Only I Am A Reader

"Ahem… The Heavenly Strength Society will be temporarily helping with the eradication of this common enemy."

The one who stood forward to speak was Cheon Jeong. Unlike Cheon Chang who openly interacted with the Murim under a cover identity, the Blade Spirit was someone whose identity remained hidden until the clash with the monsters started.

However, just by taking the identity of the people standing on the stage into consideration, it wasn't hard to guess what was happening. It was just that…

"The Spear Manor's Lord is…"

The Sword King's words stretched out due to the shock while the Sword Sage remained silent. As Martial Artists who stood at the peak of the sword path, they often went to find the Absolute Spear for spars every year or so. His face was always still and he wasn't exactly responsive, but they could have never imagined he was part of the reformed Heavenly Demon Cult!

"You can go, I will look after the kids."

The powerhouses of the Murim Alliance were already clearing away the monsters, but the additional help of a master at the Sword Sage's level would definitely make things go faster. Cheon Jeong would have helped, but it was obvious she couldn't leave Leo and Yeon alone in their current condition.

Since they already revealed themselves, then building upon the purpose behind their attendance of the Sword Conference and proving that the reformation didn't make them any weaker was in order. A little help to the injured Righteous Faction was a good investment, especially with the appearance of a new unknown threat.

<You did well junior brother, I will be back.>

Before moving out, Cheon Chang looked Leo in the eyes as he tried his best to conjure a smile. Leaving behind a sound transmission before he flashed away to help with the eradication.

Other than his earlier declaration, the Absolute Spear didn't spare a glance at the two old swordsmen. The only reason he played along was in hope to grasp the essence of the sword from their moves and finally tread on his master's path, but even that didn't prove to be much help.

"I will go as well. Take care of this stubborn old man."

Unfortunately, there was no time to wallow in shock. Laying down the Sword Sage on the recently freed senior Daoists standing by the side, the Sword King flashed away as well. A few other Martial Artists also followed suit since the 1st rate was already cleared out.

"Master!"

Pung Miyoung rushed towards the Sword Sage with worry all over her face. If even her mighty master had to suffer such a grievous injury, then she just couldn't imagine how strong the monsters that ambushed them were!

"Silly girl, just call me grandpa. I believe my old bones have nothing left to teach you… You truly make me proud."

When Pung Chungwon landed on the field just now, the senior Daoist had already relayed the situation to him using sound transmissions. Just hearing that his great-granddaughter had such a great influence on the battle made him forget his suffering even more.

"You… You- You treacherous scum!"

However, just as the tension in the air started to relax. A furious scream sounded out as a blue figure appeared in front of the Sword Sage. Sparks of blue lightning exploded as a sword struck out on Pung Miyoung's side.

Klang!

"What is the meaning of this?!"

Despite being in an extremely weak state, the Sword Sage's sword was fast enough to move and block the incoming attack. A frown seething with anger replaced the gentle smile on his face as he faced the surprise attacker.

"Have you lost your mind, Elder Jang?!"

A senior Daoist on the side questioned as Namgung Jang acted like he didn't hear Pung Chungwon's words. His eyes were still focused on the target holding the Blue Dragon sword!

"Hu… hu… I apologize for acting out of bounds, but… please don't shield this ungrateful scum from me!"

"Oh? What happened?"

Anger was still apparent on the Sword Sage's face, but he turned to look at the youth standing next to Miyoung. Although his memory about it was a bit blurry, he quickly remembered the little kid that the Namgung Oldman had brought to stay at Mount Hua for a year or so.

"Can't you see?! I was occupied fighting that gigantic beast for everyone's sake, but he took that chance to kill my one and only son! Not only did he bite the hand that fed him during the competition, but he also dared to kill the cousin he personally maimed just to steal his sword!"

Everyone's eyes turned between the headless corpse lying on one of the audience seats and the Blue Dragon that Geochin casually held in his hands. The story was only based on Namgung Jang's words, but all evidence seemed to coincide with it!

"Little Geochin?"

Even then, the Sword Sage turned to look at Geochin for an explanation. Hearing both sides was still the correct thing to do. Though anyone could see that he was being slightly biased.

"Bite the hand that fed me? You sure know how to make up lies, dear uncle... I merely wanted to make up for my mistake of accidentally reducing my helpless cousin into that state by assisting him. Unfortunately, a monster had already sneaked to his hiding place by the time I arrived."

"You!"

"No need to hurry and find fault in my words before I get to finish. I was at least able to kill the monster before it managed to take his life, but it was too late for my poor cousin. His injuries were too grave for him to survive that he personally asked me to end his suffering. He even said he will give me his sword as thanks, but…"

Namgung Jang was on the verge of exploding as he heard Geochin's made-up story, but there was nothing he could do under the Sword Sage's watch without angering the entire Murim Alliance, he…

"If you want it, you can have it back. After all, a parent's words can easily overwrite that of their children."

'More bold protagonist confrontation… great.'

Leo felt his pain intensify just by silently watching the scene from the sidelines…