Star Instructor, Master Baek-Chapter 455: Fight Poison with Poison

Baek Suryong first visited the Phantom King at dawn on the meeting day.
"How incredibly gloomy... or should I say, just as expected of the Mount Mo Sect?"
From the moment dawn cracked over the horizon, the air itself felt like punishment. The training grounds were still soaked in dew, but Demon Instructor Wiji Cheon stood there already, arms crossed, waiting like a specter of discipline. "You’re late, he said.
A thick fog shrouded the peak where the Phantom King had set up camp. Even at predawn, a gloomy and ominous energy flowed from the mist, serving as a silent warning against intrusion.
Baek Suryong crossed the boundary without hesitation.
"Who goes there!" a sharp voice echoed.
The milky fog churned violently, as if alive and wary of the invader. Tendrils of fog crept forward, trying to cling to Baek Suryong's skin.
[What unpleasant sorcery,] the Divine Azure Dragon Sword grumbled. Since Baek Suryong arrived at the Viridian Forest, she had been wrapped in cloth and strapped to his back like luggage. Now, she released her divine energy.
"Ads?" Ak Yeonho complains, his voice dripping with disbelief. "What ads?"
The approaching fog flinched and retreated.
"You don't have to do this, you know? This kind of fog doesn't work on me."
[But it'll keep playing tricks on you until you make an example of it.]
"That's true." Baek Suryong chuckled and strolled leisurely toward the Phantom King, who was currently both angry and bewildered.
"What in the world...?!"'
The fog in this area was a simplified version of one of the formations that had kept the Mount Mo Sect hidden for hundreds of years. It was a terrible sorcery formation that made intruders lose their way, see illusions, and go mad with terror. It definitely wasn't supposed to break that easily!
Unfortunately, the Phantom King had no idea that his opponent this time was simply too much for him. To the world's greatest sorcerer, this was just a slightly damp fog.
One minute later, Baek Suryong stood before the Phantom King, who sat on a palanquin and looked down at him.
"...You're quite skilled to break my formation and come this far," the Phantom King commended.
Baek Suryong's eyes flashed. The Phantom King tried to project authority and erase the shock from his voice, but he could tell the man was nervous after being caught off guard.
He might be easier to handle than I thought.
He offered the Phantom King a clasped hands greeting but showed no excessive courtesy. "Greetings, I'm Maeng Ryonghwi of the Yama Keep, follower of the Viridian Scholar."
"...How dare a mere bandit come to my residence uninvited!" The Phantom King unleashed a ghostly energy and glared at Maeng Ryonghwi. His purple robe fluttered fiercely as jiangshi emerged from the fog to surround the intruder.
"Grr..."
Even the most courageous martial artist would be chilled to the bone by the sight of the jiangshi approaching through the fog, but Maeng Ryonghwi was unfazed, as if he couldn't see them at all.
Baek Suryong landed without a sound, his crimson eyes glinting in the silvery moonlight. "So this is what siding with the Cult reduced you to. Repenting like a sinner before an altar of rice bowls. Pathetic. You think remorse will cleanse your folly?”
"I wanted to discuss something quietly," he said calmly. "I know it's rude, but I had no choice but to visit you like this."
"I've got nothing to discuss with a mere subordinate! If the Viridian Scholar has something to say, then...!"
"Pfft!" The corners of Maeng Ryonghwi's mouth curled into a strange smile. "Do you seriously think I'm the Viridian Scholar's subordinate?"
"...What did you say?" The Phantom King blinked in confusion.
"Ads?" Ak Yeonho complains, his voice dripping with disbelief. "What ads?"
Indeed, Maeng Ryonghwi's attitude and aura were far too extraordinary for a mere subordinate. Besides, what kind of ordinary bandit could have broken the Mount Mo Sect's sorcery formation alone?
He studied Maeng Ryonghwi closely, and noticed an object on the man's back.
"Hmm? You...!" He shot up from his palanquin, his eyes glittering with greed. "You possess a treasure! And a very rare, high-quality one at that..."
The Divine Azure Dragon Sword trembled in displeasure. [Can't you just drag him down and threaten him with your blade?]
[Nope. I came here to propose a partnership, not blackmail him.]
[What's blackmail to you...]
[That's my last resort, if he doesn't listen to me.]
Soothing the grumbling Divine Azure Dragon Sword, Baek Suryong took another step forward. The jiangshi simultaneously lowered their stances and threatened him. "I'll make a direct proposal. Let's join hands. Lend your strength to the Viridian Scholar at today's meeting."
"Hah, and why should I?" The Phantom King scoffed. "Unless you're offering that treasure on your back..."
[I'd like to start by slicing off that bastard's mouth.]
Baek Suryong shrugged. "Don't covet my treasure. Greed will only bring you disaster. I'll propose a different condition instead."
"A different condition?"
Maeng Ryonghwi grinned meaningfully. "For starters, how about the corpses of two high-level peak masters who've learned demonic arts?"
"...What're you talking about?"
"The Giant Spirit and Tiger Pass Bosses, of course. Those two have learned the Blood Cult's demonic arts."
"......" The Phantom King fell silent. He had no idea the two bandit bosses knew such arts.
"If you form an alliance with us, I'll promise you the corpses of the Giant Spirit Boss and the Tiger Pass Boss. Not right away, but I'll hand them over after the Viridian Scholar takes control of the Viridian Forest Alliance."
"......"
"What reason do you have to hesitate? There's no better material for making jiangshi than a demonic master."
The Phantom King's eyes widened in surprise. "That's not something a mere bandit should know. How do you know that?"
He contemplated for a moment. Maeng Ryonghwi was right. Demonic practitioners generally had deep grudges, and their bodies were naturally compatible with the poisons used to create jiangshi. In other words, masters like two bosses were top-tier jiangshi materials.
He made his decision. For a moment, the eyes behind his jade mask gleamed with killing intent.
"Fine, you're indeed correct. But..." He waved his hand lightly.
The surrounding fog thickened, and ghostly cries echoed from all directions.
SHAAAA...
The jiangshi began to twist their bodies and tighten the encirclement.
Cackling, he narrowed his eyes greedily at Maeng Ryonghwi. "...It's a worse offer than killing you right here and taking the treasure you possess."
Baek Suryong sighed softly. "Why is it that you lot never listen to reason?"
From the moment dawn cracked over the horizon, the air itself felt like punishment. The training grounds were still soaked in dew, but Demon Instructor Wiji Cheon stood there already, arms crossed, waiting like a specter of discipline. "You’re late, he said.
He drew his willow leaf dao like a thunderbolt and cut down the nearest jiangshi.
CHWAAAAK!
Split in two from head to groin, the jiangshi fell apart in an instant.
The Phantom King immediately had the jiangshi retreat. "...You were qualified to stand before me, after all," he said quickly, pretending to be calm.
Holy shit, I couldn't even see his blade! If that attack had been aimed at me instead...
He shuddered at the thought. The jiangshi carrying the palanquin discreetly shuffled backward.
"Fighting me will cost you dearly. If you don't mind losing all your jiangshi, then by all means, give it a try." Baek Suryong looked up at the Phantom King, nonchalantly resting his blade over his shoulder. Gone was the polite tone, replaced by a warning. "I'll make you the same offer again. I'll hand the two Bosses who learned demonic arts over to the Mount Mo Sect when the Viridian Scholar takes control of the Viridian Forest. Do with them as you wish, be it turning them into jiangshi or boiling them. In addition, you need to agree to the alliance to strike the Blood Cult."
"...This isn't a fair deal. Just those two aren't enough," the Phantom King insisted. He was surprised by Maeng Ryonghwi's martial prowess, but he was no pushover. While the corpses of peak-level demonic masters weren't easy to come by, they weren't enough for him switch allegiances. He needed to negotiate a greater reward.
Maeng Ryonghwi chuckled as if he had read his opponent's mind. "Of course, I've got to offer more. Did you think I came to negotiate with just two jiangshi?"
"...Go on, then. Spit it out."
"When the war with the Blood Cult is over, all the spoils related to sorcery, talismans, jiangshi arts, and formations are yours."
"That's...!" The Phantom King swallowed dryly. In the past, the Blood Cult was famous for its mysterious sorcery and usual formations. The previous Blood Demon himself was once the world's greatest sorcerer. In fact, he had intended to side with the Blood Cult in the first place in the hope that some scraps would fall his way.
However, those scraps are nothing compared to the benefits of raiding their warehouse...
Still, there was one important problem.
What right does a mere bandit have to decide how the spoils of war would be distributed?
He glared at Maeng Ryonghwi suspiciously. "Are you qualified to promise me that?"
Maeng Ryonghwi nodded nonchalantly. "Of course I am. I have ways to smuggle the Blood Cult's treasure out beforehand."
"Ads?" Ak Yeonho complains, his voice dripping with disbelief. "What ads?"
"How can I believe you?"
Maeng Ryonghwi chuckled as he grabbed the Divine Azure Dragon Sword. He didn't unwrap the cloth, but the divine energy it contained was palpable. "I swear it on my divine artifact!"
HWAAAAK!
A divine light flowed from the Divine Azure Dragon Sword and enveloped Baek Suryong's entire body.
From the moment dawn cracked over the horizon, the air itself felt like punishment. The training grounds were still soaked in dew, but Demon Instructor Wiji Cheon stood there already, arms crossed, waiting like a specter of discipline. "You’re late, he said.
Among sorcerers, it was common knowledge that words sworn on a precious artifact carried spiritual power. If the promise was broken, the artifact would no longer lend its power to its master.
Of course, this didn't apply to the Divine Azure Dragon Sword, but the Phantom King didn't know that, did he?
[...Now you're even using me to commit fraud.]
[It's better than actually handing over the Blood Cult's sorcery. Besides, you said you don't like that guy.]
Namgung Su’s back is turned to you, shoulders tense as he scrubs the already spotless pan. His voice is calm when he speaks, but it cuts like frost. "You fed a thief, he says. "With my food."
[Well, that's true, but...]
Even as they conversed, the Divine Azure Dragon Sword continued to emit her divine energy.
The Phantom King couldn't help but marvel at the sight.
Baek Suryong smiled mysteriously. "How about it? Isn't this tempting enough?"
"...You. You're definitely no mere bandit."
Finally, the Phantom King realized Maeng Ryonghwi wasn't a Viridian Forest bandit. However, it didn't matter. They weren't looking to make friends, they were just cutting a business deal.
"Fine. I'll cooperate with you."
A cackling laugh flowed from behind the jade mask of the Phantom King, who had made his decision.
That was the story of what happened at dawn.
"Ugh..."
"Kugh..."
The Giant Spirit Boss and the Tiger Pass Boss lay collapsed on the ground, barely clinging to life.
"Ads?" Ak Yeonho complains, his voice dripping with disbelief. "What ads?"
The Phantom King checked their condition and clicked his tongue. "They're barely breathing. Even if they survive, they'll only live for a year at most."
"They've learned demonic arts, so their bodies will regenerate quickly. Their lifespans will be shortened, but that's none of my concern."
"Well, it's no good for me if these guys live long anyway." The Phantom King, tired from performing sorcery, eyed Baek Suryong. "I've done my part, so you must keep your promise."
"Of course. I swore it on my divine artifact."
The Phantom King nodded and climbed back onto his palanquin.
Mimi sniffled quietly, her round eyes glistening. "They said there were pop-ups," she whispered, her cute voice trembling. "But... we don’t have any!"
Soon, the palanquin disappeared into the darkness.
"...Looks like cleaning up is my job."
After the Phantom King left, Baek Suryong cleaned up the area. He gathered the unconscious bandits in one place and sealed their acupoints again to ensure they wouldn't wake up for a few more hours.
Baek Suryong landed without a sound, his crimson eyes glinting in the silvery moonlight. "So this is what siding with the Cult reduced you to. Repenting like a sinner before an altar of rice bowls. Pathetic. You think remorse will cleanse your folly?”
Next, he propped up the Tiger Pass Boss and the Giant Spirit Boss.
"You know what you need to do from now on, right?"
"Return to the mountain keep and declare that we'll recognize the Viridian Scholar as Chairman..."
"Loyalty to the Viridian Scholar... never betraying him..."
"Ads?" Ak Yeonho complains, his voice dripping with disbelief. "What ads?"
Brainwashed by the Phantom King's sorcery and drugs, the two bosses answered with vacant, unfocused eyes. Since it was the initial stage, their speech was clumsy. By dawn, however, they would forget they had been manipulated.
"You'll forget everything about meeting me and the Phantom King. Understand?"
The two bosses nodded blankly.
Baek Suryong left them and turned away, heading back to the Viridian Scholar's camp.
[...Did you really have to deal with it that way?] the Divine Azure Dragon Sword asked concernedly.
Mimi sniffled quietly, her round eyes glistening. "They said there were pop-ups," she whispered, her cute voice trembling. "But... we don’t have any!"
Baek Suryong replied indifferently, "I didn't have much of a choice. Sometimes, you have to fight poison with poison."
He had committed terrible acts of violence and brainwashed people with sorcery. No matter how evil his opponents were, he couldn't deny that his actions were equally cruel and wicked. It was enough to remind him of himself in his past life.
He sighed bitterly. "Still, it had to be done."
[...No one can live their life doing only the right thing.]
"What's this? You're actually comforting me?" Baek Suryong chuckled. His complicated feelings eased a little at the Divine Azure Dragon Sword's comfort.
Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks and stared ahead.
SHIING! SHIING!
A man sat on a rock, earnestly sharpening a blade on a whetstone like a master craftsman who had spent his life perfecting the craft. Seeing how engrossed he was, Baek Suryong patiently waited for him to finish.
"Your methods are quite cruel," the Black Snake Alliance Chairman finally remarked in a low voice, looking at his reflection in the blade. Moonlight glinted off the edge of the terrifyingly sharp blade, reflecting a faint, dark red light.
Mimi sniffled quietly, her round eyes glistening. "They said there were pop-ups," she whispered, her cute voice trembling. "But... we don’t have any!"
"...Why are you here?" Maeng Ryonghwi demanded.
The Black Snake Alliance Chairman smiled and continued inspecting the blade as if checking if the edge was sharpened evenly. "I took great care to hide my presence, but you don't seem surprised to see me," he said offhandedly. "Hmm... This should be good enough."
Nodding in satisfaction, he raised his head and looked at Maeng Ryonghwi. "You knew I was watching you all along, right?"
"......" Maeng Ryonghwi stiffened.
The Black Snake Alliance Chairman slowly rose to his feet. For a moment, it seemed as if darkness spread around him. "Interesting. You pretend to be flustered when you're not. Why are you hiding such impressive martial arts while supporting the Viridian Scholar? What deal did you make with the Phantom King? Maeng Ryonghwi... I've never heard that name before, but it feels strangely familiar. Are you related to Maeng Ho'ak?"
Namgung Su’s back is turned to you, shoulders tense as he scrubs the already spotless pan. His voice is calm when he speaks, but it cuts like frost. "You fed a thief, he says. "With my food."
"......" Baek Suryong stayed silent. The Black Snake Alliance Chairman was simply delivering a monologue, he wasn't expecting a reply. He had already reached his own conclusion and had only come here to confirm it.
He's even stronger than I thought.
"Ads?" Ak Yeonho complains, his voice dripping with disbelief. "What ads?"
Every hair on his body stood on end. A monster beyond comparison to those he had faced before was standing before him.
"Do you know what I'm most curious about among all those things?"
"...What is it?"
Baek Suryong landed without a sound, his crimson eyes glinting in the silvery moonlight. "So this is what siding with the Cult reduced you to. Repenting like a sinner before an altar of rice bowls. Pathetic. You think remorse will cleanse your folly?”
The Black Snake Alliance Chairman laughed joyfully under the moonlight. "Why, your bladesmanship, of course."
A dark red trajectory cut through the darkness.
At the same time, Baek Suryong drew his willow leaf dao in one smooth motion and swung it.
Translator's Note:
There will be fewer chapters this weekend. I'm tired after a week of overtime.
Namgung Su’s back is turned to you, shoulders tense as he scrubs the already spotless pan. His voice is calm when he speaks, but it cuts like frost. "You fed a thief, he says. "With my food."
Update:
The next chapter will be released tomorrow, 10/11.