872 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

[The Road Home] The most convenient route to return home, that is, to the Divine Maiden Sect, from Dianchang Sect, is to stop by Sichuan and take a boat. Not only is this the most convenient way, but it is also the quickest. This is because once you take the Yangtze River from Sichuan, it's as if you're right at your doorstep. In fact, since Seol Ga Trading Company started supporting Jagi County, they have even established a dedicated pier, allowing for a direct passage to Seol Ga Trading Company as soon as you board the boat in Sichuan. Moreover, the advantages of this return route go beyond speed and comfort. First and foremost, Sichuan is home to the Tang Clan, and there are documents to deliver to them, filling an entire cart. So, one might as well deliver them on the way. But perhaps the most significant advantage is that by stopping by the great sects in Sichuan, one can tour the Absolute Sword Wall at the Qingcheng Sect and the Emei Sect. ...That was the plan. Unfortunately, the most critical part of the tour, visiting the Absolute Sword Wall, turned out to be disastrous. A serious incident occurred, making none other than the Great Celestial Martial Emperor cranky. Even though the Great Celestial Martial Emperor is considered elderly, it's rather childish for him to sulk. Though, in truth, old folks do tend to get crankier as they age; this is a natural tendency for humans—aging leads to a certain childishness. Hmm, yet it's peculiar—somehow, this Great Celestial Martial Emperor created by my mind doesn't seem quite right as "Mucheongdaeje." The way he insists on calling himself "Mucheongdaeje" is suspicious. Isn't it weird for him to know things I don't, if he were truly a figment of my imagination? Or could this be due to some strange, incomprehensible martial art, perhaps that "Mu-Sang" skill or whatever it might be about? It's a mystery. Are there really no Immortals? If they exist, wouldn't this world feel more like something other than a martial arts realm? Yet, in this mystical ancient and primitive Zhongyuan, it would be odd if there were no Immortals. Then should the afterlife also exist? It was impossible to discern from reflecting on it alone. There is only one way. To directly break through the Profound Realm, evolve into the Nature Realm, and verify whether transcending into an Immortal truly exists or not. However, that is a matter for the distant future. For now, I just need to go home... And so, as I concluded the eventful journey at Dianchang Sect and prepared to return home, Suddenly, Gilun Jin-in, who personally came to see me off, cautiously asked, "About that... Ho-Woo Society you're involved in." Even within the gatherings of Zhongyuan, there are stages. The gatherings open to anyone to freely join and form new connections are known as Yeon-Woo Society. Then, when it becomes slightly more selective, it's called Bung-U Society. The most exclusive, forming the tail end of such societies, is the Ho-Woo Society. And so, Qing tilted her head. Ho-Woo Society? Did I ever join something like that? "It's all the talk, you know. That Ban-Geom-Ssang-Do Society? Surely, Ban is a sword, and Ssang-Do doesn't refer to a sword, does it?" "That's correct." "Hah, what a shivering name for both swordsmen and sabre wielders. I wouldn’t want to associate myself with such a group, but truthfully, it’s not something one should go around talking about, right?" "Hmm." "Anyway, it's not really a favor request, but I was just wondering if you’re accepting new members." "You want to join, Jin-in?" "Why would I mingle with you youngsters? Though it's good to have close relations between seniors and juniors, there's still a difference in levels. There's nothing of benefit from my perspective." It's not something that’s usually said aloud. However, since Qing was now accustomed to Gilun Jin-in's manner of speaking, she knew there was no malice intended. "Er, there's this person named Oryang in the main sect, do you know him? Also known as the 'Ilmyeongyangin.'" Bumyeongcheokil Ilmyeongyangin. According to Han Feizi's story, there was a silent bird laughed at by all men, until one day it sang and shocked the world, surprising all under heaven. It referred to a giant lying in wait for the right moment. This was also the nickname of a disciple named Oryang from Dianchang Sect. However, Gilun Jin-in's expression was sour because this alias wasn't given with a good intent. Oryang was notorious as a slacker known to anyone in the Murim Alliance. "I’ve heard of him, but I've never actually met him. He doesn't even attend gatherings like the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly, and come to think of it, I haven't encountered him in the Alliance either." "Uh, I sent that kid to the Murim Alliance thinking he'd show some enthusiasm among his peers. I should have known. Just as expected. The way his mind is so detached and all, tsk tsk." Gilun Jin-in shook her head. "With that laziness of his, it’s driving me insane. It’d be another story if he had no talent, but he should be among other eager youths to even grip a sword at least once. Could you perhaps bring him over to the Ban-Geom-Ssang-Do Society, uh, not a favor request, but maybe see if you could drag him along by the hair later or something? It's not a favor, but I've been contemplating a sword technique recently, and it's different from the martial arts of Dianchang..." Though a favor implies a request for a task typically involving a bribe, Gilun Jin-in was suggesting on teaching a technique from outside the Dianchang martial arts to an outsider. In other words, it was indeed a favor. "Oh, Ban-Geom-Ssang-Do Society isn't like the Ho-Woo Society; it's just a practice group, so it doesn't matter if anyone wants to join." "Well, that's how it is." Qing was merely stating the truth. However, Gilun Jin-in seemed to interpret it differently. "Then, could you pass along that the Grandmaster has issued a decree to join the Ban-Geom-Ssang-Do Society?" Anyway, after stopping by home, the plan was to head far east to Changbai Mountain this time. Since the Murim Alliance was on the way, passing by to convey it would be simple, But wouldn't he just become a ghost member at this rate? Speaking of ghost members, where exactly is that rascal Kangbin? He's barely shown himself, and when I catch him, he's dead meat! Leaving behind Gilun Jin-in’s send-off. Finally closing the chapter at Dianchang, and setting off back home. ---- I intended to stop by Kunming to pay my respects to the Honourable Langjung Daein, but it seemed he had immediately departed the moment the blockade was lifted just the day before. --- Terms: - **Jagi County (자귀현)**: Translated directly to "Jagi County," as it appears to be a geographical or locale name. - **Seol Ga Trading Company (설가상회)**: Translated to "Seol Ga Trading Company" as it refers to a specific organization. - **Gilun Jin-in (길운 진인)**: Retained as is since it refers to a person, but "Jin-in" indicates a title. - **Oryang (오량)**: Translated directly, referring to a character whose gender is not specified here. - **Ilmyeongyangin (일명양인)**: Translated to "Ilmyeongyangin" as it is a specific title given to the character Oryang. ### Context: 1. **Ban-Geom-Ssang-Do Society (반검쌍도회)**: Apparently a social or practice group focused on dual blades which may include both sabres and swords. 2. **Dragon-Phoenix Assembly (용봉지회)**: Presumed to be a significant martial gathering event. 3. **Gilun Jin-in uses the term "청탁 (Cheongtak)"**: This refers to a request for a favor, often involving bribes in cultural contexts. Here, it’s used more tongue-in-cheek by the character implying no real bribery is involved in the request. 4. **무청대제 (Mucheongdaeje)**: A title related to the Great Celestial Martial Emperor, noted to be different from the understood Mucheongdaeje in Qing's knowledge or imagination, suggesting a metaphysical or mystical element at play. 5. **Kunming (곤명/昆明)**: Chinese characters added for geographic consistency, suggesting a real-world location. ### Proposed Changes: - **Mucheongdaeje (무청대제)**: Clarity needed if this is a title or if there is more context building necessary for the character’s importance or backstory. The lifting of the blockade signified that the prescription had been completed, implying that the Immortal Healer Who Conquered Ten Thousand Diseases had departed to find another patient. It's a bit disappointing, but still. If fate allows, we might meet again. Thus, from Kunming, the journey continued straight north towards Sichuan. The Yunnan lands are renowned for their breathtaking scenery, yet, ironically, there are no notable landmarks along the Kunming-Sichuan highway. With a cart filled with books, the journey naturally necessitated traveling by carriage. Stopping in towns to rest when they appeared, or camping under the stars when they did not. The idle time during the journey was mostly spent training. Ordinarily, the members of Ban-Geom-Ssang-Do Society, constantly teased about mediocrity and so-called low-level schemes by Qing, were fervently spurred into intense training. It's no wonder, then, that senior orthodox martial figures believed Ban-Geom-Ssang-Do Society to be a gathering of passionate top-tier young martial artists striving with blood, sweat, and tears for greater mastery. Seo Lily, apart from eating and sleeping, dedicates all her time to training with a fanatic's intensity. Zhuge hyang alternates between lifting weights and reading books whenever possible—a combination that, although seemingly mismatched, appears to be mutually enjoyable for her. Peng Daesan, though often away from home and wandering, maintains a consistent training regimen. Members not present, too, were either training fanatics or beings upheld in strict diligence. Gyeon Poo Hee was notorious as a sword-obsessed fiend, and Gong Sun-Yoye was entirely prepared to tread the path of a life dedicated purely to the sword. Even Moyong Joo Hee, accepting her shortcomings with humility and relinquishing any vain obsessions over deficiencies, had transformed into a diligent training enthusiast. Alongside them, Qing herself, excluding a few terribly incorrigible habits, demonstrated remarkable dedication to martial arts. Yet, the absurdly immense meals she crammed into her body, giving her a notably protruding belly before quickly lying down to rest, stood as eccentric exceptions. Regardless, Qing’s training hours were surprisingly ample. After all, as the club president, she had to lead by example. And no matter how much one's realm advanced, it was never enough... Even Tang Nanah played the role of Ban-Geom-Ssang-Do Society's so-called troublesome member with earnest endeavor. Such troublesome activities included pestering others to play during intense training, snacking noisily in front of those absorbed in training, urging trips to the market to shop, and enticing others to check out roadside attractions like crowds, wandering performers, medicinal sales events, and visits to herbalists, and so on... Of course, such interruptions really only targeted Qing; the other members were left undisturbed by these antics. However, today, our Nanah had undergone a transformation! She didn't peek a glance at Qing, immersed fervently in the study of books. It seemed the Blood Cult materials she acquired at the Odeokmun Ruins were quite fascinating. Particularly compelling was an anonymous Blood Cult emissary's immortal treatise she'd discovered titled "How to Transcend the Limits of Poison Arts." The title alone was intriguing for any master of poison arts, but the content was truly revolutionary! The concept of breaking down internal poison into harmless components for distribution across the body, instead of storing it as energy through inner strength, was a groundbreaking idea! Naturally, there was the disadvantage of needing to recombine poisons internally, leading to slower deployment times. Yet, by mastering this technique, one could dramatically enhance poison storage capacity across their body, safeguarding oneself in the process. Moreover, mastering this allowed the synthesis of various modified poisons internally! As a direct descendant of the foremost Poison Sect of Zhongyuan, Tang Nanah could instantly recognize the revolutionary value of this method, naturally becoming engrossed as if possessed by madness. This could have made for an ardent scene of all members engaged in passionate training, but. In Qing's homeland, something known as the "law of preserving oddballs" operated with an uncanny scientific phenomenon. In an ant colony, it’s said some ants don't work and merely loaf around. When all these idle ants are executed, and only industrious ants remain? Among these, a new proportion of idle ants emerges. This principle isn’t exclusive to ant societies. In workplaces, there exist those with poor temperament, malicious hearts, and low social skills, known as the so-called “oddballs.” If such oddballs disappear for some reason, new ones will spontaneously arise among the remaining people. (If you claim your workplace lacks any oddball, it’s likely you who might be suspected.) This was the very law of preserving oddballs. Similarly, while Tang Nanah honed her mind on expanding new realms within poison arts, Elsewhere, lounging on a beauty's thigh with his head resting comfortably, sipping chilled wine while observing others’ training, was none other than the idler himself, Heavenly Sword Flower, Ximen Qing. Qing had conceived a new motto. AKA, Letting Go! Yes, going with the flow. As obsessing over the Profound Realm lately left her entirely at a loss, it was time to set everything aside, relax, and follow Gilun Jin-in's sage advice to act without burdens. “Here, Yi-mae. Ah.” “Nom.” Qing chewed and savored the snack Hee-Mae fed her. What is this? Potato cake? Something along those lines? “I want some too. Me too.” “Okay, for you too, nephew. Ah.” Parents are said to be a mirror for their children. Ja-Yeo, lying on the other side of Hee-Mae’s lap, gobbled the treats like a voracious chick. To the onlookers diligently training ahead, it was a scene leaving them rather deflated. Of course, even if these were antics previously displayed by Tang Nanah and accepted due to her quirky nature intrinsic to poison practitioners, For Qing, who constantly brandished terms suggesting mediocrity, witnessing this sight was unnerving. Eventually, Peng Daesan solemnly drew out his voice for the first time in a while. ### Terms: - **The Immortal Healer Who Conquered Ten Thousand Diseases (생사환환신의)**: Retained as an existing translation indicating a divine figure related to healing. - **Kunming (곤명/昆明)**: Added Chinese characters for geographic reference—Kunming. - **Odeokmun Ruins (오독문 폐허)**: Translated uniquely to imply specific ruins, possibly related to a fictional sect. - **Blood Cult (혈교)**: Contextualized as a dark cult involving poison arts. ### Context: 1. **Ban-Geom-Ssang-Do Society (반검쌍도회)**: Reinforced as a practice or gathering group involving dual sword skills. 2. **Qing's new philosophy of "letting go" (내려놓기/放下)**: This denotes a philosophical shift inspired by sage advice, signifying a carefree, flowing approach to martial arts. 3. **Hee-Mae (희매)** and **Ja-Yeo (자여)**: Identified as characters who interact playfully with Qing, suggesting familiarity and informality. 4. **Law of Preserving Oddballs (또라이 보존의 법칙)**: A humorous analogy comparing human behavior to ant colonies, reflecting spontaneous emergence of idiosyncratic characters regardless of purging efforts. ### Proposed Changes: - **Law of Preserving Oddballs (또라이 보존의 법칙)**: Contextually requires explanation. A humorous critique of workplace or social environments reflecting perpetual quirky character presence. Peng Daesan's voice dropped into a deep bass, heavy with displeasure. "Why don't you stop lounging around and spar a bit?" "Huh? No can do. Even if it seems like I'm just lazing around, this isn't mere idle play, you know? Gilun Jin-in said this is the way to raise one's realm." Gilun Jin-in would be flabbergasted upon hearing such a statement. He had advised her to follow her heart, not to indulge in carefree indulgences. To differentiate between freedom and excess. Had he known this would be the interpretation, he might have refrained from offering his counsel altogether. "Are you sure about that?" "Of course, San. You might not get it yet, since you're only at the Transcendent Realm. But real masters need to have this kind of downtime. Ah, it's tough being a master." It's a classic case of being too witty for one's own good. If only words were held back, the receiver might not have minded as much. But alas, if he's frustrated, he’ll just have to hone his craft. And thus, another day passed, drawing them closer to home. The remaining distance to the Divine Maiden Sect: roughly three thousand li. --- **Terms and Context:** - **Three thousand li (삼천 리)**: This measures a long distance; "li" is a traditional Chinese unit of distance. Contextually conveys they are still quite far from their destination. - **Transcendent Realm (초절정)**: Corrected realm translation in context with clear hierarchical understanding of martial ranks. - **Gilun Jin-in (길운 진인)**: Reaffirmed as a senior mentor figure providing guidance related to martial progress. - **Divine Maiden Sect (신녀문)**: Reconfirmed as Qing's destination, indicating a martial domain. ### Context Clarification: - **Freedom vs. Excess (자유와 방종)**: The line of freedom contrasted against indulgence marks a philosophical debate, indirectly suggesting Qing's current behavior might verge on excess rather than constructive rest. ### Recommendations: - **Add contrast between ‘freedom’ and ‘indulgence’ in future instances** for clearer philosophical debate, making Qing’s playful retorts more comprehensible in a humorous light.