Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm

Following Yong Bi-cheon, the place we arrived at was the Binju region of Shandong. It was a completely different area from the Qingdao region I'd visited before, leaving me utterly confused.

"Huh?"

That was because Qingdao housed the inner city of Shandong Province, teeming with all sorts of merchant houses and ships, including the Great Dragon Escort Agency. Binju was farther from Goryeo than Qingdao, and the currents were inconsistent, so while it had a port, it was far quieter by comparison.

When I asked Yong Bi-cheon why we were going to Binju instead of Qingdao in Shandong, he replied,

"You idiot! Qingdao's crawling with eyes and martial forces. You want us to sneak around by heading straight there? The Beggars' Sect and every lowlife out there would be collecting intel on us. That's why we're taking a ship from Binju."

"Ugh... But if that's the case, we could just go overland."

"Shut up and follow. Once we get to Binju, you'll swallow those words."

Grumbling inwardly, I still followed him. I was curious what clever plan he had for heading to Binju. Soon enough, using lightness skills nonstop, I kept pace, and Yong Bi-cheon's eyes lit up.

"Hmph! Hoping I'd fall behind? Tough luck."

"We're here."

The spot where Yong Bi-cheon landed was a desolate fishing village. A backwater among backwaters compared to Qingdao. I looked around, but there were no large ships or merchant vessels in sight—just small rowboats and fishing boats that looked like they'd be packed with three or four people. Stunned, I said,

"We can't reach Goryeo in boats that tiny."

Yong Bi-cheon ignored me and let out a long, low whistle.

Whiiiiist—

The drawn-out sound echoed for a while. Moments later, a massive ship stealthily approached from a distant rocky island.

"Gasp."

That ship was even larger than the warship of Vice Admiral An Hyeon I'd seen before. It flew black sails and moved incredibly fast, closing the distance in no time. Soon, it stopped about fifty zhang from the fishing village, and someone dashed over using peerless lightness skill across the water.

Swoosh.

His lightness skill was at an exalted realm. Crossing fifty zhang over water with barely a sound, no spray, not even ripples. Even with my Soul Annihilation Step over water, I couldn't match that pristine finesse, so I was amazed.

The man who landed before us via water traversal was a familiar face.

"Father. I've been waiting."

As his son cupped his fists in greeting, Yong Bi-cheon smiled in satisfaction.

"Mm. Let's go."

Standing before us was none other than Yong Jung-il, the Yellow Mountain Sect Leader and Yong Bi-cheon's son, the Earth Dragon Divine Sword! He'd been waiting in this fishing village with that enormous ship. Seeing its size, I blurted out in disbelief,

"It's bigger than a warship... Building something like that must've cost a fortune."

Yong Jung-il glanced at me with a chuckle.

"You must be the new Thunder God Style's Dharma Protector."

"I'm Baek Woong."

"I'm Yong Jung-il of the Wind God Style. To answer your question, that ship was built purely with the Wind God Style's funds. It's called the Ink Wind."

"......"

I let out a groan at Yong Jung-il's words.

'They built that with one sect's power?'

Building a ship required immense wealth. Even a slight increase in size nearly doubled the cost, and this one was equipped to the brim—likely tens to hundreds of nyang of gold. Enough to sustain an ordinary person dozens of times over for a lifetime.

The Wind God Style had amassed wealth rivaling the Fire God Style, it seemed.

"Well, they control the Eight Demonic Sects' Asura Gate and all sorts of underworld dealings. This is probably par for the course..."

As I mused, Yong Jung-il grinned.

"As rumored, your martial prowess is exalted. Let's get along well."

I replied flatly,

"Wind and thunder cannot coexist. After the grudge from expelling the Thunder God Style, how can you say that so easily?"

"Heh heh. For someone without much attachment to the Thunder God Style, that is."

"I don't follow."

"Don't be so sharp. We have to work together on this anyway, so shelving our feelings is the wise choice for both sides."

Tap-tap.

With that, Yong Jung-il flew off to the Ink Wind via water traversal. A nagging sense that Yong Jung-il had read my mind left a bitter taste.

......

'Eyes? Tone? Intel? What did he read? Or was it just a probe?'

Yong Jung-it's words had pierced straight to my core. It felt like he saw through me. But whether it was a guess or certainty, I couldn't tell. In that instant, I realized he was an extraordinarily cunning fox.

One thing was clear: Yong Jung-il was a genius overflowing with the qualities to succeed the Wind God Style. Holding the Yellow Mountain Sect leadership meant he'd mastered that Daoist sect's ultimate arts too. Even if the Wind God Style's techniques were top-tier among the Four Great Martial Styles, mastering two disparate ultimate arts to great attainment wasn't easy. It spoke volumes of his talent.

"Depart!"

Soon, the Ink Wind cleaved through the waves swiftly. I noted every sailor aboard was a Wind God Style expert versed in their martial arts, and the ship's speed far outpaced any warship I'd been on. At this rate, even from afar, we'd arrive as quickly as from Qingdao.

"Baek Woong, was it?"

As I stood on deck lost in thought, Yong Jung-il approached. I eyed him warily, and he chuckled.

"Truly a peculiar one. I can see why the Cult Leader finds you intriguing."

"Don't speak to me lightly."

"It's nothing major—just sharing mission details. Father said you haven't been briefed."

I stared silently, and he continued.

"The meeting with the Twelve Rites Lord won't be at his base, the God Altar. It's closer, in Shenyang."

"Shenyang...?"

"The heart of Liaoning Province."

He went on.

"It's practically neutral ground between Central Plains and Goryeo. The Twelve Rites' influence is strong there, but better than the God Altar. Easier to escape if needed."

"Pre-arranged with the Twelve Rites Lord?"

"Indeed."

Gazing at the sea's horizon, Yong Jung-il said,

"He knows we've seized Central Plains dominance. His planted Twelve Rites special envoy in Luoyang relays intel constantly. He expects this alliance mission to go smoothly."

Twelve Rites special envoy?

I'd heard of them from the Sword Demon. Equal in rank and power to the Three Envoys under the Twelve Rites Lord, they also monitored the Twelve Rites Sect Leaders. Never seen one, but if real, they'd be top experts.

Curious, I asked,

"Why haven't you obtained a Heavenly Spirit Pill?"

"Hm...?"

"You're an incredible master. In terms of martial enlightenment, you might surpass even Yong Bi-cheon. So why aren't you the Heavenly Spirit Pill's owner?"

"......"

Yong Jung-il seemed slightly flustered, his sly fox mask slipping as my question hit home. After a moment, he smiled oddly.

"You're truly hard to read. Just when I think I have you figured..."

"Answer my question."

"As you've grasped, in some ways, I've surpassed Father's true realm. But that doesn't mean I inherit his Heavenly Spirit Pill or gain one. The Cult Leader sets one owner per style for power balance."

"Ah. So that means..."

Before I could speak, Yong Jung-il burst out laughing.

"That's why I'm a bit envious. To gain a god's power so easily... Ha ha ha!"

A god's power?

'This guy knows exactly what the Heavenly Spirit Pill is!'

In that moment, I was certain Yong Jung-il knew the pill's true nature fairly accurately. Unlike ordinary martial artists who saw it as infinite internal energy attainment, he knew it as an apostle of the gods, the Endpoint. This held massive implications.

But I decided not to probe further.

'Act like I don't know much, or he'll be on high alert.'

The Heavenly Spirit Pill as a god's power was the White Lotus Cult's greatest secret. Whether he'd figured it out himself or heard from Yong Bi-cheon, he'd weaponized it. Better to stay ignorant, usable in his eyes. Finishing my thoughts, I said to Yong Jung-il,

"What do I need to do once we arrive?"

"Nothing much. Just guard Father in case of trouble."

"Yong Bi-cheon is several times stronger than me, and you want me to guard him...?"

"The Twelve Rites' Three Envoys match Father in strength. You can't be too careful."

"......"

"It'll take about four or five days to arrive. Rest up."

With that, Yong Jung-il headed inside. I watched his back, then stared at the horizon from the deck for a long while. Thoughts unsettled, I paced another hour before entering inside.

Finally docking at a port near Shenyang, the Wind God Style experts bustled with disembarkation prep. After about an hour, all were off, and Yong Bi-cheon said,

"You lot secure the retreat. Wait here at the port."

"Understood."

"Jung-il, you and this punk follow me."

Swoooosh.

Tossing the curt order, Yong Bi-cheon shot off using the Wind God Style's Wind Hundred Steps, flying like the wind. Yong Jung-il and I meandered after him. Watching Yong Jung-il's Wind Hundred Steps, I inwardly admired.

'No waste.'

Not as fast as Soul Annihilation Step, but blisteringly quick for standard martial lightness skills. Minimal effort for maximum efficiency—his mastery was at an extraordinary level. Enemy or not, from the Wind God Style, he had every right to claim Young Leader of the Nine Great Sects status.

After a long dash, we entered Shenyang city and headed to a quiet manor. No gatekeepers, rather eerie, but as we entered, lanterns flickered on one by one. Inside the silent building, a brightly lit room appeared. There, the Twelve Rites Lord waited with his Three Envoys, wearing a puppy mask.

The Twelve Rites Lord waved welcomingly.

"Long journey—good work coming all this way—Yong Bi-cheon."

Yong Bi-cheon cupped fists formally.

"Wind God Style Dharma Protector Envoy Yong Bi-cheon, emissary of the White Lotus Cult Leader, greets the supreme ruler of Eastern Martial World, the Twelve Rites Lord."

"Yes. Sit over there."

"I shall."

We three sat across the table.

"Amazing, Twelve Rites Lord..."

From that scene, I grasped his stature anew. Yong Bi-cheon, the invincible Dharma Protector who roamed fearlessly, showed utmost deference, acknowledging inferiority. It meant even the White Lotus Cult recognized the Twelve Rites Lord as near-equal to their Cult Leader.

Moments later, the Twelve Rites Lord crossed his arms and said,

"So. The White Lotus Cult wants an alliance with us?"

Yong Bi-cheon nodded.

"To be precise, the Cult Leader seeks a non-aggression pact. He hopes the Twelve Rites will tolerate our gaining sufficient Central Plains power."

"Tolerate, huh. You think we might attack you?"

"Not necessarily, but all things being uncertain, we humbly request this meeting to deepen mutual trust. We've brought ample compensation."

"Compensation... What kind?"

"Gold, Sacred Lotuses, and fine divine weapons collected by the White Lotus Cult. Value equal to a nation's tribute, I believe."

Likely the heaps of cargo guarded by his men at the port.

"Hmm."

The Twelve Rites Lord tilted his head at Yong Bi-cheon's words. After deep thought, he spoke.

"Hey, hey... Trust... Isn't that word coming too easily?"

"What word do you seek?"

"Be honest. I know the White Lotus Cult cured the Young Leader's strange illness, lifting restrictions, and now aims to conquer the Central Plains."

"......"

Yong Bi-cheon and Yong Jung-il alike fell silent. The Twelve Rites Lord drummed fingers on the table.

"If we sit idle, you'll devour Central Plains Martial World, ushering White Lotus dominance. What's to guarantee you won't turn on Eastern Martial World after?"

"Speculation. Hence building mutual trust."

"Heh heh heh! Trust!"

The Twelve Rites Lord laughed coldly.

"Fine. Leave your son Yong Jung-il as hostage at the God Altar. Then I'll trust you."

"......!!"

"If you invade, we'll gift his head to the White Lotus Cult Leader."

Chills ran down my spine hearing that. Before, he was cryptic and sinister but never cruel. Now, he seemed a different person—downright filthy. Disregarding White Lotus pride entirely.

Yong Bi-cheon clenched his fists, suppressing rage, and replied,

"How does talk turn to this? Guaranteeing trust with my son's life—what nonsense is that?"

"Plenty sensible. He's the cherished son of the Dharma Protector Envoy and future pillar of the Wind God Style. Entrusting such a life—how could trust not bloom profoundly, as you say?"

"Urk!"

The smirking Twelve Rites Lord looked utterly vile. He'd clearly gathered all intel on the Wind God Style for this pressure play. Caught off guard by the direct hit, Yong Bi-cheon floundered.

No matter the talks' importance, Yong Jung-il was his only son and the Wind God Style's future. With uncertain White Lotus moves ahead, handing his life to enemy territory was impossible.

Then Yong Jung-il spoke.

"If the Lord dislikes mutual trust, how about a deal?"

The Twelve Rites Lord's gaze turned to him.

"A deal?"

"I've learned you seek not human martial strife, but subjugating the divine being called the [Old Ruler]."

"......"

"If you grant this non-aggression pact, we'll mobilize all Dharma Protectors to aid in subjugating the Sea God."

I glanced at Yong Bi-cheon—no expression change, so likely Plan B prepped for failure. The Twelve Rites Lord sounded intrigued.

"Heavenly Spirit Pill owners aiding? That'd be quite the spectacle."

"You accept?"

The Twelve Rites Lord roared with laughter.

"Don't make me laugh. Unnecessary."

"......!!"

"You merely interpreted the Musheng Namo scriptures for 'power'—save the Cult Leader, you don't even know its nature. Nor the [Old Rulers]! Ten to humans, Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, Seven Luminaries—you're all ignorant fools. If you knew, you wouldn't spout nonsense about borrowing Dharma Protector power."

"Urgh..."

Yong Jung-il groaned. Clearly hadn't anticipated rejection here too. Composed, he continued.

"Apologies, but what conditions do you desire? Not too outrageous, and we'll meet them—we came to Shenyang prepared for anything. Please don't toy and speak seriously, Lord."

"Seriously, Hmmm..."

Moments later, the Twelve Rites Lord smiled slyly.

"Find and offer at least one of the Seven Luminaries. Then I'll grant the pact."

"Seven Luminaries...?"

Yong Bi-cheon and Yong Jung-il exchanged looks. As Nine Great Sects leader, Yong Jung-il knew a bit and said,

"Surely not the Daoist legend? That's mere myth..."

"Relay my words exactly to your Cult Leader. Talks end here!"

"......"

Clank.

As the Twelve Rites Lord rose, Yong Jung-il and Yong Bi-cheon stood too. They surged with fierce auras, met instantly by the Three Envoys' counter—a perfect standoff in a heartbeat.

A vortex of qi on the verge, powder keg moment!

The idly watching Twelve Rites Lord smiled.

"Force, eh? You're dying to die, Yong Bi-cheon."

Yong Bi-cheon flinched but gritted out,

"You're Eastern Martial World's supreme, but this is excessive! We came with full sincerity, yet you nitpick with unknowns like Seven Luminaries, insulting our cult...!"

Sparks flew in his eyes.

"At least give a convincing reason! This is beyond rude."

"Hm."

Pondering Yong Bi-cheon's protest, the Twelve Rites Lord said,

"You're too ignorant. Martial World means nothing, yet you can't see it. Vision so narrow—you'll trip us up later. Why ally? Be grateful I even listened."

"Urk...!!"

"Anyway, scram. Push it, and no guarantees on your lives."

Yong Bi-cheon's face flushed with humbled fury. I couldn't believe he endured such words. Beyond the Cult Leader, another could bully a Dharma Protector with raw power!

'Seven Luminaries. The Cult Leader doesn't know I have one of the treasures he took—Water Luminary.'

I'd played dumb, saying the Water Luminary was a chance ancient treasure I didn't understand. Thus, the Cult Leader likely wouldn't suspect he held it. One word to him about Seven Luminaries, and it'd be solved—but should it?

Was aiding this pact's success right? Or let it fail?

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