"What about Mo Li? Where did he go?" Gu Changqing asked coldly.
"You—you're here to find Master Mo? He is the young master of the Mo family in the northeastern province and also a disciple of the Yunlan Sect. I advise you to—"
"Speak!" Gu Changqing cut him off, his patience wearing thin. With a flick of his fingers, the cyan long sword drew a crimson line across Oba Tuo's neck.
"Don't—don't kill me! I'll tell you everything. Young Master Mo left in the middle of the night. He said he was going to arrange manpower and handle something important. He instructed us to cooperate with him in Utan City and keep him informed of any developments," Oba Tuo confessed urgently.
"What is this important task he's planning?" Gu Changqing pressed.
"I—I don't know," Oba Tuo stammered.
"Hmph?"
Gu Changqing's gaze turned icy.
"Please spare me! I really don't know. Young Master Mo only told us to monitor two young people in the city and report their movements. I truly don't know anything else."
Oba Tuo's voice was choked with desperation.
"If that's the case, then you too must die!" Gu Changqing pronounced coldly. In the next instant, the cyan long sword swept cleanly across Oba Tuo's neck.
Returning to the Xiao residence, Gu Changqing found Xun'er still sleeping soundly. He gently kissed her forehead and climbed into bed beside her, wrapping her in his arms as he drifted off to sleep.
In her slumber, Xun'er seemed to sense his return. She nuzzled closer, her small hand reaching out to grasp one of his ears as she continued to sleep peacefully.
The next day, Wutan City was thrown into chaos.
The Oba family, one of the city's three major families, had been annihilated. The estate was a river of blood, staining even the Wutan River that flowed beside it.
Everyone speculated about who could have committed such a massacre. The Xiao and Jia Lie families were particularly alarmed.
"Who could have destroyed the Oba family? Could they target us next?"
"Gather all family disciples immediately! We must avoid any provocations. If someone has the power to destroy the Oba family so effortlessly, they could easily eliminate the Xiao and Galie families. Any mistake could be fatal!"
Both the Xiao and Jia Lie families were on edge. They were grateful that they had treated Xun'er and Gu Changqing relatively well; otherwise, they might have been in even greater danger.
"Yan'er must be warned not to provoke Gu Changqing and his sister any further!" Xiao Zhan felt a chill of realization, as if he had narrowly escaped disaster.
At the Miteer Auction House, Ya Fei, dressed in a striking red gown that drew all eyes to her, handed a ring filled with materials to Gu Changqing. With a reluctant gaze, she spoke with concern:
"Little brother, you must be careful while you're out there. Your safety is the most important thing. This is the material you requested; I've spent half a year preparing it for you and labeled everything for your convenience. Travel safely, and know that I'll miss you dearly."
Ya Fei, like an elder sister sending her younger brother off, gave him heartfelt advice, her eyes filled with reluctance.
"Don't worry, Sister Fei. You'll see just how awesome I can be."
Gu Changqing took the ring, held one of her delicate hands, and with a gentle smile, touched her forehead with his slender finger. Before she could react, Ya Fei eyes rolled back, and she fell unconscious.
"Dear sister, this is my gift to you—'Hundred Charming Heavenly Gong,' a coveted technique in the immortal cultivation world, perfect for someone as naturally charming as you. I'm curious to see how well you'll master it when we meet again."
He gently placed Ya Fei on a chair, covered her with a soft coat, and instructed the Mitre Auction House staff to care for her and avoid disturbing her. Then, he left the auction house.
Outside Wutan City, Xun'er looked at Gu Changqing with a mixture of reluctance and concern as he prepared to leave.
"Chanqing, are you sure you don't need me to come with you?"
"Don't worry, sister. Wait for me at the Xiao family. I promise to bring you a gift that will not disappoint you!"
Gu Changqing winked reassuringly, and with a playful smile, he turned and waved as he walked away.
"What gift?" Xun'er's curiosity was piqued.
"Just wait and see."
Gu Changqing playfully pinched Xun'er cheek before heading off into the distance, leaving her with a sense of anticipation and hope.