A Traitor In Our Midst (II)

A while later, the intense shaking of the Lingsi chamber finally stopped, and the wall which blocked the entrance, gave way for them to pass through.

The two of them walked out of the chamber, side by side, looking disoriented. Jiang Yichen's hair was messy, and there was still a slight blush on his cheeks, either from embarrassment, or anger, from having his hair pulled hard. While Mingyu, on the other hand, just had rumpled clothes.

They walked together in awkward silence, until Jiang Yichen decided to be the first to break the silence.

Clearing his throat, he spoke in a hoarse voice, "By the way, how are we going to find your sword."

Thankful that Jiang Yichen decided to not speak of their compromising situation, back at the room, Mingyu said, "Worry not. I know who took it, so I can find it."

"Does it really have to be that specific sword? Can't you get another spiritual-infused sword, and undo the spell."

"I can't." Mingyu cut him off before Jiang Yichen could finish, sounding unnecessarily defensive. "It won't cheat on MoonShadow. It has to be my sword. Let's go out and find it."

I'll lure you out, and then kill you. I can't have you hold my secret against me.

Mingyu thought to himself and was about to continue walking when he saw a group of Jinxing Mages, approaching them. "The mages are coming." He said to Jiang Yichen, "Stay alert."

Jiang Yichen turned around to see the group of Mages that were marching towards them, before looking back at Mingyu with a raised brow. "Why would I need to stay alert? They are on my side."

Mingyu scoffed. "Childish much. You know what I meant by staying alert."

"Oh really?" Jiang Yichen questioned, "Then why are you still talking so casually to your 'supposed' young master. You should lower your eyes."

"Yes, young master." Mingyu said, bowing his head in respect at Jiang a Yichen, as soon as the Mages were close enough to hear them.

The group of Mages were led by Wen Ting, and he paused when he stood right in front of Jiang Yichen, his gaze lingering on the unknown man beside him.

"Who is he?" that was the first thing he said when he opened his mouth.

"I'm Yinzhi, young master Jiang's manservant." Mingyu answered, bowing his head respectfully at Wen Ting.

Jiang Yichen, who was about to do the introduction, paused in surprise at Mingyu's extremely deceiving act. Shaking his head, he could only say, "You heard him, right? He's my manservant."

"You all seem busy. Don't bother yourself with us and just head on to where you were going." Jiang Yichen said in a hurry, and took hold of Mingyu's hand. "Let's go, Yinzhi."

"You may not leave." Wen Ting's clear and sharp voice caused them to halt their steps. "The leader has ordered everyone to gather at the Training center."

"But I'm not a member of Jinxing, remember?" Jiang Yichen countered with a small smile.

Familiar with Jiang Yichen's stubborn nature, Wen Ting wasn't phased. "The leader wants every living thing within Jinxing's walls to gather at the Training center." He spoke in a tone that bore no room for arguments.

Jiang Yichen and Mingyu could only helplessly exchange concealed worried glances at each other, having no choice but to follow Wen Ting and the other Mages.

When they arrived at the Training Center, they found it packed with the entire population of Jinxing, ranging from the esteemed Lords and young masters, to even the humblest servants.

"Hey, Ah-Chen." Lin Xiaowei waved at Jiang Yichen when he saw him and Mingu come in, signaling to them to come over to where he and Feng Zhenyu were standing.

Jiang Yichen moved to join his friends, followed by Mingyu. "What's going on? Why have we all been gathered here?" He asked the question that was bugging his mind as soon as he reached them.

"They are going to catch Mingyu's men that have been sent as spies amongst us." Lin Xiaowei answered.

"Mingyu?" Jiang Yichen asked in confusion, glancing at Mingyu who equally had a confused expression on his face.

The doors to the Training center suddenly burst open, and Lin Xiaoyan strode into the hall, followed by Master Zhang.

Everyone in the hall bowed their heads, but Lin Xiaoyan didn't bother acknowledging them, and just went straight to the business of the night. "Someone, or a set of people here, has helped Mingyu's men, who snuck into Jinxing, today."

The confused murmurs of the people, filled the room, on hearing what their leader had said.

"On the outside, you all look like loyal members of Jinxing, so it would be difficult to fish the odd ones out. That is why I decided to ask someone for help." Lin Xiaoyan stated.

"Lady Yan Ruyi has arrived!" Wen Ting announced

Just then, the doors of the Training center opened, once more.

A young lady clad with regal white robes, adorned with magenta sigils of the Yan family, strode in. An imaginary wind blew against her long brown hair, as she walked into the hall with utmost grace and poise. Her extremely pretty face, and magenta colored eyes gave off an otherworldly vibe.

Behind her, a few maidens of the Yan family—also clad with white robes—followed, carrying a huge wooden chest, with care.

Yan Ruyi walked to the front and bowed her head respectfully at Lin Xiaoyan and Master Zhang.

Lin Xiaoyan nodded his head in acknowledgment, smiling warmly at the young lady. "Hello, my lady." He said in greeting.

Yan Ruyi than proceeded to climb up the dais, standing next to Lin Xiaoyan and Master Zhang, while the maidens set up the wooden chest on a table that had been provided.

Yan Ruyi's eyes scanned the hall, and a frown settled on her pretty face when her eyes landed on Jiang Yichen, who subtly nodded at her from afar.

Turning to face one of the maidens she had brought, she whispered, "Why is Jiang Yichen here?"

"I've no idea, my lady." The maiden politely answered, and then walked over to the chest, opening it to reveal what it was housing, relieving everyone of their burning curiosity.

Inside the chest, was a ceramic statue of a raven.

Those who were able to recognize it, gasped in surprise, while those who didn't, could only stare in confusion.

"That must be the famous Wuying, one of the Yan family's precious heirlooms." Lin Xiaowei whispered to his circle.

"Wuying?" Mingyu repeated in a mix of curiosity and apprehension, "As in a Raven?"

Feng Zhenyu who had been silent, was the one who spoke up this time. "It's a ghost Raven that detects sorcery."

Feng Zhenyu's words only served to heighten Mingyu's nervousness, and then Lin Xiaoyan's loud voice echoed through the room, his words making Mingyu gulp.

"There is a Transmigrator amongst us… And Wuying right here, will help us find that person."