Chapter 1031: Chapter 1031: Searching for Someone

"Uncle, what you said is just inappropriate. Let’s not even talk about how Ruyan views our Xu Family. With your attitude, do you think Ruyan can feel any sense of belonging to our Xu Family?" Miaoqiu said coldly.

"A sense of belonging? Hahaha, Miaoqiu, you’re way too naive." Xu Beishan laughed, "Let me be frank, it’s not just me who doesn’t like that wild girl; nobody does. She’s a guest at our Xu Family Stream this time, trying to turn from guest to host—I’m afraid not many in the Xu Family would agree, just like when Miss Mei came over twenty years ago."

Regarding what happened back then, Miaoqiu didn’t know much, only that Mei Ruyan and her mother were driven out by the elders of the Xu Family.

Initially, they happily considered the Xu Family Stream their home, but unexpectedly were kicked out, a stark contrast bringing immense humiliation.

Xv Baiping clenched her hands tightly, her body trembling with anger. Just as she was about to speak, Lin Tian suddenly shouted, "Xu Beishan!"

Hmm?

Immediately, everyone’s gaze turned to Lin Tian.

Calling out his name directly showed disrespect for the elder. Besides someone like Xu Shoujiang, probably no one else in the Xu Family dared to call him by name.

"Lin, what wisdom do you have to offer?" Xu Beishan asked calmly. He had heard of Lin Tian’s exploits—often doing the unexpected; he was indeed a variable.

"I advise you, and the rest of the Xu Family, not to take that Ancestor Returning Elixir." Lin Tian said.

"Why?" Xu Beishan countered, puzzled about why this guy suddenly brought up the Ancestor Returning Elixir.

"You want to use the Ancestor Returning Elixir to awaken your bloodline. However, being so cold-blooded to your own family, even if you take it, it probably wouldn’t have much to do with your Xu Family sages. I believe even your ancestors wouldn’t want you to desecrate their ancestral blood." Lin Tian stated coldly.

These words were even more serious than a slap to the face, directly infuriating Xu Beishan. No matter how much he kept his composure, he now wished to curse Lin Tian’s ancestors.

"Beishan, hand Ruyan over to us, and this matter will be over. Awakening the bloodline shouldn’t involve crooked ways and evil paths." Xv Baiping said.

Xu Beishan paused, "Sister-in-law, what do you mean by this? Are you saying I took her away?"

"Isn’t it?"

"Sister-in-law, you’re wronging me. You know my nature, I may dislike that girl, but I would never do such a thing. If I really kidnapped that girl, would I show up to meet you now?" Xu Beishan explained.

"Really not?"

"I can go to the ancestral hall and swear to our ancestors." Xu Beishan said.

Xv Baiping frowned again, if it wasn’t Xu Beishan, then who could it be?

"Sister-in-law, I think Dongxu can help with the search." Xu Beishan suggested.

Miaoqiu asked in confusion, "Third Uncle? Can he find her?" 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"Have you forgotten what he did for those Ten Years?" Xu Beishan said, "Now we can only turn to him."

Xv Baiping thought about it, it seemed there was really no other way, so she nodded, "Alright, then let’s ask him for help."

Lin Tian, listening on the side, curiously asked, "Your Third Uncle, what did he do ten years ago?"

Miaoqiu chuckled bitterly, "He, went on a spiritual journey, and I heard he also learned some Qimen Dunjia and Mao Mountain Skill."

"So impressive?" Lin Tian exclaimed in surprise, no wonder Xu Dongxu seemed different, but didn’t know how to describe it; turns out this was why.

Not mentioning anything else, his demeanor quite closely resembled that of a hidden master.

"Impressive? He’s never successfully predicted anything when helping people with divination. Once, he predicted weather, saying there would be a storm the next day, but it turned out to be a cloudless sunny day. Anyway... I’m not too optimistic about him."

"Seems he’s more like a charlatan..." Lin Tian was speechless, it appeared, not too reliable.

"What do you two know? That’s called a true person hiding their talents. You’ll know soon enough." Xu Beishan said softly.

Shortly afterward, Xu Dongxu was invited over, still carrying an old-looking cloth bag like during the day, and wearing a pure white long robe—fitting an Immortal-like demeanor.

"Haha, everyone’s here, huh?" Xu Dongxu chuckled, greeting everyone, "It’s so late, is there something up?"

Miaoqiu suddenly approached, her eyes curving into lovely crescent moons, smiling, "Third Uncle, they say you’ve learned some skills over the years. Can you divine why we’ve called you here?"

Xu Dongxu smiled and said, "Should be about finding someone, right? You’ve been searching all day and called me here at night, that has to be it. You girl, didn’t you claim not to believe in me?"

"Tch, now only you can be believed." Miaoqiu replied.

At this point, Xv Baiping also came forward and softly said, "Miaoqiu, don’t be rude; these jokes aren’t appropriate."

Miaoqiu nodded obediently, knowing better than to speak back and risk facing consequences herself.

"Dongxu, this person has been missing for a day, and we’ve called you because we have no other choice. I’m sorry it’s so late," Xv Baiping said.

"Ah, sister-in-law, no need for such formality. Hmm... do you have something belonging to Mei Ruyan, preferably clothes she’s worn?" Xu Dongxu asked.

Xiang Ming stood behind the grand elder, glancing at Xu Dongxu, thinking to himself: Is this guy some kind of dog? Tracking by scent?

Seemingly sensing something, Xu Dongxu looked down at Xiang Ming, whose piercing eyes startled Xiang Ming, making his heart skip a beat.

"There’s no clothes, but I have her phone. Will that work?" Lin Tian asked.

Xu Dongxu nodded, "Yes, give it to me. Also, go get a basin of water; remember to fill it to eighty percent!"

"Yes!" a Xu Family member responded and retreated.

Then, Xu Dongxu took the phone, walked aside, lifted his robe slightly, and sat directly on the ground, claiming it was to connect with the earth’s energy.

Seeing him act all mysterious, Lin Tian thought it was rather intriguing.

Xu Dongxu removed the cloth bag from his back, taking out eight copper coins and a vermilion brush.

The copper coins were clearly used by Xu Dongxu for a long while, shiny and bright.

The most peculiar item was the vermilion brush, kept in a wooden box, where the brush tip remained moist despite no ink being visible.

At this point, the basin of water as Xu Dongxu requested was brought over with eighty percent fill.

Xu Dongxu first placed the basin of water aside, then lifted the vermilion brush and drew a peculiar symbol on the ground, resembling an especially complex traditional character.

Next, Xu Dongxu placed the basin of water at the very center of the symbol.

"Splash!" Mei Ruyan’s phone was thrown into the water.

Strangely, not a single drop of water splashed out.