The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 299

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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 299

“Ah….”

Dorian’s jaw trembled as he watched me cut down the 5th Apostle and the Palanquin Elder.

“W-what are you doing right now!”

I had done something Dorian never imagined—something he had hoped I would avoid to survive alone.

“You fool! You idiot! You blockhead!”

Dorian was so flustered by my throwing away the chance to live that he could barely speak properly.

“Still can’t curse properly, I see.”

I smiled faintly as I looked at Dorian.

“Y-you’re smiling now? Young master, you won’t survive either! We’re all going to die!”

Dorian called me “young master” for the first time in a long while, his pupils trembling.

“There’s no meaning in surviving through degradation.”
“B-but young master, you’re different from us….”
“We’re the same.”

I shook my head slowly.

“My life and yours—all of ours—are one and the same.”
“That’s….”
“People always judge by results. They rank strength by how old someone was when they reached Expert, or how old they were when they first wielded sword energy.”

In my past life, I accumulated results to survive. Now, I produce results to advance further.

‘But results were never everything.’

I straightened my back. I bit my lip as I met the eyes of the White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon, who stood at the pinnacle of the Continent.

“Even if I achieve the same results through such filthy methods, I could never find happiness in it.”

Even if I kill Dorian and the hostages, survive, and ascend to the position of Grand Master or beyond, today’s deeds would remain etched in my heart forever, never to be erased.

Rather than live carrying such a burden, it was better to die here.

‘I won’t leave any regrets this time.’

One twisted life was more than enough.

This life is not solitary. Because there are people who believe in me, I will achieve my results through a path I need not be ashamed of.

“No matter what you do.”

I elevated the essence of my soul by wielding the Ring of Fire. I could feel conviction settling into my voice.

“I will not break.”

Raon aimed the Heavenly Sword and Soul Reaper Sword, both dripping with hot blood, at the White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon.

‘Hm?’

But the reaction of the two monsters deviated far from my expectations.

‘They’re smiling?’

Both monsters wore smiles as if delighted, their gaze fixed solely on me without sparing a glance at the 5th Apostle and the Old Man who lay bleeding on the ground.

“I’m somewhat disappointed, but I believe the results are what matter.”

The White Blood Cult Master waved her hand lightly.

“I find it quite appealing. Excellent results cannot emerge without a good process, after all.”

Tacheon nodded, as if pleased to hear such words.

“If it displeases you, would it not be wise to withdraw now?”
“That’s impossible. I’ve already lost two Apostles to that child. The losses are substantial.”
“By that logic, our losses are far greater. We’ve lost no fewer than four Master-class warriors.”

Once again, the two of them were merely assessing me. It seemed no word—not even madness—could adequately describe those two.

“That said, it appears you knew about this as well.”

The White Blood Cult Master twirled her finger as she regarded Tacheon.

“You honor me too little, Cult Master. How could I not know what you already know?”

Tacheon nodded with a faint smile.

“Then why did you accept the wager if you knew everything?”
“I wanted to see for myself what kind of child had Merlin singing its praises so eagerly.”
“And what are your impressions now that you’ve seen?”

The White Blood Cult Master’s burning gaze pierced through the crimson flames and fixed upon Tacheon.

“Exceptional talent with the blade, impressive composure, and the resolve displayed at the end is most pleasing. As Merlin said, this child is worth acquiring even at great cost.”

The eyes behind Tacheon’s mask gleamed with a deeper hue—a gaze now brimming with desire, unlike moments before.

“Then it’s too late. The wager is already concluded. That child now belongs to our sect.”

The White Blood Cult Master reclined in her palanquin, lifting her chin with authority.

“That is not so. Merlin has not yet acknowledged it.”
“Merlin cherished that soul, and this child consumed it—do you think she’ll simply let it go? I’d wager she’d demand its death instead.”
“Perhaps.”

Tacheon shook his head, admitting he could not know for certain.

“Then shall we make a second wager?”
“You do enjoy wagering, don’t you?”
“There’s nothing better for untangling such complicated circumstances.”

The White Blood Cult Master nodded lightly as she observed the 5th Apostle and the Palanquin Elder, who were absorbed in their regeneration.

“I haven’t yet seen Raon’s true swordsmanship properly. What if we each send one representative and see who subdues that child first? Doesn’t that sound entertaining?”
“Since I’ve only witnessed a surprise thrust, that would be quite instructive.”
“Both of you, come here.”

At the White Blood Cult Master’s summons, the 5th Apostle and the Palanquin Elder approached the palanquin.
The Palanquin Elder with his chest pierced remained composed, but the 5th Apostle, whose throat had been torn by the Soul Reaper Sword, glared at Raon with a murderous intent so thick it was suffocating.

“You took quite the beating.”

As the White Blood Cult Master lightly traced her fingers across the 5th Apostle’s neck, the relentless flow of blood ceased, and the wound sealed as if scorched by flame.

Raon swallowed hard at the sight.

‘She’s healing it instantly like that?’

To cure a wound saturated with demonic energy—the very antithesis of blood essence—in a single breath… The White Blood Cult Master was far more than merely powerful in combat. She was a monster possessed of mystical abilities.

“Since you’ve taken a hit, it’s only fair you return the favor.”

The White Blood Cult Master raised her finger, pointing it at Raon.

“Since he will become your junior, don’t be too rough with him.”
“…Understood.”

Despite his words, the 5th Apostle radiated a dense killing intent.

“At that level…”

Tacheon glanced to his left and gave a signal, whereupon Geummyeonsa stepped forward.

“You can handle it, yes?”
“Of course.”

Geummyeonsa bowed his head to Tacheon and took his place beside the 5th Apostle.

“Whoever inflicts a fatal wound on Raon first wins. As long as you don’t kill him, do as you please…”
“Can I join that wager too?”

Raon stepped forward and cut off the White Blood Cult Master’s words.

“What?”
“Hmm?”

The White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon turned their heads toward me without refusal.

‘This is my chance.’

Those two still viewed this situation as mere entertainment. Their confidence stemmed from an obvious source—their overwhelming power. They believed that no matter what I did, their current advantage could never shift.

‘I need to exploit that.’

This wager wasn’t something they took seriously either. It was merely a game to witness my power firsthand. I had to seize the moment while they let their guard down.

‘Wrath, can you break through that barrier?’
-In my current state, I could punch a hole through it. Is now the time?
‘No, conserve your strength.’
-Huh?
‘They’re underestimating me and giving me time. I can’t waste that opportunity.’

This location was right before Camelrun, and Owen and Valcar were nearby. If I could just break through the barrier and escape, the chances of everyone surviving would increase dramatically.

‘Even if it’s just a sliver of hope.’

I cast aside my impatience and steadied my mind with cold clarity.

“How exactly would I participate?”

The White Blood Cult Master nodded as if telling me to speak.

“If I defeat those two, you retreat.”

My current power was intermediate Master rank. The 5th Apostle and Geummyeonsa were advanced rank. From their perspective, this was a wager they couldn’t lose.

“Hmm….”

The White Blood Cult Master turned her head slowly.

“What do you think?”
“As I mentioned before, I find this child’s audacity appealing. I accept.”
“Then I approve as well.”

Both of them nodded simultaneously.

‘I can’t trust their words.’

The White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon were monsters standing at the apex of the White Blood Sect and Eden, but they possessed the malice to break their promises at any moment.

Even if I won this wager, they would never keep their word. I had directly involved myself in this fight to create a path to escape on my own terms.

“Dorian.”

I handed Dorian the sword I had retrieved from the Treasury.

“This is….”
“Protect them.”

I gestured toward the people who were beginning to regain consciousness.

“Show your resolve as a swordsman of Zigheart.”
“Yes, understood.”

Dorian accepted the sword despite his bewilderment, concealing his fear as much as possible before stepping forward and drawing the blade.

“I’ve kept you waiting long enough.”

I stood before the 5th Apostle and Geummyeonsa, adjusting my grip on both swords.

“How clever of you to deceive us so thoroughly.”

Geummyeonsa narrowed his eyes to slits.

“I told you I’d return.”
“Hmph. And who would believe such words?”
“Regardless, thank you for taking my side back then.”
“Silence!”

He gnashed his teeth, his eyes blazing with irritation.

“Go ahead and talk now.”

The 5th Apostle stepped between Geummyeonsa and me, unleashing his blood energy. Formidable power surged around his fists like boulders.

“I’ll destroy you both the moment this starts.”

He unleashed a formidable aura blast not only at Raon but also at Geummyeonsa.

“I’d rather fight you one-on-one.”

Geummyeonsa spat on the ground and furrowed his brow.

“Begin.”

At the White Blood Cult Master’s gesture, Geummyeonsa and the 5th Apostle simultaneously kicked off the ground. Formidable energy surged from their sword and fist, showing no intention of holding back.

Raon watched the piercing sword strikes and hammer-like fist attacks with keen interest.

‘This fight is merely a checkpoint.’

This battle was only part of the plan. My body could sustain damage, but I needed to finish this as quickly as possible while consuming minimal aura.

Boom!

I stepped into the True Angle. Wielding both the Manhwa Palace and Glacial simultaneously, I deflected Geummyeonsa’s sword strike with the Heavenly Sword and split the 5th Apostle’s fist attack with the Soul Reaper Sword.

Crash!

The tremendous impact from the collision of sword, sword, and fist shook the earth.

“Hmph!”

The 5th Apostle snorted and generated rotational force from his shoulders, channeling it into his fist. A powerful warrior’s energy infused punch drove toward my chest.

“Tsk.”

Geummyeonsa clicked his tongue sharply and brought down his spinning sword. A blade-sharp aura-wrapped strike poured down toward my head.

‘Now!’

I stepped into Taewhabo. The moment my left foot pushed against the earth, my vision shifted. In an instant, I tore through space and created distance between myself and the two attackers. This was the manifestation of Taewhabo after shedding another layer in the Mental Realm.

“Huh?”
“Ugh!”

The 5th Apostle and Geummyeonsa, who had rushed at me from both sides simultaneously, collided with each other’s blades and fists instead of their intended target.

Clang!

Their martial prowess was evenly matched. Both retreated ten paces. The deep footprints etched into the ground seemed to speak of the impact’s ferocity.

“This bastard!”
“I didn’t see it properly….”

The moment the two stopped their steps, I activated Heavenly Twin Technique. Like an arrow released from a drawn bowstring, I pierced forward in a flash, driving straight toward Geummyeonsa.

“Are you ignoring me!”
“You’re used to it.”

I bit my lip and thrust the Soul Reaper Sword forward. Flames blazed atop the short blade, rotating fiercely as I aimed for Geummyeonsa’s shoulder.

“I’ve already analyzed that swordsmanship!”

Geummyeonsa drew his blade diagonally downward. Aura spread like waves, extinguishing the rotating flames.

But that was a feint. The real attack came after.

Boom!

He drew up the energy from his dantian and pulled it out through his right hand. The blade of the Heavenly Sword, flickering with blue light, shot toward Geummyeonsa’s chest.

First Form: Frost Chain.
Type 1 frost lotus.

“That’s swordsmanship I know too!”

Geummyeonsa lowered his center of gravity. He raised his sword from below and brought it down from the middle. Two streaks of sword strikes wrapped in energy blocked Seoryeon’s first blade.

Wow!

The swords clashed with a tremendous impact.

“Huh?”

Geummyeonsa’s eyes bulged as if they might burst from their sockets. He couldn’t withstand the first strike of my black frost blade and was sent tumbling backward.

“How is this….”
“Simple.”

I clenched my teeth and unleashed the second blade of the frost sword.

“I’ve grown stronger.”
“Ugh!”

Geummyeonsa tried to summon his aura to defend himself, but the second blade was faster. The glacial chill of Glacsia, which had grown by absorbing Rocta’s soul, pierced through his crimson aura and struck his chest.

‘That landed perfectly.’

The result came from executing swordplay he already knew with power and speed beyond his predictive range. Had he not been careless, it wouldn’t have ended so easily.

“Cough!”

Geummyeonsa, pierced by the glacial blade, stumbled backward before collapsing entirely.

Thud!

I didn’t have time to savor the victory over Geummyeonsa before I spun around.

“Insolent brat!”

The 5th Apostle clung to me like a shadow, launching a fist. The punch wreathed in gray aura shot toward my heart.

Clang!

Using the rotational momentum of my spin, I raised the Soul Reaper Sword to meet it. The flames of the Manhwa Palace merged with the demonic energy, intensifying the heat.

Boom!

A tremendous impact. But it wasn’t over yet. The 5th Apostle launched another punch with his left fist.

‘I need to read the flow….’

I resonated the ring of fire with extreme intensity. The 5th Apostle’s advancing fist gradually slowed. The wrinkles and scars covering the fist, along with the flow of blood energy trailing behind it, came into view.

‘Strength, speed, and versatility.’

The 5th Apostle’s fists blended power, swiftness, and variety. Ten fists spread out, targeting vital points across my entire body.

‘I can’t evade them all.’

Dodging all those fists in my current state was impossible. I abandoned evasion. My aura moved with lightning speed, matching my swift judgment.

Whoooosh!

I spun the Soul Reaper Sword and deployed the Manhwa Palace Flame Barrier.

Boom boom boom boom!

The 5th Apostle’s fist strikes hammered against the barrier, sending shockwaves through my entire body. I suppressed the sensation of my insides turning and pushed forward, bending the Soul Reaper Sword.

Whoooosh!

From the crimson blade, flames of deeper hue bloomed. Fragments of fire burst forth like a fierce tempest, shooting toward the 5th Apostle’s throat.

“I won’t fall for it twice!”

The 5th Apostle showed no panic at the incoming flame storm. He extended a tremendous fist forward, instantly erasing the Manhwa Palace Flame Spirit.

Crack!

The moment the 5th Apostle’s fist suppressed the flame spirit, I took another step forward.

Shiiing!

I drew the Soul Reaper Sword from its sheath after deploying the flame spirit. Phantom essence seeped into the crimson blade, releasing a melody of resentment and anguish.

Raon Zigheart Style Swordsmanship.
Third Form: Silver Sword Dream.

As the 5th Apostle’s senses plummeted to their lowest, the Soul Reaper Sword, infused with the essence of Silver Sword Dream, advanced toward his throat.

“Ugh!”

The 5th Apostle snapped back to awareness in an instant, defending his neck with his left hand while unleashing a fist strike with his right. A remarkable response. Seeing him execute both offense and defense in such a fleeting moment confirmed he hadn’t reached Master-tier strength without reason.

‘But that very reaction will be your undoing.’

Because your neck isn’t what I’m targeting.

Throughout the initial ambush and the ensuing battle, I had continuously aimed for his neck, so the 5th Apostle’s mind would be consumed with nothing but the thought of defending it. This was a deception blade designed to lure out that defensive instinct.

Screeeech!

Hidden behind the false blade, the Soul Reaper Sword’s strike extended toward the 5th Apostle’s heart.

“Kgh!”

The 5th Apostle desperately tried to withdraw his fist strike, but it was already too late. The Soul Reaper Sword had already bared its fangs toward its target.

Crunch!

The Soul Reaper Sword tore through his blood energy and pierced into the 5th Apostle’s left chest. Just as I was about to shatter his heart with my demonic energy, strength suddenly drained from my hand.

“What is this….”
“That’s enough.”

The White Blood Cult Master had extended her hand. She hadn’t even mobilized her blood energy, yet somehow she had frozen my body.

“I’d rather not have any of my apostles die.”

As she casually waved her hand, the 5th Apostle, now bearing a hole in his chest, was dragged toward the palanquin.

“Just as the Evil Goat Demon mentioned, you truly do wield power beyond the realm of normalcy.”

Tacheon offered applause without even glancing at Geummyeonsa collapsed on the ground. The hunger burning in his eyes flared even more intensely.

“The wager went to Raon, so will you be sending him along?”

He asked, turning his gaze toward the White Blood Cult Master.

“No.”

The White Blood Cult Master shook her head immediately, as if the question was absurd.

“That’s impossible.”

I felt her gaze from those crimson feet. Eyes burning with desire that surpassed even Tacheon’s pierced through me like daggers aimed at my heart.

“How could I possibly release such a jewel?”
“Indeed. I share the same sentiment.”

Tacheon nodded in agreement.

“What kind of nonsense is this!”

I ground my teeth as I glared at the White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon.

“You said you’d let me go if I won!”
“One doesn’t necessarily have to keep promises.”
“Promises exist to be broken, after all.”
“And you call yourselves the leaders of Oma!”
“That’s precisely how I became the leader of Oma.”

Tacheon’s lips curled into a mocking smile as he looked down at me.

“Though it’s hardly a consolation, I’ll give you a choice.”

He snapped his fingers.

“Choose directly—Eden or the White Blood Cult.”

That’s also nonsense. If I choose one, the other will attack with everything they have.

“Damn it!”

I bit my lip until it bled and dropped to my knees. Beneath the facade of despair, my mind remained sharper and more composed than ever.

‘Wrath. Lend me your power and let me use it.’
-That?
‘You know, that technique you first used when you took your true form.’

The massive freezing technique that had frozen my entire vision in a single moment. If I used that, I could bind those two as well.

-Are you talking about the Frost Realm?
‘If that’s the one that froze the Mental Realm all at once, then yes.’
-Hmm, in this world there exists causality—cause and effect. Not everything you wish for comes to pass, you understand.
‘So it’s impossible?’
-It will be difficult.

Wrath exhaled sharply.

-There is a limit to the power the True Demon King can grant you, but even that alone will destroy your body. You may lose consciousness from the excruciating pain.
‘It’s fine. I can endure it.’

Thanks to my past life’s experience, I was accustomed to pain. As long as I didn’t die, I could bear it.

-Tsk, very well.

Wrath clicked his tongue and clung to my wrist.

-Entrust your body to me. Not surrender it—follow the current I create.

The moment his words ended, an enormous surge of power flowed through me like a tide, channeled through the fury bound to my soul.

-Now!

Wrath carved a new pathway through my mana circuits with the freezing energy. I followed that current, simultaneously wielding both Wrath’s power and my aura that now flooded my entire being.

‘Grraaahhh!’

My teeth clenched. The terrifying energy surged through my mana circuits, my entire body aching as if being torn apart, my core fluctuating as if it would explode.

-Keep going!
‘Got it!’

My vision turned crimson, whether from burst blood vessels or not, and agonizing pain wracked my entire body, but I gritted my teeth and channeled the power through to the end.

—Imagine it. All of them frozen solid!

I closed my eyes, listening to Wrath’s voice resonating in my ears. Recalling the Frost Realm he had shown me in his true form, I unleashed all the energy gathered in both my hands.

Whoooosh!

Not even a whisper of sound. Defying both time and space, the surging cold instantly froze all the masters of the White Blood Cult and Eden, including the White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon.

—You drew it perfectly.
“Dorian!”

I staggered to my feet, coughing blood. The immense power I had unleashed in that single moment had inflicted severe internal injuries, but now was not the time to tend to wounds.

“Bring the people here!”
“Y-yes!”

I moved toward the barrier with heavy steps. Aura still remained. I had to shatter this barrier using the additional cold that Wrath would provide.

—Wrath, this time use that wave.
—Understood.

I extended my hand, following Wrath’s lead. A frigid tidal wave erupted from my palm, crashing against the barrier.

Crrrunch!

A sound like the earth being crushed echoed out, and blue cracks spiderwebbed across the barrier. Yet it refused to break.

—Even with Wrath’s power, we can’t pierce it?

I swallowed hard, staring at the barrier as it regenerated. Wrath’s eyes had never been wrong about anything. I never imagined we couldn’t even create a fissure in it.

“How unfortunate.”

I spun around at the soft voice from behind. The massive ice that had been freezing the White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon had melted away in an instant.

“You see, as long as I remain inside, the barrier grows even stronger. I’m confident that no one can break it now.”

Tacheon smiled faintly.

“I never imagined you were hiding such power. If I’d let my guard down for even a moment, I would’ve been incapacitated for quite some time. I’m genuinely curious how a Mid-Master could momentarily wield strength that surpasses even a Grand Master.”

The mask’s crimson lips curved upward in an eerie smile.

“I thought you were an unpolished gem, but I was mistaken.”

The White Blood Cult Master lifted her chin. She took a step forward and fixed her gaze directly upon me. The moment I met those black eyes like black pearls, my heart plummeted.

“Tch….”

I gritted my teeth. When I turned around, Dorian and the hostages knelt with sorrowful eyes.

‘Is it over….’

Everything I’d planned had crumbled to dust. Even with Wrath’s help, it seemed impossible to stop them with my current body and aura.

‘Only a gamble remains now.’

There was only one method left—surrendering my body to Wrath with the resolve to die.

‘Wrath.’
-…The True Demon King has subordinates here too. I’ll give it a try.

Tension unlike his usual demeanor flowed through Wrath’s voice.

“You’re mine.”
“That won’t do. Now that I’ve seen what you’re capable of, I absolutely cannot let you go.”

The desire gleaming in the eyes of the White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon materialized as a tangible light. The two monsters stretched out their massive hands, insisting they could never release me.

“Huff….”

I clenched my fists until they bled, watching the grip of the two monsters closing in to seize my head.

‘Wrath. To you….’

Just as I was about to surrender my body to Wrath, the White Blood Cult Master and Tacheon suddenly stopped.

“Surely not….”
“What in the world.”

The two of them lifted their eyes wide open to the sky. It was the first time I had seen them express such shock.

‘What’s happening?’

I lifted my trembling head and followed their gaze. A golden star flickered across the darkened night sky.

‘A golden star?’

The moment my eyes met the crimson gaze of that star, the entire world was drenched in blood-red light.

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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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