white phantom

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale glow over the still waters. Bai Shen stood at the riverbank, his clothes damp, his body aching from the battle with the Blackwater Serpent. The creature's blood had long since washed away, carried by the current into the unknown.

But Bai Shen didn't move. He felt something.

Not from the river. Not from the wind.

From the trees beyond.

Someone was watching him.

His fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword. His muscles tensed—not out of fear, but because exhaustion still clung to his body from the relentless training. If this was an enemy, this fight would not be an easy one.

He sharpened his senses, feeling the vibrations in the ground beneath his feet. Two people. No, three. Their footsteps were light, their movements deliberate. These were not ordinary hunters. They were Murim warriors.

First Encounter with Murim

A voice finally broke the silence.

"Sharp senses for a blind man."

A young male voice—calm, confident. Bai Shen did not reply.

"Did you kill the Blackwater Serpent?" The figure stepped forward. Bai Shen could tell from the shift in weight that this person had a lean but powerful build. His steps were precise, controlled. A trained fighter.

The other two figures remained in the shadows, unmoving. Bai Shen caught the faint rustling of fabric—Murim robes.

"And if I did?" Bai Shen finally spoke, his voice cold.

"Only a fool would hunt that creature alone."

Bai Shen raised his sword slightly, angling it toward the speaker.

"Are you here to avenge it?"

A soft chuckle. "Of course not. But if you really killed it alone, I want to see your skills for myself."

A step forward. The fight had begun.

First Battle Against Murim

Bai Shen honed his hearing, anticipating the attack.

A sharp shift in the wind—a fast strike! Bai Shen stepped back, slashing toward the source of the movement.

Clang!

Blade met blade. Bai Shen felt the force behind the attack—strong, but not overwhelming.

"Not bad." His opponent sounded amused. "But you're stiff."

The second attack came from above. Bai Shen sensed the shift in air pressure—a feint! The strike curved mid-air, aiming for his shoulder.

Bai Shen twisted sideways, allowing the attack to miss. Then, he retaliated with a sweeping slash.

Swish!

The opponent leaped back, but Bai Shen had already locked onto his position. Another strike—first, second, third. Fast, precise, relentless.

But at the last moment, the opponent twisted his body and drove a kick straight into Bai Shen's chest!

Bugh!

Bai Shen staggered back. His breathing was heavy.

"You're fast... but not fast enough."

Bai Shen clenched his jaw. His chest throbbed, but that wasn't what frustrated him.

He lost in speed.

This opponent was far more experienced. Bai Shen had power and technique, but he lacked one thing—combat experience against human warriors.

The Blackwater Serpent fought on instinct. But this person? He was reading Bai Shen's movements, analyzing him, adapting in real time.

I need more than strength. I need strategy.

Bai Shen steadied his breath, then lowered his sword slightly—an open stance, an invitation.

"Oh?" The opponent raised an eyebrow. "Giving up?"

Bai Shen smirked.

"Try me."

The battle was far from over.