856 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

Qing began to speak candidly about the rumors surrounding Merchant Jong's suspected madness. Gileun stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Hmm. It's quite ambiguous. Isn’t it uncertain?” It seemed that while Merchant Jong was indeed a notorious killer, it wasn't clear if his madness was hereditary. It might be nothing more than the eccentric hobby of a wealthy local magnate, and perhaps Merchant Jong simply learned from watching his father’s peculiar pastimes. “Moreover, according to what I’ve heard earlier, the child realized the futility of harboring resentment and resolved matters through forgiveness. Even if there was madness, they’ve probably learned to control it by now. Hah...” A profound sense of regret lingered in Gileun’s voice. Hmm, but shouldn’t you be speaking of this with a tone of appreciation instead of regret? Or should the child have taken a knife and killed the adulterers outright? Upon rethinking, it almost feels more manly and befitting of a martial artist, doesn’t it? “Well, the story is pitiful anyway. For now, observe the potential, and if it seems promising, take them as a disciple and keep an eye on them.” To put it in terms of Qing's hometown, the Dianchang Sect was akin to a major corporation ranking within the top nine. The Five Great Noble Clans were like family corporations, admitting only family members or adopted ones, thus making them an exception from the start. Incidentally, the term “disciple” was not originally part of the hierarchical ranks among the traditional sects, akin to what one might call the fourth generation of disciples. What was this hierarchy, then? It was the internal hierarchy formed between master and disciple within a sect. Centered on the Sect Leader and Elders, their disciples were known as first-generation disciples. These first-generation disciples would teach another group, becoming second-generation. And as the second-generation taught their disciples, the third generation came into being. Eventually, when a Sect Leader retired, and a first-generation disciple succeeded them, the hierarchy would ascend a level. The Sect Leader rank would become a Senior Leader, the first generation would become Sect Leaders, the second generation would rise to the first, and the third to the second. Hence, second-generation disciples would be responsible for their own followers, birthing the third-generation disciples. That was how it used to be. While the Murim Alliance was initially a circle of righteous sects, it eventually solidified into a combined association, tackling different hierarchies among varying sects to avoid tangled genealogies. When peers are ranked above as adults while others are below, and this applies not just to one person but the entire cohort? And it extends further, even between different generations? Thus, though unofficially, hierarchies began to align clandestinely. One might argue it compromises genealogy, but the older martial artists and senior ranks were the most satisfied with this arrangement. Especially the Sect Leader hierarchy. The Sect Leader and Elders handle the practical affairs of the sect, but they also bear the critical responsibility of teaching the most significant members, the first-generation disciples. Until when should this burden endure? Until the Sect Leader passes or becomes incapacitated by old age. However, now it’s just a matter of enduring. With endurance spanning roughly fifteen years per generational split, a future of dreamlike leisure unfolds. Thanks to this, the role of disciples emerged as a talent nurturing system, training younger followers too young to join the third generation awaiting succession. “Oh, is Dianchang Sect willing to take me in?” “If they lack talent, no. Though it is the Great Dianchang, we can’t just accept anyone, can we?” Hmm, speaking so openly about these views... Any sect might internally believe the same, yet outwardly emphasize noble spirit and inner cultivation. To some, entrusting children to someone like him might be questionable. However, for the Jong brothers, Qing's offer was nothing short of immense grace, deserving deep bows or even pledges to serve her like their mother. Dianchang Sect was unlike any ordinary sect. It was, in the context of Qing’s hometown, a major corporation. Not just any corporation, but among the greatest globally. This was akin to bypassing all application documents to head straight to an interview with top-tier connections. Considering Zhongyuan’s (Central Plains) cultural emphasis on reputation, being accepted unless entirely lacking talent meant the same. Truly remarkable connections! Unquestionably special treatment! “Yet Odo Clan meets its end like this. Such a pity.” At that, Qing flinched. In truth, it was Qing who had long ago exterminated the Odo Clan, eradicating a sect entirely. As Qing cautiously scanned the atmosphere. “Um, are you sorry about that? From the tales, their actions were far worse than any unorthodox faction.” “Hmm? Now that I think about it, I’m not sorry.” “Huh?” “I misspoke. It’s not that I’m sorry, or, is it?” “Are you sorry or not?” “Hm. To erase a sect with such a profound history by my own hand, since Odo was one of the oldest sects in Zhongyuan, wasn’t it?” “Was the Odo Clan really that old?” “Previously known as Odo Union, it was an alliance of five Miaozu tribes in Sichuan. Didn’t they always claim that Sichuan was rightfully theirs, lost to the Zhongyuan people? They date back to the early Song Dynasty in Sichuan, so at least over six hundred years old? With that as the minimum, unless it’s Shaolin Temple, there wouldn’t be older sects.” The monks from Shaolin always pridefully claim the thousand-year history of Shaolin, though it’s modest. Shaolin’s history dates over a thousand and one hundred years from the foundation of the previous Shaolin School. Calling it eleven hundred years old sounds awkward, though. Gileun added with a broad grin. “Or our Dianchang Sect, perhaps.” I suppose this was the conversation he intended. The oldest sect in the martial world is obviously Shaolin, being the origin of all martial arts, with Shaolin's influence at its roots. Above it stood Dianchang Sect. New Terms: - Merchant Jong(상인 종씨): Translated as "Merchant Jong" retaining the hierarchical surname. - Jong brothers(종씨 형제들): "Jong brothers" is used in line with the naming convention for family names. - Dianchang Sect(점창파): Translated directly as "Dianchang Sect". - Zhongyuan(중원): Kept as "Zhongyuan" with a brief contextual explanation as "Central Plains" indicating the cultural center of martial arts. In this passage, it is evident that Gileun shows some regret over not being able to act according to his perception of proper martial resolve. This internal struggle is humorously highlighted by Qing. The deep-rooted hierarchical traditions within sects are compared to corporate structure, adding layers of societal commentary. No changes to the pre-existing list seem necessary as no additional hanja for names were revealed. The text already associates characters accurately with their titles and affiliations. It's commonly known that the Dianchang Sect originally hailed from Dali, under the Dali Kingdom, hence not being part of the Zhongyuan martial history proper. “Thus, I must be cautious. Ending such a long history is, despite sides, a truly regretful act for any martial artist. Hmm? Or is it? Simultaneously, if Gileun here put an end to the long history of the Odo Clan, it is a rather pleasing notion.” Qing understood the character of the Sword of Dianchang, a martial artist who had reached a mysterious level. Gileun seemed to be the type to speak first and ponder later, a notion Qing had to restrain, though Gileun would’ve laughed heartily regardless. Why would an arrow need a second thought? Once loosed, it should fly straight toward the target. “Still, I need to verify it with my eyes. How about tonight? With the new moon approaching, it’s perfect for slipping over walls.” In addition to his overwhelming action-oriented nature! Let’s infiltrate the Odo Clan tonight to confirm if it's truly a den of the Blood Cult. That's a genuinely good idea. Perhaps this elder is a kindred spirit of mine? “Then, if we need to rise at night, we’d better drink thoroughly and retire early. You, do you drink?” Ah, such an excellent idea? Far from being a kindred spirit, he’s perfectly in tune with me. “Hey! Waiter! Waiter! Hmm? Because it’s the countryside, I suppose? This waiter doesn’t respond despite the calls. Even if they can't come immediately, shouldn’t they reply promptly? Waiter! Waiter!!!” “Elder, you haven't released your chi barrier.” “Oh, right. It’s become a habit. The senior always insists I suppress my voice when speaking publicly, for crying out loud.” “Ah, I see.” If Senior Gileun’s senior is the Sect Leader of Dianchang, Qing could comprehend the earnest request. “Waiter!” -Yes! Coming right away! Just as Shumo’s cat is known in the Western Region, the responding yet unseen waiter is a phenomenon in Zhongyuan. Though the voice responds promptly when a guest calls, it's not confirmed until the waiter is observable. However, considering the inn's current lack of business, one could predict they're actually on their way this time. Am I correct? Creak! Right, as expected. With a somewhat smug expression, Qing watched as the waiter approached, rubbing his hands together with a friendly smile. “Hehe, sir, what shall I prepare for you?” But, the waiter’s face? This isn’t the usual waiter Qing knew. “Oh, where’s the previous attendant?” “Haha, the town’s been quiet lately, you know, so we divided the work. In such times, should some work while others rest forever?” “Hmm.” As Qing examined the waiter, and quickly scanned around overhead, curious about this unusual presence. In truth, a waiter is among the worst of the five lowest professions, 五下 (Hao), often associated with crime. Hao includes coachmen, boatmen, porters, waiters, and traffickers—most of whom frequently engage in banditry. Thus, waiters with a high misdeed rate were surprisingly common. Still, wouldn’t this be excessively high? Typically, a dubious waiter might be found in a cheap inn or suspiciously isolated lodging. Still, this is Jinping's top inn. Waiters with such traits are nearly unheard of here. This is why Qing always opts for the best local inn. Qing’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “So, this waiter seems competent? Yet lacks a fortune mark?” The higher the inn's class, the more they value fortune marks, typically seen large on the waiter's faces. Why don't you have one, then? “Oh my, sir. A fortune mark is a birthright. My fate doesn’t align with that of a waiter. Thank you. Hehe.” His slick, glib response marked him a natural-born waiter. Of course, Qing isn’t one to kill just because someone has a high misdeeds rate, although it justifies it. Rather, it calls for caution. But Qing alone can see these misdeeds. Gileun waved dismissively. “Enough. Bring us some drinks. Ah, and some Three-Flavor Tea, baijiu, huangjiu as well, add grain wine too—you know what I mean?” “Yes, they’ll be up right away.” Soon after, the waiter and inn worker struggled to place the alcohol-laden table on Qing's table. “So, since we’re in Yunnan, we should experience the local customs. This is Three-Flavor Tea.” Accurately, it’s a custom of the Dali people, not merely Yunnan. The first tea served is brewed three times using high-quality green tea from the Tea-Horse Road, thus the name. The initial brew is bitter. In Zhongyuan, the first brew is discarded, but the Bai people savor its bitterness. Naturally, it is bitter. “Is it bitter? That precisely is youth. Bitter, astringent, and challenging, the taste of youth.” For the second brew, honey, walnuts, and other flavors enrich it, an embodiment of the rich happiness of middle age with a family. The third brew is plain and bland—the natural consequence of repeated brewing, mirroring the vague tastes of old age. “Human life is encapsulated here. Oh, have you finished? Then, should we start? Hmm, what’s your choice? Baijiu? Huangjiu?” Pouring grain wine into a bowl, Gileun mixed it with huangjiu, baijiu, honey, and dates, stirring it thoroughly. Ah, seems the elder has a fondness for bombed soju. Somehow, the more I observe him, the less he resembles an elder of the Orthodox faction and more akin to a lovable worker from my hometown—it’s truly uncanny. New Terms: - Dali Kingdom(대리국): Translated directly as "Dali Kingdom," indicating its historical and geographical context. - Hao(하오下五): Retained the Chinese term "Hao" with explanation, referring to the lowest tier professions with high association to criminal activities. - Bai people(백족): Translated as "Bai people," retain the historical ethnic context related to Dali and Tea-Horse Road. - Three-Flavor Tea(삼도차): Directly translated and contextualized to the custom of the Dali people. - Tea-Horse Road: An infamous ancient trade route known for tea transport. This passage compares the strict traditional martial roles to the fluid situational tactics of seasoned practitioners, like Gileun. His humorous, spontaneous nature contrasts against hierarchical martial decorum, portraying him as a disarming, likable elder. Qing's skill in gauging intentions and regard for backgrounds enrich the social context. No changes are needed from the pre-existing list, as the passage enriches existing understanding without introducing contradictory elements. "Come now, it's not proper to refuse the first three drinks. Besides, I've heard Heavenly Sword Flower(天華) is renowned for her drinking prowess. Today, I'll find out if those rumors are true." "Oh, with just the booze here, it might barely make two or three ladles." "Haha, good. Then... yes, how should I put it, I should say a few words." Gileun raised a cup and spoke in a ceremonial tone. "To the Odo Clan." "To the Odo Clan." These are hardly the words one would expect from someone intent on erasing the Odo Clan from existence. However, it's not spoken with malice, but rather out of regret for the demise of a historically rich clan. Meanwhile, the person drinking to this is the very one who obliterated the Odo Clan. If there’s a hell, it’s a scene to drive the Odo Clan to tears of blood, but it serves them right. In any case, Qing drank her cup hastily. There’s no other way to describe her manner but as urgent, prompting Gileun to blink in surprise. “Were you that thirsty? You should have said something.” Qing felt wronged. She was merely concerned about the waiter’s high misdeed rate. A waiter with such a misdeed rate often resorted to spiking drinks or food with poison, either to disable the target to sell off or repurpose with dishonorable intentions. Therefore, Qing’s hurried guzzling of the bombed soju was an act of tasting for poison—known as "Gimi." Gimi refers to the act of tasting food beforehand to check for poison intended for a person of high status. Hmm. No poison. While they might not know my true identity, rumors of my prowess must have spread after the commotion, so they wouldn’t dare try anything. Qing felt reassured. Thus began the pouring and drinking frenzy. Then came the snacks. All the snacks are mine. The elder continued to drink in abundance. Yet, the appetizers were peculiar. Initially, it seemed like ordinary Chinese food, but the more Qing ate, the more a sharp, spicy taste emerged. What is happening? How does something initially without any hint of spiciness become spicy? Even the alcohol started feeling almost like it was spiced. “……?” Qing tilted her head in curiosity. It wasn't just a feeling. The alcohol was genuinely spicy! What’s going on? Why is the alcohol spicy? New Terms: - Gimi(기미): A term referring to taste testing for poison, maintaining the traditional meaning. - Heavenly Sword Flower(천화검): Retained from the list as "Heavenly Sword Flower", acknowledging her renowned skills. In this passage, a mix of humor and wariness unfolds as Qing checks for poisons—a vivid portrayal of the blend between martial world caution and the intriguing interpersonal dynamics in play. The interaction lends a quaint charm to martial dangers while applying traditional practices like "Gimi." Existing character affiliations and terms are consistently represented without contradictions. The humor in suddenly spicy foods and Qing's proactive acts enrich the narrative, emphasizing Qing's wary nature and Gileun's carefree disposition.