922 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

Qing's expression twisted uncontrollably. A grimace akin to seeing something repulsive; thankfully, she wore a veil. Simultaneously, goosebumps surged across her entire body like a wave of sparking electricity. No way, is this guy really just insane? Qing barely managed to suppress the profanities that threatened to burst forth from her lips. Because, weak before the strong and strong before the weak, it’s characteristic of Ximen Qing to shrink before individuals more powerful than her. Desperately, Qing racked her brain to find a way to extricate herself without provoking her opponent. What should she say? A confession isn't a challenge, it's a confirmation. It's not about mustering courage to confront, but confirming after an implicit agreement formed through subtle exchanges, somewhere between friendship and beyond. A marriage proposal should be even more so, requiring a moment of regained calm and rationality... No, no, he's truly, absolutely "real." A genuine case where words won’t work. Qing laughed awkwardly and tried to discreetly pull her hand away. However, Kim Heojung's grip remained unyielding. "Ah, Young Master? Please, give me a moment to think..." "Young Miss, I am utterly sincere. Should you grant me just one chance, I will dedicate my entire life in service to you." "Uh... The tension... suddenly, I think I need some fresh air." "Pardon? Right now? It's quite cold outside." "I also have some matters to attend to..." "What matters might those be in this vicinity? I never considered—ah, unless you've been observing me for long? Do you have companions nearby?" "No, it’s just a personal matter..." "It could be dangerous, so allow me to escort-" "No! This...! Phew, listen, I’m only going to the restroom. You should take the hint, as you shouldn't be so clueless in front of a lady." Interrupting, Gang Talma raised his voice unexpectedly. Having an interest in Ximen Qing’s affairs, he had been trying to appear friendly. Even so, it seemed that Gang Talma couldn’t help but feel frustrated. Qing, inwardly cheered, thinking: Well done! Nice support! Given her temperament, she'd rather have shouted, I'm going for a break! Why? But she restrained herself, worrying he might feel deceived and turn hostile with accusations about her being a vulgar woman. "So then, Young Master, where could one attend to such a matter...?" "You see, living alone, I manage with a chamber pot and dispose of it afar... Well, find a suitable spot and, ahem." "Then, I'll briefly excuse myself..." Pretending to be bashful, Qing stood up and carefully exited, closing the door behind her. Unlike the boiling interior, the entrance to the darkened Changbai Mountain was met with cutting winds as sharp as knives, even in early April. The perpetual snow on the distant peaks of Mount Baitou, glistening under the moonlight against the dark sky, was indeed a magnificent spectacle. Under different circumstances, it would be a view worth savoring longer, but now was not the time to leisurely enjoy the scenery. Forget about the restroom, it was finally time to escape! Living as a woman for about seven years, Qing recognized an invincible technique only women possessed—when a woman claims to go to the restroom, who dares block her path? Qing deliberately made her footsteps audible as she crossed the yard, heading outside, determined not to look toward Mount Baitou again, today really might bring misfortune. Just then: "Ah, Heavenly Sword Flower? Where are you headed?" “Eek.” Suddenly, a soft voice reached Qing's ear. Turning back, she saw Gong Sun-Yoye standing there with a basket of medicine, looking intently at her, peeking through the kitchen door. "Ah, uh, just off to the restroom..." "Is that so? Then, I'll accompany you. I heard women usually go together." An invincible technique for a woman didn’t work on another woman. However, there was a method for this situation too. "Uh, well, it's a rather private matter..." "No worries. I'll sing for you so you don't feel shy. Yalli yalli yallasung yallari yalla, an old song from Goryeo, my secret weapon." "Well, I might feel uncomfortable about that..." "I insist. You’ll need to sing for me in return when it’s my turn." Goodness, sneaking away was the plan, but... In that case, there was no other choice. Promise to sing first and then make a break for it. If Gong Sun-Yoye went to report her escape, she’d be preoccupied with an embarrassing task first, delaying that disheveled hunchback’s pursuit, shortened to the nicknamed ‘Hunchman.’ Calling it ‘Hunchman’ rather than ‘hunchback man’ because it seems less insulting and more teasing. "Ah… fine. Let’s go together, then." "Yes. I'm looking forward to Heavenly Sword Flower’s song." Thus, Qing pretended to search for a suitable spot while steadily and quietly making her way farther and farther with Gong Sun-Yoye. bWpnL1VNWWVlR0h2N0IyVWd5ZUJTeFpabEN3MFlreFpZZVE4V2EvM3N3WHFzNUNrMWFiS1M0bGVJeXVTMjlYZQ To make an escape, going as far as possible would be best. "Still going? You’re quite shy, Heavenly Sword Flower. However, this distance should prevent even great masters from overhearing." “Ah, shall we go a bit further?” “This should suffice. Here, take this.” Gong Sun-Yoye paused, offering the bundle she was carrying. “Huh? What’s this?” "It’s Heavenly Sword Flower’s belongings stored with Yeopo. I added a surprise gift, so please check it out later. Aren’t you leaving just like this? I'll see Yeopo safely to the Divine Maiden Sect." "Oh." Taken aback, Qing stood still. Despite that, Gong Sun-Yoye remained composed. "You aim to take care of your needs, yet you carry no paper or thread with you. So, you’re not planning to return. Am I wrong?" “Oh, right.” Qing awkwardly scratched the back of her neck. --- **Terms and Translations:** - 지랑견 (Hunchman): This is a playful coined term derived from the Korean term for 'hunchback' with the suffix '남' (man), in reverse order, it avoids an outright offensive implication as intended humorously in the text. - 공량사윤 (Gong Sun-Yoye): Gender is female, indicated by dialogue and narrative mannerism. - 측간 (Restroom): Used in context for Qing's strategy of escape from an awkward marriage proposal. - 공량 (Yeopo): A new character reference implied to be a person or place to store belongings. This segment highlights Qing's cleverness in trying to extract herself from an awkward situation using wit. The tone is humorous and absurd, fitting Qing's ongoing struggle in adjusting to her unique circumstances. Suddenly, a thought struck Qing. "But then, would you be alright, Miss Gong Yoye? With Gang Talma around, I can't help but feel the hunchback might bother you. Actually, I'm sure of it. Want to run away with me?" "I'll be fine. I have my own plans. I’ve almost completed creating a situation where he can’t make advances on me. So, save your worries for yourself." If she says so, then. "Uh, okay, I'm off then?" "Yes, until we meet again." Gong Sun-Yoye waved her hand gently. With that, Qing leapt away with the graceful movements of the Yue Maiden Footwork, like weightless walking. And thus, finally, an escape! To people of this era, the skill to read natural signs and detect directions was basic and fundamental knowledge. Having lived in Zhongyuan for a while, Qing could easily find her way; thus, her steps northward were brisk and lively. It had to be because. It felt like a tremendous relief. She had finally rid herself of Gang Talma, the clingy martial arts thief, and said goodbye to the hunchback who was attempting to latch on as a new nuisance. Although Qing fretted the hunchback might chase her all the way to Zhongyuan, hmmm. Still, it was too much. To protect Zhongyuan's peace, I can’t marry him. Ugh, the thought alone gives me chills. And if he dares pursue me, as if I don’t know any Profound Realm masters? This is the time to see the benefits of having allies; once I return, I have Yeom Hwi-Yeong and grandpa, and surely, the Head of the Sect won’t ignore a lunatic like him. So even the hunchback wouldn’t be a threat anymore, that’s for sure. Just as Qing nodded in agreement with herself. -Aaaagh!! Again!!! I've been deceived again!!! Aargh!! A roar filled with anger resounded faintly from the distant behind. To think it's loud enough to reach all the way here. But Qing smirked. Whether he rages, what can he do now, with this much distance gained, not even a Mystic Turtle Grandfather could find her. She was glad they were parting ways and hoped never to meet again. --- Qing ran. She kept running. Until the thick night faded and the pale dawn broke, she didn’t stop, just continuously moved forward. Finally, she pushed through the forest and arrived at a winding road that stretched left and right. Hmm, right? Left? Actually, it wasn’t a dilemma at all. Having come up north from the east of Changbai Mountain, it's likely Manchuria. To return to Zhongyuan, she should head west, which naturally meant left. Thus, she took the road westward for approximately half a half shichen, a small village came into view. Named Cheolbaechon! However, unfamiliar with the geography of Manchuria, Qing couldn’t discern the location even by the village’s name. But hearing that following westward for a thousand-li would lead to Liaoning's capital, Shenyang, it’s roughly easy to guess it’s located a thousand-li east of Liaoning. In the village’s sole guesthouse, she ordered incredibly expensive dishes to eat, although expensive dishes don’t equate to delicious meals. Objectively speaking, it wasn’t top-quality; even judging by the ingredients, the price was unjustifiable, signifying she likely got ripped off. Taking advantage of outsiders has been a long-standing tradition in Zhongyuan, after all. Nonetheless, having a store to buy and eat from was something to appreciate. Due to the harsh situation in Joseon, even revered guests were served just rice and soy sauce, so regardless of the price hike, Qing felt grateful for the mere possibility of having prepared dishes. After satisfying her long-unfulfilled hunger with cooked dishes, a wave of fatigue suddenly overcame her. Having fought, fretted under tension, then continually running without rest through a sleepless night left exhaustion inevitable. Caught between napping briefly or putting more distance between her and Changbai Mountain… Amidst the drowsiness from her sufficiently satiated stomach, Qing tried to think with her still sluggish mind. If I were Kim Heojung, attempting to pursue me, he’d likely head directly west. Assuming that I’d hasten my return to Zhongyuan would be a simple and, frankly, spot-on deduction, even for the clueless hunchback. Yet, not knowing which direction I took, it'd be wiser for him to precede me along the route to Zhongyuan rather than aimlessly chase after me. Of course, if the hunchback were alone, given his temper, he’d likely just run in any random direction in anger. However, with Gang Talma coveting the Yue Maiden Sword Technique accompanying him, being a bit of a strategist, he might counsel a tempered approach. Thus, hastening directly to Zhongyuan might in fact be a risky move. Running headlong without rest only to collide with them would be catastrophic. So, a roundabout way is better. This could be the ideal opportunity to circle northwards above Liaoning, then descend south, boarding a ship bound for Shandong. If opting for such a detour, hurrying isn’t necessary; moving by night while hiding my tracks would mean a safer trip. With what she believed was a perfected plan, Qing threw herself onto the bed. Then instantly, fatigue swept over her, and she began to drift into sleep. But suddenly, Gong Sun-Yoye's words replayed in her mind. ‘These are Heavenly Sword Flower's belongings. I added a surprise gift, so look through them later.’ Hmm, a surprise gift? What could Miss Gong have for me, always stashing snacks to eat secretly... huh? Snacks? Snacks, is it? Could it be, Goryeo sweets? Qing bolted up from the bed and plopped down in front of the open luggage in the corner. Heart racing, she rummaged through, expecting to find snacks, her snacks! And then. “Huh?” An unfamiliar item surfaced—a book that wasn’t there before. Scrawled untidily on its cover was the title. 현무무 (玄武舞). Or the "Mystic Turtle Dance." Qing had obtained the secret manual for the Mystic Turtle Dance! However, her eyebrows twitched violently as she looked at the manual. Why, why is this here? --- **Terms and Translations:** - **추꼽남 (Hunchman):** This remains as the playful term for "hunchback man," emphasizing Qing's humorous disdain for her pursuer. - **Cheolbaechon(철배촌):** Transliteration of a village name, as such names often retain their sound in translation. - **심양 (Shenyang):** Kept as "Shenyang," recognizing its status as a known geographic location. - **요녕성 (Liaoning Province):** Translated as Liaoning Province for clearer context on the geography. - **현무무 (Mystic Turtle Dance):** The title of the martial arts manual. "Mystic Turtle Dance" is a translation capturing the allure and mystique suggested by the original. This passage paints Qing as tactical and witty, solving problems while navigating potential entanglements with unwanted suitors. Humor remains a key tone, illustrating her relief in distancing herself from troubles. Regardless of how much one despises the martial arts of a certain sect, having their secret manual stolen wouldn't simply be ignored. Especially considering his personality, he'd be enraged, and if this was his way of approaching me, he'd probably explode with anger and chase me to the ends of hell. And then, once again, Gong Sun-Yoye's voice echoed in Qing's ears. ‘I too have devised my own plans. Soon they’ll be in a position where they cannot harass me any longer, and I’ve nearly succeeded.’ And by now, she must have succeeded entirely. Miss Gong, I trusted you...! Qing buried her face in her hands.