The Fire King asked stiffly, "...So you're saying the Ak Patriarch is plotting something sinister? Can you take responsibility for what you're saying right now?"
He had thought Noh Goonsang was just stopping by for a late-night drink, but the Azure Dragon Hero and a new instructor from the Shandong Ak Clan unexpectedly entered with him. Not only that, they brought up a shocking story. According to them, the Patriarch of the Shandong Ak Clan, a peerless master revered as one of the Ten Supremes, might be jeopardizing their safety.
The Fire King cast a stern gaze at Baek Suryong. He had seen the Azure Dragon Hero and the Spear King engage in a clash of wills from their very first meeting. Rather, it would be stranger if two peerless masters didn't size each other up the moment they met. Having been in the same position, he understood that much.
Nonetheless, the weight of Baek Suryong's accusation went far beyond that. He liked the Azure Dragon Hero's confidence and spirit, but he also worried that the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
With the tone of a grandfather reprimanding his grandson, he scolded, "Did you stop to consider the possibility that you could be framing the Patriarch of the Shandong Ak Clan, one of the most renowned martial artists in the murim? If you're not careful, the consequences will be severe, even if you're one of the Ten Supremes."
However, Baek Suryong shook his head firmly. He felt no rivalry toward Ak Bi, only disgust. Ak Bi expanded his clan's influence in a manner far too similar to the Blood Cult. He replied coolly, "I understand why you might think that, but this is completely unrelated to my personal feelings."
"Uh, if it's alright, may I speak?" Ak Yeonho muttered nervously.
Everyone in the room turned to him, including the Fire King. Noh Goonsang, Baek Suryong, and Vice Principal Kwak Cheolwoo represented the Azure Dragon Academy , while the Fire King, the Vice Principal, and Sama Yeong represented the Vermilion Phoenix Academy. It was no exaggeration to say that the heads of both academies had gathered.
Noh Goonsang nodded. "Please, speak freely."
Ak Yeonho relayed the story he had heard from Ak Yeonhwa, making sure to include every detail.
Still, the reaction was mostly lukewarm.
"In the end, isn't this just a baseless suspicion? You have no evidence."
"Something unusual is about to happen? Are you framing the Patriarch of the Shandong Ak Clan based on that alone?"
"This seems like an internal family matter, not something for outsiders to meddle in."
Unfortunately, this was a perfectly natural reaction. Dismissing the matter as the Shandong Ak Clan's internal problem was more reasonable than believing a peerless master from an orthodox sect was plotting something sinister.
Ak Yeonho continued pleading, "The Young Lady of the Shandong Ak Clan would never intentionally lie. I swear this on my name... no, on my honor as an Azure Dragon Academy instructor."
He staked his position as an instructor instead of his worthless surname, but the disbelieving stares did not easily fade. Since the others were not aware of his circumstances, only Baek Suryong believed him fully. He needed the help of someone with greater clout.
Baek Suryong stepped forward. "If this is all a misunderstanding, I will accept full responsibility."
"H-Hyung-nim?" Ak Yeonho's eyes widened in shock. Baek Suryong was risking his own hard-earned fame, which was no inferior to the Spear King's.
Now, even the skeptical vice principals fell silent, watching the situation unfold.
Smiling, Noh Goonsang backed his employees up. "Hyung-nim, the Azure Dragon Academy trusts Mr. Baek and Mr. Ak. We intend to start preparing for the worst."
"Principal..." Ak Yeonho mumbled, overcome with emotion. Evidently, Noh Goonsang had also chosen to put his faith in them.
"Haa..." Vice Principal Kwak Cheolwoo sighed, worried about making an enemy of the Ak Clan, but he could not sway the Principal's decision.
Baek Suryong stared intently at the Fire King, who silently stroked his beard.
I absolutely need the Fire King's cooperation.
If the 'unusual' event the Young Lady mentioned was about to occur, the two academies had to cooperate to minimize the damage. Regardless, he could not force the issue. One wrong move could antagonize the Spear King and the Shandong Ak Clan.
If the Vermilion Phoenix Academy refuses to cooperate, the Azure Dragon Academy will have to proceed alone...
As he was considering backup plans, the Fire King made his decision.
"There's no harm in practicing for a potential emergency. We could always treat it like a drill of sorts," he said, nodding.
"Principal..."
Sama Yeong and the Vice Principal of the Vermilion Phoenix Academy looked concerned, but neither of them dared go against the Fire King's will.
"It's not like we're declaring all-out war on the Ak Clan right now, is it? Let's hear what you're thinking. What do you think Ak Bi is scheming?"
"Thank you for listening." Baek Suryong nodded at the Fire King and surveyed the faces gathered around him. "From here on, this is strictly speculation. Assuming the worst-case scenario, it's possible that the Shandong Ak Clan has joined forces with the Blood Cult."
"...!" A stunned silence washed over the room.
Fortunately, all of the martial artists present were at least peak masters. Someone with less discipline would have screamed.
"That's impossible," Sama Yeong muttered, her face turning pale. "Why would the Ak Patriarch..."
The implication of Baek Suryong's statement was staggering. If this conversation leaked, it could turn the Shandong Ak Clan into their mortal enemies.
The Fire King remained expressionless, perhaps because he had anticipated this outcome. "Of all things, why the Blood Cult? Isn't it a huge stretch to speculate that just because the Ak Patriarch is plotting something?"
Noh Goonsang furrowed his brow. "Mr. Baek, I think so too."
Baek Suryong calmly explained his reasoning. "It's because of me."
"...Because of you?"
Baek Suryong nodded. "Let's formulate a hypothesis. What if Ak Bi joined forces with the Blood Cult and informed them of our movements?"
He didn't need to say the rest. From the Blood Cult's perspective, this would be the perfect opportunity to eliminate the Azure Dragon Hero, a constant thorn in their side.
"What could the Ak Patriarch possibly gain by doing such a thing?"
The Vice Principals still shook their heads, deeming it absurd. Conversely, the Principals' expressions grew increasingly serious. They were from the generation that fought in the last war against the Blood Cult. To them, Baek Suryong's speculation did not sound far-fetched.
"Hmm... Similar things have happened in the past. The Namgung Clan is a recent example."