784 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

"The Heavenly Sword Flower is accused of daring to impersonate a royal and falsely proclaiming herself as a princess! The claim that Lady Yeon Sul is a fake while she herself is the true princess—how could the world contain such absurd and outrageous sin?" Qing's eyebrows twitched. Why would Yeon Sul's previously benevolent swordsmanship instructor suddenly have a reason to slander me? Or perhaps, could it be that the Emperor, or rather, not the Emperor, but the Empress, has plotted to prevent my return to Murim? If it turns out I truly have royal blood, I might end up being unable to avoid staying in the palace as a princess. Qing turned her gaze once more to the Emperor's staircase. The expressions of the Grand Preceptor and the Emperor atop the highest three steps were wide-eyed and agape, struck by immense shock. The Empress and Crown Prince seated one step below wore similar expressions. A situation where the entire family was in mutual astonishment. As Qing observed the mood, the officials pondered over the grave accusations hurled by the Grand Preceptor at Queen's Hall. The allegation that Ximen Qing dared to impersonate a royal was a brutal charge indeed. In Zhongyuan, among the most severe crimes demanding immediate capital punishment without question, impersonation of the Emperor was included. Yet. "What do you mean, Preceptor? Impersonation? What could Ximen Qing have hoped to gain by impersonating a princess?" the Empress asked in a calm voice, albeit slightly trembling. The officials shared the sentiment. Why so suddenly? Besides, wasn’t Ximen Qing previously informed of the betrothal to the Crown Prince? Ignorant of the Emperor’s intentions to confine her, she would have assumed she was to enjoy boundless prosperity as the future partner of power. Yet Ximen Qing dares to impersonate a princess? "I do not understand what such a vile traitor aims for! However, having already committed the grave sin of impersonation, might she not scheme to call herself Yeon Sul and deceive us likewise?" Qing was speechless. When did I ever— "She shamelessly boasted to the palace maidens of Hall of Splendor that she would dethrone Lady Yeon Sul and seize the false title for herself to indulge in glory!" All eyes of the officials turned to Qing. Their gaze seemed to ask if she had anything to say in response. Qing found herself at a loss for words. She had plenty to say. Did I do that? You're the one. Even if I were to claim I'm not Yeon Sul, they'd insist I'm truly her, fighting tooth and nail. And what's with the Hall of Splendor maidens? I never uttered a word to them. Yet, rash rebuttal was also difficult. Wouldn't it mean I must declare I’m the real one? Grand Preceptor Bum Yak Gong felt a sense of urgency. If Yeon Sul were bestowed with the title of Crown Princess, confined like a lady-in-waiting, then over time, it would simply be a matter of retrieving the Supreme Martial Art. Aware of her situation, she couldn't bear it any longer, leading to self-destructive desperation. Though she reached the Realm of Harmony, it wouldn't be difficult for a master of the Profound Realm to handle someone in the Transformation Realm. Revealing Yeon Sul to be the true Yeon Sul would suffice. Her role was originally to guard the princess; thus, claiming guilt for failing to distinguish between fake and real, one could request demotion yet continue to guard Yeon Sul, eventually reclaiming the Essence-Absorbing Demonic Technique. Whichever the case, so long as Yeon Sul remained in the palace, there was no need for Grand Preceptor Bum Yang Gong to rush. However. To have thunderstrike from a clear sky! The Éminence of the Imperial Protection, monitoring the palace affairs from the beams high above, heard his worst fears confirmed as Qing was announced to be awarded the position of Inspector of the Twelve Trailways? The Inspector is typically tasked with overseeing a particular province, conducting activities there. However, the Inspector of the Twelve Trailways possesses a unique role of overseeing all of Zhongyuan without a specific locality. It is a lower sixth-rank position, yet its authority is remarkable, as inspection results are reported directly through the Head of Treasury to the Emperor, bypassing intermediary channels. Nevertheless, due to its peripatetic nature, once appointed, returning to the Forbidden City is almost unheard of. For Bum Yak Gong, who remained tethered to the Palace of the Supreme Pole, the implication was earth-shattering. To simply let Yeon Sul go? Though not entirely impossible to return to the Forbidden City later, how much more time did he have? Though masters of the Profound Realm could regain youth temporarily, it didn’t mean they reversed time to extend their lifespan limitlessly. Despite living long, eventually the end does arrive. The regained youth ages rapidly upon reaching its limit, giving notice that it's time to prepare for an honorable departure—your life span ends here. Such was Bum Yak Gong’s condition. At one hundred and three years old, and having temporarily reclaimed youth, he now aged swiftly, with physical burdens growing heavier with each waking day. Thus, a choice must be made. Having lived beyond a hundred, should this longevity not be accepted gracefully? Or, should one seek to pierce through fate and slightly delay the inevitable? Typically, masters of the Profound Realm accepted and resigned to their limits, understanding their foreseen boundary and the arduous journey beyond. It was the moment a warrior, having battled life-long, resigned in submission before the unwavering natural law. However, were another method to exist? If reaching the next realm, unattainable with one’s innate talent and capability, seemed possible. The blank scroll Bum Yak Gong held—the hollow vessel of Essence-Absorbing Demonic Technique—was precisely that scheme. And now, as Bum Yak Gong prepared to seize the last opportunity, a veiled message infiltrated his awareness. -Preceptor Bum, there seems to be a misunderstanding. Ximen Qing is indeed of true imperial descent, the authentic Lady Yeon Sul. How could it be wrong for royal blood to declare its genuine nobility? Yet, the will of heaven directs otherwise, hence the decision to release her beyond. It was the voice of the Imperial Guard Commander of the Surveillance Unit. "Yet, to see the Grand Preceptor of the Imperial Protection so enraged by such words is to be expected. His Majesty will show leniency, so let us retreat from this matter for now." The words of the Surveillance Unit Commander were not his own discretion but the will of the Emperor. Do not act recklessly and retreat, though the Emperor understands your sentiments and will let it go. Bum Yak Gong muttered to himself. Ah, seize the opportunity, never miss a good chance. This phrase meant to not let a good opportunity slip by. And up to now, there had been ample opportunities for Bum Yak Gong. As someone who could enter the royal archives at any time, had he continuously consulted the books there for advanced cultivation... He might have obtained the Essence-Absorbing Demonic Technique before Yeon Sul. But he hadn’t. He had already believed he had reached the peak of his accomplishments, so he hadn’t felt an urgent need to seek additional martial arts training. And now? When Yeon Sul had walked into the palace willingly, if he had seized the Essence-Absorbing Demonic Technique immediately without regard for others' opinions... Bum Yak Gong quietly closed his eyes. If he missed this chance, when would another come? Even if given time and he acquired the Essence-Absorbing Demonic Technique later, how much longer would this aged body endure? Bum Yak Gong collapsed to his knees. Yet his mind was clear. If he drew his sword now, the Emperor's secret guard would need to evacuate and protect the Emperor. Thus, he wouldn’t have to contend with the Guardian of the Profound Realm from the Surveillance Unit. So, then, what difficulty was there in striking down one Transformation Realm woman and fleeing? Of course, after that, he would become a great traitor pursued by all of Zhongyuan's forces. There is a joke from Qing's hometown. "Borrow max from every possible place and person right now, then buy a chariot." "What? And the debt?" "Why repay it? You've got a chariot." If Bum Yak Gong reached the mid-level of the Profound Realm with the Essence-Absorbing Demonic Technique, who could stop such a martial prowess? Even if unable to reach the next realm, his life wasn’t long regardless; it was his own fault for missing the previous opportunity, what loss was there? Had he known it would come to this, he would have steeled his resolve sooner. ZGVPdDc2cnQxMFU0bVlrbnZITXlVcmluejdyUG9sMit2VmVaRFNwQjM4cDVUektvcWxjODBtZGMxKzJEMFp6eA The sound of collapsing knees echoed. "Your Majesty, I speak only out of loyalty for the empire!" At this, the Emperor’s stern expression softened a bit. However, Qing's eyes narrowed. Bum Yak Gong had drawn his sword. While one could question the audacity of drawing a sword in the Emperor's throne room, it would be stranger still for the head of security to be unarmed. Moreover, Qing never let her guard down when a sword-bearer kneeled. Far from relaxing, an alertness she didn't have before surged, keeping her keenly prepared. For Qing, kneeling wasn’t ever about begging for forgiveness. Kneeling was a calculated gesture, like the famous general Han Xin known for enduring humiliation to ensure future success. In essence, to kneel was to prepare for a leap forward. Besides, this old man who had always acted deferentially, calling her "Princess," now suddenly— Suspicion arose, suspicion grew. Suspi— Suddenly, Bum Yak Gong’s figure wavered. It could only be described as such: vibrating from side to side, his silhouette dissolved as though splitting into two and vanishing from sight. In an instant, the old man’s piercing gaze formed a straight line, rapidly closing in right in front. Simultaneously, Qing's body divided. In the eight directions—front, back, left, right, and the spaces in between—eight Qing's soared, twisted, and dispersed. Whoosh! The sound of a blade slashing the air. Behind Bum Yak Gong’s fully extended arm, amid spinning through the air like a top, Qing landed softly yet firmly. Nevertheless, as Bum Yak Gong spun around again, he vanished, leaving behind only an afterimage. A legendary feat where one moves so swiftly they close the distance, leaving residual images in their wake—a remarkable talent in movement techniques. Originally designed to confront opponents with their back, the ability to slip away amid chaos often left one at a disadvantage against seasoned foes. Why is this old man so suddenly— With a thud, Qing fell back, sprawling. Even without eyes on her back, Qing could sense her surroundings. "Middle Guard! Escort the Crown Prince!" The Guardian of the Surveillance Unit shouted, grasping the Emperor, then the Empress by the sides, all the while barking orders. The Middle Guard, as called, descended swiftly from the ceiling and hoisted their master up. "Subdue the Grand Preceptor! Execute if necessary!" The Emperor commanded. In response, the Empress snapped to attention. "Let go, release! Yeon Sul—" "Pardon my rudeness!" "No! Let go, Yeon Sul...!" The Empress’s shriek echoed into swift silence. The Emperor’s guards had one mission: to secure and protect the Imperial Family under the heavens. A Profound Realm practitioner audacious enough to draw a sword and attempt regicide before the Emperor must be deterred swiftly to a safe place. When Qing sprang up, having lunged over her own body, the stairs were already vacant. Already fled? So quickly!? But it was better this way. It seemed she could slip away swiftly now. If not, she could always escape. As Qing always thought, she was confident in her ability to flee. And even now. Qing resumed her Eight-Trigram steps. Though the Emperor's guards took him away, the ministers remained bewildered by the situation, so Qing honed in on an unfamiliar high official among them to employ the perplexing True Form of Infinite Possibilities. One of the eight Qing’s, restoring her original color by a pillar on the Western side of the Supreme Pole Court. And then, with a loud stomp, she dashed forward. The floor of the Supreme Pole Court, the grandest structure in Zhongyuan, splintered and cracked, sending wooden debris flying as black mist-like energy flowed forth. One step, two steps. Then, with three steps, Qing was at maximum speed. She dashed straight for the exit of the Forbidden City. Behind her, a sweet yet chilling sound brushed past her ears, the sound of a blade slicing through a human.