NOVEL NEXT Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The Last Seed
The Village's Fragile Peace
After destroying the Mother Bloom, the village slowly recovered. Grass grew greener, birds returned, and the river's water cleared. But the villagers still eyed Luo Feng with suspicion. Some left baskets of food at the shack as thanks, while others whispered, "What if the curse returns?"
Granny Wen's Health:
Her cough improved, but her hands shook constantly. She spent hours grinding herbs, muttering, "The Yan Clan won't rest… They'll plant the last seed."
Xiao Mei's Loyalty:
She visited daily, bringing fresh bread and bandages. "I'll stand with you, no matter what," she promised Luo Feng.
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Master Yan's Last Gambit
In the Yan Clan's hidden fortress, Master Yan met with a hooded ally—Elder Wu, a traitor from the Luo Clan. Together, they stood before the Ancestral Tree, a sacred giant oak that once protected the village.
The Plan:
Elder Wu held the last Dark Bloom seed. "Plant it here. When the tree dies, the Luo Clan's protection dies with it… and the Yan Clan will rule forever."
The Ritual:
Master Yan carved a bloody symbol into the tree's trunk. The seed glowed as he buried it in the roots. "By dawn, this land will drown in darkness."
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The Amulet's Distress
That night, Luo Feng's amulet cracked further, its golden light dimming. The serpent's voice hissed weakly: "The Ancestral Tree… they poison it… hurry…"
Granny Wen's Advice:
She packed a satchel of Silverwood sap, herbs, and a rusty sword. "The Ancestral Tree is the heart of our land. If it falls, all is lost."
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Journey to the Sacred Grove
Luo Feng, Xiao Mei, and Granny Wen trekked to the grove where the Ancestral Tree stood. The forest grew darker with every step.
Signs of Corruption:
Twisted Animals: Deer with antlers made of thorns blocked their path.
Poisoned Wind: A green mist burned their eyes and lungs.
Whispers: Voices in the trees mocked, "You're too late…"
Xiao Mei's Courage:
She lit torches to scatter the mist. "We're close! I can feel it!"
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The Corrupted Tree
The Ancestral Tree towered ahead, but its leaves were now black, and its bark oozed blood-red sap. Thorned vines coiled around its trunk, and the Dark Bloom seed pulsed like a heartbeat at its base.
Elder Wu's Betrayal:
The traitor stepped forward, grinning. "The Luo Clan abandoned you… Join us, and we'll cure your curses."
Luo Feng's Refusal:
"You sold our clan for power. I'd rather die a monster than live as a traitor."
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Battle Under the Tree
Master Yan and Elder Wu attacked with poisoned blades. The amulet's fading light guided Luo Feng's strikes, but the crack widened with each clash.
Key Moments:
1.Granny Wen's Sacrifice: She threw herself in front of a blade meant for Luo Feng, collapsing with a gasp.
2.Xiao Mei's Rescue: She stabbed Elder Wu's leg with Granny's rusted sword, making him scream.
3.The Amulet's Last Stand: Luo Feng poured the Silverwood sap onto the seed. The amulet glowed blindingly, then shattered—destroying the seed but leaving him powerless.
Master Yan's Defeat:
The Ancestral Tree shuddered, its thorns retracting. Master Yan fled into the forest, screaming, "This isn't over!"
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Aftermath
The tree's leaves turned green again, healing the land. Villagers arrived, carrying Granny Wen home. She smiled weakly at Luo Feng. "You did it… my brave boy."
Xiao Mei's Promise:
She squeezed Luo Feng's hand. "We'll rebuild… together."
Luo Feng's Grief:
He clutched the broken amulet, now a lifeless stone. "It's gone… but so is the poison."
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A New Beginning
Days later, Luo Feng planted a Silverwood sapling near the shack. Xiao Mei placed the amulet's shards at its roots. "Maybe it'll grow into something new," she said.
The Serpent's Whisper:
That night, the sapling glowed faintly. A tiny golden leaf unfurled, shaped like a serpent.
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The Yan Clan's Shadow
Far away, Master Yan limped into a cave, where a hooded figure awaited. "The boy destroyed the seed… but I have another plan."
The figure chuckled, lifting a vial of Luo Feng's blood collected during the battle. "With this… we'll create a curse even he can't break."