921 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

Qing let out a deep sigh inwardly. Magic arts or whatever, I just want to go home... Since it was a fruitless endeavor, there's no reason to stick around here unnecessarily, especially with those oddballs. No, not just one, but with all those strange people. Might as well shake off Gang Talma at this point; if he insists on following, I'll send him straight to the Murim Alliance. The rampage of the mysterious man I was worried about seems to have stopped, so it's time to wrap this up and get moving. With that decided, Qing opened up the conversation. “I appreciate your words, Young Lord, but my purpose is to find the Heaven-Shattering, Blood-Overturning, Heart-Piercing Decisive Strike, and it's not enough to bring the solitary master out of the mountains. The search has failed, so I will leave without disturbing the esteemed one any further.” One must always be courteous when declining. Qing straightened her posture and bowed her head. It would have been nice if they simply said, 'I see' and 'Then, go ahead,' but somehow Qing had a premonition that it wouldn't be that simple. And, as if by foresight, “Ah, I see how it is? You believe that true revenge holds meaning only when achieved by oneself rather than relying on others. Quite bold, indeed fitting for someone seeking out such martial arts. Truly, you are a remarkable woman warrior.” So there it was, Kim Heojung interpreting things to his own liking. “In that case, how about training in the Dark Martial Arts? To achieve your desired revenge, the pure natural divine arts of the world would be far better than those dirty magic arts.” Why is revenge taken as a given? And after talking about side effects, now he's suggesting whether I want to learn them—does he need a hunchbacked friend or something? Qing suppressed her exasperation. “You previously mentioned that it’s a martial sect of solitary transmission, Young Lord. As I already have a master and belong to a sect, I cannot join another. Thank you for the offer.” “Well, it’s quite alright. I, Kim Heojung, am the sole master of the Dark Martial Arts in the world, and being the Dark Martial Arts itself means I will make an exception and personally instruct you.” This guy—does he lack awareness, or does he simply refuse to be aware? Although, he probably just lacks awareness. Why are there always people like this? When you consider their dignity and refuse politely, they don’t understand that it's a refusal and keep insisting. And if you bluntly refuse, they get upset or highly disappointed, making you feel guilty even though you never wanted it in the first place. Qing decided to give politeness one more try. And if he still doesn’t get it, well, then she’d have to be straightforward. “I’m sorry, but the side effects of the martial arts...I mean, the potential resemblance to the abilities of the Dark Martial Arts are quite difficult for me to handle.” “I’m disappointed, miss. How could I dare to tarnish your beauty? You can learn without worry. The Dark Martial Arts also has training methods to prevent side effects, so while it might be a bit slower, it will work even better.” Work better, how exactly? And didn’t you just call them side effects with confidence? Trying to sugarcoat it as potential outcomes doesn’t change the fact that it sounds like side effects? Curiously, it made Qing wonder. But then, why does he look like this? Of course, it'd be rude—no, very rude—to voice such a question. However, Qing wasn't alone at the moment. “What, is there really such a method? Then why do you look like that? Did you not learn the methods to avoid side effects?” Right, Martial Expert! Well interrupted! While Qing silently cheered, Kim Heojung's already haggard face contorted even more. “Well, I was deceived. That bastard, well, the one who taught me martial arts came looking for me when he was already old and decrepit. It seems my talents were enough to rush his impatience. But had he shown up looking like this when offering to teach me martial arts, I wouldn't have followed him. If the guy who claims all beauties of the world will flock to you shows up looking like this, who in the world would follow? I was duped, completely duped!” Kim Heojung's voice gradually carried more anger. So, this guy learned martial arts to charm women? With that in mind, seeing his master as the arch-enemy of the ages, with simmering blue wrath when he calls him ‘that bastard’ starts to make more sense. After all, if a strange-looking master offers to teach martial arts, even I'd think it was some fiend trying to lure me to be devoured. “Do you know what that wretched man told me?” Kim Heojung’s master always had a line on his lips. Achieve greatness, and all the side effects will vanish. Look at me, am I not in perfect shape? So, if you want to hold beauties in your arms, go out into the martial world and try harder, try harder, work haaarder. Like this, you'll achieve nothing; are you gonna die a hunchback your whole life? And just before he passed, he confessed. Sorry. I rushed the training, thinking I didn't have much time left to live, which caused unexpected side effects. I don’t know if it was due to the concoction, the violation of mixing various training methods, or the grand arts practiced by skipping stages. But despite that, didn’t you become a peerless master so swiftly? So I’ve recorded my methods for you as well. Go, find the remaining three of the Death Sect and fulfill the ancient will of the sect. However, if you fail to achieve the aspiration of the Death Sect, you must find a talented genius familiar with extraordinary abilities and teach them. Here, passed down only to the current head of the sect, is a secret scripture and the treasure of the Dark Martial Arts. You are now the master of the Dark Martial Arts. Ekk, ek. Why, kuhek, you… “That damn bastard, there’s a limit to shamelessness! I waited on him for twenty years! Twenty long years! Coddled a decrepit fool for twenty years, and I had to sneak around serving him like a slave!! And then what happens?!!!” Kim Heojung's voice rose even higher. It was a common case of escalating anger—unable to control himself as his fury built upon itself. **Terms Translated/Explained:** - **Kim Heojung (김허중)**: A character who keeps suggesting Qing to join his sect despite her polite refusals. - **Gang Talma**: Another character Qing wants to avoid, possibly part of the "strange people" she mentioned. - **Dark Martial Arts(현무무)**: Refers to the martial arts of the Dark Martial Sect, suggested to Qing by Kim Heojung. - **Death Sect(사신파)**: The sect to which Kim Heojung's master belonged. **Additional Context:** - Kim Heojung's master was deceitful about the effects of the martial arts he taught, emphasizing side effects are nullified with greatness achieved, leading to a farce of unfulfilled promises. - Qing longs for home and separation from "odd people," reflecting her disinterest in unnecessary conflict. Possible changes to the list above: - None, though more context about Kim Heojung's relationship with his master might enhance understanding of the "Master Wherever You Are" concept. “I couldn’t care less about the Death Sect! Why should I care about the aspirations of someone who ruined my life?! The end of the Dark Martial Arts is right here! Why should I grant the wish of a bastard who messed with my life? Such disgusting martial arts should vanish! They must disappear!” Kim Heojung panted heavily, his sudden burst of anger leaving Qing with an ambiguous expression. Qing found the patterns on the wall paper suddenly very interesting and couldn’t tear her eyes away from the wall. However, Gang Talma, seemingly lacking any sense of human empathy, opened his mouth without hesitation. “Oh, a method without side effects? In that case, it must, without doubt, be a supreme divine technique of the world. Martial arts that harness nature’s energy without it being yours—fascinating.” “Such nonsense...!!” Kim Heojung erupted in anger. Gong Liang Sayeon attempted to mediate. “Kim Heojung, perhaps, instead of that, could I have some more of that delicious yakgwa? The exquisite taste remains on the tip of my tongue and lingers in my mind.” It wasn’t mediation but a request for snacks. Could it be that Gong Liang Sayeon also lacks human empathy? If questioned, they'd probably justify it by saying it’s because they’re not human. Kim Heojung, realizing now wasn’t the time for an outburst, calmed himself by reciting over and over in his mind tales of ‘The Fairy and the Woodcutter’, a Korean story. He assured himself of having three children, that’s right, three children. Teaching Dark Martial Arts would mean naturally holding hands, embracing, sharing mutual training methods...Eventually, if it didn’t work, using training as an excuse, naming it something elaborate like double cultivation method during practice, that’d do. 'The Fairy and the Woodcutter' is a Korean story where— With two children, you could carry one in each arm and escape, but with three, you need both arms, leaving one child behind, thus unable to escape—a very enlightening lesson! Though this anecdotal story likely hails from an era before the modern conveniences of Korea such as cloth carriers, perhaps it’s a tale from old times in primitive ancient days, if not, well, then four children solve it! A plan even Zhuge Liang would be envious of, a terrifying scheme, perhaps deserving a name like ‘Three Fateful Escapes of a Girl’. With diligent effort, Kim Heojung forced a smile in Qing’s direction and, suppressing his anger, adapted to a polite young man’s tone. “There’s more in the kitchen to cool, so take as much as you’d like. Now, where were we? Ah, there’s no need to worry about side effects. Isn’t it better for you to learn this art instead of some sinister technique?” It does sound tempting. But is there really a need to learn Dark Martial Arts? If Qing could get it through karma exchange, getting the Dragon Martial Arts instead seems more beneficial. Qing discreetly called up the exchange menu, searching intently in her mind for the name. Hmm, what’s this? It’s not showing up? Neither the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts, Blue Dragon Martial Arts, Vermillion Bird Martial Arts, Dark Martial Arts, nor the White Tiger Art—none of these are appearing. Qing quietly let go of the idea. The techniques that Heemae had practiced—the one named something like ‘Heaven and Earth Something-sumit’—also didn’t pop up in the search and weren’t available through formulae. They must be incomplete somehow? Or, maybe they’re not martial arts but have some sorcery base. And above all, Qing didn’t want to get more entangled with this man. Perhaps it’s a creepiness, a bad feeling deeper than appearance—it turns you away from someone fundamentally. “I thank you for the offer, but as I haven’t fully grasped the martial arts I’ve already learned, I fear learning something new now might be detrimental.” “Detrimental, you say? Haven’t you already witnessed the divine majesty of the Dark Martial Arts? Communicating with the natural heavens and earth—how could that be detrimental?” Qing sighed heavily inwardly. Indeed, people like him never understand indirect refusals. What does it take to express being scared of something? I spun the refusal elegantly, why can't he grasp it? So, what's next? “I’m afraid I must leave due to the responsibilities entrusted by my sect. Learning something new would take time that I simply do not have.” “Th-then, I will accompany you! Isn’t it true that Murim Sects never refuse guests? Masters compete to offer pleasures and beauties to acquiring a martial artist, don’t they? I can stay and review that martial art with you.” Occasionally, his hidden intentions slip through. But Qing shook her head. “Our sect has rules barring men from entering, so that too would be difficult. Thank you for the thought, but since I've confirmed the Heaven-Shattering, Blood-Overturning, Heart-Piercing Decisive Strike is absent here, I must leave.” Kim Heojung pursed his lips tightly. With the bizarre arrangement of his facial features, even Qing couldn’t decipher his expression—tension rose at that moment. “Hey there, do you mind if I stick around? Hmm, how about this: since you seem to detest your sect, why not spread it wide and wreak detestable revenge? Plus, if you spread it with the side effects, it’ll surely be regarded as a demonic art. Imagine the horror of your master seeing their cherished martial art being labeled as such across the world—I can assist enthusiastically.” Amidst all this, Gang Talma displayed unyielding interest in martial arts. As expected from a martial arts thief, was it his professional spirit? Wasn’t he essentially asking for the Dark Martial Arts for himself? “...Why.” “Hmm?” “Why at all...!” Kim Heojung’s voice was damp. A damp voice, also known as whimpering. “Is it because, because I’m ugly? I know, I know it, but how’s it my fault that I look like this? I was deceived too, I never wanted to look like this either.” Qing was startled. If he exploded now, she'd have to reign in the chaos once more. But this time, without Gang Talma’s support, he was likely on the opposing side... That’d be too much to handle. Qing desperately utilized a gentle tone. **Terms Translated/Explained:** - **Gong Liang Sayeon (공량사윤)**: Participated in conversation asking for snacks, characterized by a lack of empathy. - **The Fairy and the Woodcutter (선녀와 나무꾼)**: A Korean folktale used metaphorically here by Kim Heojung. - **Yellow Dragon Martial Arts, Blue Dragon Martial Arts, Vermillion Bird Martial Arts, White Tiger Art**: Various martial arts not appearing on Qing’s exchange menu. - **Yakgwa (약과)**: A traditional Korean snack that Gong Liang Sayeon requested. - **Gang Talma (강탈마)**: Displays an eagerness for acquiring martial arts, continuing the theme of martial theft. **Additional Context:** - Kim Heojung’s frustration reveals personal struggles, linked to deceit by his master and failed ambitions tied to his appearance. - Qing continues to refuse involvement or learning of new arts due to responsibilities and other personal reasons, reflecting her disinterest in current affairs. Possible changes to the list above: - Specify “Gang Talma” as a character potentially interested in martial theft rather than a technique indication. - Clarify specific roles or literal representations such as Yakgwa, a cultural artifact tied to preferences of Gong Liang Sayeon. "Young Lord? Please, let's take a moment to calm down. Don't say things like 'ugly'. Let's think positively. Yes, that's right, you have a unique look, where each of your features has its own conviction. Once someone sees you, they’ll never forget your impression, right? It's all about perspective, you needn't blame yourself. To me, wow, you're distinctive! There's no one like you in the world! You're a one-of-a-kind existence!" If Gong Liang Sayeon had been present, he might have quipped that the Heavenly Sword Flower was worse, but he had disappeared in search of more yakgwa and showed no signs of returning. bWpnL1VNWWVlR0h2N0IyVWd5ZUJTMGU0cVM0RXdtTTV2bGJDNE1Nd2h5M3dGN1pKak1NT3dEb1FyL2pQRm5mcw Surprisingly, a hint of a smile appeared on Kim Heojung’s face. It seemed his mood had lifted a bit! "Do you really think so, my lady?" "Of course! It's not what's on the outside that counts, but what's on the inside. People age and become wrinkled and unsightly over time, right? It's not like you can survive by looks alone. Isn’t uniqueness far more important? From what I've seen, you're great at brewing tea, your pastries are top-notch, and I bet you're an excellent cook too, right?" "Indeed. It's not just because it's my cooking, but no chef in the land, not even those in the royal kitchens of Seoul, could surpass my skills. Having tasted the food of the noble families of Hanseong, I can confidently say this." "You see, that’s what makes you charming! Also, how essential is food strength in this world? And also, um, yes, you’re a master and at such a high level, even beyond what you'd call the Profound Realm." "To be precise, it's not the Profound Realm but rather the stage of ‘Heart and Matter as One’, or the ‘Harmonized Realm’, different from the base martial arts of Zhongyuan." "You see? You’re already amazing and so impressive! When you focus on the good aspects, you're such a remarkable person. You don't need to obsess over mere physical appearance. Feel proud of yourself. You were born to be loved, and from now on, let's be proud of who we are. Agreed? Promise." Though still hard to read him, his grin suggested his mood had completely turned around. Relieved, Qing extended her pinky finger. However, unexpectedly, Kim Heojung clasped Qing's hand with both of his own. Then, he earnestly followed with— "My lady, I have waited my entire life for a woman like you. Will you marry me? I will make you happy for a lifetime." Ah. **Terms Translated/Explained:** - **Seoul (Hanseong 한양)**: Modern-day Seoul, used here referring to the royal city of Korea. - **Heart and Matter as One (심즉물화, 물화의 경지)**: A state of martial arts mastery described by Kim Heojung, indicating a level of enlightenment beyond traditional realms. This term wasn't previously mentioned in the list, and it signifies a high level of unity between mind and physical form, surpassing usual martial arts classifications. **Additional Context:** - Kim Heojung is characterized as having a complex about his appearance, yet Qing’s positive reinforcement manages to lift his spirits, albeit leading to an unexpected marriage proposal. - The dialogue showcases humor and misunderstanding typical in Qing’s interactions, where well-intended compliments lead to unintended consequences. Possible changes to the list above: - Introduce "Heart and Matter as One" as a newly mentioned level of martial arts mastery in the existing list, providing more context on advanced martial arts realms. - Clarify Seoul (Hanseong) as a historical reference not explicitly translated before, providing geographical and cultural context related to the food skills discussion.