Star Instructor, Master Baek

TL: FoodieMonster007

The next morning, Mae Geuklyom checked Wiji Cheon's complexion. Seeing how shocked the boy had been after being betrayed by Hyonwon Kang and having his sword stolen, he had brought Wiji Cheon to his quarters and let him stay the night.

He may have prodigious talent for the sword, but his mind is still that of a child.

Worried that the boy's tender heart might be deeply hurt, Mae Geuklyom kept watch over Wiji Cheon throughout the night as he slept, concerned that the emotional trauma might lead to qi deviation.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked.

Wiji Cheon nodded. "Yes, I'm fine."

Mae Geuklyom breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Wiji Cheon looked much more spirited after a good night's sleep, and he wasn't muttering to himself dazedly like the night before.

Wiji Cheon bowed politely. "Headmaster, thank you for letting me sleep here."

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Mae Geuklyom reached out and patted Wiji Cheon's shoulder. "If anything troubles you, feel free to come see me."

"…Wasn't I a bother?"

"Not at all! On the contrary, it's nice to have company once in a while. Come sleep here sometimes."

"Hehe, thank you." Wiji Cheon smiled brightly.

Mae Geuklyom returned the smile, feeling as though a weight had lifted from his heart.

After making the beds together, he said, "Let's eat."

"Yes!"

Mae Geuklyom lips curled up in a rare, warm smile. What's this? I feel like a grandfather spending time with his grandson. I guess I'm getting old.

Mae Geuklyom kept an eye on Wiji Cheon as they ate breakfast and moved on to morning training. Fortunately, the boy ate well and showed no signs of qi deviation as he used his internal arts.

"I'll clean up," Wiji Cheon said, volunteering to wash the dishes and clean the house. He was usually neat, but today he cleaned even more meticulously than usual, leaving not a speck of dust or stray hair behind.

"That's enough. Come sit here," Mae Geuklyom said.

"Yes, Headmaster!"

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The two sat facing each other.

Pouring tea for Wiji Cheon, Mae Geuklyom asked, "What are you going to do now? Will you challenge me to the duel you couldn't yesterday?"

"But I don't have a sword right now…" Wiji Cheon sulked, looking at his empty waist dejectedly. His secret mission was to cut off Mae Geuklyom's beard, but because he was betrayed by Hyonwon Kang yesterday, he didn't get to swing his sword even once.

"I'll lend you a sword. I have a few that I don't use," Mae Geuklyom offered.

Mae Geuklyom brought out several treasured swords from his collection, which he had amassed over decades, and displayed them for Wiji Cheon. They weren't as precious as the Soul Sword, but each was in pristine condition and of excellent quality.

"Wow…" Wiji Cheon gasped in awe as he carefully examined each blade. Choosing one, he looked up at Mae Geuklyom and pleaded, "This sword… can I borrow it for a few days?"

"A few days?" Mae Geuklyom was taken aback. I don't mind lending it to him, but why does he need to borrow it for a few days?

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Wiji Cheon regarded Mae Geuklyom earnestly. "Headmaster, I want to challenge you at my best, so I have to take my Soul Sword back first."

Mae Geuklyom grinned. "So you plan to use this sword to recover your Soul Sword?"

"…Yes."

Mae Geuklyom nodded, pleased. "Alright. I'll wait for you, no matter how many days it takes."

"I'll take good care of the sword you lent me."

The two swordsmen rose and Mae Geuklyom bid Wiji Cheon farewell. Although it was early in the morning, he could already sense several presences outside. Since no student would dare break into his house, they were all waiting outside for Wiji Cheon to come out.

"It seems they've come for you," Mae Geuklyom said, then gave his young protégé one last piece of advice. "Remember. Don't rely only on your sword."

"…Yes." Wiji Cheon lowered his head in shame, remembering the previous day's incident.

"However, in the end, the only thing you can really trust is your sword."

"What?" Wiji Cheon raised his head again, surprised. That's different from what you just said!

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Mae Geuklyom smiled and placed his hand on Wiji Cheon's head. "While you shouldn't rely only on your sword, you should have confidence in it. As long as you don't fall for lies and deception, there's no student who can break your sword. I guarantee it."

"…Yes! Thank you!" Wiji Cheon's eyes sparkled. "During the exam period, I won't trust anyone anymore. Everyone is an enemy!"

In an instant, a chilling killing intent flooded the small boy's innocent eyes, altering his demeanor completely.

"From now on, I won't hesitate to use any means necessary. If I have to, I'll backstab, lie, torture, and threaten!"

"W-What?" Mae Geuklyom blinked in confusion.

"I'll become a true unorthodox sect member for this exam, just like Mr. Baek Suryong taught me!"

"W-Wait, there's no need to take this so seriously…"

"Then, I'll see you again!" Wiji Cheon bowed his head and leapt over the wall with his movement arts.

"It's Wiji Cheon!"

"Catch him!"

Amid the sound of weapons clashing and explosions, shouts and screams of the students who had ambushed Wiji Cheon echoed throughout the Azure Dragon Academy campus.

Mae Geuklyom let out a tired sigh. "That damned punk, just what on earth has he been teaching the children?"

Mae Geuklyom thought of Baek Suryong, the harbinger of all this chaos, and clicked his tongue.

The next time I see that rascally grandson of mine, I'll give him a piece of my mind…

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"Sword Wonder, duel me! I am Mu Jeong, a third-year…"

BAM!

Mu Jeong, the third year student, lost consciousness and collapsed, his jaw dislocated in a single blow. He had stepped forward confidently, but he couldn't even finish introducing himself before he collapsed.

No one paid him any attention. They were too busy trying to stop Wiji Cheon, who was rampaging around like a frenzied bull.

"S-Surround him!"

"What kind of monster is he?!"

"So he's the Sword Wonder…"

Wiji Cheon tore through his ambushers like a wolf that in a flock of sheep. Each time his sword swept through the air, someone screamed.

I'm not used to this sword yet.

Wiji Cheon tried to block or parry the incoming attacks rather than dodge them to familiarize himself with his new sword. However, the sheer number of opponents and the unexpected, deadly attacks hidden within the general chaos overwhelmed him.

I'm getting a feel for this sword now…

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Finding a weakness in the encirclement, Wiji Cheon tried to break through. Reading the trajectory of his opponents' attacks, he dodged and then jabbed or slashed through any openings he spotted. He didn't need to use much strength, speed and precision were more important.

He hadn't even pulled his sword from its sheath, yet those who rushed him for his scented pouch dropped like flies.

I'll can do this! After I get away from them, I'll go find Senior Hyonwon Kang!

Wiji Cheon's excitement reached a fever pitch at the thought of getting his revenge on Hyonwon Kang… when suddenly, his slash was blocked for the first time.

CLANG!

Surprised by the recoil that made his hand go numb, Wiji Cheon hurriedly retreated. "Senior Dokgo Jun?"

Dokgo Jun flourished his sword with a serious expression. "I'll get right to the point, Wiji Cheon. Give me your scented pouch and mission slip."

"Strangely, your betrayal is less shocking than Senior Wonkang's…" Wiji Cheon sighed and tightened his grip on his sword.

Unfortunately, Dokgo Jun wasn't alone.

A tall young man with a gentle appearance materialized from Dokgo Jun's left. "Is that kid the Sword Wonder? He's really something," he remarked.

"Long time no see, Wiji Cheon," Yoo Yiran greeted with a slightly regretful look as she approached from Dokgo Jun's right.

"Seniors! Don't let your guard down. He's the Sword Wonder, the strongest of the Five Young Azure Dragons," Tang Soso added. She stood at the back, ready to throw hidden weapons at any moment.

Wiji Cheon tensed up. Dokgo Jun alone was already formidable, and the other seniors were far from weak. On top of that, a sea of enemies blocked his path to escape.

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He was completely cornered.

I have to get away somehow!

Wiji Cheon gritted his teeth and tightened his grip on his sword.

"Wait! I'll take on Wiji Cheon alone," Yoo Yiran declared, stepping forward.

Dokgo Jun said worriedly, "Sword Flower, there's no reason you should do this alone. It's more efficient if we fight together."

"You guys can attack together after I lose."

"This isn't the time to be stubborn…"

"What does it matter? We've already got him surrounded," Bang Baekhyun said, putting his arm around Dokgo Jun's shoulder. "Isn't it okay to give Junior Yiran a chance first?"

"Are you going to be like this too, Senior?"

"I don't want people saying we ganged up on a first-year."

Dokgo Jun sighed. "Wiji Cheon isn't an ordinary first-year. That guy's swordsmanship is…"

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"I have eyes too. I can tell that he's ridiculously strong," Bang Baekhyun cut in.

He genuinely admired Wiji Cheon. The boy's perfect form, his intense aura, and even the bruises on the bodies of the fallen juniors were testament to his skill.

He shook his head in disbelief. "It's a good thing he's not my classmate."

"You said the same thing to me before."

"It's even more fortunate for you than for me."

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Dokgo Jun narrowed his eyes and glared at Bang Baekhyun.

Bang Baekhyun chuckled, "Just kidding. More importantly, look at Yoo Yiran's eyes. If we interfere, she might attack us first."

Well, he didn't think she would actually do that, but it was true that Yoo Yiran was serious.

Keeping her eyes fixed on Wiji Cheon, Yoo Yiran said, "Dokgo Jun, please indulge me just this once. I'll follow your orders without complaint after this."

"…Fine. I wish you good luck."

Finally, Dokgo Jun, Bang Baekhyun, and Tang Soso retreated and formed a wider encirclement.

Wiji Cheon looked around and sighed. "Why are all you seniors so eager to catch me?"

"Because you're too outstanding. Don't you know? The nail that sticks out gets hammered down."

"……" Wiji Cheon was stunned speechless.

Yoo Yiran drew her sword. "Don't let your guard down. I've been training hard too."

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"I'm not dumb enough to let my guard down against you, Senior Yoo Yiran."

Yoo Yiran smiled. The frustration she had been feeling melted away, but only for a moment. Steeling herself, she assumed a starting stance, and Wiji Cheon also drew his sword warily.

A long conversation wasn't necessary.

"Cha!" With a loud shout, Yoo Yiran struck first. Her Soaring Stream Sword Technique, with its continuous and seamless attacks, targeted Wiji Cheon's vital points.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

Sparks flew as their swords clashed, and dust swirled around their feet as they moved. Most students would struggle to even follow their movements with their eyes.

Wiji Cheon was genuinely impressed. Yoo Yiran's swordplay had become much sharper and faster than before, leaving him barely any breathing room. If he let his guard down for even a moment, his defenses would be breached.

Senior Yiran, you've really been training hard.

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As a fellow swordsman, Wiji Cheon could fully appreciate how hard Yoo Yiran must have trained.

Yoo Yiran felt the same. Cheon's become incredibly strong. I hate to admit it, but the gap between us has widened even more.

As she clashed swords with Wiji Cheon, she could feel exactly how much the boy had improved. At the very least, she had expected him to be stronger than she was, so even though she was surprised, she wasn't disheartened.

Rather, she felt a different kind of emotion budding within her.

He seems to have grown taller too.

When they first met, they were almost the same height, but now Wiji Cheon was slightly taller than her.

More importantly, with his increased height came greater weight and muscle mass. Every time their swords clashed, Yoo Yiran felt her hands go numb. She used to be able to physically overpower him, but now she was the one who was being pushed back.

He's a man after all, huh?

She caught a glimpse of Wiji Cheon's expression. Normally, he was like a gentle puppy, but the moment he wielded a sword, his features sharpened.

Isn't he still growing? In a few years, I might have to look up at him…

Yoo Yiran's cheeks flushed as she imagined what Wiji Cheon would look like in the future.

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"Senior? Are you alright?" Wiji Cheon asked concernedly.

Yoo Yiran hurriedly replied, "I'm fine."

CLANG!

"…I lost," Yoo Yiran shouted, jumping back. Although she could probably exchange a few dozen more blows with Wiji Cheon, she felt there was no point in fighting anymore. The winner was clear.

Wiji Cheon bowed his head. "Thank you for yielding."

"Did you get a new sword?"

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"…Senior Wonkang stole my sword. He tricked me, saying it's because it was his mission…"

"That bastard, to think I thought he turned over a new leaf." Yoo Yiran smiled. After clashing swords and talking, the frustration in her heart cleared. Finally, she found the courage to talk to Wiji Cheon honestly.

"By the way… why haven't you visited the SRS since you came back from picking up the new instructors?" she asked.

"What? Oh…"

The reason Yoo Yiran was upset was because Wiji Cheon hadn't visited her once since returning from the outing.

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I was so worried that he got hurt.

She had even tried walking to the White Dragon Manor several times, thinking of visiting him, but there were so many eyes around the manor that she couldn't enter recklessly.

She didn't want to cause any trouble for Wiji Cheon, so she desperately needed an excuse to talk to him.

Wiji Cheon scratched his head sheepishly. "I'm sorry. There have been a lot of guests at White Dragon Manor lately, and my grandfather suddenly left on a journey… so I've been busy."

"It's okay, you don't owe me an explanation. I was just worried that you got hurt…"

An awkward silence settled between them.

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"Ahem!" Clearing her throat, Yoo Yiran asked nervously, "The SRS will be conducting a training camp during vacation. Do you want to… join us?"

Wiji Cheon blinked in confusion at the sudden change of topic, then replied, "Uh… I'll think about it. I have to get permission from Mr. Baek first."

Yoo Yiran nodded. Fortunately, Wiji Cheon hadn't rejected her outright. She would have to be satisfied with this for now.

"I'm not forcing you. It's just an offer," she said.

Wiji Cheon smiled sheepishly. "Hehe, okay."

"Don't giggle like that in front of anyone else."

"…What?"

The atmosphere became even more awkward…

Translator's Note: Spring is the season of love~

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