After a night of agonizing indecision, Zhang Yiyi still concluded that she had to make a trip to Wandu Island—despite knowing how dangerous it was, how a single misstep could cost her life.

Strangely enough, once the decision was made, she felt an unexpected sense of calm. The knot of conflict and frustration in her chest eased.

Perhaps she didn't even realize it herself, but no matter how much she valued her own life, when it came to true friends and comrades, she simply couldn't turn a blind eye.

"Luo Qiheng, oh Luo Qiheng—you owe me big time for this one!"

She muttered to herself, then fed the three-legged crow another healing pill and forcefully stuffed it back into her beast pouch to continue recovering.

Then, wasting no time, she left her room to find Xia Luo and Lu Qiao.

"I'm heading to Wandu Island. I don't know when I'll be back. Will you two wait here, or come with me?"

She didn't beat around the bush—just laid it all out.

"What? You're going to Wandu Island?" Xia Luo nearly spit out his tea, looking stunned. "Are you serious? What are you going to a place like that for?"

"I heard it's also called Death Island. People who enter rarely make it out—actually, not even one in ten does!"

Lu Qiao was just as shocked. She never expected Zhang Yiyi to suddenly bring up Wandu Island.

It was one of the top ten forbidden zones in the entire Blue Feather Realm. Even Nascent Soul cultivators couldn't guarantee a safe return.

Zhang Yiyi might be strong—stronger than even some Core Formation cultivators—but that didn't mean she could walk unscathed through such a deadly place.

"My brother is trapped there. I have to go save him."

Zhang Yiyi didn't hide it. She explained simply, "The three-legged crow I bought yesterday is his spiritual pet. His situation is extremely dire. If no one goes to rescue him, he may not survive much longer."

Based on the final image the crow sent her, Luo Qiheng had not only been poisoned but was trapped in a deep pit with no way out—and that was already ten days ago.

He probably had some kind of life-saving treasure on him, which was why he was still alive. But Zhang Yiyi couldn't be sure how much longer he could hold on, so time was of the essence.

This reason left Xia Luo and Lu Qiao speechless. They exchanged glances, unsure of what to say.

No wonder Zhang Yiyi insisted on buying the crow at any cost—turns out, it was her brother's spiritual pet.

Now that he was in danger, it made sense that she would risk everything to save him. They had no grounds to talk her out of it.

"What was your brother doing on Wandu Island in the first place?" Xia Luo sighed, unable to keep the complaint out of his voice.

But seeing Zhang Yiyi shoot him a look, he quickly backpedaled, "There must've been a special reason. No one goes there for fun."

"Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter now. I'm heading out as soon as I finish preparing. You two can decide for yourselves whether to stay or follow."

Since she'd taken 100 top-grade spirit stones from Xia Luo, Zhang Yiyi didn't want to seem like she was dragging him to his death without warning. "That place is far too dangerous. There's no need for you to risk your lives over my personal matters. I think it's best we part ways here. I can return the spirit stones, and if I survive, I'll contact you immediately. You can decide then if you want to travel with me again."

She was sincere. She might have her flaws, but she wasn't heartless. She truly didn't want anyone dying because of her.

"..."

Their silence said it all. They were torn.

Go, and risk death in one of the most dangerous places in the realm.

Stay, and give up everything they'd been working toward.

Even if Zhang Yiyi didn't mind, how could they shamelessly abandon her now and come crawling back later?

After a pause, Zhang Yiyi added, "Take your time to think it through. I'll go buy the supplies I need and come back for you afterward."

For a place like Wandu Island, she needed all kinds of antidotes, life-saving pills, protective talismans—and ideally, a map or intel on the island, though she didn't have much hope of finding any.

Thankfully, she had enough spirit stones on hand, and the market here was decent in size. If she could get some help from the Wang family's stewards, she might just manage.

When she returned to the Wang family's shop and found the steward, she immediately listed out everything she needed. Price wasn't an issue—only quality and speed mattered. If the Wang family didn't have something in stock, she hoped they could help source it from other shops.

"You're not... planning to go to Wandu Island, are you?"

The steward's face changed instantly when he saw the list. "That place is no joke, miss. Please don't rush into danger. People who go there rarely come back."

"Don't worry, these things are for a friend of mine," Zhang Yiyi replied smoothly, pushing the story onto a fictional friend. "He has a loved one trapped there. I'm not going myself—I'm not strong enough to help, so I'm just doing my part and making sure he's well-prepared."

It wasn't a complete lie, and it helped avoid unnecessary trouble, especially given her and Luo Qiheng's status as Wang family guests.

Hearing this, the steward relaxed. In his mind, even the most talented Foundation Establishment cultivator had no business stepping foot on Wandu Island.

"You're a loyal friend, Miss Han. I'm sure your friend will make it back safely."

Ever the savvy merchant, the steward immediately offered warm and encouraging words. "Rest assured, I'll get you the best supplies available in this market!"

"Thank you!" Zhang Yiyi handed over a pouch stuffed with spirit stones. "Take this first. If it's not enough, I'll make up the rest later. It's only fair that I cover all costs—you shouldn't have to front anything."

"Alright, I'll get to work right away."

He admired her straightforwardness and offered to let her use a private cultivation room while she waited.

Zhang Yiyi graciously accepted and followed a servant to the back of the shop, where she began meditating.

It was nearly evening when the steward finally returned, looking exhausted but triumphant.

"All done, Miss Han! Everything you asked for is ready—top quality too. Please double-check and let me know if anything's missing."

Zhang Yiyi inspected the supplies and was pleased to see a few thoughtful additions, including a basic map and notes on Wandu Island—rare and incredibly valuable resources.

She could tell the steward had gone to great lengths for her, and she quietly committed to repaying the favor someday.

After settling the final payment, she wasted no time and headed off to meet Xia Luo and Lu Qiao.

"You're back!" Lu Qiao breathed a sigh of relief and pulled her to sit down. "I was starting to worry you left without saying goodbye!"

"I just had a lot to prepare."

Zhang Yiyi smiled, her tone gentler than usual. Not because she was dying, of course—just because, well, she might be headed somewhere close to death.

No! She quickly shook the thought away. She wasn't going to die. No matter how dangerous Wandu Island was, she'd make it out alive—safe and sound.

"I've decided," Xia Luo said from across the table. "I'm going with you to Wandu Island."

"Me too!" Lu Qiao chimed in, determinedly nodding.

"You two..." Zhang Yiyi was surprised. "Are you sure? That place is deadly. I'll be too busy trying to survive—I can't guarantee your safety. I'll be searching for someone, and I might not leave the island anytime soon."

"I know," Lu Qiao said first. "But my grandfather told me to stick with you no matter what. And hey, what if you find some huge opportunity on Wandu Island while I'm not around? I'd cry myself to death."

Calling the exit from this realm a "great opportunity" wasn't wrong.

Zhang Yiyi had to admit she couldn't argue with that logic.

"And you, Senior Xia?" she turned to Xia Luo. He was only here for a Nascent Soul breakthrough contract—was this really worth risking his life for?