840 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

The sworn enemy has made quite an audacious entrance. Both the elders surrounding Qing and the Master of the Odok Clan, Hu Tianchi, were left speechless. In this situation, what could they possibly say? In the midst of their headquarters, there's someone in rags, greedily devouring porridge from a pot tucked under their arm. What words could adequately describe this scene? Thus, by the time Hu Tianchi was barely able to utter a word, Qing had already taken more than ten spoonfuls. “...What exactly are you trying to do?” Qing scrunched up her face. “What, a beggar? Is a person standing and eating considered a beggar? Is it okay to look down on people like this? What do you think you are, some sort of high-ranking person? Just because you're high-ranking, can you dismiss people like this? Wow. Chomp chomp. Mmm, gulp. Tastes good.” “...” Hu Tianchi massaged his forehead. The words he wanted to say were all tangled, blocking his throat. So he held back for now. “Is this your first time seeing someone eat? Is this some sort of spectacle? Or are you hungry too? Hum, this is mine, alright? Take care of your own business, handle it yourself, got it? If you're hungry, cook something up yourself.” “...” Hu Tianchi held back once more. He truly wanted to unleash a torrent of curses and kill her on the spot, but he couldn't. Because there was a matter of decorum. One might wonder what value this decorum holds, but for a martial artist, it is a significant concern. For instance, a sect’s enemy must maintain a level of decorum. Whether they are a powerful adversary, or possess low cunning, regardless, a sect's enemy should be extraordinary. Yet the sect's enemy is this beggarly figure in tattered clothes? Shamelessly holding a large iron pot on the street and noisily gorging herself while sitting, no, standing? If such a laughable individual were the enemy. If the foe the sect grinds their teeth against and sells their future to eliminate is such a bizarre woman? Wouldn't that mean the sect itself is lower than that being? Even killing her in this situation is problematic. At best, they would only surpass that as just worse villains. bWpnL1VNWWVlR0h2N0IyVWd5ZUJTeDFGakdNRlV0VGlwQS92S1ZtUGJXMjFtamJSek40RFp2UFVNUHM3K2Vqdw As they say in Qing's hometown. A mid-sized company sacrifices everything, selling off assets, headquarters, cars, betraying the nation, and abandoning family to fuel their vengeance, vowing to revenge with all their power. But what if the said enemy would naturally die a lonely death, being merely an alcoholic homeless? Even if you win, it's ridiculous; if you lose, it's even worse. The entire world would just laugh. Would this seem like a solemn revenge wrought by investing a group’s future to the last? Thus, the Master of the Odok Clan saw through Qing's intentions accurately. Every time she used a pseudonym, her behavior was so feather-light and absurd. What about those slain by such a character? It's merely a parallel to a pathetic death. By lowering one's dignity, the opponent's demise becomes disgraceful and empty—truly a pathetic death. However, she's holding on surprisingly well... Should I provoke her more? Qing flicked her tongue, reminiscent of hell’s tongue; the infamous invisible poison certified by Tangmen. “Oh my. Watching people eat like beggars. This indeed makes one feel sympathetic. Ah, do you want it that badly? You can't resist just because you've spotted food? Who knew the Odok Clan was a gathering of beggars? Here, I'll share a bit, but you're beggars, so no bowls needed, right? Hold out your hands, line up, please.” It was a terribly humiliating insult not just to individuals but the entire clan as beggars. Moreover, offering to share? Telling them to hold out their hands? To receive it over their death palms? “You, you brat!” Finally, one of the elders exploded. Qing's ears perked up, ready to act innocently, yet poised to crush them with her cooking pot, thinking that’s a good picture— The plan was sound, but Odok Clan was a specialist in poisons, known for attacking from afar rather than close combat. The elder frantically waved both arms. Spinning in place like a dance, his arms drew large circles, fiercely flicking his hands to send concealed weapons flying on all trajectories. But, for a middle-aged man’s dance, well... when Nanah did it, the dance line was considered very elegant, but what is this, a game show? Qing grabbed the iron pot with both hands, manipulating it. No matter how low-skilled by Qing's standards, they wouldn't easily penetrate a cast iron pot like that. However, it's also a matter of angles. When angled correctly against the edge of the round Chinese wok, throwing the concealed weapons causes them to slide along its curve, slipping into the thick rice porridge. Of course, Qing didn’t forget to rotate the pot to prevent the porridge from spilling. With the clanging sound of the iron pot, the incessant concealed weapons vanished within the porridge. “Stop! Elder Sang! Stop it!” Hu Tianchi's shout halted the elder. Once the concealed weapon bombardment ended, Qing tucked the rice porridge pot back under her arm. And, with an air of nonchalance, spooned it up again. “Wow, oh, adding poison makes it spicier. Chomp chomp, gulp. Honestly, eating only rice porridge was getting tedious, thank you for the seasoning.” Qing took another huge spoonful with the oversized spoon, opening her mouth wide, chomping down, then chomp chomp, gulp. Poof! A small throwing knife the size of a finger clattered to the ground. “But the bits are somewhat hard. I can't eat this. Hmm, it should be spicier, is there anyone else willing to throw more?” “...” An uncomfortable silence hung among the group. Though enraged, what Qing displayed was no less than a divine skill, truly living up to the name "divine." --- ### New Terms: - **Odok Clan (오독문)**: Translated as Odok Clan. Given as their name and for unique faction/title representation. - **Hu Tianchi (후천치)**: Kept as Hu Tianchi for consistency and context relevance. The name sounds like a native name and maintains cultural context. - **Sang Elder (상 장로)**: Translated as Elder Sang for ease of reference and for proper naming structure. - **Invisible Poison Certified by Tangmen (당가 인증의 무형지독)**: This term refers to a special kind of poison associated with Tangmen (a martial arts sect known for their expertise in poison and hidden weapons), translated to capture their notorious skill set. ### Explanation: - The original text paints a scene with comedic undertones, where the protagonist Qing, in a seemingly absurd situation, manages to demonstrate superiority, deriding an enemy with wit and skilfully handling what could have been an attack. The target of Qing’s ridicule is attacked verbally and physically with crafted sarcasm. Such a scene requires a translation that respects the comedic context while maintaining the subtle martial arts prowess showcased. - The playful exchange and wordplay involved (like forcing foes into beggar actions), showcases Qing's mocking status and skill. To think Qing could receive flying hidden weapons with the edge of an iron pot and then proceed to eat porridge riddled with those toxins? Was she some sort of 'Immune to All Poisons' being? Hu Tianchi broke the silence. “Heavenly Sword Flower.” “I’m not the Heavenly Sword Flower, you see? I'm the Great Supreme Bandit Master, Do Deok-ryeon. Ahem, the one enjoying the rice. Don’t you see I’m eating rice here? Yum, hmm, delicious.” “Enough with the trivial mockery. There’s no need for you to feign ignorance any longer; I already know your true identity.” Hu Tianchi’s voice lowered, and Qing paused for a moment, thinking she might as well have 'seriousness' written in calligraphy on her face. Provocation wouldn't work here; Hu Tianchi's intuition as the master of deadly poison sensed as much. I must draw them down to the level of farce and absurdity I embody, but if they’re so resolute in holding their composure… I expected an immediate violent charge, but they surprisingly chose to remain quite composed... "By now, the poison should have permeated your spine. How much longer can you last? Will you succumb to death with such ridiculous pretences?" The poison was presently being indulged upon by her pet liquor jar, relishing a grand feast. Who in the world could have anticipated this? Not even in jest could this be predicted. With that, Qing let out a theatrical sigh. Alright, then, I’ll push from another angle. “Why go to such lengths? Are you really tearing up your entire sect just to capture one like me? Are you burning the whole foundation of your sect?” “We’re merely doing what must be done.” “Ah, well said. I, too, merely did what must be done. I’m here in no small part because I got rid of those who plagued innocents with poison. Is that so reprehensible as to warrant this rage?” Qing rattled off words at speed. “Honestly, shouldn’t your Odok Clan be thankful to me? Shouldn’t I be hailed as a benefactor for removing the dregs from your sect? You should erect a statue of me by your gate and bow to it every time you pass. Thank you for dealing with the stubborn fools who would drag the Odok Clan to ruin. Right?” “Dregs, you say.” “What, is it not true? You acknowledge this, right? As a matter of humanity, this should be recognized. If you kept such individuals as top disciples, it’s a miracle your sect lasted this long. I saved the Odok Clan once. Do you concede?” But Hu Tianchi managed a wry smile. “Dregs, you say. Fair enough, one might think that.” “Eh?” “Do you wish to argue right from wrong? The Sichuan land originally belonged to our Miao tribe, and you Han invaded, committing a merciless massacre. Our ancestors were tragically chased into these barren woods, struggling to establish themselves through countless tears of blood. Do I need to elaborate?” Well, you just did. Qing couldn’t help but scoff. “So, because it was originally your territory, it’s okay to kill those who live there now, deeming them invaders? The residents of Sichuan, being descendants of invaders?” “To us, indeed. Perhaps not to you Han. So, even if you declare it dregs, I shall not refute.” “Care to offer a justification?” “Justification. Even if this were all a dream and I could return to that time, I’d make the same decision. Of course, that’d be after you have left Sichuan.” “So, what are you trying to say? It’s neither an excuse nor wrong, both being true, what is it?” “Simply, that's the world.” Hu Tianchi's eyes held a clarity, despite being clouded with malice. Hu Tianchi was a half-poisoned man. The poison had infiltrated his spine, causing every drop of blood in his body to flow with venom. But being only half-poisoned, the balance was precarious, like a cracked jar ready to shatter at any moment. And now, there was no turning back. There was already too much anger, and having stirred the poison, balance had broken, venom practically streaming from his eyes. Hu Tianchi, too, couldn’t escape death. He was close to being already dead. And knowing this, he chose to accept becoming half-poisoned. Hu Tianchi’s gaze passed over each of the Odok Clan elders. In return, the expression on the elders of the Odok Clan started to show a growing resolve. “You’re expected to survive until the end and achieve vengeance. But I refuse to survive pathetically while striving for revenge.” For the sake of the fallen kin, I’ll refuse to contrive a life but will fiercely rush towards death. Even if there’s an afterlife, even if it’s said to be hell where evil suffers, I shall laugh and speak proudly. For the sake of vengeance, we gave our all; whether successful or failed, why would the Odok Clan’s departed have any reason to be angry? “The Odok Clan has chosen this end. Here, right and wrong are insignificant.” It’s purely a matter of grudge. Hu Tianchi continued with fortitude. “Martial artists are beings that amass grudges; therefore, they stake their lives on revenge. This is how we martial artists live; the chains of grudges, the cycle of revenge sustains Murim. What problem does this pose?” Only then did Qing understand the Odok Clan's dogged persistence, the blind malice that tenaciously clung to obstructing even as they were dying, unafraid of death. The Odok Clan didn’t deny the cycle of grudges and revenge, revenge birthing more revenge in endless cycles. Perhaps as the Odok Master stated, the development of martial arts, and Murim, evolved into something stronger to protect oneself and loved ones from each other's grudges. They didn’t regard this cycle as bad or unjust. Nor did they utter the oft-heard platitude about breaking the chain with forgiveness without thought. They simply accepted it. And committed their lives to it. "If your master, your senior disciples, or your own disciples were brutally slain, would you investigate their actions or pursue revenge against the murderer?" "I..." Qing trailed off, falling into a reflective silence. She scratched the back of her head in frustration. "Ah, damn it. Is this even right?" Qing placed the porridge pot she had been holding under her arm on the ground. She then unfastened the water pouch hanging at her hip, and poured the water she had filled at the cooking tent over her head. Using one hand, she scrubbed her face vigorously, the squeaky, abrasive sound of skin rubbing against skin filled the air. It was now dusk, and the surroundings had darkened. Suddenly, the dusk-lit campsite seemed to brighten considerably. As she wiped away the grime masking her face, a beauty contesting for the top in the world revealed itself, her radiant beauty illuminating the scene like morning light. Qing let out a deep sigh. "I am Ximen Qing, a martial artist. What transpired in Sichuan was a necessary punitive act, and I harbor not a shred of regret, for it was the right thing to do. So, stand down. Otherwise—" Of course, those who resolved themselves to revenge through death wouldn’t simply retreat. Qing drew her sword from her waist and pointed it with determination. "We’ll resolve this through the ways of Murim." --- ### New Terms: - **Murim(무림/武林)**: Translated as Murim, it refers to the mystical martial world or community. It is kept in its original form to honor its cultural significance with no direct translation that truly encapsulates its depth. - **Ximen Qing(서문청/西門慶)**: Her full name is given here to re-emphasize her identity and authority within the martial world. ### Explanation: - In this passage, Ximen Qing reveals her true identity, lifted the facade she had been behind, using her appearance as a metaphorical reveal of her true nature and intent. The dramatic unveiling signifies an assertion of power and righteousness that aligns with her self-proclaimed identity as a martial artist executing justified retribution in Sichuan. - The passage reflects a thematic transition from playful mockery to solemn confrontation, highlighting the tension between personal grievance and collective justice within the martial arts narrative. The tone shifts from levity to gravity, fitting the context of addressing the importance of just conducts aligned with martial honor and ethics.