858 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

At this point, Qing slipped into their conversation quietly. "Alright, enough of this. Isn't it quite the effort to suppress malevolent energy?" The reason for posing a question was simple: Qing didn't really know. Supposedly, there's a way using inner strength, but it's not like Qing had ever suppressed malevolent energy before. Even if deceiving, avoiding lies whenever possible. Not that there was a special reason to adhere to this, but somehow, lying felt fundamentally wrong at the moment, more like something Qing just didn't want to do. Why? Because I'm the embodiment of lies? No, let's not think about it—I almost felt gloomy there. Fortunately, there was an irritating wretch right in front of me who was perfect for a change of mood. "Anyway, enough with the chatter. If I keep talking, I feel like I'll get poisoned, seriously." "What? You're already poisoned! And you're the ones doing all the talking!!" "Well, whatever. Does it really matter? So, if you have what we've prepared, stop dragging your feet and bring it out already. You're not killing us right away because you want something, aren’t you? So, what is it?" "...Watch your mouth. I could kill you all right now." The sub-leader growled. Indeed, there was something prepared. But being pressured to reveal it brought about a feeling of defeat, as if this wasn't the atmosphere they had wanted. "Well, I'm watching my mouth. How can I be more careful here? Should I be more formal? Ah, esteemed Blood Cult emissary! May I respectfully ask about the plan you have prepared for us humble folk?" "Emissary? If you're going to be formal, do it right! Isn't that too small in scope?" "Heh, esteemed elder, if I raise you to 'Your Majesty', wouldn't that be treason? It's not something to joke about." "That's true. But then, how many times do we need to ask, and in what manner? May I ask if I may ask to ask? Then what's the answer? Yes, then may I ask if I may ask again... yes, feel free to ask again..." It was a horrifying scene with two mouths of terror. The sub-leader shouted out. "You bastards! Do you want to die!?" "Of course not. Is there anyone in this world who wants to die?" "One couldn't say there aren't any. There may be those who genuinely want to die." "But elder, I believe that even such people desperately wish to live, and have hope to live; they only earnestly believe such thoughts due to their overwhelming and difficult circumstances." "Ha, that's quite an insightful answer. I never expected you to have such depth, surprisingly and astonishingly. They say even a stray dog has something to learn from." "What is this? Is it a compliment? Is it really a compliment? Even Confucius said there's something to learn from everyone, but he never mentioned stray dogs. It feels a bit off." "Do you think Master Confucius had a normal personality? If so, he would have said, 'It would be bothersome for disciples to write it down verbatim, so they refined it.'" Bam! The sound of a fist slamming the table. This was the sub-leader’s drastic measure to cut off the flowing conversation once more. Of course, it came loaded with a fair share of personal anger, too. "Enough! Haha, you guys seem to get along so well, but let's see how long that lasts. Hahaha." Qing and Gilun thought simultaneously. He's forcing a laugh. "Blood Cultist. You seemed to have forced a laugh just now. Am I right? Of course, it's not a bad attitude since they say a smile brings fortune, but somehow it seems pitiful. Never thought I'd feel pity for the human dregs of the Blood Cult in my life. It's astonishing." No, Gilun didn't just think it but uttered it aloud. At that, Qing felt an inexplicable sense of defeat. Ah, I am really lacking... I must strive forward... And the feeling of competitiveness surged along. Though I may lag in martial arts, I can't lose in stinging words. I am the acknowledged Immaterial Poison by the Tang Clan, so it's unacceptable to let my tongue be defeated, for the honor of the Tang Clan who vouched for me. If the Tang Clan heard, they might feel it's unfair and outrageous, but they did say "Immaterial Poison." "Shut up! You, you dog-like bastard, what kind of person treats someone like a fool with extra grace, ha, let's see how long you can keep that composed face—look, here's the antidote." The sub-leader slammed a pill onto the hopelessly messy table. Then he placed a jade bottle beside it. "This is Danmae Goreyeon, an extremely toxic substance. It's not comparable to the Severing Lineous Toxin, but Danmae Goreyeon is a blood poison, tricky to suppress. It means that even a highly skilled individual would be unlikely to survive if they drank this while poisoned with the Severing Lineous Toxin. And this—" "Wait. I have a question. You mentioned even a highly skilled person, but what if it's someone in the Profound Realm?" "Well, it might take a long time to detox them, but how common are Profound Realm experts... no, shut up! I'll tear your mouth apart!" "Darn, why just pick on me." "They're picking because you seem easy, don't they?" "But elder, you can't do that. In the martial world, we say to be wary of the elderly, children, women, and beggars. Being easy isn't being wary." "How could the unskilled human dregs of the Blood Cult know such things. Thus, learning is important for a person—" "Damn it! Stop already! We might just kill you if this continues! When you're given a chance, behave! Please! Oh!? Just shut up already!! I didn’t ask for much!! Shut up! Please! Shut uuuuup!!!" Finally, the sub-leader erupted. Given the circumstances, one could say they managed well until now. "Huff, huff. Damn it. If it weren’t for the Heavenly Sword Flower." Qing and Gilun exchanged looks. Qing communicated with a glance. Elder, perhaps we shouldn't provoke more here. Gilun acknowledged with a look of understanding. He then opened his lips, only for Qing to desperately shake her head. No, he didn’t get it at all. Seeing that, Gilun closed his mouth once again. **Terms**: - **Gilun**: 길운 - New character introduced, denoted male by "he". - **Danmae Goreyeon**: 단애절연 - Translated as "Danmae Goreyeon", references an extremely toxic substance. Could be simply referred to in the context as "Toxic Danmae Potion". - **Severing Lineous Toxin**: 멸선지독 - Directly translated implies a toxin that extinguishes a line or boundary, translated as such. Another interpretation could be "Line Extinguishing Poison". - **Blood Cultist**: 혈교도 - Refers to the members of the Blood Cult; used as is for context, could also be translated as "Blood Cult Follower". - **Human Dregs**: 인간 말종 - Used to denote someone viewed as scum or trash, directly translated to capture the derogatory and dismissive tone. **Context**: - Qing's thoughts indicate a struggle with honesty and a personal code against lying, adding depth to her character. - A verbal exchange showcasing the spirited witty back-and-forth between characters, a reflection of camaraderie and rivalry. - The sub-leader's gruff demeanor and forced humor relay the tension and underlying stakes. **Changes**: - "Severing Lineous Toxin" and "Danmae Goreyeon" introduced new lore elements and a deepened portrayal of Qing's character concerning navigating conflicts verbally, which contributes to the story's unfolding dynamics. "Here lies both the poison and the antidote. You must choose between them. However, there's only one antidote, so one of you will have to face unbearable agony, longing for death as you perish." Ah, so this is what they were aiming for. Qing understood immediately. The classic scenario of saying only one will survive and now you must fight each other to the death. It’s meant to lead to all sorts of desperate, ugly behavior, all for the amusement of the villain watching with a satisfied smile. You know, the usual thing. But it seemed they picked the wrong opponents. "Give the antidote to the Heavenly Sword Flower." "No, you there, steward, bring that poison here immediately. It belongs to me." "What are you talking about? If one has to leave, it should be in the order we came. What’s the point of surviving by devouring a junior? It would only lead to doom, being beaten to death by Grandmother." "Even if there's an order to appearing, there's no order to leaving, is there? You’re of a senior age, so surely you should have the good stuff." A heartwarming scene, where they were both volunteering to give up the antidote. However, there was an ease to their attitude, as if they were merely offering up a nourishing tonic, which made sense since one was immune to poison, and the other could detoxify even the most potent toxins. Though, in Gilun's case, things were a bit different. Under the influence of such a severe poison, adding another poison would be overwhelming, even for someone in the Profound Realm. Just suppressing the poison alone would be a monumental effort. Moreover, the adversaries included one mere scum from the Blood Cult, and four terrifying monstrosities from the Blood Cult. Though the scum was merely a novice at the Pinnacle Realm, the formidable Poison Blood Beast of the Blood Cult was literally a creature with poison coursing through its veins. Even a master in the Profound Realm would have to risk becoming crippled due to the poison's aftereffects if they fought in this condition. However, having seen the Heavenly Sword Flower in person, the sacrifice seemed worthwhile for the sake of the Orthodox Murim. In this situation, the Heavenly Sword Flower must be sent out, unharmed. Though, in the worst case, if martial arts were lost or life was forfeited, such an individual wouldn’t abandon the grace of Dianchang, so even that would be alright. Gilun made up his mind. Once the Heavenly Sword Flower consumed the antidote, they would immediately rise and take care of the malicious adversaries. Unaware that the sharp blade was already looming over his neck, the sub-leader let out a deep sigh. "I knew it. You Orthodox bastards, filthy wretches. Your compassion always only benefits your kind." Then, the sub-leader drew out yet another pill from his pocket. Now, there were two antidotes and one extreme poison. "Here, there's another antidote. There's enough for both of you." "What is this? Were you moved? Seeing them give up their lives, was it heartwarming? Steward, are you some kind of mountain deity or perhaps a magical spirit, about to return them a bundle of golden and silver axes just because we tossed one in?" "Does such a story exist in Zhongyuan folklore? But why throw an axe to a mountain deity in the first place? However, avenging malice with goodness? Indeed, just like crafting axes from gold and silver and returning them. Though they appear the same, the intent embedded within differs. A sword that brings life and a sword that brings death; a notion worth pondering." Does it really go that way? They say you see what you know, so perhaps a master of the Profound Realm finds path (道) in even nonsensical words. "*Sigh.* Enough of this. You two just take the antidote already." The sub-leader seemed utterly drained. This made Qing a bit disappointed. Hmm, while the elder possesses an impressive skill in provoking as much as in his martial achievements, he kept it going endlessly. Excess is as bad as shortage. Knowing exactly when to stop and adjusting accordingly to the situation keeps the opponent perpetually irritated. Hmm, the elder's tongue isn't as sharp as mine yet. And according to the principle of Immaterial Poison, sometimes you must give the opponent what they wish to hear. Like right now. "But now you're saying you'll give us the antidote? Isn’t that suspicious instead? How are we supposed to trust what’s in this, whether it’s medicine or poison?" With that, the sub-leader's sagging shoulders returned to their place. His eyes glinted anew, and a vile smile crawled back onto his lips. "Heh, it is indeed an antidote. Just laced with solitary poison. Overcome poison with poison; there's no better tool for dealing with you Orthodox trash than yourselves. Hehe." The sub-leader was now letting out a laugh drenched in malice, his spirits truly revived. Seeing Gilun foolishly about to open his mouth, Qing urgently used telepathy to stop him. Wait!! Elder!! Just hold on!! And now wearing a resolute expression. "Hah, is the choice really to ingest solitary poison rather than die?" "Well, this is your wretched alliance's only path to survival. If you refuse, I’ll kill you right here and now." "You despicable...!" "Heh, so now you grasp your situation?" The sub-leader was brimming with confidence, his spirits rejuvenated. "The pain from the solitary poison is a hundred times more excruciating than any torment you can imagine. You might play the gallant swordsman for now, but do you think any of those who've faced this haven't ended up begging for mercy, clinging to someone's leg as they wept?" "You can't know until it happens." Qing feigned a frustrated expression. Indeed, the sub-leader's cheeks rose as he grinned broadly— "Hehe. But why are you so silent now? Not in the mood to flap that dog-like mouth of yours?" "Hmm. Living is much better than dying. So, should I take it now?" "Heh, you acted unfazed, but in the end, you’re desperate to live, aren't you? Hahaha!" Now the sub-leader had burst into genuinely hearty laughter, the kind that wells up from deep within. However, one fundamental truth of Zhongyuan remains. Solitary poison doesn’t work against someone at the Profound Realm. **Terms**: - **Solitary Poison**: 고독 - Direct translation captures its literal meaning. A type of poison focusing on isolation or singularity. Could also be conceived as "Lone Poison." - **Mountain Deity**: 산신령 - Translated directly since it's recognizable within Korean folklore, often representing a guardian spirit of the mountains. - **Steward**: 점소이 - Used to denote a servant or attendant within a restaurant or a tavern context, translated based on contextual use. **Changes/Context**: - The sub-leader's manipulation of the antidotes and poisons portrays typical villainous conduct, adding to the tension and moral examination for the protagonists. - Qing and Gilun's camaraderie and willingness to sacrifice for one another, juxtaposed with the sinister motives of the sub-leader, reveal complex character dynamics and ethical dilemmas. - The commentary on provocation methods showcases an understanding of both martial adeptness and verbal dexterity as vital skills within the story's martial world. Before the Solitary Poison could even take effect, it would be completely incinerated using the exquisite technique of Sammae's True Fire. Perhaps because of this, a hint of disdain lingered in Gilun's gaze as he looked at the sub-leader. **Terms**: - **Sammae's True Fire**: 삼매진화 - Translated as "Sammae's True Fire," referring to a highly advanced martial technique involving the use of an intense, purifying flame to neutralize threats or substances, such as poison. It signifies complete mastery over fire-based techniques, particularly in the martial arts context. **Context**: - The description implies that Gilun possesses a high level of mastery in martial arts, enabling him to neutralize poisons effectively, specifically through the use of a specialized fire technique. This puts into perspective his indomitable skill against the seemingly dire situation presented by the sub-leader. - The hinted disdain reflects Gilun's confidence in his abilities, aware that the sub-leader's threats are futile against him. This dramatic irony adds a layer to the tension as it showcases Gilun's hidden power, unbeknownst to his adversaries. - **Sub-leader**: The role of the antagonist here is underscored, displaying their ignorance of Gilun's capabilities, thus highlighting their misplaced confidence. It also emphasizes the dynamic of underestimated foes capable of surprising strengths.