900 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

Meanwhile, there was a part of Qing that wondered if she had come all this way to the Changbai Mountains due to nothing more than a baseless rumor. Since she was here, should she at least visit Tianchi Lake? How often in one's life would there be a chance to come this far? Then, suddenly, a thought crossed her mind. "Elder, by any chance—" "What do you mean, elder? Just call me Uncle(伯伯), given that you’re a good friend of my daughter. No need to be so formal, and I'm not that old either." "Uncle" was considered one of the more respectful terms to address a friend’s father. A closer, more informal term would be “Uncle(叔叔)” with a surname, but considering the dignity of the Five Great Noble Clans(오대세가), that term might feel lacking in formality. "Oh, yes. Uncle." "So, what's the next question?" "Ah, could there be any folklore or myths among the Jurchens about a monster with pronounced black veins?" "No, there aren't any. The Jurchens don't have monsters in the sense of Yokai. They have plenty of evil spirits and ghosts, but not physical monsters." "Ummm..." To Qing's knowledge, such monsters didn’t exist in Zhongyuan either. And they didn’t exist in her homeland, so naturally, now in Joseon, they were unlikely as well. However, based on the rumors the Serygasa Company gathered, there were indeed sightings of a monstrous creature in the form of the Reverse Blood Demon(역혈마인). Given the current chaotic events, or rather the great pillaging near the Changbai Mountains, the existence of the Reverse Blood Demon seems plausible. If so... Well, if she planned to gather information, asking those currently in the Changbai Mountains would be the quickest and most accurate method. It seemed inevitable that Qing would have to go. Seeing Qing lost in thought, Moyong Sung-ik let out a hearty laugh. "Despite the rumors of a 'Night Parade of Hundred Demons', it's not such a big deal. It’s more like a quarrel. The nomads have harsh lives, and usually, it's just them fighting amongst themselves. They rarely bother Ming citizens." The "Ming citizens" in this context referred to the tax-paying people under Heaven, not the shifting cultivators of the Changbai Mountains who lived off the land and did not pay tax. These shifting cultivators weren’t officially Ming citizens anyway. And these nomads often targeted the shifting cultivators, not touching proper trade groups or organized villages of the Central Plains. "Anyway, shall we spar a bit after dinner? I promised to guide you, but it seems I'll have to leave for a while." "Are you traveling far?" "No, I'll be nearby, though… Hmm." Moyong Sung-ik hesitated, then lowered his voice to offer a hint. "I have to check on Princess Yeon-sul's diplomatic journey. Why else would the usually unyielding Pojeongsa personally come to request it?" "Oh, diplomatic journey." Qing remembered hearing about Princess Yeon-sul’s diplomatic journey before leaving. Since she had spent quite a time waiting for Moyong Sung-ik, he was slightly delayed talking with Pojeongsa. "Recently, there have been suspicious activities in Beijing, and the Alliance was becoming a bit tense. This request seems to be the imperial palace's response. Even if, as officials, we can't refuse such gestures of goodwill." Though the martial world was contactless with officials, the sudden appearance of a gentle attitude seemed unexpected. Moyong Sung-ik added. "Ah, hehe..." Qing scratched her head shyly. To those close to her, it was obvious what she was feeling. Moyong Sung-ik noticed Qing's expression and was puzzled. "Why are you embarrassed?" "It's nothing, really. Hehe." "...?" ---- The representative dish of Shenyang is Dakgalbi. Known as Shenyang Dakgalbi! In the language of Zhongyuan, it's called Shenyang Jiaga! Of course, not the Dakgalbi Qing's hometown would have, but the Zhongyuan dish called Jiaga, meaning chicken ribs. Jiaga refers to the rib meat of chickens with wings attached. Shenyang Jiaga fries these ribs whole and then stir-fries them in spices. Naturally, Qing had plenty of it. Since the local specialties of the capital were popular all over the city, Qing had eaten plenty on her way into the Liaoning territory heading towards Shenyang. Was it delicious? It’s fried chicken. What more explanation is needed? Qing’s dining was spirited, and when it came to these chicken-wing rib fries, her enjoyment went beyond enthusiasm. Pick up the piece, separate the wing and rib, and enjoy the peculiar texture between the dry and juicy parts with her front teeth. Once the drumette was in her mouth, only clean bones emerged. Eat the wing whole, and after a few chews, out came two bones and you were done. One piece vanished so quickly that only a pile of gleaming bones remained. Moyong Jun watched as the hero with a chicken leg devoured Shenyang Jiaga. And since the hero was the boy’s idol, Moyong Jun naturally tried to emulate him. Soon, he could eat with equal enthusiasm. In Qing’s words, he finally knew how to eat. As for dinner. Moyong Jun proudly displayed the boisterous hero's dining method he'd learned from Qing. Seeing his son's antics, Moyong Sung-ik was appalled. "Ahem. Ah-jun. No matter how familiar, they are guests. What are you doing at the table?" "Eh? Why?" "First, swallow what's in your mouth before speaking." Moyong Sung-ik's voice was stern. After being scolded, Moyong Jun looked at Qing with a frustrated expression. "Gulp. But, no, even sister—" bWpnL1VNWWVlR0h2N0IyVWd5ZUJTNnVyVFloQUllczBMNVY0Ly9MeVdJek5iQkVoYmFFS3B6ckJLc0VwSm8vMg There was Qing elegantly gnawing on a wing. Moyong Jun stared blankly for a moment. Even holding and biting with her hands seemed somehow graceful. Despite the slight impropriety of wearing a face cover while dining with elders, Moyong Sung-ik had permitted it playfully to tease Moyong Jun. Yet, the aura she emitted was a gentle elegance. Ximen Surin Style Beauty Act: Eating Chicken Gracefully! When eating such bony dishes, awkwardly trying to pick them with chopsticks is an ugly sight. One should boldly eat with hands and doing so beautifully is what elegance truly is. --- **Newly Translated Terms:** 1. **Uncle (伯伯/叔叔):** Translated as "Uncle" to show familiarity but distinction based on context. 伯伯 implies a formal yet warm relationship, while 叔叔 conveys even closer familial connection. 2. **Serygasa Company (설가상회):** Kept the name as it seems to be a specific organization. Possible alternative is "Serygasa Trading Co." but avoided to maintain ambiguity for future context. 3. **Moyong Sung-ik (모용성익):** Identified as male, formal name translates directly, maintaining his family name for future referencing within the narrative context. 4. **Pojeongsa (포정사):** A high-ranking official, translated as Pojeongsa based on rank. The term might refer to a provincial governor or a magistrate yet remains untranslated for authenticity. 5. **Diplomatic Journey (화친행):** Translated as "diplomatic journey" due to context. Literal might be "peace alliance visit," yet chosen translation fits within narrative. 6. **Shenyang Dakgalbi (심양 닭갈비):** Translated as "Shenyang Dakgalbi" with explanation context as local dish. Literal translation— "Shenyang chicken ribs"—as Dakgalbi is known Korean dish internationally. **Explanation of Additional Context:** - **기혈마인의 목격담:** Refers to Reverse Blood Demon—a mythical creature, contextually announced that even without cultural knowledge, the character deduced its existence based on sightings. --- *Notes:* - The "Serygasa Company" appears to gather rumors, implying a trading background. - Moyong Jun attempting to emulate a hero, flavor in storytelling. - Literary devices such as narrative contemplation shown in Qing’s thoughts regarding the Changbai Mountains, representing Qing’s inner narrative arc that drives the plot forward. - The passage places significant emphasis on cultural elements of food and usage of formal vs informal language in family hierarchy and honorific implications. Even for Qing, sitting there gulping food messily, like a beggar, or stuffing herself with gratitude at a friend’s father's presence, was out of the question. "…Sister?" "Uncle, don't you think it's charming when children eat in their own childlike way? But Jun, it's important to swallow all your food before you start talking." Moyong Jun's mind was struck by a familiar sound. "Hehe, mashidda, mashisseo." This came out while his mouth was still full. "..." Suddenly, Moyong Jun felt a sharp pang of betrayal. What on earth is this? Moyong Jun, twelve years old. For the first time, the boy experienced the pain of betrayal. --- Moyong Sung-ik’s moniker is "Ilweolsangjae(日月相在)," meaning "sun and moon exist simultaneously," representing the unique martial art internal energy techniques of the Moyong Clan, reflecting the dual forms of sword qi in their "Heaven’s Dual Radiance Technique (건공무양공)." As a note, a nickname evolves as one's understanding increases. Before evolution, he was known as "The Two-Swords Man, One Body" (이검일인), meaning "the one who wields twin swords." Among friends, it wasn't two swords as "Yi Geom(二劍)" but "Yi Geom (夷劍)," meaning Barbarian Sword, they would sometimes refer to him as "Yi Geom Yi In," meaning "Barbarian Best." Had Qing known this, she might have been astonished at how someone’s nickname could mean something like "barbarian number one." But she didn’t realize that her master’s nickname was even more peculiar and aggressive. In any case, Qing rolled. She rolled again and again. It was unavoidable. Moyong Sung-ik was a master in the Profound Realm (현경) even if he was only a lower rank within that realm. Moreover, the duel was exceedingly unfavorable for Qing. Against a righteous elder’s sparring, wildly swinging demonic techniques was simply not an option. Without demonic techniques, Ximen Qing was playing a game of Chinese Chess without rooks and pawns, Go minus nine stones, blindfolded cup-and-ball, and ancient mah-jong with five tiles missing. Furthermore, Moyong Sung-ik was a master of "Yi Hua Jiemu(木), (이화접목)" and "Dujan Shengyi," utilizing and mastering extreme principles of the Moyong Clan’s martial prowess. Originally, "Yi Hua Jiemu" shines best when a master faces a lesser opponent. Thus, "Dujan Shengyi," the perfection of such principles, from Qing’s homeland, would be called "slaughtering sheep," optimal for decimating weaker opponents. Of course, "Yi Hua Jiemu" is highly effective in mounting defense, allowing to endure long against higher-skilled opponents. What should be said? It’s like unintentionally brushing the air; naturally, her attack swayed through empty spaces on the sides, causing her to trip, tumble three times, and roll. A sword and a blade. Two currents of immense qi, created by the light of the sun and moon, pushed and pulled the enemy’s weapons, with a star, Polaris, rising in between. Polaris being the cosmic center, the axis around which the universe revolves. Who could dare defy such majestic rotation? And so Qing rolled again. Rolling and tumbling until a wall abruptly halted her momentum—thud. Her neck flipped down to the training ground floor, while her back was against the wall; her legs awkwardly spread around her small head, humorously showing off her ample posterior. But only for a moment. Qing rose stoutly, turning herself around. Moyong Sung-ik stroked his beard. "Hmm, the handling and dispatch of your qi surpasses your current realm level, and your techniques are splendid. Frankly speaking, no one in the Matching Realm (화경) could equal you. Additionally, your insight into martial arts is excellent, as you proficiently utilize your mental image…" "I am listening attentively." "At the level of the Matching Realm, you should be pioneering your path. It’s truly a pity that you haven’t started." Ximen Surin's "Divine Maiden Sword Intent" (신녀검결) abandoned the gentle, dance-like, feminine lines it originally had, evolving into a destructive path akin to a tyrant’s, reflecting her interpretation and nature—female mad dog. Suraohua had developed her technique in line with her interpretation and her characteristic—Female Mad Dog (여광견). However, Qing's Yue Maiden Sword remained true to the original, unchanged Yue Maiden Sword Technique. "Perhaps it is because that martial technique, Yue Maiden Sword, suits you well. Sometimes, when a martial art aligns too well with the owner's disposition, it accelerates growth yet limits the awareness of having no necessity or direction for change." Like children swinging branches with joy—Qing had perceived the fundamental nature of the Yue Maiden Sword. Sure, the enjoyment Qing found was more of the thrill of slaughter, yet it was still enjoyable! To put it bluntly: children's play, imagining an enemy as they swing a wooden sword, not essentially different from Qing experiencing delight in slaughter. But after all, martial arts are about the art of killing. Her martial art fits perfectly; there's no perceived need to alter it. Qing agrees and poses a question. "So, what should I do? Should I attempt some kind of remodeling?" "Truthfully, such divine arts are difficult to alter. They are termed divine arts because of their near-perfection. Instead of changing the Yue Maiden Sword, it might be better to learn techniques contrary to your nature and adapt them in your way." "Umm." The first that came to mind was the Lone Nine Swords Technique(독고구검). I know it doesn’t quite suit me. But with Lone Nine Swords Technique, even swinging is tough, let alone remodeling it. Buddha’s Divine Palm (여래신장)? Buddha’s Divine Palm is nothing but a single immense Buddha’s palm—what is there to adjust? Indeed, what Uncle mentioned about divine arts, particularly those encircled in violet, being challenging for someone like me to tamper with, is accurate as they already harmonize intention and martial prowess. That said, well, it may be the more commonplace techniques that are modifiable, like demonic arts. Perhaps trying to tweak demonic arts could work in my favor? Oh, excellent idea! Upon reflection, I wonder why this thought only just crossed my mind. If I could alter demonic arts to appear less sinister, I could use them openly. Let’s see, something without much bite, hmm, possibly the 108 Asura Sword(백팔수라검)? It’s a martial technique diagramming the ferocity of beasts; if I remodel it into a style featuring cute creatures, though, could it retain its prowess… Qing was immersed in this newfound puzzle. Watching Qing deep in thought, Moyong Sung-ik smiled contentedly. --- **Newly Translated Terms:** 1. **Heaven’s Dual Radiance Technique (건공무양공):** This martial art technique of the Moyong Clan rendered into a suitable translation for a technique based on dual-nature principles. 2. **Ilweolsangjae(日月相在):** Preserved its original name for rich cultural and symbolic representation, indicating the opposition and coexistence reflective of the Moyong Clan’s martial principles. 3. **Two Swords Man, One Body (이검일인):** A martial moniker representing the technique and his style prior to its evolution. 4. **Buddha’s Divine Palm (여래신장):** A technique based on the iconic imagery within Buddhist mythology. 5. **Yi Hua Jiemu (이화접목):** The technique’s name blends an accurate representation, utilizing sound to capture its inherent qualities based on going with the flow or absorbing violently. 6. **Dujan Shengyi (두전성이):** Reflects heightened skill execution for the Moyong Clan, maintaining a sound pattern synonymous with intensive perfection. **Explanation of Additional Context:** - **백부님** indicates genuine respect and warmth toward a friend’s father, leveraging a familial term neutral in gender and compatible for informal conversation, influencing the familiarity index within the speech. - **Yue Maiden Sword:** Maintained clear delineation, resonating with her kind yet formidable style of swordsmanship. - **Moyong Sung-ik and Qing’s spar:** In martial tradition, reflecting character growth, acknowledged hierarchically even when confronted by rhetorical wisdom, displaying tension between learning and mastering inner intentions and techniques. - **Moyong Jun’s notes of discomfort:** Addressing childish banter enhances narrative depth and satirical support in familial dialogues. *Notes:* - Ximen Surin and Qing mentioned as contextually significant, creating dissonance in style and potential—unearthing unique character dynamics. - Demonstrates an underlying exploration of connections between personal nature, learning, and adaptation in martial arts development.