The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the rugged mountain path. Jin Ha-Ru walked alone; his footsteps steady but his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The events of the previous night weighed heavily on him. The destruction he had unleashed, the fear in the eyes of his friends, the memories of a life he didn't fully understand—it all haunted him.
He had left Hanam with nothing but the clothes on his back and a determination to find answers. But where could he even begin? The Murim world was vast and filled with dangers he had only heard about in stories. He knew he needed guidance, someone who could help him understand the power within him.
As he walked, Ha-Ru's thoughts drifted to Elder Kim's final words before he left the village: "Seek out the Hermit of Mount Tian. If anyone can help you understand your strange power, it's him."
Mount Tian was a three-day journey from Hanam, and Ha-Ru had no idea what—or who—awaited him there. But it was the only lead he had.
On the second day of his journey, Ha-Ru found himself in a dense forest. The air was thick with the scent of pine, and the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds. It was peaceful, but Ha-Ru couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.
Suddenly, a figure dropped from the trees, landing gracefully in front of him. It was a young woman, dressed in dark robes and wielding a pair of curved daggers. Her eyes were sharp and calculating, and her movements were as fluid as a predator's.
"You're a long way from home, kid," she said, her voice cold and mocking. "Hand over whatever valuables you have, and I'll let you go on your way."
Ha-Ru frowned. He had no time for bandits or thieves. "I don't have anything of value," he said calmly. "Please, just let me pass."
The woman smirked. "We'll see about that."
She lunged at him, her daggers flashing in the sunlight. Ha-Ru reacted instinctively, sidestepping her attack and grabbing her wrist. With a swift motion, he disarmed her, sending one of the daggers flying into the dirt.
The woman's eyes widened in shock. She tried to pull away, but Ha-Ru's grip was like iron. "I told you," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. "I don't want to fight."
For a moment, the woman hesitated. Then, with a frustrated growl, she twisted out of his grip and retreated a few steps. "You're not just some ordinary traveller, are you?" she said, her tone now more curious than hostile.
Ha-Ru sighed. "I'm just trying to find my way."
The woman studied him for a moment, then sheathed her remaining dagger. "Fine. You're not worth the trouble anyway." She turned to leave but paused, glancing back at him. "If you're heading east, be careful. There's a group of bandits camped near the river. They're not as… forgiving as I am."
With that, she disappeared into the trees as quickly as she had appeared.
By the time Ha-Ru reached the base of Mount Tian, the sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. The mountain loomed before him, its peak shrouded in mist. According to the villagers, the Hermit lived somewhere near the summit, but the path was treacherous and rarely travelled.
Ha-Ru began his ascent, his steps steady despite the steep incline. As he climbed, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. What would the Hermit be like? Would he even agree to help?
After hours of climbing, Ha-Ru finally reached a small clearing near the summit. In the centre of the clearing stood a modest hut, its roof covered in moss and its walls weathered by time. Smoke curled from a chimney, and the faint sound of a flute could be heard from within.
Ha-Ru approached the hut cautiously, his heart pounding. Before he could knock, the door creaked open, and an old man stepped out. He had a long white beard and wore simple robes, but his eyes were sharp and filled with wisdom.
"I've been waiting for you," the old man said, his voice calm and measured.
Ha-Ru blinked in surprise. "You… have?"
The Hermit nodded. "The energy you carry is unmistakable. Come inside. We have much to discuss."
Inside the hut, the air was warm and filled with the scent of herbs. The Hermit motioned for Ha-Ru to sit, then poured him a cup of tea. For a moment, they sat in silence, the only sound the crackling of the fire.
"You carry the soul of the Heavenly Demon," the Hermit said finally, his gaze piercing. "A being of immense power and darkness. Tell me, do you remember your past life?"
Ha-Ru shook his head. "Only fragments. I see things in my dreams—battles, bloodshed, a darkness that I can't escape. But I don't know who I was… or what I did."
The Hermit sighed. "The Heavenly Demon was both a savior and a destroyer. He brought order to the Murim world, but at a great cost. His power was unmatched, but it came at the price of his humanity. In the end, he chose to end his own life, hoping to break the cycle of violence."
Ha-Ru's hands trembled as he listened. "But why… why am I here now? Why was I reborn?"
The Hermit's expression softened. "The Heavenly Demon's soul was too powerful to be extinguished. It lingered, waiting for a vessel strong enough to contain it. That vessel is you. But you are not bound by the sins of your past life. You have the power to choose your own path."
Ha-Ru looked down at his hands, his mind racing. "How do I control this power? How do I make sure I don't become… him?"
The Hermit placed a hand on Ha-Ru's shoulder. "That is why you are here. I will teach you to harness your power, to balance the light and darkness within you. But the journey will not be easy. Are you prepared to face the challenges ahead?"
Ha-Ru took a deep breath, then nodded. "I am."
The next morning, the Hermit led Ha-Ru to a secluded training ground near the summit. The air was thin, and the ground was covered in a light layer of frost. The Hermit stood before Ha-Ru; his expression serious.
"To control your power, you must first understand it," the Hermit said. "Close your eyes and focus on the energy within you."
Ha-Ru did as he was told, closing his eyes and reaching inward. He felt the dark energy swirling inside him, restless and untamed. It was like a storm, threatening to consume him if he let his guard down.
"Now, breathe," the Hermit instructed. "Let the energy flow through you, but do not let it control you. You're the master of your own soul, remember that."
Ha-Ru focused on his breathing, slowly calming the storm within. For the first time, he felt a sense of control, as if he were taming a wild beast. The dark energy still pulsed within him, but it no longer felt overwhelming.
The Hermit nodded in approval. "Good. But this is only the beginning. The road ahead will be long and difficult. Are you ready to continue?"
Ha-Ru opened his eyes, his resolve stronger than ever. "I am."
To Be Continued…