Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village

When I praised my opponent, he wore a peculiar expression.

“Baek Woong, do you know of the Demiurge?”

“Yes? That… fake god.”

“How do you know that my goal is the Revelation of the End and reaching Aion?”

“……”

“Even if Zhuge Sa told you… could Zhuge Sa have probed me that deeply…? Heh heh.”

Ripple

Suddenly, the opponent's human form seemed to waver. It appeared to be the space distorting because it couldn't withstand the powerful magic. I realized that reaction was clearly hostile and that I had made a mistake in speaking.

In the past, when my comrades and I attacked the Demon King Byokjisang to subjugate him, Byokjisang had confidently shouted that he was designated as the new god Demiurge and aimed for Aion. I thought it was just his own bravado, but in reality, he had spat out his true purpose!

‘Did he consider us a real threat and shout his true intentions in his own way?’

Was that information really that important?!

While I was flustered by the unexpected blunder, the Nine Heavens Maiden unleashed her energy from behind me.

Wooong

[If you want to fight, I'll oblige.]

“Hmm… that’s not it. Calm down.”

Startled by the Nine Heavens Maiden's aura, Demon King Byokjisang took a step back. He continued with a bizarre smile.

“Fighting a mighty war god like you wouldn't benefit me… It'd be hard to win, and I can't waste energy on something trivial.”

[So?]

“Shall we talk?”

It seemed the Nine Heavens Maiden's power was indeed stronger than the Demon King's. Thinking his chances of victory were low, he was deliberately backing down to negotiate. It was the typical demonic path trait of being weak against the strong and strong against the weak, confirming we held a slight advantage.

‘But I can’t underestimate that guy…’

Fortunately, I had somehow made the Nine Heavens Maiden an ally, but after returning to reality, I had already survived two near-death crises. Whether the Divine Spear Lord or Demon King Byokjisang, they were absolute powerhouses I couldn't even scratch with my original strength, so I had to handle them cautiously. No matter how much the Nine Heavens Maiden was an ally, I couldn't rely on her help forever.

I calmly stated my business.

“I believe one of my allies, Jin So-cheong, is here. His soul seems unstable—do you have him with you by any chance?”

“As expected, that's why you're here.”

As expected?

While I focused on the nuance, the Demon King teleported to his jade throne and sat down, saying,

“Zhuge Sa made a contract with me to protect him. And Jin So-cheong is currently residing in the alternate realm I've created.”

“You made a contract with Zhuge Sa? What kind of contract?”

“A contract to protect Jin So-cheong from those targeting him. The reason his soul looks unstable is because my magic is concealing all detection abilities.”

So that was it.

But even with the Demon King's magic hiding someone in an alternate realm, we found him, proving the Nine Heavens Maiden's soul-piercing technique was superior. The flickering I felt was probably due to the magical interference.

I said to the Demon King,

“No matter how merciful you are, I doubt you do anything for free. What did Zhuge Sa offer you?”

“There's no reason for me to tell you the terms of that contract…?”

“Zhuge Sa is dead now as well. I assume he did his utmost to look after his remaining comrades. So from now on, I must take responsibility for my comrade's well-being.”

“Heh heh. Considering Zhuge Sa a comrade…”

The Demon King, laughing as if it was amusing, said,

“It seems we have quite a bit to discuss. First, let's make one thing clear.”

“What is it?”

“I can give you the information you want. But what do you plan to offer me in return?”

“……”

The words “What do you want?” didn't come easily. Even if I wanted to offer something, I was in a state where most treasures, including the National Seal Jade, were gone, and my provisions had been offered to the Nine Heavens Maiden. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say I only had the Fire Dragon Divine Sword and the Compliant Rod left. Handing over the Fire Dragon Divine Sword or Compliant Rod to the Demon King was truly a difficult choice.

As I hesitated, the Demon King said,

“Since it's a contract, if that's all you want, I can return Jin So-cheong. But without offering something, I won't give any more information.”

“You mean an offering?”

“Heh heh. I can assure you I have information that will shock you.”

What should I do?

It seemed Zhuge Sa had included a condition in the contract that if I or my comrades came, Jin So-cheong would be returned, so retrieving him appeared feasible. But the Demon King before me seemed to hold major information that could upend the current situation. To understand what Zhuge Sa or Mangyang had done or wanted before dying, I needed to know the content of that contract first.

However, I had nothing truly satisfactory to offer the Demon King. The Compliant Rod and Fire Dragon Divine Sword were my trump cards, so I couldn't give them lightly. If my strategists were here, they might devise something, but nothing came to mind. With no choice, I opened my mouth.

“…Just return Jin So-cheong. If you've placed any curses, brainwashing, or other magic or restrictions on him, remove them all.”

“Zhuge Sa already made that a condition. Jin So-cheong is in perfect condition, so don't worry.”

He added,

“But since he's been in the alternate realm for so long, he'll be in a coma for a while.”

“What?”

“Having been exposed to dense magic for so long, contact with this world's atmosphere will cause a major shock.”

Wooong!

The next moment, Jin So-cheong's body fell from the air, and I hurriedly unleashed Receiving Palms' energy to catch him. Jin So-cheong's complexion was slightly pale, and I could feel the energy in his body boiling to preserve his life force. Gritting my teeth, I glared at the Demon King.

“Is Jin So-cheong safe? When will he wake?”

“I don't know. Given his skills, he'll wake within 100 days. I stake my name that there's no threat to his life.”

That's a relief. I quickly infused my energy into Jin So-cheong to bolster his life force, then placed him in my shoulder pouch.

“Then…”

I let out a sigh of relief and turned to leave. At that moment, the Demon King called out from behind.

“Wait.”

“Why? Even if I wanted to offer something, I have nothing.”

“No need for an offering. Won't you talk with me before you go?”

Suddenly wanting to converse, I was taken aback. He had acted like he wouldn't entertain me at all without payment—why the sudden change? It could be a ploy to extract my information or trap me, so I firmly refused.

“I'm sorry. I have to hurry and gather my comrades.”

“Because of the Heresy Sect's Leader, right?”

My expression nearly hardened for a moment.

How does this guy know that?

I quickly composed my face, but it seemed he'd already caught my agitation as Demon King Byokjisang chuckled.

“I've scattered my eyes and ears throughout this world. And the spy on Geumo Island reported that the Heresy Sect's Leader had suddenly returned. It coinciding with your appearance—surely you're connected, right?”

“…What do you want?”

“As I said, I want to talk with you.”

A blood-red glow flashed in her eyes for an instant.

“You're undoubtedly the central axis of this flow… If I like what you say, I could bestow a magical treasure or lower the contract conditions.”

“……”

“I'll even consider sharing information.”

He seemed greatly intrigued by me. I glanced at the Nine Heavens Maiden beside me, and she transmitted her will to me.

[Accept it.]

[Is it safe?]

[I'll block his spells. Opportunities to extract information from such beings aren't common.]

[Understood.]

If the Nine Heavens Maiden guaranteed my safety, it was worth the challenge. Nodding in agreement, I said,

“Demon King, I accept your proposal. But what should I call you?”

“Call me whatever is comfortable…”

Shururuk

Suddenly, a massive banquet table appeared, adorned with lavish foods and gold and silver treasures. It was undoubtedly magic, and the Demon King watched me from across the table.

“How much do you know about the Demiurge?”

“Hmm…”

Having learned demonic arts and scholarship from Zhuge Sa, I answered as I knew.

“He's the fake god who created this world, but I know he's not a true god. Since he only made a mimicked world, he's ultimately an obstacle to a complete world…”

“Not bad for an Easterner. Well, you must have learned much from Zhuge Sa.”

Demon King Simon Magus tilted a crimson wine glass and took a sip, saying,

“That's right. I am destined to become the Demiurge.”

“…Isn't that just Gnostic philosophy?”

A cruel smile played on his lips.

“Who is the proponent of Gnosticism? It's me. Before the Western Guardians appeared, I devoured the demonic path and built my power with magic. I am the successor who best inherited the secret transmissions of the great archmages of the Nine Continents, so I am the one exploring the truth of the world.”

His tone carried a subtle scholarly pride. Indeed, archmages were all brilliant geniuses and scholars just second to succumbing to the madness and evil of the underworld—it made sense.

Pondering Demon King Simon Magus's words, I sensed something off and said,

“Don't tell me… you're saying the Demiurge really exists?”

“Indeed.”

“It's another term for the [Ancient Ruler].”

“Kekekkeke…”

The Demon King laughed merrily and said,

“Not at all. The Demiurge is neither an [Ancient Ruler] nor an Outer God.”

“Yes? Then what is it?”

I knew the highest divinities were the [Ancient Rulers], with Outer Gods above them—was there another classification?

As I looked puzzled, Demon King Simon Magus said,

“As I said, it's a [fake god]. But… everyone wants to become the Demiurge. The higher the being, the more so.”

“Why?”

His voice grew somewhat excited.

“Only then can one reach Aion and transcend the phenomenal world. In Sephirot terms, it's equivalent to reaching the 4th realm, Assiah. If one can go 'there', everything in this world becomes worthless. Even the Tree of Sephirot and Ain Soph become trivial in that glory…”

“……?”

“And the minimum condition to become the Demiurge is the Revelation of the End. That's why I'm gathering power until the time of the apocalypse.”

A blood glow crept from his eyes.

“I will become the final victor…”

“……”

I had no idea what he was talking about. The Nine Heavens Maiden seemed equally baffled.

Perhaps he was deliberately toying with me intellectually, assuming I wouldn't understand?

Sighing, I said,

“I don't know much about demonic theory. I'm not even a full-fledged archmage yet. All I want now is to rescue and find my comrades.”

“You admit your own ignorance?”

“Who in the East could debate millennia-honed demonic arts and Gnosticism?”

“Then I'll get to the point. If you tell me what you want now and what happened with the Heresy Sect's Leader, I'll bestow a blessing upon you.”

“A blessing?”

The Demon King nodded.

“If you need power, I'll grant it. After all, casualty is already linked to you through my blessing, so it's not difficult.”

True, the Heresy Sect Leader's blessing had been carried over through my reincarnations. In a sense, the Demon King before me was another high being connected to me. After much thought, I said,

“I want to know as well. Did Zhuge Sa offer his soul to you and fully become your familiar?”

“No. He pawned his soul to me but got a deferment and went elsewhere.”

“Where?”

“I can't say more. Now it's time for you to choose whether to accept the deal.”

“……”

Should I take this deal?

If I revealed my current goals and what happened in Dark Heaven Village, the Demon King would surely read the situation and try to use me as his apostle to interfere in the world. No doubt about it. From past lives, I knew his true intent was to meddle in the world as soon as he gained casualty.

But receiving his blessing would be a huge help in my current power shortage. There was a risk of another noose, but it was tempting enough to take the gamble.

After long deliberation, I shook my head.

“…Give me a little time to think. I still have a few more comrades to find.”

“Fine. Then come back after finding them.”

His eyes curved like a crescent moon. That smile was chilling.

“I'll be waiting…”

Paat

I left Juhan's temple and, guided by the Nine Heavens Maiden, headed to Yeongyeong Province.

‘I need to find Seomun Hye.’

While the matters with Dang San or Seok Ho were important, Seomun Hye was among the weaker in martial arts, so I wanted to find and protect her quickly. Heading to the northwest of Yeongyeong Province where I suspected she was, I reached a barren plain with sandy winds, dotted with nomadic villages here and there.

‘This area is the border between the Central Plains and the northern tribes…’

I wandered searching for Seomun Hye's presence. She had to be nearby, so expanding my energy sense would find her easily. Sure enough, after about half a shichen, I felt Seomun Hye's energy.

“Seomun Hye!”

“…Baek Woong-nim…!!”

Seomun Hye looked at me with startled eyes. She was sitting in front of some ruins—or rather, rubble. She had pitched a nomadic tent and looked like she'd been living rough here for a long time, disheveled and dirty. After a moment, tears welled up as she said,

“You're alive… You came back alive from Dark Heaven Village?!”

“What happened? Why are you here… And what happened over these five years?”

As I questioned Seomun Hye, she wiped her tears and glanced at the ruins behind her. The ruins seemed destroyed centuries ago, hard to discern traces, but gave a sense of vast scale.

“I came to Yeongyeong Province with Father during the raid. While searching for the [Tomb of the God], Father fought and fell to Miyamoto Musashi… I came here clinging to this as my last hope.”

“……?!”

Miyamoto Musashi killed the Sword Demon?

Unable to comprehend, I said to Seomun Hye,

“What happened…?”

“…It was horrific.”

She bowed her head with dark eyes and continued.

“That day, everything collapsed…”

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