Chapter 1122: Immortal of Hundred Herbs

Empowered by He Lin's magical abilities, wherever Yun Che went, all the flowers, plants, and trees seemed to awaken from a deep slumber, exuding a fresh and potent natural aroma. Even though he was seeing many of them for the first time, Yun Che could perfectly identify their names, characteristics, spiritual properties, and medicinal uses—without exception.

Yun Che's gaze continuously scanned his surroundings, identifying various spiritual flowers he was clearly seeing for the first time. Yet, his body never paused for a moment. The sensation from the Sky Poison Pearl grew increasingly intense, mirroring his own rapidly quickening heartbeat.

It was close...getting closer...

Once he obtained the Emperor Immortal Grass, he could refine the "Universe Five-Jade Pill." After successfully refining it, he would be able to directly break through to the Divine Tribulation Realm.

Although Mu Xuanyin had once said that even if he acquired the Universe Five-Jade Pill, it was beyond his current cultivation level to refine it alone and would require her assistance, Yun Che had already, on multiple occasions, forcibly refined elixirs that other profound practitioners of the same level could not. He had sufficient confidence in his unique profound veins and physique.

He had personally experienced the significant drawbacks of massive profound energy leaps in the Divine Way...

But achieving Divine Tribulation would qualify him to participate in the Profound God Convention and enter the Eternal Heaven Divine Realm... allowing him to see Jasmine!

Only this final step remained... and it was a small step, so close at hand!

Yun Che's thoughts swirled uncontrollably. Jasmine was the sole reason he had abandoned everything to come to the God Realm. He had arrived with hope, only to be met with disappointment and even despair. Ultimately, the "Universe Five-Jade Pill" that Mu Xuanyin spoke of had reignited what felt like his only hope.

With it so close, how could he not be excited?

The Sky Poison Pearl's reaction grew increasingly intense. Finally, with a flash of green light, Yun Che's body halted, and his gaze slowly descended.

Below was a sturdy ancient tree, less than twenty zhang tall, but a full ten zhang thick, with sparse, slender branches and leaves.

At the top of the ancient tree, amidst the branches and leaves that exuded a heavy, ancient aura, a peculiar stream of light gently swayed, like immaculate moonlight spilled upon green leaves in the wind.

At this moment, Yun Che's heart stopped, and he forgot to breathe.

How could the wood spirit energy from He Lin not contain information about the Emperor Immortal Grass, known as the Emperor of Ten Thousand Woods and the Immortal of a Hundred Herbs?

Growing on the ancient tree, it was emerald green and slender, each blade of grass only a few inches long, dancing gently in the wind. Were it not for the captivating stream of light enveloping it, it would appear to be a common plant, attracting no attention whatsoever.

Yet, this was the Emperor Immortal Grass, a heavenly treasure coveted throughout the entire God Realm, even by upper star realms!

Taking a deep breath, Yun Che descended from the air, landing gently on the ancient tree.

An existence at the level of the Emperor Immortal Grass possessed considerably high spiritual intelligence and knew how to protect itself. Its aura would spread to all surrounding flora, making it difficult to pinpoint its exact location even when its presence was sensed. Furthermore, upon detecting the approach of a dangerous creature, it would conceal its radiance, becoming indistinguishable from an ordinary plant.

It could even disappear by merging into wood.

However, as Yun Che approached, it not only refrained from hiding or fleeing but instead glowed even brighter, its blades of grass slowly unfurling and inclining towards Yun Che's direction.

Yun Che possessed the power of a Royal Wood Spirit, which held a strong affinity and attraction for entities like the Emperor Immortal Grass.

Yun Che extended his left hand, carefully touching the Emperor Immortal Grass. The emerald green light from the Sky Poison Pearl instantly enveloped it.

Others harvesting the Emperor Immortal Grass would need to exercise extreme caution, but given the nature of the Sky Poison Pearl, the moment its green light flashed, it covered every single rootlet, perfectly collecting the plant without the slightest damage.

Emperor Immortal Grass... This is the Emperor Immortal Grass... It's mine!

Yun Che's hand trembled, and his heart pounded with a silent cry.

Qilin Horn, Ancient Dragon Heart, Wood Spirit Pearl, Nine-Star Buddha God Jade... and Emperor Immortal Grass!

To refine the Universe Five-Jade Pill, a miraculous item capable of creating wonders, the five required materials were all extraordinary treasures, each incredibly difficult to acquire on its own.

The Qilin Horn was easily obtained in the Ice Wind Empire of the Snow Song Realm.

In the God Burying Inferno of the Flame God Realm, he and his master risked their lives to acquire the heart of an ancient Horned Dragon.

The Wood Spirit Pearl bestowed by the Wood Spirits...

The Nine-Star Buddha God Jade, which felt like a gift from heaven...

And now, the Emperor Immortal Grass was also in his grasp.

In less than a year, he had actually gathered all the materials needed to refine the Universe Five-Jade Pill!

"Jasmine, it seems... even heaven wants me to see you again," Yun Che murmured.

As he whispered, feeling the peculiar warmth in his hand, all the turmoil, dangers, pain, fear, and helplessness he had experienced since arriving in the God Realm suddenly seemed insignificant.

The Emperor Immortal Grass, enveloped by the Sky Poison Pearl's light, still glowed brightly, exuding an undiminished aura of high-level life. Yun Che's hand tightened slightly, then quickly loosened, slowly suppressing the turbulent waves in his heart. At that moment, his eyes suddenly changed, and he spun around abruptly, instantly storing the Emperor Immortal Grass into the Sky Poison Pearl.

A figure descended from the sky, clad entirely in dazzling golden robes. He smiled at Yun Che. "Oh, you actually sensed me. You truly aren't simple, young man."

"So it's Emperor Nanlie," Yun Che's gaze darkened slightly. "Were you following me?"

"Indeed," Emperor Nanlie admitted directly. "There are too many oddities about you. You infiltrated the Ancient Phantasy Sea Realm, which belongs to our Three-Star Realm, and should have remained hidden. Yet, you deliberately exposed yourself to everyone to save an unrelated person. It seems there's no better explanation than using the opportunity to make that old man Mu owe you a favor."

Yun Che said nothing.

"You claimed you were transported to the underground palace passage by a spatial profound formation, which was already strange. Then you used that stone to dispel the poisonous miasma that even the three of us combined couldn't pass through. That miasma was so terrifying, it likely required at least the power of a Divine Sovereign to break through, yet you easily dispersed it with a small stone. The value of that stone is probably immeasurable, yet you willingly produced it. All your actions told this King two things: first, that you came specifically for the Emperor Immortal Grass; and second, that you seemed to have considerable confidence in finding it."

"So this King thought that by following you, there might be a pleasant surprise. Tsk, tsk, it seems I was right." Emperor Nanlie extended his hand towards Yun Che. "Will you hand it over obediently, or shall this King exert a little more effort and take it from your corpse?"

Yun Che showed no sign of fear; instead, he looked composed. "Emperor Nanlie, I did indeed come for the Emperor Immortal Grass; after all, any profound practitioner would covet such a divine artifact. However, you seem to have forgotten something. Before entering here, we had an agreement: whoever found the Emperor Immortal Grass first would own it, and others were strictly forbidden from seizing it by force. As Emperor Nanlie, you are not only a monarch of a nation but also a king of a realm. Surely, you wouldn't be a shameless person who goes back on his word, would you?"

"Heh!" Emperor Nanlie laughed. "This King initially thought that for you to stand up to the three of us as you did, you must be extremely intelligent. Who knew, you're just a brainless fool after all. Tsk, tsk, still too young, indeed."

As his voice faded, his smile remained, but his body suddenly plunged down from the sky, heading straight for Yun Che.

"Old Scoundrel Nanlie, stop!!"

At the same time, a thunderous roar suddenly echoed through the air, and a bolt of azure profound energy slammed down, transforming into countless water arrows that enveloped Emperor Nanlie's entire body.

Emperor Nanlie let out a heavy snort, swept his golden sleeve, and scattered all the water arrows. He was pushed back a considerable distance by the recoil, squinting at the suddenly appearing figure. "Old Man Mu, what a coincidence you've arrived."

Mu Baimei descended from the air with a powerful gust of wind, landing with a "whoosh" and glaring angrily at Emperor Nanlie. "Old Scoundrel Nanlie, what are you doing? As a dignified Divine King, to lay such a vicious hand on a junior a hundred times younger than yourself, aren't you ashamed of yourself?!"

"Heh heh," Emperor Nanlie sneered. "Old Man Mu, you're so smart, surely you can guess why this King acted, can't you?" He pursed his lips. "This kid is truly something else. Our spiritual senses covered a hundred miles, yet found nothing, while he immediately located the Emperor Immortal Grass. It's in his hands now. What do you plan to do, Old Man Mu?"

"Oh!?" Mu Baimei looked at Yun Che. "Ling Yun, is this true? You've really obtained..."

Before finishing his sentence, he suddenly turned and glared coldly at Emperor Nanlie. "Since Ling Yun has obtained the Emperor Immortal Grass, then according to our prior agreement, it already belongs to him, and no one may seize it by force! Old Scoundrel Nanlie, you are a person of considerable standing. To commit such a despicable act for a mere Emperor Immortal Grass!"

"Hmph!" Emperor Nanlie chuckled mockingly. "The agreement was between the three of us. As for this boy, you were the only one who agreed to it; this King never did."

"Without Ling Yun, none of us three could even enter this place," Mu Baimei retorted furiously. "Whether you agreed or not is irrelevant. Since this King has given his word, I will absolutely not allow you to seize it by force. If you dare to harm Ling Yun again, don't blame this King for being impolite! Once we leave this place, if word spreads about your vile and shameless actions for the Emperor Immortal Grass, I fear your entire star realm will be disgraced because of you!"

"Hahahahaha!" Emperor Nanlie burst into laughter. "Well said, truly well said. As expected of Old Man Mu, those words are truly righteous and deeply moving. If you keep going, this King fears he'll be moved to tears and die of shame."

"What happened!? The aura of the Emperor Immortal Grass—it's gone!"

A heavy voice echoed as Han Kuan arrived, landing beside Emperor Nanlie.

"The Emperor Immortal Grass has been found, and it's in that boy's hand," Emperor Nanlie said with a grin. "Sect Master Han, what do you plan to do?"

Han Kuan's expression shifted. He looked at Yun Che and Mu Baimei beside him, remaining silent, his face contorting through various emotions.

"Just now, that old scoundrel Nanlie actually betrayed our agreement and suddenly launched a malicious attack on Ling Yun. Had this King not arrived just in time, Ling Yun would likely have fallen victim to his cruel hand," Mu Baimei stated solemnly. "Ling Yun is not only my son's savior, but our ability to enter this realm was also thanks to his help. His finding the Emperor Immortal Grass first is fate's decree. According to our agreement, none of the three of us may seize it. Sect Master Han, surely you wouldn't stoop to the same shameless actions as this old scoundrel Nanlie, would you?"

Han Kuan chuckled, though his expression was rather grim. "Island Master Mu is truly brilliant. I, Han Kuan, am ashamed to admit my inferiority."

"Good then," Mu Baimei nodded, then approached Yun Che, his expression gentle. "Ling Yun, your obtaining the Emperor Immortal Grass is your destiny. Putting aside the great debt of gratitude you are owed for saving my son, this King would still never permit anyone to forcibly take the Emperor Immortal Grass from you. To prevent any petty individuals from harboring ill intentions, this King will take you out of this place first. Once outside, no one will dare to lay a hand on you, as they at least have some reputation to uphold."

Yun Che nodded gratefully. "Yes, Island Master Mu."

"Let's go," Mu Baimei said, walking in front of Yun Che and extending his hand, seemingly preparing to use his profound energy to swiftly escort him away.

Just as Yun Che extended his arm, Mu Baimei's hand suddenly transformed from an open palm into a grasping claw. His seemingly gentle hand, infused with abruptly surging profound energy, became like a roused viper, striking directly at Yun Che's throat...

It was clearly a merciless, no-holds-barred killing blow!

Accompanying it was the ugly, twisted grin that surfaced on Mu Baimei's face.

*Rip!!*

The verdant earth was violently torn apart, fragmented flowers and plants mixed with swirling sand flew everywhere, but the malevolent grin on Mu Baimei's face froze the moment it appeared.

For what he clutched was not Yun Che's shattered throat, but a fragmented ice phantom.