Chapter 58 Poison—Part Three

Madam Yu turned around. JinZhu and YinZhu understood. They both drew their long swords and circled the hall. With swift and merciless movements, they had killed all the Wen Sect disciples in a matter of seconds. Wang LingJiao saw that it was almost her turn. She threatened with all her remaining strength, “You… You think you can silence me? Do you think Young Master Wen doesn’t know I’m here today? Do you think he’ll let you go once he finds out about this?!”

YinZhu sneered, “Looks like he’s already let us go.”

Wang LingJiao, “I’m close to Young Master Wen, I’m the closest! If you dare do anything to me, he’ll…”

Mrs. Yu slapped him again. She mocked, “What does he want? Cut off our hands or feet? Or burn down our houses? Or lead thousands of people to level Lotus Pier? Build a supervisory office?”

JinZhu approached, sword in hand. Wang LingJiao’s eyes filled with fear. Kicking her legs, she backed away, screaming, “Someone! Help! Wen ZhuLiu! Help me!”

Madam Yu’s expression hardened. With one foot on Wang LingJiao’s wrist, she drew her sword. Just as the blade was about to fall, it suddenly bounced away.

Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng turned their heads. The hall doors had been shattered, and a tall man barged in. He was dressed in black and had a grim expression. He was Wen Chao’s personal bodyguard, the high-level cultivator, Wen ZhuLiu.

The sword fell, Madam Yu held Zidian by her cheek, “Core Melting Hand?”

Wen ZhuLiu’s voice was cold, “Purple Spider?”

One of Wang LingJiao’s hands was still under her leg. She was in such excruciating pain that her face contorted, tears streaming down her face. “Wen ZhuLiu! Wen ZhuLiu! Help me, help me now!”

Madam Yu snorted, “Wen ZhuLiu? Core-Melting Hand, isn’t your real name Zhao ZhuLiu? Your surname clearly isn’t Wen, yet you still want to change it. Everyone is flocking like ducklings. Is the surname of those dogs Wen really that valuable? Returning your ancestors—how ridiculous!”

Wen Zhuliu remained unfazed, appearing indifferent, “Everyone serves their own master.”

The two of them had only exchanged a few words, but Wang LingJiao started shouting again, unable to bear it any longer, “Wen ZhuLiu! Didn’t you see what I look like?! Why are you just chatting with me instead of killing him now?! Is this how Young Master Wen asked you to protect me?! Watch out, or I’ll report you!”

Madam Yu stomped her foot on the woman’s arm. Wang LingJiao began to wail. On the other hand, Wen ZhuLiu frowned. She was protecting Wen Chao on Wen RuoHan’s orders. She had never liked Wen Chao’s character to begin with. However, there were no worse situations, only worse ones. Wen Chao had ordered her to come protect Wang LingJiao. That woman was not only shallow and arrogant, but also cruel at heart, making her extremely disliked. However, no matter how much she disliked her, she couldn’t go against Wen RuoHan and Wen Chao’s orders and kill her. Fortunately, Wang LingJiao also hated her. She had ordered that she could only follow from a distance, forbidden from appearing in front of him unless he told her to, so that she wouldn’t be too upset. However, in such a situation, she had almost lost her life. If she didn’t do anything, Wen Chao would definitely go berserk and not let her go. And if she wouldn’t let her go, then Wen RuoHan wouldn’t stop there either.

Wen ZhuLiu, “Permisi.”

Zidian flew out. Madam Yu shouted, “How arrogant!”

Wen Zhuliu’s big hand waved. He grabbed Zidian without any hesitation!

When Zidian is in its whip form, it is enveloped in a stream of spiritual energy. The power of this energy can be strong or weak, lethal or not, depending on its master’s control. Madam Yu has long harbored murderous intent, not only wanting to destroy all of Wen’s dogs but also to warn Wen ZhuLiu. Therefore, her energy flow was at more than maximum power when Wen ZhuLiu grabbed it without any difficulty!

In all her years of use, Zidian had never encountered such an opponent. After being snatched, Madam Yu was stunned for a moment. Wang LingJiao seized the opportunity to rush out. She pulled out a cylinder of fiery light from her collar and shook it a few times. A beam of light shot out of the cylinder. Accompanied by a sharp whistle, it shot out of the wooden window and exploded in the sky outside. Then, she fumbled to pull out a second, a third. With disheveled hair, she muttered, “Come here… Come here… Everyone, come here!”

Enduring the pain, Wei WuXian pushed Jiang Cheng, “Stop him from sending any more signals!”

Jiang Cheng let go of Wei WuXian and lunged at Wang LingJiao. However, at the same time, Wen ZhuLiu was getting closer to Madam Yu. He looked like he was about to knock her over. Jiang Cheng rushed over, “Madam!”

He immediately surrendered to Wang LingJiao and threw himself down. Wen ZhuLiu didn’t even turn his head as he struck, “Don’t get too close!”

Jiang Cheng’s shoulder was struck by the attack. Blood immediately spurted from his mouth. Wang LingJiao had released all her signal fires. Sharp whistles and bright sparks filled the grayish-blue sky.

Seeing Jing Cheng injured, Madam Yu roared. The light above Zidian grew even more intense, almost turning white!

Wen ZhuLiu was thrown against the wall by Zidian’s sudden outburst. JinZhu and YinZhu also drew two sizzling long whips from their waists and began to fight Wen ZhuLiu. The two maids had been close to Madam Yu since childhood. They were all taught by the same person. Their combined attack was completely unexpected. At that moment, Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian, who were still immobilized, were lifted by Madam Yu with each hand as she rushed out of the hall. Many disciples still surrounded the training grounds. Madam Yu ordered, “Dress and arm yourself, now!”

With both hands in her hands, she hurried to the pier. Lotus Pier always had several small boats docked, for the Jiang Sect disciples to use to explore the waters. Madam Yu threw them onto the boat. She also jumped in. Holding Jiang Cheng’s hand, she helped him recover. Jiang Cheng only coughed up blood. His injuries weren’t too serious. He asked, “Madam, what should we do?”

Mrs. Yu, “What do you mean what should we do?! Haven’t you seen? They came here prepared. Today’s battle is inevitable. That pack of Wen dogs will be here soon. Go now!”

Wei WuXian, “Then what about Shijie? Shijie went to Meishan two days ago. If she comes back…”

Mrs. Yu glared, “Shut your mouth! This is all because of you, you little brat…!”

Wei WuXian remained silent. Madam Yu took off the Zidian ring she was wearing on her right hand and put it on Jiang Cheng’s right index finger. Jiang Cheng was surprised, “…Mom, why are you giving me Zidian?”

Mrs. Yu, “I’ve already given it to you, so it will be yours from now on! Zidian has already acknowledged you as its master.”

Jiang Cheng was confused, “Mom, aren’t you going with us?”

Mrs. Yu stared at his face. Suddenly, she hugged him and kissed his hair several times. As she hugged him, she murmured, “Good boy.”

She hugged him so tightly that she wanted to turn him into a baby and stuff him back into her belly, so that no one could hurt him, no one could tear them apart. Jiang Cheng had never been held like this by his mother, let alone kissed. His head was buried in his mother’s chest, but his eyes were wide open, unsure of what to do.

With one hand holding him, Madam Yu grabbed Wei WuXian by the collar with the other as if to strangle him to death. She said through gritted teeth, “…You damn brat! I hate you! I hate you more than anything! Look at what our sect has gone through for you!”

Wei WuXian’s chest heaved. He said nothing. This time, it wasn’t because he was holding back his words or that there was some unspoken comment, but because he was truly speechless.

Jiang Cheng hurriedly asked, “Mom, aren’t you going with us???”

Madam Yu immediately released him. She pushed him towards Wei WuXian.

He jumped onto the pier. The boat swayed from side to side in the rushing river. Jiang Cheng finally understood. JinZhu, YinZhu, all the disciples, and all the treasures inherited from the YunmengJiang Sect from one generation to the next were still at Lotus Pier, impossible to evacuate in a short time. After this, a fierce battle would ensue. As a concubine, Lady Yu couldn’t escape, but she was worried about her son. Perhaps out of selfishness, she could only let the two of them escape first.

Knowing that there would be great danger once they separated, Jiang Cheng was terrified. He stood up and tried to leave the boat as well, but a current suddenly shot out from Zidian. A lightning rope tightly bound them both to the boat. They couldn’t move at all. Jiang Cheng shouted, “Mom, what are you doing?!”

Mrs. Yu: “Don’t make a fuss. You’ll calm down once you’re in a safe place. If anyone attacks you on the way, he’ll protect you. Don’t come back. Hurry and go to Meishan and find your sister!”

After finishing, he turned to Wei WuXian and pointed at him, “Wei Ying! Listen to me! Protect Jiang Cheng, protect him even if you die, understand?!”

Wei WuXian, “Nyonya Yu!”

Mrs. Yu raged, “Do you hear me?! Don’t talk nonsense to me, I’m just asking—do you hear me?!”

Wei WuXian couldn’t resist Zidian. He could only nod. Jiang Cheng shouted, “Mom, Dad isn’t home yet. If anything happens, can’t we face it together first?!”

Hearing him mention Jiang FengMian, for a split second, Madam Yu’s eyes turned red.

Instantly, he cursed loudly, “So what if he doesn’t come back? Can’t I do anything without him?!”

After that, he cut the ropes holding the boat down with his sword and kicked the side of the boat hard. The water was rough and the wind strong. With the kick, the boat was immediately swept several meters away. With a few turns, it sailed swiftly but steadily towards the center of the river. Jiang Cheng wailed, “Mom!”

He shouted dozens of times. However, Lady Yu and Lotus Pier grew farther and farther away, shrinking. Once the boat was further away, sword in hand, Lady Yu returned to the gate of Lotus Pier with a flash of her purple robe.

Both of them fought with all their might. Zidian nearly sank into their flesh, but still remained.

A loud roar erupted from Jiang Cheng’s throat as he continued to struggle, “Why won’t it break?! Why won’t it break?! Break! Break!”

Wei WuXian had just been whipped more than ten times by Zidian. His body was still sore. He knew they wouldn’t be able to fight back and all their efforts would be in vain. Remembering that Jiang Cheng was still injured, he spoke through the pain, “Jiang Cheng, calm down. Facing the Essence-Melting Hand, he’s not guaranteed to lose. Didn’t he hold Wen ZhuLiu back then?”

Jiang Cheng roared, “How do you expect me to calm down?! How can I calm down?! Even if Wen ZhuLiu is killed, that damned woman has already sent out a signal. What if those Wen dogs see them and lead people to surround our sect?!”

Wei WuXian knew full well that they couldn’t calm down. However, between the two of them, one of them had to be clear-headed. Just as he was about to continue, his eyes suddenly lit up. He shouted, “Uncle Jiang! Uncle Jiang is back!”

As he had said, a larger boat sailed towards them across the river.

Jiang FengMian stood at the end of the boat. About twelve disciples were also standing on the boat. He stared at Lotus Pier, his robes fluttering in the wind. Jiang Cheng shouted, “Father! Father!”

Jiang FengMian also saw them. He looked a little surprised. One of the students rowed, and the boat approached. Jiang FengMian still had no idea what was happening as he pondered, “A-Cheng? A-Ying? What happened to you two?”

The boys at Lotus Pier often played strange games. Even lying in the water with blood on their faces and pretending to be floating corpses wasn’t uncommon. Therefore, Jiang FengMian couldn’t immediately determine whether they were playing a new game or not. He didn’t realize how serious the situation was. However, Jiang Cheng was so excited he almost cried. He hurriedly explained, “Dad, Dad, let us go!”

Jiang FengMian, “This is your mother Zidian. Zidian knows who owns it. I don’t think she’ll let me…”

As he spoke, he touched Zidian with his hand. However, just as he touched her, Zidian obediently withdrew his hand. His hand instantly transformed into a ring and wrapped around one of her fingers.

Jiang FengMian langsung membeku.

Zidian was Yu ZiYuan’s best weapon. Yu ZiYuan’s intentions were his most important orders. Zidian could recognize many masters, but there was one order. Madam Yu was undoubtedly Zidian’s ultimate master. Her order was to bind Jiang Cheng until he was safe, which was why even though Jiang Cheng was also her master, he couldn’t break free from her shackles.

No one knew when, but Jiang FengMian had been recognized as Zidian’s second teacher. In his presence, Zidian ensured that they were safe, and thus loosened his grip.

But Madam Yu never said that she would let Zidian acknowledge Jiang FengMian as his master as well.

Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian finally separated. They collapsed to the side. Jiang FengMian asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you two tied to the boat by Zidian?”

As if seeing something that could save them, Jiang Cheng grabbed him, “Today the people of the Wen Sect came to our sect. Mom quarreled with them and started fighting with the Core Melting Hand! Mom might be harmed. Later, there might be more enemies. Dad, let’s go back and help him! Let’s go!”

Hearing this, all the disciples looked shocked. Jiang FengMian asked, “Core Melting Hand?!”

Jiang Cheng, “Yes, Dad! We…”

Before he could finish his sentence, a purple light flashed, and Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian were tied back together. In their original positions, the two of them collapsed onto the smaller boat. Jiang Cheng’s face was blank, “…Father?!”

Jiang FengMian, “I’ll be back. You two go ahead. Don’t turn around. Don’t go back to Lotus Pier. Once you get to shore, try to get to Meishan as soon as possible to find your little sister and grandmother.”

Wei WuXian, “Paman Jiang!!!”

After the shaking passed, Jiang Cheng kicked the side of the boat hard. The boat continued to shake. “Dad, let me go! Let me go!”

Jiang FengMian, “I will go back to look for Third Miss.”

Jiang Cheng glared at him, “We can go back and find him together, right?!”

Jiang FengMian looked into his eyes. Suddenly, he reached out. After pausing in midair, he gently touched Jiang Cheng’s head, “A-Cheng, I wish you good health.”

Wei WuXian, “Uncle Jiang, if anything happens to you, he won’t be fine.”

Jiang FengMian turned his gaze to her, “A-Ying, A-Cheng… you guys have to take care of him.”

He returned to the larger boat. The two boats scraped against each other before finally separating and drifting farther away. Jiang Cheng cried out in despair, “Dad!!!”

The boat drifted with the current.

After some time, Zidian relaxed. The ring transformed into a silver band on Jiang Cheng’s finger.

The two of them screamed the entire journey. Their throats were hoarse. Once released, they said nothing and began sailing again. They had no oars, so they rowed with their hands, fighting the river’s current.

Madam Yu had said that the whippings he received wouldn’t heal in less than a month. However, right now, Wei WuXian felt that although the wounds from the whippings still burned and tingled, it didn’t affect his ability to move much. With the determination of those on the verge of death, the two of them rowed as if their lives depended on it. Two hours later, with only their hands, they finally returned to Lotus Pier.

It was late at night.

The gates of Lotus Pier were tightly closed. Outside, the lights shone brightly. Shards of moonlight streamed across the clear water. Dozens of large lanterns shaped like nine-petaled lotuses floated silently near the pier.

Everything is the same as before. However, it’s precisely because everything is the same as before that my heart feels tortured.

The two of them stopped when they reached the middle of the lake. Sitting in the water, their hearts pounded. Neither dared approach the pier and rushed to the shore to see what was really happening.

Tears welled up in Jiang Cheng’s eyes. His arms and legs trembled. A moment later, Wei WuXian said, “…Don’t enter through the gate now.”

Jiang Cheng somehow managed to nod. Silently, the two of them rowed the boat across the lake. An old willow tree grew there. Its roots were buried in the lakeshore, but its broad trunk grew sideways along the surface. Its branches jutted out into the water. In the past, the boys from Lotus Pier would often walk along the willow tree’s trunk to the end to sit and fish.

After the two of them moored the boat behind the willow branches, they landed under the shade of the branches and the darkness of the sky. Wei WuXian had always been accustomed to breaking down walls. He pulled Jiang Cheng aside and whispered, “This way.”

Jiang Cheng was both shocked and frightened. He almost lost his bearings as he approached the wall behind Wei WuXian. After moving around for a while, hiding, they quietly climbed up one of the walls. A row of animal heads lined the top of the wall, making it easy to peek inside. In the past, it had always been people outside who peeked at them. Now, they were the ones peeking in.

Wei WuXian looked up and looked inside. His heart sank.

On the Lotus Pier training ground, rows of people were standing.

They all wore flaming sun robes. The fire patterns on their collars, cuffs, and sleeves were so dark red that they hurt the eyes more than blood.

Besides those standing, there were also those lying down. Everyone lying on the ground had been moved to the northwest corner of the field, piled up in random order. One person stood with his back to the two of them. His head was lowered, as he appeared to be observing the people from the Jiang Sect. They didn’t know whether they were alive or dead.

Jiang Cheng eagerly searched for Yu ZiYuan and Jiang FengMian with his eyes. However, Wei WuXian immediately felt his eyes well up with tears.

Among the people, he saw many familiar silhouettes.

His throat was dry and sore. His temples felt like they had been struck by an iron hammer, while his entire body was cold. He didn’t dare think about Jiang FengMian and Yu ZiYuan anymore. Just as he was about to take a closer look to see if the skinny boy lying on top of him was his youngest brother, the person standing in the northwest corner with his back to them seemed to realize something and turned around.

Wei WuXian immediately lowered his head along with Jiang Cheng.

Even though he ducked in time, he still saw what the person looked like.

A boy about their age. His body was slender and his features were delicate, though his pale skin contrasted sharply with his pitch-black eyes. Despite wearing a robe of sun and fire, he lacked an imposing demeanor. He appeared a little too gentle. Judging from the rank of his sun pattern, he was likely a young master of the Wen Sect.