Reincarnation Sword God

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Chapter 754: The Dark Heaven Village

Changhil’s power was growing stronger by the minute. White lights descended one by one like shooting stars, and with every absorption of that light, he began to wrap himself in an inexplicable current of strength. The density of that power was visibly escalating.

I addressed Changhil, “The Eight Parts of the Divine are your avatars, right? But how do their deaths return power to you?!”

My question was quite legitimate. Unlike an apostle who bestows power upon individual beings, an avatar is merely another aspect of oneself. An avatar could possess a separate personality, but at the core, it is ultimately the same being. So, when an avatar dies, it should not return power to the original.

That led me to believe that Changhil held the Eight Parts of the Divine in high regard and had granted them the blessing of infinite resurrection to prevent them from dying. I thought it was a pure act of support from the perspective of seeing them as ‘another self.’ But was the reality the exact opposite? This was completely different from the usual concept of avatars.

Changhil, ignoring my words, focused on the screen. There, all the Eight Parts of the Divine were being slaughtered, and Yacha was struggling alone.

[Looks like Yacha is holding on the longest. Truly a disciple of mine.]

“What? A disciple?”

[She was my direct disciple when I was a human priest. The first to become one of the Eight Parts of the Divine.]

Yacha was Changhil’s disciple? I was taken aback by this unexpected information, and Changhil continued, [The Eight Parts of the Divine are neither my avatars nor apostles. They are merely bound by an ancient contract with me.]

“What do you mean?”

[I helped them separate blood and flesh from the body of the “Old Ruler” so they could become high-level existences. And for thousands of years until now, they have mistakenly believed they fused with me to become my avatars… though that was indeed my intention.]

“…”

[The law of cause and effect binding me and them is nonexistent. If anything, it’s a creditor-debtor relationship. Thus, should the Eight Parts of the Divine die, my power does not diminish—instead, interest accumulates, making me even stronger.]

I paused for a moment after hearing that and then spoke up. “… So you deceived them?”

[Heh. The strength the Eight Parts of the Divine gained until now is merely their talent as human heroes. What I provided was just the foundation of a divine body.]

Changhil merely chuckled softly, then said, [It’s now time for me to reclaim my flesh and blood. I’ve assisted them in becoming demon lord-level beings, so they should have no regrets.]

“… You bastard!!” I gritted my teeth.

‘Damn it… what a guy…’

Indeed, the Eight Parts of the Divine were not even Changhil’s avatars or apostles. He had simply deceived inherently talented humans into becoming his avatars and lent them the body of the “Old Ruler”! And with the incredible magical power of that borrowed body, they grew in strength, yet there was never a cause-and-effect relationship from the beginning.

But that also meant Changhil had never trusted the Eight Parts of the Divine at all, playing the role of a loan shark in hiding. Even Yacha, who was his disciple in human form, was unaware of this betrayal, making it utterly ridiculous.

I had one more question that nagged at me. “The Eight Parts of the Divine could be resurrected infinitely—how did that come to be?”

[That stems from the ancient contract that created the Eight Parts of the Divine; I promised them limitless resurrection… they were the best pawns allowing me to intervene in the human world without needing to use the law of cause and effect, so I could invest a bit of divine power in them.]

“… So how did you manage to take down Zhuyong?”

[I’m unsure, but I assume I manifested directly through the body infused with my flesh into the Eight Parts of the Divine to eliminate Zhuyong… It likely consumed a considerable amount of cause and effect.]

So Changhil could send down divine power from the moon of Dark Heaven Village to grant infinite resurrection through this contract. I understood the words, but it still left me scratching my head.

“It’s hard to grasp. Other ‘Old Rulers’ could extend similar considerations to apostles or avatars, why can’t the others…”

[You think apostles or avatars are that remarkable? To an “Old Ruler,” no matter how powerful an apostle or avatar may be, they are merely toys. If they break, I can simply create another. No other “Old Ruler” has ever devoted so much effort to maintenance.]

“…”

[If they were defeated by the Seven Luminaries, or if chaos led to complete destruction, or they chose self-annihilation, then I wouldn’t be able to intervene either…]

Was it simply a difference in intentions?

‘Perhaps this is a unique trait of the human-born “Old Rulers”…’

As these thoughts crossed my mind, a sudden realization hit me.

Thud!!

Finally, even Yacha succumbed. Her demon beast body lay butchered on the ground. As her life rapidly faded, I could hear her mumbling while looking up at the sky.

[… Father… grant my wish…]

Smoothly…

Yacha’s soul transformed into white light and was absorbed into Changhil’s body. Having absorbed the souls of all the Eight Parts of the Divine, Changhil seemed quite pleased, emitting a turbulent current of chaotic energy before bursting with laughter.

[Hahahaha!! More than half of the plan has progressed. This is so easy! I’ve been fretting for nothing.]

“What do you plan to do now?”

[Hmm… First, I think I’ll meet the one seeking my audience. Please wait a moment.]

Whoosh!

Changhil’s form vanished from this mental space. Only the screen remained, and through Dalgi’s body, I could still feel the perspective and sensations. Changhil had clearly gone back to controlling Dalgi’s body.

Before Changhil stood Jin (秦).

The mightiest divine portrait and one of the three great guardians of Changhil, he knelt silently and smiled as he met Changhil’s gaze.

Rumble…

Thunder rumbled over the barren land of chaotic rain, and a clear voice echoed.

“I have the honor of meeting the great king of humankind.”

I anticipated that Changhil would immediately kill Jin.

‘That bastard betrayed Changhil; no doubt he’ll be mercilessly executed with that filthy personality!’

Deep down, I thought it was a good thing. The scene of great evil punishing minor evil delighted me. Just as I focused on witnessing Jin’s demise, unexpectedly, Changhil slowly moved his mouth and spoke.

[It has been a while…]

What?

What does that mean?

Did they know each other?

Then Jin looked up as if he had expected this and said, “As expected, your memory is fragmented. Have you perhaps crossed the [Great Wheel]?”

[Indeed, as the Great Emperor, you are astute. Like you said, I am Changhil, yet I am not Changhil.]

“Hu, I understand. Then allow me to introduce myself again, Changhil.”

Jin bowed his head again in respect.

“I am truly grateful for your help during my offering ceremony. I hope to maintain a good relationship this time as well.”

Changhil responded to that.

[Well done for resurrecting. When I first heard that absurd wish, I thought there was no chance.]

“I, too, have an unusual attachment to this world…”

[Hehe, remarkable indeed.]

As Changhil continued his words, I felt a sense of daze while watching the screen.

[Jin, who was called Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Having already grasped the ultimate divine portrait, what could possibly be lacking to stand before me with the immortality in your hands?]

Qin Shi Huang?!

Why is that name coming up here?!

No, that guy must be the Great Emperor of the divine portrait—how could he be Qin Shi Huang? I had originally named his persona Yushin, and that was definitely not the persona standing before me! How could Jin Shi Huang considered the Great Emperor of the divine portrait?!

Jin answered that question.

“Changhil, once you become a celestial being, you will be truly divine and able to intervene in the [Great Wheel] of this world. When that time comes, will you grant me dominion over the earth?”

[Oh… why would I need to do that?]

“Right now, as you are dealing only with humans, the cause and effect is not significantly turbulent, but once you start to liberate the Seven Luminaries, you will create a tremendous ripple in the cause and effect. By that time, the powerful [Old Rulers] will reach out to the real world, and you won’t have the leisure to govern the earth.”

[Hmm… are you saying you want to lead my followers?]

“Exactly.”

Jin smiled slyly.

“With the Eight Parts of the Divine gone now, I believe I have the strength and qualifications to do just that…”

[That statement holds true.]

Changhil’s eyes suddenly glimmered.

[Very well… I shall officially appoint you as my apostle.]

“Thank you.”

[I’ll give you power, so capture all of Baek Woong’s companions here. If they resist, you may kill them.]

Koooh!

As Changhil placed a hand on Jin’s head, an overwhelming power suddenly infused Jin. Though he was already strong, he felt like he had multiplied in power, sending chills down my spine. Moments later, Jin vanished with a suspicious smile.

“Then I’ll be back soon.”

No!

A tremendous sense of crisis surged through me. Jin’s power could potentially match Dalgi—the apostle—and if that guy had grown even stronger, my comrades would not stand a chance! At this rate, even with the Celestial Sage and Gong Gong on our side, we could be wiped out! I urgently shouted from within my inner world.

“Stop!! Damn it!! Changhil, halt it now!!”

Swoosh!

Then Changhil’s figure reappeared in my inner world. Unlike before, he was in the alluring form of Dalgi, smiling seductively.

[You wish for me to stop…? Then, as I mentioned before, relinquish everything to me. The Seven Luminaries, treasures, Heavenly Secret, and all your reincarnation abilities!]

“Damn it! What’s the difference?!!”

[There is a significant difference… I will continue this similar thing until you submit. Your companions, your lovers, your ties—everything will be obliterated. If you are wise, you should give in and transfer me your reincarnating ability before that happens…!]

“……”

[I keep my promises… If you transfer everything to me, you will enjoy wealth and glory while your companions will be protected… it’s a splendid deal, you see… Heh.]

You’ve gotta be joking!

This bastard has been deceiving the Eight Parts of the Divine, who are as close as his own limbs, since thousands of years ago—do you think I would trust him to keep his promises?!

Am I stupid?!

While I found it absurd in my mind, it wasn’t the time to show my true feelings. If I rejected him now, Changhil would send Jin straight to eliminate my comrades. That I had to prevent at all costs!

‘Damn it… isn’t there any way out…?’

I had been dealt too heavy a blow. If this continued, I would only be left with no choice but to surrender everything to Changhil and die a miserable death. Yet, it seemed that this overwhelming situation made it impossible to flip the tables.

Just then, a phrase from Master Mangnyang crossed my mind.

[If you can save humanity, but the world is doomed—what would you do?]

[It’s a possible situation, and currently, it’s the easiest to observe. I’d like to hear your choice.]

[The reverse will occur. Humanity may perish, but the world will be saved.]

……

Why did that cat ask me such a question?

One thing was certain; its predictions were nearly always accurate, and it had noticed that Changhil had invaded my psyche in its conceptual form. Therefore, according to Master Mangnyang’s words, that binary choice would soon approach me in vivid form.

Was this the moment of choice closing in on me?

I couldn’t be certain, but with the foresight in mind, there was one thing I could firmly assert.

‘Until I face the choice, I will not die!’

The trait of a prophecy is that the target does not perish until the prophecy is fulfilled!

If that’s true, then the current situation wasn’t as hopeless as it seemed. As long as I still had actions available, Master Mangnyang’s words held validity. Calming my mind, I began to think and suddenly came up with a bright idea.

“Changhil.”

[Have you made up your mind?]

“I could transfer it. I just want to know what happens when all the Seven Luminaries are gathered.”

[What happens, you ask? Do you not know the outcomes?]

“I’ve spent over a century gathering the Seven Luminaries. I’d at least like to know about the outcomes before handing them over.”

[Heh Heh… after releasing the Six Luminaries, the royal trial will commence. That trial will be directly overseen by the agent of Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen… depending on the outcome of that trial, you can ascertain whether you can reach the last Luminary, Il-yo.]

I asked Changhil, “So what is this royal trial?”

[That I do not know.]

“What? Does that make any sense? You yourself carved the sealing characters onto the Seven Luminaries!”

[Not just me, all of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors do not know that. Only the Emperor knows… ]

“Insane… you betrayed the Emperor and joined Chaos, yet you aren’t afraid to face him?”

As I heaved a sigh, Changhil calmly replied.

[He is not so narrow-minded. He has already distanced himself from the “Old Ruler” bindings… a being almost unparalleled in the universe, he would not take vengeance upon me. Originally, he bestowed me with the qualifications of a king and the right to challenge the Seven Luminaries. He exercises tolerance toward all challengers of the Seven Luminaries.]

“……”

[So colossal that notions of good or evil are rendered meaningless. That is the Emperor.]

What basis does he have for that?

Seeing Changhil exhibit such unfounded confidence made me curious about what sort of being Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen really was. It was clear he must be so absolute that he transcended the world of good and evil, exhibiting a divine neutrality.

It was almost terrifying.

That crafty and malicious Changhil had maintained his respect for the Emperor up to this point, signifying just how tremendous a figure the Emperor truly was. Could it be that when I eventually met the Emperor, I would lose my mind?

But I smiled slyly and said, “Well, I see… then I’ll do as I please.”

It’s all or nothing now.

Having reached this point, I had no choice but to flip the table once more.

Kuuuuuu!

I felt the threads of cause and effect in my inner world. Although it should have been an impossible feat, as I embodied Dalgi and invoked chaos and demon power, it became tangible. Adding to that, with Changhil crawling into my body, it was all the easier. In an instant, I attained the cognitive realm of the divine and was able to pinpoint the threads of cause and effect connected to me much more easily than before.

I took one of those threads, pulled it out, and shouted inwardly.

“Star constellations flowing during the time of destruction! I beseech you for your power, and I revere the coming millennium!”

“……”

No good.

Why not?

‘Ah, right! I used it on Asura!’

I had been forgetful!

Reluctantly, I resorted to my second method.

‘Then, let’s use a substitute.’

Kugugugugu!

[W-What are you doing?!]

“A great thing!”

Changhil was aghast, but I shouted.

“Jeon Wook! I sacrifice Dalgi’s body, so grant me victory over Changhil!!”

In that moment, the threads of cause and effect entwined with me activated, connecting directly to Jeon Wook of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. As I wielded the power of time, Jeon Wook’s eyes snapped open within Ten Thousand Ghosts Palace, revealing his true identity.

Jeon Wook’s face was twisted in great displeasure but soon responded to my words.

[When this is over, I will certainly put you to death… ]

Not a mere warning; Jeon Wook would indeed kill me after dealing with Changhil.

But I replied hopelessly, “… Do as you wish…”

What do I care about the future?

As long as I could pull off this surprise attack!

Kaboom!

In the next moment, a colossal black light of destruction lightning struck the mental realm, and a massive dark giant emerged.

[What?! How…!]

As Changhil’s expression hardened, Jeon Wook burst into laughter and shouted.

[Did you want to see me, Changhil? You rat bastard!!]

Before long, Changhil found himself caught without any chance to resist by Jeon Wook’s hand. It appeared Jeon Wook could wield the full extent of his true power even in this mental space. This was all due to my offering of Dalgi’s body to grant him the threads of cause and effect!

[You, Jeon Wook…]

[This is the end for you!!]

Crack!

Jeon Wook’s colossal hand crushed Changhil, bursting him apart.

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