"The Ugly Sovereign: Ascending Beyond Mortal Scorn"

The Black Flower's Curse

After Yan Mo's failed ambush, Luo Feng noticed a strange black flower growing where the antidote vial had shattered. Its petals were glossy like spilled ink, and the center glowed faintly red, like a demon's eye. Thorny vines coiled around its stem, oozing sticky sap that burned the soil.

Granny Wen's Wisdom:

She hobbled closer, her walking stick trembling. "This is no ordinary plant… It's a Dark Bloom, child. It feeds on poison and hate. Burn it before it spreads!"

Luo Feng's Attempt:

He grabbed a flaming branch from the stove and thrust it at the flower. The thorns lashed out, slicing his wrist. The amulet glowed crimson, and the golden serpent's voice hissed: "Fool! Fire cannot kill what thrives in darkness."

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Yan Clan's Secret Plot

Meanwhile, in the Yan Clan's shadowy hall, Master Yan (a tall, gaunt man with a scarred face) addressed his followers. A glass jar holding an identical Dark Bloom sat on his stone table.

Master Yan's Plan:

"The Dark Bloom's roots will poison the river. When the villagers drink the water, their hearts will fill with anger… and they'll destroy the Luo Clan themselves."

Yan Mo's Task:

He tossed Yan Mo a pouch of black seeds. "Plant these along the riverbank. Fail me again, and you'll become fertilizer for the flowers."

Yan Mo bowed, sweat dripping down his neck. "It will be done, Master."

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The River's Poison

Luo Feng and Xiao Mei went to the Luo River to collect water. The usually clear stream now smelled sour, and dead fish floated on the surface, their bellies bloated and black.

First Victim:

A cheerful village boy named Little Tao skipped nearby, chasing frogs. He splashed in the poisoned water, laughing. By nightfall, his skin erupted in oozing purple rashes, and he screamed of nightmares—"Snakes! Snakes everywhere!"

Villagers Turn Against Luo Feng:

At dawn, farmers stormed the shack, waving torches and pitchforks. "Your cursed flower poisoned the river! Leave, or we'll burn you out!"

Xiao Mei's Defense:

She stepped forward, arms spread. "Luo Feng saved Granny Wen! He's trying to help!"

But the crowd roared: "The monster's bewitched her too!"

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The Amulet's Vision

That night, the golden serpent dragged Luo Feng into a dream.

What He Saw:

The Dark Bloom's roots snaking underground, spreading poison to the river.

A hidden cave behind the Thundering Waterfall, where an ancient Silverwood Tree grew. Its sap glowed blue and smelled of rain.

The Serpent's Warning:

"The tree's sap purifies poison… but hurry. The flower's roots grow deeper every hour."

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Journey to the Waterfall

Luo Feng and Xiao Mei packed supplies:

A clay jar for the sap.

Rope made of braided vines.

Dried meat and a waterskin.

Dangers in the Forest:

1.Poisoned Animals: A wild boar with bloodshot eyes charged them. The amulet glowed, startling it into fleeing.

2.Yan Mo's Trap: A hidden pit filled with sharpened bamboo stakes. Xiao Mei spotted the leaves covering it and warned Luo Feng just in time.

The Thundering Waterfall:

The waterfall roared like a dragon, mist soaking their clothes. Behind the crashing water was a narrow cave entrance, slick with moss.

Inside the Cave:

The Silverwood Tree stood at the center, its bark shimmering like moonlight. Blue sap oozed from a crack in its trunk, pooling in a stone basin below.

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Yan Mo's Ambush

As Luo Feng filled the clay jar, Yan Mo leaped from the shadows, dagger in hand.

Yan Mo's Sneer:

"Master Yan wants that tree DEAD!"

The Fight:

Yan Mo slashed at Luo Feng, cutting his shoulder. Blood dripped onto the amulet, making it glow brighter.

Xiao Mei threw a rock, hitting Yan Mo's knee. He stumbled but grabbed her arm, pressing the dagger to her throat.

The amulet's golden serpent symbol flashed. Luo Feng lunged, guided by its light, and smashed the clay jar over Yan Mo's head.

Retreat:

Dazed, Yan Mo staggered back. "This isn't… over…" He vanished into the waterfall's mist.

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The Cure and Hope

They rushed back to the village. Granny Wen mixed the sap with honey and Mountain Mint, creating a thick syrup.

Saving Little Tao:

The boy's fever broke within minutes. His rashes faded, and he slept peacefully for the first time in days.

Villagers' Apology:

A farmer brought a basket of eggs and rice to the shack. "We were wrong… Forgive us."

Luo Feng's Doubt:

He whispered to Xiao Mei: "They'll turn on us again… Fear is stronger than gratitude."

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The Flower's Revenge

But the Dark Bloom at the shack had grown taller overnight. Its vines now coiled around the walls, and new buds pulsed with venom.

Granny Wen's Fear:

"It's alive… and it's angry we took its cure."

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A New Enemy Emerges

In the Yan Clan's hall, Master Yan crushed a Dark Bloom petal in his fist. Behind him stood a hooded figure in black robes, their face hidden.

The Shadow's Whisper:

"The boy's amulet is the key… Claim it, and the Luo Clan will fall like autumn leaves."