NOVEL NEXT Chapter 847
True Martial Home
I realized I had to successfully commit a theft from the leaders of the Nine Great Sects, the Twelve Joules’ Sect Leader, and the Emperor within a month, and I was scratching my head over how to do it.
First off, none of them were stronger than me in martial arts, and I was confident I could easily defeat them in a direct confrontation.
However, that was beside the point; pickpocketing isn’t about brute strength, and it got me thinking.
Stealing from experts.
That’s a pretty tall order.
After all, I had pulled off countless successful pickpockets in Luoyang without ever failing, but those victims were all ordinary folks with no martial skills.
With experts, they would naturally have heightened physical abilities thanks to their internal power, making it nearly impossible to deceive their senses and steal from them.
On top of that, the higher their martial arts, the more personal “domains” they could develop, which meant anything entering that area would be treated with suspicion.
So, I decided to gather information on thievery for a few days.
Thus, I sought out the Sword Demon for advice.
“You want to know about the famous thieves of Jianghu?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
First, I needed to learn how experts known as thieves lived.
I could get information from the Open, but since the Open’s leader was also one of my targets, I wanted to avoid unnecessary leaks and went to my ally, the Sword Demon.
“Hmm, you’re thinking of something outlandish. Do you really think I would know about such things?”
“Well, you’re practically the head of the Eight Demons of the Demon Path…”
“True enough.”
The Sword Demon, who had been smiling wryly, finally spoke up.
“Currently, there are two famous thieves in Jianghu.”
“Two?”
“One is the White Faced God, Fang Liu Xiang. This guy is an anomaly of the Correct and Neutral Sect and can be said to be the best at disguise. He has successfully executed a few big thefts by leveraging those skills, but he’s more of a free-spirited Jianghu person who dabbles in thievery rather than solely focusing on it. His martial arts level is quite high.”
“Hmm.”
“The other is Kwayung. His name is unknown, but he’s said to be the finest top-class thief in the land. It seems he has ties with the bureaucracy, maybe even a secret agent nurtured by them.”
“Do you have a specific reason for declaring Kwayung as the best?”
“With a hundred different heists under his belt, no one knows his name or face, and not a soul has ever caught a glimpse of him. He’s never failed a single theft. This guy’s a real master.”
“Umm…”
“The issue is that Kwayung doesn’t work for private jobs. He appears to steal only for his own motives, seemingly uninterested in money.”
It turned out there were quite a few prodigies in Jianghu. After pondering, I asked the Sword Demon, “Can I meet White Faced God Fang Liu Xiang or Kwayung? Please help.”
“How can I possibly assist you?”
“Because you’re the lord of the Shadowless Gate.”
At my words, the Sword Demon burst into laughter.
“Haha! That might be true. I can’t guarantee anything about Kwayung, but I can introduce you to Fang Liu Xiang. That way, I can somewhat repay the debt I owe Hyea.”
I accepted the Sword Demon’s introduction and headed to the place he mentioned.
Fang Liu Xiang lived in a nameless mountain village a whole six hundred li away from the Shadowless Gate.
Arriving at a cottage on the outskirts of the village, I sensed someone watching me from afar.
I sent out a signal to him.
[Are you White Faced God? I’m someone who came with the Sword Demon’s introduction.]
Swoosh.
White Faced God revealed his aura. He was a handsome man in his late thirties with a slender build.
Fang Liu Xiang looked at me with wariness in his eyes and extended his hand. After I presented the introduction, he read it and said, “This is indeed the unique seal of the Shadowless Gate. After being rescued by the Sword Demon, I aimed to live in seclusion and help him with any of his requests… Can I repay the Sword Demon through you?”
“That’s right.”
“I don’t quite understand. With your level of martial arts, you could do anything you want by your own power. Why would you seek out someone as insignificant as me?”
As expected of a Peak Expert, he could tell instantly that I had power.
Even though he might feel fear, he stepped forward, suggesting the Sword Demon’s life force meant something significant to him.
“I came to inquire about the art of thievery.”
Fang Liu Xiang’s expression changed oddly at my words.
“The art of thievery…?”
I showed him my secret technique and explained my current situation.
After listening to me, Fang Liu Xiang scrutinized the secret technique for about half a moment.
Then, he suddenly said, “You said your name is Baek Woong. Have you mastered all the martial arts here?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm… Stealing using internal energy from an expert.”
Fang Liu Xiang wore a perplexed expression before standing up and tossing a few silver coins at me.
“Put those coins in your pocket and walk away slowly.”
As I followed Fang Liu Xiang’s instructions, he quietly approached from behind and brushed past me.
In a swift motion, he lifted the coins from my pocket before saying, “Given your martial arts level, it was clear that you noticed the moment I stole them. Even without a sound, tricking an expert’s senses is nearly impossible.”
“That’s true.”
“What I just performed is a technique from the art of thievery. However, it nearly encapsulates years of wisdom from pickpockets and isn’t anything special. Thus, using it against an expert of Peak level is out of the question.”
“But I heard you managed to successfully steal from Peak level experts a few times.”
“That wasn’t thievery. I infiltrated the enemy’s fortress using my skills to steal discreetly. That’s a different matter.”
Then Fang Liu Xiang added, “Rather, wouldn’t it be more practical for you to ambush the leader outright and take what you need by force?”
“That’s not stealing; that’s robbery. A thief is not a bandit.”
“That’s true…”
“Think of another method for me. The Sword Demon said you’re the most talented thief among the infamous ones in Jianghu.”
“……”
At that, Fang Liu Xiang’s demeanor changed, showing determination.
Even if I was just making it up on the spot, it seemed enough to rekindle his drive.
Fang Liu Xiang lowered his head deep in thought before something seemed to click.
“Alright. I’ll teach you my secret technique.”
Fang Liu Xiang entered his house and soon returned with something that looked like a thin, wrinkly piece of skin meant for the face.
As soon as I saw it, I exclaimed, “That’s a mask!”
A tool used to conceal one’s face.
In fact, mastering the skill of switching masks is to enable rapid changes in one’s appearance.
“Indeed. A high-grade item.”
“Is it a human skin mask?”
“Not at all.”
“I know that using such a mask makes disguise arts more natural and complete. So you’re suggesting I practice using it for disguise arts?”
Slowly, Fang Liu Xiang began to pace.
“You’d know from practicing your skills that, in truth, when you reach a certain realm, you can instantaneously change your appearance. It’s about accelerating the muscle contractions. The point is to practice with the mask to visualize the desired outcome in your mind. And if that acceleration reaches a high level…”
Swoosh!
“…..!!”
“Such things are also possible.”
I was utterly astonished.
Fang Liu Xiang transformed into a stunning woman in the blink of an eye!
It was a level of disguise well beyond what’s normal; it was practically shapeshifting.
Can one really change their whole body in such a short time?
“How on earth did you do that? Is it shapeshifting?”
“Not shapeshifting. This is a technique from the main text called Transformation Art! It can only be used with a mask, allowing one to amplify the speed of their disguise technique that normally only alters their shoulders, enabling a complete bodily transformation.”
“And your voice also changed entirely to a woman’s.”
“Of course; I changed my vocal cords as well… right now, my entire body is that of a woman.”
What phenomenal skill!
Scratching my head, I said, “But the name of this technique is a bit peculiar.”
Swish.
Fang Liu Xiang’s appearance returned to normal.
“As you can see, this technique can’t be maintained for long. Restructuring the muscles and bones puts a significant strain on the body. There were occasions when I transformed back and was discovered… but, since shifting into a woman is the easiest way to catch someone off guard… reverting in women’s clothes tends to draw some… dubious remarks.”
Fang Liu Xiang’s voice trailed off.
“… You mean to say you’ve been labelled a pervert.”
“Well, it’s something that’s happened from previous generations, so I just accepted it… It was named that way in jest.”
“……”
The connotation may not be pleasant, but it’s undoubtedly an impressive skill.
Shapeshifting is quite a difficult art, and mastering it requires extraordinary skill from practitioners, something I had nearly given up on. Yet, with this Transformation Art, you could achieve a similar effect, albeit temporarily.
Fang Liu Xiang continued, “In three days, I’ll teach you the Transformation Art. Normally, it would take a year, but you’ve already reached quite a competent level with your disguise arts and have a solid foundation.”
“Are you saying to use that technique for pickpocketing?”
“Indeed. That’s the only method to steal from a Peak Master of the Nine Great Sects.”
The intensity in Fang Liu Xiang’s eyes sharpened.
“For an expert like you, it’s possible to create a fleeting moment of distraction that transcends the opponent’s perceptual area, making them oblivious for an instant. And then using the Transformation Art to create that ‘moment’ comfortably. Slip in close to familiar faces and strike!”
“Hmm…!!”
“By the way, no thief has ever succeeded in stealing from the leaders of the Nine Great Sects throughout Jianghu’s history. With the pride of a thief of the continent on the line, I sincerely wish you success.”
I began my training in Transformation Art with Fang Liu Xiang.
It was clear this skill required mastery of disguise techniques, mask usage, and various transformation skills.
But as he said, I already had a foundation, and in just two days, I completed it all.
Fang Liu Xiang handed me the human skin mask before saying, “Take my mask with you.”
“But you need to use it too.”
“You’re the first person I’ve passed my Transformation Art to in my life. You could say I’ve entrusted the essence of the main text to you, so please use it well. I’ll now retire from thievery.”
“……”
I feel like I’ve just taken on more debt.
Receiving the mask from Fang Liu Xiang, I decided to test it out and went back to Luoyang, where I lay in wait to observe the disciples of the Iron Blood Gate.
‘Those guys can be considered first-class at best. I need to see if my pickpocketing can work on them first… huh?’
As I spotted a familiar face, a glint appeared in my eye. I focused on an elderly master from the Iron Blood Gate wearing a bamboo hat.
“Ghost Shadow Swordsman Jin Pyeong, long time no see.”
He was the one who had once put my neck in danger!
First, I used the Transformation Art to turn into a woman of ordinary appearance and quickly changed into women’s clothing, passing by in the bustling crowd as if nothing happened.
Then right beside Jin Pyeong, I activated the Thunder God lineage technique.
Thunderclap!
For a moment, my physical capabilities were maximized as I dramatically accelerated my speed before executing the pickpocket.
In a flash, I grabbed the silver coins from Jin Pyeong’s sleeve.
Can I do it?
Step, step, step!
I walked away, noticing there wasn’t any reaction from Jin Pyeong.
After taking ten steps, he still didn’t react, and amidst the crowd, his figure completely vanished.
After around a hundred steps, I ducked into a nearby alley, changed my clothes, and released the Transformation Art.
“Ha ha ha….”
I did it!
Not even the Ghost Shadow Swordsman Jin Pyeong noticed!
That means I have no reason to delay any further.
I immediately headed to the nearest Huashan Sect to scout out where the leader resided. Watching out for the disciple closest to him, I secretly knocked him out.
Then, I donned his clothes and used the Transformation Art to slip in as if I were an accepted disciple of the Huashan Sect.
I followed the Huashan Sect leader and, once again, activated the Thunder God technique to execute my pickpocketing once more.
The item I stole quickly slipped into my sleeve.
Clap!
Nice, I’ve taken it!
I casually walked out in front of the Huashan Sect leader, changed my outfit, and began examining my loot.
Then, I was shocked to find an unexpected item in my sleeve.
“Ah…! This is…”
The Huashan Sect’s Leader’s Spirit Guardian?!
It was a symbol of authority for the leader, something he probably kept on him at all times.
With this, I could issue commands to Huashan Sect disciples across the board.
Surprised by the size of what I just stole, I thought about my next steps and decided to keep my head level.
‘What’s the big deal…’
This little Spirit Guardian is less important than my training!
After that, I continued onto the Zhongnan Sect, Clear Stream Sect, Pointy Sword Sect, Sword Family Sect, Ami Sect, and successfully lifted the leader’s Spirit Guardians repeatedly.
Originally, it might have been tricky because the Ami Sect is filled with women, but the Transformation Art allowed me to pass through without issues.
The Open’s leader was also such a low-level martial artist, stealing from him wasn’t tough at all, even if disguising as a beggar was rather grueling.
The loot included some Spirit Guardians and quite a bit of precious treasure.
After succeeding in stealing from all but the Wudang Sect, Shaolin Temple, and Huashan Sect, I fell deep in thought.
‘The Huashan Sect leader is quite formidable… The Shaolin Temple leader is tough too… and Yong Junil…’
Both the leaders of the Wudang Sect and Shaolin Temple were no slouches.
These guys had reached a superior level among Peak Experts, making even getting close to them burdensome.
After all, they were the prodigies nurtured by the prominent figures, the Bright Dragon and the Master of Zen, representing the Orthodox Sect, pouring their all into training.
Additionally, Yong Junil was a reincarnator and had powerful martial arts skills that even I would struggle to beat.
While I didn’t know his absolute state, given his pursuit of the Four Divine Sword Form, it wouldn’t be easy to pickpocket Yong Junil.
“Darn it, let’s just go for it!”
I shut my eyes and charged toward the Wudang Sect and Shaolin Temple. Surprisingly, I succeeded in my pickpocketing without any incidents, leaving only the Huashan Sect.
“……”
Now that I think about it, tricking a Peak Expert isn’t all that hard, is it?
The combination of Thunderclap technique and my immense internal power created a fleeting speed that turned out to be faster than I thought.
Filled with confidence, I decided it was time to make my final challenge—attempt to pickpocket Yong Junil.
I knocked out one of the disciples training at the Huashan Sect and used Transformation Art to approach Yong Junil.
Yong Junil was strolling near a lake, seemingly enjoying a walk and training with one of the four elders.
After a good while, Yong Junil suddenly spoke.
“Elders, I’ve been hearing an interesting rumor lately.”
“What rumor do you speak of?”
“That the leaders of the Nine Great Sects have been pickpocketed and lost their Spirit Guardians. It seems a new master thief has appeared in Jianghu in the last few days.”
“What happened…!!”
“Ha ha. To pickpocket, one must use disguise methods to get close. You, gentlemen…”
Continuing, Yong Junil glanced at the four elders with significant meaning and suddenly issued a command.
“Show me the sword form I’ve taught you here.”
Sword form?!
‘What the?! Did this guy actually pass on the Four Divine Sword Form to the Huashan Sect elders?!’
A wave of shock hit me.
The Four Divine Sword Form!
It is the culmination created by Yong Junil from centuries of reincarnation, gaining knowledge of every martial art from the Four Great Families.
Could it really be that he taught this to the elders?
Yong Junil glanced at me before saying, “Su Jeong-gyeom, you go first.”
As Su Jeong-gyeom, I pondered what to do.
After some thought, I said, “Uh, I forgot.”
“……”
“I’m sorry. I’m rather busy with other duties…”
The other elders surrounding Yong Junil froze and stiffened.
Thinking I was caught, I wanted to make a run for it, but unexpectedly, Yong Junil smiled.
“Ha ha! A thief wouldn’t get caught that easily. Then let’s have Cold Sky Sword Kong Jae show us.”
“Yes!”
Kong Jae began demonstrating his sword techniques earnestly.
Upon watching Kong Jae, I sensed something strange.
‘Huh…? That’s not the Four Divine Sword Form?’
Having endured and observed the Four Divine Sword Form under Yong Junil countless times, I knew all its intricacies better than anyone.
However, Kong Jae’s sword style bore no resemblance to the Four Divine Sword Form.
Once his demonstration ended, Yong Junil applauded, saying, “Well done.”
“Thank you.”
“Do ensure the Huashan Sect styles are practiced and never forgotten. That way, we can remain comfortably within the Nine Great Sects…”
“……”
After finishing that sentence, Yong Junil appeared to let his guard down.
Seeing that reaction, I breathed a sigh of relief.
“Phew. So ‘sword form’ refers to the Huashan Sect styles that have been handed down from ancient times… it seems the sect’s original warriors’ arts…”
Indeed, the four elders of the Huashan Sect hail from the Wind Spirit Sect and its martial artists.
It seems they were practicing the original warriors’ arts of the Huashan Sect as a smokescreen to fit the legacy of the Nine Great Sects.
Had I rashly assumed the sword form to mean the Four Divine Sword Form, it could have led to a grave mistake!
At the very moment Yong Junil was least cautious, I activated Thunderclap and attempted my pickpocket.
Clap!
…Did I get caught?
But thankfully, it seemed Yong Junil didn’t notice.
As soon as the stroll ended, I bolted from the Huashan Sect and beamed with a smile.
‘I did it!!’
I successfully pickpocketed from every leader of the Nine Great Sects!
Next up is the Twelve Joules!
Immediately, I headed to the Zhuge Clan, revealing the treasures stolen from the leaders of the Nine Sects. Zhuge Sa nodded appreciatively and declared, “Quite impressive, Baek Woong, you…”
“Yeah?”
Zhuge Sa seemed genuinely impressed.
“It appears you have a talent for thievery.”
“……”
Clap!
As I set out to pickpocket from the Twelve Joules’ quarters, an uneasy feeling lingered in my chest.
I just need to steal from the Twelve Joules’ leaders, and finally, all that’s left is the Ming Dynasty Emperor, yet I couldn’t shake off this strange discomfort.
…What’s bothering me?
I received compliments, but strangely, I didn’t feel happy about it…