Yi Shi-woon's existence began to split into two distinct worlds. During the day, he remained the shy and reserved high school student, albeit with a growing sense of inner confidence that had yet to manifest itself externally. In the early mornings and late afternoons, he immersed himself in the secret world of training with Master Goo, a world of intense physical exertion and surprising revelations about the Murim.
One afternoon, while practicing kicking in the park, Master Goo abruptly stopped the exercise. His usually serene expression had hardened.
"We have company," he said, his gaze fixed on the park entrance.
Shi-woon squinted, trying to see what had caught his master's attention. At first, he saw nothing, only the elongated shadows of the trees at dusk. But then, two figures emerged from the bushes, walking with a determination that radiated hostility.
They were two burly men, with visible scars on their faces and a way of carrying themselves that suggested combat experience. They weren't wearing school uniforms or sportswear, but rather dark, loose-fitting garments that seemed practical for combat.
"Who are they?" Shi-Woon whispered, feeling a shiver of fear run down his spine. He'd never seen people like them outside of action movies.
"People of the Murim," Master Goo replied, his voice low and strained. "And they're not here for a friendly visit."
One of the men stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Master Goo. "Nine Arts Dragon," he said, his voice harsh and menacing. "We have a score to settle."
The nickname made Shi-Woon tense up. Nine Arts Dragon? Was that his master's real name? It sounded dangerous, like something out of the stories Master Goo had told him about the Murim.
Master Goo didn't respond immediately, watching the two men with a calmness that contrasted with Shi-Woon's growing anxiety.
"What do you want?" Master Goo finally asked, his tone firm but cautious.
"We only want what's ours," the first man replied, taking a step closer. "We came for the Azure Dragon Tablet."
The mention of the tablet meant nothing to Shi-Woon, but Master Goo's reaction was immediate. His body tensed even further, and his eyes shone with a cold intensity.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Master Goo said, though his tone didn't convince Shi-Woon.
The second man, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward. "Don't play with us, Nine Arts Dragon. We know you have her. Hand her over and we'll let you go."
The situation was becoming increasingly tense. Shi-woon felt paralyzed with fear, watching the exchange with his heart pounding in his chest. This was the reality of the Murim, the secret world Master Goo had described to him. It wasn't a fairy tale of heroes and villains, but a dangerous place where disputes were settled with violence.
Master Goo sighed, his posture relaxing slightly, though Shi-Woon could feel the tension still present in his muscles. "Even if I had it," Master Goo said, "I wouldn't give it to the likes of you."
The response seemed to be the signal the two men had been waiting for. Without warning, they launched an attack. The first man lunged at Master Goo with surprising speed, his fist aimed at his face. Master Goo moved with incredible agility, dodging the blow and counterattacking with a swift kick that sent the man tumbling backward.
The second man attacked Shi-Woon, likely seeing him as the weakest link. Shi-Woon screamed and backed away, feeling fear take hold of him. The training he'd received was basic and hadn't prepared him to face such an experienced and aggressive opponent.
Before the man could reach him, Master Goo stepped between them, blocking one blow with his arm and throwing another that knocked down the second attacker. The fight was fast and brutal. Master Goo moved with lethal efficiency, his blows precise and powerful. Within seconds, both men were lying on the ground, groaning in pain.
Master Goo approached them, his expression grim. "Next time you come looking for me, be sure to send someone who can truly challenge me."
The two men nodded reluctantly, their eyes filled with fear. Then they struggled to their feet and limped away from the park.
Shi-woon stared at the scene, his mind still processing what he had just witnessed. He had seen Master Goo in action for the first time, and the reality far surpassed any description. The world of the Murim was not a legend; it was real and dangerous. And he had somehow stumbled into the middle of it. The training had barely begun, and already he had encountered the dark side of this new world. The awakening would not only be physical, but also a harsh confrontation with a reality far more complex and dangerous than he had ever imagined.
To be continued...
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