Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm

I returned to the cult alongside the Cult Leader, riding the Four Non-Buddhas Statue. No sooner had we arrived than the Cult Leader spoke to me.

[Baek Woong. Our forces are insufficient as they stand. There's a high chance we won't form an alliance with the Twelve Laws. We must change our plans.]

"And how exactly do you propose we do that..."

The Cult Leader's eyes flashed sharply for a moment.

[We join hands with the Thunder God Style.]

"......!!"

[They can hold off the Guardians, making them a major asset.]

I realized anew just how flexible the Cult Leader's thinking was. He clearly distinguished between friend and foe inwardly, yet he could ally with and exploit anyone as the situation demanded. From the way he spoke, it seemed he'd been considering a connection with the Thunder God Style all along.

"Then I'll handle the alliance with the Thunder God Style. What about Luoyang?"

[We need to leave as much room for negotiation as possible. Withdraw all cult forces, including the Transformation God Style. Leave that to Han Baek-ryeong.]

"Understood."

[This much is standard procedure.]

With that preface, the Cult Leader glanced slyly at me from behind his faceless mask.

[But this alone won't turn the tide against the Heavenly Realm. Baek Woong, do you have any countermeasures?]

"......"

I racked my brains. But against a colossal force like the Heavenly Realm, I couldn't even grasp where to begin.

'The power gap is too vast.'

Yeo Dong-bin's might, wielding the Fire Dragon Divine Sword, was on par with the Cult Leader's—or perhaps greater. The Heavenly Realm likely housed several more transcendents of her caliber, plus great celestial immortals, mid-tier celestials, lesser immortals, and even guides. It was a terrifying juggernaut. And if supreme beings like the Three Pure Ones or the Queen Mother of the West joined the fray, I couldn't fathom a way to endure.

But that was only natural. The Heavenly Realm wasn't something mortal martial forces could resist. Since the Mythic Age, it had protected humanity, upheld order, and held sway over civilization as the divine realm itself. Even thinking of opposing it was absurd. Yet with the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors unable to stop the Heavenly Emperor, we had no choice but to fight.

"Er... give me a moment to think."

[Take your time...]

I asked Zhuge Sa.

[Zhuge Sa. Any ideas?]

Zhuge Sa retorted with incredulous amusement.

[Why?]

[Why?]

[If it were me, I'd wreak havoc until I couldn't, then pass to the next life. Why ask me now? Going to the Prophet earlier was a decent choice, but you're turning idiot already.]

[......]

Gumbling, Zhuge Sa continued.

[There are still plenty of options. The Prophet said petitioning the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors was the way, but that's a narrow view. We can still turn this around if we start now.]

It suddenly hit me, and I suggested.

[What if we ask Demon King Byok Ji-sang to fight the Heavenly Realm? With his power...]

[Don't even think it. Would that sly monster take such a risk? His strength is ample, but he's fixated on building his own pantheon in the post-apocalypse. He won't stir trouble in the Central Plains under the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors' aegis just to battle the Heavenly Realm.]

[Hmm...]

[Baek Woong. Do you really want a plan?]

Zhuge Sa said slyly.

[Then let's make a deal.]

Catching on to his scheme, I scowled.

[Damn it! Spill the countermeasure, and in return, give you my body?]

[Exactly. It's the only way to break through.]

[I told you before. I don't trust you.]

Zhuge Sa chuckled slyly.

[I've said it countless times: it's not about trust. At this rate, you'll be cornered, lash out in desperation, and kill yourself. Why not bet on my solution instead?]

I muttered bitterly.

[If you stab me in the back, it'll hurt a hundred times worse than the Prophet's betrayal.]

[It'll be fine. Heh heh heh.]

I couldn't trust him at all.

Yet I felt myself increasingly drawn to his words. Better to stake on his cunning mind than watch helplessly as the Heavenly Emperor descends and the Heavenly Realm exterminates the White Lotus Cult without recourse.

Feeling my resolve teeter fifty-fifty, I sighed.

"...Cult Leader. First, I'll go speak with the Thunder God Style. I'll report back after."

[Very well.]

Whoosh.

I withdrew from the Cult Leader and mounted the Four Non-Buddhas Statue.

'I want to know what the Thunder God Style is thinking first.'

Yi Cheong-un's move at this juncture, provoking me like this, had to have a reason. Fortunately, So Ho-Geum-cheon hadn't bled me dry, and I still had Wol-yo and the National Seal intact, so I could at least hold my own against Yi Cheong-un.

Flash.

My first stop was the Wudang Sect. With Jin So-cheong appearing there and defeating Elder Dok-go-woo of the Divine Sword Style, I wanted to meet him first. Zhongnan Sect had Yi Gwang and Geuk-ho holding it down, but I had no desire to see Yi Gwang's face, so I chose to meet Jin So-cheong.

I'd visited Wudang before, so I easily rode the Four Non-Buddhas Statue near the Sect Leader's Hall. As I dismounted, I sensed presences swiftly converging. By their auras, they were likely Wudang disciples.

Swoosh!

Soon, Wudang experts in Taoist robes surrounded me rapidly. I didn't know their arts well, but their sword-drawn stances and momentum were no joke. This was the heart of Wudang's most vital sanctum, after all. The middle-aged Taoist at the forefront glared and demanded.

"Who are you? I am the Hyeon Yoo Taoist, and this is the Great Wudang Sect!!"

A senior expert of the Hyeon generation.

That meant he was of the same rank as Hyeon Cheon Taoist, a peak expert entrusted with Wudang's core. Glancing around, I replied.

"I'm no suspicious intruder. I'm here for Jin So-cheong."

Hyeon Yoo Taoist's brow twitched.

"Jin So-cheong? Reveal your identity!"

"Don't you bastard' me. It sours the listener's mood."

"Insolence..."

Before Hyeon Yoo could erupt, I cut in.

"I'm of the Thunder God Style, like Jin So-cheong. Summon him, and I'll leave without troubling Wudang."

Murmurs.

The gathered Wudang experts showed surprise. Whether they knew of the Thunder God Style or not, this unexpected turn flustered them. Hyeon Yoo eyed me steadily before saying.

"Which of the Thunder God Style? Some nameless scrub?"

Hyeon Yoo's foul mouth furrowed my brow.

"If I were truly here to attack Wudang, what then with all this provocation? Quite the confidence in your skills."

"Even if you're some rejuvenated freak, we won't yield to evil before us."

"Infuriating!"

I pegged Hyeon Yoo's type. The Wudang elders I'd met—Hyeon Cheon and Hyeon Jong—were stubborn yet flexible and wise Taoists. But Hyeon Yoo was a stuck-up elder, fixated on his status, blind to the situation, just barking. Tempted to slaughter him and turn the place into a blood river, I held back and said.

"I'll wait here. But if you strike first, I'll return the favor in kind."

"You...!"

Screech!

Unable to restrain himself, Hyeon Yoo exploded forward in attack. What I saw was Wudang's famed swift swordplay from the Five Great Divine Arts: the Four Images Creation Art. Known for its fierce offense and practicality among the arts, Hyeon Yoo's strike was a true masterstroke of the jianghu.

'Pathetic.'

But I'd faced countless transcendent experts, met sword immortals in the Heavenly Realms, and even the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. No reason to be swayed by a Wudang elder's technique now. I casually deflected the obvious swift sword with Flower Realm deflection, then lightly tapped his ribs with Penetrating Channels.

Boom!

With the explosion, Hyeon Yoo spewed a fountain of blood and flew back. The nearby Wudang disciples cried out in shock.

"You bastard!"

"Get him!"

Sword qi scattered, attack paths flashing toward me like light. I didn't see them directly, but instinct predicted them. Endless battles had honed my senses, and their levels were obvious, feeling as tangible as objects in hand. I naturally flowed through Thunder Shadow Step, slithering off like between them, unnoticed until I was a Zhang behind.

Gasp..."

As they belatedly panicked and turned, I snapped curtly.

"You struck first. I warn you again: attack, and you'll end like Hyeon Yoo."

Hyeon Yoo writhed, blood trickling from his mouth after my Penetrating Channels inflicted internal injury. Not severe, but hitting a pain point, he'd been dazed in agony. At my threat, the disciples hesitated.

That was when.

[What outrage is this at Wudang's main sect!]

Whoosh.

Unfurlng Lightness Skill Heavenly Ascent Art, Cheong-ja, Cheong-il ja, and Cheonggun-ja descended before me. I'd met them in a past life at Wudang, so I knew them well. All transcendent experts vying for the jianghu's pinnacle.

Cheong-ja, inner energy surging, eyes blazing, demanded.

"Thunder God Style alone doesn't convince. State your name and title!"

They'd apparently been slowly observing from the Sect Leader's Hall, ears heightened.

"Damn it, really..."

Wondering how many times I'd endure this in future lives, irritation surged. Debating hot-headed righteous elders drained the spirit. Composing myself, I said.

"I am Baek Woong, Vice Cult Leader of the White Lotus Cult and Guardian of the Thunder God Style."

"......!!"

"Not long ago, one of our elders visited Wudang and was repelled by Jin So-cheong. I'm here to discuss that with him."

Murmurs.

The Wudang experts were greatly flustered. A boy claiming to be the cult's second-in-command wasn't easy to swallow. Cheonggun-ja pondered, something dawning, then said.

"You're not here to declare war, are you?"

"Hmph... declare war? You don't know your place."

Stung, I sneered.

"If I intended that, the Nine Great Righteous Sects would be razed without a single foundation stone left in half a shichen. We ignore minnows like you as pointless. Get a grip and fetch the Thunder God Style."

"Urk... you heretical dog—!!"

My mockery enraged Cheong-il-ja and Cheonggun-ja, auras flaring. Two transcendent experts' joint assault wasn't to scoff at; I tensed instantly. As auras loomed, Cheong-ja calmly replied.

"Vice Cult Leader Baek Woong. Forgive our emotional response. We will summon Jin So-cheong now."

"Appreciated."

Cheong-il-ja raged.

"Sect Leader! Shred this heretic and wipe out the White Lotus Cult!"

"Indeed!"

"Eliminate that so-called Vice Cult Leader!"

His cry rallied the disciples in killing intent, poised to charge. I worried persuasion crumbling. But Cheonggun-ja said wryly.

"Quiet and fetch Jin So-cheong."

"S-Sect Leader..."

"This is beyond our hands now."

True to his Sect Leader role, Cheonggun-ja assessed coldly. Grudgingly, Cheong-il-ja and Cheonggun-ja light-footed away to summon, soon returning with Jin So-cheong from his quarters.

Spotting me, Jin So-cheong cupped his fists.

"Vice Cult Leader Baek Woong. Long time."

I returned the gesture.

"Thunder God Style's Jin So-cheong. I'm here to state the White Lotus Cult's position."

"Speak."

"Er, well..."

Even speaking, unease lingered. As expected, facing him, only a groan escaped.

'Formless.'

The same ethereal void as the Cult Leader! A hazy presence edging emptiness made my heart race. Not threatening raw power, but a transcendent realm observing mortals from another dimension.

Jin So-cheong had undoubtedly reached the Absolute Realm in the interim. Incredibly swift progress, entry-level or not.

Calming my pounding heart, I said.

"...Too many eyes here. Let's move."

"Agreed."

Watching Cheonggun-ja interjected.

"Can't you speak here?"

I snapped sharply at him.

"This is Thunder God Style internal affairs. Outsiders, stay out."

"......Understood."

"Jin So-cheong. Mount the Four Non-Buddhas Statue."

Flash.

I took him to a secluded mountain spot, then cautiously asked.

"...Jin So-cheong. What's Yi Cheong-un thinking? Why block the White Lotus Cult via the Nine Great Righteous Sects now?"

Jin So-cheong smiled oddly.

"Grandmaster said he wanted to meet you through this. And as expected, you've come."

"So that's it..."

"Before guiding you, I have a personal question."

"What?"

Leaning against a nearby rock, Jin So-cheong said.

"I've heard from the Patriarch you're a prodigious being with uncanny inner power. But you're of the Thunder God Style, whose sworn enemy is the White Lotus Cult. I can't fathom why you aid them."

"......"

"A master like you helping revive the Thunder God Style would be ideal..."

I eyed him in brief disbelief. Then realized.

'Yi Cheong-un hasn't told Jin So-cheong about my past lives!'

He clearly didn't know I was a regressor. Knowing the enmity with Yi Gwang, such a question wouldn't arise. Indeed, the black obsidian memory transfer had once earned his empathetic understanding of my choice to abandon the Thunder God Style. Currently, Yi Cheong-un guarded my regressor secret faithfully.

I hesitated. Should I transfer memories via black obsidian now? But Yi Cheong-un's shrewd mind would anticipate it. As I pondered, Zhuge Sa grumbled inwardly.

[What're you agonizing over? Yi Cheong-un doesn't care your choice. Transfer if you want; skip if not.]

[Of course I'll transfer...]

[But know this: even if you do, no guarantee Jin So-cheong sides with you.]

[......]

[Spreading the regressor secret isn't wise either.]

I flinched. True, current Jin So-cheong fixated on Thunder God Style revival and vengeance. Transferring memories risked him prioritizing duty like past celestial Mang-ryang. That transcended true camaraderie. And as Zhuge Sa said, my secret mustn't spread lightly.

After deliberation, I told Jin So-cheong.

"It's my personal affair. I have a question too..."

"What?"

"You've received much martial instruction from Yi Cheong-un, including the Seven Great Ultimate Arts. How far have you mastered them?"

Smiling faintly, Jin So-cheong replied.

"Recently attained Silent Immobility, earning Grandmaster's praise."

"Silent Immobility?"

"Realizing the mind holds no thoughts."

"......?"

What?

I'd expected tales of fusing the Seven Great Ultimate Arts or blending techniques. Examples like the Three-Treasures Ultimate Skill or Earth Lord Wing mostly recreated grand arts via linkages. This out-of-left-field Silent Immobility baffled me.

"Anyway, I want to meet Yi Cheong-un."

"Very well. Grandmaster is at Zhongnan Sect now."

"With Yi Gwang and Geuk-ho?"

"Yes. I came to Wudang alone."

I'd have met him directly at Zhongnan, but slightly off. No real desire for Yi Gwang anyway, so I nodded, summoning the Four Non-Buddhas Statue without overthinking.

"Let's go."

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