Chapter 428: Chapter 428

The Moyong Clan has been annihilated!

Mere days after Deathshroud attacked the Azure Dragon Academy, and rumors that the Blood Cult was behind it spread like wildfire, word of the Moyong Clan's annihilation sparked a fresh uproar in the murim.

Wherever two or more martial artists gathered, the topic of conversation was always grave.

"For one of the Five Great Clans to be reduced to ashes overnight! At this rate, won't a war break out soon?"

"What in the world are the Murim Alliance and the Nine Sects One Gang doing!?"

"I heard the unorthodox sects have started to move, too..."

"Oh, right. Did you hear that the Black Snake Alliance Chairman has emerged from seclusion training after ten years?"

"The Black Snake Alliance Chairman... oh, you mean the Blade Demon? Sigh, for even the Ten Supremes to make a move now, this is truly unusual. What's going to happen to us...?"

"Speaking of the Ten Supremes, I heard the Azure Dragon Hero was seriously injured by Deathshroud's assassins, is that true?"

Amid the rapidly changing times, rumors abounded, and the great powers of the murim were on high alert. Some amassed their strength to endure the turbulent period, while others cast their eyes and ears in all directions, hoping to seize an opportunity.

None of this affected the basic etiquette mock exam for the Five Young Azure Dragons at the White Dragon Manor.

"Wahahaha! I'm first!" Hyonwon Kang exclaimed as he burst through the door, his spirits high. Puffing out his chest and putting his hands on his hips, he looked as exultant as a triumphant general returning from a victorious war.

"What's taking everyone so long? It wasn't even that hard." He glanced back at the room where had just taken the basic etiquette mock exam and sneered arrogantly. "Tsk, tsk. You guys should've studied harder."

The reason he was so triumphant was simple. He had submitted his answer sheet before anyone else. Moreover, it wasn't like the old days when he just gave up and submitted a blank sheet of paper. He solved all of the problems himself and still finished first!

"Did you even solve it correctly?"

After finishing the exam, the Five Young Azure Dragons emerged one by one and eyed Hyonwon Kang suspiciously.

Hyonwon Kang snorted in response. "Ha! Is this what pathetic losers look like?"

Despite having a brain geared toward martial arts rather than academics, just this moment made studying diligently and receiving private tutoring from Dokgo Jun worthwhile.

"... Hyonwon Kang, it seems your head is useless for anything other than being a blunt weapon."

Is this how it feels to finally be rewarded for the humiliation I endured just to participate in the Heavenly Martial Festival?

"Was the test that hard for everyone? The answers just came to me naturally. I felt like I'd achieved enlightenment after arduous training..."

Of course, everyone just stared at Hyonwon Kang as he boasted, their expressions making it clear that he was being obnoxious.

Since a day might not come again, Hyonwon Kang figured he might as well show off to his heart's content. "Hmph. For today, you may all call me the Cultured Blade, Hyonwon Kang."

"That's ridiculous. Anyone would think it was a difficult exam. Showing off over a mock test we took among ourselves..."

"What was that? Cultured Blade? Do you think you're any good at studying?" Yeo Min spat in disgust.

Hyonwon Kang was completely unfazed.

"Hahaha! Wonkang worked the hardest." Geo Sangwoong, ever the proper senior, patted Hyonwon Kang on the back and congratulated him. "Still, I didn't expect you to finish all the problems first. The essay questions on the back page were quite difficult..."

"Hm? Wonkang? Why the sudden change in your expression?"

Hyonwon Kang froze like a stone statue, his eyes trembling as if struck by an earthquake. "There were... questions on the back page too?"

A shiver ran down everyone's spine.

Yeo Min smacked Hyonwon Kang on the back. "You dumb bastard! Go tell the teacher, quick!"

Hyonwon Kang re-entered the exam room at full speed. "Mr. Baekkkk! Wait! Just a moment! I didn't know there were questions on the back pageeeee!!!"

As they watched Hyonwon Kang's hasty retreat, the Five Young Azure Dragons offered a brief moment of condolence for him. Baek Suryong had clearly warned them about the consequences of failing today's mock exam.

"Tsk tsk, and he was so sure he'd be first."

"Thank goodness it was just a mock exam..."

"Our real basic etiquette exam is next week, right?"

"Yeah. If the difficulty is the same as today, I think we can all pass."

Sure enough, when Hyonwon Kang dashed into the exam room, he found Baek Suryong waiting for him with the test paper in one hand and the Black Dragon Pointer in the other. "Gooood job. Well done indeed. You turned in your test without even checking all the questions?"

"T-That was an honest mistake...!"

Hyonwon Kang tried to make excuses, but the Black Dragon Pointer flashed before his eyes faster than ever before.

A dull thud echoed throughout the White Dragon Manor as Hyonwon Kang fell face first on the floor.

Sighing, Baek Suryong slurped his tea. "Wonkang, that stupid punk. I just can't let my guard down for even a moment. If this had been the real test, he wouldn't be allowed to participate in the Heavenly Martial Festival."

"Still, everyone worked hard, didn't they?" Gongson Yeong chuckled. She had gone looking for Baek Suryong to discuss something and they were now enjoying some tea in his office. The most update n0vels are published on novelFirｅ.net

"Of course they have to work hard. There's not much time left until the Heavenly Martial Festival."

"Is your goal still to win the tournament?"

After spending a few days together at White Dragon Manor, Gongson Yeong had naturally started speaking informally with Baek Suryong. They were close in age to begin with, and Baek Suryong wasn't the type to care about such trivialities. This was a clear change from her past self, when she was Gongson Su's bodyguard.

Baek Suryong nodded casually. "Of course. Additionally, I want all five of those idiots to dominate at least one event each," he said confidently, as if securing victory at the Heavenly Martial Festival was already guaranteed.

Gongson Yeong regarded Baek Suryong strangely. "...You really haven't changed at all."

"What did you expect? It hasn't been that long since we last met. Oh, right. You have to come watch the Heavenly Martial Festival with the Elder... though, is he too busy these days?"

"He's probably overworking himself right now to make time to attend the event."

"I'd really like to see him." Baek Suryong chuckled, set down his teacup, and cut to the chase. "So, you said you wanted to talk to me about something?"

"I looked into some houses."

"I plan to buy a house to live in with my father when he retires. He told me to look for a decent-sized one close to the Azure Dragon Academy. No matter how I look at it, this place is perfect. Any chance you're willing to sell?" Gongson Yeong joked.

Baek Suryong shrugged. "Sorry, but I won't sell the White Dragon Manor, not even for ten times its purchase price. Still, tell him I can always offer him a room."

"What if I offered a hundred times the purchase price?"

"When do you plan to move in?"

The two shared a moment of silly banter and then laughed.

Baek Suryong asked gently. "When are you planning to leave?"

"Tomorrow morning," Gongson Yeong replied coolly.

She had already stayed at the White Dragon Manor longer than planned. It wasn't as if something would happen to Gongson Su if she wasn't around, but there was no particular reason to stay longer either. Despite that, the reason she'd stayed for several more days was...

"Anyway, I came here to say goodbye. It's hard to see you at any other time of day."

"Right. You've got a long journey ahead of you, so safe travels."

After finishing her tea, Gongson Yeong stood up from her seat. She wasn't a talkative person to begin with. She might be the precious daughter of the Prime Minister now, but she used to be part of the imperial palace's intelligence and assassination organization. Even when conversing, it had become a habit for her to keep it brief and to the point.

Nevertheless, she hesitated briefly as she turned to leave.

Baek Suryong didn't miss the subtle movement. "Go on. You look like you still have something to say."

"...Teaching people. Is it fun?" Gongson Yeong asked shyly.

"Hmm?" Baek Suryong stared at Gongson Yeong in confusion, but soon nodded and answered honestly. "Yeah, it's loads of fun. Seeing kids who didn't know how to do anything properly grow day by day is very satisfying. Why the sudden question?"

During her few days at the White Dragon Manor, Gongson Yeong had taught the Five Young Azure Dragons how to deal with assassins.

"Noona! Teach us how to fight assassins!"

At first, remembering that she was a master of assassination arts, Hyonwon Kang and Wiji Cheon had approached her to ask for lessons. Naturally, they were joined by the other three as well.

Gongson Yeong honestly shared the feelings she experienced during those few days. "It was only for a few days, but I enjoyed teaching the kids."

After becoming Gongson Su's adoptive daughter, she no longer needed to guard her father. There were many other outstanding martial artists in the imperial palace besides her, and anyone who dared to even think of harming the Prime Minister mysteriously vanished.

Gongson Su too didn't want his daughter to stay by his side forever.

"From now on, do what you want to do, not what others tell you to do."

Gongson Yeong was bewildered by her sudden freedom. She tried dedicating herself to martial arts training for a while, but a sense of emptiness soon washed over her.

In the midst of that, she met Ja Hyeon and ended up visiting the White Dragon Manor again. There, she saw Baek Suryong's eyes sparkling brightly as he taught his students.

Whether back then or now, I'm impressed by how much he loves teaching.

She didn't say those words out loud, though. It was too embarrassing.

Baek Suryong eyed Gongson Yeong greedily. "Hmm, I think you'd be good at it. The Azure Dragon Academy offers a course on dealing with assassins. However, as you know, it's difficult to find an instructor with field experience in such things. If you really want to become an instructor, be sure to apply to the Azure Dragon Academy instead of another school. I'll show you the ropes myself."

"...I'm not saying I'll definitely do it, just that I'm considering it."

"Sit back down for a second. The best part about this job is..."

Baek Suryong eagerly persuaded Gongson Yeong, who listened closely while pretending to be indifferent.

The next morning, Baek Suryong and the Five Young Azure Dragons bid farewell to the Azure Dragon Academy's soon-to-be new instructor.

Before long, it was time for the second semester's midterm exams. Students with haggard faces were a common sight, as were kids who ran screaming out of the exam halls and onto the training grounds.

The instructors were just as busy. Since the school schedule had been pushed back due to Deathshroud's attack, everyone was stressed out setting exam papers and grading them. On top of that, they had to pay extra attention to preparations for the Heavenly Martial Festival this year.

"I've decided to replace the midterm exam with ongoing assessments. Here are your grades for the mock team battles we held each week so far."

"While I'm away, please continue to gather materials related to the Five Great Academies and stack them here."

"This is the analysis of the Five Great Academies' student profiles by grade. I've finished compiling it, so please just review it. If you have any additional thoughts after reading it, feel free to write comments on the documents... Did I forget anything else?"

"...Baek Suryong." Namgung Su narrowed his fearsome golden eyes at Baek Suryong, who had just dumped a mountain of documents on his desk.

"What do you think you're doing right now?"

"What do you mean? I'm sharing data with you, aren't I?"

"I'm asking why you're passing your workload onto me. Where are you planning to go during such a busy period?"

Namgung Su glared disapprovingly at Baek Suryong's attire. Instead of his usual blue martial arts uniform, he was wearing a simple black one with a black coat over it. He also carried a bulky backpack, making it clear that he wasn't going away for just a day or two.

That wasn't the only odd thing.

The Silver Tiger, which usually clung to Ya Suhyeok's broad back as if it were its home, was rolling around on Baek Suryong's head today, turning it into a bird's nest.

"I need to leave the academy for a few days. Something as important as the Heavenly Martial Festival has cropped up."

"...Explain yourself in detail," Namgung Su growled, trying his hardest to suppress his anger.

Baek Suryong confidently revealed the reason he had to leave. "I'm going to make a home visit."

"Hmm? What? ...Holy shit!"

That day, a pitch-black scorch mark appeared on one of the walls in Namgung Su's office.