He regarded Qin Cao with a penetrating gaze. "Head to the suburbs once more and conduct a thorough inquiry. We must eliminate any evidence of our involvement."
Qin Cao hastily nodded, rallying a group to accompany him as they headed for the outskirts.
Meanwhile, Mu Qingya entrusted Mu Liang with a contingent of elite disciples from the Mu Clan and dispatched them out of the capital. They scoured the periphery but found no traces of the stoic young woman.
"How is it possible that there's nothing?" Mu Qingya queried with mounting anxiety. "Did you inform our Master?"
"I've already informed the Consort."
Mu Qingya fretfully stamped her feet. "Sigh, what could have transpired? Why would someone target Qiaoqiao right outside the city?"
"Consort, it's quite perilous here. Perhaps you should return," Mu Liang suggested, his expression revealing his own agitation.