752 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

The summer breeze in Hanam flows from the southeast to the northwest. To be precise, it's a southeast wind. What this means is that the wind travels from the base of the mountains upward, towards the highlands of the western Zhongyuan. In other words, anyone descending from the mountain faces a fierce headwind. And when raindrops are carried on this headwind? Rain falls not vertically, but horizontally. Sitting in the golden palanquin, Qing's expression remained calm and composed. Like a noble monk who has transcended worldly desires and attained enlightenment, similar to the fabled Tibetan fox of her homeland. One might say, a thoroughly drenched Tibetan fox. Qing calmly swept her hand across her face, pushing the seaweed-like frontal hair to the side, revealing her neat forehead. Oh, it's cold. This feels like I'm really being tormented. With the rain falling sideways—or more accurately, from front to back—what's the point of an umbrella? Yet, it was awkward to express dissatisfaction, because she wasn't the only one getting wet. The strong men holding the palanquin poles, and the old eunuch with the large umbrella attempting to shield Qing, all looked as if they had taken a dip in water. In the fierce wind, the large umbrella swayed precariously; it was quite impressive that the old man managed to withstand the gusts with strong resolve. Qing again brushed her hand over her face and looked at the backs of the palanquin carriers. Ah, these are definitely warriors of the martial world. The steps of the palanquin bearers, hurrying down the mountain path, were anything but leisurely. Naturally, the bearers were eager for the shelter of the village, dashing down the path with a sense of urgency, wishing to escape the rain and find respite. However, maintaining balance while hurrying down a rainy, muddy, slippery mountain path was no easy feat. At least, they are of First Tier, aren't they? They could be First Tier palanquin bearer masters, experienced in carrying palanquins. Or perhaps mediocre swordsmen of the Pinnacle Realm using supreme skill for this task. However, no First Tier martial artist would keep carrying a palanquin to become an expert in it. These bearers are likely just at the Pinnacle level, wouldn't you say? That old eunuch, too, must be at least around that level? This situation is more like escorting a prisoner than providing protection. The summoning from the imperial palace itself is suspicious; you don't get congratulated by the Emperor for merely repelling, not even vanquishing, a Lesser Demon Sorceress. There must be some hidden motive. Likely, it's of an unpleasant nature. Qing instinctively assessed her escape routes, a habit she performed routinely as the Heavenly Sword Flower. However, scrutinizing escape paths all day was futile, and the Righteous Orthodox Martial Academy was over two full watches of time journey by Qing's martial arts. Isn't the hardest thing to withstand boredom? Sitting idly as rain pelts down, time seemed to drag on indefinitely. With the clouds obscuring the sun, she couldn't even judge the passage of time. How glad must Qing have felt when she finally glimpsed a household below in the valley amid this seemingly endless, bothersome period? Moreover, as they exited the mountain path into open sight, there was a golden carriage awaiting them at the hillside. For the first time all day, a radiant smile spread across Qing's face. A golden palanquin and a golden carriage—where else but from the imperial palace would such opulent items emerge? Qing intensely felt the preciousness of a roof. Though Qing, adept at making the ground her bed and the sky her blanket, had shown exceptional prowess in living like a vagabond. Even Qing wouldn't choose to sleep in the open, getting drenched in rain; she would seek cover under trees or bridges. Who in the world would lie on the ground in torrential rain? Of course, Qing did have one friend who would, but nevertheless. "Elder, are we switching to the carriage now?" "Indeed, did you think we'd travel all the way to Beijing in a palanquin under the shade of this elder?" To this, Qing let out a slight chuckle. There are always people who speak in such a pointed manner. When asked a question, you can simply answer yes or no. For example, if at a dining table, someone asks if they can start, they might retort, "Or were you just going to admire the food without eating it?" in a sharp tone. True, the old man wasn’t always curt; maybe he’s still upset over the medicines taken from him, or irritated from holding an umbrella for someone like a granddaughter. What else can I do but bear it? "Finally...!" It had been a long, humiliating journey. Now, Qing could rest, eat, and rest again inside the roofed carriage, indulge in her two specialties. Qing shifted eagerly. "Oh dear, Heavenly Sword Flower, you'll stay put, won't you?" "I'm sorry, but it seems my body is getting cold from the chilled rain, so... could I be excused to enter and warm myself?" "Enter? Where do you mean?" Wei Bason asked as if confused. "The carriage? The golden carriage?" "Oh dear, Heavenly Sword Flower, how could we escort the esteemed young hero summoned by the emperor to somewhere so humble? Your place is not inside but rather on top." The old eunuch smiled slyly. Seeing Qing's eyebrows quietly lift in suspicion as an ominous feeling crept over her, what is this old man's scheme? Suddenly, with a flash, the golden palanquin was lifted high. The palanquin bearers, as if given some signal, thrust their arms upward, elevating the palanquin's altitude. Approaching the golden carriage. Suddenly, the four bearers sprang up, landing heavily! The golden palanquin settled on top of the golden carriage with a jarring impact. "Oh no, surely my spot isn't..." "Indeed it is, a seat befitting a hero to be revered by the world." Qing's expression twisted as if she'd bitten something sour. In the meantime, they detached the four legs of the palanquin, hammering wedges and such into place. It seemed the golden palanquin and the golden carriage were designed to combine. Then, attaching the detached legs of the palanquin to the carriage frame, they erected a massive canopy vertically. This revealed four grand inscriptions: 「Young Hero Ximen Qing(靑年英雄西門靑)」 「With Righteousness, Raise the Sword Against Injustice(怀义执剑向不平)」 「Vanquishing All Foes Across the Realm, Invincible(斩天下敌无不胜)」 「Summoned to Ascend the Emperor's Stairway(召以升天子之階)」 Young Hero Ximen Qing. Holding righteousness, she raised her sword against injustice. Undefeated against all foes in the world. Summoned to ascend the Emperor’s stairway. In bold gold-threaded characters, the inscriptions on thick red cloth were displayed grandly as four men stood in a row before the carriage. And, as if on cue, a group swarmed. Drummers and musicians with flutes stood ready. Soldiers clad in uniform, wielding crescent moon blades. Thus, nearly a hundred individuals swiftly organized around the golden carriage, flaunting a tight military display of discipline. Ah, I see the point. Just like those grand parades at amusement parks, where actors decked out in dazzling costumes atop shining floats wave, dance, and sing. That was precisely the scene now. She was the hero directly summoned by the Emperor—her journey couldn't be mundane or lacking in grandeur. Drumbeats and flutes proclaimed her majesty with resonating splendor, heralding the passage of this extraordinary hero. At the center of nearly a hundred people, she is to sit solemnly atop the golden carriage, possibly waving—a perfect ceremonial display... But in this weather? Qing’s expression steadily soured. Actually, when an emperor's decree is involved, it requires at least fifty soldiers to form an escort. Therefore, the Heavenly Sword Flower’s journey to the imperial palace isn’t exaggerated in scale. However, up until now, only a few had quietly ascended the Righteous Orthodox Martial Academy, likely fearing Qing might refuse if given time to find excuses. They intended to move swiftly and discreetly to bring Qing along. And once she was seated in the palanquin? From then on, widely publicizing it became the shackle—it would be impossible for her to back out after such a grand imperial gesture, for running away would only amplify suspicions and scrutiny everywhere. Hence, they planned to boldly announce Qing's journey to meet the Emperor and enter the imperial palace. Yet, considering the weather conditions...? In this world, there are certain immutable human traits. One is war! War, war never changes. And also, bureaucracy! Bureaucracy, bureaucracy never changes. No matter the situation, simply following orders ensures no blame falls on oneself. After all, one merely followed instructions, so no fault can be ascribed. Hence, even amidst pouring rain, the gardener waters the already submerged flowers, and the Heavenly Sword Flower's escort transports her in an open palanquin amidst the pouring rain. We are merely doing as instructed, after all. Just like this: "Journey of Young Hero Ximen Qing to Beijing! The one who repelled the Lesser Demon Sorceress of the Blood Cult heads to the Emperor!" A powerful shout from the strong men, piercing through the rain. The flutes played zesty melodies of the Central Plains, and the drums boomed rhythmically, stirring energy into the march. Meanwhile, soldiers started scattering the famous Heavenly Grace Coins—the Emperor's benevolence. Heavenly Grace Coins, small inscribed with "long live," bestow a measure of rice at the government courtyard. So now, coins along with rain pour from the sky, explaining why the marketplace was abuzz with townsfolk despite the dreadful weather. And among the crowd gazing up, the young hero sat resplendent on the gleaming golden carriage in the bleak weather. Water, efficiently flowing the shortest route, trickled down the contours of her face like elegant streams along the ridge of her finely centered nose. Her hair settled in the flow's path, plastering over her face like seaweed strands, only leaving the bridge of the nose prominently visible. With only her lower face revealed, her features remained beautiful and smooth beyond comparison, comparable only to a goddess of astonishing beauty. Moreover, draped in illustrious red garments, the rain-soaked form was astonishingly seductive. Rain poured and the sky was dark, yet atop the golden chariot holding a golden seat sat a mesmerizing vision reminiscent of a ghostly transcendent beauty. Behind her stood the elderly official, donning official caps and robes, holding a miniature parasol. It served no practical purpose against the rain, merely an ornamental presence as would accompany a noble lady. "Heavenly Sword Flower. Would you smile a bit? Wave your hand a little? And could you please push back your bangs? It’s a shame to hide such a lovely face." "What's the point when it'll be back as it was soon enough, and you expect me to smile like this?" "Ahem." "Is this really okay?" OGpDWU1vWjdDcEdUMEpMd0t1NC95UFZ2eXNGbjRudXFoQTlOMWpSaDYwZGdsWUVaY2dYam1YT1A1UFU1dUZ4WA "Who could have foreseen the rain pouring this way?" This is precisely the result of deskbound administration. The imperial palace wanted to treat Qing with the utmost honor, sending a golden palanquin to cherish her. After all, to humiliate a guest reflects poorly on the host as well—they had no intention of insulting or belittling Qing. But what could be done about such heavy rain? Unlike in her homeland, the weather in Zhongyuan is unpredictable, belonging more to the realm of faith and prayer, leaving it up to the heavens. In truth, even Wei Bason pondered, "This doesn't seem right, does it? Is this really appropriate?" As a high-ranking eunuch, second only to a few others, here he was, getting drenched in the cold rain. Qing was also questioning herself, What exactly am I doing? With her vision obscured by her rain-soaked bangs, visibility was minimal. But honestly, it wasn't a view worth seeing anyway; this entire situation was utterly ridiculous. Despite growing more aware and wise with each passing moment, the carriage continued its journey. Rolling onwards toward Beijing. Relentlessly.