Reincarnation Sword God

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Chapter 650: Dark Heaven Village

The task of popularizing the novel was primarily handled by Mangnyang and Zhuge Sa. Master of the Twelve Joules had assured us that they would indeed help, as Mangnyang mentioned that the surveillance nets of the White Lotus Sect felt looser lately. It seemed he had begun to take direct action against the sect.

I gazed out from a corner of a pavilion in the city of Luoyang, hidden in disguise, so I had no worries of being discovered. The outside cityscape presented a scene that felt strangely out of place.

‘Books are being sold…’

Additionally, people were dressed differently as well. The reason for this change was that Zhuge Sa had spread advanced technology, including steam engines, to the Ming Empire, causing a rapid growth in the textile industry and a significant improvement in the quality of metals. With the proliferation of the duplex printing press, the technology for book manufacturing had leapfrogged, making books easily accessible to the general populace. Although still in its initial stages, Zhuge Sa claimed that if this trend continued, the economy and industry would develop to an unprecedented degree soon.

I turned to Zhuge Sa, who was sitting across from me.
“Why has Zhuge Yulong shown no response?”

This was what I was most curious about. Zhuge Yulong had remained astonishingly indifferent to Zhuge Sa’s subtle enhancements in printing technology and the introduction of steam engines or advanced capabilities to the Central Plains. It was as if he had fallen silent, with the Imperial Palace Forces also unusually quiet. Zhuge Sa sipped his tea and replied.

“I guess my actions align with his interests.”

“What? Are you saying Zhuge Yulong wishes for technological advancement too?”

“……”

Zhuge Sa pondered for a moment before continuing.
“He possesses advanced technology that surpasses the current capabilities of the Central Plains. However, he has likely refrained from taking action due to the fear of sudden civilizational progress attracting attention from the Celestial Realm or the Otherworldly Races.”

“Do you think he’ll remain passive in the future?”

“I can’t say for certain, but the chances seem high. In a way, he’s allowing us to handle things for him.”

“Hmmm…”

“Let’s observe quietly for a few months. The novel ‘The Journey of Tripitaka’ is already gaining immense popularity in Luoyang, and it won’t be long before it spreads to the provinces.”

Indeed, Zhuge Sa was correct.

The ‘Journey of Tripitaka’ had sold thousands of copies in Luoyang alone, attracting the wealthy, scholars, and even commoners alike. By three months later, books had started to pop up in various regions, ushering in an era of novel popularity.

Around that time, there were movements among opera troupes and theatrical bands to produce performances based on the novel. I watched this unfold from the shadows and thought,
‘Is the time finally approaching?’

But the very next day, an unexpected event occurred.

Whoosh!

While I was idly practicing sorcery in the stronghold of the southern continent, a fierce wind suddenly howled. As I looked at the turbulent gusts, a figure slowly emerged from the swirling winds.

‘…What’s this?’

Something felt off.

A strange sense of stillness and darkness enveloped me, and it felt unfamiliar.

Just as I was pondering the source of this discomfort, the figure spoke.
“The Journey of Tripitaka is quite interesting… As an impressed reader of the novel, I have come to see you. I found the content very pleasing.”

The figure was a peerless beauty. To find a comparison, it reminded me only of Han Jin-seong of the Han Clan; his features were sculpted, his skin fair, and his gaze remarkably clear. He was tall, with an affable demeanor. One might say his mere presence could stir a woman’s heart.

However, despite his looks, he wore rather archaic monk garments, clearly marking himself as a high-ranking monk. Considering he had come here uninvited, I was filled with tension.

Moreover—I’d seen this face before. I recalled the figure and bit my lip; I could easily end up in my grave if I wasn’t careful.

“Who are you?”

Though I already knew the answer, pretending otherwise was crucial.

At my question, the handsome monk smiled suavely and said,
“I am just a passerby monk.”

“……”

That couldn’t be right.

The stranger continued,
“As an avid reader, I met the author Oh Seung-eun, and he told me you had requested his assistance. So, I traveled a long way to uncover your true identity behind ‘The Journey of Tripitaka.’ You’ve come quite a distance, haven’t you?”

The monk grumbled, but I remained white-knuckled with nervousness.
“You met Oh Seung-eun? That can’t be… He’s no longer in this world.”

Having once lost Oh Seung-eun, I swiftly tucked the completed manuscript away upon its release—they seemed to be the safest place. Consequently, it was impossible for anyone to encounter him again. What was this bastard babbling about?

Yet he smirked,
“I know you trapped Oh Seung-eun within your demon artifact. Thus, I merely projected his soul through my sorcery to inquire.”

“…Is that even possible?”

I questioned, but he only kept grinning.

However, one thing was now certain. The power of this monk standing before me was beyond human capabilities. The ability to project a trapped spirit thousands of miles away was clearly something beyond any normal sorcerer.

‘Damn it, he’s a monster…’

As I remained silent, the handsome monk continued,
“Relax. I’m merely curious why the novel was written and spread so widely…”

“If you answer, will you leave quietly?”

“I’ll depart based on your answer.”

I replied calmly,
“It was a promise with the Celestial Sage.”

“Hooh?”

“That I would publish an account of his travels as a book.”

“Why make such a promise?”

“Is there any need to explain that to you?”

“……”

After pondering for a moment, the monk said,
“Would you not promise me as well?”

“It’s our first meeting; what are you proposing to promise?”

“If you write my tale as a novel and spread it to the world, I shall provide you with ample reward. It would likely be similar conditions to what you have with the Celestial Sage. How about it?”

“So just who are you?” I pressed, “Reveal that first.”

The monk chuckled and replied,
“I am Tripitaka.”

So, it was true.

Normally, one might dismiss such nonsense, but I, as a Reborn Person, wouldn’t. I had once seen that face during the gathering of the Eight Parts of the Divine. Moreover, based on my conversation with him, he was evidently closely tied to ‘The Journey of Tripitaka,’ making it clear he was none other than the ancient and powerful celestial being, Tripitaka!

Right before me stood one of the strongest Eight Parts of the Divine—Celestial Sage!

Comparable to the apocalyptic great dragon I saw in Yeodong-bin’s memories, he was a being of otherworldy strength.

But I pretended not to know and said,
“Tripitaka or whatever—you’re far too suspicious. Why are you asking me to write your story? Do it yourself!”

“Ah, how quaint! You’re letting a chance slip away.”

“Stop the nonsense.”

“Then relay my words to the Celestial Sage.”

In that instant, the eyes of Celestial Sage Tripitaka gleamed.

“Do not forget the truth of the Seven Luminaries…”

*Whoosh!*

With that, the figure of Celestial Sage Tripitaka vanished from the hall as smoothly as if he had never been there.

*Whoooosh!*

Then, I comprehended the source of the unease I felt earlier.

‘…Time had stopped!’

What felt strange became apparent as I realized that the movements of all humans and living creatures around me had completely halted, as if time itself had frozen. I hadn’t noticed due to the imposing presence of that figure, but he seemed to have created a void space that halted time to appear here. Furthermore, I sensed he was layering multiple powers simultaneously.

Truly a tremendous sorcery!

‘A monstrous creature…’

I swallowed hard. Could I possibly defeat someone who wielded such formidable and surreal powers?

Still unable to dissipate my tension, the sorcerer Cheon Woo-jin appeared beside me and said,
“That guy seems to have caught on to my hidden presence.”

“Indeed.”

Echoing Cheon Woo-jin’s comment, Jin So-cheong stepped forward, visibly trembling.

“I was prepared to protect Baek Woong if necessary, but against that guy, I feel utterly unsure…”

Cheon Woo-jin replied,
“Just shaking off the influence of the time-space barrier with merely your intent is impressive. But as I’ve heard, the powers of the Eight Parts of the Divine surely seem to surpass the Great Immortal.”

Since my demise would mean an end for everyone, my companions were all set to guard me in turns, and now Cheon Woo-jin and Jin So-cheong were shielding me in the darkness while unexpectedly confronting a celestial figure.

I anxiously remarked,
“I hope that guy won’t interfere in our business from now on.”

“That’s unlikely.”

“Why?”

“Each of the Eight Parts is a demon-king level existence, but they are severely restricted by the Law of Cause and Effect. He can’t recklessly initiate a fight intending to annihilate us. If we don’t provide the excuse, Tripitaka likely wouldn’t be a formidable opponent.”

Cheon Woo-jin’s words held weight. Indeed, given the many constraints, it was expected he would not expose his true form and would refrain from excessive force even while threatening the White Lotus Sect in the past.

I conveyed to my companions the story of Celestial Sage Tripitaka having made an appearance. Zhuge Sa then said,
“The time is ripe. We must meet the Celestial Sage now.”

*Whoosh!*

I offered the Twin Broadswords and food to the Celestial Sage through an offering ceremony. After receiving the offerings, the Celestial Sage gracefully rode in from the altar.

“Oho! What brings you here? Bestowing me with such delightful offerings, you are quite generous with your bribes!”

While grumbling, the Celestial Sage was nonetheless smiling broadly, appearing pleased. According to Mangnyang, the Great Sage was fond of compliments and gifts, so it was wise to lavish praise on him. I rubbed my hands together to cater to his finer points.

“Hehe! I have another magnificent gift prepared for you.”

“A gift? What else is there?”

“Please, follow me to Luoyang.”

*Whoosh!*

As I soared to Luoyang with Gilded Lamp, the Celestial Sage trailed after me on his divine steed. The place I appeared was coincidentally where a grand festival was held for ‘The Journey of Tripitaka,’ which had gained immense popularity, thus a production of Peking opera was underway.

As the sounds of music resonated, the performance commenced, and the Celestial Sage behind me stood with his mouth agape, staring in awe.

“……”

“I have succeeded in widely spreading this novel, ‘The Journey of Tripitaka.’ It has become a major hit throughout the Central Plains.”

“San… Tripitaka?”

*Flip flip.*

The Celestial Sage accepted the script of ‘Journey of Tripitaka’ from me and began flipping through it. After reading for a while, he finally spoke.

“The title is lacking, but the content is not bad.”

“R-right?!”

Originally, it was a moving tale about the wicked monkey named Sun Wukong being enlightened by Tripitaka, yet the content had been entirely transformed at the hands of Mangnyang and Saman-gyeong, who thought the story might antagonize the Celestial Sage. As I let out a sigh of relief internally, the Celestial Sage continued.

“Great! I’m in a good mood! I will grant you a special, substantial reward.”

*Whoooosh!*

From his hand, a gigantic sigil of light surged forth. As this sigil etched itself onto my forehead, I realized I had formed a spiritual connection with the Celestial Sage. He grinned broadly and said,

“What I previously bestowed upon you was a blessing, but I did not mention it, did I? I granted you with the Fire Eye Golden Spirit to see through all demons.”

“Fire Eye Golden Spirit? But it doesn’t seem like that ability has manifested much…”

“The method of utilizing the Fire Eye Golden Spirit is quite peculiar, which I neglected to tell you last time.”

He taught me the incantations and hand seals I needed to perform before employing the Fire Eye Golden Spirit. Following the Celestial Sage’s instructions, I immediately felt a radiant light illuminate my eyes, signifying the activation of the Fire Eye Golden Spirit.

*Whooosh!*

“……!!”

With the Fire Eye Golden Spirit active, I could clearly see the yin energy and yang energy within the opponent, and I could even perceive the balance of their five elements! Moreover, it seemed I could glimpse the potential for chaos as well, and with just this ability, I felt invulnerable to any illusion techniques or transformations. For a sorcerer, it was almost akin to an artifact!

I felt immensely joyous inside.

‘Though it consumes significant sorcery energy, this ability will be invaluable in the next life!’

The Celestial Sage continued his speech.

“As a reward for today, in addition to the Fire Eye Golden Spirit, I will grant you yet another blessing.”

“What kind of blessing?”

The Celestial Sage beamed as he replied.

“I will allow you to use this.”

He produced a small object the size of a palm.

As I looked at him curiously, the Celestial Sage burst into hearty laughter.

“Ha ha ha! It’s the first time I am lending my Ruyi Staff to someone!”

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