878 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

After finishing the New Year's greetings and returning to the Sichuan Tang Clan, Ximen Qing walked through the rounded doors of the guest's residence. Suddenly, the sound of short, hurried footsteps approached from somewhere. In the guest's residence, there was only one little child residing there. Qing opened her arms wide towards the one running toward her. However, the little one who was running skidded to a stop in front of Qing instead of continuing forward. With slightly tanned, round eyes wide open, the child exclaimed, "Oh, oh! Oh my!" "Huh? Why?" Qing asked. "So pretty! Very, very pretty," the child replied. Now that she thought about it, Qing realized she had never put on makeup in front of the child before. But to be complimented as pretty? As a father, was this truly okay? "I want to put on makeup too. Do it for me." A sudden request out of nowhere! The child, looking up at Qing, had eyes sparkling brighter than they had in a long while. Qing let out a breath with a slight smile. She had been worried the child seemed too gloomy, but it was just a matter of those deep, shadowed eyes. It was the normal reaction for a child her age. "Do you want to try wearing makeup too?" Qing asked the child. "Yes, yes," the child nodded eagerly. "You should go to a professional for that. Let's go to Huimé." "Why? Won't you do it? Will Auntie do it?" "Auntie? Isn't it Aunt? Hmm, whatever. Huimé is the professional when it comes to makeup, you know? I didn't do this myself either. By the way, what were you doing? Playing hard?" In response, the child put tiny hands on her hips, lifted her nose high, and boasted, "I was studying." "Wow!" Surprised, Qing couldn't help but yell out. After being in the martial world for around ten years, even her exclamations had become like those of a martial artist. Of course, "wow" was more akin to a stern scold, implying something like "you little kid!" "How commendable! Have you become a grown-up now? Is it San's influence? It must be San, right?" "Yes. Handsome Mom." "As expected, it's all thanks to San. Anyway, other moms taught their daughters, but some daughters still sleep carelessly even if they can't read." Other mothers might feel wronged by this. They could ask why she was talking so casually considering her peace of mind. But it's customary to criticize even absent royalty, and Qing had the personality to candidly do so even in their presence. Qing picked up the child. "Alright, let's go. We'll do your makeup beautifully, and you'll get to brag to Handsome Mom.” “Hehehe...” Even though Qing wished she wouldn't laugh like that. Crossing the courtyard, they soon reached a door that opened with a creak. No expensive, primitive, Central Plains-style engine-automated door but a simple door opened by someone. Out from it appeared Peng Daesan, looking stern and dignified. "Did you rest well? If so—" "Hey, teacher. My little one is getting a lot of help from you. When do you think she’ll finish the Thousand Character Classic?" "……." Peng Daesan was left dazed! Naturally so, as the difference between quality and something merely similar can rest in small details, minute subtleties. Adding finer details to what is already of good quality creates something truly exceptional. At that moment, Qing's face seemed so perfect that no man could avert his gaze! Especially her lips, the red on her pale face shone with sparkling gloss, her seductive chin dominated the view. “Hello? San? Friend?” What? Is he broken? Not responding at all? Qing waved her hand in front of Peng Daesan. At that, Peng Daesan’s voice dropped softly. “……You even put on makeup to visit the palace. Is there someone you’re hoping to show it to?” “No, they did it there. What’s there to show? There’s no profit for me in showing a made-up face.” “In that case, you can just wipe it off.” “But the ladies at the palace were so earnest when applying it, so wiping it all off feels a bit ungrateful, perhaps?” “It’s just their job, right? To prepare guests to greet His Highness, it’s not unusual, isn't it?” “I suppose so.” “Does it not feel uncomfortable? Your sister cannot stand makeup.” “It is uncomfortable. It’s bothersome, feels strange like something's sticking on my face, and I can't even touch it. When I wear a face mask, it leaves marks.” Qing was often subjected to countless smacks from Ximen Surin for constantly scratching her face. But Qing had a habit of frequently touching her head. Scratching the back, sides, messing with her cheeks or eyebrows, it was all a bad habit for skin health. If smudges or smears happened, she’d have to redo the makeup. Wearing a face mask would inevitably have it rub against her face, making the view through the mask messy. If you think of the face mask as lenses in glasses, you’ll understand the feeling. “Well, I suppose something needs to be shown, at the least. Oh, I’ll take the child for a bit. She seems eager to try makeup. Hmm, if we apply powder under her eyes, it might diminish the shadow.” Thus, the child experienced makeup for the first time in her life! Incidentally, after covering the dark shadows under her eyes with white powder, she looked almost unrecognizable. With her weary gaze masked by the shadows, they had actually been covering her fatigue! It was like neutralizing poison with poison and fighting fire with fire. However, after brightening the under-eye area, she simply looked like a child with lifeless eyes. Of course, young children are always irresistibly cute, regardless of how they look. “Oh my, who does our little one take after to be so pretty?” “Heehee, I want to go to Mom.” “Why, to show off your makeup?” “Yes, yes.” “Well, your moms are training, so let's show them at lunch, okay?” Gyunyeong always diligently worked hard even when given time off, building up her meager internal energy. She indeed had to strive, put in that ef-forrrt. What could one do with that minuscule internal power? However, seeing Nanah deeply absorbed in training was rather, no, very unusual. She used to cling to me, constantly nagging about going out, but now she seems to have matured, albeit leaving me feeling slightly lonely. ---- Two days later. Tang Nanah, who had come to see off Qing at the canal, held onto Qing's hand. "Qing-ah, why don't you stay a bit longer? Please?" "No way, Nanah. You're busy training. What good would it do for me to loaf around someone else's house? You've been making great strides too, right? Got to seize the moment when it feels just right." "Alright then, see you later at the Divine Maiden Sect." If this had been any other time, Tang Nanah would have put on a huge fuss, fake tears and all, pulling a dramatic act akin to 'step over my corpse before you leave.' But today, she merely said it impulsively, ready to let Qing go if she wanted to, thinking there was no loss in just trying to hold her back. Because Qing had claimed to be immune to all poisons. Upon realizing that if poison was ineffective against Qing, being by her side served no purpose, especially with recent events proving it. Had her poison techniques been more advanced, Qing wouldn't be heading alone to unfriendly territory. Thus, under the send-off of the Tang Clan, the boat heading to the Yangtze River raised its anchor. They rode along the canal to the Upper Yangtze River. The Upper Yangtze River flows and curves, merging downstream with the Yangtze River. From Sichuan, it's a three-day boat journey to the edge of Sichuan, entering the grand canyon of the Yangtze, the opening of the Wudang Gorge on the Hubei border. After admiring the sheer cliffs that stretched endlessly on both sides for half a day, an elegant peak resembling the graceful figure of a woman gradually came into view atop the cliffs. This, of course, was the well-known Divine Maiden Peak of the Wudang Gorge. And what is beneath the Divine Maiden Peak? Ah, yes, it was here, right behind these rocks, that Qing's humble abode—small yet sweet home—stood. Feeling relieved at the thought, Qing thought, "Ah, home." But when the house is so close, why take a detour? But again, lowering a ladder to the cliff might let some undesirables climb up, so that wasn't an option. Once past the cliffs of the Wudang Gorge, a wide-open view of the riverbank appeared, with the bustling pier of Jagaehyun spread out at a glance, becoming more vibrant with each visit. And so, Jagaehyun! On the way to the Seolga Merchant Guild, employees greeted Qing enthusiastically, exclaiming, "Miss, you've arrived!" Finally, she stood under the large sign of the Seolga Merchant Guild. Someone must have quickly informed them of Qing's arrival, as Choi Ryang came out to meet them with a bright smile. "Oh, is this Ja-yeo? Come to grandpa. Oh my, they say changes come every day, and indeed, you look quite the lady now." "Heehee, hehe." "Huh." "What are you doing? Not coming in? Tch, I thought you'd at least return for the Spring Festival, only to leave last year and return this year? So heartless. There are limits to indifference. Ja-yeo, you shouldn't take after your father. Got it?" "Yes, yes." Clicking his tongue softly, Choi Ryang ushered Ja-yeo into the guild while holding her. Qing could only watch Choi Ryang's retreating figure with a bewildered look. "Huh." What is this? Why the cold shoulder? Nevertheless, this marked Ximen Qing's return! As expected, she had a meal at Seolga Merchant Guild. She enjoyed sweets, drank tea, and indulged in the newly built bathhouse, which brought a sense of nostalgia, reminding her of her homeland with its marble hot baths. Freshened up, Qing entered one of the guild's buildings. "You've arrived? Your face looks well." "Uh, where are you looking at when greeting?" "Oh, that wasn't your head. I thought it was odd being spread to the sides." It was none other than Seol Ganom teasing Qing from the very start. Getting used to such antics can be frightening, as Seol Ganom frequently indulged in teasing, and now Qing felt nothing from it. Not that she ever did before. In fact, perhaps she found it slightly amusing. "Seol Ganom, you're getting prettier each time I see you! At this rate, I might really fall for you. Have you been well?" "Is 'well' any great feat? Eat well, sleep well, hit well, and relieve well—then you've been well enough, isn't that right?" Seol Ganom's expression was brimming with confidence. Qing raised her thumb in response. "Oh, a solid hit. So, sounds like you've relieved yourself a lot?" "Can't you at least pretend to be coy? You're not some cheeky housewife bitter with age." "If it's a joke, I welcome it. I've heard all sorts of things. Things I should and shouldn’t hear. Haven’t heard things from those unorthodox factions? Compared to them, Seol Ganom is polite." "Ah, sorry. I've heard it as well." Qing nodded in agreement. Seeing Seol Ganom continue to blossom in beauty, she was sure to have dealt with high-level insults thrown by those unorthodox rascals. "So, is it true? That mysterious person in Mount Changbai?" bWpnL1VNWWVlR0h2N0IyVWd5ZUJTNWhrekRpQXFaK09OZmYwb3YrUDBic0UwbUY0UGR5ZlppTGYxdW5EenVXYQ "Not exactly. But rumors from Jurchen or Dongyi merchants say there's a demon in those Taebaek foothills with blood-red eyes, and bulging dark veins make it ghastly. It's as fierce as a tiger, devouring large beasts right on the spot." Rising dark veins over the skin was characteristic of the Reverse Blood Demon, known for the Heaven-Shattering, Blood-Overturning, Heart-Piercing Decisive Strike's typical side effect. "Demonic arts are inherently prone to such traits, but the Heaven-Shattering, Blood-Overturning, Heart-Piercing Decisive Strike has it even worse; it's said to reverse inner energy, akin to the mystique of reversing the heavens. Naturally, creatures should accumulate virtue and reincarnate into humans, but reversing this means humans regressing to feral beasts. So, indeed, people believe it's a Reverse Blood Demon." "Hmm." A crease deepened on Qing's forehead. The fact that the Reverse Blood Demon was out of its mind was concerning. Locating the owner of the Heaven-Shattering, Blood-Overturning, Heart-Piercing Decisive Strike was good news. Yet, if they were insane, were they in any state to possibly divulge its martial techniques? "Still, how come no stories have spread? Despite being a demonic art, if it ranks among the World's Eleven Great Demon Arts, wouldn't martial artists across the land have flocked to it by now?" Terms: 1. **Jagaehyun(자귀현)** - Translated as 'Jagaehyun'. It's a location name referring to a pier that becomes bustling with activity. 2. **Seolga Merchant Guild(설가상회)** - Translated as 'Seolga Merchant Guild'. Reflects the commercial aspect as a trading or merchant guild. 3. **Choi Ryang(최리옹)** - Character name. Male. 4. **Repeat use of "몰려가지 않았을까요?"** - Translates contextually to suggest a wondering or hypothetical influx of attention or people, in this case relating to martial artists potentially gathering. Additional Context: - **Heaven-Shattering, Blood-Overturning, Heart-Piercing Decisive Strike (파천역혈수심자첨결)**: An example of a dangerous martial art with severe side effects manifesting physically. - **The Reverse Blood Demon (역혈마인)**: A depiction of a character affected by their martial technique to a point of ferality, losing their sanity. The response maintains the tone and feel of Qing's interactions, capturing both the mundane and martial aspects, ensuring context is preserved for English-speaking readers. "Well, considering we actively sought out information, it's understandable. But, wouldn't it be odd for proper martial artists to converse with barbarians? Even if someone overheard or noticed something, those who pursue demonic arts aren't known for their loyalty. They probably went there and got themselves killed." Even a well-known local martial sect wouldn't necessarily converse with barbarians. After all, those with decent martial skills have no reason to covet demonic arts, unless it was something as unparalleled as the Soul-Absorbing Demonic Technique or a similar celestial martial art. So those who might have heard rumors from the barbarians would mostly be lower-tier martial artists, desperate ones at that, seeking demonic arts out of necessity. What could happen to a lower-tier martial artist going to Changbai Mountain to confront the Reverse Blood Demon? Only their death would await them. "Hmm. Well, it follows the saying thirsty individuals must find a well or create one by digging at the riverside. Thanks for looking into it. As expected, Seol Ganom, I could elevate your rank of intellect. Could you be the greatest intellect of the north?" "Not interested. I'm not someone who uses their head much, so enough with the talks of intellect." Qing nodded in understanding. Such humility was precisely why Seol Ganom could be recognized as one of the greatest minds. Zhuge Leehyun and Sima ChungBong couldn't boast enough about the books they read. Indeed, Seol Ganom embodied the true intellectual spirit of this era. Then, this genuine era's intellect cracked a vibrant joke. "But perhaps as the greatest instrument of the north?" "Oh, are you confident?" "Why, want to take a look?" "Ugh. No thanks. Keep that to yourself." In any case, such was the conversation. It was then decided that the first destination on Qing's seventh-year journey in the martial world would be there, at the end of the world, Changbai Mountain. Terms and Context: 1. **Changbai Mountain (장백산)** - Kept as 'Changbai Mountain,' referring to a renowned mountain and landmark. 2. **Soul-Absorbing Demonic Technique (흡성마공)** - Translated uniquely as this is a significant skill that would be seen as covetable by those familiar with martial arts context. 3. **Seol Ganom (설가놈)** - Character name, both male/female as referenced in different contexts earlier. 4. **Zhuge Leehyun (제갈이현)** - Mentioned as part of an intelligent faction, included for context, acknowledged as male. 5. **Sima ChungBong (사마춘봉)** - Mentioned similarly for context, designated as female based on previous list, and added for understanding of cultural positioning in conversations. The translation keeps the banter's original humor, reflecting the familiar bond and jest between Qing and Seol Ganom, capturing the martial setting for English readers.