Chapter 174: Are You Acquainted With This Beggar?

And so, the present.

“Ah, look at that, Young Master Peng!” Murong Juhui exclaimed. “The spring flowers have bloomed so beautifully.”

“The rhododendrons blooming among the creeping phlox are truly the crane among chickens, the finishing touch, the single red point in a field of green,” Peng Daesan began, trying to flatter her. “Just like Lady Murong—”

“Young Master Peng! Look! A deer, a deer!” she interrupted, pointing excitedly.

“...You damned Jade Qilin...” Jo Hakche muttered under his breath, grinding his teeth.

Murong Juhui, the Golden Sun Sword Flower, seemed compelled to report on every single thing she laid eyes on. The furious grinding sound came from Jo Hakche, the heir of the Black Dragon Jo Clan—Brother Jo. He kept trying to flatter the Sword Flower and make a move, but she treated him as if he barely existed. Every time he was ignored, he’d glare daggers at Peng Daesan. How pathetic, Peng Daesan thought, antagonizing another man just to win a woman’s favor.

Brother Jo was actually quite a hearty and decent fellow when it was just men around (though he’d be even better if he didn’t constantly pester people to go to the brothel), but he had this bizarre habit of suddenly treating every other man like an enemy the moment a woman joined the group.

Women always leave for a better-looking guy anyway, Peng Daesan mused silently. Friendship isn’t like that. If he’d just ask for help, I’d actually try to lend a hand.

Adding to the awkwardness, Brother Jo’s younger sister, Jo Yangyang, was busy stealing glances at Peng Daesan while pretending not to look. If he happened to make eye contact with her, Murong Juhui would immediately turn frosty, openly showing her displeasure and souring the mood. It got to the point where Peng Daesan’s neck ached from constantly keeping his head turned to look out the left window.

This is exactly why I can’t stand women.

The only other man present was acting like that. Peng Daesan found himself actually missing the babbling Beastly Sage and the troublemaking Elder Hwangbo. Yeah, it would be better if even that sword fanatic were here. It would be preferable to listen to that guy’s talk about the Half-Sword. I really can’t endure this.

Brother Changbin, you were the only one who was tolerable. No, wait. A new thought struck him. Come to think of it, with two women present, Brother Changbin would probably just pretend to be mute.

Peng Daesan let out a deep sigh. This was truly the worst possible time.

The only consolation was that they would arrive in Zhangwan tomorrow and join the Murong Clan retainers. A martial hall in a small city like this wouldn’t be large enough to accommodate three groups from the Five Great Families anyway. Besides, it wouldn’t be right for one martial hall to monopolize all the esteemed guests, so they would inevitably have to lodge separately by family. Then he could finally get away from both the Murong and Jo clans.

“Ah, Young Master Peng! Look over there!” Murong Juhui chirped again. “Isn’t the shape of that cloud fascinating? It looks like, um… What does it look like… it resembles something, anyway, how fascinating.”

“Hmm, if I had to compare it to something, perhaps a snake? A rope?” Peng Daesan attempted again. “To find such uniqueness in such an ordinary shape, the Sword Flower truly has remarkable powers of observation—”

“Ah, Young Master Peng! Look at those people passing by! Could they be lovers?” she cut in once more, sighing dramatically. “Ah. I wish I could stroll about on a spring day with a lover like that. Isn’t there anyone out there for me?”

“...You damned Jade Qilin...” Peng Daesan internally cursed, very slowly pressing down and smoothing his bangs in frustration.

Later that night, Murong Chengyi went out for a walk with his son.

However, at the spot where the female beggar was supposed to be, there were only two ragged mats layered on the ground.

“Ah,” Murong Jun said. “She must have gone to train first. This way.”

He then led his father to a deserted clearing, secluded and rarely visited by people, which served as a training ground.

And there, Murong Chengyi finally saw Qing.

“Hoh...” he let out a soft gasp.

How could Murong Chengyi, his name listed among the Ten Great Masters under Heaven, fail to see through a mere veil? Under the moonlit night, a peerless beauty was engrossed in her sword dance. It was a precious sight that no painting of beauties under the heavens could capture.

Honestly, Murong Chengyi thought wryly, my own spoiled brat of a daughter is always boasting about being the best among the Five Great Beauties of the Central Plains whenever she has the chance, but compared to this, she’s completely hopeless.

Furthermore, while the sword dance followed the familiar forms of the Yue Maiden Sword Technique, the subtleties contained within shifted constantly, showing she knew how to freely manipulate her intent within the sword. The subtleties of Stillness and Weight were admirable, enough to elicit admiration, but regrettably, the subtleties of Swiftness and Illusion fell short.

Still, she had mastered two of the four subtleties of swordsmanship. Even among the Transcendent Realm, countless fools couldn't properly master even one subtlety, like the Golden Mean. They said the martial arts world was vast; how could such a talent be hiding in the guise of a beggar?

However, the sunset-colored True Qi burning through the night reminded Murong Chengyi of someone.

“Ahem.” He cleared his throat deliberately.

At the sound, Qing turned her head. She had known the kiddo arrived long ago, but she only now acknowledged Murong Chengyi, who had intentionally concealed his presence until that moment.

“Kiddo, you should greet someone when you arrive, why just clear your throat?” Qing said, then recognition dawned. “Ah. Are you Junnie’s father?”

“Yes,” Murong Chengyi confirmed. “I came out because it seemed my son was imposing on you. By the way, that True Qi looks familiar. Could it be the Zhu Xiang Heart Cleanse Mirror, a divine art of the Divine Maiden Sect?”

If he was Junnie’s father, he was the Murong clan leader. However, to Qing, he was more her friend’s father than a powerful clan leader, so she straightened up her posture respectfully.

“Yes,” she replied formally. “I studied under Ximen Surin. However, due to circumstances, I haven’t officially registered with the Divine Maiden Sect, so I am called Ximen Qing, an Outer Disciple of the Divine Maiden Sect.”

“Ah. Senior Ximen Surin’s disciple!” Murong Chengyi exclaimed, while simultaneously grinding his teeth inwardly. That blasted Guard White. The clear, intelligent light in her eyes is practically overflowing, and he said something about a beggar? How can a guard with such poor eyesight properly protect my son in this treacherous martial arts world?

Of course, Guard White, lacking the ability to see through the veil, might feel unfairly judged. And Qing hadn't exactly displayed Ximen Surin's refined etiquette in front of him; she'd mostly just been scratching her belly and sprawling lazily.

“But why are you in such a state?” Murong Chengyi asked, catching himself before speaking the moniker aloud. “As far as I know, the Rabid B— no, the Matriarch, Senior Ximen, is not one to ever permit such attire.”

“Ah. Well,” Qing hesitated, her formal demeanor slipping for a second. “There were circumstances that forced this young lady to make a difficult decision. Um, could you perhaps keep this a secret…?”

For a moment, the beauty's dignity cracked, revealing a glimpse of a mischievous nature. Feeling like he was looking at his own daughter, Murong Chengyi let out a low chuckle.

“Indeed. Senior Ximen has quite the personality, doesn’t she? You must have your reasons for hiding your identity. It seems this old man has needlessly interfered and revealed it.”

“Not at all,” Qing replied smoothly, regaining her composure. “You are my friend’s father. What father in the world would stand idly by if their son were associating with a beggar? Rather, I should comment on the beauty of your fatherly concern.”

Her manners and attitude were impeccable. Was this not truly a respectable female expert of the martial arts world? Murong Chengyi smiled, pleased. In truth, the face completes the outfit. To Murong Chengyi, who could see through the veil, even the beggar-like clothing somehow suited her.

“Yes,” he said, nodding. “I can see that your achievements are extraordinary. Judging by your limbs, you seem to have achieved Overhaul Rebirth, but unfortunately, you haven't quite crossed the threshold, it seems.”

“Yes,” Qing admitted frankly. “To be honest, this young lady was somewhat complacent and underestimated it, but I am now keenly aware of how high that wall is.”

“Hoho, now that you’ve glimpsed what lies beyond, you’ll reach it soon enough,” Murong Chengyi encouraged. “Hmm? By the way, how old are you?”

“I have just reached the age of fragrant spring, around twenty,” Qing stated brazenly, putting on a bold front. It was a request from her Master; Qing could put on a diamond facade, let alone a mere iron one.

Myoryeong[^Myoryeong (묘령) specifically refers to a woman around 20, considered the prime of youth, sometimes poetically rendered as bangchun (방춘), 'fragrant spring'.], the term she used, referred specifically to women around the age of twenty. Many people back in Qing’s homeland mistakenly believed it meant ‘identity unknown’.

“Hoh. Senior Ximen has…” Murong Chengyi swallowed his admiration. He had heard that the old monster, the Rabid Bitch, had grown old and lost her vigor, her presence fading from the martial arts world. Who knew she had been secretly raising such a prodigy?

Come to think of it, he had heard something… The Mount Hua Sect Leader had given an absurd moniker like 'Divine Sword' to a disciple of the Rabid Bitch who was about that age, leading people to wonder if he'd gone senile. Seeing her in person, her accomplishments were certainly deserving. And she was just a twenty-year-old girl! With achievements like glimpsing beyond the wall and undergoing Overhaul Rebirth, she was not only destined to be the future Zenith Among Women but also a talent capable of contending with his son, who possessed the Heavenly Martial Body, for the title of Greatest Under Heaven.

“Truly, a blessing for the Orthodox Murim,” Murong Chengyi declared. “Junnie, you have made a very good friend. And to you,” he added, addressing Qing directly, “yes, my son may be lacking, but please look after him.”

“Whatever are you saying?” Qing demurred politely. “Your son is already a fine, upstanding young man. There is no reason for you to worry.”

“Right,” Murong Chengyi said. “Since you have your circumstances, I did not see you tonight. However, if your schedule includes heading to the Murim Conference, my retainers are staying at the Sohua Sect. If you wish to travel together, feel free to come find us anytime.”

He took a small wooden box from his breast pocket, opened it, and handed a guest token to Qing. Naturally, it was a special grade token, bearing the clan leader’s name.

With this, four of the unlimited free passes to the Five Great Families were gathered in one person's hands. Aside from Zhuge's family, who hadn't given her one yet, she had one clan leader's guest token, two heirs' guest tokens, and she was already considered a benefactor of the Tang Clan.

“Hmm,” Murong Chengyi mused aloud. “I seem to have intruded thoughtlessly on friends spending time together. I shall take my leave now.”

“The night path is dark, please watch your step,” Qing said respectfully.

“Haha, yes. You two be careful as well,” Murong Chengyi replied, feeling completely relieved. He departed briskly, heading towards the Sohua Sect.

Then, a thought stealthily crept into his mind. Wait, if she’s an Outer Disciple, isn’t marriage possible? If two such talents of the martial arts world were to marry, wouldn’t their child surpass even the esteemed Celestial Martial Emperor and become the greatest figure of all time?

He muttered under his breath, “That fool son of mine. He should have accepted when I suggested marriage.” Though, the prospect of having the Rabid Bitch as an in-law was genuinely frightening.

Following the Black Store Manager and Ximen Surin, yet another person burned with rage.

“How dare those Black Store bastards. Hah.” Choi Leeong’s face crumpled into a deep frown.

Suspicious individuals had offered gold sycee, trying to dig up information on Gyeon Pohee and lure her out. However, the Seol Family Trading Company was the Hubei branch of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, constantly protected by the most elite warriors dispatched from the Divine Cult’s Covert Operations Division. The fools who attempted the bribery soon spilled the truth under the principles of the five elements—fire, water, thorns and clubs, iron tongs, and earth.[^This is a euphemism for torture, referencing the Five Punishments or similar methods used for interrogation.] The mastermind behind it was none other than the Black Store.

That said, Choi Leeong wasn't quite a peerless master capable of single-handedly storming the Black Store and slaughtering everyone. But instead, he knew a group that would share his anger.

“Excuse me, young fellow cult member,” Choi Leeong addressed a nearby subordinate.

“Yes, Elder.”

“My apologies, but could you relay a message to the Divine Cult’s Secret Pavilion? It’s an extremely urgent matter, so please request the highest priority delivery.”

Though his words were polite, it was essentially an order. Furthermore, highest priority meant a grueling journey for the messengers, requiring a desperate relay race to quickly reach the Cult’s leadership. Perhaps the only consolation was that since the Divine Cult had advanced into the Central Plains, taken over Jiuquan City beyond Jiayuguan in Gansu Province, and established the Secret Pavilion estate, the messengers no longer had to cross that dreadful desert. Of course, the Zigui contact point only needed to pass the message to the next city, so they didn't have to worry about the desert themselves.

“Understood,” the young cult member replied promptly. “I will relay it with the highest priority.”

And so, Choi Leeong’s letter began its rapid journey toward the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s Secret Pavilion.