After numerous collaborations, the relationship between Su Jin and the prince grew increasingly complex. Although they maintained the appearance of an alliance, Su Jin never fully trusted the mysterious prince. A voice in her mind constantly reminded her that the man's ambition went far beyond revenge—his thirst for power was just as profound.
Su Jin began to secretly investigate the prince's past and his influence within the court. She discovered that the prince was not merely an exiled royal; he still maintained a secret network of connections within the court, even keeping close ties with officials who ostensibly supported the powerful ministers. This raised her suspicions: Was the prince truly aiding her revenge, or was he merely using her to achieve his own ambitions?
She decided to test the prince. During a secretive conversation one night, Su Jin deliberately brought up the future after their revenge: "If we succeed in overthrowing the ministers, how will you treat the court?"
The prince's gaze deepened, and with a smile, he responded, "What do you think? Is a decaying court worth everything we have sacrificed?"
Su Jin did not answer, but she grew more cautious. She began to realize that the prince's true goal wasn't just revenge—he sought power, and she might just be a pawn in his game.
At the same time, Su Jin's acts of revenge and assassination had drawn considerable attention within the martial world. Her name was becoming more widely known among various martial factions, especially those operating between the court and the martial world, who began to take notice of this mysterious heroine.
Su Jin had built her reputation, but it also brought trouble. Many sought to capture or defeat her to gain fame, and some even aimed to seize the power and resources she might possess. The turmoil in the martial world was growing, spreading closer to Su Jin.
One day, a renowned swordsman calling himself "Wind and Cloud Sword" approached Su Jin. This man hailed from one of the top martial sects and was young and accomplished, enjoying a high reputation. He expressed his admiration for Su Jin and offered to help with her revenge.
"You are no longer alone," Wind and Cloud Sword said earnestly. "Many in the martial world are willing to stand with you against the corrupt court."
Su Jin listened calmly. Though she was tempted by the swordsman's offer, she remained cautious. She knew that alliances in the martial world were just as unreliable, and she wasn't sure of his true intentions. Nor did she want to easily reveal her plans.
However, Su Jin also understood that as her revenge progressed, she would inevitably face greater forces. If she could secure support from the martial world, her chances of success would greatly increase. Thus, she temporarily accepted Wind and Cloud Sword's proposal, keeping the cooperation on the surface.
As Su Jin's actions strained the relationship between the martial world and the court, it also deepened the rift between her and the prince. The prince began showing more interest in Su Jin's martial world connections, even hinting at using the martial factions to fight the court. But Su Jin knew in her heart that the prince did not trust these martial heroes. His ultimate goal was to control all power, not to share it.
One time, the prince cautiously asked Su Jin, "When do you plan to bring the martial world's forces into the court's struggle? We could use them to our advantage."
Su Jin coldly replied, "Martial men aren't bound by the court. They won't fight for anyone. If you force their hand, you'll only provoke rebellion."
A brief flash of displeasure crossed the prince's face, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "You're always so cautious, which is good. But sometimes, power needs to be guided, or it will spiral out of control."
Su Jin sensed the veiled threat in his words and grew even more vigilant. She knew that as the internal power struggle in the court intensified, the prince could abandon her at any moment, or worse, see her as a potential enemy.
At the same time, Su Jin's collaboration with Wind and Cloud Sword deepened. The martial factions quietly gathered, preparing for a surprise strike against the ministers. Su Jin planned to use this action to further weaken the forces in the court, especially those who had participated in her family's downfall.
However, on the eve of the operation, Su Jin received a secret letter from the prince. The message was brief and direct: "Postpone the action. The situation has changed. Do not act recklessly."
The letter left Su Jin uneasy. She had always believed this was her best opportunity, but the prince's order suggested a deeper agenda. She found herself at a crossroads: Should she heed the prince's command or follow through with her own plan?
Facing this critical moment, Su Jin felt she was being pushed to a crossroads by fate. If she proceeded with the martial faction's assault as planned, it would likely expose her identity prematurely, possibly sparking a full-scale retaliation from the court. But if she followed the prince's advice and delayed the action, she risked losing this precious opportunity.
Su Jin decided to have a private discussion with Wind and Cloud Sword, informing him that the operation might need to be delayed. Wind and Cloud Sword frowned upon hearing this, clearly dissatisfied with the decision: "We've prepared for a long time. Now is the best time. Are you sure the issue lies with our informant within the court?"
Su Jin gave no clear answer, merely stating that the risks were too high and more intelligence was needed. After a moment of quiet reflection, Wind and Cloud Sword reluctantly agreed to put the operation on hold, though he made it clear that he wouldn't wait long. The heroes of the martial world also had their limits of patience. If Su Jin couldn't act at the right time, they might make their own decisions.
After parting with Wind and Cloud Sword, Su Jin stood alone under the night sky, contemplating her next move. Her path of revenge had grown ever more complicated. The martial world, the court, the prince—all forces were entangled in this power struggle, and she had to find her own way in this perilous game.
A few days later, Su Jin received new information from the prince. It revealed that the powerful ministers in the court had become aware of the martial factions' movements and were preparing to crack down on them. This news made Su Jin realize the urgency of the situation. She knew that time was running out.
The prince's letter hinted that their next actions had to be executed with extreme caution. Any mistake could undo all their previous efforts. Meanwhile, Wind and Cloud Sword found Su Jin again, making it clear that the martial factions' patience had run out. They would wait no longer. Su Jin found herself in a dilemma.
Standing atop a mountain, she gazed at the distant sky. Dark clouds loomed overhead, and the wind surged, as if foreshadowing an impending storm. Su Jin knew that this storm would soon reshape her destiny. Whether she was ready or not, she had to make a decision.
Gripping her sword tightly, her gaze hardened as she silently repeated the oath in her heart: to avenge her family, at any cost.