Mirror of Truth

Chapter 3

Jin Zixuan, the newly instated sect leader of LanLing Jin, immediately rose to his feet, pulling Jiang Yanli with him and bowing quickly. “Thank you for your counsel Grandmaster Lan, I will reflect on it and make appropriate changes to my character and behavior. If you don’t mind, we will join you, and I will do everything to assist those unfortunate people injured by my father’s orders.” Jiang Yanli nodded and hurried off to gather supplies needed for the trip.

Nie Mingjue nodded resolutely, “As Sect Leader Jin said, thank you for your counsel and advice. I have definitely made many mistakes that need rectification. Thank you for your support Sect Leader Jin. It will be much appreciated. I have sent Huiasang out to get supplies to bring with us and he will meet us at the gates. I suggest that only the major sects go with as many healers as we can round up on such notice and our disciples so as to not overwhelm the wen remnants and be able to maximize our abilities to help, if that sounds good. The rest of you can wait here for news until we return.” Jiang Wanyin nodded and bowed his agreement with both Nie Mingjue and Jin Zixuan’s statements, obviously reflecting on his behaviors. On leaving Glamourous Hall, they were met by Nie Huiasang and a couple of disciples carrying qiankun pouches.

“I have bought as much medical supplies, food, clean clothing, blankets, and other necessities as I could get at such a short notice. Are we ready to leave, Da-ge?” He asked.

“Yes, once Young Madame Jin and the healers we have sent for have arrived, we will set out.” Moments later Jiang Yanli arrived followed by two cultivator maids carrying supplies and the healers sent for. With Jin Ling swaddled and securely held in Jiang Cheng’s arms so Jiang Yanli could ride with her husband, they set out.

. . . . . . .

Hours later they reached Yiling and landed at the base of the burial mounds. Jiang Wanyin stepped forward and the wards shimmered brightly, refusing admittance to all. Chifeng-Zun raised Baxia to strike the wards but Jiang Yanli held up her hand. Stepping forward, she lightly knocked on the wards, and then waited calmly. Moments later, Wen Ning the fearsome ghost general appeared.

Jiang Yanli bowed and said, “Good evening, Young Master Wen. There have been some revelations about the circumstances around Wei Wuxian and the survivors A'Xian brought here. We brought food and supplies and would like to help. I heard A'Xian was sick, please let us in and allow us to help, please let me see me brother.” She said, bowing, prompting the rest to bow as well.

Lan Qiren stepped forward as well and said, “There are things we have discovered about Young Master Wei’s relationship with Gusu Lan and it appears that there are many clarifications and apologies due in this disastrous situation. We wish to offer restitutions and hope to permanently move you all out of the burial mounds. We brought food and medicine and supplies for your immediate needs.” He finished with a bow.

“Y-You promise not to a-attack us? Xian-Ge is dying and we all need s-supplies d-desperately, but I won’t let you through if you are going to hurt us or Xian-Ge. It might be too late for Xian-Ge but if you have any food and medicine, it will save the children and the elderly.” Wen Ning stuttered out, bowing deeply. “D-Do I have your words not to harm us? If you harm anyone, I will protect them and I don’t want to h-hurt anyone.” He said, waiting for a response.

“We agree, Young Master Wen.” Jiang Yanli replied firmly. “Please let us in and take me to my brother.” Wen Ning nodded and raised the wards, allowing them entrance. “The cultivators entered cautiously, following their guide closely, wary of getting lost in the treacherous terrain surrounding them. As they approached the settlement, horror struck the cultivators at the sight; it was even worse in person than what they had seen. Wen Qing was seen to leave the cave and hurry towards them.