Chapter 265

In fact, Qing didn’t really have a strong reason to tease the two. If there was a small reason, it was that the impact felt great, making it fun to hit them.

When he said, “I am the Supreme Martial Artist,” to Gongson Yo-ye, she would respond with, “Wow, Young Lady Seomun, you’re really amazing,” which was just so unexciting.

Plus, Qing felt both grateful and guilty because it seemed he truly got a proper beating when he fell into a trance without realizing it. It was just luck that he got hit with a training sword without any serious consequences. If it had been a real sword, Gongson Yo-ye might have been split into four pieces.

And Tang Nan-ah wouldn’t even bother to hit him in a spar, to begin with.

The Tang Family, unofficially allied with the royal court, was practically the top family in the Central Plain, boasting firepower along with an overwhelming asymmetric force capable of firing poisoned bullets. So, Tang Nan-ah clearly didn’t have any regard for his capabilities.

Thus, Qing actively sought out someone provocative to tease.

Honestly, he didn’t need to look far; the Dragon and Phoenix Association had many similar characters.

Oh, the ones who only reach the peak are drinking and having a great time.

When I was at my peak, I wasn’t sitting around leisurely, all that training did not allow me the luxury of sleep or even eating. I just swung my sword all day and that was it.

“Hey, isn’t that Chang-bin?”

“Gasp, Y-Yang Daesago, is that you…”

“What’s up? Why are you suddenly frozen? I haven’t seen you in a while, and here you are acting all stiff?”

“It’s not that; the Sect Leader keeps calling Young Lady the youngest junior sister, so, uh, I dare not…”

While sneaking glances, Qing grinned and replied.

“Come on, we’re friends, right? It seems Master Yuha thinks highly of me, so why would I be acting all formally with the Hwasan disciple? Chill out.”

“Well, um, if you say so…”

“But let’s make this clear. We were friends. I don’t care about titles. But let’s not kid ourselves into thinking we can match the Supreme Martial Artist. Aren’t warriors supposed to speak through their skills?”

“Uh… so what should I call you?”

Chang-bin began to fumble, and Qing sighed deeply.

This guy really is hopeless.

What kind of guy can’t even meet his gaze?

“Oh dear, I can’t even joke with you, can I? Try to lighten up, alright? Be a man? When did we become friends, and yet you still act like strangers?”

“I-It’s comfortable, I really am comfortable…”

“Alright then, pass me a drink.”

Chang-bin had a lady in his group now, so he was taking small sips of the really delicious alcohol, treating it like a prized possession.

Regardless, after Qing filled his cup, he glanced around.

The ones he wanted to tease weren’t visible, but he kept making eye contact with the guys around him.

Hmm. Should have worn a mask after all.

Since I decided against it, my face feels like it’s on display!

The only notable thing is that the kindness shown by the Tang Family’s five brothers didn’t come my way.

Because strong women are quite burdensome for the men of the Central Plain.

Later, when they take in concubines, they’d rather not have a wife who’s a master—they’d be lucky if the first wife wasn’t beaten to a pulp by the others!

This aspect directly contradicts the unspoken agreements of the Central Plain.

In romance, it’s all about women being raised high while men serve them, draining their hearts with everything they’ve got.

But after marriage, it shifts to men at the top, with the most beloved woman among the concubines competing to win over their husband’s favor.

Then, in came a stunning beauty who caught Qing’s eye.

Her skin was so pale it almost seemed ghostly, with a face that looked gloomy yet perfectly indifferent.

But the teardrop mark beneath her eyes was impossibly charming, making Qing swallow unexpectedly.

It was Bing Seolhwa’s younger sister, Seoliri.

After patting Chang-bin on the shoulder, Qing quietly got up and headed towards Bing Seolhwa.

As he settled into the seat across from her, her indifferent gaze shot straight at him.

Qing smiled and greeted her.

“Excuse me, hi? You’re Bing Seolhwa’s younger sister, right? I’m Seomun Qing.”

“Yes.”

Qing was momentarily at a loss for words.

A simple “yes” doesn’t usually follow, does it?

And what’s with it being “yes”? Is it because she’s greeting me? Or because I guessed Bing Seolhwa right? Or that she knew I was Seomun Qing?

While Qing floundered for a response…

“Reason.”

“Huh?”

“What reason are you here for?”

With that, Qing smiled broadly and tapped the table softly.

“Just wanted to greet you. The moment I saw you, I thought, ‘Wow, she’s pretty. I’d like to get to know her better.’ You’re even more beautiful up close.”

“Yes.”

Another short response.

That one word seemed to hold some strange power, constricting his words.

As if struck dumb by such mystifying remarks, Seoliri finally spoke up.

“Do you have more to say?”

Usually, that line suggests it’s time to leave since they’ve had enough.

A chilling breeze swept through.

“Uh, did I perhaps offend you?”

“No.”

“Is there something you dislike?”

“No.”

“Then, you just don’t want to talk with me?”

“Yes.”

And with that, Seoliri shut her mouth tight.

That nickname, Ice Princess, wasn’t given for nothing; it felt like talking to a mirror would be more fruitful.

Gosh, getting a martial arts technique across is tougher than I thought!

When Seolga passed on the Taeyum Ok-nyeo Divine Skill, didn’t he ask me to return it when I met someone from the Bing Palace?

And since Seoliri is from the Bing Palace, I was going to ask about that…

Suddenly, a teapot caught his eye.

Qing grinned as he tilted the teapot.

The unique aroma of Longjing tea wafted through the air, rising as the steam escaped from the boiling water.

Qing stirred up True Energy and cooled the tea until it was just right.

He loved cold Longjing tea, being from a race that could drink ice-cold water even during the harshest of winters.

On the flip side, for those in the Central Plain, where it’s believed that anything cold is harmful, this act could be considered nothing short of a heinous crime.

Upon witnessing such a bold act, Seoliri’s eyes widened.

“Just now…”

“This? Drinking Longjing cold is quite a delicacy. You should give it a try, Seoliri. Or rather, no, you absolutely must try this—”

“No. Absolutely not.”

Her firm rejection came even before Qing finished speaking.

And it was a resolute refusal.

“Why can’t anyone seem to get this…”

“Just now. You used a divine skill, right? Can I ask which one you have mastered?”

“Oh, you know about divine skills! It’s called the Taeyum Ok-nyeo Divine Skill. It’s really great… as great as Seoliri’s demeanor.”

“How do you know!?”

“Why does it matter how? What’s important is that I possess the secret manual of the Taeyum Ok-nyeo Divine Skill, and I was asked to return it to people from the Bing Palace.”

“Who asked you to return it?”

“Um, unfortunately, I left the secret manual at the Divine Maiden Sect. I could rewrite it based on what I learned, so you don’t have to worry about the original being destroyed.”

“More important, who passed that on to you?”

“Huh? Really? Is that all that matters to you?”

Qing tilted his head in confusion.

Even if it’s just named a divine skill, why is this being treated like some low-class technique?

Since she’s from a direct line of the Bing Palace, is that Ice White Divine Skill the purple-edged one that she doesn’t need in her arsenal?

“To protect the identity of the informant, it’s a strict secret. I was given permission to learn it under the condition that I return it, so please don’t push me on that—”

“Seolga, that guy, right?”

Interjecting, Seoliri cut him off mid-sentence.

Her voice dripping with icy disdain, Qing quickly assessed the situation.

Seems like they’re not on the best terms, so getting too friendly could cause unnecessary trouble.

Sigh. I wanted to befriend Seoliri.

But betraying my friendships for the sake of chasing after a woman isn’t exactly the act of a true gentleman.

With my heartfelt tears at the thought of giving up on this, I had no choice.

Why does it always seem like the women I’m drawn to are either the ultimate queens or rivals of my friends?

She looks like a frail and pitiful damsel, yet somehow she’s got a bunch of guys behind her…

Qing let out a heartfelt sigh and took his leave.

Yet, it seemed Seoliri couldn’t easily let go of her feelings. She blatantly showed her still lingering interest.

Seoliri’s gaze was firmly fixed on Qing.

Even though human eyes are meant to roll around to observe their surroundings, this pretty face was just directed straight at him.

Be it an owl or something similar, her unexpressive face zeroed in on him like a hawk, and it felt equally terrifying and amusing.

While Qing squirmed uncomfortably from that weighty gaze…

“Qing Ah, you know. Grandfather saw an incredible martial arts display at the market. I’m going to buy some daggers, wanna join? What’s that? Did you do something to Seolhwa?”

“Just tried to talk to her, but gave up because she was too cold.”

“What? You’re going to drag Seolhwa to bed again this time?”

“Doesn’t that sound a bit weird…?”

It sounds bizarre if you just hear the words, but the tone makes it clear that it’s all in good fun.

With a laugh like a child’s mischief, those words were tossed around like light-hearted banter.

“Why’s she staring like that? Doesn’t she have anything to say? Ugh, it’s kinda scary, though.”

“I think so too. I didn’t notice before, but maybe there’s something relentless about her.”

She was sternly blocking off all paths for conversation, making Qing realize that he must have misjudged her initially; indeed, instinct finds its truth only through experience.

Ignoring the blatant gaze aimed straight at him was impossible; it inevitably demanded his attention.

“Hmm. This won’t do.”

And finally, Qing declared his retreat.

It’s a bit troubling if he can’t boast about his recent peak. He should broaden the recognition of his remarkable achievements and encourage everyone to follow in his footsteps.

With a heavy heart, Qing shelved his ambition to motivate the masses through shared improvement and motivation.

“Guess I’ll just head back and study that Taeyum Ok-nyeo Divine Skill secret manual.”

On his way back, he was promptly bombarded by Tang Nan-ah.

“What’s with you, Qing? Why are you walking like that?”

“I’m not doing anything.”

“Why are you walking so lewdly? Just look at those two round moons you’ve got! I can’t stand it. No wonder you’re switching women every night. Just say it plainly. Is it Gongson or me? Who do you like better?”

“Well, if I must choose, then Ye is preferable, at least she won’t grope me.”

“I’m not groping you now, am I?!”

“It’s not that you’re unwilling to; it’s that you’re incapable. Tell me honestly, how often did I wake up just because you couldn’t keep your hands to yourself?”

With his newly awakened senses thanks to the Awakening Skill, Qing found it hard to fall back asleep after being jolted awake by Tang Nan-ah’s inappropriate touches.

After more than ten disturbances, even Qing could get frustrated enough to lash out at her.

“Oh come on? I barely nudged you while you were asleep! It was just a natural impulse; nothing crazy, I swear!”

However, despite his avoidance of her gaze, it was painfully obvious. Qing narrowed his eyes.

Thus, his own scandalous walk was temporarily forgotten.

In reality, Qing was just trying to be discreet. There was no way for him to know how his gait appeared.

However, thanks to the primitive technology of the ancient Central Plain, no reflective surfaces existed that might show him how he looked.

Glass itself was a luxury.

So, unlike in his hometown where anyone could adjust their hairstyle by glancing at a car or a building’s glass façade, such awkward moments wouldn’t happen to him here.

And being the first female merchant throughout history, seeing her disciple’s look likely inspired nothing more than a mere recollection of his own past.

As for Seomun Sulin’s nagging, it seemed her strict standards of beauty wouldn’t tolerate any hint of his sloppiness.

In any case, as they bickered cheerfully, they entered Muchen Pavilion, where they were met with news from inside.

“Guests are waiting for you,” they said.

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