“I have no right to interfere with His Highness’ love life. Besides, Miss Feng and His Highness seem compatible.” Lin Suyin examined the unreserved Tu Xiupei then scoffed, “This time around, Miss Tu, you have barked up the wrong tree when it comes to sabotaging. Compared to you, I am more inclined to befriend Miss Feng.”
While she was disappointed by Lin Suyin’s answer, Tu Xiupei was unwilling to give up just yet. “So, are you willing to just lose to Feng Tianlan? That rotting, ugly piece of wood?”
“If you refer Miss Feng to a rotting, ugly piece of wood, then I won’t have any vocabulary left to describe your ignorance and mediocrity.” Lin Suyin threw Tu Xiupei a disdainful look. “Don’t associate with me. Not everyone is as despicable and mean as you.”
“Lin Suyin.” Tu Xiupei shook with anger. She gritted her teeth and scoffed, “No wonder you are no match for Feng Tianlan. You are too timid. Unlike her! She jumped straight into His Highness’ bed when she had the chance.”
Tu Xiupei had made a mistake in thinking that Lin Suyin would become her ally just because they shared a common enemy. She had assumed wrongly.
Lin Suyin halted briefly. She pretended not to hear anything then journeyed on with her team to search for the Spiritual Grass.
“What happened? Did Feng Tianlan bully you again?” Qi Shujie rushed at Tu Xiupei, who was now alone, only to find her sulking in distress. He immediately felt his heart soften.
What had happened in the few minutes when he was away? Who was bullying her?
Tu Xiupei bit her lips and said, “Never mind, let’s just go. If anyone gets to the Spiritual Glass before us, your promotion to ascend the ranks and be crowned the Spiritual King may be impeded.”
Qi Shujie was deeply moved by how Tu Xiupei kept her troubles to herself and only worried about him and his future. He pulled her into his embrace and whispered softly, “Pei’er, this time around, I will make sure that Feng Tianlan is dead, once and for all. Ferocious beasts heavily guard the Spiritual Grass. While they covet the gains in front of them, they will be unaware of the dangers lurking behind.”
Feng Tianlan’s weak, feeble team stood no chance against those beasts. Even if they managed to survive the ordeal, most likely, they would be gravely injured. Then, they would then ambush them from behind. The Spiritual Grass and Feng Tianlan’s life would surely fall into their hands!
The nearer they came to the Spiritual Grass, the stronger Azurite’s premonitions became. She grew more precise about their direction. Her instincts drew her toward the Spiritual Grass like a compass. With her intuitive abilities, they managed to pinpoint its location.
“Master, look up.” A strong gut feeling led Azurite to spot the Spiritual Grass with one look.
Feng Tianlan and the company followed the direction of her gaze as a glowing, blue plant entered their visual field. With the blue glow coming off the cliff, the sight was as picturesque as it can be.
“I have found the Spiritual Grass!” A yell echoed from beside them.
Luo Yunzhu followed the direction of the sound and noticed that it was someone from Lin Suyin’s team. “Quick, Tianlan, we have to get there first!”
There was only one piece of Spiritual Grass. Once it fell into their opponent’s hands, it would be game over for them.
Feng Tianlan and Lin Suyin charged at the blueish grass at the same time. Luo Yunzhu’s heart was on tenterhooks as loud cheers rose from Lin Suyin’s team.
“We’ve gotten the Spiritual Grass! Miss Lin is incredi—”
Before the crowd could finish their cheers, the Spiritual Grass that was well within Lin Suyin’s grasp suddenly moved and squirmed as if it had been given a will of its own. Everyone was left dumbfounded, but what happened next made their jaws drop.
A vine wrapped around the Spiritual Grass, bound it tightly, then pulled it out, roots and all. It then flew toward Feng Tianlan, nestling comfortably in her palms.
Everyone was stunned.
They were so close yet so far. They had already tasted victory on their tongues, and then it was all taken away so mercilessly.
All of a sudden, the mountains began to shake violently as though there was an earthquake of unimaginable magnitude. The entire peak was threatening to collapse.