881 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

The distance from the Divine Maiden Sect to Mount Changbai is approximately six thousand li along the path. How does this translate using the most commonly used scientific and precise international standard units from Qing's homeland—Seoul to Busan? A whopping six Seoul-Busan lengths! Or a round trip of three Seoul-Busans! Having to walk such a distance? For the frail inhabitants of Qing's homeland, whose physical abilities have atrophied, this would be an impossible feat. But what about the people of Zhongyuan? Six thousand li? It's a long way, yes, but if you start the journey, you'll eventually arrive. At least, that's what they say. Let's give it a try. This epitomizes the demeanor of a true hero. In reality, the people of this era are akin to primitive humans before the rise of civilization, similar to hominid apes. The fact that human civilization started with the discovery of electronic communication technology (the global communication network) is basic knowledge that everyone in Qing's homeland agrees upon. Surprisingly, before electronic communication, these primitive humans solved such communication by running on two legs, and thus, given their developed physical abilities, six thousand li wasn't a significant challenge for them! In fact, even the feeble individuals of Qing's homeland, when enlisted in military service, have the potential to march a hundred li a night while carrying loads. This is the astounding potential of humans, but what of the ancients? Common folks of Zhongyuan, such as farmers, peddlers, mountain men, traders, couriers, bodyguards, and porters, are mostly those who walk all day. Those people walk at least a hundred li a day with little exaggeration. So, six thousand li? A journey of a hundred li a day only takes two months to reach a distance of six thousand li; thus, it's not that arduous. (Of course, economically, it's taxing, and one has to survive the challenges posed by various kinds of bandits.) Based on that, the journey to Mount Changbai wasn't a particularly difficult task for Qing, nor was it a demanding schedule; it was just a bit bothersome. Qing has been living in Zhongyuan for over a decade. If you round it up? Twenty years, fifty years, a hundred years, and if you continue rounding my time in Zhongyuan, it reaches ten thousand years! Thus, Qing has now shed the alien facade and quite assimilated into the culture of Zhongyuan. Qing's mindset upon departing for Mount Changbai was precisely at this level. Mount Changbai, at the edge? Ah, how bothersome. Let's just get it over with quickly. First, take a boat to Hyeongju. If I circle a bit, I might drop by Wuhan and meet Hyang. However, if I visit the Zhuge Noble Clan, I must stay for two days, and leaving too quickly is considered rude in Zhongyuan. Considering the distance, I'll pass. From Hyeongju, head north through the main road to Henan. Passing through Songshan Mountain, but Master Muhak is in Xizang, and even so, since Shaolin Temple is a holy place of women, visiting isn't easy. I could drop by the Murim Alliance, but again, I'll pass. If I keep paying respects, what's two days? I might be asked to show up at the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly. So, passing through Songshan, where Shaolin is located. Crossing the Yellow River, my heart tempts me again. Hmm, heading north from here leads to Taiyuan in Shanxi, where Zhongyuan's finest educational institution, the Hanlim Academy, exists. And within Hanlim Academy resides the great scholar Cheon Yu-hak, a respected academic but secretly the infamous thief Shintu! And who was also Qing's master. Has it been long since I've met my master... However, the situation is uncertain regarding whether Master is currently in Taiyuan. Considering Cheon Yu-hak's character and his active ventures as Shintu, he is likely to be absent. Apologies, but I'll pass for now. To the north, to Hebei! On the way from Hebei to Liaoning, there are two main routes. One is a well-paved good road, and the other is a rugged mountain path. The well-paved road goes through Shanhai Pass to the south, with a super wide road at least a zhang wide. The rugged road is a mountain path, located more to the north, crossing the ranges. Of course, a mountain path would be rugged. It's a clear choice when comparing the well-paved road and rugged mountain path: if you have to choose one, it's very clear where you should go. However, the issue lies in the city that appears when you cross the northern mountain path. When crossing the northern mountain road of Hebei, the first proper city that appears after passing small villages is Jianping! What kind of city is Jianping! The city where the martial journey of today's greatest Murim sage, the Heavenly Sword Flower, began! A place that stands bright the moment you close your eyes, where sleep evokes vivid memories, and a heart-longed hometown you must return to someday! The place of selection for the Heavenly Sword Flower; the city of the most ruthless individuals. The city of the most heartless people. The most inhumane city, devoid of humanity, a city with the rudest people imaginable. Is that all? The city of the blind who failed to recognize the incoming chick phoenix, a chick of the celestial phoenix! Not only did they fail to recognize me, but they even treated me contemptuously, winning the resentment of the greatest fools in the world! This atrocious, shameless environment, where not even an ounce of human virtue is upheld, filled with non-human beings disguised as humans, is truly like an earthly hell. And that is Jianping! But before reaching Jianping, If you want to head to Liaoning from the southern part of Hebei? You must pass either through Beijing or Tianjin. And in this era, Tianjin is a mecca for tourists and female martial artists in Zhongyuan to visit at least once as they travel across Zhongyuan. Because in Tianjin resides the Hebei Peng Clan! Any woman born must see the graceful face of the Jade Qilin, at least once before dying, drawing countless female tourists, making Tianjin's commerce thrive with delight every day. Qing pondered for a moment. Choryeo had earnestly begged me to visit, yet somehow I haven't made it there... But, hmm, sorry Choryeo. I can't visit Tianjin right now. I must stop by Beijing first. Choryeo will have to understand. --- Terms Translated: - "Mount Changbai (장백산)" – Kept as it is, referring to the geographical location. - "Shanhai Pass (산해관)" – Translated using its pinyin for context. - "Liaoning (요녕)" – Translated to its pinyin for contextual accuracy. - "Taiyuan (태원)" – Kept as it is, referring to the specific location in Shanxi province. - "Jianping (건평)" – Kept as it is, referring to the name of the city. - "Hanlim Academy (한림원)" – Translated as a prestigious educational institution. - "Shintu (신투)" – Translated as Great Thief due to character description, implies a notorious reputation; kept the original because it might also be a title. - "Choryeo (초려)" – Used character's name as mentioned in the instruction. Additional Context: - The dense descriptions and targeted character humor showcase Qing's view on civilization contrasts and his adjusted status in Zhongyuan, coupled with annoyances of grand journeys in a comedic tone. - The distances are humorously converted using a well-known domestic distance comparison to emphasize both Qing’s world and the vastness of the journey. - There's a societal commentary on physical evolution and technological dependency from Qing's perspective, contrasting it with Zhongyuan's robust lifestyle. Because in Beijing, there is the legendary Peking Duck. Peng Choryeo might find it unjust, perhaps even very infuriating. How could the Hebei Peng Clan, not quite the sovereigns of Hebei but certainly close to it, the pinnacle among the Five Great Noble Clans in the martial world, be ranked below a mere dish like Peking Duck? But, this isn't just any Peking Duck. It's the ultimate Peking Duck! Moreover, if I head to the Hebei Peng Clan now, given that I'm in such a hurry, there's no guarantee that San will be back, as he’s likely off wandering somewhere unfathomable. I’ll visit the Hebei Peng Clan on my way back. "Hehehe, I've arrived...!" It was late in the month. On the forty-second day of the journey to Mount Changbai, Qing finally arrived at the most famous restaurant in Beijing, renowned as the best eatery there—Beijing's finest. Beijing's Finest Restaurant, Beijing Pavilion! If a place dares to represent the city's name, it surely must possess the appropriate skill and quality. Thus, it’s only fitting that the best restaurant in Beijing should proudly carry the city's name. Yet, Beijing Pavilion feels... strangely familiar... Does that mean the Forbidden City might also be here? R1o1RUY1V2dWdFByellBWDZwUWJGUkQydHptWEdWeHI2K0VOdG1yOFhBajE1K1VKVWc5a25SNkxDUVo1QkxpSw Of course, no restaurant owner would have the audacity to invoke the name of the Forbidden City. If you wish to perish, at least do so quietly alone, lest you drag your entire clan to the slaughterhouse. As Qing approached Beijing Pavilion, a doorman quickly blocked her path. "This Beijing Pavilion operates on a reservation basis. If you wish to make a reservation, earliest available dates start in late August—" The doorman scrutinized Qing from head to toe. The scarf was of high quality, but her attire wasn't. A woman with a silk scarf, not unusual these days; she must be employing the guise of the Heavenly Flower to wear expensive scarves. Continuing, the doorman added, "Reservations require a deposit starting at one gold tael." The insinuation was clear: could she even afford it? Of course, Qing was not so easily perturbed by such trivialities. For people like this were a dime a dozen. Those who confuse the reputation of their affiliated group with their own, or rather, it's not even the group's prestige to begin with. Being the top restaurant in Beijing, what sort of patrons would one expect? Serving high-ranking guests must have inflated the doorman's ego. But from Qing's perspective, if it works out, great; if not, no big deal. After all, the center of Zhongyuan's top eatery isn't some place where one can simply walk in with money and eat. The Sichuan's Best Chef, Baek Changja, and his ultimate spicy soup demonstrated that too. However, Qing also had her faith. The cook at Beijing Pavilion reportedly enters the Imperial Palace several times a year to prepare Peking Duck, and Gabi enthusiastically raves about its taste as utterly mesmerizing. The Ultimate Peking Duck, as they say! Qing eagerly awaited this moment during her stay at the palace. Unfortunately, during her time there, she never encountered this exceptional ultimate Peking Duck. Despite that, the Empress herself had promised to put her name down, in case she considered visiting later. Nonetheless, the situation remained uncertain. Was this truly an invite, or merely a casual suggestion to meet for a meal someday? Hence, Qing’s voice takes on a slightly timid note. "Um, by the name of Qing from the Yuan clan of Dongguan..." "Huh, please, please wait a moment." And so it was just for a moment. Truly just a moment. There was a clattering sound, then a man in silk robes emerged, limping slightly. "We are honored by your esteemed visit! Please, come this way!" Perhaps she had expected this outcome. Am I possibly becoming addicted to the sweet taste of power? Qing reflected on this, slightly wary and remorseful. "Oh, this is delicious, hehehe." Munching on the crispy skin of the Peking Duck, Qing couldn't help but repeatedly express her delight. The skin is crunchy yet chewy, offering excellent texture. Rich in fat, yet somehow light. Such seemingly contradictory descriptions harmoniously coexist, marking this as the pinnacle of Zhongyuan duck cuisine—the Ultimate Peking Duck! However, hmm, the meat is a bit dry. It's just roasted duck… Well, since Peking Duck is all about eating the skin. The dish entails peeling off the skin meticulously and leaving the rest of the meat for the servants to enjoy. While chewing on the duck meat, Qing absentmindedly gazes over the railing into the squarely organized view of Beijing, lost in thought. Reflecting on Jianping. Did Jianping really wrong me? Feeding the beggar is generally deemed an act of kindness. Although, when you delve deeper, aiding a beggar uninterested in joining society through labor, how could that be deemed benevolent—there's a social debate there. Yet if one doesn’t feed the beggar? Is ignoring a beggar, an evil act? Anyone could assert the opposite without hesitation. Could it be? Therefore, can the folks of Jianping be deemed guilty for not helping the beggar, whose face was disturbingly covered in sores, appearing quite unhygienic? From my perspective, they were heartless and indifferent. But the mere act of denying goodwill isn't something to exact revenge for, is it? Perhaps they were struggling to cope with their own lives. After all, human nature tends to prioritize a piece of candy over a charitable penny to a beggar. You can't fault them for being self-interested. And the phantom of past disease no longer lingers... Only the legendary supreme martial sage, the Heavenly Sword Flower, remains—a figure capable of instantly enjoying an entire ultimate Peking Duck upon demand. "Yes, indeed. I’m the only one left behind." It’s simply unforgettable. The past pains were so excruciatingly bitter. In hindsight, perhaps I just needed someone to blame. --- Terms Translated: - "Peking Duck (북경 오리)" – Translated directly to match the renowned dish associated with Beijing. - "Dongguan's Yuan Clan (동관 원씨)" – Translated based on traditional naming conventions indicating lineage and location. - "Yuan Clan (원씨)" – Used to reflect Qing's self-introduction per customary lineage acknowledgment. - "Hebei Peng Clan (하북팽가)" – Kept the original as an entity related to a specific lineage and region. - "Forbidden City (자금성)" – Translated directly due to it being a recognizable landmark in Beijing Additional Context: - The ultimate Peking Duck references add humor, directly contrasting important martial affairs with the perceived triviality of food indulgence, reflecting Qing's personal preferences and inclinations. - Qing's constant contemplation on past experiences and the essence of kindness and judgment on character actions portrays an internal reflection about her own experiences in Jianping. - The text presents a satirical take on societal norms and authority, where Qing’s endeavors are metaphorically tied to both the common and exalted, creating a humorous narrative on status, identity, and cultural familiarity. Stranded in a foreign, faraway land, not just distant in terms of miles but seemingly hurled back into the primitive times of history. Caught in such calamitous circumstances without anyone to blame, perhaps I needed to resent someone—anyone—just to keep from crumbling on the inside, to withstand the agony. Qing quietly closes her eyes. Yes, let it go. What remains is the unforgotten. "Unforgotten" implies that someday, I must forget, does it not? It suggests the thorn lodged in my heart, which torments me. Scenes from the past, those terrifying moments in the martial world during my first year, flash across Qing’s mind. Yes, it’s all in the past now. Let it go, let it go… I must forget it…right? Qing’s eyebrows twitch. In her memory, the apparition with its face hidden behind matted hair takes a beating. Kicked, trampled, hit with clubs, struck with chairs, bombarded with flying sticks, shoes, stones, all kinds of filth and refuse... Yet, strangely, in these recollections, few punches actually connect with the plague ghost. As Qing processes this, a line from the past automatically resurfaces. - Hold on, hold on! - What's the deal, let me go, I’m going to utterly destroy that wretch. Don’t stop me. - No, not stopping you, but if you touch its bare skin, you might catch it. Use a stick to beat it. A vein pulses on Qing’s forehead, her anger flaring. It dawns on Qing that the people of Jianping didn’t refrain from showing kindness—they beat it to drive it away, likely with no concern had it perished. Not sharing with beggars isn’t a sin. But beating a beggar is a sin, isn’t it? From the beggar's perspective, wouldn't seeking revenge be justified? A chilling smile spreads across Qing’s lips. These bastards, just wait and see. The plague ghost shall return. The Return of the Plague Ghost! The Plague's Second Coming! --- Terms Translated: - "Jianping (건평)" – Used consistent translation, indicating the specific location mentioned before. - "Plague ghost (역병귀)" – Translated to capture the connotations of disease and ghostly appearance. Additional Context: - The narrative delves into Qing's past trauma of neglect and mistreatment symbolized through the image of the plague ghost, reflecting societal disdain and ostracism she experienced. - The recollection of the beating and conversations recorded in memory triggers a realization about how she was perceived and treated. - The transition to an ominous resolve with "The Return of the Plague Ghost" emphasizes Qing’s determination to confront her past oppressors, foreshadowing a narrative turn and possible revenge.