Twenty tis? the old man asked, raising an eyebrow.
Sotis one has to be bold to get what one wants. A little nervous, I replied, I deserve at least that much, sir.
The old man stared at with an expression that said, This is daylight robbery.
If Im going to be your tutor, Ill focus only on you, I explained.
Its not like there are any other applicants anyway?
Fuck, he found out But I didnt hear anything I ignored the old mans words and continued, Normally, tutoring involves one hour of martial arts training every three days. However, considering your age, its clear that that wont be enough. From what I can see, youre skilled in the inner arts but lacking in the outer arts, am I right?
He nodded. I do so Qigong exercises every day to maintain my health.
This is a non-profit translation. There are no ads.
As expected. I sighed, You wish to enter the Azure Dragon Academy knowing only Qigong? Thats out of the question, and you know it. Moreover, to help you pass, not only do I have to train both your internal and external arts, Ill also need to continually monitor your health and adjust your diet accordingly.
I paused for a mont, then looked him straight in the eye to show my commitnt. Im talking about twenty tis the ti and attention, so I dont think its an unreasonable sum at all.
I see, the old man said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. So how much does this twentyfold service cost? You didnt put the regular price on the flyer.
Six thousand silver.
What a rip-off. The old man complained, though he didnt seem angry or dismissive.
Hes filthy rich. Just who is he? Six thousand silver is beyond the reach of most commoners and a considerable sum even for wealthy families, but when he heard the amount, he barely flinched.
So six thousand pieces of silver will guarantee my admission into the Azure Dragon Academy?
Y arent you reading this at ?
As long as you faithfully follow my instructions
Elder! The woman in the black martial arts outfit suddenly shouted, squeezing between and the old man. She glared at , her eyes glittering with fury, and added, You dont need to listen to this fraud any longer!
Shadow, I wasnt finished
Theres nothing more to hear! Shadow interrupted again, her hand hovering over her sword as if to draw it. Dont you think its crazy for an old man to learn martial arts? she snapped at .
No, I dont. Whats wrong with it?
Elder isnt just old, hes sick. He returned here to his hotown because he needs to rest and recuperate.
This is a non-profit translation. You should not be seeing ads.
Dont worry, Ill adjust the teaching to his physical condition. Hell be much healthier within a month.
How dare you! Shadows face twisted in anger. Who do you think youre fooling?
In an instant, her sword was drawn and pointed at , her eyes filled with the intent to kill.
Are you threatening ? I asked calmly.
Shadow! The old man shouted.
At the sa ti, Hyonwon Kang and Wiji Cheon rushed over with drawn weapons, ready to confront Shadow.
"Teacher! they exclaid in unison.
I narrowed my eyes at the woman called Shadow, noticing that the tip of her blade never wavered. Shes more skilled than I thought. Not soone who would normally willingly serve another.
Shadow paid no attention to the kids, her gaze fixed on . This is your last warning. If you dare to deceive the old man again, Ill cut you down.
Why arent you reading this at ?
I havent lied to him.
Looks like you wont confess until I
CLACK!
The sound of a cane striking the floor echoed throughout the room. It was soft, and there was no use of the inner arts, but for so reason, the irritated tap carried an aura of absolute authority.
Shadow, the old man said firmly.
Shadow froze. The old man was the one person she could never disobey.
Thats enough, youre embarrassing . Mr. Baek did not do anything wrong. Can you not even trust my judgnt?
Read this at , or else.
A shiver ran down Shadows spine. There was a gravelly quality to the old mans voice that she had never heard before. O-Old man, I an Sir, I apologize. Please forgive Shadow stamred, trembling.
Put away your sword and step aside.
There was no need for martial prowess. Just the intense presence emanating from the old mans diminutive fra pressured Shadow into lowering her sword.
She knelt before him and begged, Please forgive
The old man strode past Shadow and said to , I apologize for my subordinates unseemly behavior.
No worries, rather, I envy you for having such a loyal bodyguard.
Hehe, Im glad you think so, he chuckled. At the sa ti, the intimidating aura he had just exuded vanished like a mirage.
Lets get back to what we were discussing. If I receive martial arts instruction from you, can I truly gain admission to the Azure Dragon Academy and beco a martial arts master? The old man asked, his gaze both gentle and probing, as if trying to discern my true intentions.
I replied sincerely, Truth be told, because of your age, youre not likely to reach the peak-level. However, if youre lucky, you might beco a second-rate, or even a first-rate expert.
Lies! Shadow muttered under her breath, wincing in frustration, but when the old man shot her a stern look, she fell silent.
The old man regarded with a wistful expression. If Im lucky, huh Ive never been a particularly lucky person, though.
Well, luck seems to have favored you this ti, I remarked.
Hmm? What do you an?
I smirked and pointed at myself. You were lucky to et .
You ought to read this at .
The old mans eyes widened. Fuhahaha, youre really brave for saying that even after Shadow had her sword at your throat! he burst out laughing.
Uhm, I didnt really see her as that much of a threat.
Is that right? Puhahahaha! The old man roared, laughing so hard that he dropped his cane.
Shadow continued to glare at , her frustration palpable.
After a few minutes, the old man wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. You know what? Ill pay you thirty tis the amount, he offered, a genuine smile on his face.
What!? Did I hear him wrongly?
Nine thousand silver coins. No, Ill round it up to ten thousand. Half up front, and the other half when I pass the entrance exam.
I have no reason to decline. With my guidance, hell definitely pass. Most importantly, the higher the pay, the more motivated I get!
Ill make sure you pass, I declared confidently.
Youd better. The old mans lips curled into a gentle smile, but his words carried a subtle edge. Because if I fail, I will be very disappointed in you, perhaps even angry.
This is blackmail. I wonder what he does to those he doesnt like Nah, I dont think I want to find out.
I assure you, I wont let you down.
I look forward to it. So when does the training begin?
Lets strike while the iron is hot and start today.
Y arent you reading this at ?
Today?
Yes. Please follow inside.
The old mans eyes widened, genuinely puzzled. Before he could voice his surprise, however, I led him inside White Dragon Manor, with Shadow reluctantly trailing behind us.
Also, I might not have made myself clear earlier, but you have to stay here for the next month.
Is that really necessary? the old man asked, looking a little troubled.
I firmly repeated myself, Unfortunately, yes.
Admitting a sixty-five-year-old into the Azure Dragon Academy was no small task. Extre asures were needed.
This is a non-profit translation. There are no ads.
We will begin classes this evening. anwhile, there are plenty of vacant rooms in the manor for you to choose from.
Hmm, I see.
And so began the training camp for the oldest applicant in the history of the Azure Dragon Academy.
Reviews
All reviews (0)