Chapter 2006 - 2008

At least there’s no break in front.

"Why is there a cliff wall ahead as well?" Ye Yi was stunned, looking up to see the mountain top; is this place surrounded on three sides?

It’s shaped like a U, and they are in the middle.

"Go up!"

They climbed the cliff, walked tens of meters forward, and on the left side, there were suddenly two fruit trees.

Behind the fruit trees was a straw cottage.

"Young Master, this looks like the place you asked us to find." Only missing was the big snake across the door and the stream.

Ye Zi’an stepped forward and knocked on the door himself, "Senior, junior Ye Zi’an is here to visit!" Whoever could live in seclusion here must be a person of great ability.

"Senior..."

He shouted several times, but there was no response.

"There seems to be no one inside!" Yang Chuxia said, "Try pushing the door."

The door wasn’t locked, it opened easily, and they entered to find the scent of herbs everywhere.

"Nobody’s here, right." Ye Zi’an said, "Let’s wait for a while."

Yang Chuxia paid no attention to Ye Zi’an, she went and pushed open every door, finding no one in any room, and one of the rooms showed signs of having been recently tidied.

If she’s not mistaken, this might be a study, it should have ink, brushes, and inkstones; she discerned the fragrance of ink mixed with the medicinal smell.

The wardrobe in the adjacent room, where clothes should have been, was also empty.

"They’ve left!" Yang Chuxia touched the desk, which had no traces of dust, "The owner of this place should have left not long ago, look, there’s no dust, the desk is ridiculously clean, not even a scrap of paper, and the clothes in the wardrobe are all gone too."

"Could he be the one who took Yangyang?" Ye Zi’an said with a frown, "There’s a formation here, he definitely knew we were coming, so he left ahead of us?"

"It’s possible." Yang Chuxia’s expression grew stern, "Immediately have Ye Yi lead people to search in these three directions; if they just left, maybe we can catch up."

Meanwhile, in a certain part of the mountain forest, an old man was carrying a child on his shoulder, walking quickly, followed by a large snake.

The child’s hands, feet, and mouth were bound, but he kept struggling.

"I’m telling you, behave." The old man slapped him, "Make me unhappy and I’ll throw you to the bottom of the cliff."

"Mom..." Hearing the muffled crying voice, the old man snorted, "I didn’t expect your mom to be somewhat capable, finding my place so quickly. But don’t worry, I left your mom a letter. Just be good and follow this old man, I’ll make sure you eat and drink well."

Back at the straw cottage, Yang Chuxia looked around again; everything seemed fine, and she prepared to leave.

"Wait!" Ye Zi’an stopped her just in time.

"What’s wrong?"

Ye Zi’an suddenly reached towards a red tassel poking out from the bedding and pulled it out, "This is Yangyang’s gold locket!"

"Yes, this is Yangyang’s thing!" Yang Chuxia grabbed it, feeling it; there were words engraved on it.

"Quick, look for any other clues."

As Yang Chuxia spoke, Ye Zi’an already lifted the bedding, and inside was a letter.

"Hey, Ye family’s couple, I took your son, this kid is quite fun; this old man will let him keep me company for a while, when I’ve had enough fun, I’ll send him back to you, rest assured, he won’t be missing an arm or a leg."

"There’s not even a signature, where are we supposed to find him?" Yang Chuxia was anxious, and what was even written on this letter?