My Attitude System

Chapter 3: Betrayal in the Shadows



The Sun family estate bathed in the dim glow of twilight, the sounds of servants bustling and the occasional clink of weapons fading as the day drew to a close. Sun Luo, still brimming with the emotions of the day, found himself restless. The fire that had surged within him earlier remained on his mind, the sensation so vivid it felt like it had left a permanent mark.

Yet, his thoughts were interrupted when his elder sister, Sun Mei, entered his room.

"Luo," she said gently, closing the door behind her. "You've been quiet since this afternoon. Are you alright?"

He looked up at her, the fire in his eyes dampened by doubt. "I don't know what happened, Mei. I've been stagnant for so long. That fire—it wasn't something I controlled. It felt... different."

Mei knelt beside him, her face soft with concern. "Whatever it was, it showed them that you're still here, Luo. You're still fighting. That's what matters."

Her words brought a small measure of comfort, but not enough to extinguish the storm brewing within him. He nodded, though he couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming.

---

The following morning, the family elders announced a trip to the **Greenwood Forest**, a lush but treacherous region just outside the Sun family's domain. It was meant to be a "bonding excursion" for the younger generation, a tradition to strengthen ties and foster teamwork among the family's descendants.

Luo was reluctant, but Mei insisted he go. "You need to show them you're not afraid to stand alongside them," she said, her fiery determination evident. "And besides, Yu and I will be there. We won't let anyone treat you unfairly."

Despite her reassurances, Luo couldn't ignore the unease creeping into his chest. Still, he agreed.

---

The forest was alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Sun Luo and the other members of the younger generation trudged along the narrow path, guided by a few of the family's guards. The air was thick with tension; Luo could feel the mocking glances from **Sun Jian** and **Sun Hao**, who walked a few paces ahead.

"Stay close," Yu said, falling into step beside Luo. "This forest has dangers beyond what the guards can handle."

"I'll be fine," Luo replied, his voice steady. But inside, he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right.

Hours passed as the group ventured deeper into the forest. The towering trees cast long shadows, and the air grew cooler. Luo's unease only grew when Jian and Hao began whispering among themselves, occasionally glancing back at him with smirks.

When the group stopped near a clearing to rest, Jian approached Luo with an exaggerated grin. "Why don't you come with us, little cousin? We found something interesting nearby."

Yu narrowed his eyes. "He's not going anywhere with you."

But Jian shrugged, feigning innocence. "Relax, Yu. We're just trying to include him for once. Right, Hao?"

Hao nodded, his smile too wide to be genuine. "We'll bring him right back."

Luo hesitated, but before he could respond, Mei placed a hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to go if you don't want to, Luo."

The challenge in Jian's eyes was clear. If Luo refused, they would mock him for being weak and cowardly. Gritting his teeth, he stepped forward. "I'll go."

Mei and Yu exchanged worried glances but said nothing as Luo followed Jian and Hao into the trees.

---

The deeper they went, the more isolated the forest felt. Luo's senses were on high alert, his heart pounding as the path grew narrower.

"Where are we going?" he asked, his voice steady despite the growing unease.

"You'll see," Jian replied casually.

Finally, they stopped at the edge of a rocky slope. Below was a dark cave, its entrance partially hidden by thick vines. The air around it was heavy, and Luo could hear faint growls from within.

"What is this?" he demanded, turning to face his cousins.

Jian's smile turned cruel. "A test of bravery, little cousin. Or do you think you're too good for that now?"

Before Luo could respond, Hao moved behind him. With a sharp shove, he sent Luo tumbling down the slope.

"Enjoy your test, genius!" Jian called, laughing as Luo hit the ground with a painful thud.

The growls grew louder, and Luo's breath caught as a massive **spirit lion** emerged from the cave, its golden eyes locking onto him.

---

**Ending Hook**:

As the beast stepped forward, its powerful aura suffocating, Luo pushed himself to his feet, blood trickling from his temple. His cousins' laughter echoed above, but all he could hear was the lion's growl and his own heartbeat.


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