She days passed in the city of Xinjing, seemingly ordinary on the surface, full of bustle and routine. But for Lu Zhou, the city felt silent and hollow. He sat beneath the old tree where his son, Lu Tian, had died—his gaze empty, lost in grief and confusion, as if the world around him had lost its color and direction.
In the shadow of that tree, memories of Lu Tian haunted Lu Zhou, reopening wounds that had never healed. In the stillness, a black seed began to take root in his heart—a pain and vengeance slowly gnawing away, paving the path for betrayal yet to come. Before long, the sound of footsteps echoed—calm, yet carrying an ominous air. Two men in black clothing emerged from behind the trees. Still leaning against the trunk, Lu Zhou stared at them with cold, sharp eyes.
"What business do you have here, Mu Whon, Kim Jheon Mo?" he asked, his voice hoarse but firm.
"Lu Zhou, we grieve for your son's death," said Mu Whon in a heavy tone. "We only came to offer comfort... you seem to have no place to turn to," Kim Jheon Mo added.
Lu Zhou narrowed his eyes. "Is this an order from Leader Cheon Ji?"
"No," Mu Whon replied. "This is our own will… as friends."
"Lu Zhou, don't you want to avenge your son?" Mu Whon whispered—soft, but piercing.
Suddenly, a strong wind blew. Lu Zhou's chest rumbled, his blood boiled. His clenched fists trembled.
"What are you implying…?" he demanded.
"Join us," said Kim Jheon Mo. "We promise to help you take revenge."
"What... do you mean?" Lu Zhou eyed them suspiciously.
"We are part of the Dark Blood. With us, you can destroy Femon Fire Sect," said Mu Whon, his voice low and grave.
Lu Zhou flinched, instinctively leaping back into a combat stance.
"Damn you... so you've betrayed the alliance?!" he shouted in fury.
"We never betrayed anyone... because we were never truly part of them," Mu Whon said calmly.
"Then what about all the kindness from the leader and the elders—what did that mean to you?"
"You misunderstand, Lu Zhou. We fought earnestly in every battle… but our goal was always different," answered Kim Jheon Mo.
"Join us. We will wipe out Femon Fire… forever," said Mu Whon coldly.
An eerie silence fell.
"You think I'm a fool, damn it?! I won't be swayed by you!" Lu Zhou roared, then lunged forward.
Boom!
The fight broke out. Lu Zhou charged, hurling a blazing red aura punch. Mu Whon blocked with an open palm, a shockwave erupting and tearing the ground beneath them. Kim Jheon Mo dashed in from the left, slashing with a pitch-black sword, but Lu Zhou spun, kicking him back.
"Die, traitors!" Lu Zhou yelled amidst a flurry of attacks. His fists burned with fury, his aura raging uncontrollably.
Mu Whon growled, his eyes glowing purple, then released a wave of demonic energy. A massive explosion blasted through the trees. The earth cracked, the air trembled with heat.
Lu Zhou was thrown to the ground, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, breath ragged. The crimson aura that once flared had now faded, replaced with bruises and helplessness. The land around him lay in ruins, trees uprooted, and the air still buzzed with the remnants of their brutal clash.
Mu Whon walked slowly toward him, eyes cold and unwavering. Beside him, Kim Jheon Mo sheathed his sword, gaze sharp and calm.
"What... do you want...?" Lu Zhou asked weakly, nearly sobbing, blood running down his temple.
Mu Whon stopped before him, crouching so their faces were level.
"Lu Zhou… you were Leader Cheon Ji's most trusted. He sees you like his own son."
Lu Zhou was silent. His eyes widened, body trembling—not from injury, but the weight of the choice now bearing down on him.
"Return to the alliance," Mu Whon said, his voice like a devil's whisper in the ear of a broken man.
"Tell Cheon Ji… that the Dark Blood has risen in Xinjing."
Kim Jheon Mo added, "And ask him to send four of his subordinates—Da Zhong, Pen Aiyu, Mo Tian… and you."
Lu Zhou stared at them, turmoil surging in his chest. Betrayal, grief, and revenge churned within him like a storm without direction.
"Why… why me?" he murmured.
Mu Whon gave a faint smile.
"Because only you… are fully trusted."