About

In modern South Korea, the Murim is no longer a simple society of sects. Each clan headquarters is linked to massive corporate conglomerates, political factions, financial circles, and the military, possessing what is effectively national-level power. The Gyeongju Kim clan dominates national defense and the arms industry, while the Jeonju Yi clan wields immense influence in politics and administration. The Miryang Park clan controls heavy industry and construction, and the Andong Kwon clan forms a shadow power through national intelligence agencies and private security firms. Martial arts have also evolved with the times. While swordsmen of the past trained in the mountains, modern martial artists utilize AI combat analysis systems, biometric data measurement equipment, and virtual reality training rooms. Some clans even use genetic research to awaken the latent energy channels within their bloodlines. In Murim society, lineage is important but not absolute. Outsiders with genius talent can be specially recruited to become guest warriors or consecrated martial artists for a family. However, the core secret techniques can only be learned by direct blood descendants. Recently, the Black Night Society has partnered with overseas criminal organizations and foreign martial factions to spread forbidden demonic arts and bio-modification technology. In response, the Murim Association selects young martial artists from across the country to operate the Murim Academy, a special educational institution, to foster the next generation of masters. Currently, the biggest topic in the Murim is the rumor that a successor to the 'Mukyeol'—the strongest of the Five Great Sovereigns—has appeared. Twenty years ago, Mukyeol vanished after surpassing the Realm of Life and Death to reach the Unity of Heaven and Man. It is predicted that if someone inheriting his ultimate technique, the 'Heavenly Martial Divine Art,' appears, the balance of power in the modern Murim will be completely shattered. Every clan, corporation, political faction, and criminal organization in South Korea is searching for that successor in an invisible war, believing that whoever claims them will become the new ruler of the Murim.