Reincarnation Sword God

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Chapter 666: The Dark Heaven Village

“Chaos talent, huh? This sounds like a story I’ve never heard before, yet a fleeting thought suddenly crossed my mind.”

It was a tale I had once discussed with Mangnyang long ago.

[ “Listening from Jeon Wook about the secret of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, and our ultimate goal is to re-establish the connection between heaven and earth. If that becomes possible, we’ll be able to directly challenge the Celestial Realm and acquire various forbidden powers that humans had lost.” ]
[ “Forbidden powers for humans, you say?” ]
[ “It seems you weren’t aware. When Jeon Wook severed the link between heaven and earth, human techniques regressed significantly. Various powers that primordials could use so naturally became sealed in the Celestial Realm. If we can unlock them, we’ll become even stronger.” ]

This was the conversation Mangnyang had about how he obtained the Inner Gate of the Three Sovereigns, indicating that there were indeed forbidden powers for humans that, once unlocked, could strengthen us all. I recalled striving to connect heaven and earth following his counsel, searching for the Offering Ceremony. However, it seemed Mangnyang only had vague information regarding these powers.

But perhaps… the ‘powers’ he mentioned back then might be the same as what Cheon Gong-pyo referred to as ‘chaos talent’ now?

Feeling curious, I asked Cheon Gong-pyo, “Is this ‘power’ you spoke of something related to what I heard from the Taoist who obtained the Inner Gate about the powers sealed when Jeon Wook disrupted the link between heaven and earth?”

Surprisingly, Cheon Gong-pyo looked at me as if taken aback.
[ “You possess quite a lot of information. Are you truly human? You seem to know more than many Great Immortals of the Celestial Realm…” ]
“Just had a lot of adventures,” I shrugged.

[ “It’s probably the same thing,” she replied. ]
“But Jeon Wook’s rule over China predates your time during the Yao and Shun eras. How does that work out?”

Cheon Gong-pyo retorted, [ “You fool! Asking such clever questions at the wrong moments…” ]

[ “I heard that the powers sealed by Jeon Wook when he separated heaven and earth included immortality among others. Up until that point, there were still many powers left with humans to prevent a powerful being’s re-emergence. After the Fengshen War, a second sealing occurred.” ]
“So Jeon Wook took some powers during the first sealing?”

[ “It would have been nice if there was a force of immortality, sigh,” Cheon Gong-pyo murmured, sounding a bit disappointed. ]
“What’s this immortality you speak of?”

[ “I don’t know much in detail, but there was a legend that a born human once threatened even gods. Jeon Wook likely learned this through oracle bone scripts, and that’s why he took action.” ]
“Hmm. Who was this born person?”

[ “I don’t know either. It’s not recorded in any literature, just passed down through stories.” ]

Cheon Gong-pyo also seemed unaware. After all, Jeon Wook severing the connection between heaven and earth must have happened thousands of years ago, and even from Cheon Gong-pyo’s time as an Ancient Immortal, it was centuries past.

I kept digging for answers. “So, what caused the Fengshen Plan and the War of the Immortals? Why did you oppose it?”

[ “The goal was the Great Destruction. Behind it, the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors had a hand, and I was the only one who could stand against the Celestial Church, heading to the position of the Master with the White Lotus Sect…” ]

Just as Cheon Gong-pyo was about to explain further, her expression suddenly turned serious.
[ “Are you planning to chat here for a century or a thousand years?” ]
“Huh?”

[ “You blind fool, look beyond the horizon.” ]

Following her pointed finger, I turned my gaze to the plains before us. All I saw was the tranquil meadow waving like golden reeds, and when I furrowed my brow in confusion, Cheon Gong-pyo seemed genuinely annoyed.
[ “Even if you claim you’re strong, you’re just human! Didn’t you notice the killing intent of an evil presence getting closer from a hundred and forty miles away?” ]
“……”

[ “It’s likely a [Old Ruler]. You might end up fighting it, so hurry and hide or get out of here!” ]

What the heck?! How could I detect the presence of danger from a hundred and forty miles away if I’m an expert?!

I internally groaned but had no choice. Cheon Gong-pyo’s standards were set to the Great Immortal level, and she was herself a transcendent being. I couldn’t possibly measure up to her standards.

“Got it.”

I called forth the National Seal to check if there was a hostile entity near the bronze star, then scouted the surroundings for safe terrain. After traversing the massive Manjangan Cliff three times, I arrived by the rainbow river, where the National Seal finally confirmed safety.

“…This is safe? Really?”

It wasn’t a joke. The river truly shimmered in rainbow colors. No matter how unique water can be, it usually shouldn’t look this multicolored or unviewable in depth. I really felt that something terrible awaited me here, yet the spirit of the National Seal assured me.

[ “Humans instantly die from drinking that water, but there’s no issue with swimming in it or making contact. I judge this to be the safest and most favorable spot in Dark Heaven Village. No parasites will infect you, no curses will befall you, and no Abyss tentacles will attack.” ]

“……”

As I stood speechless due to the absurdity, Cheon Gong-pyo chimed in.
[ “It seems we’ve gathered enough information. How about heading to find the Earth Star?” ]
“Isn’t that a bit too obvious? You seem to want the Earth Star just as much as I do, so can’t you give me a break?”

I teased, and Cheon Gong-pyo let out a chuckle.
[ “You came here to Dark Heaven Village knowing you might die. So rest assured, even if you die, I’ll make sure to take the Earth Star back to reality.” ]
“Funny. If I can, I want to live.”

I scoffed and commanded the National Seal.
“Find the Palace of Empress Wu Zetian where the Earth Star is!”

[ “Searching…” ]

The National Seal was searching for quite a while before delivering a surprising report.
[ “Warning! A divine status is attempting to access the National Seal forcibly. Immediate termination is possible under administrative authority.” ]
“……?!”
*Crackling*

The spirit of the National Seal unleashed electrical discharges before settling down moments later.
[ “Automatic protection activated. I’ve prevented the first intrusion, but it’s recommended to cut off access immediately.” ]
“What… what’s happening?!”

What does this even mean?

I was flustered for a moment but quickly regained my composure and swiftly shut down the National Seal, hiding it within my Wooden Armor. Cheon Gong-pyo, observing everything as a spirit beside me, asked.
[ “Why the commotion?” ]
[ “The divine status forced access to the National Seal, and I was told to shut it down!” ]
[ “Hmm.” ]

Cheon Gong-pyo contemplated deeply before saying, [ “Isn’t that Wooden Armor a space-dividing demon artifact that stores important objects?” ]
“Why do you ask?”

[ “Then I wouldn’t keep the National Seal in there.” ]
“Why?”
[ “If the divine being forcibly re-accesses the National Seal once it’s turned off, can it break through that mere artifact?” ]

“……”

Her reasoning was sound. At the same time, I felt a chill run down my spine, and I could feel sweat dampening my back.

‘I can’t let the divine status in! What should I do…?’

I had temporarily stopped the National Seal’s activation, but there was no certainty that the divine status wouldn’t attempt to re-enter. Neither could I guarantee keeping it hidden in the Wooden Armor. Yet, could I really afford to discard the National Seal, which was a significant power boost and crucial for future exploration?

If I tossed away the National Seal, I wouldn’t be able to reach the Palace of Empress Wu Zetian where the Earth Star could be found. Not to mention navigating this treacherous Dark Heaven Village would be pointless if I’d just die hopelessly unprepared. Additionally, considering the value of the Spirit Power strengthened by the National Seal, it was an item I absolutely couldn’t dispose of!

I bit my lip and made a resolution. “Damn it…!!”

No matter how precious the tool, survival comes first!

I swiftly retrieved the National Seal and reconnected. In the midst of that imminent crisis, I shouted rapidly, “National Seal! Transfer all spirit power to me and self-destruct!”

[ “… Command confirmed.” ]

*Crackling*

As I returned to reality, azure spirit energy swirled around me, and an immense force surged through my body. Even though I had received spirit energy from the National Seal, it was just fleeting bits of power.

Soon after, it would vanish, but anything was better than nothing.

I cast all my strength at the National Seal crackling with energy, hurling it far into the sky. As it flew high, it slowly faded from view, and hurriedly summoned a demon creature, shouting.

“Go to the eastern edge!!”

I had heard there was a dreamlike city near the eastern edge; somehow, I had to reach it!

*Crash!*

At that moment, as I disappeared into the light, I could see the shadow of something divine revealing itself where the National Seal was exploding. It was genuinely a race against time, and my heart raced dramatically.

*Boom!*

Was I at the eastern edge now? When I regained my senses, I realized I was at the shore where the dark sea water rippled gently. This place also seemed off-kilter; chaos energy filled the air thickly, and demon beasts lurked about. However, even facing that dubious divine entity was more satisfactory than being cornered here, so I let out a sigh.

“Phew.”

I’d saved my life, but losing the National Seal was painful. I felt like my chances of survival here had reduced by twenty percent.

‘Why is that divine status…?’

I couldn’t unravel the mystery.

However, one thing seemed crystal clear: my attempt to search for the Earth Star at the Palace of Empress Wu Zetian triggered this chaos. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have remained silent until that command was uttered.

‘Was it a command originally stored in the National Seal? Or perhaps the [Old Ruler] keeping a watchful eye over Empress Wu Zetian…?’

Either way, it was a hassle. Getting to the place with the Earth Star was now utterly impossible. Even if I lived this life, I would gain no optimal route for instant passage through the National Seal in future lives.

But now wasn’t the time to dwell on concerns. I had to gather as much information as possible about Dark Heaven Village while I still breathed…

And then it happened.

*Whirring sound*

Clouds began to gather in the air, forming a shape. Instantly, I realized this was a divine being’s descent, as I could sense an unusual power and magic emanating from the clouds.

I understood without words.
That entity was definitely targeting me.

“……”

It seemed I had no chance to escape. After calling forth the demon creature just moments ago, I couldn’t use a basic summoning. To appease such a being, I’d have to sacrifice substantial offerings to re-summon it. However, running away wouldn’t help, as this divine being would easily catch me, given its speed was beyond anything.

‘Guess I have to fight…?’

And if so, how likely was I to win?

I had no grasp on it.

Fortunately, I had just received the National Seal’s spirit energy, giving a massive boost to all skills, but that wouldn’t last long. Moreover, I was alone in this fight without Yeodong-bin capable of descending, relying solely on the power of the Fire Dragon Incarnate to confront this foe. But if this entity was on par with a Demon King or Sea God, I wouldn’t stand a chance.

Yet despite everything, I had to survive.

Clenching my teeth, I brandished the Fire Dragon Sword and spoke to Cheon Gong-pyo by my side. “Lend me your strength.”

[ “……” ]

“I want to live.”

I couldn’t die in such a senseless manner.

I had to figure something out using Cheon Gong-pyo’s powers.

Cheon Gong-pyo scrutinized the swirling clouds and then spoke. [ “You can’t win alone against it. It’s an incredibly strong entity. But why are you so desperately clinging to life?” ]

“Of course I want to live; why even ask that…?”

[ “Even if you withstand for long here in Dark Heaven Village, all you’ll gain is anguish before dying. The one in front of you seems to have the intention to swiftly terminate your existence. I can’t fathom why one who’s already decided to die is so fixated on survival.” ]

I understood the essence of her question. I chuckled lightly and replied. “You mean to say, ‘Why not just accept death if I’m going to die?'”

[ “That’s basically it.” ]

“Since I’m dead, it makes sense to mention that I’m a Reborn Person (轉生者).”

[ “……?” ]

Cheon Gong-pyo’s expression morphed into disbelief.

“Dying means I get to start over, so for me…”

*Flare*

As I awakened the Fire Dragon Incarnate, I could feel the being within the sword opening its eyes. Gritting my teeth, I shouted.

“The manner in which one dies can matter far more than you think!!”

If I didn’t prolong my life even a bit, I’d have no face to show my companions.

Even when death loomed, I could only struggle against it!

*Thunder rumbled…*

At that moment, the clouds before me fully took shape into a humanoid form. This being turned out to be undeniably ‘human’ and ‘male’ in appearance—he even looked like he hadn’t slept enough.

He had an unusual sleepiness in his eyes, with an assortment of armaments hanging at his back.

But I recognized his face instantly.

Lazily, he gazed at me and spoke. “So, you’re the famous figure who has been scraping at the nerves of the Celestial beings.”

“Who are you?” I asked.

He looked up at the sky, grumbling, “I never expected to be sent to slay a human down in Dark Heaven Village.”

No need to ask; I knew the answer well. I had seen that face before, and I remembered it all.

Knowing the existence before me; I was certainly going to die here.

Even if I had my companions reborn, facing him in their prime would still be too much. I was in far too dire a situation to confront him.

*Click!*

“Baek Woong, prepare yourself.”

The man, with sleepy eyes, slowly drew a rusted sword from his back and said, “I am Asura of the Eight Parts of the Divine. For trespassing the realm of the forbidden with treasures belonging to Lord Changhil, I have come to reclaim your soul.”

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