NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Chapter 9: The Broken Cart
A Tough Morning
Luo Feng and Granny Wen had been living in the old hunter's shack for a week since their hut burned down. Rain leaked through the roof, and the air smelled damp and moldy. They had almost no food left—just a little rice and dried mushrooms. Granny Wen's cough was getting worse.
What Happened:
Luo Feng tied a cloth over his face to block the bad smell.
He sharpened an old knife to go look for food in the forest.
The spirit stone Xiao Mei gave him was almost out of energy.
Granny Wen's Worry:
She held his arm tightly. "Do not go far… Yan Mo is still looking for you."
Luo Feng smiled to calm her. "I'll come back before noon."
---
Searching the Forest
Luo Feng walked deep into the forest, past the river. The trees were tall, and the ground was wet.
What He Found:
Silverleaf Ferns (good for coughs) near a rotting tree.
Frost Moss (for fevers) on a big rock.
Bloodroot (a rare red flower) hidden under bushes. The amulet glowed, helping him find it.
His Plan:
"If I sell these herbs in the village market, I can buy food and medicine for Granny."
---
The Broken Cart
On his way back, Luo Feng heard loud shouts. A trader's cart had broken down on the muddy road.
What He Saw:
The wooden cart had a smashed wheel.
The trader, a fat man in green clothes, was yelling angrily.
Two oxen were stuck in thorny bushes.
Luo Feng Helps:
He walked up slowly, hiding his face with his hood. "I can fix your cart… for one silver coin."
The trader laughed. "You? A dirty beggar?"
The Deal:
Luo Feng showed him the Bloodroot. "I know about herbs and fixing things. Your cart's axle is cracked too."
The trader threw him a coin. "Fix it, or I'll take your herbs!"
---
Fixing the Cart
Luo Feng worked quickly:
1.Removed the Broken Wheel: Used a flat rock to take it off.
2.Made a New Axle: Cut a strong branch with his knife.
3.Tied It with Vines: Wrapped tough vines around the weak parts.
The Trader's Surprise:
"You've fixed carts before!" the trader said, checking the work.
Luo Feng shrugged. "I've broken enough things to learn how to fix them."
Payment:
The trader gave him three silver coins and said, "Don't waste it on candy!"
---
Yan Mo Attacks
As Luo Feng walked to the market, Yan Mo jumped out of the trees with two men.
The Fight:
Yan Mo waved a knife. "Give me the coins, monster!"
One man grabbed Luo Feng's herb basket. Another held his arms.
Luo Feng bit the man's hand and kicked Yan Mo's leg.
The amulet glowed hot, giving Luo Feng strength.
Using Qi:
Luo Feng hit the man's chest with a Bear's Paw Strike. The man flew backward into a bush.
Yan Mo Runs:
"This isn't over!" Yan Mo shouted, running away with his friend.
---
At the Market
Luo Feng went to the herbalist shop, bleeding from his arm. The shop owner, Auntie Ling, frowned at his dirty clothes.
What He Bought:
Traded Bloodroot and Frost Moss for five copper coins and a bottle of Mending Salve (healing cream).
Auntie Ling gave him a old Ginseng root. "For your arm. Don't die here."
Xiao Mei's Help:
Xiao Mei saw him leave the shop. "You're hurt!"
Luo Feng hid his face. "It's okay."
Her Kindness:
She gave him a steamed bun wrapped in leaves. "Eat. You're too skinny."
---
Back to the Shack
Luo Feng walked home as the sun set. The forest was noisy with insects and wolves.
Granny Wen's Care:
She put the Mending Salve on his arm. "You fought them… didn't you?"
Luo Feng's Promise:
He put the coins and ginseng on the stove. "We'll be okay. I'll protect you."
---
A Strange Dream
That night, Luo Feng dreamed of the golden snake again.
What He Saw:
The trader's cart went into a foggy valley. The pots on the cart had glowing blue liquid.
The trader bowed to a shadowy man. "The herbs are ready, Master."
The Snake's Warning:
"Do not trust anyone… even nice people can hurt you."
---
A Hidden Danger
While Luo Feng slept, the Mending Salve worked on his wound. He did not see the tiny Yan Clan symbol (a coiled snake) on the bottle.