Chapter 7: Edge of the Abyss and Dark Alliances

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Days had passed since Ling and Liu discovered the hidden conspiracies orchestrated by Feng Xiang from behind the scenes. During that time, Ling noticed many changes around her; familiar faces whispered in corridors, sharp gazes watched her from afar, and even the guards seemed more alert. She wasn't sure if these changes were due to her recent actions or if Feng Xiang himself had started to suspect her.

As she walked down a dim corridor in the palace, she suddenly stopped, troubled by heavy thoughts. "Did I make a mistake facing Feng Xiang this soon? Maybe I should've investigated more before putting myself in danger?" After a brief hesitation, she encouraged herself, whispering, "I've started this path, and I won't turn back now. The enemies are growing, but I won't weaken."

The following morning, Ling was summoned by Ling Xiang, the family head, to attend a private meeting with some influential figures in the family. Upon entering, she sensed an atmosphere charged with tension. Feng Xiang was seated there, casting cold glances her way as if nothing escaped his notice.

She sat silently, listening to their usual discussions about family matters and protection from external threats, but this time felt different. She sensed something brewing beneath the surface. Suddenly, Ling Xiang interrupted the conversation, saying, "Ling, I want to speak with you in private."

Everyone left, leaving Ling alone with the family head, who looked at her with mysterious eyes and said, "You've heard the rumors about a traitor among us, haven't you?"

Ling replied cautiously, "Yes, and I've heard that some suspect me… but I assure you of my loyalty to the family."

Ling Xiang smirked, replying, "Loyalty is proven through actions, not words, Ling. There are tasks I will assign to you to prove your loyalty. I will send someone to contact you soon."

After leaving the meeting, Ling met with Liu Qing and informed him about her conversation with the family head. Liu shared her concern but kept his calm, saying, "It seems the family head is testing you, which means her suspicions about you are growing. You must be careful with the upcoming tasks; they could be traps."

Ling asked him anxiously, "What if the real goal is to bring me down? How will I know if the task I'm assigned is meant to get rid of me?"

Liu smiled confidently, "We'll monitor every step and keep track of their movements. If there's a trap, we'll know before it claims you."

One dark night, a mysterious figure appeared at Ling's door, dressed in a black cloak that hid their features completely. They approached her and said in a low voice, "I'm here on behalf of the family head. I have a task for you."

Ling took a deep breath and responded, "What is this task?"

The figure replied cautiously, "You need to go to a remote village outside the city, where you'll find someone suspected of conspiring against the family. Your job is to investigate and gather evidence."

Ling felt wary of this task, especially since it seemed unusual and not directly tied to internal family matters. But she decided to go through with it; at this moment, she had no other choice. She answered seriously, "Alright, I'll start immediately."

Ling set off on her journey to the village, accompanied by Liu Qing, who insisted on joining her to ensure her safety. Along the way, they had a deep conversation about loyalty and betrayal, the values they grew up with, and the life-defining decisions each had made.

Ling reflected, "Sometimes I feel like just a puppet, controlled by the family. Do you think I'm doing the right thing by following through with these tasks?"

Liu replied, "Sometimes, to find freedom, we must first struggle in the darkness. Maybe these tasks are a way for you to discover who you really are."

Ling and Liu arrived at the village after a long journey. It was isolated and seemed to suffer from poverty and decay. The houses were dilapidated, and the atmosphere was tense.

Ling began her investigation and soon located an elderly man who lived in a rickety wooden house, rumored to know ancient secrets about the great families. When she entered his home, he was leaning on his cane, looking at her with sharp eyes.

The old man said in a low voice, "I knew you would come."

Surprised by his direct question, Ling said, "How did you know?"

The man replied with a mysterious smile, "The winds carry news, and great families always repeat the same mistakes. Why have you come here?"

Ling told him about her mission and how she was sent to investigate the suspicions around him. The man smiled bitterly, saying, "I am just an old man who poses no threat to anyone. But great families always seek to silence those who know the truth."

The man's words piqued Ling's curiosity, so she cautiously asked, "What truth are you talking about?"

The man replied with a voice filled with wisdom, "The secrets that families hide about true power and the sacrifices on which these bloodlines were built. Many have been killed for this secret, and here you are, searching for it without even knowing."

Ling looked at him and said, "Are you implying that I am part of a bigger game?"

The old man nodded, "We are all pawns in this game, but some of us have the power to escape it… if you're strong enough."

When Ling left the man's house, she felt a greater burden on her shoulders. Feelings of doubt and concern grew within her, but she realized that there were hidden truths about the origins of her powers and her position within the family. This mission might not have been merely a test of loyalty; it was a step towards uncovering a reality she wasn't fully prepared to face.

When she met Liu outside, he noticed her tense expression and asked, "Did you get your answers?"

Ling responded in a firm tone, "I got new questions, and the worst part is that I have no idea where these questions will lead me."

Ling and Liu returned to the palace after completing the task, and when she presented her report to the family head, Ling Xiang gave her a long look and said, "Well done, Ling. It seems you're getting closer to understanding things."

Ling felt as if she was facing a new test, so she replied steadily, "If there are hidden truths, I'm ready to learn them no matter the cost."

Ling Xiang laughed slyly, saying, "The price is always high, and no one returns from this journey as they were."

That night, as Ling tried to sleep, she recalled the old man's words and Ling Xiang's warnings. She realized that her future in this world of secrets and challenges was uncertain, and she needed to prepare for an upcoming confrontation that could be her most dangerous yet.

She whispered to herself, staring at the ceiling, "If there's only one path to discovering the truth, I'll walk it to the end, and I'll face every challenge even if I have to give up everything."

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These days had been filled with doubts and dark alliances, as Ling realized that the world around her was much larger than she had imagined and that she was on the brink of a confrontation that might change her life forever.