He'd rather run than be turned into a cannon fodder for the broken engagement.

After a night of anxiety, everyone was exhausted. Leng Huan had no interest in cultivating and just wanted to close his eyes and sleep. Madam Qi arranged for them to stay and took Qi Ruxing back to the inner courtyard.

Leng Huan didn't wake up until evening. She thought carefully about what had happened since the Zhao family in Nanjun and all the things she had encountered along the way. How could it be such a coincidence that Zhao Yumin was almost abducted?

And what about her dog?

When Leng Huan woke up last night, he couldn't find Sang Biao. He was worried that thieves might have eaten it...

"Ah Xun, where is Sang Biao?" Leng Huan knocked on the door before entering Fu Xun's room and found him bandaging his wounds. He didn't know when he had been injured. "How did you get hurt?" Although it was just a cut on his right shoulder.

"...The window was too small, and it got scratched."

"..." Leng Huan was speechless. They all jumped in easily, "Look at you, you must have eaten pig feed. Why are you so strong? People are afraid of becoming famous, just like pigs are afraid of getting fat. Don't you know that?"

She took the strip of cloth and wrapped it around his wound. Fu Xun, hearing her start teasing him again, remained noncommittal. The wound was only the size of a palm; it didn't hurt him at all. His expression remained unchanged as he answered her previous question: "Sang Biao has probably escaped… I specifically checked, and I didn't find any trace of it, including on the carriage, where those thieves were…"

"That's good. I was worried something might happen to it." After bandaging it, Leng Huan got up, walked to the table, sat down, and poured himself a glass of water. "I've thought about it carefully, and I feel that those thieves are somewhat similar to the ones who chased Zhao Yumin. Could they be in cahoots?"

“You noticed it too.” Fu Xun put on one sleeve, adjusted his wrist guard, and looked at Leng Huan: “He’s probably an accomplice.”

He got up, packed his things, and sat down opposite her: "I reckon the Qi family will investigate if Qi Ruxing is valued."

Leng Huan stroked his chin. The Qi family of Dongjun City is one of the top families, and Qi Ruxing is the eldest daughter of the main branch. Let's see if there will be any follow-up to this matter.

-

"Gentlemen, Madam has invited you to a welcoming banquet." Just as they were discussing who the buyer was, they suddenly heard the butler's voice outside the door. Leng Huan opened the door and responded, "We'll be right there!"

The two went outside and met Xu Huanqing and another girl, Wu Zhenzhen, at the courtyard gate. The two girls lived in the next courtyard.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the group headed to the banquet hall together. Xu Huanqing, who was clearly very emotionally intelligent and cheerful, thanked Leng Huan and the other person in her soft, gentle voice: "We really owe a debt of gratitude to you two fellow Daoists this time. Otherwise, we would probably be in grave danger."

Faced with such a beautiful woman, Fu Xun remained unmoved, his face expressionless and his gaze fixed straight ahead, offering only two perfunctory words: "Just lucky."

Leng Huan thought to himself that he was too clueless about romance, but smiled and said, "We were just lucky. We had just bought the talismans, and it was fortunate that the thieves didn't search us."

Dazzled by Leng Huanqing's aloof and handsome appearance, Xu Huanqing smiled sheepishly, her bright and charming face showing a hint of helplessness: "Perhaps it's because you are men, thieves, and not interested, we..."

They were inevitably subjected to body searches and groping. Just imagining herself being molested by a burly man sent a shiver down Leng Huan's spine. Damn! Luckily, she was pretending to be a man!

Wu Zhenzhen was introverted and blushed a little when she heard this. She looked up at Fu Xun, then lowered her head, seemingly lost in thought.

The Qi family residence was very large. After passing through several gates and winding around, it took about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before we arrived at the banquet hall.

Madam Qi and Qi Ruxing were present. After exchanging a few polite words, the meal began. Everyone greeted each other warmly. These people had gone through thick and thin together, so they were much more comfortable with each other than with ordinary people. Only Wu Zhenzhen was very cautious.

Madam Qi, a cultivator in the late stage of the Golden Core realm, possessed a certain aura. She sincerely expressed how difficult it was for the group to go through hardships together, and also expressed her gratitude to Leng Huan and Fu Xun.

After offering the toast, she said, "Ruxing was on a training trip when she was kidnapped in a prefecture city under Dongjun. I've already heard about the incident from her, and it seems someone is abducting young Qi Refining cultivators. You all need to be careful when you're out and about. I've already forbidden Ruxing from going out before she reaches Foundation Establishment."

Fu Xun sat upright, put down his wine cup, and asked, "Madam, do you know what forces are in Dongjun City, or if there has been anything unusual lately?"

Madam Qi shook her head and sighed, "They are very cautious and haven't been able to find out anything yet. They have already reported it to the City Lord's Mansion and issued a notice, telling all young people to be careful."

—

The Lord's Mansion of Dongjun City, Qianji Pavilion.

In every prefecture and capital city, there is an organization called the Thousand Machine Pavilion within the city lord's mansion, which is the official place where the city lord's mansion handles government affairs.

At this moment, on the top floor of the Thousand Machines Pavilion, a person dressed in a magnificent black robe embroidered with gold stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the entire city. All the buildings were visible in his view, and the pedestrians below looked like ants coming and going.

A few hurried footsteps echoed up the stairs, and a moment later, the person stood behind him, bowing deeply, their voice trembling slightly: "Reporting to the City Lord, our men have inadvertently lost a stronghold outside the city, and several valuables have escaped. Among them is the eldest daughter of the Qi family. Today, the head of the Qi family reported a human trafficking incident and requests that a public notice be issued..."

The city lord then turned around. His face was obscured by the darkness, but with a gentle wave of his hand, a burst of spiritual energy struck the newcomer, causing a trickle of blood to flow from the corner of his mouth. The man immediately knelt and kowtowed, not daring to beg for mercy loudly. Only a somber voice echoed in his ears:

"Fool! None of the scions of great families are to be touched. Didn't you give the order?"

"Yes, I know. It was just a mistake by my subordinates. I will definitely supervise them more closely!"

"This is a one-time exception. Go and issue a notice saying that there have been recent human trafficking cases, and everyone should be cautious when traveling. Instruct your men to be extra careful lately."

"Yes." The man retreated nervously, his figure disappearing into the night.

-

Qi Ruxing then brought up the topic of returning their spirit stones, since they had taken their talismans.

“Mother, thanks to these two fellow Daoists for giving away the talismans, I plan to give them spirit stones as a token of my gratitude.”

Xu Huanqing had wanted to bring this up earlier, but both she and Wu Zhenzhen were from other prefectures and were currently penniless, so it was difficult to say. She thought for a moment and looked at Leng Huan: "Fellow Daoist Leng, I wonder where you two plan to go next? My home is in Dongling Prefecture. If there is an opportunity, I will definitely thank you handsomely."

Wu Zhenzhen finally mustered up the courage to speak, her voice sweet and pleasant: "Yes, Sister Xu is right. I live in Hedong Prefecture. I would love to have the opportunity to thank you two fellow Daoists." She looked up at Leng Huan and Fu Xun, and finally glanced at Fu Xun.

Isn't this a coincidence? Hedong Prefecture is located south of Dongjun, which is exactly where Qi Ruxing was kidnapped, while Dongling City is located east of Dongjun. Leng Huan and the others have to pass through Dongling to get to the Misty Immortal Sect.

In front of Madam Qi, Fu Xun said politely, "Fellow Daoists, you flatter me. The most important thing is for everyone to work together." At least no one would hold them back.

Leng Huan glanced at him and nodded in agreement: "That's right. We were planning to go to the Misty Immortal Sect, but we didn't expect to be kidnapped. There's no need for a big thank you. We've met by chance and gone through thick and thin together. We'll meet again someday."

Madam Qi smiled upon hearing this, sized up Leng Huan and his companion, her gaze lingering on Leng Huan for a few moments before she suddenly picked up her wine cup and gave a meaningful smile: "The two young masters are too modest. Why don't you stay at the manor for a few more days to rest?"

Realizing they had already been delayed for a long time, Leng Huan was now eager to immediately join the sect. She shook her head and said tactfully, "Thank you for your hospitality, Madam, but we have important matters to attend to and are afraid we cannot stay any longer. We must depart early tomorrow morning."

"In that case, it's as you wish." Hearing this, Madam Qi didn't say anything more, only smiled. The banquet was nearing its end. Leng Huan had drunk a few glasses of fruit wine and was slightly tipsy. Everyone left after they had eaten and drunk their fill.

The next morning, everyone gathered in the guest courtyard, and Qi Ruxing, along with the steward, brought them travel expenses.

"Since Fellow Daoist Leng and his companion are leaving, I won't try to persuade you any further. Please accept these travel expenses as a token of my gratitude." Qi Ruxing personally handed the gifts to Leng Huan, then paused and looked at Xu and Wu, "Miss Xu and Miss Wu, I'll send someone to escort you back. It might not be safe at this time." Let's not leave one danger only to fall into another.

Xu Huanqing shook her head: "Thank you for your kindness, Miss Qi. I have already asked Fellow Daoist Leng and his companion. They are also heading east, so I plan to set off with them and look after each other."

Leng Huan glanced at the group. Since the hostess had already accepted the gifts, he was afraid of offending her if he refused again. So he reached out and took a storage bag that looked like a money pouch. The storage bag wasn't very big, only about two cubic meters. It was dark blue and plain, and it was specially made to be given as a red envelope gift. He took a quick look inside and found that there were actually 20,000 spirit stones inside.

She cupped her hands in thanks: "Then thank you very much, Miss Qi. We would be too kind to refuse."

Qi Ruxing already knew from her mother that Leng Huan and Qi Ruxing might have eloped. She smiled at Leng Huan, admiring her courage. Unfortunately, her own attempt to escape the marriage failed, and she was kidnapped instead.

"I wish you all a safe journey." Qi Ruxing, who was only focused on cultivating the Path of Ruthlessness, sighed silently.

At this moment, Wu Zhenzhen, who was very envious of Xu Huanqing, finally spoke up: "Thank you, Miss Qi, for your trouble. I'm really sorry."

"You're welcome." Qi Ruxing shook her head. Although she didn't particularly like the timid and cowardly Wu Zhenzhen, they had only met by chance and might not see each other again.

"Let's go, I'll see you off."

So the group headed towards the gate. When they went outside, they found that the troops were indeed ready. Leng Huan and the others got into the carriage and headed towards the east gate, while Wu Zhenzhen headed towards the south gate.

The group of people, brought together by fate, parted ways again, and Leng Huan truly believed that they would never see each other again in this lifetime.

But who can predict what will happen in the future?

She was a little disappointed that she was about to part ways with the beauties. Sigh, she could only look at them and have a fleeting moment of pleasure in this lifetime.