CHAPTER 365: HUH? ME?

TL: FoodieMonster007

Even though it was so early that the sun had not yet risen, the Azure Dragon Academy was already bustling with instructors and support staff who had arrived early to prepare for the first day of the new semester.

"Hey, over there…"

"It's the Azure Dragon Hero!"

As soon as Baek Suryong and his colleagues set foot on the grounds, numerous gazes immediately fell upon them, most of them directed at Baek Suryong. As if they had been waiting, senior instructors from the Academy approached, greeting them with friendly smiles plastered on their faces.

"It's been a while, Mr. Baek Suryong."

"We heard about how you caught a Blood Cult spy at the Murim Alliance."

"Congratulations to all of you on becoming official instructors. Really, the announcement should have been made sooner…"

Every instructor at the Azure Dragon Academy now acknowledged Baek Suryong's abilities. The gazes that had initially been filled with skepticism or disapproval had, by and large, been replaced by admiration and envy.

After all, they were martial artists too. How could any of them hold their heads high and act like seniors in front of a supreme master who had been personally appointed a member of the Ten Supremes by the Murim Alliance Chairman, not to mention the fact that he was also the new Murim Alliance Chief Instructor?

In fact, many of them were more worried about being fired, especially since quite a few of them had gotten on his bad side in the past.

"Yes, it has been a long time," Baek Suryong said, accepting their greetings indifferently.

He had no intention of respecting those who lacked ability yet sought to exploit their seniority. If they had conducted themselves properly in the first place, there would be no reason for them to flock over and bow and scrape like this now.

"By the way, isn't everyone busy? I believe there is a general meeting today," he added.

"Well, that's…"

"A-Ahem!"

Upon hearing Baek Suryong's remark, the instructors who had approached him in hopes of conversation parted to the left and right, clearing a path.

Grinning, Baek Suryong walked through the gap at a leisurely pace, leaving the embarrassed instructors to swallow their frustration.

"Pfft…"

"Hah…"

Baek Suryong's friends couldn't contain their laughter. Many of the instructors who had just been fawning over him were the same ones who had acted like condescending seniors in the past.

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"Did you see how they just stepped aside without saying anything?"

"Hyung-nim, it seems you've become a real pillar of power within the academy."

"Henceforth, our connection to you will serve us well, Oppa."

"If you know that, then you guys had better treat me better from now on," Baek Suryong quipped back, smirking faintly at his colleagues' jokes.

Despite what they said, he knew they had worked harder than anyone. Their promotions to full-time positions weren't solely because they were close to him.

Still, one couldn't say his influence wasn't a factor. As he gained great fame in the murim under the alias of the Azure Dragon Hero, interest in and funding for the Azure Dragon Academy had also increased tremendously.

The number of applicants for next year would surely multiply, and naturally, more manpower would be needed. The academy administration must have anticipated this and given all the new instructors full-time positions.

As he walked through the academy, he parted ways with his colleagues. Since they all worked in different departments and there was still time before the general staff meeting, he headed toward Mae Geuklyom's residence, which also served as the Discipline Committee headquarters.

When he arrived, he found his grandfather practicing swordsmanship in the yard. Judging by his immense force, the old man was nearing the end of his training session.

WHOOOOSH!

Mae Geuklyom's sword cut smoothly through the crisp morning air. A whirlwind formed in its wake, coiling around the old man's body before sweeping up the fallen leaves and flinging them skyward.

Baek Suryong blinked. Hmm? Has something changed about him?

The old man's aura, which had always been razor-sharp, had softened strangely. For an old master like Mae Geuklyom, this small but significant change was especially rare.

Don't tell me…

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After severing ties with his daughter, Mae Geuklyom was plagued by his inner demons for a long time, only overcoming them recently. Still, the regrets and aftereffects remained like a chronic illness, preventing him from advancing to a higher realm.

However, the Mae Geuklyom of today was different. His footwork was light, as if he had shaken off his heavy heart. His swordsmanship, which had once felt harsh and rigid, now held a previously unseen tenderness.

He's had a huge breakthrough!

Baek Suryong's heart fluttered with excitement. Sometimes, one's martial arts can improve dramatically in an instant, like a dam bursting. Even prior to this development, Mae Geuklyom was already a master swordsman whose skill he respected. How much stronger would the old man get now that he had fully overcome his inner demons?

"Hoo…"

Finally, Mae Geuklyom finished his training and steadied his breathing.

Baek Suryong approached, grinning broadly. "Congratulations, Grandpa!"

"…What are you congratulating me for? This isn't anything great."

CLICK!

Mae Geuklyom sheathed his sword nonchalantly, but for some reason, the click as it slid in sounded especially cheerful.

"Let's go. I don't want to be late."

"Okay!"

Grandson and grandfather entered the meeting room together. Quite a few instructors had already gathered inside.

"You're late," Namgung Su grumbled, looking at Baek Suryong with his characteristic frown.

Baek Suryong glanced around. The atmosphere was unusual. All of the instructors were surreptitiously avoiding eye contact with him and Namgung Su.

He looked back at his rival. As always, Namgung Su had an unchanging, icy expression. He was immaculately dressed and perfectly well-groomed.

The only difference is… oh.

The Azure Dragon Academy's sole Star Instructor had returned from vacation with intense, golden eyes that appeared to contain lightning, giving him an unapproachable aura. Moreover, on the first day of the new semester, the first thing this scary man did was stare at Baek Suryong and scold him for being late?

To the other instructors, this could only be seen as the start of a conflict.

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A power struggle on the first day of the semester?

Mr. Namgung is definitely less than pleased with Mr. Baek's tremendous success…

One is the most likely successor to the Namgung Clan, while the other is one of the Ten Supremes. Whose side should we even take…?

Mr. Namgung is going too far. Isn't Mr. Baek his family's benefactor? Yet he's glaring at him like he wants to kill him.

The instructors tensed. Since most of them didn't know the details of what had happened between the two during vacation, they could only form an opinion based on what they saw on the surface, which was that Namgung Su was trying to stare Baek Suryong to death.

"I'm not that late," Baek Suryong replied casually, plopping himself down on the seat next to Namgung Su.

""…!""

Silent screams spread throughout the meeting room. Was that not a clear provocation against the Azure Dragon Academy's sole Star Instructor?

Sensing the eyes on him, Baek Suryong shrugged. "What's up with them? Is there a problem with me sitting next to you?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Namgung Su scoffed. "Since when have you ever asked for anyone's permission before doing something?"

Namgung Su's voice dripped with annoyance, but Baek Suryong ignored it and stayed put.

The instructors witnessing the precarious situation quickly exchanged glances.

[Hey, isn't this bad?]

[Mr. Namgung Su looks like he's holding back a lot right now…]

[Someone stop them! I think those two might draw their swords any minute now!]

Everyone held their breaths in the charged atmosphere.

Only Mae Geuklyom, seated on Baek Suryong's other side, tilted his head. Although Namgung Su's tone was cold, he didn't seem particularly angry. On the contrary, the two seemed oddly close.

"How peculiar…" he muttered under his breath.

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Fortunately, the tension in the meeting room didn't last long.

Soon, the Azure Dragon Academy Principal Noh Goonsang entered the meeting room with Vice Principal Kwak Cheolwoo.

Noh Goonsang surveyed the instructors, finally resting his gaze on Baek Suryong and Namgung Su, who were sitting side by side. A mischievous grin immediately spread across his face.

"It's good to see you all," he began. "There are a few announcements regarding this semester's academic schedule, so despite your busy schedules, I have asked you all to gather here today."

All the instructors nodded, though more than half still glanced at Namgung Su and Baek Suryong anxiously.

Noh Goonsang ignored them and continued his speech. "…We will proceed with this fall's Azure Dragon Festival and school trip with extra caution. Never forget, the threat of the Blood Cult looms over us."

“Principal, wouldn’t it be safer to just cancel the school trip?”

"We may have to, depending on the situation. However, there is no need for prematurely alarm. At the moment, we will proceed as planned while monitoring the situation. Additionally, a proposal has been made for a joint school trip with the other Five Great Academies…"

Baek Suryong tried his hardest not to fall asleep as various topics regarding the academic schedule for the semester were discussed.

Just as he was about to give up, though, Noh Goonsang announced, "'And right after this semester ends, it will be time for the annual Heavenly Martial Festival."

Baek Suryong's ears perked up, as did everyone else's. For the past ten years, the Azure Dragon Academy had consistently ranked last overall. However, a sense that things were different now had spread among both the instructors and the students.

"We will also begin earnest preparations for the Heavenly Martial Festival. This year, I'm thinking of forming the Organizing Committee sooner than last year. What does everyone think about that?"

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All the instructors nodded. As expectations for the festival had risen, it was only natural to start preparing earlier.

"Okay, then. I would like Mr. Baek Suryong to take on the role of this year's Heavenly Martial Festival Organizing Committee Chairman."

""…!!""

Everyone instantly focused their attention on Namgung Su and Baek Suryong, who were sitting side by side. Until last year, Namgung Su had been the chairman of the Heavenly Martial Festival Organizing Committee. Would he tolerate Baek Suryong taking his position, no matter how great his achievements?

"Huh? Me?" Baek Suryong asked, pointing at himself. Eyes wide with confusion, he glanced at Namgung Su.

Tension once again filled the meeting room.

Mae Geuklyom raised his hand. "Wouldn't it be better if Mr. Namgung Su were the Organizing Committee Chairman? While Mr. Baek Suryong is highly capable and has made significant contributions to the Azure Dragon Academy, this is his first time participating in the Heavenly Martial Festival. I believe it is still too early for him to take on such a heavy responsibility."

A somewhat relieved sentiment spread through the meeting hall. Surely Baek Suryong would listen to his own grandfather, right?

Vice Principal Kwak Cheolwoo also stated his opinion. "I feel the same way. How about having Mr. Namgung Su take the role of Chairman and appointing Mr. Baek Suryong as Vice Chairman? If these two instructors join forces, we will surely achieve good results at this year's Heavenly Martial Festival."

Most of the instructors nodded in agreement.

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Only Noh Goonsang smiled mysteriously. "Actually, it was Mr. Namgung Su who recommended Mr. Baek for the Chairman position."

The instructors' jaws dropped.

"Pardon?"

"Is that true?"

"Why…?"

SHUFFLE…

Namgung Su rose to his feet and scanned the assembly with his gleaming golden eyes.

The murmuring instantly subsided.

"I'm sure everyone here remembers the statement that Mr. Baek Suryong made during his interview," Namgung Su said coolly. "He declared that he would lead the Azure Dragon Academy to victory at the Heavenly Martial Festival. At the time, everyone must have found that idea absurd."

Everyone quietly nodded. Just half a year ago, Baek Suryong's boast was dismissed as nonsense from a new, inexperienced instructor. Even now, hardly anyone thought the Azure Dragon Academy could achieve victory.

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Namgung Su turned around and smiled icily at Baek Suryong. "Mr. Baek Suryong, I trust that you will abide by your words. Lead the Azure Dragon Academy to victory at the Heavenly Martial Festival."

"…!"

A chill ran down the gathered instructors' spines.

Namgung Su intends to hold Baek Suryong accountable and depose him if he fails!

As expected of the man who won the succession war despite being the third son of the Namgung Clan…

Mr. Namgung Su is a truly terrifying person.

Most of the instructors were terrified by Namgung Su's sinister (?) scheme. Only Baek Suryong, Mae Geuklyom, and Noh Goonsang could see the genuine sincerity behind that chilling smile.

Noh Goonsang chuckled heartily. "What will you do, Mr. Baek Suryong? Of course, I will not force you to accept."

All eyes turned to Baek Suryong. The Organizing Committee Chairman position came with immense expectations and pressure, and was usually reserved for an academy's Star Instructor. If Baek Suryong failed to achieve the expected results, he would be held responsible and bear the brunt of the criticism.

On the other hand, if he succeeds, Mr. Baek Suryong would hog all the glory…

Realistically, winning is difficult. It's better to refuse.

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There's nothing to be gained by accepting.

Though many were pessimistic, those who knew Baek Suryong already knew what his answer would be. After all, he was a man who, far from fearing failure, didn't even consider it possible.

"I'll do it," Baek Suryong said, standing up without hesitation. He looked around the meeting room at the instructors, and finally at Namgung Su, who had offered him the opportunity. "Leave it to me. As promised, I will bring victory to the Azure Dragon Academy!"

And so, Baek Suryong was selected as the Heavenly Martial Festival Organizing Committee Chairman.