Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village

Seeing the scene before my eyes, I felt a profound sense of incongruity, and I couldn't help but marvel at Mang-ryang's scheme.

General Hwang Yeon had trained in martial arts, but he was barely scraping by at the first-class level. At present, he was nothing more than an elderly man whose family had all been imprisoned, teetering on the brink of death.

Yet Deng Guo, a representative of the formidable scholarly faction that neither the imperial palace nor the Transformation School could ignore—a transcendent expert no less—was flustered at the sight of Hwang Yeon, unable to hide his embarrassment. Moreover, his expression showed it wasn't feigned; he genuinely feared Hwang Yeon.

Han Baek-ryeong, upon seeing Hwang Yeon, also hurriedly clasped her hands in salute.

"It has been too long since I last beheld the hero who saved the nation, General Hwang."

Even Han Baek-ryeong?!

As I grew even more astonished, Hwang Yeon replied nonchalantly from his seat.

"This old man appearing out of nowhere must have startled you all."

"Please do."

Both Deng Guo and Han Baek-ryeong answered almost in unison. Yet their faces showed no trace of embarrassment or fluster—only the conviction that it was entirely appropriate. Watching this, I realized what Mang-ryang had told me yesterday.

[Baek-Ryeong, General Hwang Yeon is far greater than you imagine. So there's no need to force...]

[How could I not worry? If Han Baek-ryeong or Deng Guo take offense, they might resort to force...]

[That worry itself is pointless.]

[.....?]

[In your past life, the moment 'I,' Mang-ryang, had General Hwang Yeon in hand, I could have incited rebellion or upsetting all writ. It was akin to Cao Cao seizing the Emperor. And why? Because he is one of the greatest generals in the history of the Great Ming Empire.]

Yesterday, I hadn't fully grasped Mang-ryang's words. But seeing these two men squirm now, I had no choice but to believe.

In terms of symbolism alone, Hwang Yeon could overwhelm any high official in Luoyang!

The reason no force needed to be feared was the symbolism embodied by the man before us—it made rash use of one's own power impossible. Who would dare lay hands on a figure who could sway the world depending on how he was used or handled? Especially not intellectuals like Deng Guo or Han Baek-ryeong; they would never take such a gamble.

Moreover, both treated Hwang Yeon with utmost caution. Beyond their rational schemes and intrigues, they respected the man himself.

As I inwardly admired this, Hwang Yeon continued in a quiet voice.

"What do you all think of the Great Ming Empire?"

The abrupt question seemed out of left field, yet it was clearly tied to the current topic. Deng Guo pondered deeply before answering.

"The center of the world."

As eyes turned to Han Baek-ryeong, she replied in a somewhat cold tone.

"The Emperor's domain."

There was a clear difference in their tones. To Deng Guo, the Great Ming Empire was a absolute standard, an anchor at all costs. To Han Baek-ryeong, it was merely a difference in rulers. Hwang Yeon smiled faintly.

"Both are correct. And I wish to add one more thing."

"What...?"

"The land of the myriad people who form the Hua. Is that not the Great Ming Empire?"

The two were ambiguous expressions. Hwang Yeon's definition wasn't wrong, but it differed in temperature from their own views. Moreover, the meaning he conveyed diverged from conventional notions of loyalty.

Deng Guo spoke.

"You mean the people are the foundation of the nation?"

"Farmers are the great foundation of the world,' it is said, but that's not what I mean. What we, in our positions as members of the Great Ming Empire, must protect is not imperial authority, but the people."

"You understand my thinking, General."

Deng Guo looked pleased, but Hwang Yeon continued with an even more impressive expression.

"However, my abduction to the Great Thunder Prison by the Embroidered Uniform Guard has changed my perspective."

".....?!"

"There, I witnessed indescribable barbarians and malevolent beings. Before them, human equality and wisdom became meaningless... They were utterly detached from our common sense and values, forcing us to confront a more fundamental issue."

Thud.

Hwang Yeon's fist struck the table softly. As all eyes turned to him, he gazed at the two with blazing eyes and declared.

"Survival!"

"Survival...?"

"What we face is not the Emperor's corruption or the need to purge corrupt officials and absolute. This transcends power struggles—it's a direct threat to all our survival. And I believe that survival encompasses the myriad people of the Hua as well."

Deng Guo let out a sigh as if realizing something, while Han Baek-ryeong's face hardened. She crossed her arms, pondered, then addressed Hwang Yeon.

"Do you believe the barbarians will exterminate the capital's humans?"

"It's beyond that. If left unchecked, all humanity will plummet into the abyss before long."

"Hmm..."

"You are an expert of the White Lotus Cult, Han Baek-ryeong. My words may not resonate with you. But can you swear the darkness infiltrating the palace won't taint the White Lotus Cult? It's time to offer all."

Han Baek-ryeong made no retort. But her stiffened expression suggested Hwang Yeon had struck at her deepest concerns. Deng Guo said to her, arms crossed.

"The elder's words are all correct. If we don't act when we can, it will spiral beyond control."

"You talk well. But you've been more obsessed with the scholarly faction seizing power than worrying about the people, haven't you?"

Though Han Baek-ryeong sneered, Deng Guo didn't bother refuting. Instead, he replied boldly.

"If the outcome protects everyone, isn't that what matters? What's wrong with using power preemptively to avert future threats?"

It wasn't wrong.

"...What..."

Han Baek-ryeong sighed deeply, lost in thought. Watching her, I wondered if the meeting was going well and sent a transmission to the Sword Demon.

[Is this alright?]

[Of course. No issues. I'm grateful the elder is handling it so adeptly.]

[Really?]

[The atmosphere, which seemed headed for rupture, has shifted. Han Baek-ryeong is listening earnestly. No one but General Hwang Yeon could achieve this. She's heeding him because he's the hero who saved the nation speaking sincerely.]

It was as the Sword Demon said. After much deliberation, Han Baek-ryeong set down her long pipe and spoke.

"Very well. The Transformation School will cooperate."

"You've made the right choice."

Then Han Baek-ryeong glanced at me and the Sword Demon before saying,

"Also, you must explain how you brought General Hwang Yeon here."

As for the question we'd expected, so the Sword Demon stepped forward with a calm explanation. It covered rescuing General Hwang Yeon from the Great Thunder Prison, the moon beasts there, and our journey here. His account was logical and clear, so Deng Guo and Han Baek-ryeong listened without complaint.

Han Baek-ryeong glared sharply at Deng Guo.

"Leaving that aside, how do you plan to rise up? Raise an army and storm the palace? Or select experts to assassinate the Emperor first? If you have a plan, explain it. We're in the same boat now."

To her question, Deng Guo replied steadily.

"We'll eliminate the Eastern Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard first, then enthrone a new Emperor. You'll have to help breach the palace."

"I won't charge blindly without knowing the enemy's forces. Tell me everything you know about them first."

"Very well."

After lengthy discussions, Han Baek-ryeong finally seemed agreeable to the Transformation School fighting on the front lines. Deng Guo cracked his knuckles.

"The undertaking begins tomorrow."

"Cooking beans in a lightning flash."

"Prolonging such a critical matter only risks leaks. With your Transformation School's strength, isn't it better to strike sooner?"

"Fine."

The meeting soon concluded. General Hwang Yeon said he had more to discuss with Deng Guo and Han Baek-ryeong to plan post-operation matters. Since Hwang Yeon wasn't betraying type and Deng Guo wouldn't dare act rashly against him, we let them go.

We exited with Han Baek-ryeong, who then led us to the Han family manor. Entering the family head's chamber, she said:

"Sword Demon, Shadowless Alliance Lord. You and your subordinate lead the vanguard tomorrow."

The Sword Demon replied curtly.

"Leader, I have a question."

"What is it?"

"You're not involving other Transformation School branches or the main altar?"

Han Baek-ryeong chuckled and dangled her pipe.

"That's none of your concern."

"It's important. I can't die like a dog without knowing the situation."

"Hmph... Insolent fool."

She spat the words before continuing.

"I've already reported to the Cult Leader. So don't worry—one ally will arrive for tomorrow's battle."

"How strong is this one?"

"Didn't I say not to worry?"

Even the Sword Demon couldn't press further as she snapped irritably. Then, like wielding a whip, she barked her orders directly to him.

"Shadowless Alliance Lord, I know you submitted to Transformation School and became my disciple for your ambitions, but I highly value your abilities and talents. Establish merit in this battle and strive diligently, and within a year, I'll promote you to Acting Leader rank."

Acting Leader was just below elder in the Transformation School—a field commander acting as second-in-command. As far as I knew, this was an unprecedented promotion. Even lifelong Transformation School masters who trained for decades struggled to reach it.

Hearing this, I asked Han Baek-ryeong.

"Do you trust Deng Guo?"

"Huhu! A naive question. Discussing trust in such alliances."

She smirked and said.

"No more to discuss. Be out by mid hour tomorrow."

"Understood."

"Like General Hwang Yeon, bring any preparations you need."

She seemed to highly approve of our bringing General Hwang Yeon today. It had swayed her heart and assured her participation. We left the Han manor and met Mang-ryang, waiting at a nearby inn.

Mang-ryang slurped his tea.

"No need to call the Sword Emperor. Just the three of us join."

"That might be best?"

"We must hide our full strength. Besides, if Han Baek-ryeong reported to the Cult Leader and another ally comes, she's aiming for certain victory—that one must be Guardian rank."

"Probably."

As the Sword Demon nodded, Mang-ryang continued.

"The key isn't destroying the palace. Tomorrow's goal is different."

"What?"

"Capture the alchemist at all costs!"

Mang-ryang's eyes burned with resolve.

"In our past life, we never captured him and extracted details. The palace's might always focused us on annihilation. But now, with Zhuge Yulong and Zhuge Bu— the palace's de facto leaders—missing, seizing him should be easier."

"He's said to be a grand sorcerer. If he flees with magic..."

"I'll block it."

Mang-ryang exuded confidence.

"Compared to prior events, this is trivial. Capturing the alchemist will reveal his schemes, why he crafted the portrait ghosts, and more. Seize this golden opportunity before Han Baek-ryeong and Deng Guo interferes."

"Got it."

The next morning dawned.

At mao hour, we rendezvoused with Han Baek-ryeong's Transformation School experts. Via spirit pigeon, they'd handpicked elites from the main altar—all peak or elder level masters. Their thirty-strong elite force's power was evident.

Han Baek-ryeong led them to the rendezvous with Deng Guo. There, he waited with a hundred scholars. Their aura and skills seemed far inferior to the Transformation School elites. Han Baek-ryeong chided him.

"Hmph. No wonder you've been cowered before the palace till now."

"Say what you will. We're scholars by nature, not fighters."

"With that level of internal energy, what nonsense?"

"Post-operation preparations are ready. We trust you."

Whoosh.

The hundred plus then infiltrated the palace inner citadel. The guards, prepped in advance, offered no resistance and looked away. Upon arrival, Deng Guo said.

"Then we'll hit the Eastern Depot as planned."

"Got it."

"We'll join once secured."

Deng Guo's scholarly forces headed to the pre-scouted Eastern Depot hideout. The Transformation School's task: neutralize the Embroidered Uniform Guard and storm the palace inner sanctum. Han Baek-ryeong eyed her forces and commanded.

"Elders and inner hall, take the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Leave none alive."

"As you command."

"You two, follow me. We strike the palace."

Flash.

Most Transformation School forces surged to assault the Embroidered Uniform Guard's secret base, leaving Han Baek-ryeong charging the palace with just us two. It seemed absurd, but I realized she knew our power well.

"With a Guardian, subduing the current palace is child's play..."

She brought us to ensure total demolition. At the palace, Han Baek-ryeong ignored schemes or stealth, raising her twin swords at the main gate.

"Haat!"

Infinite Dragon Sword!

The Transformation School's secret art unleashed with her absolute internal energy. Intent-condensed dragon headed sword aura soared, slamming into the three-arch hall gate with radiant light.

Boom!

The main gate shattered like cannon fire. Nearby guards scattered in chaos, but I knew this wasn't her full power. At will, she could unleash tenfold devastation.

Clang clang.

Entering, guards guarding the palace surged from all sides. She gripped her twin swords tightly, unleashing with their killing intent.

"Mercy, Elder."

The Sword Demon beside her urged restraint.

"You plan to kill them all? Please show restraint..."

"We've committed treason either way. Why hold back? Clearing them won't take ten breaths."

It wasn't bravado. With Heavenly Spirit Pills feeding Twelve Infinite Dragon King Slashes, half the palace grounds would crumble instantly, humans shredded by sword energy. Even tens of thousands meant nothing to her infinite barrages spanning dozens or hundreds of zhang.

"These soldiers are innocent! They just follow orders."

"Hmph."

Han Baek-ryeong smirked amusedly.

"If you think so, handle them alone! I'll respect your conviction then."

"Understood."

Flash.

Using Transformation Shadow Dance, she vanished toward the inner palace at terrifying speed. She'd kill everything but delegated that to the Sword Demon. I said worriedly to him.

"No need to heed such madness. Let's go to the palace together."

"Go ahead alone."

"What? Tens of thousands garrison the palace. Without Heavenly Spirit Pills, eliminating them solo is impossible."

"Even a Transcendent realm master can't change that. Human internal energy was finite, limiting stamina and techniques. He could handle a thousand or two elite troops, but beyond became attrition. I'd endured it countless times.

Even feeding him my Black and White Lotus and Sacred Lotus boosted his energy—still the same. Solo agent ten thousand? Only a Guardian could.

"But if I dally, her self-might ignore me. She despises those who break their word. So I'll fight as long as I can."

"But that's..."

"No worries. I don't expect to defeat tens of thousands. Just hold until you and Han Baek-ryeong eliminate the Emperor and capture the alchemist. And Mang-ryang's here, right?"

"..."

"Consider it the price for halting a massacre of tens of thousands."

"...Understood."

Swoosh.

Archers loosed arrows from all directions. Simultaneously, the Sword Demon's sword traced a graceful circle—not mere forms, but terrifying speed shaping it. Intent-laden, it formed a Taiji diagram, absorbing the barrage spanning ten odd zhang. It nullified thousands of arrows, eliciting archers' shock.

"What?!"

Rumble.

Ironclad soldiers charged from everywhere. As I channeled energy for a strike, the Sword Demon shouted.

"No need to waste energy here! I'll handle it—go!"

Worried though I was, I couldn't insist. Reluctantly, I withdrew, unleashing Seven Stars Thunder Strike on blockers.

"Out of my way!"

Boom boom.

Its simple yet fierce power cleared a path through soldier swarms, felling or flinging hundreds. I darted toward the inner palace like a arrow.

My heart raced. Even with his elevated arts, tens of thousands were no guarantee! Hasten palace suppression was the only way.

Reaching the inner palace, I found mangled corpses strewn everywhere. Han Baek-ryeong showed no mercy to obstructors. Human mostly at the entrance, but after a hundred zhang, monstrosities—monster corpses abounded.

"What? So many barbarians..."

Further in, Han Baek-ryeong piled another corpse mound, flames erupting to incinerate it. She'd slain masses in seconds. Glancing at me, she said.

"As Deng Guo said, this is a den of evil. No humans left."

"Indeed."

True enough. Her vanquished foes were grotesque barbarians and demon-like fiends.

"Did the alchemist convert all palace humans to barbarians...?"

Bitterweet, but inevitable after giving him time. I knew he'd boldly implant barbarian seeds in Embroidered Uniform Guard Chief White Tiger for transplants. With Zhuge Yulong and Zhuge Bu gone, pursuing self-preservation via atrocities was foreseen.

I told Han Baek-ryeong.

"To the throne room. The Emperor or alchemist should be there."

I could go alone, but enemy forces might be strong. Safer with her.

"You know well."

"Researched beforehand."

"Lead."

"Yes."

I guided her to the throne room, visited many times before. There waited the alchemist and Emperor. The Emperor scowled at Han Baek-ryeong.

"Han family head...? Why attack us?"

"Puppets bore me."

Stunned, the Emperor stammered.

"Wh-what?!"

Her gaze fixed on the alchemist. Quietly glaring, she said.

"Filthy scum! I'll eradicate you all here."

The alchemist burst into mad laughter.

"Kahahaha! Blind fool borrowing power from 'Father's' throne... Wielding it recklessly, ignorant of the cost. Your choice is your folly—you'll regret it soon."

Flash.

Mid-speech, we attacked without waiting. A sudden barrier he'd prepared withstood, cracking yet holding. As our barrage neared breaking it—

Crack!

"Argh!"

He suddenly snapped Emperor Huizong's neck beside him. The Emperor died instantly. The alchemist cried maniacally.

"I am the undying one... the one who knows all truths... the supreme sage, Count of St. Germain! I offer the sacrifice to the Dark Heaven Village..."

Splat.

"His soul shall summon the darkness!!"

Self-proclaimed Count of St. Germain's body exploded into gore, black red tentacles bursting out, digging into the ground like a tree. From Huizong's corpse too, tentacles erupted wildly, intertwining. Han Baek-ryeong stared dumbfounded, hesitating to attack.

Understandable. Even a battle-hardened veteran like her couldn't imagine such insanity. The tentacles kept extending, piercing the ceiling toward the sky. Han Baek-ryeong gathered Heavenly Spirit Pill power and struck the expanding mass.

Boom!!

"What?!"

She recoiled in shock. Her full-force Infinite Dragon King Slash merely singed it; it regenerated instantly. Dangerous—I urged her.

"Retreat!"

We swiftly evacuated. The tentacles ballooned exponentially, devouring the inner palace, massive tendril-trunks rooting deep. I'd seen something similar, groaning inwardly.

"Guardian..."

Moon World's guardian, Izanagi-no-Mikoto's incarnation!

It resembled that. Whatever evil sorcery, the alchemist had summoned potent barbarian power. Han Baek-ryeong watched the grotesque thing thrusting toward the clouds and asked.

"What in the world is that?"

"I'll fetch the Sword Demon."

I rushed back. There, the Sword Demon held tens of thousands at bay with some leisure. I gaped at the scene—our force would've killed soldiers with a grand formation shot.

"The situation's changed!"

"Looks like it. Let's go."

We broke the siege again amid the army. In a secluded spot behind dim buildings, Mang-ryang emerged. He'd hidden, aiding via spells.

"Failed...?"

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