Thud!

“Can’t we do this gradually as usual?”

Although it had already been a month since Leo started getting the new playstyle of the highest-level Martial Artists beaten into his head, the heavy mountain on his shoulders had barely gotten any lighter.

He was now able to push it off more smoothly, but the weight pushing him down never truly left. It would only separate from him for a dozen seconds at most before hugging him back!

While Leo had to admit that the training was effectively improving both his control and resistance, he still wished that he could enjoy the advantages of sparring against a powerhouse just like the Absolute Spear.

Since he had always managed to limit the level of his abilities to match that of Leo, the training process was more like taking a flight of stairs. Rather than trying a hundred times to make a direct jump to the top of the stairs, climbing one step at a time would be much more efficient.

However…

“I’m afraid that this is no longer possible. I can’t give you enough pressure at your current level if I don’t fight seriously.”

It seemed like he had lost that kind of luxury… Due to becoming stronger!

Considering Cheon Chang’s fine level of control, it wasn’t that he couldn’t decrease the strength he applied, but it just wouldn’t prove that challenging for Leo if he did so, which would render this training useless.

‘Honestly, it’s kind of scary.’

It wasn’t easy to notice right off the bat since Leo wasn’t focused from the beginning, but Cheon Chang had to admit that Leo was stronger than him when he had just stepped into the Unrestrained Stage!

He had originally wanted to take things gradually, only applying his strongest pressure at the start to give Leo a wake-up call, but the reality was vastly different from what he imagined as Leo managed to mount some resistance even against his full force. He simply had to go all out!

The amount of Internal Energy that both of them possessed at the Stage’s entry was definitely similar, but this wasn’t about quality, not quantity. The various trials that Leo went through to obtain this strength were clearly reflected in his level of attainment.

Starting from the various Elixirs that he consumed to set up his foundation, to the pseudo-phoenix core that cleansed his body, and ending with receiving a portion of the Heavenly Demon’s inheritance mixed with the mysterious otherworldly energy that elevated his level of existence…

It was hard to say that anyone could rival this extraordinary combination other than the new Heavenly Demon!

Even the Absolute Spear could barely imagine how much strength he could exert at the peak of the stage as his equal. Perhaps he could even pierce through and become a Profound Martial Artist in one go given enough time!

‘I can’t stay stagnant any further or I might be left behind…’

“Really?”

Knowing that it was impossible for Cheon Chang’s words to be flattery, Leo was slightly surprised by the high evaluation. It was hard for him to evaluate himself at his current level with nothing to base it on.

If Murim wasn’t falling apart at the moment, he could have chosen to tackle the experts of the ‘Heavenly’ list and see where he stood amid the top 100 powerhouses, but… There was no time left to do anything of that sort.

Either way, Leo wasn’t sure whether to be happy or sad about Cheon Chang’s statement. It was reassuring to be called strong, but the fact that he was fast approaching the Absolute Spear’s strength meant a lot.

Not only did he lose his cheat training mode, but he was also bound to face a plateau in his growth very soon even if he had just entered the stage.

‘Not that it’s really relevant.’

Still, in the end, it was already hard to imagine any further growth with how little time he had anyway, what truly mattered was how he could utilize the strength that he already had!

Although learning the fighting style of an unrestrained seemed irrelevant since he would likely be only able to use it in one final battle, just getting this experience embedded in his mind and body was more than worth it for Leo!

‘Besides, now that my horizons have been broadened like this…’

Regardless, this training wasn’t exactly restricted to new things or they wouldn’t be using their weapons if that was the case. Since Leo’s spatial awareness and reflections had reached an even higher limit, he had the chance to do something that would be ultimately useful anywhere and everywhere.

‘It’s time to strengthen the White Tiger and the Black Dragon one last time!’

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

“Family Head, Mount Hua has finally accepted our offer. They will passively support us and send a sufficient portion of their students alongside the Plum Blossom Swordsmen to strengthen our ranks.”

Namgung Hyun reported the Murim League’s bloodless victory with a proud expression. He didn’t know if what he was doing was right or not, but he couldn’t deny the brilliance of the new Family Head!

Instead of following the crushing pattern that he used to devour the Grand Martial Families, he had silently taken all of his forces to camp in the reconstructed city of Unnam. Giving the Murim League’s members a chance to rest and recover from the long fights while simultaneously applying pressure on the first Great Sect on his list!

Other than sending someone up to deliver a letter, Geochin had done nothing but wait. Yet, all it took were a few weeks before a bigger step towards their final goal was taken on its own…

“Sorry, Miyoung, but this had to be done.”

“It’s okay… I understand.”

On the other hand, Geochin didn’t show any form of surprise or happiness, he only turned to look apologetically at Pung Miyoung that was sitting against him. While he didn’t mind the means in order to achieve what he dreamed of, he had no plans to take pride in making use of Mount Hua’s weakened state.

“Then, shall we go ahead and pay the Southern Edge a visit to make things fair?”