Chapter 5: outburst in silence

Lu Bu's dissatisfaction with his current circumstances was palpable. Despite his best efforts, the two meager acres of land he owned limited his potential to improve yields. He was determined not to follow in his father's footsteps and face a future no better than the one he despised. Despite the absence of the splendor he had enjoyed in a previous life, Lu Bu was resolved to lead a life of his own choosing.

However, a pressing question remained: How could he break free from the cycle of farming and transform his life? The idea of hunting had crossed Lu Bu's mind as a means to supplement his family's diet with fresh game. He occasionally traded fur at the market, which brought some improvement to their livelihood. By the time he turned twelve, his relentless efforts had begun to lift his family's living conditions. His mother's health improved, and his sister shed her emaciated appearance.

While Lu Bu may not have exuded the same stature and charm as his former life, his constant hunting had endowed him with a rugged and formidable demeanor, especially in his fierce falcon-like eyes. His presence garnered attention from the village, with many families hoping for marriage alliances. Despite this, Lu Bu had no interest in the local women, as he aspired to a life that extended beyond the confines of the countryside.

One day, a concerning revelation about his hunting activities emerged. Lu Hong, a local official, warned Lu Bu that hunting income would soon be subject to taxes. This news did not sit well with Lu Bu, who questioned the motives behind this sudden imposition. His defiant nature, carried over from his previous life, had taught him to resist oppression. Lu Bu's stern gaze and resolute stance unsettled even his father, who intervened to quell the escalating tension.

Lu Hong's condescending attitude pushed Lu Bu's limits. The youth's determination to protect his family fueled his defiance. A heated exchange ensued, revealing the fierceness that Lu Bu had tried to suppress. He was unyielding in his stance against unfair treatment.

"You can't act against authorities!" warned his father, reflecting his lifelong submissiveness.

Lu Bu dismissed such caution, asserting that their oppressor was just a minor local official. The conflict simmered, leaving Lu Bu's father to ponder his son's words and ultimately decide to leave Luzhuang in search of a fresh start.

Tragedy struck when their home was set ablaze, claiming the lives of Lu Bu's mother and sister. While Lu Bu managed to save his father, their once-humble abode turned to ashes. In the midst of this chaos, Lu Bu's gaze met that of a fleeing arsonist. Driven by a surge of hatred and anguish, Lu Bu unleashed his wrath, relentlessly pursuing and eliminating the culprits responsible for the devastation.

The village, known for its ruthless individuals, had never encountered a force as formidable as the enraged Lu Bu. The once-oppressive villagers were no match for his fierce determination. Amidst the chaos, Lu Hong's confession revealed his involvement in the arson, further deepening Lu Bu's hatred for him.

The flames of revenge consumed the village, with Lu Bu and his father standing at the center of the inferno. The devastation served as a testament to Lu Bu's determination and his transformation from a young boy into a resolute force to be reckoned with.

As the last cries faded into the night, Lu Bu's heart remained ablaze with unquenchable fury. The fire may have extinguished the physical evidence, but the burning hatred within Lu Bu's chest continued to smolder, setting the stage for a future defined by his unyielding pursuit of justice and liberation.