The news of the Yaochi Saintess's disappearance spread like wildfire, causing many powerful figures within the Yaochi Holy Land to mobilize and search for her.
Within the Yaochi, numerous individuals watched with uncertainty, wondering what could have caused such panic and the withdrawal of many disciples from the Holy Land.
However, the Yaochi Holy Land offered no explanation, and those who had arrived naturally refrained from acting rashly. They had no intention of missing the quinquennial Peach Banquet. Wandering freely within the Yaochi Holy Land would undoubtedly lead to their expulsion.
"Could something have happened to the helmsman?" Xu Fei frowned, observing the sudden changes within the Yaochi Holy Land.
"It's likely!" Sister Zhao nodded slightly, her brow furrowed with worry for Lu Fan's whereabouts. If he were captured by the Yaochi Holy Land, it would be dire. The Assassin Dynasty was not present, and with only the three of them in the Holy Land, they were ill-equipped to contend with its might.
With this thought, Sister Zhao abruptly stood, intending to search for him, at the very least to ascertain if Lu Fan was alright.
"Esteemed guests, please refrain from wandering freely!" A booming voice echoed outwards. "Minor incidents have occurred within the Yaochi Holy Land. Once resolved, you will be free to move about!"
Sister Zhao paused, then sat back down. She could sense that something significant must have happened for the Yaochi Holy Land to act in such a manner.
"What exactly has happened to warrant such treatment from the Yaochi Holy Land?" Many people murmured amongst themselves, expressing their surprise. Under normal circumstances, this was hardly the way a Holy Land should treat its guests.
"The Yaochi Saintess has been absent for so long; could something have happened to her?" The crowd speculated, their hearts filled with doubt. If the Saintess had indeed met with misfortune, it would be a grave matter. After all, the Yaochi Saintess was no ordinary person; she was admired by many. If someone with ill intentions were to harm her, the hearts of countless men would be shattered.
"Venerable Elder Jiutian, what has transpired?" Dao Xuan inquired with a smile after finishing his drink. "If assistance is needed, Xuan Guang Holy Land will not hesitate!"
"Someone has trespassed into the Yaochi Holy Land and abducted the Saintess!" Venerable Elder Jiutian stated coldly. "We do not yet know which Holy Land they belong to, but if discovered, the Yaochi Holy Land will not let it rest!"
Dao Xuan was momentarily stunned, his expression shifting. He had not anticipated such audacity, a complete disregard for the Yaochi Holy Land. With that thought, Dao Xuan fell silent. This matter was extraordinary, and their Xuan Guang Holy Land could not easily interfere.
"The helmsman is quite something! He said he was going to pick peaches, but look at the mess he's made!" Xu Fei exclaimed with an awkward expression. "Isn't this a bit too brazen?"
"At this point, the helmsman's life is likely in danger. We should leave in advance and have the Assassin Dynasty infiltrate. Otherwise, escaping unscathed will not be simple!" Sister Zhao warned with a serious gaze.
"I fear the situation is not as simple as it appears," Xu Fei countered. "Haven't you noticed? The Yaochi Holy Land has sealed this area and deployed a barrier."
Sister Zhao indeed realized the situation was more complex than she had imagined, leaving her momentarily at a loss. "What should we do now? How can we get word out?"
"It's futile. Even if the Assassin Dynasty arrives, they won't be able to stir up much trouble," Xu Fei stated. "This is a Holy Land; no one can act with impunity here. The only thing we can do is wait patiently. As they said, the abduction of the Yaochi Saintess implies the helmsman is safe and unharmed!"
Sister Zhao paused, then found Xu Fei's words to be quite reasonable. If Lu Fan had truly met with misfortune, the Yaochi Holy Land would likely not be in such a state of high alert.
Meanwhile, within a dense forest, the Yaochi Saintess struggled, attempting to break free from Lu Fan's grasp. Although Lu Fan's strength surpassed hers, she believed it was not impossible to escape with sheer force, though it would require time.
"Saintess!" Several female disciples arrived in the forest and, upon seeing the Yaochi Saintess, their faces lit up with joy. They had been worried about her safety, and now that she was before them, their concerns were eased.
"Quickly, break my seal!" The Yaochi Saintess cried out, as if seeing a savior. She had been trapped here for a long time and felt utterly helpless.
The women did not dare to delay and immediately used their spiritual energy to break the seal. "Saintess, the Yaochi Grand Gathering has commenced, and many esteemed guests have arrived! We are just waiting for you!"
"To the gathering!" The Yaochi Saintess frowned. Although she desperately wanted to capture Lu Fan, now was not the opportune moment. She could only proceed to the gathering and make further plans later.
The women nodded, not daring to delay, and quickly followed the Yaochi Saintess towards the gathering. After all, many esteemed guests were present today, and making them wait would be a discourtesy to the Yaochi Holy Land.
Concurrently, at the Yaochi Grand Gathering, the attendees enjoyed fine wine, but a sense of unease lingered in their hearts, wondering what had transpired in the Yaochi Holy Land.
"Venerable Elder Jiutian, I am unharmed. The gathering can now begin!" The Yaochi Saintess approached, her gaze serious.
"What exactly happened? Did someone trespass into the Yaochi Holy Land, or why did you suddenly disappear?" Venerable Elder Jiutian inquired.
"The matter is indeed not simple!" The Yaochi Saintess nodded. "If I'm not mistaken, that person must have targeted our Yaochi Holy Land, though their purpose remains unknown. However, the gathering is paramount. We will make further plans after it concludes."
Venerable Elder Jiutian frowned. Although he was displeased, he had no choice but to agree. However, the notion of someone intruding into the Yaochi Holy Land and holding the Saintess hostage was something he could not tolerate.
Not long after, the Yaochi Saintess arrived at the gathering, adorned in a flowing dress. Her peerless beauty caused quite a stir, and many of the younger generation cheered excitedly, appearing utterly captivated, as if the Yaochi Saintess was worth any sacrifice in their eyes.
"There was a slight incident earlier. Originally, I was supposed to preside over this Yaochi Grand Gathering," the Yaochi Saintess said with a smile. "I hope everyone present does not mind!"
"We don't mind at all! How could we possibly mind!" The young attendees exclaimed, their eyes fixed upon her. They had long heard of the Yaochi Saintess's breathtaking beauty, and now, it seemed the rumors were indeed true.