’What should I do to her?’ Ren’s dependence on Shun was Ling Li’s agony. She knew she had to find a way to reassure her daughter and ease her worries.
Ling Li helped Four Eyes to their room and instructed Mushu and Pharsa to assist the others. After ensuring Four Eyes was settled for a nap, she retired to her study, where Shi Min and her will discuss the day’s turbulent events and Otako’s unforeseen mission.
Ling Li sat at her desk, her fingers tracing the grain of the ancient wood as she processed the events of the day. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of lanterns casting long shadows that danced on the walls. The scent of incense wafted through the air. Shi Min entered quietly, closing the door behind him with a soft click. His face was a mask of concern, but his eyes held a steely resolve.
"Mother, we need to talk regarding our meeting with Otako," Shi Min began, his voice low and urgent, only to be abruptly cut off by Ling Li.
"I got a message from Otako. He told me all his plans," Ling Li stated, her tone dripping with intensity.
"Really? Otako is very mysterious. What do you think of his plan? He wants Shun Chang to replace the current leader and take over the government within two years. We are to train him," Shi Min inquired, curiosity mixed with apprehension.
"It’s immense. We need a profound strategy. I must consult heaven," Ling Li replied solemnly, her eyes reflecting the weight of her thoughts.
Shi Min nodded, understanding the weight of his mother’s words. "I know. But Otako’s orders are clear. Otako must have considered Shun Chang has the potential. We have to prepare him physically, and he needs to study Chinese politics extensively." Shi MIn added, rubbing his temples in frustration, his tone pragmatic.
Ling Li sighed deeply, her gaze turning inward. "And what about Ren? How will she react to this? She’s so protective of Shun. This will not be easy for her."
"We have to be strategic about this. Otako only gave us two years to prepare Shun’s mission," Shi Min stressed. "We need to reassure Ren and ensure she understands the importance of this mission. But more importantly, we need to prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead. Let me talk to Ren as well. Let’s wait for what we discover tonight before you worry too much," Shi Min comforted his mother.
Ling Li’s mind raced her thoughts a whirlwind of strategy and concern. "We’ll have to increase Shun’s training regimen and perhaps bring in additional resources. This is not a task for the faint-hearted."
"Otako also wants Quan Ye and Tong Xue to support Shun. They, too, will undergo intense training. Otako was very clear—no failure is acceptable," Shi Min stated.
Ling Li’s brows furrowed in thought. "We will need to be relentless in their training. Mushu and Pharsa will play crucial roles. Their skills and expertise will be invaluable."
Shi Min hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "There’s more. Otako has ordered that they be sent to the Amazon in two weeks. They will spend three months in the forest, surviving independently.".
Ling Li’s eyes met Shi Min’s, a mixture of determination and worry reflected in her gaze. "The Amazon will test their limits. It’s a harsh environment, but it will forge them into the leaders we need. Pharsa’s training must be accelerated. We don’t have time to waste."
"I will speak to Pharsa and Mushu immediately," Shi Min said, rising from his seat. "We must ensure they are ready."
Ling Li reached out and grasped Shi Min’s hand, her grip firm and reassuring. "Shi Min, we are embarking on a path fraught with danger and uncertainty. But we have faced adversity before. We will overcome this together."
Shi Min nodded, a sense of resolve settling over him. "We will, Mother. We have no other choice."
"Ask Mushu to prepare for tonight’s ritual," Ling Li said, dismissing Shi Min with a wave of her hand.
As Shi Min left the room, Ling Li remained seated, her mind already calculating the next steps. The weight of Otako’s mission was heavy, but she knew they were capable of rising to the challenge. The future of their family—and perhaps their nation—depended on it.
The night arrived, and everyone was on edge. Ling Li looked intently at the open eye, which displayed the Milky Way before them. Her brows knitted together, and she seemed lost in her own world. The others were oblivious to what she was doing, but as their blood in the cup slowly diminished, so did Ling Li’s energy.
Four Eyes, sensing the toll it was taking, handed the twins to Ren and Lily. He feared Ling Li would collapse at any moment and stood guard.
Just as he feared, Ling Li closed the heaven and dropped unconscious into Four Eyes’ arms. He carried her to their room with anxiety etched on his face.
Four hours later, Ling Li woke up with Shi Min, Mushu, and Pharsa standing over her. The three had shared their internal energy to revive her, knowing it would have taken days for her to recover otherwise.
"Mom, must you always drain your energy ? Can’t you remember that you have a family waiting for you?" Shi Min reprimanded his mother gently but firmly.
"There are too many concerns," Ling Li said, her voice hoarse. "Mushu, El Padre is attacking tomorrow. Call off their attack! They will all die! The enemy is not to be underestimated! Call him now!" Ling Li roared, a sense of urgency in her voice.
It was the first time they had seen Ling Li so agitated in a long time. Four Eyes, standing by the side, came up to hold her.
"The enemy is very powerful. We must recover Camp Phoenix as soon as possible. We can no longer stall," Ling Li said, her determination unwavering. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel•fire.net
"What about the mission Otako mentioned?" Shi Min asked, distraught.
"They go to the Amazon in two weeks as planned. Pharsa, prepare them. They will stay in the forest for three months and must survive independently," Ling Li commanded, her voice regaining its strength.