The news of the Yaochi Saintess's disappearance spread rapidly, causing numerous powerful figures within the Yaochi Holy Land to be mobilized in a search.
Within the Yaochi, many onlookers speculated about the events unfolding, wondering what could cause such alarm in the Holy Land, leading to the redeployment of disciples.
However, the Yaochi Holy Land remained tight-lipped. Those who had arrived would not act rashly, as they had no intention of missing the grand Peach Blossom Feast, held only once a decade. Wandering about the Holy Land freely would undoubtedly lead to expulsion.
"Could it be that the Helmsman is in trouble?" Xu Fei frowned, observing the sudden changes within the Yaochi Holy Land.
"It's likely!" Sister Zhao nodded slightly, a worried frown also creasing her brow as she wondered about Lu Fan's whereabouts. If he were captured by the people of the Yaochi Holy Land, it would be a grave situation. The assassins' dynasty was not present, and with only the three of them in the Holy Land, how could they possibly withstand the might of the Holy Land?
With this thought, Sister Zhao abruptly stood up, intending to search for him, at least to ascertain if Lu Fan was alright.
"Esteemed guests, please refrain from wandering about!" A powerful voice boomed, spreading through the surroundings. "Some minor incidents have occurred within the Yaochi Holy Land. Once these matters are resolved, you will be free to move about!"
Sister Zhao paused for a moment before sitting down again. She could sense that something significant had indeed happened, otherwise, the Yaochi Holy Land would not have reacted in such a manner.
"What exactly has happened to warrant such treatment from the Yaochi Holy Land?" Many people began to murmur, expressing their surprise. Under normal circumstances, this was certainly not how a Holy Land should treat its guests.
"The Yaochi Saintess has been absent for quite some time. Could something have happened to her?" Everyone began to speculate, a sense of confusion growing in their hearts. If something had truly befallen the Saintess, it would indeed be a major event. After all, the Yaochi Saintess was no ordinary person; she was admired by many. If anyone harbored ill intentions and dared to lay a hand on her, the hearts of countless men would surely shatter.
"Great Elder Jiutian, may I ask what has occurred?" Dao Xuan inquired, after finishing a cup of wine with a smile. "If you require assistance, the Xuanguang Holy Land will spare no effort!"
"Someone has intruded into the Yaochi Holy Land and abducted the Saintess!" Great Elder Jiutian stated coldly. "We do not yet know which Holy Land the perpetrator belongs to, but if they are identified, the Yaochi Holy Land will not let this matter rest lightly!"
Dao Xuan blinked in surprise, his expression shifting. He had not anticipated someone would be so audacious, completely disregarding the Yaochi Holy Land. Otherwise, they would not have acted in such a manner. With this realization, Dao Xuan fell silent. This matter was no trivial affair, and their Xuanguang Holy Land truly could not interfere.
"The Helmsman is quite something! He claimed to be going to pick peaches, and unexpectedly caused such a stir!" Xu Fei revealed an embarrassed expression, adding with a helpless sigh, "Isn't this rather too arrogant?"
"With matters having reached this point, the Helmsman's life is likely in peril. We should leave in advance and have the assassins' dynasty infiltrate. Otherwise, it might not be so simple to retreat unscathed!" Sister Zhao warned with a serious look in her eyes.
"I fear things are not as simple as they seem!" Xu Fei shook his head. "Haven't you noticed? The Yaochi Holy Land has already sealed off this area and deployed a barrier."
Sister Zhao indeed realized that the situation was more complex than she had initially imagined, leaving her somewhat at a loss. "Then what should we do now? How can we get word out?"
"It's useless. Even if the assassins' dynasty were to arrive, they wouldn't be able to stir up much trouble!" Xu Fei shook his head. "This is a Holy Land. No one can run amok here. The only thing we can do is wait here patiently. They also mentioned that the Yaochi Saintess was abducted, which implies the Helmsman is currently safe and unharmed!"
Sister Zhao was taken aback for a moment. She suddenly felt that Xu Fei's words held considerable merit. If Lu Fan had truly met with misfortune, the Yaochi Holy Land would likely not be in such a state of heightened alert.
At this very moment, within a grove of trees, the Yaochi Saintess struggled intensely, attempting to break free from Lu Fan's grasp. Although Lu Fan's strength surpassed hers, if she exerted herself to the utmost, it was not impossible to break free, though it would require time.
"Saintess!" Several female disciples arrived within the grove. Upon seeing the Yaochi Saintess, their faces lit up with joy. They had been worried about her well-being, and now that she was before them, their concerns were alleviated.
"Quickly, break my seal!" The Yaochi Saintess cried out, as if she had seen a savior. She had been confined here for a long time and felt utterly helpless.
The few women did not dare to delay and immediately channeled their spiritual energy to break the seal. "Saintess, the Yaochi Grand Feast has commenced, and many esteemed guests have arrived! We are just waiting for you!"
"I shall attend the feast!" The Yaochi Saintess frowned. Although she desperately wished to capture Lu Fan, this was not the opportune moment. She could only proceed to the feast and make further plans.
The women nodded slightly, not daring to delay any further, and quickly followed the Yaochi Saintess towards the feast. After all, many distinguished guests had arrived today, and making them wait would be a discourtesy to the Yaochi Holy Land.
Meanwhile, at the Yaochi Grand Feast, the attendees enjoyed fine wine, but a sense of unease lingered in their hearts, as they wondered what had transpired within the Yaochi Holy Land.
"Great Elder Jiutian, I am unharmed. The feast may now commence!" The Yaochi Saintess approached, her gaze quite serious.
"What exactly happened? Did someone intrude into the Yaochi Holy Land, or why did you suddenly disappear?" Great Elder Jiutian inquired.
"The matter is indeed not simple!" The Yaochi Saintess nodded. "If I am not mistaken, that person must have targeted our Yaochi Holy Land. However, I do not know their purpose. But for now, the feast is of utmost importance. We shall make further plans after the feast concludes!"
Great Elder Jiutian frowned. Although he was rather displeased, he could only agree. However, someone intruding into the Yaochi Holy Land and threatening the Yaochi Saintess was something he could absolutely not tolerate.
Not long after, the Yaochi Saintess made her appearance at the feast, clad in a dress that, combined with her peerless beauty, caused a considerable stir. Many of the younger generation shouted enthusiastically, appearing incredibly excited, as if, in their eyes, the Yaochi Saintess was someone for whom they would give everything.
"There was a slight mishap earlier. Originally, I was supposed to preside over this Yaochi Grand Feast!" The Yaochi Saintess smiled. "I hope everyone present will not mind!"
"We don't mind at all, how could we possibly mind!" The numerous young individuals chimed in, their eyes fixed upon her. They had long heard rumors of the Yaochi Saintess's astounding beauty, and now, it seemed the rumors were indeed true.