lcionline Chapter 226 The Walls Are Mottled and Damp
Chapter 226 The Walls Are Mottled and Damp
Su Ming couldn't help but think back to the conversation just now. He understood that he had questioned his master's decision, even revealing, in that moment, confusion and dissatisfaction with the current situation. His master, always a calm and composed person, might not have been very patient with his apprentice's emotional fluctuations. Yet, Su Ming still struggled internally. He felt that at such a crucial moment, his master should have offered him more guidance and assistance, rather than such an ambiguous attitude.
The two of them remained silent throughout the journey, a dull, oppressive feeling hanging in the air. The walls of the underground passage were damp and cold, and water droplets occasionally dripped from the cracks above their heads, making a crisp sound. This tiny sound seemed particularly loud in the narrow space, as if reminding Su Ming that he was on a lonely journey.
"Master..." Su Ming finally couldn't help but speak. He asked tentatively, "Do you have any special plans for this mission? What should we do next?"
He tried to conceal his inner doubts with a calm tone, but in reality, he hoped to gain more comfort and confirmation from his master. He no longer just sought answers, but also longed for a kind of care from his master.
However, the master still didn't respond immediately. He didn't stop walking, his eyes fixed on the front, as if the question shouldn't have come up. It wasn't until a few seconds later that the master coldly replied, "I've already told you the plan. You have to walk the rest of the way on your own."
These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over Su Ming's heart, sending a chill through him. He froze for a moment, his steps hesitant. Go alone? He had never been so alone before. Even during the most dangerous missions, his master always appeared at the crucial moment, offering guidance and support. But this time, it seemed as if his master truly intended to push him to the front lines, leaving him to face those unknown dangers alone.
Did I do something wrong? This thought flashed through Su Ming's mind. He lowered his head, brow furrowed, and pondered every detail of the recent events. Had his previous questioning angered his master? Or had his master's trust in him been shaken? He couldn't help but doubt himself, wondering if all his past decisions and actions had been flawed.
"Did I say anything wrong, Master?" he asked in a low voice, a hint of barely perceptible uneasiness in his voice. This was the first time he had shown such emotion in front of his master.
The master finally stopped. He turned, his expression still calm, even a little cold. He glanced at Su Ming, his eyes lacking the usual concern, but instead held an elusive depth.
"Su Ming, you know, being a secret agent isn't about being taken care of, nor is it about relying on anyone, including me." The master's voice remained calm, but with a hint of irresistible pressure. "You're not a newcomer anymore. You should have learned to handle every situation independently. I can't always be by your side guiding you. Everyone has their own path to take."
These words, like a sharp blade, cut through Su Ming's deepest weakness. He knew his master was right; from the moment he embarked on this path, loneliness and independence were his destiny. Yet, facing his master's relentless indifference, Su Ming's emotions were still stirred.
"But..." He wanted to argue, to tell his master that he wasn't incompetent, nor did he want to rely on others. He simply wanted some reassurance, some support from the mentor he once trusted so deeply. But the words stopped on his lips. He looked into his master's calm, penetrating eyes and suddenly realized that he could no longer rely on him as he once did.
Su Ming took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. He had to adapt to everything, whether it was the complexity of the mission or the change in his master's attitude. He knew his master's expectations of him had never diminished, but this indifference meant he had to endure more, shoulder more responsibility. This was a test, both a challenge for the mission and a test of his personal growth.
"I understand." Su Ming's voice was low, but firm. He raised his head, his gaze no longer filled with confusion and anxiety, but with a growing determination.
The master glanced at him, as if sensing his transformation, a flicker of approval flashed across his eyes. Although it was fleeting, Su Ming caught it. He knew that the master wasn't truly disappointed in him, but rather hoped that he could find his own strength from within, rather than relying on external support.
"Let's go, keep moving." The master said lightly, turned around and continued to move forward.
Su Ming said nothing more, simply following silently. Although his master's attitude remained cold, he understood what it meant. Every step he took now was a step towards maturity. The inner imbalance, uneasiness, and even grievance gradually gave way to a firm belief.
He knew in his heart that there was no turning back. Regardless of his master's attitude towards him, the burden of the mission had already fallen on his shoulders without reservation. Enemies were lurking on all sides, danger was imminent, and he had to face the conspiracies and threats lurking in the shadows alone.
As the two continued forward, the underground passage gradually widened. A faint light shone through from the front, carrying a hint of coldness. Su Ming's steps were steady, his inner anxiety subsiding. He knew that no matter what happened next, he must remain calm and decisive. Now, he could no longer afford any emotional vacillation.
"We're here." The master suddenly stopped and said softly.
Su Ming looked up and saw an old iron gate. On the other side of the gate was their destination. He took a deep breath and clenched his fists, preparing to face the upcoming challenge.
The iron door slowly opened, and a cold breeze blew in through the crack, carrying with it an unfamiliar scent. Su Ming stepped inside, his doubts and anxieties completely dispelled by his sense of mission. He knew that everything that followed would determine the success or failure of the mission, and would also determine his true value as an agent.
The moment Su Ming walked through the iron gate, he was greeted by a cold breeze, a mixture of rust and engine oil. He immediately sensed something was amiss. This wasn't just ordinary airflow, but rather the emanation of some long-sealed warehouse. He subconsciously slowed his pace and quickly scanned his surroundings.
This was a dimly lit basement, its walls mottled and damp. Several pieces of worn-out equipment were piled in the corners, and rusty tools could be vaguely seen scattered across the floor, creating an unusually messy appearance. Despite this, Su Ming's attention was instantly drawn to a metal table in the center of the room.