836 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

Despite Qing being someone who usually found joy in slaughter, at this moment there was nothing but a deep sense of discomfort. If all she enjoyed was simply the act of cutting through flesh and bone, there wouldn't be a need to slaughter live humans. She could enjoy herself just as much by cutting up corpses, and that wouldn’t even require them to be human. She could even open a butcher shop and revel in delight every day. But the acts of slicing through skin, tearing muscle, and breaking bone were merely processes for Qing. The true pursuit of Heavenly Slaughter Star lay in the anguish, sorrow, and suffering. The intense emotions conjured through these acts were what brought pleasure and purpose to the slaughter she sought. In that sense, exterminating the Odokmun minions wasn’t slaughter at all. They were akin to living corpses, prepared for death from the start—fully aware they would die. Of course, there were also those who were literally living corpses. "Kiiiyaaah!" In the dark jungle, grotesque creatures charged forward, their eyes glowing a vicious red. With naked torsos and limbs twisted in unusual ways as they crawled and leaped, the red glow of their eyes drew a chaotic trail in every direction they moved. For someone faint of heart, they might faint at the appearance of such monsters, or even scream about witchcraft. Instead, Qing simply scowled. Since Odokmun allied with the Blood Cult, naturally there would be Blood Cult monsters present. It would have felt off not to encounter them. Now, she could be absolutely certain that the Blood Cult had indeed infiltrated Odokmun. Hmm, weren't they the ones who didn't get along with me, mused Qing? The ones who slandered her, saying she smelled like something foul— Suddenly, one of the creatures leaped forward. As if it were a dolphin, its body twisted gracefully mid-air before it raised its arms, twisted into unnatural angles, and slashed down. Clang! Qing blocked the monster's claws with her weapon. These aren’t like the creatures from Hangzhou. Seems like there are all kinds of monsters in the Blood Cult. However, this was the hideous among them, with a face half-melted away like that of a leper, and a body oozing a sickly green pus instead of sweat. Damn it, why couldn’t they at least wear some underwear? Is this some kind of visual attack? Just from appearances, it’s clear they’re poison-related monsters. At that moment, a creature leaped back, its lips moving grotesquely. Wait, could it be? Qing's expression turned alarmed as she split into eight figures. Just in time, a strong jet of green fluid shot past her like a high-powered water gun. They spit?! Like alien monsters? In a swift movement, Qing dashed directly toward one of the monsters using the powerful Land Surfacing Step, appearing in their midst. "Kiiiiiek!!!" "Kieeek!!" "Keeek!!" The grotesquely disfigured, naked creatures pounced simultaneously! But Qing's heel was already high above, her blackened left foot whirling rapidly toward the ground. Boom! As the ground sank deeply— The airborne creatures smashed downwards in response to the overwhelming pressure bearing down on them. Heavenly Demon Commanding Step, Step Eight. Where All Bow to the Heavenly Demon. It was a terrifying technique that defied physics, pressing down with force rather than resulting in an upward rebound from the stomp. Of course, within the cosmic mysteries that permeate the world, the influence of internal energy (Qi) makes anything possible. Qing's Heavenly Demon Divine Arts were still incomplete, and her own level was insignificant compared to that of the Heavenly Demon, so the effect of the technique often only served to thwart foes momentarily. The creatures that had been squashed like frogs sprang back up again. However, Qing was already a step ahead, jumping higher and twisting her body. She launched herself through the air. Meteor Crash from the Sword of Devotion. The tip of the Moonlight Sword pierced through the creature's back, stabbing right through its heart and embedding deep into the forest floor. And at that moment, the malformed creature's body swelled, bubbling as if the viscous liquid inside were boiling over. Damn. No way. Is it going to self-destruct— Qing hurriedly drew out her sword. Splat! With a sound that defied explanation, a warm, sticky substance splattered all over her body. The air instantly filled with a pungent acrid smell. "Kieeek!!" "Keeek!!!" "Ugh, fighting like this is filthy!" Qing pushed off the ground, propelled forward. Damn Odokmun brats—how can they fight in such an underhanded way— "There, there!" Beep, beeeeep---!! As if the monsters weren’t enough, Odokmun disciples were mixed in. The rainforest was already so dense with trees, bushes, and branches that it was difficult to navigate. They threw hidden weapons from behind, launched them by mouth, detonated traps, and when those didn’t hit directly, they released pungent poison smoke bombs. And occasionally, they threw spears. Clang! Qing deflected a spear, her gaze turning intense. Her pupils shrank to mere dots, making the whites of her eyes stand out ominously. "Is it there......!" She intended to deal with them skillfully using her Pinnacle Realm techniques. But they've crossed the line...... Qing slammed her foot into the ground. Red Sword Qi fiercely emanated from the Moonlight Sword, visible even to the naked eye. Swish, the Moonlight Sword sliced horizontally through the air. Whatever lay in the path of the Sword Qi was cut down, and with a loud crash! The giant trees shed their branches. Though the complexly entwined jungle wouldn’t fall simply by being cut down, the upper body of the Odokmun disciple hidden behind was severed, eyes wide with incredulity as it came crashing down. The Odokmun disciple, struggling, managed to stuff his arm into his sleeve. Damn, again! Qing immediately shifted directions. Boom, accompanied by the familiar explosive sound of gunpowder, smoke billowed thick from behind Qing. Kieeek!! Charging through the smoke came the disfigured, naked Blood Cult creatures. But the glint of her blade flashed. Despite wielding just one sword, with each swing, three strands of Sword Qi extended forth. It was a portrayal akin to an animal’s claw—a manifestation of the 108 Asura Swords technique. With monsters falling to the ground in various pieces, they began to swell and-- New Terms and Translation Notes: - Odokmun (오독문): A faction or group that seems to be working alongside the Blood Cult, translated as "Odokmun." - Blood Cult (혈교): A sinister organization with poison-related theme, translated as "Blood Cult." - Moonlight Sword (월광검): A weapon or technique that Qing is using, translated as "Moonlight Sword." - Heavenly Demon Commanding Step (천마군림보): An advanced martial step technique, translated directly to reflect its cultural significance. - Land Surfacing Step (능파미보): A martial arts maneuver for swift movements, translated for context to "Land Surfacing Step." - Meteor Crash from the Sword of Devotion (유성락의 유성 낙하): A technique, its name blended with a poetic metaphor of a meteor, used in direct confrontation. - Sword Qi (검기): The energy emitted from a sword, known in martial lore for its destructive power, retained as "Sword Qi." These names and techniques maintain the original cultural context, providing insight into the martial fantasy setting, which may play heavily on character capabilities and thematic symbolism. In a swift motion, as Qing pushed off the ground, crash! Unexpectedly, the ground she stepped on gave way, sinking beneath her. Her legs plunged into the earth up to her thighs, and immediately there was a sharp, stabbing sensation both at the front and back! It was a simple trap employing the principle of leverage. Stepping on it triggered the rotation of the board beneath, driving poisoned spikes into the target. Of course, such spikes could not pierce Qing’s muscles, especially the dense muscles in her thighs. But they could slightly pierce through the skin. Pressing the wound would draw blood, which explained the sharp sensation. "There's a trap, too!" Qing shouted in irritation. How could these shameless scoundrels, who still dared to call themselves members of the martial society, resort to using traps...! Though the traps she set in Zhangjiajie weren't considered traps by her own account, humans are creatures that only understand pain and resentment when they are the ones to suffer. Qing was human after all, showing a very human trait. However, the eerie colors emanating from her eyes—an ominous hue that included every color yet resembled none—was a decidedly inhuman characteristic. Screeee! A poison monster from the Blood Cult charged at her on all fours. In response, Qing's head snapped around to an unnatural angle. In an almost exaggerated manner, it turned nearly backward. Her fierce gaze met the murky, decayed eyes of the creature. Kreeee! The monster, initially filled with bravado, let out a terrifying cry, then scrambled backward as if retreating in reverse. The sight was impressive, akin to time being reversed—a trick that was also Qing's specialty. But only for a moment, for then... Deeeeng...! A deep resonance seemed to shake the air, a mystic halo faintly glowing behind Qing's head. It embodied the compassionate philosophy of the Buddha's Divine Palm—yet it felt oddly mismatched with the menacing visage that overshadowed it. At that instant— Squeeeeal! A spear tore through the air, heading directly for Qing's head. And then thud! Qing tilted her head sharply, deflecting the spinning spear. Something seemed to snap inside Qing's mind. Maintaining her head in that tilted position, she turned her ferocious eyes toward the direction the spear had come from. Her face, covered in mud, blood, and toxic fluids, contrasted sharply with her dazzlingly white teeth, which curved into a crescent smile. “Heuh.” An elder of Odokmun exhaled unwittingly. He immediately spun around. What kind of monster have the supposedly righteous factions created? How can they be more horrifying than the creatures of the Blood Cult! Supposedly a righteous heroine, but she's like a ghastly spirit of slaughter, if such things exist! The killing intent she exudes is paralyzing—just meeting her gaze sends shivers down one's spine and makes the heart plummet in dread. Could this really be the infamous Heavenly Slaughter Star? Indeed it was, and long-lived martial artists' intuition proves to be worth the years spent surviving. The elder hurriedly brought a flute to his lips. Piii, piiii, piiii! The flute emitted a long, distinctive note, different from the usual signals. Such distinct and easily recognizable signals generally conveyed the most critical messages. Usually for a retreat. However, the elder’s expression, though weary, was neither frightened nor lacking resolve. Therefore, it might signal a change in tactics. For instance, a change of plans. Piii, piiii. In the core of the formation, the head of operations, while coordinating via flute signal, realized the situation was worsening. The worst-case scenario—the enemy's strength may be greater than expected, causing the Ten-Sided Ambush to be breached. It was an unforeseen signal. However, things were not going well. Their original plan was to torment Heavenly Sword Flower (천화검) with hidden weapons and poison, cornering her like a beast, driving her into despair as she gradually succumbed to the toxins. The goal was to eventually drive her into the formation’s center, conducting a ritual with her blood to honor the grudges held by their disciples. However, the plan had gone awry from the start. Instead of being hunted and driven into a trap, Heavenly Sword Flower was the one chasing their disciples. Their training involved combining an organic formation, pushing deeper into the array. But plans can be changed. If driving her wasn’t working, luring her instead would suffice. Switch from hunting to fishing. Thus, while listening to the flute signals to determine the enemy’s location, the head was busy issuing further signals, orchestrating the disciples to draw the enemy toward the center of the formation with complex coordination. So when the alert signal came? The worst-case scenario wasn’t hordes of righteous faction members, just one—an inexperienced young girl (yet her assault threatened to breach the ambush). This alert was issued only by elders. It stood to reason the elder wouldn’t have blown it frivolously. bWpnL1VNWWVlR0h2N0IyVWd5ZUJTNDlPMkcrS05qY1hSZ0Vaam54KzlnSEpZUGRRRk1BWFRDckFlZzczQ0dGWg Faced with the worst-case scenario, preparations are warranted accordingly. Thus, the head of operations grabbed the firecracker laid out for tactical use. Second Plan of the Ten-Sided Ambush. New Terms and Translation Notes: - Odokmun Elder (오독문 장로): Senior member of the Odokmun group, referred to as "Odokmun Elder" to highlight their rank and position within the group. - Zhangjiajie (장가계): A location, retained using Chinese pronunciation to maintain geographical context. - Ten-Sided Ambush (십면매복): A tactical formation, translated to "Ten-Sided Ambush," emphasizing the strategic military aspect. - Heavenly Sword Flower (천화검): A title for Qing, newly introduced here, reflecting the association with her character's formidable swordsmanship and resonating with her martial prowess. - Blood Cult (혈교) and righteous factions (정파): Contextual groups or factions, with "Blood Cult" representing a sinister, underground organization, while "righteous factions" implies the conventional, ethical martial world. These translations maintain cultural context, grounding the narrative in its rich martial fantasy universe and enhancing reader immersion into the unique strategic and mystical elements.