Chapter 557: Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief, Anonymous.
About forty or fifty years ago, this was the nickname and name of a person who caused quite a stir in the Central Plains.
What was their gender?
Who exactly were they?
Which faction did they belong to?
It remains unknown what they intended to do.
Despite their air of mystery, they were the individual who deeply etched their nickname into the annals of the Central Plains.
That’s right, the one and only Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief, Anonymous.
They were a figure referred to as a noble thief, or so they say.
“You’d think it sounds grand, but in the end, they’re just a common thief.”
No matter where a noble item was located, this person could swipe it if they really wanted to.
There was even a time when the entire Murim Alliance moved to catch them, but alas, they were thwarted.
Not a trace was left behind, and it remains a mystery what methods they employed.
Were they a master of concealment techniques? Or perhaps a grandmaster of disguise?
No one knows.
They were as elusive as the wind, hence the name Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief.
And because their true identity is unknown, they are called Anonymous.
Furthermore.
“You’d think a crazed human who goes around robbing from every prominent family…”
This was a person who cleaned out not only the four great families but also every valuable artifact from the Nine-Tailed Families.
They even managed to sneak off with treasures from the Murim Alliance!
“What’s even more absurd?”
The biggest reason the Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief became famous was, quite simply.
Just like the letter that the shaman currently holds.
“That they sent a heads-up in advance.”
They’d give a little nudge about when they would show up and then make off with the goods.
Truly a madman!
“What kind of thief sends a warning before stealing something?”
But that’s just how it went down.
Without a single slip-up, the Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief executed their plans flawlessly.
That’s why they are infamous.
They stole in ways that defied all norms, and that’s the reason for their renown.
Even more astonishing was the incident that left its mark on history.
“They returned all the stolen treasures.”
The Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief returned all fifteen of the artifacts that made them famous to the Murim Alliance.
For the victims, this was utterly bewildering.
To steal everything, only to hand it all back? What a twist!
“And the kicker? The reason was mind-blowing.”
When the Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief returned the artifacts, they had the audacity to say:
[“This ain’t any fun anymore.”]
They returned the treasures, stating that stealing lost its thrill.
You can just imagine how furious the Murim Alliance must have been when they received this news!
The thief they couldn’t catch turned out to be someone who returned the loot just for kicks.
On top of that, they managed to pull it off all stealthily, making their capture impossible!
This was truly a thief destined for the history books.
That was decades ago.
“Since then, that person hasn’t shown their face even once.”
The fact that they’ve now submitted a letter to the shaman is simply baffling.
In my past life, they didn’t act this way either.
“What’s this busy individual up to now?”
For anyone aware of the Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief’s true nature, this is just nonsensical.
Sure thing!
I know the identity of the great thief who once stirred the Central Plains.
I may not know every detail, but I’m aware of their identity.
“Because it was revealed by that old coot himself.”
It’s not a rumor, it’s straight from his mouth.
During the chaotic time when the Heavenly Demon set forth a bloodbath.
There was a mission underway aimed at infiltrating the Demonic Cult, and when asked who would lead this infiltration, an old man stepped up to volunteer on behalf of the crew.
“I am the Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief.”
He asserted that he was the best at stealth methods.
What this means is.
“The Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief was a righteous figure.”
It also implies that he was someone of high standing able to participate in such critical operations.
At that time, despite the ongoing war, the aftershocks were significant enough for me to discover the old man’s identity.
The true identity of the so-called Ghost Thief.
“That’s right, he was the mentor of King Geulwang and served as the openness ark!”
Furthermore, he was a person who was known as a significant figure in the previous leader’s circle.
Open Ark, Ubongchuigae Baekdo.
Surprisingly, he was the true identity of the Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief.
“Why would someone so pivotal within the righteous faction resort to thievery… who knows?”
But at that moment, it wasn’t the time to discuss such circumstances.
“They mentioned they couldn’t get any details since Ubongchuigae had died during the infiltration.”
Unfortunately, during the mission, Ubongchui met his demise at the hands of the Heavenly Demon.
This left the reason for his actions shrouded in mystery.
However.
“Now, the Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief shows up again.”
This information stirred a plethora of thoughts in my mind.
“At a time when the leader has changed and information is exploding, does the Open Ark have time to be doing something like this?”
You’d expect the busiest agents during this turbulence to be the Murim Alliance along with various sects and clans.
But amidst all of this, the ones truly swamped are the ones playing with information.
Adapting news and gathering intel is essential as everything changes.
Only then will they be ready for any issues that arise in the future.
Especially in this situation, being the ear of the so-called righteous faction, the Open Ark must be.
“Working tirelessly, sweating bullets!”
Resting is just not on the agenda.
“But if the Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief showed up now…”
Ubongchui must either be half-insane or there must be some compelling reason behind it.
Or perhaps.
“Maybe, Ubongchui isn’t the Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief after all.”
It must be one of the three options.
“Of these, the most probable is…”
In my eyes, it’s the third reason.
The likelihood that Ubongchui isn’t the Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief stands strongest in my perspective.
One.
“However, this still isn’t a certainty.”
This is merely a speculation, not the hard truth.
“It could all be an imitation.”
You know, someone disguising themselves as the Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief for some mischief.
Seeing how everything unfolded makes me finally understand why the shaman has been so on edge lately.
“Ah, so that’s why they were acting suspiciously.”
If this letter is indeed from the Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief, it’s entirely justifiable for the shaman to be on high alert.
Especially since Jang Moon-in has just started to establish his place as the leader.
“If the Ghost Thief were to steal something from under our noses now, it would be downright embarrassing!”
Now, I may not have solid evidence, but being informed about the Wind and Cloud Thief allows me to sketch out multiple hypotheses.
Currently, in this time, not one soul knows anything about him.
Maybe that’s why acting this way is almost expected, huh?
“So….”
While I was lost in thought, Woo-Baek squeezed through and spoke up.
“As we are taking a cautious approach here, I ask for your understanding.”
“What actions are we talking about?”
I understood that the Wind and Cloud Ghost Thief must have something planned.
Yet I wondered what precautions they were taking.
I asked him that.
Hearing my question, Woo-Baek pulled something from his robes and placed it on the table.
It looked like a rather shabby piece of string.
I had to widen my eyes at the sight.
“That… for sure.”
“It’s called a Chain of Suspicion.”
The Chain of Suspicion!
This was something I was familiar with.
“Like a magic tool revealing the presence of the Magical Sword’s arrival.”
This item was developed by a shaman capable of producing magical artifacts.
Probably, its effectiveness is as follows.
“I recall it being said that it allows sensing the presence of those who wear it.”
To put it bluntly, it would enable the high-ranking individuals to notice the activities of their members much quicker.
“Oh, so this came out around this time.”
If I remember correctly, this was supposed to roll out in about five years.
It seems it was completed long before its designated time!
“After wearing this for one day, please remain here.”
Woo-Baek smiled while presenting the Chain of Suspicion and explained.
“Are you suggesting one full day?”
I asked for clarification.
“What’s so significant about this item that makes staying mandatory?”
I was aware of the efficacy of the Chain of Suspicion, but pretended ignorance.
It was to see how he would reply.
“Wear this as a bracelet, and you’ll be able to monitor each other’s movements closely.”
“… Monitor their movements?”
“Exactly, you’ll clearly perceive any activity nearby.”
It’s astounding.
I’d initially assumed he’d sugarcoat things since he wasn’t privy to what it was.
But to my surprise, Woo-Baek candidly spoke of its capabilities!
The issue is, saying it in another light,
“You mean to say you’re going to keep us under close surveillance for an entire day?”
This is basically a plan to detain us in the shaman’s lair and watch us!
At my words, Woo-Baek maintained his smile and continued speaking.
“Today marks the fifth day since the first appearance of this letter.”
It was the last day of the five-day deadline stipulated by the letter for returning the valuables.
Was today really the deadline?
“If it were merely a prank, then that would be fortunate. But I fear that’s not the case.”
“… And what led you to that conclusion?”
“Because the letter was delivered to me five days prior.”
Just as I was about to ask, “What’s that to do with me?”
“I was here at the time, yet I didn’t notice a thing until the letter was set on the table.”
“…!”
The elder shaman, a significant master listed among the top hundred in the Central Plains, didn’t even realize someone had entered the same space and left the letter until it was there.
This suggests that the shaman had no idea of an outsider infiltrating and causing chaos!
“No matter how lax your defenses might be, you are still a shaman!”
The Gupaebang isn’t just anyone’s dog. How would something like that be so easy?
“If it were me…”
Sure, it could be pulled off.
It wouldn’t be impossible with some otherworldly skills aside from martial arts.
“But this way? Forget it!”
There’s no way to sneak past Woo-Baek and just leave the letter on the table undetected.
Rest assured, you must be skilled at stealth techniques and infiltration to even begin to compete with the Shadow King.
“That’s why it’s a situation where I can’t help but feel suspicious.”
“Hmm.”
After absorbing Woo-Baek’s explanation, I found some understanding.
Being monitored feels a bit wrong, though.
“Okay, I get it, but what if?”
“Speak.”
“What if I simply say I’m leaving right now, would you let me go unobstructed?”
I slinked in a casual suggestion.
“I hope you can understand with an open mind.” Woo-Baek naturally expressed his unwillingness to let me off the hook.
Of course.
“I’ve already been given an earful regarding the Ghost Thief!”
There’s no way they’d let me go easily.
Hmm.
“This is getting bothersome.”
I was curious about the shaman’s affairs, but I didn’t intend to get embroiled.
All I wanted was to know about Gwijeong and Yeongpung.
Getting mixed up in this unnecessary mess is simply a hassle.
“Should I just bail?”
I began calculating in my mind.
Would I be able to leave without stirring up trouble?
The assessment didn’t take long.
“Not a chance.”
In my current state, it’s impossible.
I reached that conclusion pretty quickly.
“If I kick up a fuss over this, my plans would fall apart.”
It’s not that it’s an impossibility.
I simply won’t do it.
Throwing my plans away for just one day would be an enormous loss.
“Even if it’s not that dire.”
I was contemplating the Chain of Suspicion in front of me, formulating ideas.
Too many oddities are involved with this situation.
As I collected these peculiarities in my mind, the confusion only deepened.
“If only Mo Yonghee and Ji-seon were here, that would have simplified things!”
Those two likely would have figured out the answer with just a sliver of information.
I, however, lacked their brilliance, leaving me to ruminate longer.
Yet one thing was becoming clearer.
“There’s something off about this.”
It indicates that something is amiss here.
That’s all I needed to grasp.
“Perfect!”
If I play my cards right, attaining what I desire shouldn’t be overly difficult.
“That is, if my assumptions hold water!”
I put on the Chain of Suspicion.
A day, right?
That should be ample time.
Enough to sniff out what this rotten business is about.
A day should suffice for that.
While mulling over these thoughts.
CREAK.
A noise rustled from outside.
“Elder, the swordsman has arrived.”
Along with the voice, I noticed someone entering the residence as the door swung open.
“Master!”
Gu Ryeong-hwa, who was seated, stood with a radiant smile.
Yeongpung followed suit.
Seeing this, it was evident that the figure who just entered was none other than the current age’s Swordsman.
It was So-i!
A fresh beauty with long black hair, appearing to be in her early twenties, she caressed Gu Ryeong-hwa while speaking.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
“Yes….”
So intrigued was Gu Ryeong-hwa by So-i’s warm embrace that she comfortably nestled into her arms.
For a brief moment, So-i’s gaze lingered on Gu Ryeong-hwa before shifting toward me.
Since Yeongpung likely sent her a letter letting her know I was coming too, she didn’t seem surprised.
“You’ve been well too…?”
As So-i prepared to engage with me, she must have sensed something, and her eyes widened in shock.
After several seconds of silence passed, So-i, unable to mask her astonishment, finally addressed me.
“… I’m really impressed. How much time has gone by…?”
I had to respond with an awkward chuckle.
Her surprised reaction felt a bit overwhelming.
“Have you been doing okay?”
“…Right.”
It’s been three years since I last saw her.
Considering our last meeting at the Heavenly Dragon Academy, it’s been quite the while, hasn’t it?
I chose to ignore her reaction and instead focused on the box she was holding.
I assumed it contained a ‘guijeong.’
After confirming my guess, I threw my words into the mix.
“I’ll save my greetings for later. I think this isn’t the right place for my presence.”
No one argued against what I said.
Although I was part of the honorary scribe, this was no longer a suitable setting.
If this meeting truly was for the exchange of valuables, outsiders should really step back.
It’s only proper courtesy toward both sects.
“If only I could see it in person.”
I had an urge to confirm the authenticity of that ‘guijeong’ right away.
Yet I couldn’t push my luck, so for now, I decided to step out and wait.
“If Youngpung uses it, I’ll know how it goes anyway.”
I’ll see it soon enough, so there’s no need to panic.
After all, I’m bound to hang around for a day!
“I’ll step out first. Please relay my remaining words to the Dojo.”
“Ah, understood.”
After advising Yeongpung to pass along any messages, I made my casual exit from the residence.
Outside, the shaman’s disciples were already stationed, as predicted.
Their purpose, as mentioned earlier, is surveillance.
Tsk.
As I clicked my tongue, a man stepped up from the front and addressed me.
“We’ve prepared a resting space for you. Allow me to escort you.”
I was about to follow when suddenly,
—Huh!? What’s going on!?
—W-Wait, hold on…!
—We need to catch him!
Voices drifted from behind the group, causing me to turn my head in confusion.
“What now?”
At that moment, I was startled as the door—it had been closed—swung wide open on its own!
THUMP! CLATTER!
Something came flying from within!
“What in the world…?”
Taken aback by the sudden turn of events, I braced myself as I peered forward at the rapidly approaching object.
A long piece of fabric glimmering in a shade of crimson.
That item that seemed eerily familiar soared toward me.
WHOOSH—!
With a sudden twist, it looped around my right arm on its own!
“What the hell!”
Just as shock electrified my body and I prepared to move.
“Uh?”
“Huh?”
“Whaaaat…?”
My eyes locked with the panicked expressions of the individuals rushing out from within.
Their gaze flickered from my startled face down to my ensnared wrist.
“I’m screwed…”
I felt my heart skip as the realization washed over me.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.