Without the nest of snakes, Zhang Yiyi and Tang Zirong moved effortlessly, collecting two pristine Blue Phoenix Flowers. Not only that, they also cleared out a whole patch of accompanying Phoenix Tail Grass near the flowers. Although not as precious as the Blue Phoenix Flowers, the grass was abundant. Tang Zirong took the opportunity to collect it all without wasting time.

The entire process was astonishingly fast. By the time they left the bamboo grove, Tang Family's Second Young Master and his two Golden Core guards were still locked in a fierce battle with the nest of Bamboo Green Snakes. When they finally exterminated all the snakes, including the fifth-rank Snake King, the group paid a heavy price, sustaining serious injuries.

After swallowing a healing pill, Tang Second Young Master finally exhaled in relief. However, recalling the audacious female guest who dragged them into this mess and caused such heavy losses, he couldn't suppress his rage.

"Damn that little wench! I won't let her off!" he growled angrily. He couldn't shake the terrifying memory of the Snake King's self-destruction, which nearly cost him his life. Once he returned, he vowed to teach that wretch a lesson she wouldn't forget.

"Second Young Master, let's first retrieve the Blue Phoenix Flowers," suggested one of the Golden Core guards, dismissing the green-robed female guest as unworthy of further thought. If she died in the secret realm, it would be her luck; if she survived and returned to the Tang Family, they could deal with her then. No need to rush.

Tang Second Young Master, understanding the priority of their task, led the group back into the bamboo grove to claim the Blue Phoenix Flowers. However, they were destined for disappointment. By the time they arrived, the flowers were long gone. Even the accompanying Phoenix Tail Grass had been completely harvested, leaving the area as clean as if locusts had swept through.

"Who?! Who dared steal my Blue Phoenix Flowers?!" Tang Second Young Master was almost mad with rage. His bloodshot eyes glared wildly as he roared, his fury palpable.

It wasn't entirely unjustified. After all, they had spent so much effort, depleting most of the treasures in their storage pouches to defeat the guardian beasts. Yet someone else had already plundered the spoils.

"Could it have been the green-robed female guest from earlier? Should we track her down?" one of the Golden Core guards suggested angrily. Exhausted and injured from their hard labor, they couldn't stomach the thought of someone else benefiting from it.

Although Tang Second Young Master doubted that the green-robed female guest could have managed such a feat under their noses, facts spoke louder than words. No one else had entered the area during this time.

It seemed he had underestimated her. Not only was she skilled at escaping, but her audacity knew no bounds—daring to use him as a stepping stone to steal his spiritual flowers. She must be tired of living!

"Let's go!" Tang Second Young Master growled through gritted teeth, his face dark with fury as he stormed out of the bamboo grove. He was determined to find the audacious thief, even if it meant turning the entire secret realm upside down.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yiyi was blissfully unaware that she had been made the perfect scapegoat. Her subsequent treasure-hunting journey through the secret realm, though lacking the unexpected "helpers" from earlier, remained fruitful. She and Tang Zirong continued to reap abundant rewards.

Learning from the Tang Second Young Master's missteps, Tang Zirong willingly volunteered as bait. He lured out the guardian beasts, while Zhang Yiyi swiftly eliminated them. The two of them would then split tasks—one collecting the spiritual herbs, the other harvesting resources from the guardian beasts' carcasses. Every useful item was taken, leaving no stone unturned before moving to the next site.

Their teamwork grew increasingly seamless, making their efforts more efficient with each encounter.

Over the course of half a month, Zhang Yiyi and Tang Zirong had thoroughly scoured most of the best resources in the secret realm, filling their storage rings with a bounty of treasures.

"I'm so tired!" Zhang Yiyi exclaimed as they found a secluded and quiet cave for a much-needed rest. Though exhilarated by the wealth of items she had collected, the nonstop action had left her utterly exhausted.

She sighed silently, thinking to herself how much easier things would have been if Maoqiu were awake. With Maoqiu's help, not only would she avoid such fatigue, but she might even manage to sweep the entire secret realm clean of all its treasures.

Just like back in the mountain ranges near Jia Fang's cave, when Maoqiu unleashed its power, the guardian beasts wouldn't dare stand in the way. Instead, they obediently offered the rare herbs and flowers they protected.

If Maoqiu were here, Zhang Yiyi wouldn't even need Tang Zirong's help to cover her tracks when leaving the secret realm. Maoqiu, oh Maoqiu, she sighed inwardly, why is it that every time I need you, you're conveniently unavailable?

Tang Zirong had no idea that Zhang Yiyi's mind was preoccupied with thoughts of her unreliable companion. He also didn't realize that his current partnership with Zhang Yiyi was simply because her usual ally was in deep slumber. Hearing Zhang Yiyi mumble something about being "tired," Tang Zirong felt a bit perplexed.

He had seen no signs of fatigue from Zhang Yiyi in recent days. She dealt with the guardian beasts and gathered spiritual herbs with incredible vigor, as if fueled by boundless energy. This only elevated his already high estimation of her strength. He now had to re-evaluate her abilities yet again, placing her on an even higher pedestal.

Tang Zirong couldn't help but ponder her origins. Someone as powerful and skilled as Zhang Yiyi surely couldn't lack a formidable background. Yet, no matter how much he thought, he couldn't discern her true identity. Despite this, he found himself increasingly drawn to the idea of following her.

"Fairy, if you're tired, shall we take a good rest?" he suggested cautiously. "After all, there are only three and a half days left before the secret realm resets. Most of the treasures here have already been collected by you."

Zhang Yiyi rolled her eyes at him. What do you mean by 'most of the treasures'? After working myself to the bone, isn't it fair that I reap some rewards? she thought. This guy really doesn't know how to talk—it's as if he's accusing me of being greedy.

Seeing her silent glare, Tang Zirong panicked, unsure of what he had done to upset her. Before he could figure it out, Zhang Yiyi finally spoke.

"Why are you worrying about me? Just take care of yourself," she said flatly. "If your method doesn't work, I won't even need to lift a finger—your life will be the first to end."

"Please rest assured, Immortal," Tang Zirong said quickly. "I guarantee that when the time comes, you'll leave the secret realm smoothly, without drawing any suspicion from the Tang Family."

Tang Zirong had already revealed his contingency plan to Zhang Yiyi. Though it had never been tested, it was something he had meticulously prepared to ensure his escape after killing the Fifth Young Master of the Tang Family. He was confident it would work.

"Let's hope so," Zhang Yiyi replied indifferently, shifting her gaze elsewhere.

She had other methods to sneak out with the Tang Family members, but doing so carried the risk of being discovered. Especially since she had looted nearly all the best resources in the secret realm. Once the Tang Family tallied their losses, it wouldn't take long for them to realize what had happened.

When that time came, not only would Tang Jin be hunting her down, but the entire Tang Family might stop at nothing to capture her. Even selling off her gains would become an incredibly troublesome endeavor.

"Immortal..." Tang Zirong suddenly knelt on one knee before her, a decision seemingly made after great deliberation.

"What's the meaning of this?" Zhang Yiyi asked, frowning slightly at his unexpected action.

Tang Zirong bowed his head, his tone solemn and respectful. "I, Tang Zirong, wish to pledge my allegiance to you, Fairy. Please accept me as your servant. I am willing to follow you wholeheartedly."

Zhang Yiyi was taken aback. This was the first time in her life someone had made such a request.

"You wish to serve me?" she asked, genuinely surprised.

"Yes! I beg you to accept me," Tang Zirong replied, bowing deeply with unwavering sincerity.

Zhang Yiyi stared at him for a moment, then shook her head decisively. "No."

Tang Zirong froze, his face a mix of shock and disappointment. Unable to hide his dejection, he asked, "May I know why you refuse to accept me?"

"First, I don't need any servants. Second, I don't trust you," Zhang Yiyi said bluntly. She had no reason to sugarcoat her words.

She wasn't planning to stay in the Blue Feather Minor World for long. The Zhan Ying Platform secret realm would reopen in a few decades at most, and she could leave at any time. Taking on a servant would only be a burden—something she had no interest in.

Moreover, Tang Zirong was a wolf in sheep's clothing. No matter how submissive he appeared now, his nature wouldn't change. Zhang Yiyi wasn't interested in taming him; she preferred temporary collaborations.

Tang Zirong's expression turned ashen. He remained kneeling, hesitating for a moment before trying to plead his case again.

But Zhang Yiyi cut him off. "There's no need to say more. Once we leave the secret realm, I'll give you your agreed-upon share of the loot. After that, we go our separate ways."

She understood his reasons for wanting to serve her. However, she had no desire to take on the Tang Family's troubles by sheltering him.

Tang Zirong sat there, stunned, realizing that Zhang Yiyi had likely seen through his intentions. He was deeply frustrated but remained silent for a long time.

Finally, he moved. Maintaining his kneeling position, he bowed even lower and made a new request.

"Immortal, I have one more plea. I beg you to help me kill the Second Young Master and his two Golden Core guards. If you agree, I'll forfeit my share of the spiritual herbs—all of it."

Zhang Yiyi raised an eyebrow, surprised by his offer. She hadn't expected him to leverage his share of the loot in exchange for the lives of those three.

"Why do you need them dead?" she asked.

Tang Zirong answered without hesitation, "Only by killing them can I ensure my survival in the Tang Family. Otherwise, the deaths of the Fifth Young Master and the unusual losses in the secret realm will inevitably be traced back to me."

Zhang Yiyi studied him thoughtfully. She understood his reasoning but remained silent, weighing her options.