Chapter thirteen

Luo Feng knew he needed to waste no time in getting back into shape. After paying a few gold coins to stay at the private teahouse, he focused on recuperating and rebuilding his strength.

During his stay, he delved deeper into the secrets of the tome. Each day, he received nutritious meals prepared by Lian Hua, whose attentive care helped him regain his health. As the days passed, the changes in his physique became noticeable. Even Lian Hua and others around him commented on how much healthier he looked.

Despite his progress, Luo Feng remained down low. He couldn't afford to let anyone discover the powerful artifact he possessed. However, he grew increasingly curious about the apparent absence of magic in the village.

One evening, while sitting with Lian Hua and sipping tea, he finally broached the subject. "I've noticed something strange," he began. "There's no sign of magic in this village. Why is that?"

Lian Hua chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Have you been living under a rock? After the villain Luo Feng died, no one is allowed to practice magic unless it's for healing purposes."

Luo Feng felt a pang of irony at her words. He leaned back, taking a sip of his tea, and tried to mask his reaction. "I see. Things have certainly changed."

Lian Hua nodded, her expression becoming more serious. "Yes, they have. Before, magic was openly practiced by anyone who had the ability. There were even levels of mastery. But after the havoc caused by Luo Feng, the authorities cracked down hard. Now, anyone caught practicing magic faces severe punishment."

Luo Feng kept his face neutral, though internally he was grappling with the implications. The world he remembered was one where magic was an integral part of life. Now, it seemed, fear and repression had taken hold.

"That's quite a shift," he commented. "Magic used to be everywhere."

"It was," Lian Hua agreed. "But people are scared now. They don't want to risk their lives. Even those who used to practice magic freely have either gone into hiding or given it up entirely."

Luo Feng pondered her words, feeling a mix of anger and determination. His mission had just become more complicated, but also more crucial. He needed to navigate this new world carefully, rebuilding his strength and uncovering the secrets of the tome without attracting unwanted attention.

"Thank you for explaining," he said finally, giving her a grateful smile. "It seems I have a lot to catch up on."

Lian Hua returned his smile, though her eyes held a hint of curiosity. "Just be careful," she advised. "This village might seem peaceful, but it's always best to stay vigilant."

He had been staying at the teahouse for a few weeks, with his horse still missing. During this time, Luo Feng discovered that Lian Hua wasn't the owner of the teahouse; she was just taking care of it temporarily.

"You know what's funny," Lian Hua said with a smile.

Luo Feng looked at her curiously, intrigued by her sudden statement.

"I just realized, I've been looking after you all this time, and I don't even know your name," she continued, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What should I call you?"

Luo Feng hesitated. He was torn between revealing his true name, Luo Feng, which carried a legacy of fear and destruction, or using the name Chen Wei, which would allow him to stay under the radar. After a moment of contemplation, he decided to embrace the power and fear his true name commanded.

"Luo Feng," he said finally, watching her reaction closely.

Lian Hua's eyes widened in surprise, and she let out a small gasp. "Luo Feng? Like the villain who caused so much chaos?" She laughed, though there was a hint of nervousness in her voice. "It's almost like you're reincarnated or something."

Her words hit closer to the truth than she realized, and Luo Feng's eyes widened in response. He quickly masked his reaction with a casual smile. "Yeah, funny coincidence, right?"

Lian Hua nodded, though she seemed to sense something more in his reaction. "Well, Luo Feng or not, you're definitely an enigma," she said, still smiling but with a thoughtful look.

Later that evening, Luo Feng stepped out of the teahouse into the cool night air. The village was quiet, with only a few flickering lanterns illuminating the streets. He needed time to think and process everything that had happened. The conversation with Lian Hua had stirred something within him, a reminder of who he was and what he needed to accomplish.

As he walked through the village, his mind raced with plans and possibilities. He knew he had to remain cautious and vigilant, but he also felt a renewed sense of determination. The world had changed, but he was still Luo Feng, and he would not let anything or anyone stand in his way.

The night air was refreshing, and as he wandered through the quiet streets, Luo Feng felt a strange sense of peace. He might be in hiding, but he was far from defeated. With the secrets of the tome gradually unfolding and his strength slowly returning, he knew it was only a matter of time before he could reclaim his power and exact his revenge.

As he walked, Luo Feng overheard a conversation between a group of townsfolk gathered near a small fire. They spoke in hushed tones, their words carried on the gentle breeze.

"Did you hear about Luo Feng's fall?" one man said, his voice tinged with awe. "They say Zhao Hao was the one who finally brought him down. He's a hero now, someone the whole country can look up to."

Another person nodded eagerly. "Yes, Zhao Hao is incredible. He exposed Luo Feng's evil deeds and saved us all. People are starting to see him as a symbol of hope and justice."

Luo Feng clenched his fists, a surge of anger rising within him. Zhao Hao's name was like a bitter taste on his tongue. He knew the truth behind Zhao Hao's so-called heroism—how he had betrayed Luo Feng and stolen his power. The townsfolk's admiration for Zhao Hao was a cruel reminder of his own downfall.

"He even promised to protect the entire country from any future threats," a woman added, her voice filled with admiration. "We're lucky to have someone like him."

Luo Feng's anger simmered beneath the surface. Zhao Hao's trickery had not only cost him his life but also turned him into a pariah, while Zhao Hao basked in the glory that rightfully belonged to Luo Feng. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. The townsfolk were ignorant of the true nature of their so-called hero.

Determined to set things right, Luo Feng continued walking, his resolve stronger than ever. He would reclaim his power, expose Zhao Hao for the fraud he was, and restore his own name. As he made his way back to the teahouse, the whispers of the townsfolk fueled his determination. The night might have been peaceful, but within Luo Feng, a storm was brewing.