Only I Am A Reader

'This is why this novel is so conflicting.'

Even with everything that went on, Leo still maintained his belief that 'Murim Supremacy' was a breath of fresh air within the stale murim genre. Despite the fact that the protagonist's character only garnered more hate in the end, everything still made sense.

Most novels that fell into ruin did so because they forced a certain plot, event, or even a character trait on their protagonist. However, Murim Supremacy's author made sure that everything was there for a reason. Geochin's final character transformation was fully just as understandable as it was hated.

The cycle of hate created in the Namgung Family where his story started was just too twisted. The father who couldn't act on his will. The daughter who followed her heart, seeking freedom. The son whose mind and soul burned with jealousy, yearning for fairness… and the child who briefly managed to escape the darkness.

Then there was the transmigrator who was thrown into the middle of all of this. Despite not being a cause or a conduit for any of the misery that engulfed the family as an outsider, he was forced to endure the consequences that were originally sparked by the extreme competitive spirit present within the Namgung Family's house…

'I still have to do it.'

However, even if he understood that the protagonist was just as messed up as him and Yeon, Leo didn't think he was as kind as to put others with whom he had no relation above himself. Since killing Geochin was deemed necessary, he would do it when the time came.

"Alright everyone, a small conflict had broken out, but it had been peacefully solved. Since Kim Geochin's ascension challenge ended in his favor, he has successfully advanced to the next round! The remainder of the fourth round will promptly start."

Seeing that the situation had been diffused, the overseer loudly announced the result, bringing the audience out of the shock created by the strange sequence of events. A 2nd rate Martial Artist had really climbed into the 1st rate competition!

'Tsk.'

However, the person himself wasn't satisfied with the result, taking an arm was supposed to be just the start. He had been hoping to anger his 'uncle' into making a mistake that would throw the entirety of that despicable Namgung Family into hell. Unfortunately, the only thing that went according to plan was grabbing the attention of the Great Mount Hua Sect.

"First we have… Cheon Baekho! Pung Eunhyung!"

'I guess we are back to schedule.'

Hearing his name being called out, Leo nodded before walking down to the stage. The easy pass had come to an end just on time.

To begin with, none of the 25 other competitors that made it to the fourth round were easy to handle, but the one he got matched with was still on the top of that final winner candidate list. Once again, they were trying to eliminate him.

This time, however, they had nothing to lose. Pung Eunhyung was one of their people so the Mount Hua Sect didn't run the risk of offending someone as an expense.

Since he was someone who would have been discarded if Geochin didn't request to apply the rite of ascension, it didn't really matter even if he lost. At the very least, they were confident that he would be able to earn back some of the Righteous Factions' lost dignity.

"Greetings. I had always hoped to experience the great skills of the Heavenly Strength Society one time."

Unlike Pung Miyoung and Namgung Pyung, Pung Eunhyung's words were a mix of their sincerity and sarcasm. He really wished to see how he would fare against someone like Leo, but he was also mocking the fact that Leo's faction had been in hiding for years.

"Then I will try my best so that you won't end up being disappointed."

Leo unsheathed his White Tiger with a smile on his face. He had just had enough of facing dummy opponents. Now, it was finally time to put the swordsmanship that he refined over two lives to the test!

"Great!"

Without any further chitchat, Pung Eunhyung took out his Violet Mist in turn, running at Leo who stood in preparation to receive him! Their swords met as if they were shaking their hands before parting into retreat.

Klang!

The quality of their swords were equally matched, so there was no chance that Leo's first match would repeat itself. Moreover…

Swish! Klang! Swish!

The two swords flew into a flurry of clashing and missing. Pung Miyoung was praised as the best sword user, but Pung Eunhyung's plum blossom swordsmanship was no worse than hers!

Swish!

Although the duel started with an exchange of pure sword skill, illusions of plum blossom petals were already dancing around them. No matter what, energy channeling was still necessary for a sword technique to show its full capability!

'Show me.'

Slowly nurturing his White Tiger Energy to the peak, Leo provokingly stared into Pung Eunhyung's eyes. The plum blossom style was one of great variety and versatility. While his martial sister used a slim longsword, Pung Eunhyung used a broad sword that carried quite a lot of weight. If Miyoung used the sword of elegance, then Eunhyung used the sword of force.

"Bring it!"

Eunhyung's eyes widened with excitement, Leo had barely revealed his skill since he was purposefully humiliating his first opponent. However, the further their battle progressed, the more he realized where Leo's true strength laid!

His intent to use Leo as a tool to highlight his skill immediately vanished as a thick plum tree sprouted behind his back. His own version of the Plum Blossom Seven Swords swung down at Leo, hoping that it wasn't too late to use his full force to win. However…

"Sure."

Even if he realized earlier, it would still have been too late.

Roar!

The non-existent sound almost reached everyone's air as the face of a ferocious tiger formed on Leo's back, the silent white tiger was finally revealing its fangs.