Upon hearing Ye Wushang's words, Zisangyi thought to herself, "Ye Wushang really knows everything about the Wutong region. It seems that he is a meticulous person and should not be underestimated."

He remained expressionless, merely smiling faintly, and said, "However, no matter how powerful the Ying family head is, I am not someone to be trifled with."

Seeing that Zisang was unwilling to talk more about the Ying family, Ye Wushang tactfully changed the subject, and the two began to talk about the local customs and culture of Wutong City.

Ye Wushang spoke elegantly and was very knowledgeable. Zisangyi listened with great interest, and the two chatted happily until the night was deep.

The next morning, Zisang summoned a disciple. This disciple was of ordinary appearance and mediocre cultivation, and would be inconspicuous in a crowd.

"Go and investigate the area around the Ying family and see what they've been up to lately," Zisangyi instructed.

"Yes, Master." The disciple accepted the order and left.

Zisangyi stood by the window, watching her disciple's departing figure, and pondered to herself, what kind of background did this Ying family patriarch have?

The disciple left the city lord's mansion and headed towards the Ying family.

The Ying family mansion is located in the heart of Wutong City. It covers a vast area and is magnificent. Two huge stone lions stand in front of the gate, lifelike and awe-inspiring.

When the disciple arrived at the Ying family's gate, he saw two guards holding long halberds, their eyes warily watching the passersby.

"Halt! Who goes there?" one of the guards shouted sternly.

The disciple bowed and said, "I am just passing by and would like to ask you two gentlemen something."

"What is it?" The guard looked the disciple up and down, a hint of suspicion in his eyes.

"I have heard that the head of the Ying family is extremely powerful and his cultivation is unfathomable, so I wish to come and pay my respects." The disciple spoke respectfully and humbly.

The two guards exchanged a glance, a hint of contempt flashing in their eyes.

Is this kid an idiot? He actually dares to come to the Ying family to inquire about the patriarch's whereabouts. He's got a death wish!

"Do you think you can just see the head of the family whenever you want? Get out of here!" One of the guards waved his hand impatiently.

Seeing this, the disciple was not angry. He simply took out a silver ingot from his pocket, stuffed it into the guard's hand, and said with a smile, "Brothers, please do me a favor. I have only long admired the patriarch and have no ill intentions."

The guard weighed the silver in his hand, his expression softening slightly, and said, "You're quite sensible, but the patriarch isn't someone just anyone can see. If you really want to see the patriarch, then show me some real skills."

Upon hearing this, the disciple was secretly delighted. It seemed that the guard was not an incorruptible person after all; as long as there was money, anything was negotiable.

"What advice do you two have for me?" the disciple asked hastily.

“Our Ying family holds a martial arts tournament every year. If you can stand out in the tournament, you will naturally be able to meet the family head.”

"A martial arts tournament?" The disciple's heart stirred. This was a good opportunity. Not only could he meet the head of the Ying family, but he could also investigate the Ying family's strengths and weaknesses.

“That’s right, this year’s martial arts tournament will be held on the first day of next month. If you’re really capable, then come and participate,” the guard said.

The disciple quickly nodded his thanks and then turned to leave.

He had only taken a few steps when he suddenly heard a cold laugh behind him.

"Hmph, a mere brat dares to cause trouble in our Ying family. He's courting death!"

The disciple was startled and quickly turned around to look. He saw the two guards looking at him with a mocking expression, their eyes full of disdain and ridicule.

The disciple had a bad feeling; it seemed these two guards were playing a trick on him!

He suppressed his anger and left quickly, secretly vowing to find out the truth about the Ying family and avenge Elder Zisang!

Back at the city lord's mansion, Zisangyi inquired about the situation her disciple had investigated.

The disciple recounted the entire incident to Zisangyi, embellishing the story with descriptions of the guard's arrogance and rudeness.

Upon hearing this, Zisangyi's face darkened, and a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

He originally only wanted to investigate the Ying family's situation, but he didn't expect the Ying family to be so arrogant and domineering, daring to humiliate his disciple like this.

It seems the Ying family needs to be taught a lesson!

"Martial arts tournament..." he muttered to himself, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"That's quite a scheme, recruiting soldiers and expanding your power. Are you trying to compete with me?"

Zi Sangyi already had a plan in mind. He summoned the tree spirit and instructed it, "Go and investigate the Ying family, especially the situation of the family head. Make sure you find out everything."

The tree spirit hesitated for a moment and said, "The Ying family has many experts; I'm afraid my presence will be exposed..."

Zisang pondered for a moment: "Conceal your aura. Even if you can't get in, can't you still communicate with the tree spirit that hasn't developed sentience?"

"Alright." The tree spirit accepted the order and silently floated towards the Ying family.

The head of the Ying family, named Ying Tianxing, was about fifty years old, with a burly build and an imposing presence.

He was discussing the martial arts tournament with several elders, his words brimming with confidence and ambition.

"This martial arts tournament must be a grand affair to attract top experts from all sides. We must use this opportunity to recruit talent and strengthen the Ying family's power!"

Ying Tianxing spoke with a firm tone, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light.

"The patriarch is wise!" the elders echoed.

The tree spirit overheard the entire conversation and was secretly surprised. This patriarch of the Ying family was indeed no ordinary person; he was ambitious. It seemed that Elder Zisang's worries were not unfounded.

As night deepened, the Ying family mansion gradually quieted down. Under the cover of darkness, the tree spirit quietly sneaked into Ying Tianxing's study.

Just then, the study door suddenly opened, and Ying Tian walked in.

He spotted the tree spirit immediately, his face darkened instantly, and his eyes filled with murderous intent.

"You audacious fiend, how dare you trespass into my Ying family!" Ying Tianxing roared, a long sword appearing in his hand, its blade pointing directly at the tree spirit.

Shu was startled and quickly transformed into a wisp of green smoke, trying to escape the study.

However, Ying Tianxing was prepared. He brandished his longsword, and a sharp sword aura instantly trapped the tree spirit.

"Trying to escape? Not so easy!" Ying Tianxing sneered, approaching the tree spirit step by step.

In a moment of desperation, the tree spirit possessed the study and slipped into the mud like an eel, escaping unscathed.