Chapter 70: Thank You

Chapter 70: Thank You

Huff, huff, huff, puff T-Teacher, I can s-stillg-go on Gongson Su panted after swinging a wooden sword a few times. His skin glistened with cold sweat, and his complexion was as pale as a someone about to cross the Sanzu River.1

Shadow, observing from the sidelines, asked concernedly, Are you sure youre okay?

Huff, huff Yes, Im f-fine. Teacher, please treat me the same the other students! Gongson Su forced out.

I assessed the old mans condition. Gongson Sus spirit was commendable, yet his wobbly legs and the wooden sword he was leaning on for support undermined his conviction.

I glanced at Shadow, who shook her head, conveying telepathically, [Hes at his limit.]

Yeah, I can tell. With a sigh, I said firmly, Student Gongson Su, you need to take a break now.

What? I can stilldo more

Go look in the mirror. You need rest.

Im really fine, I can overcome this much with willpower Gongson Su protested, frustration clearly visible in his eyes.

Looks like just words wont be enough. Closing the distance, I sent a wave of killing intent at him. Student Gongson Su, are you ignoring my instructions?

Gongson Su flinched, and Shadow eyes widened in surprise. Even Hyonwon Kang and Wiji Cheon diverted their attention from training to witness the exchange.

Thats not it

This isnt training. All youre doing is abusing your body. Are you trying to commit suicide?

Gongson Sus face flushed with discontent, even as the sweat constantly dripping down his face and his puffy, bloodshot eyes betrayed his worn-out state. It was evident that his untrained body had reached its limit.

Still, I noticed a flicker of envy in his gaze as he sneaked a glance at Hyonwon Kang and Wiji Cheon.

Why arent you reading this at ?

Student Gongson Su. I softened my tone, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Yes.

I know youre upset that your body wont cooperate, but this is reality. Its not just your age; you cant expect to do the same training as the other students if youve only been doing simple Taichi exercises until now.

I know, he admitted, resignation coloring his voice.

I sighed. Unlike Hyonwon Kang and Wiji Cheon, Gongson Su was neither young nor a martial arts genius. He did not have the resilience of youth nor an instinctual understanding of his physical limits.

The old man can never train like those two. If a sparrow tries to keep up with a hawk, it will only meet its death. I need to take a different approach with him.

Regardless, please dont be impatient and trust me. Ive tailored an Azure Dragon Academy Entrance Exam training regime just for you. Youll definitely be accepted.

And thats also when Ill squash that bastard Namgoong Sus stuck-up nose flat.

Yes. I guess Im being overly ambitious. Gongson Su lowered his wooden sword, finally relenting.

Guiding him to a nearby pavilion, I instructed, I want you to report your current physical condition accurately.

My back, shoulders, knees, wrists, and ankles ache.

What the hell?

My fingers are sore from holding the sword for so long, my neck is kinked my eyes seem to be a little sunken in hohoho

An old story, huh I wonder what Gongson Sus face would look like if he knew that he was learning martial arts from the same instructor who raised the Blood Cults martial masters. And if he knew the real reason for the Blood Cults demise I fantasized about his reaction for a moment, then shook my head. Thinking about such hypothetical situations was pointless.

Now that Im old and back in my hometown, I often think back to those days. To think that Im going to attend a martial arts academy past my sixtieth birthday, hoho everyone will look at me and say Im senile.

I listened to Gongson Sus story without saying anything.

You ought to read this at .

He stood up and smiled cheekily at me. But what can I do? Im really enjoying learning martial arts right now.

Although my body is sixty-five, I feel like Im back to being fifteen. Gongson Su looked at me with clear eyes. A slight, childlike smile of innocence crossed his lips. Thank you, he suddenly said with a tone of respect.

Eh?

Thank you for making me feel this way. Thank you for giving meaning to the life of an old man who was just waiting to die.

What I couldnt help blushing.

I promise you now, I wont blame you even if I fail the entrance exam, and Ill pay you in full. No matter how this crazy endeavor turns out in the end, I am already greatly indebted to you.

Gongson Sus unexpected declaration left me speechless for a moment. However, I soon forced a smile and said. I thought I told you to show respect to your teacher.

Hoho, I understand, Ill be careful in the future, Teacher!

What a shrewd old man. I was ashamed that I had revealed my embarrassment before him.

Hmm?

What. Do. You. Two. Think. Youre. Doing? I looked at Hyonwon Kang and Wiji Cheon, who had gathered around us. They must have heard all of Gongson Sus story, because their faces were grim.

Wiji Cheon held Gongson Sus hand, sobbing, Grandpa Ill be by your side cheering for you all the way!

Hoho, thank you, lets pass together.

Hyonwon Kang thumped his chest and confidently said, Grandpa, feel free to ask me anything. As an Azure Dragon Academy senior, I can give you some advice.

Hoho, thank you, senior.

I sighed and smacked both of them on the head. Go back to your training, you punks. How about solving your own problems before you get involved in someone elses?

Thats too much

You cold-blooded bastard, how can listen to this and feel nothing!

Ohoho, dont be so hard on the kids.

Hey. I thought I told all of you to show me proper respect.

Hohohoho!

As I bantered with the students, I suddenly realized that I was smiling. I raised my hand to cover my mouth awkwardly, but somehow, I didnt hate this feeling.

I swore I would return to being the Blood Cults Demon Instructor but it seems like its impossible to go back to those days now.

Sanzu River: The East Asian version of the River Styx.