Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm

Heavenly Realm

Jin So-cheong's "training" had begun. In the few days I was away, he had regulated his internal energy, and his stamina had made great strides. Naturally, the intensity of the training had become even more grueling. Jin So-cheong unleashed all sorts of techniques and forms without rest, seemingly deep in thought, and it was commonplace for him to execute forms nonstop for a full hour.

I decided I shouldn't interfere with his training, so I stepped back a bit from him.

"What should I do?"

As I pondered what to do next, Hwang Yeon suddenly came to mind. It had been quite some time since I rescued Hwang Yeon and the survivors from the Great Thunder Jade and stored them in my neckbox. I needed to check on them. There was also something I needed to confirm about the neckbox's capabilities. With that, I stepped into the neckbox.

Flash!

Inside the neckbox, I could see Hwang Yeon and the survivors. However, the place where they were held contained none of the fortuitous encounters or elixirs I had gathered before. The neckbox could be divided into sections at my will, so those stored inside couldn't access my elixirs. I approached General Hwang Yeon and said,

"General. How much time do you think has passed since you entered?"

"About half an hour, give or take. Why?"

"Hmm, I see. Any problems with the group?"

"What problems could there be in just half an hour?"

It felt like over a month had passed since I rescued Hwang Yeon, but inside, it only felt like half an hour. Time inside barely flowed at all. I quickly said to him,

"Sorry, but I'll step out again. I'll get you out soon."

"Sure."

After exiting the neckbox, I surveyed the surroundings. Then I went over to Jin So-cheong, who was training. Covered in sweat and training like a madman, he spotted me and said gladly,

"Oh, you're back."

"How much time has passed since I last saw you?"

Jin So-cheong looked puzzled and said,

"How much time? I just saw you a moment ago."

"Hmm? Not even a day?"

"A day? I said I just saw you."

My hypothesis seemed confirmed, so I let out a groan.

"I see. Time in the neckbox flows much slower than outside, but that time difference doesn't apply to me."

The time I spent inside the neckbox was about twenty breaths. It was short, but considering the time dilation in the neckbox, days should have passed outside. Yet it didn't apply to me.

It was contradictory, but likely a privilege unique to me, the owner of this demonic artifact. I pondered deeply.

'Is there a way to make use of this trait?'

Somehow, I had a feeling this trait would come in handy later. As I was mulling it over, Jin So-cheong said,

"Perfect timing, Baek Woong. I've discovered something important. Hear me out."

"Huh?"

He had discovered something major after just a few days of training? Surprised, I widened my eyes. Jin So-cheong quietly thrust his spear forward. The spearhead stopped motionless in place, without the slightest quiver.

"Stillness in motion."

Splat!

"...!!"

I saw his body blur casually before shifting three shang away. One might think it was Soul Annihilation Step for high-speed movement, but this wasn't it. Unable to read his single move, I floundered, and Jin So-cheong said,

"Baek Woong. You realized this isn't Soul Annihilation Step. So what do you think it is?"

"No idea."

"It's the Seven Stars Shadow Escape."

"Seven Stars Shadow Escape? Really?"

"Yes."

Seven Stars Shadow Escape!

It was one of Jang Sambong's Seven Supreme Arts, a kind of divine movement technique. While Seven Stars Shadow Escape was an exquisite footwork with considerable power, objectively, its pure speed fell short of Soul Annihilation Step. Even for combat, Thunder Shadow Step's Heavenly Pivot Kill had superior versatility and burst speed, so I had set it aside.

Jin So-cheong lowered his spear and said,

"Seven Stars Shadow Escape falls short of Thunder Shadow Step's Heavenly Pivot Kill until mastery. But as proficiency increases, it seems to maximize the power of other ultimate techniques like Coiling Dragon Sword and Heavenly Pivot Sword."

"What do you mean? Are you saying you've already reached mastery of Seven Stars Shadow Escape?"

"Not quite, I've just glimpsed its hidden potential."

Jin So-cheong continued calmly,

"And somehow, I feel that harmoniously mastering Seven Stars Shadow Escape along with the remaining six supreme arts is the key to entering the Peerless Hegemon."

"Peerless Hegemon..."

I groaned.

Peerless Hegemon was the most enigmatic of Jang Sambong's Seven Supreme Arts, one I hadn't even glimpsed across seventeen reincarnations. Even the Sword Demon or Dragon of Fame had only chased its shadow without grasping its essence. It was too vague and ethereal for a mental sword technique.

Yet somehow, the current Jin So-cheong seemed to have intuited its nature. I nodded and said,

"Got it. I'll wait for Mangyang in the meantime, so keep at your training."

Jin So-cheong returned to his training without a word. His eyes held a profound depth and madness, showing this was beyond mere enjoyment. Reading the emotions hidden in his heart left me awestruck.

'Jin So-cheong treats those women's misfortunes as his own.'

Normally, he could view his situation as a fortuitous encounter and enjoy martial training. But he believed each day his training delayed meant another day of suffering for them, so he was staking his life to meet the "one-month" deadline. It meant he saw their plight as his own.

How could he be like that?

Was that the heart of a true hero?

I fought through reincarnations to stop the [Ancient Ruler] and the Imperial Palace's atrocities, but it wasn't purely for justice. It was to secure a way to overcome an absolute tyrant's oppression in potentially endless cycles. Saving the world was secondary. Mangyang had such motivations, and allies like the Sword Demon or Dugoeseong helped me while pursuing their own goals.

Thus, I could understand Jin So-cheong's stance intellectually but not fully sympathize. I had to admit he was a born hero.

'Phew. No use dwelling on it...'

I gave a wry smile and decided to do what I could.

'What can I do in this month?'

Martial training now would pale compared to Jin So-cheong's efficiency. Solo sorcery training was pointless. After thinking, I used teleportation to visit Astana's Oracle.

Flash!

Visiting the Oracle of Astana, I cut straight to it.

"I want to make a deal!"

[It's been a while, human... What is it... Gasp...]

The Oracle started speaking but showed surprise. Then, wary, it said,

[... Are you a reincarnator?]

"...!!"

It saw through me immediately?!

But I recalled what the Oracle had said before.

[Now get lost. For reference, I've imprinted that information on the seal, so even if you bet the same in your next reincarnation, it won't work. You can artist...]

In my seventeenth reincarnation, I used info it didn't know to gamble and gained Tower of Infinite Changes access. Circumstances forced me to relinquish it, but it was a success. The Oracle had grumbled that it wouldn't happen next time.

It had imprinted "information" on the "seal."

I returned the seal with the access, so I thought it was fine this time.

But apparently not?

Pondering, I realized and said,

"You imprinted a terminal on my soul."

Likely, when giving the seal, it etched a terminal on my soul like the path for Ye Dongbin's descent! That's how it recognized me as a reincarnator instantly.

[.....]

The Oracle rolled its eyes, then extended a tentacle.

[Reincarnators are rare even across the universe. In our species' long history, we've scarcely found any... You've traded with me across reincarnations, it seems.]

"Yes."

Relieved inwardly as I spoke,

"It seems the terminal only marks me as a reincarnator."

Detailed trade records carried over would be too overpowered, like the Heavenly Dark Secret Book.

The Oracle likely just marked "Baek Woong is a reincarnator" to avoid future losses. Knowing that would make it wary of my bets.

I offered the demonic tome and said,

"A deal again. Will you accept?"

[Hmm... Nine Star Return Capital. You qualify, but it's awkward.]

"Because I'm a reincarnator?"

[Give me time to think...]

After deliberating, the Oracle said,

[State your terms. I'll accept depending on them.]

Ideally, I'd ask to remove the reincarnator mark from my soul. But that would disadvantage it, so no. Feeling annoyed, I stated my purpose.

"Oracle. Before the deal, take this obsidian."

I held out the obsidian. It shook its tentacle unpleasantly.

[Annoying... You've already taken the obsidian sorcery from me?]

"Sorry. But you know this is better than a hundred words."

[What memory is in it?]

"My seventeenth reincarnation's memory. You'll need it to talk."

[... Fine.]

The Oracle absorbed the obsidian and read the memory. Moments later, it said amazedly,

[Ho... Two Seven Luminaries... Apostle grafting... Sealing ritual... The Imperial Palace's situation has expanded... Quite intriguing...]

"Not just intriguing."

Glaring, I said,

"As you see, I used the evil god incantation from you to deal with the Apostle graft somehow. But it was useless against the summoned [Ancient Ruler] after."

[So what do you want...]

"I want an incantation that works on [Ancient Ruler] too. Even if not eradication, at least one to seal or suppress it!"

[.....]

"Does such an incantation exist?"

The Oracle wriggled its tentacles in silence. The pause was longer than usual, signaling its gravity. After deep thought, it spoke.

[It exists.]

"It does? Really?!"

I shouted in surprise.

An incantation to suppress that terrifying evil god existed?! Hope dawned instantly. Eyes full of expectation on it, the Oracle continued slowly.

[There are a few that borrow the same [Ancient Ruler]'s authority... But to use them, one must be a follower or priest serving a god... Even then, it can't eradicate or seal an [Ancient Ruler]... It merely suppresses to buy time to escape or talk.]

"Tricky."

[Do you want to know it...? But without serving an [Ancient Ruler]..., it's useless...]

Meaning faith in a god was required for divine incantations. But how to believe in [Ancient Ruler]? Human sacrifice was basic; it treated followers like insects. Madness was needed.

The requirements were tougher than expected, but I thought Zhuge Sa could use it efficiently.

'Zhuge Sa has faith in [Ancient Ruler].'

If he learned it, he could temporarily suppress [Ancient Ruler]. Likely no one in the Central Plains knew evil god faith better. But even with a solution, I hesitated.

Could I control Zhuge Sa?

'That mad scholar?'

"....."

[Having second thoughts...? If so, I can suggest an alternative.]

"What alternative?"

The Oracle rolled its eyes and said,

[I'll grant access to the Tower of Infinite Changes... You can borrow one weapon there once.]

"Huh? Isn't that a royal privilege you can't give?"

I widened my eyes at the unexpected offer.

The Oracle replied,

[First... With the Supreme Nothing Heavenly Lord matter... From your reincarnation memory, I've gained more info than expected... I have much to do now. Your actions affect my path..., so we might need to cooperate somewhat.]

"Hmm."

Come to think of it, the Oracle was a moderate faction leader. The Supreme Nothing Heavenly Lord might link to [Ancient Ruler], and its Seven Luminaries info being false was significant. It saw that as a debt.

[Last reincarnation, unlimited access... This time, one-time borrow only... Choose wisely.]

"Wait. So a weapon from the Tower can handle [Ancient Ruler]?"

The Oracle answered,

[My species survives without worshipping [Ancient Ruler], one of few powers... Naturally. Not as potent as incantations, but a Tower weapon can briefly suppress [Ancient Ruler].]

".....!!"

[Compared to our civilization, you're mere monkeys...]

Arrogantly, it imprinted the seal on my hand.

Sss...

A gray pattern appeared on my hand's back. Staring at it, the Oracle said,

[The Tower of Infinite Changes is in the Southern Barbarians... Use it well, and Fire Star Day is easily yours.]

"Fire Star Day?"

[You'll understand at the Tower.]

With that, the Oracle vanished. It deemed the deal done.

Baffled by the unexpected favor, I knew it wasn't pure goodwill. As moderate leader, my actions benefited it, so it bolstered me via the tome to check the Heavenly Realm.

'Good, more to do now.'

My eyes gleamed.

"Let's go!"

With time until Jin So-cheong finished, I resolved to reach the Southern Barbarians. Nonstop travel might make it.

Destination: Southern Barbarians!

I headed to Sichuan Province, the southernmost I'd visited. From there, straight south. After Sichuan came Yunnan, about a thousand li away. Then thousands more to Southern Barbarians.

"Uwaaaah!!"

Tadadak!

Screaming, I ran nonstop with Soul Annihilation Step for six hours. Crossing mountains and fields like wind, my speed was gale force; scenery blurred like lines. Unbelievable stamina, but elixirs like Millennium Snow Ginseng prevented quick depletion. Only after inner force ran out did stamina drain—practically infinite.

How far had I gone?

I arrived at a large city, likely Yunnan. Guards, shocked by my high-speed approach kicking up dust, straightened up alertly.

"Huff!"

"Hah!"

Seeing me as a threat, I had no reason to stop. Ignoring them, I leaped. Whoosh—twenty zhang in one bound, humans shrank below. Over the walls, I continued.

Run!

Leaping and running to avoid harming city folk, I crossed Yunnan proudly. Then over rivers and mountains. Strangely, north-high south-low terrain meant endless mountains, no plains soon. After dozens, flat land appeared.

Tadak!

"Hah... huff... tiring."

My speed had slowed a bit, to slightly under a horse's gallop. Natural after nonstop running.

In a deserted spot, I rested in a nameless valley cave. No villages or human traces—deep wilderness. Thousands of li in one go; I wiped sweat.

'How far to Southern Barbarians?'

Not sure, but surely out of Central Plains. Resting briefly, I stood soon after.

Then.

"Who are you?"

Sassk!

Three figures suddenly appeared before my cave.

"What..."

Startled, I looked.

Incredibly, each was a top expert. Two peak experts, one absolute peak. Dark, forms unclear, but auras marked rare powerhouses. Their speech had northern dialect—not locals.

'What are these guys?'

The strongest stepped forward.

"Kid, impressive internal energy. If you're White Lotus, say so. We don't want beef with White Lotus Cult."

".....?"

White Lotus?

Their voices felt familiar. Tilting my head, realization struck.

'No way these guys...'

Calmly enhancing vision, I pierced the dark. Confirmed their faces—my guess right.

And I'd misjudged their power. The two black-clad hid strength, seeming only peak. Now knowing stronger foes, I relaxed and smiled.

"I'm not White Lotus. But are you connected to them?"

"Kek... Not White Lotus... Then no business."

The dark experts chuckled sinisterly, drawing weapons. Black-clad drew longswords; white-clad raised fists. Planning force.

I grinned.

"No monkey masks in Central Plains, huh, White Ape Twin Demons."

"...!?"

The black-clad panicked—their identities exposed out of nowhere. The center white-clad growled lowly,

"Who are you?"

"No need for my identity, but I know yours."

"Huh? Bullshit?"

The white-clad snorted, but as I continued, he glared wide-eyed.

"Strange Physician of the Heavens, what brings you to this southern backwater?"

Indeed.

Before me was Dongbang Mujin, one of the Five Great Physicians of the world, Strange Physician of the Heavens. Beside him, the two fiends: White Ape Twin Demons, absolute peak evil sect experts. En route to Southern Barbarians for Dragon Flower Water Clues per White Lotus Leader's orders—we met by chance.

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