Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village

Five years ago, on that day.

After Baek Woong departed straight for Dark Heaven Village, the remaining group decided to return to the southern continent. They had clumsily provoked the White Lotus Cult, which had ended up harming Wudang Sect and Shaolin Temple, but there was nothing more they could do.

"But it's a shame to leave this martial arts training facility behind."

Geukho smacked his lips regretfully as he glanced back at the artificial training facility in Shaolin Temple. Mangnyang replied with a bitter smile.

"We have no choice. Let's be satisfied with the significant boost in our internal energy during this time."

"Won't we be in big trouble if the White Lotus Cult finds out?"

"That's why my junior and I will stay behind in the Central Plains to wrap things up. He'll conceal this facility, and I'll mobilize the Anti-Heaven Alliance to maintain some influence in the Central Plains."

"Isn't that dangerous? If you get caught, Mangnyang, it'll be far worse than if Shinseung or Myeongryongja were captured."

"Thanks to my past life experiences, I always carry poison that allows me to take my own life. It's hidden under my molars, so I can die painlessly in an instant. Don't worry—I can buy enough time with sorcery to do it."

"......"

"No need to look at me like that. Considering the risks of absorbing memories via obsidian, this is only natural."

Geukho wore an uncomfortable expression. It wasn't in his nature to constantly carry suicide poison. At that moment, Myeongryongja, who was standing nearby, spoke up.

"Isn't the probability of that Baek Woong fellow dying after heading to Dark Heaven Village too high?"

"What are you trying to say?"

"Your actions seem predicated on him returning, as if you're planning for the distant future. It's not like the rational strategist I know."

Mangnyang chuckled softly at Myeongryongja's question.

"It's not strange at all. In fact, there's no premise that he won't return. Regardless of the odds."

"What?"

"That's the rational situation right now. You might not understand it fully... That's why Jin So-cheong staked his life waiting for Baek Woong for fifty years in the past."

With that reply, Mangnyang glanced at Jin So-cheong. Having understood Mangnyang's words, Jin So-cheong simply nodded silently without any particular reaction.

Zhuge Sorcerer said.

"We should get moving soon. With my magic and Cheonw Jin's sorcery, we can reach our base in at most two days."

Flash!

As Zhuge Sorcerer suggested, combining demonic arts and sorcery allowed them to cross continents without much difficulty. Both Zhuge Sorcerer and Cheonw Jin were at the pinnacle of their respective fields, and their combined power made it possible. Upon arriving at the base, Zhuge Sorcerer immediately said.

"So, what do you think about using the local natives here for live experiments and as offerings? Sacrificing the hearts of about ten young lambs to the Demon God would make things quite comfortable."

"......"

"I'm kidding. Since we're operating under the premise that 'Baek Woong will return,' I can't do that just yet."

Zhuge Sorcerer grinned and brushed it off, but no one in the group truly believed it was a joke. They were simply relieved that Baek Woong's influence still held sway, keeping Zhuge Sorcerer in check from revealing his true nature.

Jin So-cheong spoke.

"With the insights Baek Woong passed on and the rapid progress in our internal energy, I believe we'll all reach higher realms soon."

"Just to make sure—can someone who has reached a higher realm pull up those who lag behind?"

"Are you referring to the gap between the Absolute Realm and Transcendent Peak?"

"Exactly. At this stage, anything short of the Absolute Realm is meaningless. No—you all need to become Absolute Realm experts. I'm asking because you're likely to reach it first, Jin So-cheong."

"...Hmm."

After a moment of contemplation, Jin So-cheong replied.

"I can't guarantee it. The difference is subtle yet absolute... No matter how much I try to pass it on, there's no assurance anyone will surpass that wall."

"So it's not just talent that keeps Baek Woong from reaching the Absolute Realm?"

"Correct. We call it 'enlightenment,' an abstract term, but in essence, it's about whether one can extend their will to dominate this world's laws. The Absolute Realm is about directly interfacing with the 'world' itself through one's martial arts, approaching transcendence beyond humanity the moment it's attained. It's something no one can guarantee."

"You're really dragging out your lack of confidence..."

Grumbling, Zhuge Sorcerer continued.

"No helping it. For now, everyone focus on building your strength. Once the White Lotus Cult unifies the martial world, the Central Plains will descend into chaos, but we won't have any opening to intervene."

For about a year after that, they all focused on refining their martial arts and sorcery. Jin So-cheong soon reached the Absolute Realm, with Sword Demon and Geukho close behind. Myeongryongja and Cheongwol also achieved rapid growth thanks to the obsidian they received.

The most dramatic improvements came from Dang San and Seomun Hye. Starting from a lower baseline, their progress was visible to the naked eye. Especially Dang San, who, as if flaunting his once-in-a-generation genius, swiftly crossed the threshold of Transcendent Peak and reached the level where he could freely unleash Thunder God's ultimate techniques. Seomun Hye wasn't a prodigy like Dang San, but with her own talents and constant sparring and advice from the surrounding experts, she too advanced quickly.

However, just as that year was drawing to a close, a major incident occurred out of nowhere.

Rumble—

It was a day of torrential rain.

"I am Han Baekryeong of the Incarnation Style, emissary of the White Lotus Cult Leader."

A woman in a fox mask suddenly appeared before their base. Baek Woong's comrades watched her intently from the dense forest, and Han Baekryeong, arms crossed, declared.

"I have come to relay the White Lotus Cult Leader's words."

No one asked how she had found them. It was obvious she wouldn't answer, and her mere presence here carried an ominous air. Zhuge Sorcerer, as the group's representative, stepped forward casually and asked.

"What is it?"

"We wish to join hands with you."

"Why? Does the mighty White Lotus Cult that rules the world have any reason to come all the way to this remote backwater beyond the southern barbarians to say that to us?"

At Zhuge Sorcerer's perfectly reasonable retort, Han Baekryeong bit her lip before replying.

"...We know you killed Wind God Style's Yong Bitian, but we still need your help."

"Something's happened. Explain."

"Recently, mysterious divine beings ambushed and wounded our Cult Leader. He divined through sorcery that you are the only ones who can aid him, so I came to summon you myself."

"......"

"Help the White Lotus Cult. He said to accept all your conditions. He'll even overlook your killing of Yong Bitian."

Zhuge Sorcerer instantly pieced together the situation.

'The Eight Legions Divine Generals.'

The reason they attacked the White Lotus Cult Leader was likely because the Imperial Palace and the Eight Legions were in a potential alliance. He couldn't know the exact underhanded agreements, but it was clear Zhuge Yuryong of the Imperial Palace was borrowing the Eight Legions' power to eliminate the White Lotus Cult.

The puzzling part was 'why now.' Until now, Zhuge Yuryong had viewed the White Lotus Cult as a thorn in his side but had never mobilized the Eight Legions directly. Given his unscrupulous nature, it wasn't that he hadn't—it was that he couldn't. Why use such a powerful trump card against the White Lotus Cult only now?

In the next moment, Zhuge Sorcerer confirmed the relationship between the Imperial Palace and the Eight Legions.

'The Eight Legions Divine Generals are allies and equals to the Imperial Palace's [former ruler]. They don't obey a mere human puppet like Priest Zhuge Yuryong, despite his title. So this incident is...'

An independent action by the Eight Legions?

'No... that's not it.'

But the Incarnations of the Eight Legions wouldn't act so independently. No matter how powerful, a single human-form Incarnation couldn't wound the Cult Leader—it would take at least two or three attacking together. At that scale, only one conclusion emerged.

'Only the true body can command Incarnations. It's the will of the Secret God Changhil.'

The Emperor's closest confidant.

The inventor of writing.

Once a human king who ruled the Central Plains.

A figure hidden in history.

Now residing in Dark Heaven Village's moon, having become a god itself.

It meant that very Changhil had decided to intervene in history by moving his Incarnations. Zhuge Sorcerer sensed immediate danger upon realizing this.

'This is bad. They have trump cards or treasures that nullify causality.'

He had suspected that Changhil's subordinate, Ginara, had once covertly delivered such a treasure to Demon King Wall Zijiang. Changhil's side possessed a limited ability to intervene in history without causality concerns. If they used it now, the situation would become exceedingly complex.

Finishing his thoughts, Zhuge Sorcerer said.

"How badly was the White Lotus Cult Leader injured? What were the attackers like?"

"He lost one arm but remains intact. Three attacked together: one with flapping bird wings, one resembling the righteous faction's Three Great Elders' Beggar Immortal, and another fat one. The Leader repelled them with full power."

Zhuge Sorcerer inwardly sneered at Han Baekryeong while keeping his expression neutral. She acted loyal to the Cult Leader, but he saw through her scheme: using them as a shield against the Eight Legions dismantling the Leader and targeting the Incarnation Style.

"Hmm. Did they transform? Were they in human form?"

"Yes."

Hearing that, Zhuge Sorcerer knew they were Garura, Geondalpa, and Ginara of the Eight Legions.

'They're truly powerful...'

He swallowed a groan inwardly. If mere human-form versions wielded such strength—without their true bodies—the full Eight Legions transforming simultaneously could easily slay even the Cult Leader. Though a joint attack, their combined power was immense. He couldn't even conceive a way to handle the Eight Legions if they ambushed Baek Woong's group in true form.

Zhuge Sorcerer said.

"Very well. I'll speak with the Leader. But in exchange, bring one person to the White Lotus Cult headquarters."

"Who?"

"Yong Jungil."

Then, Zhuge Sorcerer packed up with the group and followed Han Baekryeong straight to the White Lotus Cult.

By his calculations, the southern continent was no longer safe. The Thousand-Year Three Omens Sorcerer had already used divination to locate Baek Woong once, exposing their position. No matter where they fled in the south, they'd be found easily. If evasion was impossible, allying with the White Lotus Cult Leader to find a way to survive was the right move.

Upon arriving in the Central Plains and disembarking at the port, Zhuge Sorcerer told Dang San.

"Go to the Tata Kingdom and hire a powerful sorcerer. You know who I mean?"

Unlike Baek Woong, Dang San was sharp and grasped it immediately.

"Got it. The Jesuit order's strongest sorcerer that Baek Woong failed to hire in his past life. Hmm... Negotiating will require something to offer."

"Take some gold."

"I'll try. Don't blame me if it fails."

"If not, borrow one of their sword-wielders at least."

Soon after, using the Incarnation Style's Flame Spirit Hearth, the group arrived at the White Lotus Cult headquarters in Gansu Province and met the Cult Leader shortly thereafter. It seemed true that his arm was severed—his left arm was gone. Seeing it, Zhuge Sorcerer immediately asked.

"Your body is already two-legged transformed, yet it can't regenerate?"

The White Lotus Cult Leader replied calmly.

[The flames spewed from Garura's mouth are Annihilation Flames, which erase all demonic power. The arm struck by them won't regenerate. Those flames seem capable of directly harming even divinities.]

"I see."

[I know you possess mysterious abilities and backers. Aid me and the White Lotus Cult.]

Zhuge Sorcerer stared coldly at him and said.

"You're Dokgo Uncheon, high priest of the White Lotus Cult and descendant of the Divine Maiden, right? That's why you divined and summoned us?"

[......]

"I'm curious if you have prophetic abilities too."

[You know much...]

The White Lotus Cult Leader harbored killing intent toward Zhuge Sorcerer, but he just grinned steadfastly, unperturbed.

"Sorry, but I'm not in a position to mince words. As you probably guessed, the ones who attacked you are Changhil's subordinates, comparable to Demon Kings. To stand against them, we need over ten times the power of our current alliance—so we must share information."

Zhuge Sorcerer was considering the worst case.

The Eight Legions fully divinizing into true bodies and attacking simultaneously!

Even with causality constraints, they might not go that far, but even one or two true forms meant annihilation loomed.

[Sharing information... Dumping info on us alone isn't sharing.]

"I know. We'll provide solid intel too."

Only then did the White Lotus Cult Leader respond.

[As you said. Faint remnants of future-reading divination linger in my bloodline. But due to the passage of time weakening it, I barely managed to use all my power.]

"I see. Then why did the Eight Legions attack you?"

[They claimed they came to aid Zhuge Yuryong.]

"......"

If they said so themselves, Changhil likely wanted to shatter the balance among the three major powers, allowing Zhuge Yuryong to easily seize the Central Plains. But considering Baek Woong's past life actions—

'Such interference would burden even Changhil himself.'

No, it was certain.

Changhil was undoubtedly conserving power while awaiting the apocalypse—so pointless expenditure was irrational. Yet, right after Baek Woong headed to Dark Heaven Village, he exerted major influence on the mortal realm. Why?

Organizing his thoughts, Zhuge Sorcerer suddenly smirked.

[Why the smile?]

"Oh, nothing."

Baek Woong had accomplished something in Dark Heaven Village.

He didn't know exactly what, but it was enough to force Changhil to scatter bait—either to use or check Baek Woong!

'Well done, my lord.'

Realizing his task, Zhuge Sorcerer told the White Lotus Cult Leader.

"I have a plan."

[Really?]

Zhuge Sorcerer nodded.

"From now on, devote the full might of the White Lotus Cult to aid us. That way, even if the Eight Legions come at us all at once, we can drive them off!"

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