Xu Yi entered a state of alert the moment she saw Lei Bao.
This person was dangerous; she couldn't fathom his cultivation.
Long Haotian and the other two also regarded Lei Bao warily, but their guard against him was far less than Xu Yi's.
On their way to the City Lord's mansion, they had already sent word back to their sect.
Lei Bao was merely a city lord of Haozhou; how could he dare to oppose the behemoth that was the Xuan Qing Sect?
Therefore, they were quite confident that Lei Bao would not dare to lay a hand on them.
"My young friends, I am aware of your situation. My City Lord's mansion's people were indeed in the wrong this time. I will have them apologize to you later."
Lei Bao's first words upon seeing the four made Xu Yi raise an eyebrow.
As expected, Lei Bao's tone shifted, revealing his true intentions.
"However, I have a favor to ask of you. If you agree, Lei Bao will offer a generous reward."
Although Lei Bao tried his best to show goodwill, the terrifying aura radiating from him only made his fierce expression more oppressive.
Long Haotian exchanged a glance with Chen Tao. Chen Tao immediately understood, stepped forward, and asked loudly, "What if we refuse to help?"
"Refuse?"
Lei Bao sneered, his gaze like that of a cold, venomous snake, with a hint of murderous intent.
"I know you all come from extraordinary backgrounds, and your backing forces could destroy my humble City Lord's mansion with a mere flick of their fingers."
Lei Bao had obtained his position as city lord through his own efforts, but this did not mean he was a simple-minded brute.
He knew that these people each had their own means of support.
He could no longer afford to be cautious.
His only daughter was missing and in mortal danger at any moment; he couldn't sit idly in the City Lord's mansion waiting.
He wanted to save his daughter.
Yet, after three days of a thorough search, there wasn't a single clue.
He was going mad!
Thus, he set his sights on these sect disciples.
These young individuals were wealthy and prodigal, possessing an endless array of magical treasures; perhaps they could help him find his daughter.
As long as he could find Yan'er, he would pay any price, even enduring the wrath of their respective sects afterward.
Xu Yi and the other three were startled by Lei Bao's bloodshot eyes and violent demeanor.
Lei Bao no longer appeared as a calculating City Lord, but rather a desperate gambler, staking everything for a chance.
"Alright, we agree," Xu Yi said, gazing at Lei Bao.
"Senior Sister Xu..."
Perhaps reconsider.
Chen Tao's face was etched with urgency. Before he could finish, Xu Yi raised a hand to interrupt him.
"City Lord Lei has already shown sufficient sincerity; how can we refuse?"
The situation was no longer about whether they were willing to agree, but whether they had a choice.
Lei Bao's attitude was forceful; he had disregarded his own life. The four of them, even combined, were no match for Lei Bao. Refusal would only lead to their demise.
Upon hearing Xu Yi's words, Lei Bao remained silent for a few breaths before bursting into laughter.
"My young friends, please be seated. I will explain the ins and outs of the city lockdown to you in detail."
Xu Yi and the other three sat down calmly as Lei Bao recounted the recent strange occurrences in Xiling City.
A month prior, Lei Bao had received reports from his subordinates that cultivators had gone missing in Xiling City.
He had initially paid it no mind. Although the city strictly forbade fighting, and injuries did occur, cultivators possessed all sorts of peculiar methods, capable of taking lives silently. Therefore, cultivator disappearances within the city were not uncommon.
However, Lei Bao soon discovered that the situation seemed to be escalating beyond his expectations.
More and more people were vanishing without a trace, including many local cultivators who were well-known.
Their disappearances made Lei Bao realize that these were not isolated incidents.
Yet, his investigators found nothing.
The residences of the missing cultivators showed no signs of struggle or fight. Interviews with nearby cultivators revealed no sightings of suspicious individuals.
He could only suppress the news while simultaneously increasing the manpower for the investigation.
It was this very action that led him to relax his vigilance over the City Lord's mansion, providing an opportunity for someone to abduct his daughter, Lei Yan.
"Yan'er is my only daughter. She was frail since childhood, and I poured all my effort into ensuring her safe upbringing," Lei Bao said, his expression softening slightly as he mentioned his daughter. He looked at Xu Yi and the other three earnestly, "My friends, I implore you to help me find Yan'er. Once accomplished, I will agree to any request you make."
Lei Bao's paternal love caused Xu Yi and the other three to soften their stance towards him somewhat.
Lei Bao might not be a benevolent person, but he was certainly a good father.
Xu Yi stood up and said, "May I ask if City Lord Lei could take us to the place where your daughter disappeared?"
"Certainly. My friends, please."
Lei Bao called for Cang Ying to lead the way, while he walked alongside Xu Yi and Long Haotian, occasionally sharing fond childhood memories of Lei Yan, his words overflowing with affection for his daughter.
Xu Yi and Long Haotian offered occasional agreements, and soon they arrived at Lei Yan's residence.
"This is my daughter's room."
Lei Bao stood at the doorway and sighed deeply.
Xu Yi surveyed the meticulously arranged room and couldn't help but nod.
The furnishings and layout of the room indicated that Lei Bao's earlier words were not false.
Xu Yi entered the room and walked slowly along the walls.
The room was tidy and neat. The flowers in the willow bottle on the table were vibrant and exuded a rich fragrance.
Just as Lei Bao had said, there was no sign of anything amiss, as if the room's occupant had merely stepped out on an errand, not encountered any danger.
Long Haotian and the other two stood at the doorway, hesitant to step inside.
After all, it was a young lady's boudoir, and adhering to the principles of a gentleman, they dared not intrude.
After surveying the room, Xu Yi emerged and said to the expectant Lei Bao, "City Lord, I would also like to visit the other locations where cultivators have gone missing."
"Alright," Lei Bao replied solemnly, beckoning to Cang Ying in the distance, "Cang Ying, take them to those places."
"Your subordinate obeys."
Xu Yi and the other three left the City Lord's mansion with Cang Ying and visited several other locations.
Along the way, Cang Ying, with a heavy heart, apologized to the four and attempted to bribe them discreetly, which Xu Yi politely declined.
With the disappearances yet to be resolved, she dared not accept such offerings.
Cang Ying mistook Xu Yi's refusal as a steadfast determination to hold him accountable. From then on, he wore a sullen expression, maintaining an unapproachable demeanor.
Xu Yi and the other three paid no mind to his feelings. They spent an hour at each location and also walked along the nearby streets. Only after finding nothing did they leave in disappointment.
By the time they returned to the City Lord's mansion, it was already dark. Lei Bao did not trouble them, instead arranging accommodations for them to rest.
Xu Yi and the other three spent the night at the City Lord's mansion.