CLACK!
An old man threw open the window, inviting the crisp morning air into his lungs. Gradually, the fog in his mind dissipated, leaving clarity in its wake.
Hoo Taking deep, deliberate breaths, the old man fixed his gaze on the landscape outside. His vision was blurred from presbyopia, but he could still see well enough to appreciate the sunrise.
Good. A broad smile graced his lips as he watched the townspeople embark on their daily journeys. n and won left their hos, venturing out early to earn a living. The streets echoed with the chatter of children on their way to schools and martial arts academies.
In the few weeks since his return to his hotown, this had quickly beco a habit for the old man, and one of his few pleasures.
Suddenly, the window slamd shut of its own accord.
Old man, its not wise to be out in the cold so early, a voice called from behind him.
The old man clicked his tongue in annoyance and turned around, only to see a stern woman dressed in a black martial arts outfit approaching him. Dont you think youre being rather rude to the elderly by bursting into my room and interrupting ?
Your health is more important than your amusent, the woman replied, her voice surprisingly soft in spite of her severe appearance.
She helped the old man into his robes and placed a steaming decoction on the table beside the bed.
Open the window, please.
This is a non-profit translation. Ads? What ads?
Ill open it as soon as youve taken your dicine.
Eh The old man grudgingly took a sip of the bitter brew.
Only then did the woman relent and open the window.
When I get back, Im going to tell everyone how disobedient you were, the old man grumbled.
And Ill tell them you refused to take your dicine.
This is a non-profit translation. There are no ads.
Ugh The old man groaned, on the verge of an outburst, but he stopped himself. The womans words may have been harsh, but her concern for him was undeniable. After all, not only had she accompanied him on this journey, but she had also carried all of his luggage for him, all the while maintaining her stoic facade.
When I return, Ill see to it that youre given more important duties.
The womans face paled. I apologize, so please dont say that.
The old man chuckled at the sight. The woman had remained impassive even when he threatened her, but when he offered to reward her, she panicked.
He turned back to the window and looked out at the street.
I lived here until I overstayed my welco. Then, after decades, I returned. Its almost funny how much things have changed.
Yes.
I thought this was ho, but now that I think about it, it never really was. Both my parents passed away when I was a child, and I dont have many fond mories of this city.
Then why did you decide to co here?
The old man fell silent, a mixture of emotions in his eyes. After a while, he said, Because regardless, this is my hotown and the first place that ca to mind when they told I needed to recuperate.
Im sure youll recover soon and return to office.
Why arent you reading this at ?
You know, Shadow. I really dont want to go back to that den of vipers.
Shadow held her tongue and studied the old mans back. This was not the ti for her to speak. Her job was to ease his mind, look after his health and protect him from danger.
Ill go get you sothing to eat. Shadow moved to leave the old mans room.
Hmm? Whats going on? the old man suddenly exclaid.
Shadow stopped in her tracks and turned around. The old man was leaning halfway out of the window, peering intently at a boisterous crowd gathering below.
Puhahaha, check this out!
Tsk tsk, I guess there are all kinds of weirdos in the world
The Azure Dragon Academys Future Star Instructor? Who the hell is Baek Su-Ryong?
Havent you heard the rumors? Hes one of the new instructors
Ah, you an that braggart who said hed lead the Azure Dragon Academy to victory in the Heavenly Martial Festival?
Guaranteed acceptance? What a fraud!
The Azure Dragon Academy must have really fallen from grace for them to hire such a person
What a disgrace to martial artists!
The spectacle caught the old mans attention. Whats all the fuss about? So kind of murim conspiracy?
You ought to read this at .
Shadow enhanced her hearing with inner qi. Looks like soone put up a flyer. A martial arts instructor nad Baek Su-Ryong is looking for students, she replied.
Does this kind of thing usually cause such a commotion?
Not really. Its just not common to see a flyer advertising private martial arts lessons. Most parents prefer to entrust their children to proven and reputable instructors through personal connections.
Well, if were talking about an Azure Dragon Academy instructor, then his skills should be guaranteed, but this Baek Su-Ryong seems to be quite the attention seeker. Anyway, this has nothing to do with us
I wonder what he wrote? Bring a copy of the flyer, the old man ordered.
Unfortunately, he seems to think differentlyand whats that strange look in his eyes? Shadow felt a little uneasy, but she had no choice but to obey.
Yes, she said resignedly, before walking out of the room.
A few minutes later, she returned, holding a crumpled piece of paper. I read through it on the way here, but its really nothing worth
Give it to . The old man snatched the flyer from Shadows grasp and unfolded it.
Silence hung in the air. The old man read and reread the ssage, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand to make sure his eyes werent playing tricks on him.
Why arent you reading this at ?
Hehe he suddenly broke into laughter. The frivolous tone and exaggerated claims on the flyer were amusing, like the work of soone desperate, broke, and willing to do anything. This fellow must be pretty hard up, dont you think? It cant have been easy for a martial artist to put up such a flyer.
Many children fantasized about becoming martial artists, and in his younger days, the old man had been no exception. Every ti he walked past the Azure Dragon Academy students on his way to school, he would look at them with envy. The confidence they exuded made him unconsciously bow his head, feeling like he was beneath them.
Even now, when the most accomplished martial masters had to bow before him, that feeling never went away.
Martial arts lessons Teehee. Sounds intriguing.
Old man, you cant be serious Shadow persuaded. Once he made up his mind, it was difficult to dissuade him, so it was now or never.
The old man smiled kindly, sending shivers down Shadows spine.
Im going out for a change, so get ready.
If youre seeing this, you are at the wrong place.
What? Shadows eyes wandered to the flyer in the old mans hand. There was an address on it: the White Dragon Manor, a large estate near the Azure Dragon Academy.
Dont worry, Im just going to check it out, The old man said, his eyes sparkling with childlike excitent.
Shadow was horrified.
Reviews
All reviews (0)