The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 455

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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 455

I sprang to my feet and rushed toward the window.

“Head of House. How did you…?”

Glen didn’t answer. He surveyed the room with a measured gaze, then flicked his finger—a silent command to follow.

“Understood.”

I bowed my head, threw on my outer robe, and moved toward the door.

—Wait!

Wrath materialized in front of the doorway, his round fists clenched.

—Didn’t you promise the True Demon King? You said you’d do nothing today and get to sleep quickly!

He scowled, insisting I keep my word.

‘I’m sorry, but…’

I shook my head while grasping Wrath’s azure hair.

‘If I don’t go now, I might not eat again. Do you really want to live on hardtack forever?’
—H-hardtack?

Wrath’s lips trembled as he peered out the window.

—That’s right! That old man lives on nothing but hardtack! What is he doing? Go after him at once! And if he offers you bread, absolutely refuse it!

He shouted for me to hurry after Glen, insisting I mustn’t fall out of favor.

‘Fine, fine.’

I smiled faintly and quietly slipped out of the Annex Building.

Glen stood gazing at the Garden with his hands clasped behind his back, then slowly turned his gaze away. His eyes seemed different from when he sat upon the Jade Throne in the Audience Chamber.

“Follow me.”

With those words, he stepped onto the Lake behind the Annex Building. He walked across the water with light, unhurried steps as if heading toward Bekmang Mountain.

‘What is this?’

Silence. Glen walked as though treading on solid earth rather than water, creating not even the smallest ripple. He seemed to have become one with nature itself.

“Hmm….”

I stepped onto the Lake. I was confident in walking across water better than anyone, but matching Glen’s effortless glide without disturbing the surface was beyond me.

‘How did he do that?’

Glen was not a man who moved without intention. This too felt like a lesson, so I recalled his movements carefully.

‘The flow….’

Glen’s footsteps matched the flow of the still Lake itself. It seemed he had harmonized his own energy with the subtle currents of this small body of water.

‘Now that I think about it….’

Both Glen and Lectar had spoken of how everything in the world possessed its own flow.
They had advised me that wind has its grain, water has its grain—I should learn to perceive these currents well.

Now Glen was demonstrating directly how to harness that flow.

‘He’s truly kind.’

Just as Yua had said, perhaps Glen was a more affectionate person than I had assumed. I closed my eyes and focused.
I walked, mimicking the graceful stride Glen had shown—one that seemed to merge with the water itself.

Splash.

I couldn’t eliminate the ripples entirely, but the disturbance was noticeably reduced compared to before.

Glen watched from the shore of the Lake, then resumed walking. He turned to face me at the Training Courtyard near the entrance to Bekmang Mountain.

“Head of House, I greet you….”
“There’s no need to bow every time we meet.”

Glen waved his hand dismissively, then closed his eyes slowly before opening them again. My fingertips trembled at the sight of those pupils—serene as moonlight.

“I’ve come because there’s something I failed to give you.”
“Something you failed to give me…?”
“You rescued the Cheoljeon Unit and hostages who were kidnapped by the Black Tower, exposed the White Lotus Society’s corruption, and captured the warriors of the White Whale to extract information from them.”

Glen continued speaking in a measured tone, as though devoid of emotion.

“For accomplishing such feats, a single gold badge is far too meager, or so I’ve been told.”

He spoke as if relaying advice from others rather than his own judgment, and explained that he had come to provide additional compensation.

“Forgive me, but might I say something?”

I bit my lip slightly and bowed my head to Glen.

“Speak.”
“Rescuing the hostages wasn’t accomplished by myself and the Gwangpung Corps alone. Had the Cheoljeon Unit not held the barrier, we wouldn’t have saved a single soul.”

Glen said nothing. It seemed he wanted me to continue.

“It may sound presumptuous, but I wish for the reward you would give me to be divided among the Cheoljeon Unit instead. They have brought honor to the Zigheart name, and they are true warriors capable of elevating it further. I want to see them rise quickly.”

I spoke the words I had wanted to say since the Audience Chamber.

“Hmm.”

Glen gazed at me intently, then the corners of his mouth lifted. His lips seemed to tremble faintly.

“You needn’t worry about the Cheoljeon Unit. I’ve already bestowed appropriate rewards upon them.”
“Pardon?”
“I gave them spiritual elixirs to heal their wounds and strengthen their bodies and dantians, as well as martial texts to help them advance further. They will return far more formidable than before, without need for your concern.”
“Ah….”

I lowered my flushed face. I had thought Glen wouldn’t look after them, but it seemed he was gazing toward a horizon far more distant than I could see.

“I apologize! I spoke out of turn….”
“No, it’s fine.”

Glen’s voice came out blunt, yet the coldness that had lingered in his eyes seemed to have softened considerably.

“How far have you progressed with the Window Sky Sword?”
“I’ve barely mastered the basic form.”

Raon shook his head. Though I had read the sword manual multiple times, I couldn’t claim to have truly learned the technique.

“You didn’t use it when fighting the Black Tower or White Whale forces?”
“Using a sword technique I haven’t properly mastered would be foolish, so I relied only on my existing techniques.”
“I see.”

Glen stroked his beard as if to affirm my choice. The chill in his voice seemed to have dissipated further.

“The reward I’m giving you isn’t particularly grand. Until the day you duel with Airand, I will teach you the Window Sky Sword for one hour starting at midnight.”
“Ah….”

Raon couldn’t respond and simply gaped in astonishment.

‘Not particularly grand?’

To receive instruction from a transcendent closest to the strongest on the Continent—this was an opportunity beyond price, something no amount of wealth could ever obtain.

There was only one thing that troubled me.

“Didn’t you say you would postpone sword training until Lectar returns?”
“Circumstances have changed. And….”

Glen turned around, his lips curling upward slightly.

“His absence here is not his fault.”

He gestured as if to say the Sword Ghost’s absence was irrelevant and that I should simply draw my blade.

‘Regardless….’

This is good fortune for me.

I nodded and drew the Heavenly Sword.

“Show me the Changgung Sword you drew after studying the Muhaseo.”
“Understood.”

After taking a slow, deep breath, I focused on perfecting each individual technique rather than speed or power, and unfolded the Changgung Sword.

“Nothing but a shell.”

Glen’s eyes narrowed with disappointment.

“The sword techniques you’ve learned so far could exert a certain level of power with just the shell, but Changgung is different.”

He raised his right hand with agonizing slowness, pointing toward the sky with his fingers extended.

Crackle, crackle, crackle!

Glen’s hand resembled a single blade. His fingers, sharper than the finest swords crafted by the Continental Master Craftsmen, drew a single line across the dark sky without a moon.

Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle!

The dark clouds split open, and a crimson moon like Glen’s eyes revealed itself. It was an overwhelming sight that left me speechless even as I witnessed it before my eyes.

“Advanced techniques have their own methods of application. If you only focus on clean forms, you’d be better off learning basic sword techniques for the rest of your life.”

Glen explained while unfolding the Changgung Sword with his fingers. At his gesture, heaven and earth cried out. This space was held within Glen’s grasp.

“I’ve told you before. The world has its own currents and grain.”
“Yes.”

I nodded, recalling the underwater walking Glen had demonstrated moments before.

“The essence of the Changgung Sword is to dominate heaven and earth, your own space, through the sword force you’ve accumulated.”

As Glen’s hand fell, the sharp aura that had filled the space vanished as if washed away by water.

“Can you do it?”
“….”

I steadied the Heavenly Sword with trembling hands. Not from exhaustion or fear, but because my heart thundered wildly with the exhilaration of knowing I could push further.

“Of course.”

Raon lifted his eyes, which gleamed like lightning, and smiled.

“I would follow you even unto death.”

*

*

*

Zigheart Main Residence Medical Tent.

Airand lay alone in his hospital room, staring at the ceiling as he gnawed at his lips.

“Damn it….”

How had things become so twisted?

He had accomplished nothing on the mission, suffered injuries from Merlin’s attack, and couldn’t even rest before being interrogated by the Heavenly Sword Squad because of Raon’s tattling.

The White Lotus Society executives had stepped forward to excuse themselves, claiming they never sacrificed their members, but the testimonies of the regular members made it impossible to gloss over smoothly.

‘That damned bastard!’

All of this was because of Raon Zigheart.
If he hadn’t uncovered the Black Tower’s secrets and reported it to Glen, this wretched situation would never have occurred.

Grrrrr.

Airand trembled with clenched fists, making the bed beneath him shake.

‘Never. I will never let this slide.’

He gritted his teeth, vowing not to end with victory in the sparring match, but to inflict a fatal wound upon Raon.

‘Something feels off….’

What in the world is he thinking?

My current realm is blocked right before the Grand Master’s wall.
Raon Zigheart is on an entirely different level from anyone I’ve faced so far, yet he confidently proposed a duel. I can’t fathom his reasoning.

‘And he’s even willing to put himself at a disadvantage….’

The fact that he challenged me to a sword duel while wagering two gold medals suggests he has considerable confidence.

‘He’s no fool, though.’

Raon Zigheart is not an idiot.
When it comes to toying with and mocking opponents, he’s every bit as skilled as Rimer. He must have proposed this duel because he was certain of victory.

‘What is he planning to do… hmm?’

As I was trying to deduce Raon’s intentions, a dark shadow fell across my head.

“You, what are you—”
“….”

I didn’t even sense his presence, but a masked man was standing behind the bed. He covered his mouth with his finger as if telling me not to speak.

“We need to finish this before the Heavenly Sword Master returns, so just listen. This won’t cause you any harm.”

I’d heard that voice before. A man skilled enough to slip past the Heavenly Sword Squad’s sentries wouldn’t be foolish enough to reveal his true voice—he was clearly doing so intentionally.

“As you are now, you cannot guarantee certain victory against Raon Zigheart.”
“What nonsense—”
“I told you to listen.”

The Masked Man’s eyes gleamed sharply as he placed a thin booklet and a neck guard on the bed.

“What… what is this?”
“The key that will allow you to crush Raon decisively.”
“Hmm….”

Airand smacked his lips and picked up the booklet. The cover read “White Undefiled Technique.”

“It’s a martial art that amplifies your energy by more than twofold in an instant. If you use it carelessly, you’ll suffer internal injuries, but the Cyan Spirit Pill will reinforce your body.”

The Masked Man opened a wooden box. The crisp, ethereal fragrance of a spirit elixir tickled the tip of my nose.

“A… Cyan Spirit Pill?”

It was among the finest spirit elixirs for strengthening mana circuits and the dantian.
I couldn’t fathom why he would hand over such a precious elixir—one that was difficult to obtain even with money.

“Your task is simple. Destroy Raon Zigheart’s dantian, or sever his right arm. With your martial prowess, either is entirely feasible.”

He lowered his gaze as if waiting for my response.

“You’re giving me a Cyan Spirit Pill just for that?”
“You’re more foolish than I thought. Raon Zigheart crushing you would be an entirely different matter than before.”

Mockery dripped from the Masked Man’s voice.

“Raon Zigheart has accomplished feats difficult for his age, but his influence within the family has never been substantial. He never stepped forward himself, showed little interest in family affairs, and merely carried out his missions. But…”

A chilling coldness bloomed in his previously sunken eyes.

“If Raon defeats you, everything changes. He challenged you to a duel for the sake of the White Lotus Society’s ordinary swordsmen. Should he win, his influence within the family will become incomparably greater than before. The executives won’t be able to ignore him.”
“Ah…”

Airand swallowed hard as he listened to the Masked Man’s words. He was right. I had been so focused on his confidence that I’d forgotten the most crucial element.

“Now I understand why you said not to kill him.”

The Masked Man before me didn’t want to kill Raon—he wanted to destroy him. To ensure that no one outside the Main Lineage could ever rise above the family.

“One more thing. The reason I came…”
“I’m not a fool either.”
“…”

The Masked Man nodded silently without responding.

“Your master’s desires will be fulfilled.”
“…I’ll trust in that.”

Even as I spoke of a master, the Masked Man showed no surprise.
When he nodded, a wind rose that made it impossible to keep my eyes open.
Forcing my eyelids apart, the Masked Man had vanished, and the window stood only slightly ajar.

“For now, I’ll indulge your wishes. However….”

Airand gathered the books and elixir, biting his lip hard.

“From now on, you’ll need to worry about me, not Raon.”

*

*

*

I raised the Heavenly Sword toward the sky.

Following the auspicious energy gathered on the silver blade, a magnificent wave rippled across the tranquil lake.

The lake bed cracked under the immense and weighty sword force, and droplets of water rose into the air.

Whoooosh!

Responding to the Heavenly Sword’s flow, the water droplets dancing along the blade’s path became a blue waterspout that soared into the dark night sky.

As I moved the Heavenly Sword in a natural sword dance, the rising droplets fell as rain, reforming the lake below.

Splash.

The lake that had been stirred into waves settled peacefully as if nothing had happened, reflecting the world in serene stillness.

“Sigh….”

I exhaled and lowered the Heavenly Sword.

‘This really isn’t easy.’

I wasn’t trying to create the heavens with the Heavenly Sword—merely manipulating the Lake exhausted me.
Imprinting one’s will upon nature was far more than a matter of difficulty; it was something that defied simple explanation.

“Hmm….”

I turned my head to look at Glen, who stood beyond the Lake’s edge.
His brow was furrowed in displeasure as he covered his mouth with his right hand.

‘Is he disappointed in me?’

Even after two weeks, I hadn’t properly manifested the Heavenly Sword technique. His expression suggested disappointment in my inability.

Yet contrary to my assumption, Glen harbored no disappointment whatsoever.

Glen was desperately fighting to suppress the smile creeping across his face as he watched my slumped shoulders.

‘Is that brat truly a genius?’

No—the word “genius” doesn’t even begin to describe it!

The Heavenly Sword is a transcendent swordsmanship. Unlike techniques that produce great effects merely by embedding martial principles, it is true martial mastery that can only achieve its full power by merging with nature itself.

Even for Raon, I had assumed years of training would be necessary to reach a stable foundation. Yet in merely two weeks, he had grasped the essence and was already dissolving his will into the water.

‘This is truly rewarding to teach.’

Raon learns one principle and analyzes and calculates ten. I understood why Rimer refused to let him go, insisting on nurturing him personally.

‘His character is admirable too.’

With such talent, it would be understandable if he became arrogant or complacent, yet he maintained the diligence of a trainee exceeding all expectations.
Cold when coldness was required, warm when warmth was needed. Not merely because he was my grandson, but possessing the talent and character to stand at the pinnacle wherever he went.

‘By the time he faces Airand, he should have mastered at least one technique.’

Glen nodded with satisfaction, forcibly suppressing his twitching lips before approaching me.

“Raon.”
“Yes.”

I exhaled softly and lowered my head.

“What do you think about the sword duel that will take place in two weeks?”
“What do you mean by what I think…?”
“I see you don’t understand.”

Glen observed my confused eyes and nodded slowly.

“You were only thinking of defeating Airand and freeing the swordsmen who suffered at his hands, weren’t you?”
“…That’s correct.”

I nodded reluctantly.

‘Though there is one more reason…’

The thought of Derus Robert and my past self had driven me forward as well, but I couldn’t speak of that.

“You’re still young.”
“Sir?”
“The majority of the Zigheart are ordinary swordsmen. While the executives hold strong influence, it is the swordsmen—not the executives—who shape public opinion.”

Glen continued, gazing out at the moonlit lake.

“You drew your blade against Airand, a man who could be called a strong warrior, for those ordinary people. If you were to win, what do you think would happen?”
“Ah…”
“Exactly. The ordinary people would likely become your strength. The swordsmen who have only cheered for you until now would begin to follow you. In other words, you would gain influence within the family.”

He closed his eyes and turned slowly away.

“In time, it will also affect Sylvia’s promotion to the Main Lineage—something you’ve desired.”
“Hmm…”

I let out a small sound. I had naturally assumed there would be some impact, but I hadn’t expected Glen to point it out so directly. It seemed I had indeed set something quite significant in motion.

“That’s why I want to ask you something. It’s a question I’ve posed before.”

Glen’s eyes opened quietly. The emptiness that had swirled in his gaze melted away, and a peculiar warmth filled the space.

“Is your path directed toward the pinnacle of this family?”

Raon swallowed dryly as he met Glen’s eyes—eyes he had never seen before in quite this way.

“I….”

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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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