전생검신 85권 14화

Kukuku…

As the sound of gravity echoed, the massive gates slowly opened. I walked inside with the Sword Demon and Yu Jeong, and I said,

[Why leave such a weakness? Just eliminate the overlay and it will open.]

“They’re bound to the castle, and the castle’s fate is linked to theirs. Instead of having enough cause and effect, they had no choice but to manifest in this form, which affected their level.”

[Hmm, where do we go now?]

“Just head straight to the inner castle in the center. But… doing it the regular way will be tough.”

Struggling with an ordinary method?

I didn’t get what the Sword Demon meant until we stepped inside the castle and witnessed the scene.

‘Whoa… there are complex devices everywhere.’

Instead of being laid out normally, narrow spiderweb-like paths sprawled out, and there were so many overpasses that I had seen on the way up. There were so many overhead roads that when I looked up from the ground, the landscape was entirely blocked. The routes were twisted like a maze, and even outside a hundred steps, I could barely tell if I was going the right way.

Screech—

Not only that, but the passageways were crowded with people, and various devices puffed steam like a bustling marketplace. It didn’t even look like a market yet, but the sounds of shouting from all around made my head spin. As I stood dazed for a moment, the Sword Demon chuckled.

“Haha… we gathered everyone from south of the Yangtze River in the Central Plains into Nanjing Castle. We constructed Nanjing as spaciously as possible, but no matter what, there wasn’t enough space to accommodate over ten million people. Hence, the population density exploded, and the city had to be remodeled.”

[They eliminated the large roads and expanded the residential areas instead. Consequently, they created pathways that extend into the sky for movement.]

“Exactly. That’s why the entire city turned into a maze. Without a map, even a master would struggle to reach the inner castle.”

With that, the Sword Demon let out a short sigh.

“…Sigh, even getting close would lead to Gum Cheon-jae chasing us away.”

[That’s a real problem.]

“Is there no way to resist the capabilities of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman? To even convince her to listen to us, we need to withstand her ability to forcibly expel us.”

[……]

To resist her abilities, one must have divine power or a powerful sorcery defense barrier. However, I currently couldn’t use divine power, so I’d have to try sorcery for defense. The issue was that all I had at my disposal was pure magical power and the Soul Exchange Technique. Of course, it was somewhat usable in combat, but whether I could perform sophisticated sorcery like a barrier was uncertain. If only I had divine power, I would have had many options.

‘Hmm… should I try using the Harmonious Essence Technique?’

One of the few advanced techniques I excelled at! It merely creates a barrier to absorb shock and stack them, but when performed with divine power, it demonstrated astounding defensive capabilities. However, since the defense produced by the Harmonious Essence Technique mostly responds to physical force, I was uncertain if it could withstand the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s powers.

Gathering my magical power, I attempted to cast the Harmonious Essence Technique.

[Harmonious Essence Technique!]

Crackle!!

However, when I chanted the spell, the results were entirely different from what I expected. A dark, ominous magical energy congealed, floating before me like a sphere without being wrapped in armor. As I was taken aback, Yu Jeong, who was watching, commented.

“Using magical power to cast sorcery is tricky. It’s not impossible, but fundamentally, sorcery is derived from a contract with Fuxi where humans receive it. Those casting magic that clashes with Fuxi’s powers face a massive backlash, making their incantations ineffective.”

[From what I remember, users of magical power often cast sorcery, didn’t they…?]

“Those were likely people who’ve reached an exceptional level, capable of suppressing the backlash or have adapted their magical power to sorcery. Without that preparation, only pure magical power will activate without the spells being cast.”

[Hmm.]

So, does that mean I can only use magical power and Sephiroth?

Then, I’ll have to resist the Heavenly Mysterious Woman’s powers using exclusive techniques from the Sephiroth category?

But I only know the basics of the Sets and three major maneuvers; I hardly remember any proper incantations…

While I was lost in thought, the Sword Demon spoke up.

“Has Zhuge Sa not awakened yet?”

[…… That’s right.]

“What?! Is he really sleeping in the body of that heretical one? From what you said, he seems to have been asleep for quite a long time…”

As the Sword Demon mumbled irritably, Yu Jeong chimed in.

“So, Zhuge Sa is really sleeping inside that heretical one?”

[I suspect so.]

“Please tell me exactly what happened.”

After briefly explaining the situation at Yu Jeong’s request, he finally spoke.

“Based on what you’ve told Bin, it’s highly likely that Zhuge Sa has been asleep for quite a while.”

[Why do you say that?]

“Didn’t Zhuge Sa lose to the Master of the White Lotus Sect? No matter the combined forces, he suffered such a great shock that he lost his physical body. Even if he didn’t show it, that kind of injury would lead to a significant loss of spirit power, resulting in him needing to sleep for a long time to recover.”

I was thrown into a daze by Yu Jeong’s words.

[Mmm… then that’s a problem. Is there any way to wake Zhuge Sa up quickly?]

“I don’t know since Bin has no knowledge of the Soul Exchange Technique. Perhaps you and Zhuge Sa share power and soul; the stronger you become, the faster he may recover.”

[……]

“So, as it stands, there’s no countermeasure against Gum Cheon-jae. Can we really head to the inner castle like this?”

Yu Jeong asked worriedly. It made sense since he unintentionally sided with the Sword Demon but also owed a debt of life from the people of Goryeo to Gum Cheon-jae; if he acted carelessly, it might lead to disaster.

The Sword Demon pondered for a moment before saying.

“We have no choice. Unpleasant as it is, hire a mercenary.”

[Mercenary?]

“Follow me.”

The Sword Demon immediately entered a nearby clothing store and gathered clothes that could cover our bodies. Once I donned a thick fabric garment that concealed my face and body, the Sword Demon said,

“Where we’re going now is a place filled with ruffians. Be prepared to fight.”

[Where exactly are we headed?]

“We’re going to meet the King of Dark Mercenaries in this dark side of Nanjing.”

[……?]

The King of mercenaries? Such a person exists?

As I was bewildered, the Sword Demon led the way. We arrived at a dim alley where even light barely penetrated, opening a small door and stepping inside slowly. After going down a long set of stairs, we found ourselves in a dark and spacious place packed with a multitude of people.

Whoa—

Oh—

Amidst the cheers, I could see two figures fiercely battling in the center. As I watched them clash with weapons in hand, I couldn’t help but murmur.

[Peak Experts…?]

Indeed. Both were masters capable of wielding strong aura freely! They were formidable enough to rank high among the Central Plains, fighting passionately in this underground arena. As we moved deeper into the square, large figures blocked our path.

“Hey.”

“Show us an invitation.”

The Sword Demon casually replied.

“We don’t have such a thing. We’ve come to meet the King of Mercenaries.”

“What? The elder is going to meet with someone like you…”

Just as the large guy was about to threaten us, he looked at the Sword Demon’s face and suddenly recoiled, his expression shifting drastically.

“Sword Demon?! Ah, understood. Please follow me.”

Following him, I curiously asked the Sword Demon,

[Why did he suddenly turn into a docile lamb?]

“This isn’t the first time. Last time, that guy blocked my way too.”

[Ah, I see.]

Then the Sword Demon must have well dealt him a beating.

As I comprehended the situation, an even more secretive door swung open, and stepping inside, an alien language filled our ears.

[Sword Demon… you’ve come to bother me again.]

Someone lurked in the darkness.

Though faintly illuminated, I could see they were equipped with a sword.

What’s this?

An alien language that somehow felt familiar?

As I tilted my head in confusion, the Sword Demon cautiously replied,

“King of Mercenaries. Apologies for bothering you again, but I come to seek your assistance.”

The individual called the King of Mercenaries scoffed at that.

[Hmph… the mercenary you borrowed from me before said that his mission under you was the toughest he’d ever faced. That kid is actually my disciple, and it’s somewhat embarrassing for me.]

“Is that so? Honestly, the favor I’m asking this time is even more challenging.”

Surprisingly, the King of Mercenaries seemed astonished at the Sword Demon’s words.

[What? Last time’s mission was a shortage of forces in the subjugation team, and you wanted to participate in the demon king hunt. Are you telling me you’re presenting something more difficult this time?]

“Indeed. You’re the only one who can lend me a strong mercenary.”

[Don’t joke around.]

The King of Mercenaries appeared somewhat irritated yet curious.

[…… Describe the situation clearly, like last time.]

“It’s something I believe will go against the principles of mercenary work.”

[The task you’re requesting from me now is an ultra-elite level mission in this industry. That kid you previously dispatched is my direct disciple and the future of our sect. He hardly survived against the demon king, and if this mission is even more difficult, I can’t ignore the request.]

“It makes sense.”

The Sword Demon opened his mouth as if recognizing he had no choice.

“We need to fight and subdue Gum Cheon-jae. It doesn’t matter whether the mercenary is from the martial world or sorcery.”

[……]

The King of Mercenaries gazed blankly for a moment before bursting into laughter.

[Hahaha!! Did you come here for a joke? To assassinate the one who is the contractor of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, the master of this Nanjing Castle, and the head of the Celestial Genius Sect? Do you think that compares to the Demon King hunt?]

“I’m not joking. It’s not an assassination, but a subjugation.”

[Get lost. No matter the price you’re willing to pay, I won’t take on such a mission.]

“But…”]

[Right now, Gum Cheon-jae is one of the strongest beings in this world. No one can take him down unless the Three Sovereigns descend directly. I can’t lend you a mercenary to fight such a person.]

“You don’t need to be so definitive. What I mean is…”

As the King of Mercenaries spoke sternly, the air around us shifted suddenly.

[I told you I can’t do it.]

Swish—

I couldn’t use martial arts at the moment; however, I could clearly feel it.

‘An immense battle aura!’

The atmosphere transformed, becoming so dense that it seemed to possess a strength capable of manifesting intent at any moment! I instinctively sensed that this King of Mercenaries was undoubtedly at an absolute realm, perhaps even beyond that.

While the murderous intent radiating from Miyamoto Musashi was less intense, the mastery emanating from this King of Mercenaries was incomparable in its precision.

An extraordinary powerhouse!

At this point, even if my main body was present, without divine power, I might struggle to defeat him with martial arts alone!

Using solely martial arts, he might even rival Yeodong-bin or Jang Sam-bong!

‘Wha… who on earth is this? Is there still such a powerful existence in this world that I don’t know about?’

Yet, somehow he feels familiar…?

Just then, the Sword Demon slowly raised his sword.

Swish—

At that moment, the overwhelming battle aura from the King of Mercenaries vanished as if washed away by the Sword Demon’s single strike. I couldn’t help but be amazed by that move.

‘The Sword Demon has also reached an astounding level.’

If I could accurately feel the merging of their intents, I’d have observed the duel between the two peak experts in detail, which left me feeling a bit regretful. After the pressure dissipated, the Sword Demon spoke slowly.

“King of Mercenaries. This path is not one to meet death.”

[If it’s not a road to death, then do you mean there are some that may have that level? I doubt it, based on what I see.]

“Listen carefully. The true king who should lead humanity stands right here.”

[……?]

The King of Mercenaries stared at me and Yu Jeong as if questioning what I was saying. Then he fixed his gaze on me and said.

[That kid?]

“Indeed.”

The Sword Demon spoke with clarity.

“This is the Lord of Soeul Castle and the King of Humanity, Baek Woong!”

[……]

The King of Mercenaries stared at me in disbelief. Then he said,

“Sword Demon. I never thought a peerless master like you would utter such nonsense. If you say so, it must be that way.”

“Correct.”

[However, he looks nothing like the peerless master known to me! They claimed Baek Woong was an exceptional martial artist, a breathtaking beauty surpassing the famed Song Ok and Ban An, and yet, he appears to be such a mere kid?!]

“His true body is in another world. However, he crossed into this one through the Dream World and borrowed the Iron Man’s body to manifest here.”

[…… Hmph.]

The King of Mercenaries sounded somewhat displeased. Then he spoke.

“I must admit I find it hard to believe…”

Damn it!

Why is this conversation all over the place?!

Hearing their dialogue made me feel increasingly frustrated. I stepped forward boldly and said,

[Excuse me, what gives you the right to bother my companion, the Sword Demon, so much? What exactly is this King of Mercenaries?]

[Didn’t the Sword Demon tell you who I am?]

[What’s that to me? You could be an alien or a foreign race. Show me that so-called renowned face of yours.]

[Really? Fine, take a look.]

With that, the King of Mercenaries stepped forward. Under the somewhat brighter light, I understood that he was wearing a blue mask. Plus, upon spotting the five large swords strapped to his body, I recognized who he was.

I widened my eyes slightly.

[…Oh, Ajidahaka?!]

[…!!]

At my exclamation, Ajidahaka flinched in surprise. It wasn’t just Ajidahaka; the Sword Demon beside him looked quite shocked as well.

“Baek Woong. Do you mean to say you know the real name of the King of Mercenaries?”

[No… um… how should I put it?]

What should I say?

I found myself at a loss for words due to the sheer complexity of the explanation.

But since explaining everything would take far too long, I eventually gave up explaining and spoke to Ajidahaka.

[I know you are the Sword Saint of the Argeldo Clan, Ajidahaka. I also know that you were a conqueror in the arenas of the Lemuria Empire.]

One of the Divine Realm’s White Seats, the Sword Saint Ajidahaka!

The head of the Argeldo Clan with millions of followers in the galaxy!

He was someone with whom I fought for my life just before I returned to this era, so there was no way I wouldn’t know him!

Listening to my words, Ajidahaka fell into silence. Realizing this silence was an acknowledgment, I assumed the conversation was progressing nicely, but Ajidahaka soon retorted bluntly.

[Looks like you’ve done quite a bit of research on me. Sorry, but what you said is common knowledge for many people across the galaxy.]

[Yet, they probably don’t know that you are one of the Divine Realm’s White Seats.]

[……!!]

Ajidahaka seemed taken aback by my words. It appeared my single comment was sufficiently enough to rattle him. I continued.

[You fought me in the Lemuria Empire, didn’t you? We agreed to face off when I reached a level capable of challenging the conqueror one day.]

[……]

[Why are you now working as the King of Mercenaries in a place like this? Since then, have you managed to defeat Yu Mang? You even told me you regarded him as the strongest warrior.]

[H… How could this be? How do you know Yu Mang?]

The mention of Yu Mang seemed to genuinely throw Ajidahaka off balance. After a moment of recovery, he spoke.

[Sorry… but I genuinely don’t know you. While it’s true I was a conqueror in the Lemuria Arena, I fled home when the Lemuria fell without ever facing someone like you to make a duel promise.]

Huh?! What are you talking about? We made a promise to each other!

I felt somewhat wronged but tilted my head and replied.

[What do you mean… Why did the Lemuria suddenly collapse?]

[Something exploded underground, and Le Rue was damaged. That’s how the Evil God suddenly appeared, and everyone died.]

[……]

[It was quite a well-known incident. Didn’t you hear about it?]

Damn, so that’s how it happened? The destruction of Lemuria turned out to stem from that event, causing the Evil God to emerge, leading to its downfall!

I felt a strange sense of unease, as if I’d gained prior knowledge of the Takrok Era’s future. But I shook my head and said to Ajidahaka.

[Think about it. At that time, I heard your Immortal Outlander was the 999th style, and that the sword styles from other sects could reach ten times that level. You also mentioned that if we fought again, you could use the Divine Skill in practice, but you said there was a reason you didn’t…]

[……]

[Damn it, if I could only use martial arts now, I would demonstrate it myself…]

As I lamented, suddenly Ajidahaka seemed lost in thought before finally speaking.

[What is this…? I’ve surely never met you… but… somehow I feel like I have some memory of you.]