Chapter 48

“Anyway, receiving a gift and tasting it on the spot is not exactly a matter of etiquette, but it’s definitely a nice gesture.”

Qing popped a leaf pickled in a sour liquid into her mouth and began to chew.

Initially, it was bitter, and the taste was odd.

A bizarre flavor and texture that were hard to describe.

The pickled leaf just oozed out a bitter juice without dissolving or breaking apart in her mouth.

It wasn’t something she felt like spitting out, but it certainly wasn’t delicious either.

After all, it wasn’t exactly food meant for enjoyment, so she resigned herself to it.

How long did she chew, sucking out the juice and swallowing the residue like some sacrificial offering?

Slowly, a hazy feeling began to spread through her.

She felt as if she was floating, her heart became at ease, and the world around her turned into a fluffy haze.

Qing wobbled back, crawling on her butt until her back hit the wall, and she slumped down into a relaxed position.

In fact, Aengsok was more like an essential medicine in the Central Plain.

Its effects were known to be remarkable.

It reduced fevers, alleviated discomfort, and even stopped diarrhea.

On top of that, it soothed pain and hunger, making it a truly miraculous herb in the world.

Moreover, it grew well and didn’t die easily.

It had become a customary practice for folks to plant a few in their backyards for medicinal use.

It was quite common for female martial artists to carry it around to prepare for the few tough days of the month.

It didn’t just end with feeling a little unwell; in the ruthless martial world, no one had any consideration for a woman’s circumstances.

So, the other two didn’t really advise against it either.

Chang-bin was the sort who felt embarrassed even if he had something to say, so he just averted his gaze.

Pang Dae-san merely gave a single piece of advice.

“It’s not good for martial artists. You should only use it once in a while when it’s really tough…”

While saying that, he glanced at Namgoong Shin-jae.

At least, Pang Dae-san thought he was looking at him.

“But, how does Namgoong-hyung know about that? Did you really keep some on hand?”

“Oh? Does Pang-hyung’s gaze seem a bit suspicious? I didn’t keep it myself; the Elder of the disciplinary council, Nuguq, gave it to me.”

“The Elder of the disciplinary council? How did he…?”

The Elder of Jipbeop, Nuguq, was famous for his obsession with secrets.

“When Swordmaster first met him, it was quite—the ruckus he made. I thought, ‘What a ferocious woman’, but perhaps he witnessed something strange, hence he wanted to pass on a bit of Aengsok.”

“Ah.”

Pang Dae-san’s expression shifted.

Ferocious. Menacing.

What on earth did the Elder see that made him personally send Aengsok for a girl young enough to be his granddaughter?

“Well, there’s no need to give such pitying looks. In the end, I’ve made friends with such a rare swordmaster, so the phrase ‘life is unpredictable’ really holds true, doesn’t it? Right, Swordmaster?”

“Yeeep. Swordmaster!”

Qing lifted her arm and replied.

Originally, Aengsok was potent.

From the very beginning, she bit into one and chewed happily, draining all its juice, so how could she not be tipsy?

Usually, the first time Aengsok was chewed, one was advised to cut it into small pieces or brew it into a tea and drink it accordingly.

Pang Dae-san tilted his head.

What’s going on? Is she really a novice at this?

“…No way. You.”

-“Dear guests, dinner is served.”

The servant’s voice interrupted Pang Dae-san’s words.

—-

Qing wasn’t drunk; she was high from the medicine.

In truth, alcohol is technically a type of drug, and different drugs come with different arrays of effects.

Alcohol boosts one’s spirit, lifting moods and leading to hasty judgments.

Meanwhile, opium dulls the mind and provides a dreamy sense of comfort.

Qing was in a very relaxed state, reminiscent of her days at the Divine Maiden Sect.

And at the Divine Maiden Sect, her every behavior was conditioned by the roaring influx of swordplay from Seomun Sulin’s teachings.

Habits usually flare up more the muddier one’s mind is, so it wasn’t surprising that Qing, high on opium, revealed her old habits.

A soft, butterfly-like girl danced along the path.

Pang Dae-san frowned, while Chang-bin cast a sidelong glance at Qing.

Namgoong Shin-jae didn’t really have any thoughts; as a swordmaster who had seen it all, he just had to avoid any messy scenes.

Wang Gae-yuk and his offsprings rubbed their eyes in disbelief.

Who is that? Was she the one who was gnawing and chewing like she was avenging her parents?

And then, during the conversation, she even looked about to doze off a few times?

Now she appeared transformed into a dignified young lady, which was quite surprising.

Aengsok makes one forget hunger and brings about satisfaction,

Qing slowly selected delicious food to savor.

Among all the astonishment, there was just one person feeling a tickle in his heart with different emotions.

Wang Son-man, Wang Gae-yuk’s second son.

It was because of the guest who kept smiling and making eye contact throughout dinner.

“Did Lady Seomun fall for me?”

It was hard to argue against how obvious her gaze was.

Occasionally, when their eyes didn’t meet, he wondered if she had focused somewhere above his head but quickly received a lovely smile as their eyes locked again.

From deep within Wang Son-man’s heart, pride surged forth.

Yes! It’s me! Not my elder brother, but me!

This is Wang Son-man! Not my elder brother, me!

In proportion to this, discomfort gradually seeped from Oki-rin sitting next to him.

Wang Son-man’s nose rose higher, his chin tilted upwards as if he was the most attractive here.

Oki-rin was too handsome, so perhaps they never considered elevating their status here? Realistically speaking, I, and only I, am the most charming one in this place.

As Wang Son-man basked in victory, Pang Dae-san felt his discomfort growing for some reason.

Qing was just happy.

This is what it means to feel happiness just by looking.

-324.

What a beautiful number it is.

No matter if the mission was to treat common people as people or not, that fellow was indeed a martial world individual, so they certainly had wronged people.

Their dad was a good deed, their brother was too, and even the sister who kept giving him disapproving looks was only -17.

Among the family, one who deemed themselves “I’m different!” with over three hundred wrongs was quite a wonder.

Above all, I was extremely grateful and proud.

It was a talent identified during the afternoon tea session.

Later, when hearing stories of disappearances in the room, it became clear.

Ah, it was that kid!

Why bother using the name of Great Justice Gate?

That’s obvious; it would sell better.

A significantly profitable case requested from a righteous sect like the Great Justice Gate would surely seem less risky and have less fear of future repercussions.

But how to ensure this works?

They needed to be able to instill confidence that the request indeed came from the Great Justice Gate.

But the second son himself?

Of course, they’d have to trust him.

Hence, it was sort of a business card scam.

Looks like those scammy bastards all think along the same lines.

Qing pondered, her mind spinning from the high.

How might it have played out in-game?

Perhaps she’d have had to lead her fellows, searching for evidence, people, and witnesses.

Screaming “The culprit is among us!” while picking apart the reputations of her father, mother, grandfather, and grandmother for some detective fun?

In games where NPCs couldn’t be attacked, they usually only became enemies after the entire plot unraveled.

And only then could one strike.

But?

Is this a game? Honestly, I have no clue.

That doesn’t mean I can’t attack, does it?

Nope.

Status window? Try stopping me if you can!

Whatever. I’ll do it my way. Though the little fella’s gone,

I still believe there’s something left of a man’s soul.

Qing’s smile gradually turned more sinister.

Fortunately, the girl who had been basking in the killing energy of Heaven’s Kill did not undergo a catastrophe of spewing murderous intent just yet.

Just in time, the meal was finished.

As they rose to return to the guest quarters,

Qing brushed past Wang Son-man and whispered gently.

“Confucius, let’s meet behind the side gate after the hour. I’ll be waiting for you.”

A snort escaped Wang Son-man’s nose.

—-

In fact, Qing was slightly late after dozing off from the medication.

Of course, Qing wasn’t at fault at all.

The blame for her tardiness lay entirely with the primitive medieval Chinese bastards in the room, who lacked even a clock.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to her, the Great Justice Gate had more than one side gate.

So, Wang Son-man was fuming as he paced around the gates of the sect while time ticked closer to sunset.

Did she toy with me?

Ultimately, there was no reason to pick me over the renowned heavenly martial artist.

Even if she did, she didn’t need to specifically favor a second son over the sect’s heir.

But that look in her eyes…

What if her being late was just a short nap?

Wang Son-man waxed anxious, lingering for an hour and a half.

To phrase it in modern terms, it meant he stood around for three hours just to catch her.

A sorrow truly befitting manhood.

And finally.

“Ah, Confucius! I’m so sorry for being late.”

“No, no, My Lady. I just came out myself, no, no, I mean I’ve waited a while… but it’s fine.”

Wang Son-man stumbled on his automatic reply at the realization that it sounded odd.

If he had just come out after being late for an hour and a half,then it wouldn’t make sense to say he hadn’t waited long.

“Um, My Lady, this may be a bit awkward to ask…”

“What is it?”

“Is there perhaps a place where one could shout without being overheard?”

“Huh.”

Wang Son-man involuntarily let out a breath.

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