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**Rebirth Sword God Chapter 1805**

I was taken aback by Master Shin’s words.

“No…?! Master Shin, you’ve been my companion several times up to the 31st cycle. But hearing such a thing for the first time is a shock!”

So is it only now that he mentions the significant information about Gautama Buddha’s tenth disciple being sealed? Normally, such statements from Master Shin would sound like mere fabrications!

‘But Master Shin isn’t the type to lie about things like this…?’

As I was bewildered, Master Shin gazed at me with a serious look and said.

“I don’t know the specifics of your memories, but I think I understand why Nona never mentioned that seal in previous lifetimes.”

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

“Follow me.”

Master Shin rose silently and began to walk somewhere slowly. I followed Great Master Myung-ho, and soon I realized we were making our way towards a distant mountain behind the Shaolin Temple’s Great Hero Hall.

‘Hmm. This is completely the opposite direction from where the Ark is…?’

The Ark was situated about thirty miles from the Shaolin Temple in a deep mountain valley, and I had a rough idea of its location. I wondered if Master Shin was guiding me towards the Ark, but he was leading me to a different place entirely. Curiosity piqued, I asked as I walked alongside him.

“Are we going to the place where the tenth disciple is sealed? Is it a secret location like the Ark?”

Master Shin chuckled lightly.

“Ha ha… A secret location, perhaps, but it’s not a legendary artifact as grand as the Ark.”

“Then?”

“Among the disciples of Shaolin, your identity will be cloaked, so don’t be displeased.”

“Understood.”

It soon became clear that Master Shin was leading me inside the Shaolin Temple instead of heading out towards the Sungsil Peak. It seemed that the many monks watching us filled me with a bit of discomfort, and I scratched my face awkwardly as I felt their gazes upon us.

Finally, Master Shin halted before a grand building and addressed four armed monks, the Arhats, standing guard outside.

“This child is to be a scholarly monk on a secret mission. You are not to let anyone in without Nona’s order.”

“As you command!”

The Arhats knelt simultaneously before Master Shin. Seeing this, I truly felt the stature of Master Shin, a top-tier martial artist in human society. Every single one of the Arhats had skills surpassing the peak level, and yet they were utterly obedient, not daring to retort at Master Shin’s words.

But before I could comprehend that, I was astounded when I read the signboard with the name of this building.

“Th… This place is…?”

“Come in for now.”

“…”

What? What exactly does he want to do…?

Feeling confused, I stepped inside the building, realizing it was completely empty and that I was now alone with Master Shin. After confirming that there were no prying eyes, I finally spoke up.

“Master Shin! What on earth is going on?”

“Hmm…”

“Why did you bring me to the Shaolin Temple’s Sutra Hall?!”

That was right.

This place is said to house all the scriptures of the Shaolin Temple! As the martial world forces of Shaolin, it is also a massive Buddhist monastery, implying its Sutra Hall is quite grand, possessing six structures, each with nine floors—a staggering testament to the might of Shaolin. They must possess tens of thousands of scriptures alone.

However, the situation felt bizarre.

Why on earth would Gautama Buddha’s tenth disciple be sealed in the Sutra Hall of Shaolin?!

And why has Master Shin not mentioned this until now during previous lifetimes?!

Then, Master Shin calmly took a nearby Buddhist scripture and placed it on the table.

“You should know about this sutra.”

I confirmed the title of the sutra and let out a muffled sound.

“The Diamond Sutra…!”

“Yes. This Diamond Sutra was the gateway through which you attained enlightenment about emptiness… Through this sutra, you gained insight that solved the puzzle of the Reverse Root Water Mirror.”

“Indeed.”

“What is the content of the Diamond Sutra?”

“Um… It relates to the dialogue between Subhuti and the Buddha. I have spent many years training alongside Subhuti in the Training World.”

“That Subhuti was one of Gautama Buddha’s tenth disciples. But it seems you were unaware of what the other disciples were doing…”

“…?”

Huh? What is he trying to say?

As I tilted my head, unable to grasp Master Shin’s words, he continued calmly.

“The true author of the Reverse Root Water Mirror is the first abbot of our temple, Master Hye Ga, and the second abbot, Master Dao Xin, succeeded him. However, according to legends, it was not solely Hye Ga who established the Shaolin Temple.”

“What do you mean?”

“Master Hye Ga had a comrade in enlightenment, another master. This person bestowed upon Hye Ga the teachings of the Eight Consciousnesses and the proper methods that diverged from Dharma, which is why Shaolin’s enlightenment became distinct from that of Dharma.”

I began to understand Master Shin’s point. Originally, even though the legendary master Dharma hailed from the Tianzhu continent, his expertise in the Demonic Path would have required his disciple, Hye Ga, to inherit some demon sorcerer capabilities as well.

However, contrary to that, the Shaolin Temple, which could trace its lineage to Hye Ga, remained exceedingly faithful to the fundamental teachings of Buddhism, claiming this was the reason why Hye Ga had a different master in the Dharma.

I finally began to grasp what Master Shin was indicating.

“…No way.”

“Indeed. The existence who was Hye Ga’s master and friend was none other than Mahakashyapa, one of Gautama Buddha’s tenth disciples, renowned as the First Ascetic.”

“…!”

“This has been the historical inheritance passed down through generations by the Shaolin Abbot… Also, unless one knows the hidden tales of the demons connected with Dharma, understanding its essence isn’t easy, which is why it was passed down so covertly.”

The First Ascetic, Mahakashyapa!

That name is something anyone who has even mildly studied Buddhism would know. After all, who hasn’t heard the story of the smile of the Zen master as he subtly presented a flower, with even Confucian scholars recognizing it as common knowledge?

Yet Mahakashyapa lived thousands of years ago—how could he have been alive to greatly assist in the establishment of the Shaolin Temple?

My curiosity ignited as I said.

“So you’re saying… that Mahakashyapa is sealed right here in the Sutra Hall?”

“Yes.”

“Fantastic. What kind of seal is he trapped in? Even if it’s a divine seal, I’m confident I could break it; show me that seal!”

I felt a surge of excitement. No matter what magical defenses or seals lay ahead, I could shatter them now by tapping into my true power.

But Master Shin replied with a pained smile, pointing to a nearby library.

“It’s right there.”

“…? That’s just a library.”

“Indeed.”

“Are you joking with me?”

“It’s no joke.”

Master Shin’s ensuing words left me dumbfounded.

“It’s said that after Master Hye Ga passed into Nirvana, Mahakashyapa willingly dissolved into the understanding of the scriptures and entered into repose. He even left behind a prophecy stating, [I shall reappear before the one who comprehends all the scriptures in the Sutra Hall].”

“…!”

“While our temple treated it merely as a legend, you know better that it’s not. The only individual who has passed through the Reverse Root Water Mirror is you, Baek Woong.”

My face hardened at Master Shin’s words.

“…The realm of books! You mean this understanding realm can also be created by Mahakashyapa!”

“Yes. Just as Master Hye Ga devised the Reverse Root Water Mirror to impart enlightenment to you, Mahakashyapa likely shares a similar purpose.”

Master Shin looked up at the numerous scriptures in the grand Sutra Hall and spoke.

“So, the comprehension of all the scriptures in this hall itself constitutes the seal upon him.”

“…”

I had to admit that Master Shin was spot on. Given Hye Ga’s precedent, Mahakashyapa, Gautama Buddha’s tenth disciple, would undoubtedly appear before the one who comprehends all the scriptures in the Sutra Hall!

Yet I could only express my bewilderment.

“W… When am I supposed to study all these scriptures? How many have you read, Master?”

“I have memorized twenty-seven thousand six hundred and two scriptures in total.”

“…”

“However, even I have yet to glimpse a single one of the tomes of this Sutra Hall.”

It truly was a testament to Master Shin’s prowess. Not only was he one of the strongest martial artists in the world, but he had also studied over twenty-seven thousand scriptures? However, hearing that even his extensive knowledge didn’t meet the criteria for Mahakashyapa’s appearance left me momentarily dazed.

I found myself exasperated.

“What on earth did Mahakashyapa seal himself here for?”

“I can’t say for certain. But I believe you’ve grasped why.”

Master Shin quietly chanted “Amitabha.”

“Why do you think, throughout your previous lives, Master Nona was reluctant to inform you about Mahakashyapa’s seal?”

“Hmm… I think I’m beginning to understand.”

There was no point in me saying more.

‘If simply reading all the scriptures in the Sutra Hall was the task, there’d be no reason for silence. Even if there are hundreds of thousands, I could make time for it. But the condition for Mahakashyapa’s appearance is “understanding the scriptures.” This means each and every sutra must be thoroughly comprehended to the level that satisfies Mahakashyapa…’

Achieving the ambiguous condition of understanding the scriptures is exceedingly challenging, and, above all, I was already under extreme pressure to resolve imminent challenges. In this situation, there’d be no reason for Master Shin to speak of Mahakashyapa’s legend, whose appearance probability was uncertain.

Perhaps Master Shin up to the previous life thought he could independently research the scriptures in the Sutra Hall and eventually meet those conditions one day?

With hundreds of years until the end, he might have believed that through personal effort and cooperation with the monks of Shaolin, it could be accomplished.

However, upon reviewing the circumstances during the time of the Great Bear Empire, it seemed that Shaolin had failed to bring forth Mahakashyapa until the end.

I understood the situation and cautiously spoke to Master Shin.

“So now it’s time for me to study the scriptures in the Sutra Hall.”

“Indeed, if you wish to summon Mahakashyapa before you, then that truly is your only route… But as you can guess, it’s a path filled with intense patience and solitude. I don’t recommend it.”

“Got it…”

While pondering deeply, I continued.

“If Mahakashyapa were to appear, what would change in this world? If I could get that clear, I would surely find motivation to strive…”

“I, too, do not have the answer to that… Before you appeared, I merely saw the legends of our temple as mere tales… However, if he had the same level of awareness as Hye Ga, he surely must have known about your existence as well… The choice to leave a seal in the Sutra Hall must have stemmed from some reason related to you.”

“…”

I glanced toward the sutras nearby. The sheer volume was staggering enough to elicit a sigh, but as I continued gazing, I suddenly spoke.

“Master Shin, I have a request.”

“Speak.”

“I’ve a separate place to read, so kindly lend me the scriptures from the Sutra Hall later. Not right now.”

“Ha ha, of course.”

Even though it would be quite the time-consuming endeavor to study books, if it were merely for a delay, I could surely find another way!

‘Buddha’s tenth disciple Mahakashyapa… I’ll surely find a way to summon him.’

For some reason, I had an instinct that he was concealing some important secret.

“Alright. Then…”

After concluding my conversation with Master Shin, I decided to head to the Imperial Palace. Given that Zhuge Yulong, the major hidden operative within the palace, had aligned himself with me, I no longer needed to treat the palace with caution.

*Crack!*

Upon arriving at the palace, I made my way to the sealed location of the National Seal. I had memorized the location of the National Seal’s seal in the heart of the Great Dragon Hall, where the Emperor resided, having visited it several times already.

However, as I entered the Great Dragon Hall, using the Golden Lamp technique, I sensed an unusual aura that made me pause.

‘What is this?’

Had I just felt something off in that split second after evading the ceiling and concealing my aura? It seemed the owner of the unusual energy hadn’t noticed me. While I was hiding quietly within the ceiling of the Great Dragon Hall, I could hear a conversation from below.

“What was that? I felt a strange presence for an instant…”

“What are you talking about…?”

“…Forget it. Just finish up the conversation already.”

A woman’s voice resonated throughout the Great Dragon Hall, wielding a massive scythe.

“Zhuge Yulong. As I mentioned earlier, quickly create 12 portrait immortals for sacrificial offerings this year.”

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Yulong replied.

“It isn’t impossible, but the quality might suffer. Are you sure that’s acceptable?”

“Of course not. Make them as perfect as possible. I know that with enough sacrifices, it can definitely be done.”

“But to do that, it would take sacrifices of at least thousands of humans….”

“Start a war with Goryeo if need be. In the chaos, you can easily cast a few humans aside. Do I need to explain the method to you?”

“…”

“If you disregard our requests, our deal ends here.”

“Understood. I shall comply with that command.”

“Then I’ll come back at the same time next year.”

“Please do take care.”

*Hu Woong!*

Moments later, I sensed the woman’s aura vanishing without a trace. Once I confirmed she was gone, I quietly made my appearance before Zhuge Yulong.

“Zhuge Yulong. That was the Yacha of the Eight Parts of the Divine.”

Indeed.

Wielding a colossal scythe and possessing power capable of rivaling even the great immortal, the only thing that fit that description was the Yacha, known as the demon king of humanity. It wasn’t strange that Yacha frequently visited the Imperial Palace and collaborated with Zhuge Yulong. After all, I had previously encountered Yacha in the palace as well.

Zhuge Yulong jumped in surprise when I appeared.

“Ah! When did you arrive?!”

“I happened to finish talking with Master Shin and came over, only to find Yacha discussing things. Why is he suddenly requesting twelve portrait immortals?”

Zhuge Yulong sighed softly as he answered my question.

“Hmm… He didn’t mention his reasons at all.”

“So he just made the request without elaborating?”

“Indeed. It’s the first time the Eight Parts of the Divine has acted so aggressively. Besides, it seemed like he was waiting specifically for my return to the Imperial Palace to bring this up.”

“As far as I know, Mahuraga has a connection to the Ark that has sealed the ancient blood. I assumed that since you and he aren’t subordinate to each other.”

“We were more of allied partners. Being just a mortal, I naturally had to be respectful towards someone like Yacha. However, while I am supported by a deity, they also showed me a modicum of respect… but this aggressive demeanor is unprecedented.”

“…”

I could instinctively realize that this was yet another variable in this 31st cycle.

“The Eight Parts of the Divine usually remain behind the scenes, spreading their influence quietly. However, due to the eyes of the Three Sovereigns, they usually proceed with caution. If they make a single mistake, they risk extermination at the hands of the Three Sovereigns, considering the several cases where both Zhu Rong and Jeon Wook were slaughtered in previous lives.”

As I sank deeper into thought,

“Could Yacha’s sudden request for twelve portrait immortals mean there’s another reason compelling him? It must signify that a variable has emerged that differs from the 30th cycle.”

If I had known this, maybe I could have captured Yacha and extracted information from him…

‘No, that’s irrelevant. There’s no point in dwelling on what could’ve been.’

While those thoughts flitted through my mind, I shook my head. The situation was uncertain, and carelessly attacking Yacha only to fail in capturing him would have been the worst case scenario. As it stood, it was more advantageous for me to stay in the shadows while watching the situations unfold.

As I pondered, I spoke to Zhuge Yulong.

“Zhuge Yulong, do you have any guesses? Why does Yacha suddenly need twelve portrait immortals?”

“…”

Zhuge Yulong remained silent for a moment before responding.

“If it’s merely speculation, can I say it?”

“Go ahead.”

“The number twelve carries a mystical significance in sacrifice. It implies that a special ritual involving twelve elements is to be conducted in order to gain some benefit. If we consider the recent instability in the celestial movements, it seems related to the stars.”

“Stars?! You mean there’s a correlation with them?”

“Yes. The Eight Parts of the Divine, like us, seem to have sensed abnormalities arising among the stars, and they are likely preparing for a specific sacrificial ceremony to counter it. As you can see, the portrait immortal is the highest quality of offerings, which is why they want to request them from me.”

“Hm.”

So ultimately, the focus may be on the meaning of twelve.

‘Twelve…? Are they referring to the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac?’

No, the zodiac is relatively unrelated to the stars.

I felt a bit confused but paused my thoughts regarding Zhuge Yulong’s words.

“Regardless, what brings you here to the Imperial Palace?”

“Ah, I came to unlock the seal of the National Seal.”

“…You’re suggesting you’ll accomplish something that no one has done in history that easily?”

“Pfft… As long as Cheon Woo-jin is around, it’s merely a simple task.”

I smirked and began to reach into my wooden armor for Cheon Woo-jin.

“Alright, come forth, Cheon Woo-jin!”

…?

Huh? He’s not in the wooden armor?

I felt perplexed as it seemed I clearly placed Cheon Woo-jin into the wooden armor earlier. Instead, I discovered a note left in place of his spot.

I read the note.

[I am busy cultivating new sorcery techniques. I don’t want to be used without proper reward. Make sure to set my pay properly from now on.]

“…”

This guy… did he get himself out of the wooden armor?!

The moment an item enters that armor, time is supposed to freeze, right?

I was taken aback but realized Cheon Woo-jin’s abilities were now at a level high enough to disregard the rules of any demon artifact. He’d likely become the strongest among our party. My confusion led me to crumple the note and look at Zhuge Yulong awkwardly.

“Um… don’t you possess magic arts? Shall we go together to unlock the National Seal?”

“I cannot.”

“What do you mean you cannot?”

“I do not lack knowledge of the location of the National Seal. However, my own abilities are far too insufficient to attempt such a task.”

“Ugh.”

My expression soured. I had a hunch it might be so, but the gulf in power between sorcerers and Cheon Woo-jin was wider than I had anticipated.

‘Damn it. Ideally, I would have forced my strength through and broken the seal using my divine power…’

However, if I drew upon my Thunder Soul to break it, chances were high that the seal would detonate, obliterating the entire Imperial Palace!

‘Tch. Cheon Woo-jin probably returned to where Mangnyang is. I’ll have to persuade him again…?’

Just then, I heard an unexpected voice.

[Let’s just go take a look.]

“Eh?”

The voice belonged to the Divine Sword.

The Divine Sword, gleaming with an orange gemstone, spoke to me.

[I sense an oddly familiar aura coming from below. Who knows if I might be of assistance?]

“Hmm… Well, if I’m not risking anything, why not go check it out?”

Grumbling to myself, I decided to follow the Divine Sword into the heart of the Great Dragon Hall.

*Chiri Ling!*

As expected, a powerful ancient barrier formed a labyrinth. This maze could only be shattered by a figure as powerful as Mangnyang, holding the Seven Fires and the Seven Golds.

“Ugh. So annoying.”

I’ll have to be careful while wielding my Thunder Soul…

As I pondered over how to break through the labyrinth barrier without destroying the palace, the Divine Sword chimed in.

[Swing me!]

“Eh?”

[As you said, I am the sword of the strongest in the Central Plains! I surely cannot find a barrier I cannot break!]

“Are… Are you sure? Let’s give it a shot then.”

I took a leap of faith and poured a bit of my intent into the Divine Sword before swinging it.

*Crash!*

In that instant, hundreds of layers of the maze barrier shattered into fragments! It felt as if a mere slash wielded like a tide obliterated the entire labyrinth.

I stood in astonishment.

“Whoa!”

I hadn’t raised my expectations or employed substantial force, yet everything shattered completely?!

So does this mean that the Divine Sword is inherently stronger than the Golden Lamp artifact?!

The Divine Sword smiled with pride.

[Hehe! As expected, I’m spectacular!]

“Did you just use all your power?”

[Not at all! I only utilized a fraction of my abilities since you didn’t seem to be using much force!]

“…”

What is this creature? Does it somehow gauge how much power I’m exerting?!

I tilted my head in confusion but continued on to the National Seal’s chamber with the Divine Sword. Upon arrival, I found the National Seal enveloped in a divine light, and without hesitation, I grasped it in my hands.

*Paaah!*

As soon as I held the National Seal, starry space unfolded before me, like a cosmic tapestry. The Divine Sword chattered in excitement while held in my grasp.

[What a marvelous sight!]

As I reached out to touch the sphere, nearly the size of my own body, I heard a voice emanate from it.

[I am the artifact left behind by the Five Sovereigns, Shao Hao Jin Tian. You possess the qualifications to be the rightful owner of the National Seal, the relic of the Three Sovereigns…]

The spirit of the National Seal, initially attempting to determine my qualifications, suddenly froze in surprise.

[Ah… No! Why are you here?!]

“Eh? Me?”

[Impossible… I overlooked you! Oh, great king, please forgive my rudeness!]

The spirit of the National Seal began to ramble on.

[Please, do not think of this as an affront to your grand might, and I ask that you wield it well…]

*Paaah*

Moments later, I felt the images of the Heavenly Dragon and the Phoenix materializing on the National Seal.

Having now effortlessly acquired the National Seal, I was utterly bewildered.

“I’m not an emperor in this lifetime yet…”

Why is the spirit of the National Seal suddenly showering me with praise?

Could it be that I’ve developed the regal aura of a king?