Zhou Shijie struck a stone with his sword and said contemptuously, "Just a mere Flower Thief, what’s so great about you? Can you even withstand this sword of mine?"

Yang Wentian, Wang Dezhong, and Zhou Shijie first met at the temple fair, drinking, playing, and feasting together. They once were full of youthful vigor, showing their talents, forming alliances with the sects above and having friendly competitions with peers below, hunting and galloping. How joyful, how lively, and in retrospect, one would feel deeply moved. But in just a few days, everything changed. Fellow sisters, junior sisters, and female elders all disappeared. Everyone was distressed and suppressing anger.

Yang Wentian, originating from "Thunder Gate," neither of the Sword Sect nor had missing friends, was relatively rational. After spending some time together, he knew Zhou Shijie was slightly inferior in Martial Arts, and said, "Brother Zhou, don’t rush. This thief comes from the Flower Cage Sect, but it’s rumored that he is indeed somewhat extraordinary! Never underestimate him!"

Wang Dezhong said, "It’s said that this thief is indescribably handsome and his strength is naturally not weak. He’s adept with the Spear Technique, is intelligent and cautious, and his sinister schemes are endless."

Li Xian cursed in his heart, "That damn thief, always talking nonsense. This enormous blame is thrown directly on my head. When have I ever used any sinister schemes?" Feeling very indignant, he continued to listen.

Yang Wentian said, "This thief is highly regarded in the sect. Though young, he is about the same age as us, but... if encountered, you must be extremely cautious. Remember not to be careless. The Flower Cage Sect does not kill women, so Miss Gu, many senior sisters and junior sisters, and the elders are probably safe. Now that the city is sealed and strictly inspected, although it’s unknown where the Flower Cage thieves are hiding them, they certainly haven’t left the city. There is still a chance to turn things around."

Zhou Shijie, listening to the persuasion of the two, found it hard to maintain his face and thought, "Alright, I thought of you as friends, but you look down on me like this. Is it possible that I, Zhou Shijie, can’t handle a mere Flower Thief?" Angrily sheathing his sword, he said no more.

After talking for a while, Yang Wentian and Wang Dezhong took their leave from Cui Zhu Residence. Zhou Shijie snorted coldly, lost in thought for a moment, feeling anxious. Suddenly, a thought occurred, "If Nianjun were in trouble, and I happened to play the hero and save the damsel, wouldn’t it win back her heart? Nianjun has been absent-minded recently, with her heart entirely on that Zhou Ping’an. If this trend continues, she might as well pledge herself to him. Where does that leave me? This matter can be a blessing or a curse, still undecided."

Feeling invigorated, he ran out of Cui Zhu Residence. Catching up with Yang Wentian and Wang Dezhong, he decided to help with the search. Yang Wentian and Wang Dezhong both felt delighted and readily agreed.

Li Xian revealed himself, eyebrows furrowed deeply. He knew there was something highly suspicious. Gu Nianjun’s boots were stained with gold mud, as if she had stepped into a tomb. How could Hua Wucuo, trapped in the Cocoon Pavilion, showcase such divine might? To capture all the female relatives of various sects?

As he pondered, he suddenly felt something strange. A strand of his long hair, rooted to the ground, sent a message. Stretching his perception, he seemed to hear a message, "No wrong, no wrong... where are you, if you hear this message, come meet quickly!"

Li Xian recognized the voice as a summons from Ye Cheng. He pondered, "Though I haven’t shown myself, the name of Hua Wucuo has already been spread. Sister Liuli is still in the Flower Cage Sect, it is indeed difficult to stay independent. The recent turmoil is related to the Flower Cage Sect, and Gu Nianjun and others... I don’t know if they were captured by the Flower Cage Sect. If so, considering past relations, I need to help them escape. Regardless of advance or retreat, a meeting is necessary!"

Through the strand of hair, he observed the surrounding scene. It seemed to be in a house’s hall, the lamps were bright, and there were several figures around the strand of hair. Although very blurry, he could vaguely recognize who they were.

There were Ye Cheng, An Weicheng, Tang Wenshu, Li Jiu, and other elders, along with many printed disciples... An Weicheng asked, "Jin Yi, did your Brother Hua really say that? If the hair touches the ground and takes root, can it really transmit messages?"

Jin Yi scratched his head and said, "Yes... yes, indeed." Tang Wenshu said, "This Hua Wucuo is truly not to be underestimated. Who knows what kind of Martial Arts he has mastered to achieve such a feat."

Ye Cheng said in a deep voice, "This is not the time to discuss this matter. Wucuo, if you can hear this, come to the western part of the city to ’Flowing Flower Street, Separate Spring Courtyard’ to meet. There’s an important matter to discuss!"

Listening to the conversation, Li Xian removed his mask, hid his red bow, and hurried to the western part of the city. He quickly found the Separate Spring Courtyard and didn’t rush inside, but instead used his Heavy Pupils to observe the surroundings. Confirming no danger, he vaulted over the wall into the courtyard, rendezvousing with the elders and the Flower Cage Sect.

Jin Yi, Huo Er... and others, upon seeing Li Xian again, were extremely pleased and immediately gathered behind him, signaling him as the leader, firmly establishing their position. Ye Cheng couldn’t help but admire, "This young man, in just a few months, has already grown into a figure."

Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "Greetings to all elders! All senior brothers! Good to see you all again."

An Weicheng said, "Good, good, let’s discuss inside, this matter concerns life and death, not an iota of carelessness is allowed." Li Xian responded deeply, "Understood!"

Inside the hall, each took their seat. Li Jiu spoke in a deep voice, "Wucuo, though you came through the Water Altar, you are a rare talent in the Flower Cage Sect. In your youthful exuberance, it’s inevitable to be flamboyant, but your actions are indeed excessive!"

Tang Wenshu shook his head and said, "Chief Shi intended to support you, to make you famous, rallying all the Flower Thieves of the world. However, your high-profile actions made things spiral out of control. Indeed, it shouldn’t have happened, it shouldn’t have happened."

Li Xian understood in his heart, "These elders must have misunderstood me. I should ask them." Curiously, he said, "I am unaware of what has been deemed excessive."

An Weicheng said, "Wucuo, our purpose for this trip is to fish in troubled waters, not to initiate disputes. This matter hasn’t escalated yet, but you carried out such bold actions, shocking the world, making our Flower Cage Sect a target of all. Now that the city’s defenses are tight, it is difficult for us to escape. By holding so many women, it is even harder to get away. Have you thought about what comes next?"

"Truly imprudent, truly imprudent." 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Li Xian spoke deeply, "Do the elders believe that I orchestrated the abduction of all those missing women?"

All the elders were startled. Jin Yi, Huo Er... exchanged glances, finding it even stranger. Ye Cheng asked suspiciously, "Isn’t it? You departed from them, following which there were rumors of many women disappearing. Isn’t it your cunning trick, capturing them silently? Considering it, even though we are elders, compared to you, this new talent, in handling affairs of capturing women and beauties, we might fall short." He looked at Jin Yi, Huo Er... and several others.