Chapter fourteen

Luo Feng finished his evening exercises in his room at the teahouse. His body was drenched in sweat, but he felt a sense of accomplishment. Despite his weakened state, he was determined to regain his strength. Martial arts had always been a part of him, a discipline that balanced his use of dark magic.

He had just sat down to meditate when the door burst open. Three men stormed in, their expressions menacing. Luo Feng jumped to his feet, his eyes narrowing as he recognized them from his brief time in the village.

"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded, his voice calm but firm.

The leader of the group, the man with the scar, sneered. "We've been told you're carrying a lot of money, rich boy. Hand it over, and we might let you go unharmed."

Luo Feng's mind raced. What's happening how could they just enter here?He cursed himself for letting his guard down. He took a deep breath, centering himself. "I'm afraid I can't do that," he replied, his voice steady.

The men laughed, clearly underestimating him. "Then we'll just have to take it from you," the leader growled, moving forward with a raised fist.

Luo Feng's training kicked in. He dodged the first punch, countering with a swift kick to the man's side. The other two attackers rushed him simultaneously. Luo Feng fought with all his might, using his martial arts skills to fend them off. However, his body was still weak, and he soon found himself struggling to keep up.

Blows landed on his torso and arms, sending jolts of pain through his body. He staggered back, trying to catch his breath. The leader smirked, sensing victory. "Not so tough now, are you?"

Luo Feng knew he had to act fast. He began to mutter incantations under his breath, summoning the dark energy within him. The air around him grew heavy and thick, and the attackers hesitated, sensing something was amiss.

"What's he doing?" one of them muttered, eyes wide with fear.

The leader sneered. "It's just a trick. Take him down!"

But it was too late. Luo Feng raised his hand, and a bolt of dark energy shot from his palm, striking the leader square in the chest. The man was thrown back, crashing into the wall with a sickening thud.

The other two attackers stared in shock, their confidence shattered. Luo Feng didn't give them a chance to recover. He summoned more dark energy, forming a swirling vortex in his hands. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the vortex hurtling towards them.

They screamed as the dark energy enveloped them, their bodies writhing in pain. Luo Feng watched, his expression cold and unyielding. He had no mercy for those who tried to harm him.

When the energy dissipated, the attackers lay on the floor, groaning in agony. Luo Feng stepped forward, his eyes blazing with anger. "Leave," he commanded, his voice filled with authority. "And tell whoever sent you that I am not to be trifled with."

The men scrambled to their feet, their fear palpable. They staggered out of the room, leaving Luo Feng standing alone. He took a deep breath, his body trembling with exhaustion. He had used a lot of his energy, but he had won. That was all that mattered.

As he sank to the floor, the door opened again. Lian Hua rushed in, her face a mask of concern. "What happened?" she exclaimed, looking around the room in horror.

Luo Feng gave her a weary smile. "Just a little misunderstanding," he said, his voice weak.

Lian Hua knelt beside him, her eyes filled with worry. "You're hurt," she said, gently touching his arm.

"I'll be fine," he replied, though he could feel the bruises forming on his body. "I just need some rest."

Lian Hua nodded, helping him to his feet. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up," she said, her voice soothing.

As she led him to a nearby chair, Luo Feng couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude. Despite the attack, he had managed to defend himself. And with Lian Hua's help, he would recover. He had to. There was too much at stake.

---

Flashback: A Few Nights Earlier

Lian Hua stood in the dimly lit backroom of the teahouse, her usually warm expression replaced with one of anxiety. Before her were three men, all with the hardened look of mercenaries. They listened intently as she explained her plan.

"He's staying in the private room upstairs," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "He appears to be wealthy, but he's also been asking a lot of questions. We can't afford any risks."

One of the men, a burly figure with a scar across his cheek, nodded. "We'll take care of it. How much are we talking about?"

"More than enough," Lian Hua replied, eyes flickering with a hint of greed. "Just make sure no one gets suspicious."

The men grinned, their expressions promising trouble. Lian Hua took a deep breath, trying to convince herself that she was doing the right thing.

---

Present Evening

Lian Hua rushed into Luo Feng's room, her heart pounding with fear and guilt. She had not expected the attack to turn so violent, nor had she anticipated Luo Feng's swift and powerful defense. As she approached him, sprawled on the floor amidst the remnants of the confrontation, she masked her true emotions behind a facade of concern.

"Oh, Luo Feng, are you alright?" she asked, kneeling beside him and reaching out to touch his shoulder gently.

Luo Feng winced as her fingers brushed against a tender spot on his arm. "I'll be fine," he murmured, his voice strained but steady. "Just a few bruises."

Lian Hua nodded, her gaze flickering briefly towards the door, where the remnants of the struggle were still visible. She cursed herself silently for her role in orchestrating the attack. Yet, she knew the risks involved in betraying someone like Luo Feng.

"Let me get something to help with those bruises," she said quickly, forcing a reassuring smile before hurrying out of the room.

Alone in the hallway, Lian Hua took a deep breath, her hands trembling with a mix of fear and anger. She had underestimated Luo Feng's strength and resolve. How could she have been so foolish as to think she could deceive him? Her mind raced with thoughts of retribution and escape, but for now, she needed to maintain her facade.

After a few moments, Lian Hua returned to the room with a small jar of healing salve. She knelt beside Luo Feng once more, carefully applying the salve to his bruises with gentle strokes.

"You were amazing back there," she said softly, her voice laced with admiration that was partly genuine and partly forced. "I've never seen anyone fight like that."

Luo Feng managed a small smile, though his eyes held a flicker of suspicion. "I had to defend myself," he replied simply.

Lian Hua nodded, keeping her gaze fixed on her task. She dared not look directly at Luo Feng, afraid that he would see through her facade. Yet, as she glanced up momentarily, she couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked in the soft light of the room. It was a stark contrast to the first time he had arrived at the teahouse, weary and unkempt.

"You look... different," she said hesitantly, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words.

Luo Feng raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Different how?"

Lian Hua blushed slightly, caught off guard by his question. "I mean... you look... healthier," she stammered, her cheeks growing warmer. "Stronger, even."

Luo Feng chuckled softly, a sound that sent a shiver down Lian Hua's spine. "I suppose being on the run has its benefits," he said cryptically.

As Lian Hua finished applying the salve, she withdrew quietly, leaving Luo Feng to rest. She couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. Despite her efforts to deceive him, she knew that Luo Feng was not to be underestimated. And as she stole one last glance at him before closing the door, she couldn't help but wonder what his next move would be in this dangerous game they were playing.