798 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

It felt as though time had come to a halt. As Ximen Qing glanced into the pouch, her posture was frozen, reminiscent of the street performance artists from her hometown. In the flowing current of time, she alone remained still. Soon enough, the expression on Ximen Qing's face softened. After thoroughly inspecting the silk pouch she had roughly untied earlier, examining it for any damage, she naturally knelt down on her knees, bringing her palms together, and respectfully presented it with utmost care. "I, uh, apologize for the inconvenience. Hurry up, load the luggage! Quickly! No, carefully, gently, slowly! No, quickly! But gently!" "Um? Is the inspection over?" "It, it was during governmental duties. Had you informed us, we wouldn't have troubled you. I was merely performing my duty, so please do not be angered." Pale complexion, trembling knees leading to a shaky voice that made Ximen Qing feel somewhat apologetic in return. Ah, I did put the official inspector's emblem in there after all. I had no intention of using it, so I just tucked it away in the pouch. The gate inspector continued to tremble uncontrollably. An uncle of a certain hero once stated that great power comes with great responsibility, but in reality, great power often just comes with great wealth and influence. The inseparable trinity of power, wealth, and influence grants an ability to avoid responsibility for any wrongdoing. Simply put, the greater the power, the lesser the responsibility that follows. The responsibility waived included trivial and despicable acts such as following public order and standing in line like an ordinary individual. For a person of power, standing in line is deemed an unsuitable, disgraceful activity. With this kind of mindset, the Zhongyuan people consider cutting in line a natural right as it signifies self-respect. Anyhow, should a mere gate inspector become the target of Ximen Qing's wrath, a simple point of a finger and a word of 'fire that one,' and they've lost their livelihood in the blink of an eye. An officer attempting to obstruct a high-ranking official from passing swiftly through the national law is akin to a fairy tale, or a moral lesson found only in legends. Or so I thought. “No, considering the times. There’s a contagion going around, isn't there? Take your time and be thorough.” Ximen Qing waves her hand dismissively. The gatekeeper, after all, is human. If work endlessly piles up in plain sight, it’s understandable that they might become irritable and unfriendly. Plus, closing the city gates at night isn’t just a quirky decision of Kunming; it’s part of national laws in every city. “By the way, what’s the status with the contagion?” Seizing the opportunity, Ximen Qing casually inquires. Though she had no intention of pretending to be an inspector, missing such a chance seemed wasteful. “Oh, yes! Currently, the northern city is quarantining the patients! We’re also closely monitoring anyone entering and exiting, in case they bring in doctors from neighboring villages!” The contagion emerged two months ago. Of course, given that Kunming acknowledged it only two months back, it would have likely spread much earlier. During this period, numerous patients within the city afflicted by the contagion began hemorrhaging profusely. As a result, the Intendant of Kunming, Zhibude, gathered and quarantined the patients, meticulously inspecting city entries and exits to prevent further spread of the disease. “Hmm. And how’s it up at Dali? Is it as chaotic due to the contagion?” The Heavenly Sword Flower, Yue Divine Sword Maiden, masters of the arts reside at Mount Jiaming. In the shadow of Mount Jiaming lies a sizeable city, none other than Dali. It was Ximen Qing's intended destination. “Oh, don't even mention it,” the inspector shuddered. “It’s no doubt that the Bai tribe, those bastards, are spreading the plague. While they remain unaffected, people like your highnesses, the Han, and other ethnic groups are just dying off. There’s some old disease that doesn’t affect them but is lethal for us; I’ve even heard you get infected if you merely approach their proximity.” Yunnan Province was traditionally the location of the Dali Kingdom, a land of the barbarians. And the Bai tribe are the descendants of that Dali Kingdom, belonging to the ethnic group that once composed its royal class. Essentially, the Bai of Dali held the same status within the Dali Kingdom as the Han in Zhongyuan. Currently, among those afflicted with this contagion, not a single Bai individual was affected. Neighboring villages were all in chaos due to the contagion, whereas Bai villages remained unaffected. Looking only at the north district of Kunming, where the Bai resided, was the initial hotspot yet none among the Bai were falling ill. To which Ximen Qing mused. It resembled instances in the New World, where diseases spread by foreigners devastated indigenous populations, yet were mild for the carriers. Could it be that a contagion immune to the Bai was exceedingly lethal to others? It aligned logically. Historically, Dali had been the capital of the Dali Kingdom, a city of the Bai people in Yunnan Province. Thus, if the Bai were indeed carriers of this contagion, Dali would indeed be a very perilous location. Well, it can’t be helped. Since we're here already, it's not suitable to send them off alone, perhaps they can wait in Kunming until I return with the others. From here to Heavenly Sword Flower Sect is nine hundred li. A considerable distance, but if I quickly dart forth, observe the Absolute Sword Cliff, and return, it’ll be quick enough... But, hmm, will it be safe? According to Single Wheel True Person, my constitution is immune to poisons and diseases, but not self-purifying. If I were to become some sort of infected... carrier, going back recklessly would be reckless, wouldn’t it? While Ximen Qing becomes engrossed in her worries, the inspector continues his drivel, specifically his tirade against the Bai tribe. They’ve always been that way, boasting while eating weird things and are too dull to realize they’re sick. Seeing them boiling pangolins and bats, I realized it long ago. At the mention of food, Ximen Qing’s attention snaps back. Pangolins and bats leading to a contagion? That’s just like... But, pangolins are quite tasty, though... It was a rare place in the Central Plains where eating pangolins and bats was frowned upon. The Central Plains people, known for their ability to consume anything in sight, would feast on bats if dwelling there and pangolins if they lived nearby. Even more so, these creatures were non-dangerous and slow, making them easy prey. The saying that the Central Plains people eat anything with legs except tables didn't come about for nothing. "Especially those from Dali among them—" "Sir, we've loaded everything." The continuous rant about the Bai tribe ended with the subordinate's report that the luggage had been reloaded. "Ah, well, take care." "Affirmative! Continuing on duty!" With a crisp salute, the guard dutifully saw Ximen Qing off. And with that, she entered the city of Kunming. While the previous city, Gokjeong, was bursting with guests, Kunming's streets were quite empty. This was likely due to the strict inspections limiting the number of people entering the city. As soon as the carriage reached the best inn in Kunming, Manchunlu, a swarm of workers rushed out, almost plundering the luggage in their haste to bring it inside. Just like the beasts in her hometown that would attach their hooks first, preventing her from possibly going to another inn. This wasn't typical behavior for a city's top inn, which would generally avoid such unbecoming conduct to maintain prestige. Even the top inns in major cities, not needing such brazen tactics, had guests flocking to them. Yet, Kunming was among the largest cities in the Central Plains, and if even its top inn resorted to such means, it was clear evidence of the impact the contagion had, and how much business had been suffering. First, she needed to unpack. It was an awkward time for dinner, so Ximen Qing ordered bathwater to wash away the weariness from traveling. Being with someone like Gyeon Poo Hee often tempted Ximen Qing towards bad habits, so she took advantage of this rare occasion for a pampering bath which left her feeling refreshed and relaxed. Thereafter, she placed an order for an abundant meal, causing the servant to smile broadly, blooming an unexpected flower of joy amidst the recession. "Oh, isn't this Sichuan-style? How's it, Nanah?" "It's lacking the 'ma', but it's decent." The 'ma' they referred to is the taste related to Sichuan's peculiar preference for tongue-numbing spiciness. The Central Plains people's pride in their hometown cuisine is a matter of such importance that it can spark fights—especially for people from food capitals like Sichuan. If Tang Nanah, from Sichuan, finds it decent, it's indeed authentic Sichuan cuisine. Kunming cuisine is essentially a less numbing Sichuan style. This reflects Yunnan Province's characteristic of resembling its nearby Southern, Northern, Eastern, and Western lands. Of course, there are native Yunnan dishes as well. "Huff, this, huff. It's good, huff." Seo Lily finally freed herself from the sour and vinegary broth, thoroughly enjoying a proper serving of steaming hot soup. It was Yunnan-style rice noodle soup, where chicken broth was simmered until a layer of oil formed, and noodles and ingredients were served separately for dipping. The cooked mallard, rather than domesticated duck, known as 'Jeonjumahap', was also well-received. In the midst of their meal, a commotion outside caught their attention. There seemed to be an exchange of harsh words beyond the curtain, with a ruckus unfolding outside. Ximen Qing, possessing superhuman hearing, pricked up her ears to listen to the disturbance. -Lord, you can't do this. -What do you mean I can't? Move aside! The groaning voice belonged to the inn's worker. The other was a hoarse yet seasoned voice of an elder. -Lord, these are esteemed guests we've only managed to have in three days; please, be considerate. We're truly on the brink of going under here. -Hah! Kunming's top inn claiming it's going under; those words not even a dog would believe! Now move? Shall I really make a scene here? -Please, Lord! Please reconsider. If you act out again... -Calling this acting out? What's this? In a grand inn like this, you're calling my asking help from the wealthy folks dining on high cuisine that's gonna come out the other end anyway, acting out? Is that acting out? Share some of that gold, wouldn’t it be enough to feast on something cheaper? Do rich folks get sick and catch this contagion if they eat cheap meals? Trying to muscle in and leech off patrons in a posh inn, but doesn’t that sound like causing a scene? Besides, not just silver but demanding the share of their gold, claiming the wealthy should share their bounty instead of just hoarding it to dine lavishly? Hmm, what's this? Like an elder wielding a red flag, rallying people to a spirit of protest? -Move! Kid. -Please, Lord! Please, I beg you. -Not letting go, eh? Anyone would think I'm some scoundrel trying to extort money by causing trouble. I'm saying I'll use the gold for something good, eh? I promise it'll be spent well! A classic line from hooligans when they extort money, claiming it's for a good cause—but invariably, it’s for their personal benefit. -No, look at this! This guy is harassing an old man, everyone! Look here, the worker is harassing an elder! -Please stop, no! Oh, go over me then, urk! Lord! Lord, please!! Hmm. If the suggestion is to step over him, then that's what happens, obviously. A lingering elder brazenly intent on extorting gold—unable to even step over a worker? Ximen Qing, with a mixed sense of anticipation and curiosity, gazed at the inn's entrance. This seemed a premonition of chaos at the inn. Could it be time to intervene against villainy? As she pulled aside the curtain, the elder, boldly entering to extort, came into view. However, hmm. A surprisingly familiar face appeared—not quite as aged as she remembered, though. Upon recognizing the face, she regretted not realizing from earlier; the gruff voice from the elder was unmistakable. Rising, Ximen Qing respectfully bowed with clasped hands. “Greetings, Elder. Have you been well?” The elder paused. Then, staring intently at Ximen Qing's face, his eyes gradually brightened with a sense of delight. “You, let's see, aren’t you the Heavenly Girl? Why are you here?” “Ah, it was about that back then. Hehe.” In truth, at an inn devoid of other patrons, there was no real need for Ximen Qing's superhuman hearing to eavesdrop on the argument playing out at the entrance. Her companions, who would be considered masters by any standard of common sense, if not the strictest of measures, were also alert and ready to welcome the uninvited guest. Thus, they were suddenly bewildered. What? An acquaintance suddenly here? Seeing their confusion, Ximen Qing proceeded to introduce him to her companions. “Everyone, pay your respects. This is Elder Lang Zhong, a venerable figure.”