Chapter 88 — The Deathmire
劍問蒼天 · Page 4 of 5
The one in the mist seemed taken aback and said nothing for a good while. At length he said, "What, from Immortal Maiden Jin's meaning, has the Mighty Soul Sect no interest in the matter here?"
Jin Pingyue gave a snort and, eyes fixed ahead, said, "Three days ago, four disciples of my Mighty Soul Sect were murdered six li northwest of Dawang Village, poisoned with the deadly Black Toad Powder. Was that your doing?"
The one in the mist seemed to start. "No."
Jin Pingyue said coldly, "Black Toad Powder is the exclusive property of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect. How do you explain that?"
The one in the mist said nothing, and after a long silence said mildly, "Immortal Maiden Jin, if I had struck, there would have been no need for poison."
Jin Pingyue snorted again, but did not refute him; plainly on this point she had no objection.
The other continued, "But since this concerns both our sects and my name has been dragged into it, when this matter here is done I will naturally give you an accounting. What say you? This westward journey has brought many strange happenings, and I fear there is something else afoot. I hope you will weigh it carefully, Maiden, and put the greater matter first."
Jin Pingyue frowned slightly and pondered a moment, then turned to Xiao Wan. "Sister Xiao Wan, you and your grandfather rest here a while. I'll go ahead and discuss some matters with the others; I'll be back before dark." She paused, then lowered her voice. "That thing I gave you—do you still have it?"
Xiao Wan nodded and patted her left side.
Jin Pingyue smiled faintly and took her hand. "The Deathmire is full of peril. I will be close by, just ahead; if anything happens, I'll be with you in an instant. Only you must on no account wander about, and above all not stray far from this spot."
Xiao Wan nodded. "Don't worry, Sister. I understand."
Jin Pingyue smiled, released her hand, and said, "Take care in all things. Call me if anything happens."
With that she cast another glance around, then suddenly her body rose into the air. Beneath her garments a violet radiance appeared, bearing up her lovely form as she flew forward into the thick mist.
Xiao Wan watched Jin Pingyue's figure fade into the mist, then turned and went to Zhou Yixuan's side. He was leaning against the little tree; with the mosquitoes gone, he was much more at ease, yet he still grumbled, "Had I known this place was like this, I'd have died before coming."
Xiao Wan laughed. "No one forced you to come. You tagged along of your own accord."
Zhou Yixuan snorted, then said to Xiao Wan, "I say, you'd do well to keep your distance from that woman. Haven't you heard the tales these past few years—that she's killed countless people, and is shameless besides, seducing countless innocent young men..."
Xiao Wan spat. "Grandfather, how can you say such things!" A flush of anger crossed her face.
Zhou Yixuan stuck out his tongue and said no more.
The two of them waited there. The already overcast sky gradually darkened, yet Jin Pingyue still had not returned. Xiao Wan grew slowly anxious and thought of going ahead to look, but mindful of Jin Pingyue's instructions—and lacking any confidence in herself besides—she did not dare.
After waiting a while longer, Xiao Wan grew fretful. She looked up at the sky and saw the dark clouds thickening; by the look of it, not only was night coming on, but rain was likely as well.
Xiao Wan suddenly gave a soft cry of dismay. She remembered that in her haste to set out she had remembered to bring everything—except rain gear. If it rained now, what a disaster it would be. She turned quickly to Zhou Yixuan. "Grandfather, did you bring an umbrella?"
Zhou Yixuan started. "Umbrella?" A moment later he understood, looked up at the sky, and was struck dumb. "I—I thought you brought one."
Xiao Wan said anxiously, "Oh! This is awful. If it rains, whatever shall we do?"