Only I Am A Reader

Thud!

A whole section from the ice mountain's base was reduced to water as the heavy mountain dropped to the ground with a thumb. Naturally, like any normal structure that didn't follow the rules of lego, it didn't only lose height, but also its balance!

The whole group easily dispersed, each using their footwork to avoid the storm of ice and flames that was stirred by the unknown creature. Although this much didn't prove it to be a strong opponent, it confirmed it as a tough one. This was precisely the reason why the Northern Ice Palace had put aside their pest problem till this moment, devastating environmental destruction!

'As expected!'

Even as he avoided the threats everywhere, Leo's eyes were fixated on the towering creature standing tall in front of them. Just like the horrifying Poison Dragon's visage, no written description could truly do justice to the sight that he captured at this moment.

"What is this thing supposed to be? It definitely possesses some of the Phoenix's features, but what kind of idiot identified it as such?"

Pitch black fur covering its four legs from the hooves up to the waist like eternal darkness, and brilliant dark red feathers furnishing its upper body that looked no different from that of a human in a bird's suit, all of that was topped up by the sharp peak that somehow managed to resemble a human's mouth! This was the current appearance of the Devouring Centaur!

The monster that had luckily slipped through the only spontaneous crack on Northern Island was none other than one of the few monsters with cheats! The only Centaur capable of devouring creatures and partially taking on their shape and ability!

'It really appeared this early.'

The Phoenix that urgently landed on the snowy island to lay down its eggs didn't even get to finish its business before it was eaten whole by the Devouring Centaur. Normally, it would have had the ability to resist a monster of that caliber, but it was extremely weakened after feeding most of its life essence to the chicks that should have been born.

Even just eating a Phoenix would implode its consumer from the inside out, but the Devouring Centaur didn't get its name for nothing. As a characteristic of its special ability, its stomach was not only extremely resilient but also infinitely expansive as if it led to another space. Just by making use of the perfect timing that the crack opened at, the Centaur was able to ascend into an exotic breed mixing both monsters and beasts!

"I do not know what happened to this point, but I can personally vouch that despite its extremely diluted blood and lacking growth, the beast that originally landed here was definitely a Phoenix!"

Old Dae was even more confused than the rest as someone who had already seen the Phoenix once. Unlike Leo who understood the background of this occurrence, the only explanation he could come up with was that the True Beasts experienced a very divergent evolution under the effect of a breakthrough…

"Its aura is just slightly above that of a transcendent and its size is exaggerated, but it does make a good target for the kids. Even so, why is it so hostile?"

The mysterious monster in front of Cheon Jeong's eyes undeniably triggered her curiosity even harder, but her main focus was still the reason behind this far journey. While the four extreme Peak Martial Artists likely stood a chance at fighting against it, its aggressiveness was worrying.

"Indeed, it's almost no different from all the invading monsters that we have met so far…"

Using the Blade Spirit's question as a window, Leo threw in his hints. Not even Geochin figured out the Devouring Centaur's story until the very end, so it was even harder for them to do something like that. In any case, all they needed to know was its identity as a monster that made it more worthy of extermination than the original target!

"A monster… That might explain some things, but it's still too unpredictable. Are you sure you can handle this?"

Normally, a battle like this would act as a trial where the seedlings are forced into the battle, only receiving help when they are on the very brink of death itself. However, the monster's extreme abnormality as well as the firm relationship between the masters and the students made Cheon Jeong directly offer her assistance.

Neighhhh!

'It's especially intimidating, but…'

Even in the middle of melting and breaking everything as it stomped with its hooves, the Devouring Centaur was still unleashing the Phoenix's flame in an attempt to achieve total annihilation. As a monster that was part human before even digesting anything, all Centaur usually had an edge when it came to intelligence.

It knew that it wouldn't be able to beat either the Absolute Spear or the Blade Spirit in a direct battle, so it was trying to dissuade them from doing so by making the terrain only endurable for those possessing a body over 10 meters tall like its very own!

'We need to do this.'

However, Leo knew that he couldn't just cower away just because someone offered their help. Just as the Heavenly Strength Society was very harsh with its enemy, it was even harsher with its members. Only someone with both outstanding talent and mentality could maintain the position of a seed that's heavily invested in. After all, wasn't that what the Heavenly Furnace had been there for?

"We can do it."

As they exchanged glances, Leo could see some fear and hesitation in the other three's eyes, but they all ultimately nodded in response. This was a challenge that they had to attempt sooner or later. Rather than having Cheon Jeong feed them like babies, this was a great opportunity to fight stronger opponents without care under their protection!

"As you wish, since you already decided. We will not be interfering even if you ask for help later."

'We will only do so when we deem it necessary.'

Smiling as she heartlessly announced her abstain from fighting, Cheon Jeong nodded in her heart, this was indeed more like it!