Star Instructor, Master Baek-Chapter 290: The End-of-Semester Ceremony (2)

TL: FoodieMonster007

On the day of the end-of-semester ceremony, which marked the last day of the semester and the beginning of the holidays, the Azure Dragon Academy students gathered excitedly at the central training ground.

Some students frowned at their report cards, unhappy with their grades, but most looked relieved.

"…This semester, the Azure Dragon Academy has undergone significant changes."

As the principal stood on the podium delivering his speech, the students let their minds drift to their vacation plans. Some would return home to see their families after months apart. Some had planned trips with close friends long in advance. Others were eager to finally start hobbies they had put off due to a lack of time.

With the thought of breaking free from the academy's rules and enjoying their freedom, anticipation and excitement swelled in their hearts… so there was no way anyone would pay attention to what the principal was saying.

Noh Goonsang was well aware of this. Hoho! Their minds are already elsewhere.

Smiling, he decided to wrap up his speech quickly.

"…As you are all aware, both students and instructors have given their utmost effort to prepare for this year's Heavenly Martial Festival. Expectations are high, but regardless of the outcome, your hard work will never be in vain."

With the warm gaze of a grandfather looking upon his grandchildren, Noh Goonsang swept his eyes over the students.

"So please, take care of yourselves and rest well during the break," he concluded, giving his final words of advice.

The moment Noh Goonsang stepped down from the podium, a thunderous round of applause erupted.

CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP!

The students were thrilled at the thought that their vacation had finally begun. Now that the principal's speech was over, all that remained was for the host to officially declare the end of the semester, and they would be free! FREE!

Some were already gathering their inner qi in preparation to rush out of the academy as soon as possible.

If you′re seeing this, you are at the wrong place.

Unfortunately, this year's end-of-semester ceremony was a little different from the past few years.

"Silence! Remain in your seats!" Vice Principal Kwak Cheolwoo, the host for the day, shouted with his inner qi-infused voice. "Next, we will hear from the Murim Alliance Chairman."

As Yayul Hwang, who had been seated as a guest, ascended the podium, the students exchanged puzzled glances.

"Why is the Murim Alliance Chairman here?"

"My friends are waiting for me outside…"

"It'll be over quickly, right?"

You ought to read this at northbladetldotcom.

Murmurs spread throughout the hall.

BOOM!

With a light stomp, Yayul Hwang sent a tremor through the ground, silencing the murmurs instantly.

Radiating an overwhelming presence, he began, "It's an honor to be here, speaking to all of you today. I am the Murim Alliance Chairman, Yayul Hwang. First and foremost, I would like to commend you students for your dedication throughout this semester. The reason I stand before you today is…" ŘαΝỌᛒЁ𝓢

Despite their confusion, the students focused on the Chairman's words, unable to ignore the weight of his presence.

"…Thus, to prepare for the looming threat of the Blood Cult, the Murim Alliance and the Azure Dragon Academy have decided to establish a historic alliance."

Everyone's eyes widened at the shocking news. Rumors had been circulating for a while, but this was the first time an official announcement had been made.

"An alliance? Really?"

"I heard that we were going to be a subsidiary of the Murim Alliance…"

"That's not the same thing as an alliance, is it?"

Why aren′t you reading this at northbladetldotcom?

"Of course not, you idiot."

Even the instructors couldn't stop the students from whispering amongst themselves.

However, the surprises didn't end there.

"In addition, starting this year, selected fourth-year students from the Azure Dragon Academy will be offered internships with the Murim Alliance to gain practical experience."

"!!!" The fourth year students' eyes widened in disbelief for a while, before slowly lighting up with excitement. The third years felt the same.

The Murim Alliance was the most desired workplace for graduates, but the competition to get a job there was so fierce that most didn't even dare to apply.

Even a few months of experience as a Murim Alliance intern would become a massive advantage when applying for jobs elsewhere.

Watching the students' elation, the instructors also smiled with satisfaction.

Still, their joy was short-lived. To their horror, the students and instructors of the Azure Dragon Academy soon realized something…

"Fifty years ago, the murim had to pay a great price to bring down the Blood Cult. In that war, I lost my master, who was like a father to me, and my fellow disciples, who were like my own siblings. That wretched Blood Cult set a trap and…"

Why is he talking so much?!

Contrary to the students' expectations, the Murim Alliance Chairman had prepared an excessively long speech. They had heard that he was normally quite stoic, but it seemed that when it came to the Blood Cult, he was prone to getting carried away.

With a solemn expression, the Chairman continued his speech passionately, "Back in my day, by the age of fifteen, we had already stained our hands with the blood of countless demons. Compared to that, you all have the luxury of training martial arts in peace and safety. Don't worry, I don't blame you for this. After all, this is only natural for a peaceful era. However, now that the threat of the Blood Cult looms once more, you must change your mindset. You must understand that war can break out at any time. Once again, back in my day, the Blood Cult was…"

When the dreaded "back in my day" phrase was repeated for the umpteenth time, the students began fidgeting in boredom.

You ought to read this at northbladetldotcom.

In the end, Noh Goonsang was forced to step up and intervene.

"Chairman, I believe the students have learned enough for today."

"But I still have more to say…"

"Let's save it for another time, okay?"

Looking disappointed, Yayul Hwang reluctantly ended his speech, saying, "All of you, continue to train diligently! That's all I have to say for today!"

"WOOOOAAAH!"

The students erupted into cheers and applause, not because they were inspired, but because the speech was finally over.

Unaware of their true feelings, Yayul Hwang nodded in satisfaction, mistakenly believing they had been deeply moved by his words. Maybe I should've said more… he thought wistfully.

"Now, for the final event…" he began again, his inner arts-infused voice echoing across the entire Azure Dragon Academy.

The moment those words left the Chairman's mouth, more than half of the students screamed internally: You said that was all you had to say for today!

"To foster camaraderie between the Azure Dragon Academy and the Murim Alliance, we have arranged a friendly duel. Those who wish to spectate may stay and watch."

This is a non-profit translation. You should not be seeing ads.

A friendly duel?

The students who had been glaring daggers at Yayul Hwang in frustration suddenly perked up. No martial artist could resist their curiosity at the mention of a duel.

"A friendly duel…?"

"That means it'll be between representatives of the Murim Alliance and the Azure Dragon Academy, right?"

"Who's fighting? Could it be…?"

The most important question was who the duelists would be.

As the students eagerly speculated, Noh Goonsang stepped forward on behalf of the Azure Dragon Academy.

"Baek Suryong, come forward!" he announced.

Baek Suryong, standing among his colleagues, stepped up to the dueling stage.

The students' background murmuring exploded into a cacophony.

Not to be outdone, the Murim Alliance Chairman called out his representative, "Heavenly Martial Commander, come forward!"

Why aren′t you reading this at northbladetldotcom?

A tall, slender man with delicate features climbed the steps to the stage. If it were not for his height, he could even have been mistaken for a woman. At his waist, he carried a sword with a distinctive white scabbard decorated with the image of a beautifully blooming plum blossom.

Recognizing him, the students gasped.

"It's the Proud Sword of Mount Hua!"

The Proud Sword of Mount Hua, Cho Cheonsang, was the direct disciple of the Mount Hua Sect Leader and a swordsman known for his extraordinary talent since childhood. He graduated at the top of the Heavenly Martial Academy, and then ascended to the rank of Heavenly Martial Commander while still in his late twenties.

He was so exceptional that anyone who was interested in swordsmanship knew his name.

"The Azure Dragon Hero versus the Proud Sword of Mount Hua?!"

This is a non-profit translation. You should not be seeing ads.

"This is crazy!"

The anticipation reached a fever pitch at the thought of a clash between two of the finest swordsmen of the same generation.

Sensing the excitement, Yayul Hwang announced, "The duel will begin in one hour. If anyone wishes to leave, they may do so now!"

The end-of-semester ceremony had officially ended and vacation had begun, but not a single student left the academy.

This was a duel they absolutely couldn't miss.

Large tents were set up in a circular formation around the central training ground, with enough seating prepared for hundreds of spectators.

"Aren't the front row seats a little too close to the stage? A wave of sword qi might…"

"The front row will be occupied by the Murim Alliance Chairman, the Principal, and other top masters, so it shouldn't be an issue."

"Sir! This seat is blocked by the tent next to it! I can't see anything!"

From students to instructors, everyone waiting for the duel was visibly excited.

The Azure Dragon Hero versus the Proud Sword of Mount Hua. Though neither had yet reached the level of the murim's Ten Supremes, this was a duel between two rising masters who would undoubtedly shape the current era.

As was natural for duels, a betting ring had formed among the students.

"Who's going to win?"

northbladetldotcom welcomes you.

"Obviously, it's got to be Mr. Baek Suryong! His fame rivals even the Ten Supremes!"

"Don't underestimate the Heavenly Martial Commander. Haven't you heard? People say his sword will soon surpass even the Ten Supremes!"

"That's just a rumor, right? On the other hand, it's a fact that Mr. Baek Suryong killed a Blood Cult Elder at the Namgung Estate."

"But if you look purely at achievements, the Proud Sword of Mount Hua isn't lacking either. Do you really think the Heavenly Martial Commander is a pushover?"

"Hah! I wasn't going to say this, but…"

The students' opinions were divided.

Truth be told, few of them believed that Baek Suryong's martial arts really rivaled the Ten Supremes, and seeing him at the academy every day didn't help. Compared to his fame, he felt relatively familiar and approachable.

On the other hand, the Proud Sword of Mount Hua was a master they had only heard rumors about. The refined air of a martial artist trained in the Mount Hua Sect's swordsmanship, coupled with his striking appearance, gave him an almost otherworldly presence, like a deity who had descended into the mortal realm.

If you′re seeing this, you are at the wrong place.

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freёnovelkiss.com.

"Just by aura alone, the Proud Sword of Mount Hua seems stronger…"

"Since when has the outcome of a duel depended solely on aura?"

THUD!

A particularly heavy wallet dropped onto the table, where stacks of other wallets had already piled up for bets.

"Mr. Baek will win for sure. I'll even bet that the fight ends within a hundred exchanges."

As a massive shadow loomed over the betting ring, the students' eyes widened in shock.

You ought to read this at northbladetldotcom.

"Senior Geo Sangwoong?"

Geo Sangwoong wasn't alone. The other students from the White Dragon Manor also began betting.

"A hundred exchanges? I think seventy will be enough," Yeo Min said, betting all the money she had painstakingly saved on Baek Suryong's victory.

"Nah, he'll be done in fifty. Ah, of course, I'm betting on Mr. Baek's win!" Wiji Cheon said confidently, firmly placing his bet as well.

"Fifty? Forty? Hey, furball. What do you think?"

"Nyaak!"

"Alright. Fifty it is."

Ya Suhyeok used the Silver Tiger for divination and bet that Baek Suryong would win in fifty exchanges.

"Tsk, tsk. You guys still don't get it? No matter what we imagine, he always surpasses expectations." Shaking his head at his juniors, Hyonwon Kang made the boldest bet of them all. "I'll bet my entire fortune and this Black Dao that the Azure Dragon Hero, Baek Suryong, wins in thirty exchanges!"

"That's too much! That dao was made by my grandfather!"

"It doesn't matter since Mr. Baek will win anyway, right?" Hyonwon Kang shouted loudly enough for everyone to hear.

Naturally, that included the warriors of the Heavenly Martial Corps.

"…How disgraceful." The Vice Commander of the Heavenly Martial Corps, who had been passing by, turned toward Hyonwon Kang with a cold gaze. "Do you think this duel is a joke? Betting like this is an insult to both martial artists."

"…Yes, sir. Apologies," Hyonwon Kang said.

Read this at northbladetldotcom, or else.

That should have been the end of it… if the Vice Commander hadn't clicked his tongue and promptly decided to add fuel to the fire.

"I pity the Azure Dragon Hero. To think he has to teach such trash," he remarked snidely.

"Hey, don't you think that was a bit much?" Hyonwon Kang immediately retorted, his expression souring.

If he was someone who would quietly let such blatant mockery slide, he wouldn't be the Azure Dragon Academy's number one delinquent.

"A bit much? Me?"

"Let's face it, you're not angry about the bet itself. You're just pissed off because everyone thinks the Azure Dragon Hero will win. Do we look like idiots to you?"

"What did you just say? Ha…!" The Vice Commander stared at Hyonwon Kang as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

The Heavenly Martial Corps was composed of the Murim Alliance's finest warriors. A mere academy student, especially one from the Azure Dragon Academy, was in no position to defy him so brazenly.

If we met anywhere else, this brat wouldn't even dare to look me in the eye…

Killing intent slowly seeped from the Vice Commander's body, but the other warriors quickly restrained him.

"They're just kids. It would be disgraceful to concern yourself with them, sir."

"…Consider yourself lucky." Turning to the crowd, the Vice Commander deliberately grumbled loudly for everyone to hear, "It's obvious that they weren't raised properly, but what else can you expect from students of the Azure Dragon Academy? Their speech and behavior are no better than street thugs. This is why background is so important."

"You son of a..!"

This is a free translation. You should not be seeing ads.

Furious, Hyonwon Kang moved to confront the Vice Commander, but someone else stepped between him and his adversary.

"Did you just call my students street thugs?"

"……" The Vice Commander's expression stiffened as he turned to face the man blocking his path.

Of all people… why did it have to be him? The third most troublesome person in the Azure Dragon Academy after the Principal and Baek Suryong…

Namgung Su, the Third Young Master of the Namgung Clan, demanded icily, "Why aren't you answering me? I'll ask again. Did you just say that our Azure Dragon Academy students are no better than street thugs?"

"…That's not exactly what I said."

"But it was similar, right?" Namgung Su's expression turned even colder.

The Vice Commander's face twitched in irritation. Even though Namgung Su was a direct descendant of the Namgung Clan, his own status wasn't much lower.

The Namgung Clan is barely holding together. What's there to be afraid of?

The thought bolstered his confidence.

"So? Just let it go. Even my patience has its limits," he snapped dismissively.

Why aren′t you reading this at northbladetldotcom?

"Wow, your patience? Since when did anyone insult you? Do you even understand who insulted whom?" Namgung Su sneered, then casually brushed past the Vice Commander, muttering, "I thought all Heavenly Martial Academy graduates were exceptional, but it turns out one rotten fish can spoil the pond."

"What did you just say…?!"

THUD!

Namgung Su pulled out his wallet and placed it atop the growing pile at the betting table. "I'm betting everything on Baek Suryong's victory."

"W-What?"

The students gawked in shock.

Namgung Su glanced back at the Vice Commander, his eyes blazing with open provocation. "Are you going to place a bet too?"

"What childish nonsense…"

"What? Are you not confident in your own commander's victory?" Namgung Su's lips curled into a sardonic smirk that was eerily similar to a certain someone's. "If you're scared, then just admit your loss already."

"…How dare you!"

The duel hadn't even started yet, but below the stage, sparks were already flying.

Translator's Note: Suryong rubs off on everyone else.