Late at night.

In a large mansion in North City, the lamps were brightly lit. Carefully selected for their beauty, young maids bustled about, continuously carrying platters of fruit—rare for this season—into the room.

Although the wind outside was bone-chilling, the room was as warm as spring.

Xiao Rong reclined on an arhat couch, eyes half-closed, listening to his subordinate’s report.

While there was still no concrete news on Yang Lian’Er’s whereabouts, the day’s efforts had significantly narrowed the search area. All clues pointed toward South City.

Therefore, Xiao Rong had a hunch that he would be able to root out this Yang Lian’Er by tonight at the latest.

He was in high spirits, already picturing the immense prestige that awaited him after capturing the vile woman and escorting her back to the capital.

But that wasn’t the main reason.

For someone like Xiao Rong, who had already ascended to the high position of Minister of the Ministry of Justice at such a young age, rewards of power and wealth were of little importance.

He didn’t lack for either.

The reason he was relentlessly pursuing Yang Lian’Er, determined to have her, was something else entirely.

From a high-ranking defector from the Heartless Dao, Xiao Rong had learned a crucial piece of information.

The defector claimed that the origins of the Heartless Dao’s White Lotus Saintesses were deeply mysterious, seemingly passed down from one generation to the next.

Furthermore, they possessed an extremely rare constitution.

Once they overcame the trials of worldly love and reached the state of the Unhindered White Lotus, their Martial Arts Cultivation would begin to grow at an astonishing rate.

But this was still not the most important part.

Most importantly, if one could forcibly deflower a Saintess and take her virginity before she overcame the trials of love, one could seize this innate talent for oneself, thereby boosting one’s own Martial Arts Cultivation.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Rong’s interest was immediately piqued.

He had been stuck before the Fourth Realm for a very long time. According to his master—who was also his father—with his current level of talent, he would likely remain this way for the rest of his life unless he encountered a great stroke of fortune.

Breaking through to the Blood and Marrow Cleansing Realm was all but impossible for him.

Xiao Rong was unwilling to resign himself to this fate. For years, he had dedicated himself to collecting rare and exotic treasures from across the martial world, all in an effort to shatter the shackles of his limited talent.

But he had failed every time.

No elixir or miraculous medicine could help him advance a single step.

Xiao Rong had nearly fallen into despair. But this news instantly rekindled his fighting spirit.

It was the most credible lead he’d had in years.

And that was why Xiao Rong was sparing no effort to secure this breakthrough.

Now, seeing victory within his grasp, Xiao Rong could not help but feel delighted.

Just then, Yan Guanhua walked in with his daughter, Yan Yuhua.

"Master Xiao, you’ve worked hard all day. Please have some late-night supper."

Over the past two days, Yan Guanhua had been exceedingly deferential toward Xiao Rong. This wasn’t just because of his authority, but also because the methods and power he displayed were beyond imagination.

Considering the current situation, and adding the achievements of executing the Heartless Dao’s Left Protector and capturing the White Lotus Saintess, he was certain to be promoted upon his return. It was even possible he could end up heading the Ministry of Justice itself.

There was nothing to lose and everything to gain by building a good relationship with such a man.

"Alright!" Xiao Rong nodded slightly.

Yan Guanhua clapped his hands lightly, and maids immediately brought in plates of exquisite dishes.

The two men sat facing each other. Xiao Rong raised his eyes, glanced at Yan Yuhua standing to the side, and smiled faintly.

"Lady Yuhua, you should sit and eat as well."

Yan Yuhua glanced at her father. Seeing him nod slightly, she gave a slight bow and then sat down.

Although the dishes were all exquisitely prepared by a master chef, the three of them only picked at their food. They did, however, drink a great deal of wine.

The clear peach blossom wine was smooth on the palate but had a strong kick. After a few cups, a blush bloomed on Yan Yuhua’s cheeks.

As the saying goes, beauty is best appreciated by lamplight.

Yan Yuhua was quite attractive to begin with, and it was obvious she had meticulously done her makeup for the occasion. Xiao Rong was visibly moved, and his tone grew much more solicitous.

And Yan Yuhua didn’t seem to mind his advances. For a while, the only sound at the table was their cheerful conversation.

To the side, Yan Guanhua saw everything but said nothing, only smiling and drinking his wine.

Their conversation grew increasingly lively and intimate, as if they were kindred spirits who regretted not meeting sooner. If Yan Guanhua hadn’t been there, they might have fallen into each other’s arms. But just at that moment, one of Xiao Rong’s subordinates rushed in from outside.

"Reporting to the Minister, sir! We just received word—we’ve found her."

Hearing this, Xiao Rong shot to his feet, the effects of the alcohol instantly vanishing.

"Where is she?"

"In a secluded residence in South City. We’ve confirmed it. That Yang Lian’Er moved in there after leaving North City."

"Excellent. Make preparations at once. We move out immediately," Xiao Rong declared, thrilled.

"Yes, sir!"

The subordinate acknowledged the order and departed. At this, Yan Guanhua also stood up.

"Master Xiao, do you need our help?"

"Patriarch Yan, I want you to dispatch your men to secretly lock down South City. Prevent that vile woman from escaping when she realizes the situation is dire. Leave the rest to me."

"Understood!" Yan Guanhua nodded and turned to leave.

Just then, Yan Yuhua suddenly spoke up: "Lord Xiao, might I be allowed to come along and witness the event?"

Xiao Rong was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Of course, that’s no problem, but I’m afraid Patriarch Yan might not agree."

"My daughter can be willful. As long as you don’t find her to be a nuisance, my lord," Yan Guanhua chuckled.

Xiao Rong laughed as well. "How could she be a nuisance? I’d be delighted to have her."

At once, all of North City sprang into action. Under the cover of darkness, elite guards from the great families and disciples from martial arts schools infiltrated the South City district, quietly sealing off its streets.

Then, Xiao Rong led his personal retinue straight for the residence.

When they were still two streets away, Xiao Rong gave a light wave of his hand. The men behind him immediately dispersed into the darkness, forming a great, invisible net that trapped the residence firmly within.

Once all his men were in position, Xiao Rong whispered to Yan Yuhua, who had come with him, "Lady Yuhua, wait here. Watch how I capture that vile woman."

"Very well. I wish you swift success, my lord," Yan Yuhua said with a smile.

Xiao Rong roused his spirits and, with a few of his most elite subordinates, silently approached the residence.

He had already reviewed the residence’s layout on the way over. He knew it contained only two courtyards and that the White Lotus Saintess was likely staying in the rear one. Thus, he headed directly for the back.

The moon was bright and the stars were few. Combined with the light reflecting off the snow-covered ground, the eaves of the buildings inside the walls were clearly visible.

Xiao Rong signaled to several of his men with his eyes. They immediately leaped over the wall, acting as the vanguard.

A moment later, the signal for "all clear" came from inside. But instead of feeling relieved, Xiao Rong’s heart sank, and he immediately vaulted over the wall.

He saw that all the buildings were dark. The courtyard was unnervingly silent.

Instantly sensing something was wrong, Xiao Rong barked a low command: "Search!"