877 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

Freedom sits quietly, organizing the thoughts in her mind. Not only did the elder brother release Yeon Sul, but they also bestowed upon her the position of Inspector General of the Twelve Supervisors? Freedom smirks crookedly. Well, siblings to a crown prince are actually lesser beings than strangers; one could wonder if there truly exists a royal family close in brotherly love throughout history. "Fox. His Majesty has bestowed the position of Inspector General of the Twelve Supervisors upon my dear friend. What are your thoughts on this? Can you fathom his intentions?" "Are you speaking to me, my lady? Huh." Changnan Geumho wore a worried expression. Before pledging herself to the royal court, Changnan Geumho was indeed the greatest con artist in the world. A scam requires a sharp mind, so she was also fulfilling the role of a strategist as a guest of the royal court. Changnan Geumho stroked her sly goatee for a long time and then cleared her throat. "As far as I know, the young lady is no ordinary martial artist. They say she is a martial expert tipped to become the next Zenith of Women, and not just any, some claim she will become as formidable as Wucheonja." Though I hadn't realized Yeon Sul was so talented in martial arts. Well, she was already an expert the last time I saw her, and now she's become even more so, it seems. "Suppose now, when the young lady becomes the Zenith of Women, if His Majesty were to bestow upon her the title of princess, what would happen then?" With this, Freedom's expression turned stony. Sensing Freedom's reaction, Changnan Geumho hurriedly added. "Of course, it's an extreme assumption. Even the notorious Wucheonja caused such mayhem, so wouldn't it be difficult for them to make such a proposal to someone who becomes such an expert? However, since she's already been given the office of the Inspector General of the Twelve Supervisors, His Majesty could make her part of the government just by announcing it to the world." Freedom's expression hardened further. Saying she would be bestowed the title of princess again wasn’t just an extreme assumption, but rather a nearly predetermined future fitting perfectly. In essence, this meant that a martial expert belonging to, no, a martial expert born from the Celestial Empire would emerge. The problem was that the Duke of Deokhyeon was subtly agitating the royal family. What if the Emperor decided to subjugate the martial world rather than eliminate it completely? Originally, there was a plan to provoke the royal family subtly enough to direct their sword towards them, and then resist alongside martial forces. The Sichuan Tang Clan had already been recruited, and it was evident that the Emperor's sword was aimed not just at the court, but at the entire martial world. To survive, beneath a common enemy, it seemed easy to recruit martial forces. However, if the Emperor withdrew the grand policy of annihilating the martial world, the situation would become quite tricky. When it turns into a conflict not against the martial world but between the royal family and the nobility, will the martial world want to get involved? In fact, the Sichuan Tang Clan might withdraw their feet first. Thus, it was an inevitable situation. There was no choice but to lie low. Having invited the Sichuan Tang Clan for New Year’s greetings was also to provoke the royal family, so solving this issue was the first thing on the agenda. “My Lord, first, please open up the court. If you announce that you will receive New Year’s greetings from everyone, then the Tang clan’s greetings can be easily undone.” This message itself is a declaration to the royal family, signaling “upon reflection, it seems we crossed a line, so we’ll cancel it, please overlook it”. Moreover, hearing New Year’s greetings from the noble relatives would mean all of Sichuan would gather, during the ten days of Spring Festival, one would only be receiving greetings. Freedom smiles wryly. Who would have thought, upon resolving to share some companionship with a dear friend, such commotion would erupt? “Fortunately, it is truly heaven-sent that the young lady has informed me of this. Haha, isn’t this what one would call fate given by the heavens?” On the one hand, if unaware, she would have ended up facing the royal family alone and met a miserable end. “Mhm.” Changnan Geumho subtly gauged Freedom's reaction. Then, with the sneaky laughter of a cunning courtier, she spoke. “Moreover, my lord, there is another better plan. Haha.” “What is it?” “Before His Majesty can recruit the young lady, why don’t you do it first? How about having her not as the royal family’s martial expert but the court’s martial expert? It’d be tantamount to acquiring an army of thousands.” “Recruitment, is it possible? She is already well known in the martial world, no matter how deep our friendship runs, she definitely won’t lend strength to the court. Also, His Majesty surely would prevent it at all costs.” Of course, personally, as a dear friend, she’d come to aid if danger befalls, but that's as a friend, not to strengthen the court. Then, Changnan Geumho’s voice became conspiratorial. “Haha, it could be arranged such that even His Majesty can’t do anything. If you create an unbreakable bond, my lord.” With a broad grin, Changnan Geumho continued. “For instance, how could His Majesty separate a bond of marriage already formed?” As Changnan Geumho said that, she looked up at the ceiling with a sly grin, meeting eyes with Yeon Pa perched above the roof beams, who silently gave her a thumbs-up. ---- In the depths of the night in Heishan County, Liaoning Province, a middle-aged man staggered drunkenly across the path. His demeanor suggested an indication of his martial prowess. To wander alone, drunk, through a deserted street in the dead of night - this itself signaled the confidence in his martial abilities to protect himself. To the people of Qing’s hometown, simply stumbling through the night intoxicated may not seem like much. But Qing’s homeland provided the safest nights in a world where nights have been vanquished—a country offering the safest nights on the planet, hence people there could not understand the fear of the night. However, in this ancient, primitive era, the night remained unconquered, and wasn’t there a law prohibiting night wandering? --- **Terms Not Mentioned in List:** - **Freedom (자유)**: Retained as "Freedom" as it is not tied to a known name, though an alternate could be "Liberty." - **Changnan Geumho (창난금호)**: Translated as "Changnan Geumho," making it clear it is a name. Possible alternate could be "Chang Nan's Golden Fox" if closer context provided. - **Wucheonja (무천자)**: Explained as "Wucheonja," retaining the name in transliteration, indicating a martial expert akin to the mythical figures in context. - **Yeon Pa (연 파)**: Provided with full name in context, indicating her role observing, hence, personifying the character fully. **Identified genders:** - **Freedom (자유):** Female pronouns used based upon contextual conversations. - **Changnan Geumho (창난금호):** Identified as "she/her" from the context of the dialogues. - **Yeon Pa (연 파):** Female pronouns attributed based on the context and the interaction provided. **Additional Context:** This passage involves courtly intrigue, manipulation of martial power dynamics, and political maneuvering within royals and court affiliates, contrasting personal ties with overarching authority. **Possible Word Play:** - "Bond of marriage" insinuates a non-breakable alliance, hinting at political manipulation through strategic union, a historical tactic for ensuring allegiance. **Changes Suggested:** - **Unresolved alignment for characters like Changnan Geumho;** understanding further context could solidify translations or alternate perspectives. Moreover, for martial artists, carrying a range of grudges both large and small is a given. Wandering drunk alone at night is akin to throwing down a challenge to one's enemies, essentially saying, "Come and kill me if you can." Thus, it is easy to deduce that this middle-aged man must be an expert, at the very least. "Come if you dare, enemy or not,"—such confidence stems from trust in one's own skill. Of course, one might counter that anyone can become a fool when drunk, unable to distinguish heaven and earth. However, in the merciless murim world, such fools never survive to middle age. Indeed, this middle-aged man was an expert. For he was the best martial artist in Heishan. According to the strict rules of martial titles, being the top expert in a region grants one the honorable right to use that region's name. This middle-aged man was the foremost martial artist of Heishan— "Is it Mao Gan of Heishan?" The inebriated Mao Gan abruptly stands still. Under the moonlight, a man suddenly stands. On his right, two swords are fastened, on his left, a single blade. On his back, various large weapons, including a spear and nangabong (a type of long weapon), are perched. "I’m not sure who you are, but as I’m pleasantly tipsy to welcome the new year, I’d be grateful if you could leave me to my enjoyment." The man responded with a bright smile. "Well, that’s perfect. Isn’t it a great time to exchange some martial arts? Don’t hold back, let’s have a proper match." "You’re asking for a spar?" "How would mere sparring improve skills? Only a life-and-death battle nurtures a martial artist." A fight to the death, a battle of life and death. Simultaneously, dark-clad figures emerge from the alleys and set up a perimeter around them. An intense scent of alcohol emanates from Mao Gan’s body. Moments later, Mao Gan has entirely purged the drunkenness and solemnly draws his blade. "I should at least know whom I’m fighting." "The Usurper." Mao Gan swallowed hard. To think the Usurper actually existed. He had gotten himself entangled with a madman. The Usurper was a mysterious figure, whispered about in tales, a secretive master. Rumored to appear unexpectedly, challenging others to a life-and-death battle, claiming either their skills or life as his prize. Naturally, martial skills are more precious than life itself. Having lost, those who sacrificed their skills for their life were deemed cowards in the murim community, who failed to protect their dignity. Thus, those who faced and lost to the Usurper either perished protecting their skills, or, those who lived never spoke of their loss. Yet, people inherently reveal secrets, and losing martial skills in the past wasn't something so burdensome it had to be protected with one's life. Thus, tales of such a madman circulated secretly, calling him the Usurper. Eventually, two martial artists clashed. Their stances mirrored each other as if reflected in a mirror; blades rising like crescent moons clashed in the middle, separating at the waist. "Moonlight Blades!" "That’s not such a rare sword technique. They say you’re the best among the practitioners of Moonlight Blades, but I should see how great your accomplishments are." In the clear night, where sword energy and sword energy fractured the starlight, scattering it upon the ground. Solid clashing sounds resonated, blade upon blade. It was indeed a tie, evenly matched, on par with each other, a state of mutual equality, with blades clashing, and sometimes, either yielding or brushing past one another. How much time passed like that? Both martial artists, as if on cue, stepped back, creating a distance, and silence fell heavily onto the street, as if nothing had happened. Soon after, Mao Gan spoke. "I’ve lost." An unexpected admission of defeat. Why announce defeat to an opponent who seemed equally matched? Because it was a staged tie, the man was accommodating to Mao Gan. “Is it life or your skills? I’m already familiar with Moonlight Blades. Do you know any other martial arts? Oh, by the way, I don’t take internal power methods.” "I’ve mastered Huarasu through the Gumeongjeolcho." "I already know Huarasu." "Sangpyeongbo—" "I know that as well." With this, Mao Gan’s expression was filled with distress. The Usurper clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "With nothing to learn, I must take your life instead. Come on, everyone. It’s practice time." As the Usurper spoke and walked away, the dark-clad men moved in unison. Before the Usurper, who was leaving casually, a woman had silently stood there at some point. Her face bore a perpetually cold, emotionless expression. A cold voice flowed from the woman. However, with a dry smile mixed in. "Sword Demon, the Lord has a message." "What now? Either eat or talk; do only one at a time. Seriously, why are you always munching on something?" "It’s emergency orders, sir." R1o1RUY1V2dWdFByellBWDZwUWJGVll4TW5LbXM3ZFpyRG9OZElMSkRways2R1FiMGRJS1NpZ2duS0tFcEdWNg "Is eating a priority? Isn’t a jiangshi supposed to crave human food? Or rather, do you need human blood?" "That’s not it. Nevermind." While maintaining her cold exterior, the woman continues munching on her snack with relish. The Usurper walks on, and the woman steps by his side, walking in sync. Finally, she swallows the last bite. "Sword Demon, there’s a directive from the leader." "Yes? What is it?" "Princess Yeon Sul is passing through Liaoning on her way to negotiate peace with the Jurchens with permission from Beijing. The princess must die." "Kill the princess? Why, has she learned martial arts?" "Would you believe it if she had? Please, think before you speak. It would be good if you used your brain occasionally." "To kill a lady without martial arts? How can I? Relay to others to take care of such useless tasks. I don’t have time for such." "Sword Demon, wouldn’t a princess be escorted by martial experts from the palace? It would be good if you used your brain occasionally." With that, the Usurper, Sword Demon, smiled. "Oh, right. It’s said the palace harbors all sorts of martial skills, right? Maybe she’s learned the extraordinary skills from the Nine Sects. Well, the leader surely knows my nature." --- **Terms Not Mentioned in List:** - **Mao Gan (마오간):** Kept the original name, a character indicating the local expert. Alternately could use "The Top Expert of Heishan" if emphasizing the title. - **Moonlight Blades (월영도):** Translated as "Moonlight Blades," indicating a sword technique. Alternative literal translation "Crescent-Moon Swords." - **Gumeongjeolcho (구명절초):** Kept as a transliteration, possibly a specific term requiring further context to clarify. Alternatives might include "Salvation Through Mastery." - **Huarasu (흑아수):** Retained from the original, possibly a specific martial technique, translating to "Black River Technique" for context. - **Sangpyeongbo (상평보):** A retained name implying another martial art or skill. **Identified genders:** - **Mao Gan (마오간):** Male pronouns used based upon dialog. - **The Usurper (강탈자):** Male pronouns identified from the context. - **Sword Demon (검마):** Male pronouns used from the passage's context. - **Anonymous Woman:** Female pronouns implied through interaction. **Additional Context:** The passage illustrates a cultural layer of honor and respect inherent in martial battles, with a narrative set in navigating elements of murim and warlord conflicts, demonstrating the rigid honor codes clashing with individual survival instincts. **Possible Word Play:** - The "Usurper" signifies someone who takes something valuable covertly, emphasizing the narrative of secretly acquiring martial skills or lives through forced duels. **Changes Suggested:** - Further context on the tactics, such as "Gumeongjeolcho," may facilitate clearer translation in martial or narrative intricacies. "Then, I'll take my leave." The woman, having said her part, was about to depart immediately. The Sword Demon called out to her. "Ah, wait a moment." "What is it?" "I had bought some dumplings for a snack, but it's near bedtime, and it's hardly appropriate to eat them now. You take them." The Sword Demon tossed a bundle casually. With that, the woman immediately bit into a dumpling, nodding her head slightly before gathering her feet together and leaping away, vanishing from sight. --- **Terms Not Mentioned in List:** - **Dumplings (만두):** Translated plainly as "dumplings," retaining its straightforward culinary implication. **Identified genders:** - **Sword Demon (검마):** Male pronouns previously identified. - **Anonymous Woman:** Female pronouns implied through interaction. **Additional Context:** - This passage showcases a subtle exchange indicating familiarity and perhaps impending action, with the act of sharing food denoting camaraderie or simple care, emphasizing a gesture uncharacteristic but warming in the dynamic between martial peers. There are no further character information changes needed as the genders remain consistent from prior context.