Chapter 556: Wind Cloud Ghost Thief
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 556: Wind Cloud Ghost Thief
The road to Wudang began immediately after we left the inn.
The climb up the mountain didn't take very long. After all, just as Yubaek had said, we were ascending with a grand reception.
Though 'grand reception' was a bit of an overstatement—it was just a carriage.
It was a carriage emblazoned with the crest of the Wudang Sect. That was the extent of our transport, but it would suffice for now. At the very least, it gave the impression that we were being treated with respect.
The only problem was…
"How in the world did you do that...?"
Since we were in an enclosed space, my sister's voice sounded particularly loud. I frowned slightly at Gu Ryunghwa’s question and replied.
"What do you mean, how? I just did it."
"No! Stop joking!"
Unable to believe it, Gu Ryunghwa pressed me for a real answer.
"He's the Righteous Dragon Sword... That was Jicheol, the Righteous Dragon Sword!"
"...The what?"
I tilted my head. The Righteous Dragon Sword?
That bastard actually had a title?
That guy Jicheol, who had been acting up without knowing his place... Judging by Gu Ryunghwa's reaction, he must have been quite famous.
I suppose so.
He was over thirty and had reached the Peak Realm. By the standards of the Central Plains, it was only natural for him to have a title.
Maybe it's because I'm surrounded by so many monsters. I'd forgotten for a moment.
I had unknowingly set my standards too low.
"Oppa, you could have been hit if you weren't careful!"
"Hit? Who's getting hit, you brat?"
Thwack!
"Ack...!"
She kept nagging, so I finally flicked her forehead.
Like hell I'd get hit.
If that was the level of a second-generation disciple, he seemed fit to lead Wudang in the future.
But he looked like he couldn't even beat Yung Pung.
Compared to Yung Pung, who was the youngest of Mount Hua's third-generation students, Jicheol was likely weaker. Furthermore...
I think even that Woo Hyuk punk could beat him.
The Sleeping Dragon, a third-generation disciple of Wudang, would not fall behind Jicheol either. Of course, considering those two were geniuses of a different caliber, Jicheol was still a considerable figure.
It was just that…
He was a man of that caliber, and nothing more.
I wasn't particularly impressed. Regardless of his realm or talent, that was the extent of the man.
Should I have beaten him up a little more?
A belated sense of regret washed over me. I could have hit him more if I’d wanted to. It was a shame I hadn't.
That old man... if he was going to intervene, he should have done it sooner.
Before I got pissed off in the first place. It would have been easier if Yubaek, that cunning old man, had stepped in from the start.
He was testing the waters too much.
The old man was trying so hard to gauge the situation that I ended up being a little rough.
Tsk.
In the end, I was able to find out a lot, so I had to consider it a decent outcome.
Right, what I found out. I reviewed the events as we ascended Mount Wudang. It wasn't exactly precious information.
Something is going on at Wudang.
For now, that was about it. It would be strange not to know, since Jicheol and Yubaek had practically admitted it themselves. There was some kind of trouble at Wudang. Anyone could see that.
I don't know what the problem is, but it seems to be a big one.
I had stepped in because Jicheol's attitude was infuriating, but his actions were laced with various pieces of information. The way he treated representatives from Mount Hua who were visiting on an official schedule... it was full of arrogance and pride, but…
Somehow, it didn't seem like he was just trying to start a battle of wills.
He was probably trying to gain the upper hand before doing something else. That must be why an elder had secretly approached to watch the situation unfold.
Which meant…
What happened earlier was all planned.
It was likely an order from a superior, someone at the elder level.
The fact that they're wary of outsiders, especially those who can come and go from Wudang…
…meant that an incident had occurred that required them to be wary of strangers.
What could it be?
Was there some incident at Wudang around this time? I didn't know. Not only could I not remember clearly…
The problem is that the memories of my past life are pretty much useless now.
With the exception of major events, most things had been twisted, so I couldn't rely on my memories. Which meant…
I'll have to find out on my own.
In any case, I would find out when I got there.
Because I already made my move.
This was why I had intentionally shown Yubaek myself cornering Jicheol.
Explain yourselves. Isn't that the polite thing to do?
That was my intention.
The fact that they're taking us to Wudang even now means they're willing to accept this.
I had given them a reason and a justification. Now, Wudang had two choices.
Either they turn Mount Hua away, showing disrespect and making an enemy…
…or they follow protocol, explain the situation, and "politely" ask for our understanding.
I was confident Wudang would choose the latter.
Wudang isn't in a position to be making enemies right now.
Although their Sect Leader had become the Alliance Leader, the Mount Hua Sect was one of the Ten Sect Alliance. Moreover, its historical value was significant. For Wudang to be the first to wrong a sect like Mount Hua?
They've become a bit idiotic, but they're not that stupid.
They were experiencing rapid growth, but their standing wasn't that high yet. In a situation where public perception in the Central Plains was important, Wudang would never do such a thing.
Furthermore.
They've already made one mistake, haven't they?
They were caught trying to pull a fast one. They would be eager to cut their losses. I didn't think they would do anything more foolish than this.
"So."
I turned my gaze forward and said, "Wipe that look off your face."
"..."
The one I spoke to was Yung Pung. He gave an awkward smile at my words.
"Why do you look like you're at a funeral?"
"...It is nothing. I just feel a bit sick from the ride..."
"If you get motion sick at your level, it must be a fatal illness. Did you know that?"
"..."
"The carriage is riding this smoothly. Motion sickness, my ass."
He should try riding in a carriage driven by the White Ripple Sword once. Then he would realize, Ah, this is the kind of ride that makes even a martial artist motion sick. Since he hadn't experienced that, I couldn't believe his words.
"Did you do something wrong? Why the sour face?"
"...That is not it. I just feel sorry toward Young Master Gu..."
"Sorry? What are you sorry for? I was the one who confronted him."
"..."
"If anyone should be sorry, it's me. Why are you acting like this, Master Yung Pung?"
I wasn't even sorry. In fact, I was annoyed I couldn't beat him up more.
I did leave a little something with him, so I'll make use of it later.
Whatever the case, it wasn't something for Yung Pung to be moping about.
"You might as well blame me. Ask me why an outsider is stepping in and making things uncomfortable. Go on, say it."
Yung Pung was startled by my blunt words.
"No, how could I dare say such a thing?"
"I am telling you to do so. That would be the right thing to do."
"What do you mean by that..."
"Didn't you say it yourself? That you are the descendant of the Divine Sword of Mount Hua."
"...!"
I brought up what Yung Pung had said.
"I do not know why you think that way. But if that is truly the case—no, even if it is not."
If Yung Pung was truly going to call himself the descendant of Elder Shin...
"You must be dignified. As a disciple of Mount Hua, you must be more dignified than anyone."
"..."
At the very least, that's how Elder Shin would have been. No, he might have drawn his sword and cut Jicheol down the moment he thought Mount Hua was being disrespected. I only held back because I wasn't truly a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.
But Yung Pung was different. He seemed flustered, as it was his first time experiencing such a situation. But even then, he should not have lost his dignity.
"If you had backed down there, Master Yung Pung, it would have been no different from the Mount Hua Sect backing down."
"...Young Master."
"That is the meaning of the title you carry, and the meaning of the seal on the letter the Celestial Plum Blossom gave you."
"..."
At my words, Yung Pung fell silent, his expression filled with bitterness. Then, he looked at me and was about to speak.
"I apolo—"
"Don't apologize."
I cut him off.
"Neither 'thank you' nor 'I'm sorry.' At least, you should not be saying those words right now, Master Yung Pung."
Annoyance seeped into my tone without me realizing it.
Why?
Why else?
I pretended not to know, but the reason was obvious.
"I will not do so from now on. Just hold that thought. That is all that is needed."
"...Yes."
Because I was bothered by what he had said before. Because I remembered Yung Pung saying he had become the descendant of the Divine Sword of Mount Hua.
Whether that was true or not, seeing Yung Pung so dejected felt as if I were seeing Elder Shin himself acting that way. That's what irritated me.
Never create a reason to bow your head, and never bow when you don't have to.
That is what Elder Shin would have done. And that is how I will live.
So, if you are going to call yourself his descendant, you should live that way too. That was the meaning behind my words. Not that Yung Pung would have any way of knowing.
After that, I closed my eyes and steadied my breathing. An uncomfortable silence filled the carriage for a moment.
"We have arrived."
My eyes snapped open at the announcement. I immediately withdrew the sound barrier I had spread throughout the carriage. I let out a sigh as I felt the Qi return to my dantian.
How tiring.
I could already feel so many eyes watching, so many ears trying to listen. As I felt those bothersome gazes, I thought: If I were to burn it all down, where should I start?
If possible, I'd like to burn it from the roots.
My mind was filled with such thoughts.
* * *
"You have endured much to come here."
Immediately after arriving at Wudang, we were led to Yubaek's residence.
"Normally, I would have liked to let you rest comfortably, but I must apologize that I am unable to do so," Yubaek said with a smile. "And once again, I would like to apologize for the commotion caused by my foolish disciple earlier."
Trickle.
Tea was poured into the cups on the table before us.
"I am Yubaek of Wudang. I hold the position of an elder. And for this matter," Yubaek said, "I am meeting you as the representative of the Wudang Sect Leader."
As the old man, Yubaek of the Flying Star Sword, introduced himself, my companions spoke as if on cue.
"I am Gu Ryunghwa, a second-generation disciple of the Mount Hua Sect."
"I am Yung Pung, a third-generation disciple of the Mount Hua Sect."
After their introductions, Yubaek's gaze turned to me. Feeling his eyes on me, I continued.
"I am Gu Yangcheon of the Gu Clan. And that person over there is my escort."
"...?"
Seong Yul, who had suddenly become my escort, wore a puzzled expression but didn't bother to deny it. Thankfully, he seemed to have some sense.
Yubaek's eyes gleamed as he heard my introduction.
"This is a matter between Wudang and Mount Hua. May I ask why you are here, Young Master?"
"Well, I am from the Gu Clan, but I'm also something of a Mount Hua person myself."
"You, Young Master?"
"Yes. I don't carry the pass, but I hold the title of an honorary martial artist."
It was a title I had received from the Sect Leader right after resolving the incident at Mount Hua, in case any problems arose due to the Taoist Qi in my body. As an outsider, I couldn't learn the martial arts of the Mount Hua Sect, but it was a symbol that I had done them a great service and was recognized as one of their own.
"...Hoh..."
Hearing this, Yubaek gave a short nod.
I never thought I'd use this here.
It made it easier to get involved. This, too, was a good thing. As expected, if you do something, you'll find a use for it eventually.
"...An honorary martial artist. It seems Mount Hua owes you a great debt, Young Master."
"Yes, well... something like that."
I didn't want to explain in detail, so I decided to gloss over it. Meanwhile, Gu Ryunghwa and Yung Pung were looking at me with very uncomfortable expressions. Their faces seemed to ask if it was okay to have such an attitude toward a Wudang elder.
What are they going to do about it?
For my part, I was being quite polite. To hide my true thoughts from this slick old man was the best effort I could make.
My stomach is churning.
From his actions to the feeling he gave off, he was nothing short of a rat-like old man.
Just then, Yung Pung cautiously addressed Yubaek. "Excuse me, Elder."
"Speak."
"I heard that the Sword Queen is here at Wudang."
"Ah, that is correct. The Sword Queen is currently at Wudang."
Hearing the answer to Yung Pung's question, I saw Gu Ryunghwa's expression brighten.
So the Sword Queen is really here.
I'd only heard about it, and she hadn't even come to greet us, so I wondered if she was absent. Fortunately, it seemed the Sword Queen was indeed here.
"She is likely on her way with the item now."
"The item, you say..."
"The item you guests wish to retrieve."
At Yubaek's words, this time it was Yung Pung's face that brightened.
So the Sword Queen is now… bringing the Solar Light?
With that thought, I slightly hid my left arm.
...She's bringing it.
Wudang possesses the Solar Light. When I first heard it, I wondered what kind of nonsense it was. But hearing that the Sword Queen was bringing it herself made it feel somewhat real.
The problem was… it really exists?
I had no idea how this was possible. If the Solar Light truly was at Wudang… then what was this thing wrapped around my arm?
That's what I came here to find out, but still.
I couldn't help but have my doubts.
"Also, there is a matter within the sect, so I ask for your understanding that we must go through a brief procedure before bringing the Solar Light."
At Yubaek's words, I asked a question. I saw this as the perfect opportunity.
"If there is a matter, what might it be?"
This was the explanation I had been waiting for. The question about why they were handling things with such wariness. It was time to hear the answer. What reason could Wudang have to be so troublesome about outsiders?
Yubaek replied, "It is nothing much, but a letter recently arrived at the sect."
"A letter?"
"Indeed. The letter itself was not long, but the sender was the problem."
I listened intently to Yubaek's words. And then, I had to hide my shock at what he said next.
"The Wind Cloud Ghost Thief."
"...!"
"He sent us a message."
It was the title of a martial artist who, though not so much now, was once quite famous in the Central Plains. Famous enough, as Yubaek said, for that name alone to explain the entire situation.
The Wind Cloud Ghost Thief, Nameless.
"He said that within five days, he would take the symbol of Wudang."
He was also known by another name. He was a man called the Treasure Thief.
And also...
...Why is that old man's name coming up here?
It was the title of someone I knew.