Only I Am A Reader

'As expected, it's still better to do this every once in a while.'

While trying to make up for the lost days with a joke, Leo gave his best as he faced the third-best swordsman in the Heavenly Strength Society. Just as one would expect, this exchange could be said to be quite educational.

Although Cheon Jeong was unlikely to decline his request if he asked for a spar, Leo understood that her, Yeon, and Sohee's styles differed greatly from his. In addition, the bigger difference in strength would only make everything harder.

Not everyone possessed the ability to restrict their strength so skillfully like the Absolute Spear, but Cheon Chang had already given up on personally teaching him the sword. So, when Leo ended up meeting Iyeolhan on his little nostalgia trip, the idea to ask for occasional sparring spurred out of his mind.

"I must say that your efforts are commendable."

From Iyeolhan's point of view, Leo's Swordsmanship was already not too far away from his level. In fact, if they were on the same levels, he wasn't even confident of coming on top every single time. For someone who just picked the sword less than ten years ago to reach this level, it was quite the brilliant achievement!

Even when considering the existence of someone like Yeon who easily rivaled his progress, Leo still came off as special in Iyeolhan's eyes. It was as if he was someone that didn't go by the rules!

Starting up on a high note, then slowing down only to rise high up again, if Leo's steps were to be put on a chart, it would be no different from a child's scribble. Yet, he still managed to rise so high up despite taking up the Spear in addition!

"But…"

In reality, Leo was someone who was already cheating from the very start, directly using his experience as Arthur to nurture Baekho's new path. At this point, everything had been assimilated in one single direction, but…

"You aren't there just yet."

While Iyeolhan's Swordsmanship wasn't at the level of Cheon Chang's Spearmanship, Leo estimated that it was at least at the peak of the advanced level. Coupled with the slight advantage he kept after suppressing his strength in a limited manner…

Klang!

The White Tiger remained in Leo's grip, but he was strongly pushed back, unable to catch up to Iyeolhan's responses. Although he was sure he was on the right path, Leo knew that he still lacked one crucial factor! Time!

It took him just 8 years to get to the advanced level, but even after spending more time in Murim, he was still a few pages away from making up the highest level that he knew of! Still, it was only natural that climbing became harder the more one got closer to the peak…

"Am I not training with you so I could patch up the difference?"

Swish!

At the same time, it wasn't like Leo was completely passive during the spar. With the support of the Extreme Speed Sword, the White Tiger managed to effectively swing its close at the Gentle-faced swordsman!

"Right, I will make sure to work you up harder then…"

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

'Preparations are mostly done.'

After finishing another sparring session with Iyeolhan, Leo took one last shower before walking through the large room tunnel...

The Heavenly Furnace was usually completely empty at times like this. Those that qualified for the second phase have long reached the requirement to graduate while those that failed got incorporated into the lower work circle of the Heavenly Strength Society. Whether it was logistics, aides, or just pure servicemen, everyone could be said to have found a place better than living on the streets.

However, the current situation was a little different from that. Once Leo arrived in the large meeting room as agreed upon, a few dozen people wearing the Society's black robes entered his field of vision!

"Hello everyone, it's nice to see you all after so long."

The current generation's graduates were mostly all joined up in the Heavenly Furnace's meeting room!

After spending a few months wandering around Mount Heaven training with whoever seemed like a suitable partner while reading all he could find on the side, Leo finally felt like staying behind closed doors was no longer useful. The same could be said for the other three…

Yeon didn't seem like she needed much time to begin with, and Sohee adapted faster than usual. If anything, the one holding them back was Cheon Yong who was receiving a concentrated course under the Fist Lord's guidance, but even that had concluded a few days back.

"Baekho Hyung… Did you really mean what you called us here for?"

Due to his reclusive personality, Leo wasn't exactly popular with his other 'Furnacemates'. However, everyone had more or less heard of his and the other three's accomplishments.

"Indeed, we do have a monster counterattack plan that we want to include you in."

Including the time spent getting to and back from the Northern Island, Leo was well aware that their shiny performance slate had grown rusty. Normal members would be okay with that since their actual performance was known to the Society's higher-ups, but Leo knew that he couldn't afford to let that happen for the sake of his future plans!

The Murim League's rising couldn't be stopped, nor did Leo want to stop it. However, the Heavenly Strength Society's image had to remain more than just squeaky clean, it at least had to rival the Murim League's shine.

In order to achieve that, Leo had to make use of his knowledge as a reader in a very random manner to make one large strike. Only by going in big after their disappearance would their image rise into the sky!

Yeon and Sohee were already used to following Leo around, while Yong was raring to try out the new things that he learned recently, so they quickly agreed to his suggestion, but…

"We will hear you out."

More forces were needed to conduct this operation!