Chapter 28

## Chapter 28. The Demon of Light?

"Huh? Why are you so fine?"

It was the first thing Aekyeonho said when he saw me enter the inn.

I plopped down opposite Aekyeonho and glared at him.

"Are you complaining that I came back fine?"

"No, that's not it... Earlier, the head teacher's expression made it seem like he would break a few of your bones."

Mingyilo, who was sitting next to him and sipping his drink, looked at me up and down with a surprised expression.

"To come back fine after a private meeting with Jianchi, the Demon of Light of the Azure Dragon Academy... Brother Bai, were you really that skilled?"

I looked at him with a bewildered expression.

"Why do you think I must have fought?"

"......Well, you did provoke Master Nangongshou, the one-hit master, didn't you?"

"......That's different. I'm originally a very gentle and peaceful person."

"Wow, you're really slick with that..."

Ignoring Aekyeonho, I took the drink Mingyilo poured and gulped it down in one go.

Then, I refilled Mingyilo's cup and asked.

"But Jianchi? Is that the head teacher's nickname?"

"Really? You didn't know?"

Mingyilo's eyes, which looked sharp, shone as he spoke.

"Jianchi (劍齒) Ma Jieyan. A renowned expert from the previous generation who suddenly retired and has been a lecturer at the Azure Dragon Academy for over thirty years. In the past, he was famous for his steadfast character, always keeping his word, and his unwavering stance against the outlaws."

Mingyilo was well-informed about all the rumors in the martial world.

Thanks to him, there was never a dull moment when we were together, and it was also nice to ask him about various things.

"Since he became the head teacher, he's known for being strict with the students. Especially, he's like a grim reaper to those who cause moral scandals."

Mingyilo lowered his body and continued in a somber tone.

"Students who violate the rules are said to face one-on-one guidance so terrifying that it's better to be locked up in the martial alliance's prison. This is a highly credible statement, as it was said by someone who graduated from the Azure Dragon Academy and was once imprisoned in the martial alliance's prison."

At this point, I had to point something out.

"Exactly what did the Azure Dragon Academy graduate do to end up in the martial alliance's prison?"

"Don't you know? The famous Thousand Mile Divine Step is a graduate of the Azure Dragon Academy. It's said that during his student days, he practiced lightness techniques by running away from the head teacher and one day had an epiphany..."

"......"

Should I really take a job at this academy?

Aekyeonho, who had been listening to a series of unbelievable stories, looked at me and said.

"See? It's impressive that you came back fine."

"......Yeah, I guess."

"By the way, Brother Ming, why is the head teacher so strict about moral scandals? Young students can date, right?"

A very Aekyeonho-like question.

But at this moment, why did someone's face come to mind?

'Could the reason be...?'

Mingyilo started explaining, as if he had a reason.

"About 30 years ago, there was a huge incident that almost turned the academy upside down. Two students fell in love, got married, and ran away in the middle of the night."

"Wow... That's amazing!"

"Really? Anyway, it's said that Senior Jianchi at the time wanted to kill the male student..."

"Alright, alright. Let's stop this talk."

I didn't want to hear about my father's glorious past from someone else, so I quickly refilled Mingyilo's cup.

"Let's talk about something more constructive."

"But it's about to get interesting..."

I frowned at Aekyeonho, who looked disappointed, and asked Mingyilo.

"So, how does the practical exam proceed?"

Although we were momentarily distracted by the head teacher's story, the most important concern for us was still the practical exam after the interview.

Mingyilo leaned closer to the table and lowered his voice. We, in turn, leaned in as if we were plotting something suspicious.

"Based on past exams, this year's practical exam will be a comprehensive evaluation combining scores from two events."

Aekyeonho folded his fingers one by one as he continued.

"First, sparring. You need to prove your martial arts level by sparring with existing lecturers. You don't necessarily have to win, but winning would definitely be advantageous."

"......Do I choose my opponent, or do the existing lecturers?"

I asked, thinking about the external martial arts competition with Nangongshou. Mingyilo, as if reading my mind, smiled and continued.

"The academy head will designate your opponent."

"Hmm......"

The old man with a thousand hands.

It was hard to predict what the inscrutable old master would do.

'From the way he looked at me earlier, he seems to want to see me fight Nangongshou.'

I didn't mind fighting other lecturers, but I preferred to fight Nangongshou.

That way, I could dramatically showcase the new one-hit master in front of many people.

"What's the second test?"

Mingyilo folded his second finger and said.

"The second is a demonstration lecture. You'll give a demonstration lecture on the subject you're applying for in front of the students for about two hours. You need to leave a strong impression on the students and the lecturers who are observing."

While sparring is to verify the lecturer's martial arts level, the demonstration lecture is to assess their teaching ability.

'Not all experts are good teachers.'

Many couldn't effectively convey their teachings due to poor communication skills, or they insisted on their own methods, which often led to the ruin of their disciples.

I, of course, was confident.

'A demonstration lecture? I've trained recruits in the Blood Sect as a martial arts instructor. I've got plenty of experience.'

I could tell who was working hard, who was slacking off, who was taking care of their body, and who had been out drinking the night before just by looking at their eyes.

The name 'demon instructor' of the Blood Sect wasn't earned through gambling.

I could easily manipulate the naive students of the orthodox sect...

Suddenly, a thought occurred to me.

"......Just out of curiosity, is it not allowed to swear or hit students during the demonstration lecture?"

Both of them were shocked by my question.

"Are you crazy?"

"Are you joking?"

"No, I'm serious..."

"......"

"......"

Aekyeonho looked at me as if I was beyond redemption, and Mingyilo looked at me as if he couldn't tell if I was serious or joking.

'Of course, it's not allowed.'

Indeed.

Most of the teaching methods I used in the Blood Sect were not acceptable in the orthodox sect.

Things like light torture, using creative insults to break someone's spirit, or relentless brainwashing to create fearless human weapons...

"Brother, do you know how scary the students are these days? If you touch them, they'll report you to the martial alliance immediately."

"Even worse are the parents. There are so many overprotective parents, and they are also experts."

"......That bad?"

At the Bai Wu Guan, I taught kids, so I thought it was fine, but I didn't expect I'd have to teach students over fifteen years old like that.

"Ugh. Anyway, the weak orthodox students are a problem..."

A demonstration lecture.

It seems a bit different from what I expected, but I wasn't too worried.

"This year, we need to pay more attention to the students. There's a rumor that the students' evaluations will count for half of the total score."

Mingyilo continued with a cautious expression.

"Especially, we need to be mindful of the two major forces in the academy: the Student Council and the Club Federation."

"Student Council...?"

The Student Council reminded me of the male and female students who watched us from the dormitory rooftop.

Both had exceptional auras, and the female student had unleashed an unforgettable roar at us.

- Hey, you two! You two will pass without any questions... Uh, uh!

- Vice President! Are you crazy?

...They were from the Student Council.

Aekyeonho, recalling the scene, said with a delighted expression.

"The Student Council Vice President said we would definitely pass, right?"

"Um. I heard that too."

"See, Brother. Half of the students are already on our side."

Aekyeonho looked at me with a satisfied smile.

However, Mingyilo's words weren't over.

"On the other hand, since half of the students are male, there's a high possibility that they will dislike the two of you for receiving support from the female students."

"Come on. Surely they won't be that petty..."

Aekyeonho looked doubtful, but I agreed with Mingyilo.

"You're right. If two pretty boys hog all the girls' attention, I wouldn't like it either."

Being good-looking and handsome has its advantages, but it also makes you more susceptible to rumors and becoming a target.

Given the attention we received, we could be more severely penalized for minor mistakes or wrongdoings.

"In other words, we need to think of a way to win the favor of the male students as well."

'Us?'

Mingyilo subtly included himself in our group, but I didn't point it out to avoid hurting his feelings.

"Any good ideas?"

In response to my question, Mingyilo smiled as if he had been waiting for it.

"Before engaging in battle, shouldn't we first observe the enemy's camp?"

"What do you mean?"

"To understand the students' hearts, we need to go where there are many students."

Mingyilo took out a thin booklet from his bag and his eyes sparkled.

"By the way, the Student Council is hosting an outdoor event."

* * *

Buzzing.

When we arrived at the festival site, the area around the venue was already packed with people.

[Azure Dragon Academy Winter Seasonal Festival]

A banner with bold calligraphy fluttered in the wind.

Aekyeonho whispered in my ear.

"There are a lot more people than I thought. Even civilians are here."

"Indeed."

"Ha ha. Since the festival is open to non-students, it's almost like a city-wide event."

Mingyilo, who was leading us, turned back and said.

We followed Mingyilo, wandering around the festival.

The festival was bustling with energy.

Merchants had set up stalls selling food, and there were many accessories that young female students liked.

Some club students were running their own stalls or demonstrating martial arts.

"It's not every day you can come! This vitality-enhancing potion made by the Tang family! For just..."

I was amazed at how openly he was selling the vitality-enhancing potion under the Tang family's name.

"Is that allowed?"

"Ha ha. It's just for fun."

It was a long-standing event, so as long as no incidents occurred, the academy didn't impose strict penalties on the students.

As we wandered around, we occasionally saw students who recognized us.

"Hey, look over there. Aren't those the handsome lecturers from earlier?"

"Kyaa! Really!"

"Should we go and talk to them first?"

There were many curious glances, but no one approached us to start a conversation.

Of course, there were attempts.

"Excuse me, lecturers..."

A female student, who had neatly tucked her hair behind her ear, approached us.

Swoosh. Swoosh.

Two identical-looking twin male students appeared on either side of her, grabbed her arms, and restrained her.

"Ah, what, what's happening!"

"Sorry, but you'll have to come with us."

The one on the left said.

"I, I only talked to them!"

"Improper interaction with the opposite sex is a violation of the rules."

The one on the right said.

"What improper interaction! I just wanted to greet the lecturers in advance!"

The female student tried to free her arms, but she was already restrained and couldn't move.

"We'll hear your excuses later."

"First, to the Student Council."

The twins, with their sinister faces, said in unison.

"Let go! Let go of me!"

Seeing the female student being dragged away, Aekyeonho said with a slightly horrified expression.

"The Student Council is scary..."

The sharp gazes from all around.

Students wearing yellow armbands with 'Guidance Department' written on them were patrolling with stern expressions.

Some of them looked at us with slightly relaxed eyes, but...

Every time, the sinister twins would warn them.

'What a bunch of weirdos.'

Since it was a large city festival, we occasionally saw other new lecturer applicants.

I spotted a familiar face from a distance and tapped Aekyeonho's shoulder.

"He's here too."

"Who... Oh, the fatty?"

Was it Guo Duyong?

The fat guy who had been humiliated by us twice was loudly talking at a street stall, piling up an impossible amount of food for one person to eat.

His face was already flushed from drinking.

"Ha ha ha! When I, Master Guo, studied at the Vermilion Crane Academy in the past..."

"Wow!"

"Amazing!"

Several students around him were adding to his story, but it seemed he was about to be taken for a ride.

"Kids these days are scary."

"Indeed..."

We tightly held our bags and continued wandering around the festival.

We ate, drank, and occasionally greeted students who approached us first, observing and studying the students.

'How peaceful.'

An incident suddenly occurred when the sun was setting, and we were considering returning to the inn.

*Crash!*

A stall in front of me was suddenly smashed. A student, covered in blood, was rolling on the ground, groaning.

"Ugh..."

A long shadow loomed over the groaning student.

"What did you say? Say it again, you brat."

The moment he opened his mouth, the smell of alcohol filled the air.

He moistened his lips with a gourd in one hand and used the other to tap the fallen student's cheek with a sword. Fortunately, the sword was still in its scabbard.

His gait and expression made him look like a 'delinquent.'

Murmurs.

"Again, that guy?"

"Really hate him..."

Some students who recognized him slowly backed away.

But I stopped in my tracks.

It wasn't because I wanted to stop the students' fight.

Just,

"Light Demon?"

The moment I saw the face in front of me, I muttered it without realizing.