Yi Shi-woon's training routine had become the central axis of his life. Each day was a repetition of physical exertion, constant learning, and a growing awareness of the vast and dangerous world of the Murim. Although he was still a novice, he felt he had advanced significantly from the weak and fearful student he had been. His body responded better to his commands, his movements were more precise, and his understanding of Ki was slowly deepening.
One afternoon, as Shi-Woon was returning home after an intense training session at a new location Master Goo had shown him—a wooded area on the outskirts of town—he noticed something unusual. A bright red sports car was parked at the end of his street, a vehicle that clearly clashed with the humble atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Curiosity piqued his curiosity, and he quickened his pace. As he approached, he saw a woman leaning against the car, her slender figure dressed in elegant clothes and dark sunglasses hiding her eyes. She had an air of sophistication and power that Shi-woon had never seen up close.
As Shi-Woon walked past her, the woman straightened and called out to him. "Excuse me, are you Yi Shi-Woon?"
The woman's voice was soft but authoritative, with a slight foreign accent that Shi-woon couldn't identify. He stopped, surprised that someone like that knew him.
"Yes, it's me," he replied cautiously.
The woman took off her sunglasses, revealing sharp eyes that scanned him from head to toe. Shi-woon felt uncomfortable under her intense gaze.
"My name is Sera Kang," the woman said, extending a hand. "I am... an acquaintance of your master, Goomoonryong."
Shi-woon hesitated for a moment before shaking her hand. His grip was firm, unexpectedly strong.
"An acquaintance of Master Goo?" Shi-Woon asked, his mind trying to process this unexpected connection. Master Goo had never mentioned anyone named Sera Kang to him.
"That's right," Sera replied with an enigmatic smile. "I came to talk to you."
The invitation took him by surprise. Why would such an elegant and mysterious woman want to talk to him?
"About what?" Shi-Woon asked, feeling increasingly nervous.
"About Goomoonryong, of course," Sera said. "I know he's training you."
The confirmation made Shi-woon alert. How did she know? Was she a friend or an enemy of his master?
"I don't know what you're talking about," Shi-Woon lied, remembering Master Goo's warning about keeping his training a secret.
Sera Kang let out a small laugh. "Come on, Yi Shi-Woon. I know more than you think. Goomoonryong doesn't usually take apprentices. The fact that he's training you means there's something special about you."
Her words caught him off guard. Special? It was the same word Master Goo had used at the beginning.
"What do you want from me?" Shi-Woon asked, his voice firmer now.
"Nothing bad, I assure you," Sera replied, raising her hands in a sign of peace. "I just want to understand why Goomoonryong chose you. And perhaps... offer you my help."
The offer was intriguing, but Shi-woon was cautious. He knew nothing about this woman or her intentions.
"I don't need your help," Shi-Woon said distrustfully. "Master Goo is teaching me everything I need to know."
Sera Kang smiled again, a smile that didn't seem entirely sincere. "You may believe that now, but the world of the Murim is far larger and more complex than Goomoonryong has told you. There are factions, alliances, and dangers you can't even imagine."
He continued speaking, mentioning Murim names and events Shi-woon had never heard of. He spoke of powerful clans, power struggles, and the constant threat of hidden enemies. His words painted a much darker and more complicated picture than Master Goo had presented.
"Goomoonryong has his own problems, his own enemies," Sera continued. "By getting involved in his world, you're putting yourself in danger as well. Perhaps my help can make a difference."
Shi-Woon remained silent, weighing her words. Part of him distrusted this mysterious woman, but another part was curious about the information she was sharing. Was Master Goo hiding something from him? Were there dangers in the Murim he wasn't aware of?
"Why would you tell me all this?" Shi-woon finally asked. "What do you gain from this?"
Sera Kang sighed. "Let's just say I have my own reasons for being interested in the well-being of Goomoonryong... and his apprentices."
He didn't elaborate, but his expression suggested a much longer and more complex story. Before Shi-Woon could ask any more questions, Sera Kang checked her watch.
"I must go now," he said. "But think about it, Yi Shi-Woon. If you ever need to talk, or if you feel like Goomoonryong isn't telling you the whole truth, you can find me." He handed her a business card with a phone number and contact name. "Don't hesitate to call."
With one last sharp glance, Sera Kang hopped into her sports car and sped off, leaving Shi-Woon standing on the sidewalk, card in hand, his mind filled with questions and uncertainty. His unexpected encounter with this mysterious woman had planted a seed of doubt in his growing confidence and shown him a new perspective on the dangerous world he was entering.
To be continued...
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