boyutpedia Chapter 215 Fatal Weakness
Chapter 215 Fatal Weakness
Old Zhang's eyes shifted slightly, becoming as deep as a lake, as if he found some kind of recognition in Su Ming's words. He was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Okay, since you're ready, I'll tell you something you want to know."
Su Ming's heartbeat suddenly quickened, and his eyes were fixed on Lao Zhang's face. He knew that the next words would reveal some secrets hidden in the dark, and these secrets might completely change his destiny.
"This token," Old Zhang said in a low voice, pointing at the badge in Su Ming's hand, "represents more than just an organization or a lost power. It's a symbol of power. This badge once belonged to an extremely secretive group, and the power behind this group is enough to shake the entire situation."
Su Ming's breathing unconsciously became heavier, and the vague unease in his heart resurfaced. He had never imagined that a simple emblem could be associated with such a powerful force.
Lao Zhang continued, "I asked you to get this badge not just to complete the mission, but to make you understand that the world we live in is not as simple as it seems on the surface. You have only seen the tip of the iceberg, and the real danger is far greater than this."
Su Ming clutched the badge tightly, his feeling of imbalance growing more complex. He had originally thought completing the mission was enough, but now it seemed there lay a deeper conspiracy and a more complex situation behind it. This left him with an unprecedented sense of powerlessness, yet it also fueled his curiosity and fighting spirit.
"Are you willing to keep going?" Lao Zhang's voice was low, but it contained a hint of trial and expectation.
Su Ming was silent for a few seconds, then finally nodded, his eyes firm and unwavering: "I do."
A flicker of approval flashed across Old Zhang's eyes, but more of it was a mixture of complexity and worry. He slowly turned around and whispered, "Then prepare to face more darkness and danger. There's no turning back on this road."
Su Ming stood in the dim basement, the badge in his hand cold and heavy, as if silently absorbing the turmoil within him. Old Zhang's impassive figure faded into the darkness of the light, instantly making the small space even more desolate and oppressive. Su Ming's heart was filled with an indescribable sense of loss and complexity, as if an invisible cold wind had swept through his heart, stripping away any warmth. He had expected his master to offer more guidance, perhaps even a hint of recognition, at this crucial moment, but now, he felt an undeniable indifference.
That coldness wasn't just a momentary emotion; it was like an invisible wall standing between them. Su Ming had tried to draw closer, to break down this invisible barrier, but each time he failed. Lao Zhang's words and actions never shone with a trace of warmth, and even his encouragement and praise seemed scarce and stingy. Su Ming often reflected in the dead of night on where he'd fallen short, on whether he still deserved Lao Zhang's true trust and respect. But each time, he could only silently tell himself: the mission wasn't over yet; he still had much to prove.
But this process of proving himself increasingly exhausted him. He was no longer the naive young man he had been when he first joined the sect. These years of experience had made him mature and resilient, and to a certain extent, he even believed he had the ability to stand on his own. Yet, no matter how hard he pushed his limits, how often he completed mission after mission, he was always met with Lao Zhang's usual indifference. Su Ming knew this wasn't just Lao Zhang's attitude towards him; it was a deeper warning, or perhaps a strong sense of distance.
He stood still, looking down at the badge in his palm. The light reflected off the metal, casting a faint glow. The intricate patterns on the badge seemed to reveal some ancient secret, yet he still couldn't fully grasp the core of that secret. He raised his head, trying to catch the last trace of Lao Zhang, but the light was dim and the musty smell in the air grew stronger, making it difficult to breathe.
"Why do you treat me like this?" he asked himself, or perhaps a silent question to Lao Zhang. He had never directly rebelled against his master's instructions, always like a loyal soldier, resolutely carrying out every instruction and completing every mission. But he could never understand why, over all these years, Lao Zhang had never truly opened his heart to him, giving him the care and trust he deserved, like a true apprentice.
He recalled the time he'd become his disciple. Back then, he'd been filled with reverence and hope, believing he'd found his life's direction and purpose. Old Zhang's ruthlessness had seemed more like a test than a trial, driving Su Ming to work even harder, believing that one day he'd be recognized by Old Zhang, perhaps even forging a deep bond between master and disciple. But now, his faith wavered. He began to question whether he'd always been a tool, a tool to be exploited to achieve certain ends, rather than a true disciple.
Footsteps were heard nearby, breaking the silence in the basement. Su Ming regained consciousness and turned to look for the source of the sound, only to see Old Zhang reappear at the doorway. His expression remained icy, as if he were completely oblivious to Su Ming's recent emotional fluctuations. His eyes held no trace of emotion.
"What are you hesitating about?" Lao Zhang's voice was low and condescending.
Su Ming opened his mouth, but for a moment he couldn't bring himself to express his true thoughts. He didn't know how to express his inner confusion and uneasiness, and for a moment, he felt his emotions were meaningless. Faced with Lao Zhang's attitude, it seemed as if all his questions and complaints would be easily ignored. He was silent for a moment, and finally whispered, "I'm wondering what to do next."
Old Zhang's eyes were cold and sharp, as if he had already seen through Su Ming's heart. He sneered, "You've reached this point faster than I expected. But don't forget, in the world of espionage, any emotional vacillation can become a fatal weakness."
Su Ming's heart ached when he heard this. He knew Old Zhang was right, but it also stung a nerve deep within him. He couldn't help but question whether all his efforts over the years had truly meant anything, whether what he had been pursuing was merely an illusory goal. He remained silent, his fingers still tightly gripping the badge, his inner turmoil incomprehensible.
Old Zhang took a few steps closer, glanced down at the badge in Su Ming's hand, and his tone became more serious: "The secret behind this badge is not something you can fully understand now. If you want more, you must prove that you can bear more. Instead of questioning here."