Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village

The task of popularizing the novel was entirely handled by Mangyang and Zhuge Sa. The Twelve Rhythm Lords were indeed committed to helping us, as Mangyang reported that the White Lotus Cult's surveillance networks across various regions had loosened. It seemed the man had stepped in personally to keep the White Lotus Cult in check.

I gazed out from a corner of a pavilion in Luoyang's city streets. Disguised as I was, there was no worry of being spotted. An unfamiliar sight unfolded in the streets below.

'Books are selling...'

People's clothing had changed too. The reason was Zhuge Sa's dissemination of advanced technologies from the Ming Empire, including steam engines, which had spurred explosive growth in the textile industry and vastly improved metal quality. Coupled with the spread of double-sided rotary printing presses, book production technology had revolutionized, making books accessible even to commoners. It was still in the early stages, but Zhuge Sa claimed this trend would soon propel the economy and industry to unprecedented heights.

I turned to Zhuge Sa, seated across from me.

"Why has Zhuge Yulong shown no reaction at all?"

This was my biggest question right now. Despite Zhuge Sa subtly advancing printing technology and spreading steam engines and superior steel across the Central Plains for ages, Zhuge Yulong hadn't reacted. The imperial forces were so quiet it was as if he'd died. Zhuge Sa slurped his tea before replying.

"My actions must align with his interests."

" - _ - "

Zhuge Sa pondered for a moment before speaking.

"He possesses technology far superior to the current Central Plains. But he's stayed hidden until now out of fear that sudden civilization leaps would draw attention from the Heavenly Realm or the Yi Clan."

"Will he stay out of it going forward?"

"Hard to say, but the odds are high. In a way, I'm doing his work for him."

"Hmm..."

"Let's watch quietly for a few months. Journey to the West is already a massive hit in Luoyang Citadel, so it'll catch on in the provinces soon enough."

Zhuge Sa was right.

Journey to the West sold over ten thousand copies in Luoyang alone, spreading not just among the wealthy and scholars but to ordinary folk as well. Three months later, books were printing everywhere in the provinces, ushering in an era of novel mania.

Around then, theater troupes and opera groups began staging adaptations of the novel. Watching from the shadows, I thought to myself.

'Is the time finally here?'

But the very next day, something unexpected happened.

Whoooosh

While I was idly practicing sorcery at our southern continent base, a fierce wind suddenly blew in. As I eyed the raging gale, a human silhouette slowly emerged from the swirling vortex.

"...What is that?"

Something felt off.

An eerie silence and encroaching darkness felt utterly alien.

As I puzzled over the source of this unease, the figure spoke.

"Journey to the West was quite entertaining... I've come as a reader deeply impressed by the novel. The content really struck a chord."

He was a peerless beauty. If I had to compare, only Han Jin-seong of the Han Clan matched his sculpted features, with fair skin and eyes of crystalline clarity. Tall and affable, just looking at him would set any woman's heart aflutter—no exaggeration.

Yet despite his looks, he wore antiquated robes of a monk, revealing himself as a high-ranking cleric. Naturally, anyone bold enough to show up here unannounced wasn't ordinary, so I tensed up.

Moreover—

I'd seen that face once before. Recognizing him, I clenched my jaw. One wrong move, and this could be my grave.

"Who are you?"

I already knew his identity, but I couldn't let on.

The handsome monk chuckled at my question.

"Just a passing monk."

" - _ - "

As if.

He continued.

"As a fan, I met the author Oh Seung-eun, but he said he took your commission. So I traveled far to learn the identity of the one who had him write Journey to the West. Quite the remote spot you've chosen..."

The handsome monk grumbled, but I stayed on high alert.

"You met Oh Seung-eun? Impossible... He's no longer in this world."

I'd once lost Oh Seung-eun, so after he finished writing and the novel hit the markets, I immediately sealed him in my demonic artifact. The safest place imaginable. Meeting him was impossible—so what was this guy on about?

But he grinned slyly.

"I know you've sealed Oh Seung-eun in your demonic artifact, Baek Woong. I just projected his soul with my sorcery and asked."

"...Is that even possible?"

I countered, but he merely smiled.

One thing was clear now: this monk's power was beyond human. Projecting a soul trapped in a demonic artifact from thousands of li away was utterly impossible for any human sorcerer.

'Damn, a monster after all...'

As I stayed silent, the handsome monk said.

"No need to tense up. I'm just curious why you spread that novel far and wide..."

"Answer that, and you'll leave quietly?"

"Depends on the answer."

I replied calmly.

"It was a promise with the Great Sage Equaling Heaven."

"Oh?"

"We agreed to publish his life adventures as a book and make it popular."

"Why make such a promise?"

"No reason to answer that."

" - _ - "

The monk thought it over before saying.

"Want to make a promise with me too?"

"First meeting, and you're proposing deals?"

"Write my story as a novel and spread it across the world, and I'll reward you handsomely. Probably terms like the Great Sage's. What do you say?"

"So who are you? Reveal that first."

The monk smiled.

"I am Tripitaka."

As expected.

An ordinary person might call it nonsense, but as a reincarnator, I knew better. I'd seen that face once when all Eight Legions gathered in a past life. And given his words tying him to Journey to the West, he could only be Tripitaka, the ancient and mighty Celestial of the Eight Legions.

Before me stood one of the mightiest Eight Legions: a Celestial!

A being on par with the apocalyptic dragon from Yeo Dongbin's memories—an existence beyond mortals.

But I feigned ignorance.

"Tripitaka or whatever, you seem awfully suspicious. What story do you want novelized? Don't ask me—write it yourself."

"Heh... Fair enough? You're passing up a golden opportunity."

"Cut the crap."

"Then relay a message to the Great Sage Equaling Heaven."

Tripitaka's eyes flashed.

"Don't forget the truth of the Seven Essentials..."

Flash!

The moment he finished, Tripitaka vanished from the chamber. Gone as cleanly as if he'd never been there.

Hummm

Soon after, I realized what that earlier unease was.

"...Time had stopped!"

That's what felt wrong—the humans, animals, and plants around me had all frozen as if time itself halted. I'd missed it amid his presence, but he'd created a time-stopped pocket space to reach me. And he'd layered multiple divine powers too.

Truly staggering sorcery!

'A monstrous bastard...'

I swallowed hard. Could I win against someone who wielded such terrifying miracles as easily as breathing?

As I remained on edge, Cheon Woo-jin appeared beside me.

"He noticed me hiding too."

"Seems so."

Jin So-cheong emerged from nearby, his hands trembling with awe.

"I was ready to protect you if needed, but I wouldn't stand a chance against him..."

Cheon Woo-jin replied.

"Shaking off a space-time barrier's influence with mere intent is impressive. But as expected... the Celestial's sorcery surpasses even Greatly Perfected Immortals."

Since my death meant game over, my comrades took turns guarding me. Cheon Woo-jin and Jin So-cheong had been shadowing me, only to face a Celestial of the Eight Legions.

I said worriedly.

"Won't he meddle in our affairs from now on?"

"Doubt it."

"Why?"

"Each of the Eight Legions is demon king-tier, but they're heavily bound by karmic laws. They can't pick reckless fights to wipe us out. As long as we don't give them cause, even that Tripitaka is manageable."

Cheon Woo-jin's words rang true. Bound by all sorts of constraints, he hadn't revealed his true form—which required transformation—and hadn't rashly used force against the White Lotus Cult before.

I told all my comrades about Tripitaka's appearance. Zhuge Sa then said.

"The time is ripe. Let's meet the Great Sage Equaling Heaven."

Flash!

Via the offering ritual, I presented the Twin Demon Sword and earthly gifts to the Great Sage. He rode his cloud to the altar and said.

"Oho! What's this? Showering me with more sweets? You're spoiling me rotten!"

Even as he spoke, the Great Sage grinned delightfully. Mangyang said he was weak to praise and bribes, so flattering him up worked wonders. I rubbed my hands obsequiously.

"Heh heh! I've prepared another amazing gift."

"Another? What now?"

"Come with me to Luoyang."

Flash!

I teleported to Luoyang via flight, and the Great Sage followed on his cloud. We'd arrived at a theater staging an opera—right in the midst of a Journey to the West festival, wildly popular.

Amid blaring music, the opera began. The Great Sage, behind me, gaped in stunned silence.

" - _ - "

"We've successfully spread Journey to the West across the world. Huge hit everywhere in the Central Plains."

"J-Journey to the West?"

Rustle rustle

He took the novel from me and flipped through it. After a long read, he said.

"Title's lame, but the story's solid."

"R-Right?!"

Originally a touching tale of Tripitaka reforming the mischievous Sun Wukong, Mangyang and Sima Gyeong had overhauled it fearing backlash. As I inwardly sighed in relief, the Great Sage said.

"Great! I'm in a good mood! Here's a special big gift for you."

Wooong—

A massive luminous seal shot from the Great Sage's hand, branding my forehead. I sensed a deep spiritual bond forming with him. Grinning, he said.

"I never explained the last blessing, did I? That was Fiery Eyes and Golden Pupils—eyes that pierce all demons."

"Fiery Eyes and Golden Pupils? But I didn't really feel that power activate..."

"There's a specific incantation and mudra to use it. Forgot to mention."

He taught me the chant and seal. Reciting as instructed, brilliant light flared in my eyes, activating the Fiery Eyes.

Whooosh!!

" -......!!"

With them active, I clearly saw the target's yin and yang energies, even their five elements ratio! It revealed chaos potential too, granting immunity to any illusion or transformation art. For a sorcerer, this ocular power was a game-changer.

I was thrilled inside.

'It puzzles sorcery, but this'll be useful even in my next life!'

The Great Sage continued.

"As thanks today, I'll add another blessing atop the Fiery Eyes."

"What is it?"

He grinned.

"I'll let you use this."

He held out a tiny staff the size of his palm.

I eyed him puzzled, and he burst into laughter.

"Ha ha ha ha! First time in my life lending the Ruyi Jingu Bang to anyone!"

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