32

With each breath, Lu Zheng felt the power within him swell, a potent mix of anger and newfound strength coursing through his veins. The shadows around him pulsed with energy, resonating with his resolve. He was no longer the weak, poisoned man he had been moments ago; he was transformed, a vessel of vengeance and determination.

As he steadied himself, his senses sharpened. The dim light of the room illuminated the contours of his surroundings, revealing the remnants of the chaos he had left behind—the scattered belongings, the overturned furniture, and the lingering scent of blood. The realization that he was surrounded by the remnants of his own actions fueled his fury. He had to act swiftly.

He took a moment to gather his thoughts, focusing on the target of his wrath—the man who had betrayed him and stolen everything he held dear. *I will find him,* Lu Zheng vowed silently, the promise echoing in the depths of his mind.

Moving with a newfound ferocity, he pushed himself toward the door, his limbs moving with purpose. The poison had retreated, but the remnants of its effects still lingered in his body. He could feel the remnants of weakness tugging at him, but he refused to let them take hold. He was fueled by a singular focus—revenge.

As he reached the door, he paused, listening for any sounds that might indicate the presence of his enemy. He could hear faint noises—muffled voices, footsteps echoing in the distance. The man was close. Lu Zheng's heart raced with adrenaline, anticipation coursing through him like fire.

With a swift motion, he opened the door, stepping into the corridor beyond. The dim light flickered around him, casting shadows that danced ominously on the walls. He could feel the pulse of energy within him, a reminder of the darkness he had embraced. It would serve him well in the coming confrontation.

He moved quietly through the hall, every sound amplified in his heightened state. As he neared the source of the voices, he could make out snippets of conversation—discussions filled with arrogance and deceit, the very essence of the betrayal he sought to avenge.

Lu Zheng pressed his back against the wall, peering around the corner. His gaze fell upon a group of figures gathered in a room, one of them unmistakably the man he had once trusted, now a traitor. The sight ignited a fire within him, stoking the flames of his determination.

*This is it,* he thought, steeling himself for the confrontation. He could feel the shadows around him beckoning, a reminder of the power he wielded. The voice had guided him this far; now it was time to act.

With a deep breath, Lu Zheng stepped out from his hiding place, the darkness swirling around him like a cloak of power. The figures turned, startled by his sudden appearance. The traitor's eyes widened in disbelief, recognition dawning.

"Lu Zheng," he sneered, trying to mask his surprise with bravado. "I thought you were finished. You're nothing without me."

A wicked smile spread across Lu Zheng's face, one that was devoid of the fear he had once felt. "You're mistaken. I've only just begun. You'll regret the day you betrayed me."

With those words, he launched himself forward, the shadows responding to his call. The energy surged within him, a tidal wave of power that he channeled into his movements. He was no longer a mere pawn; he was a force of nature, ready to reclaim his destiny.

The confrontation erupted into chaos, a flurry of shadows and strikes as Lu Zheng unleashed the fury he had bottled up for so long. The room filled with the sounds of combat, the air thick with tension and the echoes of vengeance.

With each blow, he felt the weight of his past lifting, the darkness transforming into strength. The traitor stumbled back, shock etched on his face as Lu Zheng pressed forward, relentless in his pursuit of justice.

This was his moment—a reckoning that would not only avenge his past but also define his future. As he faced the man who had wronged him, Lu Zheng understood that he was ready to embrace whatever darkness lay ahead, fully aware that his journey was just beginning.