865 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

The defenses of Odomun(오독문), the Blood Cult's main headquarters, were nothing short of an impregnable fortress. For over five hundred years, its structure had been continuously reinforced, with the layout itself forming the core of a strategic formation. It functioned as an independent fortress that repelled enemies with hidden weapons and poison, and also held the character of a labyrinth filled with traps. Each trap was organically linked, so triggering one meant facing another, and even if one was avoided, another trap would engage—an arrangement truly terrifying in its intricacy. In addition to this natural fortress, a grievous stratagem with no escape was layered atop the original design. Traps were laid where they were intended, in places devoid of original traps, and deadly toxins loaded into existing mechanisms— The fortification of this faction paralleled its history and strength, for when speaking of the sect's might, its rich history is cited for good reason. Without being a warrior of the Profound Realm, no matter how many enemies amassed, breaking through was a frighteningly impossible defense. Moreover, with the modifications by Jang Choryang(장최량), these defenses became even more malicious, transforming the territory into a terrain of death from which not even allies could escape if ensnared. An absolute isolation! The term "secluded island in the ocean" (절해고도絶海孤島) signifies a remote island in the far sea; Odomun can be described as an island situated on land. A state where no one could enter, yet neither could anyone leave. Under such circumstances, anyone would struggle to conceal their unrest and anxiety, entirely isolated by these traps from the outside world. Gradually dwindling food supplies would be the initial seed of such psychological terror. However, the adherents of the Blood Cult were at ease. This was because they always preferred secluded environments, thriving in isolation. Running out of food, you say? That's universally the same wherever you are. Isn't it something to be grateful for that there's food to eat for now? And when the food runs out? Well, starting with the weakest, those who are unnecessary, should be 'sacrificed for the greater good' one by one. Such was the mindset of the Blood Cult. A characteristic of the Blood Cultists who always had to hide due to the justified persecution from Zhongyuan(Central Plains)(中原). Jang Choryang shared this mindset; actually, he was even more at ease than other Blood Cultists. Although now considered a genius with a brain bestowed by heaven due to his scarcity, before being taken in by the Poison Demon, he was simply regarded as deficient. Jang Choryang, who had been persecuted even by his fellow Cultists, still preferred solitude. In truth, there was little difference between his isolation in Odomun now and his previously isolated existence. In fact, he felt even more at peace. Outside, there were only those he was already acquainted with, the members of his creations, and fellow laborers. No unfamiliar faces appearing to click their tongues disdainfully, or muttering insults like “fool,” with no risk of being bullied maliciously. Thus, even in this situation, Jang Choryang found himself unconsciously humming a tune while engrossed in his hobby, the research of poisons. This research was extraordinary. Aiming to eradicate the side effects of the Poison Arts by applying the properties of the so-called Destroying Gods Poison (멸선지독), a unique and terrifying poison. The properties combined harmless ingredients within the body to form a deadly poison only upon amalgamation—a seemingly simple yet truly fearsome process. The method of a master dispelling poison involves only recognizing it as such once a substance acts on the body, thereby rejecting it. But what if the components were harmless? Even masters would have no clue that these were the ingredients of poison. Hence, the outcome? The poison could deceive and intoxicate even warriors of the Profound Realm without them noticing. Moreover, its potency was not inferior to historically renowned poisons. The Poison Demon praised it as a poison capable of killing even immortals, for it could fool and poison even those mystical beings, thus truly living up to its name Destorying Gods Poison. Naturally, there were drawbacks. The distinct flavors and aromas of each component meant it needed to be used like seasoning in a compatible dish; otherwise, it would taste odd, even if not poisonous. Even if served appropriately, a fussy eater might avoid it, preventing poisoning. There was also a component requiring alcohol, making it challenging if the target did not consume alcohol. (Although rare among Zhongyuan's people.) Furthermore, the production process is highly meticulous due to the various preparations needed. The cost was daunting with a spending as prodigious as gold melting proudly. A typical poison master would continue research to overcome these hurdles. Compressing necessary ingredients, masking overpowering flavors, and establishing straightforward refining procedures to facilitate mass production with substitute materials. However, Jang Choryang was not typical. As a poison genius favored by heaven, he saw another possibility beyond the Human Realm’s Strongest Ancient Supreme Poison. The research aimed to alleviate the involuntary hazard faced by those who practiced poison arts, the peril of poison rebellion. Truth be told, the Poison Arts is nothing remarkable. One administers small doses of poison to oneself, building a core of poison essence in the dantian, allowing the inner force to carry the poison. That said, as humans are not inherently equipped to harbor poison, countless side effects inevitably accompany. For one, poison is consumable, requiring replenishment as it’s used. Should the poison be fully expended before the dantian is compromised or inner force depleted, the poison core might unravel, causing self-poisoning. Moreover, the stronger the opponent, the greater the resistance to poison, showcasing the limitations of poison arts. Furthermore, raising even a mediocre poison user incurs formidable costs, deemed economically unfeasible martial arts. Of course, the inherent limitations of poison arts—the steep costs with diminishing efficacy against proficient masters—remain unavoidable. However, the side effects of poison arts might somehow be negated. How? Through the separation of toxicity! Rather than housing the poison core in the dantian, what if the harmless components flowed separately throughout the body? Merging them to unleash toxicity only when required, otherwise allowing them to circulate harmlessly? Terms not on the list: 1. 오독문(Odomun) - Noted as Blood Cult's main headquarters. Translation based on context as a name. 2. 장최량(Jang Choryang) - Gender identified as male. Name confirmed in text. 3. 절해고도(絶海孤島) - Literally "an isolated island in the far sea." Retained this term due to context and significance in describing isolation figuratively for Odomun. Changes/Additions to the List: - Added mention of Destroying Gods Poison (멸선지독), previously unexplained, described as a unique poison. - Jang Choryang's affiliation with Blood Cult adds more context to Potential Future Changes in the list. This was the new possibility in Poison Arts that Jang Choryang(장최량) discovered from the Human Realm’s Strongest Ancient Supreme Poison. Moreover, it was intended as a surprise for his Master, who had taken him in when he had been treated as a foolish idiot destined for a ‘sublime sacrifice.’ Upon reaching the pinnacle of Poison Arts and becoming a Poisonful Being(毒人), the poison user is consumed by immense solitude. A Poisonful Being has poison seeped into their bones, producing toxins naturally. And since these toxins do not harm the user, there is no need to directly manage the poison core, and simply circulating one's inner force naturally activates the Poison Arts as the essence carries poison. However, since poison permeates every part of the body, all secretions, including blood, sweat, and tears, contain toxins. There isn't even the slightest chance of sharing a meal using one's own chopsticks or engaging in certain intimate activities. Even speaking normally might inadvertently sprinkle poisonous saliva, and if in a confined space, one's breath could poison others through a faint toxin. But what if the toxins could be separated and flow harmlessly? Jang Choryang could nullify the solitude unique to a Poisonful Being, removing the side effect preventing even intimate disciple touch with bare hands. He chuckled. "Master will surely be pleased." Indeed, he would be enormously praised again. In fact, it had been rather a long-term research project. Ever since completing the Human Realm’s Strongest Ancient Supreme Poison, Jang Choryang, uninterested in any further refinement, had devoted himself entirely to the field of toxin separation. That was already a year ago. The Poison Demon merely thought Jang Choryang was switching to yet another line of research, since he’d lost interest immediately after completion. In truth, it was the heartfelt endeavor of a dedicated student aiming to gift a grand surprise. The Poison Demon had truly picked a worthy disciple. At this moment! Jang Choryang’s eyes snapped open. His poison core had subtly diminished. Perhaps because he was stationed in the Odomun main base, entirely cut off from the world, and even more so isolated in his personal lab. Feeling unusually serene, he finally achieved his breakthrough! "Ah, ahh... Hehehe..." Jang Choryang stifled his burgeoning laughter, closed his eyes again, and began separating the poison within his body. The poison core gradually melted. By separating the core into harmless components, the distinct substances intermingled yet flowed through the body without mixing improperly, since he was the one delineating them. Nevertheless, they retained the capacity to recombine and potentiate a toxin whenever necessary— A true revolution in Poison Arts! This poison core separation might only be a small step for an individual, but it constituted a massive leap for poison users! "Ihihi..." Jang Choryang burst into childlike laughter, grabbed a brush with a bright smile, And immediately began writing down his feelings, this principle, organizing it into a transcription for his master’s amazing gift. So that, at last! Jang Choryang threw down his brush with excitement, And sprang up, danced joyfully around. Though more chaotic thrashing than elegant dance moves, reflecting his state, Yet with the mental age significantly diminished, as kids are wont to do when excited, dancing comes naturally. "Ihihit! Kyahaha!!" As he erupted with dolphin-like shrieks, it signaled his joyful state. “It’s done! Finally done!! Master!!!” In his euphoric shout, Bang! Crack! Thud, thud, thud, thud, roll... Something rolled in under Jang Choryang’s feet with a tremendous sound. Jang Choryang looked at the unfamiliar orb beneath him. A metal sphere about the size of a baby's head, dull and seemingly crude. Jang Choryang glanced upward. A hole the size of the metal ball was blown in the cellar's cover above the ladder. Seemed like someone had dropped the ball from above. Jang Choryang tilted his head in curiosity. But why a metal ball? For what purpose? That was Jang Choryang’s last thought. Boom!!! The countless shrapnel pieces shredded Jang Choryang's body into minced pieces. When something like an Explosive Bomb detonates beneath, unless one is fortified with Body-Protection Qi, there’s no surviving it. Explosive Bomb(화비탄). It refers to a bomb with gunpowder filled inside a metal sphere, where the fuse length can be adjusted to time the explosion. ---- A whistling signal rocket soared into the sky. The observer yelled upon seeing it. “First shell hit mark!” It wasn’t just a hit, but a perfect bullseye. An astonishing marksmanship worthy of admiration, hitting the mark even with a projectile. But the observer didn’t know this detail, simply noticing it fell in the center. The commanding officer gave the order in high spirits. “Alright! Prepare for a volley! Fire all at the signal!” ---- Bang! Along with the reverberating roar surpassing walls, dust settled from rafters like snow. Members of the First Gang grimaced at the spectacle. "What was that? An explosion?" "Looks like the Master blew something up again?" “Why the hell does he keep blowing things up while making poison? Though the outcome’s always amazing, come on, let’s see if he’s collapsed again, we gotta pull him out.” Hastily, Gang members rushed out. Jang Choryang's quarters and lab were set essentially as a servant’s hidden room with secret underground storage at the Odomun leader's place. Everyone was divided among the four central buildings in Odomun territory, so when members responded to the noise, they converged in the courtyard. But since the Master had a history of blowing things up for experiments, nobody wore a serious expression. "What, everyone's here? Right. Did anyone bring poison remedy? I forgot grabbing it coming out in a hurry." "Look at that guy, pretending not to want to go. I’d bet my two balls he’s got poison remedy stuck in his pocket." "What now, don’t bet on it unless you’re sure. How can you be so sure I have the remedy?” bWpnL1VNWWVlR0h2N0IyVWd5ZUJTMHBXdmtiRVJld1ZISDVqYmZGN1ZyTE5LcDZJaUMxY0ttNWowcXlybTVIKw --- Terms not on the list: 1. 독인(毒人) - Translated as "Poisonful Being," a person who internalizes toxins. 2. 화비탄(Explosive Bomb) - Translated directly from its description as a bomb using gunpowder. 3. 장최량(Jang Choryang) - Further explored as a character with unique mental faculties, enhancing previously established context. Additions/Changes to List: - Enhanced description of Jang Choryang's process of toxin separation under his established abilities. - Context about the aftermath of Jang Choryang’s efforts indicates the harsh unpredictability surrounding his pursuits. Note: Jang Choryang's mental age and child-like behavior are confirmed figures to explore his unique disposition alongside his talent in poison arts, adding further depth to his role. “Look at him, trying to drag out the conversation. Scared, are you?” “Scared? Who's—” At that very moment. Thud...! Thud, thud...! Thud, thud, thud...! The heavy rumbling echoed from afar. The cannon fire, even from a distance, pressed its weight into their ears. Yet, the members of the First Gang remained unfazed. Because, well, they heard it yesterday too. “What is it? Cannon fire again?” “It was a ruckus all through lunch yesterday, and it's starting up again today. Do the Zhongyuan guys have gunpowder to spare or something?” For reference, yesterday was quite frantic. Rumors flew that the orthodox sects had joined forces with provincial armies to fire cannons, with suggestions of abandoning the main base and fleeing immediately—a rather astute insight. Yet when no cannonballs eventually fell yesterday, it was judged that the military was likely undertaking artillery drill, as the command post was close by. And indeed, yesterday was an artillery drill. For a bombardment aimed at the Odomun main base situated in the city, even if the expanse of Odomun’s grounds was nearly fortress-like, to avoid collateral damage, adjustments had to be made, refining artillery skills dulled by idle farm duties. But today? Eventually, the cannonballs rained down. A rain of steel, an Iron Rain(鐵雨), descended. New Terms and their explanations: 1. 철우(鐵雨) - Translated as "Iron Rain," referring to the cannonball bombardment visualized poetically with emphasis on the metallic nature of cannonballs. Additions/Changes to List: - Added "Iron Rain" to highlight the metaphorical description of the bombardment. - Clarified context concerning the progression from perceived drill to actual bombardment, further illustrating the unfolding military action and its impact on the characters.