Chapter 68: Do You Want To Make A Bet With Me?


    Three students stood behind Namgoong Su: two boys and a girl, all roughly the same age as Wiji Cheon. Judging by their steady breathing and good posture, they seemed to have a solid foundation, typical of those who have trained in martial arts since they could walk.


    Master, who is Wiji Cheon? The boy in the middle asked Namgoong Su.


    He bore such a resemnce to Namgoong Su that I couldnt help but wonder if he was a miniature clone of the man. <em>Could he be Namgoong Sus son?</em>


    The boy shook his head, mumbling, Wiji Cheon I thought I had memorized the names of all the prodigies I should pay attention to among this years examinees, but I dont remember that name


    Namgoong Su patted the boy on the shoulder and smiled sheepishly. I dont know who he is either, but theres no point finding out more. Even a hedgehog favors its own children, so its only fair that Mr. Baek should be free to think that the students he teaches are brilliant.


    Ohh, I get it.


    I was appalled. <em>What the fuck? How are these two so adept atforting me?</em>


    Mae Geuk-Lyom, who seemed to share my confusion, changed the subject with a slight frown. Mr. Namgoong, why dont you introduce me to the kids behind you? Since theyre going to be freshmen this year, it wouldnt hurt for me to get to know them beforehand.


    The boy resembling Namgoong Su stepped forward and greeted Mae Geuk-Lyom with sped hands. It was a respectful gesture, indicating that he was from a prestigious family. Greetings, sir. My name is Namgoong Seok. I am honored to meet the legendary Sword Addict.


    Theres no need to be overly polite. Are you of the Namgoong n?


    Yes. My father


    Namgoong Seokunched into a lengthy exnation, tracing his lineage from his father to his great uncle twice removed, all of whom seemed to express the deepest respect for the Sword Addict.


    <em>Sigh Why are orthodox sect people always so long-winded?</em>


    You ought to read this at .


    Looking slightly annoyed, Mae Geuk-Lyom raised a hand to halt Namgoong Seoks rambling. Enough, thats too much information for me to remember.


    My apologies, sir. Namgoong Seok bowed his head, then quickly stole a nce at me. Unlike when he faced Mae Geuk-Lyom, his eyes were cold and the corners of his mouth slightly upturned in a subtle smirk.


    <em>Wow, hes already such a cheeky punk?</em> I shot Namgoong Seok a threatening look.


    His expression changed instantly as he offered me a conciliatory greeting as well. Please forgive this foolish neer for not knowing your great name and title.


    Though outwardly polite, I sensed a subtle undercurrent of disregard and mockery from him. <em>Sneaky little bastard.</em>


    With a smirk, I introduced myself, I am Baek Su-Ryong.


    Y arent you reading this at ?


    Baek Su-Ryong Namgoong Seok muttered, still puzzled. My anonymity was unsurprising; I was neither a renowned murim master nor a scion of a prestigious n.


    Baek Su-Ryong? Ah, that braggart! The skinny boy on Namgoong Sus left giggled, covering his mouth. He was slightly taller than Namgoong Seok, and had the fiercest eyes of the three.


    Watch your mouth, Cho Mak-Saeng. Theres a chance he could be our teacher this year, the girl to Namgoong Sus right scolded the boy.


    <em>How on earth did Namgoong Su get such a normal student?</em>


    Well, hell probably be gone after three months though, the girl added, snorting.


    <em>Never mind, scratch that. Theyre all mini clones of Namgoong Su.</em>


    This is a free trantion. You should not be seeing ads.


    Kukuku, arent you being a little too harsh on Mr. Baek, Jinjin? Look at his stern expression.


    Shut up. I told you not to call me by that name, its disgusting.


    Why the fuss? Its not like Im interested in you.


    What did you just say


    Stop it, both of you, Namgoong Seok interrupted.


    " The bickering ceased immediately, highlighting the Namgoong boys authority.


    Namgoong Seok then bowed to me and apologized, Please forgive them. Come on, you guys, apologize!


    Im sorry.


    Sorry


    All their heads were bowed, but their cocky eyes and bad attitudes remained unchanged.


    <em>Whoever taught them did a thorough job. Its obvious that they think of me as a nobody who will be fired in three months. Oh wait, their teacher is Namgoong Su. No wonder.</em>


    Namgoong Su stepped forward, looking like he had thoroughly enjoyed my little exchange with the kids. I hope you dont take what they said to heart, Mr. Baek, theyre just children. I will make sure to punish them when we return.


    Haha, of course I wont. I trust in your <em>impressive</em> methods for character education, Mr. Namgoong, I replied, my tone dripping with sarcasm.


    In truth, I really wanted to smack him, but thanks to the intervention of Noh Gun-Sang, the Principal of the Azure Dragon Academy, the two of us had to hide our animosity towards each other and maintain the appearance of getting along, leaving us only the option of ying word games with each other.


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    Mae Geuk-Lyom sighed, Do you two really have to be like this?


    <em>Dear Grandpa, Id love to call it quits, but that bastard doesnt want to budge.</em>


    Namgoong Su fixed me with a frosty re. I heard you had Hyonwon Kang move out of the dormitory recently.


    Hes got potential, so Im considering mentoring him.


    He is indeed talented, Namgoong Su conceded, his toneced with mockery. But heszy and weak-willed by nature. For three years, hes done nothing butment his fate.


    So you suggested he drop out and threatened to prevent him from graduating?


    Namgoong Su nodded. I took into consideration the fact that he also tarnished the academys reputation multiple times without a hint of remorse.


    Hey, why did you suddenly bring his name up? Are you that upset that he rejected your offer? Do you bear a grudge against him?


    Not long ago, Hyonwon Kang told me what had happened between him and Namgoong Su on that rainy day.<blockquote>


    Ill give you onest chance to turn your life around. Take my hand and join my ss starting tomorrow.


    This is a non-profit trantion. You should not be seeing ads.</blockquote><blockquote>


    I dont need it, you hypocrite.</blockquote>


    Namgoong Su had extended a hand to Hyonwon Kang, but the punk chose to shrug it off. That rejection must have wounded Namgoong Sus pride.


    No, this isnt personal. I simply believe its best for him to leave the academy without further dy, and I stand by that decision even now, Namgoong Su rified.


    Youre not at all upset?


    Namgoong Su snorted, his gaze unwavering. Of course not. If anything, Im disappointed he chose you over me.


    I smirked. Well, he couldnt have found a better mentor. If you havent noticed, he has quite a good eye for people.


    He found a mentor suited to his capabilities. They call that birds of a feather, Namgoong Su retorted.


    Is that so? Then I guess your students


    ENOUGH! Will you two cease this incessant bickering? Mae Geuk-Lyom yelled.


    Read this at , or else.


    We immediately shut our mouths, but instead locked gazes in a silent battle of wills.


    In the end, Namgoong Su was the first to turn away. However, he couldnt help but squeeze in thest line, Hyonwon Kang is a failure. Do you really think you can win the Heavenly Martial Festival with a guy like that? Well see how many days youst. Lets go, kids.


    Yes, Master!


    Namgoong Su walked away, seeming to believe he had said his piece.


    Unfortunately, I wasnt quite finished with him.


    Namgoong Su, do you want to make a bet with me? I called out.


    A bet? Namgoong Su sneered. You seem to enjoy bets, Mr. Baek, even though you cant afford to lose.


    Dont hide behindme excuses. If youre scared of losing, just admit it.


    Ill at least listen to your proposal. What do you want to bet on?


    Baek Su-Ryong!!! Mae Geuk-Lyoms shout rang out from beside me, but I ignored him.


    <em>Hyonwon Kang is a failure? No one talks about my student like that. Im the only one allowed to insult Hyonwon Kang.</em>


    Shall we bet on whether your student or my student will do better on this years entrance exam?


    Pfft! Namgoong Su burst intoughter.


    What nonsense


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    Puhahaha!


    Kahaha


    His students joined him.


    Namgoong Su looked at me incredulously. You cant call something with impossible odds a bet.


    If youre afraid, admit it.


    Namgoong Su smirked. Lets say I ept. What are the stakes?


    If I win, Ill substitute for one of your sses this semester.


    His expression turned stern. How dare you And if I win?


    I havent thought about it, but if you have a wish, say it.


    Namgoong Su smiled slyly. If I win youll clean my room every morning and night.


    <em>This motherfucker sure knows exactly what to say to piss me off to the max!</em> I clenched my teeth and replied, Fine. You sure thats what you want?


    Just dont go back on your word when you lose.


    Thats my line. Still, to make sure that doesnt happen, we need a witness


    If youre seeing this, you are at the wrong ce.


    We turned to Mae Geuk-Lyom.


    Mr. Headmaster


    Mr. Mae


    Mae Geuk-Lyoms expression changed from anger to resignation. And you call yourselves <em>adults</em> Whatever, have it your way.


    With the bet settled, we parted ways.


    The Azure Dragon Academy entrance exam was one month away.


    I was determined to tten Namgoong Sus stuck up nose.