right! Let's kill it!]

Killing

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