TL: FoodieMonster007

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CLAAAANG!

With a resonant clamor, the two Azure Dragons clutching mystical orbs locked in a fierce stare-down on the Azure Dragon Academy gates parted ways, signaling the grand opening of the Azure Dragon Festival.

Right behind the opened gates stood an old man, exuding the sharp aura of a well-honed blade.

Mae Geuklyom, the Headmaster of the Azure Dragon Academy, announced, "Enter in an orderly fashion. While I understand that you are excited for the festival, I will not tolerate any unnecessary commotion. Anyone who causes a disturbance will be escorted out immediately."

Everyone flinched under the old swordsman's gaze, especially now that his martial arts had advanced. The weight of his aura alone was more sinister than any warning he could give.

Still, the moment they passed through the main gates and stepped inside the academy, most people instantly forgot the warning and gasped in awe.

"Wooow!"

"Incredible!"

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The Azure Dragon Academy wasn't called one of the murim's Five Great Academies for nothing. It was a massive institution built on the largest plot of land in Nanchang. Its facilities, including a grand training field essential for nurturing prodigies, over a dozen smaller training grounds, and dedicated zones for external and movement arts practice, rivaled those of the Murim Alliance Jiangxi Branch.

"Huh? Is it just me, or does everything look brand new?"

"I heard a rumor that someone recently donated a substantial amount to them…"

"Whew! The speculation that the Azure Dragon is about to emerge from its slumber is no exaggeration!"

Visitors who had been to the Azure Dragon Academy years ago were even more astonished than the first-timers. The academy was nothing like they remembered.

"Hey, let us see, too!"

"There are a lot of people behind you. Hurry up and move inside!"

On the grand training field, all of the Azure Dragon Academy students stood in formation.

Suddenly, a majestic voice, imbued with profound inner qi, echoed throughout the school.

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"Welcome, my fellow martial artists who have journeyed here from afar! Welcome, esteemed guests who have come to enjoy the Azure Dragon Festival!" Principal Noh Goonsang announced, smiling benevolently at the wide-eyed onlookers.

He turned to look at a young man beside him. "Doesn't the Student Council President also wish to address our guests?"

Dokgo Jun clasped his hands and bowed. "We, the students of the Azure Dragon Academy, extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you!"

The students, numbering more than a hundred, all performed the same gesture simultaneously.

""WELCOME TO THE AZURE DRAGON ACADEMY!""

"Hoooh…"

"Astonishing…"

Martial artists who had come with few expectations, or merely to see the Azure Dragon Hero, were momentarily awestruck by the majestic spectacle. The students' disciplined movements and unified voices powerfully conveyed their newfound pride and vigor as students of the Azure Dragon Academy.

Nevertheless, prejudices were not easily dispelled. The Azure Dragon Academy had consistently placed last in the Heavenly Martial Festival for the past decade, and its expulsion from the festival was all but certain. Although the emergence of a prominent martial artist like the Azure Dragon Hero elevated the academy's standing, many believed that was the extent of its revitalization.

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However, that perception would change today.

"I thought the academy was simply relying on the Azure Dragon Hero, but…"

"The students seem really passionate. I attended the Vermilion Phoenix Festival last year, and these students are just as spirited as those I saw then."

"I absolutely must attend this year's Heavenly Martial Festival!"

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Everything the spectators saw and heard here would soon spread throughout the murim like wildfire. They would learn that the Azure Dragon Academy was no longer the dumping ground of the Five Great Academies, and that their students were all latent dragons with immense potential.

Noh Goonsang beamed. I've never been more proud to be the Principal of the Azure Dragon Academy.

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He continued his opening speech,s "The Azure Dragon Festival is a public celebration for everyone to enjoy. We designed it so that both martial artists and non-martial artists can have a good time, so please enjoy yourselves to the fullest while you are here. Especially..."

Noh Goonsang deliberately paused for dramatic effect.

"I believe you'll all find today's Azure Games, a specialty event of the Azure Dragon Academy, quite entertaining. Hoho."

As one, the students pulled blue or white headbands from their pockets and tied them tightly around their foreheads. Dividing themselves into two opposing teams, they stood facing each other with weapons raised.

"Blue Team, form up!"

"White Team, form up!"

The spectators' eyes sparkled with anticipation. Word had long since spread that the Azure Dragon Hero and the Lightning Dragon Hero would be the commanders of the blue and white teams, respectively. It was no exaggeration to say that more than half of the people present had come just for this event.

"This year, two instructors from the Azure Dragon Academy will lead the Blue and White Teams for the Games. As you all know, they are…"

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"Enough dallying!"

"Let's just start already!"

Noh Goonsang grinned, relishing in the crowd's impatient jeers. Still, he had no intention of hurrying up.

He said leisurely, "Mr. Baek Suryong, the Azure Dragon Hero, and Mr. Namgung Su, the Lightning Dragon Hero, please come up to the stage!"

""WOAAAAAAH!""

The crowd erupted in a thunderous roar of cheers and applause as Baek Suryong and Namgung Su appeared from opposite ends of the stage and ascended the steps.

"It's the Azure Dragon Hero!"

"Lightning Dragon Hero!"

"Look this way just once!"

Although the Azure Dragon Hero received louder cheers and applause, Namgung Su was no less popular. His mysterious golden eyes and partnership with Baek Suryong to eliminate Blood Cult spies in the Murim Alliance had greatly elevated his renown.

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Noh Goonsang glanced at the two instructors flanking him. "Hohoho! It seems fate has brought our academy's two pillars together as adversaries today!" he remarked playfully.

Baek Suryong and Namgung Su immediately tensed, but regrettably, Noh Goonsang remained blissfully unaware of the gravity of the situation.

"Before we begin the Azure Games, would you two like to say a few words to each other?" he teased lightheartedly.

Namgung Su narrowed his eyes at Baek Suryong. "Defeat is not an option. I will be victorious."

"Uh, umm?" Noh Goonsang blinked in confusion.

Although the Azure Games pitted students against each other, its ultimate objective was to foster harmony and camaraderie. So why was Namgung Su glaring at Baek Suryong as if they were mortal enemies?

"Today, I will regard the White Team as Blood Cult members and crush them without mercy," Baek Suryong declared.

Noh Goonsang's jaw dropped. Whether it was the cold sneer on Baek Suryong's lips or the malicious gleam in his eyes, both were utterly inappropriate for someone taking part in a fun children's game.

"Ahem! Aren't you two a little bit too uh... enthusiastic?" he muttered, finally realizing something was amiss.

Unfortunately, it was already too late.

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"Namgung Su."

"Baek Suryong."

Ignoring their employer, the two instructors advanced toward each other, their gazes firmly fixed on one another.

"Soon, those pristine white robes will be covered in dust."

"I look forward to seeing your blue headband rolling on the ground."

An invisible pressure weighed down on the space. Fortunately, Noh Goonsang was the one standing beside them, because any other instructor would have fled long ago.

"Haha, hahahaha! Oh my! Look how fired up these guys are! I wonder if it's because of the large crowd!" Noh Goonsang quickly separated the two instructors, then addressed the wide-eyed spectators. "In any case, let the Azure Games begin!"

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The first event of the Azure Games was chosen by Student Council President Dokgo Jun, who randomly drew a slip of paper from a large box and displayed the event written on it for all to see.

"It's a cavalry battle!"

"Of all things, a cavalry battle…"

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"Yes! The first match is ours!"

Tang Soso, the Blue Team Strategist, sighed, while the Five Young Azure Dragons of the White Team clenched their fists in glee.

Dokgo Jun explained the rules of the cavalry battle to the spectators gathered around the grand training field.

"Participants will work in groups of four, consisting of a horse, a rider, a left flank, and a right flank. If someone's headband is snatched, the rider falls from the horse, or the horse falls over, the entire unit is eliminated from the battle."

Geo Sangwoong grinned. In other words, the students playing the horses and riders were crucial.

"The student playing the horse is not allowed to use their hands or feet. However, body contact, such as pushing with the body, is permitted. The left and right flankers must keep one hand on their allied horse at all times, but may use their free hand to push or pull an opponent's horse and attempt to topple them. If the hand touching the horse comes off, though, the unit is eliminated."

Wiji Cheon and Yeo Min secretly high-fived at a speed imperceptible to most students. The flank position was best suited to fast and agile individuals.

"The rider can freely use their hands and feet while mounted on the horse. However, if they fall from their horse or directly attack an enemy horse, they are eliminated. Riders must only fight other riders."

"Kukukuku! I'll kill them all!" Hyonwon Kang laughed like a third-rate villain.

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"...Victory goes to the team that either defeats all of the opposing cavalry units or seizes the Commander's headband."

In an instant, an invincible cavalry unit consisting of Geo Sangwoong, Hyonwon Kang, Yeo Min, and Wiji Cheon advanced to the front of the White Team.

"Damn punks… they're no students of mine anymore..." Baek Suryong sighed, rubbing his temples.

Although the students' smug attitudes were absurd, their power was undeniable. Since they trained together daily at the White Dragon Manor, he didn't doubt that their teamwork and coordination would be near perfect.

"...A frontal assault will be difficult," he grumbled irritably.

As if she was waiting for this opportunity, Tang Soso quickly said, "Mr. Baek, I have a plan."

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WHISPER WHISPER...

After listening to Tang Soso's strategy, Baek Suryong pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Let's try it that way."

Unfortunately, there wasn't much time to formulate a solid strategy. The audience, who had come for the Azure Dragon Festival, were anything but patient. Furthermore, having staked the Student Council's very survival on the success of the festival, Student Council President Dokgo Jun was a ruthless host.

"If both sides are ready, we will now begin the Azure Cavalry Battle!"

""WOAAAAAAH!""

Amidst thunderous cheers from the crowd, the cavalry unit made up of the Five Young Azure Dragons led the assault, barreling toward the enemy like a frenzied demonic beast.

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"Baek Suryong, offer up your neck!" Hyonwon Kang roared fearlessly as he charged forward like Lu Bu mounted on Red Hare (Geo Sangwoong).

BOOM! BOOM! BOOOOOOM!

The Blue Team's cavalry units stomped their feet in unison, raising a massive cloud of dust that obscured the view.

Hyonwon Kang immediately reined in his steed. "Cough! Cough! What a pathetic trick!"

Undeterred, the Blue Team's cavalry scattered in all directions, continuing to kick up dust.

Namgung Su, who had remained at the back of the White Team, surveyed the battlefield coolly. "Their forces are weak, so they're trying to separate us and engage in small skirmishes. Don't panic. Remain in formation and advance. We are the stronger ones."

Unbeknownst to the White Team, however, that was not the Blue Team's true strategy.

A sharp-eyed martial artist among the audience suddenly jumped to his feet, shouting, "Over there! It's the Azure Dragon Hero!"

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Taking advantage of the confusion, Baek Suryong's cavalry unit made a wide detour and materialized behind the White Team.

"We're going straight for the Commander! Giddy up!" Baek Suryong snarled, strangling Ak Yeonho's neck with his legs.

Ak Yeonho gasped, "H-Hyung-nim! I can't breathe!"

"Then run faster, you idiot!"

Ak Yeonho, who was carrying Baek Suryong, galloped at a terrifying speed, unleashing the essence of the Shandong Ak Clan's movement arts.

Meanwhile, Namgung Su, who was riding on Ya Suhyeok's shoulders, turned to Baek Suryong and smiled ominously. "I've been waiting for you."