Only I Am A Reader

Two days, that was also the time it took for the 1st rate competition's third round to start.

Although the number had been reduced in half during the first round, the condensed quality still made up for it, the matches that originally lasted a dozen minutes were stretched out for over half an hour. After taking another break, the matching resumed once more.

'Soon.'

The exceptions were Yeon and Leo's matches. Just like they miraculously met hard opponents in the very first round, they were somehow matched with all the lucky underperforming participants. Some of the others seemed like they wanted to complain, but this made it easier not to admit that the Heavenly Strength Society was still going strong!

On the other hand, Leo welcomed the smooth sailing with open arms. Whether he liked it or not, things wouldn't be that simple starting the fourth round, so it was better to enjoy it while it lasted.

"Pung Eunhyung will be withdrawing."

As 27 Martial Artists got to advance to the fourth round, the one overseeing the competition announced that participants would be giving up their chance to compete. In such situations, one would normally get the chance to advance without a fight, but the Mount Hua Sect did things differently!

Rather than leaving it to luck, one of their students would just withdraw to make the numbers even. In a way, it looked like they were giving up, but it hinted that they had 'nobly' done so since they were confident in winning, not caring about the rewards they were giving themselves.

"Wait!"

However, just then, another senior Daoist walked into the field as someone followed behind him. Both Daoists exchanged gazes before finally falling on the follower.

"Participant Kim Geochin has proposed the use of the rite of ascension. He wants to be given the chance to participate in the 1st rate competition…"

'Here we go'

Not many knew about the rite of ascension, so the Daoist took the chance to explain it. Leo was naturally aware of its details as it was mentioned in the narration. In short words, it was a stage-jumping attempt.

In order to propose something like this, one had to show beyond impressive results in their relevant level competition before suggesting to fill in the lacking number in the higher competition. However, just because they asked for it didn't mean that they would get what they wanted.

"Does anyone volunteer to be his opponent?"

After staying silent for a while, the 1st rate overseer finally spoke out, his eyes wandering over the 27 participants that were left. Other than receiving the overseer's permission to proceed, the challenger had to go through a probationary match before they could truly ascend!

Although fighting a 2nd rate Martial Artist instead of a fourth-round opponent sounded like a tempting offer, the Daoist had just explained that the challenge match wouldn't count as a normal one.

If the challenger were to win, he would get to directly advance to the next round, but this didn't apply to the volunteer. Winning as an original participant only blocked the challenger's opportunity and the round would still proceed as it normally would. Otherwise, they would just be the challenger's stepping stone!

"I will do it."

Such a thankless task that held no benefit wasn't something that even the self-sacrificing students of Mount Hua would take. However, the pervading silence didn't last as a youth in blue robes walked down from his seat.

"I will help my little cousin out if he wishes to try."

As the end of his band fluttered with the wind, Namgung Geumryong heroically smiled at Geochin. He made it seem like he was making a sacrifice, but he was inwardly very keen on getting the chance to beat up their family's disgrace!

'As expected.'

Unbeknown to him, this was exactly what Geochin had been betting on. Only someone like him would bother to give him the chance just to humiliate him! He had come here for a reason, and this was his chance to take it!

"Very well, get into position and… Start!"

Shiing!

The smile on Namgung Geumryong's face distorted as he unsheathed his Blue Dragon. Brilliant sparks danced around the blade as he flashed in front of Geochin. No one could stand between him and that waste this time around!

"Stop!"

Having only walked back into the field at that moment, Pung Miyoung shouted in alarm as the sight of Namgung Geumryong's sword swinging down at Geochin's iron sword fell under her eyes.

The attack wasn't openly malicious, but the opponent was definitely aiming to crush the sword and severely injure him with the excuse of his lack of skill! The Namgung Family's Lightning Dragon Advent was just that powerful!

'What is he doing here?'

She knew that he had joined the 2nd rate competition which didn't have any participants from the Namgung Family so she wasn't worried about him, but why was it that he still found his way under their swords? Miyoung recklessly rushed to the stage to stop the tragedy, but…

"You can't."

The second strongest Plum Blossom Swordsman within the youth of Mount Hua, Pung Eunhyung held her back. Miyoung could probably neutralize Namgung Geumryong, but she would still get punished by the sect if she did so. Besides…

'This should show him his place.'

He wasn't against teaching the ignorant bug where he truly belonged.

"Let me go!"

Miyoung tried to struggle, but her attention was distracted by what was about to befall Geochin! Her heart raced as her mind grew hazy…

Swish!

Geochin's hand instantly swung forward before he retracted it. At first, it didn't seem like he had done anything. In the same instant, however, Namgung Geumryong's arm was suddenly blown back as the lightning covering the Blue Dragon crackled into nothingness!

"Uh?"

Namgung Geumryong's eyes widened at the action that even he didn't manage to see. Without any further delay, he flashed back to his starting position, tightly gripping the hilt of the sword that had almost flown out of his hand…

"Finally."

'It's time for payback.'