899 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

[Hundred Ghosts Night Parade(百鬼夜行)] When visiting as a guest, the first thing to do, of course, is to greet the host. Why, you ask? In truth, an explanation isn’t necessary. Greeting the host when visiting someone’s home is a universal human custom, a truth that spans past, present, and even future, across all cultures from East to West. However, one should not dismiss the question itself. Delving into why the obvious is obvious is the very foundation of scientific inquiry and is the basis of civilization’s advancement. For millennia, Zhongyuan was at the pinnacle of scientific and technological development, the leader in nearly every technological advancement. Yet, in Qing's homeland's history, the center of such scientific insight shifted to the West, changed by the destiny brought forth by just one person. A monumental figure who altered the course of human history. A man who, upon witnessing an apple fall, wondered, why does the apple drop downward and not upward or sideways? It was from questioning this seemingly obvious fact that the true dawn of humanity began to emerge. Of course, the East might find this unjust. Chastisement against questioning the obvious was conveniently used by rulers to dominate the ruled. For instance, Eastern philosophies represented by Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. Confucianism preaches absolute loyalty. Loyalty with conditions isn't loyalty; one must obey the commands of parents, teachers, and lords without question. Daoism advocates the Tao of natural order, which is about absolute compliance. The natural state is the best state; thus, while observing nature is significant, questioning its ways is deemed unnecessary—just blindly trust and follow. Buddhism, meanwhile, promises rewards in the afterlife, encouraging compliance in this one. Having a rough life? Hey, whose life isn’t filled with suffering? Life begins in suffering. But live virtuously, and your next life will be better, and if you continue, eventually, you'll be reborn into a suffering-free world and eternal happiness. Loyalty, compliance, obedience. The trifecta of supreme tools of domination. Look at the Western 'big-nosed' folks. The result of their questioning the obvious? Nobles are noble, and commoners are commoners. Why? How come? Since we’re all people, why are they nobles and we are commoners? On top of that, why must we obey them? What’s this? Thinking about it makes me angry. That's it, burn it down! Can you hear the song of the people? Anyhow. As part of such scientific inquiry, one might also explore why a guest must first greet the host. To say it crudely, back in the times of ancient tribal societies. When the gap between thieves and guests was very narrow, and similarly, the gap between thieves and hosts was also slim. Guests probably had to prove their harmlessness and declare, “I’m not a thief, so you shouldn't be one either,” laying down their weapons and advancing to greet first while demanding the reception accorded to guests. Moreover, destabilizing the authority of the community’s leader jeopardized the community's survival, making it critical for guests to show respect to the host for survival's sake. Hmm. Certainly can't deny that common sense. Proud to be a humanities scholar! Humanities for the win! I'm thriving like this, renowned across the world—a supreme martial artist, earning the respect of all. What if I were a science type? Finished in a minute. Uh, where am I? Did I die? So if I die, do I go back? In science logic, then, let's try dying. Same with martial arts. Would I have mastered martial arts properly? Even if I trained hard to engrain martial arts into my memory, questioning why internal energy must circulate this way, shouldn't inverting it work? Scientific thinking says, let's try! And then, madness, what the hell, you'd die. Even if one survives, what then? Make soap and sell it? Zhongyuan already has soap, printing presses, guns, and everything else. Qing continued with her random musings. Why is Qing pondering so? Out of sheer boredom. Why bored? Because the host has yet to appear. Generally, making a guest wait is a classic discourtesy, a power play, to instill a sense of superiority and reduce the sense of equality, wearing down the guest’s spirit. How long did one wait to get even a glimpse of the emperor's face upon entering the royal palace? However, the elder Ilwol Sangjae that Qing knew wasn't someone like that. Huh? Elder Ilwol Sangjae is late... Then— Creak! “My apologies, have you waited long? But when the Commissioner of Liaoning comes directly, one cannot just leave midway, can they? So please understand.” Ah, given it's the Commissioner of Liaoning, that's understandable. Qing immediately grasped it. The Commissioner of Liaoning oversees the administration of Liaoning Province and is thus its top authority, after all. Dismissing the Commissioner to meet Qing? It would damage the Commissioner's reputation, likely inciting their wrath not only towards the Moyong Clan but also Qing. Yet, one must consider the Commissioner's perspective. Upon learning of this, the Commissioner would undoubtedly be furious, feeling it unjustified. "A princess has to wait because of dealing with me instead? Is this close? Argh, who’s trying to kill me? Your Highness! I beg your pardon! But it truly wasn’t my fault! Please!" “Had it been up to me, I would’ve come running right away. Of course, you are a much more welcome guest than the Commissioner.” “Indeed. When the Commissioner comes, it’s usually to ask for a favor or because something unfortunate has arisen. Not exactly something you’d be happy to see.” ### Translation Notes 1. **百鬼夜行** - "Hundred Ghosts Night Parade." It's a term in Japanese folklore; an alternate translation could be "Demon Night Procession." The translation maintains the supernatural connotation. 2. **일월상재** - "Ilwol Sangjae," a title; no hanja provided so literal translation like "Sun and Moon Supreme Elder" is avoided for now. 3. **포정사** - "Commissioner of Liaoning," a higher authority managing Liaoning, a location also known as "Liaoning Province" in China. 4. **요녕성** - "Liaoning Province," the literal translation of the geographical region. 5. **청** - Referring to Ximen Qing's shortened nickname used within the narrative for familiarity. 6. **코쟁이** - Translated humorously as 'big-nosed,' referring to Westerners in a historical context. 7. **브레인스토밍** - Brainstorming wasn't specifically mentioned in the excerpts but the speculative musing reflects this aspect without direct translation. ### Contextual and Character Insights - Qing's musings and the way she processes situations reflect on the narrative's exploration of cultural differences, inquisitive nature, and potential conflicts between the East and West during historical times. - The dialogues reflect a blend of historical and fictional elements, paying homage to classical martial arts and philosophical narratives common in the genre. - Qing's humorous perspective on life and death highlights the unique inner world view due to the transmigration element, offering comic relief while deepening reader engagement in the cultural context. With the alias Ilwol Sangjae(日月相在) among the martial alliance's close comrades, known as the Solitary Sword Tamer(異劍一人) to those he's intimate with, and the Double-Bladed Expert（二劍一人) among not-so-close peers, ranked ninth among the Ten Greatest Warriors of the World, and said by his mentor to be on the cusp of the Profound Realm, the father of Moyong Joo Hee and Moyong Jun, Moyong Seongik smiled warmly. “Thank you for your kind words.” “Oh, not at all. The Martial Scholar of Murim, Ximen Qing, greets the esteemed Ilwol Sangjae.” “It’s been how long? Even after two years, you seem unchanged as if time has passed you by. Hmm? Well, reaching such a realm at a young age would do that.” Moyong Seongik nodded in comprehension and soon after, spoke in a gentle voice. “So, are there any parts of your studies where you’re stuck? With the absence of Female Mad Dog, or rather Grandmaster, it must have been difficult for you. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need help. I’d be happy to spar afterward.” It was indeed an astonishing offer of goodwill. Partly due to the unintended delay Qing experienced, and also his beloved daughter ascending to the Transcendent Realm(超絶頂) because of Qing's assistance. “So, what brings you here? Visiting little Aehee?” “Partially, and to see Jun as well. He told me he, well, ran away from home.” “Oh, yes. Jun has been quite rebellious lately, feeling subdued. I pretended to shut him away, letting him take a break.” “Wouldn’t you just let him take a break outright?” Moyong Seongik cracked a sly smile. “It’s much more thrilling to sneak out than with permission, wouldn’t you say? With a personal guard watching over him, there’s no need to worry, and Jun isn’t at the level where anyone would dare." There was surely the calculation that nobody in Liaoning would dare touch a Moyong family member. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Qing brought up the main topic. “I’m actually on my way to Changbai Mountain. Have you perhaps heard of any strange happenings there?” Qing would have visited the Moyong Clan whether Moyong Jun was there or not. Changbai Mountain, in the strictest sense, referred to the Baekdu Mountain on the land of the Jurchen, a sacred site for the Korean people. More broadly? It also referred to the entire Changbai Mountain Range. Strangely, in Zhongyuan, they called both mountains and mountain ranges simply 'mountains,' which confused people. Because the land was so vast, those who didn’t live nearby perhaps didn’t see the need to distinguish between a mountain and a mountain range. Or maybe it was because 山 (san) is quick to write with three strokes, whereas 脈 (maek) is cumbersome in writing, so they kept it simple. Anyway, the context usually lets you infer if it's a mountain or a range even with just '山.' But in this case, since Qing only heard vague rumors from Seolga Trading Company, it was difficult to discern if it was Changbai Mountain or the Changbai Mountain Range. So, Qing planned to investigate on-site, and since the western Changbai Mountain Range was within the Moyong Clan's domain, and there were few as versed in information as the Moyong Clan. R1o1RUY1V2dWdFByellBWDZwUWJGV0Z0MHExSHk2SXN5MDNTRTJDZDV3bVZmVXNHZnl4M1dGUEU5Wm5QWXpXdg Qing's heart raced with anticipation. If it was in this vicinity, there'd be no need to venture all the way to Changbai Mountain. Of course, since she’d come this far, she figured she should at least see Heaven Lake, but still, sightseeing and rummaging around looking for someone were worlds apart. To this, Moyong Seongik responded. “Ah, that matter?” Qing’s face lit up. He knew something! “You’ve heard something?” “Usually, around this time they get very active. But, which peculiar figure are you looking for?” And at that moment, Qing’s face blanked out. Huh. Which peculiar figure? Are there multiple strange figures? At Changbai Mountain? Qing's expression was so earnest that Moyong Seongik asked again. “Hmm? Came without knowing? Let’s see, over here on this side, there are yokai like the Gaki, Yasha, Preta, the headless Hyeongcheon, the man-eating beast Docheol, and Mokhon. In Korea, they have creatures like the Tiger Leech, Gumiho(Fox with Nine Tails), Hundred-faced orchid ghost, and what was it? Dokabi? And from Russia, I have no idea, it’s in their twisted tongue. What was it? Baekbaek Ahwi?” Gaki, Yasha, and Preta are Buddhist yokai. Hyeongcheon is a yokai with no head, having eyes, nose, and mouth on its chest; Docheol is similar to a Preta; Mokhun refers to a tree spirit. While Tiger Leech are three yokai: leeches attached to tigers, likely related to Hosil (tiger-eating leeches). Gumiho is a fox with nine tails, Hundred-faced orchid ghost is a kind of ghost with a hundred faces, and Dokabi is an adaptation of the sound similar to a Dokkaebi, a Korean goblin. What is Baekbaek Ahwi? Since it's from Russia, referred to as their twisted tongue, it’s probably an adaptation too? Then, what is this parade of yokai? Looking for strange figures on Changbai Mountain, yet names of yokai are pouring out? Is this what they call that Hundred Ghosts Night Parade? But can yokai truly exist? Given the cosmic mystery of Qi(氣), with people flying and wielding light sabers, it’s conceivable yokai might exist too? Qing gulped. “Are you saying real yokai appear?” “I guess you came without knowing. Otherwise, they’d be named Changbai Mountain’s yokai, not strange figures.” Moyong Seongik chuckled bitterly. “What they refer to up in Changbai Mountain Range are roaming bands of bandits. They masquerade as yokai to hide their identities, mostly Eastern Barbarian folks, along with Jurchen, Zhongyuan dwellers, Russian Qingmok ghosts, and occasionally bald folks from Wa country.” Since long ago, the infamous raids by Eastern Barbarian tribes near the Changbai Mountain Range were well-known. However, once they started treating Zhongyuan as their superior, a law was passed preventing them from invading Zhongyuan territories. Yet, since ages past and continuing into the future, one truth remained. An undiscovered crime is no crime! So, thwarted by national law, those Eastern Barbarian clans dressed up as yokai and resumed their pillaging efforts. ### Translation Notes 1. **일월상재(日月相在)** - "Ilwol Sangjae," translated as "Sun and Moon Supreme Elder," based on provided context aligning with a respected title. 2. **오랑캐숫자하나異劍一人** - "Solitary Sword Tamer(異劍一人)," represents an alternate nickname potentially derived from assassination abilities or solitary aesthetics. 3. **쌍칼잡이二劍一人** - "Double-Bladed Expert(二劍一人)," indicates expertise or fame wielding two blades. 4. **모용성익** - "Moyong Seongik," transliterating 'Moyong Seongik,' understanding him as the father of Moyong Joo Hee and Moyong Jun, integrating with known clans. 5. **여광** - "Female Mad Dog," Qing being referred to by her title in absence of detail about an actual named mentor. 6. **장백산** - "Changbai Mountain," a geographic region closely tied to ethnic cultural heritage between Korea and China. 7. **白头山** - "Baekdu Mountain," representing a symbolic cultural and physical prominence, directly connected to the Changbai Mountain Range. 8. **나찰, 야차, 아귀** - "Gaki, Yasha, Preta," Buddhist demon/yokai categories commonly referenced in folklore and mythos for these regions. 9. **범거머리, 구미호, 백면란귀, 도가비** - "Tiger Leech, Gumiho(Fox with Nine Tails), Hundred-faced orchid ghost, Dokabi," transforming into familiar mythological entities. 10. **아라사** - "Russia," converting into its standard English term for simplicity. 11. **청목귀** - "Qingmok ghost," turning a conceptual reference for Chinese folklore adaptation. ### Context and Insights - The text beautifully interweaves multiple cultural mythologies, legends, and real locations into one cohesive, fantastical narrative, displaying a melting pot of mythos that blend reality with fantasy seamlessly within martial art narratives. - The narrative plays on the duality between literal existence of beings of folklore and exaggerations like yokai for mundane bandit activities, painting folklore as a smokescreen for crime. - Qing’s multifaceted community encounters and titles denote her reach across disciplines, earning respect across various martial and political scenes, highlighting societal dynamics she navigates as both a scholar and warrior. - The portrayal of Eastern Barbarians using fantastical masquerades to cover their actions speaks allegorically to real historical miscommunications or exploitation of beliefs within invading tribes or outsiders. As if they found it appealing, all the tribes in this area started dressing up as known yokai, embarking on their thieving expeditions, turning the place into a chaotic scene where yokai robbed each other. "Yes, it’s exactly like the Hundred Ghosts Night Parade." "Hundred Ghosts Night Parade(百鬼夜行)" is a term used in Zhongyuan as well. However, it carries a slightly different meaning than the one used by those barbarian wretches. It refers to a terrifying chaos where evil-doers, akin to yokai, emerge from everywhere—a term often used to describe tumultuous times akin to the Five Barbarians and Sixteen States era. Qing blinked in disbelief. What a complete and utter mess this is. ### Translation Notes 1. **오호십육국** - "Five Barbarians and Sixteen States," an era in Chinese history known for its fragmentation and chaos, used metaphorically for extreme disorder. 2. **이 일대 민족들** - "all the tribes in this area," referring generally to the cultural groups involved in the described activities with masked identities as yokai. ### Contextual Analysis - The phrase "Hundred Ghosts Night Parade(百鬼夜行)" is employed metaphorically within Zhongyuan to describe a state of disorder characterized by the nefarious activities of individuals akin to mythical yokai. - The depiction of "yokai robbed each other" demonstrates the absurdity and irony in the situation where disguised criminals engage in crime against one another, highlighting the chaotic and comedic unpredictability of the setting. - This reference to a historic era emphasizes the extent of turmoil brought about by such widespread lawlessness and serves as a cultural commentary linking folklore with historical periods marked by upheaval. ### Additional Context In traditional Japanese folklore, the "Night Parade of One Hundred Demons" references a time when supernatural creatures roamed the world of the living. Here, the narrative cleverly draws parallels between historical chaos and mythical tales to underscore how outright chaos has transcended into the real world through metaphor, echoing Qing's incredulity at the disorder.