Chapter 63

“It felt like spring was really arriving during the day.”

Then, before I knew it, it became wonderfully warm.

Time really does fly, doesn’t it?

Suddenly, flowers were blooming, and the days were bright—spring was in full swing.

A-Qing had been wandering around for more than three months, from the start of winter until the chilly days of early spring.

Her humble abode had windows and doors reattached, and the bedding was finally in place.

The lost clothes and undergarments had also made their return.

But this outfit was just too comfortable.

It was made from very thin, semi-transparent fabric sewn into a tube with two shoulder straps.

It was so light it felt like it was floating, and the length that came down to her thighs didn’t hinder her movements at all, making it super comfy.

It was the birth of her favorite pajamas.

Wearing these comfy pajamas and snuggling under the blankets was pure bliss.

Most of all, not wearing any underwear felt like a new world.

At first, she felt embarrassed to the point of wanting to die.

But as she got used to it, she wondered if there could be a sense of freedom greater than this.

It was freedom itself!

The primitive weaving techniques of her unrefined world hadn’t invented stretchy fabrics yet, and the hassle of tying everything up with strings was a big chore for A-Qing every time.

Thanks to that, for a while, each day felt like a total treat.

“Lady, how do you immediately know I’m not wearing underwear?”

“When you become a master, do you develop any super vision or something?”

“No, you wouldn’t let me wear it when it was cold, and now that it’s bearable, you still hit me for not wearing it.”

A-Qing pouted her lips.

Seomun Sulin sighed heavily at the sight.

“Should I have just let you roam around naked then…?”

“Well, it wouldn’t make much difference anyway, ugh.”

Being a smart aleck, A-Qing received a light smack on the head.

But the scream she let out wasn’t very loud this time.

Thanks to the protective techniques she had mastered over the winter, even a smack on the head felt light now.

That’s a nice improvement!

Whack!

“Ugh!”

A-Qing rolled on the floor.

Humans are evolving beings!

Especially someone like Seomun Sulin, who was a woman towering above fierce male masters, ranked among the top ten masters in the martial world.

Seomun Sulin’s life was all about struggle, so adjusting the power of a smack was child’s play.

No matter how amazing her post-peak protective techniques were, they were as flimsy as paper in front of a master-level punch.

“My disciple is getting more and more careless.”

“Ugh. That really hurts…”

“Of course it hurts if I hit you. So then are you just ticklish? How is it possible that you act more childish even though you’ve aged another year?”

“Hehe…”

A-Qing gave a sheepish laugh.

Seomun Sulin turned her head away completely.

Her feelings were growing closer to her master, but did that mean she didn’t understand A-Qing’s childish heart?

Seomun Sulin was actually trying to be cautious of continually retreating in front of her disciple.

But back when they first met, A-Qing acted just like a boy.

Now, while her manners were rough, she was still a girl, so should this be seen as progress?

“So, you’re planning to leave soon? Where do you intend to go this time?”

“Hmm. I’m not sure. Just wherever my feet take me?”

“Then make sure to stop by Amifa.”

“Ohhh! Amifa?”

A-Qing barely managed to hold back her excitement.

But Amifa! What an unusual name!

It felt like it could be incredibly significant.

“That’s right. I’m quite close with the abbot of Amifa, so while you’re there, learn some basic Buddhist techniques and check on him as well.”

“Ah, will they really teach me like that?”

“Of course! If you visit, they will gladly pass on their teachings, so you don’t need to worry.”

“But, is Amifa far away?”

“The journey isn’t easy, but it’s not too far. It’s just in the western Sichuan region.”

“Sichuan!”

A-Qing exclaimed in surprise.

It was the name most familiar to modern Koreans.

Sichuan brought many things to mind: Sichuan black bean noodles, spicy sweet and sour pork, Sichuan jjamppong, and mala hot pot.

It was a true culinary paradise where spicy oil flowed like rivers! (Not that it’s literally true.)

Even before her departure, A-Qing was a fan of spicy food.

During her weak days, she never dared to think of visiting, and as a master, she’d actually forgotten about it.

“However, you don’t need to approach Jeolgeumbyeok until you reach supreme levels. Even if you manage to grasp the techniques left by your master at your current pitiful level, it’s no better than a bead necklace hung on a dog.”

“Master?”

What was that? Was my treatment getting worse again?

Did Master even think so too?

“Aah. Besides, it seems that you have some connection to repeatedly accessing those meddlesome martial arts. Just don’t try to practice any arts recklessly, especially the demonic ones.”

“Hey, I’m not doing that anymore.”

Seomun Sulin narrowed her eyes.

“You really should be trustworthy.”

“I know! Who would threaten me with a sword to learn demonic arts?”

Whack! A-Qing rolled on the floor again.

“How ridiculous you are becoming! Not just your words, but the very way you say them is getting absurd. You shouldn’t say things so carelessly; words hold power, and reckless speech will ultimately bring your doom back on you.”

A-Qing scratched her head and thought about it.

She wondered if someone would really threaten her with a sword to wield demonic arts…

—

“Your visit is an honor!”

“Enough. What about that woman? Is she still with the Divine Maiden Sect?”

“Yes, she is.”

“Aren’t those women in the Divine Maiden Sect just stuck there fighting among themselves? Can’t we just storm in and take what we want?”

“The known realm of the great mistress is still master level. If she’s raised her realm even higher, the losses to the Divine Sect would…”

“Ugh. So, I have to put up with a washed-up old maven? Me?”

“I apologize.”

“Then let’s wait until summer. You’ve got those kids all set up over there, right? I should be getting a call soon?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“What if she doesn’t have that Magic Flute?”

“The Magic Flute is a priceless treasure. In front of such a treasure, there are no relations of parents or children.”

“What if you already wasted it? I can’t wait another forty years. Would a righteous sect really cooperate willingly?”

“If we forcefully make them learn demonic arts, we can turn them into someone with nowhere else to go. Then they’d have to comply with the Divine Sect.”

“Those orthodox brats are just so stubborn. Fine. This is exactly why I like the Masters.”

“To eternal glory. Heavenly Demon’s fortune. Divine Sect’s world.”

—

“Lady, this feels way too tight.”

Even if it was a familiar task, if you don’t do it for a long time, you tend to lose your touch.

A-Qing tugged at the fabric around her waist, feeling awkward.

Odd. Why does this keep tightening up?

Have I gained some weight?

With her stuff mostly packed, it was finally time to head back into the martial world.

Parting from her beloved home felt quite bittersweet.

This time, she had more trouble at home than outside.

Looking back, enduring winter with just one set of pajamas felt a bit unfair.

Thinking that way made her steps feel a lot lighter.

As her lively steps approached, Jin Jangmyung suddenly blocked her path.

“Sister, you’re leaving again?”

“Of course. I have to go.”

“Can’t you stay?”

“Nope.”

A-Qing had plenty to do.

First, she needed to reach supreme levels.

Next, she wanted to break into different realms, like transformation, master level, and so forth.

Ultimately, she had to settle matters with Taichang.

Living like this was just unmanageable.

“Jangmyung,”

“Please don’t do that! It’s not cute!”

“Tch.”

“Isn’t that too obvious? It’s so lame.”

“What on earth are you saying?”

Though they spoke like this, there was no strength in Jin Jangmyung’s voice.

Seeing the little one’s gaze dropping, A-Qing spoke sweetly.

“At least try to reach that peak level? I’ll have to ask Master to let Jangmyung come with me on a trip around the martial world.”

Jin Jangmyung’s head snapped up.

“Will peak level be enough?”

“Well, it might depend on Master’s mood. But surely, if you ask nicely, it should be fine?”

Considering Seomun Sulin’s personality, it didn’t seem impossible.

While other sects wouldn’t think the same.

“Then, safe travels. I’m heading out.”

“Where are you going?”

“To train.”

She was all fired up.

A-Qing waved casually as she separated from Jin Jangmyung.

After parting ways with Jin Jangmyung, A-Qing set off once more.

As they passed, disciples of the Divine Maiden Sect waved their goodbyes with smiles.

“Lady Taesa, bring back some tasty treats!”

“Lady Taesa, my head feels empty; I’d love something pretty and warm to wear!”

“If you get hungry on the road, just eat!”

As this was happening, a disciple of the Divine Maiden Sect handed her a pouch.

“Lady Taesa… this.”

“Huh? Is that for me?”

“Please take care of yourself on your journey.”

When she peeked inside, it was a chest covering made from red silk.

Though she was grateful, she felt it should fit just right.

Wearing it would make her sweaty.

“Thanks! I’ll put it to good use…”

Before she could finish her expression of gratitude, the disciple covered her face and dashed away.

What was that? Why did she run away?

A-Qing had no idea.

Over winter, she had become the ideal type of the many disciples in the Divine Maiden Sect, a being called the reincarnated Divine Maiden.

Her performance on stage had been that powerful.

Of course, her playing was great too.

And now, the disciples were saying their heartfelt farewells.

“Master, when you return, let’s go shopping for supplies together, okay? It’s a promise!”

“Definitely… come back safe.”

“Lady Taesa, I secretly buried a bottle of alcohol for you; let’s share it when you come back, okay?”

“Master, I have something important to tell you when you return. Really, it’s crucial.”

But why does everyone sound so ominous?

Does it seem like I won’t be coming back?

Regardless, A-Qing just wanted to live simply.

Being sent off so warmly made her mood lift.

As she hummed a tune, A-Qing passed through the gate and onto the slope of the Divine Maiden Peak.

Her spirits were high, filled with good omens.

Somehow, it felt like this time her journey through the martial world would be filled solely with comfort and good fortune.

Well, that was true until about an hour later, just before she got kidnapped.

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