The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 1016

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 1016

“Would you guide us to where Heegyukje and Akgeomhu are located?”

Raon said sightseeing could wait for later, his eyes gleaming with an icy chill as he regarded Mekain.

“Hmm….”

Mekain felt not only Raon’s presence but also the cold, sharp aura emanating from the Gwangpung Hall swordsmen stepping out of the dimensional gate, and he swallowed hard.

“Yes, I understand. Once all the Gwangpung Hall members have arrived, I shall depart immediately to guide you.”

He bowed his head, assuring them he would guide them to Heegyukje as soon as the swordsmen emerged.

“Thank you.”

Raon let out a small admiration as he observed Mekain, who concealed his bewilderment and revealed composed eyes.

‘I’ve thought it before, but Heegyukje certainly knows how to find capable people.’

Though not hostile, the man created an openly frigid atmosphere, yet Mekain showed no signs of panic—only composure. This man called Mekain was clearly no ordinary person.

“Everyone has arrived.”

Burren personally verified the count of the Gwangpung Hall swordsmen before approaching Raon to make his report.

“Since everyone is here, shall we depart now?”

Raon nodded to Mekain, who had been waiting in front of the door.

“Then I shall open the door.”

Mekain exhaled deeply beneath the razor-sharp momentum of the Gwangpung Hall swordsmen and opened the Magic Tower’s door.

Whoooooosh!

Refined houses and buildings came into view beneath the brilliant sunlight pouring down.
Though the morning had not yet fully passed, people moved busily according to their own schedules.

“This way, please.”

Mekain, sensing the ominous atmosphere, refrained from explaining Barene and instead turned his steps toward Heekyuk Je’s castle.

“Let’s go.”

I gestured for the Gwangpung Corps to follow before trailing after Mekain.

‘Even at a glance, much has changed.’

During the previous Oma attack, more than half of Barene had been destroyed.
Since most buildings had been reconstructed, the walls stretched out neatly and compacted.

“As you would know, Lord of Gwangpung Hall….”

Mekain, noticing my gaze, slowly opened his mouth.

“Due to the attacks by the Black Night Sword God and other Oma forces, not only Barene’s walls but the entire city was destroyed.”

He exhaled heavily, describing how desperate the situation had been.

“After that attack, the residents were seized by fear and tried to flee this city. However, when they witnessed Lord Heekyuk Je releasing funds and personally overseeing the reconstruction efforts, not a single person abandoned this land.”

Mekain chuckled softly, noting that the relationship between Heekyuk Je and the residents had grown even stronger since then.

“It certainly looks better than when I visited before.”

I nodded in agreement. Just as Mekain said, the city seemed to overflow with vitality and warmth, as if it had overcome hardship.

“Right. Before, the city itself was refined, but it didn’t feel like people actually lived here. Now it’s brimming with energy.”

Martha smacked her lips as if understanding what I meant.

“Yeah. The air feels warm….”

Lunan also blinked his fierce eyes, pleased with the feeling.

“It feels different on the inside than it appears on the surface. There’s a certain stickiness to it all.”

Burren gazed at the bustling market and offered a subtle smile.

“I’m glad it appears that way to you.”

Mekain seemed pleased by Burren’s compliment about Barene’s atmosphere, his steps growing noticeably lighter as he climbed the hill.

“In fact, the castle where Heekyuk Je resides was also newly constructed. That’s the one there.”

He pointed to a mansion built in the center of the city, explaining that a new structure had been erected since the previous castle had been destroyed.

“It’s smaller than I expected, isn’t it?”

Martha tilted her head as she observed Heekyuk Je’s castle, which was only slightly larger than the Annex Building.

“Right. The building I saw before seemed even larger than the Patriarch’s Hall.”

Burren scratched his chin, sharing the same sentiment.

“When we rebuilt the city, we prioritized the homes and livelihoods of the residents, so we lacked both manpower and funds. This was the best we could manage.”

Mekain laughed bitterly, explaining that Heekyuk Je’s castle had become smaller because she had looked after the residents first.

“Heekyuk Je didn’t seem like the type to have that kind of character… wait!”

Crain’s mouth froze mid-comment when he caught Mekain’s gaze.

“That’s one way to see it.”

Mekain laughed lightly, as if to say it was understandable, rather than taking offense.

“Crain…”
“Don’t run your mouth so carelessly. We’re not in Zigheart anymore.”

Burren and Martha fixed Crain with cold, piercing stares.

“I-I apologize.”

Crain bowed his head deeply to Mekain, saying he had no face to show.

“It’s fine. People have different perspectives, after all.”

Mekain waved his hand dismissively, telling him not to worry about it.

‘To be honest…’

I narrowed my eyes as I observed Heekyuk Je’s residence—more mansion than castle.

‘Crain’s words aren’t wrong.’

From what I had directly witnessed and felt, Heekyuk Je was an intelligent opportunist.
For someone like her to claim she built a modest residence out of consideration for the people first seemed less about genuine care and more about managing public perception and gossip.

—Even if she did it because of what others might say, isn’t it still a good deed in the end?

Wrath tilted his blue eyes curiously.

‘That’s right. It is a good deed.’

Regardless of her true motivations, it benefited the residents, so I nodded with a slight smile.

“Then I’ll be back shortly.”

Mekain asked us to wait a moment before entering Heekyuk Je’s mansion.

‘Is Heekyuk Je on the second floor?’

From within the mansion, I sensed an enormous spiritual presence vast enough to overwhelm this entire city. Perhaps because I had grown stronger, Heekyuk Je’s power felt intensely palpable, shaking my very soul.

‘This level of presence without even revealing her full might.’

She truly deserves to stand as the representative of the Divine Continent Five Regions.

I turned to look at the Gwangpung Corps swordsmen with a faint smile.

“Not everyone can enter the conference hall, so the Iron Formation Commander will remain here to manage the swordsmen.”

I entrusted the swordsmen to Trevin, who had the most experience leading subordinates.

“Understood.”

Trevin laughed confidently as if asking me to trust him, striking his chest with his fist.

“Gwangpung Corps, remember what I said, and adopt the bearing befitting a Zigheart swordsman.”

The moment I finished speaking about bearing, the swordsmen’s momentum, which had softened in Barene’s warm atmosphere, grew noticeably colder than before.

“Understood!”

The inspectors of Gwangpung Hall nodded as if to say they wouldn’t disappoint, and like Trevin, they struck their chests with their fists.

“Since we must serve the Master, we must be even more careful with our conduct.”

Burren furrowed his brow at Martha and Lunan, pleading with them to be careful.

“You be careful.”

Martha jerked her chin toward Lunan.

“Not me—I’m a rakshasa woman…?”

Lunan shook her head, saying the arrow had gone the wrong way.

“It’s you!”
“I’m a rakshasa woman….”

The two of them poked each other’s cheeks with their fingers and gnashed their teeth.

“Both of you!”

Burren shouted for them to stop, separating Martha and Lunan.

“Hmph!”

Martha snorted and closed her eyes, but she didn’t continue arguing. Instead, she began cultivating her aura right there.

‘She’s really acting like she’s going to beat the White Blood Cult Master herself.’

I smiled softly as I watched Martha, determined to train even in her spare moments.

Knock.

Mekain stepped out of the mansion with a crease etched across his forehead.

“Is something the matter?”

I furrowed my brow as I saw Mekain emerge alone.

“Since the original appointment was set for noon, Akgeomhu hasn’t arrived yet. Heegyukje is occupied with duties, but says he’ll meet you immediately if you wish.”

Mekain bowed his head, as if asking what I wanted to do.

“Perhaps it would be best to see Heegyukje first—”
“No. I think it would be better to see them both together.”

I shook my head, saying I’d see them together in the Conference Hall.

‘Whether this is a trap or not, there’s no need to give them time to meet and strategize beforehand.’

Heegyukje would be able to read the situation just by seeing me. It seemed better to meet them both at once so we could settle this immediately.

“My apologies.”
“There’s no reason for you to apologize, Mekain. If anything, we arrived early.”
“Then, I’ll show you to the Reception Room first.”

Mekain led me into a small building to the right, not the mansion itself. It appeared far more ornate than the main residence, perhaps because it was where guests waited.

“I’ll bring tea.”

He said he’d return shortly and rushed outside.

‘There’s still quite a bit of time until noon.’

The preparation and transit through the Dimensional Gate had proceeded far more smoothly than expected, leaving me with considerable time to spare.

‘I might as well read a book while I wait.’

I opened my spatial pouch and retrieved a worn tome. It was a book Glen had personally brought to the Annex Building and given to me.

I hadn’t had time to read it while focusing on aura cultivation and wound recovery, but now seemed like a good opportunity to look it over.

‘What kind of martial arts manual could this be… hmm?’

This wasn’t a martial arts manual at all.

[Cultivating the soul is much like nurturing a young tree. When tended by a healthy mind, deep and robust roots spread forth, remaining unshaken. Yet when raised by a diseased mind, the roots grow shallow and narrow, breaking at the slightest storm.]

As I perused the book’s contents, I realized it wasn’t a martial arts manual at all, but rather a treatise on mastering the heart and spirit.

[The soul is water contained within a vessel. Ordinarily it rests undisturbed and calm, but when external shock reaches it, it churns as though it would overflow. Only by learning to handle one’s soul with perpetual serenity can one touch the higher realms.]

I read what seemed like pseudo-scripture and turned to the final page.

[One year becomes ten years, and ten years accumulate into a hundred. A hundred years pass to become a thousand. Yet ten thousand cannot be reached by such means. It is a span of time and a realm beyond human comprehension. Only through the heart’s imagery and the soul can it manifest.]

My eyes narrowed as I studied the final page.

‘This is….’

Something felt different.

Unlike the passages I’d read before, this didn’t seem to concern only the soul.

‘How should I put it….’

It felt like I almost understood, yet didn’t.

‘Let me keep reading.’

I became so absorbed in the final pages of the tome that I forgot Mekain had set tea on the table.

*

*

*

Knock, knock.

As I read through the final page’s contents countless times, etching them into my mind, the door opened with the knock.

“Akgeomhu has arrived. Shall we depart immediately?”

Mekain bowed his head, indicating that the conference preparations were complete.

“Yes. Let’s go at once.”

I rose to my feet, placing the tome into my spatial pocket.

“The conference hall is located behind the mansion. Please follow me this way.”

I followed Mekain, who began guiding me cautiously, walking toward the rear of the mansion.

A gentle breeze whispered past.

Burren, Martha, Lunan, and Mark Goeten moved silently like shadows, keeping pace behind me.

“That is the Sinjuoryeong Conference Hall.”

Mekain pointed toward the conference hall, which bore the solemn dignity of an ancient cathedral, nodding slightly.

“This hall was constructed as grandly and magnificently as possible, given the standing of the other Divine Continent Five Regions members.”

Mekain nodded, as if to say this was something he could not compromise on.

“I believe you’re absolutely right.”

I nodded and swept my gaze across the conference hall.

‘It has both elegance and solidity.’

The attention to detail extended far beyond mere aesthetics. The hall emanated an unwavering resolve—as if vowing it would never crumble again.

“Hmm.”

Mekain straightened his posture before opening the conference hall doors himself.

Kuguguugu!

A massive door swung open with a subtle tremor, as if the earth itself were shifting, revealing the interior.

At the center of the conference hall stood a pristine white Round Table, and at its far end sat two women of breathtaking beauty, each positioned in distinctly different postures.

Goooooh!

Heekyuk Je, seated in the middle, emanated an enigmatic aura as if capable of washing away all the world’s impurities, while Akgeomhu on the right exuded a razor-sharp presence—as though a blade had taken human form.

“You’ve arrived.”

Heekyuk Je rose from her chair with fluid grace and offered a respectful nod.

“It’s been a while.”

Akgeomhu tilted her head without shifting her posture in the slightest.

“I’m relieved to see you both in good health.”

I stood before the Round Table, effortlessly deflecting the Transcendent aura that both Heekyuk Je and Akgeomhu naturally radiated.

“Mm.”
“….”

A distinct shift flickered across both women’s eyes as they observed me.

“Seeing it in person is even more remarkable.”

Heekyuk Je exhaled softly as she gazed at my crimson eyes.

“I’ve heard countless rumors, but I never imagined you’d actually reach that realm.”

She shook her head, as if witnessing an achievement almost too extraordinary to believe.

“It’s enough to make one doubt their own eyes.”

Akgeomhu furrowed her delicate brows.

“Now I understand why those hideous creatures perished.”

She tapped the Round Table with her finger, as if comprehending the reason she had been able to break Sageomma and Guisalchang.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t properly offered my congratulations. Congratulations on ascending to Transcendence.”

Heekyuk Je spoke of his belated congratulations and bowed deeply.

“Thank you.”

I met his bow with one of my own, observing the serene light in Heekyuk Je’s eyes.

‘He’s strong.’

Seeing him directly, the magnitude of Heekyuk Je’s spiritual essence felt far more immense. A warrior distinctly different from Sageomma and Guisalchang. The odds favored me, but I couldn’t claim certain victory without reservation.

‘And Akgeomhu is….

I shifted my gaze to the right, observing Akgeomhu.

‘Weaker than Heekyuk Je.’

Just as I had observed and sensed before, Akgeomhu’s martial prowess was distinctly inferior to Heekyuk Je’s.

Higher than Sageomma, but comparable to Guisalchang. An opponent I could defeat with absolute certainty in combat.

‘Yet why did the Head of House speak as though I should be more cautious of Akgeomhu?’

Glen had accepted the statement about defeating Heekyuk Je with composure, but seemed to harbor doubts regarding Akgeomhu.

‘He’s not one to jest.’

Neither Rimer nor Glen would have reason to joke about something this important. It was clear that Akgeomhu possessed something I was unaware of.

‘I must remain vigilant.’

To ensure I wouldn’t be caught off guard no matter what transpired.

Thud.

I placed my interlaced hands on the round table, forcing down the tension that threatened to surface.

“I’ve heard a rumor recently….”

Akgeomhu’s gaze fixed on me as her eyes narrowed to slits.

“Is it true that you killed Tacheon?”

She let out a low murmur, as if she couldn’t believe it.

“Most outlandish tales are nothing but baseless rumors.”

I smiled faintly and waved my hand dismissively.

“I thought as much.”

Akgeomhu clicked her tongue sharply.

“You’re strong, that’s true, but not enough to defeat Heekyuk Je.”

She nodded, evidently dismissing Tacheon’s death as mere gossip.

….

Heekyuk Je said nothing, merely watching me with those transparent eyes.

“However, that rumor is indeed true.”

I raised my hand slowly.

“Tacheon is dead. Though I didn’t accomplish it alone, of course.”

I stated only the fact of Tacheon’s death, withholding the full details.

“What?”

Akgeomhu’s eyes churned violently, like a sea battered by a storm.

“How… how is that possible?”

She struck the round table in confusion and pushed herself to her feet.

“When the Black Tower Master was alive, the Ethereal Kingdom had its Grand Mage, but not this time!”

Akgeomhu stared at me with wavering eyes, as if demanding an explanation of the circumstances at that time.

“….”

Heekyuk Je showed no sign of alarm whatsoever, sipping her tea with perfect composure. She seemed to know all the facts already.

“Explaining the circumstances isn’t difficult, but before that, I have something I must ask you both first.”

I shook my head calmly.

“What is it?”

Akgeomhu’s eyes narrowed to slits.

“Please, speak.”

Heekyuk Je set down her teacup quietly, as if ready to answer anything.

“I believe… no, Zigheart has given the Divine Continent Five Regions many opportunities. So now I wish to hear a definitive answer.”

I raised my eyes with a piercing gaze and spoke coldly.

“Will you walk the same path as the Five Emperors, or will you die here?”

I looked down at the two women with their eyes wide open and tilted my chin arrogantly.

“Choose now.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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