Nuan Nuan's eyes scanned the garden, desperate for escape. Freedom beckoned, and she seized the chance.
She sprinted toward the gate, but Chenheng's guards caught her.
Chenheng's face twisted in rage. "You dare defy me again?"
Nuan Nuan's wrists were bound, her body trembling.
"You'll never leave this place," Chenheng spat, his hand striking her across the face.
Si Kong watched, his expression cold, detached.
Chenheng's cruelty knew no bounds. He dragged Nuan Nuan to her room, subjecting her to unspeakable horrors.
Her body broken, her spirit shattered.
Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "Why?"
The pain consumed her, an endless abyss.
After Chenheng's punishment, Ling found Nuan Nuan, bruises marring her face.
"Nuan Nuan, don't try to escape again," Ling whispered, her voice urgent.
Nuan Nuan's eyes flashed defiance, but her voice cracked.
"I won't be trapped... I won't be broken."
Ling's grip on her arm tightened.
"One day, you'll find your way out. The day is coming soon."
Nuan Nuan's confusion deepened.
What did Ling mean?
Tears fell like rain as Nuan Nuan realized:
She was alone.
Trapped.
Helpless.
Ling's words lingered, a whisper of hope.
"Nuan Nuan, trust me... Just hold on a little longer."
Nuan Nuan nodded, though uncertainty clouded her thoughts.
As Ling vanished into the shadows, Nuan Nuan's heart shattered.
She wept, her body wracked with sobs.
"Will I ever be free?" she whispered.
The darkness closed in, suffocating her.
....
Li Jin, still masked, stood before the Chen faction's leader, Master Chen.
"Master Chen, I come with a proposal," Li Jin began, his voice confident.
Master Chen's eyes narrowed. "What could you possibly offer that would interest us?"
Li Jin smiled. "Freedom from Chenheng's tyranny. Join me, and together we'll bring him down."
Master Chen snorted. "You think you can take down Chenheng? He has the emperor's ear."
Li Jin's expression remained unwavering. "I have resources, allies, and a plan. Chenheng's grip on power is tenuous."
Master Chen's interest piqued, he leaned forward. "Go on."
Li Jin outlined his strategy, emphasizing the benefits of joining forces.
Master Chen listened intently, his expression unreadable.
"I'll need time to consider," Master Chen said finally.
Li Jin nodded. "I'll return in two days for your answer. Think carefully, Master Chen."
As Li Jin departed, Master Chen turned to his advisor.
"What do you make of this masked man?"
His advisor's brow furrowed. "He's either extremely brave or foolish."
Master Chen's eyes narrowed. "Prepare for either eventuality."
Li Jin walked away, aware that convincing the Chen faction wouldn't be easy.
But he was willing to take that risk.
"The pieces are falling into place," he thought.
Now, he just needed Master Chen to take the bait.
---
Two days passed.
Li Jin returned to the Chen faction's estate.
Master Chen greeted him, his expression stern.
"We've discussed your proposal," Master Chen said. "Our answer is..."his proposal hanging in the balance.
Master Chen's expression stern, his voice firm.
"We've discussed your proposal... Our answer is..."
Li Jin's heart pounded.
Would Master Chen join him?
Or crush his hopes?
The fate of Nuan Nuan, Si Kong, and countless others hung in the balance.
---