Baek Suryong announced he would walk into the Blood Cult's trap, rescue the spy, and return. Even though the Azure Dragon Academy instructors were extremely worried, the firm resolve in his eyes silenced any further objections.
"I know you're not one to act rashly," Noh Goonsang sighed, "but you must still be careful."
Baek Suryong nodded confidently. His peers, Ak Yeonho, Myeong Il'oh, and Jaegal Soyeong, also repeatedly urged him to be careful. Even Vice Principal Kwak Cheolwoo, who he barely knew, wished him a safe return.
Witnessing this, the Fire King cracked a joke. "Tsk. It seems my chances of bringing you to the Vermilion Phoenix Academy are slim."
Baek Suryong retorted with a chuckle, "You still haven't given up?"
The Fire King took a signal flare from his robes and handed it to Baek Suryong. "Fire it off anytime you need help. I need a chance to take back my Gratitude Token."
"This probably won't be necessary."
"Be careful. You should know by now that every last one of those Blood Cult bastards is insane."
"Yes." Baek Suryong nodded and surveyed the people who would defend the branch estate. Considering Wiji Yeol's situation, he had to move swiftly, but not before telling them a few things. "Once they realize I'm gone, the Blood Cult won't hesitate to attack this place."
Everyone nodded somberly. No one was naive enough to believe the Blood Cult's guarantee that they would withdraw peacefully if the Azure Dragon Hero was handed over.
The Undying Supreme Demon would never miss an opportunity like this.
Baek Suryong knew the Blood Cult better than anyone. Furthermore, the Undying Supreme Demon, the Head Elder, was already an elder fifty years ago. That old monster who had pledged his soul to the Blood Demon would never honor a promise sworn on a martial artist's honor.
"I have some information I learned from the spy..."
He informed those present about the Blood Cult's military forces and the general characteristics of their martial arts. Although there might be some differences compared to decades ago, from what he had seen and felt personally, the fundamentals were nearly identical.
"Hah! How did you get such valuable information?"
"This will make establishing our defensive lines much easier!"
"That guy, the spy! Their abilities are truly outstanding!"
"They'll be a great asset in the future war against the Blood Cult, so you must rescue them."
The leadership's expressions brightened at the unexpected influx of valuable intel. Listening intently, they analyzed the information Baek Suryong provided and brainstormed countermeasures.
Baek Suryong smiled. That should be everything I can tell them.
By the time the meeting ended, the sun had already passed its zenith. Deciding to leave the detailed strategy to those defending this place, he concluded his briefing. "I'll leave the rest to you. I'll be back as quickly as possible, so..."
"Do you see us as students, too?" Noh Goonsang asked sternly, placing both hands on Baek Suryong's shoulders.
"Pardon?"
"What I mean is, we can hold out for ten days and nights without you, so don't worry. Just focus on rescuing the spy and coming back safely. Don't overexert yourself worrying about us. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, I understand." Baek Suryong smiled awkwardly and nodded. Noh Goonsang's words put his mind at ease.
"Are you leaving right now?" the Fire King asked.
Baek Suryong thought for a moment before replying, "I'm going to meet with a student for a moment before I leave."
He was worried about all the students who would be left here while he was away, but one face in particular haunted him.
Dressed in a black martial arts uniform, Baek Suryong sat facing Wiji Cheon. "Cheon."
"Yes, Mr. Baek?"
Wiji Cheon's face was as calm as usual, but Baek Suryong noticed the slight tremor in the boy's fingertips as he clutched the Soul Sword. "I'm going to be gone for a while. I called you here because there's something I wanted to say to you before I leave."
"Grandpa... he's out there, isn't he?"
Although nothing specific had been disclosed, Wiji Cheon somehow grasped the reason behind Baek Suryong's impending departure.
The Wiji Clan was one of the Blood Cult's Eight Great Clans. As soon as he learned that the Blood Cult was their enemy, he recalled the unhappy memory of his grandfather leaving with a grim face. He tried his best to act like nothing was wrong, but no one around him was fooled.
Finally, he asked hoarsely, "Grandpa... he's still alive, right?"
"He should still be alive. Even the Blood Cult knows that a living hostage would lure me out more effectively."
Wiji Cheon bowed his head and let out a long sigh, relieved by Baek Suryong's pragmatic answer. "Thank goodness..."
Baek Suryong smiled bitterly. No matter how much of a sword prodigy Wiji Cheon was, he was still a child. Buried under a mountain of worries, he wouldn't be able to use his full skills in the coming battle.
Hoping to calm the boy's turbulent emotions, he reassured, "Don't worry and just wait calmly. I will definitely rescue your only family member."
"...Grandpa's not my only family!" Wiji Cheon lifted his head and shot Baek Suryong such a fierce glare that it startled him. "You're my family too, Mr. Baek!"
"......"
"So, you have to come back safely, together. You absolutely can't come back badly injured like last time. Got it? Promise me!"
"Very well. I promise." Baek Suryong chuckled and nodded.
Judging by the boy's expression, Wiji Cheon would likely endure. Besides, the Wiji bloodline had always been famous for its bold, resilient spirit.
"Say goodbye to the others for me."
"Yes!"