Reincarnated Swordmaster

Translator: Ase

Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village

Deng Kwak then discussed with Manggyang how the Confucian scholars and the Incarnation Flow would divide control of the imperial palace. Deng Kwak was already quietly purging or co-opting the officials from the emperor's faction who had opposed him. Meanwhile, the Incarnation Flow would pacify the martial world of Luoyang and begin expanding their influence in earnest. He added that within ten days, a new emperor—Lord Zhu—would be enthroned.

Manggyang listened quietly before speaking up.

"Doesn't it contradict the Confucian ideology you mentioned earlier, where the young master forbids discussion of monsters and spirits?"

"Not at all. The young master forbade it precisely because such things do exist."

"What do you mean?"

Deng Kwak explained carefully.

"I assume you know, but beings of the [Darkness] easily approach those lost in vague delusions about themselves. Discussing monsters and spirits lightly cracks the shell of reality, drawing the [Darkness] to human eyes. Even the [Ancient Ruler] might bring calamity in response to such a summons."

"It's extremely dangerous, so it's forbidden. It's not banned because they don't exist—it's because they do, and they're perilous. The point is not to recklessly give them an opening. Without provocation, those otherworldly beings tend to stay quiet."

Manggyang glanced at me. He fully understood Deng Kwak's words from my own experiences.

In a past life, while suppressing the imperial palace and battling Zhuge Fu, I had felt a baleful spirit from the constellations inviting me into infinite darkness. It was such a terrifying [call] that I chose self-harm and suicide to reject it. The young master must have forbidden monsters and spirits to prevent such [calls].

"There might be alchemical research results or legacies left in a hidden spot in the palace. If ordinary people access them, it could bring great disaster, so they must be recovered."

"I see. I'll make sure to inform those below me."

"Even though the palace buildings melted away, they might have hidden something in the sub-basement."

Manggyang muttered that before questioning Deng Kwak.

"What if, hypothetically, the high priest hadn't vanished and the palace's darkness continued to wield power? What would you have done?"

"...What are you getting at?"

"I'm asking if the Confucian scholars would have continued silently tolerating their atrocities."

Deng Kwak sighed at Manggyang's question.

"Hoo... Probably."

"Why?"

"You're asking what you already know—quite sadistic. Our Confucian strength is so weak that high-level White Lotus Church's aid, we couldn't have driven out those wicked beings. Even if we wield the power of righteousness to minimally resist otherworldly foes, it's only for self-defense. Righteousness can suppress and repel their names, but it's ineffective against powerful otherworldly beings or humans allied with them."

"Hmm..."

"We're scholars of the mundane world at heart. At worst, we'd watch carefully until the end, then flee Luoyang and bide our time."

He stroked his chin and continued.

"Satisfied?"

"My impudent question—my apologies."

"No need. It was perfectly reasonable."

I knew why Manggyang had asked that. In my many past lives overturning imperial forces, the Confucians had only risen prominently in far more than twenty of them. He was probing why they emerged so late.

Thought: 'Deng Kwak and the key Confucian figures would have sensed a great calamity in advance and evacuated.'

The Confucians weren't exorcists, monks, or immortals opposing demons—they had limits. Led by Deng Kwak, they were powerful in secular affairs but minor players in the hidden world. Realizing they couldn't confront directly with spells or martial arts, they had to maneuver human powers.

"By the way, how do you know Yong Jung-il?"

Deng Kwak answered Manggyang's question.

"The Yellow Mountain Sect leader once visited me. We've kept in touch since then."

"What for?"

"You're prying too much."

As Deng Kwak frowned, Yong Jung-il, standing to the side, spoke slowly.

"In the past, when I founded and ran the Yellow Mountain Sect but lacked funds, I came to the elder to borrow money."

"Hey! Why mention that?"

"Elder, I don't want needless suspicion from them."

Deng Kwak seemed slightly flustered, but Yong Jung-il replied lightly and continued.

"And I repaid that money recently, so our debt is settled. But the debt of sentiment remains, so I'm here today as a guest of your grace."

"I see."

It was a smooth, prepared response. Yong Jung-il truly seemed sharp-minded.

Deng Kwak cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Ahem! Anything else?"

Manggyang said.

"I'd like to meet the man who will become the new emperor. Could you write an introduction?"

"Of course. I was about to suggest it."

"And about future matters..."

"Heh."

Deng Kwak grinned.

"We'll reappoint the outstanding officials and martial officers neglected by the previous emperor."

With that, we finished our discussion with Deng Kwak and headed to the carriage with the latter's introduction to meet Lord Zhu. Before boarding, I glanced back at Yong Jung-il. He stood at the mansion entrance as if seeing us off. I said curtly.

"Planning to keep following us?"

"Wherever I go is my business."

"Don't follow us."

Yong Jung-il didn't respond.

Clop clop.

As the carriage started down the main road, Manggyang transmitted to me.

[He'll follow.]

[Probably.]

For unknown reasons, Yong Jung-il seemed deeply intrigued by me beyond his father's defeat. If he caught on to our Luoyang movements, it would leave a bad aftertaste. Manggyang proposed.

[Since meeting Lord Zhu was overheard at Deng Kwak's, we'll proceed as planned. After the audience, we'll leave Luoyang immediately.]

[Agreed.]

[We'll discuss Yong Jung-il later.]

Watching the carriage roll along the main road, Manggyang suddenly said to me.

"Baek Woong. Look outside. Isn't it vast?"

"Indeed."

Clop clop.

"Riding such a splendid carriage down the imperial highway, admiring Luoyang's scenery—few humans experience that. The gazes from outside also satisfy one's sense of honor."

I looked at the scenery. Grand buildings dotted the area, crowds bustled, and commoners gazed at the carriage with awe and curiosity. No wonder: this carriage, lent by Deng Kwak, was a massive luxury vehicle reserved for the highest officials. It wasn't pulled by just one or two horses—escort carriages flanked front and rear.

***

But it didn't appeal to me. Sure, the envy from the masses brought considerable pleasure. Manggyang had clearly mentioned that very text. Yet for some reason, this life didn't draw me in. Being revered by all, basking in honor and wealth—it held little charm.

"Why?"

It directly tied to my recentfit about craving honor and esteem, yet it felt unappealing, leaving me perplexed. As I pondered, Manggyang chuckled.

"You're truly inscrutable. Just when I think I know you, another side emerges..."

"Am I strange?"

"Not ordinary, no. You've always been quite obsessive. Don't you think so?"

Manggyang rested his chin on his hand, gazing outside, and continued.

"But that doesn't judge normal from abnormal. It's just one measure of your personality and desires. Understanding yourself is solely your own task. The key is whether Baek Woong you are content with who you are now."

"I see..."

His words brought realization. As he said, I'd denied my strong self-display desires, causing confusion. But that was also me—no need for hasty judgment.

The carriage soon arrived at Lord Zhu's mansion. Upon our arrival, he came out to the garden to greet us—befitting royalty, his residence was extravagantly splendid.

"Zhuge Hyun! It's been ages!"

Lord Zhu welcomed Manggyang warmly. Manggyang gave a wry smile.

"Your Highness. I'm Manggyang now. And this is..."

"I heard from Deng Kwak. The Incarnation of the Dragon, he said."

"Correct."

Lord Zhu narrowed his eyes at me briefly, then turned to Manggyang and laughed heartily.

"Haha! Whatever you call yourself, you're a precious friend to me—and your friend is mine too."

Lord Zhu beamed.

"Whenever I struggled in the palace, you lent wisdom and advice, letting me survive. You're like a lifesaver. I've always wanted to summon you to the palace, Manggyang."

"You're too kind."

"But you refused all posts, staying secluded in Deep Wave Valley. Lately, it's felt lonely. I even arranged a fourth-rank position on my recommendation..."

Lord Zhu looked glum. Manggyang just smiled wryly; I could guess his thoughts.

'Accepting a post via royal recommendation would inevitably draw the astronomy bureau and palace faction's eyes—thorn-filled path he didn't want...'

For Manggyang, leisurely days in Deep Wave Valley suited him best.

"Anyway, come in. Let's catch up."

"Yes."

We followed Lord Zhu to an inner reception room. True to a royal home, it was as opulent as Deng Kwak's. After chatting about recent events for about an incense stick's time, Lord Zhu got to the point.

"You've heard from Deng Kwak, but I'll soon ascend as the Great Ming Emperor."

"Congratulations."

"But like this, I'll just be Deng Kwak's puppet again. His faction did the heavy lifting against the former emperor, and the Eastern Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard are annihilated. I have no forces."

Lord Zhu suddenly gripped Manggyang's hand tightly.

"Manggyang! Please, I beg you—help me. With you, I can be a true emperor."

...

His plea made sense. Deng Kwak led the Confucians and was a scholar candidate about his ambitions. Beyond pursuing justice, his faction dominating politics and puppeteering the emperor was highly likely.

Manggyang looked troubled.

"Even so, it's difficult. I'm just a lowly scholar—how could I oppose a high official like Deng Kwak?"

"I'll grant you authority second only to the emperor."

"Pardon?"

"Manggyang, I'll make you Prime Minister. Not in name only—full delegated power."

Manggyang's face—and mine—stiffened.

Prime Minister.

It denoted the chancellor, nearly titular in the current system where the emperor ruled directly through units like the Eastern Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard. But offering it to Manggyang meant handing him oversight over all high officials—a central political authority dwarfing others. At his age of thirty-odd, it meant reaching the pinnacle of power.

"Your Highness, that's..."

"No exaggeration. Deng Kwak already negotiated to enthrone me, and next, he'll grant my favors to the faction's refuse. Abandoning me now for another royal would spark rebellions everywhere."

"Hmm."

"Everyone knows the other royals are too inept to exploit. Installing one would let villains thrive and drown the realm in chaos, blood washing blood."

Lord Zhu seemed utterly sincere.

'Sharp instincts.'

I inwardly deemed his position quite astute. Most would be thrilled at emperorship and drift; he firmly grasped his position and survival strategy. He had the emperor's vessel.

Manggyang thought briefly before speaking.

"Your Highness, forgive me, but I have a greater matter and can't ascend. Instead, shall I offer a recommendation of comparable talent? Discuss state affairs with him henceforth."

"Wh... what? Greater matter?"

Lord Zhu was stunned.

"I'm the next emperor, offering you the Great Ming's chancellorship! What could be bigger?"

Arrogant at first glance, but understandably shocking. Securing the next emperor's guaranteed prime ministership was immense power. Ambitious officials couldn't refuse—yet Manggyang rejected it outright, bound to seem odd.

"Saving the world."

"The world?"

"Your Highness knew of the eerie beings lurking in the palace. I once feared them, secluding in Deep Wave Valley to build strength. Now, with the dragon's power, I've exterminated the wicked ones."

"... "

"But they're not fully eradicated. They'll return someday, stronger demons corrupting humanity. The dragon incarnation and I must fight them."

Lord Zhu pondered long before saying.

"...I see. My thinking was narrow."

"Your understanding relieves me."

"Who is this talent?"

"Sima Jing."

"Sima Jing?"

Manggyang replied confidently.

"A genius of the Sima clan, direct lineage from the Three Kingdoms era. He lost rank in the previous emperor's purge, relegated to a minor post in Guanbaong. His political and administrative skills match or exceed mine—please employ him heavily."

Lord Zhu nodded.

"Recommended by you, Manggyang, he's surely capable. I'll appoint him."

"Thank you."

Soon, Manggyang and I withdrew from Lord Zhu's mansion. Checking for Yong Jung-il's pursuit, we slipped into a secluded spot and used Instantaneous Flight back to Deep Wave Valley.

Flash!

I asked Manggyang.

"Who's Sima Jing? First I've heard of him."

"He's a direct descendant of the Sima main line since the Three Kingdoms. Exceptionally skilled, I consulted him heavily during my studies. Outstanding man—he'll aid the new emperor well. Intellectually, he rivals even Zhuge Fu."

"You know many brilliant people, Manggyang."

"Luoyang, ancient capital of a millennium, draws talents naturally. Sima Jing excels in formations and scoupology too; our friendship bodes well for the future."

Manggyang answered casually, then paused and asked.

"Baek Woong. About that bout with Yong Jung-il—how was it?"

I knew why he asked, so I answered gravely.

"Yong Jung-il seems a skin beyond the super peak realm."

"I see..."

That was my impression. My current skill outmatched most super peak experts, but imperfect mind sword realm operates open-slashed in forms. In clashes with Yong Jung-il or the Sword Demon, even a minor slip—those subtle flaws—meant inevitable. Until my Three Treasures ripened fully, such gaps would stay visible.

Beyond my shortcomings, Yong Jung-il's prowess was immense. Without the Seven Wants or national seal, I'd have been butchered, not just pushed back. This transcended super peak realm.

"Think he's at the absolute realm threshold?"

...

I pondered Manggyang's question deeply before replying.

"I'm not yet a level to judge."

Cowardly, but true. Unascended to absolute realm, how could I casually assess its entry? The Sword Demon, possibly stronger now, might gauge it, but speculating on Yong Jung-il pre-fall Seven Ultimate Arts mastery was absurd.

No room for bravado or pride here. Accurately gauging foes was life-or-death for martial artists. Swallowing shame, I had to be honest with Manggyang.

"One thing's certain: among the Nine Great Sects leaders, he's the strongest."

Elaborating on Manggyang's words.

"And possibly the Wind God Style's top expert."

"That much?"

I said cautiously.

"Without the Heavenly Spirit Pill, even Yong Bi-cheon might fall to Yong Jung-il's Hundred Dragon Sword."

I'd clashed with Yong Bi-cheon multiple times, knowing his level. Top among super peaks, yes—but Yong Jung-il's swordsmanship was another dimension. Less dominance via Colling Public Thrust Sword, more parity.

Manggyang crossed his arms.

"Strange. His master is father Yong Bi-cheon, so net Yong Jung-il favors sword arts over Yong Bi-cheon's. Even a genius abandoning lineage arts for a new sword path nearing absolute realm—plausible?"

"No idea. But his sword was profoundly free and mighty. On par with Reverent Swordsmanship or Colling Public Thrust Sword."

"Perhaps Yellow Mountain Sect sword arts?"

"Well..."

I thought, then shook my head.

"No. I clashed with their elders—their swordsmanship differs entirely. Not Wind God Style either."

I could assert that having studied both Yellow Mountain Sect and Wind God Style swords. Yong Jung-il's didn't belong to either.

"Baek Woong, we've gained precious intel. In your past lives, Yong Jung-il was so cautious we could only guess his level. Even when the Wind God Squad—his combat unit—got wiped, he spectated. Now we've crossed swords directly."

Slightly excited, Manggyang said.

"When Zhuge Sa wakes, we'll discuss with the Sword Demon. Unraveling his sword's origin might yield surprises."

"Got it."

One term surfaced in my mind.

'Sword Form.'

Yong Jung-il uttered it in mental clarity. Common in sword clans, yet it felt laced with his brilliant swordsmanship's source.

We went to Zhuge Sa. Valley maids tended him diligently; his complexion had improved markedly. I checked his pulse—definitely recovering, consciousness soon.

Manggyang said.

"We'll stay in Deep Wave Valley until Zhuge Sa wakes."

"Agreed."

Seizing the chance, I sought Manggyang's spell guidance. He critiqued my Peaceful Essential Arts practice, and I trained day and night in Soul Separation Grand Method and Peaceful Essential Arts.

About three days later, Zhuge Sa finally opened his eyes.

"Have I slept long?"

"Not too long, Uncle."

We recounted events. Zhuge Sa sighed.

"Why summon the Five Great Physicians dramatically? If I died, just transfer my soul to a soul portrait with Soul Separation."

"I opposed that."

Manggyang said gravely.

"Your original body dying is disastrous. Soul portraits mimic humans but are artificial life—vulnerable to spiritual attacks. Plus, transferring might dissipate the demonic book's power you possess."

"Right, you're correct."

Zhuge Sa turned, murmuring mosquito-like.

"My mistake."

Why apologize so faintly?

I tilted my head, but he soon regained color and said.

"So, Baek Woong, you got thrashed by Yong Jung-il?"

"Ugh."

The sudden jab silenced me. Zhuge Sa cackled.

"Long road ahead."

"Didn't expect him that strong."

"Indeed. Lucky you targeted Yellow Mountain's Yong Jung-il in past lives—how grueling."

"Ahem."

"Shirking has perks."

Indeed, I'd once raged at Yellow Mountain atrocities, scheming against Yong Jung-il. Targeting him then would have been hell. After over twenty lives, I never imagined such a match.

"Anyway, Yong Jung-il's not the priority. Time to shift from Luoyang—prepare for Dark Heaven Village."

"How?"

"Allocate five years. We all train to boost power. You refine dual swords and fully restore Fire Dragon God Divine Sword with fire spirit force. With that strength, use Dream Stairs to enter Dark Heaven Village."

"Why fire? More training..."

"Hey, how long to find the moon in Dark Heaven Village? Five's the max; challenge anytime Fire Dragon revives fully. The ten years Cheon Wook mentioned is shorter than you think."

Gruffly, Zhuge Sa asked Manggyang.

"Hym-ah. Five years enough?"

Manggyang nodded.

"Seems sufficient."

"Good. Let's train."

I asked Zhuge Sa.

"Zhuge Sa, you okay now? Demonic book side effects...?"

"Don't worry. Won't worsen if I don't delve deeper."

He seemed reluctant to discuss his state.

Thus, training with Manggyang and Zhuge Sa in Deep Wave Valley, I sensed the time.

'Today makes a fortnight since the promise.'

I'd been out "training in the mountains" for days. As time dragged, in a deserted spot, I used Instantaneous Flight to Luoyang.

Flash.

I arrived in the Han family mansion's reception room. Midnight, pitch black and silent. But my expert senses mapped every object; I advanced slowly.

Fwoosh.

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