章 29: Missing the Beauty
"Sir, we've searched everywhere and haven't found any trace of Miss Xian Yue."
Lei An bowed slightly as he spoke to Lan Yixuan, who was standing at the door. They had scoured the entire vicinity, leaving no stone unturned—not even digging three feet into the ground. They hadn't seen a shadow of the woman; in fact, they hadn't seen a single person.
She was no child who couldn't find her way home; besides, with her personality, she wouldn't bully others, so why was the young master so worried about her?
"I've asked everyone, and they all said they haven't seen Miss Xian Yue."
Compared to Lei An's confusion and dissatisfaction, Lei Yun appeared much calmer.
Lan Yixuan pondered for a moment, remaining silent as he walked through the many small doors. The moonlight poured down, shimmering on the dense greenery on either side, accentuating the coolness of the night. As he made his way through the winding corridors, the sounds of the bustling street began to drift closer.
The moon hung high in the sky, just past the hour of Xu. In other remote towns, the streets might already be silent, but outside the Yingjiang Tower, the scene was filled with bright lights and a lively atmosphere. People thronged the streets, shouting and laughing, creating a vibrant ambiance.
"Have you seen Xian Yue?"
As Lan Yixuan and his companions reached the entrance, a shadow darted in front of them, dark as ink and emanating a sharp, deadly aura, accompanied by a terrifying ripping sound.
"Master Bai, you're going to scare our young master!"
Lei An patted his chest, his face stern as he reprimanded Bai Zhanfeng. Though the place was brightly lit, like daylight, the sudden appearance of that ghostly figure in the darkness was startling. Its speed was faster than a cheetah, and anyone timid might very well faint from fright.
"A grown man with a heart as small as a mouse."
Bai Zhanfeng shot a glare at Lei An but found Lan Yixuan standing directly across from him, his expression calm and composed, without a hint of concern. The familiar smile he usually wore showed no signs of wavering. The self-assured and relaxed demeanor made Bai Zhanfeng feel as if Lan Yixuan had expected him to appear out of nowhere.
Leaning to the side, he peered into the pitch-black void behind him, searching for the familiar figure: "Did you not find her?"
His tone was firm, laced with an obvious reprimand, as if Lan Yixuan and the others were obligated to locate Xian Yue since he had not.
"I searched everywhere with Lei An, and I asked the staff on duty. They all said they hadn't seen Miss Xian Yue," Lei Yun stepped forward, dutifully answering for his master.
"Has Master Bai searched all around?"
Bai Zhanfeng felt a surge of impatience as he watched Lan Yixuan remain as calm as ever, wondering where this inexplicable anger was coming from. "Don't you feel the least bit worried, Master Lan?"
Lan Yixuan was the opposite of Bai Zhanfeng. Their personalities could not be more different. Lan Yixuan was like jade; no matter whose hands he was in, he was always gentle and warm. In reality, however, he was cold and detached, giving off an ethereal vibe. Such a person wouldn't easily show their concerns or worries.
Bai Zhanfeng, on the other hand, was like ice—harder than stone. This allowed him to remain indifferent toward someone who had pursued him for three long years. Since she wasn't a scorching sun, how could she possibly melt the icy exterior?
Compared to Lan Yixuan, Bai Zhanfeng, as a martial arts enthusiast, had simple thoughts: he pursued what he wanted and wouldn't hesitate to take it, regardless of face or reputation. Both he and Nian Xiaoyu were typical examples of this mentality. Since he had decided on Xian Yue, he wouldn't hide his worries or concerns.
To the big man Bai Zhanfeng, Xian Yue's only notable quality was her sharp tongue. Coupled with the earlier incident involving the four ignorant fools who had provoked him, it was only natural for him to yell at Lan Yixuan in frustration.
"If she's not at the Yingjiang Tower, then she must have gone home."
Lan Yixuan smiled, his expression radiating generosity and tolerance, but concealed beneath it was a sharpness akin to a blade as he gazed warmly at Bai Zhanfeng, who was pointing at him.
"Sir, the carriage is ready."
The carriage was drawn by a team of majestic ink-black horses, powerful and robust, clearly a rare breed. The golden and jade inlays on the carriage added to its elegance without appearing gaudy.
"I'll head back first."
Bai Zhanfeng leaped onto the horse's back with ease. He reached back and casually tossed the reins that had fallen to the ground. Gripping the reins firmly, he glanced back at Lan Yixuan. In the night, his figure on horseback looked more valiant than any general charging into battle.
"If anything happens to her, you must face me in a fair fight."
"Giddy up!"
His voice rang with unrestrained confidence, and as he commanded the horse, the dark clouds that had lingered around Qingyue seemed to disperse gradually. Bai Zhanfeng patted the horse's back, and with a sharp whinny, the horse took off, its hooves pounding against the ground, kicking up clouds of dust.
Lan Yixuan watched as Bai Zhanfeng's figure receded into the distance, slowly shrinking until it became a small dot. The sharp smile on his face transformed into one of delight, like a gentle spring breeze.
"Sir."
Lei Yun and Lei An exchanged glances, looking at Lan Yixuan as Bai Zhanfeng vanished from sight.
"You two should head back now."
With their heads lowered, Lei Yun and Lei An glanced at each other before bowing and departing.
It was getting late. Although the streets were bustling with people, they lacked the lively atmosphere of the evening and had taken on a slightly chaotic vibe.
Lan Yixuan turned around, gazing into the pitch-blackness ahead, and suddenly let out a laugh.
Inside the Yingjiang Tower, red lanterns hung everywhere, and the deeper one ventured inside, the cooler and clearer the atmosphere became, with tree shadows swaying, enhancing the tranquility. Even the sound of leaves falling could be distinctly heard.
Lan Yixuan made his way directly to the underground cellar of the Yingjiang Tower. The flickering torches on either side of the walls allowed him to discern footprints on the ground. He crouched down, carefully tapping the floor, and a trace of helpless amusement flickered in his eyes.
Not only had he beaten the four burly men, but he had also taken the time to hang them by the river. How could anyone possibly get drunk in such circumstances?
Exiting the cellar, Lan Yixuan stood in a fragrant garden filled with incense. In the darkness, he slightly furrowed his brows; the fragrance was too overpowering, reminiscent of the women around him.
"Bright moon and gentle breeze, a fine vintage, how delightful!"
In the serene courtyard, a voice, tinged with a drunken quality, floated down from above, like an exquisite wine that had been buried underground for hundreds of years, filling every corner.
A woman in plain attire lay casually on a beam, her legs crossed. One hand supported her neck, while the other held a wine jug raised toward the bright moon. The moonlight shimmered, cascading over her, enhancing the flushed look on her cheeks, giving her a bewitching appearance. Her closed eyes revealed delicately trembling long lashes, and her hair danced in the air, yet it couldn't hide the captivating aura around her. Scattered empty wine bottles lay beside her.
"Ah."
She suddenly exclaimed, squinting toward Lan Yixuan's direction, and then burst into laughter. "We're still missing the beauty."
Her laughter was like the clear spring water of a mountain stream, as if it could wash away one's troubles and fatigue.
Lan Yixuan gently pressed his lips together, watching Xian Yue as he chuckled softly.
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