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Chapter 557: Wind and Cloud Ghost

Wind and Cloud Ghost. Mu Myung.

It’s a nickname and real name of a certain figure that stirred up the Central Plains roughly five decades ago.

What was their gender?

Who was their true identity?

Which faction did they belong to?

What they aimed for remains absolutely unknown to this day.

However, despite such secrecy, they managed to etch their nickname firmly into the annals of the Central Plains.

That person was none other than Wind and Cloud Ghost Mu Myung.

A gentleman labeled as a “treasure thief.”

‘Sure, the talk sounds fancy, but he’s just a thief.’

No matter where a treasure was hidden, if he desired it, stealing it was a piece of cake for him.

The entire Martial Alliance once mobilized to catch him, but they were completely unsuccessful.

Not a trace was left behind, nor was there any indication of his methods.

A master of evasion techniques, perhaps, or maybe a master of disguise.

No one knows.

He was like the wind, hence the name Wind and Cloud Ghost.

Because no one knew his identity, he remained Mu Myung.

Moreover,

‘He was a madman who plundered every prestigious house’s treasures.’

He robbed not only the Four Great Clans but also the treasures of Gu Paibang.

He even stealthily snatched treasures from the Martial Alliance itself.

‘The most ridiculous thing is.’

The biggest reason for Wind and Cloud Ghost’s fame was akin to the letter currently held by the Wudang Sect.

‘He sent a warning beforehand.’

To say he would steal at a certain time was utterly insane.

‘What kind of thief announces their heist?’

But that was exactly how he operated.

With not a single failure to his name, Wind and Cloud Ghost carried out his acts and was successful every time.

That’s why he became famous.

He was so incredibly good at thieving that it’s the very reason why Wind and Cloud Ghost made a name for himself.

Moreover, the incident that immortalized him in history was the fact that.

‘He returned all the treasures he stole.’

Wind and Cloud Ghost returned all fifteen treasures that made him famous back to the Martial Alliance.

For those who were robbed, it was utterly preposterous.

He went through all that trouble to steal only to return everything.

‘What’s more, the reason was absurd.’

When he returned the treasures, he said, “It’s no longer fun.”

He returned them citing he had lost interest in thieving.

How furious must the Martial Alliance have been to receive that?

The thief they set out to catch returned the treasures simply because he found it boring.

And in the midst of it all, they had no clue that he had slipped away unnoticed.

Indeed, he was a thief to be remembered throughout history.

That was an event from dozens of years ago.

‘Since then, he hasn’t appeared even once.’

Now, the fact that he has sent a letter to Wudang is a part I can’t understand.

This certainly wasn’t like him in his previous life.

‘What on earth is the busy man doing?’

For someone who knows the identity of Wind and Cloud Ghost, this is even more baffling.

Yes.

I know the true identity of the grand figure who stirred the Central Plains.

Not that I know them well, but I do know the identity.

‘Because it was directly disclosed by that old man himself.’

None other than the one himself.

When the Heavenly Demon caused the Blood Calamity.

He was in the process of entering the Demonic Sect for infiltration when someone posed the question, “Who will lead the infiltration into the Demonic Sect?”

An old man boldly declared he’d take up the mantle and set forth.

He himself is Wind and Cloud Ghost.

So confident in his infiltration skills, he claimed.

This implies that.

‘Wind and Cloud Ghost was part of the Righteous Faction.’

Also, it indicates he was someone of such high standing to partake in such a crucial operation.

Despite the war at that time, there were ripples regarding it, and I had little choice but to learn the old man’s identity.

The identity of the treasure thief known as Wind and Cloud Ghost Mu Myung.

That is precisely.

‘The master of Chu Yong, the one who played the role of the Beggar Clan’s saint.’

Additionally, he was a figure known as the disciple of the past Clan Leader, Sword Sovereign.

The saint of the Beggar Clan, Woo Bongchwigae Baekdo.

Surprisingly, he was Wind and Cloud Ghost.

Why a recognized figure of the Righteous Faction, known for being a saint of the Beggar Clan, resorted to thievery is unclear.

Back then, it was a time when there was no room for such thoughts.

‘During infiltration, Woo Bongchwigae died, so I’ve got no chance to ask him about it.’

During their operation, Woo Bongchwigae met his end at the hands of the Heavenly Demon.

Because of that, any reasoning behind his actions was lost to time.

Yet.

‘Now Wind and Cloud Ghost appears.’

This brings multiple thoughts to my mind.

‘At a time when the clan leader has changed, and the information is exploding. Does the Beggar Clan have time for this?’

In an era of upheaval, the busiest ones should be the Martial Alliance and other sects and clans.

But perhaps the busiest of all are those who play with information.

They must relay news in accordance with the changes and gather information.

Only then can they prepare for the events yet to unfold.

Especially in a situation such as this, the Beggar Clan, the so-called Righteous faction.

‘They should be moving as if their feet are on fire.’

They wouldn’t stop moving for a second.

‘But if Wind and Cloud Ghost has suddenly made an appearance…’

Either Woo Bongchwigae has succumbed to madness.

Or he has a valid reason for this.

Or.

‘Woo Bongchwigae is not Wind and Cloud Ghost.’

One of these three scenarios.

‘Among them, the most likely reason is the third.’

In my view, it’s most plausible that Woo Bongchwigae is not Wind and Cloud Ghost.

For one thing.

‘This doesn’t give me certainty.’

It’s just a guess, and therefore it can’t be trusted.

‘It could be a ruse.’

It might just be a ploy to fool around as Wind and Cloud Ghost.

Now that I understood the unfolding situation, it became clear why Wudang had elevated their vigilance.

‘No wonder they were acting so suspiciously.’

If it’s Wind and Cloud Ghost’s letter, then it makes sense.

Moreover, the Sect Leader has just started to settle into their role.

‘If Wind and Cloud Ghost were to steal from them, it would be utterly laughable.’

As for me, while I don’t have certainty, I possess information regarding Wind and Cloud Ghost, allowing me to sketch various hypotheses.

However, in this current hour, information about him was scant.

In that regard, it seems only reasonable that they would act in such a manner.

“Thus….”

As I continued pondering, Woo Baek broke through the crowd and spoke out.

“Since we are taking somewhat cautious actions here, I request that our guests display great understanding.”

“What actions are you referring to?”

I understood Wind and Cloud Ghost had mentioned doing something, but what kind of caution were we taking?

I posed this question, and after hearing it, Woo Baek pulled out something from his robes and placed it on the table.

It looked like a rather shabby string.

Seeing that made my eyes widen internally.

‘That thing….’

“This is called the Connection of Doubt.”

Connection of Doubt.

A familiar item to me.

Like the Magic Seal that detects the appearance of the Demonic Gate.

It was an item developed by Wudang that creates wondrous tools.

The function likely being.

‘It allows the wearer to sense presences around them.’

To be specific, this helps the Great Lords detect the movements of their troop members more swiftly.

‘So this was available around this time.’

I remembered it was a product projected to be released about five years later.

But it seems it had been completed long before that.

“After wearing this for a day. I kindly request that you stay here for that duration.”

With a smile, Woo Baek presented the Connection of Doubt.

“A day, you say?”

I questioned him in return.

“What could possibly warrant such a request?”

I was aware of the efficacy of the Connection of Doubt but pretended not to be, probing for an answer.

I wanted to see how he would respond.

“Once worn like a bracelet, you can discern each other’s movements.”

“…Each other’s movements?”

“Indeed, you will be able to distinctly perceive movements within a short distance.”

Astounding.

Given how he must have been carefully crafting his words, I thought he might deceive me regarding the function.

Instead, in stark contrast to my expectations, Woo Baek honestly explained the Connection of Doubt.

As for the downside, it means.

“That implies you’ll be monitoring us for a whole day.”

It essentially meant Wudang would be keeping us under surveillance for a day.

In response to my statement, Woo Baek maintained his smile and continued.

“Today marks the fifth day mentioned in this letter.”

The day indicated in the letter to steal the treasure within five days.

So today was the last day then.

“It would be fortunate if this were just a prank. But I suspect that is not the case.”

“…Why do you believe that?”

Just as I was about to ask, “Why does it matter?”

“I received the letter five days ago while I was in this very residence.”

And just as I was preparing further in my head.

“I was here at that time, yet I was oblivious to any presence until the letter was placed upon the table.”

“…!”

Meaning that even a Martial Alliance Elder, a master among the great martial artists of the Central Plains, failed to notice someone entering the same room and leaving a letter behind.

This implies.

‘Wudang didn’t even realize an outsider invaded and caused a ruckus.’

No matter how poorly one might guard their territory, it was Wudang.

It’s not like the Gu Paibang is merely a pet’s name, that should easily happen.

‘If I were in their shoes…’

I would say it’s feasible.

Is it unlikely? Certainly not impossible if one leverages powers outside martial arts.

‘Yet this way, it doesn’t fly.’

Hiding a presence from Woo Baek and dropping the letter on the table is virtually impossible unless you’re of the caliber of the King of Demons.

“For this reason, it’s undeniable that this situation warrants suspicion.”

“Hmm.”

Woo Baek’s explanation seemed fairly reasonable.

Though the idea of outright monitoring made me uneasy.

“Understood, but may I ask…”

“Please go ahead.”

“If you plan to depart now, will you let me leave peacefully?”

I took a casual jab to see if I could slip away unnoticed.

“Please extend your understanding.” Woo Baek implied they wouldn’t be letting me go that easily.

That makes sense.

‘After all, I’ve heard too much already about Wind and Cloud Ghost.’

They couldn’t easily let me slip by.

Hmm.

‘This is getting annoying.’

While I was indeed curious about Wudang’s endeavors, I didn’t wish to be entangled like this.

All I needed was information regarding Gui Jeong and Yeongpung.

Getting dragged into unnecessary matters would be troublesome.

‘Should I just flip the table?’

I mentally calculated my options.

Could I walk away peacefully even after overturning everything?

The conclusion didn’t take long.

‘Not a chance.’

With my current situation, it’s impossible.

I determined like this.

‘Causing a ruckus would disrupt the plan.’

It’s not that it was impossible.

But it simply meant I wouldn’t do it.

Giving up the plan for the sake of just one day would be too great a loss.

‘Moreover…’

While I was staring at the Connection of Doubt before me, I suddenly recalled something else.

The whole situation feels off in too many ways.

If I gathered all those peculiarities together, the irregularities would increase.

‘If only Moyong Hi-ah and that Ji-seon guy were here, it would be easier.’

Both of them might have figured everything out from just this much information.

But since I didn’t possess their brainpower, I was on the slower side in processing it.

But certainly, one thing is clear.

‘Something reeks.’

It suggests I’m embroiled in something.

That much was evident.

‘Perfect.’

Using this to acquire what I want shouldn’t be overly challenging.

‘If my prediction holds true.’

As I put on the Connection of Doubt placed in front of me, I started contemplating.

A day, right?

That’s all I need.

A day should suffice to unearth what this stench is all about.

Just as I thought this, I heard a creak from outside.

“Elder, the Sword Demoness has arrived.”

As the voice accompanied the door of the residence swinging open, someone entered.

“Master!”

The once-sitting Gu Ryeonghwa stood up with a bright smile.

Immediately afterward, Yeongpung followed suit.

The one who had just entered was none other than the current Sword Demoness.

So-i.

A stunning beauty with flowing black hair. Judging by her appearance, she seemed just past her twenties, having barely crossed her thirties. She approached Gu Ryeonghwa and stroked her head.

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

“Yes….”

Perhaps enjoying So-i’s affection, Gu Ryeonghwa nestled entirely within her embrace.

So-i’s gaze briefly flickered from Gu Ryeonghwa to me.

Yeongpung must’ve sent a letter, indicating I was also present, so she didn’t look surprised.

“You’ve been well too….”

As So-i was about to engage with me, she appeared to sense something and widened her eyes in surprise.

After a few moments of silence, So-i wiped her astonished expression and spoke toward me.

“…My goodness, this is impressive. How long has it been…?”

She caught me off guard with that response.

It was a rather overwhelming reaction.

“Have you been well?”

“…Yes.”

Is this the first time we’ve seen each other in three years?

Considering the last time in Shinryong Temple, it felt like ages since I laid eyes on her.

Keeping any further reactions to myself, I directed my attention to the box she was holding.

That surely contains ‘Gui Jeong.’

I confirmed that and continued speaking.

“I’ll greet you later. It seems there is no place for me here.”

In response to my remark, no one objected.

Even though she was a prominent member, it would be improper for me to overstay my welcome.

If indeed this was a gathering to exchange treasures, outsiders should refrain from lingering.

That should align with the decency owed to both factions.

‘As much as I wish to see it, though.’

I truly want to confirm if that Gui Jeong is genuine.

However, being pushy isn’t an option, so I planned to leave and wait.

‘If Yeongpung was to utilize it, I’d get the chance to see it anyway.’

I wouldn’t have to wait long before that chance arises. No need to rush.

After all, I would still have to stay attached for an entire day.

“I’ll take my leave first. Please convey any remaining words through the Sect Leader.”

“Ah, understood.”

After requesting Yeongpung to relay any pending messages, I concluded with a light bow and exited the residence.

Outside, the disciples of Wudang were already waiting.

As discussed earlier, their objective is surveillance.

‘Tsk.’

As I click my tongue softly, the man in front approaches and speaks up.

“Your resting quarters have been arranged. I’ll guide you there.”

Just as I was about to follow him, voices began echoing from behind.

“Whoa!? What’s happening!?”

“Hey, wait…!”

“You need to catch them…!”

Upon hearing the pandemonium erupting from behind, I turned my head in confusion.

Creeeak-! Bang-!

The door I had closed flew open unchecked.

Whoosh-!

Something came flying toward me from within.

“What in the world….”

Taken aback by the sudden turn of events, I regained my composure just as I noticed what was hurtling towards me.

The last day was upon us.

The letter warned me that the treasures should be taken within five days.

“Hopefully just a prank. But I believe the stakes are much higher than that.”

I braced myself as the item came soaring towards me.

A long piece of cloth, imbued with a scarlet hue.

I’d seen it somewhere before and it darted straight for my arm.

Swish-swish-swish-!

Out of the blue, it wrapped itself around my right arm.

“Crap!”

Just as I reacted to move, I found myself face-to-face with the people who had rushed out from the residence in a panic.

Our eyes met, and their gazes shifted from me to my arm.

‘Oh no.’

I felt the weight of their stares and swallowed hard.

 

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