Chapter 557: Wind Cloud Ghost Bandit (Wind Cloud Ghost Bandit)

The Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief (風雲鬼盜), Nameless (無名).

It was the alias and name of a figure who caused a stir in the Central Plains about forty to fifty years ago.

What their gender was.

Who their identity was.

Which group they belonged to.

However, nothing has been known about what they intended to do up until now.

Regardless of that secrecy, the figure who left their alias firmly engraved in the Central Plains.

That was precisely the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief, Nameless.

He was the gentleman they called the Treasure Thief.

‘Fancy words aside, he was just a thief, really.’

Wherever any treasure might be, if he wanted it, he could steal it.

The entire Martial League had even mobilized to catch him, but they couldn’t.

Let alone traces, nothing was known about what methods he had used.

Whether he was a master of movement techniques, or a master of stealth techniques.

Or perhaps, a master of disguise techniques.

No one knew.

He was the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief because he was like the wind, and he was Nameless because his identity was unknown.

Furthermore.

‘A crazy guy who went around robbing every single prestigious family.’

He wasn’t just robbing the Four Great Clans, but also every treasure worth mentioning from the Nine Sects and Eight Schools.

He even secretly stole treasures from the Martial League itself.

‘What’s even more absurd than that.’

The biggest reason the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief became famous.

Was precisely like the letter Mount Wudang currently possessed.

‘That he sent advance notice.’

He would give prior notice of when he would appear before stealing.

He truly was a crazy bastard.

‘What kind of thief sends a notice before stealing?’

But that guy did exactly that.

Without a single failure. The Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief proceeded with his work like that, and succeeded in all of them.

That’s why he’s famous.

He was unbelievably good at stealing, which was why the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief was famous, and the incident that made him remain, like a historical record, going further than that, was precisely…

‘That he returned all the treasures he had stolen.’

The Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief returned all fifteen treasures that had made him famous to the Martial League.

It was an absurd event even for the victims.

After all the trouble of stealing them, only to return them all.

‘Even better, the reason he gave was incredible.’

The reason the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief gave when returning the treasures to the Martial League was quite something.

[It’s not fun.]

Since stealing isn’t fun anymore, I’m returning them.

The Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief said, and returned the treasures.

‘How pissed off must the Martial League have been to receive that.’

They couldn’t catch the thief they wanted, and they received the treasures back for the reason that it was unfun.

On top of that, he returned them secretly and left, still uncaught.

He truly was a thief destined to remain in history.

That was decades ago.

‘Yet that gentleman hadn’t appeared even once since then.’

The fact that he sent a letter to Mount Wudang like this now was something I couldn’t understand.

Not only did he not do this in my previous life, but…

‘What was this guy, who must be incredibly busy right now, doing?’

It was an even more absurd fact from the perspective of someone who knew the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief’s identity.

Right.

I know the identity of the great thief who stirred up the Central Plains in the past.

Even if I don’t know him well, I know his identity, at least.

‘Because the old man himself revealed it.’

It was something he himself revealed, not someone else.

When the Heavenly Demon caused the massacre.

They were preparing an operation to infiltrate the Demonic Cult, and when asked who would lead the infiltration, an old man stepped up, stating he would go and establishing his justification.

‘I am the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief.’

‘I’m more confident than anyone when it comes to infiltration.’

He said.

This means…

‘The Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief was part of the orthodox sects.’

Furthermore, it means he was a person of high enough standing to participate in such a crucial operation.

At the time, despite it being wartime, the repercussions of this were significant, so I had no choice but to learn the old man’s identity.

The identity of the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief, Nameless, who was called the Treasure Thief.

Was precisely…

‘The old man who was the master of King Geol, Chu-ong, and served as the leader of the Beggars’ Sect.’

Also, the person who was called the right-hand man of the Sword Saint, the leader from two generations ago.

The Beggars’ Sect Leader, U Bong-chwi-gae Baek Do.

Surprisingly, he was the identity of the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief.

It’s unknown why the leader of the Beggars’ Sect, who was called the ‘Ear’ of the orthodox path, went around stealing things, but…

At the time, it wasn’t the time to listen to or dwell on such circumstances.

‘I couldn’t hear his story because U Bong-chwi-gae died during the infiltration, I recall.’

In the midst of carrying out the operation, U Bong-chwi-gae met his death at the hands of the Heavenly Demon.

Because of that, it became unknown for what reason he had done so.

However.

‘The Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief appearing now.’

This was information that made me think of various things.

‘With the League Leader having changed, information is exploding. Does the Beggars’ Sect Leader even have time for this?’

If you were to talk about busy people in this era of upheaval, it would naturally seem to be the Martial League and other sects and clans, but…

Actually, the busiest people were not them, but those who played with information.

They must deliver news and gather information according to the changes.

That way, they can prepare for future events.

Especially in a situation like this, the Beggars’ Sect, known as the ‘Ear’ of the orthodox path…

‘Must be running around like crazy.’

They must have been moving without any time to rest.

‘But if the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief appeared like this.’

U Bong-chwi-gae either got dementia and went half-crazy.

Or there’s a reason he has to do this.

Or.

‘U Bong-chwi-gae isn’t the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief.’

It had to be one of these three possibilities.

‘The highest probability here.’

In my opinion, is the third reason.

In the first place, the scenario where U Bong-chwi-gae wasn’t the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief fit the story best.

However.

‘This isn’t certainty, ultimately.’

Anyway, it’s just a prediction, so this isn’t necessarily true either.

‘It could be impersonation.’

It could even be a message playing a prank, pretending to be the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief.

Now that I knew things had turned out this way, I finally understood why Mount Wudang’s vigilance had been so heightened.

‘No wonder they were acting so damn sensitive.’

If it’s a letter from the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief, it’s understandable.

Moreover, it’s a time when the Sect Leader has become the League Leader and is settling into the position.

‘If treasures were stolen by the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief again now, it would be quite embarrassing.’

As for me, even if I wasn’t certain, I knew information about the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief, so I could come up with various hypotheses, but this current era knew nothing about him.

As such, moving like this might be a natural course of action in a way.

“So…”

As I was lost in thought, U Baek interjected.

“As we are taking somewhat cautious actions within our sect, we ask that our esteemed guests show great understanding.”

“What kind of actions are you referring to?”

I understood that the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief said he would do something. But what precautions were they taking to guard against it?

I asked that.

U Baek, upon hearing my question, took something out from his robes and placed it on the table.

It looked like a somewhat shabby string, but I had to widen my eyes inwardly as I looked at it.

‘That thing… it’s definitely…’

“It’s an item called the Connecting Doubt Thread (連疑線).”

Yeon-ui-seon (連疑線).

It’s an item I know well.

Like the Demonic Thread Talisman that could detect the appearance of the Magyeongmun.

It’s an item developed by Mount Wudang, which creates wondrous items.

Its effect, perhaps…

‘It allows one to sense the presence of those who wear it, I believe.’

To be precise, it’s an item that allows leaders to more quickly notice the movements of their subordinates.

‘So this was already out around this time.’

As I recall, it was an item that wouldn’t be released for about five more years, but it seems it had already been produced much earlier than that.

“After wearing this, I request that you stay within our sect for one day.”

U Baek, showing the Yeon-ui-seon, said this with a smile.

“You mean one day?”

I asked for clarification.

“What is this item that requires us to do so?”

I knew the effect of the Yeon-ui-seon, but I asked him, pretending not to know. I wanted to see how he would answer.

“If you wear this item like a bracelet, you can observe each other’s movements.”

“…Movements, you say.”

“That’s right. You can clearly sense movement within a not-so-far distance.”

Surprising.

I thought he’d lie, since I didn’t know what the item was. Contrary to my expectations, U Baek honestly told me about the Yeon-ui-seon.

The problem is, this, in other words…

“Means you intend to monitor us for one day.”

It was no different than saying they’d keep us confined in Mount Wudang and monitor us for a day.

U Baek continued speaking, without removing his smile at my words.

“Today is precisely the fifth day mentioned in this letter.”

The letter stated he would take the treasure within five days. Was today the final day?

“It would be fortunate if it were just a prank, but I believe the possibility that it isn’t is greater.”

“…Why do you believe that?”

“Because five days ago, the letter was in my quarters.”

Just as I was about to ask, “Why is that?”

“I was inside these quarters at the time, but I didn’t sense any presence until this letter was placed on the table.”

“…!”

It meant that an elder of Mount Wudang, a master among the Central Plains’ top 100 experts, didn’t even notice someone entering the same space and leaving a letter.

This…

‘Means Mount Wudang didn’t know an outsider had intruded, caused trouble, and left.’

Even with lax security, it’s still Mount Wudang.

The Nine Sects and Eight Schools aren’t just anyone’s dog’s name; would that really happen so easily?

‘If it were me…’

It might perhaps be possible.

It wouldn’t be impossible if I used powers other than martial arts, but…

‘I couldn’t do it like this.’

The method of hiding my presence from U Baek and just leaving the letter on the table is impossible.

You’d need infiltration and stealth techniques barely comparable to the Shadow King (暗王).

“As such, it means we cannot help but suspect the situation.”

“Hmm.”

Hearing U Baek’s explanation, I somewhat understood. Though it felt unpleasant that they would openly monitor us.

“I understand the situation, but perhaps…”

“Please speak.”

“If I say I’m leaving now, will you let me go peacefully?”

I casually asked, wondering if I could slip away.

“I hope you’ll understand with great generosity, but…”

U Baek naturally revealed that he couldn’t.

Of course.

‘Since they’ve already heard about the Wind-Cloud Ghost Thief.’

It means they can’t just let me go.

Hmm.

‘This has become troublesome.’

I was curious about Mount Wudang’s affairs, but I didn’t intend to get involved like this.

My goal was simply to learn about Gui Jeong and Yeongpung, but getting involved in useless matters here was a waste.

‘Should I just ditch this and leave?’

I calculated inwardly.

‘Impossible.’

In my current state, it’s impossible.

I concluded that.

‘If I caused a scene over this, my plan would get messed up.’

It wasn’t that it was impossible. It meant I wouldn’t do it.

Abandoning the plan just for this one day would be too big a loss.

‘Even if that weren’t the case.’

I was recalling something as I looked at the Yeon-ui-seon placed before me.

The current situation had too many strange points.

The more I picked them up one by one and tried to piece them together, the stranger it felt.

‘If Moyong Hi-ah or Ji-seon-i were here, it would have been easier.’

They might have figured out the answer just hearing this much information, but I didn’t have that level of brainpower, so it was taking me a while.

However, if there’s one thing certain here.

‘Something smells fishy.’

It means something is involved in this matter.

Figuring that much out was enough.

‘Good.’

If I use this, getting what I want doesn’t seem too difficult.

‘If my prediction is correct.’

I thought, directly wearing the Yeon-ui-seon placed before me.

Did they say one day?

That’s enough.

The time to confirm what this fishy smell is.

One day should be enough.

Around the time I was thinking that.

Screeeech.

A presence was heard from outside.

“Elder, the Sword Queen has arrived.”

Simultaneously with the voice, the door to the quarters opened, and someone entered.

“Master!”

Gu Ryeong-hwa, who had been sitting, stood up with a bright smile.

Yeongpung also moved along with her.

Seeing this, the one who entered through the door was, as expected, the current era’s Sword Queen.

So-i.

An elegant beauty with long black hair. The woman, who looked like she had just passed her late teens by her appearance, said while stroking Gu Ryeong-hwa.

“It’s been a long time. Have you been well?”

“Yes…”

Gu Ryeong-hwa seemed so comfortable in So-i’s embrace, snuggled deeply. Her gaze lingered on Gu Ryeong-hwa for a moment before turning towards me.

Since Yeongpung had probably sent a letter saying I was coming too, she didn’t seem surprised.

“You’ve also been well…”

So-i, who was about to speak to me, seemed to feel something and widened her eyes in surprise for a moment.

After a few seconds of silence, So-i said to me, still looking surprised.

“…Truly amazing. How much time has passed…”

I had to smile awkwardly. It was a somewhat burdensome reaction.

“Have you been well?”

“…Yes.”

Is this the first time I’ve seen her in three years? Thinking back to the last time at Sinryonggwan, seeing her again was quite something.

I looked at the box in her hand, putting aside her reaction.

‘The Returning Treasure (귀정) must be inside.’

Confirming that, I continued speaking.

“I’ll greet you properly later. I don’t think this is a place for me anymore.”

No one refuted my words. Although I had been with them as an honorary disciple, it was too much anymore. If this truly was a place for exchanging treasures, an outsider should stay out. That was proper etiquette towards both sects.

‘Ideally, I’d want to see it directly, but…’

I wanted to confirm immediately whether that Returning Treasure was real, but I couldn’t force it, so I intended to wait outside for now.

‘If Yeongpung uses it, I’ll get to see it eventually.’

I’ll see it soon enough, so let’s not be hasty.

Anyway, I have to be stuck here for at least a day.

“I’ll step out first. Please have the Sect Leader relay the rest of the conversation.”

“Ah, understood.”

After telling Yeongpung to let me know if there was anything else, I came out of the quarters with a light bow.

Outside, disciples of Mount Wudang were already waiting.

Their purpose, as I mentioned earlier, must be surveillance.

‘Tsk.’

As I clicked my tongue slightly, a man in front of me approached and spoke.

“A place for you to rest comfortably has been prepared. I will guide you.”

As I was about to follow him after hearing that.

-Whoa!? What’s wrong with this!?

-Wait, just a moment…!

-We have to catch…!

Voices started to be heard from behind where my companions were.

“Huh?”

The moment I turned my head, wondering what that was.

Rattle-! Bang-!

The door to the quarters, which had been closed, opened on its own.

Whoooosh-!

Something flew towards me from inside it.

“What is this now…”

Startled for a moment by the sudden situation.

I had to freeze my body, seeing the object flying rapidly towards me.

A long piece of cloth imbued with a crimson hue.

That item, which I had seen somewhere before, rushed at me, and then…

Swishhhhh-!

It abruptly tied itself onto my right arm.

“Shit!”

The moment I tried to move, startled by this.

“Oh.”

“Huh?”

“Wha…?”

And my eyes met those of the people who rushed out from the quarters.

Their gazes shifted from my eyes to my right arm.

‘I’m fucked.’

I had to swallow hard, feeling those gazes.