Only I Am A Reader

'I only gave him the proof of affiliation that he asked for.'

In a situation where she was accused of having committed an atrocity of sorts, Yeon calmly stated that she had followed the procedure. However, Leo didn't follow the same route.

"Really? I'm pretty sure it was your 'great' sect that invited us to be here?"

They were only told to go and attend, but Leo knew more. It was actually the Murim Alliance that 'begged' the Heavenly Strength Society to integrate and join their events in hope of using them to deter the Evil Faction.

"Hmmm?"

"We just came to represent the Heavenly Strength Society through the two spots that were given to us. If we are not welcome, we can leave… If you can shoulder the responsibility that is."

Naturally, Leo wasn't recklessly provoking the Daoist in his home ground. Rather, he was trying to prove a point to the watcher lurking within the crowds! As members of the Society, they wouldn't let outsiders easily ridicule it like this!

"Heh, you aren't too bad… I will be right back."

Surprisingly enough, the Daoist's reaction wasn't too strong, only scoffing before walking back inside. Half of the crowd were holding the handles of their weapons and so was Cheon Yong, but no one dared to truly take out their weapons and start a fight on the top of Mount Hua.

'This much should be okay.'

Leo still made sure to not go too far, in both cases, the problem was bound to be solved in words. If the Heavenly Strength Society wanted them to join the Sword Conference stealthy, they would have granted them identities of a random subordinate force instead of giving them the Society's identity tokens.

"Alright, everyone can disperse, this is not a show for you to watch. As for you…"

Upon returning, the Daoist waved his hands to break the tension, everyone slowly relaxed, expecting the 'Demons' to be expelled. However, when he turned to look at Leo and Yeon…

"Just properly register their names and end this shitshow. This sure leaves a bad taste in my mouth."

"Huh? What do you mean… Junior Master!"

The man who had retreated from his desk was dumbfounded by what he had just heard, he tried to question the order given to him but the Daoist had already walked away. Nonetheless, the crowd quickly went on their way despite sharing his complexion…

"Hah, we are really letting demons walk among us, have we fallen that far?"

"The Evil Faction is getting more unruly as of late, but this is just nonsense."

"Hey, quiet down, we don't want to end up offending anyone."

Of course, that still didn't stop all kinds of unsatisfied murmurs to start a new buzz.

"Cheon Yeon."

"Ah…"

"That's her name."

Propping Yeon to take her turn, Leo blankly stared at the registering personnel. In the end, the man could only take his pen and do his job.

"Then… Age?"

Thus, the small episode that announced the opening of the Mount Hua Sword Conference quickly came to an end.

`~~~`~~~`~~~`

"Hey! Little waste! You think you are smart for managing to embarrass us like this?"

Light blue hair, dark blue robes, and treasured swords on their backs, a group encompassing all of these features was currently scurrying to chase one person on the peak of Mount Hua!

"Was it fun, huh? Tell me!"

The one who spoke even had a blue hero band tied around his head. Without a doubt, they were the descendants of the noble Namgung Family! The birthplace of countless renowned swordsmen!

Tak!

"I'm talking to you. Is your next great move to ignore us?"

The dashing leader hastened his steps, slapping the shoulder of the person they were chasing. The black-haired youth wearing lackluster gray robes turned around, giving his offender a death stare.

"Ah, would you look at that? Looks like the little bastard grew some backbone after being thrown out of the family. Heh, see? I knew that getting renounced was better for someone like you in the end."

"Kyahahah!"

The group of 'heroes' broke out into laughter as they ridiculed the gray-robed youth, but his eyes didn't falter, his hands stretched back to grab hold of his iron sword, which only earned more ridicule from the audience.

'Should I do it? Okay, okay, I get it.'

"Ooooh! You want to exchange pointers? Then I will be generous today and give you some guidance on the way of the sword!"

Shiing!

The sarcastic leader instantly drew his sword, pointing it at the defiant youth's neck! They were currently within the Great Mount Hua's sects grounds, but everyone was too busy to care about their little quarrel. Although killing was still a no-go, taking one or two arms should still be possible!

'I will only destroy their Dantians.'

Unknown to him, the prey he was eyeing was actually having the same thought as him. Their swords quickly moved as their faces reflected the same sinister smile. Unfortunately…

Klang!

"Stop right there!"

Their swords didn't get to clash. One sword had quickly deflected both of their swords, bringing the premature fight into an end.

"Please refrain from unnecessary fights before the start of the Sword Conference. If you have any problems to settle, only do so on the ring."

The Daoist put his sword back into its sheath as he gave the pair a firm warning, a group of students stood behind him as a glistening figure walked out from their midst…

"Tsk. Always hiding behind others."

The Namgung youths quickly walked away after taking a jab at their target, they couldn't afford to make trouble for the family under a Junior Master's careful eyes.

"Are you okay?"

The girl wearing the plum blossom uniform asked the gray-robed youth, worry apparent in her eyes. His expression quickly distorted before relaxing as he let out a long breath.

'Next time.'

"Yeah, thanks for helping me…"

The youth amiably smiled at the girl who obstructed his plans in good conscience. However…

'This…'

As if exposed to hypnosis, his eyes suddenly started to wander away before he finished thanking her, something had completely stolen all of his attention.

'There you are.'

A smile crept into Leo's face as he noticed the lost eyes that found their target.