Missing

Xiao Meiying doesn't know where she was. Every time she woke up, she was swiftly knocked out again after just a few seconds. Each time she regained awareness, she found herself on someone's shoulder, with her surroundings a blur, as if they were traveling at an incredibly high speed.

After running continuously for five hours, Feng Lou had covered almost half the country and was set to reach the ocean in another two hours. Now, his primary concern was finding a safe location to place Xiao Meiying, where he could ensure her protection almost constantly.

Feng Lou realized he needed to procure food and water for Xiao Meiying soon. However, his immediate priority was reaching the ocean before she woke up again. Once there, he could focus on finding a secure location, allowing him to cultivate while ensuring Xiao Meiying's safety.

Eventually, Feng Lou arrived at a spot close to the sea. Now, his task was to locate an abandoned and isolated area where he could leave Xiao Meiying safely. Then, he could head out to sea and focus on advancing to the second level of witch body cultivation, becoming a witch adept.

Unlike Witch Initiates, Witch Adepts attain mastery over elemental magic. They can summon and control fire, water, earth, and air with precision. Additionally, their physical abilities are further enhanced.

Soon, Feng Lou spotted a lighthouse right by the sea. He quickly entered and placed Xiao Meiying inside the lighthouse for safety.

in just a few seconds there was a ton of food on the floor, more than enough to feed Xiao Meiying. Once this was taken care of, Feng Lou left the lighthouse and dove into the ocean's depths.

Beneath the ocean's surface, everything was calm and quiet. Feng Lou sank deeper, surrounded by the deep blue water. Sunlight filtered through, casting beams that danced around him.

He closed his eyes and focused, trying to feel the spiritual energy around him. With each breath, he could feel the spiritual energy but he was not able to absorb it for some reason.

...

Capital City

The capital city bustled with life and energy, its streets lined with bustling markets, towering skyscrapers, and historic landmarks. The air was filled with the fragrant aroma of street food vendors and the sounds of honking horns and chatter.

Amidst the modern skyline, nestled in a quiet corner, stood a grand mansion reminiscent of traditional Chinese architecture. Its curved roofs adorned with intricate carvings, and red lanterns hanging from the eaves. A serene garden filled with bonsai trees and koi ponds graced the front courtyard.

Inside the mansion, Xiao Lei, the father of Xiao Meiying, sat in the main hall. He was a distinguished man with graying hair, dressed in a tailored suit that spoke of his wealth and status. 

Xiao Lei was doing some paperwork for his mortal world business and suddenly the door creaked open, and a visitor entered. It was a middle-aged man, his face had a huge scar. He greeted Xiao Lei with a respectful bow before taking a seat opposite him.

"Leader, Xiao Meiying has gone missing," the visitor announced with a grave tone, concern evident in his voice.

"So what if she's gone missing? She must have run away again. Just contact Lin Xiaohong; she should know where she is," Xiao Lei replied dismissively, his indifference palpable.

"Leader, I tried contacting Lin Xiaohong, but she didn't respond," the visitor informed Xiao Lei, his tone growing more concerned.

Hearing those words, Xiao Lei's expression shifted to a more serious demeanor. He pondered for a moment before asking, "Do you think the MO sect is involved?"

"I don't know for certain, Leader, but they are the most likely suspects," the visitor replied, his voice tinged with worry.

"Go contact our spies within the MO sect and find out if they've kidnapped Xiao Meiying. Also, send some people to look for Lin Xiaohong; she might have clues about Xiao Meiying's whereabouts," Xiao Lei instructed, his tone firm and decisive.

"Leader, do you think it's time we gave up on Xiao Meiying? The MO sect is never going to stop until they get their holy daughter," the visitor suggested, a hint of resignation in his voice.

"Shut up. Don't let Xiao Meiying's mother hear about that," Xiao Lei snapped. Then, with a heavy sigh, he admitted, "I actually gave up on Xiao Meiying long ago. Her mother is the only reason I still help her."

Before the visitor could respond, Xiao Lei interjected, "Let's discuss this later. For now, go find Xiao Meiying and bring her back here."

"Understood, Leader," the visitor replied respectfully before exiting the room.

"We should just give up. No matter how strong I get, my sect can't compete with the MO sect, which has the backing of three celestial realm masters and the blessing of the evil god," Xiao Lei thought to himself, his mind weighed down by the gravity of the situation.

....

Wucheng City

Xiao Meiying's House

As the people sent by Xiao Lei entered Xiao Meiying's house, they were greeted by a scene of horror. Blood stained the floor, forming ominous patterns against the backdrop of the once pristine tiles.

In the corner, the lifeless body of the housekeeper lay in a pool of blood, her eyes staring blankly into the distance. The air was heavy with the scent of death, and a sense of dread hung palpably in the air.

The visitors recoiled in shock and horror at the sight before them. However, they soon gathered their composure and began searching the house for clues to find Xiao Meiying.

However, despite their thorough search, they couldn't find a single clue in the house. Frustration mounting, the leader of the group quickly contacted someone for assistance.

"Mr. Lin, we couldn't find any clues to find Miss Meiying. The whole house is in disarray, and the housekeeper is dead too," the leader of the group reported solemnly.

"Go search Lin Xiaohong's house; it's right next door," the person on the phone commanded.

Hearing those words, the leader quickly hung up and hurried to check the house next door.