781 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

To be honest, Qing found herself pondering other thoughts during this audacious conversation, not truly focused on it. Because, isn’t such a topic too grand? Even if one emphasizes that the peace of the entire world and the realm hinges on a humble citizen like me, it's a reality that simply doesn't resonate. Moreover, what does the world's safety or the peace of Zhongyuan really have to do with Qing? Qing’s spiritual roots are always that of an outsider. Not even a barbarian, but someone from an entirely different world, perhaps akin to an alien. Living in Zhongyuan, becoming accustomed to its culture, and understanding it intellectually…. No, perhaps precisely because of that. The more she learned about Zhongyuan, the more it only added to a sorrowful realization that the fundamentally different mindset of this world’s people was indeed foreign to her own. Thus, even among the people in Zhongyuan, with her dear ones by her side, Qing remains an outsider seeking warmth, feeling an unfulfilled loneliness amidst shared moments. So, whether the emperor’s opinions are right or wrong doesn't matter much to Qing. Never having cherished Zhongyuan, its peace seems like a distant affair. What's precious to Qing are her people. Vanquishing villains is a personal joy. It might be a slightly inappropriate thought, but if one must assess it—it's akin to the personal sense of fulfillment? Accomplishment? Joy? Something like that of community service. I'm happy, and it's beneficial to the world. However, it's not that Qing draws her sword upon seeing a villain and declares her aim to slay demonic warriors today, offer solace to those slain, and contribute to the peace of the martial world. Never having harbored such grand ideals, Qing was indeed fitting of the term 'small citizen.' Thus, even if an explanation is given on the governance ideals of the realm's ruler, Qing neither sympathizes with it nor wishes to engage. If such ideals were harmful to her precious people? Well, that's unacceptable. She cannot permit it. If someone were to peer into Qing's mind, they might scorn her as endlessly selfish. Disinterested in something like world peace, yet denying the methods of those who seek it. And yet, calculating the damages to her people, as if pondering whether somehow they alone might slip away unscathed. But why should she concern herself with that? Why should what constitutes world peace matter at all? I would rather swiftly wrap up this mess of a status screen, live alongside the members of the Divine Maiden Sect, wander off on occasional adventures, meet friends, have fun, and enjoy the satisfaction of torturing and slaying villains. That's it. My humble dream. Thus, the emperor’s suggestion, might be somewhat seductive? “Your Majesty. Indeed, those sinister and dreadful heretics certainly deserve chastisement according to the national law. Their wickedness has surpassed tolerable limits, so if Your Majesty raises the banner to punish them, the common people shall gladly take up arms and join, for it is they who threaten the peace of the world.” The emperor's expression turned peculiar. As they awaited for what martial artist Ximen Qing would say, he awaited rather eagerly— “However, the Unorthodox sects, the righteous alliances, are not those treasonous rebels, Your Majesty imagines them to be. On the contrary, they have always strived for the peace of Zhongyuan, assisting in the judiciary’s duties.” “Assist the judiciary’s duties?” “When malignant figures emerge among martial artists, they escape swiftly like a fine steed, quickly fleeing a thousand li in a day; while they may not be able to rival Your Majesty’s soldiers, they cause the blood of devoted warriors to flow, so righteous alliances strive to handle these demonic men first to spare the officials the burden.” “Your words are puzzling. How can such a thing be called loyalty? Isn’t it merely clamor over the profits, a scramble not to lose your martial alliances’ benefits?” However, Qing had already made up her mind. Tackle the unorthodox rogues, spare the righteous. If her mind was uncertain, perhaps she wouldn't know. But once a decision is made and a basis for argument is in hand, Qing’s mouth becomes a venomous instrument, one daring to speak of the world. “Your Majesty, if I may say, a diligent farmer does not toil in agriculture for the peace of the world. Their effort, to grow better and more abundant grains, is solely to feed their family, yearning for a better home, clothing, and food—indeed, efforts driven by personal gain. However, due to such farmers' endeavors, the barren lands fill with crops, reducing the number of hungry people within; it becomes, in the end, beneficial to the world, does it not?” Qing’s words hearkened to an opinion unspoken by an as yet unborn Western thinker in this era. But truly, it was not so. For even during the current times in Zhongyuan over two millennia ago, there were sages of the Hundred Schools of Thought who proffered the same viewpoint. “Laughable, how bold of you to speak of the doctrines of Shen’s Way?” Among the Hundred Schools, Shen Dao(慎到), a rebel of Legalism. The words of Legalism’s sages were simple. A powerful military! Strict laws! Defy the law? The military crushes it! However, Shen Dao stood opposed, being deeply engrossed in Daoism's principle of laissez-faire, 'Let them live well as they see fit.' A radical fusion of Legalism and Daoism: Establishing a strong rule of law, but solely to restrict unethical methods. He attacked the concept of guanxi (關係), the innate instinct of Zhongyuan people even back then. Thus, all would attempt to succeed within the bounds of the law, and under such restrictions for malfeasance, the path benefiting oneself would inherently benefit the world. However, Shen Dao’s assertions, being ignored both above and below within the nation, left him not hailed as a grand master but merely another figure within the Hundred Schools. For the fraudulent acts of the Zhongyuan people were inherent instincts engraved into their souls, indeed the mainstay reason for their existence. ZGVPdDc2cnQxMFU0bVlrbnZITXlVdUZUdUN0VEIwUmpZUUxKdW5sODFYeE1URDcxYlYwLzFxR2liOG1LTHdsMA In business, one must rely boldly on connections and bribes, monopolize and crush competitors under the protection of influential patrons, conspire to protect wealth, and lower wages considering there are plenty of people around. These were exactly the unethical methods Shen Dao criticized, hence such statements were said from the perspective of the people of Zhongyuan. How else could one become wealthy without these methods? In stark contrast, a certain future Western philosopher will be glorified worldwide as the greatest teacher for making a similar claim. "Shen's argument only holds when a country’s military is strong, and the authority of law stands firm. However, you martial artists, knowing the national law, ignore it as if it doesn't exist. How then can it benefit the nation?" the emperor questioned. But could Qing not anticipate such a reaction? Qing had already memorized the teachings of the Hundred Schools of Thought. Though a bit rote, necessitating quite the mental effort to retrieve and apply, once she fetched all necessary parts, she could unleash the subtle, dangerous persuasion that even a grand elder of the Sichuan Tang Clan acknowledged. "Therefore, if Your Majesty's great military sweeps away those atrocious unorthodox factions in one fell swoop, naturally even the righteous martial artists will kneel under such a display of majesty." If the unorthodox are swept aside, wouldn't the righteous thereafter be inclined to adhere to the national law? According to Qing, this might result in heavy bloodshed across the realm. As the unorthodox wouldn't meekly submit to eradication, numerous soldiers would suffer. Yet, there's unavoidable necessity in this. Furthermore, post this, martial circles would be subjected beneath the royal court's rule. Well, what's wrong with that? It's far better than being purged. The emperor had seemingly made up his mind to sweep away the martial world, but I cannot bear to watch the martial alliances be erased. Thus, offer up the unorthodox scoundrels to be slain. The righteous will behave, so please spare them. Admittedly, there’s been an issue with martial artists freely drawing their swords at will. However, this might make my hobbies a tad difficult... Upon this, the emperor's expression turned peculiar. "To eradicate the unorthodox? By your words, the righteous martial artists you speak of are not to participate—that's to demonstrate the majesty of the imperial forces?" "However, should Your Majesty command it, the Martial Alliance can lend as much assistance as needed. Nonetheless, the vanguard should be Your Majesty’s mighty army." "Half of your martial world will burn. Wouldn't that mean the so-called righteous, those deemed just, would also face threats? Can you guarantee that your Martial Alliance won't resist?" "If that is a concern, then please, simply command me. I will ensure the alliance understands Your Majesty's immense vision; if not, then proceed with what you intended originally." I'll find a way to persuade them, somehow. The emperor blinks, pondering. Despite Qing's striking resemblance, such things often go unnoticed to oneself. Because one rarely perceives one's own visage. "Your words are quite questionable. Is your martial world solely comprised of your Martial Alliance, that only they need remain safe?" "If the Martial Alliance holds the national law dear and abides by it, Your Majesty will surely value them. While for a time, the government and the martial world may intermingle in chaos, ultimately, using martial arts for the country will further prosperous times." The current leadership of the Martial Alliance may not fancy being under imperial control. But if treated well instead of oppressed, when the current leadership retires and the next generation ascends, it won't be the same. In summary, treat the current Martial Alliance well. And thereafter, let them sort out their own fate—whether they flourish or falter. Because that isn't my concern. Our Divine Maiden Sect, my friends, just need to live well now, and that's it. Let any future descendants manage on their own. Having saved them from annihilation should be gratitude enough; whether or not they find a free martial path is up to them. "Ha, indeed. Ha, ha!" The emperor suddenly bursts into laughter. His hearty laughter resonated, echoing within his vast chamber. "He who said to forge great individuals, they must withstand the wild waves of the world. You have become very commendable." Sudden praise? It was a baffling moment for Qing. "Yes, like your words propose, removing the wicked from the martial world and taming the rest to be utilized is not a bad plan." "I am truly grateful, Your Majesty." Qing bowed her head in relief. It seemed she had swayed through, somehow. At that moment. "However, before anything." Oh dear, what now? "The representative of your Martial Alliance must present themselves before me, kneel, and swear loyalty. Be it the Alliance Leader, or the one you so favor as the world's greatest, whoever wields the most influence. If they gather the consensus to represent the Martial Alliance and come to me, I shall bestow upon them the General’s Sword." The General’s Sword is a symbol of command. Bestowing it upon the representative of the Martial Alliance would serve as an official declaration placing them under the emperor’s military hierarchy. A representative, huh. The Alliance Leader? Or Grandmaster Wuhak? Although Qing mused that being on good terms with both eradicating the unorthodox and gaining recognition from the officials seemed valuable, It felt increasingly difficult deciding whom to persuade among the two. Hmmm, how should I propose this? Qing pondered about how to communicate this, recalling the wisdom of sages and anecdotes. Yet, it was perhaps too early to begin persuading. "However. You must be the one to kneel before the emperor as the representative of the Martial Alliance." Qing blinked. Myself? Me? Why? "Ten years. I will grant you ten years." "What?" "By any means, take control of the Martial Alliance and bow before me as their leader. In doing so, the imperial order will allow the martial world to continue its existence." "Your Majesty—" "You just suggested placing the righteous martial world under the imperial rule while discussing national affairs. Therefore, as you suggested, we intend to entrust the righteous martial arts to you and make use of them." Upon reflection, both the Emperor and the Empress had a low-handed way of speaking, relying on their authority to interrupt and speak solely their own agendas. Being the Emperor or Empress, no one could dare interrupt them, so they could cut in as much as they wished, leaving listeners without a means to object. "Thus, shouldn't you first prove your capabilities? So, have the Martial Alliance under you and demonstrate your ability." "But—" "Ten years. Stand before me within ten years with the Martial Alliance under your command. You shall personally wield the General’s Sword to eradicate the heretical factions. If you fail, the imperial court will no longer bother with pretenses. The world shall witness the true might of the nation that you martial artists know not of." Oh, what the hell is this all of a sudden— As Qing trembled slightly at the edge of her eyes, as if to ironically congratulate her, a blue square suddenly appeared in her vision. [Lineage Quest, Maelimno.] [You have received an imperial command.] Actions for Mission Fulfillment: Lineage) Sell out the martial world to the royal family for wealth and glory. Qing immediately dismissed the mission screen. Damn, and what the hell is Maelimno supposed to be?