Mo Dao Zu Shi: Astray

The Worst Luck, Part Four

"What?" was all Pan Wukun could utter.

Meng Yao wasn't supposed to make his journey to Golden Carp Tower until Meng Shi-

Until Meng Shi died...

"I've been training in cultivation for six months." Meng Yao shot Pan Wukun a grateful smile. "I'm certain my headstart will impress Father enough that he'll accept me into the Jin clan."

Pan Wukun crossed her arms. "And just who is your father? Who is in a high enough position of power to be able to take you into the Jin clan just like that? You haven't even formed a golden core yet."

"Sect Leader Jin," Meng Yao answered. "He gave a pearl to Mother as a memento many years ago. Mother told me that if I showed the pearl to him, he would gladly adopt me into the Jin clan. Once I'm inducted into the Jin clan, the sect's training regime will speed up the process of forming my golden core. Then I shall have more than enough power and prestige to generously reward you, Pan-shifu. So I would be incredibly grateful if we could-"

Pan Wukun let out a bitter laugh. "You really think that Jin Guangshan would accept you with open arms? Look at how he treats his illegitimate children."

Meng Yao's fists clenched.

"He wouldn't accept you into his sect, much less his clan. He's never going to accept you because-"

"You don't need to finish!" Meng Yao shouted. "I know what you're going to say! I shouldn't try to aim above my station because of who I am! Because I'm-...I'm-..."

Meng Yao glared at Pan Wukun.

"-the son of a whore...right?"

Meng Yao panted, expending so much energy after his angry outburst.

Pan Wukun gave a troubled sigh. "No. I'm saying that you shouldn't bother with someone like Jin Guangshan. He has no honor, no sense of responsibility and accountability. He's power-hungry and unfaithful to his wife. He constantly abuses his power as a sect leader. To put it plainly, he's a shitty person, and Madam Jin deserves better."

Meng Yao silently stared at Pan Wukun, his eyes wide and his jaw slack. He was shocked that Pan Wukun would speak of a highly esteemed sect leader in such a scathing manner.

"But-but..." Meng Yao struggled to find words.

"Forget about it, Meng Yao. Gaining your father's favor is a fruitless endeavor."

"But I have to get medicine for my mother! I don't want her to die trapped in this brothel!" Meng Yao's breathing became erratic. "I've got to ask Father for medicine or a cultivator's special cure! It would hardly be a dent in his riches! No trouble for him at all! Surely, Father wouldn't just leave Mother to die!" His voice turned panicked.

Meng Yao fell to his knees, bowing on the ground. "Please. Please help me, Pan-ge."

"Don't call me that," Pan Wukun growled.

Meng Yao flinched. "I-I'm sorry." His teardrops splattered on the ground. "If you help me, I'll fulfill any favor you ask of me. I'll do anything."

Pan Wukun paused in thought. "Anything?"

Meng Yao nodded fervently. "Yes!"

"Promise me this then. Should you ever gain favor with the cultivation sects, leave me be. I don't want to get involved in any sect affairs whatsoever. Cut contact with me. Forget about me." - Just leave me alone. Don't make attempts to kill me in the future.

Meng Yao bowed his head to the ground again. "Yes. I promise. You have my word."

"Good."

Meng Yao stood back up, wiping his face with his sleeve.