Star Instructor, Master Baek

Chapter 60: Two Prodigies

Fucking asshole, Hyonwon Kang muttered as he glared at the letter he had pinned to his bedroom wall.

Four days ago, he had received a letter from Peng Sa-Hyuk, who had left for the Heavenly Martial Academy. It read: See you at the Heavenly Martial Festival. Well settle our match there.

Hyonwon Kang had immediately put the letter up so he could see it every morning, in moments of training fatigue, and before bed. It was a constant reminder to himself.

So you win and run off to the Heavenly Martial Academy, huh?

If stares could pierce, the letter would be in shreds by now.

Fine. Well meet at the Heavenly Martial Festival, and Ill crush you in front of everyone.

Gritting his teeth, Hyonwon Kang tore the letter from the wall. He was moving out today, and the letter was the last of his meager belongings after three years of living in the dorm with hardly any personal items.

At the main gates of the Azure Dragon Academy, he found Baek Su-Ryong chatting with Mae Geuk-Lyom.

Is that all youve got? Baek Su-Ryong asked, noticing his approach.

Yes Sir, Hyonwon Kang replied, still using the formal language he wasnt used to. He had decided to shed his pride and commit entirely to his training under Baek Su-Ryongs tutelage. Speaking formally to his teacher was only natural, and he had even impulsively cut his messy long hair to signify his determination to change.

Scratching his still awkwardly short hair, Hyonwon Kang said, I have everything I need.

Baek Su-Ryong nodded. Good, Ive also taken care of all the necessary paperwork. Grandpa, may I take this punk with me?

Come here for a moment, Mae Geuk-Lyom called Hyonwon Kang over to evaluate his attitude. Is it true that youre going to dedicate yourself to martial arts from now on?

Yes. From today onward, Ill be staying with Mr. Baek and concentrating on martial welcomes you.

Except for special circumstances, students who remained at the academy over the vacation period were required to stay in the dorms. However, Baek Su-Ryong had arranged for Hyonwon Kang to move out under the pretext of remedial training.

How the hell did Baek Su-Ryong persuade the Headmaster? Hyonwon Kang wondered.

You have a good look in your eyes now, Mae Geuk-Lyom noted, nodding in satisfaction. He had seen countless students in his years at the Azure Dragon Academy, including delinquents worse than Hyonwon Kang, like the one who had kidnapped his daughter

Baek Mu-Heun, that son of a bitch he grumbled.

G-Grandpa? Please take a deep breath and calm down!

Phew I was just reminded of that bastard for a moment.

After calming down, Mae Geuk-Lyom turned his attention back to Hyonwon Kang. The boys eyes had told him all that he needed to know. He placed a hand on Hyonwon Kangs shoulder and said, I believe you. There arent many days left until the end of school vacation, so learn as much as you can from Mr. Baek and return ready for the new semester.

You ought to read this at .

Im sorry for the trouble Ive caused in the past. Ill show you that Ive changed. Hyonwon Kang bowed deeply.

Mae Geuk-Lyoms lips curled slightly, acknowledging Hyonwon Kangs desire to change for the better. Thus, he decided to offer the boy some final words of advice, Quit drinking.

Ill never touch it again.

And stay away from women.

I will.

If I hear youve been to a brothel

A shiver ran down Hyonwon Kangs spine. Holy shit, is that killing intent!?

Ill cut off both you and your teachers jewels.

G-Grandpa? Why me too? Baek Su-Ryong yelled, bewildered.

Mae Geuk-Lyom replied expressionlessly, A teacher is also responsible for their students mistakes. Always remember that.

Yes

Okay

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Baek Su-Ryong and Hyonwon Kang nodded obediently, their faces pale from terror.

With that, it was time to leave.

Are you prepared to go through hell? Baek Su-Ryong asked as they walked.

Yes, I am, Hyonwon Kang replied determinedly. For three years now, he had strayed from the path of martial arts, so if he wanted to make up for the lost time, he had to put in the effort.

He would face Peng Sa-Hyuk and avenge his previous loss at the Heavenly Martial Festival. He would also say what he couldnt say to him before he left.

Seeing Hyonwon Kang grinning to himself, Baek Su-Ryong smirked and commented, Relax, or someone might mistake you for a debt collector.

F Okay.

Their destination wasnt far. After leaving the Azure Dragon Academy, they arrived at a mansion.

This is where youll be staying, Baek Su-Ryong said.

Here? Hyonwon Kang gaped at Baek Su-Ryong in disbelief. Teacher, are you wealthy?

Baek Su-Ryong smiled proudly. This isnt my house. It belongs to my buddy Heo Cheon, an up-and-coming local businessman.

Why does he sound like hes boasting about himself rather than his friend? They must be really close, Hyonwon Kang wondered.

You ought to read this at .

Noticing Hyonwon Kangs unspoken question, Baek Su-Ryong answered, Hes like a brother to me, so dont worry and make yourself comfortable. I have already informed him that youre moving in.

With that said, Baek Su-Ryong entered the mansion through a gate wide enough for a horse-drawn carriage. Although the mansion was huge and even had a training field, it felt strangely empty.

He bought this place recently, so there arent many people here. I planned to establish the White Dragon Academy here if I failed the instructor exam

Eh?

Oops. Anyway, dont worry about it, Baek Su-Ryong shrugged. Suddenly, he noticed a presence approaching them and added, Oh, by the way, youre not the only one training here.

Who is it?

Read this at , or else.

Our secret weapon for the Heavenly Martial Festival

What?

And someone who will soon be your junior. Baek Su-Ryong grinned.

Just then, a boy of about fourteen or fifteen came out of the mansion. His stature was a little smaller than his peers, but he wore a bright smile on his innocent but somewhat pale face. Suryong-hyung! he greeted.

I told you to call me Mr. Baek. Anyway, are you feeling better now, Cheon?

Why arent you reading this at ?

Yes!

Baek Su-Ryong ruffled the boys hair as he ran toward him like an eager puppy greeting its master.

Why did you take so long? Grandpa and I waited forever!

I was busy for a while, but now we can see each other every day. Ill be working here starting tomorrow.

Really? The boys smile widened, genuinely pleased.

Meanwhile, Hyonwon Kang, the academys number one delinquent, squirmed uncomfortably. Such a kind and fragile-looking kid

Sensing his awkwardness, the boy turned toward him. Hi, who are you?

Baek Su-Ryong introduced, This is Hyonwon Kang, a third-year student at the Azure Dragon Academy. Hell be staying here from now on.

Im Hyonwon Kang. As of today, Ill be under your care. Hyonwon Kang nodded stiffly, obviously not used to being polite.

The boy greeted him with a bow, Im Wiji Cheon! Ill turn fifteen this year! Please feel free to talk to me informally, Sunbae!

Sunbae? Hyonwon Kang looked suspiciously at Baek Su-Ryong.

Cheon will be taking this years entrance exam. Soon, hell be your hoobae, Baek Su-Ryong clarified.

Do you really think the Academy would accept just anyone? Oh, sorry, I didnt mean Hyonwon Kang began before suddenly realizing his slip of the tongue and apologizing to Wiji Cheon.

You ought to read this at .

With a broad smile as if nothing had happened, Wiji Cheon giggled, Hehe, its fine. I heard that the entrance exam for the Azure Dragon Academy is quite challenging, so Im working hard!

O-Okay, do your best. Hyonwon Kang stuttered, thrown off by Wiji Cheons easygoing manner.

Baek Su-Ryong watched the two boys, who were like oil and water. Its like a cat and a dog meeting for the first time. If Hyonwon Kang is a grumpy cat, then Wiji Cheon is an affectionate dog. Its quite the reassuring sight.

From now on, you will train together and spar frequently, he said.

Please guide me, Sunbae!

Yeah, sure Hyonwon Kang reluctantly replied. Not only is he two years younger than me, he also looks kind of sickly I guess this is going be a welcomes you.

Why dont you two warm up with a spar? Just remember, no internal arts allowed, Baek Su-Ryong suggested.

Thinking this was his chance to show his skills, Hyonwon Kang confidently picked up a wooden blade.

Keuk! Hyonwon Kang doubled over like a cooked shrimp as a wooden sword struck his stomach.

Wiji Cheon rushed to his side and asked worriedly, Sunbae, are you okay?

Im fine Bleargh! Having emptied his stomach earlier, Hyonwon Kang now vomited only bile. Wiping his mouth with his hand, he groaned, One One more round.

Again? Wiji Cheon looked as if he wanted to stop.

Again. Hyonwon Kang scrambled to his feet using his wooden blade as support, his eyes burning with determination. He had underestimated Wiji Cheon at first, but not any more. He raised his wooden blade toward Wiji Cheon as if it were a life-or-death battle.

Havent we already sparred nine rounds? Sunbae, maybe we should stop now Wiji Cheon mumbled, on the verge of tears.

Just one more time, Hyonwon Kang said firmly.

I decided to mediate, This will be the last round.

Okay.

Yes

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Hyonwon Kang and Wiji Cheon raised their wooden weapons. Their blades clashed once more, and I watched the show with a fan in hand.

As expected, Wiji Cheon is stronger.

Although Wiji Cheon had lost most of his inner qi after recovering from qi deviation, his skill remained, and in terms of pure skill he was far superior to Hyonwon Kang despite their age difference.

SMACK!

Oww!

In the end, Hyonwon Kang was struck in the stomach again and collapsed.

Um, S-Sunbae

Dont talk to me.

Okay.

Hyonwon Kang, the prodigious delinquent who had become a punching bag, lay on the ground, gazing up at the stars. I want to bury my head in the sink and fucking drown myself right now he mumbled hopelessly.

He looks pitiful. Very pitiful. I turned to Wiji Cheon and asked quietly, Cheon, could you help him wash up and then take him to his room?

O-Okay!

Hyonwon Kang got up with Wiji Cheons assistance, and they hobbled to the bathroom.

Even then, Hyonwon Kang remained irritable. Let go. I can manage

You ought to read this at .

I think youll fall if I let go

I wont say it again. Let go.

Really?

Yeah

Okay, Ill let go.

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Wiji Cheon released Hyonwon Kang.