Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village

Five Great Mountains?

I felt uneasy again, as if we were veering off course once more, but now that the Spirit Dragon's name had come up, I couldn't ignore the Five Dragon Immortal's request. I said to him,

"What reason does the Spirit Dragon have for wishing to communicate?"

[ I don't know. ]

"Then why must we go to the Five Great Mountains?"

[ It told me to come there. ]

"..."

It seemed the Spirit Dragon was simply meandering so unhurriedly, and the Fire Dragon Immortal knew nothing more. My head began to throb, but I nodded.

I had no choice but to go. More than anything, this was a chance to uncover the secrets of the Ten Thousand Gods Hall, shrouded in mystery—especially those of the Spirit Dragon, the Emperor's right hand, treated as an equal to the Five Emperors. I vowed to learn something, even if it killed me, and informed the strategists of the Fire Dragon Immortal's matter.

Zhuge Sae said,

"This is unexpected. Has anything like this ever happened before?"

"Indeed."

"It seems the power he recovered in the Heavenly Realm is far greater than we thought. Back when he met You Dongjin a thousand years ago, he was likely already quite depleted."

Maeng-yang, standing nearby, said,

"Baek Woong. Didn't you ask the Fire Dragon Immortal which of the Dragon King's powers he total inherited?"

"I did, but he only said he's still in the process."

"Hmm... For now, my junior and I will accompany you. In case something happens, we can assist."

"Which of the Five Great Mountains should we head to?"

Maeng-yang answered without hesitation.

"Naturally, Mount Song."

"Because Shaolin Temple is on our side?"

"Exactly. Let's request the Divine Monk's help as well. Conveniently, our comrades are training there, so we can get aid from Jin So-cheong or the Sword Demon."

Flash

We headed to Shaolin Temple. Before ascending Mount Song's Heavenly Sovereign Altar, we tried to seek the Divine Monk's assistance, but something felt off.

"Hide."

My expert's keen intuition and sensing ability picked up the changed atmosphere. The heavy, pervasive aura blanketing the area was unmistakably from highly skilled martial artists, and I knew immediately we couldn't reveal ourselves recklessly. As Cheon Woo-jin deployed his concealment technique, we became transparent and observed our surroundings.

Gazing from the mountainside at the Shaolin Temple grounds below, I let out a groan.

"Wind God Squad..."

Enhancing my vision, I instantly spotted the experts hidden throughout the temple. They were the Wind God Squad, the elite combat unit following the White Lotus Cult's Four Great Martial Gods' Wind God Style. Each member was a peak expert by river and lakes standards. I'd clashed with them multiple times and recognized several faces. Moreover, not only the Wind God Squad Leader commanding them, but also elder-level Wind God Style experts were visible.

The Wind God Style elders seemed to be monitoring kneeling monks around Shaolin's Grand Hero Hall. The supervised monks were Shaolin's senior ranking warrior monks. The Divine Monk was nowhere in sight.

Seeing this, I muttered,

"Shaolin seems subdued by the Wind God Style bastards. Hardly any battle traces, so they probably surrendered quietly."

"Is that so?"

Maeng-yang sighed.

"The White Lotus Cult Leader has moved. He took Shaolin overnight without a whisper. For it not to reach our Anti-Heaven Alliance's ears—impressive decisiveness."

"But Shaolin sealed its gates."

"The White Lotus Cult Leader isn't one to care about that. In his eyes, the martial world's prestige is worthless. Rather, sparing Shaolin from destruction is his mercy."

"True enough."

After pondering, I said,

"The White Lotus Cult Leader thinks Shaolin is connected to us."

"Most likely. Our priority before ascending the Heavenly Sovereign Altar is rescuing the Divine Monk. If he knows too much about us—we must act before he's tortured."

Indeed.

Having trusted the Divine Monk and shared the black obsidian, he knew not only that I'm a reincarnator but also my goals and hidden state. If his info reached the White Lotus Cult Leader, it'd be a massive headache.

"Tch... Should've brought the Divine Monk and Famed Dragon Child straight to base."

"They refused themselves, so what could we do?"

"..."

"Baek Woong. What's wrong?"

Hesitating, I said,

"Well, the Wind God Squad and elders are here, and a giant spot like Shaolin surrendering quietly... it means Yong Bi-cheon is present. The Divine Monk, knowing the gap with the Guardian Lion, surrendered to avoid casualties."

"That makes sense."

"I have no confidence rescuing the Divine Monk and Shaolin from Guardian Lion Yong Bi-cheon. Half-heartedly, the battle's aftermath alone would kill many monks."

"A valid concern, Baek Woong."

After a moment's thought, Maeng-yang said,

"With just us three, it'll be tough. Let's bring more comrades as originally planned."

"Got it."

"First, fetch key forces from base."

"I'll go quickly."

After retrieving the forces, we headed to a nearby mysterious ancient facility. Originally finger-locked via the Divine Monk, he'd tampered with it, so we easily opened the rock and entered.

"Baek Woong. What is it?"

Inside, Jin So-cheong, Sword Demon, Goh Baek-sang, and others trained diligently in high-purity, rich spiritual energy for internal power development beyond outside, ideal for rapid growth. With a grim expression, I explained the situation, and their faces darkened.

The Sword Demon said,

"Can't face Yong Bi-cheon without casualties. We have enough to kill him, but if he resists with inner spiritual energy, it'd cause casualties. Shaolin monks will be unavoidably—not to mention the Wind God Style forces."

"But..."

"Fighting head-on means the aftermath destroys Shaolin."

The Sword Demon was firm. Jin So-cheong nodded in agreement.

"No matter our combined might, we can't annihilate Yong Bi-cheon instantly. Fighting a Guardian Lion turns into a power struggle. Without Top Absolute Realm enlightenment..."

"We could eliminate the Wind God Style, but zero casualties? Impossible."

"Ugh..."

Even with Cheon Woo-jin's help, it'd be tough. Even as a 환사, his aid has limits.

Then, Goh Baek-sang, chewing jerky, spoke.

"Leave it to Dang-san."

All eyes turned to Goh Baek-sang. He nodded at Dang-san beside him.

"This kid's no longer ignorable. With the right play, we can achieve our goal easily."

"What do you mean, Goh-형?"

"Ask him directly. If he can or not."

I asked Dang-san,

"Dang-san. Got a way?"

Dang-san grinned.

"Heh heh. Seems super easy."

"What?"

"Facing hidden head-on isn't the only method."

Soon, we all gathered near Shaolin Temple. Dang-san unpacked his poison bundle, letting the wind carry it. Cheon Woo-jin conjured a massive whirlwind with wind arts, spreading the poison powder rapidly.

Swoosh wish swish

About an incense stick's time after the fine, nearly invisible poison dust dispersed,

Suddenly, patrolling Wind God Squad members struggled to breathe.

"Huh... Hugh..."

"Urk!"

Experts began collapsing one by one. As over half the squad became combat-ineffective instantly, Wind God Style elders sensed crisis and shouted.

"Poison!"

"Protect meridians with internal energy and control breathing!"

Most recovered experts cut-off gasping, circulating heart methods. Peak experts resist poison, expelling it via internal energy. But they failed—soon spewing blood and toppling forward.

"Kuk..."

"Tox... potent..."

"Elder... escape..."

"Ugh..."

Wind God Style elders, with profound energy, seemed fine, but others weren't. As the style crumbled instantly, elders retreated hastily. For forces that could erase a major sect overnight, it was an anticlimactic end.

Whoosh

We arrived late where poison swept, spraying antidotes on people. No time for individual attacks, antidotes via sprays. Fallen monks and even Wind God Squad members slowly regained senses; Jin So-cheong and Goh Baek-sang acquitted the squad.

Then I stored all Wind God Squad members and monks in the neck pouch.

"Now no worry about collateral."

Environment set for full fight with Yong Bi-cheon.

But baffled, I asked,

"What poison is that? Even peak experts couldn't endure..."

Dang-san grinned.

"One of Tang Sect's secret Ten Great Poisons: Soul Hiding Death. A handful poisons a hundred; prolonged exposure makes super peak experts bleed from every pore and die."

"How'd you get Soul Hiding Death..."

"Tortured a Tang direct-line bastard before, stole and memorized recipe."

"Antidote too?"

"Ah, didn't exist originally—I researched and made it alive."

"..."

"Figured if it help my brother someday, so prepped poison and antidote."

Poison arts demand advanced math, engineering calculations, long practice. Brilliant mind needed, combined with buy-teeming antidote from recipe alone? I realized anew Dang-san's peerless genius.

Thanks to Dang-san's poison, we skipped hassle and advanced. Entering Shaolin Grand Hero Hall where foresight showed Yong Bi-cheon, there he was—monk body kneeling.

"Divine Monk... dead..."

Jin So-cheong murmured. Thought he endured torturing moments ago—now dead. Likely Yong Bi-cheon's doing.

Yong Bi-cheon eyed me and comrades oddly, saying,

"Perfect. Got nothing from him, but parties arrived."

"Yong Bi-cheon, Sae? Attacking sealed Shaolin to destroy it—what's the madness for?"

I bellowed; he replied,

"Kekeke. Puppets like you—no issue solo."

I knew his confidence justified. Guardian Lion's infinite energy in full battle could obliterate Mount Song, I but sneered,

"Killing Divine Monk was your mistake. Still just brute muscle, idiot!"

"Shut your mouth!"

Yong Bi-cheon roared, hurling massive wind cannon from arm. Immense power, speed—immense crushing pressure. But I raised Fire Dragon Sword, slicing it in one stroke.

Slash!

"—!!"

Yong Bi-cheon looked shocked. Natural energy sliced midair transpired. I'd integrated energy, core precisely, infusing ghostly realm intent in nameless Thunder God Style slash.

Sneering at him, I said,

"I could beat you solo now. But..."

Step step

Beside me, Jin So-cheong, Sword Demon, Goh Baek-sang, Zhuge Sae from base reached attack; Maeng-yang, Cheon Woo-jin prepared arts.

"Ugh... what? Where'd high experts like you..."

Yong Bi-cheon, sensing dire aura, sweated, retreating unsteadily. Glaring, I said,

"No time—ending you with comrades."

"W-wait..."

"Shut up! You're irrelevant now."

No need to hear more.

We charged unhesitatingly together.

Boom boom boom

Kaboom kaboom

Battle with Yong Bi-cheon ended thrice barely hour. He unleashed infinite energy for max attacks to endure, but our all-out blitz exposed gaps galore. His martial insight not that high—Jin So-cheong slipped in mid-fight, leading Ran Nechal; he spewed blood from torso, collapsing.

Thud

"Argh..."

After falling Guardian Lion Yong Bi-cheon, Goh Baek-san glared hatred, thrusting spear.

Puk

Spear pierced skull, then severed neck from body. Goh Baek-san roared lion-like.

"Master! Avenge you!"

After swift dispatch, I summoned Divine Monk's soul via Heavenly Scriptures Scripture asset from body. Soul looked poor, reflecting brutal torture in life.

"Sorry... Benefactor Baek Woong... Should've fled to your base as said... Feared innocent temple monks harmed... Focusing on me spared monk masses..."

"Hmm..."

"No worry... Yong Bi-cheon tortured, but I said little... Persisted on Heavenly Sovereign Altar, so had to mention..."

"Heavenly Sovereign Altar?"

"...Leader seems intent seizing it..."

Divine Monk sighed faintly, then said,

"Last personal request... Wudang's Famed Dragon Child likely same plight. Save him... or mercifully end..."

"Understood."

"[ Hope more aid in your next reincarnation... ]"

Flash

Divine Monk's soul vanished. I raised Ei-sung to rush Wudang, but Maeng-yang said,

"Baek Woong. Don't rush—see foresight confirm Famed Dragon Child's start status."

"Got it."

Using foresight, I scanned his location and status. Jade Seal Spirit showed alive, alone in unknown chamber, not tortured.

Vowing together, Maeng-yang said,

"White Lotus Cult attacked Wudang confirmed, but unlike Divine Monk, Famed Dragon Child alive. Seems White Lotus Wudang hideout."

"Hmm. Then rescue now."

Flash

I fetched Famed Dragon Child instantly. Seeing Divine Monk's corpse, he sighed dejectedly.

"Self-inflicted, who... High..."

"Not caught by White Lotus Cult?"

"No such thing. Just worried for sect disciples..."

"Rescue them later."

"...Please."

I moved Famed Dragon Child to safe base, returned to Mount Song. Roughly handled Shaolin matters, ascended Heavenly Sovereign Altar.

Wooong

Atop, Fire Dragon Divine Sword suddenly emitted divine glow. Leaving my hand, floating midair, it spewed massive flames skyward—like pillar linking heaven earth.

Whoooosh

"Ah, caught..."

Comrades dodged swiftly, but too close, I was engulfed. Yet flames neither burned nor harmed; instead, I stood in empty white void.

Where?

Not alone.

Fire Dragon Immortal, in sacred garb, faced massive dragon. Dragon rippled divine winds, exuding elegance. Impressive wings.

Fire Dragon Immortal said to dragon,

"My true body. Why summon me? Reclaiming?"

No reply.

Dragon stared long; soon Fire Dragon Immortal vanished cleanly from space.

"Ah?!"

Shocked, I gripped sword, charging dragon—but infinite distance between, unreachable. Flapping midst, dragon eyed me mysteriously.

Its voice reached me.

"[ Ninth Heaven Maiden. Long time... ]"

Ninth Heaven Maiden?

Swoosh

Dumbfounded, azure blade erupted from my heart. Not physical sword—immortal sword I'd internalize inside. Red blade emerged from chest; naturally, Ninth Heaven Maiden flowed from tip.

No way... Ninth Heaven Maiden manifested here via my immortal sword?

Stunned, he ignored me, addressing dragon,

"[ Spirit Dragon. Reclaiming Fire Dragon Immortal to Ten Thousand Gods Hall? ]"

Spirit Dragon!

Indeed, this divine dragon was the Spirit Dragon.

Address entity replied slowly.

"[ No need... Let child act freely till apocalypse. ]"

"[ Why send her to Heavenly Realm initially? ]"

"[ Emperor wished... ]"

"[... ]"

"[ Dare not guess His will. One Celestial suffices. ]"

Ninth Heaven Maiden sighed at Spirit Dragon's words.

"[ Vast evil stirs. Heavenly Realm's fall irrelevant? ]"

"[ Evil is world's essence too. We unqualified to judge good evil. ]"

"[ You were origin Spirit King—no attachment to this land? ]"

"[ Enough. ]"

Flash

As Spirit Dragon emitted irritated energy,

Ninth Heaven Maiden finished, paled. Mere aura made top heavenly 칠색신화 shrink. Spirit Dragon equaled Five Emperors—no exaggeration.

Spirit Dragon eyed her mysteriously, said,

"[ Ninth Heaven Maiden. Not here for whining. No time till Three Emperors Five Emperors return... To user... ]"

"[ But...!! ]"

"[ Go. ]"

Swoosh

Ninth Heaven Maiden vanished instantly. Spirit Dragon absolute here, ejecting at will. Eyes turned to me; it spoke.

"[ Thanks restoring my incarnation, mortal. ]"

I sensed no Three Emperors Five Emperors' overwhelming destruction-chaos from Spirit Dragon. Rather, its innate power varied peculiar. Feeling oddity similar, I replied.

"Spirit Dragon. Why summon Fire Dragon Immortal then?"

"[ Admirable. ]"

"..."

"[ Child could've questioned essence, yet steadfast in conviction. Watching is raw joy. Regained conviction's power—commendable. ]"

Incomprehensible sentiment.

Tilting head, Spirit Dragon said,

"[ Mortal... Familiar chaos echo from you. Yet such only pure chaos-born possess... Not for humans... Yet you are human. Quite unique. ]"

"..."

"[ You talent beloved by myriad demons. ]"

Don't need that talent!!

Nearly yelled, but restrained before Spirit Dragon.

I said,

"Spirit Dragon. Contract with me. Or grant Ten Thousand Gods Hall entry!!"

"[ Refuse. You unqualified. ]"

"Then tell what Ten Thousand Gods Hall is..."

"[ Refuse. ]"

"Accept offerings..."

"[ No need material offerings. All Ten Thousand Gods Hall denizens same. Refuse all mortal transactions. ]"

"..."

"[ Emperor provides all; no reason obey His will for more. ]"

Refusing deals outright!

Unbelievable! All Ten Thousand Gods Hall banned transactions—mind blowing. Blocked all future offering rituals!

"Too closed off!"

Dazed, Spirit Dragon said,

"[ Jeon-uk, ge-ja trying intrude... ]"

Rumble rumble boom

As said, winged giant band, myriads ghosts peeked forms outside. Grand Holy Je-gok proxy incarnation; ghosts Maema pass minor deities. Baffled, I asked,

"Why Three Emperors Five Emperors intrude here?"

"[ Desperately crave Ten Thousand Gods Hall... Even catch Emperor's side like me to force path... Unthank. ]"

"Mask?"

"[ Ultimately selfish... Such quality all proclaimed world kings? ]"

Muttering irritably, Spirit Dragon roared once.

"[ Begone! ]"

Rumble!

Roar's echo; ge-da's hand's absolute power, vanishing skyward; ghosts tore to fresh instantly. Sensing absurd power in rear, I paled. Spirit Dragon's might immense.

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