Chapter 231
Chapter 231
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 231
Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I had another sparring session with the Sword Demon the next day. Even though I didn't know when I might have to face Jin So-cheong, I couldn't skip my daily routine. After finishing the match and tidying up my breathing, the Sword Demon spoke.
"Your daughter wants to talk to you."
"......"
"Don't be awkward about it. It didn't seem to be about the engagement."
"I'm sorry."
I realized my emotions had shown through. I had tried to play it cool, but it seemed I still wasn't used to hiding my feelings.
I finished my training routine a bit early and headed to Seo Mun-hye's room. Unlike before, she wasn't dressed in palace attire but in a form-fitting martial robe with a headscarf. Anyone could see she was a warrior preparing for a decisive battle. She greeted me upon my arrival.
"You've come, Protector."
I also noticed that even after six years, her appearance hadn't changed at all. With her signature silver hair, she still boasted the beauty of a peerless beauty in her twenties. As a Peak Expert with profound inner energy, she wouldn't show signs of aging until at least her forties.
"Of course I had to come when the Young Lady calls."
I replied, and she smiled faintly.
"Father seems to have given up now."
"On what..."
She looked at me with deep, affectionate eyes without a word. From that gaze, I could infer what he had given up on, even without her saying it.
'The Sword Demon has given up on pairing me with Seo Mun-hye.'
Originally, to the Sword Demon, I must have been both a benefactor and a potential son-in-law. He would have done his best to make his daughter's feelings come to fruition. But after reading my memories, he realized it was pointless and abandoned his plans.
"Ahem."
I cleared my throat awkwardly and said.
"Things are chaotic inside and outside the sect right now. I need time to prepare quickly as well."
"You mean about Jin So-cheong?"
"Yes."
She sighed.
"His martial arts have reached a level that can't possibly be considered that of a later-generation disciple. Before Father returned, I gathered as much information as I could, but I truly had no way to oppose him. Now that both of you are back, I feel relieved."
"Jin So-cheong is strong."
I knew that fact well. As I emphasized it, Seo Mun-hye said.
"Of course. None of the Eight Demonic Lords could last fifty breaths against him."
"...What?"
"It's shaking the entire martial world."
Her words left me quite bewildered.
'To that extent?'
About seven years had passed since the starting point of my regression. In that time, my body had clearly grown into that of a young man in his twenties, and Jin So-cheong must now be in his early to mid-thirties. Unless he had been slacking off, his skills would have undoubtedly grown.
But even so, the Eight Demonic Lords were the pinnacle experts of the Evil Factions. To defeat all of them within fifty breaths meant his prowess had reached the upper echelons even among Superiors.
As I crossed my arms in thought, Seo Mun-hye said.
"Father said he can fully handle Jin So-cheong."
"Of course."
"But I'm still worried and anxious. Jin So-cheong is too strong..."
She took my hand and said.
"Protector Baek. Please protect Father."
"......"
"I beg you."
Her earnest gaze left me speechless.
To think both father and daughter would ask me to protect each other!
Unlike the self-interested relationships in the martial world, their concern for family was genuine. I couldn't help but think that the Shadowless Sect's place among the Eight Demonic Sects was undeserved.
I gripped her hand in return and answered.
"I will protect him. Even if it costs my life."
I resolved myself.
In this life, even if it meant dying in vain, I would protect this father and daughter.
With my firm assurance, Seo Mun-hye wiped tears from her eyes and said.
"Hehe... You're reliable."
I chatted idly with her over tea for a while, then returned to the Sword Demon. That day, I finished training and went to sleep again.
The incident occurred two days later.
"Protector Baek! The Lord has urgently called a meeting!"
At dawn, when a Sword Wolf from the Shadowless Sect came for me, I jumped up and rushed to the sect's meeting hall. More than half of the Shadowless Sect disciples were already there, and the Sword Demon wore a grave expression. Confirming my arrival, he spoke.
"Feng Shen Liu is scheduled to fight Jin So-cheong today."
Murmurs...
The Shadowless Sect disciples showed signs of confusion upon hearing this. Aside from me, no one had heard about Feng Shen Liu's movements, so it was natural. The Sword Demon waited calmly for the commotion to die down before continuing.
"And Feng Shen Liu has ordered us to attack the Azure Dragon Martial Hall, Jin So-cheong's base."
"......!!"
I realized Feng Shen Liu intended to eradicate us root and stem.
Jin So-cheong would be dealt with by Feng Shen Liu, and as representatives of the Eight Demonic Sects, the Shadowless Sect would assault the Azure Dragon Martial Hall and be annihilated.
At those words, the White Blood Swordsman, a Peak Swordmaster and Sword Wolf of the Shadowless Sect, stood and shouted.
"Lord! We're not subordinates of Feng Shen Liu, are we?!"
"Exactly!!"
"Why are they ordering us around!"
Though only a dozen or so, the outburst from the Shadowless Sect's Peak Experts carried immense presence. Each one was a swordsman who could stand unmatched anywhere in the world. And as experts, they took immense pride in their martial arts and sect.
The Sword Demon calmly replied.
"Defying Feng Shen Liu means clashing not only with the Yellow Mountain Sect behind him, but also Feng Shen Liu and the White Lotus Cult. We can't go against them."
"Urgh...!!"
"But that doesn't mean we have to obey faithfully."
The Sword Demon smiled faintly and continued.
"That's why I plan to move only after confirming Feng Shen Liu has dealt with Jin So-cheong. I'll take the most practical approach."
The Shadowless Sect experts exchanged glances before shouting in unison.
"The Lord's wisdom is correct!"
"But the Azure Dragon Martial Hall is no pushover. Even if Feng Shen Liu defeats Jin So-cheong, don't let your guard down."
"Yes!!"
The meeting ended, and the experts returned to their posts.
Then, in a one-on-one meeting with the Sword Demon, I heard his true intentions.
"Baek Woong. Come with me to meet the Black Horse of the Black Night Sect."
"Pardon?"
"We must hurry. There's much to do today."
Though puzzled, I used the Golden Flying Vessel as he requested and headed toward the plains of Henan Province. The moment he returned, the Sword Demon had arranged to meet the Black Night Sect's Lord, one of the Eight Demonic Lords, the Black Horse. And coincidentally, it was today.
Flash!
We soon arrived at a serene mansion in the plains of Henan Province. Led by the Sword Demon to this mansion about seven li from Henan Province, I followed him briskly into the inner quarters.
Swish...
Before long, about a dozen experts using stealthy movement arts appeared before us. All clad in black, they exuded powerful auras. In their center stood an elderly man—slightly plump with a robust build.
The elder spoke.
"What do you want?"
The Sword Demon, staring at him intently, said.
"Black Horse. Be honest. You've received an assassination request on Jin So-cheong, haven't you?"
"......"
Indeed. The robust elder before us was the Black Night Sect Lord, who held one of the Eight Demonic Seats and was renowned as one of the Central Plains' top assassins. The black-clad figures beside him were undoubtedly the sect's elites.
The Black Horse fell silent before answering.
"Yes."
"Who's the client?"
"I can't say."
"I know that's the rule of assassin groups. Never reveal the client."
The Sword Demon circulated his energy and glared fiercely at him.
"But this time, break your principle!"
"Why should I?"
"If things continue like this, we'll be the shrimp crushed in a whale fight! Those bastards see the Eight Demonic Sects—whether me or you—as mere pawns. We'll both be used and die miserably."
"......!!"
"Before that happens, we need to find our own path to survival. And I've judged you, Black Horse, suitable as my ally."
What was the Sword Demon saying?
I didn't understand, but the Black Horse seemed to read between the lines, showing immense hesitation. Sweat poured down his plump face—he was deeply conflicted.
After about half an incense stick's time, the Black Horse uncrossed his arms and sighed.
"...The Imperial Palace."
"I see."
"Just as you said, Sword Demon. I was dragging my feet on the request because it was suspicious. It seems the White Lotus Cult and Imperial Palace plan to use the Eight Demonic Sects as they please."
The Sword Demon replied as if it were obvious.
"Raccoons with a hundred snakes in their bellies won't stop at just eliminating Jin So-cheong. They'll suck us dry to the bone and then boil us alive."
The Black Horse said earnestly.
"What do you plan to do? I already know the White Lotus Cult backs you."
"We must seal the gates and ally with the Twelve Laws."
"The Twelve Laws...?"
"The White Lotus Cult and Imperial Palace pretend to oppose each other but are actually in a honeymoon phase—that's the intel I have. Whether we side with the Imperial Palace to avoid the White Lotus Cult or vice versa, it's the same. The only massive force we can rely on in the world is the Twelve Laws."
The Black Horse pondered, then clapped his hands.
"I see. That's the way."
"We'll discuss detailed plans later."
The Sword Demon finished talking with the Black Horse and left the mansion.
I used the flying vessel to head to a quiet teahouse in Henan Province. There, we decided to rest by the window while having tea.
Still not fully grasping the bold conversation from earlier, I asked the Sword Demon.
"Why did you discuss that with the Black Horse?"
"What do you mean, Baek Woong?"
"I understand the Lord's intent to shake off the White Lotus Cult's pressure and ally with the Twelve Laws. But why share it with the Black Horse, head of an assassin group?"
I was suppressing my anger.
Frankly, it pissed me off.
Though I forcibly held back with superhuman patience, the Black Night Sect had killed me twice before. My throat was slit by their Assassin Leader both times. Moments ago, upon realizing it was the Black Horse, I nearly lost control and wanted to kill him, but I restrained myself because the Sword Demon was there.
Yet to plot future affairs with the Black Night Sect—an assassin group that kills for hire—and its leader, the Black Horse!
Seeing my expression, the Sword Demon said.
"Since I've seen your memories, I know what grudge you hold against the Black Night Sect."
"......"
"That's exactly why I brought it up with the Black Horse."
"Pardon?"
The Sword Demon suddenly smiled coldly.
"As I said, I plan to borrow your power to relocate to Liaodong. I'll negotiate with the Twelve Laws to rebuild the Shadowless Sect under their protection. But if I do that, wouldn't it be troublesome for you to separately settle your grudge with the Black Night Sect?"
"That makes sense."
"To handle them quietly if possible, I've drawn him into this. Because you have a sufficient way."
Hearing that, I realized his method.
"...I see!"
"Exactly."
The Sword Demon grinned.
"But even after dealing with the Black Horse, I think we should hear out the Assassin Leader. He might have something worth gaining."
I protested.
"What do you mean? He's the enemy who killed me twice."
"That's not it. You may not know, but the Black Night Sect's Assassin Leader is one of the Evil Factions' top later-generation disciples. He's likely the strongest in the Evil martial world in his thirties and has the highest potential to become a Superior. Far stronger than my daughter Hye-ah."
"Gasp..."
Was the Assassin Leader that formidable?
As I let out a groan, the Sword Demon said.
"The Black Horse is an irredeemable villain, but it's unclear if the Assassin Leader is the same. As you know, assassin groups raise orphans from childhood into killing machines, regardless of their will. It's unfair to pour all your rage on someone who just follows orders."
I couldn't hold back my anger and ground my teeth.
"What does that matter?! Even if he's a machine, it doesn't erase the grudge of having my throat slit. I must tear him apart!!"
Whoooosh
A massive aura surged out. Unknowingly, my inner energy and intent had erupted together. The entire teahouse shook, with creaking sounds from all around. The Sword Demon used his intent to suppress my aura and said.
"If, to get revenge on the Imperial Palace, you had to kill me in the future, what would you do? If fate flows that way?"
I faltered.
Stunned by the unexpected words, I halted my aura and quickly said.
"Th-that won't happen. Even so, I would never kill the Lord."
The Sword Demon blinked in surprise.
"Why? Isn't your goal to topple the Imperial Palace?"
"I have no intention of compromising or making excuses to achieve results."
"That's far too soft thinking."
The Sword Demon sighed briefly.
"If you'd been a bit more ruthless, around your sixteenth regression, you might have half-destroyed the Imperial Palace. Without regard for means or methods, I mean. You've thought about it at least once, haven't you?"
"...Yes."
"Not wanting revenge even if it means killing me... yet unable to endure past grudges without settling them... It's the same story in the end."
The Sword Demon crossed his arms and said.
"You're a regressor. Unlike ordinary people like me, you who can return through time and space must view grudges and favors differently. You need a broader, more objective perspective."
"What do you mean..."
"The Black Night Sect's Assassin Leader killed you twice. So how many times do you plan to kill him? Twice? Three? Four? Or a hundred?"
"......"
"With your current martial arts, you could kill him over a hundred times."
Smiling wryly, the Sword Demon continued.
"But no matter how many times you kill him, what's the difference?"
I had no words.
"...None."
"That's how it is. And what if the Assassin Leader holds crucial information or a key flow that you must accept? You might create contradictions in your regression process."
"Um..."
I'd never considered that. No, I hadn't had time to. Until now, favors and grudges had been so clear-cut that I'd lived simply and brutishly. Propping my chin in thought, the Sword Demon said.
"Killing ends it there. Human connections aren't resolved by killing."
"But... I must get revenge on him."
"Then don't be petty about it."
The Sword Demon said firmly.
"If you want revenge, use that black jade to show him your full history of favors and grudges. Let him hear how to handle the grudge and decide. If he's truly an irredeemable monster beyond talk, kill him a hundred or a thousand times as you please."
I thought long and hard.
Only then did I accept the Sword Demon's words.
"The Lord is right."
"Haha! Of course, separately from that, the Black Horse bastard is a dog, so I'll kill him."
"That's right too."
The Sword Demon grinned, then downed the cold tea. Standing up, he said.
"Then let's head to the Great Bamboo Plain in Shandong. Jin So-cheong and Feng Shen should have clashed by now."
"Where is that?"
"About fifty li from Shandong Province."
Flash!
With his words, we arrived before Shandong Province via the Golden Flying Vessel. Following the Sword Demon's lead, I headed to the Great Bamboo Plain. We raced nonstop to the terrain named for its vast bamboo groves.
By the time we reached the Great Bamboo Plain, echoes of massive energies exploding ceaselessly reverberated.
KABOOM
BOOM!!
Vast sword energies burst into the sky in multicolored lights. It seemed Jin So-cheong had unleashed his Thunder Bombardment.
"It's started!"
The Sword Demon murmured briefly and accelerated his lightness skill into the plain. His footwork incorporated the harmony of the Seven Stars Phantom Shadow, rivaling the Annihilation Steps in speed. Following him, I thought.
'Finally, I get to see Jin So-cheong's martial arts.'
My feelings were complex.
Part of me hoped he was weak now, yet I also anticipated just how strong the Jin So-cheong of six years later would be.
============================ Author's Note ============================
Fixed the Annihilation Steps setting error. Thank you!
Please add Reincarnation Sword God to your favorites and leave recommendations and comments~