Yunlai Inn, the largest guesthouse in Yun City.
After traveling for most of the day, Ling Chen and his companions finally arrived at Yun City and decided to rest in this guesthouse.
On the road, Ling Chen had become acquainted with the other three companions alongside Xu Ruoyan. Two of them, Fang Long and Yu Wei, were clearly in a romantic relationship. The remaining one, a 27- or 28-year-old black-robed youth named Huang Xuan, was the most active member of the team.
Fang Long and Yu Wei were warriors of the Nine Heavy Realm and Eighth Level respectively, while Huang Xuan was a Martial Artist of the first realm. His Cultivation was by no means lacking.
Huang Xuan was so active for one reason only—to impress Xu Ruoyan and take advantage of this opportunity to win the maiden's heart.
Imagine, not to mention how beautiful Xu Ruoyan herself is, her identity as the daughter of the Heavenly Void Palace Master alone is enough to make many envious.
"Junior Sister Xu, regarding the 'Fragrance Lingers Miles Away' case, I've just inquired with the City Lord Mansion." Huang Xuan appeared very enthusiastic, looking at the other three with some self-satisfaction. "This flower thief has a certain pattern. For instance, he targets only the attractive women in the city, bringing disaster upon many young ladies from good families and the wives and concubines of prominent figures..."
"If he doesn't target attractive women, is he supposed to target ugly ones?" Ling Chen glanced at him, unable to suppress a sarcastic remark.
"Get to the point." Xu Ruoyan could not bear to listen any longer and gestured for Huang Xuan to stop.
"Alright." Huang Xuan glanced at Ling Chen with resentment. This guy is truly annoying, contributing nothing but criticism! Just you wait, I'll make him pay sooner or later!
"This flower thief has a certain pattern, typically striking every five to seven days. His operations are stealthy, and by the time anything is discovered, it's often too late."
"It seems this 'Fragrance Lingers Miles Away' must be quite skilled in martial arts," Fang Long and Yu Wei voiced their concerns. "Otherwise, given how many times he has appeared, it's hard to believe the Yun City authorities haven't found any leads."
"Please rest assured, Junior Sister Xu. With me, Huang Xuan, here, catching a mere flower thief will be a piece of cake," Huang Xuan quickly reassured.
Hearing this, Ling Chen couldn't help but feel both amused and exasperated. What kind of people has this woman gathered? With such teammates, how can they possibly make any progress?
"Are the women assaulted by the flower thief still alive?" Xu Ruoyan lifted her head and asked seriously.
"It's said they've all disappeared. Just a few days ago, several badly decomposed and wounded female corpses were found in the forest outside the city. They are likely the missing women." Huang Xuan's expression grew somber. The flower thief didn't just assault women; he murdered them too, making the situation much graver.
"Such a despicable pervert! If he falls into my hands, I'll make sure he suffers a terrible death!" Xu Ruoyan slammed her right hand fiercely on the table, clearly furious.
"Well said! We must ensure this flower thief suffers a terrible death!"
At this moment, a gentle male voice resounded from outside the guesthouse.
"Who?"
Everyone turned towards the inn's entrance. A strikingly handsome young man in green robes, escorted by four or five attendants, was seen entering from outside.
"I am Liu Chengfeng. Greetings to you five young heroes." The green-robed young man cupped his fists in salute to all five. When his gaze landed on Xu Ruoyan, a flash of stunned admiration lit up his eyes.
He had never seen a woman of such captivating beauty in his life.
Ling Chen's eyes flickered; looking at the man's attire, he made a guess. Liu Chengfeng... could he be from the Liu Family? As it happened, the Liu Family was the largest martial arts Family in Yun City, holding an even higher status than the City Lord himself.
"Indeed." The smile on Liu Chengfeng's face became even gentler. "Upon hearing that a few young heroes of the Divine Intent Sect have arrived in Yun City, I rushed over immediately. Are you young masters here to investigate the infamous flower thief case plaguing our city?"
"Yes, indeed. Young Master Liu, your information is accurate. We are here specifically for this matter," Yu Wei's eyes sparkled; she was clearly smitten by Liu Chengfeng.
"In that case, I would like to invite you all to stay at my residence for a few days. I happen to have some important information about the 'Fragrance Lingers Miles Away' flower thief, which I would like to share with you." Liu Chengfeng's suave demeanor, refined speech, and temperament left an excellent impression on everyone.
"You have information about the 'Fragrance Lingers Miles Away' thief?" Xu Ruoyan was initially uncertain, but after hearing this, she couldn't help but ask.
"Of course." Liu Chengfeng's expression became serious, tinged with righteous indignation. "That flower thief has been terrorizing the people of Yun City. I've long wished to arrest him and have him torn limb from limb to vent my rage. Unfortunately, this person is extremely cunning, and our people always seem to be one step behind."
"Is it really such a coincidence?" Ling Chen sipped his tea and asked calmly.
"Ling Chen, what do you mean by that?" Xu Ruoyan sensed something unusual.
"Always one step behind. Can there really be so many coincidences in this world?" Ling Chen didn't spell it out but simply asked another question.
"You mean that flower thief has an inside accomplice?" Xu Ruoyan was no fool; Ling Chen's hint made her suspicious.
"I'm just guessing. As for the specifics, we'll have to ask Young Master Liu," Ling Chen said, turning his gaze towards Liu Chengfeng.
"Young Master Ling, I understand your consideration." Liu Chengfeng's eyes narrowed slightly as he nodded. "However, this isn't the proper place to discuss such matters. Please, allow me to invite you to my Liu Family residence, where we can talk in detail. I have already prepared exquisite food, drinks, and rooms for you."
"What do you all think?" Xu Ruoyan turned to the others.
"Since Young Master Liu has graciously invited us, Junior Sister Xu, we shouldn't refuse."
"Yes, indeed. Especially since Young Master Liu has information about the flower thief. We must understand what he knows to have a better chance of success."
Huang Xuan and Fang Long agreed enthusiastically. To them, it would be foolish to skip the offer of lavish quarters and continue staying in this inn.
"In that case, we'll impose on your generosity," Xu Ruoyan said, standing up and clasping her fists in salute.
Seeing Xu Ruoyan agree, Liu Chengfeng's smile became brilliant. He led the way, and Huang Xuan, Fang Long, and the others followed him out of the inn.
As Xu Ruoyan stood to follow, Ling Chen tugged her arm slightly. Leaning close to Xu Ruoyan's ear, Ling Chen whispered, "The way Young Master Liu looks at you is... rather particular. He's overly friendly. Be careful. You wouldn't want to get yourself 'plucked' before the flower thief is even caught." With that, Ling Chen hurried to catch up with the others.
"Do I really seem that useless in your eyes?" Xu Ruoyan took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind. "This time, I'll show you just how I catch this flower thief, and I'll make you eat your words!"
Ever since I came to the Divine Intent Sect, Ling Chen hasn't taken me seriously. Even when we broke off our engagement, he seemed indifferent. This time, I'll show Ling Chen my true strength! I, Xu Ruoyan, am more than just a pretty face!