〈 Episode 556 〉 The Wind-and-Cloud Ghost Thief (風雲鬼盜).
Leaving the inn and ascending the path to Wudang.
The climb did not take particularly long.
Because, just as Yubaek had said, we were receiving extremely lavish treatment on the way up.
‘But lavish treatment is nothing more than a carriage.’
A carriage emblazoned with Wudang’s sect emblem.
Though I was only riding that one thing, this alone was sufficient for now.
At least, it gave the feeling of being treated as a guest.
However, if there was a problem.
“Just how did you do it…?”
Perhaps because it was an enclosed space, my younger sister’s voice from beside me sounded exceptionally loud.
I frowned slightly at Gu Ryeonghwa’s words and spoke.
“What do you mean how? I just did it.”
“No…! Don’t joke…!”
No matter how much she thought about it, Gu Ryeonghwa couldn’t seem to believe it and pestered me with questions.
“That Uiryong Sword (義爖劍)… Are you saying it was Jicheol of the Uiryong Sword?”
“…Uiryong what?”
Hearing Gu Ryeonghwa’s words, I had to tilt my head in confusion.
Uiryong Sword…?
‘So that guy had a nickname too.’
That guy Jicheol, who had acted up without knowing his place.
Judging by Gu Ryeonghwa’s reaction, he must have been quite a famous fellow.
‘Well, I suppose.’
He had passed the age of thirty and reached the peak of maturity.
By the standards of the Central Plains, it was only natural for him to have a nickname.
‘Is it because there are so many monsters around me? I’d forgotten for a moment.’
I had unconsciously been looking at the standards too low.
“Brother, you could have gotten hurt if things went wrong, you know?”
“Hurt? Who’s getting hurt, you brat.”
Thud-!
“Aggh…!”
Because she kept pestering me, I eventually smacked her on the forehead.
‘Like hell anyone was getting hurt.’
If that was the level among second-generation disciples, he was indeed likely someone who would lead Wudang in the future, but.
‘He didn’t even look like he could beat Yeongpung.’
Compared to Yeongpung, who was the youngest of Mount Hua’s third-generation disciples, Jicheol was weaker.
Not to mention.
‘Even Uhyeok would probably win.’
Even Jamryong, Wudang’s third-generation disciple, wouldn’t lose to Jicheol.
Of course, if one considered that those two were geniuses of a different caliber, Jicheol was indeed a considerable figure.
It’s just.
‘He was nothing more than someone who amounted to exactly that much.’
I didn’t feel particularly impressed.
Leaving aside his realm and talent, he was exactly that level of person.
‘Should I have beaten him up a bit more?’
A belated feeling of regret brushed past me.
If he was a pushover, I could have beaten him more. It was a shame I hadn’t.
‘If that old man was going to intervene, he should have done it sooner.’
Before I got annoyed.
If Yubaek, that sly old man, had intervened earlier, it would have been easier.
‘He was testing the waters too much.’
Because the old man was so intent on testing me, I ended up going a bit rough.
‘Tch.’
In the end, there was much I could find out, so I had to think it was better.
Yes, what I found out.
As I ascended Mount Wudang, I was verifying those matters.
It wasn’t exactly precious information.
‘Something is happening in Wudang.’
For now, that was the extent of it.
It was something Jicheol and Yubaek had directly shown, so it would have been stranger not to know.
Some problem had occurred in Wudang.
Anyone could tell.
‘I don’t know what the problem is, but it seems to be quite a big one.’
Though I had stepped forward because Jicheol’s attitude pissed me off.
Several pieces of information were steeped within it.
The manner in which he treated Mount Hua, who had visited on a clear schedule.
It was full of arrogance and conceit, but.
‘It didn’t seem like he was simply trying to win a battle of momentum.’
He had probably intended to do something after suppressing them with momentum.
Hence, an Elder had secretly approached and watched the proceedings.
In other words.
‘What happened earlier was all planned.’
It was likely an order given by a superior of Elder rank.
‘They are wary of outsiders, those who can come and go from Wudang.’
It meant an incident had occurred that required them to be wary of strangers.
‘What could it be?’
Around this time, had there been some incident in Wudang?
I don’t know. Not only is my memory hazy….
‘The problem is that my past life’s memories are pretty much useless by now.’
Aside from major events, most things had become twisted, so relying on my memories was impossible.
In other words.
‘I have to find out on my own.’
I would find out when I got there anyway.
‘Since I’ve already gone and made a scene like that.’
The reason I had intentionally shown Yubaek me pressing Jicheol was this.
Explain yourself. Wouldn’t that be the courteous thing to do?
That was the intention.
‘That they are taking me to Wudang even now means they’re willing to accept this.’
I had shown both pretext and reason.
This left Wudang with two choices.
‘Send Mount Hua back and make an enemy of them along with the insult.’
Or explain the situation according to principle and ‘politely’ ask for understanding….
Here, I was certain Wudang would choose the latter.
‘Because the current Wudang doesn’t have enough standing to make enemies.’
Though the Sect Leader had become the Alliance Leader.
Mount Hua was one of the Nine Sects and One Alliance. Not to mention, its historical value was considerable.
For Wudang to wrong such a Mount Hua first?
‘They’ve become a bit like fools, but they’re not that stupid.’
Though they were experiencing rapid growth, this was a point where their standing wasn’t that great.
In a situation where the Central Plains’ perception was important, Wudang wouldn’t do such a thing.
Not to mention.
‘They’re in a state of having already made a mistake once, aren’t they?’
It was the juncture where they had been caught by the scruff of the neck while trying to pull something fishy.
They would hurriedly try to cut their losses. I thought they wouldn’t do anything more foolish than this.
“So.”
I turned my gaze to look straight ahead and spoke.
“Do lighten up your expression.”
“…”
The one who heard was Yeongpung.
Yeongpung smiled awkwardly at my words.
“Why do you look so gloomy?”
“…It’s nothing. I’m just feeling a bit carsick….”
“If someone of your realm gets carsick, it’s a fatal illness. Did you know?”
“…”
“The carriage is so smooth. Carsick my ass.”
He should try riding in a carriage driven by the White Lotus Sword once.
Ah, only then would he think, ‘So this is what it takes for a martial artist to get carsick.’
Since he hadn’t experienced that, I couldn’t believe Yeongpung’s words.
“Did you do something wrong? Why are you making such a rotten expression?”
“…That’s not it. I am merely sorry to Young Hero Gu….”
“What is there to be sorry about? I’m the one who crashed in.”
“…”
“Even if someone should be sorry, it should be me. Why is the Leader acting like that?”
I wasn’t even sorry.
Rather, I was annoyed that I hadn’t beaten him more.
‘I’ve laid a hand, so I’ll make use of it later.’
Whatever the case, it wasn’t something Yeongpung should be acting like that over.
“Rather, you should blame me. Ask why an outsider had to step in and cause discomfort. Say that.”
Startled by my curt words, Yeongpung flinched.
“No, how could I dare.”
“I’m telling you to do just that. That would be right.”
“What do you mean….”
“Did you not say so yourself? That you are a descendant of the Mount Hua Divine Sword.”
“…!”
I mentioned what Yeongpung had said.
“I don’t know if you truly think that way. But even if you do. No, even if you don’t.”
If Yeongpung truly claimed himself a descendant of Shin Noya.
“You must be confident. If you are a disciple of Mount Hua. There is nothing more important than confidence.”
“…”
At least, Shin Noya would have been so.
No, rather, the moment he thought Mount Hua was being disrespected, he might have drawn his sword and cut down Jicheol.
I wasn’t truly a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect, so I had merely endured.
But Yeongpung was different.
It seemed he was flustered because it was a situation he was experiencing for the first time.
But even then, he shouldn’t have lost his confidence.
“If the Leader pulls back there, it is no different from the Mount Hua Sect pulling back.”
“…Young Hero.”
“That is the meaning of you being the Leader, and the meaning of the seal on the letter bestowed by the Plum Blossom Immortal.”
“…”
At my words, Yeongpung closed his mouth and made a deeply bitter expression.
And then he looked at me and tried to speak.
“I am sorr—”
“Don’t apologize.”
I had to cut Yeongpung off.
“Words of gratitude. Words of apology. At least the Leader must not say them now.”
Irritation seeped into my tone without me realizing it.
Why?
‘Why do you think.’
Pretending not to know, but it was something I knew all too well.
“Just have the heart not to do so next time. That is enough.”
“…Yes.”
Because what he had said before weighed on my mind.
Because Yeongpung’s words about becoming a descendant of the Mount Hua Divine Sword came to mind.
Whether it was truly real or not.
Because Yeongpung, so timid like that, seemed as if he were Shin Noya acting that way.
That annoyed me.
‘Do not create situations where you must bow your head. And for things where you must not bow, do not bow.’
Shin Noya would have done so.
I shall live like that.
Therefore.
If you are to call yourself a descendant, you too must live like that.
These words contained that meaning.
Though Yeongpung had no way of knowing this.
After that, I closed my eyes and regulated my breathing for a moment. Thus, an uncomfortable silence passed briefly inside the carriage.
“We have arrived.”
At the words, I opened my eyes immediately.
And immediately retracted the qi barrier spread over the carriage.
Feeling the energy return to my dantian, I let out a sigh.
‘Tiring.’
Already, there were many eyes watching and ears listening.
Feeling those annoying gazes, I thought.
If I were to burn them, from where should I start?
‘If possible.’
I want to burn them from the roots.
It was somehow a moment full of thoughts.
******************
“You must have had a hard time coming here.”
Immediately after arriving at Wudang, the place we were taken to was Yubaek’s residence.
“Under normal circumstances, I would have liked to let you rest comfortably. I am sorry that I cannot.”
Yubaek spoke with a smile.
“And, once again, I apologize for the disturbance caused by my incompetent disciple earlier.”
Drip.
Tea dripped onto the table in front of him.
“I am called Yubaek of Wudang. I hold the position of Elder. Furthermore, in this matter.”
Yubaek said with a smile.
“I have come to greet you as the representative of the Wudang Sect Leader.”
Upon Biseonggeom Yubaek, the old man, introducing himself, the party spoke as if they had been waiting.
“I am Gu Ryeonghwa, second-generation disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.”
“I am Yeongpung, third-generation disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.”
When the two finished their introductions, Yubaek’s gaze turned toward me.
Feeling that gaze, I continued.
“I am Gu Yangcheon of the Gu Clan. And that one there is my escort.”
“…?”
Seong Yul made a bewildered expression at suddenly becoming an escort, but he didn’t bother to deny it.
Fortunately, he seemed to have some tact.
Having heard my introduction, Yubaek’s eyes gleamed.
“This is a matter between Wudang and Mount Hua, but might I ask why Young Hero is here?”
“Well, I am from the Gu Clan, but I am also something of a Mount Hua person myself.”
“You say, Young Hero?”
“Yes. I don’t carry a plaque around, but I hold the qualifications of an Honorary Disciple.”
Right after resolving the matter at Mount Hua.
It was a title received from the Sect Leader, lest the dao energy in my body cause any problems.
Because I am an outsider, I cannot learn the martial arts of the Mount Hua Sect.
It was a symbol of being recognized as one of the sect’s people for having bestowed grace upon them.
That was the title called Honorary Disciple.
“…Hoo….”
Hearing this, Yubaek nodded briefly.
‘I didn’t expect to use this here.’
It made it easier to interfere in the matter. This too was a good thing.
As expected, if you prepare anything, there comes a time to use it.
“…An Honorary Disciple. It seems Mount Hua has received great grace from Young Hero.”
“Yes, well… roughly speaking.”
Not wanting to explain at length, I decided to gloss over it.
In the meantime, Gu Ryeonghwa and Yeongpung were looking at me with quite uncomfortable expressions.
Expressions asking if this attitude was okay toward a Wudang Elder.
‘So what.’
From my perspective, this was already quite polite.
That I was hiding my inner thoughts from that sly old man like this. That was the best effort.
‘He reeks of insincerity.’
Whether by his actions or the aura he gave off.
He was nothing if not a rat-like old man.
Then.
“Elder.”
Yeongpung cautiously addressed Yubaek.
“Speak.”
“I heard that the Sword Empress is here at Wudang.”
“Ah, yes. The Sword Empress is indeed at Wudang.”
Upon hearing the answer to Yeongpung’s question, I could see Gu Ryeonghwa’s expression brighten.
‘So the Sword Empress is indeed here.’
I had only heard about it, and since she hadn’t come to greet us, I had wondered if she weren’t here.
Fortunately, it seemed the Sword Empress was indeed here.
“She is probably bringing the item right about now.”
“By item….”
“I mean that item which you guests wish to retrieve.”
At Yubaek’s words, this time Yeongpung’s face brightened.
So the Sword Empress right now.
‘She’s bringing the Gwijeong?’
Thinking so, I slightly hid my left arm.
‘…That they’re bringing this.’
Wudang possesses the Gwijeong.
When I had merely heard it, I wondered what kind of nonsense this was.
But hearing that the Sword Empress was bringing it personally, it felt somewhat real.
The problem here was.
‘It’s really there?’
I couldn’t understand what in the world was going on.
If Wudang truly has the Gwijeong.
Then what is this thing wrapped around my arm right now?
‘I came to check that, but.’
It was inevitable that questions arose.
“Furthermore, there is a matter in the main sect. I ask for your understanding that we must briefly go through some procedures before bringing the Gwijeong.”
I asked at Yubaek’s words.
Because I judged now was the right time.
“If there is a matter, what matter is it?”
It was the explanation I had been waiting for.
The question about why they were handling matters with such wariness.
I had to hear the answer to this soon.
What reason did Wudang have to act so bothersome toward outsiders?
To the question asked with such doubt.
Yubaek spoke.
“It is nothing else, but a letter recently arrived at the main sect.”
“A letter?”
“Indeed.”
I wondered what letter would make him come out like this.
“The contents of the letter were not long. The problem was the sender.”
I pricked my ears at Yubaek’s words.
And. At the words Yubaek uttered immediately after, I had to hide my surprise inwardly.
“The Wind-and-Cloud Ghost Thief (風雲鬼盜).”
“…!”
“He sent us a message.”
Even if not now, it was once the nickname of a martial artist quite famous in the old Central Plains.
As Yubaek’s words implied, that name alone was enough to make one understand the entire situation.
The Wind-and-Cloud Ghost Thief (風雲鬼盜), Mumyeong (無名).
“He says he will take Wudang’s symbol within five days.”
Called otherwise.
He was a figure called the Ghostly Treasure Thief.
Furthermore.
‘…Why is that old man’s name coming up here?’
It was also the nickname of a person I knew.