863 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

Three times a day, Qing supplied meals to the adherents of the Blood Cult(혈교). Their meals, devoid of tastiness, contained such an abundance of good ingredients that it rivaled any top-tier nourishment, except for its taste. Furthermore, these dishes were personally crafted by none other than Qing, the Heavenly Sword Flower, herself. For a wretched wretch of the Blood Cult, it could be said they were living in luxury. "That's quite diligent. Aren't you bothered by it?" "Nah, I've been living for this kind of fun lately. I'm seriously considering reducing the portions to about ten small meals a day. I might grow attached. Is this what it's like to raise a pet? Even weeds become medicinal herbs when nurtured." "Even weeds become medicinal herbs when nurtured..." Giroon stroked his chin. "Even if they're weeds, given affection, they wouldn't envy miraculous herbs. Hmm, I've heard a good story. Of course, how could weeds ever compare to miraculous herbs, but one might use it as an excuse like a failed parent or master. Still, it's worth pondering upon once." If the unit leader heard this, he would lose his mind. The spokesperson of the Righteous Sect claims it is fun to force-feed swill down someone's throat, living for this kind of enjoyment. Yet, smoothly, the topic shifted as if it were nothing. Is the future of the Righteous Sect truly alright like this? "Hey, are you hungry? Ah, you're paralyzed, can't even feel hunger? Let's pretend you're hungry, then. Ah, oof, that smell, that's a bit of a problem." He lay on a bed with a hole for excretion and a cloth draped between his legs, with a bucket below awaiting its fill; well, whatever. Qing removed the restraint preventing self-harm, forced open the mouth by gripping the chin, and inserted the metal funnel's tube. "Here comes the food. Gulp, gulp, gulp." "...! ...!" "And today, we have to pull a tooth too, right?" "...!!!...!!!!!" Only then did Qing tenderly pour water over the cloth covering the trachea. "Come, reveal and find clarity, no, find death. Do you still have nothing to say? Do you intend to live like this until old age?" "Ugh, just kill me already." At that, Qing's face blossomed into a radiant smile. A brilliant smile like the sunrise emanating beams in all directions, the stunning smile of an unrivaled beauty. Its destructive power was such that even the Blood Cult member was momentarily dumbfounded. After all, wasn't it amusing to see a villain begging to die in misery before her eyes? It was Qing's favorite reaction among those a villain could have. "Hey, patient, you shouldn't say such things. I'm taking such good care of you, keeping you alive with diligence, and you say such words right to my face." "Please." "If someone hears, they'll think I'm keeping you alive deliberately. You're the one clinging to life, refusing to spill everything you know, despite my promise to end you. Where is anything free in this world? If you want a favor, show some earnestness first. Sir, we require advance payment. Let's start with some personal information, shall we? Name, position, specialties, hobbies." "......" With that, the unit leader pressed his lips firmly shut. Hmm, it seems he still has no intention to speak. Yet, Qing did not press further. After all, the malice within him was gradually dissipating; eventually, he seemed likely to speak. As Qing raised the gag again, didn't he hurriedly open his mouth in panic? "W-wait. What happened to Odokmun?" "Ah, casual talk is prohibited." "Wait, hmm, hmm." Qing reattached the gag, blindfolded him, and fitted the earplugs correctly before securing them tightly under his chin. Why, didn't they say boredom is the hardest emotion to endure? Of course, Qing thinks that's quite exaggerated. If you have a severe stomachache or crippling migraine, you'd wish for nothing more than to be merely bored. But, she can agree that boredom can be hard to endure, which is why she took these preventive measures. After all, the body has no sensation. Cannot speak, see nothing, hear nothing, only breathing alone in the pitch dark—what kind of feeling is that? And with a toothache from a freshly pulled tooth as a bonus. Qing doesn't know, but watching the enemy endeavor to exchange a few words with them must indeed be horrible. Yet, if he still doesn't talk, perhaps he can indeed endure it since it's not truly torture. Just then. Rattle! The sound of the door opening. "Sister! Ugh, what's that smell." Despite the outfit, his developed muscles were imposing. Especially those shoulders, twice as wide as Qing's, towering like a mountain, and those massive traps. A bulky man, taller than Qing by a head, shielded his nose as soon as he entered. But Qing serenely raised her hand. “Oh. Zhuge Leehyun. You’re here? Then, I suppose everyone from Dianchang Sect is here?” “Yes, sister. However, sister Gyeon stayed behind at Dianchang to look after Jayeo. By the way, I heard you captured a Blood Cult member. Was this the method you used?” “Heh. He should speak soon enough.” "As expected of you, sister. If you can make them submit without cruel methods, reliable testimony can be obtained." Even after seeing such a scene, Zhuge Leehyun declared it wasn't cruel. Is the future of the Righteous Sect truly alright like this? Of course, considering the gruesome spectacle Qing usually presented, one might almost consider this quite humane, surprisingly, relative to the lack of the thick stench of blood. Like a frog boiling slowly, could it be that the severity is gradually getting colored by Qing’s extremeness? --- **Translation Notes:** 1. **Odokmun (오독문):** Translated as is, keeping the original term because it likely refers to a location, organization, or faction not detailly explained in the provided narrative. The context suggests it's a group or place of significance to Qing and the captives. 2. **Giroon (길운):** Interpreted as a companion or an associate of Qing, based on his involvement in the conversation. Kept the original name as no further background on the character is given. 3. **Jayeo (자여):** Treated as a character name, potentially a person of importance in Dianchang Sect, since one of the sisters stayed behind specifically for them. 4. **Gyeon (견):** Translated as "sister Gyeon," also appears to be a character related possibly to the Dianchang Sect. 5. **Zhuge Leehyun (제갈이현):** Translated according to given guidelines, his relation to Qing and others is understandable by their dialogue, suggesting an allied and respectful relationship. 6. **Potential Change for Existing Terms:** - The term for "blood cult" in original text is "혈교" will need to be used consistently based on revealed associations. The original text emphasizes the grotesque care by Qing mixed with her sadistic enjoyment in maintaining control over a Blood Cult captive. Qing’s bright demeanor juxtaposed against the grim role she plays reflects her complex character—devoted yet capably ruthless. "My senior brother, while this may indeed be something beneficial for the world, it doesn't seem like something our sect can handle alone. Besides, Odokmun? Isn't tackling such an ancient sect inherently suicidal?" "Ha. It's been so long since Dianchang Sect shot its arrow that it's rusted. How can you speak such pitiful words? Since when did an arrow concern itself with trivial matters like pros and cons before flying? Do you intend to just leave those villains alone?" "No, senior brother. Who said to leave them alone? My point is that this isn't a matter for our sect to handle single-handedly." "Sending a messenger pigeon to alert the Murim Alliance is one thing, but when will help arrive? Even at best, it will take two months. Do you know what those Blood Cult scoundrels might do in the meantime?" "Instead of involving the entire Murim Alliance, wouldn't it suffice to request support from Sichuan Murim? At the very least, we should secure the support of the Tang Clan in dealing with poison, wouldn't you agree?" An argument could be heard from the room down the hall. It wasn't as though Qing intended to eavesdrop. Her exceptional hearing just allowed her to overhear. However, standing awkwardly outside might truly lead to some heavy eavesdropping, so Qing knocked smartly on the door. Upon entering, she faced Giroon True Person and an elderly Taoist. From what she heard, Giroon True Person was called senior brother, suggesting he was perhaps a senior figure in the Dianchang Sect. An elder much older than Giroon, who exuded a dignified aura of mature youth. But one must account for the fact that Giroon reached the Profound Realm, which brought about his youthful appearance. "Oh, Heavenly Sword Flower(天華). Have you arrived? Here is Gillaon, my junior brother." Qing flinched. Gillaon True Person? So, someone with the name Gillaon Truly existed, even if it was a Taoist title rather than a name? Meeting a legend like Zhu Gillaon, known as "The Supreme Despot Zhu Gillaon!" As evident from Giroon, the generational character for the heads of Dianchang Sect is "Gil(吉)." Followed by "Laon(連)," a character favored in Taoism and Buddhism for disciple titles, making it plausible but still astonishing. "Seomun Qing from the Righteous Orthodox Martial Academy greets you." "Hoho, I heard from my senior brother. You have accomplished something grand. Yunnan Murim owes you a debt of gratitude." In response, Giroon snorted. "A great debt indeed. This dude claims they fear the Blood Cult too much to invade. Can you believe the nonsense he's spouting, scared to storm the Blood Cult?" "No, senior brother, when did I—! And talking is, ahem." The custom among seniors often appears stern before juniors, yet amongst themselves, they speak as casually as friends. Amongst themselves, that is. If they continue with obscenities even with Qing present, where would the listener's dignity be? Qing herself felt embarrassed. Hmm, she understood why the sect head advised strongly against sealing away the room, deliberately this time. "Ha, Yunnan is our land, and also the land we must protect. Why do you suggest seeking aid from the Murim Alliance in dealing with Blood Cult members nesting on our soil?" "No, senior brother. Is it merely a Yunnan issue with the Blood Cult members? Moreover, just storming in blindly—does that make any sense? Odokmun isn't just any sect, with defenses nurtured over six hundred years, and they use poison, don't they? At the very least, can't you accept seeking the Tang Clan's support?" "Since when did the great Dianchang retreat from dealing with foes for personal safety?" "No one is retreating, I'm saying we should proceed with caution, more securely—" "Go! Has anyone ever heard of an arrow afraid to shoot because it feared breaking?" Oh, what a remarkable line. Somehow it left a deep resonance. Nevertheless, Qing sided with Gillaon True Person. No matter how essential it is to shoot an arrow only for its own sake, shouldn't things be cherished if possible? That's why, even while boasting boldly about living as the Righteous Seomun Qing, she didn't hesitate to run to the officials begging to borrow cannons. Recalling it made her face burn with embarrassment over such disgrace. "Um, elder, well—" Qing wanted to convey that the thundering sounds echoing far outside the city were indeed cannon training for the impending battle. That the artillery was being calibrated and aligned, with preparations to bombard Odokmun once the city was encircled. "I can't stand this. I'll go ask the Dianchang disciples directly for their answer." "Senior brother! Wait, hold on!" "Elder! Please, hold on!" However, to restrain a martial artist at the Profound Realm, their martial arts were far from sufficient. How could mere Transformation Realm background dare obstruct a Profound Realm master? Moreover, given the Dianchang Sect's martial arts inclined towards extreme quickness, Giroon typically stood out among even the mysterious, swift Profound Realm martial artists. Zhu Gillaon(Qing) cast a gentle, comforting gaze upon Gillaon True Person. As Gillaon True Person shook his head and sighed deeply, a gaze of gratitude for the understanding returned to him. Was another elder falling prey to the so-called "Slayer of Elders"? However, before that. Qing and Giroon True Person dashed out simultaneously. --- **Translation Notes:** 1. **Odokmun (오독문):** Continues as "Odokmun" as the text does not detail further about its nature, keeping its original name as it's likely a significant location/school. 2. **Giroon True Person (길운 진인):** Kept as Giroon True Person. "진인" translated as True Person, indicating a taoist title or high-level practitioner. 3. **Gillaon (길련):** Maintained the name "Gillaon." "길련" clearly functions as both a Taoist title in this text, suggesting a famous or revered figure in the martial world. 4. **Zhu Gillaon (주길련):** Connected contextually to the conversation above, recognized as an alias or epithet used by Qing when honoring Gillaon. 5. **Zhu Gillaon (주길련):** Translated as Zhu Gillaon, hinting at possibly a mythic figure or legend within the martial world, upheld similarly with respect to someone's significant status. 6. **Murim (무림):** Keeps its original term, representing a broad reference to the martial arts world. The excerpt continues a scene embodying tense decision-making balanced by humorous internal contemplation, reflecting Qing's dual concerns of leadership and pragmatism in martial affairs. Throughout, Qing exhibits keen insight mixed with personal embarrassment over past actions despite her otherwise prestigious standing.