Chapter 866: Ling'er Missing

In the Chaotic Demon Sea, even within a city, it was common for people to draw their blades over a disagreement.

As long as it wasn't a massacre, no one would care.

Thus, those without strength had to keep their heads down.

There were no rules here; everything was based on strength.

To survive, martial artists naturally formed factions. It was difficult for a lone individual to survive here.

Yunsha City was just a small city with a sparse population.

Naturally, this was not Ye Yuan's final destination; his true goal was the core of the Chaotic Demon Sea—the Plain of Slaughter!

And Yunsha City had a teleportation array leading to the Plain of Slaughter.

Apart from the teleportation array, entering the Plain of Slaughter required another item, which was also one of Ye Yuan's purposes for coming here.

Ye Yuan slept soundly, not waking until after noon the next day.

As soon as he stepped out, Ye Yuan sensed something was off.

"Head Steward Yan, what... happened to all of you?"

Yan Jun's face was ashen. He sat alone in silence, his eyes faintly glistening with tears, which greatly surprised Ye Yuan.

Although Yan Jun wasn't very strong in martial arts, in Ye Yuan's impression, he was definitely a tough man. What could have made him sit here silently with tears in his eyes?

Yan Jun didn't even hear Ye Yuan's words; he remained in a daze.

"Head Steward Yan?" Ye Yuan approached and gently touched Yan Jun's shoulder.

Yan Jun snapped awake and said, "Ye... Ye Master! You... you're awake?"

Yan Jun's disheartened appearance gave Ye Yuan a bad feeling.

"Head Steward Yan, what's wrong with you? Where are the others? Sister-in-law and Ling'er?" Ye Yuan asked.

Hearing this, Yan Jun couldn't stop his tears and choked, "Ling'er... she... she..."

Ye Yuan's expression changed. "What happened to Ling'er?"

"This morning we went to deliver goods. Shuang'er and Ling'er stayed in the inn. Shuang'er only left for a moment, but unexpectedly... unexpectedly..."

At this point, Yan Jun choked up and couldn't continue.

Ye Yuan's face darkened. "Ling'er is missing?"

Yan Jun nodded painfully, overcome with grief.

Several years ago, he had also lost his daughter in this very Yunsha City. He had scattered all his wealth to barely save his daughter's life.

Since then, Yan Jun had worked desperately to earn money to support his family, all to treat his daughter's chronic illness.

Unexpectedly, years later, the same scene was playing out again.

Ye Yuan was quite fond of the little girl Yan Ling, and he was moved by her ill-fated destiny.

After a moment of silence, Ye Yuan asked, "Head Steward Yan, don't panic first. Tell me about the situation at that time."

Yan Jun waved his hand and said, "There's nothing special. Shuang'er only left for a moment, and when she returned to the room, Ling'er was gone. It was almost... almost exactly like last time! I've already asked Brother Liu and the others to search, but half a day has passed, and there's no news."

Ye Yuan's eyes lit up. "Same as last time? Do you know who plotted against Ling'er last time?"

Yan Jun shook his head again. "We never saw the person's face. He just told us to deliver the Earth Essence Crystals to a designated spot. We heard a baby's cry and went to find Ling'er. When we came back, the Earth Essence Crystals were already gone."

Listening to Yan Jun's description, Ye Yuan fell into deep thought.

Last time, the other party had apparently planned to kill the hostage, but unexpectedly Ling'er's life was so tenacious that she held on for several years, until Ye Yuan finally cured her completely.

If it was just kidnapping for ransom, the other party's methods would likely be the same as last time.

Just as they were speaking, Liu Yusheng hurried in.

"Head Steward Yan, the brothers have inquired everywhere, but there's no news of Ling'er. However..." Liu Yusheng hesitated.

Yan Jun was startled and said urgently, "However what? Could it be..."

Liu Yusheng nodded and handed over a note. Yan Jun took it and his expression changed drastically.

Ye Yuan saw clearly from behind: the note read, "Tonight at midnight, city north warehouse, ten billion Earth Essence Crystals. Only Yan Jun may come. Hand over the money, and you'll get the person!"

Indeed, it was exactly the same method as last time.

It was as if someone had targeted Yan Jun, using the same trick on him twice!

Without a doubt, it was the same person.

From the method of damaging the meridians, Ye Yuan could also tell that the other party was definitely a very strong martial artist.

Ye Yuan quietly slipped out of the crowd and went to the street.

Half an hour later, Ye Yuan toyed with a short incense stick and smiled, "Unexpectedly, I have to use you again."

The incense stick in Ye Yuan's hand was the Soul-Guiding Incense he had used to find Lü'er. But this time, the Soul-Guiding Incense he refined was much more advanced, with keener perception of soul power.

He walked slowly to Ling'er's room, pushed open the door, and found Lin Shuang sitting inside, staring blankly at a piece of Ling'er's clothing.

Ye Yuan sighed and said to Lin Shuang, "Madam, don't be sad. I have a way to find Ling'er."

Lin Shuang's face was deathly pale, her eyes almost lifeless. Hearing Ye Yuan's words, she jumped up, grabbed Ye Yuan's arm, and said frantically, "Ye Master, you... you're telling the truth?"

Ye Yuan nodded. "Actually, I already have some guesses, but I need to confirm them. Madam, do you have any clothes that Ling'er often wears? Lend me one."

Lin Shuang's eyes finally regained some luster. She nodded repeatedly. "Ye Master, wait a moment. I'll get it for you!"

In no time, Lin Shuang brought a small piece of clothing. Ye Yuan lit it together with the Soul-Guiding Incense.

At the same time, Ye Yuan's mind stirred slightly, and Xiao Huo appeared before him.

"Xiao Huo, follow the Soul-Guiding Incense and see where they've hidden Ling'er."

"Yes, Big Brother!"

Xiao Huo acknowledged and turned into a wisp of flame, following a faint fragrance out of the room.

Seeing this, Lin Shuang was utterly astonished.

After Xiao Huo left, Ye Yuan said to Lin Shuang, "Actually, I think you and Head Steward Yan must have some guesses too, right? It's just that you feel you can't afford to provoke that person, so you don't want to think too much about it. Once Ling'er is rescued this time, you and Head Steward Yan should stop wading in these troubled waters. Find some livelihood outside the Chaotic Demon Sea."

Ye Yuan knew well the bloodiness and cruelty of the Chaotic Demon Sea. Without absolute strength, one could never ensure the safety of one's family.

This kind of cargo-running livelihood seemed lucrative, but in reality, it was just being a money-making machine raised by others.

Life and death, reward and punishment, were still controlled by others.

Not to mention Yan Jun, even a veteran like Liu Yusheng couldn't possibly be a match for that person.