Chapter 16: The Path of Subtle Strength

The morning sun filtered through the dense canopy of trees as Lin Yun continued his journey. After saving the siblings from the bandits, his thoughts were a mixture of pride and unease. It was clear to him that strength alone wouldn't be enough in this world—it required strategy, adaptability, and a calm mind. He had won the battle, but the world of Murim was vast, and far stronger foes lay ahead.

As he walked along the winding forest path, Lin Yun felt the faint pulse of energy emanating from the dagger at his side. The weapon had become a trusted companion, and its faint glow reminded him of the hermit's words: *The path of a martial artist is not just about power—it is about harmony.*

Suddenly, his senses sharpened. The faint sound of hurried footsteps reached his ears, accompanied by panicked breathing. Lin Yun slowed his pace, slipping behind a tree to observe.

Moments later, a boy no older than twelve stumbled into view. His clothes were tattered, and his face was pale with exhaustion. He clutched a small wooden box to his chest as if his life depended on it.

The boy glanced over his shoulder, fear evident in his wide eyes. Lin Yun followed his gaze and spotted three men dressed in dark robes emerging from the forest. Their malicious grins revealed their intent.

"You can't run forever, brat," one of them sneered. "Hand over the box, and we might let you live."

The boy stumbled but didn't stop. "This is my family's legacy! You'll never have it!"

Lin Yun stepped out from his hiding place, blocking the boy's path. The child froze, his eyes darting to Lin Yun in panic.

"Please, I—"

"Calm down," Lin Yun said gently, his voice steady. "I'm not with them. What's in the box?"

The boy hesitated but clutched the box tighter. "It's… it's a medicine formula. My father was an alchemist, and this is all that's left of his work. They killed him for it."

Lin Yun's expression darkened. The boy's desperation and the men's cruelty struck a chord within him. He turned to face the approaching pursuers, his hand resting on the hilt of his dagger.

"Hand over the boy, and we won't harm you," the leader of the group said, his tone laced with false politeness.

Lin Yun met his gaze calmly. "You're mistaken if you think I'll let you harm a child."

The leader chuckled. "Another fool playing hero. You don't know who you're dealing with, do you?"

Lin Yun tilted his head. "I could say the same to you."

The tension thickened, and the three men spread out to surround Lin Yun. Their stances revealed they were trained fighters, likely mercenaries or members of a rogue sect.

Without waiting for their move, Lin Yun acted. In one swift motion, he dashed toward the nearest attacker, his dagger flashing in the sunlight. The man barely had time to react before Lin Yun struck a pressure point, dropping him to the ground.

The other two rushed in, one wielding a curved sword and the other a pair of iron claws. Lin Yun's movements were fluid, his eyes sharp as he analyzed their attacks. The sword wielder's strikes were wild but powerful, while the claw user aimed for precision.

Lin Yun sidestepped the sword swing, using the momentum to drive his dagger into the claw user's shoulder. The man cried out, his weapon dropping to the ground. Lin Yun spun around to face the last attacker, his dagger blocking the downward slash of the sword.

Their blades locked, and the man growled, "You're skilled, but you're outnumbered!"

Lin Yun smirked. "Outnumbered? Perhaps. Outmatched? Never."

He pushed back with surprising strength, unbalancing the man before delivering a precise kick to his chest. The man stumbled, giving Lin Yun the opening he needed to knock him unconscious with the hilt of his dagger.

As the last attacker fell, Lin Yun turned to the boy, who watched in awe. "Are you hurt?"

The boy shook his head. "N-no. You… you're amazing, sir!"

Lin Yun knelt down, his tone serious. "What's your name?"

"Jin," the boy said softly.

"Jin, listen to me. This world is dangerous, and there are people who will do anything for power. If your father's formula is that valuable, you need to protect it carefully."

Jin nodded, his grip on the box tightening. "I understand."

Lin Yun glanced at the unconscious men. "These people won't be the last to come after you. Do you have a safe place to go?"

Jin hesitated. "There's an alchemist in the next village who was my father's friend. He might help me."

Lin Yun stood, offering his hand. "Then I'll take you there. It's not safe for you to travel alone."

Jin's eyes filled with gratitude as he took Lin Yun's hand.

---

As they walked, Jin grew more comfortable, sharing stories about his father's work. The formula in the box, he explained, was for a Sacred Grade pill capable of stabilizing a Qi Core even in the most dire conditions. Lin Yun's interest was piqued—it was the kind of treasure that could spark wars in this world.

"Why didn't your father sell it?" Lin Yun asked.

Jin's expression grew somber. "He said some knowledge is too dangerous to be sold. He only wanted it used to help those in need."

Lin Yun couldn't help but admire the man's principles. But he also knew that such ideals often came at a cost in a ruthless world like this.

---

When they finally reached the village, Lin Yun ensured Jin was safely handed over to the alchemist. The old man, a grizzled figure with sharp eyes, promised to protect the boy.

As Lin Yun prepared to leave, the alchemist stopped him. "Young man, you have the bearing of someone who walks a hard road. Take this."

He handed Lin Yun a small pouch filled with herbs and a single Refined Grade pill. "It's not much, but it might save your life one day."

Lin Yun accepted the gift with a nod of thanks. "I'll make good use of it."

As he walked away, Lin Yun felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but he was determined to walk it—not just for himself, but for the people he could protect along the way.