Chapter Sixteen: Lian Yue Disappears

Update Time: 2013-05-17

Uncle Tian stared in disbelief in the direction where the man in black had disappeared, mumbling, “How is that possible?”

Qiao Zhi withdrew his gaze from the direction of the man in black and casually asked, “Uncle Tian, what did you say?”

“Oh, nothing…” Uncle Tian quickly masked the confusion on his face and smiled as he explained to the two of them, “I just thought that man’s steps as he left seemed to show familiarity with the Plum Blossom Formation. But perhaps I was mistaken… After all, this formation is a secret of the Yue family and never taught to outsiders…”

“I think that man in black must be very familiar with this formation!” Qiao Zhi ignored the change in Uncle Tian’s expression and began analyzing, “Look at his fearless manner. Though his martial skill is slightly superior, if it were another environment, Yu Wen and I together could easily keep him here. If not for the formation’s assistance, he would never have acted so recklessly. So he must know this formation well!”

At these words, Uncle Tian’s face took on a hint of anger, his aura shifting sharply as he unleashed his internal energy towards the two of them. “What does Your Highness mean by that? Are you suggesting the man in black is from the Yue family?”

Qiao Zhi and Yu Wen Lingxi quickly gathered their own internal energy to resist, exchanging glances that revealed both astonishment and wariness. Indeed, the Yue residence was full of hidden talents—even an old gardener possessed such mastery.

Yu Wen Lingxi hurriedly said, “Uncle Tian, there’s a misunderstanding. The Sixth Prince didn’t mean it that way. Let’s talk calmly.” Hearing his young master speak, Uncle Tian finally withdrew his energy and, in an instant, reverted to the unassuming old gardener he’d been before.

Qiao Zhi straightened his disheveled robe and let out a quiet sigh of relief. Though he felt a deep wariness toward the hidden depths of this old man, he still snorted coldly, “I was merely analyzing the situation. I am not unversed in formations myself, you know—”

Yu Wen Lingxi interrupted with a frown, “Don’t you think something is off?”

Qiao Zhi glanced around with his peach blossom eyes. “Nothing seems off. Do you mean there’s still an ambush?”

Yu Wen Lingxi pursed his lips and pointed to his left. “Uncle Tian, is your young lady over there?”

“Yes, the young mistress is indeed in that direction,” Uncle Tian replied.

Qiao Zhi, noticing his grave expression, snapped impatiently, “Didn’t we just hear laughter from over there? Why are you so chatty today? If you have something to say, say it and stop dithering!”

“Then do you hear any noise from there now? You blockhead!” The cold rebuke had barely left his lips before Qiao Zhi’s anger flared up completely. He shouted, “Yu Wen! You dare insult me? Today I’ll make you answer for it—come!”

Yu Wen Lingxi ignored Qiao Zhi and instead said thoughtfully to Uncle Tian, “Please, Uncle Tian, lead the way. I’m afraid something’s happened over there.”

“What—what? Something’s happened? You mean Sister Yue is in trouble?” Qiao Zhi’s anger instantly vanished.

Uncle Tian now fully trusted Lingxi’s judgment. He answered decisively, “Young Master Yu Wen, please follow me.” He shot a glance at the stunned Qiao Zhi and said disdainfully, “As for the Sixth Prince, suit yourself.” Without waiting for Qiao Zhi’s reply, he headed straight toward the direction where Lian Yue and the others had been, with Yu Wen Lingxi and his attendants following closely behind.

Qiao Zhi stomped in frustration, leaving deep footprints in the earth, but eventually followed as well.

Guided by Uncle Tian, they quickly reached their destination. Amid the uneven heights of the plum grove, they saw Zi Ling with one hand gripping a plum branch, and Little Tiger crouched motionless. Hearing footsteps, both turned tear-filled eyes toward the newcomers, mouths open but unable to utter a sound. Uncle Tian’s face darkened. After scanning the area and not finding any sign of Lian Yue, he strode over and released Zi Ling’s pressure point. “What happened? Where is the young lady?”

“She was… she was taken… by a man… in black…” Zi Ling sobbed out the words, clutching Uncle Tian’s sleeve as she pleaded, “Uncle Tian, please save the young lady! He went that way!”

At the same time, Yu Wen Lingxi unblocked Little Tiger’s meridian. As soon as she was released, she plopped down and burst into loud tears, pointing to her right, “Grandpa… save… Sister Yue… that way…”

Without another word, Uncle Tian dashed off in the direction Little Tiger indicated. Yu Wen Lingxi and Qiao Zhi prepared to follow, but Uncle Tian’s voice stopped them, “Please remain here. You two do not know the formation well, and I have no time to lead you. My apologies!”

Thus, the two could only halt and return to their place.

Qiao Zhi glanced at the two weeping children and thought anxiously: This is serious—so the man in black was targeting Sister Yue all along.

He nudged Yu Wen next to him and whispered, “What do you make of this?”

Yu Wen Lingxi glanced at him but said nothing, raising his head to carefully examine the surrounding plum blossoms.

Qiao Zhi, finding no satisfaction there, shifted his attention to Little Tiger, who was still sniffling, and moved closer.

A quarter of an hour later, Uncle Tian returned, his face grim. Little Tiger rushed to him. “Grandpa, did you find Sister Yue?”

Uncle Tian shook his head, “I didn’t catch up.”

Zi Ling was about to say something when Uncle Tian cut her off, “Whatever you have to say, wait until the young mistress and the young master are present.”

Then, to Yu Wen Lingxi and Qiao Zhi, he said, “Please come with me.” Though the words were courteous, his tone left no room for refusal; it was clear that if either of them dared object, he would not hesitate to have them bound and taken along.

“Of course.”

Though Qiao Zhi was somewhat annoyed by his manner, he couldn’t protest, especially since the young lady had been abducted and Yu Wen had already agreed. He nodded slightly.

Seeing this, Uncle Tian took Little Tiger by the hand and led the group out of the plum garden.