Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village

I returned to Jangyeong Valley with my group. Then I explained the situation to Mang Liang and Je gal-sa, but surprisingly, Je gal-sa responded with complete indifference.

"Well done. This should keep them from holding any human sacrifices for a while."

"......"

And that was it? I started feeling uneasy when Je gal-sa didn't bring up the Nameless Ritual Text. But as I racked my brain trying to figure out why, Yi Cheongun, standing beside me, spoke up to Je gal-sa.

"Je gal-sa. You already knew the Nameless Ritual Text was gone, didn't you?"

"......?!"

What?!

I looked at Yi Cheongun in shock as he continued.

"......"

"Plus, you can monitor Je gal-bu's vision and senses using the Yin-Yang Heaven Drum. You knew about the changes in the Inner Imperial Pavilion from the start, didn't you?"

Je gal-sa grinned.

"Not bad for a Thunder God Style master. Sharp mind you've got."

He was admitting it. I turned to Je gal-sa.

"Je gal-sa. You knew that bastard swiped the Nameless Ritual Text?"

"That's right. I knew."

I felt frustrated and exasperated.

"Damn it, then why didn't you tell me back then..."

"You would've teamed up with me, gone after Je gal-bu, killed him, snatched the Nameless Ritual Text, and grabbed the Crystal Monument Stone to boot. That would've cleaned out the Imperial Palace perfectly."

Je gal-sa snapped his fingers nonchalantly.

"But that would've also meant the Imperial Palace's shadowy mastermind, Je gal Yuryong, going on full alert spring into third faction and resorting to desperate measures."

"......!!"

"Without a surefire way to eliminate Je gal Yuryong, we'd just spike the reincarnation difficulty out of nowhere. The god backing the Demon Subduing Hall from the shadows would get involved, and the odds of Apostle Dalgi descending would skyrocket. We'd end up right back in the same whirlpool of events as always, wouldn't we?"

Mang Liang, listening from the side, added bitterly.

"Uncle's been monitoring Je gal-bu's every move ever since you gave him the black obsidian. He even tipped me off the moment Je gal-bu moved the Nameless Ritual Text. But as Uncle said, it wasn't the time to act, so he didn't tell you."

"......"

So that's how it was?

I stared at Je gal-sa in bewilderment, and he said.

"Hey. Don't you remember your last life?"

"What?"

"Baek Woong, you crushed the Imperial Palace faction completely. Remember? You summoned the Demon Queen to kill Je gal Yuryong on Mount Tai, wiped out all his clone locations, took down the Embroided Uniform Guard, the emperor, and the alchemist. You stole the Crystal Monument Stone, Nameless Ritual Text, National Seal—everything. Even kidnapped his heir, Je gal-bu. Logically, there was no way Je gal Yuryong could've made a comeback. Hell, even I'd have cut my losses and fled to survive."

"Hmm, yeah, that's right."

"But Je gal Yuryong survived to the bitter end and somehow became the descent vessel for Palbo-jung's Gilmara, blocking us until the very last moment. You pulled off that insane stunt, but truthfully, we lost to him that time. Think you could cling on and fight like that even as the world ended?"

"......"

"Bottom line: we couldn't beat Palbo-jung's Gilmara. We'd have lost if we'd kept going. That's why I can't blame you for smashing the Heavenly Emperor Altar."

Thinking about it that way, it did make sense.

'Ugh, what a terrifying bastard.'

Just recalling Je gal Yuryong's tenacity made my teeth chatter. I'd thought I'd eradicated the Imperial Palace without leaving any loose ends, but he'd still blocked us. As I pondered deeply, Mang Liang spoke up.

"Baek Woong. We could wipe out the Imperial Palace's visible forces in one go, but we can't simultaneously suppress Je gal Yuryong, extract his soul, seal it in the heavens, and cut off the Demon Subduing Hall's backers all at once."

"True enough."

"It'd be pointless. So in this life, we're keeping Je gal Yuryong in check while minimizing what makes him wary."

What was he getting at? I gave Mang Liang a puzzled look, and Je gal-sa said pityingly.

"We deliberately gave him time and leeway to prepare."

Then Yi Cheongun chimed in.

"As expected. You subtly leaked info about the third faction's targets to the Imperial Palace."

"W-What?!"

I panicked hard. Je gal-sa and Mang Liang had leaked our intel on purpose?!

"Don't tell me the Nameless Ritual Text being moved, Black Tortoise and White Tiger evacuating to the palace, Je gal-bu being absent..."

Je gal-sa replied smoothly.

"Obviously info we planted ahead of time. Used the Anti-Heaven Alliance and others. The Dragon Throne Hall's probably empty of big shots too, so the emperor and alchemist are safe."

"You sons of bitches!! Why the hell?!"

Wasn't it better to wipe out enemies all at once when you could?!

Frustrated, I pounded my chest, and Yi Cheongun said.

"Baek Woong, calm down. This is how you properly use information."

"What do you mean?"

"In our raid, they'll think they successfully protected their VIPs and treasures. So why would Je gal Yuryong strain himself summoning gods or apostles?"

"...Ah!!"

"He'll avoid reckless moves if he thinks he can handle it with his own power."

Yi Cheongun was right.

As I nodded vigorously, Je gal-sa said pityingly.

"Dear oh dear... Our lord hasn't improved much on the schemes front."

"Well... you kept it hidden, of course I..."

"But Yi Cheongun figured out our intent the moment the Nameless Ritual Text vanished. Makes sense for the Millennium Martial Style's grandmaster."

"......"

"Use your brain more. That's how you build mental fortitude."

Silenced, I stayed quiet as Mang Liang spoke.

"Baek Woong. Don't worry too much. Outwardly, our raid looks like a failure, but Uncle can manipulate or kill Je gal-bu anytime via the Yin-Yang Heaven Drum. We'll watch him and strike when Je gal Yuryong slips up, wiping them all out in one go."

"I see..."

Now I could finally relax. True to their genius Je gal clan roots, Je gal-sa and Mang Liang had prepared appropriately. A sudden thought struck me.

"Wait... But I blew up five of Je gal Yuryong's clone storage vaults. Doesn't that max out his wariness on its own?"

"Knew you'd ask that."

Je gal-sa chuckled.

"It's piercing through feint within feint within feint."

"...What?"

"The Embroided Uniform Guard, Imperial Guard, Inner Imperial Pavilion, and Dragon Throne Hall we hit first? All pre-leaked info. But hitting only what we leaked does zero damage. We took out plenty of grunts, but that's no real blow. So we hit as leaked but landed one solid punch for actual damage. That's what makes it a psychological check."

Je gal-sa continued.

"I know my brother Je gal Yuryong. Even if he takes a hit, he coldly analyzes if it's truly the worst case. If not, he lays low and doesn't play his hand rashly."

"So that means..."

"As you know, blowing up those five vaults won't end Je gal Yuryong. He's surely hidden another body in some secret spot no one knows."

"...Right."

That's why eliminating Zhuge had been so damn hard. I nodded in agreement, and Je gal-sa said.

"So he'll think he pierced our feint and won't raise his guard excessively. No rash summons of gods or apostles. Because he's not in the worst state. Get it?"

"His alert level won't hit maximum?"

"Guaranteed. In my view, this is the optimal check. As Hyun said, buys us five years. We pierced his feint within feint."

"Whew..."

I sighed in relief, and Je gal-sa teased.

"Hey. This is all to let you focus on training."

"Huh?"

"We'll handle fine-tuning his alert level and the subtle checks. Ignore it and boost your martial arts and sorcery. That's why we're here."

"...Got it."

As I answered, Yi Cheongun said worriedly to Je gal-sa.

"But Je gal-sa. We couldn't snag the Crystal Monument Stone. Isn't that risky? If the alchemist uses the Nameless Ritual Text to amp it up, he'll mass-produce powerful demonic constructs in no time."

"I've already accounted for that. That's why I didn't tell our thick-headed lord to grab it."

Je gal-sa grumbled on.

"Bringing the Crystal Monument Stone would've been nice, but... there's one thing we don't know yet, so we need more intel. That's why we left it with them for now."

"What intel?"

"The white-haired portrait automaton."

Je gal-sa crossed his arms.

"Baek Unseon prophesied that little thing becomes Nayin Church's high priest or a massive future threat. But in my last life, no matter how tried, I couldn't make a white-haired portrait automaton."

"Oh, yeah, now that you mention..."

Je gal-sa had once bragged to me about portrait automatons made with the Crystal Monument Stone. Mostly beautiful women, various types. But he griped that he couldn't make one with white hair.

"We know nothing about it. Meaning we know zilch about the Nayin Church's true nature in the future."

Je gal-sa went on.

"I figure the white-haired one's made via some ultra-special process, or even that Western archmage alchemist can only make one or two as custom jobs. But no process is too unique if it's documented—we couldn't make it, so there's gotta be some ultra-rare material essential for the white hair."

"Ultra-rare material..."

"Stealing the Crystal Monument Stone now wouldn't reveal that. We don't know how the white-haired portrait automaton's made or what it means! But as Je gal-bu's constantly interfacing with the alchemist for mass production right now."

I got what Je gal-sa meant.

"So while monitoring and eavesdropping on Je gal-bu, we naturally glean the info from the alchemist?"

"Exactly. Once we have that, we plan the heist."

"But couldn't we just kidnap the alchemist alone?"

Mang Liang shook his head at my question.

"No, Baek Woong. Even rotten, that alchemist is a Western archmage. In all our past lives, we only captured him once—when you dusted him one-on-one. He's so crafty, and unless we do otherwise, taking that ultra-cautious bastard alive is near impossible, per our judgment."

"Hmm..."

"Uncle, being a fellow sorcerer, says so, so it's fact."

I nodded silently, and Je gal-sa said.

"Baek Woong. Anyway, we'll maintain the status quo and watch for at least a year. Maybe three at most? Train hard in the meantime. We'll handle the slaves using General Hwang Yeon's connections and the Anti-Heaven Alliance."

"Got it."

I withdrew from Je gal-sa and Mang Liang. Then I escorted Miho back to Dongyeong.

Flash.

"See you later..."

But the moment I tried to leave the Heavenly Emperor Palace.

Sshhh...

Something was off.

What was this feeling?

An inexplicable squishy unease prickled my skin. For some reason, my palms were slick with sweat, and my pores were tightening all over, making my body tense up.

Soon, I realized what it was.

Ominous aura!

Not quite killing intent, so subtle no ordinary person could sense it. Even most martial artists wouldn't notice. I'd only caught it because years under absolute realm master Yi Cheongun had honed my instincts to superhuman levels through ultra-advanced martial arts training.

In other words, an aura so hidden even peak experts normally wouldn't detect.

Realizing the source was extraordinary, I tensed sharply. Stepping in front of Miho, I drew my sword and said.

"Miho. You feel nothing?"

Miho, quick on the uptake, seemed to grasp my meaning instantly. But she panicked.

"W-What? Feel what? Something there?"

Her confusion meant her mind got it, but her body sensed zilch. A grand yokai like Miho out-sensed? This guy's skill was insane. I flared my aura and bellowed.

"Whoever you are, show yourself now! Or I'll treat you as an enemy."

Ssshh.

That instant.

Darkness coalesced from the shadows, forming a human shape. Moments later, the figure emerged three zhang away, kneeling, amid swirling black aura.

"An incredible master... No one in Dongyeong ever pierced my stealth aura... You're a first."

A gloomy voice.

Black shadow garb with faint blue glow.

Shoulder-danced shuriken.

I instantly knew who it was.

"A ninja?"

He nodded slowly.

"Leader of the Fuma Clan, Fuma Kotaro."

Fuma Clan—third-ranked ninja group in Dongyeong after Iga and Koga. Fitting for a ninja leader, his stealth was phenomenal. Nothing like the piddly ninjas I could've sensed in my peak expert days. Without that split-second instinct, I'd have missed him entirely!

"Here to assassinate her?"

"As if... Just hired to monitor the empress for any rash moves."

Swoosh.

The self-proclaimed Fuma Kotaro's eyes flashed red briefly.

"But didn't expect a master like you. How'd you detect my full-power stealth...? We'll bow out of this job."

"What? Who hired you?"

"Hah. Like a ninja would spill that?"

He chuckled, crossing his arms slyly.

"Pay us in platinum, and we might talk..."

"Huh?"

"Empress. Hire the Fuma Clan."

He'd revealed himself just to pitch for cash.

'So that's why he announced his identity.'

Leveraging Fuma Ninja Clan fame for easy pay? His identity would've leaked via Koga anyway, so why not. As I pondered, Miho surprisingly spoke in a crisp voice.

"Scram! You're just gonna mess around midway, right?"

"Hoo, is that so... We don't need much platinum. Koga's rate would satisfy us."

He really wanted the platinum. I thought briefly.

"You'll really name the client?"

Fuma Kotaro pleaded earnestly.

"Of course... Give us the money. The Fuma Clan's broke."

"Miho. Just pay. Cheap for the intel..."

Miho then yelled into my head via spirit speech.

[You idiot! I know! I was haggling on purpose!]

"......"

Oh.

After some back-and-forth between Miho and Fuma, we settled on four platinum ingots. Miho tossed them over, and Fuma knelt before her.

"The client was the Hoguk Alliance, one of the Twelve Rites Peninsula sects. Their alliance leader hired me."

"Why those guys?"

"The Hoguk Alliance is hugely interested in expanding into Dongyeong. Most invested in Dongyeong affairs among the Twelve Rites. They asked us to watch the empress, who's been making the biggest splash lately."

Ah, so that's it.

No big deal. I sighed.

"...But even so, is it okay to spill the client that easily?"

"They didn't pay the advance. And they've owed us for ongoing jobs. Kids in the village are starving."

Fuma Kotaro declared proudly.

"He who pays is the ninja's true master! Long live the Empress."

"......"

Woah, theft made him switch bosses!

Miho said to me.

"Baek Woong. Now I'm even freer to move in Dongyeong. Controlling two major ninja factions means I'm fully safe from the yin-yang master clan."

"Good for you."

"Uhu hu, shall we flip the shogun ate while we're at it?"

I couldn't tell if Miho's sly tone was serious or joking.

Flash.

I returned to Jangyeong Valley and went to Yi Cheongun. I recounted the incident, and he said intrigued.

"I see... Looks like you've reached the level to control your seven senses befitting your realm. Otherwise, top-tier ninja stealth is undetectable."

"Seven senses?"

"You know the six senses are the domain peak warriors handle. Seven senses are transcendent senses beyond that... the root of wielding intent..."

Muttering, Yi Cheongun paused thoughtfully, then said.

"Baek Woong. The time has come. Head to Dragon King Valley."

"Time for what?"

Yi Cheongun grinned.

"The time to obtain Sword Thunder."

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