Chapter 199: Dragon-Phoenix Assembly

Originally, the sight of tens of thousands of lanterns floating at the starting point of the grand canal in front of the Kaifeng Prefecture was said to be magnificent.

However, construction had begun to float boats on the canal and connect planks to install sparring stages, so unfortunately, that spectacle couldn't be seen.

Still, lanterns were continuously being set afloat on the canal's tributaries.

Finding pleasure in watching the lanterns drift gently along, Qing hooked her arm through Gongson Yoye’s and took a wide stroll with her.

By the time they finished, the moon had already risen in the distance, nearing the end of the Hour of the Pig (9 PM - 11 PM).

“Miss Ximen, I truly enjoyed today,” Gongson Yoye began, her voice earnest. “It was my first time drinking alcohol, and drinking with you, Miss Ximen, made it even better. The hangover cure? That was good too, and the lanterns on the canal were so beautiful. Walking together made it even better. Uhm, if it’s alright with you… if you would grace me with your company like this again next time, I would truly cherish it.”

“Calm down,” Qing interrupted gently. “It’s late, where are you going that could be dangerous? Stay here tonight.”

“But wouldn’t that be an imposition?” Gongson Yoye asked hesitantly.

“There aren’t any other guests besides me, anyway.”

And so, Gongson Yoye set foot in Mucheon Pavilion once more.

Lying down on the bed in guest sleepwear, her heart swelled anew. It wasn’t exactly a friend’s house, but sleeping in a similar place was also a first for her.

For Gongson Yoye, whose entire life had revolved around training, every experience was a first.

Perhaps because of that, sleep wouldn't come even when she lay in bed.

Of course, if Qing heard this, she’d likely say it was only natural she couldn’t sleep after passing out drunk and lying down for half a day.

Gongson Yoye pondered as she lay there.

Should I ask Miss Ximen if we can talk? Would that be bothersome?

It’s my problem that I can’t sleep; Miss Ximen must be very tired today.

But this is my first time sleeping over at a friend’s place… wouldn’t it be too disappointing to just let it pass? Besides, who knows when an opportunity like this will come again.

If I ask, the kind Miss Ximen will surely accept, but… she must be tired.

What if she thinks I’m being inconsiderate for asking?

It was the dilemma of Gongson Yoye’s life.

Just as she was dithering, unable to decide, the door creaked open slightly, and a face peeked through the gap.

“Miss Ximen?” Gongson Yoye asked. “Is there something you wanted to say?”

“Mm. Well,” Qing started hesitantly. “Could I possibly sleep here with you? The room is large and the bed is wide, but being alone feels a bit…”

Just as Gongson Yoye was about to reply, Qing hastily added.

“It’s not like I have other intentions, it’s just, you know, I heard something about how in the Central Plains, sleeping in the same bed with a friend signifies true friendship or whatever? I’ve been a bit suspicious lately, but anyway, it’s not like it’s a completely made-up story.”

Indeed, there was the saying dongsangimong, meaning 'same bed, different dreams,' used to describe people having different thoughts in the same situation.

The very fact that such a concept was expressed as dreaming different dreams in the same bed implied that disagreements could arise even between close friends.

This also served as evidence that friends sleeping together was a common occurrence.

Qing’s eyes, visible through the crack in the door, darted around nervously.

“So, uh, is it okay if we sleep together?” she asked. “I’m not usually like this, but today I’m feeling particularly… you know…”

“Of course,” Gongson Yoye replied warmly. “Actually, that’s what I wanted to ask you. Please, come in.”

“Alright! See, what did I say about friends being great?”

Giggling, Qing entered, climbed onto the bed, and snuggled under the covers.

Just as the bulging lump under the blanket seemed to wriggle closer, Qing’s head suddenly popped up right in front of Gongson Yoye’s nose.

“Haaah. This is nice,” Qing sighed contentedly. “It really is better having someone here. You’re not uncomfortable, are you? If sleeping with someone bothers you, it can’t be helped.”

“Not at all,” Gongson Yoye assured her. “I’ve always wanted to try sleeping side-by-side with a friend. In fact, thank you for suggesting it first.”

At that, Qing offered a warm smile.

“I’m glad to hear you say that.”

Then, after some rustling and fidgeting under the covers, the sound of soft, even breathing soon filled the room.

Although it was Gongson Yoye’s first time seeing someone else sleep, it was also her first time seeing someone fall asleep so quickly, just like that.

Only Gongson Yoye, wide awake due to her long nap during the day, felt a little disappointed.

We’re finally sleeping together, couldn’t she have talked with me for a bit…

How much time passed like that?

Suddenly, something heavy slid onto her.

“M-Miss Ximen?” Gongson Yoye whispered. “Uh, your leg.”

Having exhausted her body and wandered around all night, Qing had completely passed out on the comfortable bed. Was there any chance she heard?

Soon, Qing let out a soft groan, shifted, and leaned her entire body against Gongson Yoye.

This really feels like we’re sisters.

Gongson Yoye smiled warmly and went to hug Qing, but suddenly froze, her body stiffening at the sensation her fingertips touched.

“Uh, um. Miss Ximen?” she stammered quietly. “W-why, why are your clothes…”

But Qing was sound asleep.

Only Gongson Yoye, unable to control her racing heart, remained rigidly frozen like that for the rest of the night.

Tang Nanah arrived at Mucheon Pavilion.

Having heard that Qing had checked into the pavilion, she planned to have lunch together and then head to the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly.

With the intention of surprising her, she reached the top floor, only to find a Mucheon Pavilion attendant blocking the hallway door.

“Is Qing-ah inside?” Tang Nanah asked.

“It seems she is still sleeping, miss,” the attendant replied. “Shall I announce your arrival?”

A sly smile spread across Tang Nanah’s lips.

“Sleeping? Hehe, then I guess I’ll have to wake her up?”

“Um, guest,” the attendant began cautiously, “Entering without permission while the esteemed guest is sleeping…”

“I’m Qing-ah’s best friend, okay?” Tang Nanah interrupted. “Ask her later. She might even get angry at you for blocking her friend.”

“She didn’t seem like that sort of person, but…” the attendant murmured.

Even so, the attendant didn’t step aside.

Naturally, even if the visitor was a woman, she couldn’t arbitrarily let in a guest whom the esteemed guest hadn’t permitted entry.

“Ah. Whatever. Move,” Tang Nanah demanded. “I’m Tang Nanah. The Poisonous Speaking Flower, Tang Nanah. The legitimate daughter of the great Sichuan Tang Clan wants to enter, do you dare block my path?”

“Ah. You must be Miss Tang Nanah,” the attendant said, her expression brightening. “I was told beforehand to let you in if you happened to visit.”

She thought she was dealing with a nuisance, but apparently not.

It was fortunate Qing had mentioned it beforehand; in truth, she was a nuisance.

Tang Nanah spotted the shoes near the door, her expression turning venomous.

“Where’s Qing-ah… ah, there, the shoes. The shoes.”

There were shoes, but two pairs.

Qing obviously had two feet and no hobby of wearing shoes on her hands, so one pair must be Qing’s, but the other pair certainly wasn’t hers.

It was a small relief that they were rounded and clearly women’s shoes.

“What, which wench is it? How dare she!” Tang Nanah muttered furiously.

Tang Nanah flung the door open.

Qing was normally a light sleeper, but if she judged a place to be safe, she’d sleep like the dead.

And the luxurious guest room on the top floor of a magnificent pavilion within the Murim Alliance headquarters was a very safe place indeed.

Gongson Yoye was also a relatively light sleeper, but having spent the entire night wide awake, she had only managed to drift off around dawn when the darkness finally faded from the sky.

Tang Nanah’s eyes flashed as she spotted two heads close together on the bed.

“These bastards—no, these wenches!”

Tang Nanah yanked the blanket away.

Her sleeping attire being what it was, Qing frowned and opened her eyes when the sudden draft hit her skin.

“Ah, my blanket… What the—Nanah? Give it back. It’s cold. Well, not freezing, but warmth is nice.”

“You, you! Qing-ah, how could you do this to me!” Tang Nanah accused, pointing. “When I ask to sleep together, you make all sorts of excuses and avoid it! And then you bring another woman into your bed!?”

“That phrasing sounds a bit off,” Qing remarked dryly. “Anyone would think I cheated on you or something.”

“How could you say such a thing!” Tang Nanah shrieked.

“Yelling first thing in the morning… Ah, the sun’s up.”

Qing sat up, scratching her messy hair. She fumbled for the sleep shirt crumpled under her backside and roughly pulled it on.

Then, seeing Tang Nanah’s malicious expression, still huffing and glaring venomously, she let out a chuckle.

“What’s this? Were you that upset? Fine, let’s sleep together today. No, this is perfect. Let’s just stay together for a while. This place is huge, using it alone feels a bit…”

“Huh? Really?” Tang Nanah asked, her anger momentarily forgotten.

“Mm. Sorry, but you’ll see your family every day once you go back to Sichuan, right?” Qing explained. “So while you’re in Kaifeng, stay with me for a bit. Unless… you don’t want to?”

Tang Nanah couldn't stop her mouth from gaping open, then she suddenly tilted her head.

Qing's slightly furrowed brows and the vaguely anxious way she looked up at her felt strangely unfamiliar, almost alien… wait, good heavens, is Qing-ah actually nervous about my reaction right now?

At that realization, Tang Nanah’s cheekbones practically ascended to heaven.

Right. She must feel sorry for bringing in that vixen instead of her best friend.

That was Tang Nanah’s train of thought.

Gongson Yoye, needing to return to her family after sleeping out, departed. Qing hooked her arm through Tang Nanah’s and entered the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly venue.

Cutting through the crowd of junior generation martial artists who greeted her, acknowledging the arrival of the ‘Reigning Queen of Drinkers,’ she seemed to be searching for someone. She finally stopped beside Namgung Shinjae, who was passionately extolling the virtues of the sword.

“Oh, Sword Brother, you’re here,” Qing greeted him. “Busy preaching the way of the sword?”

“Yeah,” Namgung Shinjae replied, turning eagerly. “Hey, maybe you could come to Mucheon Pavilion for a spar? I’ve been swinging my sword lately, but something feels off. So I was thinking of just focusing on sword practice for a while.”

“Oh!” Qing exclaimed. “Has my Sword Brother finally gotten serious about the sword? If it’s such joyous news, then this Sword Brother must roll up his sleeves and help! What do you say, Sword Brother? Shall we have a round right now?”

“A little later,” Namgung Shinjae said. “I’m not planning on coming back here until the tournament. I just came to make the rounds today. Want to leave together when I go?”

“Excellent!” Qing agreed readily. “My hands were itching for a spar anyway. No, this is no time to stand around. I’ll go warm up in the back, find me when you’re ready to leave, alright? Ah, I should order some wooden swords to be sent to Mucheon Pavilion. You’re prepared, right?”

“Of course,” Namgung Shinjae confirmed with a grin.

Qing smiled sweetly and presented her scabbard.

Her Sword Brother tapped his own sword against hers and then dashed outside with excited steps.

Tang Nanah clicked her tongue beside her.

“Does he really enjoy sparring that much? He’s not quite right in the head either, if you look at him.”

“Isn’t it better than being obsessed with something else?” Qing countered lightly.

Next, Qing scanned the floor again, searching for familiar faces, and spotted Changbin raising his voice amongst disciples in various martial uniforms.

“Ah, this is really killing the mood for drinks,” Changbin was complaining. “You can’t find a single woman anywhere. What’s the point of a bunch of sweaty men gathering like this? Properly speaking, liquor tastes best when served by a woman…”

“Oh really?” Qing interrupted, holding out a cup. “Here. Have a drink.”

“Mm. You’ve arrived,” Changbin acknowledged, accepting the drink.

It was still that awkward formal address.

Qing burst into laughter.

“I’m staying at Mucheon Pavilion, you know?” she told him. “I’m thinking of gathering some friends for sparring practice. Changbin, you should come visit too.”

Adding that this was advice from a senior, so he shouldn't just brush it off but definitely come, she resumed her search for acquaintances.

Wondering if Xiang-ie hadn’t come, she glanced around, only to realize there were strangely no women visible in the hall.

“What, was today the Azure Dragon Association meeting?” Qing wondered aloud. “There’s nothing but men here?”

“I didn’t hear anything about it being held separately today?” Tang Nanah added, also finding it odd. “What’s going on…?”

The reason became clear soon enough when they went up one floor and found practically all the women gathered there, bustling about.

Wondering what on earth was happening – perhaps a master confectioner was making sweets on the spot? – Qing stood bewildered on the landing when suddenly, a thunderous roar of footsteps erupted.

Then, the women parted swiftly to the left and right, and the jade-like face of the most handsome man under heaven made its grand appearance.

“You’re finally here, Qing?” Peng said, sounding pleased. “I bet you were lazing around until the sun was high in the sky. Still, it’s good to see your face like this.”

For some reason, he was acting pleased to see her, even using the name he usually detested and refused to utter.

Normally, the only way he referred to Qing was ‘you’.

At his words, the women's gazes converged on a single point, a fierce intensity that felt like it could pierce right through Qing’s veil.

Simultaneously, a loud murmur swept through the crowd.

It’s Qing, Qing. Did you hear?
I didn’t hear. I didn’t hear anything. I didn’t hear it.
He called her by name. By name. Does that make sense?
He said it was good to see her face!
Friends, they must be friends. I don’t know. I didn’t hear anything.

With Qing’s Hearing Ability being beyond ordinary, even the whispers amidst the menacing atmosphere reached her ears clearly.

Ah. This is a bit burdensome.

Come to think of it, wasn’t this exactly the kind of situation that could start unfavorable rumors and block a friend’s marriage prospects?

“Young Master Peng, you’ve arrived,” Qing said evenly. “Don’t you usually avoid gatherings like this?”

“Still, I felt I should come at least once,” Peng replied smoothly. “So, did you get back alright yesterday? I felt uneasy after you left so suddenly. You didn’t seem well, how are you feeling now?”

At that, something akin to screams erupted.

After all, asking if she got back alright yesterday meant they were together yesterday.

Now, killing intent even began to rise from among the women, causing Qing’s eyebrows to twitch, revealing her uncomfortable state of mind.