Chapter 270: Heading to Shaolin

For the people of the Central Plains, the acts of ranking and classification held a special significance.

In the ancient, primitive, and unenlightened Central Plains, having fun cost money, so this was perhaps the only amusement one could enjoy without spending a dime.

And the Murim Conference was a massive event where people from all over the Central Plains gathered, eager to preemptively savor the joy derived from this ultimate pastime, which spared neither young nor old, by getting information first.

Thus, the hottest topic currently inflaming Kaifeng was none other than Ximen Qing.

Having entered the Transcendent Realm at the age of twenty, she was hailed as the greatest talent of all time, surpassing even the legendary Celestial Martial Emperor. She was, quite literally, a prodigy of history, the fastest to achieve such a feat in the long river of time stretching from the past.

Regarding her martial arts, she was lauded as the next Greatest Under Heaven, the strongest among the current Successors—truly the Dragon after the Hidden Dragon Tournament, the number one Hidden Dragon, the Central Plains' top Successor.

However, this alone wasn't fun.

The true essence of the ranking and classification game lay in the fierce clash of opinions, the kind of impassioned intensity that often escalated into head-bashing and brawls. That radical fervor was the real flavor.

Since everyone agreed that Ximen Qing was a peerless talent, the combative instincts of the Central Plains' people naturally turned towards her beauty.

Qing was usually seen with Tang Nanah.

For the past few days, Murong Juhui had also been clinging to her like a cicada.

This inevitably invited comparisons.

To put it in terms from Qing's homeland, it felt like a singer constantly tagging along next to an actor. Seen separately, each was an astonishing beauty, but seen together, only one woman tended to capture the eye.

Therefore, the flower among flowers, the most beautiful flower.

Among flowers, there was a Heavenly Flower.

Ximen Qing, the Heavenly Flower among Flowers!

This was practically the title of the most beautiful woman under heaven.

But here, a great war erupted.

The Five Flowers of Murim were women of distinct charms, each with her own following based on individual tastes and preferences.

Originally, the Five Flowers of Murim consisted of two 'shorts' and one 'medium' and two 'talls'.

Tang Nanah and Murong Juhui were the two 'shorts'.

The followers of the Poison Flower and the Sword Flower preferred petite and cute women.

So, while they acknowledged Qing was more beautiful, they found her too tall, too imposing, too much—an excess in three aspects, thus not quite their type.

Still, since the two had insisted on sticking close to Qing and suffering the comparison, even their followers acknowledged Qing's beauty. They readily admitted that while she wasn't cute, she could indeed be called the most beautiful under heaven.

However, the followers of the other three still fiercely resisted.

First, the 'medium'. Neither tall nor short, lacking distinctiveness in height—the Blooming White Lily, Jin Seol.

Jin Seol's charm lay in her famously perfect-sized and shaped breasts, the source of her confidence in boldly wearing the revealing danxiong[^(단흉)

High-waisted Skirt: It involves a skirt component worn high on the waist.
Revealing Top: The upper part of the garment is designed to expose the collarbones and upper chest area. .] style.

Then, the two 'talls'.

The Snow Flower, a slender, cool beauty whose allure was perfected by the contrast of an alluring beauty mark beneath her icy demeanor. Her followers made the baseless claim that while cold to others, she would be hotter than anyone for her man.

And finally, the followers of the Intelligent Flower, who argued that if someone was universally acknowledged as beautiful despite a fierce countenance, wasn't she truly the number one beauty?

Thus, the newly formed Ximen Defense Squad followers, along with the factions of the Poison Flower and Sword Flower, pushed for Qing as the most beautiful under heaven, while the factions of the remaining three refused to acknowledge it.

Consequently, what started as "Ximen Qing, the Flower of Flowers, the Most Beautiful Under Heaven" eventually settled, after numerous brawls resulted in many cracked skulls, into "Ximen Qing, the Heavenly Flower among Flowers," with the nickname "Heavenly Flower."

Therefore, Qing would need to exert considerable effort to be fully recognized as Murim's number one beauty.

Perhaps she could stick close to the other three as well, flaunting her beauty with a "Can you feel the difference in power?" attitude, or employ various other schemes and strategies.

Of course, Qing couldn't care less.

"Ha. What's the point of me being pretty? My darling needs to be pretty. Besides, can I even see my own face?"

That's what Qing would say. While glancing in a mirror occasionally felt fresh and thrilling, that was the extent of it. It just attracted crowds, which was annoying.

Furthermore, Ximen Surin, urging her to benefit the world with her face and become famous, had confiscated her veil, leaving her unable to hide it.

Still, Qing wasn't particularly bothered.

Men didn't make a huge fuss like the Jade Qilin's followers. They mostly just darted their eyes around like cross-eyed fools, occasionally bumping into someone or tripping.

Besides, Qing was inherently straightforward. True to her nature, she didn't push away those who approached nor cling to those who left.

Meet warmly, play well when playing, and part coolly when it's time to go.

Surprisingly, it was a fairly common type.

The kind of person who seems distant because they never initiate contact, but responds warmly as if nothing happened when contacted.

So, she couldn't quite understand Tang Nanah's teary eyes.

"When will we see each other again like this..." Tang Nanah murmured.

"Won't we just bump into each other eventually?" Qing replied.

"What? Am I the only one sad?" Tang Nanah asked. "Aren't you bothered at all, Qing-ah? If we part now, there's no telling when we'll meet again."

"Hey, I can visit the Tang Clan, or you can come visit the Divine Maiden Sect, Nanah," Qing said. "Besides, if word gets out that one of the Five Flowers of Murim has appeared somewhere, rumors will spread far and wide. If you're nearby, do you think I wouldn't come looking?"

"Why do you talk like it has nothing to do with you?" Tang Nanah countered. "You're a flower too! Add one more, and it's the Six Flowers of Murim, isn't it?"

"That's still unofficial, isn't it?" Qing mused. "Well, if word gets out that Transcendent Qing has appeared, I suppose Nanah could come visit me then."

"Ugh."

Tang Nanah looked genuinely disappointed.

But the Tang Clan had acquired the Blood Cult's Gu Poison.

As one of the Tang Clan's most brilliant poison masters, she couldn't miss out on the research. Plus, she herself was itching to understand the unknown Poison Core as soon as possible.

And so, the moment things ended, the Tang Clan departed in a flurry, claiming they needed to play with the Gu Poison. Then, one by one, others began their journeys, some long, some short.

"Sword Brother," Qing called out, "next time we meet, will we be seeing each other as fellow Transcendent Realm experts? Calling ourselves friends feels a bit mismatched in rank right now."

"Kugh. Just you wait," he retorted.

The Namgung Clan headed for Anhui Province.

"It would be perfect if Qing-ah came to visit now," someone called. "The lands of Hebei are really cool. They say this summer will be hot, so if you're looking for a place to escape the heat, be sure to stop by our clan."

"Okay, Choryeo," Qing replied. "San, travel safely too."

"See you next time," San replied curtly.

"Young Lady Ximen," Gongson Yoye began, "if you happen to pass through Jiangsu Province, would you please visit our main house in Nanjing?"

"Oh. Nanjing. Nanjing," Qing repeated. "Why does that sound familiar? What's in Nanjing? What's it famous for? If it's not too much trouble, would it be suitable for Jangmyeong and me to visit?"

"Uh. Well. Nanjing is..." Gongson Yoye trailed off.

Gongson Yoye's shoulders slumped.

"Hot..."

If you were to list the hottest cities in the Central Plains, Nanjing would surely be among them.

Of course, deserts existed here and there in the Central Plains, but such borderlands were generally considered outside the Central Plains proper.

It was analogous to how people from Qing's homeland, the Korean people, classified everywhere outside the capital as countryside.

"Hey, how hot can it possibly be?" Qing asked. "My consideration for you is hotter, isn't it? Is our affection so shallow that it would yield to mere heat?"

"Ah..." Gongson Yoye murmured.

Qing firmly grasped the blushing Gongson Yoye's hand and thought inwardly.

I absolutely hate the heat. I shouldn't go.

They would all see each other again soon enough anyway.

Unlike Nanah, the Successors living closer to the Murim Alliance were easily summoned due to their proximity. It was like how, even if you live in the same room, the person closest to the fireplace always ends up lighting it.

And Qing, being a young top expert whom the Murim Alliance was keen to promote, was expected to be called upon frequently.

This aligned with Ximen Surin's wish for her to be actively pushed forward as the representative of female experts and the first female Greatest Under Heaven.

So, Qing likely wouldn't be able to avoid it.

"Aigoo, my bones are aching from running around so much," Ximen Surin said. "This winter, will my disciple massage my arms and legs? Can I finally get some care from my disciple?"

"Of course," Qing replied. "I'll give you a good massage, so please keep your joints thoroughly chilled until then."

"You brat," Ximen Surin grumbled.

The plan was to tour the Absolute Sword Wall, return to the Divine Maiden Sect until autumn, and then finish the remaining Divine Thief training at the Hanlin Academy during the winter.

"Here," Cheon Yuhak said. "It's time I returned this."

"Ah! Right. My Bokshinjeok." Qing's face lit up at the sight of the treasure she had completely forgotten about. Truthfully, without any occasion to play the flute, she hadn't missed it, and since she wasn't carrying it at her side, she had simply forgotten its existence.

Cheon Yuhak clicked his tongue. "Honestly, leaving such a precious item with me and then reacting with 'Ah, right'? What do you mean, 'Ah, right'?"

"Hey," Qing said, "What's a martial artist going to do carrying a flute around? Ah. Then I should return this-"

"Keep it," Cheon Yuhak interrupted. "You're a woman, after all. A woman should carry at least one hidden dagger. If some nasty fellow tries anything nasty, just stab him good. It's the sharpest dagger under heaven, so you won't need much force."

"Hehe, thank you." Qing tucked the Blue Sword back into her robes.

Cheon Yuhak departed, grumbling about needing to catch up on his neglected Hanlin Academy duties.

"Um, Young Lady Ximen."

"Young Lady Murong," Qing greeted. "How are you feeling?"

"Thanks to you," Murong Juhui replied.

Murong Juhui had done a lot of thinking over the past few days.

And she had come to a decision, of sorts.

Until now, too much hatred had boiled within her.

The harsh and wretched torture, the horrific times designed not just to inflict pain but to utterly destroy a person's dignity.

She felt she would go mad if she didn't release it, that her insides would burst from the pressure, and so that hatred had turned towards Qing.

If only you had come a little sooner, or if I hadn't made you experience such a terrible dismantling, I hate you, it's your fault.

But now, she had let it go.

Because she realized it was pain she would carry for life. Even if she shuddered and ached whenever the memory surfaced, she had to endure, endure until only scars remained, though she didn't know when that would be.

To Murong Juhui, Ximen Qing was a monster.

She had felt it while dismantling a living person. The obscene ecstasy, close to a moan, that spread in her ears upon completing that gruesome dissection. That's why she thought she was a monster, that it was okay to hate her.

But now, she thought she understood.

Some people couldn't endure without going mad like that. Young Lady Ximen must also have some madness, some pain she would carry for life.

Realizing this, she understood the gratitude.

The kindness of being able to care for others despite one's own pain, the actions taken out of goodwill, and above all, the warm embrace, the whispers of "It's okay, it'll be okay"—how much comfort they had provided.

"Thank you," Murong Juhui said softly. "For everything you've done for me. For saving me, guiding me, comforting me, thank you so much. I don't think I'd said this yet."

"Aigoo," Qing replied. "Is it time for me to finally take credit? Do you know how hard it was for me? Hmph. Well then, goodbye. We'll meet again sometime."

Qing offered a cool farewell.

But Murong Juhui lingered hesitantly.

"Um, about enduring... I know it's something I just have to bear, but if it gets too hard, if my heart aches too much feeling like I'm the only one in the world suffering, then maybe, I have a small favor I'd like to ask of Young Lady Ximen..."

"Hmm? What is it?" Qing asked.

Murong Juhui's face turned beet red.

That coolness then, the way she deliberately pinched with her fingernails, as if biting, the sharp pain and the simultaneous lightning strike that felt like it pierced her entire body, that sharp tingle. Being unable to move. Yes, this kind of pain could overwrite the painful memories and allow healing. The voice. The cool touch, the beautiful, snake-like whisper. The tingle.

"Young Lady Murong?" Qing prompted.

Qing tilted her head, watching Murong Juhui suddenly squirm as if overcome by a sudden urge to pee.

What's this, a summer cold? The kind even dogs don't catch?

"No, it's nothing!" Murong Juhui exclaimed. "I might be, might be okay. It's just, I'm sad, now that I've finally shared my true feelings, you're leaving, and who knows when, umm."

"Hmm. If it's really tough, maybe recuperate at the Divine Maiden Sect for a while," Qing suggested. "If you explain the situation to Master, she'll probably let you stay among the disciples."

"Would I dare presume to do so?" Murong Juhui asked.

"My being at the Divine Maiden Sect when Young Lady Murong arrives isn't guaranteed, but everyone there is kind," Qing said. "Ah. But if you cause any trouble at the Divine Maiden Sect, it won't just be punishment; I simply won't see you again. Behave yourself, understand?"

"Behave. Yes, yess!" Murong Juhui affirmed.

Murong Juhui steeled her resolve.

Behave, I must behave.

Then, when I meet Young Lady Ximen again, if I speak honestly and ask, she's such a kind person, surely...

<Join the Celestial Pavilion community>

Qing tilted her head again.

Is she still unwell? But her eyes look remarkably clear for that, she thought.

Qing joined the Shaolin monks heading to Shaolin Temple.

Mount Song was practically right next to Kaifeng, close enough to hit if you tripped, so there wasn't much of an itinerary.

Everyone zipped along using Lightness Skill training combined with speed walking, giving off the vibe that they'd be having dinner on Mount Song that evening.

Qing, still unused to speed walking, produced the loud clatter of horse hooves.

She eventually caught up to Monk Wolbong, who was determinedly staring straight ahead.

"Monk Wolbong," Qing began, "You don't hold any grudges, do you? I've let it all go, so if you have anything else to say, shouldn't we clear the air now?"

"No, certainly not," Monk Wolbong replied quickly. "Grudges? It is merely that this monk's Buddhist practice is insufficient, my apologies, I am truly sorry."

"Monk?" Qing asked. "Could you look me in the eye when you speak? Why are you staring at the ground?"

At that, Monk Wolbong looked at Qing, gasped "Huk!", lost his footing, and tumbled spectacularly to the ground.

Then he shouted abruptly—

"Kugh! Worldly afflictions! These are worldly afflictions! Namu Amitabha Buddha..."

Translators / Note

Murong Juhui going from "I hate her" to "wait, maybe I need her to bully me" → fastest kink discovery speedrun achieved.

Meanwhile, the Central Plains’ greatest pastime—arguing over who’s prettier—just crowned a new queen in Ximen Qing (against her will).

And with that, everyone's gone their separate ways, hearts tangled, grudges buried (mostly), and affections... complicated.

A new arc begins! Next stop: Shaolin Temple—where enlightenment is optional, but running into even more weirdos is guaranteed.