892 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

“[Die!]” A Mongolian horseman charged forward, skillfully swinging his Crescent Moon Blade from side to side with great force. The blade traced the path reminiscent of the infinite symbol found in the Western regions. The massive weapon sliced through the empty air with a sound akin to the buzz of a hornet near one's ear, its strength and might unparalleled. What if Qing moved to dodge to either side of the onrushing cavalry? The blade of the Crescent Moon Blade would surely tear her apart! Thus, Qing dropped her weapon and bowed low. It wasn’t a sign of surrender. It was an urgent evasion! Diving headlong between the two front hooves of the charging horse, Qing flattened herself to the ground. More precisely, Qing remained still, and the horse merely skimmed over her. When Qing knelt down? Momentum! As soon as the horse's front hooves passed, Qing sprang up with all her might, raising her arms in triumph. Qing’s back pressed into the horse’s belly, and with a force much greater than the cavalry's weight, she exerted herself upwards. Whinny! A startled whinny from the horse. After all, horses do not fly, and airborne somersaults were the first ever in the horse’s life. The cavalryman flipped over and plummeted from his seat, aaaaagh! The barbarian let out a scream. Simultaneously, from the left, there came an unusual war cry. “Alalalalalala--!!!” What kind of war cry is that? It happened in an instant. Something lightly draped over Qing’s right arm as she raised it in triumph. Turning her head, she saw a lasso that had already slipped down to her shoulder. Following the connected rope revealed tightly bound wrists, then shoulders, and above them, the head of a barbarian, sporting a triumphant smile, as if exclaiming, "Finally caught!" However, it was only for a moment. Qing twisted her wrist, caught the rope, and with a focused force in her Dantian, pulled it sharply. As Qing exerted superhuman, unimaginable strength on the rope, rather than her being pulled, the barbarian was lifted, arching through an arc towards her. But it was the barbarian who was being dragged. The expression on the barbarian's face turned to bewilderment. If just lightly tugging could pull his body, weighing over one hundred fifty jins, with such ease, then just how incredibly strong must she be— The barbarian’s thought halted there. Zoom! Qing leapt to meet him and WHACK! Like a hometown sport, her palm hammered down on his head. The barbarian's head, smashed to an indistinct pulp, whether it was a head or a watermelon. However, as tigers leave their hide in death, barbarians leave their bodies even if their heads are burst open. The rope secured tightly around the wrist also remained. Qing grasped the rope with both hands, twisting her body and moving her feet swiftly to spin in place. With the headless body acting as a weight, the long rope pulled taut. The rope swept a wide area, catching the ankles of the horsemen. Neigh! Ahh! Uggh! Neigh! In accordance with the casting shadow of the sundial, cavalry fell in succession, mixing the cries of horses and men filled the surroundings. “Yap!” Qing released the rope. The loop slipped smoothly off her arm, the headless torso losing its fulcrum shot out by the immense force and centrifugal energy. At the end, the entangled mass of mounted horsemen toppled over, with horses and people alike rolling onto the ground in chaos. Qing flicked up the Hell Demon Slaying Blade she had laid aside with her toes and caught it mid-air. There was still one more left on the ground, but, mm, after all, dual-wielding is a symbol of defeat, isn’t it? The only attack possible is spinning like a tornado. “[You monster! Die!]” “[Dieeee!!]” “[Eek!]” “[We're all going to die! Run away!]” Despite the intimidating might of Qing, some of the barbarians charged forward with shouts of death, while others turned their horses to flee, abandoning their companions. Qing’s eyes, with an ominous gleam, sinisterly curved lips never closing. Her gaze swept over the charging cavalry from all directions, a mental tally above their heads. Eighty-three, one hundred thirteen, fifty-two, forty-six. Apart from one, none had crossed the line, and overall, the numbers weren’t high. But these must die. Because they do not see people as people. It could be called Blind Spots of Evil Deeds. Good deeds and evil deeds are ultimately only results; they do not represent the inner self of their doer. Of course, since the result cannot defend one's inner self, one must bear responsibility for the consequences, even if actions with good intentions turn out to be misconduct. But these ones? They don’t see people as people, calling powerless and, mm, conscience-less commoners as sheep to be slaughtered en masse. In the past, they’ve mentioned Zhongyuan people being slaves, and still believe they can decide the life and death of the people of Zhongyuan. Therefore, while they have not stepped into Zhongyuan, they are already as vile as they can be foreseen, never to be matched evil incarnates, unaware of their own misdeeds, making them the worst of villains. Thus, these are not even human, are they? Qing’s eyes were stained with a color of the world unseen, purely malicious and malevolent. If someone could read Qing’s mind, they might question, who truly fails to see people as people, but. At least for the contemporary Heavenly Slaughter Star, she could argue, she’s meticulously attentive to distinguishing between humans and non-humans. Qing smirked. By concealing her strength, this becomes rather pleasant. When she hides her Sword Qi and feigns relying on sheer force, they all charge forth believing it’s possible to win with evil, determination, vigor, and the best of efforts. Qing charged forward. Naturally catching a horse’s mane, she wrapped her legs around its neck to mount, forming naturally a face-to-face meeting with the one already seated. With her left fist, one, one, one, swiftly cutting blows, yellowed teeth scattered into the air, and the barbarian’s eyes rolled back, naturally slumping sideways and falling off the horse. “[Brother!]” Careering towards them with urgency, whether a younger brother or a known acquaintance of the fallen barbarian. --- Terms: 1. Crescent Moon Blade (언월도) - Retained the literal translation of the weapon, which relates to its shape. 2. Mooring/Weight Toss (used for heavy acts) - This was inferred based on the context of using inert bodies as weights. Explanation: The text included a battle scene utilizing the Crescent Moon Blade, emphasizing Qing's tactical acumen. The described acts highlight a mixture of martial prowess and inventive strategy by using opponents’ weight against them, common in martial arts narratives. The phrase describing the head as indistinct echoed Qing’s comedic, albeit brutal strength. Mention of numbers likely refers to rankings in strength or infamy known to Qing. While the text didn't reveal new names or significant terms unlisted, the translation assumes a humorous tone fitting Qing’s audacious and unorthodox methods. A point of interest is the underlying critique of dehumanization by the barbarians contrasting Qing’s own questionable morality re-evaluation, drawing a complex image of morality in violence. The name 'Heavenly Slaughter Star' suggests high notoriety within martial circles tailored to this unconventional character, possibly worth adding to the character list. Qing leapt off the horse's back, striking downwards with a blade that traced a starlight path, slicing cleanly through the neck. "[Qi! He's using qi! Be careful!]" Only then did someone manage to yell, but it was already too late. In reality, the level of the Mongolian barbarians was at least at the pinnacle of a First Tier warrior, nearing the peak realms. The horsemen numbered over thirty, a formidable force under normal circumstances. However, the terrain was excessively advantageous for Qing. Conversely, it was the worst battlefield possible for the cavalry. The Mongolian barbarians' cavalry enjoyed immense success with their peculiar tactics — riding, shooting arrows, fleeing, and then attacking when the enemy tires. This strategy had seen them conquer the world several times over. Later strategists likened them to a "swarm of bugs," barbarians who spent over half their waking lives on horseback, causing chaos with their incessant grouping and dispersing. They were reviled as vermin. Of course, numerous strategies exist to counter this 'swarm of bugs' tactic. However, diving straight into their midst was an unheard-of, extraordinary strategy. After all, cavalry are still cavalry, even if they're not the heavily armored kind. And yet, what kind of infantry dares to leap into a cavalry's midst? Surely there are better ways to choose death. However, in this instance, it worked. Why? Perhaps due to the unbridgeable gap between inferior cavalry and elite infantry? An inferior warrior remains so, even on horseback, while an elite warrior remains superior, even without a steed. Certainly, there is some truth to this, but more importantly, it was the unwitting disadvantage that the Mongolian barbarians took upon themselves by entering unfamiliar, unfavorable terrain—a city. The swarm of bugs strategy is nearly invincible in environments where movement is unrestricted and scattering, regrouping, shooting, and fleeing can be repeated. In contrast, their combat effectiveness plummets in constrained environments where movement is restricted. So the best method against a swarm of bugs has always been to lure them into confined spaces for annihilation. The Mongolian barbarians knew this. Yet they only came to butcher helpless sheep, not truly considering themselves at war. They merely came to kill everyone larger than a cartwheel. Who knew such a monster was lying in wait! Most importantly, they were unable to utilize their most potent weapon, the bow. The Mongolians' archery isn't mere archery. It was a decisive weapon of the former dynasty, forbidden by the current Heavenly Dynasty, specialized archery techniques and skillsets. Na Inforukdeok drew back an arrow in a way that bespoke experience, the arrow tipped with starlight aiming silently at Qing. Arrows infused with qi, a skill known as Gangsi(罡矢). With the bowstring fully drawn. A fierce vortex surrounded the arrowhead, with visible swirls creating a whirlpool. If released now, the qi-infused arrow would shoot forth at the speed of light, packed with destructive spins. Yet Na Inforukdeok only eyed Qing with bloodshot, venom-filled eyes. Sweat droplet forming at his nose, eventually dropping down. Even with the March chill harsher than the Middle Plains' winter, such sweat on bare skin condensed into white steam rising. This indicated how much concentration and immense mental strength were being exhausted. Na Inforukdeok focused on Qing. Measuring speed, observing movements, assessing attack responses, preferred foot use, and engraved habits. Witnessing the horrific ends of the steppe's sons, his sworn brothers, and tribal warriors. Imagine the fury and sadness! With blood vessels bursting in his eyes, teeth grinding amidst shattered molars grazing roughly atop his tongue. Yet he acknowledged the opponent. He had never encountered an opponent so difficult to read due to her innate instincts and raw martial prowess. Had she been born on the steppe, she would've claimed the Khan's throne. However, no warrior in this world can be without a habit. As the one-sided slaughter continued, Na Inforukdeok began anticipating Qing's next move, narrowing the possibilities left, until only one future path became clear. He aimed at that singular future. The path that Qing would pass by, intending to pierce the soft spot under the ribs and jostle the liver, aiming for the body's most fatal weak point. Na Inforukdeok took a quiet breath in. And let it slowly out, halting his breath halfway. With a steady hand, the trembling ceased, and finally released the arrow— Fffsw... For some reason, the shot dissipated powerlessly — the starlit arrow plopping to the ground. Na Inforukdeok slowly lowered his head. There, a dagger’s hilt protruded from beneath his ribs, the hand clutching it belonged to a man suddenly beside the horse. Wasn't he the man behind the young beggar... That was Na Inforukdeok's last thought. The Great Warrior thudded heavily to the ground, fallen from his horse. Qing glanced at the scene. “Oh boy, look at them killing him outright.” After all, even the barbarian leader's killing intent was palpable, but how could that escape the notice of Qing's acute senses. Pretending ignorance, adopting repetitive movements to lure the inevitable curiosity of Mongolian martial archery techniques. She anticipated dodging with flawless movement techniques, relishing the look of despair that would nurture the warrior’s spirit. Most significantly, wanting to save the strongest for last to enjoy, yet - well, so much for that... Once drained of vigor, the ominous mark in Qing’s eyes dissipated as well. Leaving only the task of mopping up the remnants. Moyong Jun, wherever he was tossed, and the lone Green Martial Artist returned to join, making the cleanup of remaining barbarians quick work. Terms Introduced: 1. Na Inforukdeok (나인포륵덕) - A Mongol name, transliterated as it is to preserve authenticity, signifying his role as an elite archer with a formidable reputation. 2. Starlit Arrows (별빛에 감싸인 화살) - A literal description of arrows enchanted with special techniques, drawing a unique martial attribute. 3. Gangsi (罡矢) - Retained Chinese characters for the technique translating "Qi Arrow," describing a particular martial technique focusing on qi-infused archery. Additional Context: The scene showcases Qing's tactical mastery and martial strength, directly confronting Mongolian cavalry known for battlefield dominance through horse archery. The narrative cleverly highlights historical references to exceptional Mongol archery as decision tactics. Here, showcasing strategic weaknesses when lured into urban terrain. This illustrates Qing's blend of guile and ferocity used in unpredictable ways, creating a fresh viewpoint on longstanding historical warfare tactics. The ones who intended to flee had already done so, leaving the rest driven by desperation. Their fury had turned their eyes wild, and they were now in an all-or-nothing state of mind, making them oddly easier to face. Thus, the square was littered with the remnants of both horses and men. Well, all in all. Satisfied. It was entertaining, after all. Additional Context: The scene suggests a chaotic and intense battle, leaving Qing facing desperate opponents, which oddly simplified her task. The tone illustrates Qing's nonchalant and somewhat amused attitude toward combat, highlighting her confidence and perhaps an appreciation for the thrill of the fight. The narrative captures a blend of action and introspection, culminating in a reflection on the recently concluded battle.