797 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

[I'm Not a Fan of This Trend.] Yunnan Province, Gokjeong County. Gokjeong County serves as a sort of gateway city. Qing arrived here by changing carriages from Hunan's Zhangsha County, suggesting a well-paved national road was available for carriages. Given that the road accessible to carriages is also conducive for walking, it implies that this is the most convenient and safe path to reach Yunnan. Thus, this is the first city travelers bound for Yunnan or tourists eager to see its famous scenery would encounter. Departing from the academy took place around mid-September. Upon reaching Gokjeong just days before the end of October, they'd traveled about a month and ten days. Yet, it was not the entire journey! There were still fifteen hundred li to reach Jeomchang Sect. Though they were not in a particular rush, it wasn't much of a concern. Along the journey, they frequently encountered people on the national road, suggesting a considerable number of travelers to Yunnan. However, upon arriving in Gokjeong, finding an inn proved challenging as every place was reportedly full. Of course, "fully booked" typically referred to only the inn's most luxurious rooms, and they intended to secure the finest room even if it meant opting for a less prestigious inn. Why? Because they had plenty of money. Their ample wallets were to blame. Qing had fully become an established member of the Zhongyuan martial world, a satisfied pig in luxury! So, after securing a high-quality inn rather than the top-tier one, when they came down for a meal, the first and second floors of the spacious inn were bustling with guests. "Wow, so many people. Is there that much to see in Yunnan? Maybe I should take a tour after visiting Jeomchang Sect. After all, who knows when I'll return to Yunnan?" "Indeed, they say just wandering in Yunnan reveals breathtaking views. However, sister, this doesn't seem like a good omen." "Hmm? What do you mean? The crowd?" "No matter how much of a gateway city it is, this kind of unusual bustle without any events isn't normal." "Is it that strange?" "Look at the dishes here. Don't they seem different from Guiju?" "What? Is the head chef from Guiju?" "They say Yunnan borrows its traits from nearby lands." Yunnan borders Guizhou to the east, Burma and Tibet to the west, Lan Xang and Dai Viet to the south, and Sichuan to the north. All these distinct cultural influences mingle not with harmony but appear disjointed, resembling their neighboring areas rather than achieving unity. That's why the first city travelers encounter in Yunnan, Gokjeong, resembles Guizhou's customs closely. The food is strongly sour, descriptively tangy or, put bluntly, downright sour. The people of Guizhou seemingly have a strange penchant for vinegar. As a result, Seo Lily appears slightly downcast. While Guizhou cuisine involves adding ample vinegar to soups, which falls outside the liking of soup-lover Seo Lily due to its sourness, the mainstream trend in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou, is for spicy flavors. Thus, merging spicy and sour became the norm. In the absence of the spice trend, Guizhou's soup typically defaults to sourness. "There are no famous attractions nearby; it's not a city that people would typically flock to, sister." "Well, there might be some events or large regional festivals happening. We could just ask around. Excuse me, attendant!" As Qing called, amidst the echoing requests for attendants from everywhere, the typical smiling face of the attendant slightly tensed. But only briefly. Holding a neatly folded silver piece, the attendant became exceedingly polite. In less crowded times, questions are fine, but during busy moments like these, it's customary in Zhongyuan to tip generously when engaging someone. "Hehe, what would you like to know, ma'am?" "Oh, I was just curious because it seems so crowded. Is there a festival or something planned?" "Oh dear, ma'am. It's not that. They say a strange disease is spreading in Chunseong." "Oh. A strange disease." A peculiar disease, mysterious due to its unknown origins, suggests contagion since it is "spreading." Oh dear, it wasn’t a festival but rather a funeral (in tone). Instantly turning from a carefree tourist, Qing awkwardly scratched the back of her head. "Though they've quarantined the area and contained patients in Chunseong, there are concerned visitors checking the situation, causing a commotion in screening patients. They say you have to line up for two days just to enter Chunseong. While traders passing through might manage it, spending a night in the open isn't ideal even if Chunseong is warm." Chunseong uses the character 春 (chūn) for spring, another name for Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Kunming is often described as having spring weather all year round — a perpetual mildness. Though not completely true, this expression reflects the sentiment, as most Zhongyuan people exaggerate both in pride and description of their homes. Chunseong feels enduringly mild, though nights during autumn can be brisk despite its reputation. "Well, what should we do about this disease? Should we avoid Kunming and circle around?" "No, considering it's spread to the capital of a province, remote village conditions might be harsher. Most villages likely lack even doctors." Tang Nanah brought her medical acumen to bear. That was true; Tang Nanah was a practitioner of traditional medicine and part of Zhongyuan's top disease expert collective. Hmm, what should be done then? Qing wasn't afraid of diseases or anything else. Due to her strange constitution, germs or even poisons only registered as mildly spicy and tingly inside her. Yet, her companions were not similarly immune. And there was also a young child in their care. Perhaps the only solution was to send them back and continue alone? Qing’s eyebrows drooped in resignation. "Guys, you see—" At that moment, those present apart from Qing and Jayeo exchanged hurried glances. It seemed evident Qing was about to propose, "You guys return home and live well; I’ll push through this disease and head to Jeomchang Sect." Trying to convince her to join them was futile; she'd never heed such persuasion. Just as Qing was about to speak, Tang Nanah quickly interrupted. "But there are so many people here right now, aren't there? If a real epidemic were spreading, no one would even come near here." "Hmm? So, what are you saying?" "I think it's a type that doesn't spread unless you directly come into contact with the infected area, or perhaps the claim that they quarantined patients and sealed Kunming is true. So instead of unnecessarily rerouting, it’s better to quickly head to Dali after Kunming." "Nn." "I agree with Lady Tang's assessment, sister," Peng Daesan voiced his low support, echoed by Zhuge Leehyun. Thus, Qing was plunged into deep contemplation. Wait, was Tang Nanah actually a big sister to Zhuge? In any case, it seemed wise to at least head to Kunming. After all, if it were really chaotic, they would have sealed the city gates entirely. The fact that there’s just a long line for inspection suggests it’s not that critical. If it turns out not to be worth it once there, then she could send the others back and continue alone. "Qing-ah, then. Let’s eat and head off together." ZGVPdDc2cnQxMFU0bVlrbnZITXlVbUIyZE5oTWt3VUpkL3ZBblB4cWtsV1E3VmpRMWh6eDl1dHc4OFhEbTdOaA "Hmm? It's almost nightfall. Won't we rest?" "No, I don't mean we leave now. Since they mentioned an epidemic, we should avoid staying in the villages. Let’s stock up on supplies. We have the carriage, so we'll need to be cautious on the road. I’ll grab some basic medicinal herbs in the meantime." This side of Tang Nanah was certainly unfamiliar. She usually trembled with rage, grumbling like a chihuahua, but suddenly transformed into a seasoned healer, having seen it all. "Qing-ah and I will go look at some medicinal ingredients. You guys stock up on supplies for staying overnight. Qing-ah, you mentioned you've read some medical books, right? I'll teach you about herbs, since those herbal merchants are no joke; if you don't know, you'll get taken advantage of." Of course, Tang Nanah didn’t forget to indulge her personal ambitions during this opportunity. Truly a display befitting the infamous lady of the Tang Clan. The Flower City, Kunming. Kunming is famed for its mild climate year-round—hence known as Chunseong—with gentle hills on three sides and abundant water from large lakes. Thus the city blooms with flowers throughout all seasons, earning it the nickname 'Huacheng' as well. Now, among Zhongyuan, when asked about the most beautiful city in all the land—it's Guilin! Guilin is truly the most beautiful. Kunming ranks third. Yet, being third is a significant achievement. After all, how many cities in Zhongyuan are renowned for their beauty? Moreover, understanding Zhongyuan people’s criteria for ranking is crucial. When establishing lines in several categories, the first place usually goes to vetted cities everyone can nod to in agreement, second to one’s hometown, third to places like Luoyang or Beijing. Thus being an unwavering third in the beautiful cities category suggests—when the embellished hometown pride is stripped away—Kunming is effectively placed second. Nevertheless, here lies Kunming! And yet, still and yet, there were nine hundred more li to the Jeomchang Sect... Just how remote was this place buried in? Though they had camped out in the open, renting the most luxurious carriage with a roof was far better than staying in any cheap inn. No bedbugs or fleas to worry about, unlike inconsistent beds that are either overly sunken or hard, with protruding dry straws poking at one's skin. Opinions might slightly vary, especially from Peng Daesan and Zhuge Leehyun, who stayed outside due to the misfortune of being men. Regardless, such is the travel style of the privileged in Zhongyuan! In Zhongyuan or Qing’s homeland, the world’s principle can be summed up that spending enough gold results in less physical weariness. According to the innkeeper’s words, queues to enter Kunming stretched from places where the city's gates appeared small in the distance. Kunming is a key strategic point defending Zhongyuan from foreign forces to the west of Yunnan. With mountains at its rear, a lake to its front, forming complete natural barriers, passing through Kunming even after a three-day wait is far quicker. Despite an ongoing epidemic, why were people, especially traders, stretching their necks waiting to enter? Because beyond lie the Cha Ma Gu Dao and the production of the finest tea leaves, the Pu'er tea of Yunnan. They humorously say in Zhongyuan, if you embark on a Yunnan tour, time is your only need. Selling Pu'er tea back home could easily cover all travel expenses. So for a trading caravan, whether during an epidemic or a war, their carriages must move. That’s the merchant’s calling. Thus only Qing’s party suffers in the line. The innkeeper said they’d have to wait two days to enter Kunming, thinking it was Zhongyuan's typical exaggeration. Yet it was merely an unmitigated fact. Alas, how inefficient. Doctors examined every symptom, taking a long while. Guardians were likewise busy throughout their shift, tensed and edgy, asking in detail about goods acquired nearby, where they came from, reasons for coming; the scrutiny unbearable. Moreover, they closed the city gates at sunset! So, just wait till morning. "A tourist? A tourist at this time? Suspicious. Jeomchang Sect? Heading to Dali? Why? Personal matters. Any person to vouch for your purpose? Hmm. Suspicious. We shall search your belongings; lay everything down. The luggage in the carriage too." The guard at the main gate acted picky. Might he be asking for a bribe, intentionally causing hassle? Yet Zhuge Leehyun kept quiet. Ever charming and socially adept, Zhuge Leehyun usually stepped in during such times: "Haha, you brave ones, we appreciate your efforts," sneaking a silver coin. The fact he remained silent suggested this wasn’t a situation warranting such lubricating troubles. Hmm. No wonder the line is two days long... But the guard's high-handed and unfriendly demeanor didn't last long. As the guard toyed with the silk pouch handed over by Qing, he frowned deeply. "What is this? A household ID? Why is there another ID here? What's the one you submitted first then? Why on earth do you have two..." "Oh, that's—" "What the...?" The guard's irritated fingers hastily pried open the silk pouch and peered inside, only to freeze on the spot. Inside, there was the Inspector General's token.