전생검신 97권 11화

“Hmm?!”

The Heavenly Secret Technique!

It was a method from the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate that allowed you to summon a great person’s soul up to ten times by harnessing the energy bound in your ten fingers. I had also learned this technique and frequently used it in my past lives, so I knew its power all too well. But now, I tilted my head in confusion.

“With my current strength, as great as a hero might be, I don’t really need the help of a human soul…”

When my power was below the level of the Great Immortal Overlay Technique, I had made excellent use of the Heavenly Secret Technique. But as my level increased and my enemies’ levels rose as well, the effectiveness of the Heavenly Secret Technique began to fade. It seemed I hadn’t used it much at all in my 30th life.

Then, flapping about like a know-it-all, Mangnyang wiggled his fingers and said,

“No, that’s not it. Thinking about it, this technique has tremendous versatility. So actively using it like this will probably be a first for me this life.”

“…? But isn’t it just about asking the soul for a favor? Human heroes have limits to their power, you know.”

“Ha. There’s a blind spot in this technique right now.”

With a smug smile, Mangnyang suddenly raised his hand and cast the Heavenly Secret Technique. I gasped in surprise at how naturally he performed it.

“Has it only been a few days since you saw the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate, and you’re already doing that so effortlessly?”

I knew from my own teachings that this was no simple technique to master. To use it with Mangnyang’s level, you’d need at least a year of diligent practice.

How was he pulling this off when his skill wasn’t that great?

As I pondered, Mangnyang flicked off one of the flames from his fingers and said.

“Come, Sima Yi.”

“What?!”

I was taken aback by the unexpected name at that moment.

Hu Woong!

A spirit appeared in the hall. The figure, wearing a ceremonial cap, seemed dignified, likely because he had once been a king in life. But my surprise wasn’t due to the fact that he was a king.

“Sa… Sima Yi! Wasn’t he the one who opposed Zhuge Mu-hu?”

He was also known as the founder and esteemed figure of the country known as the Western Jin and revered as a legendary strategist and tactician. Plus, he was famously opposed to Zhuge Mu-hu, the legendary clever mind; I never expected him to show up here. Mangnyang called out Sima Yi casually and said,

“Sima Yi. Didn’t you already grant me my wish to share all your knowledge of sorcery?”

[……]

Ah, that’s why Mangnyang quickly mastered the technique, huh? Since Sima Yi was also a Grand Sorcerer who shared the same level as Zhuge Mu-hu, it made perfect sense if he had passed all his knowledge onto him.

Sima Yi seemed rather bemused.

[Indeed… I already fulfilled your wish…]

“Wondering why you’re being summoned again? No cooldown period at all.”

[Hmm…]

“Look here, Baek Woong. Doesn’t something seem off?”

“What do you mean?”

“The Heavenly Secret Technique, as you said, binds the soul of the great hero to the offerings for Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen’s Heavenly Demon Martial Art, sealing it within the Divine Temple’s golden crown. So with the emperor sealed, it should normally be impossible for the Heavenly Secret Technique to activate, right? But as you can see, it’s activating just fine.”

“Ah!”

Right?!

It seemed to work when I unconsciously used it in the West during my 30th life…?

I hadn’t thought much about it, but as I pondered this strange point, Mangnyang chuckled.

“My guess is this: someone other than the emperor is managing the Divine Temple. And that manager is using their own power in place of the emperor to maintain this technique.”

“Hmm? Is that even possible?”

“There are dozens or hundreds of divine beings in the temple, right? It’s quite likely that a high-ranking entity is managing things in case the emperor returns. And if the author of the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate is Guang Chengzi, he’s probably the most likely candidate.”

After mulling over Mangnyang’s words, I eventually realized.

“…Guang Chengzi… Vishnu! Are you saying Vishnu is currently maintaining the Heavenly Secret Technique instead of the emperor?”

“It’s highly likely. Originally, Vishnu would have created a storehouse to contain the heavenly power of the Spirit Invocation Technique in the ten fingers, waiting for the emperor’s will to manifest. But since the emperor is sealed, Vishnu has no choice but to take full responsibility for maintaining the Heavenly Secret Technique.”

“Oh?”

So this is the kind of change the Heavenly Secret Technique underwent?

As I marveled at this revelation, Sima Yi, who had been listening quietly, suddenly added.

[That’s correct. While Vishnu maintains the technique itself, he cannot open the door to the golden crown.]

“Hmm?”

What does that mean?

As I looked puzzled, Mangnyang smiled and clarified.

“That’s right. The original principle of the Heavenly Secret Technique is that by granting a soul’s wish, a bond is formed, and that soul is pushed into the golden crown. But now, although the soul and the golden crown are connected, Vishnu, who is maintaining the technique, can’t open the crown. This is because he doesn’t have the authority to open it like Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen would.”

“Uh… then…”

“The Heavenly Secret Technique has become the supreme technique in the current situation, with no side effects. There’s no cooldown period for summoning souls, and they can’t enter the golden crown. In other words, you can make up to 10 wishes with one soul. Or, as long as you can pay in divine power called heavenly strength, you can wish infinitely.”

“…!”

“This is all thanks to the emperor being sealed.”

Wait, what?!

I was stunned by the unexpected enhancement of the Heavenly Secret Technique.

So because the golden crown can’t be opened, the Heavenly Secret Technique can be used infinitely!

After thinking deeply, I said,

“…But can we really say the power of the technique itself has increased? Just because the cooldown period for summoning was removed doesn’t mean a human soul can grant such powerful wishes.”

“Haha. You’re mistaken. Give me Jeon Wook’s statue.”

“…? Here it is.”

As I handed over Jeon Wook’s statue from my wooden armor, Mangnyang held it up like a trophy and declared,

“Sima Yi! Using this Jeon Wook statue as an offering, I will overlap the power of the Five Fingers! In return, please copy all the sorcery skills you possessed in life!”

[…….Understood.]

Pah!

Moments later, a radiant light flickered and divine light swirled in Mangnyang’s eyes. He then burst into laughter.

“Haha! Now I have acquired all the sorcery powers of Sima Yi, the great sorcerer who once stood against Zhuge Mu-hu!”

“…!”

“If I focus on training normally, it would take me at least 100 years to reach that level.”

Wait, is this even possible?!

Surprised, I was handed back the statue by Mangnyang, who said,

“Now, as long as you offer enough divine artifacts for the Heavenly Secret Technique and make sacrifices, you can instantly overlap the heavenly strength of the ten fingers and gain powerful benefits that were previously beyond the limits of this technique! If you use this wisely, it won’t be that hard for your companions to become significantly stronger.”

“Good grief… so we can do this without any future repercussions? Won’t Vishnu get angry?”

“Not likely. No matter how many times humans pull this trick, it won’t significantly affect the great Vishnu. In fact, it might be a greater loss for him if he intervened to discipline it. With the emperor’s seal in place, he’s already got a lot on his plate. Why would he get mad about something so trivial?”

“Ah, that makes sense…”

A divine being’s descent requires a tremendous bond of causality. It’s more effective to leave this little mischief unchecked than to come down to punish it.

“And there’s one more way to utilize the Heavenly Secret Technique.”

“Huh?! It’s incredible as it is, but there’s more?”

“That is… combining it with the technique you’ve already mastered as your trump card. This is also a method that can only be used while the emperor is sealed. So, let me explain…”

As Mangnyang explained this third method, I was awestruck.

“Indeed!”

If this merges with the Portrait Immortal, it could yield something amazing!

Feeling delight in my heart, Mangnyang said,

“From what I observed in your previous 30th life, it seemed like you were trying to live modestly due to the risks posed by Soeul Village, hence why the strategists didn’t introduce this type of incantation. You know that this technique necessarily expands the board. But since the board will be genuinely expanding this time, I felt I had to tell you.”

“Thank you.”

“It seems like you will be traveling all around the world this life. So, make sure to frequently use the Heavenly Secret Technique whenever you get the chance. It should benefit you greatly.”

“Got it.”

Just then, Sima Yi, who had been listening to us, spoke up.

[Do you know where to summon Zhuge Mu-hu?]

“Hmm? I do…”

As I replied, Sima Yi nodded.

[Then I recommend summoning Zhuge Mu-hu with the Heavenly Secret Technique. If you can acquire the Yin Fu Classic from him, it will mean you’ve gained both invaluable treasures of sorcery, the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate and the Yin Fu Classic.]

Oh, I almost forgot!

Speaking of which, Zhuge Mu-hu had a treasure of sorcery just as notable as the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Gate, didn’t he?

If I could obtain the Yin Fu Classic, it would be an immense help for my sorcerers among my companions!

“Ah, got it! Thanks for the advice.”

[Hmph… Funny how you treat the souls of heroes like mere pawns.]

Sima Yi smirked as he gradually faded away.

[I’ll share some wisdom with you. You might actually gain more by exploiting the paradox of the Heavenly Secret Technique and seeking out the golden crown. It could be risky, sure, but there’s potential.]

“……?”

“What do you mean?”

Now Mangnyang seemed just as lost as I was, tilting his head in confusion.

‘The emperor’s golden crown is with the Divine Temple. Naturally, stepping into a realm unique to the emperor is exceedingly dangerous. Why would we want to gamble like that? What could we possibly gain?’

Even if the emperor is sealed, it’s still a risky endeavor. After all, I’d found out previously that some divine beings residing near the temple wouldn’t shy away from confronting us.

Mangnyang then said,

“Anyway, you should first gather some treasures, then make your way to Wudang Mountain. It would be wise to gain the favor of the orthodox members first.”

“Understood.”

Pah!

I used the Golden Lamp Technique to acquire the Phoenix Fragment from the Hua Clan and then collected all the treasures in the Longmen Grottoes.

‘There are still so many treasures to recover. Later, I need to break the seal of the National Seal beneath the Imperial Palace too, and retrieve the Fire Spirit… But first, I should focus on minor matters to avoid riling up the divine beings.’

Next, I headed to Wudang Mountain. Upon arriving, I approached the residence of the Bright Dragon and said to him,

“Bright Dragon! I possess complete knowledge of the Six Great Techniques and the Heavenly Contraction Sword of the Wudang Sect.”

Without wasting any time, I blurted it out and showcased both techniques. I had executed them thousands of times in my past lives, so now I could perform them with my eyes closed.

“…!”

“If you wish for me to pass on the techniques, I’ll gladly do so.”

“Teach me!”

“Alright.”

Indeed, having Bright Dragon as part of my team is refreshingly straightforward!

After easily recruiting Bright Dragon and passing on the techniques, I attempted to visit the Master of Zen at the Shaolin Temple. But suddenly I recalled something.

‘Oh right.’

Didn’t the Heavenly Secret Sword exist in the hidden interior of the Wudang Sect?

I remembered forcibly pulling out the Heavenly Secret Sword using the Spirit Power before. Since I was already there to collect treasures, it’d be a mistake not to grab the Heavenly Secret Sword as well. So, I persuaded Bright Dragon and headed for the hidden secret chamber behind the leader’s hall, where the Heavenly Secret Sword lay.

Finally, I stood before the Heavenly Secret Sword and gazed at it in silence.

“Hm. Can I pull it?”

Normally, I’d be confident enough to say, “Of course.” Even when my Spirit Power was relatively weaker, I had persevered and managed to pull it out. However, considering how I had exhausted most of my energy in the 30th life to summon my unconscious companion, Dark Heaven Village, my current strength was far weaker than I had then.

I hesitated for a moment before finally reaching out to grasp the Heavenly Secret Sword.

‘What do I have to lose by trying, right?’

And just as I was about to exert my strength to draw it out.

Kugugugugu!

“Ugh…?!”

Suddenly, I felt an overwhelming surge, as though the very essence of my soul was intricately connected by infinite dots and lines!

Kooruru…

The bond of causality that had been gently simmering within me, collected through this life, began to boil like water in a pot heated over a flame.

I felt the mounting chaos of causality bubbling inside me.

While I was vaguely watching the form of the causality, I sensed a grand voice piercing through my soul.

[World Tree, do you wish to revive this deceased being?]

“…!”

Uh… okay…

I don’t know why, but if someone’s dead, why not give it a shot…

Without realizing it, I found myself nodding at that powerful voice.

And moments later, the Heavenly Secret Sword I was holding flickered with a brilliant light, and a strange energy swirled around the blade.

What’s happening?

As I was panicking, a different voice emanated from the Heavenly Secret Sword.

[Where am I… Who am I?]

“Eh?! Bright Dragon, do you hear this voice?”

“What are you talking about?”

“……”

I realized the Heavenly Secret Sword itself was speaking.

In shock, I looked down at the Heavenly Secret Sword, which then addressed me again.

[Hey! Where is this, and who are you?]

The orange jewel attached to the handle of the sword gleamed brightly. It seemed that each time it glimmered, it signaled that the Heavenly Secret Sword was speaking.

“Um… you look like you might be the Heavenly Secret Sword, but…”

[Me? Am I… the Heavenly Secret Sword?]

“Do you have no memory?”

[That’s right. I’m the Heavenly Secret Sword? Was that really my name…?]

Amidst its confusion, the Heavenly Secret Sword blurted out various words before calming down a moment later.

[Hey! What’s your name?]

“My name is Baek Woong.”

[Baek Woong! Please take me with you as your companion! I feel you’ll help me regain my memories!]

“……”

[Please!]

“Ah, alright…

What… What is going on here?

Why on earth did the Heavenly Secret Sword become my companion?

It didn’t logically make sense, but shortly after, the Heavenly Secret Sword was smoothly unsheathed. It then exclaimed triumphantly.

[Ha-ha! I may not have my memories, but I look forward to working with you!]

“……”

And just like that, I added yet another crazy companion to my growing list…

When I later reached the Shaolin Temple to visit the Master of Zen, I had Bright Dragon in tow, which made it much easier to dispel his defenses.

Bright Dragon exclaimed with excitement.

“This guy knows all the Vision Divine Techniques of our Wudang Sect! Why don’t you listen to what he has to say, monk!”

“Of course.”

The Master of Zen softly chanted and responded.

“What brings you here, donor?”

“I have come seeking the secret archive of this Shaolin Temple.”

“……!”

The Master of Zen’s eyebrows twitched, visibly surprised at my words.

“How do you know of that?”

“Because you mentioned it directly.”

Then, I described my identity and the circumstances to both Bright Dragon and the Master of Zen. After listening intently for a long time, the Master of Zen was left in awe and sighed.

“Goodness… I can’t believe you already knew about the abbot of our temple and the secret archive, and it’s all because you’re a reborn person… astonishing.”

“Will you grant me access?”

“Of course! I’ll let you have it. It’s a dark artifact, so it must be sealed away. If you can use it effectively, all the better.”

“Thank you.”

“And so you say the secrets of the Reverse Root Water Mirror have been unraveled? Could you explain that to me in more detail?”

“Of course.”

I then recounted the tale of how I had uncovered the secrets of the Reverse Root Water Mirror and had met the Master Dao Xin, the second-generation master of Shaolin and a master of spiritual arts, in that internal world. While narrating the story, I noticed Bright Dragon entering a trance as he sat down in meditation.

Ooooooo!

Seeing Bright Dragon deeply focus and attain enlightenment, I was taken aback.

“Wait?”

“Bright Dragon seems to have gained insight through your tale. When he awakens, he will surely reach the Absolute Realm.”

“…I can’t believe he could gain insight just from listening to a story!”

“That’s why Zen is a popular path to enlightenment. True enlightenment is something that words cannot describe, but words imbued with deep wisdom awaken the Buddha-nature in humans through their very resonance.”

The Master of Zen clasped his hands together and chanted softly.

“In fact, your story contains the understanding of the emptiness that leads to the Divine Realm, thus offering him precious enlightenment. I too have felt my martial arts level increase as a result.”

“Wait, even you?”

“Bright Dragon’s understanding is sudden, while yours is a gradual awakening.”

“……”

All the struggles I went through in the Reverse Root Water Mirror weren’t in vain.

‘The Master of Zen will be reaching the Absolute Realm soon.’

Realizing this, I nodded thoughtfully as the Master of Zen continued.

“And one more thing… as the head of Shaolin, I have something to share with you. I believe you are deserving of this knowledge.”

“What is it?”

“Follow me.”

I was taken aback at the Master of Zen’s words.

“In reality, one of the ten great disciples of the Buddha himself is already sealed within this Shaolin Temple. The Grand Master who established the foundation of this temple… if it is you, perhaps you will meet him.”