"My ability to be such a famous figure in the Eastern Domain, just based on this appearance and demeanor, is already quite heaven-defying!" Xu Fei exclaimed, "I wonder how many young talents will fall for her charms!"
"It seems you're quite satisfied!"
Sister Zhao glanced over, feeling even more displeased. Their trip to the Yaochi Holy Land this time was not to ogle women. More importantly, Lu Fan was nowhere to be found, and she was constantly worried. Yet Xu Fei was in the mood to admire beauties here.
"Don't worry, I know what you're thinking. However, the appearance of the Yaochi Saintess is good news for us," Xu Fei said with a smile. "At least we can confirm that the leader is safe now. After all, the Yaochi Saintess appeared, and the Yaochi Holy Land didn't offer any explanation, which says it all!"
"You're so certain!" Sister Zhao rolled her eyes, somewhat skeptical, as this was not a matter to joke about.
"What I said will never be wrong!" Xu Fei declared with conviction, seeing the matter clearly.
"If it's really as you say, then that would be for the best!"
Sister Zhao nodded slightly, a hint of anticipation in her heart. It would be the best outcome if Lu Fan were unharmed.
Meanwhile, within the Peaches Grove, Lu Fan could no longer maintain his pretense. He used the Divine Emperor Cauldron to pack the peaches, showing no hesitation, as if these peaches were his own property.
After picking a sufficient amount, Lu Fan turned and left, not lingering in the Peaches Grove. There weren't many peaches left, and picking more would have been rather immoral.
At the grand gathering, the Yaochi Saintess smiled at everyone and said, "The Yaochi Grand Gathering is held once every ten years. Each time, we distribute a batch of peaches. This is also a benefit of our Yaochi Holy Land. Your presence at the Yaochi Grand Gathering gives great face to the Yaochi Holy Land!"
"The Yaochi Saintess speaks so eloquently. We are truly in awe!"
Many male disciples echoed her words, their eyes lingering on the Yaochi Saintess. Such a beautiful woman was quite captivating. It was a pity that the Yaochi Saintess was too outstanding, making it not so easy for them to win her over, even if they desired it.
As time passed, the Yaochi Saintess ordered her disciples to distribute the peaches, smiling as she addressed the crowd, "These are the peaches from our Yaochi Holy Land. Eating one can enhance one's cultivation. After the grand gathering concludes, you are all welcome to roam freely and take a look around our Yaochi Holy Land."
"The Yaochi Holy Land is never open to outsiders. Wouldn't it be a bit inappropriate for us to roam around freely?" a man inquired.
"Although the Yaochi Holy Land is not open to the public, it is not an unreasonable place. You are all esteemed guests who have traveled from afar. It is only fitting that you be allowed to look around at your leisure," the Yaochi Saintess smiled. "However, this particular individual will likely have to stay in the Yaochi Holy Land for a while longer. This is because a 'heart thief' has appeared within the Yaochi Holy Land, and our Holy Land will not rest until they are apprehended!"
"Heart thief?"
Everyone present was taken aback, not quite understanding the Yaochi Saintess's meaning. However, judging by her tone, it was clear that they might not be able to leave the Yaochi Holy Land easily.
"Saintess, we have searched everywhere but found no trace of anyone."
Several disciples rushed over, their eyes filled with helplessness. They had scoured the entire Yaochi Holy Land and found no sign of Lu Fan, which stirred them deeply. After all, they dared not disobey the order of the Yaochi Saintess.
"I don't believe he can burrow into the ground!" the Yaochi Saintess said coldly. "Seal off the entire Yaochi Holy Land. If that person cannot be found, we shall not rest!"
"We will go search immediately!"
Numerous female disciples nodded, their expressions laced with exasperation. They wondered what Lu Fan was thinking, daring to trespass into the Yaochi Holy Land and sneak a peek at the Saintess bathing. Wasn't that courting death? If he were discovered, his life would likely be in peril.
"What should we do now?" Sister Zhao frowned. "We are confined within the Yaochi Holy Land. If the culprit isn't found, I fear the Yaochi Saintess will not let this matter go easily!"
Xu Fei also knitted his brows. If this were the case, it would not be good for them and could even lead to unnecessary trouble.
As they were conversing, Lu Fan appeared behind them, looking rather roguish.
"Leader!"
Xu Fei was startled, his eyes wide with shock. He hadn't expected Lu Fan to appear at this moment, which was quite unexpected. After all, there were barriers all around, and under normal circumstances, Lu Fan shouldn't have been able to get in.
"Keep your voices down. Don't let anyone hear!" Lu Fan waved his hand, his expression solemn. He was well aware that the situation was unusual. If the people of the Yaochi Holy Land knew that the person they were looking for was present at the grand gathering, Lu Fan would be in grave danger.
Xu Fei and the others nodded, but they were somewhat astonished. They hadn't expected Lu Fan to enter the barrier so easily. It seemed that it wouldn't be so simple for the Yaochi Holy Land to find Lu Fan.
At the same time, Lu Fan also gazed into the distance, his eyes fixed on a particular figure, filled with an immense and undisguised fury.
"Dao Xuan of the Xuanguang Holy Land has finally arrived. It seems this move was not a mistake!"
Lu Fan said coldly, "Grandpa Shen's great revenge will be avenged today."
"Leader, rest assured. Once we leave the Yaochi Holy Land, it will be the death of that old scoundrel!"
A faint cold light flickered as Xu Fei spoke, his expression indifferent, as if an unquenchable hatred burned within them.
Lu Fan nodded at their words. He knew that this matter was of great importance, and he harbored a killing intent towards Dao Xuan.
Meanwhile, the Grand Elder of Nine Heavens had dispatched people to investigate. Apart from those present at the grand gathering, everyone else was being thoroughly questioned to identify the disrespectful individual who offended the Saintess.
Unfortunately, after a long search, there was still no news. Just as the Grand Elder of Nine Heavens was about to give up, two old women descended from the sky, appearing extremely anxious. "Someone has trespassed into the Peaches Grove and stolen numerous peaches!"
"How could this be!" The Grand Elder of Nine Heavens' face contorted with shock. He had never imagined that the peaches in the Peaches Garden would be stolen. Those were the treasures of the Yaochi Holy Land. If such a thing had truly happened, wouldn't it be a great humiliation to the Yaochi Holy Land? Moreover, with so many peaches lost, who would be able to bear the responsibility?