Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village

The greatest martial artist in the world?

Three or four names immediately came to mind. As I stared at Mangnyang, he held up three fingers and said,

"The White Lotus Cult Leader, Musashi, and the Twelve Laws Lord. They are the three supreme experts of the current era, having reached the Absolute Realm. You could say they each represent the Central Plains, Dongyeong, and Goryeo. At the very least, no one short of their caliber could offer you any help."

"..."

"However, contact with the White Lotus Cult Leader is impossible. Meeting him and propelling the White Lotus Cult to new heights in exchange for his aid might seem straightforward, but you know better than anyone why that's not an option, Baek Woong."

"I know."

The White Lotus Cult Leader would stop at nothing to achieve his near-obsessive goal of Vacuum Homecoming. I'd experienced firsthand the immense tragedy that follows getting entangled with him. Moreover, in this life, Han Baekyeong of the Fire God Style had already asked me to eliminate the cult leader, Mangnyang continued,

"Musashi has agreed to assist you for ten years, so you can seek his guidance on martial arts. As for the Twelve Laws Lord, since you've done him a great service, he won't show hostility for the time being."

"That seems the safest path right now, but..."

Mangnyang smiled faintly.

"In my opinion, Musashi won't be of much help in advancing your martial arts."

"Why not?"

"You can tell just from the Five Rings Book. He's an innate genius of the highest caliber, a star among martial artists. The strongest and most brilliant expert in Dongyeong history—he could never understand the perspective of a dullard. I suspect he isn't much of a teacher."

"Hmm... You're probably right."

"Even sparring would be pointless due to the vast gap in skill."

"That makes sense..."

I readily agreed with Mangnyang.

Genius types aren't usually great at teaching others. Their own extraordinary talents make it hard for them to relate to those with average aptitude. The rare geniuses who excel at instruction are simply gifted in that area as well. I'd learned that lesson intimately while training under Lee Gwang and Jin So-cheong. For a star-level genius like Musashi, teaching skills were something I couldn't bank on.

"That said, seeking the Absolute Realm teachings from the Twelve Laws Lord would be a dangerous gamble. Didn't he even tell you himself that he couldn't discuss martial arts with you?"

"He did."

"The Twelve Laws Lord's arts are likely bizarre and off the beaten path. That avenue is blocked too."

"Mangnyang. What are you getting at?"

"The greatest expert doesn't necessarily make the greatest teacher."

Mangnyang replied, then held up three fingers again.

"Now for the next best options: Dokgo Seong, the Sword Demon, and Jin So-cheong."

"..."

"As you know, Dokgo Seong might be the perfect master to solve your issue. As the current pinnacle of the Thunder God Style and a master of the Thunder God Sword Dance, he'd naturally empathize with you and could research it together. Normally, I'd recommend seeking him out above all else."

"... But there's a reason that won't work?"

Mangnyang nodded.

"Because your single strike of the Thunder God Sword Dance that felled the Sea God is an unprecedented realm!"

"...?"

"Dokgo Seong has slaved away at the Thunder God Sword Dance for decades without reaching that level. According to Baek U-seon, he might get there in about fifty years, but not now. You know that technique you used to sever the Sea God's neck wasn't true Sword Thunder, right?"

"It wasn't."

"In that moment, you touched something beyond the framework of the Thunder God Style or Sword Dance—something indefinable by human standards. Even Dokgo Seong might not have answers for your problem. Unless you give him the black obsidian to convince him, he'd just dismiss it as nonsense."

"Hmm."

"No matter how masterful Dokgo Seong is within human limits, he can't explain a divine technique."

He had a point. But sharing the secret of the black obsidian with Dokgo Seong just for this one issue felt too risky. As Zhuge Sa had warned before, Dokgo Seong wasn't the type to selflessly help others—he had selfish tendencies. The thought of potential betrayal made it a tough choice.

"Next, the Sword Demon. He's currently learning the Fire God Style's dual swordsmanship from Han Baekyeong. He's the expert most likely to shatter the transcendent wall and enter the Absolute Realm soon. Plus, he's close to you and trustworthy, so his advice is an option."

"That could work."

"Finally, Jin So-cheong."

"That doesn't make sense... Why is Jin So-cheong in this list?"

I scratched my head. The five names mentioned so far all made sense, but I couldn't fathom why Jin So-cheong was included. Mangnyang smiled.

"Sure, the current Jin So-cheong is just a pup compared to you. But if you set your mind to it and nurture him, you know he'll become an incredible expert in no time, right?"

"You're saying I should give him the black obsidian and raise him?"

"You've done it plenty of times before. That's how you restored the Three Treasures Ultimate Arts and gained clues to the next realm."

"..."

"I know why you're displeased. His talent is terrifying."

I chewed my lip, wrestling with it, then finally sighed in admission.

"Haa~yes. I was just starting to feel like I'd shaken off his shadow and could take pride in myself. Now I'd have to endure him surpassing me again..."

Exactly.

Jin So-cheong's talent terrified me.

I didn't fear demons or gods, but over twenty reincarnations, his absurd genius had shocked me time and again. To outsiders, he just seemed to grow fast, but those who'd witnessed it up close felt differently.

The ultimate, peerless talent of a Martial God!

That was the phrase for Jin So-cheong's gift. Every warrior I'd met, no matter how renowned, revered his talent. I'd only just reached mastery with the Three Treasures Ultimate Arts and started feeling confident, and I didn't want to be overshadowed by his genius again.

Zhuge Sa, who'd been listening, chuckled.

"Hahaha. You're a real piece of work, Hyun. You had something else to say but went and cooked up that dimwit Baek Woong instead."

"Haha..."

Mangnyang gave an awkward laugh, and I tilted my head. Zhuge Sa looked at me and said,

"Listen up. You probably have a guess, but what Hyun proposes next is the real deal."

"Ahem."

Mangnyang cleared his throat and said,

"The six suggestions so far could be achieved easily by just traveling via teleportation gates across the continent. A simple meeting and negotiation would do it. But the two methods I'm proposing now require special procedures, so hear me out."

"Two methods?"

Mangnyang said,

"First: Take the black plaque and resurrect the Thunder God Style's guardian warrior, Yi Cheong-un."

"...!"

"Yi Cheong-un is the strongest in Thunder God Style history, bordering the Absolute Realm, and possesses not only the Thunder God Sword Dance but the Thunder God Spirit Soul as well. Unlike Dokgo Seong, having reached near-Absolute, he might comprehend the Sword Dance's essence. This surpasses all six prior suggestions—it's the best option."

He gave a wry smile and continued,

"But there are two reasons to avoid it."

"What reasons?"

"First: Emperor Jeon-uk of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors directly foresaw danger coming your way. Since it's a divine warning, crisis is inevitable, and the black plaque's revival power could be your trump card. It's too valuable to waste on just Yi Cheong-un."

"And the second?"

"As you know, the moment Yi Cheong-un revives, the Heavenly Spirit Pill falls under the Primordial Spirit God's watch, drawing the White Lotus Cult Leader's intense interest in our affairs. Plus, Yi Cheong-un isn't one to control easily. Releasing him into the jianghu for one martial insight introduces uncontrollable variables."

Makes sense.

I decided postponing Yi Cheong-un's revival this life was wise. Mulling it over, I spoke,

"Then what you're about to say must be the real proposal."

"Indeed."

"Why beat around the bush?"

As I grumbled, Mangnyang said,

"The final method... is to confront anew the absolute authority of martial arts—one we've known of but never properly faced. Seek teachings from him."

"Such a being exists?"

"He is..."

Mangnyang slowly named the entity. I was so caught off guard that I jumped in shock.

"What...? That could work?"

Truly out of left field.

But all the more intriguing. For the first time in ages, anticipation swelled in my chest.

"What's impossible? We're already quite familiar with him."

"But Cheon Woo-jin won't help me anymore."

"I'll assist you, so don't worry."

"Hmm..."

"It's a win-win strategy—no downside to trying. Strike while the iron's hot; let's go now."

Mangnyang seemed convinced this was optimal. As I hesitated, Zhuge Sa said,

"Take this Portrait Ghost as the offering. It should suffice for the wish."

"Zhuge Sa. You sure? Won't you regret it?"

He'd emptied his entire Zhangling Valley river to procure the Portrait Ghosts in Zhangling Valley now. It was natural to feel reluctant, so I asked carefully.

"Regret what? Hyun's proposal sounds solid. Needlessly raising Jin So-cheong, pulling in Dokgo Seong, or using the reserve black plaque—all carry high risks. Trying something untested will be a valuable experience."

"... Got it."

"Siiiiik"

I stored the Portrait Ghosts in my neck pouch and headed with Mangnyang to Mangnyang Zen Master's village. After burying the Heavenly Dark Secret Book, we entered the village—only for Cheon Woo-jin to unfold an illusion barrier, blocking our path moments later.

Cheon Woo-jin glared at me fiercely.

"What did you take my words for? Said I'd cast aside grudges and favors alike!"

He seemed irritated just looking at me. Fair enough; his life had involved unusually frequent contact with him. Then Mangnyang, standing beside me, addressed Cheon Woo-jin.

"Don't worry, junior brother. We're just here to borrow the altar today—no need for your help."

Cheon Woo-jin growled at Mangnyang.

"Senior brother, don't talk nonsense. The world is full of famed mountains and sacred peaks—why perform the ritual here of all places? Don't trouble Master further."

"Hmm... It shouldn't be an issue, but I think Master would want to hear our story."

"On what basis?"

Mangnyang pointed at the sky.

"You must have sensed the heavens twisting greatly recently. Do you know why?"

"Because some colossal being fell, right? I don't know what, but the entire cosmos flipped."

"Haha. With an event that massive, how could you ignore worldly affairs? As expected of you, junior brother."

"Why bother bowing to the heavens for someone else's business? Anyway, spit it out if you have something to say."

Mangnyang continued calmly.

"The Sea God fell. That's why the heavens twisted."

"......!!"

"The one who felled the [Ancient Ruler] Sea God for the first time in history is Baek Woong, standing before you."

*Gasp~*

Cheon Woo-jin lost his composure, gaping at me. He then frantically divined something and grew even more shocked. Sweat beading on his forehead, he said,

"I-Impossible. Even the Lord of the Seven Desires couldn't... How could a human slay a god..."

"It's true. Didn't you just consult Master to confirm?"

"......"

"It's our duty. As guardians of Central Plains Taoism, we must report to our master. We're here to perform the ritual while we're at it, so step aside."

Cheon Woo-jin reluctantly nodded.

"... Fine."

We entered the village and proceeded to Yeo Dongbin's shrine.

A sudden sadness washed over me as I caressed the shrine's pillar.

'Yeo Dongbin is still fighting the Sea God.'

Sealing the Sea God's monstrous demonic power with his own strength, he'd be self-destructing. Without his sacrifice, I'd have died there too. Amid the joy of victory, I'd momentarily forgotten—but Yeo Dongbin was the true one who felled the Sea God.

That was when it happened.

"... Again..."

The dream demon descended. Responding to Mangnyang Zen Master's call, I slowly drifted into sleep.

[You've come again.]

Mangnyang Zen Master's first words. He approached along a wooded path, then leaped onto a low stone wall. The black cat strode regally top it and looked at me.

[Felling the Sea God—quite the karma you've accrued.]

"......?"

Accruing karma?

I eyed Mangnyang Zen Master suspiciously, and he lazily swished his tail as he spoke.

[What seemed coincidence was inevitability, and what felt inevitable became coincidence. Karma is the world's greatest law.]

"What do you mean by accruing karma?"

[I'll explain once you accrue more.]

"You're toying with me!!"

Had this cat planned to mess with people from the start? As I snapped, he turned away indifferently.

[The Twelve Laws Lord left a message for me. He wants to contract with you, with me as mediator.]

"What?"

[He must be quite taken with you. A guy who trusts no one but himself.]

"A contract? Why would I make a deal with that bastard?"

I said incredulously.

The Twelve Laws Lord was among the least trustworthy people I'd encountered. For someone as untrustworthy as Lee Gwang to suddenly propose a shady contract via Mangnyang Zen Master as go-between—no way I'd react positively.

Mangnyang Zen Master irritably raised a paw.

[Talk it over yourselves.]

"Paat!"

Space ripped open, and someone in a puppy mask appeared. Naturally, it was the Twelve Laws Lord. I'd never imagined him entering this dream space, so my eyes widened. He glanced around, then said to me,

"Hey, good to see you, Baek Woong."

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