749 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

In summer, one can naturally expect rain. A certain damp, mildewed, fishy scent began to pervade the Righteous Orthodox Martial Academy, and now it seemed that the smell of half-dried laundry was trapped in every corner of the humid space. This was because the academy never paused its scholarly schedule just because it rained. Would a martial artist shrink from a mere summer shower? On the contrary, isn't it a welcome coolness? Moreover, a martial artist neither sheaths their sword nor quietly holes up indoors just because it rains. Whether it’s snowing, raining, or a storm brews, one must fight and win to survive; thus, rain battle training is included. Because of this, even with extra clothing, on humid summer days, it takes more than two days for clothes to fully dry. The musty odor of poorly dried garments somehow resonates with the scent of poverty. Thus, the first impression of a guest at the academy, like Kang Choryang, was to inhale deeply the permeating scent that reached their core. Additionally, the warriors of the academy, who stopped in bewilderment at the sight of the golden palanquin, appeared just as unkempt. After all, isn’t that just how rain works? Being thoroughly drenched makes anyone, human or beast, look quite pitiful. "Goodness, how are you all so shabby and unsightly. Hey, you there, isn’t this the Righteous Orthodox Martial Academy? Will you just stand around gawking at our esteemed guest?" Only then did the warriors snap back to their senses. One might say they were too slow for gate guards, but the warriors might find that a little unfair. The academy gates are always wide open. This is a declaration of the academy's willingness to accept anyone with chivalric spirit. Alongside that, it’s a warning not to hold anyone back if they wish to quit midway and leave anytime they wish, claiming nothing will be missed. And besides, it's not as if anyone other than a few would venture deep into the mountains. Furthermore, it's pouring rain right now. In such a situation, anyone would question their eyes and rub them when suddenly confronted with an open-top golden palanquin, asking themselves if what they’re witnessing is real. Honestly, in such circumstances, anyone would be at a loss. "Ah, yes, what brings you here?" "I am Weebaseon." "Ah, the Great... Hero, are you?" The warriors exchanged glances. Does anyone know this Weebaseon? No, I don't. Is he someone prominent? Could there be someone in our alliance that high-ranking whom we don't know? Isn't he someone famous? But if he were an eccentric character riding in a golden palanquin, wouldn’t he already be famous? Then he'd probably be nicknamed something like Golden Palanquin(黃金轎子) Rider. Seeing their puzzled faces, Weebaseon clicked his tongue. "Even if you're a martial artist, wouldn’t you know the name of a national official? I am Bingpil Sudangt an official." Hearing such words... In reality, even if he is a high-ranking official, not many would know except those in regional influence, for it’s rare for one to know all central administration. "Oh, Sir Bingpil... are you?" "But why have you come here..." The warriors’ demeanor grew more awkward. Bingpil-what? Is he a high rank? If he’s an impressive figure going about in a golden palanquin, isn't he extraordinarily high-ranking? But why would such a figure come here during this heavy rain getting soaked? Bingpil-Sudang Weebaseon wiped the rain from his drenched face, smiled gently, and spoke. "It’s just that I bring the imperial edict for the Righteous Orthodox Martial Academy from the emperor." At these words, anyone would be snapped into attention. There are two types of words from an emperor: one addressed to officials called "jo(詔)" and another to civilians called "chik(勅)". Together they form the Imperial Edict, and when separated, they are called joji, jojo, joyo, chikji, chikeory, chikso. In short, he came to deliver a message from the Son of Heaven. With this, the warriors hurriedly knelt into the mire. Weebaseon nodded in approval. "Ah, yes. Indeed. Let's see... The emperor wishes to convey a message to the Righteous Orthodox Martial Academy, so gather everyone immediately. Not a single person should be absent." The academy was in an uproar due to the sudden imperial edict. An emperor's decree cannot be doubted. Even if someone might fraudulently impersonate an edict, it is undoubtable, as it is a sacred ground that cannot be questioned. Of course, should someone impersonate the emperor's edict, they would not end gracefully nor would their entire lineage; thus, who would dare impersonate it? Furthermore, it's not something that can be glossed over even if someone hides, so even the most deranged would not dare consider impersonating an edict. Thus, at the sudden arrival of such an imperial edict, even in this dark, heavy downpour, the entire academy gathered at the grand sparring ground without a single absent person. And so, the eunuch with a benevolent expression unfurled the edict under a large umbrella. "The Emperor, receiving the mandate of Heaven, declares thus!" At that moment, the entire gathering threw themselves forward. Of course, martial artists aren't particularly loyal subjects, so it's more of a submission to authority rather than actual reverence. So as they prostrated in the mud, they still felt some resentment. Clothes for tomorrow are ruined. Really, couldn’t this have waited till a clear day? But is kneeling now the right thing? And so on. -The Blood Cult has gathered through malevolent hearts into a personal force setting all people as their enemies, since long ago till now their harm has been severe beyond measure. -They murder and consume the populace, utilizing hate as their doctrine. No evil sect in history has been as wicked as the Blood Cult. The voice, imbued with inner power, pierced through the rain to reach their ears. But the content? Blood Cult, all of a sudden here? However, the sequence of the edict often proceeds this way. It usually begins with identifying a problem – criticizing the issue – followed by the Emperor's actions – and finally the Emperor's intentions. This format is customary for the Document Office handling the emperor's script. It's not the emperor himself speaking like this. -"In this time of concern, we have listened to the victory report of a loyal heroine who has repelled the leader of the Blood Cult, and I extend my profound gratitude and joy. The woman of Jianghu, Ximen Qing, is to enter the palace to receive the emperor's favor." -"This is my resolve and spirit, showing my will not to sit idly by while wickedness disrupts the country. Let all the world understand my heart!" Once you cut out the needless long-windedness and flowery embellishments, this is what the emperor's utterance before the document office would've boiled down to: Heavenly Sword Flower defeated the Lesser Demon Technique practitioner? Truly remarkable! Come to the palace for your reward. "Long live! Long live! Long live the Emperor!" "Long live the Emperor!" This response was also the rightful etiquette following the announcement of the edict, the protocol the subjects should follow upon hearing the emperor's message. However, the cheers were surprisingly thunderous. What? Instructor Ximen is receiving a reward? The emperor himself wishes to congratulate her? Wow, even receiving praise is another thing she's the strongest at! The officials called forth were ecstatic, receiving such joyous news, and thus they shouted "long live" with voices that nearly tore their throats. Yet, for the person in question, it wasn't as welcome. Before greeting the imperial envoy, Qing sought out The Wise Virtous Flower, Sima ChungBong, under the pretext of tidying her attire. To hear the opinion of a wise person. "Oh dear, this is a real predicament. What should we do about this situation..." Sima ChungBong sighed deeply. "Heavenly Sword Flower, this is undoubtedly the fault of your good friend here. I must sincerely apologize. The palace must have been extremely vexed, I should have foreseen such a ploy from them..." Sima ChungBong bowed her head deeply. Of course, this wasn’t actually Sima ChungBong's fault. Who in the world could have predicted this? Typically, when delivering the emperor's decree, it's not just a case of a few individuals stepping in to read it. It's a procession with the highest-ranking envoy, accompanied by at least dozens of assistants and hundreds of escorts, forming a sizable contingent. And yet, it was swiftly dispatched with just a single golden palanquin, indicating they were determined to summon without allowing any time for second thoughts. Seeing Qing’s expression of disbelief as if questioning the magnitude of the issue, Sima ChungBong explained further. While the officials of the Righteous Orthodox Martial Academy knew that Heavenly Sword Flower had fought the Lesser Demon Technique practitioner and was injured... People outside the martial world had no idea, because when the Murim Alliance officially announced it, they never mentioned Heavenly Sword Flower. Highlighting such could invite retaliation from the Blood Cult, and besides, Qing found herself in a position where further spreading her renown would be problematic. To protect Qing, they intentionally omitted any mention, so how did they manage to pinpoint Qing specifically? Thus the palace was being unreasonable. Mentioning Ximen Qing by name meant she had to enter the palace by any means. Even if she claimed it was a misunderstanding, she would first need to enter the palace and present her case; after all, she couldn’t very well arrogantly say she wouldn’t go because it wasn’t her. Qing tilted her head. "Hmm, is it that serious?" "Heavenly Sword Flower, this isn't a trivial matter. The fact that they're resorting to such unreasonable measures to summon you—" "Ah, well, there's no need to worry. What’s the worst that could happen when they're calling to praise me? They're not going to kill me after calling me to reward me!" Indeed, history of Zhongyuan has rare instances of such treachery, where praising someone turned into punishment, but those are remembered as cowardly acts. Such actions are beyond what can be done under the emperor's name. "Oh dear, Heavenly Sword Flower. Surely they plan to bestow you with a position to ensure you remain stuck in the palace. Do you realize that once you're an official, you cannot leave Beijing without permission?" "Well, I’m sure something can be worked out somehow." In fact, Qing had something she relied on. Since Her Majesty the Empress is there, if anything seems to go awry, she could ask for help, right? -That was Qing’s thought for a moment when she realized. But would Her Majesty actually help? Her wayward daughter returning home, only to request aid to leave once more... Perhaps on the contrary, she'd think this was opportune, step in, declare "Ximen Qing is my daughter" and saddle her with the mantle of princess, which she never wanted? Finally, Qing's expression turned serious. She would help...right? With that, Sima ChungBong sighed deeply. "Heavenly Sword Flower, you should consider yourself blessed by heaven, the greatest fortune bestowed upon you for having a close, close, very close friend with wisdom like the world’s best, as myself?" Sima ChungBong's ears turned slightly red as she spoke. When they became such close friends, Qing didn’t know, but it seemed ChungBong felt their friendship was deeper than expected. “Ahem, Heavenly Sword Flower, you must now become a gravely ill patient. There’s a fitting excuse—I mean, we can claim you're in critical condition after being poisoned by the demonic arts of the Lesser Demon Technique, and thus evade the position.” Ah, indeed. Qing nodded in understanding. Many brilliant minds in history used illness as an excuse to withdraw to the mountains, for feigning illness was among the best ways to avoid official positions. Moreover, pretending to be ill? Qing chuckled, revealing her bright smile. A patient, really? Oh, that’s my specialty.