Chapter 541

Hmm. What was I doing again?

“Oh my, you seem quite skilled at bathing. And there’s the matter of mobilizing soldiers—could it be that Young Lady Seomun was a noble lady attending to someone very important in the Imperial Palace?”

Unyeonjeong stumbled greatly on that one.

Qing had just gotten used to it over time.

Gently rinsing the water-averse Mo Yong Joo-hee and caring for Seoliri, who was unable to move due to severe injuries after a bad cold, was all Qing’s doing.

What’s more, both of those individuals were not exactly normal.

Mo Yong Joo-hee needed to be handled carefully like a fragile child, while Seoliri was in a vulnerable state needing delicate attention.

Everything is learned quickly by Qing.

She quickly picked up the tricks for washing these fools.

Unyeonjeong, unaware of that fact, merely sent a meaningful smile her way.

The kind of grin that almost seemed to suggest she had figured something out.

Qing had no obligation to correct that misunderstanding.

Well, let her continue to be deluded.

Contrary to what one might think, Qing’s expression while lathering the soap was dead serious.

Qing had learned the Joyful Vortex technique from Gyeon Pohee.

The Joyful Vortex is a technique that induces the opponent to reach a state of ecstatic pleasure.

Because, no matter how superhuman one is, the moment one reaches that state of ecstasy, the upper dantian is thrown wide open, the mind becomes hazy, and the balance of vital energy is severely disrupted.

At that moment, the spirit and body, meant to hold the flesh down, take a brief holiday as if to vacate the premises to extract the core of true energy effortlessly.

Thus, the core principles of the Joyful Vortex are twofold.

Lead the opponent into a state of ecstasy.

Do not enter that state yourself.

Thanks to the second principle, Qing became rejuvenated.

And now, time for the first principle.

With the palm shrouded in dark energy, she deftly stimulates the opponent’s pressure points; whether to call it “gentle” might be debatable, but it was something like that.

Qing would at times graze, other times apply pressure delicately, or tease like a feather, sliding gently as if draped in silk.

Her long fingers traced along the spine, muscle fibers, softly caressing the plump, yielding flesh.

A delicate performance, akin to riding on the spirit of a cherished gold.

Twisting gently, feigning nonchalance while slyly pinching and tugging, then tenderly rubbing upwards.

It was a terrifying technique that gradually amplified pleasure.

But? Why?

Not even a single moan of excitement or a giggle of delight slipped out.

What’s going on? This shouldn’t be happening.

Did A-Qing teach her wrong?

That wouldn’t make sense. Even if A-Qing had some misconceptions, there’s no way it wouldn’t be registered in the Martial Arts Inventory.

Hmm. I should have done some practice with A-Qing.

Although, that seemed a bit off…

If A-Qing had suggested it, I wouldn’t even have to worry about whether this would work.

Here’s Qing’s plan.

First off, in the state of ecstasy, send the mind soaring over clouds to the home of the stars beyond paradise.

While the spirit is out of the body, it wouldn’t matter if it’s transcending reality or dancing on the edge of death.

Taking that opportunity to strike would be a terrible assassination plot.

A horrific notion employing any means necessary, truly the reckoning of a terrible pervert.

Is this what they call a stone woman, one with anhedonia?

Damn it, Unyeonjeong, you must be the strongest in being obtuse, huh?

As a witness to life and death, a supreme being, you should at least be somewhat mediocre in this department, shouldn’t you?

What now? Should I teach her the Joyful Maiden technique now?

Qing felt a deep sense of defeat.

Damn it, if I thought it wouldn’t work, I should have mentioned it beforehand.

Then I could have indulged in my selfish desires fully, assuming it wouldn’t yield results anyway.

“Alright then, now it’s my turn? Hehe, how could you have such a lewd body? Goodness gracious.”

“Ah, just do as you please.”

Qing let out a deep sigh.

Thought about squeezing her vital parts and realized it wouldn’t even cause a fatal injury.

And besides, there was a strong hunch that, being the incredibly unusual one she is, this wouldn’t affect her at all.

Then she hesitated to avoid the wrath that might follow, like being told to avoid military service and pass through twenty cities.

What should I do with her?

Qing’s inherent destiny as the elder slayer isn’t a power that’s only effective against old men.

It works on anyone older or younger, classmates and contemporaries alike, but particularly vulnerable were the elders.

It’s not a charm or social skill-based capacity like attractiveness.

If anything, it’s intelligence.

Social intelligence.

The ability to read a person’s character much more easily than others.

From there, it leads to audacious tightrope walking, gauging just how far one can provoke before it crosses the line without being hated.

Such is the immense social skill reflected in Qing’s actions regarding Unyeonjeong.

So where is Unyeonjeong’s line?

If you had to put it simply, she has no line.

An endlessly pushable opponent.

Never has Qing encountered someone so soft; even if she were to slit her throat, she might just chuckle and respond with, “Oh my, Miss Seomun, feel free to do whatever you like. How amusing.”

In that case, per the principle of strong preying on the weak, Qing should have snatched Unyeonjeong up long ago.

Dove in without holding back, munching away without regard?

But that simply couldn’t be done.

Why? Because there wasn’t a hint of understanding where this kindness stems from.

Is it because I’m a Blood Poison Body?

Then what would happen if I stopped being a Blood Poison Body?

If she suddenly turned fierce and started cutting Qing down, it wouldn’t be strange at all.

The very idea of being a Blood Poison Body pouring boundless affection is already absurd.

Perhaps the Blood Poison Body is merely a premise, but there’s some ulterior motive involved.

What’s clear is that any scheme being pursued is not one of coercion or compulsion; it’s based on sincere desire and must be realized through cooperation.

Qing watched as Unyeonjeong carefully wiped her own body with a soft, gentle expression.

She even hummed softly, as if having the time of her life.

Her cautious hands, seemingly afraid of causing any pain, were likely the same way one might care for their child—well, no, parents usually push their kids to toughen up.

Then why?

“What’s your game here?”

“Oh dear, calling it a game feels hurtful. I’m merely expressing my feelings, you know?”

“Usually when someone plays death games where they don’t care about dying, that doesn’t sound much like affection to me.”

To that, Unyeonjeong chuckled.

“Now, could you lift your arm for me? Actually, I regret doing any of this now. I thought, after all this time apart, you’d come to understand me, and I acted out of impatience.”

“Two acts of mischief and someone’s going to end up dead.”

“So now I’m planning to let it go with the flow. Pushing things too much might just make you hate me.”

Leave things be, and it sounds like she’s implying that I’d eventually come to her willingly.

What’s this certainty, this confidence?

Is it just because I’m currently meeting my ideal type, or does she genuinely believe that?

Hmph. Do people really live on looks alone?

Although, her impression makes me think she might actually live that way.

After all, looking beautiful eventually fades.

Oh. Wait.

Could it be?

She believes she could maintain her dazzling beauty for a thousand years like my master, who is still quite captivating?

Eventually, I’d come around to her?

No way in hell.

If she doesn’t see me as anything but an idiot, that can’t be the case.

Qing hid her true thoughts, feigning ignorance.

“Isn’t there enough hatred already? It’s as if it’s a done deal. It’s not like we’re just a couple fighting over love.”

But Unyeonjeong only softly rubbed Qing’s arm, creating bubbles while wearing a playful grin.

Qing slumped in resignation.

Forget it.

I have no clue what’s going to change about this person.

Unyeonjeong’s clumsy hands were surprisingly delicate and careful, making Qing feel somewhat relaxed despite their awkwardness.

“Hmmmm, mmm.”

Noticing Qing’s mood, Unyeonjeong’s humming intensified.

This is the first time I’ve seen her so cheerful.

In any case, Qing felt a huge burden lifting off her shoulders.

After sneaking out during the night, she worried everyone would be getting anxious about her absence.

But seeing this, it seems like things are turning out nicely.

If she hurried back now, she could skip a workout, but should she run and sweat again right after bathing? Sleeping while feeling fresh is simply the best…

Taking care as if handling a precious treasure took quite a long time to thoroughly wash her body.

At this rate, who knows how many guests she’d be able to receive in a day? Or maybe, selling it as a super expensive luxury item might be an option?

The mere existence of such thoughts indicates that her tension was completely slackening.

In fact, even if she tried, there was no resisting against such gentleness from her partner.

Instead of merely taking a bath, Qing had come out feeling pampered.

“Phew. That was incredibly enjoyable. Now, Miss Seomun, this is my present for you?”

In the bathroom changing area, Unyeonjeong dramatically lifts a piece of clothing.

An elegant martial outfit made of blue silk, dripping with golden threads.

Just a glance makes it clear that it’s a luxurious piece of clothing, bathed in gold.

“They say A-Qing is called that because she loves wearing blue. It’s a custom-made outfit imbued with deep affection. It was woven from silkworm threads, dyed with the essence of plants from the North, dyed in three rounds. This martial outfit was crafted stitch by stitch over one whole year.”

Qing knows what a silkworm thread is.

To put it simply, it’s a supreme species—there’s nothing quite like its strength.

Not only that, but a piece made exclusively from pure, high-quality materials?

That’s like saying you’re gonna grow rice just to serve a meal! No matter how suspicious or wicked Unyeonjeong might seem, the heartfelt effort put into that outfit softens her stance.

She’s dangerously unpredictable but right now seems to be sincere.

“Hmph. Normally, I wouldn’t accept this. But since my heart is moved, I’ll make an exception.”

“Fufufu. Now, I’ll help you dress it myself.”

Qing obediently raises her arms and legs, doing her best to comply.

But why is the undergarment not custom-made but off-the-shelf?

When adjusting the martial outfit, usually, wouldn’t the undergarments be made to match too?

To make matters worse, they’re quite tight.

It’s uncomfortable, pressing down on the chest and butt. So even if I wear nice clothes, the comfort just doesn’t translate.

It’s said that when you save a drowning man, he’d ask for anything in return; this feels like Unyeonjeong is pulling the same stunt. Although, she’s indeed a crooked merchant—a top-notch one, to be frank.

“Oh, right. What happened to the martial outfit I was wearing? Are you planning on washing it and sending it back later?”

“Oh dear, martial outfit? Are you talking about that rag?”

“What do you mean rag? That’s a bit excessive, isn’t it?”

Sure, the cheap one was hastily made, but it’s durable, strong, and worn often enough to feel familiar…

Wait, where did I even buy that? Wouldn’t something of the same kind wear similarly after a few months?

Honestly, it was getting worn out. After the trap incident at No Mountain, it’s safe to say it underwent a lot of damage.

But it worked out well for exchanging for goods, so it can’t be helped.

Just as Qing finished her long bath and was tugging at the tight undergarments right before stepping outside the changing area, there stood a youthful, fierce-looking young beauty accompanied by a maid.

“Fufu! Cheonhwa-geom. That face is definitely above average, hmm, quite beautiful, no, truly beautiful…”

An elegantly dressed woman blocking the hallway shouted with a confident air, but soon started stumbling over her words as if she’d realized something was off.

“Ma’am? Get a grip.”

“Oh right! How dare you interrupt a ceremony of our school? This young lady, Seolrimsong Mahee—oh, you!!”

Just barely regaining her composure, the girl, with a piercing scream, pointed a finger at Qing.

Qing’s eyes narrowed.

What’s with this girl pointing fingers at me right from the get-go?

“Who are you?”

“You, you! That outfit! How dare you wear the garment I painstakingly made for the Association Head?! I personally raised those silky bugs, handled all the manure, washed the breeding trays, and measured every stitch to avoid faults, all while pricking my fingers thousands of times. You, you the thief! How could you, how could you wear, uh, my, my precious garment?!”

When people are excessively angry or bewildered, their speech turns strange.

This girl was just that.

However, upon listening closely, it seems she was trying to claim ownership of the outfit.

“Huh?”

Qing turned to Unyeonjeong.

What’s this? I’m sure Unyeonjeong said that A-Qing commissioned the outfit from scratch, right?

Why is there a manufacturer, Representative Ho, showing up now?

Seeing Qing’s expression, Unyeonjeong smirked.

“Oh dear. I never mentioned that I made the outfit myself, did I? I simply said it was a garment made with abundant affection, crafted by someone. That would be you, right?”

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