The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 572
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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 572
“Ugh!”
Karun merely glared at Aris Zigheart without opening his mouth again. The way he was biting his lips suggested he was forcibly restraining his frustration.
“Sister….”
Denier shook his head rapidly. He murmured a silent plea for patience while clasping his hands together.
Huff.
Valdemar kept his mouth firmly shut, his gaze fixed straight ahead, as if afraid the sparks might reach him as well.
“From this moment on, the instant any of you open your mouths, we settle this with a life-or-death duel. Understood?”
Aris Zigheart pointed at Karun, Denier, and Valdemar in turn, her jaw clenched.
“Mm….”
Even the renowned masters, powerful in their own right, had no desire to face a transcendent in mortal combat, so they all fell silent.
After silencing her brothers, Aris Zigheart returned to my side.
“I will call my nephew my nephew. If anyone has a problem with that, step forward. I’m more than happy to oblige.”
She flicked her fingers not only at the masters but also at the other executives, as if inviting anyone with objections to voice them. Naturally, no one raised their hand.
“No one? Then from now on, anyone who prevents me from being called aunt will….”
“Aris Zigheart.”
I interrupted her words and pointed toward the platform. Glen Zigheart was raising his hand with such natural ease.
“Aris Zigheart.”
Glen Zigheart gazed down at Aris Zigheart, his eyes brimming with emptiness.
“Even with age, you remain as reckless as a thundering ape.”
“Sigh, I knew this would happen.”
Aris Zigheart exhaled softly and lifted her gaze.
“I understand why the Main Lineage and Branch Family were separated. I even think it was necessary. But circumstances have changed.”
She straightened her posture defiantly, unwilling to yield even to Glen Zigheart.
“Raon was meant to belong to the Main Lineage from the start, and he’s already proven he deserves to stand there.”
Aris Zigheart stepped closer to Glen Zigheart and raised her voice.
“He reached Grand Master at twenty-one, claimed the head of the Holy Sword Master’s Order’s disciple, and even defeated the Dragon Manifestation Sword Master. If those achievements warrant elevating outsiders to the Main Lineage, why are you being so harsh only with Raon!”
“Ah, Lady Aris!”
I reached out to stop Aris Zigheart, but she pressed forward instead.
“If Raon leaves for somewhere else, what then? The Six Emperors Five Demons and the New Rising Powers would all welcome him with open arms. Are you planning to regret losing him later?”
Aris Zigheart turned to look at me, her eyes filled with concern.
“Of course, this child won’t abandon Zigheart, but you should treat him according to his accomplishments and abilities!”
She exhaled sharply, as though she’d said everything she needed to.
“Your words have merit.”
Glen Zigheart nodded calmly while regarding Aris Zigheart.
“However, since you’ve spoken more prominently than the Gale Wind Corps Commander, those present here haven’t yet heard what he has accomplished.”
“Hmm….”
Aris Zigheart scratched her head, embarrassed at having overshadowed the Gwangpung Corps, and stepped back.
“Raon Zigheart.”
“Yes.”
“Tell us yourself what the Gwangpung Corps has accomplished.”
“Understood.”
Raon nodded and stepped forward.
“From the moment we arrived at the Sinigan Branch, we suspected the Rakion Family. Upon careful examination of the corpses found in the destroyed branch, we could determine it was not the work of the White Blood Sect….”
I recounted everything that had transpired from visiting the Sinigan Branch to defeating the Yonghyeon Sword Master to everyone present in the Audience Chamber.
“He, he fell into a state of oblivion on the battlefield?”
“Insane. Did he ascend to that realm through madness?”
“What kind of youngster has such audacity….”
“Thank goodness he didn’t join our side. He’s someone we couldn’t handle.”
“A disciple of the Holy Sword Master and the Yonghyeon Sword Master defeated. He’s returned with another legendary achievement….”
The executives marveled at each accomplishment Raon and the Gwangpung Corps had achieved, their voices filled with awe.
“Hah! Only I can handle that madman.”
Rimer smiled with amusement as he watched the executives gasp in admiration.
“Remarkable achievements.”
Glen nodded, covering his mouth with the hand that had been supporting his chin.
“Exposing the Rakion Family’s crimes and preventing their misdeeds, defeating the Holy Sword Master’s disciple and the Yonghyeon Sword Master, and reaching Grand Master at such a young age. Every single accomplishment is flawless.”
He spoke his acknowledgment while gazing intently at Raon. The hand covering his mouth appeared to tremble slightly.
“Head of House.”
Raon stepped forward and bowed his head.
“The reason we were able to expose the Rakion Family’s crimes is because of this child.”
I called Sieulren, who had been standing with Dorian, to my side.
“If Sieulren hadn’t shown courage twice, the Rakion Family would have hidden their true nature and struck us from behind in the end.”
I patted Sieulren’s back and offered a gentle smile.
“Ah….”
Color returned to Sieulren’s pale cheeks, the tension draining from her face.
“Of course.”
Glen nodded briefly at Sieulren, his voice softening just slightly.
“Um, um there!”
Sieulren dropped to her knees and lowered her head.
“I have a r-request to make!”
The child pressed her lips together as she bowed her forehead to the ground.
“There’s no need for such formality. Rise.”
Glen waved his hand lightly, and Sieulren’s head lifted naturally.
“What is your request?”
“P-please allow me to manage the Rakion Family!”
Sieulren repeated the words she had spoken to Raon from her sickbed.
“So that such tragedy never occurs again, I will become a pillar of strength for Zigheart. Please, I beg you!”
Glen did not answer her words and instead gazed at Raon.
“How many members of the Rakion Family survived?”
“Approximately two-fifths of the original personnel. Their martial prowess is not exceptional, but their loyalty to the family is high.”
I emphasized that the remaining members were capable enough to support Sieulren.
“Managing a family is not something a child can do.”
Glen looked at Sieulren again, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“Ah….”
“However.”
Sieulren’s expression hardened as Glen continued speaking.
“If you’ve established your own will even while being tortured by family, you can hardly be called a child.”
He nodded while meeting Sieulren’s wavering gaze.
“I will observe for now.”
“Th-thank you! Thank you so much!”
Sieulren struck her forehead against the floor with a resounding thud.
“S-stop that now.”
I forcibly pulled Sieulren up, her back as stiff as a snail’s.
“So it’s all settled then?”
Aris Zigheart beamed with delight at how smoothly things had gone, waving her hand cheerfully.
“The Rakion Family is resolved, and now Raon is my nephew, so….”
“That is not the case.”
Glen turned his gaze toward Aris Zigheart and shook his head.
“What?”
Aris Zigheart’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Come on! What’s the difference between Main Lineage and Branch Family anyway!”
“Even if you’ve achieved the qualifications to become Main Lineage, the current commander of the Gale Wind Squad remains in a Branch Family position. I cannot permit that title until you become Main Lineage.”
Glen’s eyes grew dark and grave.
“But—”
“Aris Zigheart. Even if you currently hold no official position, your name is inscribed at the highest place in Zigheart. If you, who must set an example through your conduct, violate the rules, what will others think?”
“Hmm….”
Aris Zigheart found his words irrefutable despite her frustration, so she merely frowned without objecting.
“If you wish to hear me call you aunt, then wait until Raon rises to the Main Lineage.”
“So you will promote him to the Main Lineage right away?”
“That’s not it either.”
“Ah, why not!”
She stomped her foot heavily and raised her voice.
“He will ascend to the Main Lineage on January 1st of next year.”
“January 1st?”
Aris Zigheart tilted her head as if confused by the statement.
“That’s correct.”
I stepped beside Aris Zigheart and nodded.
“The Head of House promised that if I defeat the Demon King in a life-or-death duel next year, he will immediately elevate my mother to the Main Lineage.”
“The Demon King….”
Aris Zigheart narrowed her eyes as she looked at me.
“The Demon King is no easy opponent! You could die!”
“I’m aware.”
I smiled calmly. Having faced the Demon King directly and crossed blades with him, I understood well just how formidable he was.
“I don’t wish to abandon the oath I made to myself simply because circumstances have changed. I want to defeat the Demon King, elevate the family’s honor, and raise my mother to the Main Lineage through my own strength.”
I declared the vow I had made with Glen to everyone present in this place.
“Tsk….”
“….”
Karun frowned as if displeased with the promise itself, while Denier stared at me expressionlessly, as though he had become a doll.
“Ho!”
Valdemar’s eyes widened round with delight at such confidence.
“Gahhhhh!”
Aris Zigheart let out a shriek and pulled me into a tight embrace.
“What do I do! You’re far too kind! How did someone like you emerge from our family?”
She remarked that I was truly Sylvia’s son, then rubbed her cheek against mine.
“Ahem!”
Glen Zigheart let out a loud, deliberate cough, signaling Aris Zigheart to release me.
“You’re so admirable!”
Aris Zigheart ignored Glen Zigheart’s ominous presence entirely and pulled me even tighter.
“Restrain yourself!”
“Why are you like this!”
Glen Zigheart’s frown deepened until he used his aura to forcibly separate Aris Zigheart and me.
Rimer and Roen exchanged glances as they observed Glen Zigheart’s distorted expression.
‘Is he jealous because the Head of House is being called aunt and embraced?’
‘Hehehehe.’
*
*
*
Once the situation had settled somewhat, I stepped forward before Glen Zigheart again.
“There is still something I haven’t told you.”
“Something you haven’t told me?”
“Yes. While I was defeating and recovering from the Yonghyeon Sword Master, someone from the Holy Sword Association attacked me.”
“Who was it?”
“Sigh….”
I exhaled softly and closed my eyes, recalling Lectar’s gaze—as parched as desert sand—before I spoke.
“Lectar, the Blood Sword Master. He is the one we referred to as the Sword Ghost.”
The moment Lectar’s name was spoken, the Patriarch’s Hall, which had grown somewhat restless, fell silent once more.
“…He was affiliated with the Holy Sword Association?”
Glen, too, appeared caught off guard by this revelation about Lectar, his eyes widening for the first time.
“Yes.”
I nodded, biting my lip, still struggling to fully accept it myself.
“He identified himself as the Blood Sword Master of the Holy Sword Association and attacked us.”
“….”
Glen received the confirmation and leaned back against the Jade Throne, his eyes closing. Exhaustion suddenly seemed to wash over his features.
“Wait, the Sword Ghost is with the Holy Sword Association?”
“The Sword Ghost is a Transcendent! The Holy Sword Association gained another Transcendent?”
“This is insane….”
“Why did he even join the Holy Sword Association?”
“He didn’t join—he said he was with them from the start.”
“I can’t comprehend this. Then why was he performing good deeds everywhere!”
The executives, too, grew visibly pale upon hearing that the Sword Ghost belonged to the Holy Sword Association.
“What did he say to you?”
After a long silence, Glen opened his eyes and asked.
“He said that since the Yonghyeon Sword Master and Cloud are dead, if I came with him, the Holy Sword Master would be satisfied.”
“Was he trying to abduct you?”
“Yes. Aris arrived in time and prevented it, but he intended to take me with him.”
“Hmm….”
Glen regarded Aris briefly, his gaze narrowing.
“So Lectar is our enemy.”
“That is….”
Glen uttered something ambiguous. Rather than answering immediately, I recalled Lectar’s gaze and the swordsmanship he had displayed.
‘He was certainly trying to convey something to me. But….’
The fact that he belonged to the Holy Sword Association remained unchanged.
‘This isn’t the place to suggest he might have other intentions.’
What I had sensed alone while observing Lectar was not something to be revealed in such a public setting.
“That’s correct. He is our enemy.”
Raon nodded heavily while looking at Glen.
“And there’s one more thing—it appears the Black Tower, the Holy Sword Association, and the White Blood Cult have formed an alliance.”
“An alliance?”
“Yes. Recalling the words of the Yonghyeon Sword Master and Lectar….”
I shared with Glen and the executives what I had deduced through the Yonghyeon Sword Master’s statement.
“See! Why do you keep him in the Branch Family when he gathers intelligence like this!”
Aris praised my outstanding information-gathering abilities, still lamenting that I hadn’t been promoted to the Main Lineage.
“Well done. You’ve brought back much.”
As Glen nodded and gestured, Roen ascended the Platform carrying a wide board.
“Raon Zigheart. Come forward.”
“Yes.”
Raon nodded and climbed onto the Platform.
“For halting the Rakion Family’s wickedness and the achievement of slaying the Holy Sword Master’s disciple and the Yonghyeon Sword Master, I bestow upon you a golden badge and a reward.”
Glen extended a golden badge and a crimson box from the board that Roen held.
“Thank you.”
I accepted the golden badge and box with a bow, though my mood was far from celebratory.
‘This isn’t what I truly desired right now.’
I descended from the platform, concealing the bitterness that swelled within my chest.
*
*
*
The Patriarch’s Hall fell silent after the Gwangpung Corps and executives departed.
“Sigh.”
Rimer exhaled softly, his back against a pillar.
“That was a golden opportunity—you should have seized it!”
“What do you mean.”
Glen, lost in thought, turned his gaze slowly toward him.
“What else? Raon, of course. When Aris stepped forward, you could have promoted him to the Main Lineage right then and there!”
Rimer tapped his own chest with his left hand, exasperation evident in his voice.
“Even Karun and Valdemar were intimidated by Aris and kept their mouths shut. Where else will such an opportunity arise?”
“I’ve already told you—the boy and I made a prior agreement.”
Glen shook his head with unwavering resolve.
“Moreover, ascending to the Main Lineage through Aris’s power would be unwise. For Sylvia and those in the Annex Building to live in peace, that boy must stand above the Main Lineage through his own strength.”
He regarded Rimer with darkened eyes.
“If I promote Raon to the Main Lineage now, his accomplishments will be overshadowed, and those who harbor resentment will claim he ascended through Aris’s influence.”
Glen had already envisioned every possible future and possessed absolute conviction in his judgment.
“Hehehehe.”
Roen nodded with a thin smile.
“I share your sentiment. Had Raon ascended to the Main Lineage today, his closeness to Aris would have overshadowed even his achievement as Grand Master.”
He laughed, suggesting it was better for Raon to ascend to the Main Lineage through his duel with the Demon King.
“Moreover….”
Glen’s jaw clenched as his gaze turned fierce.
“When that child becomes part of the Main Lineage, the first title he must use is Grandfather, not Aunt! I will never tolerate hearing him call her Aunt first!”
He stared at the space where Aris had been standing, unwilling to compromise on this matter.
“Sigh….”
Rimer shook his head with his eyes closed.
“If only he’d show that side of himself in front of her. Then everything would be settled!”
He shook his head regretfully.
“Hehehehe.”
This time, Roen laughed softly, seeming to agree with Rimer’s words.
“What will you do?”
Glen turned his gaze to Rimer with a furrowed brow.
“Well….”
Rimer smacked his lips and scratched his head vigorously.
“I’m still uncertain. I don’t know what to do….”
He shook his head, still seemingly unable to make a decision.
“But there’s something more important than that.”
“What is it?”
“How much pension and severance pay would I get? I need to know that before I can make a decision….”
As Rimer spoke with a smirk, Glen raised a finger.
Crack!
Lightning erupted violently above Rimer’s head.
“No, I was just joking! It was a joke!”
“Sigh….”
Glen couldn’t bring himself to strike the injured Rimer, so he merely frowned and dissipated the lightning.
“For now, I’m planning to visit my hometown.”
“Your hometown?”
“Yes. I need to return this sword now.”
Rimer tapped the blade at his waist.
“I see.”
Glen nodded calmly, appearing willing to accept whatever choice Rimer made.
“Good. Go get some fresh air.”
With those words, he rose from the Jade Throne and descended the Platform.
“Where are you going?”
At Rimer’s question, Glen shook his head calmly.
“Where I must go.”
*
*
*
“…That’s how it came to pass.”
I returned to the Annex Building and told Sylvia everything that had transpired.
“I see.”
Sylvia exhaled a quiet sigh as she regarded me.
“What do you make of it?”
“You said Lectar could have captured you but chose to let you go, correct?”
“That appears to be the case.”
“Then it seems he truly had something to convey to you.”
She nodded, her expression remaining composed.
“I mentioned before that he seemed to have some connection to your father.”
“You did.”
“Perhaps he sought you out precisely because he knows of the bond between you and your father. Could it have been a warning to exercise caution going forward?”
“A warning…”
Thanks to Lectar, I had learned that the Holy Sword Association, the Black Tower, and the White Blood Cult were forming an alliance, and I had come to understand that all three were targeting me.
“Though I speak only from what seems reasonable to me. The truth may be quite different, so remain vigilant.”
“Of course.”
I took Sylvia’s hand and nodded.
“You’ve endured much. Go rest now.”
Sylvia waved her hand with a smile, though exhaustion was evident in her features.
“You rest as well, Mother.”
I bowed to Sylvia and left her chamber, returning to my own room where I sank to the floor.
“Sigh…”
I was exhausted.
Because of Lectar’s affair, my mind still hadn’t settled.
If it had been a clear-cut betrayal, I could have made peace with it, but since I didn’t understand Lectar’s true intentions, I couldn’t afford to make hasty decisions.
-Hmm…
Wrath furrowed his brow as he observed me lost in contemplation.
-Even the True Demon King, brimming with humanity, cannot fathom this.
He clicked his tongue, remarking that humans were truly complicated creatures.
“Tell me about it.”
Rather than retire to bed, I lay sprawled on the floor and exhaled deeply.
“Human relationships are truly intricate.”
As I voiced my brief complaint, a large shadow fell across the window.
I lifted my gaze, and Glen appeared with a stern expression, gesturing for me to come outside.
“Gasp…”
I bolted upright and rushed outside immediately.
‘Is he offering the reward he couldn’t give in the Audience Chamber?’
Glen had often visited me at night, claiming the reward given at the Patriarch’s Hall was insufficient, and presented additional compensation. It seemed he had come with the same intention this time.
However, what I needed now was peace of mind rather than material reward, so even as I followed Glen, I harbored no great expectations.
When I approached the lake near the Annex Building with weary steps, Glen turned around. He looked at me and nodded gently.
“That must have been difficult.”
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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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