The path of the betrayed sky

# ** CHAPTER 8: THE FIRST TRAIN **

The mansion was silent except for the distant sound of steps echoing through the corridors. Liang Feng was in his room, sitting in front of a table where the spiritual crystal shone softly. He had spent the night absorbing the crystal IQ, but his mind was far away.

Mei Lin entered the room without a noise, carrying a tray of tea and fruits. She placed the tray on the table and sat next to Liang Feng, watching him with her amber eyes.

"You look tired," she said, her soft voice like a breeze.

Liang Feng looked at her, surprised by her presence. He was not used to having someone so close, especially after a life of distrust.

"I'm fine," he said, avoiding his gaze.

Mei Lin didn't insist, but it served the tea and put a cup in front of it.

"Old Master Hong told me that you faced a spiritual beast yesterday," he said, trying to pull conversation.

Liang Feng took the cup, feeling the heat of tea in his hands.

- "It was just an ordinary beast. Nothing much."

Mei Lin smiled slightly, but there was a shadow of worry in his eyes.

"Even so, you could have been hurt. Why didn't you ask for help?"

Liang Feng hesitated, feeling a knot form in his throat. He was not used to worrying about others or being worried.

"I don't need help," he said finally. - "I can take care of myself."

Mei Lin looked at him for a moment, as if he tried to decipher his thoughts.

"You don't have to do everything on your own, Liang Feng. Sometimes trusting others can be a strength, not a weakness."

Liang Feng didn't answer, but felt a twinge of discomfort. He knew Mei Lin was right, but his emotional scars were too deep to be healed so easily.

"I ... I don't know how to trust," he admitted finally.

Mei Lin put his hand over his, surprising him with the gesture.

"I didn't trust anyone either," she said, her soft but firm voice. "But then I realized that if I didn't give people a chance, I would be condemned to live alone forever."

Liang Feng looked at her, feeling a wave of emotion that could not name. He wanted to believe her, but the fear of betrayal still haunted him.

- "What if I regret it?" He asked, his voice almost a whisper.

Mei Lin smiled, but this time there was a sadness in his eyes.

- "Then you will regret it. But at least you will have tried."

Liang Feng didn't answer, but felt something inside him start changing. He didn't know if he could trust Mei Lin, but he knew he didn't want to live alone anymore.

"" Thanks, "he said finally. - "by tea ... and the words."

Mei Lin waved his head, getting up.

"If you need something, I'll be here," he said, before leaving the room silent.

Liang Feng looked at the cup of tea, feeling a new determination to burn inside it. He knew the way ahead would be difficult, but he also knew he was no longer alone.

"" Maybe ... maybe I can try, "he murmured to himself.