Fang Hao’s heart rate quickened uncontrollably as he exited the Mission Hall.

mysterious spirit grass! There was finally news!

A Senior Brother who had just returned from the Cangjie Mountain Range revealed that someone had seen traces of the mysterious spirit grass deep within those primitive mountains. Although it was only a rumor, it was the only lead in months.

Fang Hao immediately returned to his residence to begin meticulous preparations. The three-thousand-mile journey was fraught with danger, not to mention the hidden threat of Bao Zhijian.

He took stock of his assets: sufficient Medicinal Pills, a complete set of Talismans, and an improved, more powerful Formation Plate. The protective Magic Treasure gifted by Liang Ling was also kept close to his body. Most importantly, his cultivation at the Qi Refining Great Perfection gave him more self-preservation capability.

"I must depart quietly," Fang Hao thought. He deliberately accepted a few ordinary missions to create a cover, then quietly left the Sect in the dead of night.

After flying on his sword for a day, Fang Hao was far from the territory of the Azure Cloud Sect. He specifically took a long detour, changing direction several times, and only turned toward the Cangjie Mountain Range after confirming no one was following him.

However, Fang Hao had underestimated Bao Zhijian’s murderous intent.

Just the day after he left the Sect, Bao Zhijian received the news.

"He went to the Cangjie Mountain Range?" Bao Zhijian sneered. "He’s truly seeking his own death! Zhao Ping, call Wang Meng and Li Li; this time, we must make sure he doesn’t return!"

Zhao Ping hesitated and said, "Senior Brother Bao, the Sect rules..."

"Rules?" A fierce look flashed in Bao Zhijian’s eyes. "The Cangjie Mountain Range is infested with Demon Beasts; it’s perfectly normal for a Disciple to die there! Who would know it was us?"

Three days later, Fang Hao arrived at the outskirts of the Cangjie Mountain Range. The mountains were undulating with towering ancient trees, filled with Spiritual Qi but carrying a primitive wildness.

He crept in carefully, moving deeper according to the clues. There were many Demon Beasts here, and Fang Hao had to be vigilant at all times, which slowed his speed significantly.

On the fifth day, Fang Hao discovered a clue in a valley—a few silver leaves unique to the mysterious spirit grass! Although they were withered, they were indeed genuine!

"It’s nearby!" Fang Hao’s spirits lifted. He activated his Clear Spring Spirit Eyes and searched carefully.

Sure enough, in a hidden cave behind a waterfall, he saw three stalks of mysterious spirit grass! The silver leaves shimmered, and the Spiritual Qi was overwhelming!

But Fang Hao did not rush forward rashly. Such Spirit Medicine must have a guardian Demon Beast. He concealed his aura and observed carefully.

Deep in the cave, a giant silver-scaled python was coiled, radiating the pressure of a Third-tier Peak Demon Beast!

Fang Hao frowned. This was equivalent to a Cultivator at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, extremely difficult to deal with.

Just as he was racking his brain for a countermeasure, he suddenly felt a sense of impending danger! Three sharp attacks struck from behind!

Fang Hao hurriedly used his Divine Spirit Steps to dodge, but he was still a step too slow. The Sword Qi, blade light, and Spells attacked simultaneously; although he avoided the vital points, he was still shaken by the shockwaves, causing his blood to surge!

"Who is it?" Fang Hao turned around in shock and anger.

Bao Zhijian walked out slowly with Zhao Ping, Wang Meng, and Li Li, wearing a mocking expression: "Junior Brother Ning, what a coincidence!"

Fang Hao’s heart sank. The worst-case scenario had happened!

"What is the meaning of this, Senior Brother Bao?" Fang Hao said calmly, secretly preparing Talismans and his Formation Plate.

"What is the meaning of this?" Bao Zhijian sneered. "I gave you a way to live, but you refused to take it, insisting on seeking your own death! Today, I will let you be buried in this Cangjie Mountain Range!"

After speaking, he waved his hand, and the three of them attacked simultaneously! Bao Zhijian was at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, Zhao Ping at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage, and Wang Meng and Li Li at the Qi Refining Great Perfection. Their combined attack was astonishing!

Fang Hao responded with all his might. He pushed his Divine Spirit Steps to the limit, unleashed his Starfall Sword Art with full force, and deployed various Talismans and Formation Plates.

But the gap in strength was too great. Bao Zhijian led the attack, each sword strike as heavy as a mountain; Zhao Ping provided support with tricky Spells; and Wang Meng and Li Li flanked him, coordinating perfectly.

Fang Hao soon fell into a disadvantageous position, with several wounds on his body and blood staining his Dao robe.

"An ant is just an ant!" Bao Zhijian’s offensive became increasingly fierce. "A mere Qi Refinement Stage, and you dare to oppose me!"

Fang Hao gritted his teeth and persisted, his mind racing. A head-on fight was definitely not an option; he had to find a way to escape!

He deliberately revealed a flaw, baiting Bao Zhijian into attacking with full force, then suddenly activated his improved Confinement Formation! With a flash of light, the four of them paused for a moment.

Although it was only for an instant, it was enough for Fang Hao! He rushed toward the cave behind the waterfall without hesitation!

"You want to escape?" Bao Zhijian shouted angrily, chasing closely behind.

Fang Hao rushed into the cave and went straight for the mysterious spirit grass! The guardian python was startled and lunged forward violently!

Fang Hao did not dodge or evade; he sprinkled a special medicinal powder—realgar powder specifically for snake-type Demon Beasts! The python was suppressed by the powder and went wild, but it happened to collide with the pursuing Bao Zhijian!

"Damned beast, you’re courting death!" Bao Zhijian roared, forced to deal with the python first.

Fang Hao took the opportunity to harvest the three stalks of mysterious spirit grass and fled deep into the cave. Behind him came Bao Zhijian’s roar and the python’s hissing, the battle raging intensely.

The depths of the cave were intricate and complex, and Fang Hao fled with all his might. However, Bao Zhijian soon dealt with the python and caught up, moving extremely fast!

"Let’s see where you can run!" Bao Zhijian slashed with a wave of Sword Qi. Fang Hao barely dodged, but he was shaken by the shockwaves, causing his blood to surge.

Just as he was about to be caught, Fang Hao suddenly discovered an underground river ahead and jumped in without a second thought!

Bao Zhijian followed closely behind, but his expression changed after entering the underground river: "Spirit-suppressing Water?"

Fang Hao also felt it; the water in the underground river could actually suppress Spiritual Qi! All Spells and Magical Artifacts were rendered ineffective!

"Hahaha! Heaven helps me!" Bao Zhijian laughed. "Without being able to use magic power, let’s see how you escape!"

He drew a long sword and approached step by step. Although he couldn’t use magic power, the physique of a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator was far superior to that of the Qi Refinement Stage.

Fang Hao’s heart sank to the bottom. In this spirit-suppressing environment, he was definitely no match for Bao Zhijian!

At the critical moment, Fang Hao suddenly remembered the swimming skills he learned in the illusion. At that time, in the "Questioning Heart Platform" illusion, he had survived in a torrent as a Mortal.

Fang Hao dove to the bottom of the water and followed the current. Bao Zhijian chased closely, but he was clumsy in the water, and his speed was greatly reduced.

The underground river was winding and deep, and Fang Hao gradually widened the distance thanks to his agile movements. Bao Zhijian was furious but helpless.

After an unknown amount of time, a light appeared ahead. Fang Hao swam with all his might, rushed out of the water, and found himself in a valley.

He hurriedly went ashore to check his injuries. He had multiple wounds on his body and his internal organs were shaken, but he had finally escaped the disaster.

"Bao Zhijian..." A cold light flashed in Fang Hao’s eyes. This grudge was now massive!

After adjusting his breathing for a moment, Fang Hao determined his direction and fled toward the outside of the mountain range. The most important thing now was to keep the mysterious spirit grass safe and return to the Sect as soon as possible.

Three days later, Fang Hao finally walked out of the Cangjie Mountain Range. Although covered in wounds, the three stalks of mysterious spirit grass were intact.

Six of the seven main ingredients had been obtained; only the final heavenly star grass remained!

On the way back to the Sect, Fang Hao was even more careful. Since Bao Zhijian had failed this time, he would definitely not let it go.

Sure enough, as he approached the Sect, Fang Hao discovered someone spying on him. He immediately changed his route, took a detour, and secretly returned to the Sect from the back mountain.

Returning to his Immortal Cave, Fang Hao let out a long sigh of relief. Although he had narrowly escaped death this time, the gains were huge. Not only did he obtain the mysterious spirit grass, but his cultivation had also become more stable through the life-and-death struggle.

"I must reach the Foundation Establishment Stage as soon as possible!" Fang Hao clenched his fists. Only by successfully reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage would he have the strength to contend with Bao Zhijian!

Now only the last main ingredient remained—heavenly star grass. It is said that this herb only grows where the power of the starry sky is dense, and it is extremely rare.

Fang Hao decided to gather information while preparing for his Foundation Establishment. Once he had collected all the medicinal ingredients, he would start the furnace to refine the Medicinal Pill and attempt the Foundation Establishment.