Chapter 61: Winds of Rebellion, Ling Mei's Resolve
Three Days Later…
Volaris City, Ling Family Estate.
In the serene east wing of the sprawling Ling Family Manor, the silence of the morning was abruptly shattered.
CRASH!
The sharp sound of glass shattering rang through the hallway, followed by the dull thuds of furniture being toppled over. A loud thump, then another crash. Echoes of chaos poured from one particular room, painting the air with tension.
"What's all this ruckus!?" A fiery voice growled.
From around the corridor stepped a tall, lean man with flaming red hair cascading down his back. His crimson robes fluttered as he strode forward, and his ruby-colored eyes flared with intensity. The man's presence alone carried the weight of authority—Elder Huo, one of the estate's esteemed elders.
Two startled servants scrambled to greet him with deep bows. "S-Sorry, Elder Huo!"
His brows furrowed. "Who dares to disturb my training?"
The servants glanced at one another, fear etched across their faces. One petite maid, her face youthful and delicate, stepped forward with trembling hands clasped before her. "I-It's… It's the young lady, sir…"
Elder Huo's expression shifted, one brow rising. "Speak clearly."
"She… she locked herself in her room a few days ago. Ever since, she's been breaking things inside. We tried to knock, but she refused to open up for anyone."
For a long moment, Elder Huo said nothing. Then with a sigh, he waved them off. "You may leave."
Once the corridor was clear, Elder Huo stood silently, his gaze resting on the ornate double doors at the end of the hallway. His eyes softened.
"Perhaps the Council was too harsh… She's just a child, after all."
His thoughts lingered on the day of Ling Mei's summon. The pressure. The expectations. The betrayal masked as alliance.
"She must be devastated," he murmured. "Poor girl…"
But as he turned to leave—
SLAM!
The heavy doors flew open with a commanding gust. From within emerged Ling Mei.
Elder Huo froze.
She stepped forward with a calm grace that seemed otherworldly. She wore a sleek sky-blue jacket over a white silk blouse, her slim legs revealed beneath short indigo shorts. A tranquil, yet powerful aura surrounded her, shimmering faintly like the first breeze before a storm. Her long raven-black hair was neatly tied up with a jeweled pin, and her emerald eyes gleamed with fierce clarity.
Elder Huo's eyes widened in disbelief. "I-Is that… Ling Mei?"
She glanced his way, her expression unreadable. Without a word, she passed by him, her footsteps light yet decisive—like a monarch surveying her domain.
"That's not depression… That's regality," Elder Huo whispered in shock. "She… She's changed."
Without wasting a second, he spun around and hurried down the opposite corridor. "I must inform the Patriarch… immediately!"
---
Moments later, Ling Mei arrived before an elegant arched doorway adorned with emerald inlays and floral carvings. She raised her hand to knock, but before she could—
FWOOOSH!
The door burst open, and a green blur flew into her arms.
"Mei!"
The blur took form—Eira, the high elf and Ling Mei's proclaimed elder sister. Her long verdant hair shimmered under the light, and her golden eyes brimmed with emotion as she squeezed Ling Mei tightly.
"Sister Eira…" Ling Mei said softly, her voice tinged with emotion. Though it had only been few days, her recent transformation made those days feel like years.
Eira stepped back slightly, inspecting her. "Are you alright? I heard what happened… Are you hurt? Are you—?"
"Calm down, Sister Eira," Ling Mei said, gently pushing her back. Her voice was firm yet gentle. "I'm fine… more than fine."
There was something different in her tone. Something layered. Mysterious.
Eira narrowed her eyes, studying her closely, but let it go—for now. "So? Have you thought about what the council said? What's your decision?"
Ling Mei's gaze turned cold. "Isn't it obvious? I'm rejecting their offer. No amount of manipulation from this family or the Masaru clan will change that."
"What?! Mei, are you serious?" Eira cried, her voice cracking with concern. "You can't just rebel outright—at least try to negotiate! I'll help you if you—"
"It's no use," Ling Mei said calmly, shaking her head. "When mother makes a decision, it's set in stone. The Council doesn't listen. If I want to live freely, rebellion is my only path."
Eira's breath caught. "Your mother… Lady Qingyao will be furious. You're not strong enough yet to go against her!"
Ling Mei's eyes narrowed. Her aura darkened like gathering storm clouds. "Ling Qingyao may have birthed me… but I no longer consider her my mother."
A chill swept through the hallway.
"I only have one parent—Father."
A moment passed in silence.
"I know I'm weak now," she continued, "but I won't stay that way forever. I'll surpass them all. I'll become someone this family can't control."
Eira's mouth parted in shock. "You mean…?"
"Yes," Ling Mei said with unwavering certainty. "If they try to chain me, I'll break away—just like Brother Feng."
"You want to be like Ling Feng?" Eira gasped. "He's suffered so much! Out there, you'll have no backing, no resources. You'll be hunted!"
Ling Mei smiled gently. "So what if I struggle? If Brother Feng could survive… so can I. I want to be free—like the wind."
Eira was stunned silent. Her gaze lingered on Ling Mei, then abruptly widened.
"W-Wait a second… Your aura… You're Level 25?! That's impossible! You were just Level 20 a few days ago!"
Ling Mei tilted her head. "I had a Class Upgrade. Gained a few levels after that."
"CLASS UPGRADE?!" Eira nearly dropped to her knees.
"Congratulations!" she exclaimed moments later, lunging into another tight hug.
Ling Mei squirmed. "Too tight…"
Eira giggled. "Trying to push me off now, huh? You've really changed. Secretive, confident, rebellious… It's like you're someone new."
"Everyone changes," Ling Mei said with a shrug. "It's only a matter of time."
Eira smiled and rested a hand on her shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Mei."
"…Thank you, Sister Eira."
"Come on. Let's talk inside."
---
Eira's room was spacious and serene. Large windows let in soft sunlight, illuminating the pristine interior. The polished mirror-tiled floors gleamed. Twin velvet couches framed a crystal-glass table resting on a golden-embroidered rug. The walls were adorned with calligraphy scrolls, scenic landscape paintings, and polished spears crossed decoratively above an altar.
Ling Mei sat down, admiring the artistry. "No matter how many times I visit, I'm always in awe of your painting."
Eira returned moments later carrying a silver tray with a teapot and two ceramic cups.
She poured Ling Mei a steaming cup. "Made from Fragrant Sky Flower petals. Your favorite."
Ling Mei smiled as she sipped. "Mmm… Sweet~"
They chatted for a while, but the conversation soon turned.
"I came to see you because… I haven't heard from Brother Feng. We agreed to meet at ApexHealth Hospital today—seven days after he was discharged."
"I see," Eira replied softly. "But you know your parents won't let you leave. Not after rejecting the proposal."
Ling Mei clenched her fists, brows furrowed.
"Unless…" Eira said, eyes gleaming. "You had a really good reason to leave."
A light sparked in Ling Mei's mind. "Of course! The Rising Star Tournament is coming. Every major family is sending their prodigies. I need to train—in the wild!"
Eira smiled. "Now that… is a perfect excuse. Let's hope it works."
---
Elsewhere, in a grand study lined with books and glowing jade lanterns, Ling Zhejiang—Patriarch of the Ling Family—sat atop a regal throne-like seat. His azure robes flowed around him, his blue eyes calm and focused.
Before him, Elder Huo stood surrounded by air of uncertainty.
"You seem troubled," Ling Zhejiang said, voice rich and composed. "What happened?"
"It's… your daughter, Mei'er."
Ling Zhejiang tensed. "Did something happen to her?"
"Nothing bad, Patriarch. Quite the opposite, actually." Elder Huo stood, lips trembling. "I believe… she has undergone a Class Upgrade."
The Patriarch blinked—then broke into a hearty laugh. "Class Upgrade? Truly?!"
He quickly recomposed himself. "Why do you believe this?"
"It's instinct," Elder Huo said firmly. "When I saw her this morning… she was different. Her aura, her demeanor—it was like seeing a monarch reborn. If she has truly broken through her limits during her seclusion, then her potential may be far greater than we ever imagined."
Ling Zhejiang's eyes sharpened. "Then she must be nurtured."
"But we cannot reject the Masaru clan's proposal lightly," he added, his voice dipping. "It would bring consequences."
"I understand," Elder Huo replied. "But we must weigh the cost—if we force her, we lose not only her loyalty… but a future sovereign. Perhaps even an enemy."
Ling Zhejiang remained silent.
"She's your daughter, Patriarch. What happens next… is yours to decide."
With a bow, Elder Huo turned and left the chamber, the heavy doors closing behind him with a dull thud.
Ling Zhejiang sat alone.
The candlelight flickered across his contemplative face.
"Mei'er…"
What path will you choose?