The bloodied clearing still smelled of iron and Qi from his duel with Jang Mok. Han Jae-min sat on a stone, his golden eyes scanning the horizon. The battle had left him drained, but his mind was sharper than ever. Murim was vast, full of sects, prodigies, Supreme Masters, and dark forces like the Demonic Alliance. If he was to survive—and lead—he could not do it alone.
Eon-hwa and Seo Yura approached, their Qi calm but resolute.
"We cannot face the Demonic Alliance as wanderers," Eon-hwa said. "We need structure, allies, and a name that inspires loyalty."
Jae-min nodded. "Then we begin. We'll build a sect—not just to fight, but to train, strategize, and grow. The Golden Fang Sect. A place for those willing to follow the path of strength, honor, and unity."
Their first recruits were minor prodigies and wandering swordsmen who had heard of Jae-min's Twin Fang technique and his exploits against rogue factions and the demonic master. Each was tested in combat, Qi control, and loyalty.
Training focused on Murim essentials:
Dual-sword mastery, including Twin Fang evolution.
Qi cultivation, allowing disciples to channel energy into offense, defense, and agility.
Strategy and survival, emphasizing teamwork and adaptability.
As the small sect formed, word spread quickly. Murim's world was highly interconnected, and even minor factions noticed a new force rising in the Eastern Mountains.
From a distant cliff, a hidden Supreme Master observed. Murim was full of such eyes—those who remained in shadows, guiding or testing the next generation of leaders. "Interesting," the master muttered. "The purple-haired swordsman… he is beginning to understand what it means to lead, not just fight."
Eon-hwa spoke, showing Jae-min a scroll of Murim's ranking system:
1. Swordsman – Skilled fighters with basic Qi control.
2. Prodigy – Young warriors with exceptional talent.
3. Elite – Masters who lead sections of sects, feared and respected.
4. Supreme Master – Hidden dragons whose influence shapes Murim politics.
5. Demonic Master – Forbidden power users from outside Murim, like Jang Mok, whose mastery can threaten entire factions.
"Your path is clear," Eon-hwa said. "To protect Murim and oppose the Demonic Alliance, we must rise through these ranks—not just for strength, but for influence and alliances."
Jae-min's golden eyes glowed with determination. "Then we train, we fight, and we grow. The Golden Fang Sect will not be a minor footnote—it will be a beacon for those who value strength, loyalty, and Murim's survival."
As the sun set behind the mountains, casting long shadows over their training ground, a sense of purpose settled over the young swordsman and his small group. Murim's war against the Demonic Alliance had begun, and the Golden Fang Sect would rise—one battle, one disciple, and one strategy at a time.