Only I Am A Reader

The Northern Ice Palace. Situated far away from the mainland, it stood atop an island where there was nothing but snow. Just like the Heavenly Strength Society that separated itself from either main faction, the Northern Ice Palace lived in seclusion even though they were historically linked to the Murim…

'To think they appeared here…'

However, there were two of these very Northern Ice Palace Martial Artists that were almost impossible to find standing in front of Leo at the moment. Moreover, they were none other than the Palace Master's heirs!

Originally, the brother and sister pair were only supposed to make an appearance an arc later where they meet the protagonist and go through a breathtaking adventure of mutual benefits, eventually resulting in a temporary union between the Northern Ice Palace and the Murim Alliance.

To make matters worse, another fortuitous opportunity that contributed to Geochin's growth was the center that the arc cycled around, shaping up the rightful leader that wasn't that far from achieving his dream.

'I obviously can't let this chance go away.'

This situation was easy to explain as not every single character received exposition in every place they went to. However, just like Geochin benefited from the sudden appearance of a future companion, Leo had no plans to wait for the timing to match. He had to create the link between them and sow the seeds that would decrease his quests' difficulty even more!

"Perhaps… We can provide some help?"

With Cheon Chang by his side, Leo could only sigh deep inside as he saw the vigilance in the cold girl's eyes. He certainly didn't come off as natural as he wanted to since he had to improvise according to the situation, but the girl's unusual senses weren't of any help to his case.

Compared to Leo who pretended to be a seer of some sort, the girl who acted as the leader between the two siblings was the closest thing to an actual psychic. Despite being thrown into danger with her brother all of the time, she always managed to follow her heart to steer out of harm's way, but she felt like she hit a hard rock this time.

"Thank you, but I don't think we will be needing any help. We will be excusing ourselves."

Even then, Bing Baek directly tried to move away from the web regardless of how her heart told her there was no escape, but…

"Are you sure? Will your answer remain the same if I say that we can help you go back to the Northern Island?"

Unfortunately for her, Leo knew exactly what bait he had to throw. Since it seemed impossible to trick his target, he only had to make it so that they intentionally walked into his trap while knowing it was there!

"Then… Can you tell me what you have in mind, sir?"

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

Not much time later, Cheon Chang and Leo returned to their group's side with two extra followers. However…

"Something is coming…"

"Another top-tier powerhouse is rushing here!"

All of those possessing good perception felt threatened by the aura leaking in their direction. The crowd was already preparing to leave upon seeing that the Sky Fruit had found its owner, but they were now brought to the end of their feet once again.

"You are back, I think…"

Cheon Jeong only spared the returnees a single glance before she stared in the same direction that everyone looked towards. Somehow, she had already overcome the disappointment of losing even the last fruit.

"He is here?"

Even Cheon Chang was momentarily surprised upon sensing the oncoming presence. It seemed like their backup was finally here.

'Right on time.'

Both the Blade Spirit and the Absolute Spear had been expecting the other two pillars to arrive and help with the monstrous threat. In particular, Cheon Chang dearly waited for the Fist Lord's appearance.

Despite wielding no weapons, the man who stood side by side with the other three pillars was an expert in delivering internal damage. Even with the Poison Dragon's thick scales, the force of his attacks could be flexibly conducted through them, delivering actual fatal damage!

"Looks like it."

However, it wasn't the Fist Lord nor the last pillar that had answered their call. It was the Heavenly Demon that was supposedly away from Mount Heaven that was currently heading their way!

"Ah, I was late to the party as expected…'

The intimidating figure of a lord standing in the air with the support of the pure sanguine wings on his back sent shivers through the onlookers as he muttered words of disappointment. Just like he had failed to appear before Cheon Chang sacrificed himself, he only appeared after the conflict had ended this time around as well.

"This monster does seem like a worthy opponent, a shame."

Scanning through the battlefield that already had countless violet plum tree saplings scattered through it, the Society Leader shrugged before nodding at the little group relating to him on the ground.

"This is…"

"What kind of powerhouse is this?"

"How can someone this strong not be included in the Heaven List?"

Whispers dispersed within the plain as stress overtook them once again. Although annihilation was off the table thanks to the presence of the few powerhouses here and there, it was very plausible for a good fraction of them to be instantly slaughtered considering the sinister might they felt exuding from him…

"I guess I might as well do something since I'm here anyway."

The words that the Heavenly Demon intentionally amplified threw fear into everyone's heart. However, contrary to what he appeared likely to do, he only flew towards the ruined Azure Tree.

"As deserving of total extermination, a monster really knows no delicacy."

Gently pressing his hand on top of the Azure Tree's crown, the Heavenly Demon suddenly shot downwards without any alert, directly drilling through the Azure Tree's center!

"This should do, we can find a better place for it this way."

Emerging out of the Azure Tree with something in his hand, the Society Leader flew towards Leo and the others before spotting the unfamiliar figures standing next to them.

"Now then, who might our guests be?"