Chapter 253: From Today, You’re the Thief
Yayul Dalum’s story fit perfectly with the clues Tang Mujin and his companions had gathered so far.
The mysterious resignation of the sect leader, Sangyudo, just a year after succeeding the previous leader, Muryangja.
The sudden rise of Baek Yahyo as the new leader of the Gongdong Sect, ousting Sangyudo.
The abrupt cessation of the Gongdong Sect’s external activities around the same time.
“The situation is almost certain. But what should we do now?”
Charging headlong into the Gongdong Sect would be sheer madness.
The Gongdong Sect’s martial prowess was not to be underestimated. Even Baek Yahyo alone would be a formidable opponent for Tang Mujin and his group, and it was unlikely that Baek Yahyo was the only one there.
There were bound to be several other top-tier martial artists present.
The next thought was, “Should we return to the Tang family and ask for help?”
But after a moment’s consideration, that didn’t seem like a great idea either.
They couldn’t ask Elder Jang, who had retired from the martial world, to take up the sword again, and Tang Mujin wasn’t in a position to command the demonic sect warriors, like those from the Sam Anbul, to fight on his behalf.
Moreover, there was no reason for the demonic sect warriors to get involved in a conflict between orthodox and unorthodox sects.
“Gathering solid evidence and asking for help from nearby sects seems like the best option.”
If they could convince others that the Gongdong Sect had been overtaken by unorthodox martial artists, the other orthodox sects wouldn’t stand idly by.
Especially sects like the Jongnam Sect or the Hwasan Sect, which were geographically close to the Gongdong Sect.
“Evidence strong enough to compel the Jongnam and Hwasan Sects to act…”
Nothing came to mind. Tang Mujin and his companions diligently scoured the area around Gongdong Mountain for solid evidence.
Tang Mujin and his group had been so focused on investigating the Gongdong Sect that they had neglected their work at the forge.
After a few days, Myosun came by the forge, ostensibly to share a meal, and asked, “Is something going on with you guys? I’ve heard you’ve been leaving the forge unattended quite a bit.”
“We’ve only just started working. We’re just out gathering the materials we need. No need to worry.”
Tang Mujin deflected the question, but Myosun’s expression remained serious.
“If there’s a problem, don’t hide it. I can help with most issues.”
“You can help?”
Amused by Myosun’s confident demeanor, Tang Mujin couldn’t help but ask.
Her willingness to help with something that wasn’t her concern reminded him of Hong Geolgae.
“Yes. So, there is something bothering you, isn’t there?”
“Well, it’s not like there aren’t any concerns, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.”
Tang Mujin played along, and Myosun speculated about the situation at the forge.
“When you start a new business, it’s common for troublemakers to show up. It’s best to deal with them early to avoid future problems.”
“Got it. I’ll let you know if we need help.”
Tang Mujin smiled warmly, appreciating Myosun’s eagerness to help.
After wrapping up the conversation with Tang Mujin, Myosun turned to Hong Geolgae.
“Oh, by the way, I heard someone disappeared from the hut. Do you know where they went?”
“Huh? Someone disappeared?”
Hong Geolgae feigned ignorance, just like Tang Mujin.
“Yes. It’s not like they could have left on their own. Someone must have taken them. Let me know if you find out anything.”
“Sure.”
Yayul Dalum was lying just behind a wall, but Hong Geolgae didn’t let on.
Tang Mujin and Hong Geolgae wanted to bring the others from the hut to the forge to care for them.
However, there wasn’t enough space at the forge. Moreover, if word got out that the people from the hut were staying at the forge, the Gongdong Sect might become suspicious.
In the end, there wasn’t much Tang Mujin and Hong Geolgae could do.
They sent Hong Geolgae to the hut to prevent bedsores and brought extra food.
They wanted to find a solution, but no breakthrough was in sight yet.
While Tang Mujin and his group were secretly searching Gongdong Mountain for evidence to persuade other sects, unfamiliar martial artists began appearing around Pyeongnyang County.
At first, they suspected the Gongdong Sect was gathering unorthodox martial artists for some action, but that didn’t seem to be the case. The martial artists’ attire was similar to what they had seen at Wudang Mountain.
Moreover, they weren’t from just one sect or family. They were orthodox martial artists from various sects and families.
Tang Mujin approached two martial artists wearing the same attire and asked, “Excuse me, what brings you to Pyeongnyang County?”
The two martial artists didn’t realize Tang Mujin was one of them.
Martial artists often gauge each other’s skills through posture, gait, and habitual actions.
Conversely, if one could control these factors, a master could hide their skills from a novice.
One of the martial artists glanced at Tang Mujin and turned away disinterestedly.
“That’s none of your business.”
However, the other martial artist responded differently, chiding his companion.
“Of course it’s his business. You never know where a clue might come from.”
“A clue?”
“Yes. Are you Tang the blacksmith? Have you seen anyone suspicious around here?”
“What kind of suspicious person are you talking about?”
“Well, someone unfamiliar showing up, or someone sneaking around at night. Things like that.”
Martial artists hunting for a thief. Tang Mujin could guess what was happening. Namgung Myung had been tracked.
Feigning ignorance, Tang Mujin replied slyly, “Well, my friends and I are newcomers to Pyeongnyang County, so we don’t know much. You’re not suspecting us, are you?”
“No. It would be someone who showed up at least two weeks after you. Anyway, if you find out anything, let us know. We’ll make sure to reward you.”
“Sounds like you’re after a bold thief. What did they steal?”
“Can’t tell you that.”
It was likely a precious sword or a secret martial arts manual.
Most likely the latter. It’s something others would value, small and light, and useful to Namgung Myung.
“Then what does the thief look like? I need to know that to keep an eye out…”
“We don’t know. No one has seen the thief’s face.”
“Hmm.”
“We’re not even sure if they’re in Pyeongnyang County. We just heard they were heading west. There aren’t many towns as big as Pyeongnyang County to the west, so we’re waiting here.”
Fortunately, Namgung Myung hadn’t been identified.
But leaving a trail was a problem. Tang Mujin secretly hoped Namgung Myung would just disappear and not come to Pyeongnyang County.
But the things you hope won’t happen always do.
That very evening, a masked figure approached the forge. It was Namgung Myung.
Tang Mujin sighed.
“Namgung Myung, we agreed that if you got caught, we wouldn’t know each other.”
But Namgung Myung replied confidently.
“Don’t worry. I’ve never shown my face, and I haven’t left any clues about who I am. Besides, you left a clue for me to come here.”
“Ugh. Just come in. And that bundle… Don’t tell me it’s all stolen goods?”
“Yes.”
Tang Mujin’s words trailed off.
Namgung Myung was carrying a bundle as large as a peddler’s. It was hard to believe he could gather such a large bundle just from stolen goods.
“How many places did you rob?”
“Enough to leave no regrets.”
Namgung Myung entered the forge with a satisfied smile and unpacked his bundle.
Inside were secret manuals and weapons from various sects.
Namgung Myung seemed to expect Tang Mujin to be impressed, but all Tang Mujin could offer was a deeper sigh.
“Quite the achievement, isn’t it?”
“Of course. I dare say I’m the greatest thief in the history of the martial world.”
As Namgung Myung’s voice echoed, Hong Geolgae and Hyun Gong appeared, curious about the stolen goods.
It was a breathtaking sight. Even if a tenth of these items were discovered, it would be a major scandal.
“So, how did you get caught? You used to be so good at shaking them off.”
“I hit too many places at once, and there were too many eyes watching. I couldn’t hide the direction I was moving.”
“You should have been more moderate.”
“Don’t worry. It’s still fine.”
After showing the stolen goods to his companions, Namgung Myung repacked the bundle. The numerous secret manuals and swords were tucked away like useless trinkets.
This time, Hong Geolgae asked, “What are you going to do with all these things?”
“I don’t mind returning the manuals. I’ve read most of them on the move and learned what I needed.”
Namgung Myung was quick at learning martial arts. He learned other sects’ techniques even faster than his own family’s.
“Well, that’s the manuals. What about the weapons?”
Namgung Myung replied nonchalantly, “Maybe my standards have risen, but even the swords they hid away weren’t that impressive. I still prefer the sword I’ve been using. In hindsight, even the sword of Sword Saint Yeodongbin wasn’t particularly exceptional. Honestly, I have no use for them.”
“So, you don’t mind returning everything you’ve stolen so far.”
Namgung Myung nodded lightly in response to Hong Geolgae’s question.
“Exactly. You’ve got it.”
“Then why on earth did you go around stealing things?”
“Because when you hide something so well, it makes you curious enough to steal it. If it had just been lying around in the marketplace, I wouldn’t have given it a second glance.”
Namgoong Myung’s reasoning wasn’t much different from those who climb mountains simply because they’re there. There was an item, so he took it. For him, thievery was a matter of instinct and habit, not reason.
Hyun Gong spoke with a hint of anxiety in his voice. “Then why didn’t you just return them? You usually just enjoy the thrill and then put things back.”
Since being promised the position of the next head, Hyun Gong had grown a bit arrogant, yet also more cautious. He had more to lose now.
“I did think about returning them. My initial plan was to retrace my steps and put everything back where I found it. But then a problem arose.”
“What kind of problem?”
“Once something’s been stolen, you’d think they’d just leave it open, but instead, they tightened security. It’s like closing the barn door after the horse has bolted. So, I had no choice but to take everything with me.”
“You should’ve just left them behind.”
“I considered that, but it felt a bit empty. I mean, I had to show off to you guys, at least.”
Understanding Namgoong Myung’s mindset was a challenge. What was there to boast about?
Just then, they sensed movement outside. Martial artists were scouring the area for clues about the “Divine Thief.”
If those people happened to enter the forge, it would spell the end for Tang Moo-jin and his group. A chilling thought.
At least for Namgoong Myung, it would be a matter of facing the consequences of his actions, but the other three would feel like thieves despite not having stolen anything.
Fortunately, the martial artists passed by, chatting among themselves without entering.
Hyun Gong, still anxious, urged, “We’ve seen enough. Go and dump those things somewhere discreet.”
“Really?”
“Of course. If you get caught with them, it’s obvious what’ll happen.”
Namgoong Myung seemed visibly disappointed by their reaction. He had expected them to be impressed or at least praise him.
As he hoisted his pack, he asked, “By the way, what brought you all the way out here?”
“Ah, well…”
Tang Moo-jin explained the situation: the Wudang Mountain meeting, the sudden appearance of a mysterious master, the suspicious leader of the Gongdong Sect, the discovery of Yalu Dalum in Pyeongryang County, and the Gongdong Sect being overtaken by rogue martial artists.
After hearing the whole story, Namgoong Myung said, “So, you need evidence to involve other sects in this matter?”
“Exactly.”
Namgoong Myung thought for a moment, then clapped his hands as if struck by a brilliant idea. “Perfect timing. It’d be a waste to just throw away the things I took. Let’s put them to good use.”
“How?”
“You need evidence, right? Get the other sects to search the Gongdong Sect thoroughly, and then reveal the evidence bit by bit.”
It was a ridiculous suggestion. Hyun Gong let out a deep sigh. “If that were possible, we would’ve done it already. How do you plan to get the other sects to act?”
Namgoong Myung pointed in the direction of the Gongdong Mountain. “Just capture a few Gongdong Sect members. We’ll claim they stole these items. Let’s pin it all on them.”