Star Instructor, Master Baek

Chapter 279: Diamonds in the Rough

TL: FoodieMonster007

"What a mess…" Mae Geuklyom sighed deeply as he took in the scene before him.

Over a hundred students were entangled in a chaotic battle royale.

At first, he had thought the chaos was triggered solely by the reward his grandson had promised, but as he listened to the students' shouts, it became clear that there was more to it.

"FUCK THE EXAMS! IT'S TIME TO PAAAARTY!"

Mae Geuklyom had no idea which unruly punk had shouted that, but to his astonishment, cheers of agreement echoed from all around.

"Aaaah! I can't sit still any longer! I'm going crazy!"

"I thought my brain was going to explode from all that studying!"

"Freedom! Freedom at last!"

What on earth does the end of finals have to do with leaping headfirst into a brawl? Why are they throwing themselves into the chaos as if it's some grand celebration party? Why are they all so excited?

"You rascals! If you're this restless, head to the training grounds and work on your techniques!" he bellowed, but no one heard him.

Thick black smoke from smoke bombs mingled with the dust stirred up by the students' movements, rising high into the sky. It was hard to tell if this place was an academy or a battlefield.

As the longest-serving teacher, Mae Geuklyom had witnessed the history of the Azure Dragon Academy firsthand. He had, however, never seen anarchy like this.

Things never got this bad even when Baek Muheun was a student!

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Back then, the worst offenses involved sneaking out to drink or engaging in secret nighttime rendezvous. Of course, there were occasional brawls, but they never involved over a hundred students.

Baek Muheun, that damn scound… son-in-law, was an outlier even then. Damn it, I should have killed that playboy when I caught him plotting to play truant and kidnap Yakbing on a date. If the father of the root cause of this madness had never had a child, I wouldn't have to witness this today…

"Hoho…"

If the situation had been more manageable, he might have scolded the students and broken up the fight, but the sheer scale of the riot was so overwhelming that even Mae Geuklyom was at a loss.

Furthermore, it wasn't just him. Other instructors had also stepped outside to watch the spectacle.

"W-What in the world is going on?"

"My goodness…"

"From the outside, it looks like the academy is on fire!"

Today marked the end of final exams, so most of the instructors had come out to watch the riot.

"How did things even get to this point…?"

"Is it okay not to intervene?"

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"What if someone gets seriously injured…?"

Since the Azure Dragon Academy was a martial arts academy, minor injuries were common and justified. However, serious injuries and permanent disabilities were a different matter. If they did nothing to stop the students from seriously injuring or even crippling each other, it would tarnish the academy's image. ?Ä???Ès?

"Shouldn't someone put a stop to this?"

"Who exactly?"

"Well, the supervisor of this exam…"

The instructors' accusing stares all focused on the person responsible for this mess, but Baek Suryong ignored them and stood with his hands behind his back, casually watching the chaos unfold.

Again! It's him again!

Whenever something happens, it's always because of him!

Unfortunately, none of them dared voice their complaints aloud in fear of offending Baek Suryong, who was no longer a rookie instructor but the Azure Dragon Hero, a world-renowned supreme master and the hero who saved the Namgung Clan from the Blood Cult threat.

Even Namgung Su, who despised chaos more than anyone, merely rubbed his temples as if warding off a headache and muttered in disapproval, "If only he weren't my family's benefactor…"

Mae Geuklyom sighed. Of course, the students' safety and Azure Dragon Academy's reputation were important, but if something went horribly wrong now, it would also jeopardize his grandson's career forever. He had to prevent that at all costs, and it seemed that he was the only instructor present who could question Baek Suryong without worrying about the repercussions.

Your undeserved fame has made you arrogant. Even if it means publicly humiliating you, I will reprimand you firmly today!

"Mr. Baek Suryong. What do you think you're doing?" he scolded, approaching Baek Suryong in a threatening manner.

Baek Suryong grinned awkwardly. "Haha, kids these days are sure full of energy, aren't they?"

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Mae Geuklyom's beard quivered with rage at his grandson's shameless reply.

This rascal! How could he shift the blame onto the students instead of taking responsibility!? He's the root cause of this madness!

If they had been alone, he would have slapped the punk across the face then and there.

"Stop making excuses and halt your exam immediately. What if someone gets seriously injured?"

"You don't need to worry about that." Baek Suryong grinned. "I've already asked Ak Yeonho, Myeong Il'oh, Jaegal Soyeong, and Kwak Duyong to step in if things turn dangerous. They are all on standby nearby, watching everything closely."

It was hard to see through the thick smoke and dust, but the four instructors had indeed concealed themselves and blended into the chaos.

Even so, Mae Geuklyom was not satisfied.

"So what? I see no reason to allow this madness to continue. What good could this disorganized brawl do the students?"

The other instructors nodded in agreement. From their perspective, this grand melee was nothing more than an unregulated, undisciplined street fight.

Encouraged by Mae Geuklyom's stance, they spoke up as well.

"I understand the intent behind your exam, but dragging so many students into a fight is excessive. Please put an end to this at once."

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"I agree."

"You've gone too far."

Snorting, Baek Suryong paid them little mind, focusing only on Mae Geuklyom. "Headmaster, I believe that those children need to get used to this kind of messy battle," he said seriously.

By calling Mae Geuklyom 'Headmaster,' he asserted that he was not saying this as the old man's grandson, but as a fellow martial arts instructor.

"Get used to it? Are you trying to turn the future pillars of the orthodox into common street thugs?" Mae Geuklyom demanded, his white brows twitching as he exuded an aura so sharp that it could cut.

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Still, Baek Suryong met Mae Geuklyom's gaze without flinching. "Headmaster, in light of recent incidents, how much longer do you think the murim can stay peaceful? In just a few years, these children might be thrust into war. No, it might not even take that long; there's a possibility that war could break out within the year."

"……" Mae Geuklyom fell silent, stunned speechless.

"One-on-one duels are rare in war. Chaotic battles like this are the norm," Baek Suryong continued.

Mae Geuklyom narrowed his eyes. "…Are you saying that you caused this mess to prepare for war against the Blood Cult? As some kind of mock battle?"

Baek Suryong shook his head. "Compared to war, this is nothing more than a game. However…"

He paused and scanned the assembled instructors before settling his gaze on Namgung Su.

No words were needed. Namgung Su immediately understood Baek Suryong's intention.

Sighing, Namgung Su argued, "Headmaster, I agree with Mr. Baek Suryong that this kind of training will benefit the students. Plants grown in greenhouses struggle to survive in harsh environments, and the same goes for students of orthodox academies. Their minds become rigid under the repetitive cycle of structured lessons, controlled duels, and theoretical exams, so we need to nurture their creativity, critical thinking, and flexibility under stress as well."

Namgung Su's gaze shifted toward the chaos of clashing weapons and battle cries. Although this was not a real fight for survival, it would give them a fresh and invaluable experience.

"More than half of these students have never killed anyone or roamed the murim alone. Although I find Mr. Baek Suryong's methods a bit extreme, I believe this is a necessary evil."

This was the real reason he had remained silent until now. Even though Baek Suryong was his clan's savior, he would not have stayed quiet if the riot were truly senseless.

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Namgung Su glanced at Baek Suryong. Is that enough? he asked with his eyes.

Yep, thanks! Baek Suryong silently expressed his gratitude, then turned back to Mae Geuklyom. "Headmaster. No matter what you say, I will not stop this exam until the time is up," he said firmly.

"Hmm…" In the end, Mae Geuklyom sighed and nodded. Although he remained unconvinced, now that Namgung Su was on Baek Suryong's side, he could no longer press the issue. "If you insist, I understand. However, you must ensure that no one is seriously injured."

Baek Suryong nodded. "I will take full responsibility for any accidents."

"What meaning is there in taking responsibility after someone gets hurt? Prevention is more important than treatment."

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Mae Geuklyom turned to look at the other instructors. Coincidentally, Noh Goonsang and Kwak Cheolwoo were absent. Given his seniority and standing in the murim, no one here would dare refuse his orders.

"Fellow colleagues, instead of just watching, let us help proctor the exam. If you spot any injured students, step in immediately and remove them from the battlefield. I'll divide the areas among us."

""Yes, sir!""

The instructors dispersed as per Mae Geuklyom's instructions to ensure the students' safety without disrupting the exam.

"Whew!" Baek Suryong sighed in relief. Fortunately, it seemed that he wouldn't have to write an incident report.

Honestly, I didn't expect things to escalate this much.

He had maintained a calm facade, but in truth, he was the most flustered of all. Sure, he had told the students to use any means necessary, but he never expected them to start a campus-wide riot.

Staring at the students running wildly through the battlefield, he sighed again.

These lunatics…

If not for his reputation as the Azure Dragon Hero, the other instructors would probably have intervened early on, even without his consent.

Just where did they learn all these nasty tricks…

Baek Suryong stopped himself from finishing that thought. Nope, he was not guilty. Definitely not.

Sigh, this must be my karmic retribution for being too stern and harsh on my students. Well, since they started this riot, they should see it through to the end. We can deal with the aftermath afterwards.

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Baek Suryong approached Mae Geuklyom, who was overseeing the chaos. "By the way, Grandpa, where are the Principal and the Vice Principal? I haven't seen them at all today."

"They left in a hurry after receiving a message from the Murim Alliance."

"…The Murim Alliance?" Baek Suryong narrowed his eyes. There was only one reason for the Murim Alliance to contact the Azure Dragon Academy at this point in time.

Mae Geuklyom nodded. "From what I overheard, the Murim Alliance Chairman plans to visit the academy tomorrow."

As expected. Feeling uneasy, Baek Suryong glanced toward the Murim Alliance Jiangxi Branch.

Mae Geuklyom placed a firm hand on his grandson's shoulder. "Principal Noh is not someone you need to worry about. For now, focus on watching over the students. You personally taught them this semester, didn't you?"

Baek Suryong nodded. "…Yes, I understand."

He set aside his other concerns and turned his attention back to the students fighting in the chaotic battlefield.

I deliberately designed missions that forced them to clash with each other to see how they push their limits, strategize, and adapt to an ever-changing situation.

From the beginning, the process was more important than the outcome. After all, most of the missions were downright impossible to accomplish.

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Anyway, some students disappointed, some met expectations, and a select few exceeded them by far.

Regardless of the results, though, Baek Suryong felt the same toward all of his students.

Good work this semester, everyone.

Watching them amidst the chaos, it was clear that each and every student had grown significantly.

The other instructors watching the riot also gasped in astonishment.

"How is Hyonwon Kang wielding his blade with such precision?"

"Huh… Wiji Cheon's skills are certainly worthy of being called the Sword Wonder."

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"Ya Suhyeok may be overshadowed by Wiji Cheon, but his abilities are also far beyond those of a freshman."

"Geo Sangwoong? Is that really the fourth-year Geo Sangwoong? Wow… He's changed so much in such a short time, and his skills have also improved a lot!"

"Speaking of which, has anyone spotted Yeo Min? Not long ago, she was darting around like a ghost, but then I lost track of her…"

Each time an instructor mentioned a student's name, Baek Suryong felt a surge of pride welling with him. All of his students were demonstrating the results of their semester-long training.

Beyond those five, there were also several other diamonds in the rough proving themselves amid the chaos.

"Looks like next semester's class roster is already decided," he mumbled to himself.

Mae Geuklyom nodded and tightened his grip on Baek Suryong's shoulder. "By the way, Suryong… What exactly were you planning to do with my beard?"

OH FUCK… A drop of cold sweat ran down Baek Suryong's forehead. Was he waiting for this moment? Not even one of the Ten Supremes can escape from him at this distance!

He laughed awkwardly, "P-Pardon? W-What are you talking about…?"

A sinister smile spread across Mae Geuklyom's face. "Cheon told me that you ordered him to cut off my beard."

"Ha… haha… T-That's not exactly…"

"Take your time explaining. We have plenty of time before the exam ends, don't we?"

The blood drained from Baek Suryong's face. The students' exam was about to end, but his trial was just beginning.