The sun had vanished behind the city skyline, leaving streets bathed in neon light. In a secluded Wudang building hidden in the heart of the city, the four young fighters gathered, their voices low but urgent.
"We saw a man, Master," Dae-Hyun said, bowing respectfully. "He moved with… precision. His Qi… it's unlike anything we've felt in the city."
Sang-Ho leaned forward, excitement making his words tumble out. "He handled the thugs like they were nothing! It was like he was just toying with them."
Joon-Woo followed up, "He's insane. I've never seen anything like it."
Kim Tae-Min remained quiet, replaying every movement in his mind, his eyes narrowed.
At the far end of the chamber, Master Li Shan sat cross-legged, his silver hair flowing down his back, eyes sharp and calculating. The room smelled faintly of incense, the wooden floor polished with age. He had trained lots of disciples, and his patience for exaggeration was thin.
"Explain," he said, voice cold and even. "Do not waste words with your impressions. Tell me precisely what happened."
Dae-Hyun inhaled and began recounting the encounter. "Master, he did not strike aggressively. He neutralized several fighters in the alley… with movement and control. His techniques are… advanced."
Li Shan's eyes narrowed sharply. "Advanced?" he snapped. "Enough of your fantasies. Did he display a single move that could threaten even a Wudang disciple? Or is this your imagination filling the gaps?"
Sang-Ho opened his mouth to protest, but Li Shan raised his hand, silencing him.
"You speak as though the world bends to your observations," Li Shan continued, voice now edged with anger. "You are young, reckless, and your judgment is clouded by excitement. I have seen countless pretenders in my time. This city is full of fools who imagine themselves invincible. And yet you bring me tales of a man moving like the wind. Ridiculous!"
The four froze under his gaze. Even Dae-Hyun, usually calm, bowed lower. "Master… we only report what we saw…"
Li Shan slammed a palm on the wooden table, making the room vibrate. "I do not care what you saw! Observations do not equate to mastery! You bring me whispers and expect me to act? Nonsense!"
Tae-Min muttered under his breath, "He's going to be furious for hours…"
Li Shan's expression softened slightly, but only a fraction. "If there is truth in your claims, I will know soon enough. Until then, stop this childish chatter and return to your training. Obedience, discipline and patience, these are your lessons, not tales of imagined heroes."
Dae-Hyun bowed deeply. "Yes, Master."
Later that evening, Dae-Hyun approached the convenience shop alone. The four had dispersed for the night, though their excitement lingered in his mind. He paused outside, taking a deep breath, and stepped in.
Tae-Hyuk was behind the counter, arranging items with calm precision. Dae-Hyun's voice was low but steady.
"I am Choi Dae-Hyun," he said. "We… I saw you earlier today. Though I am from the Cheongcheon sect, I was raised by Wudang. My master... he is skeptical. We told him about you but he dismissed what we reported. But I—"
Tae-Hyuk's gaze sharpened, the faint glow of his Qi flickering in the light.
"You are different," Tae-Hyuk said, interrupting calmly. "And I know you have discernment beyond your peers. Speak freely."
Dae-Hyun inclined his head. "I wish to invite you to meet my Master. Even if my friends and I could not convince him, I believe he must see your abilities for himself. Please… will you meet him?"
Tae-Hyuk studied him for a long moment, expression unreadable.
Finally, he nodded slightly. "Very well. I will meet your Master. But understand, he must prove worthy of my time, as much as I must prove myself to him."
Dae-Hyun's lips curved faintly, a spark of anticipation in his eyes. "Thank you… Master Li Shan will understand."
Tae-Hyuk returned to organizing the shelves. "Wudang... I never it would still be in existence" he thought to himself.
Outside, the city pulsed with energy—Murim factions, hidden threats, and the silent shadow of the Demonic cult, all waiting for the next move.