744 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

"Oh. The Earth Maiden. Right, right. That's quite unusual, haha..." "Exactly, right? Haha, even back then. He went all the way to Guangzhou saying he was looking for the 'Scarlet Phoenix of the Four Divine Warriors', insisting that we must help the Jin Clan because they were in danger. I mean, why does he worry about these large influential clans? They always manage to stand on their own. It's said that the most useless thing in the world is worrying about the Great Nine Sects and Ten Great Clans. Moreover, isn't the Jin Clan famous for the Sea Fish White Lily? Why is it that wherever he goes, women are in trouble? He should worry about himself first..." Hmm, should this be called a stroke of luck in romance? It's not like Qing personally seeks out trouble wherever she goes. Perhaps she's just got romance misfortune in her fate, or wait... wasn't that misfortune supposed to be for women? "Why is she so keen on helping others? Even before, at the martial arts tournament, oh right, when the instructor won, she was so magnificent. Truly beautiful, and before that, in Sichuan, some girl was flirting with him, so he went around helping in some cooking competition or something. And then they suspected him to be a spy. I wanted to try Mara Ultimate Soup..." Hmm, Mara Ultimate Soup, that was delicious... But what's this? There's something strangely overlapping in their paths? "By any chance, haven't you been to Western areas or places like Shandong or Hangzhou yet?" "Huh? The Western regions are too far, aren't they? And since Che is looking for all the Four Divine Warriors, there's no reason to search in the east like Dongqinglong, right?" Oh, then it must have just been a coincidence. In any case. Qing reflects on the matter. Typically, it's forbidden for an advisor to bestow solutions to the advisee, but it feels inappropriate to just leave it as it is. "Likewise, a confession is fundamentally a process of confirmation, not a challenge. But from what I've heard, it seems like there might be a significant issue on Che's side. I believe it might be better for you to express your true feelings." "But what if I'm rejected? What if Che doesn't actually see me as a woman, or has eyes for that person from Jin's clan?" "That's precisely why I'm saying this. If Che really is that oblivious, then you have to explicitly tell him. Isn’t there already competition? How long will you keep hesitating, just hoping he notices you?" "Well... that's true, but..." "So, what do you think? Do you feel like Che has absolutely no feelings for you?" "I'm... not quite sure..." "Then isn’t that all the more reason to confirm it? Even if he doesn’t reciprocate your feelings, it’s not like you have to break up and become strangers right away, is it? Why wait in agony, merely hoping he understands your heart, when it could be directed somewhere or someone else?" Yeo Ju-il lowers her head in deep thought. After a long pause, when she raises her head again, her face reflects a determined resolve, akin to the fierce spirit of one facing imminent battle. "You’re right, instructor. This won’t do. I can’t keep waiting." Hmm. That’s a good look. After all, one should live their own life regardless of the outcome. Why waste time in your lively years just trailing someone you have affections for? A person's heart is something even they can't control, and just because you're loved doesn’t mean you must always respond in kind. So, a conclusion, a decisive outcome is necessary. From what was shared, they've traveled together since the martial arts tournament, which means years have passed in such companionship. Yet, if she's still grappling with such dilemmas, it might be that she's become too accustomed and desensitized to her feelings, or worse, doesn’t even regard her as a woman, as feared. Qing clenches her fists in a gesture of encouragement. Fueled by this support, Yeo Ju-il nods heavily and resolutely marches out of the room. And then, the next day. Since early morning, Jung Sil-im looked like she was in a daze, with shadows darkening her face, and throughout the training, she kept taking hit after hit. Noticing how off she seemed, Qing called her aside for a special counseling session. "Jung, is something wrong? You seem unable to focus today." At this, tears immediately streamed down her face, as if she'd been holding them in, waiting for the chance. Qing was taken aback. "Jung?" "How could this happen? Sniff, leaving me behind, with me here, and Yeo Ju-il, that horrible girl, it’s terrible…” Jung Sil-im burst into tears. Qing felt quite, no, very awkward. Oh. Looks like Yeo Ju-il succeeded in her confession. But where there’s a winner, there's also a loser. The two followers of the Dancing Azure Dragon, Che Seong-ha, were Yeo Ju-il and Jung Sil-im; with one's confession succeeding, the other undoubtedly fell aside. Being the one who primarily caused this situation, although there was nothing else I could have advised, even if yesterday returned, I would give the same advice again. But as she was crying so sorrowfully, Qing spread her arms. You can't just stand by and watch a crying woman, can you? Then Jung Sil-im threw herself into Qing’s arms. Daringly rude for a student to dive into the embrace of someone not quite a heavenly master, but close to being a lecturer or instructor. Sniffle, sob, sniffle, wail… She patted her head to soothe her. Then, with her clinging tightly, Qing thought, "Ah, this girl is really going for it." But having removed shards from her body every day, not pretending to be in pain anymore was something she could bear. After all, well, let's call it just another karmic debt. And how much time must have passed? “I’m, I’m sorry for such a disgraceful behavior…” “It’s alright. People are meant to cry when they’re sad, and doing so can sometimes bring relief. Crying when you need to is a capability too, isn’t it?" Jung Sil-im responded with an awkward smile. Naturally, a grown woman bawling like a child is bound to feel embarrassed. "That Yeo Ju-il, what a dastardly move! Even if there was no verbal agreement, it was an understanding... leaving Che's choice, that sort of... unspoken promise? What should I call it... that kind of feeling—" "Wouldn't it be tacit understanding?" "Yes! That's it! Tacit understanding! But how could she do such a sneaky, sly thing, climbing up like that, ugh, it's unforgivable." Jung Sil-im grinds her teeth in frustration. Earlier she had been crying, and now she is filled with anger. Qing pondered what to do. Ah, whatever. This is Zhongyuan. "So, is Jung planning to give up just like that? Without ever conveying your feelings to Che? Was your affection really so shallow?" Above Jung Sil-im's head, a symbol that doesn't exist in Zhongyuan, an exclamation mark, seemed to appear. This may be a grave offense back home, but here in the strange world of Zhongyuan, where many women share one man, it's not. "Yes, now is not the time for this. I may have been a step late, but the wedding hasn't been arranged yet. It's not decided who the main wife is, is it?" The chill determination in Jung Sil-im's eyes was unmistakable as she spoke. Qing felt, well, a bit melancholic. Some people just wanted to appreciate a pretty character in a game and ended up becoming one themselves. Seriously, what's wrong with choosing a female character in a game? Damn this nasty world, these wretched people. Meanwhile, Che Seong-ha, that fortunate bastard, already has two women. May his luck run out. Just as Qing was silently cursing Che Seong-ha for no fault of his own— "Ehem, instructor? Uh, can I maybe call you 'sister' when we're not in class?" "What?" A string of garbled symbols flash in her mind. Qing asked back. "I mean, uh, sorry, please pretend you didn't hear that. It's just, it feels like what it would be like to have an older sister..." Is this even an issue? Jung Sil-im is 26 this year. Of course, Qing wasn't particularly burdened or embarrassed by that suggestion. After all, she too has to pause and calculate when asked her own age. Officially, it was stated that she was twenty during the martial arts tournament. Counting from there, how many years has it been? She herself perceives her true age to be much older. Why do people keep acting like this? Is it that I'm starting to show my age? Just like Zhuge also wanted to call her sister before reverting to calling her madam, wasn't it? Oh, wonder if Narami in Guangxi is doing well, still as noisy as ever? "If it's outside of class, sure. Permission granted." Unbeknownst to Qing, she used to become frantic at the sound of being called 'sister', rubbing her arms in discomfort. Naturally, people get used to things, and being treated like a woman now feels as effortless as breathing. "Yes, sister. Truth is, ever since the Hidden Dragon Grand Martial Arts Tournament finals, you were so magnificent, it made me want to become a female martial artist like you someday. You're my idol! And you're so beautiful, how do you have such marble-like skin?" For reference, marble refers to a kind of white jade considered one of the best, specifically extracted from the region called Dali in Yunnan province. That's the etymological root of why marble is called marble from Qing’s homeland. "Hahaha, Jung, you're beautiful too." Although Qing had grown accustomed to being regarded as a woman, she wasn't quite used to the infinite barrage of compliments typical of female conversations. Honestly, it feels challenging. She should probably follow it up with specifics about where exactly is pretty, but praising specific features when Qing herself is more of a great beauty—it always makes the picture odd. "Jung, I've got other counseling sessions lined up shortly, so let's continue our discussion next time. Also, only outside of class—hope you understand what I mean, Jung." With that, Jung Sil-im also exits with a determined thump of her steps. And then, the next morning. In the private quarters of the Orthodoxy Martial Academy Security Hall, Che Seong-ha and the two women sat side by side on their knees. Qing, who had rushed over after receiving a message from the security team without early warning, was utterly dumbfounded. "Ah, you two. I mean, really." The three disciples sat with their heads hung low. All three faces were so red, even the tips of their ears peeking out of their bowed heads were flushed crimson. "I—I’m not trying to meddle in matters of love between men and women, and sure, sometimes the sparks fly between the sexes, but sneaking out in the dead of night, ahem." The Orthodoxy Martial Academy is an educational institution, and even though it's right in the center of the orthodox realm, its security is not lax. Back during their troublemaking days, they requested a night patrol exemption from the guards at the Sword Pavilion, so even when those Blood Cult fools raised a ruckus in Lord Mafu's name, they did so freely. But if not, the vigilant patrols of the Murim Alliance warriors visit even the Sword Pavilion without exception. And last night, such a clandestine encounter unfolded among the students, sneaking into a storage building—caught red-handed. A somewhat awkward situation arose. Coming out at night and sneaking into storage is a clear breach of regulations, yet the Orthodoxy Martial Academy has no explicit ban on romantic relationships or male-female contact. They're all adults, and it's not the academy's place to dictate adult affairs. Thus, they sent a message to alert the responsible instructor. Fine, alright. An affair fueled by passion over who will be the main partner, well, that can happen. Che Seong-ha, you lucky bastard... Qing sighed deeply. "Well, uh, there's nothing wrong with lovers wanting to enjoy each other's company, but I mean, since there's no private room provided for that. There's an empty room available in the North Pavilion, so it’ll be arranged for your use after class." "...Yes." "...Yes." "...Yes." Their replies were tiny and sunk in embarrassment. Qing sighed deeply once more. "Please ensure it doesn’t distract from your training. And be especially careful about contraception, as having a child would greatly hinder your cultivation, wouldn’t it?" "...Yes." "...Hehe." "...A child, you say." Their responses were not exactly reassuring. But, since things have come to this, it’s their own business now. And last night—why did I manage to sleep so soundly? It might have been fun to have taken a stroll around the Sword Pavilion if sleep had eluded me. Despite the small commotion in the morning. Today was the day when Miss Geom Ok-gun officially joined as an assistant instructor to take part in the instructors' schedule. Though, in truth, she had been standing with us unofficially as a shadow instructor before, so not much was different. And in the evening, Sima ChungBong returned after delivering news to the Murim Alliance.