Mo Dao Zu Shi: Astray

Magnolia

"You lost me a lot of money last night, Pan-xiushi."

The Madam drummed her fingers on the table, glaring at Pan Wukun. "If you jeopardize my business like this again, I'll have to let you go."

"I apologize. It shall not happen again. Here is your compensation." Pan Wukun placed a bag of money on the table. It was some of the money she earned from doing cultivation jobs for the nobility.

The Madam paused, then pushed the money bag back to Pan Wukun.

Pan Wukun's face remained impassive, hiding her disgust. "Is that not enough?"

The Madam blew a puff of smoke from her pipe.

"...I must thank you, Pan-xiushi."

The Madam turned her head, staring intently into Pan Wukun's eyes. "We all needed to hear that."

She sighed. "I've been here for so long, taking money bag after money bag, that I'd forgotten that we were supposed to care for each other. That I was supposed to care for them."

She smiled. "The women in your village raised you well."

Pan Wukun smiled back. "Should I return to my home village, I'll be sure to give them your compliments."

The Madam laughed. "Our meeting here is done. You may return to your room."

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The coast was clear.

Meng Yao crept out of the window.

He took a quick glance back.

Meng Shi was peacefully asleep.

He gently closed the window shutter.

The brothel had long closed its doors for the night. So it was only the guards who ventured outside their rooms and patrolled the brothel's chambers.

Familiar with the guards' routes, Meng Yao took care to avoid crossing their paths, not making a single sound.

Even without a lantern, he knew his home city well.

He managed to make it to Yunping's city gates. - Good. His plan was proceeding well so fa-

"Out for a midnight stroll?"

Meng Yao whirled around.

"Pan-shifu..."

Pan Wukun leaned against a wall with her arms crossed.

Meng Yao put on an amiable smile. "Close, but not exactly. I'm going out to camp." He gestured to the traveling gear and pack he carried. "I wanted to take some time alone to myself. You know how overprotective my mother could be. I need to take in some fresh air for peace of mind. It'll also be good to meditate and practice survival skills for my cultivation training."

Pan Wukun did not ease up at all. "Oh really?" She pointed a finger at a specific spot within Meng Yao's coat. "What exactly do you plan on using that knife for then?"

"Hunting of course," Meng Yao answered easily. "I should get moving before it gets any darker. Please excuse me, Pan-shifu."

Meng Yao walked forward.

Just then, it was no longer the road in Meng Yao's sight, but Pan Wukun's stern glare. He jumped back in surprise.

"Meng Yao, I know you're not telling me the truth. What are you really up to?"