Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm

Heavenly Realm

Jin So-cheong headed toward the main gate of the Nangong Family. He had drawn his weapon, the spear, and naturally, all eyes turned to him. Six or seven guard warriors flinched and drew their own weapons.

The man who seemed to be the captain of the gatekeepers guarding the Nangong Family's main gate lifted his fierce tiger-like eyes and glared at Jin So-cheong.

"What are you lot? Do you even know this is the Nangong Family?"

"I know full well."

"From your stance, you seem like some ronin who knows a bit of martial arts. Get lost! This isn't a place for just anyone."

As the gatekeeper issued his warning, the other warriors beside him snickered. In their experience, most backed off after such a threat, so they had reason to mock. After all, no sane person would pick a fight at the Nangong Family's main gate.

But they were out of luck. The ones here were me and Jin So-cheong, and we had no intention of showing mercy. Jin So-cheong took a deep breath and continued.

At that, the guard warriors' expressions hardened. What had been half-playful turned into sharp killing intent surging forth.

"Who dares speak the family head's name!"

"Capture h—"

Boom.

In the next instant, the Thunder Spirit Seal erupted from Jin So-cheong's left hand, sweeping forward like an explosion. Five of the six guard warriors were caught in it and flung three zhang back, bouncing off the ground and fainting. It could have incinerated their upper bodies, but Jin So-cheong had held back his power.

The one who appeared to be the guard captain wore a look of utter incomprehension. Too shocked to react properly, he stammered and retreated.

"Wh-who... who are y—"

"I asked if Nangong Myeong is inside."

"The f-family head is..."

His eyes darted anxiously, but in the next moment, Jin So-cheong charged and kicked him away.

Thud.

"Gah!"

The guard captain flew back from a single kick and fainted. Jin So-cheong muttered coldly.

"We'll find out eventually."

With that, Jin So-cheong sheathed his spear again. He must have figured using it on warriors of this level was like killing a chicken with a cattle knife.

I followed behind, baffled by his words. So I said.

"Is this frontal assault really a frontal assault? This was your plan?"

Even a frontal assault shouldn't be this reckless. I had expected some negotiation phase with the Nangong Family's experts. That was when I planned to use Nangongwan, but this felt far too brute-force.

"Trust me."

"This is insane."

Grumbling, I still followed Jin So-cheong through the Nangong Family's main gate. I glanced ahead at the scene.

"It has begun."

Swish swish swish.

Arrows rained in from all directions. The earlier commotion must have alerted them, prompting the archer warriors to mobilize. I had expected arrowsmiths from a sword family like the Nangong, but they apparently stationed bowmen for outer perimeter defense. Arrows were far more efficient against rabble.

But Jin So-cheong effortlessly dodged the hundreds of arrows flying from every side without even looking. He rolled his true stance once, kicking up a stone from the ground into the air, then infused it with qi through his finger and flicked it lightly.

Thwack!

"Ugh."

"Argh."

The flicked stones struck the archers' foreheads, causing concussions. Impressive that he could aim and hit from such a distance. Jin So-cheong swept through the archer squad with casual Extinguishing Soul Steps, wiping them out entirely in less than ten seconds.

"You bastard!!"

"Die."

Swordsmen from the Nangong Family then poured out from everywhere, charging at the advancing Jin So-cheong. They seemed to possess higher martial arts than the guards or archers—nearing first-class by rivers and lakes standards.

But Jin So-cheong had thrashed first-class experts barehanded before. He infused qi into his sleeves, slapping the faces of the first three attackers, then swung his fists relentlessly without pause.

Thud thud thud.

"Just you alone..."

"Come on!"

Thud thud thud thud.

"Hng. Wait, hold on..."

Nothing could stop Jin So-cheong. Warriors screamed as they were flung into the air.

Over the mere fifty zhang distance, dozens charged him, but they couldn't withstand even a single second against the shower of fist shadows. Their sword qi couldn't even graze him, let alone land. Some tried hidden weapons, only to get hit even harder and faint.

Thump.

As the last warrior fell, Jin So-cheong reached a massive iron gate. He spoke quietly to me as I caught up.

"Up to here is the Nangong Family's outer quarters. From now on, it's the inner."

I didn't need to help Jin So-cheong—or even move. The fight had been so overwhelming there was no room for me. Disappointed in the Nangong Family's caliber, I said.

"Will any real ones show up?"

"Ask the ones on the other side of that gate."

Jin So-cheong placed his hand slowly on the firmly shut iron gate. Moments later, he channeled qi and unleashed Force Projection.

Boom boom boom!

"Whoaah!"

The massive double doors, each over two zhang tall, were blasted inward, crushing the Nangong Family warriors lying in ambush behind with screams. Lifting that weight would strain dozens of strong men, yet he blew it open with a single projection!

Jin So-cheong charged in and resumed swinging his fists. About a hundred warriors waited behind the gate, but five flew into the air with every punch.

Thud thud thud.

"Aaah."

"Motherer!"

He was fighting with such gusto that I simply crossed my arms behind the door and watched quietly. I muttered my impression.

"What a spectacle."

Jin So-cheong hadn't even shown half his skill, yet fifty were already unconscious. The Nangong Family had many low- and mid-tier warriors befitting a great clan, but they were no match. Had he used his spear, the place would be a bloodbath by now.

That was when it happened.

"Heaven Dome Squad, Earth Dome Squad! Surround him!!"

Twenty in blue robes poured from the rear gate, positioning to Jin So-cheong's left. Twenty in red blocked the right. Jin So-cheong, who had been casually knocking down warriors, paused upon sensing the encirclement.

Visibly emerging from behind were the warriors who had issued the order—middle-aged men brimming with substantial inner energy.

"Whoever you are, you picked the wrong fight. By the name of the Nangong Eight Swords, we'll make this your grave!"

Nangong Eight Swords!

They were the Nangong Family's eight peak expert elders, renowned in the martial world for their decades of training in collateral branch ultimate arts. They indeed possessed formidable skill nearing peak expert level.

The Heaven Dome and Earth Dome Squads were no pushovers either. Composed of warriors in their thirties and forties, each exuded a razor-sharp aura honed to ferocity. Individually below the elders, but all teetering on peak expert status—a force that could stir tempests in the martial world.

Trapped in their encirclement with Jin So-cheong, I oddly felt no worry. Jin So-cheong seemed the same, calmly saying to me.

"Back Woong. Keep watching, and it'll be over soon."

"Got it."

One of the Nangong Eight Swords elders growled in disbelief.

"You madmen! Watching? Let's see you watch the color of your own guts!"

Swish swish swish.

In the next instant, the encircling Heaven Dome and Earth Dome Squads leaped at us simultaneously. Their sword paths carved the polished prowess of Nangong swordsmanship. In a blink, the space filled with killing intent and blades, leaving no escape.

But in that moment, I didn't watch the enemies—I watched Jin So-cheong. And realized one thing.

"Huh?"

Jin So-cheong still hadn't drawn his spear.

Crack!

A single fist from Jin So-cheong shot out like lightning, striking the jaws of three Heaven Dome Squad members mid-air. In the fleeting moment they hung suspended, he moved with Thunder Shadow, dozens of split actions countering the attackers flawlessly. Not a motion wasted.

By the instant his body seemed to multiply into dozens, every assault was already ended, the Thunder Shadow retracting into him like an illusion.

"......!!"

"Wh-what?!"

Time seemed frozen. The squads, charging with ferocious techniques, halted utterly still. Moments later, they trembled, vomiting blood.

"Kuhk."

"Kuhk..."

Rustle...

The Heaven Dome and Earth Dome Squad elites dropped their weapons and collapsed forward, screaming. Many fainted outright. Astonishingly, every expert within fifteen zhang had been subdued by Jin So-cheong's single move.

Or had only I truly seen what happened?

The Nangong Eight Swords stared in shock, struggling to comprehend. But as peak experts—rare powerhouses in the world of martial arts—they straightened their swords, reforming an encirclement sword formation around Jin So-cheong.

"Uninvited guest. Draw your weapon."

The lead Nangong Eight Swords elder spoke, his pale beard quivering. His eyes held fighting spirit mixed with unease and fury.

"Didn't you hear? Draw your weapon."

Likely because Jin So-cheong's main weapon was a spear, and they realized he was thoroughly underestimating them.

"Hmph."

Instead of replying, Jin So-cheong clenched his right fist tighter. He apparently intended to win with fists alone. Watching from behind, I felt baffled yet sensed the danger.

"Even so, eight peak experts in formation?"

Even I had no guarantee of sweeping them at once. Leading with inner energy to spam sword aura might not break their formation's defense easily. Once, acting as Six Jungham Sect elders in formation, I'd had to unleash a full-power sword aura. The original Jin So-cheong might question victory against the Nangong Eight Swords even with spear and full effort.

But Jin So-cheong's resolve seemed firm. As he refused to draw his spear, the Nangong Eight Swords grew visibly enraged. Moments later, they ignited sword flames on their blades and roared.

"Hah!!"

"Kill him!!"

Azure flames whir!

The sight of individual high-rank swordsmasters like Ghostly Shadow Swordsmen charging with sword flames in mutual destruction stance was terrifying. If I were in Jin So-cheong's place, I'd be shocked into dodging with Extinguishing Soul Steps first.

Jin So-cheong didn't dodge. Instead, he clasped his hands in prayer position. Then, with hands clasped, he softly took his first step. I flinched, sensing the profound energy hidden in that step.

'Three Steps! The Step of Heaven!'

Having heard Jin So-cheong's explanation, I now understood. It embodied the principles of the Intent-Cutting Ultimate Technique.

No visible change appeared as Jin So-cheong suppressed Heaven. But as he completed the Step of Earth and unclasped his hands, I widened my eyes for an instant.

Pusht!

With a bizarre whoosh like air from a flute, three of the Nangong Eight Swords silently collapsed. In a flash too swift for my dynamic vision, Jin So-cheong had struck at extreme speed, and they fell without resistance. Residual traces warped space briefly.

More astonishing, after dropping three, Jin So-cheong still had ample energy left. With time to spare, he took the Step of Man, seizing the wrist of an elder slashing at his neck from behind, then used the momentum to clash it against another elder's sword.

Clang.

"Ugh!"

Two Nangong Eight Swords elders screamed simultaneously. Jin So-cheong had forced their blades together by grabbing the wrist. The seized elder struggled to break free but couldn't budge, inadvertently clashing with his comrade.

Jin So-cheong wielded peak experts as swords!

"Eek."

"Stop."

Clang clang.

The Nangong elders bellowed, but Jin So-cheong ignored them, continuing the proxy swordfight.

The bizarre scene ended as Jin So-cheong hurled the elder into his comrades with another strike. Once more, a human form soared skyward before crashing down.

With six of the Nangong Eight Swords felled instantly by invisible fist shadows, the remaining two hesitated and retreated.

No formation mattered now. Formations complemented weaknesses, but Jin So-cheong's attack speed far outpaced peak expert reactions.

"Ugh... M-mon... monster..."

Crack!

The one who cried "monster" took a solar plexus strike from Jin So-cheong and flew a zhang away. He hadn't even sensed the incoming move.

The last two Nangong Eight Swords fell in exactly three exchanges. They lashed out desperately with sword flames, but couldn't graze Jin So-cheong's robes. Having toppled all eight in seconds, he turned to me.

"Back Woong. Did you see well?"

"Mm...!! Perfect."

"That took some effort, but I pushed to let you feel the Three Steps' mysteries clearly. Grasping the sense after watching should make learning easier."

"......"

He hadn't looked strained at all?

As I stared at Jin So-cheong in bafflement.

'An incredible master has arrived.'

A deep voice echoed as a middle-aged man flew in with lightness skill. Two escort swordsmen flanked him, also formidable experts. Confirming his face, Jin So-cheong replied.

"Long time no see, Nangong Family Head."

At Jin So-cheong's words, the Nangong Family Head, Nangong Myeong, twitched his brow. He was a stern-faced middle-aged man in white robes, his well-honed physique speaking of lifelong martial training.

"...Aren't you Jin So-cheong? What is the meaning of this outrage?"

Indeed.

As Jin So-cheong overturned the Nangong Family head-on, one of the righteous faction's utmost peak experts—and top in martial prowess among the Five Great Families—the Sword King Nangong Myeong appeared. Having met before, Nangong Myeong must find this encounter absurd.

But Jin So-cheong's response silenced the onlookers once more.

"Shut up and come at me."

"What?!"

Jin So-cheong glared and enunciated clearly.

"You raised your son like a mongrel, so get beaten like a dog."

"You... you bastard."

Nangong Myeong's face flushed with surging rage. Yet Jin So-cheong showed no intimidation, exuding faint killing intent.

"If you won't come, I'll go to you."

Swish!

Jin So-cheong's Extinguishing Soul Step charge at Sword King Nangong Myeong etched itself in my eyes, but I couldn't just watch gleefully. I involuntarily swallowed.

Gasp!

No wonder the shock.

Jin So-cheong charged barehanded—still no spear!

'Emperor Swordsmanship

Ultimate Realm

Emperor Heaven-Shattering Dance!'

In response, Sword King Nangong Myeong entered the realm of Pure Sky Heart Technique, unleashing his highest ultimate at full power in a split-second. It was unmistakably an Intent-Cutting Ultimate Technique, backing his reputation rivaling Lee Gwang or Sword Demon as an utmost peak expert.

Crackle.

As Emperor Heaven-Shattering Dance unfolded, azure sword aura enveloped Nangong Myeong's form. His sword transformed like a blue dragon, spewing dozens of sword auras in a belch. Even I wondered if I could block it head-on.

'Damn! He saw the Eight Swords fall and went on full alert.'

Watching, I gritted my teeth. Seasoned as Nangong Myeong was, he sensed Jin So-cheong's unnatural prowess and unleashed maximum power without reserve! Carelessness would have eased things, but now it meant a fierce bloodbath.

As I drew my sword to join in earnest.

"Hmph!"

Jin So-cheong unleashed the Three Steps anew, treading Heaven, Earth, and Man. Nangong Myeong's sword aura crumpled like being sucked in over the trees, then exploded as Jin So-cheong stomped again and unleashed a fist. Seizing Nangong Myeong's panicked lax defense, Jin So-cheong pressed in once more.

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