Only I Am A Reader

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The contrast between the black wood of the ship and the icy white of the island grew more apparent as the small dot-like ship drifted closer to the Northern Island, announcing that their trip was coming to a close soon.

'It didn't feel as long as I expected.'

Although he was starting to grow bored throughout the last few days, it was only when Leo had gotten too familiar with his life on the ship that time started to go slower. The freshness of a new experience had kept things interesting for the majority of the time spent on board…

Either way, Leo couldn't deny that he enjoyed the concept of a forced break. Whenever he was on land, he would be training if not constantly on the move doing more missions with his team. However, when on top of the ship where the strength of the wind decided their speed with no shortcuts to reaching one's destination faster, helplessly getting some rest was often the number one option.

Naturally, Leo still lightly trained every now and then in order not to get rusty, but this was undeniably not a bad relaxing experience within the competitive world of murim. Even though he had to endure the meals that he wasn't so fond of, Leo's thoughts remained the same.

'Well, it's time for business now though.'

Creaaaak…

The wood shook as the ship's tip touched the snowy island, everyone's eyes turned vigilant as they exchanged glances, but the sailor routinely let down the anchor and the rope ladder.

Thud!

Naturally, the ladder was only there for the relatively weaker ship personnel. With Cheon Chang taking the lead, the main team jumped directly into the snow. With the Silver Dragon in his embrace and the White Tiger accompanied by his luggage on his back, Leo also followed suit.

As Martial Artists who could use Internal Energy to ward off the cold or even raise their body heat by increasing metabolism, Leo and the others already had no need to wear thick and heavy clothes, but the varied Inner Scale Armor that they wore did a great job in preserving their body heat.

"State your identity."

Everyone had already noticed their presence when they were on the ship, but the figures covered in snow white wear looked no different from ghosts that mixed with the background. Undoubtedly, they were the people of the Northern Ice Palace.

'Ah yes, the show-off begins.'

The two groups dressed in opposite colors spoke nothing, engaging in a staring contest as their aura spread out to clash with their opponents. No one showed the least intent to take a step back… Even Leo had to participate in this world ritual.

"Uncle Dae! They are with me."

Despite being a Martial Artist of considerable ability, Bing Baek took her time climbing down the rope ladder. It was only when she stepped forward in front of Leo and the others that the Northern Ice Palace's ghosts withdrew their might.

"Little Baek! Is that really you? Why did you come back here?!"

One of the ghosts removed his face cover, revealing an old wrinkly face. Although his words made it seem like he didn't welcome Bing Baek around, worry could be easily read off his face. Rather than driving her off, he was afraid of what might happen to her if she stuck around for long…

"You should leave quickly before it's too late!"

Sending her off as an experiential training and keeping her out might have felt more like an exile, but it was actually something that he and others who cared about the siblings encouraged. When compared to being directly under the geezers' watch, being ordered from afar was still much more lenient.

"It's okay, uncle Dae. I brought some help."

Bing Baek was naturally aware of that. However, she didn't want to just settle for the lesser evil… No, she had firmly decided not to since she chose to accept Leo's offer! If she was still being sent to the mouth of danger after running away so far, what was the point of escaping confrontation?

While she somehow managed to survive the deadly 'fruit picking' event, there was no telling what would be the next hellhole they would be sent to. Bing Baek might have endured if there was no other option, but Leo had replenished what she lacked. This was precisely why she couldn't refuse his proposal!

"These are…"

The old man turned to Cheon Chang and Cheon Jeong with furrowed eyebrows. He had already sensed the great strength that these two possessed in their exchange earlier. In fact, he was already considering how to deal with casualties or if he even could survive the situation. However, somehow, it turned out that these dangerous figures were brought here by the little princess…

"I'm sick of running, uncle…"

'Wouldn't the elders make use of this to pressure little Baek more?'

He wasn't worried for the Northern Ice Palace as he knew that there were still others who could repel the intruders even if he couldn't. It was the implications that could result from it that he feared for the sake of Bing Baek. Still…

'Where did she find people like this?'

Even the level of ability that the group clad in black had displayed on the surface wasn't something a stray Martial Artist or a mercenary for hire would have. If they were really of great backing, then…

"Are you sure about this?"

Seeing the resolute look in Bing Baek's eyes, old Dae felt his intent to stop her waver. In reality, there wasn't a much worse reality that the siblings' situation could deteriorate to.

"Yes, don't worry. I know what I'm doing, uncle Dae."

She might have been a bit hesitant at the start, but Bing Baek was already decided on going all the way through. If anything, setting foot on the island once again and having this conversation had only ignited her fighting will even further.

"In that case… I welcome the princess' guests to our humble island. Allow me to guide you into the Ice Palace."