743 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

The three fools of the Blood Cult lost their precious bribe in a close encounter with the Lesser Demoness last night. This bribe, an elixir filled with solitude, was not only a task given by the Blood Cult but also a key to successfully infiltrating the Murim Alliance in the future. Those of the orthodox factions make sure to get their pound of flesh when given a bribe. One could easily climb the ranks in the Murim Alliance simply by handing it to the head of the academy, an administrator, and a direct instructor. There truly was no need to pretend to be close with common officials who neither had any skill nor backing and certainly couldn't afford to prepare a bribe. Yet, the key was taken. This changes everything. Moreover, according to the Lesser Demoness, even in the academy, if that fool Mahu were to point fingers, it means there are far more petty jealous men burning with envy than expected. What to do now? "Hmm? You there? Aren't you not on cleaning duty?" The returning officials were perplexed. They saw the impeccably clean living quarters floor and Cho Hyunil in the corner with a mop. "Ah, seniors. Just trying to clear my mind a bit. We've had some rough times lately, and I was a bit on edge..." It could be seen as a ruse, but the men found it to be quite an impressive spectacle. A man is not one to readily say words of apology. Thus, in the realm of men, an apology is not expressed through pathetic words of regret but rather via actions, approaching humbly and initiating a conversation. A manly apology isn't verbal but conveyed through actions bold and straightforward. For instance, after a big fight, expressing regret and willingness to reconcile through phrases like, 'Are you hungry?' 'Let's have a drink' or 'How about a spar?' instead of awkward words. The officials exchanged glances and said- "Ah, young Cho, there is a set order for these things, isn't there, Oh Hyung? He's the only one who got lucky today." "This person, going so far... he hasn't even had a chance to wash. Go on, quickly take a shower." Acting as if nothing had happened, accepting each other with an air of nonchalance...! This is the law among men. It was indeed a dramatic moment of reconciliation among men. "So what was the unfortunate event, are you okay?" "Yes, it's been resolved..." "Good to hear it has worked out. Go, wash up quickly." Cho Hyunil shuffled out, leaving the officials to exchange looks again. "That kid, he's alright." "He seemed a bit off lately; it's a relief that he's taken control of himself." Such is the characteristic of men. Critiquing in person and praising behind their back — a sincerity that seemingly never reaches its intended target, its origins a mystery. "But what was it about? Even if personal, he hasn't received any letters while staying in the academy, right?" "True. A sudden turnaround like that... hmm?" Come to think of it, wasn't there someone else who suddenly changed already? "Now that you mention it, didn't he receive counseling from Instructor Ximen?" "Ah, indeed, that's right." "Instructor Ximen truly is remarkable. After hearing such invaluable wisdom, it's no wonder one wouldn't remain arrogant." Normalization, it seems, stems from Instructor Ximen, who offers vivid visions for the future, filling one with grandeur after listening to her consultations. "I still can't forget Instructor Ximen's words. She said, 'Pain is youth.' Ah! How inspiring!" What doesn't kill you is but the hammering that strengthens you. A common stone, shattered by adversity, becomes mere sand, yet steel that withstands the earth's pressure, hammered repeatedly, emerges as a renowned sword. Will you crumble as a mere stone, or will you endure like steel, sharpening yourself into a blade through hardship? How will you choose to live? "Ah, indeed, to be a true swordsman, one must be reborn as a sword. I cannot delay! The Instructor said that a thousand cuts are achieved through thousands of swings. Who will spar with me?" "Hey, trying to advance alone? Let me join you." "Yu Hyung, are you leaving your brother out?" To those from Qing’s hometown, these might sound like old chants, echoes familiar enough to grow calluses in the ear. But this is Zhongyuan. In Zhongyuan, where the extreme arts of self-development and success are still centuries away, these are indeed words of wisdom from the future. In truth, self-help seminars are veils for profit or boasting, or both — a form of shameless scam. Nonetheless, this scam holds a positive aspect, for after hearing it, you inexplicably feel like you’ve become a better person, igniting a short-lived (duration may vary) motivation rush! And Qing, at merely twenty-two years of age this year, is a young master at the Pinnacle Realm. She is an accomplished figure whom people dare to associate with the title of the next "Greatest Under Heaven." What true fervor would future rhetoric from Qing’s mouth incite? Such speeches are weighty and deadly effective to Zhongyuan residents, who aren't immune to self-development. "I'll become a master. I'll become a master. I'll become a master. I'll become a master." "Hmm? Oh, brother, what are you murmuring?" "Ah, this is the communication technique for moving the world’s qi with your heart. Instructor Ximen taught me about the Law of Attraction法..." What is the essence of martial cultivation? It is gathering the qi of nature and the universe with breath; thus, humans communicate with the universe, and cosmic and human qi interact just as one's True Qi moves within oneself. Therefore, seek, believe, and act. That’s the secret behind the masters, 'That Secret.' In truth, even Qing wondered if it was appropriate to speak of such pseudosciences as a cultured individual, but it seemed more fitting here in Zhongyuan than back home. After all, there really is qi present here, right? Perhaps the perennially low self-esteem Oh Guando needed the power of self-affirmation. Though it did prick Qing's conscience to spout future self-help book contents as her own words, were not self-development books essentially just eloquently phrased motherly advice? Affirm yourself, and the universe will aid you. In essence, never give up. The morning matters, study in the morning. Study while others rest, study during breaks. The night matters too, so strive at night. Essentially, keep your eyes open all day. Study after breakfast, study after lunch, study after dinner, sleep, then wake up and start studying again. This must be done in your teens, continued into your twenties, your thirties are a golden age, don’t miss your forties, and keep at it in your fifties. Learning is lifelong. It’s advice on striving fervently for your goals. With relentless effort, surely anyone would succeed. Is there anyone who wouldn't know this? The goal is to avoid those self-help books filled with invented jargon, claiming brain development, altering consciousness, or establishing formulas for efficiency, puffed up with how the author ‘decided to name it “Dream,”’ and such nonsense. Qing, taking the liberty of plagiarizing future self-help content with rhetorical flourish, propelled the officials' motivation vertically. One author claimed that instead of mere effort, creating an environment conducive to sustainable effort was key. From experiencing transformation like Mandalo, to the deceitful braggery of the three fools after leveling up, and even the inspiration from Heavenly Sword Flower’s ‘consultations’ that managed to impact them… After three rounds of motivational boosts, everyone was eager to shine with passion. Seeing their peers’ enthusiasm sparked a virtuous cycle of mutual encouragement towards continuous training. If this were Qing’s homeland's media or film, it would herald the start of a scene montage of effort underscored by hopeful, lively music. Thus, the academy days flowed like a picture, no, like scenes from a movie. It was a sweat-drenched summer… The officials seeking Qing for consultations brought concerns usually resolveable with the content of plagiarized self-help books. In truth, saying they struggled, unsure of what martial training or swordplay was, unsure if they were improving at all... If this was the case, Qing would passionately reassure them, “You are doing well. Yet, only through effort,” after which they’d be inspired, eager to rush out and wield their swords. However, not all consultations followed this pattern. “Instructor. Ah, that is, Instructor, umm, never mind. Excuse me.” “If you have difficulties, feel free to confide. Even without answers, it can lighten your heart. This instructor values discretion highly.” “Hmm, it’s just, Instructor Ximen is beautiful, so surely she understands a man’s heart? Not in that way, I mean, with many men following her…” Qing’s eyes sparkled. Was this a romance consultation, a romance consultation indeed? Given that Yeojuil, a female official, was among the two women following the Celestial Dragon Dancer, this had to be a romance consultation. Would Qing let go of this entertaining affair? “Hehe. Official. This instructor is basically a man, or rather, I am the man himself. Speak quickly.” “Well, I, I’m not sure these days.” Hesitant, Yeojuil confessed her worries. Having long admired and been with Cheongha of the Celestial Dragon Dance Troupe, she wonders if he even sees her as a woman at all. He indeed saved her from bandits, exposed the truth about a potential arranged marriage with a deceitful rascal, and rescued her again. Still, when her broken engagement turned into disgrace, Cheongha said he'd stand by her side, and despite the world’s scorn, he’d trust and support her, and— Qing silently admired. Hm, this guy really wrapped things up nicely. With such ties, weren’t they practically a couple already? Wouldn't such acts already render them a de facto couple? But admiration was fleeting. “However, lately I’m unsure if he sees me as a woman. Cheongha just seems to help anyone in distress, so maybe... I too was just a damsel in distress, and my affections were one-sided.” Moreover, among those in distress, nine out of ten were inexplicably women. Even Jung Silim, the second follower, whom Cheongha saved from her congenital disease with an elixir, and numerous other women who’d pledged eternal gratitude, amounting to at least five who promised lifelong allegiance. “Lately, he’s been hanging around with Miss Chang. I don’t even know what distress he sees in her, but his attempts to converse whenever possible just... make me sigh.” “That sounds like an inconsiderate guy. Just saving someone isn’t enough, if he’s taken your heart, he should take responsibility, being a man.” “Please don’t say that! Young Cheong just has a tender heart; he can't ignore others’ distress, even if it tends to be women’s.” Hmm. Failed to empathize. This turns out to be unexpectedly complex... “So, he mainly saves women in distress, but it’s unintentional. Just a sense of obliviousness, indifferent, especially not recognizing affection from women. Is that right?” “Yes, so I thought Instructor Ximen might know how to win over Young Cheong’s heart…” “Hmmm.” Hearing this, doesn't it just sound like he's enjoying flirting with women while wandering around? If he’s already carrying around two women and still trying to charm another, he seems like a philanderer. Yet, telling her to give up, saying he’s just no good, philanderer or not, and that there's no hope for a proper romance with someone so oblivious and indifferent – that's not really an option, is it? Honestly, based on what's being said, it doesn't sound likely to work out. "Um, have you ever directly conveyed your precious feelings to him, Miss Officer? If he’s as oblivious as you say, perhaps that's necessary." "Well, I did muster the courage once, but just as I shouted 'I love you,' the building next to us collapsed all of a sudden because of some Earth Priestess? There was a commotion caused by some strange priestess. Thanks to that, Young Cheong threw himself to hold me tight... oh my, oh my... hehe..." Hearing this, Qing's forehead began to sweat. What's this about an Earth Priestess? This is quite the unexpected twist out of nowhere.