The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 171

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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 171

“Tsk.”

Balkan clicked his tongue as he completed a circuit around Mirtan Village and headed toward the Smithy. The interior was filled with heat radiating from the furnace, evidence of his continuous work.

‘There’s no way Gold Thread would be here.’

Crafting weapons with Gold Thread was a blacksmith’s dream. If anyone in the village had possessed it, they would have created something long ago.

“Then what do I do….”

Balkan sighed as he gazed upon his own Smithy.

‘That boy’s sword can’t be made from ordinary materials.’

Raon was a special swordsman who wielded fire aura and water aura with perfect freedom. To amplify both of those energies, I would need to either forge the sword entirely from Gold Thread, or combine two metals and weave Gold Thread between them.

The boy called Lunan Slion had promised to provide Cold Blood, so the metals were sufficient, but I lacked nearly enough Gold Thread to connect them.

‘This is complicated.’

By nature, I couldn’t compromise or craft an inferior blade even if a sword hung at my throat. I had to create the finest sword befitting a swordsman, no matter what.

“Hmm, perhaps I should participate in an auction.”

If I attended the underground auction in Camelrun, the commercial city, there was a possibility Gold Thread might appear.

‘I’m sorry to that boy, but it’s better to take a bit more time and forge him a proper sword.’

I decided to send Raon away for now, then seek out Gold Thread and summon him again. I opened the Smithy door.

“Hm?”

Balkan’s brow furrowed. Standing inside the Smithy—which should have been locked and empty—was a tall, blonde-haired man.

“I don’t know how you got in, but we’re not open right now… Ugh!”

Balkan, who was about to tell them to leave, dropped to his knees the moment he saw the man’s face, his soul seeming to flee his body.

“I-I greet the Northern Destruction King!”

His voice trembled with shock. The man alone in the Smithy was Glen Zigheart, the master of these lands.

“It has been a long time.”

As Glen gave a slight nod, a gentle force rose and lifted Balkan to his feet.

“There is no need for such excessive formality.”
“Y-yes, thank you.”

Balkan bowed his head. Though he had seen Glen many times, the tension that gripped him at each meeting was unavoidable.

“I came to see you since I heard you had taken up the hammer again. It seems you have reclaimed the passion of your youth—I envy you for it.”

Glen’s eyes gleamed as he swept away the iron scraps scattered across the wall and table.

“I am ashamed. It was only after growing old that I finally understood what I truly desired.”
“If you have discovered what you truly want, that is a good thing. Age matters not. My congratulations.”
“Thank you.”

Balkan bowed deeply once more.

‘Has he grown even stronger?’

Glen’s very essence had become far more serene than before. It seemed he had transcended yet another threshold.

‘I cannot even fathom what realm he has reached now.’

Even with eyes that had witnessed countless masters, Balkan could not perceive Glen’s level. It felt as though he had ascended beyond the clouds to touch the very edge of the heavens.

“I came hoping you might examine my sword after all this time.”

Glen drew forth the crimson-hued scabbard at his waist. It was the Jincheon Blade, which he had crafted entirely with his own hands.

“Understood.”

Balkan swallowed hard and drew the Jincheon Blade.

A sharp metallic ring echoed through the air.

The jet-black blade gleamed as if darkness itself had been carved away, emanating an aura so chilling it sent shivers down the spine. Its craftsmanship was flawless enough to be called the finest on the entire Continent. This was the Jincheon Blade—Balkan’s greatest masterpiece.

“Hmm.”

Balkan examined his own creation with cold, discerning eyes.

“Indeed, I have transcended the mental barrier.”

Glen Zigheart nodded as he watched Balkan inspect the Jincheon Blade.

“Your perception of the Jincheon has changed.”
“I felt it just now.”

In the past, self-doubt had prevented me from truly appreciating the blade, but now I could meet its gaze as if I had returned to my youth.

“What do you make of it?”
“It is perfect. Since I forged the entire blade body with gold-rank materials, there is not a single flaw or damaged section.”

Balkan retrieved a silk cloth and slowly wiped the blade from bottom to top. No matter how many times he looked at it, the sword revealed no imperfection.

“In truth, the reason I overcame my mental barrier is thanks to the house lord’s grandson.”
“Grandson?”
“Raon.”
“I see….”
“That boy endured excruciating heat while suffering from the cold curse, visiting the Charcoal Kiln every single day. He never faltered before a heat so intense that even blacksmiths who spent their entire lives before the forge could not withstand it.”

Balkan smiled faintly as he recalled the image of young Raon.

“Witnessing that boy’s passion and effort reminded me of my younger self and my original goals, allowing me to naturally transcend my mental barrier. Having observed countless swordsmen throughout my life, I can say with certainty—that boy will rise to great heights.”
“That remains to be seen.”

Glen Zigheart spoke with indifference, yet something seemed amiss. The corners of his mouth, which had remained composed until now, twitched ever so slightly.

‘Such an expression on his face.’

It was the first time I had ever seen Glen Zigheart’s iron-set expression soften into the faintest smile.

“It’s all finished.”

Balkan wiped down the Heavenly Blade one final time, sheathed it, and returned it to Glen Zigheart.

“Much obliged.”

Glen Zigheart fastened the Heavenly Blade back around his waist. Though it was merely the act of securing a sword, the grace with which he did so was so captivating that I could not tear my eyes away.

“Then I must settle the payment.”
“Ah, no, please! How could I possibly accept—”

Balkan shook his hands rapidly, insisting it was unnecessary.

“Do not make me a man without honor.”

Glen Zigheart traced his fingers through the air, and space split open with a golden gleam. He reached into the rift and withdrew a wooden box, slightly larger than the palm of his hand.

“This is…”
“It holds little use for me. Please accept it.”
“I-I am deeply grateful.”

Balkan bowed respectfully and accepted the box, which proved far heavier than he had anticipated.

“May I open it?”
“You may.”
“Then… gasp!”

Balkan’s shock far exceeded what he had felt upon meeting Glen Zigheart, and his hands trembled visibly.

“A-a Gold Crystal!”

Inside the box lay a Gold Crystal—one far larger than any he possessed.

“Why would you…”

Though it was certainly an item he needed urgently, accepting such a precious treasure in exchange for merely inspecting a sword was unthinkable.

“I told you already. I have no need for such things.”
“Ha….”

Balkan drew a breath while looking at the gold crystal.

“Normally I would never accept it, but there is a place where it is desperately needed right now.”
“A place where it’s needed?”
“I required a gold crystal to embed in Raon’s sword, and this works out perfectly. Raon will return soon, and I can present it to him as a gift from the Lord….”
“I picked it up on the way.”

Glen Zigheart answered curtly. Picked it up on the way? I thought my ears had deceived me.

“Pardon?”
“I picked it up on the way, so I don’t want to take credit for it.”
“But that’s….”
“I picked it up on the way.”
“Even so….”
“I said I picked it up on the way.”

Glen Zigheart frowned for the first time. Now I understood. He was telling me not to mention that he had given the gold crystal.

“Ah, I understand. Then I shall present it anonymously.”
“Take this as well.”

Glen Zigheart handed over a second small box.

“What is this now….”
“A small elixir that invigorates the body’s vitality. It is simple to consume—merely swallow it.”
“I cannot possibly accept something like this!”

Balkan tried to return the box, but Glen Zigheart had already left the Smithy.

“We shall meet again later.”

He waved his hand lightly and vanished from the spot like a phantom.

“Sigh….”

Balkan exhaled softly, gazing at the gold crystal and elixir in his hands.

“I have no idea what’s going on.”

*

*

*

“KUOOOOOO!”

The Red Dragon Turtle unleashed a roar that shook the mountain, its feet stamping against the earth. The ground trembled, and a wall of flames erupted from below, spreading outward in all directions.

Whoooosh!

I slashed downward in a cross pattern with my sword, cleaving through the flames that surged forward and clearing my line of sight.

‘Quite intense heat.’

Even with my fire resistance, the temperature was affecting me. This was not the firepower of the Red Dragon Turtle I had known before.

-Of course it is. Why are you so surprised?

Wrath clicked his tongue as if disappointed.

-The reason the geothermal energy was weak until now is because that turtle has been pressing its snout into the ground for weeks, absorbing heat.
‘Is that even possible?’
-Normally, the vessel would have shattered from containing such heat, but that creature endured it and evolved. It’s nearly reached the level of a lesser spirit beast.
‘A lesser spirit beast….’
-Your sword won’t pierce that turtle’s body, so you’d better fight well.

Wrath snickered irritatingly, his head barely poking out above the bracelet.

‘We’ll see about that. Whether it can be pierced or not.’

I drew upon my mana and charged toward the Red Dragon Turtle.

“KUOOO!”

The Red Dragon Turtle opened its long snout wide, enraged that its meal had been interrupted. From its bottomless throat, it spewed crimson flames—a Flame Breath.

Roooaaarrr!

While I could normally withstand the breath of an ordinary Red Dragon Turtle without difficulty, this monster’s breath carried such intense heat that it made breathing itself a struggle.

A sharp exhale escaped my lips.

I planted my feet firmly and drew my blade. The Ten Flame Spiraling Heaven technique manifested as the Mana Force spiraled along the sword’s edge, forming a crimson saw-like pattern.

Crash!

A tremendous explosion erupted between me and the Red Dragon Turtle, sending a vortex of scorching air spiraling upward.

Tsk.

I clicked my tongue sharply. For it to match my full-power Spiraling Heaven technique—this creature possessed terrifying strength.

‘But it’s still clumsy.’

Perhaps because its power had suddenly surged, it couldn’t control its strength properly. I twisted the Spiraling Heaven to deflect the breath’s trajectory, then pivoted into the Garam Footwork.

Whoosh!

My left foot tore through the wall of flames, and in that fleeting instant, the Red Dragon Turtle’s flank came into view.

Channeling all the acceleration embedded in my body, I brought my blade down from above in a devastating arc. The ferocious strike—one capable of shattering stone—crashed down upon the Red Dragon Turtle’s waist.

Splurch!

The blade carved a shallow gash across the Red Dragon Turtle’s flesh, spraying crimson blood.

“Roooaaargh!”

The Red Dragon Turtle shrieked in irritation and thrust its snout toward me. I evaded the flames erupting from its maw and was about to strike again when—

Zing!

The Red Dragon Turtle’s entire body glowed crimson, and the wound I had just inflicted sealed itself as if stitched together by invisible thread.

“No, no—carapace hardening! I can’t strike it! My sword will shatter!”

Haren’s voice came from behind.

‘Carapace Hardening.’

Carapace Hardening was one of the Red Dragon Turtle’s distinctive abilities—a defensive power that transferred the durability of its shell onto its skin.

‘I still have to try.’

Without attacking, I couldn’t gauge its defensive strength. I poured the flames of the Thousand Inferno Technique into my blade and brought it crashing down.

Clang!

The sword bounced backward from the tremendous rebound. The sensation wasn’t of striking flesh, but of hammering a piece of metal that had been beaten countless times. It seemed not only its offensive power but its defensive capability had become incomparably stronger.

“Roooaaarrr!”

The Red Dragon Turtle, whether or not it felt pain, unleashed a fierce glare and scraped its feet against the ground. The earth split mercilessly as pillars of flame erupted skyward.

Whoooosh!

As the Red Dragon Turtle continuously spewed flames, the vegetation and trees on Skelay Mountain—which had some resistance to heat—began to burn. At this rate, an uncontrollable wildfire would engulf the mountain.

“Lunan!”
“Got it!”

Lunan Slion, needing no further words, seized Haren by the collar and pulled him aside, then began channeling his frigid aura.

Whoooosh!

Silver-white cold cascaded down like snowflakes, extinguishing the spreading flames.

-I told you before. That turtle is a mutant just like you. It won’t be easy to break.
‘All the better.’
-What?
‘It’s the perfect training partner.’

I smiled and charged toward the Red Dragon Turtle’s right flank, raising my blade.

“Roooaaarrr!”

I let the Red Dragon Turtle’s roaring flames slip past me, sank the Manwha Bow, and wielded Glacial. I infused the blade, cold as ice, with the incantation of Quai.

Kyaaaang!

The silver slash descended, cutting deeper into the Red Dragon Turtle’s skin, but once again it failed to shatter its carapace completely and was repelled.

“Grrrrgh!”

The Red Dragon Turtle thrashed its body in fury, bringing its long tail crashing down. The flaming mace wrapped around its tail shattered the earth.

‘Its attacks are simple.’

The heat and power were nearly impossible to withstand, but the trajectory was straightforward—movements I could follow with my eyes alone. I pushed through the exploding pillar of flame and approached the Red Dragon Turtle from behind.

Chiiing!

I combined a new incantation of Quai and unleashed a second slash. The line of cold that bloomed like silk from the blade targeted the Red Dragon Turtle’s skin, glistening with heat.

Sizzzzz!

My slash, moving at a speed beyond the Red Dragon Turtle’s perception, carved deeper into its flesh. It was a wound impossibly small compared to its massive body, yet it seemed the creature disagreed.

“Kraaaah!”

The Red Dragon Turtle lifted its massive body and thrashed its tail with frenzied abandon.

Boom! Kwaaang!

Each time its flaming tail touched the earth, the mountain trembled as though it might collapse, and my footing vanished—I was driven into a corner.

“Grrrrgh!”

The Red Dragon Turtle, believing victory was assured, grinned wickedly and unleashed a second breath.

Kwaaaaaaah!

Just before the inferno—a breath that seemed capable of melting all things—reached me, I stepped forward on ground smaller than my fist. Taewhabo. The absolute footwork that allowed me to move anywhere there was even a sliver of space to stand propelled me across the burning earth.

“Krueeeeer!”

The Red Dragon Turtle hastily ceased its breath attack, attempting to swing its tail, but it was already too late. Before the tail could even move, my full-powered slash from the Swift Sword technique had already reached it.

Screeeech!

Since the tail was also covered in carapace hardening, a complete severance was impossible, but the advanced Swift Sword technique carved a wound noticeably deeper than before.

Hisssss!

Crimson blood erupted from the linearly split wound.

“Kyaaaagh!”

The Red Dragon Turtle swiftly pivoted its massive body and lashed out with its front claws. A pressure as if boulders were falling directly down and a heat that could dissolve bone itself crashed down simultaneously.

‘This much.’

Though it extended late, the blade of frigid aura reached first. The Red Dragon Turtle’s front claw was deflected before it could gather momentum and speed.

“Grrrrr!”

That colossal body was driven backward. Its pride wounded at being blocked by a tiny human, a vicious killing intent flickered in its sharp eyes.

“This isn’t all there is, is it?”

I exhaled white breath and smiled with exhilaration.

“I still have much more to show.”

With each new Swift Sword mark I carved into that hardened body, I felt my blade grow faster and stronger. The room for further development was boundless.

“Kroooooar!”

The Red Dragon Turtle threw its head back and unleashed a monstrous roar. From the earth, viscous flames like molten lava surged upward, enveloping its body.

Whoooosh!

Tremendous flames erupting from the ground consumed the Red Dragon Turtle’s entire form. Its very essence surged to a higher tier. This appeared to be its true form after devouring the geothermal energy.

-You’ve consumed quite a lot.
‘Indeed.’

The aura I felt was close to Master-level, evidence of how thoroughly I had been drawing in the earth’s heat all this time.

“W-wait! You’ll need at least strong energy to cut down that monster!”

Haren’s voice rang out in protest. I waved my hand to signal there was no problem, then lowered my stance.

“If there are no teeth, then gums will have to do.”

I kicked off the ground with raw force and charged toward the Red Dragon Turtle, which had become flame incarnate.

*

*

*

The Red Dragon Turtle swung its burning foreleg. I drew my blade first, deflecting it before it could reach me. A rune etched itself into my mind.

I raised my sword against its tail, which was tipped with a flaming mace. The tremendous impact pressed down on my shoulders, but I pressed forward. One rune was erased.

The flames blazing from its carapace poured down like a downpour. I unleashed every swift sword technique I had honed so far. Two runes vanished, and four runes intertwined.

Where fire and ice collided, steam engulfed the world. Sight and movement were too slow now. What mattered was sensation. I wielded my energy like an ocean of perception, extending blades of frigid cold.

A concentration so intense it raised goosebumps surged through me. The breathing of myself and my enemy—every flow between us became tangible against my skin.

I cut through flames, through the mace, through the carapace.

The more I swung, the faster my blade became, the deeper the cold grew. Runes blended and merged until I forgot what technique I was even unfolding.

Grrrrgh….

The Red Dragon Turtle, whose massive frame had blotted out the sun itself, was relentlessly pushed back by a blade so small and thin. Fear and terror flickered in the eyes of the beast, which knew only instinct.

“Kraaaaaaaa!”

The Red Dragon Turtle unleashed a roar that set the entire earth ablaze with flame. It arched its neck backward, then extended it fully, expelling every last breath of accumulated fire in a torrent of destruction.

Whoooooosh!

What had seemed like mere play until now transformed into a vision consumed entirely by raging inferno.

Zing!

The ring of fire resonated, and the world flowed in slow motion.

The incantations of the Swift Blade technique that had filled my mind interlocked like gears, and lightning struck through my consciousness.

A single line that cleaves the world. Faster than anything, reaching first before anyone else—the ultimate swift strike of supreme speed.

My hand moves before awareness catches up. A silver trajectory rises before the exploding tempest of flame.

Raon Zigheart’s Sword Technique.
First Form: Frost Chain.

Azure light flickers from my blade, cleaving through the crimson world.

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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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