The Youngest Daughter of the Hebei Peng Clan Is a Truly a Very Famous Little Heavenly Demon - Chapter 24

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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24.

“They couldn’t have gone far. I’ll go check with the Sect Leader, so you all search this area thoroughly!”

“Yes!”

Inhale, exhale.

Inhale, exhale.

Hidden in the crevice between rocks, I listened to Haewol’s voice while suppressing my presence.

[Main martial art has been switched to ‘Northern Enlightenment Skill’. (22:31 until change)]

It had been about one hour since I attempted to escape from Makyō’s dragnet.

During that time, I had completely changed the nature of my qi so that Makyō couldn’t easily track me. The Northern Enlightenment Skill, true to its philosophy of selfless contemplation and naturalness, was particularly advantageous for hiding within nature.

‘Originally, it’s a mental cultivation method more meaningful for rapidly accumulating internal energy by accepting natural qi.’

But as long as you reach Seoul, does it matter which road you take?

“The Young Sect Leader who uses the divine skill would definitely emit demonic qi. This area doesn’t seem to be it.”

“…”

As expected.

Those who had been tracking the demonic qi of the Heavenly Demon Divine Skill searched around my vicinity for a while, then headed in the opposite direction. It was the place where I had deliberately leaked sinister internal energy using the Heavenly Demon Sword Technique before escaping.

‘…Are they gone? They’re gone, right?’

Just in case, I stayed for about another hour, then cautiously poked my head out into the completely quiet area.

I wanted to spread sword qi and scan the area again for peace of mind, but I held back. The moment I unleashed my qi, even martial artists who detected it would notice my presence.

‘But where should I escape to?’

I had two options.

First, cross north of the Yangtze River and request help from the Wulin Alliance and Shaolin.

Second, flee completely south to the southern end of the Central Plains where the Haenam Sect was located.

‘If the search fails in Hunan, the Makyō followers will come up north.’

Going north would be a time attack.

A battle of whether I reach the Alliance first, or whether Makyō finds me first.

On the other hand, if I chose the latter, while it would be unfamiliar territory, it had the advantage of being able to relatively easily shake off Makyō’s pursuit. Surely even they wouldn’t expect me to head toward the South Sea, which seemed to have no connection to me.

‘…Still, let’s go north!’

After briefly pondering, I soon changed direction and headed toward the Yangtze River.

No matter how great Makyō’s tracking was, I was one step above them in lightness skills.

The Severing Sea Flying Technique was so incredibly fast that it was difficult to use in combat, but for breaking away from formations, it could truly be called a divine skill. A lightness technique solely for survival and escape.

It was perfect for my current situation.

‘Though I probably can’t beat Dokgo Yeon’s Void-Crossing Technique.’

To use that level of lightness skill, one would need to reach the Transcendent realm. As long as Dokgo Yeon doesn’t wake up faster than expected, there’s absolutely no way I’ll be caught.

Thud!

Kicking off a tree, I reached a speed I couldn’t control myself. Without thinking about collisions, I just ran and ran again.

After running without rest for four days like that, I arrived at a city in front of the Yangtze River. Once I crossed here, it would be Wudang’s territory, so I could breathe a sigh of relief.

Having not slept for seven days and nights, I entered the city half-dozing. Normally I would have been bothered by all sorts of soliciting and the gazes of nearby men, but today everyone was strangely indifferent.

‘Ugh, my head.’

My disheveled hair covered half my face. I left the bothersome hair alone and went to the best-looking inn.

“Do you have a room?”

“A room, you say?”

The waiter’s suspicious gaze fixed on me.

I certainly do look like a beggar right now.

I pulled out a couple of taels of silver from the money pouch in my chest and threw them.

“Gasp! I’ll guide you right away!”

The man who met my steely gaze hurriedly moved.

I had no particular intention to harm him; I was just tired from not sleeping. At least coming to a place with many people put my mind somewhat at ease.

“Don’t you need food?”

“Later.”

“Yes! Please rest comfortably!”

Thud.

After sending the waiter outside, I pondered whether to wash my grimy, matted hair first, or surrender to my drooping eyelids.

But the deliberation wasn’t long.

“Sleep… first…”

Thump.

With tension released, I collapsed face-down on the bedding and lost consciousness.

* * *

When I woke up again, about two hours had passed.

I’d like to sleep all day if I could. But I couldn’t afford to sleep that peacefully when I hadn’t even crossed the Yangtze River yet.

‘My body is tense.’

I should fill my stomach first and find a way to cross the river.

I went down to the first floor of the inn with my hair like a bird’s nest. Just in case, I spread my qi with caution, but there didn’t seem to be any search parties yet.

“Waiter, what’s famous here?”

“Ah! Our Hunan is-“

“Famous for spicy cuisine!”

Before the waiter who had been rubbing his hands together for the wealthy customer could answer, a clear voice interrupted.

Wondering who it was, I turned my head to see a woman dressed entirely in blue, resting her chin on her hand and smiling brightly.

“People say Sichuan cuisine is spicy, but actually Hunan cuisine is no joke either, you know? Especially this inn’s spicy cuisine is high quality. How about it? Want to have a bowl of malatang?”

“Hmm… Waiter, then just bring me one bowl of malatang.”

“Ah, make that two bowls including mine~ This young lady will pay!”

“Yes! Two bowls of malatang!”

The waiter who cheerfully took the order hurried to the kitchen.

Having been swindled right before my eyes, I looked at the woman with an incredulous expression. Then the woman, without any sign of embarrassment, brazenly sat down across from me.

“What are you trying to do?”

“You’re not from Hunan, are you?”

Answering a question with a question.

If it had been a man, I would have struck immediately, but one shouldn’t act rashly toward a woman traveling alone in the martial world.

The reason was simple.

The fact that a woman, who was relatively weaker, came out so confidently definitely meant she had something to rely on.

Wasn’t it said in the martial world to be wary of women, children, and the elderly?

That wasn’t said for no reason.

It was a warning written in blood.

‘I can’t sense any internal energy at all. When one reaches the life-and-death, they say the soul returns to its original state, making them appear like ordinary people on the outside… Or maybe she’s simply the daughter of someone powerful?’

Tapping my index finger, I soon decided not to cause a disturbance. Being in a position of being chased, I didn’t want to create unnecessary trouble with others.

As for the food cost, well, it wasn’t much to begin with anyway.

“How did you know I’m not from Hunan?”

“Well, it’s obvious at a glance. The way you’ve been looking around, and seeing you’re covered in dirt, you’re clearly either chasing someone…”

Trickle.

The woman who poured water into a cup narrowed her eyes and smiled.

“Or you’re being chased?”

“…You’re quite fearless. If you knew I was a martial artist, I could kill you right here to eliminate evidence.”

“Huh? You? Me? Ahaha!”

At my threat, she laughed as if she’d heard the funniest joke in the world.

‘What is she really?’

One of my eyebrows shot up.

It was amazing that she could act so brazenly in front of an armed martial artist. Had no one ever cut this woman’s throat before?

As I hesitated whether to draw my sword with mixed feelings, the woman gently grabbed my hand.

Then she looked straight at me with a sly smile like a fox.

“You’d better not.”

Wow. She’s beautiful.

…No, that’s not it.

‘At this level, there’s definitely something going on.’

Even if she’s an ordinary woman, there’s no harm in being careful.

1. Being careful but feeling deflated because she’s just an ordinary woman

2. Not being careful and getting your neck sliced off because she turns out to be a hidden master

It’s obvious which one is better.

‘And even if she really is an ordinary person, killing a child like this is a bit….’

I smoothly pulled my hand free and asked with a cough.

“Um, may I ask your name?”

“My name? Oh my, well now. My name is quite expensive~”

Here she goes again.

“Two bowls of malatang are ready!”

“Awesome, it looks delicious!”

She who had been smiling mysteriously began eating with all sorts of fussiness as soon as the malatang came out.

‘It’s spicy!’

Meanwhile, I was dying with snot running down my nose. As I sniffled and wheezed, the woman laughed again.

“How is it? Pretty good, right? You seem weak with spicy food though. Ahaha!”

“Cough, cough.”

“Want some water?”

“Cough, hack. Thank you.”

As I coughed frantically from the stronger-than-expected mala flavor, the woman patted my back. She’s surprisingly kind.

“Thank you~! Take care!”

After somehow finishing the meal and paying, I walked out. The woman in blue silk clothes leisurely followed behind me, rubbing her belly.

“Thanks to you, I had a good meal after a long time. Since I met such a kind beauty, I want to repay you somehow~”

I don’t particularly expect anything.

I didn’t bother hiding that feeling as I kicked at the pebbles on the ground.

“Well then, it would be nice if you could tell me how to cross the Yangtze River.”

When I first crossed from Hubei, I passed swiftly with Dokgo Yeon’s aerial movement technique. (That’s right, flying on a sword.)

But now that I have to cross alone, I have no idea which of those many boats to choose. I’m in a situation where I need to shop around and pick one of the merchant ships to hitch a ride.

‘I didn’t know the Yangtze River was this wide. It must be five times wider than the Han River.’

…Honestly, before coming here I thought I could just swim across, but if I tried that, I’d really drown.

“You’re trying to go to Hubei, I see.”

“Yes.”

The woman who heard my concern narrowed her eyes and made a “hmm” sound.

Then suddenly.

“Then shall I lend you a boat? I know a boatman!”

She extended a helping hand that I hadn’t expected at all.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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