In the dim light of the Tang mansion, the atmosphere was tense. Tang Mia paced back and forth, her mind racing. The message that had just flashed on her phone confirmed what she had suspected for weeks—another attempt to eliminate Sofia had failed. Her loyal and skilled operatives had been defeated once again, and the failure stung. She had relied on a powerful and mysterious force to handle Sofia, but now it was clear that something more was at play. She couldn't shake the gnawing frustration in her chest.

Sofia. That name now tasted like poison to Tang Mia. Despite all the machinations and efforts, Sofia had managed to survive. She wasn't just lucky; there was a force around her, something untouchable and impenetrable. For the longest time, Tang Mia had thought she could control the situation, but it had become clear that she needed more than her usual strategies. Now, there was only one way forward. She had to confront the one person she had never met—the real master behind the shadowy organization supporting her.

Tang Mia typed out a message, her fingers trembling slightly. She wasn't afraid—she didn't feel fear anymore—but the anticipation of what was to come made her feel alive in a way she hadn't for years.

**"I want to meet the real master behind you,"** she sent the message and stared at the screen as it delivered, then sighed, knowing that her request would not be easily ignored. She had never directly contacted this powerful entity before. She had always relied on intermediaries—agents, assassins, manipulators—but this time, she had to speak to the master face to face. She needed answers, and she needed them now.

---

Far away from the bright lights of the city, deep in a valley that few dared to enter, the message was received. In this secluded, eerie place, the mist hung thick and low over the ground, and the air was heavy with dread. Shadows moved in the corners of the forest, and ancient trees creaked under the weight of the secrets they held.

In the center of this valley stood a small, decrepit house, almost invisible in the darkness. Inside, the air was thick with a dark, swirling energy. The very walls seemed to breathe with the malevolent force that pulsed within. The room was cold, unnaturally so, despite the roaring fire in the corner. Sitting in a high-backed chair, her figure almost consumed by the shadows, was the master—an old woman who exuded an aura of unimaginable power.

Her body was gnarled and bent, her skin pale and stretched taut over her bones. Dark, sinuous tendrils of energy clung to her, seeping from her pores. Half of her face was scarred, burned by what appeared to be a curse. It was not a mere physical disfigurement; it was as if the very fabric of evil had marked her as its own. And her eyes—when she opened them—glowed with a sinister, malevolent force. They were not the eyes of a human; they were orbs of pure darkness, windows to a soul filled with centuries of hatred and bitterness.

Standing in front of her was one of her many subordinates, a figure dressed in black robes, who had been loyal for decades.

"Master," the figure spoke, his voice trembling slightly despite his years of service. "There is a message from the young lady, Tang Mia. She wishes to meet you in person. What shall we reply?"

The old woman's lips curled into a smile, but it was devoid of warmth. There was only cruelty in that expression.

"Well," the old woman rasped, her voice like nails scraping across stone. "It seems the little princess has finally gathered enough courage to face me. How amusing. She has no idea what awaits her."

She slowly stood up from her chair, her movements stiff and jerky. Her body, ravaged by dark magic, struggled to obey her commands. But there was no mistaking the power she wielded. The very air crackled with energy as she moved, her presence almost suffocating.

"I think it is time," she continued, her eyes gleaming. "My powers are nearing their peak. Soon, I will no longer need to hide in this valley. Soon, I will be able to consume all that stands in my way, including Sofia." She paused, relishing the thought. "Reply to Tang Mia. Tell her we shall meet next week. Right here."

The subordinate bowed deeply and quickly left the room to carry out the order.

---

Back at the Tang mansion, Tang Mia received the reply with a sense of grim satisfaction. It was exactly as she had hoped. The master had agreed to meet her, and now, she could finally put her plan into motion. For weeks, she had been strategizing, plotting every move with the precision of a chess master. She had anticipated every scenario, every possible outcome. And now, the pieces were finally in place.

But as she stared at the reply on her phone, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. The master was not someone to be trifled with. Her powers were beyond comprehension, and while Tang Mia had always prided herself on being a master manipulator, she knew this next encounter would be unlike anything she had faced before.

Still, she had no choice. Sofia had proven to be more resilient than expected, and conventional methods of elimination had failed. Tang Mia needed the master's full power to end Sofia once and for all.

---

Meanwhile, Sofia slept peacefully in her lavish bedroom, unaware of the conspiracy unfolding around her. Her face was serene, and her breathing even, as if the world around her had no power to disturb her rest.

Sofia was no fool. She knew that there were forces working against her, that her enemies lurked in every shadow. But she also knew something that her enemies did not: true strength came from within. She had faced trials and tribulations that would have broken a lesser person, but each one had only made her stronger.

Her enemies might conspire, they might plan, but Sofia had no fear. She had faced the darkness before, and she would do so again, unflinching and undefeated. Tang Mia, the master, and all who stood against her would soon learn that no conspiracy, no dark magic, could triumph over true strength.

As Sofia slept, a faint smile played on her lips. Let them come. She was ready.