17 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

〈 Chapter 17 〉 The Journey of Three - Companionship, Ghost Valley (2） * * * Regardless of Tang Hwaseo's uneasiness, Mok Liwon appeared noticeably exhilarated as they journeyed towards Blood Valley. For him, it was an inescapable sentiment. To him, Blood Valley wasn't just the location of a bloody battle, but a place marked by the footsteps of his mentor. As such, Mok Liwon's chatter was inevitably more relentless than usual. "I've heard all those who survived the battle at Blood Valley had their names immortalized. Wouldn't it be peculiar if they weren't? They managed to defeat the Evil Blood Ghost, one of the five demons of the Blood Heaven Sect!" He seemed intoxicated by some memory or feeling, even punctuating his words with an emphatic 'Ha!' Tang Hwaseo felt an oncoming headache and responded indifferently. "Yes, it was also the moment the title of Sword Saint first emerged in Jianghu." Tang Hwaseo was well aware of this. Sword Saint, Mok Seon-oh. He was the previous supreme warrior who had now completely disappeared. And he was the first martial artist in the Central Plains Murim to embellish his title with the character for 'star' (星). 'It was said this name was given because of his sword aura, akin to starlight. Moreover, the four saints were initially high masters who admired the Sword Saint and followed his nickname.' It was another matter that these individuals became the pillars of righteousness in Murim as unparalleled masters. While walking and lost in thought, Tang Hwaseo noticed that Mok Liwon had suddenly gone silent and turned his head. "...What are you doing?" Before him was Mok Liwon, his face flushed and shoulders puffed with pride. He seemed to be basking in pride. Pondering what might have caused this, Tang Hwaseo quickly realized the reason. 'Ah, right. He must be a Sword Saint devotee too.' After all, he'd go mad with enthusiasm over heroic tales. He worshiped the Chronicles of The Jianghu Heroes like an unchallenged truth. For such a person, not having an interest in the Sword Saint would indeed be odd. Despite wanting to let him get lost in his musings, time was too much of the essence. "Stop it already and follow along. We must reach the entrance of Blood Valley before sunset." "Ah! Understood!" Mok Liwon hastened his pace to catch up beside Tang Hwaseo. At least he listens well, and for that, Tang Hwaseo wasn't sure whether to feel relief or lament. * Ghost Valley (鬼谷). Having finally arrived at Blood Valley, the name seemed perfectly fitting. Tall trees grew densely, blocking the sky. Beneath, sunlight gave way to ominous energy, where mold and mushrooms thrived; the eerie atmosphere growing boundlessly in the murky surroundings. "These corpses stink." Noted Mok Liwon as he observed the scattered white bones. Tang Hwaseo nodded affirmatively. "Yes, until we leave Blood Valley, they will be a tiresome sight." It pained to even call them bones. Given time's passage and the dust storms, the bones had yellowed, and wild vegetation, identifiable and not, overtook them. 'The oppressive energy is rising.' Tang Hwaseo frowned as every breath agitated his insides, the malicious energy settling into his dantian, converting into insignificant inner power. "Mok Sohyup, place the Poison-Negating Pearl in your mouth." "It's still..." "Quickly." Mok Liwon sulked but reached into his knapsack. He took out a small pearl and placed it in his mouth. "Mmph..." If one could articulate with a pearl in their mouth, perhaps even that would be a remarkable feat. Tang Hwaseo smiled with satisfaction seeing a now-quiet Mok Liwon. "Now, we are in a hurry; let's keep moving." "Mmph...!" Mok Liwon reluctantly nodded, feeling pained that he couldn't express the grandeur of this place—the footsteps of his master—despite being at Blood Valley. * The malevolent energy of Blood Valley thickened the deeper they ventured in. Countless had perished here, making bones underfoot a frequent obstruction within just a few paces. But even this was not the chief concern; for Tang Hwaseo, a master of unrivaled immunity to toxins, something else was bothersome. 'The stench is overwhelming.' Fetid air, trapped and festering, rose everywhere. Furthermore, the humidity made it all the more oppressively weighty with scent. Tang Hwaseo naturally detested any malodor to a degree of abhorrence. As such, the desire to escape this place arose, although it was sadly unachievable. 'The heart of Blood Valley is still far away.' Blood Valley was once a village for slash-and-burn farmers. Yet even now, without discovering the village, they were not truly within Blood Valley. Irritation flaring unexpectedly. Tang Hwaseo's expression darkened, yet Mok Liwon remained bright. 'Traces of martial arts!' Mok Liwon keenly scanned rocks, trees, and the scored bones, chortling with glee. The impressions evoked a multitude of thoughts. Despite appearing naive, he was the Heavenly Slaughter Star, one endowed with heaven-sent martial talents. Piecing together these traces, he gleaned aspects of the battle's dynamic present here. 'Considering the growth of trees over time...' Surely, the battles were fiercer than what's visible now. The skull before him bore a long scar stretching from the lower left jaw to the eye. It likely resulted from an upward slash. Given the unstable end of the sword mark, the one responsible must've perished immediately after. A mutual demise for sure. What about the sword embedded there in the tree? Its style not quite resembling those of the Central Plains suggests it belonged to a Blood Heaven Sect warrior. Judging by the angle and depth, the trajectory of the sword must've twisted from external pressure to lodge itself there. Likely the wielder also perished in that fleeting accident. "Mok Sohyup." --- **New Translations and Context Explanation:** 1. **Ghost Valley (귀곡/鬼谷):** Translated directly retaining the original meaning and imagery associated with a mysterious and eerie location. 2. **Poison-Negating Pearl (피독주):** A hypothetical item, interpreted as a means to fend off the harmful effects of environmental poison, fitting the context of the narrative. Explanation: - The title "Heavenly Slaughter Star(천살성)" is used for Mok Liwon, identifying him with a prestigious and formidable rank indicating exceptional martial arts talent—a connection to high spiritual ability or destiny. In this passage, the narrative establishes Mok Liwon's reverence towards the legacy left by his mentor and the significant battle that took place in Blood Valley, while touching upon the legends within Murim which contribute to his enthusiasm. The translation sought to maintain the mysterious, ominous atmosphere of Blood Valley and the introspective, slightly reverential tone Mok Liwon had, capturing his deep sense of nostalgia and pride. Tang Hwaseo urged Mok Liwon who kept pausing, looking around curiously. "Curiosity is good, but we've got a long journey ahead. Let’s keep moving, please." “Mmph!” “Can you sense any energy? Perhaps living beings…” “Mmph!” Mok Liwon shook his head. His senses didn’t detect any human presence or hostility coming their way. That's why he had allowed himself to wander, indulging his curiosity, but there was one thing that struck him as odd. “Mmph!” With the Pearl of Poison in his mouth, he had to communicate through gestures. Mok Liwon began to wave his arms in a bizarre manner, incomprehensible to Tang Hwaseo, who looked at him with a puzzled expression. “Yes?” “Mmph!” Mok Liwon spread his arms wide, pointing his index finger and thrusting it into the air. Tang Hwaseo clamped his mouth shut, a dazed look overtaking his face. ‘What’s he on about?’ His actions were inexplicable. Tang Hwaseo sighed deeply and said, "Spit out the Pearl and speak clearly. You can withstand it for a moment, can’t you?” “Ah! I feel something brushing my skin!” “Excuse me?” “It’s not human hostility! But it has a vitality you don't find in mere airflow!” Having said that, Mok Liwon put the Pearl of Poison back in his mouth, his eyes sparkling as though something piqued his curiosity. Normally, Tang Hwaseo would dismiss that gleam as nothing significant, but not today. ‘Something is here?’ Because this is Blood Valley. There’s a reason why what Mok Liwon mentioned made sense here. Something alive. Not human. And in this place filled with malevolent energy. ‘...No way.’ Tang Hwaseo let out a hollow laugh. The sign seemed plausible enough that it piqued his appetite. “There’s a rumor about Blood Valley, isn’t there?” “Mmph!” “Yes, about spiritual creatures.” Mok Liwon bounced with excitement and pointed in a slightly different direction than their current path. Yet, Tang Hwaseo didn’t stop him. “It’s ridiculous…” Tang Hwaseo scratched his chin as he pondered further. Spiritual creatures are said to form only after hundreds to thousands of years in one place, absorbing its energies. In twenty short years since Blood Valley filled with such energy, they shouldn't exist here. Yet, the possibility stirred in Tang Hwaseo because he, too, was undeniably a martial artist. Obtaining the inner elixir from a spiritual creature is akin to acquiring an ancient elixir for a fighter, making him eager to not miss out. Tang Hwaseo's gaze followed the direction Mok Liwon pointed. ‘Rock wall. If something exists, it might be in a cave around there.’ Rapid calculations ran through his mind. A quick detour wouldn’t be a problem. They could handle Mok Liwon wandering off by holding him back firmly. Besides, Mok Liwon was a martial artist at the level of Sword Qi Merchant, and Tang Hwaseo could convert almost all toxins into inner power using his immunity. ‘Blood Valley is a land roiling with malevolent energy, a young land less than twenty years since its creation.’ This indicates that any spiritual creature here is either a recent newcomer or adapting from another location. “While it’s uncertain if there is indeed something, not going would be foolish.” “Mmph!” “Yes, let’s go. You’ve done something remarkable, Mok Sohyup.” With a blush and a smile, Mok Liwon seemed pleased. Tang Hwaseo found himself thinking, 'He's much more charming when he keeps his mouth shut.' Not babbling nonsense and expressing what’s necessary was indeed preferable. A man should indeed have a reserved tongue. * Their pace quickened upon making the decision. Knowing he might truly encounter a spiritual creature, Mok Liwon didn't let his eyes wander, while Tang Hwaseo shrugged off the annoyance of stench and humidity, buoyed by the thought of unexpected fortune. They soon arrived at the rock wall. Floating through it based on Mok Liwon’s senses, the duo eventually discovered a large cave entrance. “Ha, it’s really here.” “Mmph!” Mok Liwon beamed brightly. Though the Pearl of Poison drained his energy as he fought off the creeping malevolent energy, even such exhaustion couldn’t dim his zeal. “Can you still feel it?” Mok Liwon briefly spit out the pearl and replied. “It’s strong! That strange sensation grew intense! Definitely from something living!” “Good. Now, stay focused as we proceed.” Tang Hwaseo mused tantalizing over the possibilities. ‘What sort of spiritual creature might it be…?’ Considering it dwelled in a place heavy with toxic energy, it might use poison. Not only the inner elixir but even its presence could serve as an elixir to him. Tang Hwaseo flexed his fingers, sharpening his senses. Meanwhile, Mok Liwon retrieved a small oily rag from his sack and lit it on fire. Whoosh— The flame illuminated the dark space. Relying on that light, the two ventured into the cave. Deep inside, what they witnessed was this. Rustle— Eight legs. A grotesque silhouette combining an insect’s head and a pattern resembling a wailing human face on a massive abdomen. A giant spider, the size of a large mountain beast, curled up on its web, numerous eyes observing them. “Human-faced Spider (人面蛛).” And a potent weaver of toxins. The poison soaked into his lungs. Though it tried to wreak havoc inside, it lost momentum, turning into nourishment and reinvigorating his body. It was such a splendid nutrient. “We're lucky.” Tang Hwaseo grinned menacingly. --- **New Translations and Context Explanation:** 1. **Pearl of Poison (피독주):** Translated to emphasize its function—a protective measure against toxins—to adapt it to an item of refuge respecting the context of the poison-heavy area. 2. **Human-faced Spider (人面蛛):** Translated as a mythical creature, combining terror and allure of spiritual creatures, a facet of the fantastical setting, adhering to both the literal word and the mythical aura. Explanation: - The term "Sword Qi Merchant(검기상인)" is described as a martial level, reflecting Mok Liwon's skill, suggesting a status or mastery comparable to a great strategist dealing in sword energy. The translation maintains the vivid, imaginative tone as Mok Liwon and Tang Hwaseo explore Blood Valley while contemplating the potential of encountering a spiritual creature, spiritual richness associated with discovery, and technical prowess. The wording strives to merge both mystery and anticipation interwoven within the original text.