Reincarnated Swordmaster

I didn't think waiting for the alliance response from the Twelve Lords at the White Lotus Church was the best course of action. It was true that I'd earned some credit by sealing off the Shangguan household, just as Yeo Dongbin had said, but the Heavenly Realm still viewed the White Lotus Church Lord as a threat. To turn the situation around, I needed more information. I summoned Yeo Dongbin and asked her.

[Yeo Dongbin! Where the hell did Miho go?]

Yeo Dongbin replied nonchalantly.

[To the Heavenly Realm.]

[What?!]

[The Queen Mother of the West cherishes Miho. When the Heavenly Emperor Plan activates and the mortal world is purified, she didn't want Miho swept up in it, so she sent a separate message. I merely informed Miho of the path back as per her instructions.]

[The path back? You mean the entrance to the Heavenly Realm?]

[Not the formal one.]

Yeo Dongbin paused for a moment before continuing.

At her words, Zhuge Sa muttered as if he understood immediately.

[The back door, huh.]

[Ah...]

Zhuge Sa's summary helped me grasp the situation. A conversation I'd had with Miho Manggyang in a past life flashed through my mind.

[The passage between heaven and earth in the north...?]

[It refers to the mistake made by Zhuangzi of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors in the Classic of Mountains and Seas. Long ago, the Heavenly Realm and the mortal world were connected, allowing humans to enter the Heavenly Realm with their physical bodies without ascending. But Zhuangzi's blunder collapsed that passage, leading to the system of ascension. Since you were in the Heavenly Realm, Heavenly Fox, you must know this well...]

When Miho had answered Manggyang's question about the passage between heaven and earth he'd deciphered from Zhuangzi's oracle bones,

[I don't know the details. But a secret passage connecting the Heavenly Realm and the mortal world does exist somewhere in this world. I myself was banished to the mortal world through one such passage.]

[Then why not return to the Heavenly Realm through it...?]

[Aside from the one I emerged from, I don't know where the others are, and that one can be called the back door. Entering the Heavenly Realm through it would mean immediate attack by the Fighting Immortals, leading to annihilation.]

That's right. Miho had been banished through one of the secret passages connecting the Heavenly Realm and the mortal world, knew its location, but couldn't approach it because it was guarded by Fighting Immortal-level beings.

But according to Yeo Dongbin now, the Queen Mother of the West had specially opened that back door passage in the Heavenly Realm for Miho to return. So Miho must have gone to verify if she could return through it.

Once I learned of Miho's whereabouts, Yeo Dongbin said,

[Miho is originally from the Heavenly Realm by birth. Letting her return is the best outcome.]

"I see."

I replied bitterly. I could force her back, but rashly approaching near the Heavenly Realm in the current situation might lead to unforeseen trouble. With the Seven Desires in my possession, I wouldn't go down easily, but the Heavenly Realm pursuing the Heavenly Emperor Plan was unquestionably aggressive. One misstep could give them an excuse and make things worse.

A sudden thought struck me, and I asked Yeo Dongbin,

"Yeo Dongbin. I recall you said a Fighting Immortal-level being guards that back door. Do you know what it is?"

[I don't. It's unrelated to my mission.]

"I see..."

[But challenging that being with the power of a mere Linker would be reckless. That much I can say.]

I knew that without being told. I'd felt just how terrifying the power of a Fighting Immortal like Yeo Dongbin was when she used her exclusive token not long ago—it had been overwhelming. It was no exaggeration to say no mortal artist in the world was stronger than the White Lotus Church Lord, yet Yeo Dongbin held ample odds even against him. To fight a Fighting Immortal, I'd need at least two sets of Seven Desires.

"Then, Yeo Dongbin. Please report to the Heavenly Realm that the Church Lord is abandoning Luoyang."

[I already have. But whether the Three Pure Ones will believe it is another matter.]

Yeo Dongbin sighed before continuing,

[Linker, do your utmost. You must block the Ladder to Heaven.]

Both Yeo Dongbin and Cheon Woojin insisted on stopping the Heavenly Emperor Plan above all else. It seemed direct interference by the Heavenly Realm in the mortal world was that dangerous. My resolve surged, but I hesitated, unsure of what to do next.

Then Zhuge Sa spoke.

[Go to Cheon Woojin. Tell him everything that's happened and consult him.]

"Got it."

Flash!

Riding the Four Not Images to Shaolin Temple where Cheon Woojin was, I found the atmosphere had changed. The spiritual energy around Shaolin had grown far purer and more majestic, overflowing with high-density energy reminiscent of a divine temple. It felt two or three times stronger than before, leaving me baffled.

Soon, Cheon Woojin, who had been refining his qi with hands in prayer pose at the Heavenly Emperor Altar, turned to me and said,

"You're here. Is that a token?"

His gaze was fixed on the Fire Dragon Divine Sword at my waist. Originally, I couldn't wield it, but with permission from its original owner, Yeo Dongbin, I could carry it. I could even draw and swing it, but the problem was it was just an ordinary steel sword in my hands.

I explained everything that had happened to Cheon Woojin. After hearing me out, he frowned and said,

"So in the end, the situation hasn't changed much."

"The Church Lord conveyed his intent to withdraw via Yeo Dongbin to the Heavenly Realm, and we've eliminated the hidden Archbishop's threat in Luoyang. That's some achievement, isn't it?"

"That's meaningless. Do you not grasp what it means that the Three Pure Ones have stepped in directly and the Jade Emperor has declared he'll bear the karma of human slaughter? They've made it clear they're willing to uproot human civilization from its foundations to eliminate the White Lotus Church threat."

"......!!"

"We need something more concrete... but for now, it's hopeless."

Muttering to himself, Cheon Woojin said,

"Ah, I've fully restored the Heavenly Emperor Altar on Mount Song. Take me to the remaining four so I can restore them all."

"What's the point of restoring the altars now?"

"If I restore the Heavenly Emperor Altars' functions, the demon-subduing energy on earth will intensify several fold. Because the altars draw in the energy of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. This alone provides strong evidence to persuade the Heavenly Realm."

It had that kind of function?

"Alright, hop on."

Feeling a sense of wonder, I let Cheon Woojin mount the Four Not Images and began visiting the Heavenly Emperor Altars of the Four Evils in sequence. Arriving at Mount Tai's, the most damaged one, Cheon Woojin made a face like he'd bitten a bug and irritably said,

"...There's too much to do here, so let's save it for last. It's basically rebuilding from scratch."

"Got it."

Whoosh!

The next stop was Mount Heng's Heavenly Emperor Altar. It wasn't too badly damaged, so Cheon Woojin chanted spells for about half a shift, infused it with power, and restored it immediately. I could feel a powerful wave of subduing energy, like what I'd sensed at Mount Song, spreading across the entire mountain range.

It was when we arrived at Mount Hua's altar, restored its function, and reached Mount Heng's.

"Who are you?"

A fierce-looking middle-aged swordsman with glaring eyes burst from the bushes, shouting. Sensing his powerful aura, honed sharp like a blade, I knew he wasn't some nobody. Refraining from attacking rashly, I cupped my fists and countered,

"We are wandering ascetics on pilgrimage to the Five Mountains' Heavenly Emperor Altars. And who might you be?"

"Wandering ascetics? Heavenly Emperor Altars?"

The middle-aged swordsman tilted his head, then bellowed again.

"I am Jo Jinwoong, sect leader of Mount Heng Sect. State your identities for trespassing on my sect's territory."

"Hmm."

I let out a groan.

Eight-Armed Sword Immortal Jo Jinwoong!

He was Mount Heng Sect's leader, a renowned swordsman known throughout the land, a supreme peak expert representing Henan Province. His title "Eight-Armed" came from his ever-changing Illusory swordplay, earning him the moniker Sword Immortal. In other words, one of the Nine Sects One Gang's leaders stood before me. Zhuge Sa sneered inwardly.

[Should've sent Shushinyu's elders to crush them earlier instead of letting them meddle.]

Ignoring Zhuge Sa's sarcasm, I said to Jo Jinwoong,

"I am the ascetic Baek Woong, and this is Cheon Woojin. Does the sect leader know this place is a spiritual ground called a Heavenly Emperor Altar?"

Jo Jinwoong replied coldly.

"Nonsense! I've never heard such a thing. Begone."

"Wait."

He didn't even know about the Heavenly Emperor Altar?

As I faltered slightly, Cheon Woojin beside me curtly said,

"The one who should begone is you."

"What..."

As the enraged Mount Heng Sect leader Jo Jinwoong lunged,

Whish!

For some reason, Jo Jinwoong's body was suddenly sucked into the air and vanished. Stunned at how a person had evaporated so cleanly, I looked at Cheon Woojin. He walked toward the altar indifferently and said,

"Baek Woong. As White Lotus Church Vice Lord, devise a plan to guard the Five Mountains' Heavenly Emperor Altars for 49 days. Keep out the riffraff like that."

"Hmm... I'll do my best. But what did you just do?"

Cheon Woojin plopped down before the altar stele, peering at it, and replied,

"Sealed him in another dimension with a sealing spell. That fool won't emerge until I allow it."

"......"

It drove home just how formidable Cheon Woojin's sorcery was. Well, as the strongest sorcerer in the current human realm, it was to be expected. But realizing human martial arts wouldn't work on this level left a bitter taste.

I'll have no choice but to deploy Shushinyu to subdue the Nine Sects One Gang.

I'd been reluctant because Shushinyu's merciless nature would surely spill blood, but it was unavoidable. Soon after Cheon Woojin restored Mount Heng's altar, we headed back to Mount Tai, where he sighed in headache.

"Haa... This'll be major work. It'll take at least a month, so keep everyone away from the area until then."

"A month?!"

I exclaimed in shock.

"If you spend a month of the 49 days here, you'll only have twenty days left to move later..."

"No choice. In the current human world, I'm the only one who can restore Mount Tai's Heavenly Emperor Altar. It's a necessary task, so we adapt to reality."

With that, Cheon Woojin lamented,

"It's unprecedented, and of all people, I have to bear this karma!"

Feeling I shouldn't disturb his focus, I left the area. Returning to the White Lotus Church, I reported to the Church Lord and said,

"Church Lord. To secure the Five Mountains' Heavenly Emperor Altars, we need to subdue the Nine Sects One Gang as quickly as possible. Please grant me the Dharma Protectors and Heavenly Spirit Pill holders."

[Of course. That's a given. Kill every last one of those Nine Sects One Gang pests who get in the way.]

"Ah... no, we should minimize casualties, don't you think?"

[Why?]

"The areas near the Heavenly Emperor Altars are sacred places. Slaughter or combat there might have adverse effects..."

At my cautious words, the Church Lord nodded as if it made sense.

[Very well. I'll pass that along.]

"Thank you."

[Restoring the Heavenly Emperor Altars... a solid plan. But Cheon Woojin being tied down for a month is fatal. Any other ideas?]

I racked my brain desperately. For Cheon Woojin, this wouldn't convince the Heavenly Realm—it was obvious it wouldn't stick. We needed a groundbreaking way to appease them. As I pondered, Zhuge Sa spoke.

[Would you sacrifice yourself to save the world?]

[What are you talking about?]

[Do this.]

His following words left me speechless.

[Offer up the Cauldron of Equality, Earth Armor, Four Not Images, Moon Desires, Imperial Seal of the Warring States, and the Beast's Bracelet—all of them to the Heavenly Realm. That might stop them?]

[Y-You're joking...]

[Why? Even if the cauldron and armor are the Church Lord's, you can offer the rest, right? What's stopping you?]

[......]

[Kekeke. The risk of failure is too high, huh. Even if it succeeds, you'd lose everything in an instant—your bellybutton bigger than your stomach. And sure, sacrificing all for the world sounds cool, but you don't want to end up stripped bare alone, do you?]

I ignored Zhuge Sa. He might be right, but that was a last resort. To the Church Lord, I said,

"Nothing comes to mind right now. We'll focus on subduing the Nine Sects One Gang first."

[Good. I grant you full authority, including command of the Dharma Protectors, Vice Lord.]

"Understood."

After the audience, I walked out to the outer area. The previous Church Lord Hall was utterly destroyed beyond recognition, so this was a temporary building.

En route, I crossed paths with a few council elders, who all bowed or averted their eyes the moment they met mine. Used to their haughty attitudes, their reaction baffled me, and Zhuge Sa cackled.

[Getting stripped by a no-name without a Heavenly Spirit Pill in one exchange leaves them speechless. They must want to drown in a puddle.]

I see.

Feeling oddly elated, I grinned. Was this the joy of power?

[Though it's not really your power.]

Whatever.

Grumbling, I issued the order to summon the Dharma Protectors. Soon, Shushinyu Dharma Protector Dokgo Jun, Hwasinyu Dharma Protector Han Baekyeong, and Shushinyu's formidable elders arrived. I spoke.

"I'll relay the Church Lord's command. As of now, I've received orders to subdue the Nine Sects One Gang and command authority. Commence the subjugation operation under my orders."

Han Baekyeong, arms crossed, said,

"We're too weak and powerless, so why not go yourself, Vice Lord?"

Her tone dripped with icy sarcasm. Han Baekyeong clearly disliked me openly for some reason.

I wasn't fond of this life's Han Baekyeong either, so I replied curtly without flinching,

"Nice words from someone with a Heavenly Spirit Pill. Mock me again, and I'll punish you under the Church Lord's command. Behave."

"As you wish, Vice Lord."

I glared at Han Baekyeong once, then began issuing orders.

"Dokgo Jun. Lead Shushinyu to subdue Mount Hua Sect, Mount Heng Sect, Wudang Sect, Jeongchang Sect, and Beggar Clan."

[Understood.]

"Han Baekyeong. Lead Hwasinyu to subdue Emei Sect, Kunlun Sect, Zhongnan Sect, Yellow Mountain Sect, and Blue City Sect."

"Consider it done."

As she replied, Han Baekyeong smirked oddly and said,

"Does that mean you'll subdue the martial world's Mt. Tai and North Star, Shaolin Temple, all by yourself, Vice Lord?"

"That's right."

"Impressive."

I didn't bother responding to Han Baekyeong.

"Shaolin's already on my side, so why bother subduing them."

I could demonstrate force with Moon Desires if needed, but there was no reason to fight allies. No need to tell her that, though, so I glossed over it.

"The Nine Sects One Gang total ten factions, but there were eleven because Yellow Mountain Sect had mulled in, taking the abreast Kongtong Sect's spot with meteoric rise. They could call themselves Ten Great Sects for simplicity, but lingering rivalries prevented full alliance, so they stuck with the old title."

"One more thing. The Church Lord ordered subjugation with minimal bloodshed. Minor injuries are tolerable, but take care not to kill."

Dokgo Jun said incredulously,

[Did the Church Lord truly say that? Why spare those Nine Sects One Gang mongrels?]

"Go ask him yourself if you doubt. But it'd question both his and my authority."

[Hmm... I'll take it as truth.]

"Stop doubting. Damn it."

Irritated, I slammed the table with my hand.

"Then move out now! Use ghost slaves or whatever—the Church Lord's order is swift subjugation."

[Understood.]

Watching the White Lotus Church executives disperse, I had no worries of failure. The power gap was so vast it'd be like twisting a child's arm. While awaiting reports at the Church, I decided to train in the Divorce Great Law and Three Treasures Absolute Arts.

The report came after about four days. Stunned, I replied to the messenger,

"What? Failed?"

"So it seems. The reason is..."

Before the messenger could explain, a wicked idea struck. A golden chance to chew out the mocking, Dharma Protectors. I waved him off.

"I want to hear it from the Dharma Protectors themselves."

"If that's your will..."

"Summon them."

Rank was everything, so Dokgo Jun and Han Baekyeong had no choice but to visit my office. Glaring at them, I said,

"Why did it fail?"

Dokgo Jun stood silently before dropping a bombshell.

[The Thunder God Clan intervened.]

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