Curiously, before their departure, the elders of the Li family first bid their goodbyes to Zhang Yang, only then exchanging courtesies with the Long family. This sequence left the Long family with a slight, though unavoidable, sense of displeasure.

Zhang Yang’s performance this time had completely stunned everyone; the status of the Medical Saint Zhang Family soared ever higher, earning profound respect from others.

Not to mention that Zhang Yang was now a Fourth-Layer expert, on par with the Li family elders.

They left behind ten jars of Monkey Wine, with the remaining thirty jars to be delivered to Zhang Yang by Li Changfeng. These ten jars were originally intended as gifts for the Hu Yan family and other clans, but since the Hu Yan family had already left and their relationship with the Long family was no longer as cordial as before, they decided to give them all to Zhang Yang instead.

Even if they couldn't forge an entirely amicable relationship with Zhang Yang, they at least wished to ensure he held no lingering resentment over past incidents.

Not long after the Li family departed, the Hua family also came to take their leave. The Hua family demonstrated perfect impartiality, sending representatives to both the Long family and Zhang Yang simultaneously.

This careful gesture also signaled the high regard they held for Zhang Yang, especially given that they were currently on Long family grounds.

Three days passed in a blink, and the Long family settled back into tranquility, with only Zhang Yang remaining.

Zhang Yang spent these three days solidifying his recently attained breakthrough. He remained at the Long residence because the compensation promised by the Long family had yet to materialize. Even Zhang Yang couldn't help but covet the array of treasures; naturally, he intended to secure them before leaving.

On the fourth day, Long Feng finally arrived at Zhang Yang’s quarters, bearing a large sack of goods.

“Your Long family certainly has wealth; far surpassing our Zhang family!”

Zhang Yang remarked with satisfaction as he surveyed the gifts, particularly noting the three Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. Although none were complete specimens, their bulk was substantial. The Long family had clearly not attempted to fob him off with trifles.

This apology from the Long family was made with true sincerity, making any petty deception out of the question.

“Boss, this is the stock reserve of our Long family accumulated over several centuries!”

Long Feng let out a wry smile, falling silent as he looked upon the offerings.

The abundance of these fine items owed something to his own influence. After all, he had told Long Haotian that following Zhang Yang would ensure he wouldn't suffer a loss.

Everyone harbors some self-interest, and Long Haotian was no exception. Having sacrificed so much, ensuring his son could benefit in some way felt like a worthwhile endeavor.

“Great aristocratic families are truly different. Even with several centuries, we might not amass this much!”

Zhang Yang smiled faintly. After examining the contents, he carefully stored away every treasure. These were genuine valuables he wouldn't trade for any amount of mere coin.

“That’s not necessarily true!”

Long Feng muttered inwardly, unable to resist glancing toward Wuying resting nearby.

With the Treasure-Seeking Rat present, Zhang Yang could locate such treasures far more rapidly. Given time, his collection might even surpass the Long family’s centuries of hoarding, for Wuying’s abilities were far beyond the ordinary.

Of course, he kept such thoughts confined to his mind, never voicing them aloud.

Wuying’s identity was now known to all the major families. Their envy of Zhang Yang intensified, mingled with a sense of helplessness.

A Treasure-Seeking Rat capable of offense was entirely beyond their prior estimations; Zhang Yang’s luck was truly extraordinary.

Under normal circumstances—if Zhang Yang hadn't broken through and the Zhang family guardian hadn't appeared—some might still have dared to harbor designs on him. But now, Zhang Yang himself was a Fourth-Layer master, and he had demonstrated such formidable strength even at the late Third Layer. Any who still dared plot against him would surely be inviting death.

This was the hallmark of true power. Now, Zhang Yang could openly display his treasures without restraint.

“Zhuifeng, let’s depart first!”

Mounting Zhuifeng, Zhang Yang called out loudly, while Long Feng and Long Cheng followed behind in their vehicle.

This was the fifth day following the Long Family Grand Competition. Having reaped significant rewards from the Long family, Zhang Yang finally paid his personal respects to the Clan Head before leaving the Long Family Plains.

Zhuifeng let out a sharp neigh, stretched its hooves, and in a few breaths, Long Feng and Long Cheng could only discern a tiny white speck in the distance; Zhuifeng’s speed vastly outpaced their automobile.

The two exchanged a look, shook their heads in resignation, and pushed their vehicle to its absolute limit in an effort to keep up.

This trip to the Long family had also been quite fruitful for Long Cheng.

With Long Feng’s assistance, he had learned a higher-tier cultivation technique and engaged with many Long family disciples and retainers. The gifts he brought had left a favorable impression on many.

Even the Clan Head, Long Haotian, had specifically granted him an audience.

Long Haotian meeting him was entirely due to Zhang Yang. Besides Long Feng, Long Cheng also shared a decent rapport with Zhang Yang, being considered an acquaintance from the secular world. Now that the entire Long family placed immense importance on Zhang Yang, they sought to utilize every available connection.

Barring surprises, Long Cheng’s standing among the outer disciples would rise upon his return. While he still needed to remain in Changjing for the time being, his status would be significantly elevated.

The journey there had been slow, but the return held no such reservations. With Zhang Yang leading the way on Zhuifeng, Long Cheng drove the vehicle at top speed, reaching the borders of Qinghu Province in just a few days.

They retraced their original path on the way back.

Zhuifeng carried Zhang Yang, drifting somewhat naturally toward the location where they first encountered each other. On that expanse of grassland, both Zhang Yang and Zhuifeng felt a strange resonance.

The last time, Zhuifeng had been poisoned and injured, pursued by poachers as a wild horse, only to encounter Zhang Yang just as the poison began to take hold.

Thinking back now, it was fortunate he had met Zhang Yang then. Without him, Zhuifeng’s poison would not have held for long; once the poison flared, the outcome would have been the same—perhaps even leaving no corpse behind.

The fact that Zhang Yang and Zhuifeng met there was surely fate’s arrangement.

“Chirp chirp!”

Wuying popped its head out, chirping insistently. Soon, Lightning also arrived, responding with its own squeaks.

Zhuifeng turned its head, its beautiful large eyes blinking as it gazed at Zhang Yang.

“You little imp who loves to stir up trouble—very well, we shall go avenge Zhuifeng!”

Zhang Yang laughed heartily. Wuying had indicated that Zhuifeng was originally injured by a Golden-Crowned Python. That python had been vile, and since they were back, they would find it and settle the score for Zhuifeng.

This was one of the promises made when they lured Zhuifeng away previously.

Through Zhuifeng’s description, interpreted by Wuying and Lightning’s chirps, Zhang Yang understood it was a Seven-Crowned Golden-Crowned Python. A Seven-Crowned Python was still a Third-Layer beast, but even without his breakthrough, Zhang Yang no longer feared such a creature.

Upon learning Zhang Yang would help avenge it, Zhuifeng neighed joyfully, quickening its pace.

This Seven-Crowned Python dwelled deep within the mountains. Zhuifeng had been unlucky enough to pass through the python’s habitat, suffering a sneak attack from the concealed beast, which intended to kill it and consume its vital blood essence.

The vital essence of Spirit Beasts holds significant benefit even for other Spirit Beasts.

If it hadn't fled swiftly enough, it might have ended up as mere food in the python’s maw.

Zhuifeng was not weak, but it wasn't a physically imposing Spirit Beast; it couldn't contend with the python, which possessed both formidable strength and venom. When they met, fleeing was the only option.

However, things were different now. It was no longer alone; it had companions and a master powerful enough to exact revenge.

That mountain range was not far. With Zhuifeng running, it took only half a day to arrive.

This time, Zhang Yang did not wait for Long Feng. Dealing with a mere Seven-Crowned Golden-Crowned Python was more than enough for him alone.

Returning to the site of its ambush and injury, Zhuifeng grew visibly agitated, neighing incessantly. Zhang Yang, holding Lightning and Wuying, concealed his aura and hid nearby.

Before long, Zhang Yang sensed the python’s presence.

Soon, a serpent far larger than the Five-Crowned Python they encountered previously appeared before Zhuifeng, boasting seven golden crowns upon its head, regarding Zhuifeng fiercely while flicking its terrifying tongue.

In the past, especially during their first venture into the Wild Man Mountain, encountering such a ferocious Spirit Beast would have sent Zhang Yang fleeing as far as possible, perhaps not even daring to look back.

Now, no matter how terrifying or dangerous this Golden-Crowned Python seemed, in his eyes, it was merely a Third-Layer Spirit Beast.

As the python appeared, Zhuifeng quickly retreated, positioning itself by Zhang Yang’s side, still neighing anxiously.

Zhuifeng’s posture resembled a child unable to fight, running straight to its parent for retribution.

The Golden-Crowned Python noticed Zhang Yang and watched him with intense caution.

Zhang Yang gently stroked the fur atop Zhuifeng’s head, a faint smile playing on his lips.

The massive python was utterly disproportionate to Zhang Yang’s slight frame, yet the nervous party now was the giant serpent, its massive body constantly flicking its tongue as if warning the small figures before it.

Zhang Yang ceased concealing his aura, releasing the pressure of his Fourth-Layer internal energy. Spirit Beasts are intelligent; they knew the person before them was formidable and not to be provoked lightly.

“Zhuifeng, watch me take your revenge!”

After a moment of gentle stroking, Zhang Yang spoke with a smile, his body flickering as he instantly materialized before the Golden-Crowned Python.

The Cold Spring Sword appeared in his hand. He had triumphed over pythons stronger than this; defeating one weaker than himself was trivial, especially now that he possessed a formidable artifact from the Divine Weapon Ranking, significantly boosting his combat strength.

Following several mournful roars of rage, the pitiful Golden-Crowned Python had its head pierced, its massive body collapsing onto the earth.

Seeing Zhang Yang successfully slay the python, Zhuifeng immediately rushed over, affectionately licking Zhang Yang’s neck. That vile creature that nearly cost it its life had finally been killed by its much stronger master.

As Zhuifeng licked him, the System’s voice echoed once more in Zhang Yang’s mind.

The Spirit Beast Heavenly Horse’s loyalty to Zhang Yang surged directly to 75. Zhuifeng was now truly the Spirit Beast utterly devoted to Zhang Yang.

Since the Golden-Crowned Python was a Spirit Beast, and specifically a Seven-Crowned one, Zhang Yang reaped a substantial amount of vital blood essence from this encounter.

Its venom sac was immediately swallowed by Lightning. Having learned from the previous experience, Zhang Yang felt no worry about Lightning consuming the poison sac this time.

The python’s fangs and other useful parts were also carefully severed by Zhang Yang. Good things must never be wasted; nobody ever complained about having too many valuable assets.

After extracting all the useful components, Zhang Yang dug a large pit by himself and buried the python’s corpse within, preventing other animals from feeding on it.

After all, it was a Spirit Beast; regardless of its behavior in life, it deserved a tranquil resting place in death.