Reincarnated Swordmaster

Translator: Azo

Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm

The old man looked taken aback by my words.

"Wh-what are you saying? Do you even realize what you've just said, young master?"

"Of course."

I was certain that Zhuge had the solution to this situation. Zhuge was a detestable bastard, but he wasn't the type to spit out worthless schemes without reason. He knew the basics of a strategist: look down on others only after success. So, I began reciting exactly what Zhuge fed me in my mind.

"Even a princess or a treasured sword is just some divine outsider's triffel in the end. It can't compare to a demonic tome that grants us user tremendous power. Not unless that barrier road is at least Escort Captain level, right?"

"I want to see a demonic item. That's the most precious treasure in the world."

As I spoke definitively, the old man bowed his head and fell silent. Then, suddenly, his tone shifted dramatically, turning into a gloomy voice.

A cold hostility came out of nowhere. I was used to killing intent and malice, so this didn't faze me, but I realized the old man's hostility was strangely alien. It was denser than ordinary human malice, and it carried an bizarre energy I'd never encountered before.

'What is this? Does this guy practice some kind of strange technique?'

[Don't waste time on useless thoughts. Answer quickly. This is a crucial moment.]

But regardless of my doubts, Zhuge kept urging me to speak. With no choice, I continued.

"What makes you think I'm not Sangwan Jeong?"

"The Sangwan family has been a renowned house in Luoyang since ancient times. As part of the righteous faction that produced one of the Five Great Physicians, no child of the Sangwan family would know of demonic tomes or demonic artifacts."

Following Zhuge's lead, I feigned a disappointed look.

"What an ignorant fool. Do you know nothing of the Sangwan family's true nature?"

"What?"

"The founder of the Sangwan family is Sangwan Wan-sh, the greatest strategist and confidante of Empress Wu Zetian. And since she had deep dealings with the other races, our Sangwan family knows the secrets of the demonic path better than anyone. Didn't you know that?"

The old man gaped in shock at my words. But I was just as stunned, so I questioned Zhuge in confusion.

[Hey, is that true? Really?]

Zhuge snapped irritably.

[Shut up and focus on the conversation! I'll explain later.]

[Got it.]

I quickly composed my expression and continued.

"Also, as a descendant of the Sangwan family with vast knowledge, I've already seen through your true nature. You didn't reveal your name or identity, but you're no mere slave market administrator. You're the supreme ruler of this slave market, and I know you're one of the other race... too!"

Huh? Really?

This old man was an other race?

I blinked in disbelief even as I spoke, barely managing to continue. It was the first time I'd ever said something true and struggled to believe it myself.

The old man bowed his head and remained silent for a long while after hearing my words. Then, he began to undergo a startling transformation.

Crunch...

His body seemed to melt away. Human flesh liquefied like slime, red chunks dripping off. The melting form swirled in the air with black energy like molten wax, and soon it took on a shape no one could call human.

It looked like a winged pillar. The body was massive, with three or four tentacles protruding from it, and the head part featured something like the twitching maw of a sea creature. It supported itself with thick, straw-like tubes for legs—an utterly grotesque sight. Yet, despite its hideousness, it felt strangely agile.

The being then spoke directly into my mind.

[You know well. I never knew the Sangwan family humans held such secrets. I apologize for my rudeness.]

It was the other race's language, but it auto-translated for human comprehension. That alone confirmed it was a high-ranking other race member. The sight of this other race I'd never seen before fascinated me, but I pressed on as Zhuge instructed.

"You are the [ancient race] who warred with the descendants of malign gods in distant antiquity. I hear you dwell in the northern hemisphere now—why come all the way to the Central Plains?"

[Heh heh... You know so much. Simply put, to sate my thirst for knowledge by spying on humans. The time of ruin approaches, so preparations must be made.]

I had no idea how vast Zhuge's knowledge of the other races was. So, I asked in my mind.

[What's the ancient race?]

[Explaining would take too long, but they're a superior species far beyond humans. You could call them the rulers who left the stage.]

[Are they strong?]

[Physically, not particularly. But their civilization is on another level. Compared to them, humans are mere monkeys.]

This grotesque other race was that impressive?

As I eyed it anew with fresh surprise, it spoke.

[Sangwan Jeong. Do you truly wish to buy a demonic tome? You seem to grasp its value, so you know how rare and expensive they are, right?]

It was like haggling, but merely confirming facts.

"I've done my homework beforehand."

[What?]

"You've traded with certain humans. I heard about you from the Demonic Fire Sect's leader and came on his recommendation. They say you're the shadowy merchant second to none in this trade."

The ancient race chuckled darkly.

[Heh heh... A recommendation from Zhuge? Then it's certain.]

"Will you deal with me?"

The ancient race replied wearily.

[Of course. But to get a nod from Zhuge... you must be quite mad yourself. A human with a frightening future.]

......

Zhuge... what the hell did you do in life...

I also finally realized who the 'merchant' Zhuge mentioned before coming to the slave market was. Zhuge had no interest in the Wind God Style or the imperial palace from the start—he came to trade with this 'ancient race'! But even for the Demonic Fire Sect's leader and a demonic sorcerer, dealing with a present world other race? Zhuge was truly insane.

'Ordinarily, just seeing an other race would inspire terror and madness...'

Zhuge read my thoughts and sneered.

[What bullshit. And this from someone worse than me?]

The ancient race extended its tentacles into the air, summoning a translucent rectangle. It tapped at the panels, manipulating them as if they were real. After fiddling, it spoke.

[What demonic tome do you want?]

"Something like that one... or a forbidden taboo that brings eternal damnation would be nice."

The ancient race flew into a rage.

[Mad bastard. A true demonic sorcerer! You seek such things in the human world?]

"Just tell me if you have it."

[I don't. Probably in the Western Regions.]

"Then what demonic tomes do you have?"

[Before that, I need assurance you'll pay the price.]

I felt its tentacles slyly eyeing me. I answered nonchalantly.

"Tell me first. I came because I know I can pay."

[...I have the 'Golden Branch.']

"Oh? Not quite on par with the Nameless Sacrifice Scripture or the Nine Yin True Scripture, but an excellent demonic tome in its own right."

[Insolent wretch. A mere human daring to rank demonic tomes?]

"Hahaha."

The ancient race grumbled, but it felt more like playful merchant banter than real hostility. Midway through reciting Zhuge's lines, I shivered at the shared madness between them. It was an eerie atmosphere where they'd casually discuss eating human flesh.

'Zhuge... he's completely adopted the other race's perspective'

No longer human in mind. As I felt a chill, the words continued.

"Anyway, I'll take the demonic tome 'Golden Branch.'"

The ancient race twisted its tentacles in response.

[Name your price.]

"Name it first? No conscience at all. Never met a proper merchant who demands that."

[Don't like it? Don't buy. I don't have to sell to you.]

"Tch..."

Zhuge grumbled in my head.

[That haggling prick would demand a price even when selling his own parents. We drew the short straw.]

Worry flooded me.

[...I don't get what you're saying, but you can salvage this, right? Things can't go wrong here.]

[Don't worry.]

I took a deep breath and spoke.

"I practice the Great Soul Separation Technique, so I can gather souls. Watch."

Hum.

I processed the two souls—male and female—from yesterday with soul energy and floated them above my palms. The ancient race's tentacles quivered as it spoke.

[Intriguing. You'll pay me in souls?]

"Of course. Souls keep your hibernating kin in the Antarctic alive, don't they?"

[You know everything... But that's too little.]

"I'm saying I'll buy the demonic tome on installments."

As Zhuge instructed, I smiled leisurely and continued.

"Over the next ten years, I'll gather souls from ten thousand people and deliver them to you. How's that?"

[Ten thousand... Hmm... Let me think.]

"I'm not offering more. I want to see your sincerity."

[...]

The ancient race flapped its wing-like appendages—a sign it was pondering. After much deliberation, it spoke.

[The terms are sufficient. But I want to know why you seek a demonic tome.]

"Why do you need to know?"

[Demonic tomes are deeply tied to [ancient rules]. Mishandling them twists contracts and brings disaster. I must know your purpose.]

"If I must say, to grow stronger. Satisfied?"

[No... Not good enough. I can't hand it over.]

"Wait."

The ancient race continued.

[I can't give you a demonic tome now. The installment deal is shaky, and your motives unclear. But for your sincerity, I'll trade a demonic artifact.]

"Ridiculous. Even if you had a demonic tome, it'd be useless..."

[Keep talking big, and I'll erase you.]

"Fine. As you say."

Whir.

[We'll trade this.]

The ancient race summoned something from dark space and handed it to me. As I took it, I saw it was a silver bracelet gleaming with light. A yellow gem was embedded, engraved with bizarre patterns. Glanceing at it, I said:

"Is this a familiar contract bracelet?"

[You know your stuff. Top quality.]

"Two hundred souls. Deal?"

[More nonsense. Didn't you hear? Cash upfront only.]

"Tch... Fine, let's trade."

Thud.

I dumped all the gold and silver bars the sect leader gave me from my satchel. The ancient race inspected the treasures approvingly and spoke.

[Not bad. But I'd prefer that satchel too.]

"No. For that, give me the Golden Branch demonic tome."

[Hmph... Fine. That'll do for the...]

As the ancient race replied, I cut in abruptly.

"No, the math doesn't add up."

[What?]

"In exchange, tell me about the human factions running the slave market with you. Right up to their leader. That's fair price."

[What do you plan with that?]

"Listen well. The slave market ends today."

The ancient race's tentacles trembled in shock.

[What? What are you saying?]

"The Childless Witch Cult sniffed it out and has arrived nearby. They're fully prepped to attack. You'd best escape now."

[...]

Seeing the silent ancient race, worry surged. It felt like Zhuge was steering wildly—could we continue like this? Most frustrating, I couldn't grasp his intentions.

The ancient race spoke.

[You warn of the raid in exchange for the backer? How do I know it's true?]

"Because I'll be your regular customer from now on."

As Zhuge directed, I grinned slyly and continued.

"We'll meet often, so why cling to human factions? I can gather souls—better deals than them."

[Hmm...]

"Time's short. Decide fast before it turns to chaos. For our future relations."

[Fine. I'll trust you this once.]

The ancient race finished calculating, flapping its wings as it spoke.

[The imperial palace collaborates directly with me, and the Wind God Style—a warrior group—is allied with them. The slave market overseers stay in the top floor of the red-tiled building next door.]

'I see. Tell me their guard status and skills too.'

[Very well...]

Flick.

The ancient race pulled out a diamond and tossed it to me. As I caught it, a flood of information poured into my mind.

'Memory transfer spell!'

Unlike my obsidian spell, the system and principles differed fundamentally. But the effect—transmitting 'memories'—was the same. Soon, I knew the slave market's layout and everyone present in detail.

The ancient race opened a dimensional gate in the air and entered, saying.

[See you again.]

Swish...

As the ancient race vanished, tension drained from me, and I sighed.

"Whew."

It felt like incomprehensible deals had flown by. I questioned Zhuge in my mind.

[Hey. What the hell did we just trade? Explain.]

[Explain what... You're really dense.]

[You spouted crap only you understand—what bullshit? Explain now!]

As I barked, Zhuge replied reluctantly.

[You're the bait.]

[What?]

[I wanted the demonic tome, but the only gain here is that bracelet. Now just watch.]

[I don't get it...!! Please explain.]

Zhuge replied curtly.

[What a pain. To think Hyeon served a guy like this...]

[Stop treating me like an idiot...!!]

Rage boiled to the top of my head. Without hesitation, I began chanting the Isolation Incantation. This might expel Zhuge from my body!

Zhuge chuckled darkly.

[Heh heh, finally showing your true colors. You could've used the Isolation Incantation anytime, but kept me around because I was useful? Only now, after I scratch a bit, do you think of it?]

Fuming, I shouted.

"Cut the crap! I don't need a bastard like you anymore!"

Zhuge sneered right back.

[Yeah... Try it. I was getting sick of you too. Pathetic, thinking this meager vessel can oppose the [ancient rulers].]

I halted.

Mid-chant, a stab of guilt hit me, and I stopped reciting. Zhuge kept mocking relentlessly.

[Hey, idiot. Used to Hyeon only praising you? Each reincarnation boosts your power, so confidence swells? Think you're lord material now?]

Zhuge's voice sharpened unprecendently.

[Don't make me laugh. One word from me, and you flinch and flip like a palm—you're still far from it.]

"G-Getting desperate because you're about to get kicked out?"

[I'll say it again: refute me if I'm wrong. A guy who flips the board over a strategist's harsh words—lord material against gods? Compared to history's conquerors, you're utterly timid.]

[...]

Unable to retort, I heard Zhuge calmly continue.

[I kept telling you: don't ask me everything—think with your own head. But with me in there, you never used yours, always leaning on me. Was that deal I just ran beyond your intellect? No way. A little thought, and you'd grasp the connections.]

"...T-That's."

[Hyeon endured your childish whims dozens or hundreds of times per life. Rolling his brain for you—what did he think? Wanted to ditch this rotten guy, but pitied the fool—had to praise and raise him till he became human. Impressive!]

Mention of Hyeon left me speechless. Zhuge pierced the weakness I'd hidden deep. He cackled.

[Expel me if you want. But that means admitting your limits.]

"Damn it..."

I slumped down, pondering deeply. After a long while, I spoke.

"...Sorry. I'll rethink it."

Zhuge was right. No growth this way.

Expelling him with Isolation Incantation was simple, likely to succeed. But his recent pointers made me reflect. As a reincarnator's instinct, ignoring his harsh truths felt like stunting my growth forever—a crisis loomed.

Zhuge sneered.

[Not hopeless after all. Fine, let's talk.]

"...Fine on the demonic tome and trade. Using the familiar contract bracelet speeds my growth, right?"

[Yes.]

"But one thing I can't grasp: what do you mean, 'bait'?"

[Hmm... You still don't get the White Lotus Leader.]

Zhuge continued.

[The White Lotus Leader doesn't trust you. Yet for this critical mission to snag the Wind God Style's tail, he sent you almost alone. And the Sangwan Jeong identity is highly conspicuous. Only one answer.]

"No way..."

Zhuge's next words shocked me.

[It's already begun. You drew the overseers' eyes as bait. The main force is here now. Diversion from the start.]

Boom!

A massive explosion roared. Turning that way, I knew a new phase had arrived.

Water Dragon!

An unreal twenty-odd-chang water dragon hovered over the slave market. Atop it stood a figure; straining my sight, I instantly recognized him.

Dokgo Jun...!!

The Water God Style's masked guardian lion, in golden dragon mask, stood arms crossed overlooking the grounds. Behind him, dozens of freaks lined up, all in uniforms marked with 'Water.' Their martial arts all seemed extraordinarily high-level.

Indeed.

The Water God Style had come to strike the Wind God Style.

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