898 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

**Southern Regions of the Hinggan Mountains** Three riders continued their journey eastward along the valley path of the mountain range, where verdant trees with dense foliage and lofty peaks surrounded them. The Hinggan Mountains extended northwest to the high Mongolian Plateau and southeast towards the lower plains of Liaoning. Naturally, the path eastward was a continuous descent. A veiled woman skillfully tossed cooking ingredients into a pot. Beside her, a small child clung fervently, never ceasing to chatter, their eyes reflecting the twinkling stars as they stared intently at the pot. Of course, the pot’s contents, which appeared in a murky brown with a greasy yellow layer on top, didn’t exactly look consumable, yet... On open plains, they’d often spur their horses into a short race. Even calling it a race seemed an exaggeration; it ended when the black horse sprinted alone, leaving the other two far behind. Afterwards, the woman riding the black horse would grasp her waist and plop onto the ground, groaning like an elderly woman, while the black horse would lift its head, proudly neighing in a good mood. The child, upon spotting a pheasant, excitedly pointed it out. Instantly, the woman's mouth watered at the corners, and with a smirk, she showcased a Mongolian composite bow tied to her mount to the child. As stars twinkled again in the child's eyes, they both laughed brightly and dashed into the forest together. The remaining man, along with the three horses, leaned against a tree, arms crossed and smiling approvingly. Much later... A woman returned, carrying a huge wild boar over her shoulder, gripping its fore and hind legs with her hands, with the thrilled child at her side. The man pondered, "What about the pheasant?" They stumbled upon a nameless village mid-journey, where a feast was being held. It was a wild boar feast, thrown by travelers who had caught a large 400-some-pound boar and shared the spoils for free. A hundred li from Zhaoyang County to the east—there lay Beopiaeon. Two hundred li east of Beopiaeon was Bushin County. Though it was a three-hundred-li journey, their leisurely pace, indulging in various activities, made it comparatively swift over two days. Thus, they reached Bushin County! Bushin County housed the nation's horse ranch and two Qianhu stations for northern defense, serving as a military stronghold and a military city. In military terms, with 2,200 personnel, their families included, the population wasn't small. Interestingly, Wuding Sect establishments—wait, Wuding Sect? Out here at the frontier? These weren't exactly Wuling Sect's main branches; rather, akin to local folk beliefs springing up due to inadequate ancient communication across Zhongyuan, these were regional variants—a heterodox faith, a pseudo-Dao belief deemed cynical非而非. For instance, even Zagu County, home of Ximen Qing’s residence, the Divine Maiden Sect, devoted to a Great Sun Buddha, strangely revered in female form, was experiencing a surge of this peculiar folk belief. Similarly, Bushin County's Wuding Sects were not associated with the martial Wuding Sect but civilian Daoist temples venerating Zhang Sanfeng, the Old Ancestor. Why, you ask? It was renowned as the hometown of the legendary Zhang Zhenren, Zhang Sanfeng himself! "Oh, Zhang Sanfeng the True Person..." However, it wasn't exactly a tourist spot. These sites were for local devotional activities, not for travelers’ entertainment. Besides, military cities, stationed with troops, aren't prime spots for tourists seeking attractions. Thus, planning to spend a quiet night? Had an early dinner, a warm bath, a laid supper snack, and then Young Lord Qing called for more snacks. "Does the beggar sister eat again…?" "Why not, there’s nothing else to do anyway." "Oh, regular folks don’t snack just because they have nothing to do." "That's the limitation of凡夫(normal) folks. Unlike ordinary people, special ones like me eat snacks, keep eating when there’s nothing else— that’s who I am," Qing declared. "Gosh." Moyong Jun pondered deeply, appearing to grasp a profound realization. Roughly 450 li remained to Shenyang. East of Bushin County lay Tapsan, a slender, tall mountain strip stretching vertically long. Heading to Shenyang on horseback meant bypassing Tapsan for a much quicker, easier route. On mountainous paths, horses are barely faster than humans. When the trail is undeveloped, it’s often impassable for horses. Regardless, Qing insisted on ascending Tapsan. Why? Because Qing’s travels were always direct, through the shortest path regardless of roads? No, it was because Moyong Jun recommended Qing take a look from Tapsan's peak. Reaching Tapsan's peak, "Oh wow." Qing was left in awe, observing the vast, endless plains stretching out eastwards. The geography of Liaoning resembled a grand plain encapsulated between broader mountain ranges, divided obliquely into thirds. To the southeast, the Changbai Mountains blocked the Korean Peninsula completely, while to the northwest, the imposing Daxinganling Mountains formed the border with Mongolia. Tapsan marked the easternmost point of Daxinganling, offering an immensely expansive view of the defiant Liaodong Plain. On a clear autumn day, attested by good eyesight, one might glimpse the silhouettes of Changbai Mountains and the grand city of Shenyang near the horizon’s edge from the peak. Unfortunately, with yellow dust winds blowing from the Mongolian deserts this season, Qing’s impressive sight still proved insufficient. Four hundred li from Tapsan’s summit. The boundless hard plain was ideal ground for a gallop toward the city. Midway to Shenyang, 200 li on the way lay Changwu County—a simple lodging stop. After breakfast the following morning, Young Lord Qing ambled into Shenyang around noon. Thus, they arrived in Shenyang! Shenyang, holding a venerable 2000-year history, was always among Zhongyuan’s great ancient capitals, eternally prominent as the largest city in the northeastern frontier of Zhongyuan. --- **New Terms Explained:** 1. **Hinggan Mountains (흥안령 산맥):** The name of the mountain range in the northwestern part of China that connects to Mongolia and diverges towards Liaoning’s lower plains. 2. **Li (리/里):** A traditional Chinese unit of distance. In this context, they are traveling distances of 100, 200, and 300 li. 3. **Beopiaeon (북표현) and Bushin County (부신현):** Names of fictional places being traveled to, potentially inspired by historical regions. 4. **Qianhu Station (천호소):** These refer to official military establishments along with defensive strategies, common during certain Chinese historical periods. 5. **Tapsan (탑산):** A fictional mountain depicted as part of the mountain ranges with strategic views extending to Shenyang. 6. **Zhongyuan (중원):** The Central Plains of China, often referred metaphorically to represent China as a whole. 7. **Zhang Sanfeng (장삼봉 진인):** A legendary Taoist immortal associated with the origins of Taichi, indicating local reverence distinct from the great sect. **Translation Note:** - The additional context enriches Qing’s journey, indicating a blend of cultural folklore, geographical strategists, and historical consciousness intertwined with the western frontier of China. - Qing’s ongoing eating antics highlight her unconventional character, implying a break from mundane societal norms in novel ways. **List Alteration Suggestions:** - Update **"Zhongyuan"** to clarify the systemic term "In Central Plains," usually referring to "China" culturally or historically, implying the area as a cradle of civilization. In the past, it had thrived significantly as an intermediary for Goryeo merchants who once led the culture of the Central Plains, though it couldn't reach the same level of prosperity after a new dynasty took over. However, it remained the largest and most bustling city in the northeast, with traders from Joseon, barterers from the Jurchen, and even Cheongmokgui, Russian merchants from beyond the Jurchen regions, still frequenting the place. To Qing's eyes, it was quite a fascinating scene. Despite being a primitive ancient city of Zhongyuan, there were occasionally Westerners with prominent noses visible. And these Westerners were speaking fluent Zhongyuan language, creating an almost cognitive dissonance. Hmm, indeed, their noses were remarkably impressive. There’s a reason they are called "big noses." As they arrived at the southeast end of Shenyang, a grandiose mansion's splendid gate emerged beyond the broad avenue. Engraved above it in bold, flowing calligraphy were four characters. R1o1RUY1V2dWdFByellBWDZwUWJGUzN2WTBOSm9qRXdSV1M2YjJ3dXB5Wld5N0pCUDJ4enJDUnJneVBCOW5iNw Heavenly Moyong(天下慕容)! It was the Moyong Clan's main residence. Upon approaching on horseback, the guards at the main gate bowed their heads with welcoming smiles. "Young Master, are you back? How was your runaway adventure? It must have been a hardship leaving home, right? One who leaves home always feels sorrow. Where have you all been?" "Gunpyeong? I even saw Mongolian barbarians!" "Oh dear, it's wise not to see such savages. No matter how much the Green Guard is there, surely the Green Guard was watching over you—by the way, who might this lady be?" "Oh, this is the beggar sis—" "I'm Ximen Qing. People graciously call me Heavenly Flower." Qing intercepted the beggar sister's introduction with a proper greeting. The guard, startled, straightened up and respectfully cupped his fists in a polite bow. "My apologies! I am Nam Ryung Mi Hak from the Outer Garden! It's an honor to meet the Divine Dragon of the martial realm! I will inform the general manager immediately. Seongchuya, guide the honored guest to the Upper Heaven Residence—" "Oh, I’ll do it." "You, Young Master? Very well, I'll step aside for a moment." Judging by how they treated Moyong Jun, it was apparent he was the beloved young master of the clan. Indeed, while a bit out of place, he was quite kind. "That there is Oyakchae, named for an Elder who adored crows. It's now used as housing for the internal guards. Next to it is the Huahodang, the training place for internal guards. Beside it, you have Hobanchae, the internal dining hall. There's always a mountain of Simyang chicken piled up there—have you heard of Simyang chicken? It's delicious. Speaking of which, Juhyeok of the internal guard is a captain feared by all, yet he seems to show great patience with the lady helping in Hobanchae. The other day, I saw him being dragged by the ear." Moyong Jun's voice left no room for silence, and while Qing half-listened, it was still interesting. "Oh, but sometimes Captain Juhyeok's anger seems to explode too. Once they both went underground, and I heard the lady crying, yet when they came out, they were holding hands, smiling. Oh, right, in the basement—" "Hold on, Jun. Have you told anyone else that story?" "Well, first my father, Uncle Musa Jang, and then Chief Yang..." As Moyong Jun counted on his fingers, new names kept emerging even after his fingers ran out. Qing nodded. Hmm, this must be a not-so-secret secret romance everyone knows. Just then... "My lady!" An earnest cry was followed by rapid footsteps closing in. Turning his head, he saw a familiar figure soaring in through the air, with a slender waist perfectly encircled by a belt, curving gracefully downward. It was the Golden Sun Sword Flower, a celebrated beauty of the martial realm and one responsible for fairness among the Five Beauties of Wulim—Moyong Joo Hee. Upon arriving, she hesitated, casting shy glances at Qing, marking her as truly a lady of the Moyong clan. There was something quite endearing about her timid demeanor, akin to a small, trembling animal. In response, Qing mischievously narrowed her eyes, causing Joo Hee to fidget with her fingers. After a tentative pause, as Qing suddenly softened her expression and opened her arms wide, Joo Hee finally dove in for a hug, a delicate frame bringing with it the sweet and tart scent reminiscent of peach blossoms. "How have you been, Moyong lady?" "Yes, yes! And you, my lady?" "I'm always grand. I was on my way to Changbai when I came across Jun and thought I'd escort him home." "Oh, Jun." "Sis, I'm back. Hehe." "Did you have a good trip? No injuries, right?" "Yes! It was fun. Camped outside, did some hunting, caught and dressed a wild boar, ever done that? We hung it, cut its throat, even ate roasted snout, and then—and then..." Standing side by side, they really did seem like siblings. While Jun's future promised to make him a certified dreamboat, even if his height might be lacking, a handsome face should suffice. "...Oh, right. I even took on a Mongolian barbarian, while beggar sis here took down over thirty, spinning in the air—" "Hold on." Moyong Joo Hee's expression stiffened. What sister wouldn't worry hearing her brother tangled with barbarians? Thus, with a stern, yet worry-ridden look— "Taking on over thirty, Ximen Lady, were you unharmed? Mongolian brigands may be skilled in martial arts, but their trickery is even more notorious. You didn't get hurt? Not even from an arrow? They use archery techniques—did you know? You surely would not have known. You're not hit anywhere, are you?" Moyong Joo Hee's hands roamed over Qing, checking her for injuries. Hmm. Is this how it was? But, why did they assume I didn’t know? Admittedly, I didn’t know. Hmm. In this manner, they entered the realm of the Moyong Clan. --- **New Terms Explained:** 1. **Cheongmokgui (청목귀):** Refers to the Russian merchants beyond Jurchen territories. Likely coined to depict foreigners and traders unfamiliar with local customs yet involved in trade. 2. **Shenyang(심양):** The city with historical significance, portrayed as an ancient bustling hub with diverse cultural exchanges due to its strategic location. 3. **Green Guard (녹 호위):** Likely refers to a fictional or historical guard unit known for their protective prowess over travelers. 4. **Simyang (심양):** Used here to likely refer to a type of local cuisine, specifically chicken, praised for its taste. 5. **Heavenly Moyong (천하모용):** The main establishment of the Moyong Clan, a revered family name tied to martial prowess and societal influence. 6. **Oyackchae, Huahodang, Hobanchae (오약채, 화호당, 호반채):** Internal establishments within the Moyong Clan, serving various communal and training purposes. **Translation Note:** - The interplay of diverse traders includes cross-culture dialogues, showcasing Qing's interaction with a variety of historical and fictional cultural entities woven with unfamiliar yet intriguing traditions. - Despite the historical allure of Shenyang, Qing's informal demeanor alongside Moyong Jun presents a comical yet insightful peek into local hospitality through humorous exchanges and situations. **Suggestions for List Alteration:** - You might consider adding **"Shenyang"** to names of central historic urban settings known for cultural convergence.