Zhang Yiyi didn't immediately respond to Tang Zirong's plea. Instead, she turned her gaze to the outside of the cave. Her spiritual sense swept out, capturing every movement within several kilometers. Yet in this world, the only thing one could never truly see through was the human heart.

Zhang Yiyi wasn't overly concerned about the small portion of spiritual herbs and medicines she had to relinquish. After all, she had no intention of sharing anything too valuable with Tang Zirong to begin with. Since he only cared about quantity and not quality, she could minimize her losses. To her, it was inconsequential. She had no reason to clear Tang Zirong's path for the sake of such trivial gains.

What intrigued her, however, was her utter lack of goodwill toward the Tang family's young masters and mistresses. While she was too disinterested to lift a hand herself, she certainly wouldn't feel any pity if they met their demise.

As her spiritual sense paused, she once again noticed an interesting figure. The green-clad female guest cultivator was proving herself quite capable. Over the past days, not only had she evaded capture by the second young master of the Tang family and his group, but she had also killed several Tang family disciples who had tried to rob her, accumulating quite a bounty in her storage pouch.

Recalling the actions of the green-clad female guest cultivator from that day, Zhang Yiyi withdrew her spiritual sense and turned back to Tang Zirong, who was still half-kneeling and anxiously awaiting her reply.

"What's the name of that green-clad guest cultivator who lured the serpent out of the bamboo forest for your second young master?" she suddenly asked, her expression so calm that it was impossible to discern her thoughts.

Tang Zirong was taken aback, unsure why Zhang Yiyi had brought this up when they were discussing something entirely different just moments ago. But his surprise only lasted a moment before he answered truthfully:

"Esteemed immortal, the green-clad guest cultivator from that day is named Lu Qiao. She was recruited by the Tang family just before the secret realm opened, specifically to assist in gathering spiritual herbs."

"Lu Qiao, huh? The name suits her," Zhang Yiyi nodded slightly. She then added, "She's just like you."

"W-what do you mean?" Tang Zirong's expression shifted several times before his gaze darkened. Suddenly, he realized what Zhang Yiyi meant. "Esteemed immortal... you're absolutely right."

Lu Qiao's predicament was indeed the same as his own. While the circumstances leading to their situations were different, their fates were likely to end similarly—perhaps even worse for Lu Qiao.

At least the fifth young master was already dead, leaving no one to testify. But if the second young master encountered Lu Qiao again—or if he returned to the Tang family after leaving the secret realm—there was no way he would spare her.

In truth, both he and Lu Qiao probably wished for nothing more than for the second young master and his two Golden Core bodyguards to die. Unfortunately, neither he nor Lu Qiao had the strength to kill Tang Er in a way that left no trace.

Still, Zhang Yiyi mentioning this stirred something in Tang Zirong. Based on the ten or so days he had spent with her, he knew she would never bring up a random person without reason, nor would she randomly compare him to Lu Qiao.

Could it be that she meant...

Before Tang Zirong could think further, Zhang Yiyi spoke again:

"I've said from the start that I won't interfere in your Tang family's affairs, and that includes helping you kill anyone. However, with three and a half days left, I no longer need you to guide me in gathering spiritual herbs. Whatever you want to do, go ahead and do it. Whoever you want to kill, go ahead and try. I won't interfere."

Tang Zirong's eyes flickered, clearly understanding Zhang Yiyi's intent.

But his heart felt bitter. He couldn't shake a deep sense of frustration. Even if he and Lu Qiao joined forces, they were no match for the second young master and his two Golden Core bodyguards.

The second young master of the Tang family was not comparable to the fifth, and his two Golden Core bodyguards were far more formidable than the Tang family disciples who had once been at Tang Zirong's mercy. No matter how carefully he plotted, the disparity in strength was an insurmountable obstacle.

At that moment, Tang Zirong felt a pang of frustration toward Zhang Yiyi, who clearly had the power to help but stubbornly refused to intervene. However, he quickly realized he had no right to blame her. They had no relationship to speak of, and even the small share of spiritual herbs she had offered him was already a favor. On what grounds could he demand her assistance in killing someone or cleaning up his mess?

A wave of bitter despair washed over him. Whether he resented or blamed her, the root cause of his predicament was his own incompetence. For once, he didn't bother hiding his emotions. The rapid changes in his expression surprised Zhang Yiyi slightly. She couldn't quite discern his feelings. Was he upset with her or not?

"Are you disappointed?" Zhang Yiyi asked.

Tang Zirong snapped out of his thoughts, quickly regaining his composure. Bowing slightly, he replied, "Forgive me, Immortal. When I first realized you wouldn't help, I did feel a moment of resentment. But it was fleeting, and in hindsight, both pathetic and ridiculous. This is my own fault. These matters are my responsibility and have nothing to do with you. If you help, it's a kindness; if you don't, it's only natural. I have no reason to resent or blame you."

His candid confession and self-reflection were an attempt to diffuse the tension, and he knew Zhang Yiyi would have seen through his earlier reaction anyway. Even if she refused to help, offending her further would be unwise.

"You're clever," Zhang Yiyi remarked, giving him a somewhat complex look. After a brief pause, she added, "Since you've planned all along to kill the fifth young master of the Tang family, you must have anticipated the consequences. With your temperament, you should have prepared a solid escape plan in advance."

Her words were both a challenge and a nudge. Zhang Yiyi didn't know what Tang Zirong's original plan had been, but it was clear his encounter with her had forced him to revise it.

"Initially, I intended to simply take revenge and flee the Tang family after leaving the secret realm, living as a fugitive with no thought for how long I might survive," Tang Zirong admitted. "But now, I've changed my mind. Even if you won't accept me as a servant, I hope to live longer and better than I had planned."

His words weren't entirely clear, but they hinted at the influence Zhang Yiyi had on his newfound resolve.

Zhang Yiyi couldn't help but laugh. "Your half-truths are putting me on a pedestal. If I don't help you, it'll seem rather unkind, won't it? Living longer and better—who wouldn't want that? I'd like it too!"

"Immortal, I wouldn't dare!" Tang Zirong couldn't gauge her intentions but knew he had little to lose at this point.

"There's no need to act so cautious. I understand your feelings and won't hold them against you," Zhang Yiyi replied, dropping her smile. "Let's be clear: I'm willing to help, not because I believe your story but because lending a hand makes no difference to me. That said, don't mistake me for a fool."

Tang Zirong's face flushed, realizing she had seen through his little schemes entirely. Swallowing his pride, he dropped to his knees and kowtowed to her. "I humbly seek your guidance, Immortal."

His request was deliberate. He didn't ask for her to solve his problems but to provide guidance—a subtle but significant distinction. He understood her principles: Zhang Yiyi had made it clear she wouldn't intervene directly, but that didn't mean she couldn't help indirectly.

Satisfied with his understanding, Zhang Yiyi didn't hesitate. She handed him a high-grade formation set and several powerful offensive talismans. "Take these. Used properly, they're as effective as two Golden Core cultivators. With Lu Qiao's help, if the two of you still can't handle those three, then there's nothing more to say."

It was a clear test. If Tang Zirong and Lu Qiao failed despite her assistance, it would be due to their own incompetence. Zhang Yiyi saw no reason to expend further effort on someone so incapable.

"Thank you, Immortal!" Tang Zirong was overjoyed as he accepted the items. He quickly formulated a plan. The formation was versatile, capable of trapping or killing, and the talismans' destructive power rivaled that of Golden Core cultivators.

Zhang Yiyi remained indifferent. "No need for thanks. These items are simply part of the share you earned. It's just another transaction for me. However, because I find Lu Qiao interesting, I'll offer you one additional guarantee: during your operation, I'll ensure no one interferes with you."

This promise was a tremendous reassurance to Tang Zirong. At the same time, the second young master of the Tang family remained oblivious to the danger looming over him.

Zhang Yiyi gave Tang Zirong three and a half days to carry out his plan, with the remaining half-day reserved for regrouping and exiting the secret realm. Tang Zirong didn't disappoint her. Within two days, he successfully executed his scheme.

Recruiting Lu Qiao was easy, and separating the second young master and his two bodyguards using the high-grade formation was even simpler. The powerful talismans ensured their defeat. In the end, the second young master and his bodyguards met their demise, their corpses fed to demonic beasts.

But that wasn't the end. Tang Zirong and Lu Qiao staged a "coincidental" rescue of another high-ranking Tang family member, earning gratitude and trust. By the time they returned to the Tang family, they had secured a new patron. The tide had turned.

Zhang Yiyi, observing from the shadows, found Tang Zirong's cleverness impressive. Leaving someone like him within the Tang family wasn't a bad idea—it ensured she had a reliable source of internal information when needed.

As the secret realm reopened, Zhang Yiyi blended in with the surviving Tang family disciples. Disguised as a low-ranking guest cultivator, she bore a few strategically placed injuries to match the group's overall condition.

Tang Zirong had provided her with a unique pill that allowed her to assume another's appearance and aura for up to 48 hours. Using this disguise, Zhang Yiyi exited the secret realm unnoticed. Tang Zirong had even ensured the chosen identity was a solitary, unremarkable figure, leaving no room for suspicion.

In the end, Zhang Yiyi departed the secret realm effortlessly, her mission complete.