Chapter 3: Girl of the Iron Willow Sect

The village was alive with a strange mixture of tension and festivity. Merchants set up makeshift stalls along the main road, selling everything from dried herbs to trinkets, hoping to profit from the influx of visitors coming to pay respects at the funeral of the village's wealthiest merchant. Despite the buzz of commerce, an undercurrent of unease lingered. Rumors of nearby villages being razed spread like wildfire, and some whispered that the merchant's death was no accident.But the rumors were just rumors of the bored villagers.

From their vantage point atop a weathered rooftop, Min Joon and Jin Seok watched the chaos unfold below.

"Do you think they'll sell all that junk?" Min Joon asked, biting into a slightly bruised *borrowed* apple.

Jin Seok sat beside him, legs crossed, his gaze steady. "People buy things when they're scared. It makes them feel safe."

Min Joon snorted. "I'd rather have another apple then all that useless junk."

Suddenly, the lively chatter quieted. All eyes turned to the village gate as a group of martial artists strode in. Their robes bore the emblem of the Iron Will Sect—a small but prestigious sect known for its balance and wisdom. Though not large, its warriors were renowned for their discipline and mastery of subtle, precise techniques.

At the front of the group walked Leader Yang, a man whose serene presence commanded respect. His calm eyes scanned the crowd, and his very presence imposed an invisible pressure. The village elders, gathered near the gate, bowed deeply, their faces a mix of reverence and relief.

"Look at them," Min Joon muttered, nudging Jin Seok. "They're acting like he's the emperor or something."

"He's strong," Jin Seok replied simply.

Behind Leader Yang stood a young woman, around seventeen, her playful energy a stark contrast to the sect leader's composed grace. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, barely masking the restlessness bubbling beneath. She glanced around, spotting the boys on the rooftop.

"She's looking right at us," Min Joon whispered, elbowing Jin Seok.

"Maybe she is in love with you," Jin Seok said his eyes closed.

Before Min Joon could respond, the girl turned and spoke briefly to Leader Yang. The boys couldn't hear the conversation, but they saw her hands moving animatedly pointing towards Min Joon and Jin Seok, her face alight with enthusiasm.

Leader Yang, calm and composed, raised an eyebrow at her enthusiasm.

His composed face faltered, a flicker of exasperation showing before he nodded, sighed deeply, and gently patted her shoulder. The girl beamed in triumph before bounding toward the boys.

With a single leap, she landed lightly beside them. "Comfy up here?" she asked with a playful grin.

Min Joon gawked. "How did you…?"

"I'm So Hyeon," she said, ignoring his question. "And you two?"

Min Joon straightened. "I'm Min Joon."Thinking maybe Jin Seok was Right

"Jin Seok," the quieter boy added, his eyes studying her carefully.

So Hyeon sat down, grinning. "You guys have talent. How about coming with us to the Iron Willow Sect?"

Min Joon blinked, then laughed. "Wait, what?"

Jin Seok frowned, his voice steady. "Why?"

"Why?" So Hyeon repeated, tilting her head.

"Yes," Jin Seok continued, his gaze sharpening. "Why would someone like you talk to us? Why would the Iron Willow Sect care about two kids like us?"

For a moment, So Hyeon didn't answer. Then she leaned forward slightly, her grin softening into something more serious. "My eyes," she said, tapping her temple with a finger, "are really good at spotting potential."

Min Joon stared at her. "Eyes? That's it?"

She shrugged with an exaggerated sigh. "Yep. Leader Yang told me to find promising people before we came here,and here you are."

Jin Seok's expression remained skeptical, though his lips twitched slightly. "You're strange."

"I've been told that before," So Hyeon said with a wink. "Anyway, we'll be here for a week or two for the funeral. Plenty of time for you to think it over." She leaned back, glancing at the sky. "In the meantime, I'll keep an eye on you two."

Min Joon laughed. "Good luck with that."

As So Hyeon leapt off the roof, Jin Seok remained silent, watching her go.

"She's strange," Min Joon said again, biting into his apple.

"She's suspicious" Jin Seok replied quietly.

Min Joon shrugged. "Still weird."

Below, the villagers bustled about, oblivious to the quiet exchange above. And as the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows over the village, neither boy realized how much their lives were about to change.

Two days had passed since their first encounter with So Hyeon. Life had gone on as usual for Min Joon and Jin Seok—stealing bread, sparring with wooden sticks, and dreaming of strength and fortune. Yet, something felt different, a presence they couldn't shake.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of amber, the duo sat on their favorite rooftop, watching the village below.

Min Joon took a bite of the bread they had "borrowed" earlier. "Do you think she's still watching us?"

Jin Seok leaned back, gazing at the clouds. "Probably. She's nosy."

Min Joon grinned. "You think she's impressed by our skills?"

Jin Seok gave him a sidelong glance. "She's probably wondering how we haven't starved to death yet."

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through the evening calm. "I'm more impressed you two haven't been caught."

Min Joon flinched, nearly dropping the bread. "Do you always sneak up on people?"

So Hyeon hopped up onto the rooftop with ease, her arms crossed, a mischievous smile on her face. "Only when they're interesting."

Jin Seok sat up, frowning. "Why are you still here?"

So Hyeon shrugged. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"You're from a sect," Jin Seok pressed. "You've got more important things to do than watch two kids steal food."

She tilted her head, her expression softening slightly. "Maybe. Or maybe you two are more interesting than you realize."

Min Joon blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

So Hyeon sat down across from them, resting her chin on her hand. "Let me ask you something. Why do you train so hard?"

Jin Seok answered without hesitation.

"To be strong."

Min Joon added, "To be rich."

She chuckled. "Honest answers. But what makes you think strength and riches will solve everything?"

Jin Seok's eyes narrowed. "Why do you care?"

There was a moment of silence before So Hyeon leaned in, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Because my eyes are good at judging others. And you two… you're not like the others you guys have potential."

Min Joon frowned. "Potential for what?"

She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she stood, brushing off her robes. "You'll find out eventually. But for now, keep doing what you're doing."

Jin Seok's voice stopped her as she turned to leave. "Why us? Why are you watching us?"

She paused, then smiled. "I told you, my eyes are good. And I see two kids who remind me of someone I used to know."

With that, she vanished into the shadows meanwhile Jin Seok Looking after her with a annoyed face

The next morning, the air was crisp, the village stirring slowly to life. As Min Joon and Jin Seok sparred with their worn wooden sticks on their usual hilltop, Jin Seok's sharp eyes caught a flicker of movement.

So Hyeon was perched casually on a nearby roof, legs swinging, watching them with a bemused expression. She made no effort to hide her presence. Jin Seok lowered his stick and exhaled. "I've had enough," he muttered, voice low.

Min Joon tilted his head. "Enough of what?"

"She's been watching us like a hawk on hunt for days." Jin Seok pointed his stick toward her, his voice louder now. "You! Get down here Now!!"

So Hyeon blinked in mock surprise, a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. "You're calling me out?"

"You heard me," Jin Seok replied, stepping forward, his eyes locked onto hers.

So Hyeon stretched lazily before leaping down in a smooth arc, landing softly on the grass. She adjusted her sleeves, her face alight with amusement. "You're serious,huh?

"Dead serious," Jin Seok said, tightening his grip on his stick.

Min Joon hesitated, glancing between them. "Uh, Jin, maybe this isn't the best idea…"

"I'm tired of being watched like a stray dog," Jin Seok snapped."If she thinks we're so interesting, let her prove it."

So Hyeon sighed, rolling her shoulders. "Alright, but don't cry if it hurts. I'll go easy on you." She raised a single hand, the other dangling at her side.

Jin Seok didn't wait for more banter. He lunged, swinging his stick in a precise arc toward her ribs. But she sidestepped effortlessly, her movement so fluid it seemed like she was dancing.

"Too slow," she teased.

Jin Seok's face hardened, and he adjusted his footing, feinting high before aiming low. Again, she evaded, graceful as a breeze. "Come on, is that all?"

Min Joon couldn't stand by any longer. He grabbed his stick and charged in. "Two against one now!"

So Hyeon laughed, genuine delight in her voice. "Oh? Reinforcements?"

Min Joon swung wildly, using brute force where Jin Seok had used precision. So Hyeon caught the blow with her hand, twisting her body to absorb the impact. "Not bad," she said. "But you'll need more than speed."

Jin Seok seized the opening, striking toward her back. She twisted, narrowly avoiding the hit but losing her footing slightly. Min Joon came in fast, feinting left, then pivoting right. They were working in perfect tandem—Min Joon's raw strength and speed pushing her off balance, Jin Seok's cunning and precision exploiting every weakness.

So Hyeon's smile faltered for the first time. She blocked a blow from Jin Seok but stumbled as Min Joon struck low. She tried to regain her balance, but the combined assault left her no room.

Finally, she tripped and fell backward onto the ground, landing unceremoniously on her back.

Breathing heavily, Min Joon grinned, pointing his stick at her. "We won!"

So Hyeon propped herself up on one elbow, her chest heaving with laughter. "Only because I wasn't using my other hand… or my sword." She gestured to the blade resting peacefully at her side.

Jin Seok leaned on his stick, breathing hard. "Excuses."

Min Joon extended a hand to help her up. "Still, you fell."

She took his hand and stood, dusting off her robes. "I'll give you that. But don't get cocky." She ruffled Min Joon's hair playfully, smirking at Jin Seok. "You've got good teamwork."

Jin Seok frowned. "Why are you even here? Why us?"

So Hyeon's playful demeanor softened for a moment. She looked at Jin Seok thoughtfully. "I already told you. My eyes are good at spotting potential and no normal kid could defeat a martial artist twice her age even ıf he is not using one of his arms"

Min Joon tilted his head. "But we dont have any money on us why us.....?"

So Hyeon chuckled softly, her eyes distant. "That doesnt matter. Or maybe you're more than you think. My eyes don't lie."

Jin Seok didn't seem convinced, his gaze still skeptical. "And if you're wrong?"

She smiled, stepping closer, her voice low but warm. "Then I'll owe you an apology. But I don't think I am.