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."

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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Normally, Hyonwon Kang would have boasted in response, but he held his tongue and threw a punch with enough force to shatter rock.

Baek Suryong coolly drew a circle with both hands, deflecting the punch to the side. "But it's still not enough," he added.

RIIIP!

Alas, Baek Suryong had forgotten that he was wearing loose pajamas instead of his usual martial arts outfit. As a result, part of his sleeve got caught in Hyonwon Kang's punch and tore off.

"…!!" Hyonwon Kang's eyes widened in disbelief.

The other students' jaws dropped. Suddenly, their sleepy, half-lidded eyes popped open, and they bolted out of their rooms.

He tore Mr. Baek's clothes! He seriously tore his clothes!

Looking at his torn sleeve, Baek Suryong furrowed his brows.

"Did you see that? You saw it, right? I told you I could land a hit!" Hyonwon Kang shouted excitedly.

Sadly, his joy was short-lived.

Baek Suryong clicked his tongue. "Tsk. Where are you looking? The special training isn't over yet."

"Uh?"

Baek Suryong grabbed Hyonwon Kang's arm and dragged him back to the main training area. "If you can focus like that until the very end of the session, you might really land a hit, right? If you can focus, that is."

"W-Wait a minute…!"

SMACK!

Baek Suryong's elbow slammed into Hyonwon Kang's temple, knocking him out. He dusted off his hands, then glanced at his torn sleeve and smirked faintly before turning toward the other students. "Now, are you all ready for morning training?"

The students, who were already warmed up, nodded with sparkling eyes. Witnessing Hyonwon Kang's feat had stimulated their competitive spirit. Rushing out of their rooms simultaneously, they charged at Baek Suryong.

""A match, please!""

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A large cloud of dust rose in the yard, and cries of defiance echoed beyond the walls of the White Dragon Manor.

Baek Suryong grinned evilly. Ah, such incredible talent and overflowing passion! I must bestow my teachings upon them with equal fervor.

"Uwaaaah!" Suddenly regaining consciousness with a shout, Hyonwon Kang sprang back up and jumped into the fray. "Okay! Let's go with Beat Up Baek Suryong Formation Number 1888!"

Baek Suryong frowned suspiciously. "Did you accidentally add one extra eight there?"

"No time for questions! Kill!"

"Damned punk." Baek Suryong smirked faintly as attacks came at him from all directions. "Alright, bring it on. Come at me with everything you've got!"

Deep down, he sincerely looked forward to the day when his students' combined attack would pose a challenge to him.

After unleashing a storm upon the White Dragon Manor, Baek Suryong returned to his room and washed up.

When he emerged, the students strewn about the floor had already gotten up and prepared breakfast. After all, never letting Baek Suryong touch the cooking utensils even if everyone was dead tired was an unspoken rule of the White Dragon Manor.

Baek Suryong quickly finished his meal and rose from his seat. "I'm heading to work."

"This early?"

The students tilted their heads, curious that their teacher was leaving an hour earlier than usual.

Baek Suryong strapped the Divine Azure Dragon Sword to his belt and shoved the Black Dragon Pointer and his newly drafted lecture plan into his shirt pocket. "There's a general staff meeting today," he explained.

The students nodded. Today was the first day of the second semester. It was only natural for instructors to be scheduled to arrive at the Azure Dragon Academy two hours before the students to finalize various matters.

""See you later!""

Baek Suryong left the White Dragon Manor and walked along the familiar path to the Azure Dragon Academy. When he first started working there, he was merely a temporary instructor disliked by most of the other instructors and students. Now, though, it was the other way around.

"Hyung-nim!"

"Have you been well?"

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"Since the rumors about you never die down, I feel like I just saw you yesterday."

Baek Suryong turned his head at the sound of familiar voices. Ak Yeonho and Myeong Il-oh were approaching him, grinning from ear to ear.

He assessed their auras. Much to his satisfaction, they both seemed stronger than before.

"The training at the Ak Clan must have been tough?" he asked.

Myeong Il'oh shuddered as if the mere thought was terrifying. "Don't even talk about it. The Spear King was so strict…"

Ak Yeonho also sighed and nodded.

Baek Suryong smirked faintly. "Oh my. Were you two stuck together all vacation?"

"Except for the few days we each spent at home, I guess you could say so."

"Yeah. Our relationship has reached the point where we know what the other is going to say just by looking into each other's eyes."

"…Eww, that's gross. Are you an old married couple?"

The three of them chatted amicably as they made their way to the Azure Dragon Academy's main gate. As they neared the entrance, they spotted a familiar figure looking up at a large notice board.

"Oh? Good morning, Oppas!" Jaegal Soyeong greeted, smiling cheerfully.

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"What are you looking at that has you grinning like that?"

"See for yourselves."

She stepped to the side, revealing the contents of the notice board she had been standing in front of.

The three men's eyes immediately widened.

---

Confirmation of Full-Time Status for New Azure Dragon Academy Instructors

We are pleased to announce that all new instructors who demonstrated exceptional ability over the past semester have been offered full-time positions. The performance evaluation ranking is as follows:

First Rank: Baek Suryong

Second Rank: Jaegal Soyeong

Third Rank: Ak Yeonho

… (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!