Daqin arrests alchemists, what does it matter to me as a qi refiner?

A smile appeared on Yang Ling's face. Although he had never revealed anything to the Chen family head, it was clear that the head had sensed what was about to happen, which was why he had chosen to leave, leaving his son to guard the house. Yang Ling walked ahead, not forgetting to give instructions before leaving:
"You don't need to inform Young Master Chen now. Just tell him that I'm back, and then gather all the disciples of the family here. I have something important to discuss with everyone."

Soon, the entire Chen family gathered together in the courtyard.

Since the Chen family's strength increased, the family's size has also expanded considerably. Young Master Chen was extremely excited upon seeing Yang Ling.

Compared to before, his strength seemed to have improved considerably, and he appeared much more composed. He quickly stepped forward and said:

"Young Master Zhao, you've finally arrived! I was just about to look for you. We didn't expect you to return so quickly; it's truly beyond our expectations!" His words caught Yang Ling's attention. Yang Ling quickly stepped forward and said:
"This is a rare opportunity for us. I can't explain too much to you, I just hope the Chen family can fully cooperate with me. I believe we can lead the Chen family to a better future!"

In truth, given Yang Ling's abilities, there's no need for further explanation; the other families all have complete faith in him and are more willing to follow his arrangements. Yang Ling has always been an object of admiration for everyone. Hearing Yang Ling's words, Young Master Chen scratched his head sheepishly.

Yang Ling's words flattered him.

"Young Master Zhao, please feel free to give us your orders. We will do our best to cooperate with you, so please don't worry!"

As he spoke, he helped Yang Ling sit down, then quickly scanned the crowd. Yang Ling's lips curled slightly upwards, and after a moment, he spoke unhurriedly:
"I'm sure you've all seen what's happening outside. I've gathered you all here to have a serious discussion. I hope you'll take this matter seriously, as it concerns not only the future but also each and every one of you!"

Upon hearing this, everyone held their breath. Yang Ling then used his usual persuasive rhetoric to speak to them, constantly observing their expressions. Since these were all disciples of the Chen family, utterly loyal to them, they quickly believed him.

The old man standing to the side twitched at the corner of his mouth, thinking to himself that Yang Ling's ability to deceive people was sometimes quite unsettling.

However, Yang Ling is no longer the same as before, and his strength has greatly increased. Under these circumstances, everyone naturally believes his words without a doubt.

Yang Ling used the same excuse he had given at the Sword Sect, and everyone stared wide-eyed in disbelief.

What Yang Ling promised them was something that ordinary people could not possibly provide.

Yang Ling then continued:
"We don't have much time left, so you must be very careful. Although there's a huge barrier outside, from what I've observed, it won't last much longer. You must improve your strength as soon as possible so you can face even stronger opponents in the future!"

Everyone understood the meaning behind Yang Ling's words; this was indeed an excellent opportunity for them. This place had once prospered, but had gradually declined, and now it had returned to its peak. They had to seize this opportunity.

Otherwise, they would only be bullied by others in the future. After everyone left, they clenched their fists, eager to begin cultivating. Yang Ling quickly calmed down and continued:

"We really don't have much time left. Young Master Zhao, is what you just said true? Will we face even more cruel choices in the future?" If it were anyone else, he certainly wouldn't believe it, but these words came from Yang Ling's mouth, making it hard for him not to believe. Moreover, Yang Ling's actions this time were very different from before, which made him somewhat flustered.

"Don't worry, we must handle this matter carefully. I have a way to make your family stronger, and it will definitely become a top family in the future!" Yang Ling's words surprised him greatly; he hadn't expected Yang Ling to have such an idea. His expression became serious. After thinking about it carefully, with the resources they currently possessed, becoming a top family was not difficult.

“You’re right, we do have the potential to become a top family!” Yang Ling shook his head and said, “Simply becoming a top family isn’t enough; it’s far from my goal. Besides, it’s not something that can be achieved in a short time.” His words once again surprised Young Master Chen; he hadn’t expected Yang Ling to be so ambitious.

"We can't even become a top family? In such a short time, with such a weak foundation, it would be quite an achievement to become a top family. Even with the current time pressure, it's impossible to succeed all at once!"

"Of course I understand what you mean, but wouldn't it be better if we joined forces? That way our strength would reach a new level!" Yang Ling's words struck him like a heavy hammer.

Yang Ling's words were rather high-sounding and dignified.

At this moment, Yang Ling's eyes were flashing with white light, and he was very clear about the current situation.

The spiritual energy in the world is now extremely abundant, almost rivaling that of those powerful and established families. If one lacks sufficient strength, they will inevitably be slowly devoured by those families sooner or later. Rather than waiting to be consumed, it's better to become stronger.

After that, the situation changed dramatically, and many people began to kill each other.

Yang Ling, along with members of the Sword Sect and the Chen family, intervened in time to stop them, but the group remained dismissive. They thought, even if Yang Ling was powerful, what could he do to them? Could he possibly wipe them all out in an instant?

Normally, Yang Ling wouldn't bother with these people. But he couldn't bear to watch them die in vain, so he thought of helping them improve their strength.

So Yang Ling simply let Ying Zheng and the old man deal with those people. Those people were no match for Ying Zheng and the old man, and could only flee in all directions. After all, Ying Zheng and the old man's strength was far beyond that of ordinary people.

However, a large crowd had also gathered outside the barrier. They sensed the anomaly within and were quite puzzled. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't break through the barrier to enter. Those around them also seemed thoughtful; for them, breaking through the barrier to enter was an impossible task.

Even the Yun family learned of this and immediately sent people over. In their view, there was less and less to seize now, and with such a huge change occurring, they had to do something. But the barrier was indestructible, and they could only watch helplessly.

Even the strongest person would be helpless against this barrier. Yang Ling's actions within the barrier left them bewildered. They believed that even if the family head himself intervened, he might not be able to achieve what Yang Ling had done. They decided to consult with the family head, but even if he came, he would be powerless to help.

They clenched their fists in fury, their anger burning. After learning some information, including that Yang Ling was responsible, Qin Zhen fell into deep thought. The Blood Moon was approaching, and that crucial day was probably not far off. This realization was beyond their expectations.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

It took Yang Ling a long time to stabilize the situation. He eliminated all those who refused to submit and also gained considerable benefits. After the situation stabilized, their attitude towards Yang Ling changed.

"You're not treating us like human beings at all!"

"Yes, I'm an old man, and you're still ordering me around. It's exhausting!" the old man complained to Ying Zheng. Fortunately, Yang Ling didn't respond at all, after all, everyone was thinking about the future.

Their complaints were like hitting cotton, utterly ineffective. Yang Ling, however, hadn't forgotten his cultivation; what he'd obtained in the ancient tomb made him comparable to a large sect. He even brought out some of his own items, further increasing everyone's admiration for him.

During this time, Yang Ling's cultivation level improved considerably. He took a deep breath, and just then, a voice came from outside.

"Those people you sent us to find before, their strength has increased dramatically, far surpassing that of ordinary people. You really have a good eye for talent!"

Some time ago, Yang Ling selected many disciples to help them improve their strength. Unexpectedly, these people quickly displayed astonishing talent, destined for a bright future. Yang Ling remained remarkably calm, after all, he possessed such extraordinary abilities.

However, this also consumed a significant amount of his vital energy. At this moment, one of them said:
"By the way, there's someone outside who wants to see you. He says he's met you before, that he's from another faction, and that he said some nonsense that I didn't quite understand. Should we send him away?"

The man's attitude was neither humble nor arrogant. Yang Ling found it very strange. Even the Qin family patriarch couldn't break through this barrier, so how did this person get in, especially since he was so young?

Yang Ling immediately perked up and gave the order:

"Please invite him in quickly, I want to see him!"

A moment later, the man was brought in. He looked to be no more than a teenager, yet his every move exuded a powerful aura. His eyes, in particular, were unbelievable for someone so young. Yang Ling dismissed everyone and then asked:
"May I ask who you are, senior, and what business do you have with me?" Clearly, this person was no ordinary individual. The man calmly replied:
“I can’t even remember my own name anymore, I’ve almost completely forgotten it. But this isn’t our first meeting, we’ve met before.”

These words caught Yang Ling's attention. Had they met before? Why did he have no recollection of it? Yang Ling was extremely curious; who exactly was this person?
"Don't worry, even I can't break this barrier. I have extraordinary abilities and it took me a lot of effort to transform into this form. My true form isn't here. I'm here to tell you that something big is about to happen in the Qin family, and what you're looking for is inside."

Yang Ling was taken aback. It was about the Qin family. What did this have to do with him? Moreover, he couldn't remember when he had met this person before, especially since this person wasn't from this place.

“You don’t need to be so surprised. Haven’t you always been curious about that female patriarch? She once asked me for help. She wanted to become a powerful force and surpass everyone else, so she wanted to change her fate. I helped her before. As for you, you also received her kindness before, so somehow you got involved in this scheme.”

"You should understand what this means." Yang Ling was shocked, never expecting that he was also involved in this game. Of course, Yang Ling had never wanted to be controlled by anyone, and no one could control him.

"Even so, so what? No one can control me, and no one can defeat me!" he said, emphasizing each word. The old man naturally understood the meaning behind his words.

"Don't worry, you won't."

Yang Ling was slightly taken aback upon hearing the old man's words.

He coughed lightly and asked, "Senior, who exactly are you? How do you know so much?"

"You don't need to know my identity. I've always been different from others, and I believe you'll understand someday," the old man said, emphasizing each word. Seeing this, Yang Ling didn't press the matter further. After all, the old man was no ordinary person, and forcibly probing would be of no benefit to him.

"Then how did you find out about Qin Xiaoxiao?" Yang Ling continued to press.

"You seem quite familiar with Qin Xiaoxiao. Is this related to that female family head?" Yang Ling's eyes lit up as he stared intently at the old man. The old man didn't deny it, but instead explained, "You're right. Qin Xiaoxiao was sent to the Qin family by a twist of fate. Her original path wasn't this, but she still met you. Perhaps it's destiny." As soon as the old man finished speaking, Yang Ling's lips twitched. He thought to himself: Is it too late to not want this kind of destiny now?

The old man glanced at Yang Ling and continued, "Alright, I've said what I needed to say. You should know that your strength is extraordinary; nothing in this world can bind you. As for whether you can break free from the shackles of fate and become the one who controls the game, that depends on yourself." With that, the old man turned and left. He couldn't have stayed here long anyway; it had only taken some effort for him to reveal himself. Even so, the fact that he could infiltrate this place speaks volumes about his strength.

After the old man left, Yang Ling fell into deep thought. The news the old man brought had truly shocked him. More importantly, a treasure was about to appear nearby, which meant his opportunity had arrived.

There was still some time before the treasure appeared, so it should still be possible to get there in time. Yang Ling pondered for a moment and decided not to take Qin Xiaoxiao with him. After all, telling her all this now would definitely be difficult for her to accept. Moreover, Qin Xiaoxiao had always had her own ideas, and if she knew she was just a pawn, she probably wouldn't be able to accept it. Yang Ling was helpless about this.

This is not a problem he can solve; even fate has been caught in the crossfire. He is currently in a situation where he cannot surpass ordinary people.

As for his trip to the Qin family, Yang Ling planned to bring the old man and Ying Zheng along. Since neither of them had anything else to do, and the old man was powerful, his company would provide protection. Of course, Yang Ling wouldn't admit to using the old man as a bodyguard. He muttered to himself. (End of Chapter)