Only I Am A Reader

"The Murim League is humanity's saviors!"

Under Geochin's constant effort to rout demon worshipers, bandits, and all kinds of unsavory organizations that started in the middle of the chaos, the dreary situation seemed to take a turn for the better, especially since they were still making sure to deal with any monsters that they came upon!

"I can go to sleep with a calm heart as long as they have our backs!"

When tomorrow wasn't something that could be looked up to, any human's will to live would naturally waiver unless they had a focal point that could keep them sane. However, knowing that someone would come to your help no matter the situation was enough for most to focus on doing what they had to do.

Although the Murim League wasn't perfect enough to reach every distressed in time, nor were they all heroes who would throw their lives for the sake of others, everybody still greatly respected them. From a certain perspective, their answer to justice's call could be said to be even more effective to the regular Righteous Faction's battle excursions.

Back when the situation was normal, the only driving factor for most Martial Artists was fame, riches, standing… There were barely so many people who pursued righteousness for the sake of righteousness itself. However, with the recent advent of chaos, only those who truly believed in their duty to protect the weak had stepped forward!

After the losses that resulted from the Azure Tree's convention and the threat that made many lose their will, Geochin's actions of giving back in return for receiving the Sky Fruit made everyone think that the unexpected reward was well deserved…

"Many wronged the Heavenly Strength Society, but they are still unfaltering in their monster extermination efforts."

Considering the emotionless pictures that the old 'demons' drew, a large group of people thought that the Heavenly Strength Society had only been pretending at the start before switching into the monsters' camp under the bloody guise of demon worshipers. In the end, that blame turned out to be nothing but baseless slander.

Despite not sparing any effort to ward off the sick humans who ignored every sense of morality, the Heavenly Strength Society's members continued their relentless clash against monsters. Regardless of the casualties it would take or even the Monster Hunter Association missing rewards, they made sure to march towards the closest nest or crack, only having their enemies' elimination in mind!

"But hasn't that prominent group been silent lately?"

"Indeed, they were usually the ones who had the most zeal, but…"

However, amid the Murim League's rise and the Heavenly Strength Society's determined stand, the name of the Four Heavenly Beasts seemed to vanish from the people's mouths as they didn't make an appearance in months, giving the impression that they had either cowered off after the next wave or silently lost their lives against a tough adversary. In reality…

"I did expect to feel some regret, but you really aren't holding back, are you?"

The vanished front-liners weren't all cooped up back at Mount Heaven. After taking such a big step on the Northern Island, they couldn't go on without digesting the gains they had received.

Stability was guaranteed thanks to the tools and methods that they used to achieve their breakthrough. In particular, getting cleansed by a Phoenix's Internal Energy was one of the best methods to strengthen a Martial Artist's foundation. In addition, Body Reconstruction made it even more steadfast, but what they needed was adaptation!

Just like Leo had to spend some time with Cheon Chang to understand what it means to reach the next level, personally experiencing the possibilities brought by the elevation, all four of them lacked the ability to properly use their transcendent strength.

What had to be supported by Internal Energy Strengthening was now easily doable by relying on their pure brute force, the same thing went for speed and dexterity. The limitations that were unlocked made their body even harder to handle, the same could be said about Internal Energy Channeling.

Naturally, breaking through hadn't made their movements clumsy, but they had to properly train and explore the true extent of their ability for their elevation in level to prove its value, and currently…

"I mean, wasn't it Gentle Han that pushed me back so resolutely back then?"

Leo was spending his time in an empty training room down in the Heavenly Furnace, with his opponent being none other than Iyeolhan himself!

"Indeed, you have grown so much that you don't even know boundaries any longer?"

Iyeolhan's empty expression turned into a gentle smile as he brought his sword down at Leo, seemingly holding a grudge.

"Ah, no need to be so heavy-handed, your beloved Blade Spirit was the one that asked me to joke about this!"

The White Tiger shook in Leo's hand as he guarded the Gentle-faced man's swing. Even when he reached such an advanced level, he was still no match for the old Head Instructor!

Just because Iyeolhan wasn't a part of the Heavenly Strength Society's four pillars, that didn't mean that his strength was lacking in comparison. Instead, it was only that the position of a pillar was only restricted to the strongest four, so not every powerhouse in the Society could get included.

"Sure, and you listened to her just like that? As expected, it was the right choice to give up on you back then!"

'An irregular among irregulars.'

Although Iyeolhan seemed to be infuriated by Leo's awkward attempt at making a joke, he was only throwing a fake tantrum as he observed the little monster that was all grown up now. Just like he expected, he turned out to be anything but normal.

The one he had chosen back then wasn't doing much worse now that he went under one of the four pillars' tutelage, but Iyeolhan could still see the different spark that glowed around Leo; the reports that he read about their performance had only strengthened his assumption.

'If I can provide some help to this monster while he still needs it…'

Clearing away his unnecessary thoughts, Iyeolhan resumed his rough onslaught!