The café was a quiet, dimly lit place, with small, secluded tables that offered a degree of privacy. Yi Shi-Woon arrived early, feeling nervous and insecure. He wasn't used to meeting people like Sera Kang, people who seemed to operate in a completely different world from his own.
Sera Kang arrived a few minutes later, dressed in an elegant dark suit that made her stand out among the cafe's casual clientele. She smiled at the sight and approached their table.
"Thank you for coming, Yi Shi-Woon," she said, taking a seat across from him. "I know it can't have been easy for you."
Shi-Woon nodded silently, feeling a little intimidated by her presence.
"I know you have many questions," Sera continued. "I'll try to answer them as best I can. But you must understand that there are things I can't tell you, for your own safety and for Goomoonryong's."
Shi-Woon nodded again, understanding that he wouldn't get all the answers right away.
Sera began to talk about Goomoonryong's past, revealing bits of his story that Shi-Woon had never imagined. She told him about his meteoric rise in the Murim, his incredible talent, and his reputation as one of the most powerful martial artists of his generation. But she also told him about his dark side, the difficult choices he'd made, and the enemies he'd made along the way.
"Goomoonryong wasn't always... like he is now," Sera explained. "There was a time when he was more impulsive, more ruthless. He was involved in many conflicts, including the search for the Azure Dragon Tablet."
His words confirmed Shi-woon's suspicions. Master Goo not only knew about the tablet, but had been actively involved in its search.
Sera continued, speaking of a tragic event in Goomoonryong's past, something that had deeply affected him and led him to leave the Murim world for a time. She didn't give specific details, but Shi-Woon could feel the pain in her voice as she mentioned it.
"Goomoonryong retired to try to put that past behind him," Sera said. "But the Murim do not forget easily. Their enemies still seek him out, and the Azure Dragon Tablet remains an object of desire for many."
Sera then talked about the reason why she thought Goomoonryong had decided to train Shi-Woon.
"Goomoonryong is a very private man," Sera said. "He doesn't usually take apprentices. The fact that he's chosen you suggests that he sees something special in you, something perhaps even you haven't realized yet. Perhaps he's trying to protect you, or perhaps he has other motives. I don't know for sure."
Sera also warned him about the dangers of becoming too involved in the world of Goomoonryong. She explained that its enemies were powerful and ruthless, and that by being close to it, Shi-woon was also putting himself at risk.
"I'm not telling you this to scare you," Sera said. "I just want you to be aware of the situation. If you ever feel you're in danger, or if you need help, don't hesitate to call me."
The conversation with Sera Kang left Shi-Woon with more questions than answers, but also with a deeper understanding of the complex world he had entered. Master Goo wasn't simply a martial arts master; he was a figure with a dark past and dangerous enemy. And somehow, Shi-Woon had become part of his world. The shadow of doubt was still present, but now it was accompanied by a growing determination to uncover the truth and protect himself on this new and dangerous path.
To be continued...
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