Chapter 59: See You at the Heavenly Martial Festival


    Are you serious about changing schools? Noh Gun-Sang asked.


    Peng Sa-Hyuk nodded. Yes.


    Why the sudden decision?


    Peng Sa-Hyuk fidgeted ufortably. He needed a rmendation letter from the academys principal, Noh Gun-Sang, to facilitate his transfer, but actually asking for it was nerve-wracking.


    Bowing politely, Peng Sa-Hyuk exined, I apologize, but I believe Ive learned all I can at the Azure Dragon Academy. I want to challenge myself alongside exceptional students in a more conducive environment.


    Noh Gun-Sang fell silent for a moment, then sighed. Haa Which academy are you considering?


    Read this at , or else.


    The Heavenly Martial Academy.


    Well, thats a relief. At least its not the White Tiger Academy.


    The Azure Dragon Academy and the White Tiger Academy had been rivals for years, their fiercepetition extending even to the Heavenly Martial Festival.


    Although, in recent times, the Azure Dragon Academys ten-year run as the lowest-ranked institution had rendered their rivalry somewhat pointless.


    I havent even considered any other options apart from the Heavenly Martial Academy.


    Are you prepared for the challenges youll face? It wont be easy.


    Just grant me the rmendation letter, and Ill handle the rest.


    Transferring was notoriously arduous. It required excelling at your current academy and passing an entrance exam significantly tougher than the standard one. For an Azure Dragon Academy student, the lowest of the Five Great Academies, aiming for the Heavenly Martial Academy meant even more stringent criteria.


    The instructors and students there wont go easy on you.


    Peng Sa-Hyuk grinned, brushing it off as if it were childs y. Let them try.


    I see. With your spirit, I believe youll adapt just fine.


    <em>No matter howpetitive it is at the Heavenly Martial Academy, Peng Sa-Hyuk is bound to shine there. In fact, with his bold personality, he might even stir things up,</em> Noh Gun-Sang thought, chuckling to  wees you.


    By the way, Im not quite sure what to mention in your rmendation letter about your character. Three years of dominating the Club Union, gathering followers, bullying your ssmates, and nearlynding in prison this year for attempting to bribe new instructors.


    P-Principal Peng Sa-Hyuk stammered, panicking.


    Noh Gun-Sang yfully grinned. Well, youve certainly been quite the troublemaker. I can only imagine what the Heavenly Martial Academy Principal might think if they found out.


    Principal Peng Sa-Hyuk deted. If Noh Gun-Sang decided to highlight character issues in his rmendation letter, transferring might be impossible.


    <em>So this is the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva Noh Gun-Sang, one of the worlds top hundred Not even the Hebei Peng ns reputation can intimidate him.</em>


    Seeing Peng Sa-Hyuks unease, Noh Gun-Sangughed, Just kidding. I wont include the character part in your letter of rmendation. While your pranks may have asionally crossed the line, youve generally performed well academically.


    Thank you, Peng Sa-Hyuk sighed with relief.


    However, Noh Gun-Sang wasnt done yet. Although can you take another day to think about it?


    Why?


    Noh Gun-Sang fixed Peng Sa-Hyuk with a meaningful stare. Feeling as though those eyes could prate his innermost thoughts, Peng Sa-Hyuk quickly looked away.


    Youve given me many reasons, but I suspect the primary one for your transfer isnt among them, is it?


    Why do you say that?


    Whether you like it or not, living a long life makes you perceptive. The twinkle in your eye gave you away.


    This is a non-profit trantion. Ads? What ads?


    If you wish to attend the Heavenly Martial Academy, Im willing to support you. But before you go, tie up any loose ends here, before they be inner demons that haunt you.


    <em>Im done here. I have no more regrets,</em> Peng Sa-Hyuk thought, but he wisely refrained from voicing his thoughts to the school principal. Alright, he finally replied.


    Ill have the rmendation letter ready by tomorrow afternoon. Come pick it up then.


    Thank you. Peng Sa-Hyuk rose from his seat, bowed to Noh Gun-Sang, and turned to leave.


    Suddenly, in a hushed tone, Noh Gun-Sang spoke, Three years ago, when you joined the Azure Dragon Academy, your teachers and I had high hopes for you.


    Peng Sa-Hyuk slowly turned back. Im sorry I didnt meet your expectations.


    Noh Gun-Sang smiled warmly. No apologies necessary. We are the ones who are sorry for not teaching you properly, andI still hold high hopes for you.


    Are you suggesting I stay at the Azure Dragon Academy? Peng Sa-Hyuk asked, his expression hardening.


    Noh Gun-Sang shook his head. Thats not what I mean I simply hope that whether you stay here or go to the Heavenly Martial Academy, youll always give it your all and achieve your goals. Thats all.


    Of course, its a pity. This years Azure Dragon Academy looks like its going to be a lot of fun. Can you guess why? Noh Gun-Sang smiled with the innocence of a child.


    That smile prompted Peng Sa-Hyuk tough without realizing it. Yeah.


    At that moment, a certain persons face shed through both their minds.<blockquote>


    Then, at this years Heavenly Martial Festival, I will lead the Azure Dragon Academy to victory.</blockquote>


    Why arent you reading this at ?


    Baek Su-Ryong had confidently spoken of winning the Heavenly Martial Festival. It was an impossible task, but he was determined to give it his all.


    Itd be a shame if you missed out on the fun.


    It would be, but I cant change anything by myself, Peng Sa-Hyuk sadly concluded. Im sorry, but I dont think I can stay.


    With that, Peng Sa-Hyuk bowed, turned, and exited the Principals office, softly muttering, Because I no longer have any regrets.


    As he stepped out of the building and wandered the academys grounds, Peng Sa-Hyuk reflected on his three years at the Azure Dragon Academy. He had never been a model student, and most of his sses bored him due to theirck of challenge. His ssmates, too, failed to captivate him.


    <em>Except for Dokgo Jun, everyone else is mediocre.</em>


    With nopetition within the academy, Peng Sa-Hyuk had strayed down a different path.


    <em>I indulged in power to the point of tedium.</em>


    As the Young Master of the Hebei Peng n, he easily amassed followers within the academy, securing control over the Club Union and gaining influence over some instructors. He knew they referred to him as the snake head behind his back, but he cared little for the opinions of the weak.


    <em>Its all so boring.</em>


    At the Azure Dragon Academy, he could act as arrogantly as he pleased, but he was self-aware enough to realize that he was the true rotten delinquent, not Hyonwon Kang like he always said.<blockquote>


    Im sure youve been guzzling those expensive elixirs your n provides, learning from the best instructors, and mastering secret martial arts passed down through generations. If youre still weaker than me after all that, then youre truly a worthless good-for-nothing.</blockquote>


    Read this at , or else.


    Youre the worthless good-for-nothing, damn it.


    A pitiable face with swollen, bruised lips. Eyes brimming with venom. A life wasted, but with an envy-inducing talent. Once friends, now nothing.


    Thinking of Hyonwon Kang, Peng Sa-Hyuk snorted. Youll remain stuck here for the rest of your life.


    Regardless of how he thought about it, there was nothing more to gain at the Azure Dragon Academy. He had no reason to stay, and from now on, he needed to aim higher. Therefore, he would transfer to the Heavenly Martial Academy, surpass those who underestimated him, and dominate yet another academy.


    <em>I should return and request the rmendation letter right away</em>. Peng Sa-Hyuk started heading back to Noh Gun-Sangs office.


    PENG SA-HYUKKKKK!


    WHOOSH!


    <em>What? Movement arts? Who?</em> Peng Sa-Hyuk turned toward the direction of the shout.


    Hyonwon Kang was racing toward him, his face a colorful canvas of bruises.


    At first, Peng Sa-Hyuk was astonished by Hyonwon Kangs audacity, but when he saw Hyonwon Kangs battered face, he brushed it aside and burst outughing, Puhahaha! Y-You look like a panda with those ck eyes Wait, I dont remember hitting you in the face, though? Who the hell did that to you?


    Hyonwon Kang skidded to a stop before Peng Sa-Hyuk, panting heavily. Huff, huff there you are. Fuck, Ive been looking for you everywhere.


    Youve been looking for me? For a moment, Peng Sa-Hyuks expression darkened, and he exuded a chilling aura. Hyonwon Kang, I warned you. Stay at least a hundred steps away from me, or Ill


    Hey, lets have another match.


    What?


    Read this at , or else.


    Another match.


    Peng Sa-Hyuk was dumbfounded for a moment, before he regained hisposure and said incredulously, Youve really gone mad, thats good. Theres no cure for insanity but death. Come on, you asshole.


    Wait! As Peng Sa-Hyuk drew his sword, Hyonwon Kang stumbled backward. Not today, but next time! Thats what I came here to tell you.


    Are you kidding me? Peng Sa-Hyuk eximed, but the look on Hyonwon Kangs face told him that he was not joking.


    Starting today, Im going to learn a new de art, Hyonwon Kang proudly dered.


    A new de art?


    From now on, no more drinking, no more cking off. Ill train to the brink of exhaustion.


    What for?


    Hyonwon Kang grinned widely. So that next time, Ill win.


    For a moment, Peng Sa-Hyuk felt like he had traveled back in time. Hyonwon Kangs smile was one he hadnt seen in three years.<blockquote>


    Next time, Ill win!</blockquote>


    He had said that to Hyonwon Kang countless times when they were kids, but ironically, it was Hyonwon Kang who was saying it to him now.


    Why arent you reading this at ?


    <em>Oh how the tables have turned.</em> Peng Sa-Hyuk erupted inughter. Youre insane Ahahahahaha!


    What? You think Im joking? Go ahead,ugh all you want now. Lets see if youll still beughing in a few months


    WHAM!


    Hyonwon Kang dropped to his knees, caught off guard by a sudden punch to the stomach. Tears welled up in his eyes as he red at Peng Sa-Hyuk. Damned bastard, whyd you hit me! I said next time, didnt I? Next time!


    Peng Sa-Hyuk sneered, Hah, in a few months? Youll never defeat me, you damned bastard.


    Fuck you Well see.


    Watching Hyonwon Kang grit his teeth, Peng Sa-Hyuk snorted, a hint of genuine amusement in hisughter. Kukuku, excellent. Please try harder next time. Ill eagerly anticipate the pleasure of defeating you, he dered with a smirk.


    A few dayster, armed with Noh Gun-Sangs rmendation letter, Peng Sa-Hyuk made his way to the Heavenly Martial Academy. He aced the transfer exam and became a student at the prestigious institution.


    He then penned a letter to Hyonwon Kang: See you at the Heavenly Martial Festival. Well settle our match there.


    <strong>Trantors Note:</strong> I am off on a business + vacation trip to Fukuoka and Busan. Updates will resume on Oct 25th. Now you know why there have been triple releasestely XD