916 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

[Strange Fellow, Strange Fellow, Strange Fellow] From the middle of the Pyeongan border to halfway up the Hamgyeong border, an unexpected storm of public anger swept through countless counties. From Qing's hometown perspective, it might seem like a hundred-year premature eruption of rage by fallen noblemen carrying the surname Hong (and not to be mistaken with Hong Gil-dong), before they could even think of leading an uprising. However, labeling it a rebellion from the perspective of the Joseon government seemed somewhat ambiguous. Since the populace hadn't united to march towards the capital, nor had they formed an independent military force, it couldn't exactly be called a rebellion. Punishing them as an example would mean overlooking the sheer size and frequency of these events. Even worse, should the culprits claim ignorance, declaring that Ximen Qing, a Zhongyuan bandit, stormed in on a black horse, vanquishing officials and taking out warehouses to distribute to the people, it brings an entirely different problem. “You got it? As the deity said, Ximen Qing is a Zhongyuan thief. Under no circumstances should you call him a deity or a magician, or we all might end up being exterminated.” “How can that be? Still, he is our deity and benefactor; how could we speak ill of him?” “Isn't the deity guiding us to open our paths for survival? Even if we thank him only in spirit, I'm sure the deity will understand.” “Oh, still.” “Well, then, should we build a shrine and worship him? After all, he is a deity.” In the northern regions of Joseon, a new folk belief began to take root. Of course, the idea of faith during this period was not grand. On a list that already included Heaven, Buddha, Mireuk, mountain spirits, and ancestors, one more name would be added — samjangnim or Seomunssi-nim. Meanwhile, within hidden villages of slash-and-burn farmers avoiding local authorities, actions as bold as confronting the oppressive officials did not occur. Yet, in this famine-stricken time when hunger haunted all, not only the people were famished, so gratitude for the deity who struck down a rampant tiger and shared its meat and bones was immense. In the future, these anecdotes might evolve into stories passed down, merging narratives about, "what, you too? So did we," and they might become a singular flowing narrative — or they might not. Nevertheless. The liberator of eight counties and the savior of fifteen burn-farmer villages, the deity who illuminated dark Joseon and adversary of human-faced monsters finally discovered the whereabouts of Master Shingwi. The relatively credible information stated that Master Shingwi was secluded beneath the grand mountainous terrain southeast of Baekdu Mountain's heaven pool. If only the information had arrived seven days earlier. Though a concept unknown in Qing's hometown, an early discovery by just one week would have made an enormous difference. Otherwise, Qing wouldn't have been forced into taking from that unscrupulous martial bandit the skill of Escape Death with a Steady Heart, or Self-Mastery and Independence Technique... Of course, even without these excursions into Joseon for information, searching Mount Changbai ahead of time likely never promised discovery before April. Today marked exactly the first day of April. Indeed, with the fateful April arriving promptly, the Unruly Martial Robber caused another business. Thus, a scene where nature, unfortunately, met its destruction. Having poured out immense martial prowess, trees splintered, stones shattered, and the land held vast hollow craters. “Why the sour expression, old man? I taught you well, didn't I? It's a genuine advanced martial art, you know?” Though the Self-Mastery and Independence Technique was a mere red-bordered skill (or so it seemed), the technique of Escape Death with a Steady Heart was wrapped in a golden frame, a divine heart discipline. From the golden border onwards, a martial art deserving the name of divine art, no doubt. Even revealing the Heart-Seizing Technique bearings could evoke a tempest in Jianghu similar to the Essence-Absorbing Demonic Technique. “I am aware of divine arts. Even if I've consumed the bowls of Jianghu's expertise far longer than you. But given your voracious consumption, perhaps it equates. But why the face?” However, the Unruly Martial Robber looked hardly pleased. Like one expecting to eat mackerel but instead bites into bitter bellflower root, or someone anticipates sweet and sour pork but is met with the squishy texture of mushroom stew. “I mentioned before, I reached this realm and have no intention of replacing my insights with another. It's not for me to achieve mastery but for the disciple's title to mean anything; tossing them substantial know-how at least acknowledges my role. Ah, despite finding something worthwhile, it won’t be consumed.” Thus, Qing, feeling similarly, could impart such arts with ease compared to other weapon-related martial skills. “But then, what do you plan to do?” “What do you mean?” “That Shingwi, or ghost-like being, would it yield the martial art so easily?” “Hmm, after roughing it up and persuading a little, maybe?” “Bah, if extracting martial arts was so effortlessly manageable, I would've already advanced with countless divine arts.” “A starving person digs a well—” “Why dig a well if starving? Maybe if thirst was the issue?” “That’s why you should grasp it roughly; it's the same, isn't it, old man? Even if anticipating nothing, one tries due to needs and hopes.” At Qing's words, the Unruly Martial Robber sighed loudly. “Set your expectations low to avoid disappointment. Even if I presume it’s at the Transcendent Realm, once they're in Demon Liberation Realm, neither words nor torture will suffice.” “Hmm.” “Well, it's not something for a brigand to declare, but if the hope persists, then by any means. With your skills, defeating someone on the brink of Demon Possession Realm, without fatalities, is plausible. It's unlikely an infamous villain from these remote mountain slopes reaches the Demon Liberation Realm.” With that, Qing's face scrunched. “Oh, come on. Enough with the jinx. Words become actions, you know. I had such a thought, ran into you, didn't I? Never thought a Profound Realm would approach.” “So what if Shingwi, the Heart-Seizing Demon, is an elite of Demon Liberation Realm? With a demon at the Profound Realm, you wouldn't lose.” “Oh, really?” **Translation Notes:** - **신귀 선생 (Master Shingwi):** A character not previously listed; translated directly to "Master Shingwi." - **역혈마인 (Heart-Seizing Demon):** New term identified as a character name. Translated as "Heart-Seizing Demon" based on function in the narrative. - **강탈마 (Unruly Martial Robber):** A new term referring to a character known for extracting skills or techniques. - **신귀 (Shingwi):** This appears as both a specific person (Master Shingwi) and a reference to a ghost-like figure. - **심법 (Heart Discipline):** Skills or martial arts involving internal energy and spiritual insight. Puns/Wordplay: - The term "words become actions" refers to the superstition that what you speak may manifest in reality, serving as a foreshadowing device and a nod to Qing's previous encounters. Additional Context: - Qing's internal arts having personalities allegorizes how different energies compete within her system, creating humorous scenarios whenever she's required to balance them. "I will help you with all my might; just give me one decent martial art." "What kind of help is that? You're just a vagabond, a wandering swordsman." "Where do you find free things in this world?" “A true martial arts demon, indeed.” Qing clicked her tongue in disapproval. Of course, it wasn't as if some demon of the Demon Liberation Realm was waiting right there for them. The Demon Liberation Realm is not just any mere level but a monstrous level ahead of the Profound Realm. In this primitive, ancient pseudo-martial world, it’s uncertain if power creates light, but power surely creates money and authority. If they were of the Demon Liberation Realm, they could carve a domain on the prime lands of Zhongyuan, sitting amidst heaps of tribute and living lavishly, not caring whom they exploit. A person who has entered and returned from demon possession would already have a nonchalant mindset, caring little for consequences as they leech off others. But would such a masterful individual subject themselves to seclusion in Mount Changbai, gaining the label of an elusive mountain hermit? Laughable for those trained in demonic arts to do so. In the end, just the fact they are hiding out in the outskirts of Changbai Mountain suggests that, at most, they're merely someone who've learned the Heaven-Shattering, Blood-Overturning, Heart-Piercing Decisive Strike, one of the World’s Eleven Great Demon Arts, and retreated fearing martial retributions. For it's only a Demon Possession Realm skill. Such things might as well be a candle in the wind before the transcendent brilliance of the Heavenly Sword Flower(天華). So when it comes to the Hermit of Mount Changbai—what is there to fear, really? It was nothing more than a scoff-worthy situation. Baekdu Mountain, also known as Changbai Mountain, stands as one of the world's massive volcanoes. Though mountains larger and wider than Baekdu abound, only two volcanoes surpass it in size. And when only considering the part visible above the water, Baekdu might even claim the second rank. However, including the neighboring peaks' summation reduces the insistence on this claim; so, let's settle with the third rank then! Third is no less significant. Regardless, Baekdu Mountain is a grand and towering ridge, its summit adorned with a magnificent visage of eternal snow. Simply put, the initial days of April are not particularly suitable for ascending Mount Baekdu. Cold winds whip ceaselessly, and though spring attempts to melt the snow, the muddy ground entraps one's feet, doubling grievances. Especially with primitive footwear soaking up the muddy moisture, wet feet introduced to the biting cold could lop off toes to frostbite, as they say. Not that it bothered Qing, of course. Such cold dared not encroach on Qing's body, and those mounted atop a horse need not worry about the earth beneath turning to sludge or manure. The Unruly Martial Robber could bear it. Someone of the Profound Realm could confidently withstand the young month of April on Mount Changbai. For being part of the Profound Realm merited the title of monster. Gongryang Sayeon, keeping pace amidst revolutionary marches and winter camps, bore the trials without complaint. Qing pondered if he hailed originally from the locale, speaking Korean as he did. As for Yebo, though slightly weakened, endured as a mixed breed of a fine horse, yet needing occasional rest for health. Thus, even amid arduous journeys through snowy mountains and forests, the three supernatural beings, or at least the two that Qing knew paired with a spirited Horse, wandered with no health complaints. Finally arriving. At the snowy woods of southeastern Baekdu, or was it Changbai, they spotted a crude house at the edge of Gaema Plateau. A moment awkwardly constructed as chilly winds whipped around the cabin's front— a figure, axe raised, readying firewood for the furnace, met them. Eyes exchanged, wary in an unexpected strangeness. What caught the sight initially was the series of deep, black fissures across the exposed face, akin to cracked, dry field furrows, a ghastly appearance. Though uncertain if he was truly the Heart-Seizing Demon or not. The Heart-Seizing Demon supposedly bore prominent black veins, pulsating grotesquely. This man’s skin hinted dark lines beneath, rather than marking explosive outings. But, hmm, there it was, peculiarly— Qing thought. As wicked as it might sound, honestly, hideous... Even bare-headed in this cold, his scalp shone with surprising luster, while the surrounding hair formed an odd lushness, expanding the forehead beyond. Meanwhile, thick layers piled over his brows, bulging before narrowing to droopy-eyed slants. His nostrils were pea-sized, yet his nose itself a knuckle's match in size. The protruding lower jaw left one wonder if his upper and lower teeth ever met. Awkwardly monstrous rather than endearing, even below. Thwack. The man embedded the axe in the log trunk, his forehead descended several spans down as his height reduced less than a single span. A gnarled hunchback, or "goblin", the term goes. Qing was certain. Not evil beyond words, but unmistakably a flawed humanity attempt. Simply put, a ma. The Heart-Seizing Demon had finally been found! Yet— "[I must apologize. I am Kim Heo-jung, a person who practices martial arts after leaving the Swordsmen's World, but how is it that a high-born lady finds herself in these treacherous mountains?]" "[What?]" bWpnL1VNWWVlR0h2N0IyVWd5ZUJTOTFNWHdaUDRWblh2OUIzZzF6azlJblh3U0RLZ3JyUy95cElRM3RsWkhrSA "[Haha, do not be alarmed. It's simply my modest skill to observe and deduce.]" The hunchback spoke further, An incongruous politeness mirroring his grotesque exterior. **Translation Notes:** - **매검자 (Wandering Swordsman):** Literally "Sword Bearer". The term suits wandering martial artists in context, emphasizing the character's roaming nature. - **검계 (Swordsmen's World):** An organization or group involving martial arts; translated to encapsulate a universal martial arts society. - **김허중(Kim Heo-jung):** A new character identified as the hunchback, offering a name along with his unique abilities. Rendered directly for the particular reference. - **공량사윤 (Gongryang Sayeon):** A character's name, not explained in context but relevant to distinguishing local proficiency. - **Hanja transcription:** Translating "[bWpnL...]” as it appears illegible or cryptographic, possibly narrative or thematic cipher related to context. The puns concerning inability to meet expectations based on deformities exhibit light-hearted addition to Qing's thoughts, aligning with the running thematic of exterior appearances belied by performance, or character. Additional Context: - The absurdity within Qing's entourage reflects her approach to adversities, incorporating satire on martial arts tropes and societal hierarchies in experiential circumstances. Recommended List Adjustments: - Specify "탈마" refers to the "Demon Possession Realm" in realm listings for clarity considering its notable references and respective jak-level. "[Traditionally, the lady rides the horse while the servants follow. Although the horse appears somewhat gaunt, it is a splendid steed unmatched in its time. With the escorting warriors wearing numerous weapons and a maidservant attending to you, surely you must be a noble young lady of high standing.]" Suddenly, the atmosphere turned as if a detective had entered the scene. Perhaps the title would be something like "Hunchback Detective Kim Heo-jung." Not particularly a title one would be eager to delve into. Nevertheless, his voice had an alluring depth. His gaze was bright and clear, without a hint of dullness, somewhat oily, with an air of purposefully laid-back sophistication. Qing reflected a little on this, realizing she had been too hasty in judgment based solely on appearances. With Karma at 220, while relatively high, it was too sketchy to call him a grand demon. Thus, Qing decided to express some courtesy. "[I came after hearing rumors about a person named Master Shingwi residing in these parts.]" "[Ah, then you have come to the right place. There are those who indeed have addressed that person as Master Shingwi.]" Before Qing could respond, he swiftly continued. "[Given that you wander these treacherous terrains, it implies you require a capable martial artist, perhaps due to circumstances in which you couldn't find one in the mundane world. Or perhaps it is ambition to overcome an opponent too intimidating to face directly? What matter is it? A family vendetta? Or is it that the court is making foul demands? I, Kim Heo-jung, would risk my life for you. Yes, I shall be your strength, your sword.]" Qing's expression couldn't conceal her bewilderment. Kim Heo-jung enthusiastically offered assistance without even being prompted. She hadn't even asked for help, yet he'd proposed to offer it unilaterally!