Chapter 13 – Stepping into the Murim World

The silent mountain valley now felt wider than ever. Bai Shen stood at the edge of a cliff, facing the endless horizon. The wind carried the scent of damp earth and fresh leaves, whispering through the air like a distant song.

He had completed his training under the hermit's guidance, but his true journey was only beginning.

"You have learned to understand battle beyond mere strikes and dodges," the hermit's deep voice echoed through the rocks. "But understanding must be tested in the real world."

Bai Shen nodded.

He knew that the Murim world beyond these mountains was not only filled with righteous warriors. There were also those who were cunning, power-hungry, and ruthless in their pursuit of strength.

And among them… was his true enemy.

The Shadow Sect.

The ones responsible for Mei Lin's death.

Bai Shen clenched his fists. He had sworn not to rest until that sect was destroyed.

But before he left, there was one question he needed to ask.

"Master," Bai Shen spoke calmly. "What is the purpose of all this training?"

The hermit gave a knowing smile, as if he had expected the question.

"To make you ask that question yourself," he replied.

Bai Shen remained silent.

"You train not only for revenge but to find something deeper," the hermit continued. "If you live only in the shadow of hatred, you will become just like those you despise."

The words echoed in his mind.

Bai Shen did not argue, but he did not fully accept the wisdom either. He still needed to find his own answer.

"Go now, Bai Shen," the hermit finally said. "The Murim world awaits you."

Without hesitation, Bai Shen turned and left the valley.

His true journey had begun.

---

Footsteps in the Land of Martial Artists

The journey down the mountain took several days. Bai Shen did not rush. He used this time to adjust to his new understanding of combat.

Every step he took was light, nearly soundless. He could feel the wind, sense every change in the air. If before he had relied solely on his hearing to fight, he had now surpassed that limit.

He no longer just listened.

He felt.

Below him, the vast Murim world stretched endlessly. Large cities, small villages, countless martial sects—this land was filled with conflict and ambition, but also with opportunities to sharpen his skills.

He needed to find a sect with ties to the Shadow Sect.

He needed to gather information.

And more importantly—he needed to test his strength.

---

The First Encounter

As the sun began to set, Bai Shen arrived at a small border town. The streets were crowded with merchants, beggars, and warriors carrying all sorts of weapons.

He pulled his hood over his head to conceal his face.

Although he had no intention of causing trouble, he knew that the Murim world was ruthless. If he stood out too much, he would attract unwanted attention.

Yet, someone still noticed him.

A burly man with tattered clothing approached him. The way he walked told Bai Shen everything—this man was a fighter.

"Hey, kid," the man sneered, revealing yellowed teeth. "I haven't seen you around here. Which sect do you belong to?"

Bai Shen remained silent.

The man squinted his eyes, stepping closer. "Or maybe… you don't belong to any sect?"

Bai Shen could already tell where this conversation was heading.

In the Murim world, those without sects were often targeted—either to be humiliated, extorted, or forced into joining certain groups.

He could have ignored the man, but instead, he chose to face him directly.

He smirked slightly. "Why? Do you want to test me?"

The man laughed harshly. "If you're up for it, let's see how strong you are!"

Without warning, the man threw a punch.

Bai Shen did not move.

He simply waited.

And just as the strike was about to hit his face—

Whoosh!

Bai Shen sidestepped effortlessly, letting the attack pass through empty air.

The man stumbled forward, momentarily losing his balance.

Bai Shen remained calm, observing his movements. There was no need to rush.

The man growled and attacked again, this time faster, wilder.

But to Bai Shen, it was as if the world had slowed down.

He could feel the shift in air pressure, the way the wind twisted around his opponent's movements.

And just before the man realized what was happening—

Thud!

A single, precise strike landed on his chest.

The man staggered back, eyes wide in shock.

He had no idea where the attack had come from.

Bai Shen stood still, his blind eyes gazing straight ahead.

He did not need to speak.

He simply walked away, leaving the man gasping behind him.

But among the crowd, someone had been watching closely.

Someone who recognized his fighting style.

And from that moment on, Bai Shen's journey into the Murim world truly began.