Mo Dao Zu Shi: Astray

Scorch, Part Five

"Xichen. We've reached Yunping!" Meng Xingyao said.

Lan Xichen smiled for the first time in days. "Good. We should be able to reach Lotus Pier soon."

Meng Xingyao had highly advised Lan Xichen and Su She to stop at Yunping City. Meng Xingyao knew the city's layout well. He knew who to trust and who to avoid. It was the perfect place to rest on the way to Lotus Pier.

Under normal circumstances, it would have taken a single day to reach Lotus Pier from the Cloud Recesses by sword flight. But the road was treacherous.

Upon fleeing the Cloud Recesses, the three GusuLan cultivators had changed out of their white robes and dressed plainly to disguise themselves. It was dangerous for any Wen hunting parties to recognize the clouds on their clothing.

They also hid the Library Pavilion's books in a designated hiding spot the GusuLan sect had readied long ago. Too risky to continue the journey carrying a bunch of books. That definitely would've given them away to any Wen pursuers.

Lan Xichen, Meng Xingyao, and Su She had received the news that Lan Qiren perished during the attack on the Cloud Recesses.

Lan Xichen was devastated. He worried about Lan Wangji. He wanted to confront Wen Xu and kill him to avenge his uncle and the other GusuLan sect disciples. Meng Xingyao stood by his side and provided comfort and support.

Entering Yunping, the three of them headed to an inn.

Meng Xingyao insisted that Su She and Lan Xichen stay behind at the inn while he went around the city to resupply.

He didn't need them knowing that he grew up in a brothel.

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"A-Yao!"

Sisi hugged Meng Xingyao tightly. "Thank goodness, you're still alive, A-Yao! We heard what happened to the Cloud Recesses!"

The other prostitutes teased him about how much bigger he'd gotten.

Meng Xingyao relaxed. He was finally back home.

"Where is Pan Wukun?" Sisi asked.

Meng Xingyao tried hard not to make his smile strained. "I'm afraid he's busy elsewhere."

"Ah! What a shame! Would've liked to learn about how many brutes he's beaten up since then!" Sisi said.

Sisi led Meng Xingyao into her room. They both sat at a table with tea and treats.

Meng Xingyao quietly nibbled on the treats.

Sisi asked, "A-Yao...are you all right? Back at the Cloud Recesses..."

"I did what I had to to survive." Meng Xingyao said calmly.

Sisi knew what Meng Xingyao was implying. He had killed for the first time at the Cloud Recesses. She did not judge him for it.

Both of them knew how harsh life could be in Yunping's brothels and streets.

When it came to defending yourself, sometimes killing was the only option.

Sisi simply nodded and gave Meng Xingyao more tea and treats.

Meng Xingyao felt at ease with one of his mother's old friends.

They both sat in comfortable silence.

After some time, Meng Xingyao asked, "How have you been, Sisi? If anyone is mistreating you, I will take care of it."

"No need for that, A-Yao! I've been well! After Pan Wukun showed up, life at the brothel has been much better than it has ever been! The Madam makes sure we are cared for! And the bodyguards chase off brutes!"