Chapter eight

After making careful considerations, Luo Feng decided that burying the body would be the best course of action. He gripped the lifeless form with a mixture of determination and revulsion, dragging it across the cold, hard floor of his bedroom. Pushing the door open with his fingers, he continued to drag her out of the room, every movement slow and deliberate.

Outside, the night air was cool against his skin. The mansion loomed large and silent around him, its imposing structure surrounded by tall, forbidding walls. He surveyed the expansive grounds, finally settling on the backyard as the best place to bury her. It was secluded, hidden from view, and the soil there was soft enough for digging.

With a grunt, he hauled the body to the chosen spot. The moonlight cast eerie shadows across the garden, making the task even more unsettling. But he pushed through, his resolve unwavering. Finding a suitable place, he began to dig, the shovel biting into the earth with each determined thrust.

The hole grew deeper and deeper, sweat dripping from his forehead despite the cool air. The physical exertion was intense, but he welcomed it, seeing it as a necessary step in reclaiming his strength and autonomy. Finally, the grave was deep enough. He lowered the body into it, the finality of the act sending a shiver down his spine.

He filled the hole back in, carefully packing the earth over the body until there was no trace left. The backyard looked undisturbed, save for the slight disturbance in the soil, which he smoothed over as best he could. He then took meticulous care to erase any evidence of his actions, sweeping away dirt and leaves, ensuring no one would suspect anything amiss.

Returning to the house, he cleaned up his trail, wiping away any remnants of soil or disturbed foliage. Exhausted but satisfied, he slipped back inside. He washed his hands thoroughly, removing any lingering traces of dirt, and then returned to his room.

The tome lay on the table, its dark energy still pulsing faintly in the air. Luo Feng took a deep breath, feeling a strange mixture of relief and anticipation. He had crossed a significant line, one that bound him even more tightly to the dark path he had chosen. But with the tome's power and his newfound resolve, he felt more prepared than ever to face the challenges ahead.

Sitting down, Luo Feng reopened the tome, his determination burning brighter after the night's events. Each moment had only intensified his resolve to master dark magic and rewrite his fate.

"But I can't achieve revenge sitting here," he muttered to himself, closing the book decisively. He knew he had to leave this place—Chen Wei's former home—and embark on a journey of transformation and vengeance.

As he cleared up the spilled food left by the unfortunate woman, Luo Feng contemplated leaving a letter for his little sister. She deserved to know he would return, despite the circumstances. And there was Zhao Hao—the name that now fueled his hatred more than ever,the name that killed him in his other life,and a name he was going to resent for ever.

"Zhao Hao," he whispered bitterly, clenching his fist in renewed determination.

Outside, darkness cloaked the world, emphasizing the gravity of his decision. He knew setting off now would be risky. Tomorrow, with a rested mind and clearer thoughts, he would depart. Until then, he needed to rest and reflect on the whirlwind of events that had unfolded before him.

With the floor cleaned and everything in order, Luo Feng returned to bed. Thoughts of tomorrow's departure weighed on his mind as he lay there, the tome resting beside him. Dawn would bring new challenges and opportunities, and he needed to be prepared for whatever awaited him beyond Chen Wei's home.

---

He woke up around dawn, ready to set off, and made sure to pack his essentials in the traveling bag. He ensured it was light, carrying only the important things he would need.

And he couldn't forget about the most crucial thing. He sneaked into the woman's room, rummaging through her belongings until he finally found a box full of coins carefully stacked under her bed. She probably had thoughts of traveling after his death, he thought with a shake of his head.

After taking the money, he returned to his room, placing it deep into his luggage and keeping a few coins in his pouch for emergencies. After making careful arrangements, he turned his attention to his attire.

He chose a silk robe, its fabric rich and lustrous, with intricate embroidery that hinted at his former status. The robe was a deep shade of crimson, symbolizing power and determination, with golden threads weaving patterns of dragons and phoenixes along the hem and sleeves. Over this, he wore a long, flowing outer garment made of thick, durable material to protect him from the elements. The sleeves were wide and elegant, and the garment reached down to his ankles, billowing slightly as he moved.

To further conceal his identity, he donned a cloak with a hood that draped over his shoulders, casting a shadow over his face. The hood, made from a dark, heavy fabric, ensured his hair and features were well-hidden. He completed his ensemble with a sturdy pair of boots, made from tough leather, designed for long journeys and harsh terrain.

Satisfied with his preparations, he picked up his bag, ensuring the tome was securely inside. He then stepped outside into the compound, the early morning light casting long shadows across the courtyard.

In the dim light, he saw the horse tethered nearby. He approached it quietly, patting its neck to calm it before untying the reins. Leading the horse to the gate, he moved with a sense of purpose and urgency.

The large wooden gates creaked as he pushed them open, the sound echoing through the silent morning. He led the horse through, glancing back one last time at the place that had been both his prison and his refuge.

Mounting the horse, he felt a surge of exhilaration mixed with trepidation. The road ahead was uncertain, but it was his to take. With a gentle nudge, he urged the horse forward, setting off into the dawn.

The cool morning air was refreshing as he rode through the empty streets, the city still slumbering. His thoughts were a whirlwind of plans and possibilities, but he forced himself to focus on the immediate task: getting as far away as possible before anyone noticed his absence.

The rhythmic clatter of the horse's hooves was the only sound as he navigated the narrow alleys and wide avenues, heading towards the city's outskirts. As the first rays of the sun began to peek over the horizon, he felt a sense of freedom he hadn't experienced in what felt like a lifetime.

Finally, he reached the city's edge, the open road stretching out before him. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the journey ahead. There was no turning back now.

With a final glance at the city he was leaving behind, he urged the horse into a steady trot, the weight of the tome in his bag a constant reminder of the power he now possessed. The world outside awaited, full of challenges and opportunities, and he was ready to face them head-on.

As he rode on, the city's silhouette slowly receded into the distance, the road ahead winding through fields and forests. Each step of the horse brought him closer to his destiny, the promise of revenge and mastery over dark magic driving him forward.

The journey had begun.