802 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

The sudden incursion by the Tumulus Fairy was once again thwarted, as she withdrew without much resistance. However, Jang Yunpa, the chief administrator, wore an uneasy expression. "Eldest Brother, is this really okay? What if they come charging in later, foaming at the mouth saying we deceived them..." If Qing had been present, it's likely she would have unleashed a ferocious attack out of sheer anger. But Qing was not present, and the confident leader of the Jang Yunpa School, Chosangil, wasn't the least bit worried. "Man. A guy without guts is no man. Let them dig all they want. Those kinds of people are just fleeting visitors; who do we have long-term ties with? It's us, right? If they have any sense, they won't dare make any noise." In both large and small groups, internal whistleblowing is nearly impossible. Unfortunately, life's stories don't end simply because the tale ends for the storyteller, much like the heroic tales of wandering martial artists. When a hero appears and deals justice, it might be exhilarating for the world, but then what? Sadly, those left behind must carry on with their lives, bearing the repercussions in full. Moreover, the term 'young wandering martial artists' wasn't used in the most flattering sense. "How long do you think some spoiled kids in fancy clothes would last here? As if they'd play heroes while tending to the sick? I bet they wouldn’t last three days before running away." Helping those afflicted with a strange illness? There's an old saying that there are no devoted children in long illnesses. Even taking care of one's own parents can be a messy, demanding task. How would high-strung youths, bold enough to charge into others' sects, endure such a burden? Chosangil's argument was somewhat logical and valid. However, as one's level often reflects their perspective, some assumed everyone's nature was at their own level. "You surely are the Eldest Brother." "But Tumulus Fairy? That definitely seemed like someone familiar with the ways of building a grand entrance. Is that truly her nickname? Has anyone heard of it?" His sarcastic remark about letting them hang doors was partially due to a petty annoyance. After all, what's the issue with collecting protection fees in this world? It was natural to be offended by those naive enough to challenge experienced elders without understanding the ways of the world. Yet offense was only half of it. Embarrassment is the most effective way to chase off younglings. After all, if you humiliate young ones severely, they usually slink away quietly. When young ones were struggling to hang a door, they were laughed at and shamed to chase them away entirely. But then? They skillfully trimmed the door’s edge and, with a few swift movements, crafted hinges and nailed studs, and in no time, had a perfectly hung door. Even more impressively, there was no twisting creak like before; it opened and closed smoothly, demonstrating a level of carpentry skill that had clearly been learned. However, even such events didn’t concern Chosangil. "Well, how many weirdoes are there in the martial world? Just stay put and don't venture out for a while. Let's wait until those kids leave, then you get it, don't you?" --- The commander, Ryu Jungdae, was appalled after hearing the report. "What? So, you just quietly came back, like a fool, merely fixing their door?" "What else could I do? Should I have forcibly created a pretext to cripple them?" "You should have. There are no worse villains than those exploiting the sick. As you suggested, breaking their legs wouldn’t have been uncalled for." His statement was surprisingly intense. Qing realized anew just where the commander stood on the matter. Ah, Commander Ryu Jungdae only refrained from killing them outright. But Qing hadn't withdrawn for no reason. “What if they were telling the truth?” “You believe that? Fairy, you are just naive.” The commander slapped his forehead in frustration. Still, Qing had her reasons. "Even if there's a slim chance. If they’re so conscientious as to mind their conduct upon a single word from you, then they might actually be among the more decent people in the unorthodox factions. It's better than worse scoundrels moving in after the strange disease subsides, isn’t it?" The unorthodox factions are like mice or insects. Even if you eradicate them, more will emerge. If they're mindful enough to hold their peace because of Qing’s comment, it suggests they might actually be relatively good-natured among their peers. What if the sect was wiped out, only for truly heinous people to move in afterward? Who would bear the brunt of that? The commander nodded in agreement. "Yes, I have long recognized your profound insight, Fairy. Naturally, there was purpose in your actions, wasn't there?" The accompanying members of Qing were twice taken aback. First by the commander’s rapid change of heart. Second by the assertion that Qing possessed profound insight. "So, Elder, you should have clarified things while you were there. Are you certain they were exploiting the sick?" "Ha, would I tell lies?" "Besides intuition, do you have a specific reason for your suspicion?" "Who wouldn’t notice when observing the sick's output? Normally, what people consume should come out, either upward or downward, right? But what we provided them doesn't seem to be. We faithfully supply food daily, allocating precise portions. There’s no reason they'd hoard them unless someone took them away." "You think Jang Yunpa or others might be responsible?" "If not them, then who else would roam around the area, seizing supplies? If it were just a few instances, I might suspect some fraudulent herbalist scam, but when the restrooms don’t fill up, who else but those guys would be up to such antics?" "So they aren’t consuming everything they're given. While it's not definitively Jang Yunpa’s doing, um, circumstantially?" Oh, what was that phrase again? After all other possibilities have been eliminated, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth, right? Who said that? Qing momentarily drifted into thought, knowing it was a famous aphorism but unable to recall who said it. Qing found herself reflecting from time to time on the proverbs and song lyrics of her homeland but knew there was no way to fully grasp them anymore. Her memories of home were becoming increasingly blurred. A fleeting melancholy passed over her, but Qing easily shook it off. "Then, we'll have to directly ask those who had their supplies taken. Just wait until I catch those bastards." "Um, sister, it might not be that simple." "What? Why?" "While we can leave at any time, the sick must remain. They'll likely keep silent out of fear of future repercussions, no matter how resentful and unfair it feels." "But why?" "I must admit, if it's the doing of Jang Yunpa, he's rather clever. They don't steal everything. Despite leaving people undernourished, he ensures just enough remains for them to survive. Given the choice between stirring more trouble and maintaining the current situation, wouldn't they prefer the latter?" "But why?" There are two ways to frustrate a person: one is to leave them hanging mid-conversation— At this point, it’s enough to tell someone just this if you intend to irritate them. Thus, few know the omitted second way to irritate someone. This invaluable second lesson involves repeating the same thing over and over. Zhuge Leehyun’s eyebrow twitched. But only for a moment. "Why overthink it? Just ask if they took it or not. Should we give up without a try?" Zhuge Leehyun's mouth hung open dumbfoundly. An impact akin to a smack upside the head! There might be numerous reasons why you wouldn’t receive an answer even if you asked. Whereas simple villagers might not know better, urban dwellers, especially from bustling cities, are not easily swayed by the fantasy of heroes. Having experienced the antics of those self-proclaimed heroes firsthand, they see little difference between wandering martial artists and ruffians. Even the fights erupting in inns reveal to the common people that both demonic and so-called heroic martial artists often leave without taking responsibility for the mess they've created. So even if the group asks Jang Yunpa about his crimes, the sick aren't likely to trust them enough to speak up. And really, how much do common folk know about martial arts factions? Any armed warrior is intimidating. More so if they're older rather than young, from unorthodox rather than orthodox factions, of rugged rather than genteel appearance, and in groups rather than alone. Thus, to the commoners, Jang Yunpa's warriors are far more feared than Qing’s group. But, does that mean they shouldn’t even attempt because of this possibility? Zhuge Leehyun had to concede heavily. “I made a grave mistake.” “Indeed. Recognizing that is enough. So, it seems like asking will suffice?” "Do you have any sagely advice? Sister, you are occasionally quite sharp." "Of course. First, San reveals his face." Peng Daesan's face soured instantly. "Why me?" "Why, you ask? It's the beauty trap. San, reveal your face and give a deep, thoughtful look, and then lower your voice..." Qing then imitated Peng Daesan's voice. Except for the deliberately lowered pitch, it resembled his voice in no way. "Miss, that beautiful face laden with worry pains my heart too. Please allow me the opportunity to assist you against any rogue casting shadows upon your path. Just like that, making up enemies from nowhere." Peng Daesan's face crumpled further. His disdain was expected given his aversion to women. "Must I be the one to play the beauty card? There's... no, that wouldn't work. Those two over there, nope, neither." Peng Daesan resigned slightly. The beauty trap wasn’t just about being attractive; it was entirely unimaginable to see anyone acting charmingly or coyly, especially towards a man they were trying to elicit favors from. Even with Qing’s sworn sister, Gyeon Poo Hee available. It’s not something to casually bring up with someone you’re not that close to. "What!? Have you finished speaking?" One of those two, Tang Nanah, burst out defensively. The other, Seo Lily, also crossed her eyebrows sharply. "If I thought it would work, I would’ve done it myself." Qing replied with an apologetic tone. Though it was wrong to tease given Peng Daesan's well-known aversion to women, wasn't this piling up karma? "Men naturally act tougher in front of women they're interested in. If asked who’s bothering them, they'd vehemently deny it. But crying out, 'Jang Yunpa’s stealing our food'? They'd never do it." "Hmm..." Peng Daesan released a deep bass sigh. Though he had no argument, he clearly disliked the plan. "I know you don’t like it, but could you do it just this once? Don't you know of heroics? Sometimes we must endure things for the cause of justice. That’s what being a hero is all about. So gallant, San. Such a good-hearted San." Admittedly, Qing only imitated the way kindergarten teachers in her home country coaxed children. Yet Peng Daesan found himself smiling unintentionally. Swaying charmingly only when in need, just like when he’s hungry. Despite drawing a line in Luoyang, declaring it his own fight, and leaving as he pleased, now he's straightforwardly asked for assistance. Realistically, could he refuse at a time like this? “Besides, it's not like we’re doing it for personal gain. Whether it’s Jang Yunpa or another vile character, we ought to address those exploiting the already suffering, don’t we? Isn’t that infuriating? What kind of despicable person steals rations from the sick? They’re the type who'd steal a chick's tears. If caught, they should be utterly wiped out—” Her serene speech suddenly burst into natural anger. Growing levels of anger. Peng Daesan let out a long sigh.