Reincarnated Swordmaster

Author:

Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village

I began devouring the demonic scripture from Thunder Sound Temple in a frenzy. Clutching the Oracle Bone Script tightly, I relayed everything I understood and read directly to Mangyang, who received my will through it and translated the scripture's contents into human language. The demonic scripture consisted of over 150 pages, and it took us an entire day and night to read and transcribe it all.

Once the translation was complete, Mangyang gathered the papers and went to bind them into a book. Shortly after, having finished the binding, he wrote a title on the cover. Without thinking, I read it aloud.

"Cangjie Secret Book."

"The name fits perfectly. It contains detailed information on Cangjie. Baek Woong, if something happens to you, this knowledge must be passed on, so memorize it all."

It seemed doable if I read it while operating the Thunder Scripture Canon. I nodded and asked,

"I have a question. Who the hell wrote this book?"

I voiced my doubt.

"Hmm... a natural question. May I share my thoughts?"

As I nodded, Mangyang said,

"Consider the order in which humanity received the Seven Luminaries."

"The order of receiving the Seven Luminaries?"

"According to Mercury's oracle bone script, after humans offered turtle sacrifices and performed burnt offerings, Zhuanxu bestowed Mercury upon them. But we know the Seven Luminaries were created as evidence of a truce due to a pact between the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors and the [Ancient Rulers]. And the creators were the divine Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors themselves. That means humans forcibly received something the gods had already made, even offering sacrifices for it."

"Hmm..."

"In the mythic era, which we know little about, there must have been shamans or a priestly class bridging gods and humans. They sided with humanity and, upon learning the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors created the Seven Luminaries, sought to claim them to bolster human power."

"That makes sense."

If so, the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors never intended to give the Seven Luminaries to human forces from the start. They were handed over at the request of the shamanic forces serving as their minions at the time. Considering the scattered distribution of the Seven Luminaries across the world rather than concentrated on the Central Plains, it rang true.

Mangyang said with satisfaction,

"Anyway, a massive achievement. It details the spells, appearances, personality traits, and strengths of Cangjie's Eight Great Divine Incarnations. And who knew it even recorded the legend of the' [priest who used in the mythic era]..."

Indeed.

By deciphering Thunder Sound Temple's demonic scripture, we learned the characteristics of Cangjie's Eight Great Divine Incarnations. The spells each of the Eight Legions possessed, along with their unique abilities, were all meticulously recorded. Moreover, one of Cangjie's own spells from the mythic era was documented—an unexpected bonus.

Unfortunately, there was no record of Cangjie's weaknesses or the 'First Script,' but we'd obtained that information elsewhere, so it was fine.

Amazed, I said,

"The Art of Return-To-One Tathagata... What connection does this Cangjie have with Buddhism?"

The spell labeled as Return-To-One Tathagata's art was utterly unique. It was a spell Cangjie bestowed upon the leader of his human followers, forming fist seals to absorb surrounding demonic qi. That alone wasn't special, but it could transform the absorbed demonic qi itself into a weapon to wield. Not quite Great Thunder Immortal-level, but undoubtedly a powerful art.

The issue was being called 'Tathagata.' The yokai term differed slightly, but Mangyang had chosen 'Tathagata' as the closest match.

Yet it truly fit nothing else. The transcendent aura, form, and wisdom fist seals described matched what we know of Great One Tathagata perfectly.

Chronologically, it made no sense. If Cangjie's early activity marked the dawn of the mythic era, Tathagata's time didn't align. It was too ancient for Buddhism to exist. Yet his subordinate incarnations were named the Eight Legions, and somehow, Cangjie seemed deeply tied to Buddhism.

Mangyang said gravely,

"This demonic scripture reaching Thunder Sound Temple must be no coincidence."

"What do you mean?"

"Thunder Sound Temple is known in the Central Plains as the brutal overlord of the Western Regions' martial world, but religiously, it's the head of Esoteric Buddhism, possessing a more orthodox lineage than Shaolin itself. For such a temple to preserve even a demonic scripture on Cangjie's weaknesses means its origins in India were firmly within Cangjie's sphere of influence."

"...No way..."

"It's just speculation for now. But Cangjie may be far greater than we imagine."

Muttering that, Mangyang continued,

"Fortunately, the Eight Legion directly involved this time, Kinnara, lacks the immense power of a Deva, Dragon, or Asura. As an incarnation skilled in cunning schemes, once we grab its tail, we can crush it with raw force."

"Even so, it'll be as tough as fighting a decent immortal..."

"No choice. With the board this big, it can't be easy."

"Hoo..."

I sighed.

The power gap among the Eight Legions was clear. Kinnara's pure combat strength ranked second from the bottom, near the weakest, while the strongest were Deva, Dragon, or Asura. According to the scripture, those three could annihilate an Indian kingdom overnight—direct equivalents to Great Thunder Immortals.

We informed Cheon Woo-jin and Sword Demon of our findings on the Eight Legions and Cangjie. Sword Demon seemed fully recovered, listening intently to the tale. Then, in a slightly dejected voice, he said,

"Baek Woong. Can I still be of use in this situation?"

"What do you mean?"

"If what you say is true, our foes from now on are at least Great Thunder Immortal-level monsters. Yet I can't even handle the White Lotus Cult Leader, let alone a Dharma Protector Lion..."

"......"

"With my current power, even the White Lotus Cult Leader would overwhelm me."

I understood Sword Demon's gloom. The enemies had leaped far ahead, yet his own strength lingered at human levels, filling him with frustration.

I sighed inwardly.

'I should have given Sword Demon time to train...'

He could have become a pure powerhouse, but I'd robbed him of growth time for dual sword training. At this point, though, it was too urgent for him to learn dual swords. Nine days remained to seal the Zhuge Liang in the Subduing Evil Repository, and the Heavenly Emperor descend in 40 days. Too tight for complex martial transmission.

Then, Cheon Woo-jin, listening beside us, grumbled bluntly,

"Hey."

"What?"

"I'm forfeiting the giant black obsidian I was supposed to get. Give it to someone else."

"......!!"

Arms crossed, Cheon Woo-jin continued,

"Our current lineup is too weak against Demon Kings or divine apostles. We need at least two more at my level."

"Got it."

I nodded and looked at Sword Demon.

"Then, Sword Demon Elder, prepare to receive the Seven Ultimate Arts and knowledge..."

Sword Demon shook his head.

"No. No time for that."

"Yes?"

"From past experience, reaching the Absolute Realm involved thousands of years of grueling training, even after gaining the black obsidian's memories. Even then, Two Immortals Yeo and Dongbin overwhelmed us in joint assault."

"......"

"Baek Woong. There's one answer."

Sword Demon stared piercingly at me.

"Go to Jin So-cheong. Convince him to join us, and raise him to Absolute Expert in the remaining time. That's our best shot now."

"Jin So-cheong..."

"His talent holds promise. In your current power shortage, he'll be the ally to subdue that villain Kinnara."

He was right. Transmitting my martial memories, refined under Grandmaster Jang Sam-bong, would place Jin So-cheong at the Absolute Realm's entry soon. His genius might push even further. But I hesitated to agree readily.

This... crushes Sword Demon's pride!

Forfeiting a once-in-a-lifetime fortuitous encounter for another was no small thing. Admitting Jin So-cheong's superior talent crushed a demonic sect master's pride. I could guess his feelings.

As I hesitated, Cheon Woo-jin snapped,

"Gonna dawdle? Don't you know pussyfooting around like this is more pathetic? Your job isn't half-assed pity or righteous tears—it's showing us victory."

"Tch, what a mouth..."

I snapped to my senses and grumbled, then nodded.

"Understood."

Sword Demon smiled faintly.

"And I think, since it's come to this, we should expand the board further."

"Expand the board how?"

"Gather everyone we've held back on due to power balances, under the banner of opposing the Demon King. The Twelve Rhythm Lords, White Lotus Cult Leader, Thunder God Style—of course, and even your wife."

Wife!

Catching the teasing intent, my face flushed, I cleared my throat and said,

"...Hmph, I don't want to involve Miho."

"Why not? Her skills surpass most peak experts. Factoring her innate yokai power, seduction arts, and spellcraft, she's prime firepower. Plenty of scenarios where she'd shine."

"That's..."

Mangyang, listening, told Sword Demon,

"Sword Demon Elder. Baek Woong has already died many times with Miho. Ordinary humans might call dying with a loved one a blessing, but for a reincarnator like Baek Woong, it's a nightmare. Consider that."

"Hmm!"

"......"

I fell silent.

'...I don't want to see Miho die again.'

I'd died avenging Miho's death.

I'd chosen death with Miho.

Miho had faced death for me against Miyamoto Musashi.

All ended tragically, and recalling them clenched my fists with regret. Loving Miho meant never wanting to witness her death again. We'd brushed past emotional ruptures with death, but in hindsight, pure nightmares.

This differed from feelings for Mangyang and others. They'd joined my reincarnations long enough to understand. But Cheon Woo-jin sneered,

"Ha! What nonsense."

"What?!"

"So you want to see Mangyang or Sword Demon—or Zhuge Liang—die? What's the difference with Miho?"

It stabbed too sharply.

"...That's..."

"You claim to love Miho but know nothing substantial about her? Her deep ties to the Queen Mother of the West needed digging, yet you've avoided her with flimsy excuses. That dulled your reincarnation achievements. Despite the leeway, your petty romance kept heavily secrets buried."

Silenced like a mute, Cheon Woo-jin said,

"If you love that fox, treat her as an equal reincarnation comrade. You're still clinging to human life's form, showing contradictions."

"Clinging to human life's form?"

"You still think you can marry a woman, have kids, live a peaceful life like a normal human. That's why you're subconsciously overprotecting Miho as a candidate."

"Ugh... That's forced!"

As I yelled, Mangyang waved his hands and interposed,

"Now, now. Enough. Junior Brother meinterpreted—reflect on it."

"Tch."

Cheon Woo-jin turned away sullenly, and Mangyang gripped my shoulder.

"...But Junior Brother isn't entirely wrong. If you truly want a human life and end this reincarnation cycle quickly, accept Miho as a comrade. Now we have power to negotiate with heaven—no need to hesitate."

"Got it."

"Plus, involving Miho brings clear benefits."

I could accept Mangyang's words.

"I must go with Miho."

With comrades saying this much, I couldn't waver. In future reincarnations, I'd definitely bring Miho in. Even if it meant fighting heaven, I'd protect her.

"Then I'll move out."

Flash!

I first headed to Azure Dragon Martial Hall where Jin So-cheong was. From afar, I watched him teaching as Chief Instructor.

'...Unclear. Is he deliberately stalling growth?'

Current Jin So-cheong didn't seem that strong. By my standards, I could topple him easily. I'd waited for a sparse night, but time was short, so from ten li away, I sent him a transmission.

{Jin So-cheong! If you want your parents' secret, come alone to the pine grove near Hamgok Pavilion now—tell no one.}

After sending it, I waited in the pine grove near Hamgok Pavilion. I'd been here before saving Nangong Hwan. After about half a shichen, Jin So-cheong arrived spear in hand.

Staring at me, Jin So-cheong said,

"Who are you?"

"Jin So-cheong, I'm Baek Woong."

Aiming Huaiyuo at him, I said,

"Spar with me. Loser grants winner any one request."

Rumble!!

I surged my internal energy. My Realm-Transcending energy exuded immense pressure, starting Jin So-cheong into staggering. Then he said,

"...!! How much energy."

"Think what you will. Accept?"

"Why this bizarre challenge?"

"Your talent tempts me."

"I can't confirm if you truly know about my parents."

I chuckled and said,

"Your father is Jin Cheon-hwei. Defeat me, and I'll tell all."

"......!!"

"Everything Azure Dragon Lee Gwang hid."

Jin So-cheong flinched but composed himself, aiming his spear.

"Fine. Keep your word."

"Of course."

Flash flash!

Soon, our forms clashed. I lightly surged majestic energy, slapping his side with one stroke, even that made Jin So-cheong reel unsteadily. I easily dodged his counters with footwork, blasting Empty Air Palms at his body.

Boom!

"Urk!"

With a thud, Jin So-cheong flew three zhang back but landed steadily. Sheathing my sword, I said,

"What's wrong? Only twenty breaths passed."

"You... Thunder God Style expert?"

"Correct."

Swinging my sword sideways, I continued,

"Our levels differ vastly. Still want more?"

"Must try."

Jin So-cheong's current skill wasn't low in the martial world. Quite mature even among peak experts—upper tier compared to Twin Gates Clan heads. But incomparable to me, who'd forcibly elevated through countless fortuitous encounters over twenty-plus reincarnations. I felt intrigue at his determination to press on.

'Would I charge an unknown powerhouse?'

No. I'd flee first. Why risk a spar with unknown stakes? The gap allowed grazing if careful, but full power would whitewash him in thirty breaths. Feeling novelty in his resolve, I continued clashing blades.

"Hah!"

"Come!"

Clang!

Kang!

Sword auras clashed repeatedly, sparks flying.

'Easy to dodge, but...'

Strange.

Past fifty breaths into sixty, I was still toying with Jin So-cheong. No path to victory for him. Yet oddly, the spar felt increasingly legitimate.

Scree.

"Hmm...!!"

When Jin So-cheong evenly distributed his Blue Slaughter Aura and thrust a spear flash, I realized something. His early attacks had gaps I exploited leisurely, but his current internal and external rotations had almost none. I dodged with Three Steps Absolute via footwork but couldn't counter.

"No way...?"

A bizarre hypothesis arose but seemed absurd, so I dismissed it and immersed in the spar. Before long, forgetting bets, I unleashed exquisite techniques playfully with Jin So-cheong after ages.

Flash-flash-flash.

Fwoosh.

Wind howls intensified. I noticed Jin So-cheong entering enlightened trance, unconsciously pouring spear flashes in a[f?] state. His spear tip sharpened further, illusion of steel storm pressing frontally.

One hundred breaths!

Finally, I failed to dodge; his strike grazed my arm's flesh. Blood welled slightly—negligible. But I was truly shocked.

'What? The split-second from Three Steps Absolute to normal motion...'

My Three Steps Absolute wasn't infinite invincibility. Marking three steps for absolute evasion had a brief rhythmic gap. Imperceptible even to peers—yet Jin So-cheong had pierced it demanded in 100 breaths.

Coincidence?

Boom!

As Jin So-cheong's assaults grew fiercer, forcing my full capacity, I realized my absurd initial hypothesis was true. His intent invaded my sword interval, disrupting Coiling Dragon Heaven Axis Sword!

"...Urgh!!"

Kwang!

Discarding all energy restraints, I unleashed my strongest technique, blasting Jin So-cheong away. Any more leniency risked my danger.

"Uwaaak."

Jin So-cheong flew wildly, failing landing technique and fainting. I knew from eighty breaths he'd half-lost consciousness, wielding in trance. Staring down with dread, I said,

"...Monstrous bastard..."

Indeed.

Jin So-cheong had broken through a wall and grown mid-fight!

Upon waking, he'd be at least twice as strong? I'd never heard of martial arts surging in combat—utterly astonished.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!