chapter14

Shen Lingzuo decided to cooperate with this man's interrogation. Since he was from the Ouyang family, perhaps he might allow her to leave because of her aunt Hua Ruo's presence.

Ouyang began asking direct questions, such as, "Where did you get your powers? When did you start using them?" and more.

Shen Lingzuo answered with lies, saying she awakened about a year ago but didn't want to join the Guides' Academy because she didn't want her freedom to be restricted… or so she claimed.

Of course, she couldn't tell him she had awakened her powers just a few days ago. That would be too unbelievable. Moreover, she didn't want these people digging into her past or discovering too much. While it was nearly impossible for anyone to know she was from another world, in this advanced world, caution was always necessary.

After recounting the life experience of "Ling Ai" with her family, explaining why she had come to see her aunt Hua Ruo, and describing how she had saved her aunt's husband simply because she didn't want her aunt to be sad…

The room fell silent.

"What a vile, hypocritical family," was the first impression Bernard and Marshal Ouyang had of the Ling family. When these two met Ling Ai's father in the future, they would refuse to even look at him, humiliating him completely. This, however, was a story for another day.

Now, Hua Ruo was crying again. Even though she had heard all this before, she still felt sorrow for the hardships this young girl had endured.

The Marshal felt it too, but he also sensed something else. This girl wasn't telling him everything. Her powers, her combat skills, and her precise control over her extraordinary abilities—none of these were things an ordinary young girl could achieve. A little familial bullying couldn't possibly forge the killing intent he'd seen in her eyes.

Still, he couldn't voice his suspicions. The girl had been cooperative and had told him what he wanted to know. Pressuring her further would only make her despise him more.

"You must go to the Guides' Association and register yourself," he said bluntly.

Immediately, he was met with a death glare from Shen Lingzuo. Ignoring it, he continued, "The law is clear. You can't escape it or live your entire life in hiding. I can guarantee that Guides aren't mistreated as much as you think."

"Oh, really?" Shen Lingzuo replied with a mocking smile. "If by that you mean they're treated as little more than sexual tools for treatment, sold and exchanged from one person to another, and eventually forced into marriage, then yes, such treatment is truly more than I can bear.

"No, thank you. I have no interest in your benevolence. Being used and discarded isn't something I aspire to. I'd rather die."

The Marshal was shocked at how this young girl had deduced such truths. Even though the Empire protected Guides, illegal auctions of humans—particularly Guides—were still prevalent. They were exploited as tools for both treatment and pleasure. It was a grim reality. Physical contact between a Guide and a sentinel was known to enhance the healing process, making Guides highly sought after.

 Who would refuse a high-guiding treatment plus an erotic night?

While the Empire was doing its best to eliminate such crimes, eradicating all the filth wasn't possible. Yet, the Marshal maintained his composure, saying firmly, "You have no need to fear such things. I'll personally ensure your safety. Furthermore, I'll help you attain the freedom you desire. You won't even need to live within the Guides' Association. I'll take care of everything."

There was no excess emotion on his face as he spoke, as though bypassing dozens of Imperial laws was nothing out of the ordinary.

Shen Lingzuo, however, smirked at his dedication. How could a stranger go to such lengths for someone they didn't know? Don't tell her this was pure altruism. She had long stopped believing in fairy tales and angels.

With an impatient, scornful expression, she said, "You? You want to help me? For what reason? I don't believe in acts of kindness. If you're trying to use me or my powers, save yourself the trouble. I won't cooperate, and I won't do anything for you. I'm not your experiment, nor your goddess. That's why I refuse to assist you in any way."

After delivering this tirade in a single breath, her dark eyes locked onto the Marshal's green ones. Her gaze seemed to reflect a bottomless, terrifying abyss.

"I'm not trying to exploit you, nor do I need your cooperation or your powers."

"Oh? Is that so?" Shen Lingzuo scoffed, her tone dripping with disbelief.

She didn't trust a single word this "great Marshal" uttered. She had seen humanity's true nature in the apocalypse. Friends betraying each other over scraps of food, people abandoning their parents or children for survival—these were all common occurrences.

No matter the era, humans never changed. They spoke of love, compassion, and friendship, but when it came down to it, self-interest always took precedence.

And that was exactly what she thought was happening with this powerful Marshal. Even if he claimed he wanted to help her with no expectations, how could she believe him? How could anyone be so selfless unless they were an angel? And angels didn't exist.

"Yes, really," the Marshal reaffirmed.

Shen Lingzuo was certain this was all an act, yet the empty, unwavering look on his face gave her pause. It was as though he truly didn't care about her or her powers. Deep down, she wished this were true, but she didn't want to trust too easily. She couldn't risk falling for the same mistakes and trusting the wrong people again.

That's why she took a bold—and despicable—step.

She lifted her gaze, her eyes challenging, her voice steady and deliberate. "So, you'll never ask anything of me in return for your help? Not even if I told you I have the power to heal your father, former Marshal Ouyang? But I have no intention of doing so."

The moment her emotionless, harsh words left her lips, a deadly aura erupted, suffocating the room with its intensity. It became difficult for everyone in the room to breathe.

"Just as I expected," Shen Lingzuo thought. She had been right. Perhaps this man had initially shown kindness because he didn't think she could offer him anything. But the moment he realized her powers could benefit him and save his father, he lost control.

This was human nature. And while the outcome was predictable, a faint regret and sadness lingered in Shen Lingzuo's heart.

Suppressing the sense of loss deep within her, she looked at the man, who was now radiating a cold, oppressive aura.

Bernard and Hua Ruo were frozen in place. One was an ordinary person with no powers, and the other was a weak Guide. Neither could withstand the overwhelming presence of this Dark Guardian or the immense spiritual pressure emanating from him.

Just as Shen Lingzuo was about to say something to remind him to control his power—afraid he might enter a berserk state.

the

Marshal's thin, pale lips moved slightly. He opened them and said…

////////////////////////////////////////////

Author Rinna has something

To say:

What do you think our

Marshal want to say

(⁠＠⁠_⁠＠⁠;⁠)

////////////////////////////////////////////