Chapter 302: Who's messing with my kid? (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 302: Who's messing with my kid? (3)
Certain facts about the Heavenly Dragon Academy were common knowledge.
As an institution for martial artists, its first floor served as a training ground. It had cafeterias large enough to feed the entire student body, and rumors persisted of confinement rooms tucked away somewhere on the premises. Some whispers even claimed that Demons were raised in the basement for training purposes.
Well… that particular rumor wasn't a rumor at all. It was the truth.
I’d discovered that basement full of Demons in my past life.
Finally, behind the main building lay a vast plain used for group training sessions. With groups ranging from ten to twenty students, the area was expansive enough to accommodate everyone. That plain was now saturated with the Qi of the martial artists occupying it, and despite the winter chill, the heat they generated warmed the air.
Swoosh!
The sounds of constant movement and clashes echoed without end. A group of over ten people moved ceaselessly, and fighting them all single-handedly was the Vice Captain of the Blue Dragon Army, the Orthodox Blue Fist, Cheol Hwanho.
Slam!
The ground trembled as Cheol Hwanho stomped down. A Young Prodigy charging him lost his balance, his stance broken. Seizing the opening, Cheol Hwanho swung his fist…
Slam!
“ Agh! ”
The Young Prodigy was sent flying the instant Cheol Hwanho’s giant palm struck him, crashing into another student. The fragile coordination the group had managed to scrape together shattered completely. Even though they outnumbered their opponent, the fight was a mess.
Cheol Hwanho was undoubtedly strong, but as I watched, it was clear the students were lacking. Cheol Hwanho had probably anticipated this outcome from the start. As he deflected incoming attacks, his eyes scanned the group.
Only four have proper posture.
Only four individuals stood out to him, at least in terms of their foundation.
However, their level is only that of Young Prodigies.
Of course, even Cheol Hwanho couldn't realistically take on dozens of First and Second-rate Young Prodigies alone. But fighting a disorganized group with no experience working together was a different story. Their timing was off, leaving numerous openings, and Cheol Hwanho expertly exploited these weaknesses to dismantle their formations easily.
They were a complete mess.
Then, a Young Prodigy with a large physique and black hair broke through the chaos, lunging directly at Cheol Hwanho. His face was familiar.
Pe Woocheol.
Cheol Hwanho felt a flicker of amusement. This was one of the four he had marked as exceptional. Using his group's movements as cover, Pe Woocheol closed the distance to right in front of Cheol Hwanho. Planting his lower body firmly, he twisted his hips, channeling Qi into his fist before thrusting it forward at an impressive speed.
However…
“How unfortunate.”
This was Pe Woocheol’s mistake. He had charged in despite knowing the gap in their power, letting rage cloud his judgment.
Crack!
“!”
With a simple movement of his hand, Cheol Hwanho dissipated the Qi gathered in Pe Woocheol’s fist. Pe Woocheol couldn't even follow the motion. And then…
Slam–!
“ Uggh! ”
An impact slammed into his stomach. The moment Cheol Hwanho’s attack connected, Qi exploded, sending out a powerful aftershock. Unable to withstand the pain, Pe Woocheol was sent flying and crumpled to the ground.
The training session—where the instructor played the part of a Demon for the Young Prodigies to hunt—hadn't been going on for long, yet half the group was already down. Those still standing had cold sweat running down their backs, their pupils trembling in disbelief. They couldn't comprehend such a one-sided fight.
Seeing their expressions, Cheol Hwanho couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
The look on their faces.
This was undoubtedly a new experience for them. They likely never imagined Demons could be this dangerous, nor had they faced anything like this in the Central Plains.
He then saw Pe Woocheol clutch his stomach and stagger back to his feet.
“ Ptooey. ”
The way he spat on the ground suggested his spirit remained unbroken.
He is a tough one.
Not bad. That was the attitude a martial artist should have. However, it would be better for their long-term development if the instructors crushed their arrogance here and now.
They can’t survive in this world with such conceit.
The Young Prodigies at the Academy were spoiled by their clans and sects. Blessed with talent and endless support, most believed the world was theirs for the taking. It was the instructors' job to shatter that illusion, at least that was the approach Cheol Hwanho had chosen.
After all, Cheol Hwanho had experience as an instructor at the Heavenly Dragon Academy, having taken up the role after he turned thirty. Although he'd taken a break for a few years, he had returned due to some ‘business’ to attend to. Since he was here, he intended to do the job properly.
This batch is pretty decent.
The Meteor Generation was indeed overflowing with prodigies and geniuses. The Young Prodigies under his charge were all talented, as if to prove that very point.
…And, there’s that bastard.
As Qi filled the air and the wind scattered the heat, Cheol Hwanho’s gaze shifted past the struggling students. He fixed his eyes on the one who stood motionless, merely spectating.
The True Dragon, Gu Yangcheon.
The Last Dragon of the Six Dragons and Three Phoenixes. He watched from a distance as if the entire situation amused him. He was likely younger than the average student in the group, perhaps even in the entire Academy. Even while engaged with the others, Cheol Hwanho’s sharp senses remained locked onto Gu Yangcheon.
Just why?
He wondered. Why was Gu Yangcheon standing still?
Was what he said earlier just a bluff?
Cheol Hwanho recalled Gu Yangcheon’s words before the training began.
-Can I do it alone?
The arrogantly taunting Young Prodigy. It was clearly a provocation, and Cheol Hwanho had nearly lost his composure and accepted the challenge from someone who had lived barely half his life. But he’d held back. As an instructor, he couldn't let such things get to him.
However…
I want to teach him a lesson.
Cheol Hwanho still had his pride. He wanted to humble Gu Yangcheon during this exercise. Showing that even the famed Six Dragons and Three Phoenixes were no match for the instructors would wake the others from their delusions.
Also…
The Young Master has been getting along with the True Dragon as of late.
The reason Cheol Hwanho had returned as an instructor, despite his promotion to Vice Captain of the Blue Dragon Army, was because of Cheol Jiseon.
I wonder what the Young Master is thinking.
Remembering how his Young Master had passed the third part of the exam alongside the True Dragon, and how Cheol Jiseon had told him his assistance wasn't needed, Cheol Hwanho was at least relieved the young master had succeeded.
I wonder what that bastard is up to.
Putting that aside, Cheol Hwanho still couldn't figure Gu Yangcheon out. A genius who had reached the Peak Realm at a record-breaking age, the biggest star of the Meteor Generation, was now silently watching his group fall apart. Was he intimidated by Cheol Hwanho’s display of strength? That didn't seem right. Cheol Hwanho didn't get that impression from Gu Yangcheon’s demeanor.
Peak Realm, huh?
He thought back to his first observation of Gu Yangcheon.
I couldn’t see anything.
He hadn't been able to gauge the young man's level. While others struggled under the weight of his Combat Qi and presence, Gu Yangcheon had been completely unaffected.
Is he really on the same level as me?
Cheol Hwanho had reached the pinnacle of the Peak Realm five years ago and was a single step away from the Fusion Realm. Not all Peak Realm martial artists were equal, of course.
Even so…
…For a mere chick who hasn’t even reached twenty to be at the same level as me.
Moreover, his earlier taunt implied he could beat me alone.
I must have seemed lacking to him.
As Cheol Hwanho’s Combat Qi intensified, the other Young Prodigies curled up in fear.
“Gu Yangcheon.” Cheol Hwanho called out.
“Yes.” Gu Yangcheon, who had been watching with amusement, replied softly.
“Why are you just watching?”
“Am I not allowed to?”
“The goal of this training is to hunt the Demon. Are you really going to stand by as your companions fall apart?”
“That’s strange. The Demons I’m familiar with aren’t capable of speech. Yet, you seem unusually articulate.”
Crack.
Cheol Hwanho’s expression nearly cracked.
How disrespectful!
Truly, he was the Sword Phoenix’s younger brother.
“Are you mocking your instructor?”
“Not at all. I’m merely being considerate, as this is only training.”
“Considerate?”
“Yes.”
Gu Yangcheon smiled. Anyone could see it was a blatant mockery.
“The training would lose its purpose if I joined in.”
“…Ha.”
So, he was still like this—arrogant and full of himself.
Well, people his age usually are.
Given his status as the True Dragon, the spotlight on him, and the title of youngest Peak Realm expert, his arrogance was somewhat understandable. However, he had chosen the wrong target.
I must crush his arrogance.
He would only be his instructor for half a year. Cheol Hwanho had no intention of taking his time to correct this attitude. He would crush it now, for the boy's own good.
“Student.”
“Yes, instructor.”
“Do you think the world revolves around you? Right now, you look like a frog in a well.”
“ Ribbit ribbit. ”
“…”
“I guess I went too far with that one. My apologies.”
It was rare to see Gu Yangcheon apologize, but it was too late.
“Student Gu Yangcheon.”
“Yes.”
“Since you’re so confident, how about we make a bet?”
“A bet?”
“Yes, a bet.”
“What are the terms?”
Gu Yangcheon finally showed interest. In response, Cheol Hwanho raised three fingers.
“I will give you three chances.”
“Oh?”
“If you manage to land an attack on me within those three chances, you win.”
“Oh, wait.”
“What’s wrong? It’s too late to back out…”
“Are you going to attack or counter during those three chances?”
“…?”
Cheol Hwanho was baffled by the question. He had clearly stated he was giving him three chances.
Seeing Cheol Hwanho’s expression, Gu Yangcheon spoke again, seeming relieved. “Ah, sorry. I’ve been tricked too many times… I needed confirmation.”
“…I see.”
A strange reason. Did some lunatic actually counter after offering a free attack?
There’s no way someone like that exists.
If they did, they certainly wouldn't belong to the Orthodox Faction. No one there would resort to such underhanded tactics.
As Cheol Hwanho pondered this, Gu Yangcheon asked another question. “I understand the conditions. But since it’s a bet… what do I get if I win?”
“That won’t happen, but is there something you want?”
“Hmm…”
It was almost funny to see him thinking so seriously. After a moment, Gu Yangcheon answered promptly.
“Then, let me skip the morning training sessions.”
“ …Ha. ”
Cheol Hwanho was speechless. A martial artist, especially an Academy student, asking to be excused from training? It was beyond absurd.
“Okay, how about you excuse me from training for the entire duration you’re our instructor?”
“…You are truly underestimating me.”
“It’s nothing like that. But you were the one who suggested the bet.”
“Fine. But if I win, then…”
“You can do whatever you want. I’ll accept it.”
Pause.
Seeing Gu Yangcheon cut him off so casually, Cheol Hwanho’s temper flared. His expression turned severe. Gu Yangcheon was looking down on him.
Fine. If you want it that badly, I, your instructor, will show you what the real world is like.
Swooosh!
Cheol Hwanho unleashed his heavy, oppressive Combat Qi. It was on a completely different level from the Qi of the Young Prodigies. Feeling the aura of a martial artist at the pinnacle of the Peak Realm, the students already on the ground began to retch, overwhelmed by the sheer pressure and killing intent.
Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have gone this far, but Gu Yangcheon’s blatant disrespect made it impossible to hold back. He wanted to show him that being in the Peak Realm didn't mean they were equals—there was an entire world of difference above him.
“Come.”
Cheol Hwanho’s eyes blazed, but Gu Yangcheon remained motionless, simply staring back with an odd expression.
“What’s wrong? Are you afraid, student?”
Even if Gu Yangcheon was a Peak Realm martial artist, their levels were vastly different. It was natural he would be frozen. Seeing this, Cheol Hwanho spoke with a faint smile.
“If you admit your wrongdoing and apologize, I might just let you…”
“This much should be enough. It’s going to be close, though.”
“…?”
Just as Cheol Hwanho was offering a way out, Gu Yangcheon interrupted him. As Cheol Hwanho was about to question him, Gu Yangcheon opened his palm and whispered softly.
“Flaming Sphere.”
“…!”
Cheol Hwanho knew what this was. Most instructors had spoken about it after the exams. The Secret Art that had thrown the examination grounds into chaos. It was said that not even a Peak Realm martial artist could accomplish what Gu Yangcheon had done.
Is he going to use it now?
As the thought crossed Cheol Hwanho’s mind…
Blaaaze!
Flames erupted outward, instantly sweeping across the area. Gu Yangcheon’s flames engulfed Cheol Hwanho’s Combat Qi and killing intent, drawing it all inward. Where did it go? Right into Gu Yangcheon’s palm. The flames raged before coalescing into a single point, having absorbed another's Qi.
This is absurd…!
Just watching it made Cheol Hwanho’s skin prickle. Only then did he realize his mistake. Gu Yangcheon wasn't some novice Peak Realm practitioner. No one at that level could discharge such potent Qi.
Is he going to detonate it?
Cheol Hwanho forgot all about the bet. If Gu Yangcheon detonated that…
I won’t be able to block it like the Sword Queen did.
And at his level, he wouldn't be able to protect the surrounding Young Prodigies either. Knowing he had to stop Gu Yangcheon, he channeled Qi into his legs.
Slam–!
With a heavy impact on the ground, Cheol Hwanho shot toward Gu Yangcheon. His speed was extreme. The instant it took to close the distance felt like an eternity.
Can I even block that?
How large would the explosion be? What would the collateral damage be if he tried to deflect it? Could Gu Yangcheon himself handle the recoil? Countless questions raced through Cheol Hwanho’s mind, but he reached no conclusions. He even considered using his own body to smother the blast.
As he reached Gu Yangcheon, he thrust out his fist. Laden with powerful Qi, his fist shot forward at blinding speed toward its target…
Swish!
“…What!”
But his fist sliced through empty air. Gu Yangcheon had moved his body to evade the attack. Cheol Hwanho’s eyes widened.
He reacted to my attack?
That moment of surprise was his mistake. Cheol Hwanho could only afford that instant of shock. He didn't have time for more. As he tried to adjust hastily, his posture broke, making his movements sluggish.
Gu Yangcheon didn't let the opportunity slip. Raising the palm that held the crimson marble right to Cheol Hwanho’s eyes…
Kwak–!
He clenched his fist.
The moment Gu Yangcheon’s fist closed, an aftershock made Cheol Hwanho’s hair flutter.
“ Egh! ”
Bracing for an explosion, Cheol Hwanho shut his eyes tightly and wrapped himself in Qi to mitigate the impact.
“…?”
But strangely, there was no explosion. Instead of being engulfed in flames, only a light wind brushed past him.
Then.
He felt a small, precise impact on his chest.
When Cheol Hwanho opened his eyes, he saw Gu Yangcheon’s fist resting against his chest. His jaw dropped at the sight.
Seeing his reaction…
“The Demon,” Gu Yangcheon said with a satisfied smile. “I caught it.”