The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman - Chapter 743

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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 743

“You as well….”

The man called the Heavenly Demon answered without even turning to look at Tacheon.

“Is that what you call me?”

His tone was peculiar. The name Heavenly Demon seemed to please him, yet it also sounded as though he despised it.

“It suits you well, does it not.”

Tacheon shrugged as he gazed upon the Heavenly Demon’s broad back.

“I am Tacheon, and you are the Heavenly Demon. For beings such as ourselves, I believe these are fitting names indeed.”

The corners of his beautiful youth mask curled upward in a prolonged smile.

“….”

The Heavenly Demon made no reply and did not turn around. He remained seated as though Tacheon did not exist in this place at all.

“This place is always warm and harmonious whenever I see it. The very breath of nature lives on here.”

Tacheon swept his gaze across the verdant flowers and trees, a faint smile playing at his lips.

“It truly does not suit a human such as yourself.”

Rarely did he speak in such a provocative manner.

“What is your business?”

The Heavenly Demon ignored Tacheon’s provocation and turned his chin slightly.

“Is that the Green King?”

Tacheon did not answer the question about his purpose, instead directing his gaze to the Heavenly Demon’s right side.

Beneath an apple tree bearing ripe fruit unseasonably, a woman stood with a stature rivaling that of an adult man, her posture impeccably straight as though she had mastered martial discipline.

A black orc helmet adorned her face, yet curiously lacked the protruding tusks characteristic of such helms, while two horns jutted forth from her brow.

In stark contrast to the bright auburn hair cascading past her shoulders, the crimson gaze emanating from the helmet’s center burned with an eerie, blood-soaked luminescence.

“I’ve heard whispers of the Green King’s awakening, but this exceeds my expectations.”

Tacheon smacked his lips as he regarded the woman donning the Black Orc Lord’s helmet.

“Such growth rivals even Raon Zigheart’s—I find myself covetous.”

He drew out the gesture with apparent sincerity, yet the woman in the orc helmet offered him no acknowledgment.

“….”

Instead, the shoulders of the Severed Soul Sword standing behind trembled faintly.

“The Green King belongs to me—”
“Your needless prattling has grown tiresome.”

A man of diminutive stature rose from the thicket, shaking his head.
He wore an Ettin helmet that appeared disturbingly lifelike, yet unlike the actual creature, possessed only a single head.

“Answer what our lord inquires of you, would you?”

The voice of the man in the Ettin helmet was clear and crystalline, untouched by the deepening of adolescence—a stark discord with his menacing helm.

“Still insolent, I see, Twin-Headed Demon.”

Tacheon laughed, dismissing the Twin-Headed Demon’s aura without concern.

“You’re not yourself.”

The Heavenly Demon perceived Tacheon’s condition in an instant and extended her fingertip.

“Your body remains intact, yet your soul is torn asunder. What has befallen you?”

She tilted her head slightly, her curiosity kindled.

“There’s another monster here.”

Tacheon nodded calmly, as if he had expected as much.

“It’s hardly a mystery who could drive me to this extent.”

He flicked his finger toward the crimson scales adorning the Heavenly Demon’s helmet.

“Glen Zigheart. He has finally reached the realm where the sword severs the soul itself.”
“Glen Zigheart….”

The Heavenly Demon lifted his gaze slightly, looking toward the sky.

“He was different from all others. I foresaw he would reach that realm while remaining human.”

He nodded slightly, as though it were inevitable.

“But you are different from him. He remains enslaved by causality.”
“That would be true.”

The Heavenly Demon exhaled a low breath tinged with regret.

“So you’ve come asking me to dispose of this Glen?”
“Would you be willing?”

Tacheon pointed to himself with a twisted smile.

“Given my current state.”
“I refuse.”

The Heavenly Demon shook his head with finality.

“Glen Zigheart is certainly an enticing quarry, but the time is not right. Besides….”

His presence, smaller than anyone else’s in this place, suddenly erupted with explosive force.

“Your purpose and mine are not the same. Do not think to use me.”

As the Heavenly Demon casually waved his hand, the beautiful Utopian Garden twisted grotesquely.
Verdant trees exhaled malice like vengeful spirits, and flowers of every hue unleashed a suffocating pressure.

“Our purposes have not yet aligned, have they?”

Even amidst the bizarre illusion conjured by the Heavenly Demon, Tacheon’s smile never wavered.

“If you’re going to spout useless words, then stop….”
“Of course, I didn’t come here merely to gaze upon your back either.”

He snapped his fingers, and pale light and darkness bloomed forth, dispelling the Heavenly Demon’s oppressive force.

“So! State your business… Ugh!”
“Would you mind closing your mouth?”

The Twin-Headed Demon rose irritably before abruptly freezing. He swallowed hard upon witnessing the ominous light gleaming in Tacheon’s eyes.

“The Archangel has descended.”

Tacheon spoke the word “Archangel” with a thin smile playing across his lips.

Boom!

In that instant, the Heavenly Demon—who seemed as though he would never move—turned around.
Within the helmet adorned with ten horns both great and small, an unquenchable inferno began to blaze.

*

*

*

Raon entered the 5th Training Ground in the early dawn.
I tidied the frost-covered ground in the biting morning air and completed my basic sword training.

Just as I was about to practice the Gwangpung Sword technique, the training ground door opened, and Gwangpung Corps swordsmen filed in one by one.

“As expected, the Organization Master is the first one here.”
“We still have over an hour before the appointed time….”
“Just looking at how organized the Training Ground is, he must have arrived at least an hour ago.”
“Does this person not sleep?”

The Gwangpung Corps swordsmen clicked their tongues as they observed the pristine Training Ground.

“Damn! I thought I’d be the first one today!”

Crain ran his hand through his hair and frowned.

“What time did this guy even arrive?”
“From what I can tell, maybe two hours ago….”

Dorian exhaled sharply as he surveyed the meticulously arranged Training Ground.

“Judging by the fact that he’s been practicing swordplay, it could be even earlier than that.”

Burren shook his head as he observed the Heavenly Sword held in Raon’s hands.

“I came at 4 in the morning once, and he was already here before me.”

He let out a deep sigh of resignation.

“I came at 3 in the morning. Damn it.”

Martha wrinkled her nose as she chimed in with Burren’s words.

“That guy probably finds the 5th Training Ground more comfortable than his own home.”

She clicked her tongue, noting that Raon only visited the Annex Building for meals.

“I just gave up trying to beat him….”

Lunan lowered her head, having long since abandoned any hope of arriving before Raon. Even now, her eyes drooped with drowsiness.

“Where is the Deputy Organization Master?”

Mark Goeten narrowed his eyes as he searched for Rimer, the only one who hadn’t arrived.

“Why would that damned bastard show up at this hour?”

Dogyae snorted dismissively, as if hearing nonsense.

“That’s all. Begin.”

He gestured impatiently at Raon, eager to proceed.

“Understood.”

Raon nodded and ascended the platform.
As Dogyae had suggested, Rimer would likely arrive much later, so it seemed wise to proceed ahead of time.

Standing at the edge of the platform, I surveyed the faces of the entire Gwangpung Corps, and their expressions appeared grim.
After spending so long together, I could now discern their thoughts simply by observing their expressions.

“Thank you for answering the summons during your leave.”

I stood with my hands clasped behind my back, lifting my chin slightly.

“I said this was voluntary participation, and the fact that you’ve all gathered here suggests you share my thoughts on this matter.”
“That’s not quite right.”

As I was scanning the swordsmen’s eyes once more, Crain raised his hand.

“I thought there might be retaliation if I didn’t come today….”
“Silence.”
“Yes, sir!”

At my gesture, Dorian retrieved a gag from his pocket and fastened it over Crain’s mouth.

“Since we’ve had an interruption, let me start again. I clearly stated this was voluntary participation, and the fact that you’ve all gathered here tells me you each felt something from this recent war.”
“….”

The Gwangpung Corps bowed their heads in silence, affirming that my words were true.

“Mmph….”

Crain also realized this was no time for jest and quietly accepted the gag.

“Let me be clear. You are strong.”

Raon met the wavering gaze of the Gwangpung Corps with his quietly settled crimson eyes.

“Thanks to life-or-death combat and training that drew blood, there isn’t a single military force stronger than the Gwangpung Corps in your twenties anywhere across the entire Continent.”

It wasn’t a lie. Even if the Five Emperors and Oma were hiding something, I could confidently say there was no group stronger than the Gwangpung Corps at a similar age.

“Hmph!”
“W-well….”
“N-not to that extent, surely.”
“Right. We still have much to learn.”

Crain, Dorian, and the other swordsmen scratched their heads awkwardly.

“Yet you were not the protagonists in this war.”

Raon’s voice turned cold, contradicting what he had just said.

“Hmm….”
“That’s….”

The Gwangpung Corps knew better than anyone that Raon’s words were true, so they bit their lips in silence.

“You lacked the ability to escape danger on your own, so you couldn’t escape the gaze of the strong. You were in a position of receiving protection even as you fought in the war. You were no different from children left on a riverbank.”

Raon spoke harshly about the situation and emotions the Gwangpung Corps had felt, looking down at Burren.

“When you tried to cut down a bandit, a strong force flew at you. When you tried to sever a brigand’s neck, overwhelming power poured down. Magic exploded everywhere, making it impossible for the Gwangpung Corps to move independently.”

I continued speaking while observing Martha, whose lips were bleeding from biting them so hard.

“The Robert Family was the same. You were nothing but sitting in the back, sucking your fingers while the true powers of the Six Emperors advanced.”

I lowered my fingertip while looking at Lunan, whose dull purple eyes revealed hidden fervor.

“The wars to come will be far more brutal and dangerous. In your current state, you’ll be nothing but bystanders or obstacles.”

Raon’s heavy gaze pierced through the Gwangpung Corps’ hearts with sharp precision.

-You….

Wrath’s brow furrowed as though displeased with Raon’s demeanor.

-Why are you acting differently toward the children than usual….

Before he could voice his complaint, a fierce wind of the Gwangpung Style erupted from the center of the Gwangpung Corps.

“I know. I know better than anyone….”

Martha had not even managed to speak with the White Blood Cult Master during this war.
Her black eyes were bloodshot as she acutely felt the helplessness of that moment.

“So what must we do?”

Burren, who harbored the goal of earning Karun’s recognition, clenched his fists as though he understood why Raon had spoken such words.

“…I’ll do it all. Anything.”

Lunan, too, having met Sylvia, nodded emphatically, declaring he would do whatever it took to grow stronger.

Every member of the Gwangpung Corps revealed eyes burning with fervent resolve, their spines straightened as they shared the same conviction as their commanders.

“Before the full-scale war begins, we must cultivate our strength.”

I placed my hand upon the blade of the Heavenly Sword, my smile brimming with satisfaction.

“All members will reach Master rank, and Mark Goeten and the commanders will reach Master’s pinnacle through endless cycles of missions and training.”

I spoke of the need to forge a power capable of vanquishing any foe that might arrive, drawing my chin taut with resolve.

“It would be unfair if only you had goals to pursue, so I too shall set a modest objective. I will….”

I raised my finger as though taking an oath.

“Ascend to transcendence.”

It was not merely a personal vow, but a promise to the Gwangpung Corps, and it steeled my resolve all the more.

“Wait, a modest goal? But the Organization Master is the most difficult one to achieve?”

Dorian’s lips trembled as if he found it absurd.

“T-Transcendence?”
“That guy’s vessel is really….”
“Raon’s got good looks.”

Burren, Martha, and Lunan also let out hollow laughs as they watched Raon speak of transcendence.

“Right. Our Organization Master should at least reach transcendence.”

Rimer, who had come over the stone wall, nodded readily.

“As the Vice Organization Master, I’m planning to challenge transcendence as well.”

Rimer grinned, saying he would set the same conditions as Raon.

“V-Vice Organization Master?”

Crain narrowed his eyes as he removed his gag.

“Nah, that won’t work?”
“Absolutely not.”

Martha shook her head while standing beside Crain.

“That lazy bum reaching transcendence? Never.”

She snorted derisively, as if she wouldn’t trust even a stray dog.

“I have to reach transcendence to achieve my goals.”

Rimer waved his hand dismissively, saying he would challenge it regardless of whether they believed him.

“So regular members aim for Master, squad leaders for Master’s peak, and the Organization Master and Vice Organization Master for transcendence?”

Dogyae chuckled as if he found it ridiculous.

“A truly audacious force is about to be born.”

He wore a smile brimming with anticipation rather than mockery.

“That’s why there’s much work for you to do, Chief Steward.”

Raon bowed his head to Dogyae.

“Ugh! My service days are long past, and I’ve gotten tangled up with this strange fellow….”

Dogyae heaved a long sigh, lamenting that he was worth less than a fool at the Gambling House.

“It’s nothing much, but….”

Raon approached Dogyae and produced five black bottles. Premium spirits he had procured during his recent journey south.

“Cough! Why would you bring such things!”

Dogyae laughed as if he had never complained at all. True to his nature as a gambler, the five bottles vanished into his sleeves in an instant.

“Everyone, steel yourselves! This won’t be easy!”

He cast aside his weary expression as if to earn his keep with the spirits, then rallied the Gwangpung Corps with a fierce cry.

“Don’t worry.”
“We won’t give up.”
“We’ll follow you to the very end!”

The swordsmen of the Gwangpung Corps clenched their teeth, refusing to be mere supporting actors.

‘Training and missions will be hell, but beyond that….’

Raon watched the roaring Gwangpung Corps and bit his lip thinly.

‘You will reach a new realm.’

*

*

*

After finishing training that stretched from dawn until evening, I entered the Patriarch’s Training Ground before midnight.

Glen hadn’t arrived yet, but the training ground was brightly lit—apparently orders had been given.

‘Should I loosen up a bit?’

I rolled my shoulders lightly and drew the Heavenly Sword.

-Argh!

Just as I was about to begin sword training, Wrath leaped up, flailing like a freshly caught fish.

-How can you do nothing but train all day long!

He shook his head, saying he was fed up.

-Because of you, I haven’t even eaten properly!
‘You ate at the training ground.’
-That’s not a meal for the True Demon King!

Wrath flailed both arms, insisting he wanted a proper meal at the Annex Building.

-Your stats keep rising just from sleeping, eating, and resting, so why can’t you ever sit still!
‘That’s not enough.’

I looked up at the moonless night sky and shook my head.

‘Not a single second can be wasted if I’m to sever Derus’s head.’

While the Demon Lord’s authority certainly helped with growth, stats alone had their limits.
Only by elevating my martial mastery and relentlessly honing my swordsmanship could I increase the likelihood of taking Derus’s head.

-Ugh. I thought with a vacation, I’d finally get to rest and eat for a while….

Wrath grumbled that he wasn’t pleased, but he fell silent. He seemed to be showing some consideration.

As I smiled faintly at the now-quiet Wrath, the training ground door opened and Glen entered.

“Head of House…”
“We’ll be seeing each other for a while yet, so spare me the formalities.”

Glen approached with a casual wave of his hand. Every time I felt it, he didn’t seem to care much for excessive greetings or etiquette.

“I heard you’ve been training the sword practitioners all day. That could interfere with your training with me, so why push yourself so hard?”

His voice grew quieter. It seemed like this single question carried considerable weight behind it.

“Didn’t you tell me to grow stronger together with my comrades, Head of House?”

Since I had thought this through, I spoke without the slightest hesitation.

“I intend to walk forward not alone, but together with the Gwangpung Corps. Of course, I’ll ensure it doesn’t affect my training with you at all.”
“I see.”

Glen nodded while covering his slightly trembling lips with his right hand. His eyes remained dry, but his response seemed to please him.

“Then let’s not waste time and begin at once.”

He approached the center of the Training Ground and snapped his fingers.

“How far have you mastered the Heavenly Sword technique?”
“I’ve learned it all, but in actual combat, I can only execute up to the eleventh form.”

I adjusted my grip on the Heavenly Sword as I answered.

“You’re currently learning the Light Sword technique, the Snow Wind Sword technique, the Manhwagong sword technique, the sword technique you created yourself, the Heavenly Sword technique, and various others on top of that?”

Glen listed each of the sword techniques I was learning one by one and clicked his tongue briefly.

“Yes.”

I lowered my head as I answered.

‘Hearing it put that way… it really is too many.’

Now that Glen had said it directly, I realized I was using far too many sword techniques.
Since transcendence requires focus, I would need to narrow it down at this opportunity.

“I apologize. In my future training, I should focus on perfecting a few sword techniques….”
“I would have told anyone else to do exactly that.”

Glen shook his head slowly, his gaze fixed upon Raon’s eyes.

“No—a year ago, I would have told you the same thing. That focusing on a few techniques is the fastest path to transcendence.”

He raised a finger, pointing directly at Raon.

“But after watching you fight, my thoughts have changed.”
“Changed how…?”

Raon blinked, unable to grasp Glen’s meaning.

“Both I, who pursued mastery of ten thousand swords, and even the Sword Ghost abandoned certain domains when ascending to transcendence. But you are different. Rather than narrowing your focus to reach transcendence, learn more. Pursue a broader world.”

The moment Glen drew the Heavenly Sword with a faint smile, dark clouds split asunder, and golden moonlight cascaded down.

“Your vessel can hold anything.”

—————
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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