A Blade Behind the Smile
"Junior Brother Leon! This person has been my good friend for many years. I wonder how he offended you. Why don’t you spare his life for my sake?" Shera said sincerely.
His tone was steady, even gentle — but beneath that calm, his pulse was uneven.
It was only today that he realized sothing that made his back feel faintly cold.
Leon was already on par with him.
From the mont Leon’s sword intent flooded Ashford City, Shera had been watching from above. The more he watched, the quieter he beca. That effortless control... that overwhelming suppression... it wasn’t the power of soone who had just stepped into the sage Realm.
This junior brother — the one he had once dismissed as idle, lazy, living off the legacy of Respected Zeon — had broken through without anyone knowing.
Shera felt an uncomfortable tightness in his chest.
If he was given more ti... would he surpass ?
Would Secret Sword Summit one day be stepped on by Athyst Summit Division?
He had believed that after Respected Zeon fell, the pressure on him would ease. He could finally lift his head high within the Seven Division.
But Leon’s rise was another silent slap across his face.
Leon’s expression turned colder.
"For you?" he repeated softly, purple eyes narrowing. "I’m afraid it’s not appropriate for Senior Brother to send away with just a few words, right? How can any certified background character bully a student of Athyst Summit Division?"
The wind seed to freeze.
Shera’s face darkened. He had expected resistance — but Leon’s words were sharp, precise, leaving no space to maneuver.
Damn it.
He was never easy to deal with.
If I don’t bleed a little today, the Zain household won’t survive this.
And if they collapse... my supply lines collapse with them.
Shera’s jaw tightened. He turned slightly, glaring at Clint Zain in his heart.
Idiot. Of all people, you had to provoke him? Are you deliberately stabbing in the back?
"Junior Brother is right," Shera said through clenched teeth. "After I understand the ins and outs of this matter, I will definitely give you a perfect explanation."
He turned toward Clint Zain to demand answers.
Leon did not move.
He simply walked back to his students’ side, robes fluttering lightly. The oppressive aura around him eased — but never fully disappeared.
He wanted to see what Shera would say.
"Isn’t this Young Master Taylor?" Leon said lightly, glancing sideways.
Harry Taylor nearly jumped out of his skin.
"I’ve seen you in a different light after not seeing you for a few days."
"Hehe..." Harry’s shoulders shook. He forced a laugh. "Senior... you must be joking. This is what I should do."
He stood straighter, trying to appear composed — but sweat still lingered at his temples.
Leon smiled faintly.
Selena had already explained everything. Harry’s decision to stand up earlier had surprised him.
Repaying guilt, perhaps.
Leon’s thoughts were simple.
He hasn’t committed anything unforgivable. He acted well today. I’ll observe a little longer.
"I am the head of the Taylor household, Harrier Taylor! Greetings, Respected Leon."
Harrier stepped forward, bowing deeply. His posture was respectful, eyes filled with genuine reverence.
He had witnessed Clint Zain being swatted aside like a fly.
In the presence of such strength, only a fool would cling to pride.
Leon nodded slowly.
"Oh, greetings, Patriarch of the Taylor household. It’s all thanks to you for protecting my two silly and useless girls just now. I’ll rember the Taylor household... this kindness."
The words were light.
But their aning was heavy.
Harrier’s eyes brightened instantly.
This was acknowledgnt.
Athyst Summit Division’s favor.
"It’s nothing. This is what I should do," Harrier replied quickly. "My son was ignorant and offended you before. I hope you won’t take it to heart."
Leon glanced at Harry again, making him stiffen.
"Yes, I heard that your kid is very filial. I wonder if it’s true?"
Harry felt as if a blade had been placed on his neck.
He shot a desperate look at his father.
Father. Please don’t betray now.
I’m very filial. Extrely filial.
Harrier burst into laughter. "Haha, I already understand Respected Leon’s aning. My son has indeed beco much more sensible after your guidance."
"Okay. That’s good," Leon replied, satisfied.
After a few more exchanged words, several figures drifted down from the rooftop.
"Supre Paradise sect, Rex Vine! Greetings, Respected Leon."
"Soft Water Divine Sect, Fairy Fiona, greets Respected Leon."
"Divine Golden Sect, Yasmin, greets Respected Leon."
"Bottomless Academy, Gavin, greets Respected Leon."
Leon blinked once.
He looked at the group before him — handso n, breathtaking won — and for a brief mont, even he felt slightly caught off guard.
Selena leaned closer and whispered softly, "Teacher, Rex Vine helped us earlier."
"Oh?"
Leon’s gaze shifted to Rex.
His heart trembled faintly.
Instinct Supre Body.
The aura around Rex was clean, upright, steady — like a blade tempered in clear water.
Young, yet already carrying the bearing of a Martial Emperor Realm existence.
If this were another story... he would be the protagonist.
Leon’s lips curved faintly.
Interesting.
Then his gaze drifted.
To Fiona.
Azure hair flowed like water under the fading light. Her teal eyes were calm, yet deep — like a lake hiding unseen currents. Her presence was noble but not arrogant, elegant yet grounded.
Then Yasmin.
Golden hair, luminous eyes, radiant like sunlight filtered through silk. Compared to Selena’s icy purity, Yasmin carried warmth — refined, graceful, yet undeniably captivating.
Leon inhaled quietly.
Damn.
She is comparable to Maya.
Fiona’s beauty did not lose to Rias’s. If she matured further, her aura would beco even more formidable.
As for Yasmin...
Her features held a resemblance to Selena — but less cold, more vibrant. A different flavor of brilliance.
Leon’s gaze lingered a fraction longer than necessary.
A small seed stirred in his chest.
If such talents entered Celestis Academy...
If they stood within my division...
He did not let the thought surface on his face.
One day, I’ll visit Divine Golden Sect. Soft Water Divine Sect as well.
Perhaps exchange students.
Perhaps cooperation.
Perhaps...
He withdrew his gaze smoothly, as if nothing had happened.
No one noticed.
Except perhaps Fiona — whose eyes flickered ever so slightly.
Leon nodded toward Gavin briefly, acknowledging his greeting, before turning back to Rex.
"You’re the Heavenly Saint, Rex Vine, right?"
His voice was calm.
"I’ve heard of you before. You’re indeed young and promising."
Rex smiled modestly.
"Haha, you flatter . How would I dare to show off in front of you?"
His eyes, however, shone brightly.
The sword Leon displayed earlier — that domain-like control, that vegetation-born killing intent — it was unlike anything Supre Paradise sect possessed.
To a swordsman obsessed with perfection, it was irresistible.
From the mont the battle ended, he had wanted to speak with Leon.
To test.
To learn.
Perhaps even... to compete.
And Leon, standing there beneath the open sky, midnight robes fluttering gently, purple eyes unreadable —
looked every bit like a sword immortal descended into the mortal world.
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