Star Instructor, Master Baek-Chapter 364: Isn’t That Obvious?
TL: FoodieMonster007
"Why… why…?" the man sputtered, coughing up a mouthful of blood as he stared at his assailant.
He knew better than anyone that he had no hope of survival, but he wanted to at least know the reason. Why was he attacked? Why did his life have to end so miserably in this forgotten back alley…?
"Do not feel wronged," his assailant whispered gently, delicately caressing the dying man's face. "Through your sacrifice, our Cult will take one step closer to glory."
"T-The Blood Cult…!" the man gasped, coughing up blood one last time before breathing his last.
The assassin, who normally went by the codename Skykiller, searched the dead man's belongings, finding a plaque identifying his status, a few silver coins, and some wound healing medicine that would now never be used.
"Found it."
Skykiller took out the Azure Dragon Emblem, a badge of honor awarded to students and instructors who were accepted into the Azure Dragon Academy, and confirmed the name written on the back.
He turned toward the subordinate waiting attentively behind him. "Inform the Cult that I will now approach the target."
"Yes, sir," the subordinate said, then left.
Skykiller remained at the scene of the crime. He examined the corpse, touching the muscles and joints personally and carefully inspecting the palms. Although he had chosen his target and observed him for quite some time, it was not the same as touching him directly.
When he felt that he was finally ready, he stood up.
"Ah, ahh… It's been a while since we last met. Have you been well?"
He spoke to the wall as if he were practicing.
More importantly, he was now wearing the face and using the voice of the man he had just murdered.
Recently, residents living near the Azure Dragon Academy could sense that the second semester was about to begin.
Students who had spent their vacation with their families or sects were returning one by one, and various goods, including food, were frequently seen entering the academy.
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Additionally, martial artists from the Murim Alliance, members of renowned sects and families, and quick-witted merchants were flocking to the Academy. Thanks to them, the entire city was bustling with activity.
Excitement for the Heavenly Martial Festival, now less than half a year away, was also growing. Every inn, restaurant, and gathering place was filled with chatter about how the Azure Dragon Academy had changed. This was quite a contrast to before, when the mere mention of the Heavenly Martial Festival was considered taboo.
Most of all, the screams that began echoing from the White Dragon Manor every morning hinted at a new series of fun events about to unfold at the Azure Dragon Academy.
"KUEEEGH!" Hyonwon Kang let out a bizarre scream as he flew through the air and landed face down in the middle of the training ground. He didn't move for a long time.
The other students peeked their heads out from their bedroom doors and stared at him with sleepy eyes. Evidently, they had all only just woken up.
"…He's not dead, right?"
"Considering the beatings Senior Wonkang has already endured, it would be a waste for him to die just from that."
"But didn't he land on his head just now?"
"It'll be a big problem if he gets any dumber…"
BOING!
As if to dispel everyone's doubts, Hyonwon Kang stopped starring blankly at the sky and sprang to his feet like a bouncing ball. Wiping the blood streaming from one nostril with his sleeve, he stomped his foot in frustration.
"Aaargh! I really could have landed a hit this time!"
"Yaaaawn…" Baek Suryong yawned as he strolled out from the direction where Hyonwon Kang had come flying. He was still in his pajamas, but held the Black Dragon Pointer in one hand. "Damn punk. I'm impressed by how much energy you have so early in the morning." novelbuddy-cσ๓
Previously, Hyonwon Kang had requested special training in preparation for the Heavenly Martial Festival. As such, he had woken the dumbass an hour earlier than the other students for personalized, one-on-one training.
He must have been really frustrated after his fight with Peng Sahyuk.
Initially, Baek Suryong had only planned to spar briefly with Hyonwon Kang until he worked off his frustrations. The training schedule alone was enough to push the students to their limits, so he figured Hyonwon Kang would quickly give up.
However, there was no sign of the fighting spirit disappearing from the boy's eyes.
"This time, I'll really land a hit!" Hyonwon Kang yelled, kicking off the ground and rushing at Baek Suryong again.
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Baek Suryong waved the Black Dragon Pointer menacingly. While he admired Hyonwon Kang's determination, the foolish way he charged ahead without thinking was another matter.
"You've been lunging at me the same way over and over again. What's the point of that?" he asked.
Hyonwon Kang swung his dao with all his might in answer. The black dao tore through the dawn air, falling like a thunderbolt toward Baek Suryong's bored, yawning face.
Baek Suryong waited for the very last moment before deflecting the blade with the Black Dragon Pointer.
THWACK!
Sparks flew as the blade scraped against the pointer.
"Are you done?" Baek Suryong asked indifferently. "Now, it's my turn."
"…!" Hyonwon Kang unconsciously retreated.
An aura reminiscent of a wild beast erupted from Baek Suryong's body. In the blink of an eye, the Black Dragon Pointer traced dozens of arcs, each aimed at a vital spot on Hyonwon Kang's body. Though Baek Suryong's weapon was a pointer, the martial art he unleashed was a heavy and savage blade technique.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Baek Suryong pressed Hyonwon Kang relentlessly, all the while deliberately mimicking the Hebei Peng Clan's unique style.
"Keuk…!" Hyonwon Kang gritted his teeth and swung his dao ceaselessly, but attacks rushed in from all directions, leaving no openings for him to exploit. He felt as if he were fighting a legendary blademaster.
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"You think you can beat Peng Sahyuk with skills like these?" Baek Suryong taunted.
"Damn it!"
As Hyonwon Kang flailed about, a large opening appeared in his guard.
Baek Suryong didn't miss it and dived in. Because of the Black Dragon Pointer's compact size, closing the distance was more advantageous for him. "Getting excited over a simple taunt? Go cool your head a bit before the next round."
SWOOSH!
The Black Dragon Pointer grazed Hyonwon Kang's chin.
Huh? He dodged? Baek Suryong regarded Hyonwon Kang with surprise. Of course, he hadn't given his all in that last attack, but he had fully intended to knock Hyonwon Kang unconscious with one blow.
"Fufufu!" Hyonwon Kang sniggered, his eyes lighting up with glee. Yes! This is the moment I've been waiting for!
Baek Suryong's eyes flashed. Finally, he understood the reason for his student's seemingly dumb tactics.
He purposely revealed an opening to lure me in.
Grinning from ear to ear, Hyonwon Kang dropped his dao without hesitation and clenched his fists.
While he wasn't as strong as Geo Sangwoong or Ya Suhyeok, his flexibility, reflexes, and instincts were far superior to his peers. Coupled with his superior physique compared to Baek Suryong's, he calculated that he could stand a chance if he turned the fight into a close-quarters brawl.
This was a gambit he came up with on the fly after judging that a frontal confrontation was hopeless.
"…Not bad," Baek Suryong praised. "You even know how to use tricks now."
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… (omitted) …
Fifth Rank: Jin Euihyeop
Sixth Rank: Myeong Il'oh
… (omitted) …
Tenth Rank: Kwak Duyong
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All ten of the new instructors listed above are hereby appointed as official instructors.
— Azure Dragon Academy Principal, Noh Goonsang
"A-A full-time position…!"
"So today was the announcement day!"
Though it was a foregone conclusion due to their stellar records, Baek Suryong and his fellow recruits, Ak Yeonho, Jaegal Soyeong, and Myeong Il'oh, were nonetheless proud to be named official instructors of the Azure Dragon Academy.
"Hyung-nim! Hyung-nim, you came in first!"
"Congratulations!"
"Congratulations!"
"Well, it was only natural."
Baek Suryong couldn't help but smirk. For some reason, his colleagues seemed happier that he had placed first than upset that he had outranked them.
When he first joined, he placed last among the ten new instructors. Now, however, his name proudly graced the very top spot.
A profound sense of satisfaction surged through him. To him, being recognized as an excellent instructor was much more gratifying than becoming one of the murim's Ten Supremes, the Murim Alliance Chief Instructor, or the Grand Warden of the North Sea Ice Palace.
I've still got a long way to go, though.
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The Heavenly Martial Festival was now less than half a year away. In that time, he had to strengthen the Azure Dragon Academy enough to win the Festival and prepare for war with the Blood Cult. He truly had a mountain of work to do.
"Let's go in."
Striding confidently, Baek Suryong entered the Azure Dragon Academy with his colleagues.
It was time to commence the second semester.
Translator's Note: The new school semester arc officially begins next Friday!
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