Chapter 1174: A Turn of Events

Qi Tiannan immediately handed the immortal herb to Fang Chen, who then passed it directly to Yu Tingzhai.

"Garan Seed of Immortality, a fourth transformation immortal herb of the Great Luo Immortal Path. Take it."

Yu Tingzhai was momentarily stunned. However, he quickly recovered, taking the herb from Fang Chen's hand and swallowing it without hesitation.

In the next instant, Fang Chen quickly retracted him into the World Gourd, disappearing along with Qi Tiannan.

Everything happened in the blink of an eye. It was so fast that even the Golden Sun Sect ancestor hadn't reacted yet.

By the time he came to his senses, the place was completely empty.

"Just now... It seemed someone took the herb?"

"I remember that person was the one who snatched it."

"Once the herb is consumed, even if you cut open their belly... you can't get it back..."

The Loose Immortals exchanged uneasy looks, their faces darkening. They glanced toward the Golden Sun Sect ancestor and saw that he was calm, making them feel more suspicious.

A third-transformation Loose Immortal sternly said, "Jinyang, you say you made no deals with this person? He swallowed the immortal herb right in front of you. Since this herb appeared on Huogui Star, all our sects and schools should share in it. If we lost our share, isn't it Golden Sun Sect's responsibility to make it up?"

The speaker had a fourth-transformation Loose Immortal backing him, so he didn't fear the ancestor.

The ancestor smiled, looking at the third-rank immortal. Just as everyone thought he would explain, he made his move.

In an instant, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

With the force of thunder, the Golden Sun Sect ancestor suppressed the insolent third-transformation immortal before all present. He grabbed the third transformation immortal like a dead dog, pulled him close, and smiled. "What did you just say?"

"I said you owe us compensation," said the third-transformation Loose Immortal, not backing down. His eyes blazed with anger as he shouted, "The Garan Seed of Immortality, a fourth transformation herb of the Great Luo Immortal Path, is the hope of all third-transformation cultivators here to advance to the fourth transformation!"

He continued in fury, "You are already at the fourth transformation, so this herb is useless to you. You don't care, right? But ask the third-transformation cultivators here how important the Garan Seed of Immortality is to us! Since there was an agreement earlier, but the herb was taken first, don't you think your Golden Sun Sect is at fault? Anyway, my lifespan is nearly spent. If you want to kill me, do it. Kill me, and I wonder if Golden Sun Sect will still have a foothold on Huogui Star!"

The Golden Sun Sect cultivators were furious, but noticed the third-transformation Loose Immortals' eyes turning murderous. Their looks at the sect cultivators were filled with anger and a hint of deadly intent.

The patriarch was silent for a few breaths, then chuckled lightly, straightening the third transformation immortal's collar.

"As I said, the Golden Sun Sect acts with integrity and uprightness. We would never do anything behind your backs after coming to an agreement. I don't know those few people just now. But I will make sure Golden Sun Sect pins them down in the future until they are caught and made to apologize before you all. As for your losses, Golden Sun Sect will take responsibility for part of it. Of course, that must be discussed with the elders behind you."

Seeing the ancestor actively easing the tension, the crowd's expressions softened somewhat.

"To swallow the herb right before my eyes and vanish without a trace... that's quite the trick. No wonder you dared to target me. Golden Sun Sect cultivators, obey my orders. Investigate thoroughly! I want to see how many of these people are hiding on Huogui Star!"

"Yes!"

***

At Yinsheng Sect, after Fang Chen left Yu Tingzhai behind, he departed again, leaving Yu Tingzhai alone in the quiet chamber, feeling disoriented.

First, Yu Tingzhai and the Master of Dangyin Mountain had fought desperately together to seize the immortal herb. Then he returned to Yinsheng Sect to recuperate.

But in the blink of an eye, the immortal herb had been consumed. Everything had taken a completely unexpected turn.

He never imagined that this immortal herb would ultimately end up in his own hands and become his chance to ascend to the fourth transformation.

"Garan Seed of Immortality, Dao of the Great Luo Immortal..." Yu Tingzhai murmured softly.

He immediately activated the sect's protective forbidden technique, and an invisible and intangible ripple spread out from his chamber in all directions, eventually enveloping the entire Yinsheng Sect.

Next came the process of refining the immortal herb. Regardless of how difficult the path of the Great Luo Immortal Dao might be, the opportunity to advance to the fourth level was a once-in-a-millennium chance that he would not waste. If he still couldn't ascend to the fourth transformation after taking the herb, he would destroy his physical body and focus entirely on the Ghost God path.

In the Yinsheng Sect's reception hall, Nie Changkong and several second-transformation Loose Immortals had been meeting up with some guests when the sect's protective formation flared to life, catching them by surprise.

Nie Yunqian hurriedly entered the reception hall and said, "Father, it's the sect leader who activated the protective formation."

The second-transformation Loose Immortals were powerful overlords in the Qiufeng region, important guests.

They had been renowned for many years, and their experience as second-transformation Loose Immortals surpassed even that of Nie Changkong and Su Ze.

Nie Changkong was shocked. "Enemy attack?"

In an instant, the Loose Immortals' divine senses surged like a tide, sweeping around the Yin Holy Sect.

After a moment, he shook his head. "I guessed wrong. No one is attacking the Sect."

"Daoist Nie, Daoist Su... perhaps we should conclude our discussion for today. Since the Yin Holy Sect has some private matters, we can visit another time," a second-transformation Loose Immortals said awkwardly, preparing to take their leave.

Nie Changkong smiled and said, "Don't rush to leave. Since the sect's protective formation is activated, no one can enter or leave for now. Might as well wait a little longer."

The second-transformation Loose Immortals exchanged glances, then sat back down with forced smiles.

Nie Changkong continued, "Where were we just now? Oh yes, about your lifespans. As far as I know, you're all nearing the end of your lives. Haven't you considered finding yourselves a way out?"

One second-transformation Loose Immortal said with a dark expression, "We came here today because Daoist Nie mentioned this before, but so far you've been beating around the bush. How are we supposed to respond?"

They had assumed Yin Holy Sect wouldn't act against them, but now the sect gates were closed—no entry, no exit. To them, it seemed a direct provocation.

Nie Changkong smiled. "Then I'll be straightforward. Have you heard of the Ghost God Dao?"

The others' expressions changed.

"We'd like to hear more."

***

True Martial Realm, Yuxu Star.

The three weary travelers finally arrived at their destination a few days ahead of the scheduled time.

"Yuxu Star is quite renowned in the True Martial Realm. The head of the Killing Spiritual Division here is said to be a Corpse Transcending Immortal at the fourth transformation and is far stronger than any of us," whispered Pu Yuanzhu appreciatively.

Chu Jia said with curiosity, "I've heard this person is quite skilled. The Killing Spiritual Division has fought the Spirit God Sect here to a stalemate. This time we'll finally meet them in person."

As they spoke, the formation behind them suddenly glowed again, and several figures appeared. When they saw Pu Yuanzhu and Chu Jia, warm smiles broke across their faces as they greeted them.