905 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

The skill of the Harmony Realm(현경) was not something to be particularly astonished by since the opponent was also at the Harmony Realm level. Why, then, would anyone be surprised if the power displayed was befitting that of the Harmony Realm? However, witnessing Qing tenaciously fending off the countless ephemeral shadows of the demonic Hell Demon Slaying Blade(지옥참마도) while continuously retreating was nothing short of divine strength. Truly, it was an astonishing battle, wasn't it? The term "Transcendent State" that Qing jokingly used to describe herself was indeed deserving of such recognition. Yet, Qing's expression gradually darkened. Was she being overpowered by a Harmony Realm opponent? How did Qing typically respond in such situations, and what reactions had she shown until now? After dodging with the Yue Maiden Footwork(月녀산보), she would scurry around like a rat set on fire, leaping here and there, desperately fleeing with little grace. Yet, somehow, Qing was counterattacking. Why? That was because her opponent, the Demon of Plunder(강탈마), was holding back. His goal was Qing's martial arts, so he had no intention of killing her. He had heard that other leaders of the Cult were fuming with vengeance, shouting things like, "Kkraaagh! We must kill Ximen Qing! By all means, kill her!" But that was their business, not something the Demon of Plunder needed to concern himself with. He was more cautious not to cause severe injury or permanent damage, fearing she might resist with, "Do you think I'll give you my martial arts after making me like this? Just kill me instead!" After all, the one in need had to yield, and the needier person was the Demon of Plunder. Qing knew this well. Thus, in a situation where her enemy couldn't use lethal force against her, she could strike as she pleased. The Heavenly Slaughter Star(천살성), known for her treachery, had calculated such conditions and readily accepted them. Yet? Qing's expression darkened even more. It was infuriating. This was an innate trait of martial artists. Having experienced the workings of the martial world considerably, Qing now found herself thinking like a typical martial artist. She was fighting with the intention to kill, yet her opponent was casually responding as if merely attending to some task, telling her to do as she wished until exhausted. Naturally, her anger flared. Wham! Driven by her owner's fury, the Self-Rotating Demon Technique(자전마공) eagerly surged forth, releasing a burst of purple lightning. Lightning strikes after the sound has already reached you, and by then it's too late—the self-rotating Qi struck the shoulder of the Demon of Plunder. Although it wasn't enough to break through the protective aura of a Harmony Realm expert, the impact was sufficient to create a fleeting gap, a momentary opening. Qing, who had been retreating, suddenly shifted her weight onto her rear foot while pivoting on it, reversed her momentum, and forcefully stomped forward with her front foot. Simultaneously, the Moonlight Sword(月광검) slashed down diagonally, carving a line between her and her opponent. The Emperor Sword Form(제왕검형). The emperor merely points, sitting high above, annihilating enemies; it is the simple fingertip that commands the world, and thus the emperor moves all under heaven. In a flash, the Demon of Plunder's figure split into two. One remained, becoming cleaved by the Moonlight Sword, while the other darted back, gaining distance and standing apart. A technique known as the Dual Illusion Form, which leaves an afterimage by moving rapidly in an instant. The Demon of Plunder suddenly felt refreshed. His chest's cloth was torn, letting the chilly early spring air of Liaoning brush against his skin. Yet, a smile crept onto the Demon of Plunder's lips. That had been a move that even he found hazardous. Overwhelming might, deployed in an instant within his mind! An attack and defense in unity, severing the flow flawlessly with a single stroke, mastering the situation with one perfect move! Undoubtedly, it must have been a very noble martial art technique. Unable to hold back, the Demon of Plunder roared out loud, “Excellent!” “Bullshit!” Responded a voice, a shout in anger. However, it came from above, from the sky. As the Demon of Plunder raised his head, there was Qing, crouched upside down in midair. Then she plummeted towards the ground like a missile, her descent akin to a falling star. The Celestial Triumph of the Comet(경천대성마곤 절예), Meteor Drop(유성락). Boom! A tremendous explosion echoed, and the once frozen ground shattered, dirt clouds rising thick into the air. Emerging through the dust clouds, the Demon of Plunder skated backwards, thrusting forward with his giant saber drawn. Qing's figure pursued after him relentlessly. Suspended midair, thrusting her upper body forward, her right arm armed with the sword pulled entirely backward behind her left shoulder. The Moonlight Sword glowed with twilight Sword Qi(검기), red lightning crackling above it, snarling as it lashed out, connecting heaven and earth with a striking red bolt as she swung down. Blood Shadow Thunderbolt Technique(혈영뇌전도법), Thunder Dragon Mountain Shattering Strike(혈뇌룡파산). The Demon of Plunder braced his saber's blade with his left hand and forcibly lifted it overhead. Immediately after collision, Qing seemed to pause midair, battling it out in a contest of martial strength. However, the blade of the Moonlight Sword steadily pressed forth. Just then, behind Qing's mask, at her eyes' position, three azure ghost flames flickered, swirling to life. Simultaneously, the blade of the Moonlight Sword resonated with the countless forms of waves, relentlessly spinning. The Thunder Wheel Demonic Catastrophe(전륜마겁)'s Thunder Wheel Qi! In terms of density and output, there is a notable difference between the Harmony Realm and Transcendent Realm's Qi levels. Yet, despite this, Qing's Transcendent Realm Qi began to slowly intrude into the saber's Sword Qi, penetrating the Demon of Plunder's Qi field. Startled, the Demon of Plunder flipped his blade. As he did so, Qing's figure spun elegantly, landing with an unexpectedly graceful poise considering the intense duel she was engaged in just moments prior. Then, a colossal hand's afterimage filled the sight—a massive hand, either starkly white and pristine or, simultaneously, twisted, gnarled hideously beyond measure. “Lesser Demon Technique(소수마공)!” The Demon of Plunder shouted in alarm, realizing only then that the bizarre Qi he'd encountered earlier was indeed the Thunder Wheel Demonic Catastrophe, and the purple lightning that had struck before was the Self-Rotating Demon Technique! Seizing the moment, Qing pressed her advantage, assaulting fiercely. With a ringing of chimes, the Buddha’s Divine Palm(여래신장)'s striking force unfolded, as she simultaneously launched herself and extended her sword. At times, she even thrust her fist grasping the sword, unleashing a destructive strike no longer of the Eon Family(언가), flowing over an opponent’s blade like a phantom, employing bizarre swordplay that was a signature of the Escape Death with a Steady Heart(탈명정심) technique. A raging torrent of various martial arts techniques followed, shifting instantly between disparate philosophies with swift distinction. --- ### Terms Translated and Explanation: - **Demon of Plunder(강탈마):** This refers to a character in the expanded universe, whose intent lies in acquiring Qing's martial arts rather than killing her. - **Hell Demon Slaying Blade(지옥참마도):** A demonic martial art or sword technique, originating from the arts of the Demonic Cult. - **Celestial Triumph of the Comet(경천대성마곤 절예), Meteor Drop(유성락):** A martial art technique with a grand name suggesting a powerful, celestial-themed attack mimicking a falling star, illustrating Qing's prowess. - **Blood Shadow Thunderbolt Technique(혈영뇌전도법), Thunder Dragon Mountain Shattering Strike(혈뇌룡파산):** Qing utilizes this elaborate technique, combining elements of blood and thunder to unleash a powerful attack resembling that of a dragon shattering a mountain. - **Dual Illusion Form(이형환위):** A movement technique allowing a practitioner to leave an afterimage by moving swiftly, likened to a dual illusion. - **Escape Death with a Steady Heart(탈명정심):** A technique within Qing's repertoire allowing extraordinary evasion or phasing through attacks, displaying advanced control over martial forms. ### Suggestion for the List: 1. **Demon of Plunder(강탈마):** A member of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, his play with Qing suggests a bigger narrative for Qing's known history. 2. **Hell Demon Slaying Blade(지옥참마도):** More emphasis on demonic powers within the realms of the arts used in the martial world. 3. **Celestial Triumph of the Comet (경천대성마곤 절예), Meteor Drop(유성락):** Establishing Qing’s capability of harnessing powerful celestial-themed martial arts. Further explanation could involve detailing exactly how the "Transcendent State," refers to Qing's self-aware joke that had become a validated truth in this context. When Qing attacked, it felt like a fierce gale, yet within that savage storm, there were calm techniques as silent as a tranquil forest. The murderous intent, sharp as a blade, burned with a fiery intensity but remained steady as a mountain, unwavering. It was truly an ever-changing force, the embodiment of "Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain(풍림화산)", as it should be. Meanwhile, the Demon of Plunder's subordinates watched this awe-inspiring battle in a daze. And even a non-human entity, a single jiangshi (강시 - traditional Chinese undead, often depicted as a hopping vampire) found this fight enthralling to watch. But not just to watch; its mouth moved constantly, flapping open and shut soundlessly, as if talking incessantly. ‘Sister Yuhwa, here are Heavenly Sword Flower(천화검) and Demonic Plunderer(검마) fighting. If there’s a sister curious about this, shall I connect you? Delivering live updates?’ - Really? It's the Heavenly Sword Flower? - Wow, where is it? Mount Baekdu (장백산맥)? That’s far away. - Is she that beautiful? Did you see her in person? - Quiet down, the master is speaking. Oh, this sounds interesting. So what’s happening? By the way, Yuhwa, are you mimicking my voice, or, well, never mind. Thus began Gongyang Sayeon transmitting the visible battle between Qing and the Demon of Plunder in detail to sisters all across Zhongyuan. Could it be that Qing's techniques were being exposed unknowingly this way? ‘Uh, the Heavenly Sword Flower is slashing extremely quickly. Yes, very fast. The Demon of Plunder is also fast, so it's really noisy. Clang, clang, clang, clang, like this.’ ‘Oh, the Heavenly Sword Flower is being pushed back.’ ‘Oh, lightning just struck. It's amazing. The Heavenly Sword Flower is flying around, slashing the air. Wow, a huge palm just struck the Demon of Plunder. Oh, and now the swordplay is, wow, fast. Truly fast. Like, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, so swift.’ - Sayeon? Is that your best? - Sister Gongyang, is that what you call describing? - Ugh! Why did you even offer to update us if it’s like this! You’re just boasting that you met the Heavenly Sword Flower! bWpnL1VNWWVlR0h2N0IyVWd5ZUJTMkcrTGg0T1l3bjVTSm95K1MxV1RwWWhmMDhjOFNXM2tndHo5dmRmT3FQcg - The master sighs heavily and goes for a walk with Chuku. - Oh, Chuku. I want to see Chuku. Is it really that ugly? Just how ugly? I even like ugly dogs. Fortunately, it seemed there was no leakage of Qing's techniques. The Demon of Plunder, on the other hand, was not in good shape. His clothes were in tatters, his exposed skin was cracked and bleeding. Compared to him, Qing seemed relatively clean, albeit covered in dust. To an outsider, it might appear Qing was the victor. Damn, I lost. Qing grimaced. In a straightforward manner, Qing had no way to defeat someone at the Harmony Realm. To be precise, only if an opponent at the Harmony Realm was incredibly infuriated, seeing red and charging at her with reckless abandon, could she gain some hope of winning. Then, through a strategy of sacrificing flesh to take their bones, she might find an opportunity. But if the opponent remained calm and composed? Qing had no way to contend. Qing, at the end of the Transcendent Realm approaching the Harmony Realm, could vaguely perceive the path and begin to verify precisely what level it was. But if not, the Harmony Realm was still an unknown, like monsters of legend for her. “Is this the end?” “Aren’t you even a bit angry? After getting hit by an inferior opponent, shouldn’t a Harmony Realm expert be enraged, wanting to kill, overturning each eye? How can you be so cold-blooded?” “What reason is there to be angry at you? As a Harmony Realm expert ended like this, it’s my lack, not yours.” Were it not for his malevolent karma, he might indeed seem like an esteemed master, but his words lacked persuasive power coming from a martial art bandit who robs skills from others. “On the contrary, thanks to you, I have gained certainty, so there's joy instead of anger.” “Certainty?” The Demon of Plunder’s gaze burned with intensity. “Yes. Certainty that my theory was correct. You, even if you entered the state of Demon Possession, are capable of mastering even late-stage Transcendent Realm skills because you have learned many demonic arts. This is evidence that gathering martial techniques to break through levels was the right path.” The Demon of Plunder's eyes burned with a fanatical fervor. However, it was a familiar madness to Qing, reminiscent of something seen before — ah, this mirrors Sword Brother’s character, martial maniac, obsessed with martial arts. No wonder she couldn't win against a lunatic. Qing immediately understood the unreasonable endurance of the Demon of Plunder. By the way? “Demon Possession, you say?” “Then, are you saying you’re not? You seem to be mastering the World's Eleven Great Demon Arts(천하십일대마공). But by competing directly with you, I confirmed you far surpassed the Transcendent Realm, making you truly a Great Demon. I understand if it’s shameful for a righteous martial artist to have learned demonic arts.” “Is 'Great Demon' an actual term?” It seemed like there was a significant misunderstanding. But there was no need to correct him. Then the Demon of Plunder’s gaze sparkled. “Now, it’s time for you to keep your promise.” “Hmm, I don’t recall making any promises. I do remember being threatened, though.” --- ### Terms Translated and Explanation: - **Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain(풍림화산):** A classic term from Sun Tzu's Art of War, used here to describe Qing's combat style as dynamic yet steadfast. - **Jiangshi(강시):** Here it's referred to as a traditional undead creature watching the battle, adding an element of mysticism and otherworldly observation. - **Great Demon(대마인):** An invented term reflecting Qing's perceived mastery of formidable demonic arts by the Demon of Plunder to exaggerate her prowess. ### Context & List Suggestions: 1. **Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain(풍림화산):** Classic strategic concept aligned with Qing's dynamic fighting style, could appear as a recognizable strategy across martial narratives. 2. **Jiangshi(강시):** Expands the mythological and supernatural elements within the text, suggesting otherworldly interactions or humor outside the human sphere. 3. **Great Demon(대마인):** A misinterpretation by the Demon of Plunder, leading to unintended comic relief, might be explored further in Qing’s evolving narrative as a misunderstood entity. "Then would you prefer to die?" Immediately, Qing shrank back. "Have you heard of the Great Yin Jade Maiden Divine Arts(태음옥녀신공)? Just in case you haven't, let me explain. This is an extraordinary martial art originating from somewhere in the Northern Sea, and it is truly, terrifically powerful. Plus, besides its power, it has remarkable beauty-enhancing effects—" "Why would I, who already have mastered my own internal art, wish to learn another? Break the energy I’ve accumulated to learn something new?" "Ah." Originally, Qing thought she could just offer it and leave, but she realized that was indeed true. After all, if it were a higher-level art within the same lineage that could be mastered as an extension that would be one thing, but how many martial artists would actually abandon their current techniques for something new simply because it seemed better? Unless they were like vagabonds hungry for advanced martial arts, or Qing, who accumulated internal energy through less conventional means. Qing checked the martial techniques she possessed. "Hmm, how about the Way of the Wae Sword(왜검도)? I obtained it by engaging in a nerve-wracking match lasting about seven or eight days with the sword masters of Wae, or Japan—" "Not interested." "And the Ocean Horizon Sword(창해검)? The wide, expansive sea—" "I know that one as well." "The Rotating Stream Saber(회류도)?" "Already aware of it." "The Heavenly Reversal Spear(회천창)?" "Not bad as a spear technique." Even when Qing summoned all her blue-border martial arts, the Demon of Plunder seemed unfazed, knowing them as if they were the most ordinary thing. If he had been looting martial arts as a skilled bandit until accumulating all that bad karma, then acquiring blue-border martial arts was probably no big feat for him. It seemed she had to offer up a red-border martial art. "Perhaps, the Eon Family's Fist(언가권)—" "I refuse any fist techniques." "But the Eon Family's Fist is quite a renowned martial art, you know?" "I'm aware. Even if it's called a divine art, if I wished to learn it, I could have done so by now, but what use would learning a fist technique be?" "Huh. You could've learned it? Well, it may have been leaked after the fall of the Eon Family. Then, how about the Mount Tai Blood Claw(태산혈조)?" "I don't personally like claw techniques. What's with a man using a claw technique? Swinging around with iron claws is shameful and embarrassing." "Oh, you're quite picky. Hmm." So then what remains, hmm. Perhaps the Escape Death with a Steady Heart(탈명도) or Celestial Triumph of the Comet(경천대성마곤)? But the Celestial Triumph of the Comet, with its mysterious ability to change direction midair, was too dangerous of a martial art to hand over to a villain. Which leaves only one option. --- ### Terms Translated and Explanation: - **Great Yin Jade Maiden Divine Arts(태음옥녀신공):** A martial art famed for both its power and beauty-enhancing properties, possibly adding a layer of allure to Qing's arsenal of techniques. - **Way of the Wae Sword(왜검도):** A sword art from Wae (Japan), hinting at Qing's diverse martial exposure and battles across lands beyond Zhongyuan. - **Ocean Horizon Sword(창해검):** Evokes the imagery of vast seas, suggesting either a sword technique embodying grandeur or crafted from ocean-inspired tactics. - **Rotating Stream Saber(회류도):** Indicating a saber technique with dynamic, possibly rotational movements. - **Heavenly Reversal Spear(회천창):** A spear technique hinted to have reversal or counteractive properties. - **Mount Tai Blood Claw(태산혈조):** A claw technique Qing mentions, revealing disdain for it considering the Demon of Plunder's preference against claw forms. ### Context & List Suggestions: 1. **Great Yin Jade Maiden Divine Arts(태음옥녀신공):** As a narrative element, it notes Qing's collection relates not only to power but perhaps other advantages like allure. 2. **Way of the Wae Sword(왜검도):** Reflects Qing's diverse martial journey and international martial arts exposure. 3. **Celestial Triumph of the Comet(경천대성마곤):** Its unique ability emphasizes Qing's selectiveness, highlighting the potential danger if it falls into wrong hands.