Chapter nine

The journey was far from simple as the open road stretched before him, a winding path that led through rolling hills and dense forests. Luo Feng rode with purpose, the steady rhythm of the horse's hooves against the earth marking the passage of time. The early morning light painted the landscape in hues of gold and green, a serene contrast to the turmoil that lay behind him.

He gripped the horse's reins firmly, guiding it through the forest. He didn't know how long he had been on the road, but the cool morning air still blew, making him feel relaxed. His goal was to reach the next village by nightfall, which was still far away according to the map he had taken. However, he knew he needed to rest periodically to ensure the horse was well cared for, with enough water and rest before continuing their journey.

As he rode on, Luo Feng's thoughts wandered to what he would do once he reached his destination. Yinshu City, the city where he grew up, where he was abandoned and left by his own mother—a prostitute's son, something he was often ridiculed for. But he didn't care anymore about what anyone thought. They had made him who he was today. He wanted to be feared, to be someone people saw and cowered before, instead of being teased for his poor background.

But at least this time he wasn't the son of a prostitute. He wasn't going to keep the name Chen Wei. Maybe he was going to use his old name—a name that instilled fear in many. They would know that Luo Feng never dies; he always comes back.

After several hours of riding, he decided it was time to rest. He found a clearing by a small stream, perfect for taking a break. Luo Feng dismounted and led his horse to the water, letting it drink its fill. He took out a water flask, filled it from the stream, and drank deeply, the cold water refreshing him.

He sat down, taking out some dried meat and bread from his bag. He chewed thoughtfully, his eyes scanning the forest around him. The tranquility of the place was a stark contrast to the chaos in his mind, but it was a welcome respite. He ate slowly, savoring the rare moment of peace.

Once he and the horse were rested and refreshed, Luo Feng refilled his water flask and mounted the horse again. He knew there was still a long way to go before reaching Yinshu City. The thought of returning to the city where his torment began filled him with a mixture of dread and anticipation. He was no longer in the body of a once powerless boy,but he had a survival card,the tome. He was Luo Feng, and he was on a mission to reclaim his power and exact his revenge.

With a renewed sense of determination, he urged the horse forward, back onto the winding path that would eventually lead him to his destiny. The journey was far from over, but he was ready for whatever lay ahead.

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Luo Feng had taken many stops on the road since it seemed like the horse wasn't in good shape for the journey. Each halt gnawed at his patience. If this pace continued, reaching the nearby village on time would be impossible.

He sighed, staring at the map in his hand. They were close to their destination, but the threat of bandits, who usually prowled at this time of the night, loomed large. Although he had the tome, his body was still weak. He hadn't had the chance to explore its secrets, having set out immediately after the incident.

Remembering this, Luo Feng realized he needed to at least study something basic from the tome, perhaps something that could assist him on this arduous journey. Bringing the horse under a shade to rest, he took his bag and opened it to retrieve the tome. A flicker of fear crossed his mind—what if opening it again sucked the life out of something nearby? But there was no one around, so it should be safe, he thought.

He sat under the bark of the tree, relaxing against it as he opened the book. As soon as he did, a blinding light emanated from its pages before dimming to reveal the golden writing. He became engrossed in the mysterious symbols and ancient script, his fingers tracing the arcane characters.

Unbeknownst to him, his horse began to exhibit strange symptoms. Its breathing grew labored, and it shifted uneasily, pawing at the ground. A sheen of sweat appeared on its coat, and its eyes rolled with distress. Luo Feng, lost in the tome, failed to notice the horse's growing agitation.

Minutes passed, and the horse's condition worsened. It stumbled, trying to stay upright, but its legs wobbled as if drained of strength. Finally, with a pained whinny, the horse collapsed to the ground, its life force rapidly ebbing away.

The sudden thud snapped Luo Feng out of his trance. He looked up, horrified to see his horse lying motionless on the ground. He quickly closed the tome, but it was too late. The damage had been done.

"So, will it kill people by just opening it?" he wondered aloud, his voice trembling.

As if in response, the book turned to an empty page. Words began to form in a sinister, elegant script: "The tome will not drain life if you command it so. Its curse is to consume life, but this can be controlled for a time if you will it. Be cautious when using it in public."

Luo Feng stared at the message, his mind racing. The power of the tome was both a blessing and a curse. He needed to learn how to harness it, to control it, lest it become his undoing. The death of his horse was a stark reminder of the perilous path he had chosen.

Pushing aside his fear, he knew he had to move forward. He closed the tome carefully, placing it back into his bag. His thoughts were now on survival and mastering the power he held. He couldn't afford any more mistakes.

Luo Feng stood up, determination hardening his features. The village lay far ahead, its distance daunting. He worried about the dangers that lay in the path, but he couldn't afford to dwell on them. With a deep breath, he shouldered his bag, feeling the weight of the tome and its dark promise.

Setting off on foot, Luo Feng began his journey anew. Each step took him closer to his destiny, where he would become the master of dark magic.