Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm

I followed the Twelfth Law Lord to a secret chamber within Shimyang Castle. He must have thought he could handle it alone, as he dismissed his three aides. Before long, I found myself in a private meeting with him inside a villa-like building.

We sat facing each other across a table laden with drinks, and tension gripped me. The Twelfth Law Lord poured me a cup and said,

"Have a drink."

I replied stiffly,

"A warrior does not casually consume food or drink offered by someone who is not an ally."

"This is expensive liquor."

The Twelfth Law Lord muttered dismissively as he filled his own cup. As the liquid rippled gently, he spoke.

"Baek Woong. You seemed surprised earlier when you saw the Ghost Spirit Severing Moon Blade. Do you know what it is?"

But rather than me being too amateurish, it was more likely because these people were century-old foxes. Calming myself, I answered,

"I know about the Demonic Tools and the Seven Essentials. And I know that you won them back at the Dark Scripture Martial Tournament, Law Lord."

"Hoo!"

I decided not to hide it unnecessarily. The man before me was an absolute expert as vicious and cunning as Zhuge Sa, more than capable of toying with me. It was better to avoid irking him while dangling small bits of information to distract from the bigger secrets. Propping his chin on his hand, the Twelfth Law Lord said,

"You're a strange one. Not only do you possess two souls, command a Heavenly Realm spirit beast, know about the Seven Essentials, but you also seem well-versed in Demonic Tools and the Yi Clan."

"......"

"And yet you're a Dharma Protector of the Thunder God School?"

Curiosity filled the Twelfth Law Lord's murmuring gaze. Hiding my discomfort, I said,

"If that's the case, how about we exchange information piece by piece?"

"Hmm?"

"You're summoning me to extract information from me anyway, aren't you? Wouldn't it be best for both of us to get this over with quickly?"

"Fine... speak."

No one was around. The White Lotus Leader, Wind God Style's Yong Bi-cheon, and Yong Jung-il had all returned to their bases via Instantaneous Movement the moment the treaty concluded, and the three aides had gone back to the Divine City as well. So it was just me and the Twelfth Law Lord here. Staring him down intently, I said,

"I want to know why a Dharma Protector—who could help defeat the demons—is of no use."

Surprised, the Twelfth Law Lord countered,

"Why are you curious about that?"

"How could I not be? There are scarcely any warriors on earth stronger than a Dharma Protector. I need to know what the problem is."

"Hmm... If I tell you that, what information will you give me in return?"

"I'll tell you what piqued your interest earlier."

The Twelfth Law Lord pondered briefly before replying,

"Tempting deal. I accept."

"Thank you."

I explained to him how I had coincidentally obtained the Dark Night Essential in the Yellow Mountain range, only to have the White Lotus Leader take all my treasures after a series of twists and turns. I also revealed that I learned it was one of the Seven Essentials because my comrade Mang-ryang deciphered the oracle bone script for me.

I didn't bring up the Seven Essentials' liberation, and he didn't ask. Moments later, the Twelfth Law Lord let out a sigh of admiration.

"It's true! Did you tell this story to the White Lotus Leader as well?"

Not exactly, but it was too awkward to elaborate, so I answered vaguely,

"Yes."

"Then I'll tell you mine."

Slumping back into his chair, the Twelfth Law Lord said,

"The one I'm trying to defeat is an [Old Dominator], the Sea God. What do you know of the Sea God's abilities?"

"Nothing."

There were only rumors; I'd never faced the entity known as the Sea God myself. This was the first time hearing it directly from the Twelfth Law Lord.

"He commands the minions of darkness and possesses the power to drive away apostles and underlings under the [Old Dominators]. That's why, despite being a lower-tier [Old Dominator], he dominates the great oceans and wields immense authority. Because of this ability, even the descendants of the Malignant Gods can't easily interfere with him."

This was new information. Mulling over his words, I said,

"So, a Dharma Protector bearing the Heavenly Spirit Pill—as kin to the gods—is no match for the Sea God?"

"Pretty much. You get it. If a Dharma Protector tried to fight the Sea God, they'd immediately be overwhelmed by an indescribable terror, fleeing or going mad. It's the Sea God's innate authority—nothing can be done about it."

"......"

"And it's not just the Sea God. Most [Old Dominators] possess mental abilities or spells that can repel lesser beings."

Somehow, it made sense. The Heavenly Spirit Pill granted god-like power, overwhelming in might, but it became a liability against divine entities themselves. Listening to the Twelfth Law Lord, a sudden realization hit me.

"Wait, does that mean if I acquire the Heavenly Spirit Pill, I can never fight the Sea God?"

Gaining infinite internal energy was great, but becoming unable to battle [Old Dominators]?

I hadn't known about this limitation, so I was understandably troubled. My ultimate goal was to defeat the [Old Dominators], after all—I couldn't choose a path that blocked that.

There was another question. Then how did Yong Bi-cheon defeat Izanagi no Mikoto, guardian of the Moon Essential? Back then, I thought since he slew the guardian, a Dharma Protector must be comparable. Was there some secret there too?

As I fell silent, the Twelfth Law Lord said,

"Offering the Ghost Spirit Severing Moon Blade this time was quite a loss for me. I plan to use the Water Essential to bolster my power before he figures out how to wield it. Next time we meet, I'll be at least twice as strong as now."

A terrifying chill ran through me at his words. Even now, his power rivaled the White Lotus Leader's—what realm would he reach if he grew stronger? It was beyond imagination, undoubtedly terrifying. Suppressing the feeling, I replied,

"What do you mean?"

"Who knows? It might be advice helpful to you."

The Twelfth Law Lord's cryptic response came from behind his doll-like mask, revealing no expression. The inhuman vibe sent shivers down my spine. At a loss for words, I heard him say slyly,

"From what I see, your goal is probably collecting the Seven Essentials too."

He hit the mark again. Circling around it, I answered,

"It would be nice to have them."

"Hahaha."

"...Twelfth Law Lord. Then I have something I'd like to ask."

"Go ahead."

Cautiously, I asked,

"After defeating the Sea God, what do you plan to do, Law Lord?"

It was a natural question. For those who didn't know him well, maybe not—but I knew he already possessed three of the Seven Essentials. He originally owned the Wood Essential, acquired the Water Essential in this exchange, and the Moon Essential was at Mani Mountain for reinforcement. With Moon, Water, and Wood Essentials in hand, the Twelfth Law Lord was undoubtedly poised to gain tremendous power soon.

With that much strength, defeating the Sea God seemed feasible. So what then?

At my question, the Twelfth Law Lord gave a wry smile.

"Heh... What next? That's just the beginning."

"The beginning?"

"My goal is so distant and perilous it's mere fantasy. But hey, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—I'm pleased enough."

It felt incomplete. Pressing on, I asked,

"Then..."

"Wait."

The Twelfth Law Lord waved his hand.

"I'm doing all the talking. Tell me something too. Do you plan to remain a Thunder God School Dharma Protector forever?"

"......"

"Or no—you'll reclaim your treasures, right?"

I didn't know how to respond to his prodding. Of course I had to retrieve Bi-eung, the Wooden Armor, and the other treasures, but I couldn't exactly declare that to the Twelfth Law Lord. Reluctantly, I said,

"As long as the Leader doesn't betray me, I'll stay put."

It might seem passive, but it was the best for now. Even if I plotted rebellion, I needed sufficient power to match—and acquiring that in short order was impossible. For the moment, I had no choice but to tread carefully around the White Lotus Leader's clutches.

The Twelfth Law Lord teased,

"What if the Leader thinks the same? You'll never reclaim your treasures in your lifetime."

"...We'll see when the time comes."

"Haha. True enough."

Chuckling as if amused, the Twelfth Law Lord said,

"Fine. Continue with your question from earlier."

"Well... what changes after you subjugate the Sea God?"

"What?"

"The Sea God is just one of the [Old Dominators]. Defeating him won't..."

He didn't respond, silently staring at me. Unlike before, his gaze held not curiosity but cold analysis. I froze instinctively. Though tense, I sensed no anger from him, which felt eerie. After a long stare, the Twelfth Law Lord said,

"You... know more than I thought."

"......"

"Yes, indeed. You know the end of the world. Perhaps our goals align..."

With that, the Twelfth Law Lord rose.

"This was enjoyable. Use the Dark Night Essential well, Baek Woong."

"Farewell."

"If the White Lotus Church ever sours for you, come to me."

*Whoosh*

The Twelfth Law Lord vanished without a trace. It seemed like sorcery, not martial arts.

'That was lucky.'

If he had harbored malice, this room could have become my tomb and torture chamber. Apparently, during his silent exchange with the White Lotus Leader earlier, some deal was struck that protected me.

I stared at the spot where he disappeared for a long while, then sighed and said,

"...It's about time we talked, Zhuge Sa."

The Zhuge Sa in my mind.

The time to settle things with him had come.

[Too bothersome—I'll be blunt.]

Zhuge Sa spoke irritably in my head.

[With the Soul Transfer Great Law, I tried shifting my soul to you, but for some reason, I failed to seize your soul. So now, I'm coexisting with yours.]

I said coldly,

"That's not the point. You... surely didn't see all my memories?"

Zhuge Sa burst into mad laughter.

[Kekeke... What a riot. Who'd have thought you were a regressor who's looped 18 times, and we'd even met multiple times? Reading those memories wasn't boring.]

"Damn it!"

I couldn't help snapping.

The bastard Zhuge Sa had been slain by the White Lotus Leader but abandoned his body at that moment, using the Soul Transfer Great Law to shift his soul to me! Normally, he should have taken my body, but since it failed, he was now parasitic on me—and as a side effect, he shared my memories too.

Zhuge Sa spoke in a gloomy voice.

[I'm the pissed one. Never dreamed I'd end up coexisting with trash like you.]

I growled,

"So what? The body's mine—I'll drive you out somehow."

[Keke... Think you can?]

He cackled.

[I'm the only one in the world who knows the Soul Transfer Great Law. You could share memories via black obsidian so Hyun could train it, but this situation is unprecedented in the church's history—utterly incomprehensible. The Soul Transfer Great Law only succeeds or fails; soul coexistence like this is impossible.]

"You won't know unless you try."

As I vented frustration, Zhuge Sa said,

[By the way, I have one burning question.]

His following words froze me solid.

[Why the hell do you keep living?]

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