Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village

I wondered if the Dimensional Void was a space so vast it felt like the universe, where even breathing was difficult. But Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom immediately answered my question.

[The boundaries of dimensions have shattered, and with all mediums except the primal elements collapsed, spacetime itself becomes meaningless. That's the Dimensional Void. Regardless of whether life can survive here or not, everything is engulfed in chaos.]

[I don't understand what that means.]

[It means the probability of existence fluctuates infinitely.]

Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom maneuvered my body through the Dimensional Void using a spell that resembled the hem of a fairy's robe, swimming freely until she pointed at something.

[Look at that structure.]

[What is that?]

[I don't know from which era it originates, but you can see it changing every moment.]

Only then did I grasp what Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom meant, and chills ran down my spine.

[So fluctuating probability of existence means... if you stay in this space too long, you don't know what you'll turn into?]

[Exactly. The Dimensional Void fundamentally lacks laws, and existence often becomes a quantum choice between nothing and something. Information flowing from countless dimensions manifests randomly.]

[...!]

Terrifying!

This space appeared at first glance like a peaceful void of nothingness, but you could vanish or transform into some grotesque abomination without warning? In a way, it was more hellish than outer space. I asked Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom,

[Then how are you enduring in this space?]

[I'm using the Epoch-Ending Spell to solidify the principles of interaction. By weaving the fundamental laws of the universe like threads, even the Dimensional Void can't decompose my existence. It also blocks interference from multidimensional waves.]

[...]

I had no idea what that meant. All I could understand was that thanks to Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom's Epoch-Ending Spell, I was clinging to life in this place, and that it was an incredible spell.

[Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom.]

At that moment, Shin Gong-pyo suddenly appeared beside Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom. It seemed like he materialized from the empty space, but she showed no surprise, as if she'd known he was there.

[To escape this place, we need to borrow the power of Suyo. Use it quickly.]

[I have something to say first.]

Unlike her polite tone toward me, Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom regarded Shin Gong-pyo with a hint of coldness. It was because they were old acquaintances with a strained past. She glared at him and said,

[Why didn't you follow the will of the Three Pure Ones at the final stage of the Deification Plan?]

What did that mean?

Shin Gong-pyo smirked at Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom's question.

[You're asking about something from thousands of years ago now?]

[Answer me.]

[...No.]

[What?]

Shin Gong-pyo crossed his arms defiantly and declared,

[That matter is a secret between me and them. It's already been settled among the parties involved. There's no reason to tell you.]

[Is that so? Then there's no reason for me to help you escape this Dimensional Void either.]

[Hmph! Think a threat like that will work on me? I can escape using my own spells.]

[But it would consume an absurd amount of power. And once out, you'll face the swarming demon gods of Dark Heaven Village.]

[...]

Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom drew Suyo and said,

[This isn't just between you and me. The fate of the entire Heavenly Realm hangs in the balance, so you'd better drop your stubbornness and speak.]

[The fate of the entire Heavenly Realm, huh. Heh.]

[What's so funny?]

[I don't even see why the Heavenly Realm needs to exist.]

Shin Gong-pyo continued with cynical eyes.

[When the Deification War ended, humanity was already finished. They no longer had the strength to resist divine beings and were doomed to be raised like vermin until the end. The Heavenly Realm doesn't prevent that end either—it just tends to humans for a long time... In a state where they've lost the right to survival against the [Ancient Rulers], what meaning does the Heavenly Realm have?]

[...]

[If you want to hear my story, first release the human power and talents sealed in the Heavenly Realm. Promise that, and I'll tell you.]

Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom shook her head at Shin Gong-pyo's proposal.

[Impossible. I don't have the authority to release it.]

[What? If not you, Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom, who does?]

[The Jade Emperor holds that authority.]

[...Ridiculous. Fine then.]

Shin Gong-pyo waved his hand dismissively with a sneer.

[Do whatever you want with Suyo.]

Whoosh!

Shin Gong-pyo vanished into the Dimensional Void again. I asked Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom,

[Did Shin Gong-pyo leave the Dimensional Void?]

[The Dimensional Void is the malice of the greater universe born from collapsed dimensions. Even Shin Gong-pyo, leader of the Absolute Sect, can't escape that easily. He's waiting for me to use Suyo to exit, then hitch a ride to escape with us.]

[Ah.]

[What on earth is that man thinking...]

Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom sighed and said,

[Fortunately, Shin Gong-pyo already unsealed Suyo beforehand, so escaping this space should be no problem.]

[How can I help?]

[Just stay conscious. Even if you've regained your full power, without your possessed assistance, I can't wield my strength.]

[Understood. Then what about Shin Gong-pyo...]

Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom fell silent for a moment before saying,

[While you were unconscious, I spoke with Hwa Ryong Jin-in. And like her, we agreed we cannot send Shin Gong-pyo back to the real world as is.]

[Huh?]

[Fully revived and restored to full power, Shin Gong-pyo possesses strength enough to shatter the world's casualty on her own. With my current power, I can suppress her, but that means she's beyond what mortals can handle... Now that even the Three Pure Ones are gone, no one except the Jade Emperor or Queen Mother of the West can oppose her.]

[...]

[As soon as we escape the Dimensional Void, we'll join forces with Hwa Ryong Jin-in to subdue her.]

[Huh?! You mean fight her?]

When I asked in surprise, Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom calmly replied,

[We either kill her or put a leash on her. Otherwise, nothing changes.]

[But that's too dangerous...]

[Shin Gong-pyo thinks the same, no doubt. She'll bring us to the real world, then immediately try to take us down. Better to settle it first.]

[Hmm...]

Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom was right. Without leashing Shin Gong-pyo, future complications were inevitable. But after pondering, something occurred to me, and I said,

[What about the Eight Guardian Divinities? Are they definitely dead?]

[That's the wildcard. They should be dead after taking both Eternal Array Seal Spell and Epoch-Ending Spell simultaneously... but those are bizarre entities—demon kings and apostles who oddly retain human traits. They might have survived.]

[Then no.]

I told Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom,

[Don't rush to subdue Shin Gong-pyo. We should find a safer place. If the Eight Guardian Divinities are alive, things will get messy, so better to keep her as an ally.]

Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom replied in a slightly somber tone,

[...Do you think I can't handle the injured Eight Guardian Divinities?]

Had I bruised her pride?

Feeling like I'd offended Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom, now at full power, I hurriedly continued,

[Even fully restored Shin Gong-pyo was overwhelmed by their combined assault. Plus, their master Changhil resides on the moon of this Dark Heaven Village, making it their front yard. No harm in being cautious, right?]

[I see... Very well, then.]

Flash!

Moments later, Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom swung Suyo, slicing the space. The slash revealed Dark Heaven Village's black-and-red sky, and she widened the rift further with her fairy robe before stepping out into the outside world. As Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom landed on the ground, Shin Gong-pyo followed, riding his Sa-Bo Sword with sword-flight technique and settling behind her.

Tap.

Shin Gong-pyo grinned and said,

[My promise was only to return Baek Woong to reality. But with Suyo, you can fulfill it right now.]

[...]

[What are you waiting for? Like when you cut the Dimensional Void, make a gate out of here with Suyo.]

Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom glanced at Shin Gong-pyo and said,

[How naive. Why are you so excited?]

[What?]

As Shin Gong-pyo's face twisted, Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom's finger pointed to the sky behind him.

[As Baek Woong said, those ones escaped the Dimensional Void too.]

Rumble...

Amid clouds of hazy light, the true forms of the Eight Guardian Divinities floated. They seemed to have exited the Dimensional Void faster than us, and hovering motionless felt ominous.

"Recovering their strength?"

Even for the Eight Guardian Divinities, surviving two of the Heavenly Realm's strongest spells was a miracle. Glancing at them, Shin Gong-pyo confidently raised his Sa-Bo Sword and said,

[No reason to let them sit there begging to be killed! Let's finish them.]

[Wait.]

[For what?]

[Something's off. They're definitely out before us, yet they start recovering right here? The Eight Guardian Divinities aren't idiots.]

[Hmm...]

As Shin Gong-pyo tilted his head, Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom said,

[My senses tell me we should avoid this spot. They can't recover from those injuries easily, so follow me.]

Flash!

Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom used her Epoch-Ending Spell for spacetime translocation. Shin Gong-pyo followed belatedly. He seemed to agree with her, but grumbled with pursed lips,

[Hmph, cowering in fear despite that power.]

Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom, leading the way, soon stopped and entered a basin. Surveying the surroundings, she said,

[No [Ancient Rulers] here, and it looks safe. Now settle the contract.]

[What contract?]

[Don't pretend you forgot what you just proposed. You said you'd hand over the Absolute Sect's secret spells and information to Baek Woong.]

[Ugh...]

Shin Gong-pyo's face contorted.

[I'll do it once we're back in the real world.]

[Can't allow that. Your bodyguard duty ends on return, so no guarantee you won't renege. Transfer the information to Baek Woong now.]

[An order?]

[Acting like a child. As Absolute Sect Leader, why behave this way?]

Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom sighed in exasperation.

[...Sigh, was pushing the Deification Plan too hastily the problem? You mastered all of Taesang No-gun and Wonshi Cheon-jon's spells in just twenty years, but received no training in leadership befitting one.]

At that, Shin Gong-pyo raised his voice angrily.

[Who are you to act superior? I've wanted to say this for ages—you're not my senior anymore. Stop treating me like a disciple.]

Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom replied calmly,

[Is that so? Not my senior, but I have a few words. You had the greatest talent among entrants to Kunlun Mountain since ancient times, but you were never the greatest immortal. Had the Absolute Sect been led by another, it wouldn't have ended sealed on Geumo Island.]

[Ugh, you bitch...]

[Don't you know the conduct of a Great Immortal? Watch your tongue. I taught you that when I instructed you in the Three Pure Ones' stead long ago.]

Shin Gong-pyo trembled with rage at her words but seemed at a loss for retort. Apparently, back when he entered Kunlun Mountain, she had been like his master. Watching this, I could guess,

'He can't think of a logical comeback, his mind flooded with curses...'

Strange.

Why could I read the Absolute Sect Leader Shin Gong-pyo's psyche?

As I inwardly marveled, Gu Cheon-hyeon-nyeom said,

[Do you know why they sent a talent like you to infiltrate the Absolute Sect and entrusted Taesang Mong-mang with the critical Deification Plan duty? Taesang Mong-mang lacked talent as a Daoist but deeply understood humanity. Thanks to his handling of earthly affairs, the Deification Plan proceeded smoothly.]

[Why bring up my senior now?]

[I pity you—possessing immense power yet squandering it on immature whims.]

At that, Shin Gong-pyo regained some composure, scoffing.

[Hmph! I admit I'm inferior to my senior in temperament and political skill. But that Deification Plan was just a scheme to exterminate and overturn humanity back then, right? My senior executed it flawlessly, but he was just the Heavenly Realm's dog. I was the one truly acting for humanity.]

[...]

[Had I not become Absolute Sect Leader, you wouldn't have let human civilization run so secularly. My resistance preserved at least a thread of continuity. Otherwise, you'd have turned it into a theocratic society where immortals raise humans.]

I couldn't help but flinch at Shin Gong-pyo's cynical words.

[The Greater Immortals sealed all humanity's mythical talents, using the Silver Continent regime change to root out and slaughter those with chaotic gifts. Altering human seed from the root to inferiority... Ignoring the autonomy granted by the Emperor, degenerating humans into fine livestock for the Heavenly Realm—that was the Deification Plan!!]

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