One step, two steps, three steps.

Zhang Yuan stepped steadily and forcefully, walking towards the rock ahead.

As the distance closed, he could see the emerald green-leafed herb growing in the crevice more clearly.

Searching his memory, Zhang Yuan confirmed that this was a Jade Heart Grass.

Jade Heart Grass is a rare and precious herb with extremely unique growing conditions.

After the grass fruit is consumed by a fierce beast, its inner core attaches to the stomach lining. When the beast dies, the seed begins to germinate, growing by absorbing nutrients from the corpse.

There is always a fierce beast buried beneath each Jade Heart Grass.

The higher the tier of the fierce beast, the better the quality of the Jade Heart Grass.

Therefore, compared to other natural treasures, the value of Jade Heart Grass depends on its growth foundation.

Not by its age!

In the Martial Pavilion Merit Hall, a Fourth Grade Jade Heart Grass can be exchanged for fifty Daoist Merit.

Previously, Zhang Yuan read a volume of the "Mo Yuan Atlas" in the Martial Pavilion, which recorded thousands of herbs, spiritual materials, and treasures from Mo Yuan, including content about Jade Heart Grass.

Comparing the illustrations and descriptions in this atlas, Zhang Yuan confirmed that the Jade Heart Grass he discovered was at least Fourth Grade.

It might even be higher, at Fifth Grade.

A Fifth Grade Jade Heart Grass is worth two hundred Daoist Merit, four times more than the Fourth Grade!

Zhang Yuan suddenly stopped.

At this moment, he was only ten steps away from the jade-green-like Jade Heart Grass.

Just a few more steps forward, and this valuable treasure would be easy to obtain.

However, Zhang Yuan felt no joy or anticipation at obtaining the treasure, as he subtly scanned the surroundings.

Clang!

The Taowu Saber suddenly unsheathed, its powerful sword aura slashing towards the ground with thunderous speed.

It instantly cut deep into the soil layers!

In the next moment, a jet of dark red blood spurted out.

Roar～

Accompanied by a low howl, the ground in front of Zhang Yuan suddenly bulged, then exploded with a boom, sending countless soil and rock fragments flying like a powerful landmine detonation.

At the same time, a hidden exotic beast soared into the air from underground.

This exotic beast was over three zhang long, resembling a pangolin, covered with dense black-brown scales, with a ridge of sword-like bone spurs on its back, its head full of dark red tumors, looking ferocious and ugly.

As soon as it burst from the earth, thin, cicada-wing-like flesh wings on its sides spread open, soaring ten zhang high, then turning to launch a dive attack on Zhang Yuan.

Whoosh～

The exotic beast opened its blood-red mouth, blasting out a large mass of black poison.

From breaking through the earth to launching an attack took less than three breaths, its ferocity beyond imagination.

More terrifying was the poison it spewed, suddenly exploding in mid-air like a giant net, covering Zhang Yuan and the surrounding area.

Yet faced with this sudden assault, Zhang Yuan remained unfazed.

As if grabbed by an invisible giant hand, he swiftly leaped backward dozens of steps.

At the last moment, he narrowly evaded the beast’s attack.

The next instant, the Taowu Saber in Zhang Yuan’s hand disappeared, replaced by a Profound Black Longbow.

Iron-Clad Bow!

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Three consecutive string sounds, followed by three Fine Iron Arrows shot in rapid succession.

Each arrow was infused with Zhang Yuan’s Primordial True Power, its sharp tri-edged arrowhead spinning rapidly during flight, creating intense friction with the air.

Pfft! Pfft! Pfft!

These three arrows hit the exotic beast’s neck and abdomen, penetrating its hard scale armor defense and lodging deep into its muscles and bones.

Blood gushed from the wounds.

Roar!

Caught off guard, the exotic beast let out a shrill cry, losing balance from the excruciating pain.

It crashed to the ground with a boom!

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Taking advantage of the injury, Zhang Yuan was not one to show mercy, quickly firing another three Fine Iron Arrows.

Each arrow hit its mark!

Using the space ability of the Silver-Hair Rat, Zhang Yuan’s weapon switching speed was unparalleled.

His space also had ample arrow reserves for consumption.

Before when exploring Mo Yuan with a team, Zhang Yuan dared not expose this ability, but now he had no scruples, fully unleashing his prowess.

Roar～

The exotic beast took another three hits, howling in agony.

Although none of the wounds were fatal, it was clearly enraged, its beast eyes turning blood-red as a tempest brewed within.

In mere moments, the Fine Iron Arrows embedded in the beast’s body snapped and fell.

The breaks were close to its skin, the result of corrosive dissolution.

And the wounds quickly sealed and healed!

The exotic beast suddenly turned, its fierce eyes locking onto Zhang Yuan, its four sturdy short legs powered up, launching itself tens of feet into the air to pounce on Zhang Yuan like a mountain avalanche.

Simultaneously, its flesh wings swung forward, their black sharp claws detaching.

They whistled as they shot towards Zhang Yuan.

Zhang Yuan’s gaze intensified, immediately switching the Iron-Clad Bow in his hand to the Taowu Saber, swinging it alternately.

Clang! Clang!

Accompanied by sharp collision sounds, the beast claws akin to darts were struck aside by the saber.

He couldn’t sever them!

At this moment, the exotic beast was already upon Zhang Yuan, its blood-red mouth suddenly shooting out a long blood tongue like a spear, striking at his throat with lightning speed.

This long tongue was like a spear, its pointed tip breaking the air silently, yet incredibly fast.

Zhang Yuan reacted swiftly, promptly raising the saber to block.

Snap!

The blood tongue hit the Taowu Saber’s blade.

An overwhelming impact force pushed Zhang Yuan back several steps.

Roar!

The exotic beast clearly didn’t expect its killing move to be blocked by Zhang Yuan without injuring him.

It roared furiously again, suddenly twisting to whip out its long tail.

Boom!

The beast’s tail, covered in scale armor, carried an unstoppable momentum and violent power, shattering a large boulder in its path, striking heavily at Zhang Yuan.

However, faced with the beast’s earth-shattering strike, Zhang Yuan stood firm without dodging.

His muscles suddenly tightened, his body swelled, and powerful force emanated from him.

Black Giant Ant, sixteenfold strength augmentation!

Jade Mantis, Intermediate Sword Technique Profound Communication augmentation!

Under the dual augmentation, Zhang Yuan swung the Taowu Saber against the descending beast’s tail.

The saber’s body vibrated intensely, a solidified torrent of Blood Evil Qi erupted, transforming into a blazing red flame cutting towards the beast’s tail.

Swoosh! 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Time seemed to freeze; the sword aura silently pierced through the iron-hard tail, instantly slicing it into two.

The cut was smooth as a mirror!