Mo Dao Zu Shi: Astray

Inferno, Part Two

"Sect Leader Jiang. Wen Chao requests a meeting with you."

Jiang Fengmian appeared calm but Yu Ziyuan could tell that he was troubled. His hands gripped the arms of his chair fiercely and his mouth was set in a thin line.

The QishanWen sect arrived earlier than expected.

Luckily, ever since Jiang Fengmian received the mysterious warning, he made sure to stay put in Lotus Pier at all times. He kept his vigilance, knowing that the QishanWen sect could strike on any day he happened to leave Lotus Pier.

Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan also prepared an evacuation. Jiang Yanli, Jiang Cheng, and Wei Wuxian were sent to safety with Yu Ziyuan's family at the MeishanYu sect's home. They had protested, refusing to leave the rest of the YunmengJiang sect to fend for themselves.

But a few stern words from Jiang Fengmian got Wei Wuxian to obey. "A-Ying. You are the Head Sect Disciple of YunmengJiang Sect. Protect A-Cheng and A-Li with your life."

Jiang Fengmian stroked the top of Jiang Cheng's head, which shocked both Jiang Cheng and Yu Ziyuan. "A-Cheng. Be well. Should the worst happen, you shall make a worthy sect leader."

Jiang Cheng blinked, trying not to cry in front of Jiang Fengmian.

Jiang Fengmian also stroked the top of Jiang Yanli's head. "Take care of yourself, A-Cheng, and A-Ying. Make sure Jin Zixuan is the right one for you. If not, break the betrothal." To Jiang Yanli's surprise, Yu Ziyuan didn't protest at the possibility of her leaving Jin Zixuan.

In the end, neither Yu Ziyuan nor Madam Jin wanted their children to be in loveless marriages like them.

Yu Ziyuan hugged Jiang Cheng and kissed the top of his head. She did the same for Jiang Yanli. Then she held both of her children close.

Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli were both stunned at their parents' display of affection. They were rendered speechless, but that didn't stop them from tightly hugging their parents back.

Neither Jiang Fengmian nor Yu Ziyuan knew if they would ever get the chance to see their children again.

Yu Ziyuan gave Zidian to Jiang Cheng. She had wanted to use it on the Wens, but she couldn't risk it falling into their hands. Zidian would protect her children.

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli were also given the YunmengJiang sect's precious artifacts and family heirlooms for safekeeping.

Yu Ziyuan had ordered her handmaids Jinzhu and Yinzhu to accompany Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli. Normally, they followed her orders without question. But this was the only time they argued back. "No, Madam Yu! We have been with you since we were young! We will not leave you!" If Yu Ziyuan was going to die, they would die with her.

Yu Ziyuan realized there was no convincing Jinzhu and Yinzhu to leave. So she allowed them to remain by her side.

At the announcement of Wen Chao's arrival, everyone tensed and looked anxiously at Jiang Fengmian to see what he would do next.

Finally, Jiang Fengmian spoke.

"Let them enter."

-------------------

Wen Chao had a lot of nerve. He hadn't bothered coming in to meet Jiang Fengmian himself. Instead, he sent in Wang Lingjiao, his servant.

Yu Ziyuan seethed. Wen Chao wasn't even showing Jiang Fengmian the proper respect!

Wang Lingjiao went on an entire spiel about how the QishanWen sect wished to construct a supervisory office in Lotus Pier to ensure security and strengthen an alliance between the QishanWen sect and YunmengJiang sect.