The group of men in black nodded when they heard their boss's command. They stepped forward, one of them producing a dagger. Bending down, they held the young boy on the ground, drawing the blade across Yue Cangshan's back. Two swift cuts, and blood gushed out.
Yue Cangshan stopped struggling. He could feel his life ebbing away, yet he was powerless to stop it. His blood was draining out, and he struggled to lift his head. He looked at the figures gradually walking away in the distance, only catching a glimpse of his sister being stuffed into a sack.
"I'm so useless! If only I were stronger, I could have protected my sister!" Yue Cangshan thought to himself.
As he lay dying, Yue Cangshan had a sudden realization. He was gravely wounded and likely wouldn't survive. However, no matter what, he had to leave behind some information so that his sister could be found.
With great effort, Yue Cangshan mustered his remaining strength and used his finger to draw an arrow in the dirt, pointing in the direction the men in black had gone.
After this, Yue Cangshan's consciousness faded, and he had no idea what happened next.
After the men in black had left, they discussed their haul for the day. They were clearly pleased with themselves. As the saying goes, wealth doesn't come without ill-gotten gains, and horses don't get fat without night fodder. Their harvest this time was quite substantial.
Their original plan was to capture a few children for their organs. But now, it seemed they would not only gain a significant amount of money but also secure a life of comfort if this job went well.
As they walked, someone couldn't help but ask their leader, "Shen Feng is not someone to be trifled with. Now that we've kidnapped his daughter, what if he finds us? We'll be in serious trouble!"
Such worries were understandable. No one wanted to be hunted by a powerful individual. If they were found, their fate would likely be grim. The last major force that had harmed Shen Feng's family had been annihilated by him! If they didn't escape this time, their future would be bleak.
However, the leader of the men in black appeared confident. "Don't worry! We've already searched these girls for any signal transmitters, so no one knows our location. We're taking them far away from Yuzhou. I doubt Shen Feng has x-ray vision or super hearing to find us in this situation!"
His subordinates nodded, agreeing with their leader's assessment.
But someone still had doubts and voiced them, "However, who would dare buy Shen Feng's daughter? Her status is akin to a princess. Everyone treats her with extreme care. If we try to sell her, we won't find any buyers!"
"Nonsense!" The leader slapped the subordinate who spoke. "You know nothing! As long as we have the channels, we won't lack buyers! There are plenty of people willing to buy, you just don't know it!"
The leader then addressed his men, "Listen up. Those in high society are always scheming against each other. Didn't Shen Feng's son marry the little princess of Jinling? Many people wanted to marry Shen Feng's daughter, but Shen Feng never agreed. Now, all we need to do is sell her, and buyers won't be a problem!"
The subordinates nodded, convinced by his words.
Yet, someone else inquired, "But what if these girls refuse to cooperate after being sold? Will they be sent back then?"
"That's not your concern," the leader replied. "From what I know, these wealthy families have their own methods. They may appear respectable on the surface, but these prominent families are capable of any means. So, dealing with a few girls is a simple matter. They'll orchestrate a 'hero saves the damsel' scenario. The young ladies from these wealthy families won't be able to discern the truth and will be deeply moved. They'll be held for a few years, perhaps mistreated by some, and then a suitable young master will show them kindness and care. Feelings will gradually develop, leading to marriage. After they have children, they'll bring them back to acknowledge their family. It's that simple!" the leader of the men in black explained.
The subordinates were instantly filled with admiration for their leader.
Since their leader had explained everything so clearly, they realized they were facing an excellent opportunity. If they could successfully earn this money, they would be set for life. They wouldn't let this chance slip away.
However, the leader of the men in black then remembered something. "While we might not be found, Shen Feng has too many capable subordinates. If we're exposed, we'll have nowhere to bury ourselves. So, let's leave Yuzhou quickly. Once we're out of here, Shen Feng's reach will be limited!"
Upon hearing this, the henchmen quickened their pace, not daring to linger. The three girls, stuffed into sacks, were carried on their shoulders as they moved rapidly. People who saw these oddly dressed individuals dared not approach. Many had heard tales of killers lurking in the outskirts, specializing in harvesting organs, which was terrifying. Therefore, it was best to keep a distance from anyone dressed strangely.
Upon reaching the Yangtze River, the group found a hidden boat and sailed downstream.
At this moment, Xiao Long and Xiao Hu arrived in the outskirts. They had learned of their sister's whereabouts from several passersby and followed the path.
Shen Xingzhi was saying, "It's one thing for Shen Yishi to be mischievous, but Hong Xiu-jie is older than me. Why is she acting so recklessly?"
Du Fansheng replied, "I don't think this is recklessness. Weren't you protesting at your own wedding? They're doing the same thing you did back then. There's no need to be harsh; we just need to find them. And they should be fine!"
The two were searching unhurriedly. If the two sisters disappeared, the banquet's main guests would be gone, making the event pointless. They only needed to find them and bring them back to the banquet.
During their search, they also heard that the daughters of Yue Hengyi were with them, indicating they had left together. This likely meant they had mended their previous strained relationship, otherwise, there would be no reason for them to run off together.
However, after searching for a short while, they suddenly saw the body of a young man lying by the roadside. They rushed over and found the ground stained with blood. Faintly visible on the ground was an arrow pointing towards the Yangtze River.
"What's going on here? Why is he lying here? Isn't this Yue Cangshan? He should be with the two sisters, but now he's lying here! Did they encounter danger while out playing?" Shen Xingzhi immediately made a deduction.
Xiao Long, being calmer, saw the scene and immediately instructed the bodyguards beside him, "Quickly, go in the direction of this arrow and investigate everyone. Also, notify the mercenary guild. If they can find the two young ladies, they'll be rewarded with immense wealth and glory! And inform the army to mobilize and blockade all transportation routes to prevent anyone from leaving!"
The bodyguards around Xiao Long immediately sprang into action. Of course, four or five remained to protect the two young masters, while the others went to search for the ladies and issue the notifications.
At this point, Xiao Long bent down to examine the young man's injuries. After checking, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It's good we came quickly. The person has only gone into shock and isn't dead yet. Although his breathing and pulse are weak, he's alive. Hurry and send him back to Fengshen Palace for Sister Ran to treat!"
Meanwhile, Yu Renshu had also heard the bad news. She was surprised that her daughter had secretly slipped out to play during the banquet. In the past, she would never have dared to do such a thing. If she had just snuck out, it would have been fine; children are always mischievous. But the problem was that she might have encountered danger while out playing, leaving only the body of a young man at the scene while the others were nowhere to be found.
Fortunately, before the young man lost consciousness, he had left crucial information. Although he only drew an arrow, it pointed towards the Yangtze River, indicating where these people had taken her daughter.
"I don't know who dared to touch my daughter, but today I will make them pay with blood!" Yu Renshu's face showed a fierce expression as she leaped into the river. Instead of sinking, she began to move across the water's surface, as if walking on solid ground.
Her special ability allowed her to control nearby water sources. As long as there was water, her powers were greatly amplified. Thus, by the Yangtze River, she could exert her full strength.
Simultaneously, Shen Feng also received the bad news. He had been dealing with various matters, as there were too many. Suddenly, he received the terrible news that his two daughters were missing, and the son of Yue Hengyi, whom he was entrusted to care for, was severely injured and his survival was uncertain. Furthermore, his daughter had been kidnapped.
Upon hearing this, Shen Feng handed over his affairs to Chu Chaoyan and flew into the sky himself.
Shen Feng flew through the sky, observing any suspicious individuals and even interrogating them. Meanwhile, many troops on the ground had been mobilized, blocking numerous transportation routes in the surrounding areas to ensure no one could escape.
"I must rescue my daughter. Although she is not my biological child, I have raised her for so many years; she is like my own daughter!" Chu Chaoyi said urgently.
Shen Feng nodded and replied, "Don't worry. No matter who took them, I will rescue them. Also, the mercenaries in the city have already begun their operations. With so many people searching for those despicable individuals, the mission will surely be accomplished!"