전생검신 85권 11화

What?! The village chief… no, Gum Cheon-jae has become the contractor of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman of Nine Heavens?!

I was completely caught off guard by this unexpected news. I was so stunned that I couldn’t speak for a moment. It took a while before I finally regained my composure and spoke.

[So the Heavenly Mysterious Woman has indeed turned her attention to him?]

“…Hmm, many people have said that. But the truth is the truth, and everyone has accepted it.”

I tilted my head in confusion, still not understanding.

[I don’t get it… Is the Heavenly Mysterious Woman a common existence? She’s the embodiment of the Creation God Pangu and the last Spirit King, the protector of the Sun Sovereign, and the true Mother of Earth on this planet. In fact, she’s more like an ally to the Three Sovereigns than a subordinate, yet someone like her is… attached to a mere village chief… ?]

The Sword Demon let out a bitter smile.

“Well… if we dig into the root of the matter, it’s said there was a significant conflict in the Celestial Realm.”

[Conflict? What do you mean?]

“Actually, after the ‘Night’ domain was implemented, the Celestial Realm was greatly contaminated and could no longer maintain its dimensional form. Most of the Immortals and Spirit Beasts in the Celestial Realm had to flee to the present world.”

[…!!]

If that was the case, Tsukuyomi’s [Night] was basically the thing that brought down the Celestial Realm!

Could it be that a disaster of such magnitude had occurred?

As I was processing this shocking information, the Sword Demon continued.

“I don’t know the details, but it seems that when Celestial beings stay in the world without any medium for too long, their powers diminish significantly, and eventually, they obliterate. That’s why they had us perform Offering Ceremonies and pay tribute. Furthermore, the Spirit Realm and Phantom Realm, which serve as temporary shelters, were also overcrowded, leading to great chaos.”

[So what kind of conflict erupted?]

“It was a clash between factions that wanted to dominate the human realm and those who simply wanted to annihilate it. All the Immortals split into two factions and fought against each other.”

[……?!]

Wait, what? Is that true?

I was completely shocked by the unexpected revelation. I never imagined that Immortals could think like this!

The Sword Demon continued with his explanation.

“The situation is a bit complex, but anyway, that conflict is still ongoing. The Heavenly Mysterious Woman came to the present world as the leader of the faction that wanted to dominate humans and chose Gum Cheon-jae as her contractor. Furthermore, Gum Cheon-jae utilized that power to establish the Great Genius Party and has clashed with the Luoyang faction.”

[……]

“Has the Zhuge Clan not awakened yet? In reality, Zhuge Sa would know these things more accurately than I do. I only heard it through the grapevine, so I’m not fully informed.”

I let out a frustrated sigh.

[Umm… I don’t get it.]

“What don’t you understand?”

[If that’s the case, then this Great Genius Party is centered around the ideology of dominating humans in the Celestial Realm, while the Luoyang faction led by the Master of the White Lotus Sect aims for the destruction of the human realm, correct?]

“That’s right.”

[So does that mean the people of Luoyang are all lunatics? It’s nonsense to submit to Immortals claiming they’ll annihilate them.]

“Hmm… well… it seems that the concept of destruction is a bit complicated.”

The Sword Demon frowned as he spoke.

“After all, if the world is destined to perish anyway, their argument is that it should be done in the [right] manner. Therefore, the Immortals of the Luoyang faction don’t particularly abuse or kill humans. In fact, the affinity between the Immortals and humans in the Luoyang faction is greater than that of the Great Genius Party.”

[…… What kind of twisted logic is that? When it’s destruction, it’s destruction! Is there a right way to be destroyed?]

“You know this as a Reborn Person. Even if the world meets the same fate of destruction, there can be a remarkable difference in the outcome based on the process. And among those outcomes, there can be unimaginably terrible endings, such as being used as slaves by the beings of other realms for eternity.”

[…….]

“Originally, that’s the teaching of the White Lotus Sect. So perhaps that’s why they easily aligned with it.”

I began to understand the Sword Demon’s words. Then I realized something and muttered.

[The Luoyang faction… the Master of the White Lotus Sect is aiming for True Martial Home.]

True Martial Home!

Sweeping everything away with the power of the [Father] and accepting a pure world’s destruction!

That was the essence and fundamental ideology of the White Lotus Sect.

As the Sword Demon said, the Immortals’ goal of destroying the world would inevitably be very similar to that of True Martial Home.

“That’s very likely. However, they’ve never explicitly stated it themselves, so it’s not certain.”

[But the Master of the White Lotus Sect has also received my Obsidian. He must know that the True Martial Home isn’t necessarily the answer, yet he continues to pursue it foolishly.]

“Hmmm… Like I said, I don’t know the finer details. I could have learned more, but the more secrets you uncover, the riskier it becomes. Moreover, I can’t overreach, as I have to protect my daughter.”

[…….]

“I keep saying this, but when Zhuge Sa awakens, ask him. My guess is that the reason Zhuge Sa has been in conflict with the Master of the White Lotus Sect is undoubtedly strongly linked to the conflicts I just mentioned.”

[I understand. I’ll do that.]

As the Sword Demon stated, Zhuge Sa was the key figure in all of this. He didn’t have the time to give me detailed explanations, but I had a feeling Zhuge Sa would know how tangled the current situation was.

Nodding in agreement, the Sword Demon asked, “So, Baek Woong… what are you planning to do now?”

[I’ll go to the Underworld and seek out the Mirror of Clarity.]

“Of course, that’s what you need to do. But at this moment, there’s no way for you to just go to the Underworld, is there?”

[……]

“Zhuge Sa surely guided you to this Nanjing for the purpose of making contact with the Great Genius Party. If you get the help of the Great Genius Party, it would be the same as borrowing the power of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman. Therefore, you should be able to easily travel to the Underworld.”

I responded to the Sword Demon.

[You want me to meet Gum Cheon-jae?]

“There’s no other option. He’s the contractor of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman.”

[……Hmm. Gum Cheon-jae…]

I let out a brief sigh.

‘I never expected that the village chief would rise so high.’

Could I have ever imagined that person, who didn’t have much presence during my time, would become the head of a massive faction capable of competing with the Lord of the White Lotus Sect after grabbing onto the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s lifeline overnight? But in this world, I was now the outcast and a being of unknown origin, so my position was naturally inferior.

After pondering for a while, I nodded.

[Understood. Please guide me.]

“Follow me.”

The Sword Demon headed towards the Grand Dragon Pavilion’s rooftop. When we reached the top floor, a quite expansive area appeared, and there was a large airship hovering above. I was surprised to see this balloon-like craft that could probably carry a dozen or more people.

[This is….]

“It’s a newly created airship. You must have seen something like this during the Great Bear Empire era in your past life?”

[…… Really? Could it be that my companions relied on my memories to recreate it?]

“Exactly. You might not realize it, but the memories of your past life contain the accumulated technological information from the Great Bear Empire’s 500 years, which is why civilization is more advanced now than you might think.”

Clank!

Soon after, as we boarded the ship, I saw an automaton stepping in as the pilot. The iron man at the front swiveled with a cheerful voice.

[Your Honor, where shall we take you?]

“Take me to the main city.”

[Hmmm, who is this iron man? It’s unusual for you to bring someone other than your daughter onto this Shadowless Gate airship, Your Honor… ]

“Don’t mind that iron man. It’s just a passing interest.”

As the Sword Demon spoke in a stern tone, the iron man known as Bang-ryu-hyang flinched and spoke softly.

[Ah, my apologies, Your Honor.]

But I was already taken aback by the familiarity of the name Bang-ryu-hyang.

[The White Faced God, Bang-ryu-hyang?!]

In surprise, Bang-ryu-hyang looked back to where I was sitting and said,

[You know my human name? How bizarre! You know my real name, but are you just going by my alias… who are you?]

[……]

Of course, I would know.

‘The White Faced God Bang-ryu-hyang… this guy is the one who taught me the transformation technique!’

To master the skills contained in the Divine Thief’s secret techniques, I had searched throughout the martial world for a known thief’s secret techniques. The one who was noted among the top thieves by the Sword Demon back then was none other than the one in front of me, Bang-ryu-hyang. After owing the Sword Demon a favor, he became a subordinate of his, and I had received a crash course in the ultimate transformation technique from him for days on end.

Glancing at the Sword Demon, I saw him smiling wryly.

“…I didn’t expect you to remember Bang-ryu-hyang. It’s been quite a while since you two crossed paths.”

[Well, I did use his transformation technique frequently… ]

Bang-ryu-hyang, sitting at the front, exclaimed in disbelief.

[Hey! How are you even using transformation techniques as an iron man? You’re talking nonsense!]

[Ah, as I look now, I’m still technically a human.]

[Once you all transform back into iron men, don’t spout that stuff. I thought I was the same too.]

Mumbling under his breath, Bang-ryu-hyang suddenly turned his head forward and said.

[Your Honor, we’re ready for departure.]

Vroom—

Moments later, with a heavy steam sound, the large airship began to ascend into the sky. While riding on the airship, memories flooded back and I spoke to the Sword Demon.

[Speaking of which, I remember you recommended another top figure alongside Bang-ryu-hyang known as Kwayoung as one of the best in the martial world.]

“Hehe… I don’t recall, but if it’s in your memory, then I suppose it’s true. In fact, I also thought so.”

[Did the renowned master thief Kwayoung appear in the martial world?]

“He did appear. It seems there was no other option with humanity facing the brink of annihilation.”

I was unaccountably excited and exclaimed,

[Oh!! What level of skill did he possess?]

“Probably, apart from you, he would be the world’s top thief. He successfully stole from an Asura in a direct confrontation.”

[……?!]

“He went to the Demon King’s lair, stole the Spirit Core, and saved an entire city. Right now, he’s joined with your former comrades in the subjugation squad and is making great achievements.”

W-what?! Is he really that skilled?!

I was stunned and looked at the Sword Demon in shock. That was totally an unexpected figure to emerge!

I had never thought anyone else could match my thievery skills to that extent!

As if to validate my thoughts, the automaton piloting the airship, Bang-ryu-hyang, sheepishly said in a mechanical tone,

[Your Honor, I humbly apologize. How could you possibly compare me to Kwayoung?]

The Sword Demon waved dismissively.

“Why not? You were undoubtedly a top thief known throughout the martial world in your human life. Kwayoung is just exceptionally impressive.”

[Still, thank you.]

From his reaction, it seemed the Sword Demon wasn’t joking; he was serious!

I turned to the Sword Demon in surprise.

[Is it possible that Kwayoung can use the Technique of All Things?]

“No… the technique he uses is something different. He has concealed it, so I don’t know the specifics, but anyway, he’s incredibly good at stealing. He might not be as good as you, though.”

[Is Kwayoung in Nanjing now?]

“Unfortunately, Kwayoung is currently not in the city and has joined the subjugation squad. So you’ll need to put in some effort to find him.”

I tilted my head, puzzled by the Sword Demon’s explanation.

[The subjugation squad? What exactly is that?]

“Hmm. Didn’t Zhuge Sa explain that to you…?”

As the Sword Demon muttered, he continued.

“As I mentioned earlier, humanity is currently divided into two factions, growling at each other alongside the Immortals. However, the subjugation squad doesn’t belong to either faction. It is a group of elite humans led by the strongest Martial God, Jin So-cheong, primarily composed of your former comrades, dedicated to hunting down divine beings.”

[……!!]

“They mainly deal with the apostles and demon kings outside the city or in the West. Every time they eliminate one, it significantly increases humanity’s safety. Their activities are so crucial that they are tacitly excluded from faction disputes.”

So that’s the subjugation squad…

As I grasped the concept and nodded, the Sword Demon continued.

“I also participated in the subjugation squad for a few years, but due to Hyea’s deteriorating condition, I withdrew from the front lines. However, while I didn’t consider myself exceptional, I was still quite strong.”

[Let’s set aside Jin So-cheong for a moment… but you’re stating that even now, you’re a powerful expert, yet there are stronger beings in the current subjugation squad?]

“First of all, Hyea was one of the strongest in the subjugation squad. There were also Auras. However, surprisingly, there are many hidden experts in the Central Plains, including individuals not from your former comrades who have outshone those in the subjugation squad. Kwayoung is one of them.”

The Sword Demon’s eyes sparkled.

“Of course, the subjugation squad doesn’t only require martial arts, as it comprises individuals with diverse strengths like martial arts, transformation abilities, formation techniques, hybrid races, and other exceptional talents. In a way, many of them possess more critical skills than mere combat abilities.”

[Hmm!]

“Make sure to visit the subjugation squad directly. They are the ultimate power of humanity today.”

Curiosity piqued within me as it dawned on me.

Could there be hidden masters in the Central Plains whom I had yet to discover in my thirty reincarnations?

‘The Central Plains is vast.’

As I was marvelling internally, Bang-ryu-hyang piloting the airship announced.

[Airship preparing to land.]

Whoosh—

With a loud steam hiss, the massive airship descended rapidly onto a grand castle. Unlike Luoyang, Nanjing’s Inner City was not floating in the sky, but it was still impressively large and grand, far from being a structure built by mere human hands.

Boom!

Once the airship fully landed, both the Sword Demon and I stepped out. Upon exiting, we could see a figure standing before us, clasping his hands in greeting.

‘Zhuge?’

It was a monk clad in ceremonial garments, completely bald. And I realized he looked familiar, prompting me to tilt my head in puzzlement.

“I see the esteemed Sword Demon! What brings you to our city?”

The Sword Demon waved off the greeting lightly, responding.

“It’s been a while, Yu Jeong! Have your injuries from the subjugation squad improved?”

Yu Jeong, the monk, responded with a bitter smile.

“Haha… not at all. My organs are still rotting due to the Demon King’s magical power seeping in.”

“Hmmm… hasn’t the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s power been able to alleviate any of that?”

Yu Jeong clasped his hands again.

“I consider it the Buddha’s grace that my condition hasn’t worsened. Besides, we saved countless innocent villagers from Goryeo during that battle, so how can this not be the Buddha’s great compassion?”

Indeed.

The person before me was none other than Yu Jeong, the brilliant Warrior Monk I met at the ruins of the Moon Sovereign on Ganghwa Island!

I was taken aback to find him here in Nanjing as it seemed he had participated with the subjugation squad and sustained severe injuries, leading to his retirement.

‘Time has aged him quite a bit that I barely recognized him…’

As I was reflecting internally, the Sword Demon said.

“We urgently need to meet Gum Cheon-jae. Please guide us.”

“Unfortunately, the Master is currently engaged in important personal affairs and is refraining from visitors.”

The Sword Demon scoffed.

“Hmph, that good-for-nothing scoundrel is having important personal time? Does he think he can make excuses to me, who knows all?”

Yu Jeong let out a sigh.

“Well, with the common people from Goryeo having moved here and relying on him, he has his reasons.”

“I completely understand your situation, but I have no intention of accommodating that wastrel’s debauchery. So please guide us immediately.”

“…Very well, follow me.”

Reluctantly, Yu Jeong began to guide us.

‘This place is incredibly extravagant.’

The Inner Palace was far more lavish than the exterior. It was eye-catching with splendid patterns, a dazzling sparkle in the light that made it seem more luxurious than even an emperor’s palace.

After walking for a while, Yu Jeong suddenly halted in the corridor and spoke.

“Why are you cloaked in malice there?”

But I couldn’t see anything.

Yet as I caught a glimpse of the Sword Demon glaring sternly at the far end of the hallway, I swiftly understood the situation.

Someone was undoubtedly blocking the corridor, emanating a menacing aura.

When the figure across the corridor remained silent, Yu Jeong clasped his hands.

“Please move aside, Miho.”

Chiri-ling!!

In the next moment, a half-human, half-fox creature with eight golden tails swept in majestically.

“Shut up, monk.”

It was none other than Miho.