Episode 557. The Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief.
The Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief. Mumyeong.
The nickname and name of a figure who had stirred the Central Plains roughly forty to fifty years ago.
What his gender was.
Who he truly was.
Which faction he belonged to.
What he had aimed to do—none of it was known to this day.
Yet apart from such secrecy, this was a figure who carved his nickname deep into the Central Plains.
That was precisely the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief, Mumyeong.
He was the so-called "treasure thief."
"Flowery words aside, he was just a damn thief."
Whatever the treasure, wherever it was, if he wanted it, he could steal it.
The entire Martial Alliance had moved to catch him, yet they could not.
Not even traces, let alone what methods he had used, were known.
Whether he was a master of movement arts, or a master of stealth.
Or perhaps a master of disguise.
No one knew.
Because he was like the wind, he was the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief.
Because no one knew his true identity, he was Mumyeong.
Moreover.
"A madman who robbed every prestigious family out there."
The Four Great Families, and all the treasures of the Nine Sects and One Alliance—he had robbed them all.
He had even secretly stolen treasures from the Martial Alliance itself.
"What's even more absurd is this."
The biggest reason the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief had become famous.
Precisely, like the letter Wudang holds now.
"He sent advance warning."
He would hint beforehand when he would appear, and then steal it.
Truly, he could not be anything but a madman.
"What kind of thief sends a notice and then steals?"
But that guy did exactly that.
Without a single failure. The Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief proceeded that way. And succeeded every time.
That was why he was famous.
Because he was absurdly, impossibly good at thievery—that was why the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief was famous.
Furthermore, the incident that recorded him in history like a historical text was precisely this.
"He returned all the stolen treasures."
The Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief returned all fifteen treasures that had made him famous to the Martial Alliance.
To those who had suffered at his hands, it was an absurd affair.
He had gone through the trouble of stealing them, only to return them all.
"And the reason was a real shocker."
The reason the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief cited when returning the treasures to the Martial Alliance was a sight to behold.
["It's no fun."]
He said he would return them because stealing was no longer fun.
The Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief returned them saying so.
"How pissed must the Martial Alliance have been to receive this?"
They couldn't catch the thief they had wanted to catch, and received the treasures back because he was bored.
On top of that, he returned them secretly so they couldn't catch him either.
Truly, he could not be anything but a thief who would remain in history.
That was decades ago.
"A gentleman who hadn't shown himself once since then."
The fact that he had sent a missive to Wudang like this now was something I couldn't understand.
He hadn't done so in my previous life, either.
"What is that guy, who should be so busy right now, doing?"
From the standpoint of someone who knew the true identity of the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief, it was an even more absurd fact.
That's right.
I knew the true identity of the great thief who had once stirred the Central Plains.
I didn't know him well, but I knew his true identity.
"Because the old man revealed it himself."
It wasn't someone else—it was something he had revealed himself.
At the time when the Heavenly Demon had caused the Bloody Calamity.
They had launched an operation to infiltrate the Demonic Cult, and when asked who would lead the infiltration, an old man had established the reasoning that he would go.
He himself was the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief.
He was more confident than anyone when it came to infiltration.
He said so.
In other words.
"The Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief was a righteous faction martial artist."
Also, it meant he was a figure of high enough standing to participate in such an important operation.
At the time, even in the midst of war, the repercussions of this were significant, so I couldn't help but learn the old man's true identity.
The true identity of Mumyeong, the so-called Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief and treasure thief.
It was none other than.
"The old man who was the King of Beggars Chu Ong's teacher and who served as the Bangju of the Beggars' Sect."
Also, the person called the ears of the Sword Lord—the previous-previous generation Alliance Leader.
The Beggars' Sect Bangju, Ubongchwigae Baekdo.
Surprisingly, he was the true identity of the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief.
Why a person who was the Bangju of the Beggars' Sect, called the ears of the righteous faction, went around stealing was anyone's guess.
But at the time, it wasn't the moment to hear such circumstances.
"During the infiltration, Ubongchwigae died, so I couldn't even hear the story."
In the middle of carrying out the operation, Ubongchwigae met his death at the hands of the Heavenly Demon.
Because of that, I ended up not knowing why he had done such things.
However.
"For the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief to appear now."
This was information that made me think many thoughts.
"At the time the Alliance Leader is changing and information is exploding. Does the Beggars' Sect Bangju have time to do something like this?"
In an age of upheaval, one would naturally think the Martial Alliance and other sects and families were the busiest.
But the busiest of all were not them, but those who played with information.
They had to transmit news and gather information according to the changes.
Only then could they cope with what would happen later.
Especially in this situation, the Beggars' Sect, called the ears of the righteous faction.
"They must be moving enough to sweat through their feet."
They should be moving without time to rest.
"But if he appeared like this as the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief."
Either Ubongchwigae has dementia and is half-mad.
Or there is a reason he must do this.
Or.
"Ubongchwigae isn't the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief."
It would be one of these three.
"The highest probability here is."
As I see it, the third reason.
From the start, the story that Ubongchwigae wasn't the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief fit the best.
But.
"After all, this isn't a certainty."
It's just a guess, so this isn't necessarily correct either.
"It could be an impersonation."
It could be a letter pretending and playing a prank as the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief.
Now that I knew how things had turned out, I finally felt I understood why Wudang had strengthened their vigilance so much.
"No wonder they were acting so damn sensitive."
If it was a letter from the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief, that made sense.
Moreover, it was a time when the sect leader was becoming the Alliance Leader and solidifying his position.
"If they got robbed by the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief here, they would look ridiculous."
I, knowing information about the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief even if not with certainty, could make various hypotheses.
This era was a time when people didn't know the slightest thing about him.
As such, moving like this might be a natural course of action from another perspective.
"Therefore…."
While lost in thought, Ubaek cut through and spoke.
"Since our sect is taking somewhat cautious actions, we ask that you guests please be magnanimous."
"What actions are you referring to?"
I know the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief said he would do something.
But what caution are you taking against this?
I asked that.
Hearing my question, Ubaek took something from his bosom and placed it on the table.
It was a somewhat shabby-looking string.
Seeing it, I had to widen my eyes internally.
"That… definitely."
"This is an object called the Yeonuiseon."
Yeonuiseon.
I knew this item well.
Like the demonic string amulet capable of detecting the emergence of the Demonic Frontier Gate.
It was developed by Wudang, which creates miraculous items.
Probably its effect is.
"I heard it allows you to sense the presence of those wearing it."
To be exact, it is an item that allows squad leaders to grasp the movements of their subordinates more quickly.
"So it was already out around this time."
If I recalled, it was something that should have come out roughly five years later.
It seemed production had finished much earlier than that.
"After wearing this, for one day. We ask that you stay in our sect for one day."
Ubaek, who showed the Yeonuiseon, smiled and spoke.
"Did you say one day?"
I questioned this.
"What is this, that you say we must do so?"
I knew the effect of the Yeonuiseon but pretended not to know and asked him.
To see how he would answer.
"If this object is worn like a bracelet. You can observe each other's movements."
"…Movements, you say?"
"Indeed, you can clearly discern movement within a not-so-distant range."
Surprising.
I thought he would speak deceptively since I didn't know what the item was.
Contrary to expectation, Ubaek spoke honestly about the Yeonuiseon.
The problem is, in other words.
"You mean to monitor us for a day."
It was no different from detaining us in Wudang and monitoring us for a day.
To these words of mine, Ubaek continued without erasing his smile.
"Today is precisely the fifth day written in this letter."
The letter saying he would take the treasure within five days.
Was today the last day?
"If it is a simple prank, that would be fortunate. However, I think it is more likely not to be."
"…Why do you judge it so?"
"Because five days ago, the letter was in my quarters."
Just as I was about to ask why that mattered.
"I was in these quarters at the time. But until this letter was placed on the table, I did not sense anyone's presence."
"…!"
A master who is an elder of Wudang and among the one hundred top experts of the Central Plains, until someone entered the same space and left the letter.
Meaning he couldn't even notice.
This means.
"It means Wudang didn't even know an outsider had invaded and acted."
No matter how lax their guard was, this is Wudang.
The Nine Sects and One Alliance isn't just anyone; how could that be easy?
"If it were me…."
Perhaps it would be possible.
If I used powers other than martial arts, it wouldn't be impossible.
"But I couldn't do it this way."
Hiding my presence from Ubaek and leaving only a letter on the table was impossible.
One would need to be at least at the level of the Dark King in infiltration and stealth to attempt it.
"Therefore, it means we are in a situation where doubt is unavoidable."
"Hmm."
Listening to Ubaek's explanation, I somewhat understood.
Though being openly monitored felt dirty.
"I understand the situation. But what if."
"Speak."
"If we say we are leaving now, will you let us go peacefully?"
I tried to subtly pull out.
"We hope you will understand with broad magnanimity."
Ubaek naturally expressed that he could not do so.
As expected.
"Since I've already heard about the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief."
He can't let us go easily.
Umm.
"This has become troublesome."
I was curious about Wudang's affairs, but I hadn't intended to get entangled like this.
I only needed to know about Gwijeong and Yeongpung; that was all.
Getting tied up in useless matters here was nothing but trouble.
"Should I just flip the table and leave?"
I ran calculations internally.
Could I leave peacefully after overturning everything?
The calculation didn't take long.
"Impossible."
In my current state, it was impossible.
I concluded as such.
"If I cause chaos with this, the plan goes awry."
Not that it's impossible.
I mean I won't do it.
Abandoning the plan just for this one day was too great a loss.
"Even if that weren't the case."
Seeing the Yeonuiseon placed before me, I was recalling something.
The current situation had too many strange points.
Gathering them one by one and putting them together made it even more so.
"If only Moyong Heeya or Jiseon were here, it would be comfortable."
Those two might have found the answer just hearing this much information.
I wasn't that smart, so it was taking me a while.
However, if there was one certain thing here.
"It reeks."
Something is entangled in this matter.
I only needed to grasp that.
"Good."
Using this, obtaining what I wanted didn't seem very difficult.
"If my guess is correct."
I put on the Yeonuiseon placed before me and thought.
Didn't he say one day?
That would be enough.
Time to confirm what this stench is.
One day should be enough for that.
Just as I was thinking so.
Squeak.
Sounds of presence came from outside.
"Elder, the Sword Empress has arrived."
Simultaneously with the voice, the door to the quarters opened, and someone was seen entering.
"Master!"
Gu Ryeonghwa, who had been sitting, rose with a bright smile.
Yeongpung also moved accordingly.
Seeing this, the one who opened the door and entered was none other than the present era's Sword Empress.
It was Soi.
A pure, noble beauty with long black hair. A woman who looked to have just passed her coming-of-age stroked Gu Ryeonghwa's head and spoke.
"Long time no see. Have you been well?"
"Yes…."
Perhaps Soi's embrace was so pleasant, Gu Ryeonghwa was nestled deep in it.
Her gaze briefly lingered on Gu Ryeonghwa before turning toward me.
Yeongpung had probably sent a letter saying I was coming as well, so she didn't seem surprised.
"You too, have you been well…."
Soi, who had been about to speak to me, widened her eyes, seeming to sense something.
After a few seconds of silence, Soi spoke to me without erasing her surprise.
"…Truly amazing. Not much time has passed, yet…."
I had to smile awkwardly.
Because it was a rather burdensome reaction.
"Have you been well?"
"…Yes."
Was it after three years?
Thinking that the last place was the Divine Dragon Hall, seeing her was quite a while for me as well.
Putting the reaction behind me, I looked at the box in her hand.
There was probably 'Gwijeong' inside that.
Confirming that, I continued speaking.
"I will greet you properly later. I don't think this is a place for me to remain any longer."
No one objected to my words.
I had stayed as an honorary disciple, but any more would be overdoing it.
If this was truly a place for exchanging treasures, an outsider needed to step out.
As that was courtesy toward the two sects.
"I want to see it directly with all my heart, but."
I wanted to confirm right away whether that Gwijeong was real.
Since I couldn't force it, I intended to go out and wait for now.
"If Yeongpung ends up using it, I'll see it naturally."
I would see it before long. Let's not be hasty.
Since I'll be tied up here for at least a day anyway.
"I shall step out first. Please convey the rest, Sect Leader."
"Ah, understood."
After telling Yeongpung to let me know if he had any last words, I finished with a light bow and stepped outside.
Outside, Wudang's martial artists were already waiting.
Their purpose was, as mentioned before, surveillance.
"Tch."
As I clicked my tongue, the man before me approached and spoke.
"We have prepared a space for you to rest comfortably. I shall guide you."
Hearing that, I was about to follow when.
—Huh!? Why is this happening!?
—W-wait…!
—We have to catch it…!
Voices and commotion began to be heard from behind where the group was.
"Huh?"
Wondering what the sound was, the moment I turned my head.
Slide—! Thud—!
The door to the closed quarters opened on its own.
Whooosh—!
Something flew out from within toward me.
"What is this now…."
Startled by the sudden situation, but only for a moment.
Was today the last day?
The letter saying he would take the treasure within five days.
"If it is a simple prank, that would be fortunate. However, I think it is more likely not to be."
Seeing the object flying quickly, I had to stiffen my body.
A long cloth with a purplish-red hue.
That item I had seen many times somewhere rushed at me, and.
Fwiiiip—!
Without a word, it wrapped itself around my right arm on its own.
"Crazy!"
Startled, at the moment I tried to move.
"Ah."
"Huh?"
"Uhh…?"
I ended up locking eyes with the people urgently running out of the quarters.
Their gazes moved from my eyes to my right arm.
"I'm fucked."
Feeling that gaze, I had to swallow a groan.