813 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

“I’m not particularly knowledgeable about medicine. However, how do you manage to find a prescription that even a veteran doctor couldn’t locate? What do you think, Lady Tang?” “Well, not every prescription is determined by the level of medical skill, right? Sometimes you just get lucky. Like if someone suddenly recovers on their own, you might investigate what they consumed.” “As you saw on your way here, it doesn’t seem like there’s any epidemic spreading in this area. It’s difficult to tell if it’s because no Bai people live here, as they say.” The Bai people mostly reside around Dali, while Yunnan’s southeastern areas are populated by neighboring villages of Zhuang, Yi, Hani, Miao, and Yao minorities. “Hmm, or perhaps for local endemic diseases, traditional folk remedies tend to be passed down. If such records exist, it's easier to experiment with medicinal combinations.” “Yet didn’t the veteran doctor mention that he hails from this region? If it's a local endemic disease of Yunnan, he would’ve been the first to know.” Listening to them speak, it really does seem as if these guys are genuinely intelligent. After all, despite being notoriously known for his muscles, Zhug Leehyun is genuinely smart, often referred to as the “Clever Thunder.” Tang Nanah may have a rather abrasive personality and lacks social decorum, but she's nevertheless recognized as a licensed herbalist and poison master within her clan. It's not that they seem smart; they actually are smart. Of course, since their martial prowess might be limited, they make up for it with intelligence. And I myself am a master. A youthful martial prodigy, breaking records for the youngest in the Zongyuan, and the transcendent martial artist known as the Heavenly Sword Flower. Qing subtly glances around. Yet San’s appearance surpasses being just legendary, marking him as a top-perfect visage. Even though Huimei lacks brilliance, he’s already in the late pinnacle realm, on the verge of entering the transformation realm—being quite competent overall. As for our own child, Za Yao, he may not excel in martial abilities or intelligence, but may he grow up strong and healthy. At the very least, we have financial resources to support him. Qing’s gaze settles on Seo Lily. Yet looking at our Seo Lily, I can’t help but feel that although “pinnacle” sounds magnificent, as she has mastered ice arts to reach a state of diagnostic disqualification at the pinnacle realm, she’s not particularly bright, lacks social skills, and overall… such a situation that almost brings tears to my eyes… “No.” “I didn’t say anything.” “I disagree.” “Stay strong.” Qing pats Seo Lily’s shoulder lightly. A subtle wrinkle forms between Seo Lily’s brows. “Alright, enough. In the end, it seems suspicious, doesn’t it? If there’s no clear conclusion, why dwell on it endlessly? If you go and ask, you’ll find out, won’t you? If your body is strong, there’s no need to strain your mind.” Upon reflection, the most important thing is surely the treatment for the mysterious disease. We must first obtain the prescription for the cure. Attempt to buy it at a reasonable price; if they refuse? They likely won’t sell it, as it's being utilized as a dependable way to secure resources like mining slaves that are otherwise inaccessible with money alone. If they stubbornly refuse, there’s no choice but to resort to intimidation. Given that the medicine seller has already toured several cities, they’ve likely taken sufficient advantage. And so, to Gaeguhyeon, the Junga Manor we proceed. A grand estate imposingly stands alone amid widespread fields in the outskirts. Qing has come to terms. An intrinsic connection never materializes when pursued and forcing it often ends poorly. Authentic bonds will naturally manifest if destined by fate. Thus, one day, the anticipated encounter with relentless butchery will inevitably come. And then? “Please stop. The manor is not accepting visitors at the moment.” Qing frowns at the bright red numbers hovering above the heads of the guards at the main gate. What’s this? Why is their evil karma so high? They’re truly despicable, aren't they? Both of them? However, evil karma doesn’t guarantee present state. This is what Qing has discerned after witnessing countless numbers. Evil and good deeds don’t expire and increase or decrease purely based on actions, not present intentions. Even if a past villain reforms and becomes virtuous, their prior evil actions take no account—they aren’t forgiven. Thus, having especially high evil karma doesn’t definitively confirm villainous status. Although Qing often chants, “Eager for butchery, ah, truly want to slay evil people,” Qing still assesses whether a person can be justly slaughtered or if better handled diplomatically. In the past, they might’ve committed grave sins but could have repented and become a good gatekeeper. Nevertheless, it raises vigilance. Originally, Qing intended to politely introduce themselves and gain entry as a guest. After all, the Heavenly Sword Flower and scions from the five great families aren’t often denied. Yet, right off the bat, the gatekeepers' evil karma is this atrocious? “I’m just a passing, nameless vagabond wishing to meet with the master of the house.” “……?” The gatekeepers gape. For it’s too striking a phrase to process. A passing, nameless vagabond? It’s a blatant refusal to disclose one’s identity. Moreover, wearing a face veil and bearing an enormous sword at their waist. In what entire world would a gatekeeper willingly guide someone with such dubious conduct to their master? To this, Qing responds with a second remark. “Would you notify the master of the house? There’s an inquiry about the medicine-selling Peaceful One, sourcing slaves to Junga Manor.” “Ah, yes. Could you please wait a moment?” One of the guards says this, quickly dashing inside the manor. And after a brief moment. “The master will see you.” Zhug Leehyun, comprehending this sequence instantly, had eyes sparkling brightly. Indeed, subordinates typically lack the privilege to decline. In the context of a military post in their homeland, it would be akin to encountering someone saying such things while standing guard. "Who am I, you ask? That's none of your business. Just contact your captain. I have something to say regarding Kim, who’s siphoning off resources from your battalion." Surely, a sentry cannot simply decide on their own to deny entry and send someone away under those circumstances. They must relay the message and await instructions on how to proceed. And as for the manor's master? Whether it’s good or bad news, it’s difficult to refuse when the matter concerns them directly. They need to know whether the enigmatic visitor brings good tidings or ill news, isn't that so? Thus, despite any suspicion, one can proceed to meet with the master of the Junga Manor. Zhug Leehyun was quite impressed. Indeed, sometimes she exhibits genius-level brilliance. Even if it's rare, there were occasions when Qing’s words and actions naturally revealed a sort of astonishing insight or keen intelligence. It’s just that she doesn’t often use her head, which is why such remarkable intelligence sometimes seems wasted. Of course, as she always says, “Having a strong body makes life easier.” She has transcended martial realms and possessed inborn supernatural strength, though. Be that as it may, Qing’s eyes roll in contemplation. It seems other attendants don’t particularly exhibit significant wickedness; perhaps those two were especially conniving bastards by chance? Indeed, it's common for pals to pair up for guard duty, and like attracts like, so perhaps it's not entirely astonishing if scoundrels band together and harmonize well. "Master, I've brought the guests." “Invite them in.” Entering the study of the manor, a rather young man, who seemed barely thirty at most, looked up with a rather youthful countenance uncharacteristic of a master of the manor. Word had it, he was a young lord. And upon confirming his appearance, Qing widened her already large eyes to the point they might fall out at any moment. At the same time, Qing's heart began to race with a pounding vigor. Wow! Wickedness! A whopping one thousand two hundred points! Seeing a four-digit evil score was not commonplace, after all. Granted, within the Zhongyuan, a larger merchant or wealthier person tends to have high wickedness scores, statistically speaking. But he far exceeded the typical average. “I am Jung Ryujang, the one steering the helm of the Junga Manor.” Jung Ryujang? Really, someone has the name "Jung Ryujang"? Would his siblings, if he had any, be named “Jung Geojang” or “Jung Chajang”? “What do you want with the guest…” “Forget that. You know about the Peaceful One, right?” Qing curtly interrupting took Jung Ryujang by surprise, causing him a troubled smile. “You claimed to be a wandering swordsman. Let me make it clear; it’s a misunderstanding.” “A misunderstanding? What kind of misunderstanding is it?” “It’s true that I employed the Peaceful One, but it was merely a strategy to recruit laborers for the mines, and certainly not for any unscrupulous machinations.” Jung Ryujang must have assumed Qing was well-informed, confessing readily. And such ready disclosures imply he must have also prepared his defense. “Go on, speak.” “As you may know, hardly anyone wishes to work in mining. Even if I manage to recruit by offering extra pay, they resign merely after a few days.” “So you've been forcing people who sell their bodies rather than pay for medicine into the mines?” “Well, I wouldn't quite say 'forcing.' But in exchange, I have been ensuring they receive fair treatment. The working allowance is generous, ensuring they walk away with a decent amount even after deducting ten aj of gold upon the contract’s completion.” His claim was that, albeit strong-arm recruitment, they were provided the best possible treatment. However, given such wickedness scores, it's quite unimaginable believing whatever he spouts. “It’s true. We prepared lodgings and meals for the miners; you may verify with them personally. The only reason we haven’t contacted their families yet is due to the early stages of recruitment. We assured them family communication would be established.” “Early stages?” “Suffice to say, as long as the epidemic persists, we continue recruiting laborers.” “You plan to continue entrapping miners with medicine till the epidemic subsides? Despite having the cure?” “There wasn’t much choice, as the prescription isn’t ours. Yet, we were informed it would be revealed at an appropriate time. Once disclosed, the miners may then contact their families.” What on earth is this? Qing’s expression soured terribly. So, the cure for the epidemic wasn’t produced by the Junga Manor. Apparently, they were sourced from elsewhere. Is this scenario akin to a video game mission quest? Draw lines proceeding through phases, then send you off to another town with the next set of tasks? Inquire about the epidemic cure at Jung's Manor (completed). Next, dissect Jung Ryujang and uncover the cure’s whereabouts, is that it? “Alright, then, who is ‘they’? Who concocted the prescription and keeps it so clandestine?” “It’s confidential due to contractual obligations. Please understand our position; without credibility, what remains for a merchant?” “Do you know who I am?" "I'm afraid not. You haven't told me yet. Would you be so kind as to give your esteemed name, oh passing swordsman? Mind you, the mining business isn't run by any single clan's strength alone; we too have numerous benefactors supporting us." His speech was polite, but the true meaning was clear. Why, do you think I know who you are? You seem influential, so go ahead, boast a little. We've got substantial backing on our side as well. Jung Ryujang sported an irritatingly wry smile. However, that didn’t last long. "What? So you don’t know who I am?" "Which is why I politely ask you to inform me, isn't it?" "Wow, this is frustrating. Don’t you get it? You have an unidentified swordsman sitting right at your doorstep. Now, just take a look here, see this glittering? This is my Sword Qi. Can you do something like this? Repel with your own Sword Qi and dash away using your martial arts? Even if, after negotiating a thousand times, you manage to run away, what then? Report to the authorities? Tell them someone barged in and attacked—name? Don’t know. Face? It was covered, couldn’t see it. Still, find them and punish them?" Only then does Jung Ryujang’s expression become taut. He finally comprehends the implication of Qing’s earlier question, “Do you know who I am?” Do you know who I am? You don’t, do you? Then whatever I do, there’s no risk of repercussions, is there?