867 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

[Seems She's Annoyed] The remnants of the Odukmun, ravaged by explosives and devoured by flames, are now nothing but ruins. Yet, a few figures meander upon these ruins that once belonged to the Odukmun. Odukmun was a sect specializing in poisons. Even with the destruction above ground, there could still be functional traps or poisons remaining, and it's uncertain what may be lurking beneath the now-charred land. Hence, experts capable of handling such dangers have ventured inside to conduct searches. "Hmm. Found something here as well." The Single Wheel True Person tapped the ground lightly with his sword. A subtle ripple of qi brushed past under Qing's feet. The Single Wheel True Person wasn't simply poking at the debris; instead, like droplets on the water surface, he spread his qi all around. It appeared to be some form of detection, but what on earth was he doing exactly? Despite watching intently and contemplating, the method remained a mystery, an amazing skill indeed. What is the extent of the capability of someone in the Profound Realm? Only a being in the Profound Realm would know the answer to that... Yet the amazing skill of the Single Wheel True Person did not end there. Sensing the underground space, he found its entrance using a method only a true master could employ. With just a single finger. The Single Wheel True Person merely pointed, yet with that simple gesture, the supreme martial artist's pointing had the force to pierce through the closed entrance of the underground. "Hey, over here." Immediately, the experts from the Dianchang Sect rushed over and started digging into the ground with spades to clear out the debris. It was nothing short of miraculous. Of course, considering the danger, only those in the Transformation Realm were allowed to enter. All the Taoists from the Dianchang Sect conducting the remnant hunt were martial artists of the Transformation Realm. Where else in the world would you see experts of the Transformation Realm digging into the ground? Even when someone of the Transformation Realm digs, they do so with immense strength. Earth and ash flew in all directions as soon a square vertical pit was revealed. "Let's see. Doesn't seem like there's any presence." The Single Wheel True Person leapt down first. Though one might question whether he knew what lay below, there's nothing to fear for an expert of the Profound Realm. Truthfully, this process had been repeated several times. In the ancient lands of Zhongyuan, underground spaces serve as cool storage areas. The Single Wheel True Person would tap the ground, locate an underground space, and the experts would dig to reveal an entrance, with the Moonlight Sword leading the way. The other disciples would stand guard outside. Though it seems like a routine process, it's actually the most crucial difference between orthodox sects and demonic cults. For demonic cults, there is no reason for higher-ups to lead in places fraught with danger. It's unprecedented for a master to be involved in such matters. - Hmm? Heavenly Sword Flower, come on down. The calm voice of the Single Wheel True Person carried up through the hole he had opened on the ground. As Qing swiftly leaped down, the distinctive stagnant air of an enclosed space pierced their lungs with a stinging, metallic scent of blood. Qing took a deep breath. Hmm, is it just slightly fragrant? "Seems the fellow was unlucky." It was a small room, with debris equivalent to just one human's remains scattered in one direction. Bookshelves lined the walls, though one side had partially collapsed, while the opposite side remained intact, albeit splattered with blood and flesh. It appeared that one blind bomb had rolled in from above into the center of the room, with the unfortunate fellow standing in the way. Thanks to this, half of the collection was intact, though it was bad luck for that person, it was fortuitous for them. "It's a library, it seems. Though, underground?" The Single Wheel True Person muttered in wonder. An underground, damp and musty space prone to accumulating moisture is far from an ideal place for storing books. Qing's fingers glided over the bookshelf, eyes alight with curiosity. The bad habit of a martial art thief capable of grasping martial arts merely by touching a complete secret manual. Regrettably, there was no response. What's this, not a secret manual? Not a secret manual, yet hidden underground? Or a fake manual? A trap, perhaps? Qing pulled down a book and looked inside. The dim conditions weren't conducive for reading, yet Qing's body had transcended humanity, with night vision surpassing even the wildest of nocturnal creatures, so there was no impediment. Opening an untitled tome, it contained merely a list of contextless data. ……A mixture of Tragic Whipdust. Half a coin weight. Ages twenty-seven, male, sturdy build, weight one hundred and forty geun. After one hour, blood spots. Complained of pain, itching from the extremities. After two hours…… Qing, possessing the skills of a respected female physician, found it not difficult to comprehend the contents. Qing retrieved another book to peruse its contents. Another, and another. Deep furrows creased Qing's brow. These crazy bastards, they're human experiment records. Some books documented poison administration noting gender, age, constitution, while others meticulously detailed the expected timetable for death upon slowly drawing blood, others again were filled with detailed illustrations of hearts affixed with annotations about the characteristics of their original owners. These tomes adorned the vicinity. Disconcerting colors flickered within Qing's eyes. These blood cult bastards— Right at that moment. Clap! A somewhat cheerful applause snapped Qing out of the unsettling thoughts. "Don't despise them too much. Blood Cult antics are precisely like this. No need for you to hate them. These damned scoundrels would be fortunate to just be caught and ground. Should skin them alive and dump them in salt water." "Uh." For someone who said not to hate, those words seethed with fury. What's this? Don't hate. Because I have to? Qing blinked in bewilderment. The previously ominous colors faded as the Single Wheel True Person gave a serene, sage-like smile. "Humans catch and crush fleas, swat and kill mosquitoes, but nobody despises those pests. They are just nuisances to eliminate." "Some people might despise mosquitoes, don't you think?" **Newly Identified Terms:** - Odukmun(오독문): Odukmun - Single Wheel True Person(길운 진인): A master in the narrative, possibly referring to his exceptional abilities akin to completeness on a singular path. - Blood Cult(혈교): Blood Cult - Zhongyuan(중원): Central Plains - Tragic Whipdust(장련 독미채): Likely a specific type of poison used in the narrative, "무채" 'dust’ referring to powdered poison. - Geun(근): A traditional unit of weight used for people, approximately equivalent to 600 grams. **Additional Context:** - The mention of the "Odukmun" suggests a faction, known for its expertise in poisons, which has been destroyed, and characters are now investigating its ruins. - "Single Wheel True Person" is likely used as a moniker for a martial arts master with advanced detection skills and no obvious limitations, symbolized by "single wheel" for completeness or perfection. - The setting involves a martial arts world with extraordinary abilities and supernatural occurrences. - The "lore" aspect is visible through terms like "Transformation Realm" and "Profound Realm," suggesting hierarchical power levels in martial arts skills. - Phrases like "Human experiment records" indicate sinister activities related to experiments performed by "Blood Cult," hinting at darker themes of power misuse. "There was once a person who was so tormented by mosquitoes that his hatred reached his very bones. Of course, he lived by a reed field, so mosquitoes were bound to thrive." Reeds grow in waterlogged soil, making it natural for mosquitoes to swarm around such areas. "So, one day, he gave up farming altogether and dedicated his life to swatting mosquitoes." However, no matter how diligently one person swats mosquitoes, they won't disappear as long as there are reed fields. Trying to eliminate mosquitoes while having a mosquito breeding ground next door means there's no end to catching them. "He figured that to wipe out these mosquitoes, he needed to set the reeds on fire and burn them all. He did just that, and as the fire spread through the reeds, he too perished in the flames." With a solemn expression, Single Wheel True Person continued. "It's possible to hate, but if you let that hatred dwell in your heart, it will overflow into abhorrence. And when that abhorrence outweighs yourself, you start living for the hatred instead of yourself. Just like how he quit farming." And in the end, he perished in the flames, failing to swat the mosquitoes and ultimately swatting himself. "You have a naturally fierce temper; there's no need to waste your hatred on matters like this. You could trap mosquitoes, burn them, pluck their wings, drown them, or even vent your frustration by playing with them, but you shouldn't spend your entire life chasing mosquitoes." Qing tilted her head in curiosity. Single Wheel True Person resumed speaking. "It's a lesson I always share with the disciples of Dianchang. Hatred and gambling. Gambling is such that if you enjoy it for fun, you shouldn't feel aggrieved even if you lose. Because whether drinking wine or tea, if you have fun, spending money is a given, isn’t it? If you’ve enjoyed gambling, consider it as having paid for the entertainment." Gambling is similar to any form of amusement; it's natural to spend money to enjoy oneself. If you lose money gambling, consider it as the price for the entertainment. "When gambling is pursued not for entertainment but for profit, that's when problems arise. A person can become obsessed in an instant. When someone is addicted to gambling, it’s not rare for them to sell their family just to raise money to bet; hence, the saying not to treat someone engrossed in gambling as a human isn’t baseless." "Hmm." bWpnL1VNWWVlR0h2N0IyVWd5ZUJTNnVERnV0TFdpK0VEQXBoaGJwRlZhdjdkZkROQnNtdjdZcFNGc0R6Umc5Yg It sounded like something a sage would say. Sounding profound and full of meaning, yet upon closer chewing, it's subtly vague and ambiguous. "So, what do you suggest we do with these? Shall I send them to the Divine Maiden Sect?" "Eh? These?" "What then? Burn them all? Although they're terrible books, a quick glance shows they're quite useful. If it were up to me, I'd give them to the Orthodox Medicine Hall, but it would feel unearned since Dianchang hasn't contributed much. It was your skill in finding the trace and your prowess in executing the strike, while Dianchang merely gathered around to watch." "Well, um." "I understand if you're uneasy about it, but in the end, there's nothing to gain by discarding a record already made. It's not what a sage would usually say, but how can one undo what's been done? Making use of what's left might even honor those unfortunate souls, albeit that's not what I should say. Whatever the case." "Then, maybe we should send them to the Alliance first. Let any sect that wishes make copies for study. Or perhaps send them straight to the Tang Clan? After all, the Tang Clan specializes in such matters. The Alliance is too far; we should have them make copies in advance." "Hmm. These contain data on the poisons used by Blood Cult, but even beyond that, their knowledge regarding the human body holds unimaginable value. It's not something to be handed over casually. The Tang Clan, unrivaled in their mastery of both medicine and poison, stands to gain immensely, no?" "But still, they'll likely share the important parts, and for side earnings, they can manage on their own. Just having a formula for the poisons used by the Blood Cult would be invaluable. Anyway, um, never mind." The Divine Maiden Sect isn’t especially large, typically not maintaining a separate Orthodox Medicine Hall. It isn't for nothing that Naha checks pulses diligently whenever she visits. Hence, they wouldn't have anyone suitable for research even if they took it; they might be better off receiving the materials crafted by experts. Is there any point in keeping them hidden? "We're all part of the orthodox martial world; if anyone gains something, that would be beneficial, don't you think?" Qing's simple remark brought a soft smile to Single Wheel True Person's lips. Were this naivety stated by a disciple of Dianchang, it might invoke frustration, yet at the same time, it'd bring immense joy, overflowing with delight. Isn’t this the very embodiment of nobility, where personal interests never precede the greater good, the way above all? Thus, the Single Wheel True Person resolved once more. Indeed, to find Zhesalxing, to find Zhesalxing...! It was a moment when the slaughterer's resolution pierced his heart once more, resounding the victory drum. **Newly Identified Terms:** - Alliance(맹): Refers to the Murim Alliance or other collective governing martial bodies, typically overseeing sect actions. - Orthodox Medicine Hall(의당): A medical establishment, typically within a martial sect, specializing in medicine and healing. - Tang Clan(당문): Refers to the Tang Clan known for expertise in poisons and medicine, often specialists in utilizing poisons effectively. - Zhesalxing (지살성): Could refer to a person or entity, a name mentioned for someone or something being sought after; the text does not elaborate further in the current context. Its hanja or meaning would need explaining before altering the list. **Additional Context:** - The theme of gambling serves as a metaphor for indulging in harmful emotions, reinforcing a moralistic stance typical of martial arts narratives. - The dialogue reflects concerns about responsibility and moral obligation towards otherwise harmful knowledge. - The mention of the Blood Cult continues the theme of dealing with dark elements and either repurposing or responsibly handling acquired materials. - The passage explores themes of inner conflict, martial world politics, and moral philosophy, illustrating character interactions reflective of tradition and hierarchy within such narratives.