A Letter from Master Jang Cheol-Oh, Guardian of Trouble and Brewer of Tea
To the next generation, or perhaps to my nosy disciples who somehow find this in a scroll vault,
If you're reading this, then either the world survived... or it didn't and someone's ghost archive still functions. In either case, I have tea, and you probably don't. Let's begin.
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š Section 1: Introduction, Reluctantly
I am Jang Cheol-Oh, former disciple of sages, current mentor to flaming disasters, and eternal babysitter to loud brats with too much potential and not enough common sense.
In particular, I have taken it upon myself to guide Baek Sun-Ho. Why? Because Murim is not ready for him, and he is not ready for Murim. I would like them to meet in the middle before everything explodes.
It is not working.
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šµ Section 2: The Art of Avoiding Work
People ask how I became so powerful. The answer is simple: I practiced when I was young, and now I don't move unless there's a good reason.
For example:
A sect leader challenged me last month. I countered by offering him oolong. He accepted. Victory.
Sun-Ho tried to spar with me once. I tripped on purpose. He apologized. Double victory.
Ji-Mun tried to prank me. I replaced his "exploding dumplings" with real ones. He cried. Immense victory.
The path to mastery is not always paved with punches. Sometimes, it's paved with patience... and slightly poisoned tea for intruders.
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š„ Section 3: My Thoughts on the Children
Sun-Ho: Brilliant. Cursed with destiny. Has the emotional range of a hot kettleācalm until he hisses. Still learning when to boil, and when to steep.
So-Ri: Sharp. Loyal. Could assassinate a man with a compliment. I'd rather fight three bandits than disappoint her.
Yul-Rin: Very clever. Very dangerous. Will likely poison someone on accident and feel very bad about itāthen poison someone else on purpose and feel better.
Ma-Rok: A hammer with a heart. Surprisingly philosophical when drunk. Broke my meditation rock. Twice.
Ji-Mun: A chaos spirit wearing mortal skin. Useful. Loud. I may adopt him out to a wandering monk if he sings again during breakfast.
Yeon: Quiet. Observant. Potentially a god. Jury's still out.
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š Section 4: Final Words (Hopefully Not Literally)
If Murim survives what's coming, it won't be because the powerful stood tall.
It'll be because the right fools stood together.
So drink your tea before it cools. Sharpen your blade, but don't forget to sharpen your mind. And if you ever find a group of misfits laughing around a campfireā¦ join them. The world is always saved by the ones too stubborn to give up on each other.
Signed with mild fondness,
Master Jang Cheol-Oh
Grandmaster, Philosopher, Accidental Parent
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