825 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

In the depths of the Blood Cult, the most reprehensible of human dregs, even among the worst, let out a cry with every fiber of his being. With an expression that seemed somewhat resolute, he lay down silently, attempting to crawl forward by wriggling all over the ground, exposing his belly in an act akin to prone perseverance. This method of crawling by paddling with the shoulders would be excruciatingly painful for Jeongnyujang, who had his shoulders shattered, with every wriggle bringing intense agony. Yet, gritting his teeth, he forcefully moved through the silent world of unseen and unheard darkness. This could have been a scene celebrating human tenacity and the will to survive, deserving of applause — that desire to live even in such a state. Alas, such applause becomes difficult when the individual in question is a villain who had deliberately spread a plague and butchered nearly a thousand innocent people. Still, the sheer will to survive, the desperate attempt to sneak away from this place amidst such a condition, is truly astounding. Of course, lacking sight and hearing, he crawled towards the dead-end wall of the office, unbeknownst to him. Watching this, Qing found it amusing, her lips twitching into a smirk. "Well, gouging the eyes and bursting the ears is a more pathetic sight than I imagined. Ha, this is indeed the utmost virtue of nonviolence and valuing life. Should I adopt this more broadly in the future?" Unaware of Qing's subtle laughter, Jeongnyujang crawled on desperately. The pain emanating from his shoulders was indescribably horrendous. His teeth clenched hard, causing his gums to ache, but he did it to stay alive. It was during this struggle. Poke. Something sharp pressed into his philtrum. “Haaahhh...!” A pure scream of terror erupted. Unable to see or hear, something poked at his philtrum in the world of silent darkness. The sensation was terrifying, a panic attack overwhelmed by the unknown abyss. What poked him? Was he discovered? Did it stab him? It felt hot, stinging. Poison? I can’t die like this... Terrified, Jeongnyujang trembled, while by his side was a tiny girl holding a stick, grinning. With shadows under her eyes that seemed too exhausted for her age, the little one was Zaryeo. "Hehe." As Zaryeo reached out with her hand— "Tsk. Don't. That's yucky." "Aw..." "It's dirty, don’t touch it with your hands. The Blood Cult's despicable, you got it?" "Yeah. Heehee..." Using a long stick, Zaryeo poked around various spots on Jeongnyujang's body. Each time, Jeongnyujang jumped in fright. Zaryeo giggled, her usually dull eyes sparkling for once, her childlike innocence vividly manifesting. Qing watched this scene and let out a quiet sigh unbeknownst to others. It didn’t feel quite right that her eyes only sparkled at such moments. Still, Zaryeo had earned the right. She deserved revenge against the Blood Cult. Beside Zaryeo, Gyeon Poo Hee, grinning broadly, fondly encouraged her, asking her if she was having fun and suggesting where to poke next. “Hm. Nanah, do you perhaps have a remedy to cure the Blood Poison?” “Well, Red Medicinal Root or Ghostneedle Grass and Winter Plum Blossom work effectively. Though Gedamia leaves, not commonly used medicinally, could also work?” "If this current epidemic is not an illness but a case of poisoning, perhaps orchestrated by these Blood Cult members, then conventional medicine may not work." “Ah.” "We should inform the Dianchang Sect, right? Not just the Wudang Sect, other places might also be infiltrated by these Blood Cult vermin." “Yes, Sister. Judging by the circumstances, the rumors about smallpox being spread as deliberate discord between different ethnic groups should be seen as a ploy by the Blood Cult. Those spreading these rumors may either belong to the Blood Cult themselves or be connected to them, aiding us in tracking down a large group of them.” “Then, given the urgency, we should split up, with some heading to the Dianchang Sect and others to Kunming. Zhuge Leehyun, you should go to the Dianchang Sect to explain the situation, and Zaryeo should stay there as well. Poo Hee, can you escort her?” "Yes, yes." “Nanah, you’ll head to Kunming to assist Master Rangsuk. Given the unpredictable nature of these Blood Cult members, San and Qing, you'll accompany her." The group turned their attention to Qing as one, as if questioning where she intended to go. Qing erupted into a bright laugh. Their eyes seemed to ask where she was heading. Like chicks trailing after a mother duck? Oh, are you still not bonding? Without me, does it feel like a friend of a friend kind of thing? Still, truthfully, that's rather comforting. A bit of relief, one might say. With that in mind, it felt okay to share. “Guys, actually, I… have something to tell you.” Qing mouthed, then mouthed again. Suddenly, Qing hesitated. Could this be alright? Despite the inherent nature of humans, isn’t it true, doesn’t it make one ponder? Thus, Qing became hesitant. The group's expressions grew solemn seeing Qing's uncharacteristic silence. Naturally so, for isn't Qing someone who distinguishes not between things to be said and things not to be, and bluntly says whatever she wishes? Seeing such hesitance from Qing was strange indeed. What kind of difficulty was there in revealing something? “Actually, I—” Qing mouthed again. At that moment, a warmth overcame the back of Qing's hand, sensitively aware of any external warmth due to its usual coldness. Startled, Qing turned to see, to her immense surprise, Seo Lily, rare in her elegance, smiling gently in her direction. Subsequently, Tang Nanah cozied up, looping her arm through Qing's, leaning on her. “Ugh, that sly move. Ha, Qing, honestly, I’m not curious? Whatever it is, I'm not bothered,” Peng Daesan added, averting his gaze. “Well, wasn’t normal from the start,” Zhuge Leehyun also commented. New Terms: - Jeongnyujang(정류장): Jeongnyujang is used as a name here for a character, but literally means "Bus Stop" in Korean, used humorously as a character's name. - Zaryeo (자여): A character's name, with "Zaryeo" not tied to any particular meaning within the text, so retained phonetically. - Rangsuk (랑중대인): Used as a name or title likely with a context-specific meaning within the narrative. Explanations: - The first part brought in a humorous overstatement with the "Blood Cult scum," albeit darkly comedic with Qing finding amusement in the protagonist's plight. Through this lens, Qing's character as someone who sees irony in cruelty is revealed. - Through the exchange between characters and their plan formation, the solidarity and role division within the group echo themes of mutual support and shared goals against a greater evil, the Blood Cult. "Dear sister, are you feeling hurt by this formality between us now? Even if you have mastered sinister demonic arts, or even the entire world's eleven great demonic arts, you are still the President of the Half-Sword Dual Sword Society." Qing was taken aback. What does he mean? Does he already know something? Zhuge Leehyun had spoken without much meaning, assuming the worst, but doesn’t Qing's homeland have the saying, 'A guilty conscience needs no accuser'? Still, maybe she was worrying unnecessarily. Qing then shared a long-kept secret. "Actually, I'm immune to all poisons." "...?" "...?" "...?" "...?" The revelation was so unexpected that everyone was bewildered. "What did you say?" "Immune to all poisons. As in, no poison in the world affects me. Oh, San doesn't know? Surprising that there’s something you don’t know." "No, it's not that. Sigh." Peng Daesan sighed deeply. It was as if he regretted worrying about something unimportant. “So, you're saying, sister, that you've achieved the state of being immune to all poisons?” "Not exactly achieved. It’s just that I was born that way in this world. It’s a natural constitution." "Uh, hmm. That’s some incredible constitution you have there." Zhuge Leehyun nodded with a bitter expression. "What? If Qing says so, then I believe her. Our Qing is immune to all poisons? Wow, that’s really amazing." Well, at least they were pretending to believe. When Qing glanced over. Nod. Seo Lily was back to her usual expressionless face, just nodding slightly. Not even reacting to someone making such a bold statement. What is with this behavior? "No, I'm serious." "Hmm." "Nanah, you have poison, right? Give me the most lethal one, no, give me all of them. I’ll swallow them if that’s what it takes for you to believe me." "No, Qing, I believe in you. So it's fine." "Ugh." Qing scratched the back of her head roughly. But only for a moment. "Anyway. I thought I’d keep an eye on the Wudang Sect for a bit. Since I'm immune to all poisons, it's no threat to me, you see? I’ve fought so-called top disciples in Sichuan before, and they weren't particularly threatening. So, you guys head to Dianchang Sect and Kunming first, and I’ll scout around the Wudang Sect in the meantime..." To this, everyone looked at Qing with an expression that seemed to say, ‘Of course.’ “So, going alone again?” The deep bass of Peng Daesan's voice was long unheard. It wasn’t entirely intense, suggesting he hadn’t yet sulked entirely. “No, this isn’t about me undertaking a dangerous task alone, but really, there’s no danger? If you’re immune to poison against poison users, you all know? Once the poison is out, all that’s left is ordinary skills.” “Sister. As I said before—” “Ugh. You guys don’t believe I'm immune to all poisons, right?” Naturally, of course, such a state didn’t exist. In truth, the people of the Central Plains loved exaggeration, conjuring up levels that no one had ever achieved. Fanciful tales of mythical Heart Demons claiming to kill with mere intent. Even those reaching the pinnacle of poison arts, said to be so toxic that their blood itself flows with poison, aren't immune to every poison. Most commonly, nearly all poisons have no effect, but it unbalances their body's poison equilibrium, an intrinsically volatile state known as a "Poisonous Absolute." The weakness of those at the peak of poison arts could seem too vulnerable, but who isn't terrified of a person who is a walking deadly poison, able to poison others with mere contact? However, high masters of the Profound Realm could suppress potent poisons using internal strength and slowly expel them. Therefore, in the transcendent Natural Realm, poisons generally have no effect. As born out by oral tradition, a level known as the "Poison Immunity State" arose, said to be immune to all toxins. For such reasons. It’s only natural that the group didn’t believe her. Regardless of how many countless people and constitutions exist in the world, finding someone immune to all poisons just seems implausible. "Nanah, bring out your poison, that one causing tears and snot to explode? Let me consume it, and then you can take turns checking if my internal strength’s affected." At her words, the group exchanged glances as if they were colluding for the first time in ages. If she insists to this degree, perhaps it’s not a lie. Whether it makes sense aside, wasn't sister's realm in itself nonsensical from the start? Wait, it seems like there's something I might be remembering, or not quite... Well, she's not suggesting leaving us behind. Hmm. Eventually, after some unspoken agreement seemed to form. "Fine. Thinking about it, you haven't lied to us thus far, have you?" New Terms: - Wudang Sect (오독문): Referring to the sect in the narrative, this term should be consistent in conveying the sect's significance. - Poison Immunity State (만독불침지신/萬毒不侵之身): Translates to "a body immune to all poisons," imagined state owing to martial art exaggerations as detailed. Explanations: - Throughout, Qing hints at possessing a constitution beyond the norm claiming immunity to all poisons, a plausible exaggeration or truth within the novel's martial arts logic, despite apparent disbelief. - By playing with the theme of exaggeration endemic to martial arts stories, it underscores the fantastic nature of these adventures where myths and reality blur, attention draws to Qing's mysterious constitution. "Indeed, sister. Truly impressive. You are immune to all poisons? Without a doubt, you’re a blessing to the righteous martial arts world." "Ah! That's right. Oh, back then too." Tang Nanah clapped her hand into a fist. Suddenly, a memory resurfaced from when Qing first entered the Tang Clan, reminiscing about a harmless prank among closest friends involving poisons. At that time, Qing playfully countered and turned the tables, leaving them with a taste of their own medicine. Qing might argue this memory is a bit exaggerated if she heard it, but personal memories often get reshaped by one's own perspective. "So, you get it, right? Poo Hee, please look after Zaryeo for me, and Zaryeo, you listen well to your auntie." "Okay." "Yes." And so, with this, The members of the Half-Sword Dual Sword Society each set off toward their respective roles. New Terms: - Tang Clan (당문): Known for their use of poisons, signifies a family or clan with expertise in weaponry and toxicology. - Poo Hee (희매): Likely a nickname or an affectionate version of Gyeon Poo Hee's full name, adjusting for closeness or familiarity. Explanations: - Qing’s legendary immunity continues serving as an inspiration and anchor for others, emphasizing her exceptional role not just in skill but as a unifying symbol. - The mention of the past poison prank adds texture to personal histories within the group, highlighting interpersonal relationships and the formative events that shaped trust in their camaraderie.