(IM SORRY BUT AT 19/12/2024 THERE WİLL BE NO CHAPTERS BECAUSE OF PERSONAL REASONS,BUT I WİLL POST 2 CHAPTERS TOMORROW İN ORDER TO MAKE UP FOR İT. [NEW CHAPTER EVERYDAY EXCEPT WEEKENDS OR WHEN I HAVE A BIG EXAM] Golden Horizon In a world ruled by martial strength and sharp intellect, Min Joon and Jin Seok—two orphans from the outskirts of society—dream of rising beyond the harsh realities of their lives. Min Joon, a golden-eyed thief with a smirk as sharp as his sword, seeks wealth and freedom. Jin Seok, quiet and distant, strives to become the strongest warrior, though his true motives remain shrouded in mystery. Bound by fate and forged through hardship, the two form an unlikely bond as they navigate the treacherous world of Murim, where martial arts sects clash and secrets lurk in every shadow. Together, they must face powerful enemies, brutal challenges, and the growing weight of their own ambitions. As the horizon glows with the promise of power and peril, will their friendship survive the trials ahead, or will the pursuit of their dreams tear them apart?
Leader Yang sat upright in his bed, his gaze distant as he looked out the window at the Iron Will Sect grounds. The faint hum of disciples training in the distance was barely audible through the heavy silence of the room. The six elders sat across from him, their expressions a mix of grief, concern, and quiet impatience.
Finally, Elder Han, the sternest of the group, broke the silence. His voice was sharp, carrying the weight of authority and urgency.
"Leader Yang, will you please explain what the hell happened? Why are Disciples Fang and Zehn dead? You told us you were attending Sir Chen's niece's funeral. Now you return with injuries, bodies wrapped in white cloaks, and two unknown children. What is going on?"
Leader Yang exhaled slowly, his gaze flickering toward Lee Kang, who stood rigid beside him, his face stoic but his fists clenched tightly. After a brief pause, Leader Yang spoke, his tone steady but heavy with sorrow.
"There was a Demonic Martial Artist," he began, his words deliberate. "A Demonic Master-level opponent."
A hush fell over the room as the elders exchanged tense glances. The mention of a Demonic Master sent a shiver of unease through the air.
Leader Yang continued, his voice unwavering despite the pain evident in his expression. "The village between Hyesan and Tohan—it was completely destroyed. The villagers were slaughtered without mercy. Fang and Zehn…" He paused, their names lingering in the air. "They gave their lives in the battle while protecting the kids."
The elders sat in stunned silence, absorbing the gravity of his words. Elder Jin, the most inquisitive of the group, finally asked, his voice hushed.
"And the children?"
Leader Yang leaned back slightly, shifting his weight to relieve his injured leg. "The red-haired girl was found amidst the ruins of the village. She survived, but she doesn't seem to know our language. Until we understand more, she will stay here under our protection. The other boy is named Min Joon. He is from Tohan. He has talent, but no control over it yet. He will join our sect from now on as the student of So Hyeon herself."
Elder Han furrowed his brow, but before he could press further, Elder Yi, a calm and analytical figure, spoke up. "And your injuries, Leader Yang? If what we know is true, you should be stronger than any Demonic Master."
Leader Yang's gaze dropped momentarily to his bandaged leg before he responded. "The Demonic Martial Artist knew we were there. He was prepared." His voice carried a hint of bitterness. "He used a talisman—one laced with explosive energy. It detonated in my face before I could react. I managed to get So Hyeon and Lee Kang out of the blast's radius, but the building collapsed on top of me. If not for San Woo pulling me free from the rubble, I might not be here now."
The room fell silent again, the elders absorbing this revelation. Their expressions were a mix of relief and unease.
Elder Jin leaned forward, his excitement barely contained. "Wait, Leader Yang. Are you telling us that So Hyeon and Lee Kang—our disciples—defeated a Demonic Master by themselves?" His eyes glimmered with pride. "This is extraordinary! Such a feat would be unheard of!"
The elders murmured amongst themselves, their pride swelling at the thought of their disciples achieving such an impossible victory. But Elder Yi, always keen to focus on the practical, broke through the excitement with a pointed question.
"And where is San Woo now?"
Leader Yang's expression sobered, and his gaze turned thoughtful. "San Woo stayed behind."
The elders stiffened at this revelation, the room growing colder with the implications.
"San Woo… stayed behind? But why?" Elder Han's voice was low, his eyes narrowing.
Leader Yang's voice was quiet but firm. "He said there was something he needed to take care of. He promised he would return to the sect soon."
The elders exchanged glances, their excitement replaced by solemn concern. The silence that followed felt heavier than before.
Finally, Elder Yi spoke, his voice steady but somber. "Then we must strengthen our defenses and prepare. If a Demonic Master was active so close to Hyesan, there could be another."
The rest of the Elders nodded faintly. "You're right. Inform the disciples to remain vigilant. And ensure the children—Min Joon and the girl—are watched closely. Just to be safe, in case they are connected to the Demonic Cult."
The elders stood, their faces set with grim determination. One by one, they filed out of the room while bowing and giving their respect to Leader Yang, their whispers trailing behind them like faint echoes.
As the door closed behind the last elder, Lee Kang finally spoke, his voice low and hesitant. "Leader Yang… why didn't you tell them about Jin Seok?"
Leader Yang smiled faintly, his gaze turning to the window again. "Because some truths are better revealed when the time is right. For now, they don't even trust Min Joon and Alara. Just think what could happen if we tell them there's a boy who can drain Demonic IQ."
Lee Kang frowned but nodded in understanding.
Leader Yang let out a deep breath, his thoughts turning to the boy Jin Seok, whose actions had turned the tide of their victory. A boy who carried strength he didn't yet understand—a strength that would one day shake the very foundations of the Murim.
Meanwhile
Jin Seok sat cross-legged on the floor, chewing on a piece of stale bread. Beside him, steam lazily curled from a small clay cup filled with a hot beverage San Woo had brewed earlier. The moment Jin Seok took a sip, his face contorted in disgust.
"Why is this so sour? What did you put in it?" Jin Seok asked, squinting into the cup as though he could spot the culprit.
San Woo, who was seated nearby, didn't bother to look up. He smirked slightly, his focus on a parchment spread across his lap. "It's good for you. Don't say another word or I'll make you train your body today as well."
Jin Seok froze, his hand still holding the cup. "Wait… we're not training today?" he asked, a hint of hope in his voice. His calm demeanor faltered as his aching body clung to the promise of rest.
San Woo's smirk grew as he dipped his brush into the ink. "We'll train," he said casually, "but not your body. Today, we'll train your mind."
Jin Seok blinked, processing the words. "My mind?"
"Yes, your mind. It's been rotting long enough." San Woo's tone was teasing, but there was no room for argument.
Jin Seok let out a small sigh of relief, his shoulders loosening. Even he couldn't deny that his muscles needed a break. "Fine," he muttered, gulping down the rest of the sour drink despite the taste.
San Woo's sharp gaze darted toward him. "Did you finish eating? Good. Come sit next to me."
"I'm coming," Jin Seok replied begrudgingly, dragging himself to the small table where San Woo sat.
The two sat face-to-face at the low wooden table. Its surface was scarred and stained, likely from years of use. A old book lay on top, along with a brush pen and an inkstone. San Woo's expression was calm and focused, a stark contrast to Jin Seok's mildly confused and suspicious stare.
San Woo cleared his throat. "Alright. First, I'll teach you about geography."
Jin Seok frowned, his brows knitting together. "Geography? How is that supposed to help me get stronger? I understand my body is important, but geography?"
San Woo exhaled slowly as though dealing with a stubborn child. Without warning, he reached across the table and lightly smacked Jin Seok on the head with the brush handle.
"Let me ask you this," San Woo said sharply. "Say you need an elixir to save someone's life, but the ingredients are found in the Forest of the Sichuans. Tell me—where is that?"
Jin Seok froze, his mouth half-open. "Uh…" He looked down, realizing he had no answer.
San Woo smirked, satisfied. "Exactly. Geography is knowledge, and knowledge can save your life. I'll explain the details later, but for now, you only need to know the basics."
San Woo dipped the brush into the ink and began sketching a rough map onto a blank parchment. Jin Seok leaned forward slightly, watching as the lines and shapes began to form.
"Right now, we're in Aniyo Village—or what's left of it," San Woo said, his tone softening briefly as he referenced the village's destruction. "This village is—or was—under the control of the Wudang Sect."
"And what is Wudang?" Jin Seok repeated, his tone curious.
San Woo nodded and pointed to the northwest section of the map. "Yes. Wudang is one of the six great sects that form the Murim Union."
Jin Seok furrowed his brows. "And What isThe Murim Union?"
San Woo's brush paused briefly. He looked up at Jin Seok and smiled faintly. "The Union was created for one purpose: to stand against the Demon Sect." He tapped the northern part of the map with the tip of the brush. "The Demon Sect is in the far north—right above us, you could say."
Jin Seok's eyes widened slightly, his gaze darting to the map as though he could see the sect looming over them. "They're that close,no wonder they managed to destroy this village before anybody could understand?"
San Woo shrugged nonchalantly, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Yeah no wonder,but isn't better for you the more Demons you drain the stronger you get.Think of them like a food."
"Food?" Jin Seok repeated incredulously, his voice rising slightly.
"Yes," San Woo replied, as if it were obvious. "You're training to devour opponents like them,aren't you?."
Jin Seok's expression remained skeptical, but he said nothing.
San Woo continued drawing on the map, labeling key regions. "The Murim Union is made up of six sects," he explained, tapping each area as he spoke. "Wudang is here, in the northwest—that's where we are now. In the northeast, you'll find the Shaolin Sect. To the southwest is Mount Hua. The southeast belongs to Emei, and in the far south is the Tang Poison Sect."
Jin Seok nodded slowly, trying to absorb the information. "And what about the Beggars' Sect?" he asked.
San Woo paused and grinned. "They're everywhere," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Have you ever seen a beggar?"
Jin Seok frowned, thinking hard. "Well… yeah, of course."
San Woo leaned back, clearly enjoying himself. "Then you've seen the Beggars' Sect. They blend in. They could be anyone, anywhere. Just saying."
Jin Seok blinked, processing the thought. "That's… unsettling."
San Woo chuckled softly, clearly amused. "Good. Now, geography is done,for now."
Jin Seok let out a breath, relieved that the lesson seemed to be over. But San Woo wasn't done. He picked up the brush pen and held it out to Jin Seok with a grin.
"Now, we move on to reading and writing."
Jin Seok stared at the pen like it was a weapon. "Reading and writing?"
San Woo's grin widened. "Yes,you dont know how to write and read,we need to take care of that problem. Every time you make a mistake, you'll run a mile. So think carefully before you answer."
Jin Seok's face paled, and he swallowed nervously. "You're joking… right?"
San Woo tilted his head slightly, feigning innocence. "What do you think?"
Jin Seok groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Why does everything with you feel like torture?"
San Woo laughed, sliding the brush into Jin Seok's reluctant hand. "Because it is."
Jin Seok glared at him, but San Woo only smirked in response.
"Now get started," San Woo ordered, pointing to the parchment in front of him. "I'll correct you when you mess up."
Jin Seok sighed heavily, already dreading what lay ahead. As he dipped the brush into the ink.