You Knew There Was No Hope!

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps behind him almost made his heart jump out of his chest.

A Ming's heart tightened, and he quickly turned around to find a hiding place. But it was too late; several patrolling soldiers had already spotted him.

"Who's there!" the soldiers shouted, their torches illuminating A Ming's face.

A Ming's heart sank to the bottom, but he did not choose to run away. Instead, he gritted his teeth and stood up.

He knew that running away now would only put him in a more dangerous situation.

"It's me," A Ming tried to keep his voice calm. "I was just passing by and saw the door was open, so I came in to check."

The soldiers clearly didn't believe him. They quickly surrounded him, their spears and torches encircling A Ming.

The leading soldier raised an eyebrow and sneered, "It's that beggar again. Looks like I didn't beat you enough last time!"

A Ming took a deep breath, trying to make his voice sound firm and powerful, "I'm here to find evidence. I know you've been hoarding Detoxification Pill, leaving the people without any medicine. I'm here to expose your crimes!"

The soldiers were enraged by this, and they all raised their spears, ready to attack A Ming. But just then, a deep and authoritative voice came from deep within the courtyard. "Stop!"

All the soldiers stopped what they were doing and turned to look in the direction from which the sound came.

A man dressed in magnificent official robes slowly walked out. His face was cold and dignified. He was the corrupt official that A Ming had exposed.

The corrupt official walked up to A Ming, sized him up, and then sneered, "Hmph, what a brave young man. But do you think you can change anything by yourself? How naive."

A Ming met the corrupt official's gaze without flinching. "I know I am insignificant, but I believe justice will always prevail over evil. Even if I am all alone, I will persevere to the end!"

"And I believe there are good officials as well as corrupt officials in the world. Once I've gathered the evidence, I'll report you to an even higher-ranking official."

The corrupt official sneered, "What a righteous and awe-inspiring appearance you have. But unfortunately, you are destined to fail today, and you will never have another chance!"

"Men, seize this brat!"

The boy was instantly bound hand and foot.

"Do you really think there are that many good officials? Do you think my little heart can take all these Detoxification Pills? I'm preparing them for my superiors, so even if you find out I'm up there, it won't do any good."

"And these Detoxification Pills are being transported away today, so you'll never have another chance to gather this evidence!"

"Hahaha..."

The corrupt official's smile was utterly ridiculous!

His eyes were filled with pity as he looked at the boy.

Young A Ming was bound hand and foot, unable to struggle, and could only watch helplessly as the corrupt official approached step by step, his smile like that of a messenger from hell, filled with endless mockery and cruelty.

Despair overwhelmed him like a tidal wave.

"Hahaha... Kid, you're too naive." The corrupt official's voice echoed in the silent night, tinged with smugness and disdain. "Today, I'll show you what reality is."

A Ming gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing. Although he couldn't move his body, his eyes shone with an indomitable spirit.

"Even if I die, people will continue to investigate, and the truth will eventually come to light!" His voice was soft, but firm and powerful; every word was like a heavy hammer, striking the heart of the corrupt official.

Ridiculous.

Just as the corrupt official raised his hand, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to A Ming, a cunning Dark Shadow suddenly appeared like a ghost, moving with a speed that was dazzling.

The Dark Shadow appeared beside A Ming in an instant, the sharp blade in its hand gleaming coldly. With a light flick, it severed the ropes binding A Ming.

"Who?!" The corrupt official was shocked and quickly took a few steps back, cautiously looking around. However, the Dark Shadow was like a ghost in the night, leaving only a fleeting afterimage before disappearing into the darkness with A Ming.

"Damn it! Chase after them!" the corrupt official roared, immediately ordering his soldiers to give chase.

But the soldiers were no match for the Dark Shadow figure. The Dark Shadow moved freely in the night, sometimes leaping onto rooftops, sometimes slipping into alleyways, leaving the soldiers completely bewildered.

A Ming was led by the Dark Shadow as they ran wildly until they were far away from the dangerous mansion, at which point they finally stopped. He gasped for breath and looked gratefully at the Dark Shadow beside him.

The man was dressed in a tight-fitting black outfit, his face covered by a cloak, revealing only a pair of sharp eyes that gleamed mysteriously in the night.

"Thank you... for saving me," A Ming said with difficulty, his voice weak and grateful.

The Dark Shadow nodded slightly, but said nothing.

A Ming the other party didn't want to say more, Amin didn't ask any further questions and prepared to leave.

"Young hero, take care. I'm leaving now. I can't stay in this county any longer!"

Just as the boy turned and took a few steps, the Dark Shadow spoke. Through the black clothes and mask, the voice was surprisingly that of a pleasant young girl.

"Why do you keep bringing this up? Even though the antidote isn't very effective, it can still help everyone live a little longer."

A Ming stopped and slowly turned around, somewhat surprised. "Everyone? You're from the county town too?"

"You know perfectly well that you can't change anything," the girl replied, her eyes fixed on A Ming.

A Ming felt as if he had been struck a heavy blow. Deep-seated memories flooded back like a tidal wave, causing his voice to tremble slightly. "I... I just felt this was wrong. I've been a homeless child since I was little, without parents, without a home. It was kind families who gave me food and clothes, bringing a sliver of warmth to this world. They weren't rich, but they were always willing to share with children like me. But that plague... it took so many innocent lives, including those who had helped me."

At this point, A Ming's eyes reddened, but he fought back tears. "I watched them fall one by one, those faces that should have been full of smiles, now only filled with despair and pain. I don't want those who still have hope to live to die. I want those who truly need treatment to receive it. I'm angry, I'm not reconciled, so I can't stand idly by!"

A complex emotion flashed in the girl's eyes, as if A Ming's words had touched a chord within her. "But, as you know, the forces behind this are deeply entrenched. What can you do alone?" Her voice was soft, yet it revealed a hint of helplessness and worry.

A Ming took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "I know this is difficult, and it might even cost me my life, but I will stand up!"