Star Instructor, Master Baek-Chapter 295: Hurry Up!

TL: FoodieMonster007

"What did you just say?" Baek Suryong asked, dumbfounded.

"I said that since you possess a White Ice Bangle and have inherited the legacy of the Ice Moon Goddess, you are entitled to become the Emperor of the North Sea Ice Palace," Seo Ri'ae repeated, falling to one knee, her eyes filled with certainty as she looked at Baek Suryong.

"……" Baek Suryong was stunned speechless. Perplexed, he looked down at Seo Ri'ae's bowed head.

Master Eun! You never mentioned anything like this…

He thought back to the Ice Moon Goddess Eun Yerin. Even though he had known her for over ten years in the underground prison, she had never shared much about the North Sea Ice Palace because she despised it.

"Even if I escape this place, I will never return to the North Sea."

The North Sea Ice Palace was a closed-off sect with strict traditions.

Eun Yerin, who had been born with overwhelming talent, was forced to undergo grueling training since childhood, burdened by the expectations of becoming the next empress. It was too much for a young girl to bear, but she had gritted her teeth and persevered.

Eventually, she became so powerful that not even the current Empress could control her anymore. Without hesitation, she left the North Sea Ice Palace, leaving behind only a single letter.

"I will return after witnessing the martial arts of the Central Plains and proving that our North Sea Ice Palace is the world's strongest."

After that, until she became known as the Ice Moon Goddess, Eun Yerin left behind countless legendary tales in the Central Plains.

This is a non-profit translation. Ads? What ads?

However, when Baek Suryong asked her if she was serious about what she had written in the letter, she had just giggled mischievously.

"That? I only said it because I didn't want to go back. I never cared about being the world's strongest."

Whenever Eun Yerin smiled like that, the gloomy prison felt brighter for a moment. Fortunately, there was no one in the prison who would fall for her beauty, but no one denied that she was stunning either.

During her time in the Central Plains, countless men had challenged her, fallen head over heels for her, and admired her passionately, but not one of them had become the lover of the Ice Moon Goddess.

Until she met a man in a small bookstore in Shaanxi.

"… He must be waiting for me. When I leave this place, I want to disappear somewhere with him, where no one can find us."

This is a non-profit translation. Ads? What ads?

The Ice Moon Goddess' dream was a simple one—to spend the rest of her life with the person she loved. Unfortunately, due to the schemes of the Blood Cult, she was ensnared in a trap and spent years imprisoned, never knowing what became of her beloved.

"Sorry to ruin the mood, but… you've been locked up for over ten years. Do you really think he's still waiting for you?"

"……" The Ice Moon Goddess glared at Maeng Ho'ak.

He immediately apologized, "Ahem. I misspoke."

"…I'm sure he would wait for a century if he had to."

There was absolute certainty in her voice, but Baek Suryong knew. Beneath that certainty lay deep sorrow.

"If I don't return, that fool will wait for me in that place until the day he dies. That's why I have to escape. I have to…"

"……"

"Mr. Baek?"

"…Ah."

Y aren′t you reading this at northbladetldotcom?

Seo Ri'ae's voice pulled Baek Suryong out of his thoughts.

"Sorry, I was lost in thought for a moment."

"It's okay. I imagine this is all very sudden for you."

"…Yeah."

Even the Ice Moon Goddess couldn't have foreseen that after her disappearance, the North Sea Ice Palace would fall into bloodshed over succession and shut itself off from the world. Or that Baek Suryong would become entangled with them decades later. ᚱ𝒶ƝꝊ฿Εş

Baek Suryong scratched his head. "I have a few questions…"

"Please, go ahead."

"I'm not originally from the North Sea Ice Palace. Is it even possible for an outsider like me to become emperor? I thought the Ice Palace was a very reclusive sect."

As if she had expected this question, Seo Ri'ae smiled faintly. "The harsh environment of the North Sea has made it so that succession in the Ice Palace is determined by ability, not bloodline. It's actually rare for a ruler to pass the position directly to their offspring."

The way the North Sea Ice Palace chose its next ruler was very different from the sects of the Central Plains.

"Children with outstanding talent are gathered from a young age and taught the first half of the White Ice Divine Art. Through competition, the most exceptional ones are chosen. When they reach the age of twenty, the strongest among them becomes the heir. Only then will they be taught the complete White Ice Divine Art by the reigning ruler.

"The Ice Moon Goddess was the only exception, as the heir with the most overwhelming talent in the history of the North Sea Ice Palace. I even heard that she completely mastered the White Ice Divine Art before the age of twenty!"

Heh, that's not all. Master Eun even managed to refine the White Ice Divine Art, elevating it beyond its original level, Baek Suryong mused, but this was a truth only he knew.

This is a non-profit translation. Ads? What ads?

"I was one of the chosen children as well. Even though I lacked the talent to master the full White Ice Divine Art, even just learning the first half was enough for me to be considered an ice arts master in the Central Plains."

Seo Ri'ae paused, looking at Baek Suryong. He's a martial artist so powerful that he's already ranked among the Ten Supremes before the age of thirty. He's definitely more than qualified to challenge the position of Emperor.

"Of course, the final decision is yours to make. I simply wanted you to know that the option was there," she continued.

Baek Suryong fell into deep thought. The North Sea Ice Palace was a powerful Outer Regions sect on par with the Nine Sects One Gang, but while others might have found the position of Emperor enticing, he felt nothing but reluctance.

…I'm sick and tired of meaningless titles.

Nevertheless, forming an alliance with the North Sea Ice Palace could be beneficial. If he could gain their cooperation, the bloodshed in the inevitable war against the Blood Cult could be significantly reduced.

Also, the Ice Palace deserves to know the truth about Master Eun's sudden disappearance, which ultimately caused them to lose their heir overnight and fall into civil war.

Even though Master Eun despised the Ice Palace, had she been alive and free, the succession struggle wouldn't have escalated into bloodshed. Therefore, it could be said that in the end, Ice Palace's downfall was also caused by the Blood Cult.

This is a non-profit translation. Ads? What ads?

I guess I should visit the Ice Palace first.

In reality, Baek Suryong's top goals during this vacation were to deliver the final words of his four Masters and recover their artifacts. He had been undecided on where to begin, but Seo Ri'ae's words helped him make up his mind.

"Do I just head to Ice Palace on my own?" he asked.

As if waiting for that question, Seo Ri'ae pulled out an old map from her robes. "…A secret path known only to disciples of the Ice Palace is marked on this map. It will get you there twice as fast as the routes known to the Central Plains."

With a slightly conflicted expression, she handed the map over.

If Mr. Baek takes the White Ice Bangle to the Ice Palace, my mission will finally be complete. Should I be happy or sad about it?

She had never expected to fulfill her long-abandoned mission in this way.

Seo Ri'ae's hesitation wasn't lost on Baek Suryong. He pulled up his left sleeve, revealing the White Ice Bangle, and said, "This is the White Ice Bangle."

This is a free translation. You should not be seeing ads.

Normally transparent and nearly invisible, the bangle began to glow pure white as he channeled the White Ice Divine Art.

"Ahh…" Seo Ri'ae gazed at the White Ice Bangle as if mesmerized. She had heard many stories about it but had never seen it in person.

The radiant glow and pure cold energy seemed to draw her in completely. There was no doubt about it. This was the lost sacred relic of the North Sea Ice Palace.

After staring at the White Ice Bangle for a long time, Seo Ri'ae suddenly tilted her head in confusion. "Um, Mr. Baek… I heard that the White Ice Bangles are a pair…"

"I don't have the other one."

Seo Ri'ae stiffened. "A-A single one is meaningless. No, it's still valuable, but…"

The authority of the sacred relic of the North Sea Ice Palace would be greatly diminished, and it might even cast doubt on the claim that Baek Suryong was the Ice Moon Goddess' successor.

Baek Suryong smiled nonchalantly. "Well, I was already planning to find the other one during summer vacation, especially since I already know where it is. As soon as I recover it, I'll head to the Ice Palace."

"Oh… What a relief. Truly, what a relief," Seo Ri'ae sighed in relief.

…Though I can't be certain it's still there, Baek Suryong thought, but didn't say anything to avoid worrying Seo Ri'ae.

It had been five decades, but strangely, he had a strong feeling that he would find the other White Ice Bangle.

"…I'm sure he would wait for a century if he had to."

If you′re seeing this, you are at the wrong place.

Maybe it was just his faith in Master Eun.

Seo Ri'ae rose to her feet. "I'm sorry for taking up so much of your time. I'll take my leave now…"

Baek Suryong also stood up and walked her to the exit. Just as she was about to step out, though, he was struck by an idea.

"Madam Seo," he called out.

"Yes?"

"I have no desire to become the Emperor of the North Sea Ice Palace, but if I return the White Ice Bangles and the Ice Moon Goddess's legacy, would the Ice Palace consider me a benefactor?"

"…Of course they would. You've recovered a sacred relic we failed to find for decades."

"Then, if such a benefactor made a request, would it be possible for them to pardon a former disciple who committed a crime and fled?"

This is a free translation. You should not be seeing ads.

"Pardon? What do you mean…"

Baek Suryong grinned. "For example, granting amnesty to a certain woman who fled to the Central Plains after falling in love with a man."

"……" Seo Ri'ae stared at Baek Suryong's smiling face in a daze.

Surely, surely not…

With a bewildered expression, she stuttered, "M-Mr. Baek. I didn't come here expecting anything. I simply wanted to thank you for helping my son…"

"I know, but this is something that I, personally, want to do." Baek Suryong smiled sincerely. "I can scarcely imagine how you must have lived, wondering every day if pursuers from the Ice Palace would find you. Even after nearly twenty years, that anxiety must not have completely faded away."

"……"

"Despite all that, you raised your son as best as you could. I think that's truly admirable."

"……"

"I can't promise anything, but I'll do my best to persuade the Ice Palace to officially pardon you."

Read 𝓁at𝙚st chapters at ƒrēenovelkiss.com Only.

DRIP… DRIP DRIP…

If you′re seeing this, you are at the wrong place.

A single tear fell to the floor, followed by more tears.

Flustered, Seo Ri'ae wiped her tears with the back of her hand. This was the first time she had cried since her husband's death.

"Y-Your words alone mean the world to me. I have already received so much from you, so why are you doing this for me…?"

Baek Suryong smiled warmly, but he couldn't tell her the real reason.

Because you remind me of Master Eun.

The Ice Moon Goddess, Eun Yerin, never reunited with her lost love. The Winter Matron, Seo Ri'ae, lost her husband and raised her son alone. To him, the two overlapped.

He couldn't help Master Eun in the end, but perhaps he could help Seo Ri'ae.

"I'm not doing this for free. In return, I have one request," he said.

"…Please, ask anything."

"One of my students, Yeo Min, has been learning the White Ice Divine Art. She's not that advanced yet, but if you're willing, could you guide her over the vacation?"

northbladetldotcom welcomes you.

Masters of ice arts were incredibly rare. Even if Seo Ri'ae was weaker than Baek Suryong, she had trained in ice arts far longer, so she would undoubtedly be a great help to Yeo Min.

Seo Ri'ae nodded. "I understand. I don't know how well I can teach, but…"

Baek Suryong shook his head. This woman had raised a prodigy like Bang Baekhyun. There was no need to doubt her ability to teach.

The only issue was the martial art itself.

"I'm sure you'll do great, but first, I need to fix your White Ice Divine Art," he said.

"What?"

This is a non-profit translation. You should not be seeing ads.

"You said it's incomplete, didn't you? You need to learn it properly to teach it properly."

Seo Ri'ae's eyes widened. Is he saying he'll teach me the complete White Ice Divine Art?

"B-But… the complete White Ice Divine Art is only passed down to the rulers…" she stammered.

"You were practically excommunicated, so what does it matter? Also, I don't intend to teach you everything, just what's necessary."

"Still…"

Baek Suryong refused to listen to any objections. Checking the time, he interrupted her, saying, "We'll need to hurry if I'm going to teach you everything today. There's a spare martial arts uniform in that room. Go change into it."

"H-Huh?"

"Come on! We don't have time to waste! Move!"

"Y-Yes, sir!"

Seo Ri'ae ran into the room in a frenzy, caught off guard by the unexpected miraculous encounter.

Translator's Note: I will translate another chapter when I successfully stop myself from playing Monster Hunter Wilds.