Who could they be?
The approaching group moved in perfect unison. They closed the distance at a steady pace, giving the impression of a well-trained organization.
Baek Suryong and Number Four weren't the only ones who noticed the newcomers. Noh Goonsang's expression soon hardened, and he called out to Vice Principal Kwak Cheolwoo. "I'll go check them out myself. You stay here and take command. They don't seem like ordinary passersby."
"Yes, sir! Everyone, gather in the center! Instructors, secure the perimeter!"
Sensing that something was amiss, the instructors drew their weapons, and the students glanced around in surprise.
"What's going on?"
"Bandits, maybe?"
"It could just be a passing merchant caravan."
The students didn't seem too concerned. Encountering merchants or other martial artists on the road was not uncommon. Even if they ran into Viridian Fores bandits or unorthodox sects, the Azure Dragon Academy was strong enough that the students felt no fear.
Only Baek Suryong grew increasingly grim.
It's not just their numbers that are the problem.
While the presence of so many strangers was unsettling, the more pressing concern was that the leader's aura rivaled that of the Ten Supremes.
"Could it be?" Baek Suryong narrowed his eyes. He glanced to the side, but Number Four shook his head sharply, feeling slightly offended that his old instructor suspected him first.
Sensing his former trainee's displeasure, Baek Suryong quickly explained, "I'm not suspecting you. If they're who I think they are, you'll be in a tough spot, so I wanted to know if you were going to stay here or hide."
"......" Number Four nodded in understanding. His figure blurred, and he vanished without a trace.
"W-Was that teleportation?"
"I can't find a single trace..."
"Who in the world is he?"
Baek Suryong rose to his feet. "All of you, stay here," he instructed the shocked students. Before they could react, he teleported just like Number Four and appeared next to Noh Goonsang, who had climbed to a high vantage point to observe the approaching group.
Keeping his eyes on the horizon, Noh Goonsang asked, "Did you have a good chat with your acquaintance?"
"Yes, thank you for your consideration."
"Hoho! I didn't have a choice, really. I felt you wouldn't have stopped bothering me otherwise."
Baek Suryong smiled bitterly at the subtle jab. As expected of an experienced veteran, Noh Goonsang had noticed that Number Four was an extraordinary master.
"I won't ask for specifics. To do so now would be silly, " Noh Goonsang added. "Just make sure the students don't get too hurt."
"Of course," Baek Suryong agreed, staring in the same direction as Noh Goonsang. A cloud of dust rose as the group of martial artists neared. "Do you know who they are?"
"Hmm, if they get a little closer, I might... Oh! Hah!" Noh Goonsang's eyes went wide, and he cried out in surprise when he saw the old man at the front of the pack gracefully executing movement arts with his hands clasped behind his back. The tension left his face. "No need to worry. I know that man."
"...Who is he?"
"He's one of my buddies from fifty years ago. I think he's still a friend now."
"Fifty years ago... Huh?" Baek Suryong soon also spotted a familiar face—a striking woman in a vibrant vermilion martial arts uniform. Her hair was longer than when they'd met at the Namgung Estate, but the confidence in her demeanor was unchanged. He grinned broadly. "I see. They're from the Vermilion Phoenix Academy."
"Hoho! That old scamp is as mischievous as ever, showing up unannounced like this. Well, we should head down to meet them."
Laughing heartily, Noh Goonsang descended the mountain, and Baek Suryong followed him.
On the way, Noh Goonsang instructed Kwak Cheolwoo to ease up. "They're guests. Prepare to welcome them."
"...Yes? Guests?"
"The Vermilion Phoenix Academy is here. The ill-tempered Fire King has come in person, so if you neglect to treat him well, I expect you'll find yourself in quite a predicament, hoho."
"...!"
Shortly afterward, the Principals of the Azure Dragon and Vermilion Phoenix Academies met.
Noh Goonsang let out a low sigh and feigned distress. "Sama-hyung, do you have any idea how alarming it is when you show up unannounced? The Vermilion Phoenix Academy's orange martial arts uniform is so bright, I nearly mistook you for the Blood Cult."
"Goonsang, you scoundrel! Are you scared of the Blood Cult? I never thought the Mad Dog who terrorized those crazy cultists would whine so much," the Fire King chuckled.
He was a tall, gaunt old man. His brilliant, ornate, and vivid orange martial arts uniform, the most vibrant among the Vermilion Phoenix Academy's staff and students, billowed wildly in the wind.
Noh Goonsang furrowed his brow. "Hoho, Mad Dog? How long are you going to keep calling me by that old nickname?"
"Hohoho! Of course not. I've simply let go of some of my obstinacy. What about you, Sama-hyung?"
"Once a Mad Dog, always a Mad Dog. Just because you've got a few wrinkles and a white beard doesn't mean you can suddenly act like a sage in front of me."
"Goodness! How could you say that in front of the children?"
The two old men conversed casually, obviously well acquainted. The instructors around them, however, dared not do the same.
"Is that the Vermilion Phoenix Academy's Principal?"
"Hyung-nim, haven't you heard of the famous Fire King?" Myeong Il'oh swallowed nervously, whispering to Baek Suryong. "The Fire King Sama Ryang is a former member of the Ten Supremes, an unparalleled master, and a god to all martial artists who practice extreme yang arts. He's also famous for having a temper as fiery as his martial arts..."
"Hm? Which one of you is badmouthing me? My ears have been itching for a while now."
"Gasp...!"
The Fire King retired decades ago after settling all his grudges in the murim. Since then, he had founded the Vermilion Phoenix Academy to focus on nurturing the next generation. Consequently, he commanded more authority over his academy than any other school principal.
After hearing the brief explanation, Baek Suryong nodded. "Indeed. Despite his age, he still looks quite strong."
"...Quite?" Flabbergasted, Myeong Il'oh's jaw dropped.
Baek Suryong shrugged nonchalantly and shifted his attention to the Vermilion Phoenix Academy instructors behind the Fire King.
[Long time no see!] Sama Yeong greeted, smiling mysteriously.
So Geomdong, who stood by her side like a shadow, also bowed his head and clasped his hands in greeting.
"Oh! Namgung Su's older brother is here, too," Baek Suryong exclaimed, spotting Namgung Hak, the Star Instructor of the Vermilion Phoenix Academy.
Nonetheless, Namgung Hak was clearly less than thrilled to see him. As soon as his eyes met Baek Suryong's, he quickly averted his gaze.
Baek Suryong smirked. He wasn't one to let offenses slide. He whispered to Myeong Il'oh beside him, making sure he was just loud enough for Namgung Hak to hear. "Hey Il'oh, did Namgung-hyung just shoot me a dirty look? Or was I imagining things?"
Myeong Il'oh caught on right away. "I saw it too," he concurred, nodding. "That's a poor way to treat a benefactor. You should send a letter to the Namgung Clan."
Namgung Hak's face paled, and he belatedly greeted his clan's benefactor properly.