748 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

[Journey to Beijing] Today is still a peaceful day at the Righteous Orthodox Martial Academy. The swordsmanship hall remains lively. The martial arts hall, being what it is, has its share of people who focus less on weaponry and more on honing their mind. But in their absence, they're still expected to put in the effort. And cries of agony echo through the great hall. Responsible for the disaster in the King of All Illnesses War, Peng Choryeo subjects students to brutal training, akin to a hellish experience. - "Forty! Aaaah...!" - "Who’s doing the last count? What’s this reaction? Aren’t you Guan Yu’s followers? Are you just going to blame instead of cheer them on? Get a grip, start over, raise your leg!" Qing had unleashed a venom across Zhongyuan, replicating the training methods of an elite guerrilla force. The great hall was filled with wails as if they’d prefer death. This was the price of daring to attempt romance in the sacred academy—a cradle of precious learning. And now, it's time for a second outing. Although the majority of swordsmanship hall students had forfeited their outings, making it difficult for instructors to step out leisurely. Yet, Qing had a compelling reason to go out. They had to capture Danzoya, the leader of the three self-proclaimed loyal followers, who claimed to be the brain of the Army of Ghost Demons. However, upon arriving at the secluded house with remarkable agility, it was eerily quiet and deserted. Qing knocked and groped around the secluded house, wondering if these folks who dug underground bases during the martial arts tournament and hewn stone slabs on Laoshan liked to dig. Sure enough. The faint vibrations from a suspicious spot in the room indicated an empty space below. With superhuman sensitivity and having been trained in exploring paths and secret hideouts as a prospective envoy, Qing gently pressed their fingers against the floor, inserting a fingernail into a minute crevice. Inside, they found a box and a letter. 「My Lord has departed on a mission. Although our objective has largely been achieved, given the possibility of being caught in a mission he's spearheading, I'll consult with my lord. Instead...」 Damn, the bastard ran away. It seemed Qing was a moment too late. However, the reason for their absence was said to be due to the Lesser Demon Maiden, not a pardonable offense. I won’t forgive such heinous Blood Cult witchery. Even if this letter won’t serve as evidence due to its vague nature. Mahu? Referring to the Lesser Demon? That Blood Cult scum has been caught red-handed. But if they merely claim it refers to a respected senior, that's the end of it. Hmm. Maybe I should’ve stayed back to observe our dedicated students' martial arts instead of opting for an outing... Yet, the students are bound to return, and later, both Jangmyeong and Jayeo will arrive by evening. Putting aside friends, I still need to look after Jangmyeong and Jayeo, right? Unfortunately, there was no other choice. Though I wished I could return, I’ll just have to endure their fuss and unwillingly indulge in meals and drinks… Yet Qing, with a wide grin, promptly vanished. The once humble thatch cottage remained as lonely on the inside as its exterior suggested. As time passed, the already claustrophobic and dark room grew dimmer under thickening shades. After some time. The amount of time it takes for the master of agility, counted among the best in all of Zhongyuan, to descend the mountain, and for an ordinary second-tier martial artist to passively descend. Finally, the door opens, revealing new characters. Three youngsters, visibly tense. Despite their apprehensive expressions, upon entering, they naturally headed for the concealed floor. Thus, the secret floor opened again, revealing the letter atop the box to the inquisitive trio. The three read it together. 「My Lord has…(snip) …I will consult with my lord; however, I have left funds for your enjoyment to win favor through drink, food, and gifts.」 The expressions of the three, dubbed the three fools of the Blood Cult by Qing, lit up brightly. Naturally, it was a rare day they wouldn’t have to face a difficult superior. However, the superior was absent, and instead, they’d left money, instructing them to enjoy good food and drink with friends. Who wouldn’t be delighted? And so, the ecstatic trio zealously opened the box. Certain that the sum laid out to foster goodwill through drinks, food, and companionship was substantial. Drinks! Food! Companions! Their eyes gleamed brightly, perhaps never showing such intelligent gleam before. The box opens. Inside, there are— Only three coins! “Hmm?” “Huh?” “What’s this.” The three rub their eyes in disbelief. Even at a glance, only three coins. Even holding them up to the lamp, just three coins. After shaking the box as thoroughly as possible, and tapping it, just three coins. What does this mean? Three coins could only buy three cheap buns at a shabby eatery, and according to martial world custom, buying three buns usually entails a free bowl of bland soup. Are they suggesting we share three measly buns and sip lukewarm soup with it? Had the academic prowess of the three fools been slightly superior, they might have recalled the old story of Sun Wook. Ah, the captain deems us worth just three coins, a measly one coin per person! Leading to the unfortunate realization. Yet what would the three rustic fools from a remote village know? With faces flushing crimson, while not fully grasping the meaning, the unmistakable rage boiled within, leaving them fuming bitterly. The real message being the suspected thief(probable envoy) has already paid a visit. “Mahu? Why on earth would she go there?” The Heart-Seizing Demon Commander, known within the Blood Cult as the Heart-Seizing Demon Emperor, is merely puzzled. Why would that crazed old hag be in Henan? To their knowledge, was she not conspiring in the far reaches at the continent's edge, in Heilongjiang? “Have you no idea?” “Hmm. I’m not sure. She's quite a capricious woman. Always hanging around with that creepy corpse controller. They're a perfect match—" “What are you saying? 'Corpse controller'? How could you say such a thing?” A voice dared to interrupt the Heart-Seizing Demon Emperor. As proud as the Heart-Seizing Demon Emperor proclaimed herself a demon emperor, her self-esteem was extraordinarily grandiose. And there was only one person in the world who could interrupt her. “Oh, my mistake. I just slipped up. Squad Leader Xibing. Ah yes, would you like some watermelon?" “Hmph. Trying to change the subject. I’ll let it slide this time. Sigh.” Lying cheekily with her head on her mother's knee was the Heart-Seizing Demon Emperor's precious daughter, the Heart-Seizing Demon Princess, Yuryang. Feeding her daughter slices of watermelon meticulously cut into bite-sized pieces, the Demon Emperor reminisced about those horrifying and dizzying days. ZGVPdDc2cnQxMFU0bVlrbnZITXlVaFBiQ1hBTVNnOVdQUExVdFNJa2owODIwZjRJVWVjRW8weWJoWHdPako0Lw Thankfully, the “corpse controller”—Squad Leader Xibing—was in Hangzhou, or else the world's most precious daughter might have been lost. Even now, just thinking about it made her resolve to make Heavenly Sword(天華), that accursed woman, suffer unbearably. “Oh? What gibberish are you spewing now?” “Oh dear. I got a bit lost in thought. How is it? I sliced the best part for you.” The sliced watermelon in Yuryang’s mouth was all cut from the sweetest center, as her father had sliced dozens of watermelons just for his precious daughter. Indeed, there truly is no other doting fool like him. “Well, I’ll just have to ask them directly in person. Go and summon that ‘corpse woman’ for me.” The term ‘corpse woman’ referred to Xibing's pride and joy, the Ten Thousand Li Corpse of Incomparable Transmission. The legendary state of transmission where messages were said to be sent over a thousand li, featured in traditional tales. In reality, humans couldn't transmit messages even half a li. Yet the Ten Thousand Li Transmission existed? But it did indeed occur over an extensive process. At the mention of ‘corpse woman,’ Yuryang’s expression momentarily turned unpleasant, filled with a venomous disdain that almost reached murderous intent. But as this feeling passed swiftly, no one noticed. Inwardly, Yuryang muttered. [Big sister, can you connect me with Sister Yangjing? How long do I have to keep flattering this scruffy human?] Then, a response echoed inside her head. [Feeling unsatisfied, are you? Even so, when you flatter him, you get tasty treats. I have a mouth too, you know? Not that I'd die without eating. Shall I flatter him, and you lie in the coffin instead?] [Ah, it connected. Hehe, sister do you like watermelon? Shall I pack some for you later?] [Understood. Ah, they've come to fetch me. Why is he constantly kicking instead of waking me gently? It's truly tough to be a corpse. Some woman who was born with a silver spoon gets all the luxury in death too.] Eventually, Yangjing emerged, and seeing the gem-like slices of watermelon by the Heart-Seizing Demon Emperor’s throne, she licked her lips. Then she began transmitting. And somewhere, receiving. “Oh my? Xinpa? You snuck off to Henan without telling me? I'm quite hurt. I would've loved to come with you.” “What nonsense are you spouting over your meal?” Xinpa, the Lesser Demon Emperor, frowned. While the aged one was accustomed to cussing without ill will, Opposite En Fare Yang tilted her head inquisitively. Her silk-like hair trembling and hanging long by her side, covering the little corpse leaning on her ear. “Just now, the Heart-Seizing Demon Emperor asked, 'Why is the old crone sniffing around in Henan?'” “Who is that crone? How dare they call me old? And Henan? You’re asking why? When did I leave my place?” Yang's head titled further, creating an unusual sight with a bright smile, defying typical angles. “Oh, but they insist it really was the Lesser Demon Maiden. Many claim to have seen the Lesser Demon's tricks. Xinpa? Did you take on a student unbeknownst to me?” At that, the Lesser Demon Emperor scoffed through her nose. “Did you think there was only one Lesser Demon Maiden? The art passes from one vengeful woman to another vicious one. Perhaps it branched off from an ancestor long ago. If so, it’s better for this old lady. I’ll take it to my grave.” “Oh, Xinpa? Aren't you worried? Someone is using your name.” “If she’s refined my skills enough, tearing some men apart is no big deal. Just go with it, say it’s me, and move on.” Not only did she let impersonation slide, but she was even confirming it. Yang felt amused and clapped her hands. “Oh, if the tale of Henan is true, are you perhaps a decoy? What a perfect disguise, I must say.” “Enough foolishness. If someone learns the Lesser Demon's methods, they must have gone through something awful. There's no point in getting mixed up with the Blood Cult.” A gentle old lady to women, and even gentler to those with tragic tales—such was the infinitely kind Lesser Demon Emperor. Yang sat back up straight. “Hmm. That’s no fun. I thought I'd visit some familiar faces. How cruel of you. Oh, how I long to see them.” “Alright. Let’s eat.” Communication ended. And back to the Righteous Orthodox Martial Academy. Today was no different from yesterday, and tomorrow promised to be the same, as the disciples tirelessly trained day in and day out. The swordsmanship hall was still ablaze with enthusiasm. The martial arts hall was moderately passionate. However, the atmosphere in the great hall had shifted. It was thanks to a single remark by Peng Daesan, unable to bear watching the disciples rolling in anger before his sister. -I just can’t stand weak women. I prefer a robust and resolute man like my sister. Suddenly, all the women’s spirits erupted with vigor. The women gritted their teeth and threw themselves into training, setting their prior hesitation about muscle-building exercises aside, fueling their passion with newfound fervor. These were the same trainees who, despite being pushed to their limits, would once have only sobbed and displayed frailty. If they were going to push themselves like this, what was the need for an instructor? For Peng Choryeo, this result was almost disheartening. However, the men's spirits were dampened by the women's newfound intimidation, prompting them to abandon their vain airs and focus on their training as well. As a result, the atmosphere in the great hall grew increasingly vibrant and intense. Into the flourishing atmosphere of the Righteous Orthodox Martial Academy came uninvited guests. From their entrance, they were not ordinary by any means. Indeed, guests who arrived riding in a golden palanquin could hardly be considered ordinary, regardless of the angle from which one framed it. Especially since they arrived in such extravagant style, thoroughly soaked from the fierce summer rain, making their entrance even more extraordinary.