155: Chu Tianhe disappeared

Leaving the City Lord's mansion, where the atmosphere was slightly delicate, Qin Feng brought Ji Ruxue and Xiao Chun back to the Qin family home.

His father and second uncle were overjoyed to see him return. Compared to last time, the two elders clearly looked much better; their complexions were ruddy and they were full of vigor. It was obvious that over the past year, under the secret care of the City Lord's mansion, their lives had been quite comfortable and smooth, lacking the toil and worry of the past.

"Feng'er is back! Quick, sit, sit!" The second uncle pulled Qin Feng along cheerfully, but his eyes couldn't help but drift toward the two girls behind him, who had distinct temperaments but were both exceptionally beautiful.

Ji Ruxue was as cold as snow, standing quietly to the side with an inherent aura that warned strangers not to approach; Xiao Chun, on the other hand, was well-behaved and sweet, with a sugary smile on her face.

His father was also glowing with health. Looking at Qin Feng and then at the two women, his eyes were full of gratification and hints as he lowered his voice and said, "Feng'er, you've grown up, your cultivation is high, and you have a reputation... regarding your lifelong affairs, shouldn't you start considering them? I think both of these girls are quite good..."

Qin Feng suddenly broke into a fit of coughing and awkwardly interrupted his father, "Dad, Second Uncle, you're overthinking it! They are my partners, good friends who have gone through life and death with me." He hurriedly changed the subject, asking about the family's recent situation and business, finally drawing the attention of the two elders away.

Seeing his family well allowed the last bit of worry in Qin Feng's heart to finally settle. But looking at the expectant gazes of his father and second uncle, he still felt his scalp tingle.

After a short stay, Qin Feng took the two women to Huichun Hall.

However, the once-familiar gates of Huichun Hall were tightly shut, with a thin layer of dust settled on the door panels; it had clearly not been open for some time. This coincided with the timing of the letter they received before leaving West Lake City, but seeing it with his own eyes still made his heart sink.

"Dad..." The smile on Xiao Chun's face vanished, replaced by deep worry.

"Don't worry, let's ask around," Qin Feng comforted her, though an ominous premonition also rose in his heart.

They searched all the places in Star South City where Chu Tianhe might go—the old tea house he often frequented, the chess club where he played, and even the residences of some old friends. Everyone said that Great Master Chu had left several months ago, saying he was going to travel, and no one knew his specific destination.

Holding onto a final sliver of hope, Qin Feng even took the two women to the Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion, which had just reopened in the city and had recovered some of its former prosperity. The madam recognized Qin Feng as a hero of the city and dared not be negligent. After thinking carefully, she shook her head: "Young Master Qin, Great Master Chu did visit a few times, but that was all months ago. He hasn't been back since."

Nothing was found.

Returning to the inn where they were temporarily staying, Xiao Chun sat by the window, looking at the bustling street below. Her eyes were slightly red as she fought back tears: "Brother Qin Feng, Dad... where exactly did he go? Could something have happened to him?"

Qin Feng walked to her side and gently patted her shoulder, keeping his tone as steady as possible: "Don't scare yourself. Master's cultivation is profound and his knowledge is vast; he must have his own plans and Opportunity. Perhaps he found some Spirit Medicine Secret Realm, or had an epiphany and went somewhere for seclusion. If we search blindly, we might actually disturb him."

Despite saying this, the doubt in his heart did not diminish. Chu Tianhe's departure was too sudden and complete; it wasn't like his usual style.

Ji Ruxue silently handed a cup of hot tea to Xiao Chun. Though she didn't speak, her silent company was also a form of support.

As the night grew deep, Xiao Chun gradually fell asleep amidst her worries. Qin Feng, however, had no desire to sleep. He sat cross-legged in the Quiet Room, waiting for the arrival of the zi hour. Nowadays, the System was his most reliable way to obtain key information.

[Ding! The zi hour has arrived! Daily Intel has been refreshed!]

[Today's Intel:]

1. [White Intel]: Star South City's City Lord's legitimate daughter Xia Xue, nineteen years old, with exceptional talent, successfully achieved a Breakthrough to Late-stage Grand Martial Master half a month ago. She is currently studying at a higher academy in Juyan City and is highly regarded by the academy instructors.

2. [Green Intel]: The City Lord's concubine-born daughter Xia Ya actually lacked resources during her training overseas, relying entirely on her own perseverance and life-and-death combat to improve. Her Heart-Nature is resilient, and more importantly, she possesses a strong "Heart of Protection." After assessment, her will and traits have a high degree of compatibility with the "xuanwu position" of the Four Symbols Battle Array.

3. [Green Intel]: Huichun Hall Master Chu Tianhe was questioned by outer Disciples of Medicine King Valley because of his escaped eldest Disciple, Liu Da, who was searching for the location of Medicine King Valley while in exile. To save his own life, Liu Da unintentionally leaked Chu Tianhe's place of seclusion. The Medicine King Valley Enforcement Team arrived secretly in Star South City a month ago, captured Chu Tianhe to be tried in the valley, and he is currently being punished at the Self-Reflection Cliff.

What?!

Even with Qin Feng's steady Heart-Nature, when he saw the third piece of intel, he almost cried out in surprise. He suddenly stood up from his meditation mat, his eyes filled with shock and rage!

It wasn't traveling!

He was captured!

And it was unintentionally reported by that traitorous Senior Brother Liu Da!

Medicine King Valley! It was actually Medicine King Valley that did it!

"Damn that Liu Da!" Qin Feng smashed his fist into the wall beside him. True Qi surged, and cracks like a spiderweb instantly appeared on the wall. He should have just crippled that ungrateful fellow back then!

The thing he had been worried about had happened. As the leading authority of the world's medicinal path, Medicine King Valley was a massive power with strict rules; the punishment for a traitor would definitely not be light!

"Being punished at the Self-Reflection Cliff..." Qin Feng's heart sank. Behind the words "being punished" could mean the loss of cultivation, lifelong imprisonment, or even more severe consequences!

Xiao Chun was still worried about her father's "traveling." If she knew the truth was that he had been taken by Medicine King Valley, who knew how heartbroken she would be.

Qin Feng forced himself to calm down and took a few deep breaths. Anger couldn't solve the problem.

The location of Medicine King Valley was not in the direction of the Imperial Capital, but at this moment, the trip to the Imperial Capital had to be temporarily put on hold.

Saving Master was a matter of extreme urgency!

He glanced at the second piece of intel regarding Xia Ya. "Heart of Protection," "xuanwu position"... could this be an arrangement of fate? If he was going to Medicine King Valley to save someone, having one more trustworthy and powerful partner—especially one who could fill the vacancy in the Four Symbols Battle Array—was crucial.

Qin Feng's gaze became sharp. He had originally planned to rest and regroup for a night and then continue north to the Imperial Capital, but now the itinerary had to be completely changed.

He walked out of the Quiet Room, looked toward the direction of Ji Ruxue's room, and then at the tightly closed door of Xiao Chun's room. He had already made a decision in his heart.

He had to make a trip to Medicine King Valley.