Chapter 20: The Seed of Oblivion
1. The Aftermath of the Shadow Bloom
The village was quiet, but the air felt heavy. The fields, once lush with crops, now lay barren, their soil poisoned by the Shadow Bloom's roots. Villagers whispered as Luo Feng passed, their eyes filled with fear and gratitude.
Luo Feng's Condition:
The Silver Lotus Mark now reached his elbow, its icy veins glowing faintly.
His right arm was pale and stiff, frost creeping up his shoulder.
Golden flecks in his eyes flickered—Granny Wen's spirit fighting the curse.
Xiao Mei's Concern:
She handed him a bowl of hot soup, her voice soft. "You're freezing. If you keep using that power…"
Luo Feng shook his head. "I don't have a choice. The Yan Clan won't stop."
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2. The Seed of Oblivion
In the ruins of the Crimson Temple, Elder Wu knelt before an altar. In his hands, he cradled the Seed of Oblivion—a pitch-black orb that pulsed like a dying star.
The Seed's Power:
It absorbed light, leaving a void where it rested.
Whispers echoed from it, promising "an end to all pain."
Elder Wu's Plan:
"The Shadow Bloom was just the beginning. This seed… it will erase everything. The village, the Luo Clan… even him."
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3. Luo Feng's Cultivation Breakthrough
Luo Feng sat beneath the withered Silverwood sapling, meditating. The air around him shimmered with frost, and his breath formed icy clouds.
Stage 5: Qi Gathering (Mid-Level)
New Ability: Frozen Pulse—Luo Feng can now freeze objects or enemies within a small radius, but it drains his body heat rapidly.
Limitations: Overuse risks hypothermia and Qi deviation.
Granny Wen's Guidance:
In his mind, her voice whispered: "Balance is key. Too much cold, and you'll shatter. Too little, and you'll fail."
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4. Meiying's Recovery
Meiying woke in the shack, her arms still scarred with faint Yan Clan runes. She didn't remember the village or her father, Uncle Tao.
Xiao Mei's Effort:
She showed Meiying a doll she'd made from scraps. "This was yours. You used to call it Little Star."
Meiying frowned, touching the doll. "It feels… familiar."
Luo Feng's Promise:
"We'll get your memories back. I swear it."
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5. The Yan Clan's Next Move
Master Yan returned to the Yan Clan's fortress, his hand bandaged from Luo Feng's ice blade. He met with Elder Wu, who presented the Seed of Oblivion.
Master Yan's Command:
"Plant it in the village. Let them watch as their world fades to nothing."
Elder Wu's Warning:
"The seed feeds on despair. The more they suffer, the stronger it grows."
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6. The Village's Despair
The Seed's influence spread slowly:
Crops refused to grow, no matter how much the villagers toiled.
Children had nightmares of shadowy figures stealing their memories.
Even the sun seemed dimmer, its light unable to pierce the gloom.
Farmer Li's Plea:
He approached Luo Feng, his face gaunt. "You saved us once. Can you do it again?"
Luo Feng's Resolve:
"I'll find a way. But I need time."
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7. The Search for Answers
Xiao Mei and Luo Feng ventured into the forest, seeking clues to stop the Seed.
The Ancient Tree:
They found a massive oak, its bark carved with symbols similar to the Silverwood sapling.
The Tree's Whisper:
A deep, rumbling voice spoke: "The Seed of Oblivion is born of hatred. Only light born of sacrifice can destroy it."
Luo Feng's Realization:
"Granny Wen's spirit… it's still in the sapling. Maybe we can use it."
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8. The Seed's First Bloom
Back in the village, the Seed sprouted. A single black petal unfurled, and the air grew colder.
Effects:
Villagers forgot their loved ones' names.
Shadows moved on their own, whispering lies.
The Silverwood sapling's roots withered further, its golden leaf dimming.
Luo Feng's Desperation:
He placed his hand on the sapling, channeling his Qi. "Granny… help me one last time."
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9. The Battle Against the Seed
Luo Feng and Xiao Mei confronted the Seed in the village square.
The Fight:
Shadow Creatures: The Seed summoned shadowy wolves to protect itself.
Luo Feng's Frozen Pulse: He froze the wolves, but the effort left him shivering.
Xiao Mei's Bravery: She used fire-powder to weaken the Seed's roots.
The Seed's Defense:
It projected illusions—Granny Wen, Mei Ling, even Xiao Mei—begging Luo Feng to stop.
Luo Feng's Resolve:
"I won't let you take anyone else!"
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10. A Fragile Victory
Luo Feng plunged his ice blade into the Seed, shattering its core. The black petals crumbled, and the village's light returned.
Cost:
The Silverwood sapling's golden leaf fell, its light fading.
Luo Feng's Silver Lotus Mark cracked, frost spreading to his chest.
Xiao Mei's Fear:
"You're freezing… We need to warm you up!"
Luo Feng's Whisper:
"It's worth it… if they're safe."
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11. The Yan Clan's Fury
In the fortress, Master Yan watched through a scrying pool. "The boy grows stronger… but so does the Seed's true power."
Elder Wu's Smirk:
"Let him think he's won. The next Seed will be unstoppable."
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12. A New Dawn
The villagers celebrated, but Luo Feng knew the fight wasn't over.
Meiying's Progress:
She remembered her father's name—Uncle Tao—and smiled for the first time.
Luo Feng's Reflection:
He stared at the cracked Silver Lotus Mark. "Granny… I won't let you down."