Chapter 199 - Yeon’s Smile
Although Cheon Yong had only received what was supposed to be a fatal strike, being knocked out of the stage, he didn't pass out. Amid the battle's excitement, he was about to rush back to the stage just when he heard Iyeolhan's voice…
"Cheon Baekho wins."
The battle had lasted for a whole hour, but Cheon Yong didn't feel like much time had passed. Despite feeling regretful that it ended so quickly, he didn't go against the rules, collecting his sword before standing back in the crowd.
Having silently watched this battle, all of the kids watching had different expressions on their faces. Those who thought he was just lucky to reach the second phase earlier as someone who had been stuck for so long were dumbfounded, but there were only two of them. The majority had an expression of respect.
Other than those influenced by jealousy or envy, most of those who made it so far understood how nothing would happen by chance the best. Leo was late to catch up with the first arrivals, but once he did so, he regained his position on the top.
'Ho…'
Just beside Cheon Sohee and her face of admiration, a small smile bloomed on Yeon's face. It had been a tough rollercoaster, but her worries had finally subsided.
Back when Leo ran the fastest during the first phase, Yeon had the fear of being left behind. She could tell that he had held back a bit so the gap between them wouldn't be too far at the beginning, so she could only blame herself at that time. His sudden advancement to the second phase had submerged her in fear even further, pushing her to devote everything to go back to being together…
After finally winning the battle of desperation, they were together once again. She had successfully caught up and even took a few steps faster! Her teacher had even helped her understand herself as both she and Leo stood at the same step!
Her target was as obvious as the sun and she held back for the sake of reaching it, but even then, the passing days weren't so bad. Whether it was training or meditation, everything had gone by easily with her sight fixated on the future. Unfortunately, that was only until…
'It was hard…'
Everything was suddenly flipped backward, she was marching forward with all her might only to find herself far ahead. Time was understandably needed and not everything they did was in sync, but as more and more days went by, worry found its place in her heart once more!
The next to achieve an advancement after her was Cheon Yong and not Leo! The gap between them felt like it grew even bigger, fear of being forced to become the one who would leave him behind took root, it wasn't easy to be ahead either…
At one point, she thought about giving up her training. However, she knew that doing so would only result in the opposite effect. The Heavenly Strength Society was slightly more forgiving now, but there was obviously a limit to certain behavior.
The situation only became worse when Leo even stopped appearing in the monthly meeting… Only Cheon Jeong kept convincing her that he would catch up soon, that she ought to train even harder in order not to repeat the same situation of the past, but she was close to giving up hope!
As someone who had lived most of her life beside him, Yeon definitely trusted him! However, what was she supposed to do about the anxiety in her heart? It already took a lot for her to steel herself to this point, for how long was she supposed to endure this?
'My Ho!'
Her world that had almost blackned into absolute darkness suddenly brightened up, she was ready to hold on for more just when she saw him back at the meeting, but… the aura that he exuded was no longer that of a 3rd rate Martial Artist!
Yeon was already satisfied to see that, but the happiness that had been held back for so long just happened to explode within the same day! Leo hadn't only caught up, but he also didn't fall behind in skill!
Just like Cheon Jeon said, he wasn't losing his head start at all. From her point of view, she wasn't even completely sure about beating him. Even as she tried to maintain her cold demeanor, her face had automatically warmed up.
'Yeon.'
Leo subconsciously smiled when spotted Yeon's rare smile. At this moment, she couldn't help remembering the way he smiled when he achieved the impossible to keep her alive! This was her one and only Baekho!
"Next is Cheon Sohee and…"
Iyeolhan was still staring at Leo as he once again pondered his decision to leave him to someone else. It hadn't been that long, but he indeed didn't disappoint. Most importantly, the martial art that he was using…
Cheon Sohee smiled at Leo as she took the stage, but Leo barely noticed her as he was deep in thought, he could only spare some attention to Yeon as part of him desired to.
The battle just now had told him a lot, the Black Dragon's Transformations definitely had infinite potential, but he was only using part of it. He had been holding back on his plan in hope to reach this point, so it was finally time to move ahead with the list!
"Cheon Sohee wins."
As he absentmindedly watched the battle from Yeon's side, Leo simultaneously prepared his training chart for the rest of the day. If it wasn't for the mutual desire to spend some time together with Yeon, he would have already ran back to his room to start!
By the time the five battles of the day had concluded, everyone quickly dispersed, leaving only Leo and Yeon walking back to their caves with Cheon Sohee on the side. Even as he was in deep focus, Leo could tell that something changed in their link as of today.. Perhaps… it wouldn't be long before he came to understand everything.