838 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

In fact, Zhongyuan(Central Plains)(중원)의 military is notoriously the weakest of them all. Individual capabilities are lacking, and no matter how much it's embellished, their military discipline is far from commendable. Additionally, soldiers prioritize personal survival over collective interests, fleeing in panic and scattering when they encounter formidable foes. In essence, they are a ragtag, disorganized military. If there was one thing they excelled at, it would be farming. In terms of farming, their skills are unparalleled under the heavens, making them peerless farmers in comparison to any nation's military. Some might question how this could be a strength. One might argue that soldiers should be experts in warfare, not skilled farmers. However, this is an incredible advantage. The reason is simple: when left alone, they can tend to the farms and sustain themselves. The fact that the maintenance cost of the army is so minimal is what makes Zhongyuan's(Central Plains)(중원) army powerful. This inexpensive upkeep, coupled with vast lands and an overwhelming population numbering at least tens of thousands, was the secret to the Zhongyuan(Central Plains)(중원) army's reputation as the world's mightiest despite being essentially its weakest. Conversely, this meant that nations near Zhongyuan(Central Plains)(중원), often derogatorily called "barbarians" by Zhongyuan(Central Plains)(중원)'s people, had to defend against this vast, albeit weak, army with fewer troops. Thus, the armies of these so-called barbarians were inherently strong. The soldiers of Da Wei(대월) too, were well-nourished and meticulously trained by their king, making them formidable troops. Since they were cherished by the state, their loyalty soared to the heavens. Therefore, despicable vampires stood no chance against Da Wei's elite troops! “[Die, vampire!]” Though donning golden armor, it was merely golden silk draping over Doujing Armor(두정갑). Thanks to this, Qing(청) realized that vampires were pronounced "makkarong" in Da Wei(대월) dialect. Under normal circumstances, Qing(청) might have thought, "Ah, it makes me want to eat them," upon hearing it. However, this was the time for magicians to run wild. And now, enemies stood right before her? Qing(청)'s grin widened. Boom, Qing(청)'s new form was unleashed in an instant. Her right arm extended rapidly to her left side, reaching fiercely behind her left flank. The Moonlight Sword(월광검) she wielded fiercely slashed with a vivid red line of violent Sword Qi(검기), as if tearing the very fabric of space. “[General!]” “[We'll assist you!]” Simultaneously, seven Crescent Moon Blades(언월도) carved a reverse fan shape along the Moonlight Sword's(월광검) trajectory. Clang! The seven Crescent Moon Blades(언월도) were deflected at once. Yet, the Crescent Moon Blades(언월도), having traced a graceful arc, returned, now enveloped in a deep blue aura. The "barbarians" knew well that Zhongyuan's(Central Plains)(중원) soldiers, in themselves, were not to be feared. Only their countless numbers, like grains of sand, and the endless barrage of artillery were truly intimidating. And among the feared entities by the "barbarians," there were martial artists (무림인). To them, Zhongyuan's emperor seemed utterly deranged. Allowing individuals with overwhelming martial power to freely roam without any legal constraints? In contrast, martial arts were the exclusive realm of the military and ruling class among the "barbarians," making Zhongyuan's(Central Plains)(중원) free martial arts practice unfathomable to them. Sure, the emperors of Zhongyuan(Central Plains)(중원) might plead their case. With the land already vast and martial arts spreading widely, how could they possibly control it? Once upon a time, they were utilized as semi-officials, reigning over regions with tight control, until an uninformed fool invaded and grabbed them by the throat. That's why it's like this now. And the rule of law? Martial artists don't abide by laws! Regardless, to "barbarians" unaware of the circumstances, few are as bothersome as martial artists, particularly the skilled ones. Therefore, the soldiers of Da Wei(대월) had long been researching and honing ways to counter martial artists. Da Wei(대월) military's special martial arts against martial artists! And now, the result of those efforts is unfolding! Seven Crescent Moon Blades(언월도), seamlessly intertwined as if wielded by one person. Bang! One against seven, the sound of collision echoed as one, an indication of its precision and finesse. Suddenly, the seven warriors of Da Wei(대월) collectively stepped back. To absorb the impact on the Crescent Moon Blades(언월도). The general's eye twitched. What kind of force is this? How can seven strong men be pushed back, unable to withstand a single blow? Surely, this is the power of a monster, a vampire! A sinister smile appeared on the vampire's face. How can anything earthly smile so diabolically? At that moment, quick to adopt a combat stance, elite soldiers lunged forward with their spears, attacking from all sides— A purple lightning bolt flashed! A beat later, thunderous roars threatened to tear through the space, rumbling loudly. Soldiers, now recoiling rather than advancing. In the midst, the vampire's head swung sharply. The general, turning his head, saw soldiers charging with barriers at the frontline. The vampire's eyes gleamed piercingly. “[No!]” “[Yes.]” The vampire's figure split into eight. Some leaped high, others galloped like beasts on all fours, and some advanced by teleporting unnaturally. The general gritted his teeth. Truly, a monster, isn't that magic only a monster would wield? What exactly has this "Zhongyuan(Central Plains)(중원) man" burdened us with? “[Damn it, water soldiers, the vampire! Over there! The monster is targeting our soldiers!]” But, it was already too late. One translucent vampire among the eight returned to its original form atop a soldier-pushed barricade. And then, blood. “[Vampire, it's a vampire!]” “[Die, monster!]” The vampire swept through the area. With massive blades, it swung with monstrous brutality, unmatched in its savagery. Shredding soldiers into pieces. Its left arm lifted as a massive, black-twisted hand appeared, swinging to vanish the head of a soldier instantly. Slumping to the ground was the body of a soldier. The vampire brushed past, snatching an Austra Crescent Saber (언월도) from a soldier, fiercely stamping the ground, soaring high into the sky. Terms and Translation Explanation: - Zhongyuan(중원): Translated to "Central Plains", an indication of the broader region referenced, often associated with China. - Da Wei(대월): Direct transliteration, possibly referring to a fictional state in the story. - Vampire(흡혈귀): Direct translation, retaining its mythological context. - Doujing Armor(두정갑): Descriptive choice based on explanation in text. - Austra Crescent Saber (언월도): An alternate translation could simply be "Crescent Moon Blade", keeping spatial context and shape fidelity. There are some elements in the previous translation list that might require revision or expansion based on mentions and context in these passages, particularly further elaboration on equipment terminology and military titles. The figures like Zhongyuan and Da Wei serve as fictionalized geopolitical contexts evident in Korean novels, often paralleling historical connotations. "[This is the chance! Throw the net, throw the net!]" "[Firearm, where is the firearm!]" Throughout history, the net has been the most effective tool for dealing with powerful individuals. Even amidst this massacre, the well-trained elite soldiers cast nets toward the trajectory of the soaring vampire. Believing that the vampire would jump into the net. However. The vampire suddenly stopped in mid-air. Not just stopping, but crouching in an upside-down position. "[It's a real vampire! It's flying! Ahhh!]" "[But it doesn't have its toes inserted in its nostrils! How is this possible!?]" For reference, in Da Wei(대월국), it's said that a yokai-like "makkarong" can only fly if it holds its earlobes with its hands and blocks its nostrils with both big toes. Those not from Da Wei(대월국) might not comprehend why a creature flying in such a manner would be terrifying. Isn't it just ridiculous? People of Da Wei(대월국) would argue. If something in a human shape is flying, covering its ears with its hands and blocking its nostrils with its feet, isn't that frightening? In an instant, the vampire, crouched upside-down in the air, stretches its legs and descends. The net uselessly slices through the air, and not only that, but it also crushes and flattens several soldiers beneath it. However, the soldiers crushed under the net were the lucky ones. Boom! The earth is deeply dented, and soldiers are flung like broken puppets, rolling on the ground. Spitting blood, some clutching broken arms or legs, crying out in pain. And at the center, a vampire kneels with one knee to the ground, supporting itself with one hand. It raises its head abruptly. "[Argh! Die!]" "[This monster, how dare it harm our wonijunmo!]" They say a soldier truly becomes one when they lose a comrade. Soldiers, enraged by the loss of friends, comrades, and fellow soldiers, thrust spears and swing their Crescent Moon Blades(언월도). But the vampire merely stands and crosses its arms over its head. Clang! The Crescent Moon Blades(언월도) clatter against the vampire’s forearms with a loud metallic sound. Countless spearheads embed themselves into the vampire's torso- "[What, what...?]" "[The spears won't pierce! Monster!]" The soldiers wielding the spears are yet to attain the inner strength cultivation that allows mastery of military techniques. Only after cultivating enough strength and stamina to wield heavy military weapons can one handle the Crescent Moon Blade(언월도). The general sighs, watching the scene unfold. The mere strength of the novice soldiers can't even pierce the monster's skin. What an atrocious creature! "[Superior soldiers! We must hold! The vampire is here!]" The general shouts, leading the elite soldiers, the superior soldiers, to the frontline. And the vampire shouts back. "[I am no vampire! I am the mighty bandit supreme, Rice Eater Dodokryun!]" "[Die, vampire!]" "[I said Dodokryun!]" The vampire charges again at the general. However, the seven warriors of Da Wei(대월) have already witnessed the techniques of the enemy, the vampire, Dodokryun. While it can split into eight mirage-like forms, they can anticipate where the vampire’s gaze is directed. It can leap high, flying with incredible speed, but can suddenly flip and change direction mid-air. ...How on earth can they counter this? But retreat is not an option. For the great motherland, for the nation's glory, to repay the great Da Wei(대월) king's mercy. "[Let's go! For His Majesty!]" "[For His Majesty!]" The general shouts valiantly as he charges forth. Following are six superior soldiers. Each silently repeating the conclusions drawn from previous encounters and the beast's slaughter. The huge sword swing holds immense brute force, being as fierce and swift as it is large. Yet, its trajectory is simple and predictable, caution is necessary. The left arm, swinging with the illusion of a massive black hand and a white hand. The black one crushes people. The white one slices them apart. While the black can be blocked and deflected, the white slices through weapons, so it must be avoided at all costs. However, they failed to notice the vampire's eyes glowing more intensely red, or the unseen rotating pattern in its pupils. Blinding Light that Shatters Steel Qi(광요취살강기) is a demonic art, known among the World’s Eleven Great Demon Arts(천하십일대마공), that increases its lethal Qi with every kill. 108 Asura Sword(백팔수라검): A demonic art that intensifies the wildness, covering one in blood, driving madness, and inciting a thirst for slaughter. Also a part of the World’s Eleven Great Demon Arts(천하십일대마공). Thunder Wheel Demonic Catastrophe (전륜마겁): A vicious demonic art, like a rotating saw blade, that leaves irrecoverable wounds. Also (continued) among the World’s Eleven Great Demon Arts(천하십일대마공). Three parts of a demonic art contained in one sword strike. Six Crescent Moon Blades(언월도) collide, thinking they could block as before— Sparks fly as the six Crescent Moon Blades(언월도) are severed. And three heads—or precisely, half-heads falling from corpse remnants lacking anything above their philtrum—drop to the ground. "[How—]" "[I am Dodokryun!]" A beast-like roar. The four remaining warriors see the vampire swinging its sword, the diagonal upper body, and the white, huge hand overlapping behind the arm drawn back. Ah. The three, sliced sideways, spill onto the ground. More accurately, they were two half-torso dismemberment precursors, and one leg-severed lucky survivor. "[No! Eek!]" screams the sole surviving general, extending his Crescent Moon Blade(언월도). Then crash! Purple lightning flashes. Several consecutive jagged purple lightning bolts strike as the general retreats one step with each one. Crash, crash, crash, crash. Eight bolts of lightning, seven steps of retreat. The general collapses to his knees. "[You—.]" The general deeply regrets it. This person is no mere vampire. Could a vampire even be this strong? He should have realized her true identity much earlier. Terms and Translation Explanation: - Dodokryun (도독련): This could be a unique title or alias within the fictional context—translated directly as “Dodokryun”. - Firearm (화창): Reflects a request during the battle, likely for a weapon or method to counter the vampire. - Makkarong (마까롱): Fictional yokai-specific terminology linked with a humorous legend from Da Wei(대월국). - Wonijunmo (원이준모): This term appears to represent an important name or figure, but further context is needed. The depiction of humor within the vampire myth introduces cultural variance, perhaps paralleling real-world superstitions with fictional expositions. Other newly introduced terms remain unique and contextual, broadening the story's diverse portrayal. If only he had realized her true identity earlier...! And then, with a thud, he collapsed, burying his head. "[You are but a BumIn(凡人)...]" A shocking revelation! Unnamed general, you declare her a BumIn, a mere ordinary person, an average being! What kind of absurd notion is this? Ximen Qing, drenched in the rush of battle, paused, and the blue in her eyes subtly returned. It was that shocking. What is this? A farewell? The strongest? BumIn? Even Da Wei’s(대월) soldiers were equally stunned. "[A BumIn, she was a BumIn...!]" "[R-run away! BumIn, we all have to run...!]" "[Ahhh! We're all gonna die! We've heard the name of the BumIn! We've heard the BumIn's name! Dodokryun was a BumIn! The BumIn's name was Dodokryun!]" "[No! Don't say that name! Ahhh! I didn't hear anything!]" The fearless soldiers who had charged forth in rage over the death of their comrades suddenly turned and fled. BumIn! In Da Wei's(대월) language, it's pronounced "PhumNyeon"! And PhumNyeon was the name of the most feared yokai in Da Wei(대월국). So feared that that very name was erased from existence, only to be referred to as a mere ordinary person. And if any of them survived to return, Da Wei(대월국) would remember the sinister name of Dodokryun, as the rebirth of the world's most dreaded yokai, BumIn. Yet, Ximen Qing, who could speak the Da Wei(대월) language but was clueless about their culture, was utterly baffled. What on earth is this? Terms and Translation Explanation: - BumIn(凡人): Directly translates to "ordinary person" or "commoner". Alternatively, it can encapsulate the idea of "mortal" or "mundane being". Given the dramatic depiction, it carries a menacing, feared mythological context within the fictional narrative. - PhumNyeon (팜년): This is the Da Wei(대월) pronunciation of "BumIn", symbolizing a mythical yokai feared to extinction, effectively combining mundane meaning with cultural fear. The scene cleverly associates a mundane term with fearsome mythology, highlighting cultural disparities and misconceptions. This requires additional context regarding "BumIn" as a yokai concept to enrich understanding. The comedic impact is retained, showcasing Qing's confusion and the soldiers' societal horror.