910 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

Qing carefully examined the appearances of the creatures before her. To be honest, the disguises were so crude that it seemed as if their faces were smeared with ash or they had slathered peat all over them. It was a messy sight. However, thanks to that very crudeness, they appeared as bizarre as yokai—though one might argue they resembled primitive humans more than actual monsters. In any case, they're just a bunch of bandits causing chaos in the world. It wouldn't be a problem if I just kill them in one swift motion. The plan was simple: defeat one yokai as an example and demand that they divulge information about the mysterious figure from Mount Baekdu if they wanted to live. Yet, under the makeshift disguise of tree bark and animal pelts, their wretched faces were laid bare, leaving Qing at a loss for words. Their sunken, haggard expressions spoke of deep hunger, cold, and filth—the fundamental needs unmet, and the miserable gloom that clung to those perpetually weary of life. “[You all-]” Just as Qing was about to speak. A peculiar sound reverberated, like an ominous creak, or perhaps it was more of a subtle vibration or forewarning. Could it be? Here, one. The Yalu River typically remains frozen until late March, or even early April during colder years. However, there's a significant difference in ice thickness between the dead of winter and the spring months of March and April. Furthermore, two. The ice on the frozen river thickens towards the banks and thins towards the center. And adding to that, three. Horses are inherently heavy creatures. Especially the robust steeds used in war, which can weigh over 800 jin(근). With the added weight of their cargo and Qing herself, it was equivalent to carrying the weight of seven or eight muscular men. R1o1RUY1V2dWdFByellBWDZwUWJGUkdUSzR5Vkg5MFdDK21mMFRwNnp0a3FZZVdCNUhVa1VRRXNyU2s4TnlmTQ Moreover... Knowing that she was standing on the thinned ice right in the middle of the Yalu River, ready to confront the yokai, it was a predictable outcome, if anything. Creak! With the sound of shattering ice, splash! Ice shards flew, and a modest column of water rose as the cold liquid splattered in all directions. The Tripitaka Master, suddenly submerged! “Ah!” “Oh!” The yokai gasped at the sight of the Tripitaka Master suddenly sinking below. “What? What is-?” “Oh, it's the Heavenly Sword Flower?” The bandit leader furrowed his brows in confusion, while beside him, one of his lackeys seemed rather delighted, anticipating the spectacle at the exposed ice hole. But just for a moment. From the broken ice surface of the Yalu, the torso of a horse suddenly emerged. Neigh! Amidst the horse's frantic and loud cry, it clambered up onto the edge, flailing its legs. Once it managed to stand, as startled horses tend to do, it galloped away frenetically. Everyone’s gaze followed the retreating horse. And their heads turned back to the exposed hole in the cracked ice. And a moment later. Something shot up into the sky. A woman sprayed water droplets everywhere, her clothes clinging to her body, revealing the voluptuous curves of the renowned Odu Beauty. But more remarkable than that, the face revealed under the veil clinging to the front of her head was nothing short of extraordinary. Her beauty, which the high-nosed Central Plains people would readily acknowledge as the most beautiful under the heavens, was truly nation-toppling—as if proclaiming in a booming voice, "This is the face that could bring a country to its knees!” The barbarians masquerading as yokai stared dumbfounded at her beauty. “[It's a fairy…….]” Then, as one among them mumbled this, they all concurred with a nod and a shared sense of revelation. Several fires were burning on the riverbank, arranged in a small circle. In the midst of them stood a woman and a horse. “Gosh, it's freezing.” No matter how resilient Qing was, she couldn't completely shrug off the sharp wind piercing through the thoroughly soaked clothes beside the riverbank. Of course, just standing there without collapsing was already a remarkable feat. Ordinarily, one would expect her face to have turned white, lips blue, and body shivering uncontrollably. It would be normal to start feeling increasingly comfortable, sleepy, and paradoxically warm—a typical diagnosis of severe hypothermia from where Qing was from. But not Qing. With her incredible resistance to cold, paired with a monstrous, superhuman physique, it only amounted to a mildly uncomfortable chill. Thus, as she huddled around the fire, the yokai disguised Dongyi tribe members, were nothing but astonished by her fortitude. The Dongyi, familiar with ice fishing through holes in the frozen Yalu during winter, understood very well the implications of falling into such frigid waters on a day like this. The Tripitaka Master is truly a divine being, a deity. But why is the Tripitaka Master a nun? And such an unparalleled beauty at that? Most likely, the original "Journey to the West" from the mainland was adapted upon entering Joseon to suit the local sensibilities. Ah, said the Confucian scholars, trying to assert their propriety again! The Confucian scholars of Joseon might feel wronged, and the original author, Mr. Wu of the Central Plains, equally wronged, but still... The Dongyi had lost all will to resist. Facing an ethereal maiden, radiating an aura like that of the Thousand-armed Avalokitesvara, who had calmly emerged from the icy depths—what could mere mortals possibly do? Moreover, she had even refrozen the cracked ice, making her divine powers seem almost as though she were Maitreya himself! Qing had merely refrozen it with her Ice-White Divine Arts to prevent anyone else from falling through. Ultimately, only when the water absorbed by her clothes warmed to a tepid, body-like temperature, did Qing address the Dongyi who've been kneeling and wary. Having rubbed their faces clean in the meantime, the once-yokai now appeared as beggar-like, wretched Dongyi. “[I have descended upon this world again to capture the resurrected Demon King. Specifically, I am here to apprehend the Black-Blooded Demon King, the incarnation of the Bull Demon King.]” Qing spun this tale effortlessly, without so much as moistening her lips. This is the true majesty of the literary arts! --- Terms Not in List: - **Tripitaka Master (삼장법사)**: Translated as "Tripitaka Master," referring to a Buddhist master from the classic novel "Journey to the West". In this context, Qing is called out in a reference-loaded statement due to her actions similar to characters from that story, emphasized as a legendary or divine figure due to her achievements. - **Bull Demon King (우마왕)**: Direct translation remains as "Bull Demon King," fulfilling a familiarity with classic literature, maintaining mythical elements. - **Black-Blooded Demon King (흑혈마왕)**: Translated retaining the term "Black-Blooded Demon King," representing a mythical, ominous force. - **Odu Beauty (오두가인)**: This is a play on words, referring to an unparalleled beauty, akin to classic references in Chinese literature. "Odu" implies renowned beauty, possibly a pun/wordplay when talking about the physical appearance of a historic or fictional figure. Additional Context: This passage reflects a blend of Korean cultural heritage with famous Chinese and Buddhist literature references, layering Qing’s endeavors with legendary implications. The absurdity of Qing's escapade through the cracked ice offers a dramatic backdrop that showcases her strength and transformation. The literary references contribute to humor juxtaposed with admiration from onlookers, underlining Qing's almost mythical presence. The narrative echoes classic tales and adapts them with a modern twist suited to Qing's transmigrated identity. The Black-Blooded Demon King, as his name suggests, had yokai flowing with black blood, with sinister black veins protruding from his skin, marking a fearsome presence. Rumors had it that the mysterious figure known as the Stranger of Mount Baekdu was similar. Thus, here I am, having ascended to celestial heights, now revered by the Heavenly Emperor on the right and Buddha on the left. Even if the Jade Emperor acts arrogantly, he will meet his end, just as I would sever Buddha when confronted. I present to you the mighty Tripitaka Master Supreme's grand descent. "Pfft!" Did I just hear someone stifle a laugh? Qing turned her head to see Gong Liang Sa-yun, whose expression remained nonchalant as she tilted her head as if asking why. For a mere mortal to audaciously tilt her head like that— one could see it as audacious if nothing else. Nevertheless, considering Gong Liang Sa-yun's objectively attractive features, Qing decided to overlook it. "Ahem, ahem." Qing cleared her throat unnecessarily. It seemed that while feigning ignorance, Miss Gong Liang was quite versed in Joseon, much to my chagrin. Ah, I made audacious claims assuming she didn't comprehend Joseon—had I known, I might have taken another approach. "Ahem, [Anyway. Among you, is there anyone who knows of the Stranger of Mount Baekdu or the malevolent Black-Blooded Demon King?]" The Dongyi people whispered amongst themselves. While Qing waited, one of them gathered courage and stepped forward. “[Uh, I’ve heard somewhat similar tales. My sister used to live in Yanggalrae Village beneath Mount Baekdu. When she stopped by last year, saying she was moving south, she mentioned a high-skilled Taoist named Shin Gui supposedly harboring a hatred for barbarians, killing them wherever he saw them. Thanks to him, while living wasn't exactly easy, his peculiar, grotesque ways were terrifying enough to sometimes kill even Joseon people under suspicion of being spies.]” “Oh. [Did she say he had black veins, that his veins manifested on his skin?]” “[I don't know about his veins, but she did mention dark lines on his skin.]” “Ohhhh.” “[She also mentioned that when asked why he hated the barbarians, he claimed that they had once taught him the world's most terrifying magic, labeling themselves as the greatest students of dark sorcery.]” “Ohhhhh.” With a snap of Qing's fingers, everything clicked perfectly into place. Dark lines on his skin. What was thought to be divine power was instead black magic? Indicating it was demonic magic? It’s likely imbued so deeply that even the initial users of the arts needed some excuse to begin slaughtering people, all while animating hatred toward the barbarians because they supposedly taught him such dark magic. And should they become cautious, he finds reasons to kill even fellow Joseon people. “[Indeed. Yanggalrae Village, is it? Where is that place?]” “[How would I know?]” The respondent's expression was tinged with confusion. Suggesting, why ask me? “[Wait, didn't you say your sister lived there? How could you not know where your own sister's village is?]” “[Ah, Master, you’re unfamiliar with the nomadic lifestyle of the Hwachonmin. Every few winters when kindling becomes scarce and the land worn out, it’s necessary to move and cultivate new fields. Thus, the villages constantly change, and how would I know? She’s moved to the south now, so whether or not I see her again in my lifetime is a mystery.]” The man speaking looked somber. So, with that in mind, Qing contemplated. Well, even confirming the existence of a Black-Blooded Demon King should be beneficial. Anyway, luck was on my side this time. Not only did I'd soon come across this theater troupe called Night Parade of a Hundred Demons but also managed to gather solid information right away. Furthermore, learning about a place named Yanggalrae Village is quite the haul. Regardless of whether it exists anymore, someone around Mount Baekdu must be familiar with it. Hmm, this feels good—no, wait. Last time, feeling like this led me to run into that Martial Chaos. In hindsight, I think I said, “Did we conquer them…?” Definitely an unlucky comment. Qing pushed aside the fleeting euphoria. Then mused over what to do with this lot. Qing wasn't on some bizarre mission to rid the world of evildoers. The idea was to use them as an excuse for slaughter when the killing urge takes over. Yet excuses only work on caught perpetrators, or when there's concrete evidence or testimony. This was merely an attempted raid—they were more akin to starved refugees than actual bandits. Thus the plan seemed straightforward. Maybe send them off with a stern scolding, making them vow never to engage in villainy again. Qing adopted a solemn tone. Though, given her naturally pleasing voice, it didn’t come across as particularly severe to the listener. Still, Qing believed it added gravitas. “[I see that you are human, but with intentions of attacking the populace in disguise as yokai. How different is that intent from those yokai? Why should I refrain from exterminating you, thereby benefiting the humane world?]” “[Ah, forgive us!]” “[Please spare us, Master!]” Their response was satisfactory. Qing feigned contemplation with a low hum, seemingly weighing the decision carefully. After a brief pause. “[Very well. If you genuinely repent and resolve to live honorably henceforth, then I must grant you this chance. Cease this yokai-imitation plunder, and live a life where even if you don't help others, you don't harm them either. Vow this to the deities and spirits, and if you betray this, I shall descend from heaven myself to smite you instantly—or rather, torture you to death with severe torment for many days!]” A Tripitaka Master was a monk, bound to teachings, not to vow upon deities. Alas, from whom would you hear a monk foaming at the mouth about grand tortures? True to Qing's unpredictable nature, it fitted her character seamlessly, fulfilling her own made constraints as Qing often does. Thus, the Dongyi glanced at each other, watching with bated breath. And hesitating— But the room remained silent as no single one of them showed resolve. Qing’s brow twitched. Why, these scoundrels! “[What is the matter? Why do you hesitate to swear? You're being shown mercy yet cannot bring yourself to make a pledge? Do you then intend to continue your life of banditry under the guise of yokai!?”] At this, the Dongyi in front tightly shut his eyes and shouted. --- Terms Not in List: **Shin Gui (신귀 선생):** This refers to a supposed Taoist figure, possibly a hermit or a sage known in folklore-like tales for enigmatic wisdom or supernatural prowess. **Hwachonmin (화전민):** Referring to people living a nomadic lifestyle focused on shifting cultivation for subsistence. **Yanggalrae Village (양갈래골):** Being a fictional village referred to within the context, adds to the expanse resembling Korean folklore or storytelling adding depth to geographical associations. **Marathon Wood (백귀야행):** Generally referred to as a parade or troupe known from Japanese folklore as "Night Parade of One Hundred Demons" adds mystical connotations. **Black-Blooded Demon King (흑혈마왕):** Emphasizing its mythical, ominous presence with dark veins as a visual translation adds to the vivid imagery. **Tripitaka Master Supreme (지존삼장법사):** This translation plays into classic references, merging priest roles with legendary, potentially exaggerated attributes. Context: The passage incorporates Korean settings and traditional elements with mythological and legendary references, fitting Qing's narrative into the larger framework of epic, historical fantasy storytelling. The combination of Qing's descriptive actions contrasted with the whimsical mythical setting elaborates on Qing's character, adding layers of confrontation and reflection in her interactions with the Dongyi through her dramatic proclamations. “[Oh, Master! That is tantamount to telling us to die. We have no means of livelihood apart from this; while I can handle my own fate, what about my family!? With the little ones crying from hunger and nothing to feed them, how else are we to survive if not this way, I ask you? Please…]” With that, Qing's expression contorted with unease.