Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village

I took the Bi Dung from the Sword Demon and asked,

"The Bi Dung doesn't drain your mental energy or tempt you when you use it?"

This had been my greatest concern when handing the Bi Dung over to the Sword Demon, and it was also why I'd rushed toward Luoyang just two days after contact was lost. No matter how much I used the Bi Dung, I was never tempted and experienced no mental drain, but according to Zhuge Sa, ordinary humans weren't so fortunate.

The Sword Demon had seen my memories, so he fully understood what the Bi Dung was and how dangerous it could be, but that didn't negate even a sliver of risk. Still, it was better to use the Bi Dung once or twice than to be surrounded and slaughtered or imprisoned at the Incarnation Flow's stronghold, so I'd given it to him.

The Sword Demon let out a sigh.

"Why wouldn't it? Just as in your memories, I saw that terrifying dark city and its illusions. You seemed accustomed to the Bi Dung and shook them off quickly, but experiencing it firsthand,

inside, but something told me not to open it rashly. Recalling something, I said to the Sword Demon,

"Zhuge Sa said not to approach him carelessly while he studies the demonic scripture Unknown Ritual Book."

"...It seems his research into the demonic scripture has deepened."

I recited what Zhuge Sa had told me.

"He said that a demonic cultivator 'reading' a demonic scripture differs from ordinary reading. When it deepens, they make contact with the scripture's spirit and perform a ritual..."

Inside the room would be a magic circle littered with offerings for sinister rites, and Zhuge Sa would be manipulating dark energies to commune with the demonic scripture. Opening the door now might plunge him into qi deviation or something similar.

"I see. Since a demonic scripture isn't an ordinary book but more like a demonic cultivator's talisman, that makes sense."

Understanding the situation, the Sword Demon glanced at the door seeping dark energy and said,

"It's been several months since you left Zhuge Sa, so that's plenty of time for this. We can't consult him now, so let's leave the Valley of Spirits first."

"Yes."

"Oh, but before that..."

I went to the place the Sword Demon mentioned. There, with a maid of the Valley of Spirits, I arrived at its secret chamber where Zhuge Bu was imprisoned. Seeing Zhuge Bu's gaunt, skeletal frame, I asked the maid,

"You haven't been feeding him?"

The maid replied with an apologetic expression.

"The lord ordered the Three Decades Nine Meals regimen, so we've fed him accordingly."

"......"

Three Decades Nine Meals meant feeding him just nine times a month. It was a brutal method not even inflicted on prisoners, showing how much Zhuge Sa truly despised Zhuge Bu. Even so, her use of "fed" like one might an animal suggested the maids had absorbed Zhuge Sa's view of humans as filth.

The Sword Demon cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Ahem. Let's wake him first."

I nodded and grasped Zhuge Bu's wrist, channeling vast qi through his eight extraordinary meridians. It wouldn't cure his fundamental malnutrition, but it would temporarily alleviate his hunger and mental fog, restoring his vitality. Sure enough, Zhuge Bu, who had fainted from starvation, regained consciousness, color returning to his face.

He looked around and pleaded with me.

"Baek Woong! Please save me. At this rate, I'll starve to death!!"

His cry was filled with desperate sincerity. It was absurd for a genius once called the Central Plains' prodigy to be locked away in this remote place, facing starvation. After half a year of Three Decades Nine Meals, even those with strong vitality would weaken, and with his internal energy sealed, Zhuge Bu faced real risk of death. His cheeks were so hollowed they resembled a

"Baek Woong! Please save me. At this rate, I'll starve to death!!"

His cry was filled with desperate sincerity. It was absurd for a genius once called the Central Plains' prodigy to be locked away in this remote place, facing starvation. After half a year of Three Decades Nine Meals, even those with strong vitality would weaken, and with his internal energy sealed, Zhuge Bu faced real risk of death. His cheeks were so hollowed they resembled a skull.

I regarded him coldly and said,

"If you answer our questions honestly, I'll order the maid to feed you properly. So answer straight."

"Of course!! Of course. Please..."

"Do you know someone named Deng Guo? Not just anyone—the head of the Pure Stream Sect."

Zhuge Bu thought for a moment before replying.

"Of course. He's a figure of utmost caution; from the emperor down to all officials, great and small, keep tabs on him."

"Tell us everything you know about him. From the surface-level facts anyone knows to the secrets you're privy to."

"Urgh... Just some food first... I'm too hungry to think."

Zhuge Bu was slyly making excuses. But if I fed him first, he'd likely clam up once full, so I said firmly,

"Talk first. I'll decide after."

"Fine."

Zhuge Bu racked his brain desperately and said,

"Deng Guo is the head of the Pure Stream Sect, a Censorate Minister wielding immense power

"Talk first. I'll decide after."

"Fine."

Zhuge Bu racked his brain desperately and said,

"Deng Guo is the head of the Pure Stream Sect, a Censorate Minister wielding immense power over the Inspectorate. Behind him is the Confucian Forest faction, which even the emperor touch lightly. He's also renowned as a great scholar. Above all, the late emperor greatly favored and trusted him, so we had to tread carefully around removing him."

"What do you mean? No matter how powerful he is, if the emperor willed it, branding him a traitor would be trivial..."

This was the most puzzling part. The Inspectorate held the empire's mightiest authority, and as its high official, the Censorate Minister wielded great power. Yet it paled against imperial might; the palace faction could have made him a traitor and beheaded him. But Zhuge Bu claimed they couldn't touch him.

Zhuge Bu continued.

"He's no mere powerbroker. Born the head of the Deng clan, a prestigious house since the previous dynasty, the Confucian Forest he belongs to consists of Confucian scholars and descendants of the Hundred Schools, with secret arts and martial prowess passed down among them. Deng Guo himself hides his strength but is one of the world's peak experts. We left him alone out of fear the Confucian Forest might go berserk if we eliminated him. Especially since, even after the late emperor's death, he held his position without drawing a blade against us."

"......"

Confucian Forest!

It was a group I'd never heard of. But it seemed to be a collective of Confucian scholars and literati centered around Confucianism, possessing considerable force. No doubt many in the Ming court's Pure Stream Sect—new Confucians and progressives—hailed from it.

The listening Sword Demon spoke.

"There are many Taoist or Buddhist martial sects, but I've never heard of a Confucian one. They preach Confucius and Mencius while cultivating scholarship, yet they have secret martial arts?"

"We don't know their origins well either. Only that they've existed since ancient times and are a powerful secret society..."

"Even Zhuge Yuryong doesn't know?"

"That's right. Deng Guo despised the Inner Palace Division, so he had no ties to my father."

Then Deng Guo and the Confucian Forest were entirely new forces in this reincarnation. A secret society even the palace faction feared had revealed itself for the first time. Realizing this, the Sword Demon chuckled.

"Your actions weren't in vain. Seeking help from Superintendent Hyuk through you ultimately drew out Deng Guo. It's a gain."

"I see. But whether to join hands with him..."

I had no choice but to ponder. I'd never anticipated such a complex turn. Learning the Incarnation Flow's twin swordsmanship through the Sword Demon should have been straightforward, yet here we were! Naturally, I needed Zhuge Sa's advice, but he was immersed in demonic scripture research. The Sword Demon then said,

"Then we have no choice but to seek Mang Ryang."

"Agreed."

straightforward, yet here we were. Naturally, I needed Zhuge Sa's advice, but he was immersed in demonic scripture research. The Sword Demon then said,

"Then we have no choice but to seek Mang Ryang."

"Agreed."

Zhuge Bu pleaded desperately.

"W-Wait... Release me. I swear I won't betray you."

"Sorry, but just focus on your meals. I'll make sure of it."

My cold retort made Zhuge Bu rattle his iron chains binding his limbs as he cried out urgently.

"If you free me, I'll be useful! Please! I beg you!"

"......"

His voice was so earnest that my old self might have wavered. Even now, I pitied him and wanted to help. But through past reincarnations, I'd learned Zhuge Bu was the type to use others ruthlessly for self-preservation. Experience proved he was utterly untrustworthy. Without hesitation, I turned and left the stone chamber.

Then, using the Bi Dung, I headed to where Mang Ryang was cultivating.

"Baek Woong. What is it?"

Mang Ryang was still in that spot, but his spiritual energy had grown vastly stronger and more immense than before, evidencing his rapid progress.

'He's advancing by the day.'

I explained everything that had happened, showing him detailed memories via the black obsidian. Mang Ryang pondered deeply before saying,

"Baek Woong. I've only heard rumors of the Confucian Forest; I didn't believe such a group

He's advancing by the day.

I explained everything that had happened, showing him detailed memories via the black obsidian. Mang Ryang pondered deeply before saying,

"Baek Woong. I've only heard rumors of the Confucian Forest; I didn't believe such a group truly existed."

"Hmm... As expected."

"But it's plausible. Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism have developed in the Central Plains for millennia, and since the Spring and Autumn period, most Confucian scholars opposed vain human sacrifices and disregard for life. Given that bent, perhaps they've subtly known of this world's [darkness] or [ancient rulers] from the start."

"......"

"If Zhuge Sa's tied up, I can pause my cultivation to help you. My sorcery could be quite useful."

"I'd be grateful!"

With Mang Ryang joining, it felt like gaining a heavenly army. Moreover, wasn't this the Mang Ryang who'd gained mighty fortuitous encounters post-reincarnation and steadily elevated his level? I didn't know his exact prowess yet, but he'd surely be a huge help.

"First, accept Deng Guo's alliance proposal. It's the way to learn about him and the Confucian Forest, which you can leverage in future reincarnations."

"Understood."

"And as an Apostle, you wield powerful relics and talismans with immense potential. In the battle to topple the palace, hide that strength as much as possible."

His unexpected advice widened my eyes.

"Why?"

And as an Apostle, you wield powerful relics and talismans with immense potential. In the battle to topple the palace, hide that strength as much as possible."

His unexpected advice widened my eyes.

"Why?"

"You've already looted most of the palace's fortuitous encounters and treasures. This alliance is practically raiding their empty house. It's a minor skirmish. Revealing your power to titans like Deng Guo or Han Baek-ryeong would limit future developments to two paths."

Mang Ryang held up two fingers.

"Either subjugate them or destroy them."

"......"

I hadn't considered that far, so I groaned. The Sword Demon, listening beside me, nodded in agreement.

"He's right. I think hiding your power is best."

"You don't use an ox-cleaver to kill a chicken. Unless you plan to absorb both the Incarnation Flow and Confucian Forest, don't reveal your strength from the start. Your foundation's still too weak to devour two giant factions now."

"Got it."

I nodded to their counsel. Mang Ryang had pointed out angles I hadn't considered. He continued,

"But if tomorrow's meeting proceeds like this, you'll just be an Incarnation Flow subordinate with no real voice. Worse, Deng Guo and Han Baek-ryeong will dismiss you, crippling future grand plans. Being too ignored is problematic, so the Shadowless Alliance needs minimal leverage to steer their alliance forces our way."

"How?"

"Heh. Just bring one person, and it's done. No worries."

Mang Ryang then laid out the plan. Even the Sword Demon, caught off guard, exclaimed in admiration.

"Brilliant!"

"The Sword Demon's role is key. And we must persuade that person well."

"Leave it to me."

We moved diligently per the plan and headed to the meeting hall the next day. The venue was Luoyang's grandest luxury tower, the Radiant Heaven Pavilion, accessible only to high officials, merchants, and those with power and wealth. Commoners could never enter in a lifetime.

Upon entering the Radiant Heaven Pavilion, a beautifully dressed woman courteously guided us from the first floor.

"This way, please."

We followed her up to the topmost ninth floor and sat at a large table. Soon after, Deng Guo and Han Baek-ryeong arrived and took seats. Aside from us, the ninth floor was empty, but I sensed their escort warriors lining the perimeter outside. Deng Guo eyed our group and narrowed his eyes.

"Shadowless Alliance Leader. Who's the one in the bamboo hat?"

The Sword Demon glanced at the figure beside him and said,

narrowed his eyes.

"Shadowless Alliance Leader. Who's the one in the bamboo hat?"

The Sword Demon glanced at the figure beside him and said,

"I'll explain shortly. He's no suspicious character."

"Hmm."

Han Baek-ryeong spoke up.

"Then, Deng Guo. Speak. What's the intent behind striking the palace?"

"Exactly as stated."

Deng Guo replied with righteous indignation.

"The current emperor is mad. He's granting the Embroidered Uniform Guard and Eastern Depot the power of evil demons, deluded into seeking immortality through human sacrifice. The Inner Palace Division's sorcerers aid him, so if left unchecked, catastrophe looms."

"......"

"Our Confucian Forest aims to strike them first, preserving the ancestral temples and enacting justice."

Han Baek-ryeong scoffed.

"Heh. Justice doesn't interest me. I'm asking what the Incarnation Flow gains by aiding you, Deng Guo."

"If we topple the evil aiding the emperor, I'll strongly recommend the new emperor recognize your White Lotus Cult as the state religion. And lift all laws restraining the Han clan's expansion."

Flinch!

Han Baek-ryeong's expression hardened at Deng Guo's direct thrust. As expected, Deng Guo already knew the Han clan was essentially White Lotus Cult territory. After pondering, she said,

"But first, one question."

"What?"

"You said no usurpation. That means you have a candidate to enthrone as emperor. Who?"

Deng Guo replied without changing expression.

"I can't say until you commit. It's top secret."

"How can I trust you're not toying with me?"

"...The candidate undoubtedly exists."

Han Baek-ryeong eyed him suspiciously at his firm tone. But I knew who it was.

'Lord Joo Jae.'

The Thunder God Flow rookie Mang Ryang had recommended—a royal in the imperial succession's top ranks! Lord Joo Jae had been enthroned emperor once in my past lives. It had to be him. Other royals were petty and incompetent.

Han Baek-ryeong sighed.

"Fine, let's discuss odds. You claim the palace weakened without their high priest, but from my intel, they're still formidable. Know that?"

"I do."

"They hold dozens, hundreds of mighty demonic beasts, the Embroidered Uniform Guard and Eastern Depot remain intact, and who knows what foul sorcery they've hidden. Even my family's network can't gauge their full strength. Trusting only your Confucian Forest to charge in would devastate the Incarnation Flow. How can we ally?"

Deng Guo smirked coldly.

"Heh! My guardian divine beasts can sweep such foes, yet you hesitate?"

"It's not mere force. Palace involvement escalates beyond sect squabbles. I'm asking if you're prepared for aftermath and their underlings."

"You think the Confucian Forest isn't?"

"Hmph! You've just demanded blind trust without plans. Absurd. At this rate, I'll end the talks."

I knew their friction stemmed from sly foxes hiding their cards. Both needed alliance but loathed exposing forces. Han Baek-ryeong might reject and leave.

'Now.'

I signaled the Sword Demon subtly; he nodded and stood.

"The Shadowless Alliance Leader has a word."

Deng Guo and Han Baek-ryeong turned to us. The Sword Demon continued calmly.

"We've brought a special guest. Might you hear him out before deciding?"

Confirming the face, Deng Guo shot up in shock, then bowed deeply with hurried respect.

"This lowly Deng Guo greets Grand General Hwang Yeon."

"Long time, Deng Guo."

Indeed.

The bamboo-hatted man was Grand General Hwang Yeon!

We'd retrieved him from the armor case, briefed and persuaded him for hours with the Sword Demon, and finally convinced him to attend this meeting.

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