NOVEL WEB Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Kind Stranger
The Harsh Winter
Winter gripped the Luo Clan's territory like a frozen fist. Snow piled high around Luo Feng's hut, and the wind howled through cracks in the walls. Granny Wen's cough had grown worse, her breaths rattling like dry leaves.
Struggle for Survival:
Luo Feng wore three layers of patched robes, but his deformed fingers still turned blue.
The clan's rice ration was cut—they now ate one meal a day: thin porridge with wilted cabbage.
Firewood was scarce. Luo Feng ventured deeper into the forest, dragging a splintery sled behind him.
The Amulet's Guidance:
The black jade amulet buzzed under his clothes, pulling him toward a snowy thicket. "Is there firewood there?" he wondered, shivering.
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The Icy Stream
Luo Feng followed the amulet's pull, his breath fogging the air. He stumbled upon a half-frozen stream, its water black and bubbling.
The Fall:
Reaching for a branch, his foot slipped on ice.
He plunged into the stream, the cold water stealing his breath.
The amulet glowed fiercely, heating his chest like a coal.
A Stranger's Voice:
"Grab my hand, boy!"
A wrinkled hand reached down. Luo Feng clutched it, and the man hauled him onto the bank.
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Old Li – The Wandering Healer
The stranger was an old man with a bamboo hat and a hunched back. His robe was patched but clean, and he smelled of pine needles and smoke. A wooden cart filled with herbs stood nearby.
Introduction:
"Call me Old Li," he said, wrapping Luo Feng in a dry blanket. "I'm a healer… or was, once."
He pointed to Luo Feng's amulet. "That's a curious trinket. Where'd you find it?"
The Check-Up:
Old Li pressed a cold finger to Luo Feng's wrist, frowning. "Your meridians… they're tangled like old roots. Who let you cultivate in this state?"
Luo Feng looked away. "I… I just wanted to get stronger."
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The Bitter Root Tea
Old Li rummaged through his cart, pulling out a knobby brown root. "This is Bitter Root. It'll taste like poison, but it'll unclog your meridians… if you survive."
Preparation:
He sliced the root into thin strips and boiled them in a tin pot.
The brew turned pitch-black, steaming like a swamp.
First Sip:
Luo Feng gagged. The tea burned his tongue and made his eyes water. "It's awful!"
Old Li chuckled. "Medicine isn't meant to be sweet. Drink it all… or stay weak forever."
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Yan Mo's Poison
Yan Mo had followed Luo Feng into the forest. He hid behind a pine tree, watching Old Li prepare the tea. "That monster doesn't deserve help," he muttered.
The Sabotage:
When Old Li stepped away to gather more herbs, Yan Mo crept to the fire.
He sprinkled Red Spider Lily powder (a deadly poison) into the tea.
"Die, monster," he whispered, vanishing into the trees.
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The Amulet's Protection
Luo Feng drank the poisoned tea in three gulps, tears streaming down his face. Almost immediately, his stomach cramped like a twisted rope.
The Poison's Effect:
Black veins spread across his neck.
He collapsed, foaming at the mouth.
The amulet glowed crimson, its heat searing his skin.
Purification:
The golden serpent's voice boomed in his mind: "FILTH… BEGONE!"
The amulet's energy surged, burning the poison into harmless smoke.
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The Meridian Unclogs
As the poison faded, the Bitter Root's true power took effect. Luo Feng felt a hot wire snake through his chest—a meridian slowly unraveling.
The Pain:
He screamed, clawing at the ground.
Old Li held him down, shouting, "Endure it! This is your chance!"
Granny Wen appeared, panting from running. "What have you done to him?!"
Breakthroug:
After an hour of agony, Luo Feng gasped. A warm river of energy flowed through his newly opened meridian.
Qi Gathering Stage 1 (Stable):
He could now meditate for 10 minutes without coughing blood.
His hands trembled less when lifting firewood.
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Old Li's Warning
As the sun set, Old Li packed his cart. "That amulet of yours… it's ancient. Powerful. But power draws enemies. Hide it."
Parting Gift:
He gave Granny Wen a pouch of Bitter Root slices. "One slice every full moon. No more… or his heart will burst."
Luo Feng's Gratitude:
Though exhausted, Luo Feng bowed deeply. "Thank you, Elder Li."
The old man smiled. "Survive, boy. That's thanks enough."
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Yan Mo's Rage
That night, Yan Mo kicked a tree in frustration. "Why didn't the poison work?!"
His hand brushed the Red Spider Lily powder pouch—it was now filled with ash.
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Foreshadowing
As Luo Feng slept, the amulet projected a vision: Old Li's cart rolling into a dark valley, where shadows with glowing eyes watched from the trees.