859 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

At length, two of the Poison-Blood Hands, who had stood unmoving like corpses on either side of the sub-leader, stepped forward to place pills containing solitude before Qing and Gilwoon. Qing's body possessed transcendent abilities surpassing ordinary humans. Along with her keen sense of smell, much like her strength, Qing detected a faint spicy scent emanating from the Poison-Blood Hands' breath. Hmm, if their breath is laced with poison, they're not really human. Those Blood Cult swine sure create all sorts of strange things. Of course, the Blood Cult might feel this is unfair. A weaker opponent cannot use the same methods as a stronger one to win. For a swordsman to defeat a far superior swordsman, mere dedication to swordsmanship was not enough; other means were needed. Thus, in Zhongyuan, these other means were called sorcery. Means by which a swordsman who had trained for thirty years could be defeated by one who had trained for just ten. In a just and fair world, a ten-year swordsman should never defeat a thirty-year swordsman. (Assuming equal effort and talent.) That would be unfair and unjust. Therefore, it is called sorcery(邪), an unjust method. The Blood Cult was always weak, so they used sorcery. These monsters were also a result of such sorcery. Poison-Blood Hands and their failed creations, Poison Vermin. Blood Demons and their cultivated forms, Blood Fiends, as well as the failures produced along the way... However, being weak doesn't guarantee someone is virtuous. Many mistakenly assumed otherwise without thinking. In any case, Qing didn't know, and it wasn't something she cared to know. Not knowing wasn't something to be embarrassed about when one had no desire to know. Qing picked up the antidote and swallowed it. It melted on her tongue with a bitter taste, followed by a fresh medicinal scent, lingering with the aroma of mint. What could I say, it tastes just like mint chocolate. Hmm, not a bad taste. If someone who knew Qing heard this, they might ask if there's anything that tastes bad that goes into her mouth. The sub-leader's lips twisted into a smirk. Martial artists, especially experts, have this baseless confidence thinking they can escape the abyss of solitude. The pain inflicted by Blood Solitude is something humans cannot endure. Has she not seen several righteous martial heroes sobbing and pathetically begging for mercy like children when facing the torture of solitude? And how exhilarating those scenes were. Come to think of it, they haven't provided such entertainment for a long time. Ever since the second Blood Sect perished, how long has it been? And isn't the Heavenly Sword Flower the enemy of that second Blood Sect? Since she could torment them to death for her fallen comrades, there were many means to turn women into a living hell worse than death. Qing's eyebrows twitched. That bastard has an impure look on his face. Well, thoughts are free, and if he hasn't voiced them out loud, it can't be considered a crime. Moreover, is this really an antidote? Or not? Qing couldn't sense the poison within her body, so she couldn't tell whether the medicine was taking effect. Rather, it seems to be infused with a touch of natural energy because, in this primal ancient Zhongyuan, the plants called herbs contained an ethereal essence of energy. Hmm, free elixir bliss. Although it was lacking in power to be called an elixir, I'd say it's like adding a hint of spiritual herb fragrance? Still blissful. If the alcohol bottle could think, it would undoubtedly shout bliss as well, urging its kin, curled up in a coma, to wake up already. But any way to determine if this is detoxifying or not is lost on Qing, so she checks on Gilwoon’s complexion. If it truly was detoxifying, his expression should visibly ease, right? Oh, so it was the antidote. It wasn't just his expression. "Hmm. The effect is clear, though, seeing that the poison doesn't entirely recede, calling it a suppressant rather than an antidote seems fitting. With the solitude on top of it, it seems the plan is to make you come regularly for suppressants to prevent the poison from exploding, isn't that so?” "Heh, heh, even for a Zhongyuan man, it seems you're quite knowledgeable about poison. Well, if you've gone through the trouble to bind a slave with Blood Solitude, you should at least face them to give orders. Heh heh, although rest assured, I'll make sure to come out discreetly so as not to raise suspicion. Why, are you disappointed?" Though the sub-leader seemed quite pleased. But Gilwoon was equally at ease. "I don't expect anything from a vile human like those from the Blood Cult, so there's no disappointment in not expecting anything. But Blood Cult bastard, when will you reveal who this old man is?” “Even if you pretend to be composed—” “Of course, the Heavenly Sword Flower here is a proud junior, but focusing solely on that leaves me feeling like an old has-been. While the senior seniors may be retired, I'm still a fresh active member." The 'real old seniors' that Gilwoon mentioned referred to figures like Venerable Mushin, Johyeonryang, and also to Ximen Surin, the Supreme Elder lineage of the Murim Alliance. Contrarily, Gilwoon was part of the heading lineage. As such, claiming to be a fresh active member was nothing but the truth, considering he was still being ground down by the sect's duties. And calling them old seniors is fact because they are indeed quite decrepit. However, such statements warrant criticism or a beating. Qing started to become confused. Master Gilwoon, could it be that all this time, you weren't just provoking the enemy, but you are naturally the kind of person who keeps inviting trouble when you speak? Oh, no way. Surely not. "Ha, how long will you maintain such lofty airs, huh, huh, no, since you’ve asked for a beating, don't blame me." Then, the sub-leader glared at Gilwoon with a bright smile, eyes sparkling with anticipation. But it was brief. Soon, a look of confusion spread across the sub-leader's features. "...?" "...?" At this point, Qing understood the situation. The alcohol bottle was convulsing like someone with epilepsy, spewing a hot spicy taste. It was an attack from Blood Solitude. The attack recurred several times, allowing Qing to ponder the question of why she herself remained unaffected after multiple attempts at this occurrence. "Wh-what have you done! Why, how..." **Translated Terms:** 1. Poison-Blood Hands (독혈수) - Translating 독혈수 to Poison-Blood Hands captures the notion of toxicity and hand-related skills. 2. Blood Solitude (혈고독) - Referring to a specific poison known in the narrative for causing excruciating suffering meant to imply loneliness or desolation. 3. Blood Fiends (혈아귀) - Translating 혈아귀, "Blood Fiend," indicates the monstrous result of Blood Demon sorcery. 4. Alcohol bottle (술병이) - While this may refer metaphorically or literally to something within the story, it retained its original concept of an entity containing spirit and eventually losing control. Gender Alignment: Maintained per character requirements. Context Clarification: Blood Cult techniques are considered sorcery due to their unjust nature, contrasting noble martial arts with the use of toxins and improvised means. Feasibility Question: Gilwoon mocks the villainous methods and structure of using poisons, showing disdain and referring to self not as retired like ancient seniors but actively keeping with youthful energy. Adjustments Recommended: Clarification on Gilwoon's relations to senior members can be added, confirming his fresh active duty against elder statesmen like Ximen Surin to add depth to their positions and the way of hierarchy, which better explains his youthful perspective despite older peers. "Though it may be a bit late, let me introduce myself. I'm Gilwoon of the Dianchang Sect, you lowlife of the Blood Cult." The expression on the sub-leader's face shifted in stages. First, there was confusion. Gilwoon? That Gilwoon? The Flashing Sword? One of the ten major experts spoken of in Zhongyuan? Why the Flashing Sword here? Next came understanding. Ah, being a master of the Profound Realm, solitude poisons wouldn't work on him. And finally, astonishment. As the sub-leader met wide-eyed disbelief, Qing could fully understand why a protagonist might hide their strength. Gilwoon's arm moved. He delivered a punch near the ear of one of the Poison-Blood Hands, and when he opened his hand, a chopstick stood upright in its stead. Chopsticks in Zhongyuan were about three times longer than those from Qing's homeland, allowing the Poison-Blood Hand to crumble like a puppet with cut strings, falling partially over the disordered tabletop. Then Gilwoon extended his hand again. One of the chopsticks lying among the scattered dishes gracefully floated up and flew into Gilwoon's grasp. The technique, a telekinetic skill known as Forced Strike Object Motion, permitted moving objects without physical contact and indeed looked quite practical. "Kill him!" hollered the sub-leader, spinning around immediately. Realizing his capabilities were insufficient, he backed away, a gesture that might be called scholarly discretion. Suddenly, a vast sweeping stroke unfolded. A single chopstick wrote a character in the air, 一 (one). To Qing, it just appeared as such. Qing's vision, combined with her extraordinary prowess reaching the Transformation Realm, meant comparing her senses to ordinary human capability was utterly pointless. Even to Qing, a completely formed character stood as if drawn, like sunlight passing through clouds; a phenomenon finalized upon sight. With the Solar Sword technique, the first moment, the Event Horizon(日輸旣現). By the time one perceives sunlight, it has already occurred. In that scene, even the presence of Gilwoon had vanished. This was Sword Harmony, or more precisely, Chopstick Harmony, achieved by merging perfectly with the chopstick itself. Observers of the sight instinctively focused their fear not on the person but on the chopstick, rendering them incapable of directing attention to whoever wielded it, seeing only the chopstick as the primary point of focus. "Argh!" Thus, Gilwoon's image only entered the sub-leader's bewildered gaze after the latter had already fallen and let out cries of pain. A cold shiver passed through Qing's heart. Indeed, she recalled how her master, during past explanations, had asserted that all across the world, Dianchang's mastery in speed was unmatched. "Argh!" Even written out, the words resembled such cries, but were entirely distinct in nature, now issuing from the three remaining Poison-Blood Hands. Ah, right. In the thrill of witnessing something special, Qing had momentarily forgotten. As Qing drew her sword— “Don't use your sword! The creature must not bleed! And hold your breath! Don't inhale!” Gilwoon's stern voice rang out. Ah, so that's why he used chopsticks. It wasn't to showcase that he could kill you with just this simple item. But, well, killing bad guys with something like a pencil ends up looking pretty cool. Though, Qing didn't need a sword to be strong. Qing stretched out her hands toward the Poison-Blood Hands. They mustn't bleed? Then, she simply allowed their heads to twist backward for better viewing from behind. With a delightful crack, the neck of a decapitated Poison-Blood Hand slumped back, yielding no less fascination in the gaze fixed upon Gilwoon. How often does one have the opportunity to witness a master of the Profound Realm performing without any worries? Not even with her master's displays was Qing allowed mere observation, being left to gauge and dodge strikes to avoid excessive beatings. A single character mark was scored twice more, leaving within the hall an unknown lowlife of Blood Cult, and the four remaining Poison-Blood Hands. Qing pressed her foot onto the sub-leader's ankle. Crunching, the sensation of flesh squishing and bone crumbling transmitted delightful fulfillment that defied description. The sub-leader, however, produced no additional screams, for the chopstick had pierced through his spinal column embedded in his neck. Effectively, leaving him wholly paralyzed. Gilwoon shook his head lightly. “Do not let misplaced resentments harbor. Lingering hatred for a finished incident embeds itself in the body, and then pricks yourself. When victorious, let go and forget. Dismantle the bow's string after the hunt, leaving it strung results in warping or breaking.” “Oh, you did just impart wisdom befitting a true sage.” “Hmm? Indeed, I bear the title of sage, even if my appearance doesn't quite match its thematic expectations.” It was an unusual self-admission. R1o1RUY1V2dWdFByellBWDZwUWJGUkxJRmV2WHhHZ0xsUG5iS3pOMGc2d2NjS1hNZncxLzczanphVmdYZGxSRg Qing displayed a grudgingly reluctant smile. “Oh, right. Your wit carries such sharpness it's hardly an attribute befitting a sage, though. You can't resist provoking, can you? Honestly, it's not a good habit, but it's irresistible.” But Gilwoon appeared puzzled. “Hmm? What are you talking about?” “Huh? Weren't you goading them into irritation with your words; you mean, you weren't using the Provoked Decoy Strategy?” “Provoked Decoy Strategy? I merely attempted honorable conversation. I was even considering reforming them, but alas, true to the Blood Cult, their tempers were fiery, tsk tsk, hence the saying 'all the Blood Cult offspring should be eliminated.'" So, you weren't intentionally trying to provoke? Honorable conversation? Reform? Qing narrowed her eyes. Was he being sincere with his remark, or was he jesting facetiously? Regrettably, the former was true. What a surprising revelation! “Elder, have you ever experienced situations where the conversation partner became irate, or suddenly clammed up and walked out?” “Countless times. Unbelievably many people carry such anger. Even those foolish monks supposedly leading lives of asceticism. What a pity. As I mentioned earlier, relinquish the bow string after the hunt, yet there are plenty pulling the string instead.” Hmm. You'd think most might reflect on whether something in their speech needs adjustment, wouldn't you? **Translated Terms:** 1. Flashing Sword (섬광검) - Translating 섬광검 to Flashing Sword captures the imagery of swiftness and agility. 2. Provoked Decoy Strategy (격장지계) - Translating to reflect a strategy of stirring or inciting against the foe for tactical advantage. 3. R1o1RUY1V2dWdFByellBWDZwUWJGUkxJRmV2WHhHZ0xsUG5iS3pOMGc2d2NjS1hNZncxLzczanphVmdYZGxSRg - Appears to be intentional gibberish or a coded message with no clear translatable meaning. 4. Solar Sword Technique (사일검) - Solar Sword Technique emphasizes radiance, likening sword movements to sunlight's illuminating traits. 5. Forced Strike Object Motion (격공섭물) - Describes a telekinetic art form enabling manipulation without touch. Gender Alignment: Maintained per character requirements. Context Clarification: Gilwoon being a member of the Dianchang Sect and one of the top martial experts highlights status and swift combat techniques, also emphasizing philosophical teachings in battle and emotional balance, with unique weapon usage like chopsticks for non-bloodshed. Adjustments Recommended: More context about Zhongyuan chopstick length to convey weapon utility. Also clarify the narrative strategy revealing intentional misunderstandings, enhancing comedic exchanges between Gilwoon and Qing. An unyielding conviction that any issues lie with others rather than oneself—a boldly self-centered worldview. Perhaps it is precisely this disposition that allowed such an Elder to ascend to the Profound Realm. Actually, that is most likely the case. In that moment, as Gilwoon gazed down at the fallen members of the Blood Cult, or more specifically, at their Oblique Order sect uniforms, he sighed deeply before speaking. "Still, you were right. To think the Oblique Order truly became a den for the Blood Cult." **Translated Terms:** 1. Oblique Order (오독문) - Translating 오독문 to Oblique Order captures the notion of a mysterious or possibly nefarious organization as indicated by the context. **Gender Alignment**: Maintained as per the list. **Context Clarification**: The exchange reflects an analysis of self-delusion common at high levels of martial understanding. Gilwoon mentions the Oblique Order being infiltrated by the Blood Cult, indicating a significant threat and deception within the martial world. **Adjustments Recommended**: Additional elaboration on the hierarchical status implications with Gilwoon, reflective of warriors reaching the 'Profound Realm' and the associations with hubris and self-perception.