Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village

Zhuge Bu was still confined in the secret chamber of Jangryeong Valley.

However, it seemed Mang-ryang had improved his treatment, as he no longer looked emaciated from starvation like before. Instead, he wore a composed expression.

Upon spotting us, Zhuge Bu spoke in a wary tone.

"Are you here to kill me?"

Mang-ryang replied.

"You're already well aware that's not the case, yet you ask anyway."

"......"

"I'll get straight to the point. How much do you know about the Yuryong Collection?"

"...Unexpected. Why ask about that?"

......

"I'll get straight to the point. How much do you know about the Yuryong Collection?"

Zhuge Bu's eyes gleamed with interest.

"...Unexpected. Why ask about that?"

"Just answer the question."

"You must know something yourself to come asking, but yes, I know as much as one should. As a descendant of the Zhuge family, I studied diligently."

"Then you must recognize this pattern."

Mang-ryang smoothly revealed the pattern Miho had drawn to Zhuge Bu.

Zhuge Bu nodded silently, apparently convinced that Mang-ryang already knew everything and deciding there was no point in denying it.

Mang-ryang continued.

"I only studied the Yuryong Collection for a short time. But you, Zhuge Bu, were raised as your father's successor and studied it for years. If you know anything more about this pattern, tell me honestly."

Zhuge Bu scoffed.

"Hah... Honestly... As if I even have a choice. You're just toying with me. Even if I refuse, you'll use the Soul Extraction Technique to rip it out of me by force, right? Why bother with all this hassle?"

"......"

The brothers' gazes clashed in midair.

Mang-ryang stared at him with emotionless eyes, but I knew that wasn't the full truth.

[Baek Woong. I want to make Zhuge Bu an ally as well.]

Mang-ryang had told me this before we arrived.

When I dismissed it as nonsense, I recalled him insisting repeatedly.

[The situation is moving too urgently now, with enemies on such a high level that it's hard to feel it yet, but if Zhuge Bu becomes an ally, things will get much easier ahead. He's undoubtedly the greatest genius in the Central Plains. So let me test him once.]

Mang-ryang didn't particularly like Zhuge Bu.

That was because Zhuge Bu, proud of his innate talent, had always looked down on his younger brother.

Yet, setting aside personal feelings, Mang-ryang seemed to acknowledge Zhuge Bu's abilities and talents.

What was it that Mang-ryang wanted to see?

As I watched their standoff, Zhuge Bu slowly spoke.

"I don't know what that pattern is either. Use the Soul Extraction Technique or not, do as you please."

"You truly don't know?"

"I said do as you please. What's the point of interrogating me like this? I have no intention of telling you what you want to hear anyway, and you can't verify if I'm lying."

He laughed self-mockingly.

"You really haven't changed at all."

"......"

Mang-ryang let out a short sigh.

Zhuge Sa then stepped forward and interrogated him using the Soul Extraction Technique, but all it confirmed was that he truly didn't know.

Zhuge Sa slapped the cheek of the downcast Zhuge Bu, clearly displeased by something, and said to Mang-ryang.

"We have no choice but to capture Zhuge Yuryong and ask him."

"That seems to be the case."

"See? You have to admire your brother's caution. He won't even tell his own son everything."

Zhuge Sa was right.

Mang-ryang had said Zhuge Bu must have studied the Yuryong Collection for at least ten years, yet even he didn't know the special meaning behind the pattern.

This was proof that Zhuge Yuryong viewed it as a secret he'd take to his grave.

Once the interrogation ended and we returned, Mang-ryang said to me.

"We've defeated the Demon King somehow, but now I think we need to observe the situation."

"I agree."

Zhuge Sa chimed in from the side.

"Fighting the incarnation of the [Ancient Ruler] residing in the White Lotus Cult is too risky. The Demon King became a divine being, but at root, he was a human demon sorcerer. That one is the real deal. We can only hope the Demon Fox King takes it down."

I pondered deeply before asking.

"The Heavenly Punishment is about a month away, roughly. What do we do?"

"The situation is different from before."

Zhuge Sa cracked his knuckles as he spoke.

"In fact, this Heavenly Punishment might even be necessary for humanity's survival."

"What do you mean?"

"Previous Heavenly Punishments were largely punitive toward humans who dared summon the [Ancient Ruler]. But this time, since you defeated the Sea God, it can't carry that meaning. Simply put, Heavenly Punishment is the heavens descending to earth. With the Sea God gone and causality in chaos across the Central Plains, it might actually fit perfectly."

"......"

"So waiting for the Heavenly Punishment could be an option. Since we've eliminated the Demon King, a major variable, it might even be easier."

I hadn't considered that.

"..."

"So waiting for the Heavenly Punishment could be an option. Since we've eliminated the Demon King, a major variable, it might even be easier."

I hadn't considered that.

Until now, I'd seen Heavenly Punishment as symbolizing total destruction and tried to stop it at all costs.

But in this asura field overrun by hordes of demons, it could actually be beneficial?

My mind cleared, and I said to Zhuge Sa.

"...Even so, the risk of humans being massacred remains. The celestial immortals descending via Heavenly Punishment won't spare humans."

"No choice. As you say, tens of thousands might die at the immortals' hands. But isn't it just a difference in who does the killing?"

Zhuge Sa continued flatly.

"You saw the future vision through Baek U-seon's prophecy—the depravity of the Nine Yin Cult swarming with the [Ancient Ruler]'s apostles. Once those malignant spirits' apostles or other [Ancient Ruler] kin rampage in earnest, humans will lose all rights and become livestock. The heavens might punish humans as an example, but wholesale extermination or livestock treatment is unlikely."

"Hmm..."

"The celestial armies will descend, garrison the human world, and preserve humanity's lineage."

I fully understood Zhuge Sa's point.

If doom was inevitable anyway, better to choose the milder overlords.

But then Miho, who had been listening, spoke up.

"Is that really true?"

All eyes turned to Miho.

She gazed coldly at the sky and continued.

"The Queen Mother of the West doesn't care much for humans. Moreover, from what I've seen, most of the highest heavens view humans as something they tolerate reluctantly."

I exclaimed in surprise.

"Miho, is that true?"

"Yes. I don't know about the Three Pure Ones, but the great celestial immortals right below them are largely skeptical of human civilization."

Miho twirled a lock of her hair around her finger as she spoke.

"It's like... they do it because they have to, not because they want to? I'm not entirely sure, but great celestial immortals seem burdened with inescapable duties or fates the moment they're appointed. Purely liking humans and protecting them out of affection is extremely rare among immortals."

"Hmm..."

"Yeo Dong-bin, Fire Dragon True Man, and Jang Sam-bong—tied to you by fate—are exceptions."

Miho's words carried great weight.

As a great yokai who had lived for centuries at the side of the Queen Mother of the West, the highest in the heavens, her perspective was essentially that of the heavens themselves.

Not understanding, I said.

"Most great celestial immortals weren't born in the heavens, right? If they ascended from humans, why be skeptical of humans? Shouldn't they want to protect them?"

"...You're saying something strange, Baek Woong."

Miho looked at me oddly.

"Why would human civilization be good? They raise and slaughter animals for their pleasure, work oxen and horses endlessly. Pigs are intelligent creatures, yet mass-farmed and butchered for meat. Devoured in every way imaginable. Humans harm other beings not just to survive, but for enjoyment. And they destroy natural ecosystems out of selfish greed, spreading only harm."

"......"

"Those who ascended from flora and fauna nearly all harbor hatred toward humans. Even human ascendants shed earthly passions upon gaining objectivity and view humans grayly. Yokai don't harm humans for no reason."

"Hmm."

This was the yokai perspective on humans.

"Humans aren't such positive beings. It's baffling why the heavens maintain a policy of

"Hmm."

This was the yokai perspective on humans.

"Humans aren't such positive beings. It's baffling why the heavens maintain a policy of protecting them."

I found myself agreeing with Miho at first glance.

'I don't particularly like humans either.'

I cherished my close comrades, but I lacked universal love for humanity as a whole.

I was human myself—unable to love broadly beyond my circle.

But mass slaughter was another matter, so here I was, trying to save them.

Since I couldn't escape doom alone, might as well save everyone while at it.

Zhuge Sa waved his hand dismissively.

"No need to rehash what we all know. Does anyone here not know humans are worse than dogs? We all get it, but dwelling on it changes nothing—no point discussing."

"True enough."

"Anyway, best to hold back and stay put for now. However..."

"However?"

"We should check the five Heavenly Punishment Altars once more."

He was right.

Their value had dropped since we couldn't perform the sealing ritual there anymore, but they were still sites where the heavens would descend.

Monitoring them was crucial.

"What if the Demon Fox King attacks?"

With the Demon Fox King wary of us, moving separately was dangerous.

This time, we'd nearly been wiped out encountering him out of nowhere in Xinshi.

We escaped unscathed by his whim, but luck might not hold next time.

Zhuge Sa answered my concern.

"If it's too risky for us to go, better use puppets."

"Puppets?"

"Come forth."

Zhuge Sa waved at the air.

It was a spell to summon souls.

Step

Step

Under Zhuge Sa's control via the Soul Extraction Technique, shadowy figures staggered out from a corner of the secret room.

There were five in total.

I understood upon seeing them

Under Zhuge Sa's control via the Soul Extraction Technique, shadowy figures staggered out from a corner of the secret room.

There were five in total.

I understood upon seeing them.

"Supreme奇人 Puppets."

"These are the top-grade ones we kept aside instead of sacrificing last time. Carefully crafted, so far more stable and performant than rough ones. Input some martial arts and spells, and scouting will be easy."

"Have the puppets use Transfer Talismans for scouting?"

An unexpected method.

Zhuge Sa said.

"That's best. What if you trigger a trap or run into the Demon Fox King again while moving? Baek Woong, you're our leader—can't afford reckless outings. If you're caught, it's over."

"Hmm. Can puppets even use Transfer Talismans?"

"Give them Transfer Talismans and Sound Transmission Pearls."

I handed them over to Zhuge Sa, who gave both to one of the puppets—a beautiful girl—and ordered.

"Use the Transfer Talisman to go to Hangsan's Heavenly Punishment Altar. Report the situation via Sound Transmission Pearl."

"Yes."

Flash!

situation via Sound Transmission Pearl."

"Yes."

Flash!

The puppet beauty teleported away.

I held the other end of the Sound Transmission Pearl.

Soon, her voice came through.

[Arrived at Hangsan's Heavenly Punishment Altar.]

[No enemies, yokai, or demons?]

[None in visible range.]

[Return.]

[Yes.]

Flash

She returned promptly.

At my command, she obediently handed back the talisman and pearl.

Zhuge Sa grinned.

"See? Simple."

"Indeed... But we only have one Transfer Talisman."

"Send them in pairs, one use each. More efficient than solo, better for scouting. Even if trapped or ambushed, no big loss. Three left if two fall."

"......"

Even if destroyed in combat, they weren't living beings.

Efficient, sure, but I still hesitated.

'Do puppets truly lack their own will?'

The white-haired boy puppet had moved with his own will.

He even broke free of his puppet frame, awakening as the Nine Yin Cult's high priest and malignant spirit apostle.

Puppets held something beyond mere tools.

Even creator Zhuge Yuryong might not fully know the pitfalls.

But for now, Zhuge Sa's plan was best.

I agreed.

"Let's do it."

With the plan set, Zhuge Sa demanded I produce large quantities of obsidian stones.

He stressed that to arm the puppets with my martial knowledge, Mang-ryang's memories, and everything else efficiently, we needed obsidian packed maximally.

"Normally, you'd teach puppets martial arts or spells directly for learning, but with obsidian spells, no need for inefficiency. Direct memory absorption via obsidian makes them stronger faster. Delete your useless past life memories, cram the rest with knowledge—good enough."

Everything else efficiently, we needed obsidian packed maximally.

"Normally, you'd teach puppets martial arts or spells directly for learning, but with obsidian spells, no need for inefficiency. Direct memory absorption via obsidian makes them stronger faster. Delete your useless past life memories, cram the rest with knowledge—good enough."

"No chance of them gaining ego and betraying?"

Zhuge Sa chuckled.

"That'd be intriguing. But these are artificially nurtured via Eight Trigrams—impossible. Like a flower blooming in the desert by itself."

"Hmm..."

Hum

The five puppets received obsidian and fidgeted for about an hour, absorbing the memories.

They began testing martial forms and spells one by one.

I'd hoped they'd master martial arts instantly, but no.

Swoosh!

'Sloppy.'

I saw one or two deploying Thunder Dragon Divine Sword from the Thunder God Style, but forms and breathing were crude.

No grasp of martial subtleties.

Spells, however, were cast precisely—far more powerfully than me.

Zhuge Sa, unsurprised, said.

"Puppets don't mesh well with martial arts. Fundamentally reverse-heaven spells, so hard to adapt to qi and intent-based arts. But genius-level talent in spells from the start "

Spells, however, were cast precisely—far more powerfully than me.

Zhuge Sa, unsurprised, said.

"Puppets don't mesh well with martial arts. Fundamentally reverse-heaven spells, so hard to adapt to qi and intent-based arts. But genius-level talent in spells from the start."

"Poor at martial arts means easy to raise as sorcerers?"

"Somewhat, but..."

Zhuge Sa trailed off slightly.

"With refined crafting and progress, who knows? Solid foundations mean unlimited potential—maybe craft supreme puppets that master martial arts too."

"They're still too sloppy for deployment now?"

"Can't adapt overnight. Train a few days, then scout."

He then said to me.

"While at it, Baek Woong, you instruct their martial arts."

"Huh? Already transferred memories via obsidian."

"Knowing in head versus hands-on differs in absorption. Better for you to train them to usable level."

"Got it."

Sounded fun.

Ta-at

I had the puppets draw swords and shouted.

"Regulate breathing—deploy Thunder Dragon Divine Sword and Thunder God Sword Dance!"

Expressionless, they began training under my guidance.

Reminded me of learning from Lee Gwang—nostalgic thrill.

Felt novel how they obeyed perfectly.

For the next three days, I corrected their martial flaws one by one.

Oddly, they clumsily but surely fixed my pointers.

Soon, they handled Thunder God Style adequately.

"Go and return!"

Deeming them ready, I sent out scouting parties.

Scouts patrolled half a day, probing altars, reporting suspicions.

[Hangsan's Heavenly Punishment Altar confirmed. No suspicions.]

First to Hangsan—no issues.

But the other four were problematic.

'Hwasan has Mount Hua Sect, Songsan has Shaolin Temple, Hyongsan has Mount Hyong Sect...'

Unknown what guards might lurk.

We knew Hwasan and Hyongsan's altars unguarded, but trouble was annoying.

As I pondered, Zhuge Sa said.

"Just send them. Blood Phantom Valley collapsed the Righteous Heaven Alliance—Mount Hua or Hyong Sect too busy for altars. Most Nine Great Sects face extinction threats anyway... Skip Shaolin."

"Huh?"

"Blood Phantom Valley couldn't harm Shaolin at all. It's safe."

I sent scouts as advised.

[Mount Hua's Heavenly Punishment Altar confirmed. No suspicions.]

[Mount Hyong's Heavenly Punishment Altar confirmed. No suspicions.]

The next two went smoothly.

I'd thought all would be fine.

"......"

"No response."

Until the two puppets scouting Mount Tai's altar vanished.

They'd been reporting periodically via Sound Transmission Pearl when odd noises cut off, silence following.

I sensed something happened at Mount Tai's altar.

Something's at Mount Tai.

"Got to check."

"No, you can't."

"What?! Leaving it means losing the pearl and talisman..."

"That's why your life matters more."

Zhuge Sa snapped curtly.

"Sent as expendables. Not dying would be odd. Gained intel on trap instead of you risking it—profit. Spot danger, avoid it. Charging traps is idiotic."

"......"

Cheon Woo-jin, listening, said.

"Someone set a trap and ambushed near Mount Tai's altar."

"Who?"

"I'll divine with Far-Seeing Spell."

Crackle!

Cheon Woo-jin used Far Sight holding the Half Yellow Pearl.

Post-pearl, his spirit power amplified—much stronger now.

After scanning Mount Tai awhile, he frowned.

"As expected—nothing visible."

"Huh? What? There should be a trap."

"That's why—trap so cunning even my Far Sight misses it."

".......!!"

"Some tremendous sorcerer lurking at Mount Tai. Puppets dodged danger nicely."

Who the hell was hiding at Mount Tai?

As I puzzled, Zhuge Sa said.

"Done. Only fools bite cheap bait."

"But the talisman and pearl..."

Shuaak

Then Transfer Talisman and Sound Transmission Pearl appeared over Zhuge Sa's hand.

He smirked.

"Used an advanced spell from the Nameless Sacrificial Scripture to link them to me. Retrieved."

"......"

Zhuge Sa tossed them to me, saying.

"Baek Woong. This confirms it. Someone besides us is targeting the Heavenly Punishment's opening."

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