812 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

Returning to the sealed passage of Kunming, Qing regaled Rangjungdaein with the facts she had discovered. "So, I haven't yet secured a prescription, but I'm planning to visit a place called Jeonggajang in Gaegu-hyeon..." "Hmm, that's strange. But why do you seem so wilted, fairy? Did something happen?" "No..." Though she said no, her voice lacked energy, her shoulders drooped, and she seemed utterly deflated. Rangjungdaein, who was about to inquire further, quickly refrained. An old-timer who has lived long enough possesses wisdom, and indeed, one realizes she is also a woman. Of course, one could argue she was simply suffering from a severe lack of killing—what might be termed a spiritual malnutrition (of slaughter). "But what's strange exactly?" "Well, I've never heard of Jeonggajang, and what idiot would establish a tea plantation there?" For a moment, Qing's eyes glimmered. "Something's fishy, isn't it? Smells like a plot, a conspiracy...!" "It's not so much suspicious as it is foolish. The tea grown there is too bitter and astringent to sell." "Eh? Why?" "I don't know. That's just what I was told growing up. If you asked why we didn't grow tea trees in our village, they'd just say the soil isn't right, and the tea leaves are too spicy." "Our village?" "Oh, didn't I mention? I'm from there, Nojicheon. Near that area." In that moment, one of Rangjungdaein's hidden secrets was revealed—despite being a vagabond who didn't even disclose his name. Everyone has a hometown, and he didn't seem keen on hiding his origins, but still. "Oh, your hometown! But you've never heard of Jeonggajang?" "What hometown? What sort of hometown does a wandering Rangjungdaein have? I've been roaming for, hmm, over twenty years. If a decade can change a river and mountain, then twice that time is even more so. According to you, some merchant from another place came and settled, but if they're foolish enough to start a tea plantation there, it's not going to last long." "Could they be up to something suspicious?" "Would those up to something shady leave such obvious traces? It's likely just an outsider trying to make a fortune. And that place is rather proud and exclusive. The more provincial, the more the insularity, and they're probably just waiting to see it fail." "Well, it sounds plausible..." The gleam left Qing's eyes once more. Perhaps this premonition is just off. It's clear that once she visits Jeonggajang, the elder's words would prove true again. After all, aren't the villages of Zhongyuan particularly insular and exclusive, treating tourists with hostility yet being unwelcoming when it comes to settling down? It's inevitable really. Would any respectable person willingly leave their hometown to settle in foreign areas? Often, they are assumed to be notable characters on the run from severe crimes that even the customary law of long-settled villagers couldn't forgive. Some villages are even openly hostile to tourists, erecting barriers to keep all outsiders away in a sealed community. So when a wealthy outsider attempts to settle, they are immediately targets for extortionary tactics to siphon off as much money as possible. However, this insular nature isn't distinctive to Zhongyuan alone, it's humanity's natural instinct. Villages worldwide are nightmare locations for outsiders, offering an ecosystem that's an anathema to them. Even from Qing's hometown, many ventured back to the countryside, dreaming of returning to simpler, rural lives, only to retreat wounded economically, physically, and mentally by the hostile and gloomy nature of rural village life. "Aah, can't even be a hero properly..." What is a hero? Someone who stands up with great justice and brandishes their sword against countless villains who saturate the world. They liberate those oppressed by cutting the throats of the villains, smash their heads, and broadcast to the world that justice still exists and villains will be punished. But is this really it? Despite giving so much effort, it seems more difficult nowadays to enjoy their craft. Are villains queuing up to meet their fate wherever I go? Qing drooped once again. Rangjungdaein shook his head. Come to think of it, since they first met, she hadn't seemed quite normal. --- The matter of severing The Peaceful One's hand was postponed for now. Though snake oil salesmen aren't doctors, they at least know how to concoct medicines. One must possess skills even to fabricate medicine; they don't just fetch water and write 'medicine' or blacken it for sale as pills. Rangjungdaein researched treatment prescriptions, planning to determine the formulas, while the fellow would be by his side, subserviently, until needed. In truth, he considered leaving Tang Nanah behind. Nonetheless, considering his relationship, leaving seemed implausible. Moreover, urging her to stay would be unreasonable—a friend didn’t bring her for sightseeing in Yunnan. How could he suggest she stay and work here potentially? "Are you okay with this, senior?" "I promised to save this one's life, so I'd better remain nearby to keep him in check until he regains his limbs. Especially since I received payment." The Peaceful One felt wronged—deeply wronged. Beyond the cure's debt stood significant funds paid for protection from Transcendent Practitioner, an elite in the pinnacle realm. Yet accepting the payment meant being vigilantly watched to prevent escape, rather than protection. His logic was simply elemental: Run, and the Heavenly Flower would find and kill him. Therefore, running equaled death, and owing life meant not allowing death. Escaping was out of the question. Not only did he feel sickeningly wronged by having guard duty rather than being protected after exchanging wealth with the practitioner, but also— "Hehe, travel safely, my lady. My reverence for Rangjungdaein soars high as the heavens themselves. I'm grateful beyond words for such an opportunity." Seeing Qing and Rangjungdaein so close, it seemed sensible to stick by Rangjungdaein's side enthusiastically and perhaps get attached enough to preserve one's limbs. Qing spread her index and middle fingers, gesturing towards her eyes, then pointed them at The Peaceful One. Her message was clear: don't entertain any foolish thoughts. "Hehe, how could I possibly harbor such thoughts?" "Yes, let's do well." "Indeed, I will." And so, they set off. It was about five hundred li to Gaegu-hyeon. For Zhongyuan people, five hundred li isn't particularly far. Even for ordinary folk, fifty li a day over ten days was manageable; a round trip would take less than a month, which is practically a stone's throw away. Especially for martial artists who utilize their inner strength. Radiant with energy, Qing passed through various villages and small towns, scrutinizing innocent villagers with eyes that bore small veins, issuing a challenge. "Hey, is there any scoundrel around here? Someone deserving of divine punishment, perhaps? Any villains just begging for heavenly justice?" "Uhm, none that I'm aware of, honorable warrior." "Come on, don't hold back. I'll take care of them thoroughly, no loose ends. If you're being watched or need assistance, just, you know, blink." "Ah!" "Oh, there's something, right?" "Of late, aren't those cursed Baekjok the ones you want dead? All this chaos with their smallpox -- what on earth are they consuming to spread such dreadful diseases?" "Tsk, just the Baekjok smallpox you say? It's merely an unnamed plague, so don't make such baseless claims." "Oh, I see, warrior." The old villager looked around warily and then whispered. "They say it's all a conspiracy by those Baekjok scoundrels. They've been plotting to re-establish the Dali state, intending to wipe out other ethnic groups with this disease as they roam." "Seriously, who spreads such rumors? The Baekjok intentionally spreading disease? And as for re-establishing the Dali state—how, when the Dali royal family remains intact?" Many centuries ago, the emperor of the Dali kingdom voluntarily surrendered and submitted to Zhongyuan, earning them admiration from the rulers there. They were awarded the title of King of Dali. As former emperor Zhu underwent wars against the old dynasty, they preferred a neutral stance and promised to maintain the king's nobility, avoiding any potential enemies along the borders. As a result, the Dali dynasty was intact, even if demoted from an emperor to a king's title. "It's just a plague, nothing selective about it propagating through misfortune. Don't gossip! There are already prescriptions and treatments available, so it'll subside soon, don't worry much." "Oh, I see. That's truly reassuring. We were all concerned it might spread to our village." "So, no bandits? No highwaymen, or con artists, perchance?" "Hmm, nothing comes to mind." "Ah..." Seems that besides the plague, Yunnan is a peaceful place. For Qing, it was saddening news. That peace brought Qing sorrow might seem contrary to the spirit of a hero, but such is the heart. Inquiring further about Jeonggajang... "Jeonggajang? Can't say I know it." "Jeongga? Did our village ever have a Jeongga? Oh, Gaegu-hyeon? How would we know their affairs?" "Oh, I've heard. A wealthy young master recently came in from Gaegu, but that was years back." "This Jeonggajang fellow? I reckon they started a grand orchard there, wasn't it? Just about three years back, I suppose? How could fruit trees grow in three years? Better wait about a decade for the first taste of fruit." "Ah, Jeonggajang? They say he made quite a fortune in Hangzhou. With all the land readily available in Yunnan, he's dabbling in all sorts of ventures, and who knows how much gold he has to spread around." Fortunately, as they neared Gaegu, more detailed information about Jeonggajang emerged. Arriving five years ago, constructing a grand manor, then planting apples, persimmons, and pears across the hilly landscapes, setting up a massive orchard. And lately? "Ah, there's a commotion about recruiting workers for a mine. While planting, it seems they stumbled upon a coal seam. But, who'd bother mining?" "Mae-tan" refers to coal, in the dialect of Qing's hometown. Zhongyuan has been using coal for over a millennium, fueling the evolution of their culinary customs, honing quick and fiery cooking techniques. Coal seams are common, thus not government-controlled for storage or management, regarded as everyday finds. However, rumors of mining suggest unusually high-quality coal, sought after for its mild scent and robust firepower—a popular, sought-after commodity. Still, in this era, mining was a gamble. The technology couldn't guarantee the mineral deposits, and the quality consistency couldn't be assured. Thus, wealthy individuals often received multiple prospecting requests monthly from explorers, wandering draft miners with hand-drawn maps in tow. --- Finally arriving at Gaegu! After thoroughly probing her way to Gaegu-hyeon, Qing confirmed certain conclusions. Yunnan was peaceful. And Jeonggajang was indeed fortunate. After planting a grand orchard and unexpectedly unearthing a coal seam, they decided to delve into mining. Then why recruit miners in such a sneaky, surreptitious manner? "Well, my lady, isn't it simply because Yunnan is so bountiful? Always warm year-round, one won't freeze without a home, and even picking at the mountain offers sustenance. The folk of Yunnan are known for their leisurely pace. It's famous for their laziness. So, despite offering extra pay, it's hard to gather miners." At those words, Qing's shoulders slumped. Of course. Why should there be some grand conspiracy? No, what am I thinking? Peace is the best, isn't it? At the end of desperation, one finds tranquility. By this point, Qing was feeling unexpectedly refreshed. Being entangled in the desire for a taste of blood, she had come all the way to the distant land of Yunnan and couldn't even enjoy herself. Instead, I should have been savoring the local cuisine, sightseeing, and exploring with friends. What was I thinking? It was all folly, truly folly. The clear radiance inherent to the Dao reflected back in Qing's eyes. However, Zhuge Leehyun's expression remained unimpressed, unable to smooth the wrinkles of worry on his forehead. "Granted it fits together, but it's unrelated to the treatment for the plague, isn't it? How can one secure a prescription and lure people with medicine?"