Only I Am A Reader

"These monsters really keep getting stranger by the day. They used to give nothing at first, but now they are multiplying Internal Cores instead? Did it transform into this shape by consuming the original Phoenix's core?"

Though not blatantly obvious, things started to make sense to Cheon Jeong and the others as they considered them using the illogical logic of monsters. Just by attaching the pieces of the puzzle that they gathered together, they were able to make an image that wasn't too different from what actually happened…

"I'm not sure if they are safe, but would like help absorbing them right away? With this number of cores…"

Taking into account that this was still the core of a Phoenix regardless of the circumstances, even Cheon Jeong herself felt slightly tempted. However, since she was supposed to screen the energy inside before passing it to them, her share wouldn't be lost and the same could be said for Cheon Chang, but the question was… Did the fifth additional member deserve to get one of the cores?

Her help could be considered indispensable to the process, but in a sense, she was just repaying the favor they granted her by backing her up against the Northern Ice Palace's elders. Cheon Jeong didn't usually ponder much when she could give more and chose generosity, but the prize at play was just too valuable.

"You can go ahead and finish your business, I will make sure not to disturb."

Even Bing Baek herself didn't consider receiving a part of the spoils. To her, the current situation was already as ideal as it could get. With the pest dead, the elders would lose the excuse needed to scold her for a while.

"I think we should all share this for a start."

However, Leo had other plans for the Internal Core in his hand! Unlike the untainted immature cores, the Internal Core utilized by the Devouring Centaur was a very special treat that everyone had to get a taste of.

"Not a bad idea, the size, and quality is just right, you four can have 1 each of the smaller ones."

Cheon Jeong didn't deny Leo's idea as she found that the other three didn't seem to disagree. Having been used to sharing the gains of their monster hunting activity regardless of every individual's contribution, the seedlings who grew without ever lacking resources didn't come to develop any kind of excessive greed…

"Come here, little Baek. Since this is a flame core, it should have quite the good effect on someone with a body like yours."

As Bing Baek awkwardly stood while everyone else casually sat down in a cross-legged position, Cheon Jeong called her down to join them. Although she hesitated for a second, the little ice princess still couldn't directly refuse in the end.

Stationing her right to her front, Cheon Jeong made sure her legs were in contact with Bing Baek's back before stretching out both hands towards Yeon and Sohee. On the other hand, Cheon Chang sat in reverse, palms in contact with Leo and Yong's backs.

'Here we go.'

Although Internal Cores couldn't be just swallowed, one could directly siphon their energy through contact rather than consumption. By connecting themselves to the five youths, Cheon Chang and Cheon Jeong weren't able to take hold of the large Internal Core, but that was unnecessary.

Rising from its resting spot, the Internal Core floated above the two's heads as they shared the burden of its weight using their Internal Energy Telekinesis. Compared to a physical link, an energy link was far more efficient when it came to absorption!

The fiery energy raged as it was extracted from inside the core but soon turned completely tame under the two's influence, roughly dividing the energy into two equal streams, they sucked in one stream each before further dividing it along the five they were in contact with…

'Focus…'

Considering that Leo and Yeon's Dantians were already more or less full, the energy inside the Internal Core seemed useless to them. However, a delicacy like a Phoenix Core wasn't used just to increase one's reserve. Rather, its capability to enhance the quality of a Martial Artist's Internal Energy and increase its affinity with fire was more prominent in use.

Most importantly, pushing towards the next wall using more Internal Energy was also a very viable method of breakthrough. Although it was mostly considered wasteful with low success rates, its side effects were easy to recover from in a matter of days, if not null. For people like Cheon Jeong, giving it a try was more than worth the possible waste.

'This is a confirmed attempt, so I just need to focus…'

In contrast, the energy frugal Leo didn't adopt the same mindset by accepting the immediate absorption, nor did he just refer to Geochin's success rate. Instead, he trusted in the special resource that he came to possess, a Devouring Centaur's Internal Core!

Despite retaining most of the features of an Internal Core after its transition, the Phoenix's core had no chance of preserving its identity. For the very first time, the brilliant essence of the monster possessing innate brilliance was an Elixir beyond normal breakthrough Elixir… The name that could come the closest to describing it would be an Ascension Elixir!

While the Centaur's mental capability didn't seem phenomenal, that was only when compared to other humans. In reality, to be born with intelligence that is only achievable by 'brain feeding' a dozen times amid the crowds of mindless monsters was a great advantage! The essence that crystallized that advantage was basically no different from an enlightenment potion!

'Here…'

Being the highest highlight to the mutated core's value, Leo found himself floating away in a state of absolute understanding just by receiving a 'whiff' of the energy. As the energy flow grew stronger and stronger, the shackles that held him back fluttered as he approached the large gate standing in front of him. Without any intent to hold back, Leo decisively knocked on the door of transcendence…