Chapter 253
Chapter 253
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 253
Chapter Title: From Today On, You're the Thief
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Yagul Daleum's story matched up perfectly with the circumstances Dang Mujin and his group had pieced together so far.
Succeeding Wuliangzi as sect leader, only to step down from the position after a single year: Daoist Shangyu.
Then, Bai Yaehyeo suddenly appearing as the Kongtong Sect leader after ousting Daoist Shangyu.
Around the same time, the Kongtong Sect cutting off all external activities.
'The situation is all but certain. So what do we do now?'
Charging bravely at the Kongtong Sect would be insane.
The sect's martial prowess couldn't possibly be something to take lightly. Even Bai Yaehyeo alone would be more than Dang Mujin and his companions could handle, and there was no way he was the only powerhouse there.
There had to be at least a few peak experts besides him.
The next thought that came to mind was, 'Why not return to the Dang family stronghold and ask for help?'
But after mulling it over briefly, that didn't seem like a great option either.
He couldn't very well ask Elder Jang, who had put away his sword after retiring from a life in the unorthodox sects, to pick it up again. And Dang Mujin wasn't in any position to give orders to the Demonic Cult warriors led by the Three Demon Eyes.
Besides, there was no reason for the Demonic Cult warriors to get involved in a matter between the orthodox and unorthodox sects.
'The best bet seems to be gathering solid evidence and requesting aid from the surrounding sects.'
If he could convince them that the Kongtong Sect had been taken over by unorthodox warriors, the other orthodox sects wouldn't stand idly by.
Especially those nearby, like the Zhongnan Sect or Huashan Sect.
'Evidence compelling enough to force the Zhongnan Sect and Huashan Sect to act...'
Nothing immediately came to mind. In search of definitive proof, Dang Mujin and his group busily scouted around Kongtong Mountain.
*
Dang Mujin and his companions had grown a bit neglectful of forge work while surveilling the Kongtong Sect.
After a few days had passed like that, Myo Sun dropped by the forge—partly to grab a meal—and asked,
"You lot, something happen? I've been hearing you're leaving the forge empty all the time."
"We haven't been at this long. Still gathering supplies we need, that's all. No need to worry."
Dang Mujin brushed it off casually, but Myo Sun's expression remained serious.
"If there's trouble, don't hide it—tell me. I can help with most things."
"You can help?"
Amused by her confident demeanor, Dang Mujin found himself asking back without thinking.
Her readiness to step in, even though it wasn't her problem, somehow reminded him of Hong Geolgae.
"Yeah. Looks like you've got some worries after all, huh?"
"It's not like we have zero concerns, but nothing we can't handle."
As Dang Mujin played along, Myo Sun jumped to conclusions about the forge and their situation.
"Thugs showing up to hassle you right after starting a new business? Happens all the time. You gotta nab 'em early to avoid backlash later."
"Got it. If we need help, I'll let you know."
Dang Mujin smiled warmly. He appreciated her willingness to lend a hand, whatever it was.
With her talk with Dang Mujin wrapped up, Myo Sun now turned to Hong Geolgae.
"Oh, right. Someone vanished from the shack. You know where?"
"Huh? Someone vanished?"
Hong Geolgae feigned ignorance, just like Dang Mujin.
"Yeah. Guy couldn't even move on his own, so he didn't just wander off... Someone must've taken him. If you hear anything, let me know."
"Sure."
Yagul Daleum was lying right there, separated by just a single wall, but Hong Geolgae gave nothing away.
Dang Mujin and Hong Geolgae wanted to bring the other shack residents to the forge and look after them too.
But there wasn't enough living space at the forge. Plus, if word got out that the shack folk were staying there, the Kongtong Sect might grow suspicious.
In the end, there wasn't much Dang Mujin and Hong Geolgae could do.
They sent Hong Geolgae to the shack to tend to bedsores and bring extra food little by little. That was it.
They racked their brains for a solution, but no breakthrough appeared yet.
*
While Dang Mujin and his group secretly probed Kongtong Mountain for evidence to sway other sects,
Strangers from the martial world began appearing in Pingliang County, sniffing around the area.
At first, they suspected the Kongtong Sect was summoning unorthodox warriors for some show of force, but that didn't seem to be it. The martial artists' attire resembled what they'd seen at Mt. Wudang.
And they weren't all from one sect or clan. They were orthodox warriors pouring in from various sects and families.
Dang Mujin approached two wearing the same garb and asked,
"Excuse me, sirs. What brings you to Pingliang County?"
The two warriors didn't realize Dang Mujin was one of them.
Martial artists gauge each other's skill through posture, gait, ingrained habits, and the like.
Conversely, controlling those factors meant a master could conceal their prowess before an inferior.
One of the warriors glanced at Dang Mujin, then turned away dismissively.
"No need for you to know."
But his companion reacted differently, scolding him.
"No need? You never know where a clue might pop up—we gotta ask around thoroughly."
"A clue?"
"Yeah. Dang the blacksmith, was it? You seen anyone suspicious around?"
"Suspicious how, exactly?"
"Well, strangers showing up. Or someone skulking around at night. That sort of thing."
Martial artists out hunting a thief. Dang Mujin could roughly guess the situation. Namgung Myeong had been tailed.
Pretending utter ignorance, Dang Mujin replied vaguely,
"Well, my friends and I are newcomers ourselves, just settled in Pingliang not long ago. You don't suspect us, do you?"
"Nah. Whoever it is showed up at least half a month after you lot. Anyway, if you learn anything, tell us. We'll make it worth your while."
"Looks like you're after some bold thief. What'd they steal?"
"Can't say."
Most likely a treasured sword or manual.
A manual seemed especially probable. Prized by others, small and light, and useless to Namgung Myeong anyway.
"So, what does this thief look like? Gotta know that to keep an eye out..."
"No idea. Nobody's seen his real face."
"Hmm."
"Truth is, we don't even know for sure he's in Pingliang. Just heard he's headed west—that's all. Not many towns this size out west, so we're waiting here."
Luckily, Namgung Myeong's face remained unknown.
The problem was leaving a trail. Deep down, Dang Mujin wished Namgung Myeong had steered clear of Pingliang.
*
But the things you hope won't happen always do.
That very evening, a masked figure slinked toward the forge. Namgung Myeong.
Dang Mujin sighed.
"Namgung Myeong. I told you—if you get tailed, we're strangers from then on."
But Namgung Myeong replied confidently.
"It's fine. Never showed my face, never left any clues to who I am. Besides, you're the one who left the trail leading here."
"Sigh. Get inside first. And that load on your back... Don't tell me that's all stolen goods?"
"Yeah."
Dang Mujin's words halted.
Namgung Myeong carried a massive pack, big as a peddler's bundle. Hard to believe it was all pilfered.
"...How many places did you hit?"
"Thoroughly. No regrets."
Beaming happily, Namgung Myeong entered the forge and unpacked.
Sure enough, the pack brimmed with secret manuals and weapons from various sects.
He'd clearly hoped Dang Mujin would be impressed, but all Dang Mujin could offer was a deeper sigh.
"Bet you're proud."
"Damn right. I'm the greatest thief in Central Plains history, no question."
Hearing his voice, Hong Geolgae and Hyeon Gong peeked out to gawk at Namgung Myeong's haul.
A breathtaking sight. Getting caught with even a tenth would make him a public enemy of the martial world.
"Anyway, how'd they tail you? You always shook 'em off fine before."
"Hit too many spots at once—too many eyes watching. Couldn't hide my direction."
"Should've paced yourself, not gotten greedy."
"Don't worry. Still good."
Namgung Myeong showed off the loot, then repacked. Countless manuals and famed swords vanished into the pack like junk.
This time, Hong Geolgae asked,
"What're you doing with this batch?"
"Manuals? Fine to return 'em. Skimmed 'em on the move—mastered most."
Namgung Myeong learned techniques quickly. Faster with others' arts than his own Namgung clan's.
"...Fine, manuals aside. The weapons?"
He replied indifferently.
"My standards rose, or maybe treasured swords aren't all that. My old one's best. Even Sword Immortal Ye Dongbin's blade? Nothing special in hindsight. No real use for it."
"So, you could return everything you've stolen so far."
Namgung Myeong nodded lightly at Hong Geolgae's question.
"Yep. Spot on."
"...Then why steal it all?"
"They hide 'em so tight, curiosity gets you. Tossed in a market? Wouldn't glance twice."
His reasoning echoed climbers: There's a mountain, so climb it. There's loot, so steal it.
For Namgung Myeong, thievery was instinct and habit, not rationale.
Hyeon Gong spoke anxiously.
"Then why bring it here instead of returning it? You just need a feel—drop it off right away."
Hyeon Gong had grown a bit arrogant since his succession was assured, but also timid—more to lose now.
"I did wanna return 'em. Original plan: backtrack my path, replace each one. But snag."
"What snag?"
"After one hit, they don't leave doors open—they lock down tighter. Classic locking the barn after losing the ox. Had to bring it all."
"Just dump it."
"Thought of that, but it'd feel empty. Had to brag to you guys at least."
Namgung Myeong's mindset was baffling. Bragging about that?
Just then, footsteps outside. Martial artists searching for the "divine thief's" trail.
If they barged in, it was over for all four. Dizzying thought.
Namgung Myeong would pay his due, but the other three—innocent—would feel like thieves.
Thankfully, the warriors passed by, chattering among themselves.
Hyeon Gong urged impatiently,
"We've seen enough. Go dump it somewhere safe."
"Really?"
"Obviously. Get caught with that, and it's game over."
Unhappy with the reaction, Namgung Myeong looked visibly crestfallen.
He'd really expected awe or praise.
Slinging the pack over his shoulder, he asked,
"Anyway, why're you holed up here?"
"Oh, that..."
Dang Mujin explained everything.
The Wudang conference. Sudden transcendent expert. Suspicious Kongtong Sect leader.
Yagul Daleum found in Pingliang. Kongtong Sect seized by unorthodox warriors.
After hearing it all, Namgung Myeong said,
"...So, you need evidence to pull in other sects?"
"Yeah."
Namgung Myeong pondered, then clapped, idea struck.
"Perfect timing. Hate wasting this haul. Let's use it."
"How?"
"You need proof? Get other sects to raid Kongtong top to bottom first—uncover evidence bit by bit after."
Absurd as ever. Hyeon Gong sighed deeply.
"If that worked, we would've. How d'you make 'em move?"
Namgung Myeong pointed toward Kongtong Mountain.
"Grab a few Kongtong warriors. Say these are their stolen goods. Frame 'em all."