Joseph narrowed his eyes subtly as the thunderous heavenly voice echoed inside his head. Instinctively, as if being guided by something unknown, he retreated his consciousness inward.
There, inside his mind space, he saw two spheres of light, completely different in color, both giving off different feelings.
’Oh, the standard transmigration perks. I guess these are supposed to be my cheats.’ Joseph’s lips twitched into a smile. ’Two of them at that.’
Was the Heavens truly trying to bribe him after screwing him over so many times in his past life?
If yes, Joseph was satisfied. Looking at the positive side, he had received a second chance and possibly two cheats.
All that was left was to clear his name from the ridiculous rape slander, and then he could finally live in peace and pursue his goal...
...well, that would have been what an inexperienced cultivation reader would have said.
Joseph knew better. In a world of cultivation where the path of Immortality was open to all, safety was never guaranteed.
’If I want to achieve what I want, if I wish to create, this time, a true family of my own, I need to first have the power to protect them.’
With that in mind, he focused again on the two spheres.
He looked at the one on the left first, which was mirror-like, reflecting everything and anything around it at once.
Joseph probed the sphere with his mind, and a transparent light, almost invisible to the naked eye, burst forth from the sphere, shaped like fingers grasping at empty space.
Those lights gathered in front of him, forming a set of words he could strangely understand despite their unfamiliarity.
[Soulblade – Soul Record: A Soulblade dedicated to the pursuit of truth. It allows you to inspect living and non-living beings and obtain information regarding their identity and cultivation, including their name, age, Soulblade, cultivation rank, bloodline, cultivation technique, martial arts, and a brief description of their nature.]
[Note: The stronger the difference in rank between you and the target, the less you see.]
Joseph looked at those words with a faint smile. This Soulblade, as it was called in this world, was simply perfect for him.
Even though it was true that he still wanted a family and was prepared to pursue it, a part of him had been quietly, silently dreading that the same situation from Earth would repeat itself.
With this new power, however, his heart settled into quiet, easy beats.
’With this I can protect myself from lies.’
He was beyond grateful.
After understanding the first power, Joseph moved to the other sphere. This one was completely different from the first. It was tainted black and red, crackling with faint sparks of black lightning.
Joseph hesitated for a breath before probing it with his mind.
The same process occurred, and crimson-black light erupted, forming a set of words in front of him.
Joseph’s heart immediately skipped a beat at the sight of them.
’Oh no.’
[Soulblade – Affinity of the Damned: A Soulblade that causes individuals burdened by or inclined toward the Demonic Path to naturally feel a sense of familiarity toward you and favor you.]
[Note: The Soulblade does not create loyalty, friendship, or love instantly, nor can it override strong emotions such as hatred or ambition.]
’This must be some kind of twisted joke.’ Joseph couldn’t help but think, already seeing the numerous problems this Soulblade would bring him.
’Why would a Soulblade like this even exist? This is supposed to be a gift, not a curse.’
The only consolation was that it would not create any strong attachment instantly, only a natural sense of interest toward him. And interest was something that could be undone rather easily.
Just needed a good session of ragebaiting.
That, at least, made Joseph feel like this was not entirely a death sentence.
However, one thing came to his mind.
’If people inclined to the demonic path naturally favor me... then what about those of the righteous path?’
His lips twitched, and he prayed to the heavens that it was not what he was thinking.
Exhaling, Joseph dismissed the information about his Soulblades.
’From the memories of Luo Ming, Soulblades are an exceptionally rare thing that very few people in the entire cultivation world ever awaken.’
It was completely different from the cultivation techniques used to break through ranks, the martial arts used in battle, and the various bloodlines.
A Soulblade was a power unique to only one individual. According to general knowledge and records, not a single identical Soulblade had ever existed.
’It’s something like a unique skill, then. The name is quite misleading though. Why "blade"?’ Joseph mused, understanding yet confused by the naming sense of this world as he absorbed the memories.
It was supposed to be impossible to possess two Soulblades, given that a being only has one soul. Yet unexpectedly, he had two.
’One of them must belong to the original Luo Ming.’ He smiled a little sadly at the thought of his predecessor’s death.
Yes, that young man had actually died.
He had died from grief and shame at being accused of rape in front of his own mother.
Luo Ming had always been a frail boy doted on by his mother, Meng Lin, since birth. He had barely cultivated or trained in martial arts, and spent most of his time playing the zither, practising calligraphy and enjoying games of Go.
His frail heart had been unable to bear the accusation, and so he had died, leaving behind lingering regret.
’Maybe that’s why I am here?’ Joseph guessed softly, trying to find meaning in what he now knew.
’In any case, rest in peace.’ He paid his respects. ’I have taken over your body, I will not discard your feelings. I will honour you. At least, I will try my best. I will take care of your mother.’
He smiled faintly.
’I will take care of my mother.’
The words tasted strange, reminding him it had been decades since he had said them with this same intention.
’I will do my best not to disappoint the gift you gave me. I will love this life well. And I will clear your name, for now it is my name.’
Yes, from now on...
’I am...’
"Ming’er!"
’...Luo Ming.’
Luo Ming blinked, returning his awareness to the outside world. He turned his head and looked at his mother, who was looking at him with tears of happiness in her eyes.
"Ming’er, are you feeling better now?" She asked, taking his hand in both of hers.
It was cold, yet oddly warm.
"I am fine, mother." He answered. "I just had a sudden intense headache. It has passed now."
"Are you sure?" Meng Lin asked again, pressing her palm to his forehead. "Let me call the clan Apothecary again just to be safe."
"There is no need, mother. I truly feel well. In fact, there is something else I want to discuss." Luo Ming said with sudden seriousness. "I did not rape Shen Rou, mother."
"I know you didn’t." Meng Lin replied without hesitation. "I know my own son well enough to know what he is and is not capable of."
"Then..."
"You are being framed." Meng Lin said with a cold tone, her black eyes hardening. "Someone in this clan is targeting you, Ming’er."
"But for what?" Luo Ming asked, genuinely confused despite having the full memories. "I am not a threat to the clan heir, I barely even cultivate because of my lack of interest in it. I spend my days playing Go with Elder Luo Han and playing the zither for... well, you know. I don’t understand, mother."
"It’s strange to me as well. But maybe it’s because of that?" Meng Lin whispered, her eyes widening slightly as the realisation arrived fully after hearing her son’s words.
"Because of what?" He pressed, eager to know.
"Ah, you remember the talk about entering a sect?"
Luo Ming immediately felt a bad feeling creeping in. "...yes?"
’And even remembering Luo Min refusing to go.’
"I might — I emphasise might — have, hm, negotiated for your admission into a sect." Meng Lin said, almost sheepishly.
"Which sect?"
"The Descending Sun Sect."
Luo Ming paused. His memory immediately fished out the information on the Descending Sun Sect, and his eyes widened in astonishment.
"You did what?!"
’Oh no.’
—End of Chapter 3—