Bai Zihe still had too few clues, not enough to get a definitive answer, but Liu ChengBai was definitely someone to keep in mind.
"General Liu, since Jiao Jiao has fully recovered, I will not overstay my welcome."
Bai Zihe announced his departure.
The Ancient Martial Arts Tournament was imminent, and he was sure to be present.
Liu ChengBai quickly said sincerely, "Divine Doctor Bai, you have also traveled a long distance. Why not stay for a couple more days, and let me fulfill my duties as a host!"
Bai Zihe shook his head.
"General Liu, I appreciate your kind offer."
"However, I have important matters to attend to back in Jiangdong Provincial Capital, so I will not impose further. If there's another opportunity, I will certainly visit again."
Bai Zihe had a premonition.
He would likely meet this Liu ChengBai again.
But at what status and in what circumstances, that remained unknown.
With Bai Zihe having said that, Liu ChengBai found it difficult to insist further.
"Then, Divine Doctor Bai, travel safely!"
"Your great kindness to Jiao Jiao is something I, Liu ChengBai, will always remember!"
"If you ever need anything, feel free to call me anytime. I, Liu ChengBai, will not falter!"
Liu ChengBai spoke with conviction.
Given his status and influence, his words carried undeniable weight.
"Farewell!"
Bai Zihe let out a hearty laugh and strode away.
Not long after he left.
Liu Jiaojiao emerged from inside.
At this moment, her face no longer showed any sign of illness. She had even applied a light makeup, truly resembling a lotus emerging from clear water, naturally unadorned.
She exuded the charming aura of a beautiful girl next door.
She glanced around, and upon not seeing Bai Zihe, asked, "Dad, where is Brother Bai?"
Liu ChengBai gestured in the direction Bai Zihe had left. "He's gone."
Liu Jiaojiao's face instantly fell with disappointment.
A warrior dies for his confidant, a woman adorns herself for the one who pleases her!
She had dressed up specifically for Bai Zihe to see, yet he had left...
Liu Jiaojiao couldn't help but grumble, "Dad, you really are! Why didn't you ask Brother Bai to stay? At least let him have a meal before leaving!"
"That's so impolite."
This was truly unfair to Liu ChengBai.
He explained, "Divine Doctor Bai had urgent matters to return for, and it wouldn't be proper for me to keep him any longer."
Liu Jiaojiao was not satisfied with this explanation.
Seeing her pouting expression, Liu ChengBai understood her thoughts perfectly.
Therefore, a sudden idea sparked in Liu ChengBai's mind.
"Jiao Jiao, don't worry."
"On your birthday, I will throw a grand banquet for you and formally invite Divine Doctor Bai. At that time, if you have any ideas..."
Liu ChengBai didn't finish his sentence. He believed Jiao Jiao would understand.
Liu Jiaojiao's face flushed crimson, her eyes darting away, her voice lowering slightly. "I, what ideas could I possibly have..."
With that, she hurried back to her room.
Liu ChengBai let out a hearty laugh.
"Whatever ideas you have then, Dad will help you realize them!"
Liu ChengBai considered himself a good judge of character.
Bai Zihe.
His appearance, medical skills, character, integrity...
All were impeccable.
If his daughter could be with him, she would certainly not be at a disadvantage.
Therefore, he planned to play matchmaker on Jiao Jiao's birthday, or perhaps, announce their relationship officially!
Bai Zihe returned to the headquarters of the Xuan Tian Pavilion.
Yue Rushuang was already waiting. "Junior Brother, how did it go? Did you get the key?"
"I got it."
Bai Zihe nodded.
He sat down, took a sip of the tea carefully brewed by his Fifth Senior Sister, and asked, "Fifth Senior Sister, I've actually always had a question."
Seeing his serious expression, Yue Rushuang immediately asked, "What is it?"
Bai Zihe took a deep breath and slowly said, "About Master's disappearance."
Upon hearing this, Yue Rushuang's eyes widened, a look of shock and disbelief on her face.
Suddenly.
Her expression changed rapidly.
Bai Zihe noticed the shift in her demeanor and asked gravely, "Fifth Senior Sister, do you know something?"
Yue Rushuang slowly shook her head and said, "Junior Brother, to be honest, if you hadn't mentioned it today, I wouldn't have known that Eldest Senior Uncle had gone missing..."
This time, Bai Zihe was also taken aback.
He asked, "Didn't Third Senior Aunt tell you?"
Yue Rushuang's eyes were filled with solemnity.
She looked into Bai Zihe's eyes and said in a low voice, "In fact, ever since you went down the mountain, I, Master, and several Senior Aunts have lost contact."
"Including Second Senior Sister, Seventh Junior Sister..."
"They are all the same."
"It's as if..."
"Master and the Senior Aunts have also disappeared."