233: Where's the grass?

"Buzz—!"

A low hum shook the gray mist within the valley.

Immediately afterward, a dazzling seven-colored radiance suddenly erupted from the rocky area in the center of the valley floor, shooting straight into the sky!

The radiance pierced through layers of Yin-Sha mist, illuminating the dim Black Wind Valley with brilliant colors.

It lasted for a full five breaths before slowly dissipating.

"It's there!"

"The immortal transformation grass has appeared!"

"Quickly!"

Almost the instant the radiance appeared, hidden auras throughout the valley erupted!

Figures, like arrows released from a bow, rushed toward the source of the radiance.

The immortal transformation grass was precisely beneath a dark red giant rock in the center of the rocky area.

Although the radiance had subsided there, a shimmering Treasure Light still flowed.

A phantom image of a Spiritual Plant, about three feet tall, crystal clear like seven-colored glazed glass, with nine narrow leaves bearing Dao patterns, flickered within the Treasure Light—it was indeed the immortal transformation grass!

Chen Yuan's gaze was like electricity, instantly locking onto the target.

He estimated in his heart that it would still take half an hour to truly mature.

Just as the first batch of impatient Loose Cultivators and Cultivators from small-to-medium forces were about to rush near the giant rock.

A crisp sound of carriage bells came from the direction of the valley entrance.

A luxurious carriage, pulled by four snow-white Spiritual Steeds with wings on their flanks, broke through the mist and flew directly into the valley.

Before and after the carriage, there were more than ten Guards, all possessing deep auras and wearing the standard armor of the Prince Xiangs Estate.

The leading man, a stern-faced middle-aged male, clearly exuded the powerful pressure of the Fourth Stage of Undergoing Tribulation.

It was precisely the Guest Elder sent by the Prince Xiangs Estate this time—Zhao Pan.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Qi Ming, Qi Hao, Wang Zhiqing, and Li Wanru stepped out in turn.

Qi Ming wore an arrogant expression.

The others displayed various looks.

"It's the people from the Prince Xiangs Estate!"

"And a Fourth Stage Undergoing Tribulation expert!"

"The Imperial Family is also getting involved..."

Many Cultivators who were rushing toward the immortal transformation grass paused, showing apprehension and reluctance.

With the Imperial Family and a Fourth Stage Undergoing Tribulation expert present, their hope of seizing the prize instantly became much slimmer.

Qi Ming enjoyed the awe-filled gazes of the crowd, walked to Wang Zhiqing's side, and whispered:

"Sister Zhiqing, look, with Elder Zhao here, the immortal transformation grass is definitely ours. I promised you before, and I will not go back on my word."

Originally, Wang Zhiqing did not want to come.

Qi Ming used the pretense of wanting to gift the immortal transformation grass to her, to help Wang Zhong present it to His Majesty in exchange for greater favor, to barely convince Wang Zhiqing to agree to come and witness the event.

In reality, he planned to secure it first, and then find a way to offer it to his Royal Father to stabilize his position as Crown Prince.

Wang Zhiqing looked at him, her eyes clear:

"Crown Prince Qi Ming, are you truly determined to give the immortal transformation grass to me if you obtain it?"

She needed verbal confirmation.

"Of course! A gentleman's word is his bond!"

Qi Ming patted his chest in assurance, his heart speeding up slightly as he looked at Wang Zhiqing's exquisite beauty so close to him.

Just then, two other powerful auras erupted without concealment.

To the east, three Cultivators from the Mo Family revealed themselves. The leader was also a Fourth Stage Undergoing Tribulation old man, holding a Sky Measuring Magic Treasure.

To the west, two people from the Gongsun Family also appeared. The leader, a Fourth Stage Undergoing Tribulation expert, was a charming middle-aged beautiful woman holding a Flowing Cloud Whisk.

"Mo Heng of the Mo Family."

"Gongsun Jing of the Gongsun Family."

"Greetings to the Crown Prince and Commandery Prince of the Prince Xiangs Estate."

Although the two bowed, their tone was flat, and their gaze bypassed Qi Ming and the others, falling directly on Zhao Pan, clearly treating him as an equal opponent.

As for the other Cultivators in the valley, they were no longer regarded by the two.

Zhao Pan let out a cold snort, took a step forward, and released the pressure of the Fourth Stage of Undergoing Tribulation without reservation, crushing outward like a mountain, his voice like thunder:

"The immortal transformation grass grew within the territory of Qitian, so it naturally belongs to the Qitian Imperial Family! Those unrelated, quickly retreat, lest you cause discord!"

Before his voice faded, he waved his large hand, and a massive surge of Qi energy swept out, directly throwing dozens of Cultivators who were still lingering near the giant rock and whose cultivation was below the Mahayana Stage, sending them flying with screams.

Seeing this, Mo Heng and Gongsun Jing also acted simultaneously, their respective auras bursting forth, pushing back the minor Cultivators approaching their directions, clearing the battlefield.

In an instant, within a hundred zhang radius of the giant rock, besides the core figures of the three factions,

only a few Cultivators skilled in high-level Concealment Techniques remained, barely holding on, but they dared not easily approach the core area.

The situation on the field instantly became clear.

Three parties faced off: Zhao Pan of the Prince Xiangs Estate, Mo Heng of the Mo Family, and Gongsun Jing of the Gongsun Family, all in the Fourth Stage of Undergoing Tribulation.

The rest of the people could hardly pose a threat.

Seeing this, Qi Ming became even more smug and laughed toward Wang Zhiqing:

"Sister Zhiqing, look, Elder Zhao is mighty! Although the Mo Family and Gongsun Family are strong, they must weigh their options on our territory.

Elder Zhao obtained a Half-Saint-Grade Movement Technique years ago; his speed is extremely fast. We are bound to get this immortal transformation grass!"

Wang Zhiqing did not reply, simply watching the area beneath the giant rock where the Treasure Light grew denser, wondering what she was thinking.

Time passed minute by minute, and the Treasure Light beneath the giant rock began to flash rhythmically, alternating between bright and dim.

The phantom image of the seven-colored glazed immortal transformation grass became clearer and clearer, and the Dao patterns on its nine leaves circulated faster, as if it were breathing.

"It's about to mature!"

Mo Heng said in a deep voice, the Sky Measuring Ruler in his hand glowing faintly.

"Let's rely on our own abilities."

Gongsun Jing lightly raised her whisk, and the Qi flow around her body swirled.

Zhao Pan's entire body tensed up, and spiritual power secretly gathered in his legs, preparing to execute the Half-Saint Body to seize the initiative.

Qi Ming held his breath, his eyes wide.

Qi Hao gripped his sword hilt, his expression solemn.

Wang Zhiqing and Li Wanru also instinctively leaned forward.

The instant the true form of the immortal transformation grass was fully revealed, the radiance was contained, and it matured.

The three Fourth Stage Undergoing Tribulation experts moved!

Zhao Pan's figure flickered, leaving a faint afterimage in place; ripples spread through space, and the Void Realm itself trembled slightly.

Mo Heng pointed his Sky Measuring Ruler, and multiple ruler shadows appeared, sealing the space ahead!

Gongsun Jing's whisk transformed into thousands of silk threads, wrapping toward the immortal transformation grass!

Their speed was pushed to the extreme.

However, someone was even faster than them.

Next to the giant rock, the space less than three feet above the immortal transformation grass rippled slightly, like water.

The next moment, the seven-colored immortal transformation grass, with its contained radiance and abundant Dao Charm, vanished into thin air!

Just like that, without any warning, it was gone!

Zhao Pan's afterimage grabbed nothing but air.

Mo Heng's ruler shadow landed on emptiness.

Gongsun Jing's whisk threads only wrapped around a faint residual fresh herbal scent.

The three figures froze in place, their expressions instantly solidifying, replaced by extreme astonishment and confusion.

The smile on Qi Ming's face froze, his mouth slightly agape.

Qi Hao's pupils suddenly constricted.

A hint of surprise flashed in Wang Zhiqing's beautiful eyes.

Li Wanru instinctively covered her mouth.

The valley was dead silent.

The Cultivators still watching from afar were also dumbfounded, vigorously rubbing their eyes.

What happened?

Where's the grass?

That big, that shiny, that fragrant immortal transformation grass... how did it just disappear?

Who did it? How did they do it?