864 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

When Qing and the True Person Gilryun rushed to the special suite, the True Person Gilwoon was already speaking in front of the gathered Zenchan Sect martial artists. "Long ago, even before then." "Long ago, even before then (很久很久以前)" is a common prelude used by the people of Zhongyuan to start tales steeped in legend. "Ten suns rose in the sky, causing the ground to burn day and night without rest, and in the ensuing chaos, countless monsters rampaged, plunging the world into despair. People offered prayers and sought help from the Celestial Immortals (天仙), but none of the Immortals responded. For those ten suns weren't just ordinary suns, but sons of the Heavenly Emperor (天帝)." A hint of puzzlement appears on the faces of the Zenchan Sect martial artists who are listening to the tale. Because this is a story known by everyone in Zenchan. "It was at that time that a righteous Immortal took up a bow; his name was Hou Yi." This was indeed the story of Hou Yi, the Immortal who shot down nine of the ten suns. "Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns and defeated the great monsters that plagued the land, finally bringing peace to the world." Expressions that seem almost like pride begin to fill the faces of the Zenchan Sect martial artists. Perhaps it's only natural for the Zenchan Sect, which claims to be the descendants of Hou Yi. However, Gilwoon had not finished speaking. "Yet, what fate did Hou Yi face after saving the world? It was indeed a tragic and grievous end." After that, Hou Yi's story took a pitiable turn. He had killed nine suns, meaning nine sons of the Heavenly Emperor, and as expected, the Emperor was enraged and banished Hou Yi. Once an Immortal of the Celestial Realm, Hou Yi was exiled to the earth and turned into a mere human. For the crime of having an unfortunate husband, his wife, Chang'e (the most beautiful woman in the celestial realm), was also cast down with him, demoted from an Immortal couple to a human one. Unlike Immortals, humans age. One day, upon noticing the wrinkles on Chang'e's face, a shocked Hou Yi immediately sought out Xiwangmu to request the elixir of immortality. Though originally a treasure that should never have been given to humans, Xiwangmu, with an air of 'we're acquaintances,' gave him two pills. The intention was for the couple to take one each and live a long, happy life of immortality together. However, the efficacy of this elixir was marvelous. One pill granted immortality, but consuming both allowed one to become an Immortal—a peach of immortality distilled into a supreme treasure. Seeing the elixir, Hou Yi's wife, Chang'e, couldn't resist swallowing. Already weary of life in a dismal lower world after being expelled from the paradisiacal celestial realm, Chang'e saw the two pills and her eyes gleamed. Then, she devoured both and fled. Hou Yi suddenly found himself betrayed by his wife and bereft of the elixir. As a result, immersed in sorrow, Hou Yi spent his days drowning in alcohol. Then one day, a boy visited him, asking to be accepted as his disciple, and with no one else to turn to, Hou Yi accepted and raised the boy as his student. But this disciple had a grand ambition. To become the Supreme Palace of the World! How to become the Supreme Palace of the World? By killing the existing Supreme Palace of the World! Not even considering honing his skills, this disciple instead plotted to murder his master. Ultimately, he stealthily targeted Hou Yi with a hidden arrow. Hou Yi caught the arrow with his teeth. Despite being mired in alcohol, Hou Yi's skills from his Immortal days had not completely faded. Seeing this, the disciple wailed in remorse and pleaded for forgiveness. Moved by the pupil he had nurtured with care, Hou Yi relented and forgave the disciple, saying, "Let it be as if this never happened." The disciple, genuinely repentant, realized the gravity of his mistake. "Oh, I’ve made a grave error trying to oppose Master with a bow. I couldn't win like that." And so, the disciple thought, "Instead of a bow, I should confront him with a club." A truly Zhongyuan-like thought! So, one night he snuck back into Hou Yi's quarters and smashed his master's head with a club while he slept. Thus, the world's supreme was succeeded. Truly, a Zhongyuan manner of succession! It precedes by eight thousand years(?) the footsteps of a certain infamous debauchee known for succession by assassination that comes much later. "Hou Yi saved the world, yet met such a miserable end. Betrayed by his beloved wife and killed by the student he raised as a son." Qing tilted her head. Since True Person Gilwoon was speaking, how could she abruptly interrupt there? Especially since the speech was given in front of Zenchan Sect martial artists. If Qing interrupted, it would reflect not only on Gilwoon but disgrace the Zenchan Sect. So she had to listen to the whole narrative, but why did the tale of Hou Yi stop there? If it ends there, it seems to just leave Hou Yi pitifully. Actually, the story continues after that. After his death, Hou Yi was restored to the celestial realm. The Heavenly Emperor, upon reflecting, realized that it had all been due to his mismanagement of his children, acknowledging his fault. Thus, Hou Yi was summoned back to receive an official position in the celestial realm. "You are deceased, so you're more or less like a spirit. Spirits understand spirits best, so you shall oversee them." Empowered thus, Hou Yi sent spirits to haunt and pursue that treacherous disciple for life, leading him to die pitifully alone on the roadside. Meanwhile, Chang'e, who devoured the elixir and ascended, was long ago exiled to the moon as punishment. Thus, the wicked are punished, while the good live happily ever after. Of course, since Immortals naturally have eternal life, supposedly Hou Yi is still thriving well in the celestial realm. "Nevertheless, Hou Yi remains a hero. No one denies Hou Yi for the tragedy of his end. On the contrary, chivalrous warriors claimed to be his descendants and rose to emulate his spirit. And so, the arrow that pierced the suns has passed down to our True Arrow Faction." True Person Gilwoon's voice filled the space. **New Terms:** - Zenchan Sect (점창파) translated as "Zenchan Sect" - a martial arts sect from the story's context. - True Person Gilryun (길련 진인) as "True Person Gilryun" - likely a title indicating wisdom and high standing within the sect. - True Person Gilwoon (길운 진인) as "True Person Gilwoon" - a speaker providing historical narrative in the story. - Zhongyuan (중원) as "Zhongyuan" - referring to Central Plains, retaining the cultural context. - Hou Yi (후예) was translated as "Hou Yi" - famous archer from Chinese mythology. - Xiwangmu (서왕모) as "Xiwangmu" - a prominent figure in Chinese mythology, known for guarding the Peaches of Immortality. - Chang'e (항아) kept as "Chang'e" - known as the Moon Goddess, associated with the Moon in Chinese legend and the story of her husband, Hou Yi. - True Arrow Faction (사일검수) as "True Arrow Faction" - a group that might claim heritage or follow the principles of the legendary Hou Yi. **Potential Changes to the List:** - Zenchan Sect should be noted as a significant faction alongside others like "Shaolin Temple" to affirm its cultural importance. - The addition of "True Person" titles like Gilryun and Gilwoon suggests a hierarchy within sects that deserves mentioning. - Consider the relation of sects like "Zenchan Sect" and fictional legacies such as "Hou Yi," expanding on martial lineage claims. The voice at the Profound Realm (현경) was low yet powerful, possessing a captivating quality that seemed to pierce the ears. It was a voice imbued with the cosmic mystery of qi. "I ask you. If only such a dreadful future awaits you, will you not save the world?" "No, we will!!" "Even if you face an unfair future of pain and injury, would you turn a blind eye to the world's groans and cries?" "No, we will not!!" "Over there, the scum of the Blood Cult have set up their den. The Odokmun has fallen and conspired with the Blood Cult. Those miscreants are likely plotting a heinous scheme that could plunge the world into despair right there at the heart of the Odokmun." True Person Gilwoon's voice grows ever more passionate. "Indeed, it will be dangerous. We know well what kind of defenses an ancient sect might place around its nest, just like any ancient history tells us. And what's more, they use poison. Hence, in the process of purging these Blood Cult members, someone here might die, or suffer a horrid end due to poisoning." The tension mounts among the Zenchan Sect martial artists. "We could wait for the support from the Murim Alliance." However, we don't know the Blood Cult's true intentions. We are unaware of what they're scheming right now or what they might do once they realize they're cornered. During the time we wait for the Murim Alliance’s support, we have no idea how many innocent civilians might perish, or what other calamities might engulf the world in sorrow. "Once again, I ask. Will you turn a blind eye to the world's groans and cries when faced with such unfair pain and damage to yourselves?" "No!! No, we will not!!!" "Yunnan is the land and history of our great Zenchan. With the vermin of the Blood Cult infesting our land and history, who then must eradicate these pests?" "It is us!!" "Zenchan shall!!" "I will do it!!" "It’s me!!" "Yes, this is the way of Hou Yi's descendants, the style of the True Arrow Faction." Ah, so this is how you're building things up. I thought he was just spewing words, but it turns out he's quite the orator. In response to the resounding answers, Gilwoon smiles, a remarkable smile that would fit perfectly on his middle-aged face—a visage so dignified that one might wish to age similarly. Though, in my case, that ship has sailed... Anyway, Qing was deeply impressed by the eloquent speech. She understood why True Person Gilwoon insisted on attacking immediately. Because we don’t know what the Blood Cult might do. Desperate, cornered rats are said to bite cats. No one knows what disastrous actions the Blood Cult might take now that they’ve realized they’ve been surrounded. Quite frankly, if they were to massacre an entire city in a death throe, it wouldn't be surprising. Frankly, if they’re anything like the Blood Cult, they’d surely be capable of such acts. And so, the Zenchan Sect is willing to spill blood. Even if a future like that of Hou Yi, who experienced a forlorn second half of life—or was it middle age?—awaits them, the Zenchan Sect would charge forward like an arrow, ready to break even if they must. Isn’t this the essence of chivalry? Suddenly, a profound sense of respect wells up. However. If that's what chivalry is, I can’t be a chivalrous person. If this was Hubei instead of Yunnan, and the Zenchan Sect wasn't here but the Divine Maiden Sect was, and if I stood in True Person Gilwoon’s place... There’s no way I could watch the Divine Maiden Sect charge forward. The same goes for the Zenchan Sect. The Zenchan Sect martial artists sharpen their resolve and exude a fierce energy. "I’ll release the bowstring tonight. Get ready." True Person Gilwoon turns around, barely masking his satisfaction. Qing hastily hurries after him. "Senior, there's something I’d like to mention." "Are you intending to suggest waiting for the Murim Alliance's support?" "Well-" "I appreciate your concerns, especially since it’s not even an issue for your sect, but even so, I can't change my mind. This is also for our Zenchan. If we wait for support and nothing happens, that would be ideal, but what if those vile Blood Cult scoundrels unleash their blood rage?" "No, that's not it-" "There are times when we must protect our spirits and minds even if it means shedding blood. Ignoring a preventable disaster for safety's sake would mean that Zenchan can no longer claim to be Hou Yi's descendants." "Elder, please let me-" "It would also be a grave oversight for the disciples of Zenchan and the future who will come to carry Zenchan as the main pillar of the orthodoxies. Isn’t this why we, as orthodox warriors, have honed our martial skills? For the sake of standing proud before them." True Person Gilwoon's eloquent phrases keep cutting off Qing's words. Before you know it, the Zenchan Sect was being touted as the greatest pillar of the orthodoxies. "No, what I meant was-" "And there’s no need for you to worry so much. Do you really think I’d throw my disciples into peril? If I go in first and destroy everything in sight, I’ll surely shatter their formations, and while I can’t clear everything, I intend to break as many mechanisms and traps as possible." While Gilwoon certainly didn't intend to recklessly push his disciples into the fire, he seemed prepared to bear the risk himself. "So, I know this is a brazen request, but could you look after our Zenchan disciples? With you keeping an eye on them, I’d feel more at ease." But he keeps leaving no room for conversation. Qing hurriedly gets to the point. "Cannons!" "Hmm? Cannons? What do you mean by cannons all of a sudden? Are you telling me the Blood Cult uses cannons?" "No, sir. We intend to fire them. The Blood Cult isn’t just an enemy of our martial world. After explaining the situation to the authorities and the command post, they readily agreed." "You’re saying the authorities agreed to use cannons?" "Yes. During the commotion, if the Blood Cult members attempt to escape, we'll be in position to apprehend them. Oh, and we borrowed great military guns as well." Gilwoon’s eyebrow twitches at that. Qing felt a slight tension. Hmm, should I be scolded for violating the non-interference with the authorities or something? But surely, safety without casualties is better, isn't it? **New Terms:** - Odokmun (오독문) translated as "Odokmun" - A sect or organization, perhaps related to the plot, possibly affiliated with the Blood Cult. - Yunnan (운남) translated as "Yunnan" - A geographic region in Chinese terminology, emphasizing the location's significance. - Hubei (호북) translated as "Hubei" - Another geographic region, suggesting a different location for comparison. - Command Post (위지휘소) translated as "command post" - It conveys a military or coordination center for operations. - Great Military Guns (대장군포) translated as "great military guns" - Indicating large-scale artillery provided by authorities. **Potential Changes to the List:** - Include regions like "Yunnan" and "Hubei" as geographic contexts similar to “Guangzhou.” - Include military and government terminologies like "command post" and "great military guns" to emphasize interactions between martial groups and authorities. - Consider highlighting the interaction and influence between the martial world (Murim) and established authorities or region-controlled groups, reflecting on plans relying on larger organizations. Then, Gilwoon’s voice, filled with frustration and reprimand, resonated deeply. “No, if there was such a good plan, why didn’t you speak up earlier? I’ve been racking my brains for days, trying to figure out how to persuade everyone. I went to all that trouble, collecting every ounce of dignity I could muster to deliver an awe-inspiring speech.” “Well, I didn’t know if it would work. Moreover, if you were to lead, problems might arise.” Having announced the sortie only to now have to retract, Gilwoon sighed heavily. After all, he had spoken so grandly and resolutely about shedding blood together. Yes, indeed. Qing insisted on living as a martial artist, while Yeon Sul said she would live as the Heavenly Sword Flower. Despite that, they brazenly relied on the authority gained as a princess. The image of the Zenchan Sect's top master seeking cooperation from the government had to be fierce. Any outcome—whether one side yielded or not—would result in an awkward situation for all involved. And yet, hmm, he amazed us with his rhetoric; he had been contemplating it for days. It made sense. Every time I brought him a meal while he was contemplating the Blood Cult, he seemed to hurriedly hide his writings. **New Terms:** - sorties (출전) translated to "sortie" - Referring to an attack or expedition, especially in a military context. - Yeo Sul (연술) translated as "Yeon Sul" - Mentioned as a distinct character or identity, associated with the Heavenly Sword Flower. - Princess (공주) referred to Qing’s aristocratic status, indicating political or societal standing often leveraged. **Potential Changes to the List:** - Include people like "Yeon Sul" as it suggests a distinct identity or role, especially in contexts aligning with "Heavenly Sword Flower." - Continuously account for distinctions between societal roles and martial identities in describing plans or strategies for larger factions or individuals.