Chapter 443
“I went to meet a blacksmith named Seoljo with the Sword Demon.”
Of course, Seoljo was just a front as he was actually the former Grandmaster of the Namgung Clan, revered as the Greatest Swordsman under Heaven from the Shadowless Sect.
Thwang – Thwang –
As the Master of the Shadowless Sword was hammering away, he turned at our presence. Neither the Sword Demon nor I felt the need to hide our strength, allowing our intent to radiate freely. He subtly took a combat stance, his voice low.
“A couple of noteworthy guys… here to kill me, are you?”
I felt a significant pressure from the Master, but it wasn’t quite the same as before. This showed I had grown stronger while training in the Three Treasure Technique, and compared to the Absolute Beings I had encountered, he seemed relatively weaker. Still, I wasn’t confident I could take him on one-on-one just yet.
Stepping forward, I introduced myself and the Sword Demon.
“I am Baek Woong, and this is the esteemed Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong, the current leader of the Shadowless Sect.”
“……”
At the mention of the Sword Demon’s name, the Master flinched. Clearly, his identity was an unexpected revelation. The Sword Demon stepped forward and introduced himself.
“It’s an honor to meet the former Greatest Sword under Heaven.”
“Hmmm… what brings the Greatest Expert of the Heretical Faction here?”
“There’s no need to hide anything; we know everything…”
The Sword Demon spoke softly, his eyes glinting.
“I’m here about Namgung Jo.”
“Huh?!”
“I bear no grudges about the past and intend to lift the ban imposed by my father starting today.”
Namgung Jo was visibly taken aback.
“R-Really?”
“Yes, but you must establish justice first.”
“Justice?”
Eventually, we led Master Namgung Jo back to the Shadowless Sect’s headquarters, explaining the atrocities committed by the Namgung Clan. We laid out the evidence and testimonies of the kidnapped women. The Master trembled before responding.
“I… I can’t believe this! How could this happen…?”
“I swear on my life it’s all true.”
With a grieving expression, he lamented,
“If this is true, I will definitely punish the Namgung Clan.”
“That goes without saying.”
The Sword Demon replied with an indifferent gaze.
“Once you defeat Sword King Namgung Myeong and the Namgung Clan, unite with me to create a new alliance.”
“What do you mean?”
“The world is currently in turmoil. We cannot navigate through it with just the Shadowless Sect. I hope you’ll join us and help build a force that can contend with the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families.”
Namgung Jo nodded. “I see you have brought me in with such practical intent.”
“I won’t deny it. But it’s also to uphold the ideals of righteousness you spoke of. Help us to create an organization beyond the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families.”
“Alright. I agree to that.”
After a moment, the Master wanted to step out to gather his thoughts before things turned chaotic at the venue, leaving me and the Sword Demon behind. The Sword Demon sat down with a sigh.
“Here’s my proposal. I will take over the Anhui Martial World using you, and my plan is to make the Eight Demons of the Demon Path submit in due time. Of course, I do this to aid your future endeavors.”
“Is that right?”
He seemed to be amused by my nonchalant answer.
“Hehe… This is my gamble in life and a move that can change the dynamics of the Martial World, yet you seem indifferent. I suppose this is nothing compared to your aims concerning the gods.”
“That’s not what I mean.”
“Anyway, I’m glad you came to visit. How about taking a breather and organizing your plans?”
I said to the Sword Demon, “I have a question for you.”
“What is it?”
“Do you think if I hadn’t been able to rescue Seo Mun-hye, you would have been able to save her yourself?”
He was taken aback.
But realizing that my curiosity came from a genuine place instead of mockery or a threat, he calmed down. He pondered for a moment, touching his chin, then replied.
“Probably not. Based on your memories of the Obsidian, the slave market was quite large, and if the Imperial Palace and Wind Spirit Sect got involved, it would mean a conflict with the White Lotus Sect indirectly. I am not sure if we could rescue her before the sacrifice took place. Judging by the circumstances, we probably had no more than a month.”
“……”
Could it really be like that?
“I think I understand what you are pondering. You’re curious about what the ‘original history’ would have looked like if you hadn’t acted, aren’t you?”
I nodded.
“Exactly.”
“Hmm… I usually don’t think like that, but it is indeed something worth pondering.”
“I’m trying to save people suffering in their past lives, but I wish to know what would have happened if I hadn’t intervened.”
“Haha! So you’re outright stating you don’t want to rescue my daughter right in front of me?”
“……”
“Just joking. I know that’s not your intent. I understand why you’re seeking advice from me.”
The Sword Demon crossed his arms and continued.
“Well… The one thing that might be troubling you is the Nine Lotus Sect, isn’t it?”
“Yes, you hit the nail on the head.”
I was impressed by his insight since he grasped exactly what I was concerned about.
The Nine Lotus Sect!
It was a mysterious cult that emerged in the late stages of my first life during the Escort days. Known for human sacrifices, cannibalism, and bizarre sorcery. The Nine Lotus Sect suddenly spread its influence from southern China, causing chaos in various regions of Central Plains, leading to bloodshed as the state recklessly cracked down on them.
They hadn’t started wreaking havoc until around forty years from now, so right now, there was no need to worry, but my concerns lay elsewhere.
After taking a sip of tea, the Sword Demon said, “Despite being considered one of the greatest in the Heretical Faction, a comprehensive knowledge doesn’t guarantee familiarity with every fringe group. I’ve never heard of the Nine Lotus Sect before. But given your unease about them, they might very well be a fanatic collective serving the Old Ruler.”
“Yes, that’s certainly a possibility. The Nine Lotus Sect is definitely linked to the Old Ruler. But that raises a perplexing point.”
“What is it?”
“As you know, the factions in the Central Plains are currently held in a delicate balance by the White Lotus Sect Leader, Vermilion Bird Zhuge Yulong, and Master of the Twelve Joules. Though the White Lotus Sect could easily dominate the region, Vermilion Bird counterbalances him with support from the Old Ruler, while the Twelve Joules keep an eye on them. It’s precarious at best…”
As I was trailing off, the Sword Demon understood my meaning.
“You find it strange that, like in your first life, peace has reigned for decades despite the imminent danger from all three sides?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm. That certainly raises eyebrows. I too find it odd.” The Sword Demon suddenly recalled something. “Ah! Could it be due to that ‘Sorcerer’ that you chased away in the first instance?”
“……”
“That Sorcerer mentioned escaping through time and space. That implies he no longer has any ties to your past life. In fact, in your first lifetime, the Sorcerer never appeared again, and it seems the Imperial Palace’s main adversary had switched to an Alchemist.”
As he intertwined his fingers, he continued, “It means that, at the moment the Sorcerer escaped, the original history you were aware of might have vanished without a trace.”
“…Honestly, I’ve thought about exactly that for years. This is personal for me.”
I scratched my head.
“So, I want to know what the future holds. I’m curious whether the Nine Lotus Sect will still emerge in this ‘changed’ future, and if we will have decades of peace until then.”
The Sword Demon burst into hearty laughter.
“Ha! Decades of peace, you say? My daughter and innocent citizens being captured as sacrifices by pirates, the Namgung Clan imprisoning sex slaves, and General Hwang Yeon on the brink of death in Great Thunder Valley while crafting artificial beings in the Imperial Palace…it hardly sounds peaceful to me.”
“……”
“Well, that could be true. History usually doesn’t recount the tales of the victims or the weak. It’s highly possible that things appeared peaceful on the surface while the weak suffered in silence.”
“But I can’t just stand aside and watch them suffer.”
“Right. You wouldn’t have acted if you were unaware of the situation. Now that you know, abandoning them is out of the question. That’s the dilemma, isn’t it?”
“Yes…”
The Sword Demon had a contemplative look. During a moment of awkward silence, he finally spoke up, “I might have a solution.”
“What kind of solution?”
“Hmm… I’m not sure. Do you know anyone well-versed in Qimen Dunjia or sorcery? You might need to consult them.”
As soon as I heard this, I thought of Cheon Woo-jin.
“There’s one person.”
“Right, it must be Cheon Woo-jin. For now, let’s take down the Namgung Clan and then visit him together to ask.”
“That sounds like a plan.”
We then brought the Master of the Shadowless Sword, who had been meditating outside, along with us back to the main venue of the Namgung Clan. Perhaps time was off, as we didn’t see Sword King Namgung Myeong or the Eight Swords of Namgung. However, as soon as Master Namgung Jo began creating a ruckus, warriors from the Namgung Clan soon emerged, and eventually, we found ourselves at a standoff with Sword King Namgung Myeong.
Sword King Namgung Myeong said, clearly bewildered, “What’s going on here…?”
“Shut it, beast-like bastard!!”
As Master Namgung Jo glared daggers at him, the Sword Demon added, “If it’s about the charges, I’ll gladly recount each one, Sword King.”
Sword King Namgung Myeong recognized the Sword Demon immediately and growled, “Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong…!! How dare you deceive my uncle!”
“Well, it’s hardly the time to be dramatizing this with charm.”
“What?!”
With that signal, Sword King Namgung Myeong and the Sword Demon clashed their swords, and the sound of swordplay erupted all around. Watching this unfold, I thought, ‘The Sword Demon is showing me just how powerful he truly is right now.’
Moreover, the martial artist’s pride was likely what had brought him to confront the Namgung Clan. As I observed the duel between the two peak experts, I was confident that Master Namgung Jo could handle the remaining trash without my interference.
Slashing sounds echoed as the Sword King demonstrated a strong yet flexible blade technique. The Sword Demon countered Namgung Myeong’s strikes effortlessly employing the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword’s double attack, gradually pushing him into a corner. To describe it, it felt like a clash of Yin and Yang, with both swordsmen representing contrasting styles.
“Hah!”
Eventually, the Sword Demon unleashed the Invincible Sword, executing the techniques from the realm of intent. Namgung Myeong tensed as he began parrying the Sword Demon’s onslaught, but it wasn’t without consequence; he sustained multiple injuries across his limbs. Even as he staggered, the Sword King refused to fall, closing off his lethal openings.
‘He isn’t the finest swordsman among the Five Great Families for nothing.’
Over the span of about seventy seconds, I gauged their skill levels. The Sword Demon was undoubtedly a step or one and a half above Sword King Namgung Myeong, with both appearing to have similar real combat experience. Yet, the fact that the Sword Demon couldn’t defeat him swiftly indicated that Sword King wasn’t to be underestimated. However, given the direction of the battle, it looked like the Sword Demon would behead him within three hundred seconds.
As he began to dominate, the Sword Demon stepped back, reflecting bitterly.
“Without the Seven Great Techniques, this is my limit… I’ve certainly become a frog in a well.”
It’s strange that he’d be melancholic despite being on the verge of victory, but I understood his lament. Hurriedly, I reassured him, “There’s no need to compare yourself to gods or the White Lotus Sect Leader.”
“No, it’s just that I’m feeling a bit gloomy.”
The Sword Demon prided himself on his skills being at the top of the martial hierarchy, but having caught glimpses of the otherworldly power I encountered through the Obsidian, his self-confidence began to crumble against figures like gods, the White Lotus Sect Leader, Dharma Guardian, Master of the Twelve Joules, and the overlay technique users.
In the heat of the battle, the Master of the Shadowless Sword charged at Sword King Namgung Myeong, who fought back desperately. But, ten seconds later, using the Shadowless Soul Steal Technique, Master Namgung Jo beheaded him with a swift motion.
“Gah!”
Before long, the bloody conflict within the Namgung Clan settled down, and Master Namgung Jo began restoring order in the aftermath. It was decided that he and I would eventually establish an alliance under the name of the Shadowless Alliance (무영련).
Instead of returning straight to the Shadowless Sect, I headed to Master Mangnyang’s village. Seeking out Cheon Woo-jin, I approached him.
“Cheon Woo-jin, I came to ask you something…”
Cheon Woo-jin lazily unfolded his Illusion Fog, slightly irritated.
“Do I have to answer every one of your questions? Why not just focus on diligently training your Peaceful Sorcery?”
“Don’t be so annoying. I’ll pay if it’s a big deal.”
Whoosh
I tossed a box filled with various precious metals along with several roots of the Black and White Lotus into Cheon Woo-jin’s hands. He carefully examined the box and replied, “Ask away.”
With the Sword Demon stepping forward, he inquired, “I am Sword Demon Seo Mun-dae-ryong. I have a question about Baek Woong.”
“Baek Woong?”
“I heard that Baek Woong can foresee and assess future possibilities. Thus, merely observing potential possibilities isn’t enough, as interventions by the observer can lead to continual changes in the outcome… Am I correct?”
“Indeed.”
“Then, under the premise that the future is fixed, is it possible to utilize Baek Woong’s abilities to observe such possibilities?”
“……”
Cheon Woo-jin seemed taken aback by the question, appearing lost in thought as he pondered it over.
After a moment, he finally responded, “It’s certainly possible. The Baek Woong was originally created by Zhuge Mu-hu to foresee the fate of Shu, so it was intended for such purposes from the very beginning.”
A glow of triumph appeared on the Sword Demon’s face.
“So, it can function without the need for sorcery?”
“That’s beyond my knowledge, but using a treasure generally requires significant spirit power. It’s something that innate gifted individuals can barely muster after rigorous training. Someone unfamiliar with sorcery trying to use Baek Woong’s future sight would most likely meet a demise.”
“Understood. That was quite helpful.”
We then took our leave from Cheon Woo-jin. The Sword Demon grinned and remarked, “Looks like we now have a method to proceed.”
“Indeed.”
I clenched my fist, filled with renewed determination. Clearly, choosing not to expend my lifespan recklessly in retracing the past had been the right call.
“I can use Baek Woong to discover the ‘original history.’
Knowing that original history would make it easier for me to gauge if my current actions were right or wrong would be a considerable advantage! Furthermore, it would allow me to understand what I require to confront the gods! In this moment, my primary objective had pivoted to acquiring Baek Woong.
