white phantom

Bai Shen walked through the dense forest, the towering trees blocking out most of the sunlight, leaving only faint rays breaking through the canopy. The air here was different—quieter, wilder, as if untouched by civilization.

A hermit…

That was what he sought.

Not an ordinary martial artist, not a grandmaster from a prestigious sect, but someone who had abandoned Murim, someone who understood power beyond the established system.

Such a person would not be easy to find.

But if there was one place that held the secrets of the world… it was the Forbidden Mountains at Murim's borders.

The Legend of the Hermit of the Forbidden Mountains

Long ago, it was said that a warrior rejected the power and conflicts of Murim. He vanished into the mountains, leaving behind all worldly matters.

Those who had attempted to seek him out spoke of strange occurrences—the sound of swords swinging on their own, unseen footsteps echoing in the mist, and whispers carried by the wind, speaking in a voice not quite human.

Yet no one had ever returned with proof that they had truly found the hermit.

Bai Shen didn't care if it was merely a legend. If there was even the slightest chance, he would take it.

Stepping into Forbidden Lands

After days of travel, Bai Shen finally arrived at the foot of the mountains.

The air was thinner. There were no birds, no signs of life except for the soft howling of the wind.

Listen. Feel.

Bai Shen stood still amidst the silence, letting Phantom Echo absorb everything.

No large movements, no living creatures… but something was there.

Deep within the mist, there were unnatural vibrations.

Someone, or something, was waiting.

Bai Shen stepped forward.

As he ventured deeper into the mountains, the sounds around him began to shift. His own footsteps echoed longer than they should have.

As if there was another space hidden within this mountain.

A Mysterious Attack

Swish!

Suddenly, something sliced through the air toward him.

Bai Shen ducked just in time, feeling the cold sharpness of an invisible blade nearly grazing his neck.

Phantom Echo - Second Technique: Rebounding Wave!

Without hesitation, Bai Shen swung his sword toward the attack—yet…

There was nothing.

No enemy. No presence.

And yet, he knew without a doubt that he had just been attacked.

Then, from within the mist, a deep voice echoed.

"Interesting… A blind man who can see more than those with sight."

Bai Shen remained calm.

"Are you the one I seek?" he asked.

A soft chuckle followed.

"If you can survive here for three days, then perhaps I will consider answering that question."

Before Bai Shen could respond, the voice vanished, leaving only silence and an unseen danger.

He had just arrived, but his trial had already begun.