889 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

The bodyguard, Guard Nok, of the Moyong Clan's Young Lord, has suffered a throat injury, making him nearly unable to speak. Despite this, Guard Nok feels no regret. For silence is the wisest conduct; a man must speak not with his mouth but with his actions, with silent determination! To Guard Nok, who holds such a belief, the absence of a voice is merely a minor inconvenience. The fate of White Guard, who frivolously chattered and was transferred to become an Inner Guard, proves the wisdom of silence. Moreover, Guard Nok is among the Moyong Clan Leader's most trusted aides, worthy of being called his right-hand man. As the old saying from the Western world goes, "Speech is silver, silence is golden," and it seems it’s not wrong. Of course, this era precedes even the birth of that Western philosopher, but nevertheless. From a bodyguard's perspective, that beggar-like woman, otherwise known as the Heavenly Sword Flower, is an excellent and virtuous martial artist, already complete in character at a young age. Her discourse on understanding the difficulties of a martial artist's path and the importance of judgment and responsibility made even Guard Nok silently admire her. The Young Lord also seemed lost in deep thought over it. Previously, the Heavenly Sword Flower had enlightened the Young Lord on the virtues a person ought to know. She filled in the areas neglected due to being enamored with the title of Heavenly Body(天無之體)! Why she insists on wandering around in a beggar's guise remains a mystery, though. Especially given she’s a woman, one might wonder why she'd dare such a disgraceful display. Yet? If you consider historical figures and legends, those detached from worldly glory often wandered in tatters. The esteemed Jiang Ziya from the past was such, and Hua Tuo from the Three Kingdoms era, much like Confucius cherishing beggars as brothers. Just as the fairies in tales would descend in rags. Since the Divine Maiden Sect aligns with the Daoist path, perhaps she’s already realized and practices great principles at such a tender age...! If Qing were to learn of this, she might awkwardly nod with a bitter laugh, "Aha." But if someone is determined to see things favorably, anything will appear favorable. Even if lying down together, a despised one is seen as a wretched creature who's always lying around shamefully, tsk tsk. Whereas a beloved one becomes someone who must be tired to be lying there, deserving rest, prompting thoughtfulness for the future. Guard Nok, the silent one, does not escape the limits of human perception. Now in his eyes, it's as if a 'bean pod' blinds him when considering the Heavenly Sword Flower. It's akin to saying to Heavenly Sword Flower, "Do whatever you want." So, even upon hearing Qing's petty, despicable, and utterly mean retaliation, he simply admired her silently. Even at a young age, she has already embraced magnanimity! If such oppression were faced, a man's way would be to behead the foes and resolve the grudge. Yet, with just a slight mischief, she seeks resolution. Though she may not become a great warrior, she will indeed be capable of embracing the world as a great individual! Of course, such interpretation is possible only because Qing is a skilled martial artist. Only when a strong person forsakes revenge does it become forgiveness; if a weak one forsakes it, isn't that merely surrender? Anyway. Guard Nok fondly observes the interactions of the next generation's unparalleled masters and future martial heroes. Why call them heroes? Because the Young Lord, despite being young, is a crouched young dragon, destined to be a giant with the Heavenly Body! Look now. “Ptooey, ptooey! This is childish, and cowardly!” “Jun, in the Life and Death Decision arena, what’s childish and cowardly? Do you plan to tattle to King Yama after dying? If we fought fairly, I would have won, but got caught in a cowardly sand trick. Will King Yama say, ‘Aww, that’s a shame,’ and revive you?” “But it’s a vile tactic!” “Jun. No matter how dirty and low, you must survive first. Live, and someday a chance to repay the disgrace will come. Besides, if you die with honor, how would those left behind feel? Elder Ilwol Sangjae and Lady Moyong would be so heartbroken.” “That’s, but not like that……” Qing helps the fallen Moyong Jun stand, patting the dust off his rear. “If Jun doesn’t want to use such tactics, then you don’t have to. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know them. Those unorthodox folks we’ll face use such vile tactics. Experiencing them is essential to becoming a true master.” Moyong Jun glances at Guard Nok. Is this correct? his gaze seems to ask. Guard Nok gravely nods in agreement. “Shall we try another round?” “Yes!” Guard Nok's eyes drip with honeyed admiration. Heavenly Sword Flower teaching the Young Lord real combat in the name of High Principles and Appearance isn't mere theoretical sparring but the real deal. Even employing all sorts of vile means that the unorthodox might use. Truly invaluable firsthand practical experience. Qing is simply playing, driven by a mischievous uncle persona fond of playing with kids. And? This kid is learning quickly, isn't he? Guard Nok finds great joy. In the beginning, the Young Lord struggled with the rough and savage essence of life-and-death battles. But true to Heaven's Body! Quickly grasping the methods, the young dragon of the Moyong Clan is closing in moment by moment on the day of his ascension, quickly understanding ten for every one he is taught! Guard Nok is delighted beyond measure. Those two are perfectly matched rivals destined to vie for the title of world's greatest master in the future, perfectly suited to be together. How old is Heavenly Sword Flower this year... Twenty-three, I heard? The Young Lord is twelve, with an eleven-year age gap, they are practically perfect for each other! ----- **New Terms Translated:** - **Guard Nok** (녹 무사) is translated directly as Guard Nok since it's a name, and the context indicates he is a bodyguard with a penchant for silence, making it a name suited to military or protective roles. - **Young Lord** (소가주) is translated directly to 'Young Lord,' given the context as the young heir or leader of a noble clan. - **Heavenly Body (천무지체)** is translated as such. It implies a special body constitution associated with genius or legendary martial potential. - **Ilwol Sangjae (일월상재 어르신)** is retained as 'Elder Ilwol Sangjae' since it is a name. 'Elder' represents respect or seniority. - **The term "bean pod" (콩깍지)**: In Korean, it implies seeing through rose-colored glasses or being blinded by affection/adulation. - **King Yama (염라대왕)**: The ruler of the underworld in Buddhism and other Asian religious folklore. Retained due to cultural context. - **Heavenly Flower (천화) or (天華)** when referring to a specific character or a title can use this translation for consistency across different usages. The Young Lord of the Moyong Clan, having lost his wife early, finds a greater void in his life. Therefore, a nurturing and understanding older woman like the Heavenly Sword Flower young lady is precisely what he needs. Qing had naturally evolved into being addressed as 'young lady.' However? But? "Oh dear, I’m not as spry as I used to be. Is it because I'm getting older?" "Hey, Beggar Sister, I don't think you should just lie around like that." "Jun, the earth is my bed and the sky my blanket, so wherever I rest, that is my world. What's the difference whether I lie here or there? It's only natural to lie down and rest after a spar." "Uh…" "Come on, come over. Let's just lie down for now." "But, Beggar Sister, you're a beggar, so you can just lie anywhere, even on the dirty ground." "Then Jun, be a beggar too. You can do that, right?" "But beggars are dirty and smell." Moyong Jun bluntly states the truth. However, Qing just smirks, "Instead, they're free. That's why I sometimes choose to be a beggar even though I'm not usually one. I can lie anywhere, eat without worrying about manners, and no one will say a word if I spend the day idly." "But isn’t it embarrassing?" "What, secret friend, you find me embarrassing? Are you dismissing me just because I'm a beggar? Do you think the fifty million beggars of the world are easy?" "Uh, maybe a little?" "Yeah. Beggars are like that. Then, just don't get caught, right?" "Huh?" "If you walk around looking like a beggar, no one will recognize you. If nobody knows who you are, it doesn't matter if you look embarrassing." Upon hearing this, Moyong Jun sinks into deep thought. That sounds kind of right, doesn’t it? "It’s just because you don't know how comfortable a real beggar's life is. Go ahead and lie down, spread your arms and legs, look up at that vast sky." Ever-obedient, Moyong Jun does as he's told. Lying down feels somehow comfortable, because of course, a lying position is naturally more comfortable than standing. And then, a sense of liberation seems to come over him. During intense sparring, he had rolled and been hit and flew about, working up a sweat, desperate to land a single blow with each motion, and the coolness rising from the cold March ground beneath him in this instant chilled his overheated body. "How is it, secret friend? Pretty nice, right? Doesn't being a beggar seem worthwhile?" "Yeah, a little? But my head feels uncomfortable. It's hard." "Hmm. That can be tough for beginners. Should I offer you an arm pillow?" "Hehe, sure." Moyong Jun wiggles back to settle beside Qing’s side. Lying in the shape of the character 大, the senior beggar next to a potential little beggar resting his head. An astonishing scene of beggar decadence unfolded. Guard Nok, who is witnessing this live, feels inner upheaval. The past injury to Guard Nok, the bodyguard of the Young Lord of the Moyong Clan, left him nearly speechless. However, Guard Nok had felt no regret...until now. Silence is indeed the wisest conduct. A man should express with actions, speaking through silence! For one like Guard Nok, who lives by such a belief, the lack of a voice is just a slight inconvenience. Yet never before had the absence of voice felt so inconvenient. Well, such are the times. --- Why did Qing play with Moyong Jun? Simply because he was bored. Why was he bored? He lingered in Gunpyong, after having finally let go of all grudges there. Why linger in Gunpyong? To ensure that the disrespectful Gunpyong House Master paid the due price of extended business closure for his disrespect. Though resuming the intrusion-style Gunpyong gourmet gatherings seemed difficult afterward, besides, the Gunpyong folks, having had some meat purloined, must have stopped touching it altogether. The fact, though well known since Qing’s early debut into the martial world, was genuinely frustrating. Those overhearing this might find it absurd. Wondering if it indeed is the words of someone, who having nothing better to do, resorts to tormenting the Gunpyong House Master, yet finding himself bored to death afterward. However, the nature of people is that even illicit relationships when I partake become a beautiful romance, but when others do it, it's a vile affair. Expressing this in Central Plains' language, it could be depicted as “I am pure; others are not (我純他不).” But, humans are inherently I-am-pure-others-are-not paradoxical beings. My splintered finger hurts more than others’ slander, and my family is more precious than others’; it's a natural human trait. Let alone oneself, the most precious being in the world. Therefore, if my romance is pure, others' is a scandal; being lenient with myself and harsh on others is an inescapable human trait, whether in large or small measure. R1o1RUY1V2dWdFByellBWDZwUWJGZWFUeXI5RmdKMG1yVHlYNmg5eFV0WFNsYjFmRVlPRTM3czdiaVNXcUYwZw Only, Qing tends to exhibit this trait grandly and shamelessly. Anyway. A bored Qing, thus found it very natural, like the world’s sun rising and moon setting, to come out and witness the legal (or not) pillaging by the Murk Mongolians(몰골 오랑캐들의 합법적인). Thus, in the bustling market square of Gunpyong. With all sorts of items scheduled for plunder neatly stacked and arranged on carts ready to be taken. And from far away, the sound of many horses' hooves is slowly drawing nearer. ---- **New Terms Translated:** - **Murk Mongolians(몰골 오랑캐들의 합법적인)**: The phrase "Murk Mongolians" is used here as a colloquial term referencing a group known for marauding or pillaging, contextualized here as supposedly 'legal'. It's more evocative than literal to paint a picture of how the characters view these actions. - **Gunpyong(건평)**: Translated to "Gunpyong" maintaining the name of the place without alteration, with context making it clear it's a location of interest. - **Qing's term "secret friend"** is a playful yet affectionate way Qing refers to Moyong Jun, suggesting a sense of camaraderie and playfulness which aligns with the tone. ### Contextual Explanation: - The text delves deeper into the character dynamics and martial world logic, exploring Qing's perspective on socially perceived ideas and individual justifications. It also humorously embraces both self-righteousness and the absurdity of human nature, keeping Qing's character consistently playful and philosophical. ### Changes Recommended: - For Guard Nok: It is now clear he is part of the Moyong Clan and thus his role as a "guard" rather than just "Nok" fits with his duty and demeanor. - Adjustments to the timing of events or philosophical references may require consistency across narrative, especially in referencing Qing's age or events. ### Additional Observations: - This passage highlights cultural attitudes towards beggars and martial hierarchy, covering moral codes, honor, and the paradoxical nature of human self-justification.