868 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

As I headed north from Gimpyong-hyeon, I returned once more to Kunming. The quarantine area for the sick, which I revisited, seemed strangely gentle and peaceful. Children were playing, and adults were sitting on benches, basking in the sunshine of a Kunming spring-like winter, as leisurely as could be. Originally, the atmosphere had been one of patients lying in ailing conditions, their families with fatigued gazes and slumped shoulders, though the children had played even then. So, what did this imply? It meant that the illness was being controlled. Although the symptoms had improved, the quarantine remained, suggesting that everyone was idly and leisurely enjoying themselves. Once, in the weeded area by an Unorthodox Faction that had been causing trouble within the quarantine area, an old man immediately caught my eye. The old man, who Lang Zhongtai addressed while looking at Qing, said in a straightforward manner: "You're here?" It was a genuinely plain welcome. Not just for Qing but despite a crowd of martial artists simultaneously swarming in. "This is Zhenren Lang Zhongtai. Over here is Zhenren Gilun from Dianchang." "It's been a while, Zhongtai." "You should have arrived sooner. Were you absent when needed? How could you help the matter in Yunnan with outsiders' help?" "Things will be busy from now on, so I hope for your understanding." They seemed to have met before. As Lang Zhongtai grumbled and Zhenren Gilun smiled wryly, casually exchanging greetings, the sound of a door suddenly sliding open reverberated with a sharp voice, piercing through Qing's ears. "Ah, Qing!" And then, with a whoosh and a smack. Tang Nanah launched herself like a cicada sticking to an old tree, embracing Qing. Though one might consider this an intense welcome, Qing was rather used to it. Hmm, perhaps Nanah, seeing Zaiyo clinging all the time, wanted to try it herself. "You're not hurt anywhere, right? No pierced holes or lodged metal pieces, your tendons aren't damaged or severed, right?" "I'm fine, really. Nothing happened with you?" "A lot happened. Every day without you was eventful for me." "Wow, my heart nearly fluttered. So, what about the prescription? It seems the patients here are doing better." "Not quite yet. I'm mixing various prescriptions for the detoxification of the poison, so the medicine is quite potent. We'll have to watch a bit longer." Though significant improvements were already visible due to a combination of toxicity and illness, a complete prescription had not yet been created. Nevertheless, as already seen, much like the peaceful atmosphere in the quarantine area, it was almost as if the prescription was nearing completion. At that moment. Another pair of hands pulled Qing into an embrace. It was Seo Lily, hugging quite strongly, squeezing Tang Nanah's round face stuck between them. "Hey, what’s going on? Are you going to stay like that?" "Yes, I am." This, using honorifics only when teasing, shows that though Gunyeonga might be frivolous, she isn't stupid. "San is... hmm, never mind." Qing was about to inquire about Peng Daesan's well-being but shook her head. The seemingly idle women were pacing around, casting glances in one direction, implying it was clear where he was. In any case, thus, the Half-Sword Dual Sword Society reunites! --- Daili-hyeon. Specifically, it is known as Daili-bu due to being the capital of the Dali Kingdom, a region subsumed by Zhongyuan, consequently titled Daili-bu rather than a prefecture. However, customary usage referred to it simply as Daili, Daili-hyeon, without distinguishing between 'hyeon' and 'bu.' The most famous thing about Daili-hyeon, regardless, is the stone. Dali marble. That Dali marble is exactly this Dali marble! Thus, Daili! But, we're merely passing through Daili. Another famous feature of Daili is Erhai Lake, a large ear-shaped body of water. As indicated by its name, 海 (sea), this is indeed a massive lake, equivalent to fifty-five Yeouido islands in terms easily understood by Qing's people. And on the opposite side of the lake stretches a great natural barrier enshrined by perpetual snow, known as Cangshan. The alternate name for Cangshan is Dianchang Mountain. And thus, Dianchang! Leaving a few martial artists from Dianchang to guard the quarantine area, Qing and the group finally reached their travel destination, Dianchang Sect. The first thing to do upon visiting another sect is to greet the elder. The head of Dianchang Sect, Jangmoon Gilgan Zhenren, with hair white as snow, possessed an aura befitting of an immortal, yet it was somewhat unusual. Due to the unspoken rank-setting by the Martial Alliance, the heads of sects generally saw quick appointments and retirements, aligning them as peers these days. Comparatively, the Shen Women's Sect head, Cheondun Sword Wang Juhee, left a warm, matronly impression, making the prematurely aged appearance of Dianchang Sect's head indeed remarkable. "Ha-ha, you must have gone through a lot." "Not at all, Gilun Zhenren was with me." "That's precisely why you went through much distress..." Whereupon the head, Jangmoon Gilgan sighed deeply. "My junior tends to speak without consideration, no, without any thought at all, or rather speaks without any mental process at all, but he’s not a bad person. Should there be anything offensive taken to heart, just consider it as encountering an eccentric senior within the sect. That brat, no, junior probably doesn't even remember what he said thoughtlessly. It wasn't meant with malice, so you needn't take it to heart (section omitted)." Qing realized. Ah. This is why he's aged so much... He must have worried the nagging junior would cause trouble somewhere. "Truly, it doesn't bother me, so you don't need to worry. And frankly, I tend to speak bluntly myself, so it was amusing." "How wonderfully polite you speak. Even your words are greatly appreciated. So, you wish to see the Absolute Sword Wall? Aigo, that brat Gilun left behind his disciples everywhere and returned..." Having led the elite Sa-il Sword Guards and left them scattered everywhere, Gilun had returned solo. --- **Terms Translated:** 1. **Gimpyong-hyeon (금평현)** - Translated as "Gimpyong Prefecture." "Hyeon" typically denotes a county or prefecture. 2. **Kunming (곤명)** - Kept as "Kunming," a specific geographical location. 3. **Lang Zhongtai (랑중대인)** - Translated as "Lang Zhongtai," assumed to be a person's name, treated with the respect of a title. 4. **Dianchang (점창)** - Kept as "Dianchang," referencing a location tied to the sect's name within martial arts settings. 5. **Zhenren (진인)** - Kept as "Zhenren," which can be a title like "True Person" often used for respected figures. 6. **Cangshan (창산)** - Translated as "Cangshan," famous for being a mountain, making the geography relevant. 7. **Dali (대리)** - Kept as "Dali," referencing a place known for its marble. 8. **Dianchang Sect (점창파)** - Translated as "Dianchang Sect," a martial arts faction. 9. **Sa-il Sword Guards (사일검수들)** - Translated as "Sa-il Sword Guards," assumed to be elite fighters based on being referred to as Dianchang's elite. 10. **Erhai (이해)** - Translated as "Erhai," a renowned large lake in reality akin to a sea. **Characters Newly Introduced:** - **Lang Zhongtai (랑중대인)** - Male - **Zhenren Gilun (길운 진인)** - Gender unspecified, context might suggest male due to respect indicated, but not explicitly stated. - **Wang Juhee (왕주희)** - Female, referred to as "Cheondun Sword," indicating a title and martial prowess. **Additional Context:** Qing is revisiting places and meeting familiar figures, portraying the scene as part of their journey involving martial artists and healing endeavors. It showcases the interplay of martial sects and character relationships amid a cultural narrative where names, titles, and geographical areas hold weight in understanding the setting and the stakes of martial discourse happen here. **Changes to the List:** - Recognizing Lang Zhongtai as assumed male, his title indicates a high status or possibly an honorific in martial arts contexts. - Clarified the geographical context of Dali and related terms, ensuring understanding of real-world parallels notable in localized martial arts narratives. No adjustments are required for previously listed terms, and the broader context aligns with existing plot threads. Not only did the quarantine area in Kunming issue rightful concerns about the Bai people's smallpox, causing public sentiment against them to become hostile, but also, they ultimately retrieved their personnel, leaving Zhenren Gilun as the only one remaining. "Well, how long will you be staying? Until your disciples return?" "No need. Those rascals won't understand much just by watching anyway. They should shoot the bow themselves to improve, watching others isn't enough for them. It's better to ask the senior masters and share insights. The Taesang elder is just a leisurely elder, after all, and should contribute to the sect in this way." As they say, associating with dark things leaves you tainted by blackness, the headmaster's words were rather severe too, weren't they? After the greetings at the headmaster's hall, returning to the guest quarters, familiar faces awaited greetings. Among them, a little child, looking quite tired yet excited, widened her large eyes even further, staring at Qing. And then, with the playful sound of a child's footsteps, without fear, she leapt into the air and jumped in. Of course, Qing's embrace was soft and cushioning, so there was no danger to the child. As Qing hugged Zaiyo, he twirled around. "Kihihi," a laugh in an ultra-high pitch, isn't it like a dolphin's? However, that's just how children usually laugh. "Zaiyo, have you been well?" "Uh-huh. Uh-huh." "No particular problems with Heemei either?" "Uh-huh. Uh-huh." As children quickly mimic others, Heemei's way of speaking, repeating "uh-huh" twice, seemed to have been quickly adopted. By the way, looking at Heemei, hmmm, it seems today we'll have a cozy time among the family on the same bed. Qing, with a mischievous look, glanced at Gyeon Poo Hee. Somehow the eye contact wasn't there, perhaps the gaze seemed lower than it should be, during that moment. "Ah, there was a message from the merchant guild." "Huh. The merchant guild? From Seol Ga Merchant Guild? How did they, nah, did they send someone to Dianzang Sect?" "Uh-huh. Uh-huh. To here. So, they've found it?" "Found what?" "You asked to find someone before Yimae departed, right?" "Did I? Oh." Suddenly, something flashed across Qing's mind. Reflecting back, it seemed she had asked them to investigate the master of the World's Eleven Great Demon Arts. "Oh right, they found it? Hmm, but I could just return to listen, why bother sending someone all the way here. Ah, is it perhaps near here?" “Uh-uh.” Gyeon Poo Hee’s uh-uh meant no. Although one might wonder if it pass for a speech habit among adults, given her seductive and inherently provocative nature, it leaned more towards something alluring, yet, oddly appealing. “They said Mount Baekdu.” “Mount Baekdu?” Qing wrinkled her forehead. Mount Baekdu was called the sacred mountain by her people, known in her homeland. It was located at the far northeast end according to Zhongyuan’s standards. Meaning she'd have to stop by Shen Women Sect on the way, yet they sent someone all this distance to Dianzang Sect… Considering the nature, the merchant guild personnel likely had to come in person… Logically, it only made sense. However, religions typically defy logic; they're a domain of emotions rather than reason, so how could Qing comprehend the zeal of devotees wishing to convey their answers to the supreme existence and deity? She was unaware of the fervor causing chaos as devotees volunteered to carry the message, even leading to bloodshed, and it’s something she'd likely never know. “They said a strange person with veins protruding blackly all over their body is around, located in Mount Baekdu.” Suddenly, Qing felt an unknown chill. Somehow, it seemed extremely dangerous, like the strange person was off-limits, but why? What was it? Why is it forbidden? Why? Is? It? For? Bid? Den? “They call them Han(한).” “Phew, what's this? Why a sense of relief? Why does it feel like something almost went terribly wrong? Why?” Nothing could reveal that. “Anyway, it's the ‘strange person of Mount Baekdu’?” “Uh-huh. Uh-huh, a rumor says they devour beasts alive, these with black veins protruding all over them.” “Oh. That one.” That was the peculiar feature of the Blood Demon King described by Seol Ganom, Zhongyuan’s near-highest intellect. The Reverse Blood Demon involved the technique Heaven-Shattering, Blood-Overturning, Heart-Piercing Decisive Strike. Wasn’t it? Something unusually long and difficult to remember? What was it again? Surely, the name was Heaven-Shattering, Blood-Overturning, Heart-Piercing Decisive Strike. It's only natural for anyone to be confused; remembering it clearly is more astonishing. Thus, Qing couldn’t be blamed for her ignorance this time. Scratching her head roughly, Qing thought. R1o1RUY1V2dWdFByellBWDZwUWJGVUlWbW93cVk3bzNBL3haL0FVM1JYODBVUGtISFp2MlJlZTB6ekZhOGdMZg But isn't Mount Baekdu, um, quite far? Moreover, if I need to travel to the land of Liaodong, I’d inevitably have to pass by there, Genpyeong. This is a chance to also revisit the cave where I first awakened. Back then, there was no time to spare, and I was preoccupied adapting to the primal, ancient Zhongyuan, so maybe something remains now? Considering it all, it's unavoidable despite the distance. Hmm, but it's still awfully far, isn't it…? --- **Terms Translated:** 1. **Bai people (백족)** – Refers to an ethnic group possibly within the story, not widely recognized but potentially valuable for character development and historical reference. 2. **Merchant Guild (상회)** – A common term; here related to Seol Ga Merchant Guild, representing trade interests. 3. **Mount Baekdu (장백산)** - Known as the sacred mountain in the home of Qing, suggesting cultural significance and ties. 4. **Reverse Blood Demon (역혈마인)** - A type of martial artist or condition relating to unique skills or affliction. 5. **Heaven-Shattering, Blood-Overturning, Heart-Piercing Decisive Strike (파천역혈수심자첨결)** — A complex name for a technique. 6. **Genpyeong (건평)** - Possibly another geographical area or significant site within the narrative. **Characters Newly Introduced:** - **Zaiyo (자여)** – Implied young, possibly a child character. - **Heemei (희매)** – A young character depicted in a childlike manner. - **Gyeon Poo Hee (견포희)** – Already known, but more developed within the present context, highlighting her presence and character traits. **Additional Context:** Qing's journey involves deeply embedded lore, focusing on the dynamics between characters and their understanding of mysterious mystical arts or persons, such as the Reverse Blood Demon, tying personal quests to broader world elements. These interactions further integrate cultural perceptions of martial honorifics, legends, and fears within this vibrant narrative landscape.