The transformation occurred in total silence.
There was no surge of elemental energy, no flash of light—just an instant shift in reality. One moment, the cabinet was rigid wood; the next, it was a limp sheet of fabric.
If Ningguang hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she would never have believed it.
Baishi herself stared at the flattened cabinet in shock.
It was her first time using the ability, and the result was far beyond her expectations.
No wonder Lady Ningguang insisted on keeping this power within their circle.
"It's not just objects," Ningguang said, her expression grave as she looked at Baishi. "According to the shopkeeper, it works on people too. And more importantly, it can wash away the evil in their hearts. That is a capability that completely surpasses a Vision."
A Vision could destroy, but it could not cleanse a soul.
"Whatever you need, Lady Ningguang, just command me," Baishi said eagerly, ready to serve.
Beside them, Keqing scrutinized Baishi with intense interest.
Baishi still looked like an ordinary human without a trace of elemental energy, yet she wielded a power that defied logic. It was truly unsettling.
"Let's go to the prison," Ningguang said. "Baishi has tested the power on an object. Now we need to test it on a person. While we're there, we can also pay a visit to Zhang, the man who started the fire."
"Agreed."
Keqing nodded.
The group left the Jade Chamber immediately.
...
A short time later, they arrived at the Liyue Prison.
Even in a prosperous city like Liyue, crime was inevitable. Theft, assault, and other offenses happened daily. In a city this size, there were always dregs of society.
"Lady Ningguang. Lady Yuheng."
The Millelith guards stationed at the prison entrance saluted respectfully as the Qixing arrived.
"I need a prisoner currently serving a sentence. Also, arrange a meeting with Zhang," Ningguang ordered as she walked in. "Zhang is not the priority right now; handle him after."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang."
The guard nodded and hurried off to execute the order.
Moments later, a burly, fierce-looking man was dragged before them. He was currently asleep, likely sedated or just heavy with slumber.
"Baishi."
Ningguang gave the signal.
"Yes, Lady Ningguang."
Baishi stepped forward and activated her Wash-Wash Fruit ability.
She reached out, and in the blink of an eye, the large, muscular man collapsed.
He didn't fall—he folded.
His body lost all volume, turning into a flat, paper-thin sheet that fluttered to the ground.
A living, breathing human being had turned into a piece of laundry.
"This..."
The Millelith guards watching from the side turned pale with terror.
They knew Baishi. She was Lady Ningguang's secretary—a civil servant, an ordinary person.
How could she do something so horrific? Turning a man into paper? Was this some twisted adepti art?
They stared at the flattened man in horror, their minds unable to process the sight.
Ignoring their shock, Ningguang and Keqing stepped closer to examine the "laundry."
Ningguang picked him up. He felt exactly like a piece of clothing—soft, pliable, and light. She could literally hang him on a clothesline.
"He's still alive in this state," Ningguang observed. "Turn him back."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang."
Baishi activated her power again.
Instantly, the flat sheet expanded, inflating back into the form of the burly man.
"Nngh..."
The man groaned, rubbing his eyes as he woke up.
When his vision cleared, his pupils constricted in panic. "Lady Ningguang?!"
As a Liyue citizen, he knew the faces of the Qixing. He recognized the Tianquan immediately.
And next to her... the Yuheng, Keqing.
And surrounded by Millelith guards.
His face went white. He was in for minor assault or theft—why were the rulers of Liyue standing over him while he slept? Had he accidentally killed someone important?
"Good, he's awake."
Seeing his reaction, Ningguang turned to Baishi. "Do it again. Let's see how a conscious subject reacts."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang."
Baishi moved without hesitation.
"Wha—?!"
Before the man could protest, Baishi's power hit him.
"Ahhhhh!"
He screamed in terror as his perspective warped.
His body... why was his body flattening?
He tried to wave his arms, but they had no strength. They felt like empty sleeves flapping in the wind.