With his first disciple by his side, Jihoon set out to find a place to establish his sect. They traveled together, seeking out isolated regions where they could train and begin the process of recruitment. But the journey was far from easy, as the land of Murim was filled with dangers.
As they walked through a dense forest one day, Jihoon couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The world was vast, and his vision for the future of Murim was just beginning to take shape.
"I will teach you magic," Jihoon said to his disciple, who was now practicing basic energy control techniques. "And together, we will change the world."
The disciple, Arin, paused in her practice and looked at him with a mix of curiosity and doubt. "Magic... You make it sound so powerful. But how can something no one has ever seen before compete with martial arts? The martial sects have ruled Murim for centuries."
Jihoon smiled, his expression calm but determined. "Magic isn't just a tool or a technique, Arin. It's a way of understanding the world, bending its rules to create something extraordinary. The martial sects rely on brute strength and internal energy, but magic can offer limitless possibilities."
Arin tilted her head, considering his words. "Then why hasn't anyone discovered it before?"
Jihoon's smile widened. "Because they didn't have me. Magic isn't something you stumble upon. It requires a new way of thinking, a perspective that challenges everything people in Murim hold as absolute. That's what makes it so special."
Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden rustle in the underbrush. Arin froze, her instincts honed from years of surviving in the harsh world of Murim. "We're not alone," she whispered.
Jihoon nodded, his senses sharp. "Stay close."
From the shadows emerged a group of bandits, their faces rough and their weapons crude but deadly. The leader, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward, sneering. "Well, well, what do we have here? A pair of wanderers with no protection. Looks like today's our lucky day."
Arin shifted into a defensive stance, her hands glowing faintly with energy as she prepared to fight. Jihoon, however, raised a hand to stop her.
"Let me handle this," he said, his voice calm.
The bandits laughed, mistaking his composure for arrogance. "Handle this? With what? Your bare hands?" the leader mocked.
Jihoon didn't respond. Instead, he raised his hand, and the air around him shimmered with energy. With a flick of his wrist, a burst of flames erupted in front of the bandits, forcing them to step back in shock.
"Leave now," Jihoon said, his voice steady but filled with authority. "This is your only warning."
The bandits hesitated, their confidence shaken. They had never seen anything like this before—an attack that required no weapon or martial technique.
"W-What kind of trickery is this?" one of them stammered.
"No trick," Jihoon replied. "This is magic."
The leader gritted his teeth, but the fear in his eyes was unmistakable. "Let's go," he barked, retreating into the forest with his men.
As the bandits disappeared, Arin stared at Jihoon, her eyes wide with awe. "That was incredible. You didn't even touch them."
Jihoon lowered his hand, the flames dissipating. "Magic is as much about control as it is about power. Remember that, Arin. A single well-placed spell can change the outcome of any battle."
She nodded, her respect for him deepening. "I'll keep that in mind."
They continued their journey, eventually finding a secluded valley surrounded by mountains. The air was thick with untapped energy, and the place felt untouched by the influence of the martial sects.
"This is it," Jihoon said, looking around with a satisfied smile. "This will be the birthplace of the Sect of Magic."
Arin gazed at the valley, her earlier doubts replaced by a growing sense of purpose. "It's perfect."
Jihoon turned to her, his expression serious. "Our path won't be easy, Arin. The martial sects will see us as a threat, and the world will resist change. But if we stay true to our mission, we can build something that will outlast us both."
Arin met his gaze, her resolve firm. "I'm ready. Let's change the world."
As they began planning the foundation of their sect, Jihoon felt a renewed sense of purpose. The journey was just beginning, but with magic as their guide, he was confident they could overcome any obstacle.