Chapter 529

“Wait, isn’t Assistant Uncle a subordinate of the Great General?”

“Why is he reporting to me?”

It was only natural for Yang, the Assistant.

After several days of marching together, did he not know who his superior was?

“Who is it?”

“The ones called Namgoong and Lady Un.”

“……?”

Seeing Qing’s expression, Yang Assistant seemed to have already heard the answer.

“I’ll chase them away.”

“No, don’t do that. Bring them in.”

I don’t know who they are, but Qing doesn’t shoo away anyone who’s looking for her.

If they’re asking to see her, there must be a reason, so it wouldn’t be right to chase them off like that.

Then two people arrived.

“Hmm. You two? When did you get here?”

“Younger lady…….”

It was none other than Namgoong Shin-jae and Mo Yong Joo-hee.

Qing tilted her head.

Why Namgoong and Lady Un?

This is exactly why pseudonyms are dangerous.

Even the user may not recognize their own name; let alone after just a few days, they might completely forget a colleague’s pseudonym, thinking, ‘What was your name again?’

Hmm. Has something popped up?

I told them to go home; why did they follow me again?

But they were part of the chaos we created.

And it was Qing who, after causing problems, insisted on handling everything alone.

It would be odd if she just thought, ‘Hehe, what a score,’ and went home just like that.

“We were escorting Lady Jin to the Martial Alliance. That elder said he would take Lady Jin to the Divine Maiden Sect, so we have joined you urgently.”

The unexpected news they brought was delightful.

Yes, since Jang Myung is a young lady, the world is far too dangerous for someone of her caliber.

At minimum, one should be at a peak level before touring with a guide; otherwise, it’s like taking a newborn to the water’s edge.

If the best warriors in the world heard this, they’d surely think the world is unfair.

But Qing remembers how, when he was a top martial artist, he lived cautiously, stealing leftover food and crops just to survive.

Yet, being at that level meant he wouldn’t get beaten by beggars or chased by farmers, realizing that the Martial World is a realm where the strong dominate.

The strong in the Martial World, namely the monopoly on untouched leftovers! The freedom to roast rats while openly pumping smoke and stink! And to top it all off, the right to pilfer from the fields!

Thus, we can boldly say this:

To leave the Martial World, one must at least reach the peak!

“Ah, sister. Would you like to try this? This is called Cheonsudonpalgong Tofu.”

“Huh? What is it? Soft Tofu?”

“It’s tofu boiled with pork, topped with shrimp roe and bamboo shoots, then served with chicken broth on the side, a delicacy.”

“Oh. Hmm. Not bad. It’s quite mild and tasty.”

“Soft tofu, mild tofu. Then you’re talking about this special Iyandam Duan, right? It’s known for its unique smooth texture since it’s not pressed into a mold, combined with the secret sauce of Huaiyin.”

“Oh! What is this? It’s really soft tofu?”

“This is called Chwipijakdujang. It’s sweetened tofu that’s been fried. If you dip it in condensed milk, it tastes even better.”

“Huh? This feels more like a snack than a meal?”

It’s true that when Je-gal Lee-hyun is around, the amount of information flowing in feels markedly different.

It’s good even without knowing, but it becomes even better with knowledge.

“This is called Seokma Tofu. For those who like tofu, it’s a top-tier tofu that can rival Joseon tofu.”

“Huh? Joseon Tofu?”

“Oh, do you know Joseon Tofu? Joseon refers to the barbarian kingdom on the Shandong Peninsula across the East Sea, famous for its exceptional tofu that tofu lovers would dream of eating every meal.”

Qing blinked in surprise.

Wait, suddenly feeling national pride over tofu?

What’s happening? Should I find the bartender and get her to tell me more?

But why tofu, of all things?

Well, I guess the tofu on the Central Plain doesn’t taste like home.

It’s all squishy and somewhere between regular and soft tofu; it’s either bland or salty, and the bean flavor is faint.

But this Joseon place isn’t even my hometown; why am I feeling this odd national pride?

I’m not in the past; I’m in some quasi-Central Plain, or a parallel world, or better yet, a game where the mention of Joseon seems ridiculous.

Qing just chuckled to herself.

Longing for the cutting-edge spices and carbonation made by the finest minds of her hometown was all she missed, not really being homesick.

Ah, thinking of it makes me crave carbonation…….

But why is everything they’re recommending tofu?

Perhaps it’s because bean curd requires plenty of salt, which is hard to come by without seawater.

Thus, all warm coastal areas push tofu as their specialty.

“But, sister. Are you practicing any external martial arts?”

“Huh? External martial arts? Not particularly?”

At that, Je-gal Lee-hyun’s eyes sparkled.

Truthfully, Qing hasn’t changed much since then; she just eats and sleeps, with no secret muscle training imagined at all.

So that must mean it’s all innate strength.

The most extraordinary power is naturally found without any refinement, which is what Dao calls ‘natural action’.

It’s the genuine force of natural action!

“But isn’t your strength amazing? You lifted a 250-pound iron weight with one hand at the family training ground, right?”

“Oh, that. I got a bit silly showing off to Hyang. Oh, how’s Hyang doing?”

At that, Je-gal Lee-hyun’s eyes sparkled. Just as I thought!

“Oh, that’s nothing. He keeps whining every day about wanting to see you, it’s like he’s lovesick! By the way! Since you’re passing through Hangzhou on your way back, would you drop by and see him?”

“Oh. Should I?”

“But—”

“Huinam Beef Soup. Warriors must eat meat; how would a warrior gain strength eating bean curd scraps?”

It was the blunt voice that interrupted Je-gal Lee-hyun.

“Huh? That sounds just like what Pang would say. And bean curd is a complete food, you know? Protein—well, San, you might not know this, but it’s actually better for strength than white chicken meat, and even more so than beef.”

“What? Is that the secret to strength? White chicken, bean curd—oh, that kind of secret…”

“Enough. Huinama used to be called Huaiyin. It’s a noodle only found around these parts, so eat it while you can.”

Pang Dae-san cut off Je-gal Lee-hyun again.

For some reason, Pang gives off a strange, unsettling feeling that’s different from the usual cheerful demeanor.

Even now, he talks a lot, but his usual politeness seems off.

Yet, Qing didn’t dwell on it.

Je-gal is chatty by nature, and San has always been prickly yet generous with meals.

More importantly…

“What’s your deal? Why are you hanging around?”

“…….”

“What? Not gonna talk?”

And then, Tang Nan-ah was picking out delicious dishes with her chopsticks.

“Oh hey, Nan-ah, you can’t do that.”

“But why is she even here? Isn’t she just trying to sneak into our party?”

“Compared to Ban, who just had his name mentioned, she fit in with us better.”

Thinking about it, it’s a stretch to say she fit in.

Simply sitting there with her knees tucked in, nodding off to the white noise, meant she didn’t really observe anything.

Seeing Mo Yong Joo-hee’s face turn sour, Qing changed her words.

“Still, if we only consider participation, hers is higher, right? That means she qualifies as an honorary member.”

“Younger lady……!”

“Shh. Who gave you permission? I don’t acknowledge that.”

“Shall I ask then? Alright, everyone in the Ban-Gyeom-Sang-Doe Association who agrees to let Mo Yong join our ranks, raise your hand!”

With that, four hands, including Qing’s, went up, while Tang Nan-ah puffed her cheeks in annoyance.

And so Mo Yong Joo-hee officially joined the Ban-Gyeom-Sang-Doe Association.

Meanwhile, the Great General trembled.

Just how far does the Mama’s influence reach!

Look at the faces of the youth gathered here.

Namgoong! Pang! Mo Yong! Je-gal! Tang!

The offspring of the five great families in the Martial World have come together, and they are true friends who came to help during the hardest times.

Of course, their intentions are clear.

Though it’s declared as an Official Imposition of Non-Interference, even if they don’t invade each other’s territory, they are willing to help one another.

Shining faces reflecting mutual support, this is how harmony between the country’s administration and local gentry occurs.

For the five great families are all mighty clans, and it’s rare for them to bow to a mere Prefectural Governor, let alone to someone like the Mama!

Thus, even the proud members of the five great families have no choice but to flock together, claiming friendship.

The Great General’s loyalty surged within him.

While Qing stuffed herself and gently patted her full belly, or showed signs of intimacy with someone, his loyalty gradually shrank.

But now, it soared high like a kite in a strong wind, touching the sky.

Of course, what this loyalty will yield is still uncertain.

Holding on to a long, strong string, it could soar high, or it might burn and disappear if it gets too close to the sun.

And so, after the noisy banquet concluded, the Great General slyly asked.

“Uh, Mama?”

“Yes?”

“Excuse my rudeness, but does the Ban-Gyeom-Sang-Doe Association have any membership requirements?”

“Eh.”

—-

After a hearty meal and good fun, the party heads to the next city.

Taizhou!

Located in the heart of Jiangsu Province, this city surprisingly has no remarkable history.

Despite existing for over two thousand years, there aren’t any notable figures, nor any significant marks left in the history of the Central Plain.

If one had to point out something, perhaps it’s that there are many beautiful caves?

And Qing, hmm.

The Life and Death Match has just begun now, hasn’t it?

We’re doomed.

The arena’s canopy has turned into a gigantic, moving gazebo.

After all, all the direct descendants of the five great families have taken their seats.

No matter how great the sorrow of losing one’s child, father, teacher, or friend, there’s no desire to jump into that burning pit of hell out of distress.

Revenge is only meaningful if it results in restitution.

This is one of the few advantages of people from the Central Plain.

At least they won’t let their grievances lead to self-destruction; when they swallow their resentment, they will seek resolution and know when to retreat for future opportunities.

What’s more, this resentment can be offset by joys and gains bigger than any other ethnic group’s emotions!

So Qing wishes to split up from her friends.

The Life and Death Match is merely a ruse to go to the Realm of Transformation; asking for the Great General’s cooperation makes it not as dangerous as it seems.

Yet, because of them, the Life and Death Match is falling apart.

I also intended to sort out some grievances while I was at it, but who knows what crazy things those likely out-of-control folks will do?

So Qing’s heart is uneasy.

Hmm. Maybe I should secretly head to Hangzhou alone via Suzhou?

But they’d catch up to me quickly

.

Er-nyeong didn’t give a time frame either, so if I sneak out at night—oh, but with Nan-ah and Mo Yong Joo-hee sleeping together, they’ll definitely notice…

But instead of separating? Why is it that somehow?

When I woke up, isn’t there one more person here?

“Younger Lady Seomun. It’s been a while.”

With a faint, wildflower-like smile.

She seems like a quiet presence, almost blending into the background. Calling it ‘subtle’ sounds nice, but still…

Suddenly, I hear what sounds like a Chihuahua groaning.

“Shush, Nan-ah. You can’t do that. Gongson Yo-ye? What brings you here?”

Then Gongson Yo-ye holds Qing’s hand.

“I heard that Younger Lady Seomun is getting into a huge mess. As a friend, I thought I should help. Since my family is in Nanjing, it’s pretty close.”

“Oh, um. Thank you. But it might be dangerous.”

“I’ve been working hard to catch up with you, Younger Lady Seomun. I had an epiphany recently, and this must surely be the will of the Heavenly Sovereign for me to help you. Even if it weren’t, I still wish to support you.”

One reason the leaders of the Martial Alliance take a liking to Qing is because friends that stimulate a warrior’s pride act as tender whips and a delicious carrot, driving the orthodox martial sects to grow in their training.

Of course, the main factor is her innate charm as a cunning killer.

Anyway.

Gongson Yo-ye’s smile is gentle, but her goodwill radiates like a brilliant beam of light.

So what can Qing do when faced with such kindness?

“Um, uh, did you have breakfast?”

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