Only I Am A Reader

While martial arts powered with Internal Energy always had a mystic nature, the manifestation of that mysticism usually stopped at materializing the basic form of transformed energy. Whether that be electricity, lustrous aura, or even energy blades, that was as far as it would go as long as one doesn't surpass the peak.

Then why is it that illusions had been appearing nonstop ever since the Mount Hua Sword Conference started? There was only one vital reason, location.

Just like every other base where a grand family or a great sect was situated, the natural energy was very concentrated on the top of Mount Hua. However, this wasn't artificially achieved as was the case for most, the peak of Mount Hua was just an innate energy attraction spot.

Most importantly, its advantages didn't stop at that. The silence, the flow of Dao, the natural resonation, all these kinds of illusory concepts happened to be at their peak atop Mount Hua, allowing the impossible to become possible.

'Let's see how far it will go.'

After watching the real matches up to now, Leo was interested in how his illusions would fare compared to the others, but he simply didn't meet an opponent that was worth getting that serious. Of course, things were different now.

As he kept channeling out his White Tiger Energy, encasing his blade with an even sharper coating, Leo could feel a slight sense of empowerment, the illusion of the White Tiger on his back wasn't visible to him, but it had a subtle effect on his ability.

'This must be the case for him as well.'

On the other hand, the plum tree that seemed to imbue Pung Eunghyung with force and stability was as obvious as daylight. No matter what, this was a very interesting phenomenon for Leo.

Leo could only guess that his illusion was just that impactful, but Eunhyung's movement momentarily paused with a flinch. Naturally, he wasn't going to miss a chance like that.

Roar!

The White Tiger roared once more as its image grew clearer and clearer. Despite the fact that Mount Hua was the house of plum blossoms, Leo's illusion appeared to be getting stronger than his counterpart!

'This is better than expected.'

Leo was too focused on the battle to analyze the situation, his sword heading directly from the Violet Mist's base. However, he understood one fact. He was temporarily getting a taste of higher power!

The White Tiger was one of the five great mythical beasts, connecting with Mount Hua's Dao while being this close to the sky had managed to bring about an amplified degree of resonation! Furthermore, the accumulation of Leo's 'Energy Channeling' ability was finally showing its true worth!

For a moment the ferocious white face pronounced by the deep black stripes seemed like it was swallowing Leo, but it stopped at the very last second. Overlapping over his face as his sword finally reached its rival!

Klang!

The lustrous aura tried its best to resist the silvery edge that pressed upon it, but its deep purple shade was continuously fading away. Although Leo's strike didn't achieve a direct one, the balanced battle scale was quickly tumbling towards his side.

Klang! Klang! Klang!

There was no longer a chance for their swords to miss each other. Eunhyung's Violet Mist could only focus on defending rather than attacking. The large figure of the White Tiger had long appeared on stage!

Klang!

With each strike, the White Tiger's claws shredded a part of Eunhyung's plum tree. The more tattered it became, the weaker Eunhyung's ability to endure Leo's strikes. His chances to win the battle were already going downhill…

Wowowo… Thud!

Everyone watched how it happened, but it was still surprising to see the towering plum tree fall down. Consequently, the Violet Mist was already rolling in the air before dropping to the ground exactly after.

"Cheon Baekho wins…"

The audience remained silent in contrast to what they did when they watched Yeon's battle. To begin with, Leo's debut had been a very deceiving experience. Everyone thought that he was just someone that liked showing off, but they were proven wrong.

They couldn't tell who was better between the two from the Heavenly Strength Society before they met on stage, but they were at least equals, both with the ability to contend with most of the geniuses present!

"Heavenly White Tiger!"

Most importantly, compared to the ominous sword graveyard shown by Yeon, Leo's White Tiger was the exact opposite of their conception of 'demons'. No one found it in them to detest the impressive duo, all that was left with respect and admiration.

'Are the other two like this as well?'

Only one thought collectively appeared in the audience's mind. If Leo wasn't just a decoration that was sent with the true genius that was Yeon, then were the two who accompanied them just as skilled?

This was only something that could be contemplated. After all, Cheon Yong and Cheon Sohee wouldn't get the chance to show their ability as non-participants.

'Just be patient.'

Returning to his seat, Leo had another opinion. Everyone was currently relaxed, but they sure wouldn't be in a little while…

"Ho just turned into Baekho…"

An innocent smile sprouted on Yeon's face as she somehow found Leo's 'impressive' battle to be funny. He couldn't relate as someone who didn't witness his own battle, but he didn't seem to mind going on another one if it was to make Yeon happy.

"Cheon Yeon! Song Dayun!"

Unfortunately, just as he sat down, it was also Yeon's turn to mount the stage. Her opponent was also a girl of similar age holding a sword in her embrace.

Swish!

Leo immediately recognized the girl to be one of the head students of the North Mount Heng Sect, another sect situated on one of the five great mountains. Although they shared Mount Hua's trait of focusing on swordplay, the sect was rather well known for only accepting female martial artists.

Woooo!

The audience cheered as a battle that held the same potential as Yeon's first was going to start, but Leo calmly watched as someone who had confidence in Yeon's ability that he had experienced himself!