Chapter 3: Betrayal

Haijun shouted, "Come on, you overgrown cat! Let me show you the power of my thunder spear!"

The thunder tiger roared, accepting Haijun's challenge. It leaped from the trees, aiming for Haijun's throat. It opened its mouth, revealing its sharp fangs and tongue that crackled with hunger. It was ready to deliver a fatal bite, ending Haijun's life in an instant.

Haijun was not afraid. He met the beast's attack with his own formidable ability, summoning the power of thunder to imbue his spear.

He thrust his spear forward, meeting the beast's mouth with the tip of his weapon. The crackling energy surged forth, creating a loud boom that echoed through the forest.

The spear pierced through the lower body of the tiger, causing it to convulse in agony as the electrical charge coursed through its veins. The beast's eyes widened in disbelief and pain, realizing that it had underestimated its opponent. It tried to pull back, but it was too late. Haijun twisted his spear, tearing through the beast's flesh and organs, ultimately leading to its demise.

The thunder tiger fell to the ground, lifeless and limp. Haijun withdrew his spear, wiping off the blood and fur. He looked at the beast's corpse, feeling a mix of satisfaction and pity. He had won the battle, but he also respected the beast's strength and courage.

He muttered, "Rest in peace, thunder tiger. You were not a worthy opponent."

He turned to his companions, who were watching the scene with awe and admiration. They knew that Haijun had risked his life to protect them from harm. They felt their bond strengthened by the trials they faced together.

Ling Ming's eyes widened in astonishment as she watched Haijun effortlessly dispatching the ferocious tiger with a skillful maneuver.

She exclaimed, "Haijun, you are amazing! That was the most incredible skill I've ever seen! How did you do that?"

Haijun smiled, feeling a bit embarrassed by Ling Ming's praise.

It's a skill that I learned from my father, who is a great spearsman. He taught me everything I know about the spear and the thunder element."

"Haijun, but what skill was that?" Ling Ming asked, unable to conceal her curiosity.

She had never seen such a skill before.

Haijun smiled confidently and said, "It's a mythic level thunder spear skill.

Ling Ming's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Mythic level? So, you're mythic level?" she asked, somewhat incredulous.

"Yes," Haijun nodded, his tone casual yet proud.

"But your level is lower than mine. How did you manage to defeat that tiger?" Ling Ming pressed further, seeking clarification. she was not jealous of Haijun, but rather curious and amazed. she wanted to learn from him and improve himself.

Haijun's expression turned serious as he replied, "I believe in myself, and I wasn't afraid of that tiger. I knew that my skill was stronger than its defense, and I seized the opportunity to strike when it was distracted by you. It was a matter of timing and confidence."

She clasped his hands and bowed to Haijun, saying, "Thank you, Haijun. You are truly amazing. I have learned a lot from you today. Please accept my respect and friendship."

Haijun was touched by Ling Ming's gesture and returned the bow, saying, "You're welcome, Ling Ming. You are very kind and generous. I'm honored to have you my brother and friend."

His unwavering confidence left Ling Ming speechless, realizing that true strength didn't solely rely on numerical levels, but on the indomitable spirit within.

Ling Ming savored the fragrance of the purple flower, finding it filled with the cheerful and pure scent of roses. Taijun, his brother, excitedly announced his intention to indulge in the fruits their father had brought.

Haijun had absorbed the essence of a spirit tiger, enhancing his senses. With his guidance, they ventured inside, Taijun leading the way to the prized fruit.

Among them, a pink-hued fruit caught their attention, and Taijun eagerly shared it with Ling Ming and Haijun.

Its taste was exquisite, causing their tongues to dance in delight. Ling Ming expressed his delight, marveling at the unique flavor. Satisfied, they returned to their village, their hearts content with the simple pleasures of their journey.

Huolong and Xie Jun were overjoyed when Haijun, Taijun, and Ling Ming returned safely. After having dinner, they retired to rest.

Ling Ming offered taijun, "Today, I'll sleep on the floor so you can have the bed."

Apologetically, he added, "Sorry, Honoured Princess, my mother taught me to show respect to girls, so I'll sleep on the floor."

Ling Ming accepted graciously, saying, "Then it's settled."

Ling Ming woke up suddenly and realized that Taijun was missing. Wondering where he was, she went to the window and saw him standing outside, gazing at the moon.

Ling Ming thought to herself, "Is he crazy? Watching the moon in the middle of the night?

Deciding to approach him quietly so as not to wake anyone else, she went outside. Standing behind Taijun, she called out to him repeatedly, but he seemed lost in his own thoughts, not responding to her calls.

In a sudden, unexpected twist, Taijun collapsed onto the ground, sending shockwaves through Ling Ming. Rushing to his side, she was horrified to see blood streaming from his eyes, prompting a panicked scream to escape her lips.

As the commotion attracted the attention of the entire household, villagers soon began to gather around.

Without hesitation, Haijun sprinted towards his fallen brother, lifting him up with urgency.

Alongside his parents and concerned villagers, they hurried towards the village doctor, Dr. Jun, their footsteps echoing a frantic rhythm.

They arrived at Dr. Jun's house, and Ling Ming, feeling anxious, asked Haijun what was wrong with him.

"It's a rare thing that happens to Taijun sometimes, and it last occurred when he was 15".

Ling Ming wondered if it was an illness, but Haijun said they've taken Taijun to many doctors, and none of them could figure out what's wrong.

Xie Jun's gentle voice broke through the haze as Taijun slowly regained consciousness.

"My child, you finally woke up," she exclaimed, relief evident in her tone. Taijun blinked, confusion clouding his mind.

"What happened to me?" he questioned, his voice shaky.

Xie Jun explained how he had been gazing at the moon the previous midnight when Ling Ming stumbled upon him, startled by the sight of his bloodied face.

Ling Ming had promptly alerted everyone, and they rushed him to Doctor Jun for treatment.

Taijun struggled to recall the events, murmuring, "I remember nothing but sleeping."

Haijun, his brother, enveloped him in a tight embrace, gratitude flooding his expression.

"We are thankful to God you are fine," he whispered, echoing the sentiment of their relieved family.

The scene unfolds with Ling Ming asking Taijun if he's okay. Taijun assures her that he is. They returned to home.

The sun was setting over the peaceful village of Huolong, where the people lived in harmony and prosperity. Huolong Jun the Head of the village, was enjoying a quiet evening with his family, when a loud knock on the door startled him.

He opened the door and saw one of his villagers, panting and sweating.

" Village head ,you have to come quickly! The village is under attack!" the villager cried.

Huolong Jun felt a surge of fear and confusion. He grabbed his spear and followed the villager outside. His wife, Xie jun , and his two sons , Taijun and Haijun and Ling Ming also joined him.

As they ran towards the center of the village, they saw flames and smoke rising from the houses. They heard screams and cries of pain and terror. They saw two men in black robes slashing and killing anyone who crossed their path.

"Who are they? What do they want?" Huolong Jun asked, his voice trembling.

Ling Ming felt a surge of dark energy in her mind, and she burst into laughter.

"You're too late, you fools!" she sneered, revealing herself as the mastermind behind the destruction.

The two men beside her, clad in black robes, proudly declared their allegiance to her. They were her loyal followers, who had helped her unleash the calamity on the village.

Taijun, who had rushed to the scene with his brother Haijun was filled with anger and disbelief. He confronted Ling Ming, accusing her of planning the devastation.

" How could she do this to people who save her ? How could she betray them so cruelly?"

He demanded to know her motives, but she only mocked him." You fool villagers you didn't deserve to know that!

They had never suspected her, who had been their traitor and enemy. Suspicion and tension gripped the once peaceful village, as the truth behind the chaos began to unfold.