"A complete wipeout?"

Maoqiu didn't initially understand what Zhang Yiyi meant by "a complete wipeout." After all, from its perspective, they had just barely escaped from the Bai family's lair, so why would they go back and throw themselves into danger again?

However, trusting Zhang Yiyi instinctively, Maoqiu fully supported all of her decisions. It believed she wouldn't lead them into a situation where they would get killed.

Since that was the case, it decided to follow along and do whatever she needed.

To be honest, after obtaining the Yellow Spring Flame, it was eager to start refining it right away, but it knew such things couldn't be rushed, so a short delay didn't matter.

When Maoqiu saw Zhang Yiyi actually return to the edge of the black forest, near the Bai family's cave, and watched her next move, it couldn't help but mentally pat its little heart: Truly, if there's anyone you shouldn't mess with, it's my contract partner!

Back at the edge of the black forest, Zhang Yiyi did one thing outside the Bai family's cave.

As soon as she removed the ancient jade and Maoqiu's concealment techniques, she released the aura of the Ancient God's blood within her to its full extent.

In an instant, radiant light filled the sky, divine energy swirling and shooting straight into the clouds.

Thankfully, her control was impeccable, and she only leaked the aura for a brief moment—just enough for the powerful cultivators within a thousand miles to sense it, but not enough for them to pinpoint exactly what caused such a formidable energy surge.

"What was that?"

"An ancient treasure is about to appear!"

"Is a priceless artifact about to emerge?"

...

All the powerful cultivators around Jiagu Guan City felt the energy surge, instantly locking onto its location and rushing there as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yiyi swiftly concealed the aura of the Ancient God's blood again, fleeing the scene without hesitation.

With just that one move, she wasn't worried that the Bai family's secret would remain hidden. After all, she never underestimated people's crazed obsession with treasure.

Once those powerful cultivators arrived at the Bai family's cave, they would easily see through the concealment formations and believe without a doubt that they had detected an ancient treasure hidden within.

There was no way the Bai family patriarch could fend off so many powerful cultivators breaking in together. The Bai family's hidden secrets would naturally be exposed.

"Yiyi, don't you think what you just did was a bit too risky?"

At this point, Maoqiu had already returned to its original form, and Zhang Yiyi was no longer disguised as a middle-aged man.

Now that they were sure they were safe, Maoqiu finally voiced its belated concern: "What if someone realized that the so-called ancient treasure was just an illusion tied to you? That would have made things even more dangerous for us."

Maoqiu had long known Zhang Yiyi's true background, and the pure golden Ancient God's blood in her body, which had yet to be fully refined, was enough to provoke intense competition and desire. Its rarity and value were in no way inferior to that of Maoqiu, the Spatial Thunder Beast.

Otherwise, Zhang Yiyi's master wouldn't have insisted she always carry the ancient jade, to prevent the accidental leakage of the Ancient God's blood's aura, which could cause trouble.

"Yes, it was a bit risky, but don't you think it was quite satisfying?" Zhang Yiyi smiled. As she drew closer to Jiagu Guan City, her mood grew more carefree and light.

Although it had been a bit dangerous, her calculations had been precise, and she had made sure there was a sufficient escape route before daring to act this way. Moreover, this was the fastest, most efficient way to expose the Bai family and completely ruin them. If the Bai family patriarch hadn't pushed her so far and caused her such heavy losses, she wouldn't have thought of such a drastic method for revenge.

"...As long as you're happy." Maoqiu rarely saw Zhang Yiyi being so carefree about her safety and didn't know how to respond for a moment. It seemed this girl really valued her treasures—she was willing to go to great lengths for those lost items.

In the future, when they find more valuable treasures, should it offer Zhang Yiyi a bigger share on its own?

Unconsciously, Maoqiu began to worry about how to keep its contract partner happy, though it didn't realize it itself.

After Zhang Yiyi and Maoqiu successfully returned to the city, they immediately encountered Zheng He, who was leading a group of subordinates out of the city.

"Linlin, where are you coming from?" Zheng He's face lit up with joy upon seeing Zhang Yiyi. He waved to his subordinates, signaling for them to continue without him, and promised to catch up later.

A few hours earlier, he had received a report from the two subordinates he had sent to secretly protect Zhang Yiyi, stating that after Zhang Yiyi visited the Bai family and met with the Bai family head, she suddenly disappeared without a trace on the street.

His men had lost track of her in such a mysterious way and couldn't find her anywhere, leading Zheng He to suspect that the Bai family might have done something behind the scenes.

Later, he discovered that Zhang Yiyi had left the city alone, so he didn't take immediate action. However, he had still been worried about her safety, unsure if she had shaken off the protection he sent on purpose or by accident.

Zheng He had planned to personally look for her if she didn't return soon, but then a major event occurred, mobilizing all the forces in the City Lord's Mansion and even the entire Jiagu Guan City.

Fortunately, just as he was leading his men out of the city, he ran into Zhang Yiyi returning, unharmed. Now he could finally focus on his mission without worry.

Noticing that Zheng He and his group seemed to be preparing for a major operation, Zhang Yiyi had already guessed part of the situation, though she didn't show it on her face. "Big Brother Zheng, I just went out of the city to handle something. Where are you heading? It seems like something big is going on."

"Something big did happen!" Zheng He pulled her to a less conspicuous spot and whispered, "Half an hour ago, the edge of the black forest in the northwest suddenly lit up with a radiant glow and strange phenomena, as if a great treasure was about to appear. This immediately drew the attention of all the powerful families and experts, who rushed to investigate. But no one expected that the site wasn't a place where a treasure was emerging—it was a demonic cave!"

"A demonic cave?"

Zhang Yiyi's face was filled with surprise, clearly finding Zheng He's words somewhat unbelievable.

"That's right. I don't know the specifics yet; we'll only find out when we get there. But this is definitely related to the Bai family. This time, they might really be done for! If you're free, why don't you come with me? Several other families from Jiagu Guan City have sent people as well, so it's not top secret."

Since Zhang Yiyi seemed fine, Zheng He didn't dwell on what she had been up to earlier. Maybe his two bumbling subordinates had just gotten distracted and lost her. Besides, with such a big event happening, he knew Zhang Yiyi would be interested, so he thought it might be better to take her along to see for herself.

"The Bai family?"

Upon hearing that the big event involved the Bai family, Zhang Yiyi appeared conflicted and said, "Since it's related to the Bai family, I'd better not go. I don't want to stir up unnecessary trouble."

Well, she wasn't the type to return to the scene of a crime after pulling off something major. Though the comparison wasn't perfect, there were surely many high-level cultivators gathered there by now, and while things seemed safe, she preferred not to push her luck.

Zheng He, misinterpreting her hesitation, thought Zhang Yiyi was concerned about the Bai family's involvement in the Liuyun Mine scandal. He nodded in understanding. "That's fine too. It's probably better if you don't go, especially since I don't know the exact situation myself. I'll fill you in once I'm back."

Now that he no longer had to worry about Zhang Yiyi's safety, Zheng He knew the Bai family was in no position to cause her trouble, especially with their current crisis. They had far bigger concerns than a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"Thank you, Brother Zheng. You should hurry along before you're late."

Zhang Yiyi, seeing that Zheng He was so considerate, didn't refuse his offer to update her on the Bai family's situation later. She waved him off, urging him to leave.

"Alright, I'm off. You get some rest, and I'll come find you when I'm back!"

Zheng He, aware of the urgency of the situation, didn't delay any longer. After bidding Zhang Yiyi goodbye, he quickly left the city with his team.

Not long after Zheng He's group had left the city, Jiagu Guan City was placed under strict lockdown. Anyone entering or leaving was subjected to thorough interrogation, and several people were arrested. The entire city suddenly found itself enveloped in an atmosphere of tension.

What most people didn't know was that even before the lockdown, the Bai family's mansion had already been quietly placed under control. The hidden cave at the edge of the black forest had brought the Bai family to the brink of ruin.

Five days later, the lockdown was finally lifted, and Zhang Yiyi gradually learned bits and pieces about the Bai family's downfall from Liuzi's investigations. However, Liuzi's limited status meant that most of the information he gathered was peripheral.

The information was mostly general: the Bai family was in serious trouble, they had committed atrocious deeds, and they were wiped out by the combined forces of Jiagu Guan City. These vague, broad rumors weren't very meaningful.

Still, Zhang Yiyi wasn't in a hurry. These facts were enough to prove that her risky move had worked exceptionally well. After all, letting the city's most powerful figures witness the Bai family's actions and ambitions firsthand was far more effective than any denunciation.

Power was like a limited pie, and no faction wanted to be the one sacrificed if the Bai family grew too strong. Especially given the evil and terrifying methods the Bai family employed, it was only natural that the other families would want to seize this opportunity to eliminate them, sharing the spoils in the process.

After several days of meditation, Zhang Yiyi had fully recovered from her injuries. During her time traveling with Maoqiu, she gained a rare insight into spatial techniques, and she was fortunate enough to grasp that fleeting realization. Within just a few days, her understanding of space had deepened.

As for Maoqiu, it had requested to stay in the beast pouch as soon as they returned to the city, saying it needed to refine the Yellow Spring Flame it had obtained. It even reminded Zhang Yiyi not to disturb it unless something extremely important came up.

Zhang Yiyi estimated that Maoqiu wouldn't be able to fully refine the Yellow Spring Flame anytime soon, so she had no intention of interrupting it and let it be.

"Sister Han, the young city lord is here to see you."

Liuzi knocked on the door and quickly informed Zhang Yiyi of her guest outside.

Although he had known that Sister Han was acquainted with the young city lord of Jiagu Guan City, he hadn't expected the man to show such humility, even asking him to check if it was convenient for her to meet with him first.

This only confirmed in Liuzi's mind how extraordinary Sister Han was. Otherwise, why would a dignified Golden Core cultivator and the young city lord of Jiagu Guan City show her such respect?

Pride welled up in Liuzi's chest, as if he were the one being honored.

"Invite him in."

Zhang Yiyi already knew Zheng He had arrived, so she wasn't surprised. She nodded, signaling Liuzi to let him in.

It was Zheng He's first time visiting the small courtyard where Zhang Yiyi was temporarily staying. As he glanced around, he couldn't quite understand why she would choose to live in such an ordinary place, brimming with the bustle of common life. Still, his fondness for her extended to her environment, and he showed no disdain for the place or its people.

"Here, this is for you."

In a good mood, Zheng He casually tossed Liuzi a mid-grade spirit stone, his extravagant nature still as evident as ever.

Liuzi quickly caught the spirit stone, surprised by Zheng He's generosity. However, he didn't show too much excitement or immediately pocket it. Instead, he turned toward Zhang Yiyi, silently seeking her opinion on whether he should accept it.

When Zhang Yiyi gave him a slight nod, indicating that it was fine to accept, Liuzi finally tucked the spirit stone away, thanked Zheng He, and left the room.

"Well now, your little landlord is quite interesting," Zheng He remarked with a smile as he sat down across from Zhang Yiyi. "If I hadn't known beforehand that he's your landlord and not your servant, I might have misunderstood the situation."

"That boy has a good heart, and we're somewhat fated to cross paths," Zhang Yiyi replied, though she didn't elaborate.

The matters here were mostly settled, and it wouldn't be long before she would leave and return to her sect. She wouldn't go out of her way to ask Zheng He to provide Liuzi with any protection. Simply mentioning him in passing was already the most she was willing to do. Liuzi's future would have to be shaped by his own efforts.

Zheng He nodded, understanding her unspoken message. He quickly shifted the topic to the main issue, no longer discussing Liuzi.

"The Bai family is finished. You won't have to worry about them causing you any more trouble."

He spoke with obvious delight, clearly thrilled by the Bai family's downfall. His face beamed with satisfaction, happy to share the news.

Hearing this, Zhang Yiyi showed interest and prompted, "What exactly happened? Tell me the details."

"They were a bunch of beasts, scum, and without a doubt, evil cultivators. Who knows how many cultivators they've killed? You have no idea—the cave was like hell itself!"

As he recounted these events, Zheng He's expression turned cold, a chilling frost settling over him. Without hiding anything, he began to describe everything he had witnessed in the Bai family's cave, recounting it all in vivid detail for Zhang Yiyi.