3 Classic Murim

The blondie sat down next to where Liu was sitting and sipped water. She continued sipping more water, becoming calmer and more relaxed with every sip. "Yea, so I was headed to the capital anyway. It would be nice to have someone that makes it difficult for anyone who might aim their qi at me to have a more difficult time," the seer broke the silence. "But as you know, I can't travel as fast as you folks."

"That is quite alright, I am in no rush," Liu replied quickly, showing his excitement. "Since you boys are going to the capital anyway, might as well go there with me and get paid for it, yea. As you see, one of my guards is dead. So, what say you guys?" she said in a rather cute and jolly manner, which kind of pushed the seer on an edge.

People die all the time in Murim, and people have become very accustomed to it. Murim does not value life, and the seer knew it. The fact that she spoke of the death of someone working for her in such a joyous manner was a serious bother, and yet much acceptable given the environment they live in. But the fact that she has guards and still asks for protection means danger, and she laid it off in such a tone that you would not even consider this as a job request.

"Apologies, my lady, but I can't protect even myself much less you," the seer replied to her well-disguised request.

"Ah, but you can. You are sooooo capable. Should be no problem for one with abilities such as yours, yes?" the woman responded.

It was very clear to the seer what she wanted. If the seer still refused, that meant her journey would be treacherous, and if he agreed to go, a relatively safe trip. After all, no one risks their own life for others in Murim. At least not until there is something to be gained.

"Well, I am rather low on cash, so let's see. It will cost you three times my usual amount," the man in all black answered.

The young lady threw a big pouch that was the size of two fists onto the table without even knowing what the base amount was. And it was still way more than the asked price. Still smiling joyously while she did so was kinda creepy.

"Haha, no thanks but I travel alone so"

*thump*Another pouch same size was thrown onto the table.

"Hoh, you see me being low on cash was a lie and a polite way of soft pressuring you to back off you see."

*thump* that made it three.

"How the hell are you just throwing in so much money with that straight emoji face of yours?"

*thump*

"Alright fine I will go with you," said the seer grabbing all four pouches. And dumping them into his spatial ring that was of course black with slight gold engravings on it.

"Excellent, then we depart tomorrow," and she went up the stairs into her room.

"Brother, I can't shake this feeling of...." Liu tried to say something, but he could not quite put his finger on what or find the word. But the seer understood.

"It is indeed all you think it is and much more. Don't worry; we shall be enough. Although barely," with this, the seer, too, headed up.

He picked up his hat and held it up for a second before placing it back onto his head as he climbed the stairs. It was to be taken as good night and see you tomorrow. And Liu, as well, slowly trudged back towards his room, still contemplating all that had happened.

***

It was a bright and happy morning. The seer opened the windows of his room to take in fresh air. The fresh landscape and the morning dew were like drops of Amrit to Neon. It was mostly quiet in this hillside town during this early morning. You could see two rich brats beating up a poor chap, a rich merchant trying to rip off a farmer, and a few mercenaries bullying a female.

"What a nice atmosphere to start a day with," said the seer. And this was not sarcasm. He meant it. He was numb to all these unfair activities that took place in Murim. He was numb since day two of his arrival into this beautiful land which was rotting away. He expected nothing but this from day one. He had read oh so much.

The land of Murim is an exceptional one, with its mountains and beautiful mythical beasts, but the people are just as rotten. And the ones who are not. Well, They die soon enough.

The seer did not need to get dressed. He sleeps in the attire he wears, which he cleans once every 4 days depending on the wear and tear of the day and deeds. He grabbed his stuff and went down to get his breakfast.

"Hey, gimme omelets and noodles," he spoke to the innkeeper down at the counter. "Coming right up," the innkeeper replied. He then waved to his wife and signaled her to get cooking. The seer sat awaiting his order when another fat ugly bastard walked in.

It's wrong to judge people based on looks. However, that does not apply to Murim. In Murim, 1 out of 2 times your judgment based on appearance will be true. It's just a matter of a coin flip. "YOU!" he pointed his finger at the seer. He pounced at him. "Earthen immortal flying toad palm," he yelled as he closed the distance.

*Swish*

And the entire inn was once again covered in blood. Good thing there were no other customers this early in the morning. "AWWWW HELL NO!" shouted the innkeeper with both his hands on his head. "I have to clean this shit again."

"I am so sorry," Neon apologized to the innkeeper. "But to be fair, he ruined my dress as well." "Ah, not your fault... Go in, wash up, and I'll clean up here before customers get here," the innkeeper sighed and got to work. And so did Neon, who now had to bleach the blood out of his precious dress.

It mattered not for what the fat man came here for. probably to avenge his three brothers. But it was Murim and no one could be bothered.

It was afternoon soon, and everybody was now ready to depart for the capital. The woman had horses prepped, wheels checked, and the other guard fired. The seer stared at the map for minutes and then tens of minutes before they departed from the small forsaken and almost lifeless hillside town.

As the carriages moved, there was a lot of talking between the caravan members. "So why are you headed to the capital, Mr. Liu?" asked the golden-haired woman with green eyes who, for some reason, was now wearing beggar's clothes instead of her previous custom-made luxurious ones.

"Oh, well, I was on a mission to hunt a few crouching tigers of the Thunder Mountains. I attend the Sky Phoenix Academy, which is hosting a match against the Earth Turtle School. I am to participate. Please come watch me if you have the time." he invited both of his companions.

"Oh, Most definitely" replied the woman

Both looked now towards the seer.

The seer stayed quiet. They weren't going to make it in time. He was certain of it. The path on the map was not going to be followed in the slightest. The seer knew. The seer always knows.