NOVEL WEB Chapter 7: Chapter 7: The First Friend
The Lonely Path
Spring arrived, painting the Luo Clan's territory in shades of green and gold. Wildflowers dotted the hillsides, and birdsong filled the air. Yet for Luo Feng, the season brought no joy. His days were spent gathering herbs, hauling firewood, and avoiding Yan Mo's taunts.
Morning Ritual:
At dawn, Luo Feng knelt by Xiao Hei's grave under the maple tree. He placed a handful of bluebells on the mound. "I miss you," he whispered.
The amulet pulsed softly, its warmth fleeting.
Granny Wen's Advice:
She handed him a woven basket. "Collect Silverleaf Ferns by the river. They'll soothe my cough." Her voice was raspier these days.
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The River's Song
The Luo River glittered under the morning sun. Luo Feng waded through tall grass, his deformed leg dragging slightly. He paused to watch dragonflies skim the water, their wings catching the light like stained glass.
Unexpected Laughter:
A girl's laughter echoed downstream. Curious, Luo Feng crept closer, hiding behind a boulder.
Xiao Mei's Introduction:
She stood ankle-deep in the river, her bare feet pale against the mossy stones.
Her robes were patched but clean, dyed the soft pink of peach blossoms.
A jade hairpin shaped like a butterfly held her dark braid in place.
The Scene:
Xiao Mei twirled, splashing water at a flock of ducks. "Shoo! This is my spot!" The ducks quacked indignantly, paddling away.
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The Fateful Encounter
Luo Feng stepped on a twig. The snap made Xiao Mei whirl around.
First Impressions:
Her smile vanished. "Aiya! What's wrong with your face?!"
Luo Feng flinched, pulling his hood lower. "I… I'm sorry."
She clapped a hand over her mouth. "No! I didn't mean—!"
The Slip:
Backing away, Xiao Mei tripped on a wet rock. She fell into the river with a shriek, the current dragging her toward rapids.
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Rescue in the Rapids
Luo Feng dropped his basket and lunged.
The Struggle:
The icy water numbed his legs. Xiao Mei thrashed, clawing at his arms.
"Don't fight me!" he yelled, wrapping an arm around her waist.
The amulet glowed, its heat steadying his grip.
The Save:
He hauled her onto the bank, coughing up river water. Her butterfly hairpin was gone, lost to the current.
Aftermath:
Xiao Mei trembled, her robes soaked. "Y-You're the boy they call monster…"
Luo Feng turned to leave. "Stay away from the river. It's dangerous."
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The Hairpin's Secret
That night, Luo Feng returned to the river with a torch. He searched for hours, guided by the amulet's glow, until he spotted the hairpin wedged between rocks.
Discovery:
The jade butterfly's wings were chipped, but a tiny spirit stone glimmered in its center.
The amulet hummed, urging him to pocket it.
Guilt:
"I should return it," he thought. But Granny Wen's cough echoed through the hut, reminding him of their poverty.
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Yan Mo's Interference
The next morning, Luo Feng waited at the river, hairpin in hand. Yan Mo appeared instead of Xiao Mei.
Confrontation:
"Stealing trinkets now, monster?" Yan Mo snatched the hairpin.
Luo Feng tackled him, surprising them both. They grappled in the mud.
The Amulet's Fury:
Enraged, Luo Feng's fist glowed faintly. He punched Yan Mo's shoulder, releasing a spark of Qi.
Result:
Yan Mo howled, clutching his burned arm. "You freak!"
He fled, dropping the hairpin.
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Xiao Mei's Apology
At dusk, Xiao Mei approached the hut, her braid undone.
The Exchange:
Luo Feng held out the hairpin. "I found it."
She stared at his bruised face. "You fought Yan Mo… for this?"
He nodded.
A Tentative Bond:
Xiao Mei snapped the hairpin's spirit stone free and pressed it into his palm. "Take it. You need it more than me."
First Gift:
The stone's energy warmed Luo Feng's hand.
Xiao Mei hesitated, then whispered, "Thank you… Luo Feng."
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Granny Wen's Wisdom
That night, Granny Wen brewed tea from the Silverleaf Ferns. "Kindness is a seed, child. Water it, and it will grow."
Luo Feng's Doubt:
"But she called me a monster."
Granny's Reply:
"Fear breeds cruelty… but so does loneliness. You've known both. Give her time."
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Foreshadowing
In his dreams, the golden serpent coiled around the spirit stone. "A friend's gift… is the purest Qi," it hissed. The stone dissolved into golden mist, seeping into Luo Feng's dantian.