767 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

[Bloodline] For a person, after losing three times in succession, it is proper to acknowledge defeat. Especially when they have been defeated three times in the same manner, it is only natural to question whether they truly possess the qualities of a human being. And here stood someone who had been defeated thrice. "Your Highness, she is the princess. She is the Princess Yeonsul whom Your Highness cherished and played with dearly. Those times you laughed together, clashing sticks, still remain vivid in this young girl's eyes. Truly, do you not remember?" "No, wait. You, Yeo! Yeonsul was the one you used to serve, Yeonsul! Ah, just how cunningly persuasive must she have been! How could you trust that charlatan so unwaveringly?" The Prince sighed deeply. And he did not forget to add a further remark. "I swear by my name, I have neither cherished Yeonsul nor played with her." The Prince still refused to accept it. This was after the Empress, the wet nurse, and now even a close friend from the times he roamed around with a runny nose had spoken. The Heavenly Sword Flower was said to be his sister. However, the Prince could not agree with that. By now, after losing three times, he should have accepted the truth. Yet, his attitude was entirely inhuman, uncharacteristic of a person. But there was no issue. Among the creatures of Zhongyuan, there existed a race that was not human, but of Heaven(天). These beings, not humans but children of Heaven, were divine figures who descended temporarily to rule over people. Thus, the Prince's actions, not being like those of a normal human, would not be considered a flaw. Whether it was because of his conscientiousness as one who must govern the world in the future, or the emergence of an unfathomable, colossal aversion, it was unknown. The Prince once more sought an ally. Someone who would refute the Heavenly Sword Flower's claim about Yeonsul, and who possessed the authority to ascertain the truth through numerous experiences with Yeonsul’s actions. And there was still one such person left. Hwanggeukjeon's Master Guardian, Beom Yak-gong! Surely, a master guardian who had been protecting Yeonsul ever since she began to toddle. Thus, Hwanggeukjeon. "Do you mean to say the Heavenly Sword Flower is impersonating Princess Yeonsul?" Master Guardian Beom Yak-gong of Hwanggeukjeon wore a dissatisfied expression. Of course, as His Highness the Prince personally came to see him, he welcomed him, only to find the conversation fantastically absurd. "Your Highness. The Heavenly Sword Flower is a transcendent(超絶) martial artist. She is a young genius who reached the transcendent realm at just the age of twenty." "So?" "If indeed, as Your Highness suggests, the celestial agencies swapped the noble body under the guise of treatment, declaring the Heavenly Sword Flower to be the real princess—" "I am not saying that! It is that deceitful woman, the Heavenly Sword Flower, who makes such claims!" The Prince leaped up, denying vehemently. To this, Beom Yak-gong cleared his throat. "Nonetheless, Your Highness. Zhongyuan is vast, and its people outnumber grains of sand, so one might feel the transcendent realm is commonplace when spoken aloud. However, reaching the transcendent realm from a third-tier level with just a few years of training is utterly impossible." At this, the Prince beamed broadly. "Is that so? As I thought, that must be it!" "Indeed. Even a child born with innate martial prowess of the world, receiving supreme techniques right from birth to cultivate the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, and training fiercely for over twenty years, would find the transcendent realm challenging to reach." Thus, merely the fact that the Heavenly Sword Flower is a transcendent martial artist meant she could not be Princess Yeonsul. It was a clear piece of evidence presented by one of the greatest masters within the Forbidden City. "I told you so! Yet, having been swayed by the cunning words of that deceitful woman— Ah—Khm, the virtuous Duchess and even that dear friend have already fallen for it, truly leaving me exasperated. Even if Yeonsul grew more mature after her illness, how can that serve as proof that she is not the true one? Tsk." "The virtuous Duchess? And that dear friend you speak of?" Furrows form on Beom Yak-gong's forehead. Were there any other groups in the palace as harmonious and close as they were in those days? Though regarded as a noble being, it’s natural to cherish the wet nurse like one's own mother and maintain close ties with a childhood companion. Princess Yeonsul, who was much beloved and affectionate, was undeniably different from the other royal children, as she did not treat her servants with the typical superior attitude. The closeness was such that even a biological mother and sister couldn't be that close, yet these two, why have they reached such a conclusion? "Come to think of it, it seems the Divine Technique of the Heavenly Sword is known as the Yue Maiden Sword Technique." "Hmm? Does the Yue Maiden Sword Technique include methods to beguile people?" "No, no. It just came to mind." Beom Yak-gong stroked his beard thoughtfully. The Yue Maiden Sword Technique. Yue Maiden Sword Technique... might it be? "Is there something that comes to mind?" "No, it's just that as per your words, isn't this a crime against humanity, an unforgivable heavenly crime? How may I assist you?" The Prince covertly shifted to the main topic. "Now, about that... Would Master Guardian be able to have a discreet look at the Heavenly Sword Flower? You have watched over Yeonsul since her toddling days. Surely, you would be able to discern the truth in an instant." Beom Yak-gong’s eyebrows rose high for a moment. After all, isn't what the Prince said strange? Leaving aside the absurdity of the Heavenly Sword Flower claiming to be the real Princess Yeonsul, if that were true, she would have already been arrested as a criminal under charges of treason deserving the death penalty. Yet, instead of ordering her capture, he asked to verify whether she truly was the real one or not? Surely, the Prince himself had already leaned toward believing the preposterous claim, that the Heavenly Sword Flower was the real Princess Yeonsul. In that case? Could it be, perhaps? Beom Yak-gong slyly altered his demeanor. "Ahem. In that case, I shall discreetly go and examine her." Even the Prince could not recklessly relocate the Master Guardian of Hwanggeukjeon. The Master Guardian of Hwanggeukjeon was one who commanded the most essential triadic guard of the Forbidden City and was a guard directly under the Emperor. Thus, even by the Prince’s order, Beom Yak-gong couldn’t leave his post during duty hours. He meant to take some time after the civil officials left the outer office and it was empty, in other words, after the moon rose in the evening. "I entrust this task to you." The Prince held Beom Yak-gong's hand firmly. Qing grumbled to herself. Just how long were they planning to leave her waiting after summoning her? Even considering the fact that this was the emperor, was this behavior really acceptable? After being made to wait like this, someone busy like her should be shown around the Forbidden City a little, don’t you think? Of course, there was indeed a reason for this. The process to meet the emperor was strictly set by national law, so one was required to wait indefinitely, in a state akin to confinement until their body and mind were purified of worldly concerns. Such was the custom of the palace. This type of indefinite waiting, a pseudo-confinement, was also a political tactic used to weaken and irritate the other party's spirit. Fortunately, with Gabia around, she wasn’t completely bored. It was, in a sense, a small mercy. For one, she could marvel at the diverse positions and practices within the palace etiquette, all sixty-four of them. Furthermore, her schedule had been enriched with a new activity in the evening—massotherapy and practical exercises for massage therapy. The reason her schedule shifted from experiencing massage therapy to practicing it was simple. "Shall I prepare the massage therapy, Mama?" "No, Mama. Why does she call you so disgustingly? That sly fox—" "Sheesh, everyone can be a bit coy. Anyway, I don't think you need to prepare the massage therapy anymore. Zhongyuan-style Tui Na suits me better." The way Haeryu massaged with that aching pressure was just perfect. That's exactly how a massage should be. "See that? This is the difference in the level between you and me. You little brat, you're far too green to act up here in the palace." "Ugh." Haeryu's pride soared while Gabia clenched her teeth in frustration. However, it didn’t last long. "Then, Mama, have you considered learning the massage therapy yourself? It could come in handy in the future." Qing's ears perked up at this. Yet, Haeryu's expression was there to block further thoughts. "How dare you try to teach Mama such lewd techniques?" "Lewd? Massage therapy is a healing practice refined over six thousand years, praised for its health-enhancing method in Zhongyuan medicine—to raise body temperature and accelerate blood flow." "Hmph." This time, Haeryu kept her mouth shut. As it was required for attendants of royal bloodlines to be well-versed in basic medical knowledge, Gabia's argument was undeniably reasonable. Besides, Qing was already quite intrigued. Perhaps she could use it as a final tactic against Eonyang, and when done simply with non-aphrodisiac infused oils, it could work as a healthy practice to perform for her friends. So in the evenings, they spent time participating in massage therapy classes, where Gabia used Haeryu as a teaching aid, with Qing practicing hands-on under Gabia's guidance. After finishing another day filled with meaningful learning, Qing found herself lying down on a bed, nestling between the two palace attendants who bickered dozens of times a day. Though she was no longer restless from loneliness when sleeping alone, it felt comforting, perhaps even reassuring, to have companions beside her. To the rhythm of their breathing from left and right, Qing swiftly drifted off to dreamland. Suddenly, Qing's eyes snapped open. The massive presence she sensed from outside the building made the hairs on her neck stand up. If there were accompanying sound effects, it might have resembled a sinister 'whoosh,' like a thick dark fog ominously blanketing her senses. Qing rolled her eyes cautiously, examining her surroundings. Both Haeryu and Gabia were in deep slumber. Moving like a snake ready to strike, Qing slipped silently off the bed, without even causing the mattress to creak, and quietly dressed herself. Stepping cautiously outside, she saw someone standing boldly in the courtyard. Somewhere between middle-aged and elderly, a time in life her homeland referred to as the age of grandfathers, with hair completely white but neatly tied and secured with a round cloth. He had a noble like bearing and an impressively long mustache extending sideways, a sage-like figure. Yet, his karma—an ominous 170-folds of unresolved deeds... Qing swallowed hard. That suspicious character, brandishing a sword at such a time of night, even though her Moonlight Sword had been confiscated. Well, being in the Forbidden City, it was understandable that carrying weapons was not allowed. She eyed the strange man cautiously, assessing him. Surprisingly, he spoke first. "Do you recognize me?" "Uh… no? Should I recognize you?" The visitor’s expression turned subtle. "I am Beom Yak-gong, formerly tasked with guarding Princess Yeonsul. Does this not ring a bell?" Qing's tense demeanor eased just a bit. Ah, she had suspected something like this. With Yeonsul's old acquaintances appearing one after another, she had presumed she might soon encounter someone from the Vigilant Guardian. Yet, hmm, an old acquaintance indeed, but with such karma! How should she handle this? "I heard from Haeryu. So, um, nice to meet you?" Qing bowed her head slightly. Beom Yak-gong's expression became even more nuanced. "Could it be? Are you Princess Yeonsul?" "Uh… no?" His eyebrows twitched significantly. Although she denied it, her awkward expression overlapped perfectly with someone else's familiar visage that he recognized. "I heard that you yourself claimed to be Princess Yeonsul." "Oh. I never claimed that. Everyone says so, but, um, I really don't know. I have no memories of the past. But, well, I don’t wish to live as Princess Yeonsul. I am Ximen Qing from Wulin, and I will continue being so." Beom Yak-gong sighed heavily. The Prince had accused Ximen Qing of impersonating Yeonsul to deceive others, yet her own words suggested something entirely different. Moreover, "You are said to be a transcendent martial artist. I have heard that rumors can be deceitful, but to be seen as a harmonious martial artist... Had I not seen it with my own eyes, it would be impossible to believe." “Oh.” Being able to discern at a glance that someone is in the Transformation Realm(化境) implies that her opponent was of a higher mastery, dwelling in the Profound Realm(現境) or beyond. Technically, while one might discern an individual at the transcendent level, any higher and the realm becomes indiscernible. For one to believe that young Qing has reached the Profound Realm would be unthinkable. This realization sent a chill down Qing's spine. Why hadn't she considered the possibility? There could certainly be masters of the Profound Realm(現境) within the imperial palace. After all, Qing knew that Zhongyuan was vast and filled with many undiscovered masters. Especially in the imperial palace, where all sorts of riches and divine skills of various sects were housed, it wouldn't be surprising for a master like this to emerge. Qing’s distinguishing trait has always been strong against the weak, soft towards the strong. In front of a master of the Profound Realm, she found herself utterly subdued. Yet, Beom Yak-gong, with an unchanging polite demeanor, posed another question. "Would you perhaps be able to demonstrate the Yue Maiden Sword Technique?" "Uh, and why do you ask?" "There is something I must confirm. Please, if you would indulge me." Beom Yak-gong drew a sword from his waist and placed it midair. Normally, the phrase ‘place it midair’ would sound odd, but such was the fundamental swordplay of a Profound Realm master. The sword, handle first, floated steadily toward Qing, sailing gently through the air. Hmm. Given that this air swordplay wasn't of a level to be used practically, he was likely in the early phase of the Profound Realm, not yet hitting its middle phase. Qing wrapped her hand around the sword's hilt. As for why he asked her to demonstrate the Yue Maiden Sword Technique, it wasn't hard to discern, even without much intuition. He likely wanted to verify, as someone who had taught Yeonsul, whether or not she was indeed the genuine article. Hmm, but would it be alright to just do so? In martial arts, one's habits are inherently revealed, and a master who had taught someone for a long time could often recognize them easily. But, that was Princess Yeonsul, and she was Ximen Qing. Princess Yeonsul’s habits might not align with hers. Nevertheless, when a master of the Profound Realm demands, one ought to oblige. Resisting wouldn’t bring her any benefit at this moment. Qing obediently performed the initial stances of the Yue Maiden Sword Technique. First step, Wolf Child Collecting Timber. Second stance, Childless Monkey’s Frolic. Third stance— At that moment. "That will suffice. We wouldn’t want anyone to see. You should put the sword down now." Qing flinched, glancing at Beom Yak-gong. He was smiling brightly, but there was something about that expression that was somehow chilling. Perhaps it was immense joy coupled with great delight. Yet lurking was a sense of discomfort, a mismatch. Why? Was it just in her head? Or because of his karma? No, it wasn’t that. It felt like she knew something, yet didn’t quite. At that moment, it happened. Boom. Beom Yak-gong dropped to one knee, bowing his head deeply. “It has been a while, Your Highness. Please forgive this old man for not recognizing you immediately as my sight has grown weak.”