Chapter 426
Chapter 426
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 426
Chapter Title: Straightforward Gaze (7)
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Having wrapped up our business with Baek Gwang-ho, we hurriedly headed north.
Thanks to that, we made it back to the academy just before the spring break ended, barely scraping by.
"Phew. We arrived on time. Now, if we just slip quietly back to the central student council room and act like nothing happened..."
As we tried to pass through the main gate looking like we'd just stepped out for a quick errand nearby,
one of the senior guards from the security office on duty at the gate called out to me.
"...President Eon?"
"...Yes?"
"The chancellor ordered that if you showed up, send you straight to the main building."
Following those instructions, we made our way toward the main building.
There, led by Kyung Hye, the dormitory professors stood waiting with stern expressions.
"......"
"......"
I offered a fist salute while sending a sound transmission to Je Gal-cheok, who was mixed in among them with an awkward look on his face.
[...Elder?]
[......]
[You got caught, huh.]
[...Yeah, it turned out that way.]
[The elder who sees through the secrets of heaven couldn't breach the walls of Righteous Martial Academy. Should we take pride in that?]
[...Quit teasing me, you rascal. From the start, the professors were already suspicious because of all the karma you've built up! Even if my ancestor, the Loyal Martial Duke, came back to life, these guys wouldn't be fooled!]
Well, none of us were hurt, and in any case, the matter with the Sa Do Alliance was settled.
'It's a temporary fix, but the best outcome for now.'
If we were to discuss future plans, laying out what had happened might be the way to go.
Just as that thought crossed my mind—that getting caught wasn't necessarily a bad thing—
Kyung Hye pointed at the basket of tangerines slung over Cheon Jang-ho's back and spoke up.
"Looks like a basket of tangerines. The fresh scent is wafting out so strongly. Where are they from?"
"Snap."
Standing beside her, Chang Ryang glared at Dang Ok-gi and said,
"You went on an errand for the Dong Do Association Leader? I heard Cadet Dang Ok-gi went representing Hyang Ran Hall. Did you uphold the history and traditions of Hyang Ran with the proper dignity?"
"...Ahahaha."
Dang Ok-gi let out an awkward laugh, urgently jabbing my side with his elbow and mouthing silently.
"...Help me out here. I can't breathe."
Seeing my Eon family younger brothers turning pale, I stepped forward and spoke.
"The other cadets were essentially dragged into it because of me. I'll explain everything in detail, so is it alright to send them back? Actually, I have some tasks to assign too."
Kyung Hye nodded, and I immediately turned to my younger brothers.
"So-reung, go to the horse stables and get a progress report on the initiates."
"Yes! Brother Eon!"
"Once I'm done talking with the professors, I'll convene the autonomous council presidents to sort out the agenda, so the rest of you head to the central student council room and prepare that. Oh, and pass on what happened during the trip."
After sending off my younger brothers first, I headed to the small conference room in the main building with the professors.
"I've caused you all worry."
As I spoke again once we arrived,
Paeng Jae-hyeok crossed his arms and questioned me.
"Are you skipping even the perfunctory 'sorry' now?"
"No. I held back because I don't think a simple 'sorry' is appropriate."
In response, I fixed my gaze on Kyung Hye and continued.
"The chancellor once told me I'm now a proper martial artist of the orthodox path. I did what I believed was necessary as one. So, I don't think the action itself warrants an apology."
"......"
"Of course, I knew it would worry you all. But because professors like you exist, even the Sa Do Alliance Lord couldn't treat us lightly."
"......"
"Your concern—from the chancellor down to all the professors—served as a restraint on Baek Gwang-ho. Thanks to that, we returned safely. Rather than 'sorry,' I think 'thank you' is more fitting."
It was then that Kyung Hye, who had been listening silently, let out a deep sigh.
"You always know what to say. Back when you first sweet-talked Binni with that mouth of yours, I should have scolded you instead of praising your pretty words..."
As the atmosphere softened a bit, Je Gal-cheok spoke up.
"See? I wasn't just blindly taking Gwaeryong's side. When a guy with a righteous heart brings a reasonable plan, how could I not cooperate..."
"Senior, be quiet."
But with one word from Kyung Hye, Je Gal-cheok shut his mouth like a mute covered in honey.
It seemed he'd been properly scolded in my absence.
In any case, with the mood in the room easing,
I began recounting what had happened with Baek Gwang-ho.
"Then, let me first explain what occurred on the trip."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ I started by plainly describing how I'd smashed Baek Gwang-ho's flagship.
Then, focusing on our conversations, I explained how we'd concluded things under the banner of my infamous title, 'The Arrogant Scoundrel.'
"...And that's how it went."
When the story ended,
Zhuge Min from Yun Guk-gwan stroked his chin and nodded.
"The scoundrel clashed with the Dong Jeong Lake Chief... Not a bad pretext at all. This way, the Demonic Cult can't fully antagonize the Sa Do Alliance or truly ally with them. If we play our cards right, we could even sever that connection. Seems like the best outcome for now?"
"Yes. That's why we had to move as quickly as possible the moment we spotted Baek Gwang-ho's signal. Otherwise, the Hao Clan or Green Forest bandits could have spilled blood."
Most of those present wore expressions like Zhuge Min's at my addition.
Except for one person—Chang Ryang let out a long sigh and requested to speak.
"Sigh. First, I want to say you did well. But I have some harsh words too. Is that alright?"
"Yes."
"Your actions were typical of a future leader of the orthodox path. As a member of Righteous Martial Academy, I approve of that decision. And as a senior in the martial world, I find it admirable."
"......"
"But the reason I can think that way is because I've watched you up close."
"......"
"Was there really nothing with Baek Gwang-ho? Did you just pretend to smash the ship as a show, then relax and sip tea amid a warm welcome?"
"...No, it wasn't like that."
"Of course not. There must have been close calls. Life is full of things that seem beneficial at the time but turn out harmful in the long run. What if something had gone wrong with you, President Eon? You're just past twenty. Think of all the lives you could save as you grow older like us."
"......"
"You have many enemies. And I'm not just talking about the unorthodox demons. Even within the orthodox martial world—and up there in the Northern Inspectorate—there might be those who envy or resent you. Remember, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. I'm not saying live meekly, just be a bit more cautious."
As Chang Ryang's words continued,
my master let out a hollow laugh.
- ...Hah. That loudmouth from Huashan claims it's harsh advice, but it feels like he's treating you like a pillar.
'...Yeah, tell me about it.'
While I responded awkwardly to my master,
Kyung Hye nodded emphatically, agreeing with Chang Ryang.
"That's exactly what I wanted to say, Professor."
"I'll engrave the chancellor's feelings and Professor Chang's words in my heart."
"For now? Is there more?"
Separate from my gratitude, there was still more to discuss.
Conveniently, Zhuge Min and Chang Ryang's words touched on it, so I looked at them in turn and spoke.
"Earlier, Professor Zhuge Min said if we handle things well, it'll be fine."
"I did."
"And Professor Chang said there might be envy or resentment even within the orthodox martial world. Right?"
"...That's true."
"Exactly. There have been those who've turned a blind eye to the visible chaos. I understand they have their reasons. But now, it's time for them to face the impending crisis head-on."
To deal with the coming crisis, we needed to rally the full might of the orthodox martial world—no more hiding from reality.
At my words, Je Gal-cheok raised an eyebrow.
"You mean Zhongnan, Kunlun, and Huashan?"
"It includes other unaffiliated experts too, but those three sects as representatives."
"So? What exactly do you propose?"
"To shatter their pipe dreams, nothing beats a good wake-up call... It would be great if you could arrange matches for me and my Eon brothers against their elite warriors. Show them what we've become while they've stood by with hands behind their backs."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After gaining agreement from Dong Do Association Leader Je Gal-cheok and the executive committee professors,
I returned straight to the central student council room and relayed what had been discussed in the main building.
"...And so, we have the chancellor's and dormitory professors' approval for now."
"...Yong-un?"
"Speak."
"So, you're saying instead of the Spring Inter-Academy Tournament, there'll be a martial world tournament like the Self-Improvement Meet?"
"Not your average martial tournament. It'll differ a bit from the Self-Improvement Meet too. We'll inherit its spirit but focus purely on martial prowess, expanding the participant pool greatly. Professor Chang flatly declared that the Plum Blossom Sword Saints will participate without fail."
"We heard from the ones who returned first that the Sa Do Alliance matter was settled... I figured the workload would lighten, so I was gearing up to max out my credits with course registrations."
At Je Gal-seolji's lament, Yin Xia Lian clicked her tongue.
"See, what did I tell you? You still don't know Eon Gong-ja? It was absolutely, absolutely not going to be that easy. Right?"
As I unwittingly started to retort to Yin Xia Lian,
"Hey, that 'absolutely, absolutely' feels a bit overemphasized, doesn't it?"
Namgung Yeong spoke up.
"So, what do we need to prepare?"
"An official notice from the executive committee will come soon, but there's a lot to do. First up: sponsors."
To host the finest forces from prestigious sects and draw in unaffiliated experts, we'd need commensurate prizes and rewards.
"I'll contact the Medicine King elder and my great-uncle in Shanxi. Yeong, you ask the Sword Emperor elder to write a single line encouraging sponsorship and participation from various masters."
"Yes! Senior!"
"Xia Lian, you write one to the Southern Jiang Merchant King too. So Jin noona, Ok-gi, you both write to your fathers. Cheon Jang-ho."
"To the clan leader?"
"Yes. Oh, and one to Monk Won-cheol. Wudang's right next door, so Jeong-hyeon, you go in person this weekend."
After issuing those orders, I turned to Senior Ye Hae-su.
"Ye Senior, for now, just spread the word lightly that a martial tournament is coming. Once the letters we send come back, that's when you can show off your talents."
"My talents, junior?"
"The warriors of the orthodox martial world aren't moved solely by prizes and cash, right? They need a little nudge."
"...A nudge? Ah! L-leave it to me!"
"Yes. I'm expecting phrasing so irresistible, they'll come even if a thousand Buddhas say no."
While I was giving instructions,
Eun Ha-seong raised a question.
"Brother Yong-un. But earlier, you said the Plum Blossom Sword Saints are participating?"
"That's right."
"The Plum Blossom Sword Saints are Huashan's elite sword saints, and I know that includes Professor Chang Ryang, right?"
"And?"
"The professor himself won't be coming out, will he?"
"He will."
"Whaaat?!"
As I answered,
Woo So-reung, standing nearby, suddenly widened her eyes and brought up Baek Gwang-ho.
"Oh! Oh?! Come to think of it, the Sa Do Alliance Lord..."
Eun Ha-seong, who was shocked at the news of Chang Ryang leading Huashan's sword saints, turned to Woo So-reung and spoke again.
"Why?! What about you now?"
"No, we went to Dong Jeong Lake just among ourselves this time, right?"
"Don't you dare brag in front of me again. You're not saying Brother Yong-un took you and left me out?!"
"That's not it! There, the Sa Do Alliance Lord told Brother Eon he'd make it into the Ten Great Swordsmen under Heaven!"
"T-The Ten Great Swordsmen under Heaven?"
"Given the purpose of the tournament Brother Eon described... Maybe he'll really be officially recognized as one of the Ten Great Swordsmen under Heaven?"