Chapter ten

Luo Feng felt the weariness of the journey settling into his bones. He had been walking for what seemed like hours, and as dusk descended, the forest around him grew darker and more foreboding.

Finally, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps and the gentle clopping of hooves. His hand instinctively went to the hilt of his dagger, ready for any threat. Through the shadows, he discerned a group of people riding towards him on a horse. His heart raced—were they bandits, come to prey upon a lone traveler?

To his surprise, the group halted before him with polite greetings. "Greetings, traveler," one of them said with a friendly smile. "It's dangerous to be walking alone in these woods at night. Would you care to join us? We're heading to the next village and have room for one more."

Luo Feng hesitated, his suspicion still lingering. "I appreciate the offer, but I prefer to travel alone," he replied cautiously.

Another member of the group, a middle-aged man with a weathered face, spoke up. "Come now, young man. The night is dark, and there are many dangers lurking. It's safer to travel in numbers. We mean you no harm. Join us, and we'll ensure you reach the village safely."

The sincerity in their voices and the reassurance in their demeanor began to sway Luo Feng's resolve. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Very well, thank you for your kindness," he conceded, realizing the wisdom in their offer.

The group smiled warmly and made room for him on the horse. As they continued on their journey, they engaged Luo Feng in conversation, asking about his travels and sharing stories of their own. Gradually, he began to relax in their company, finding comfort in the camaraderie of fellow travelers.

As they rode through the night, the darkness seemed less intimidating with companions by his side. Luo Feng found himself grateful for their unexpected kindness and protection, even as he remained vigilant for any signs of deceit.

The journey continued under the canopy of stars, their gentle glow casting a faint light on the path ahead. In the midst of shared laughter and stories, Luo Feng's thoughts turned to the tome and the power it held. He knew he had to tread carefully, especially now with others around who might unwittingly fall victim to its curse.

As Luo Feng rode along with the strangers who had offered him a ride, he found a fleeting comfort in their company, grateful for the respite their horses provided on the long journey to the next village. The steady rhythm of hooves and the camaraderie among the travelers eased his weary mind, if only for a moment.

Yet, unbeknownst to him, their initial goodwill masked darker intentions. From a distance, the group had spotted Luo Feng with his large bag and ornate cloak, instantly marking him as a target for potential robbery.

As they spotted Luo Feng from a distance, the group exchanged knowing glances, their eyes locking onto his sizable bag and the richly adorned cloak he wore.

"He looks well-off," whispered one of the men, a burly figure with a scar across his brow. "Perfect target."

The leader nodded, adjusting his hat with a grin. "Let's approach with hospitality first," he suggested, voice low enough to keep their intentions hidden. "Then we'll see if he's as generous with his belongings as he looks."

As they drew nearer, their eyes lingered not only on his apparent wealth but also on the quality of his attire, confirming their suspicions of valuable possessions hidden within.

They closed the distance with practiced ease, their steps measured and their smiles wide with feigned friendliness.

As they approached with false warmth and welcoming smiles, concealing their true intent behind a facade of camaraderie and hospitality, Luo Feng couldn't shake off his unease. He noticed the exchanged looks and the subtle slowing of the horse, but decided not to confront them directly yet.

But his fear escalated sharply when they took a wrong turn, diverting from the familiar path. "Where are we going? This isn't the road," Luo Feng blurted out, eyes widening in apprehension.

"Relax, young lad," one of the men reassured with a smirk, while his companions echoed similar sentiments. "This is just a shortcut."

Luo Feng clutched his bag closer, suspicion mounting. "Can I please get off then?" he requested, his voice betraying his rising anxiety.

"Sure, if that's what you want," another man replied, signaling to his accomplices. They halted the horse and surrounded Luo Feng as he dismounted. Their smiles turned predatory as they demanded everything from him—his food, clothing, and money.

"Well, well, look at this one," chuckled a burly man with a scar across his cheek. "All dressed up like he's from some fancy estate. Bet your mommy and daddy didn't warn you about us, did they?"

"Got any treats in that bag, rich boy?" sneered another, eyeing Luo Feng's possessions with undisguised greed. "Or maybe some gold coins to brighten our day?"

Luo Feng's heart raced, his hands trembling as he slowly placed the bag on the ground. He could feel their eyes boring into him, relishing the fear they instilled. With deliberate movements, he unclasped the bag and began to search inside, his mind racing for a plan.

"Come on, don't be shy," taunted the scarred man, stepping closer. "We won't hurt you... much. Just give us what we want, and we'll be on our way."

Luo Feng's fingers brushed against the cold, ancient leather of the cursed tome hidden within. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he feigned compliance, pulling out mundane items—a loaf of bread, a spare shirt—before his hand closed around the book.

"What's that?" demanded the scarred man, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Luo Feng hesitated for a moment, then with a sudden resolve, he opened the tome. The air around them seemed to pulse with dark energy, the pages whispering ancient incantations that only he could understand.

"You fool," laughed one of the robbers nervously, taking a step back. "What do you think you're doing with that old thing? Planning to bore us to death with stories?"

Luo Feng ignored their jeers, focusing on the arcane symbols before him. He began to chant softly, each word resonating with power. The robbers' laughter turned to confusion, then to fear, as they realized too late the danger they faced.

"You're bluffing," stammered the scarred man, reaching for his weapon. But before he could strike, the dark energy surged forth from the tome, enveloping them in a malevolent embrace.

Their cries filled the air, desperate and agonized, as the cursed tome drained their life force. Their bodies crumpled to the ground, shriveled and lifeless, leaving Luo Feng standing amidst the aftermath of his revenge.

He closed the tome with a sense of finality, the ancient pages now stained with the blood of those who sought to betray him. As he looked upon their fallen forms, a chill wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it a warning to any who dared cross his path.

This was only the beginning of his journey as a villain to the end.