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

"Do you know that the fact that they were chosen as the Twin Swords Prodigies proves that they are exceptionally talented? You must be very careful!"

Yang Ling smiled; it was just a reputation, nothing more. Some people outside even called him a demon, but he didn't care. Yang Ling couldn't wait to meet them.

Just then, a fluctuation of energy emanated from outside. Yang Ling did not make a move, because he was very familiar with this energy; it came from the sect leader.

"Instead of cultivating properly, you all just stand around outside the main hall. Aren't you ashamed enough already?"

"You really think you're so powerful, huh? Now go to the Discipline Hall to receive your punishment!" The disciples' faces turned ugly, and they took a step back.

"metropolitan……"

"The sect leader can't possibly favor him, can he? No matter how powerful he is, he has to show us what he's capable of!"

"That's right, Sect Master, you absolutely mustn't show favoritism!"

"Sect Master, he injured someone as soon as he arrived! We can't just let this go!" They chattered incessantly, and as soon as they finished speaking, they met the Sect Master's gaze. For some reason, the temperature around them seemed to drop a few degrees, and the disciples, somewhat fearful, took another step back. The Sect Master snorted coldly and walked past them. How could he not know their little schemes? They were simply unhappy that he had given all the good stuff to Yang Ling.

When Feng Xueyuan saw the sect leader arrive, she silently stepped aside. After all, the sect leader was her master, and given his status, she naturally couldn't be careless with her etiquette.

"I think you shouldn't participate in this selection competition. It doesn't matter whether you participate or not. Every powerful family has one spot, and I happen to have one."

"I'll give you this spot directly. Just stay in the sect and cultivate. Don't go anywhere else. So you're Yang Ling. No wonder your name sounded so familiar!"

"The Qin family hates you to the bone, and other families are also quite hostile towards you. You've really offended quite a few people!" The sect leader was starting to get a headache. But apart from Yang Ling, it seemed no one else could help them; otherwise, he wouldn't have gotten involved in this mess. Yang Ling gave a dry laugh.

"Even if I don't participate, they won't let me off easily. Besides, things won't be peaceful for long; the real competition is coming soon. Why not go and meet them?"

"You really need to think this through. I heard they've brought in other people to help, even pretending to be family members. It's utterly shameless. And they don't even have any evidence!" Yang Ling smiled and didn't say anything more.

"Don't worry, nothing will happen. Perfect, I'll use them to practice!"

Yang Ling's expression was resolute; he had clearly made up his mind...

Seeing this, the old man couldn't help but feel anxious.

"Anyway, the competition is coming soon, so you can compete with them openly and fairly. You have plenty of time to cultivate and improve. With your talent, dealing with those people is a piece of cake!"

After a long silence, Feng Xueyuan finally spoke.

"I think you should follow the sect leader's arrangements and wait a bit longer. With your current strength, dealing with them should be a piece of cake. Why take the risk at this critical juncture?" The situation is now clear. If Yang Ling insists on going, there's no guarantee that those people won't attack him.

They're bound to fight tooth and nail for a spot in the selection competition. Yang Ling's sudden appearance has become a thorn in their side. What if they can't get rid of Yang Ling, and he actually wins? What's more, some of them are Yang Ling's old enemies.

Yang Ling smirked. As the saying goes, "Since we're here, let's make the best of it. What's there to be afraid of?"
"When I left the Qin family, I was already irreconcilably opposed to them. They wanted my life, so what's wrong with me destroying them?"

The old man's expression was solemn as he patted Yang Ling on the shoulder. His words of advice stemmed from his concern for Yang Ling's safety. Moreover, Yang Ling bore the weight of the sect's future on his shoulders.

He is a prodigy, and if nothing unexpected happens, the sect will surely reach new heights under his leadership. But if things go wrong along the way, wouldn't he become a sinner against the sect?
"You must be careful, don't worry!"

"We will protect you; they won't dare to act recklessly!"

"A true man should not cower and hide!"

"Why not go out and fight them to the death, and kill them all!" Yang Ling gritted his teeth, his blood boiling in his chest as if a flame was burning, and the surrounding atmosphere was boiling.

"Are you really determined to participate in the selection competition?" the old man asked again, unwilling to give up.

Yang Ling nodded without hesitation.

"That's right, I've made up my mind, I will never back down!"

"Since you've made your decision, I will protect you and accompany you. With me here, if those families dare to break the rules, I will risk my old life to ensure your safety!" Yang Ling was startled upon hearing this, not expecting the old man to have such a boastful tone. They had only met twice. Feng Xueyuan was also surprised; since entering the sect, she had never seen the sect leader so assertive. The sect leader rarely showed himself in the sect, and the heads of the other families were either grandstanding or bluffing.

The sect leader has never had much prestige among them, but this time, he is truly going all out.

"Don't worry, the Qin family will give me some face. I will stop those who want to attack you, but that's all I can do, and it may be insignificant to you. You might be hunted down by other disciples!"

“They will also keep an eye on us to prevent us from breaking the rules!” the old man said seriously.

"Then thank you very much! Those disciples are nothing in my eyes. Since they want to take my life, then I will take theirs first!" Knowing that Yang Ling meant what he said, the old man took out a life-protecting jade pendant from his body and handed it to Yang Ling.

"This is a magical artifact with defensive properties. Keep it with you; it could save your life in a critical moment!" Yang Ling quickly calmed down and calmly accepted the jade pendant.

"Thank you very much! However, they won't be able to kill me so easily!"

The old man knew in his heart that anyone who could evade the Qin family's pursuit time and again was no ordinary person. But he was still worried about the possibility of something going wrong. "There's another matter," he said. "How do you plan to deal with those outside who want to provoke you? They won't give up until they achieve their goal!" Although he knew the disciples had left the main hall, they had been lingering outside for a long time. If this continued, it might disturb the peace and order of the group.

This is not a long-term solution. Even if Yang Ling doesn't step in, he will step in to resolve it.

"Forget it, I'll take care of your disciples. I have nothing better to do anyway!" With that, Yang Ling walked outside. The moment everyone saw Yang Ling, they immediately recognized his signature sword and handsome face.

"You've been hiding inside for so long, and now you've finally decided to come out!"

"I thought you'd stay hidden inside forever! I heard you're very strong, dare to challenge us?"

"That's right! Weren't you very powerful in the Qin family? Why are you so scared now?" they shouted, their eyes gleaming with greed, making no attempt to hide their intentions.

How stupid.

Feng Xueyuan looked around and said in a cold voice.

"I thought they were inner disciples, but they're all outer disciples. You've been in the sect for so long, and you actually want to challenge Yang Ling? I truly feel sorry for your choice!"

Those people swallowed hard. To be honest, openly attacking Yang Ling would indeed damage their reputation if word got out.

"But if we win, the benefits will be substantial," one of the disciples said boldly.

"Junior sister, don't worry about it, this has nothing to do with you. We're going to challenge him, do you think he dares to fight us?"

"Exactly! He's not even a disciple of the sect, so why should he enjoy such good treatment!"

"Besides, everyone is equal. We can challenge whoever we want..." Feng Xueyuan stood in front of Yang Ling.

"Since you want to challenge him, why don't you get past me first? You can't even beat me, yet you want to challenge him? That's just wishful thinking!" They were so angry they felt like vomiting blood, and they turned their gazes to Yang Ling. Feng Xueyuan was exceptionally strong and beautiful, unmatched in the sect. Therefore, in their hearts, Feng Xueyuan was as unattainable as the bright moon in the sky. Now she was openly protecting Yang Ling.

What merits or qualifications does Yang Ling possess? What gives him the right to do so?
Those people clenched their fists, already jealous of Yang Ling, and now even more furious.

"Alright! I didn't want to fight you guys in the first place because you're too weak. Since you're still not giving up, then come at me all at once! Let's finish this quickly; I don't want to waste time with you!" As he finished speaking, they exchanged glances, their eyes flashing with surprise. They had heard of Yang Ling's reputation before, but wasn't he far too confident? Challenging so many people! Just the few of them were enough to give Yang Ling a run for his money; with so many attacking at once, wouldn't he be killed?

"Let me handle you! My name is Li Jin, and today I'll be the one to kill you!" he roared, charging forward to show off his strength. He was there to steal the spotlight, and didn't want anyone to overshadow him. Yang Ling was getting impatient. Fighting them one by one—how long would that take?
"You're not qualified! Get out of here!" They were so angry they almost ground their teeth to powder. Yang Ling was too arrogant! Not only did he not take them seriously, but he was also incredibly boastful! Feng Xueyuan looked at the group and silently took a step back. You can't reason with these damned devils!
I've witnessed Yang Ling's strength before. He used to be able to easily kill enemies far stronger than himself; now, so much time has passed, who knows just how powerful he's become!

The man at the front hadn't even figured out what was happening when he was violently blasted away by the aura erupting from Yang Ling. He coughed up a mouthful of blood and was sent flying more than ten meters away.

He looked up at Yang Ling, his heart filled with deep fear, and he was secretly horrified: How did Yang Ling do that? Could he really be a monster?

They had long heard of Yang Ling's extraordinary strength, but they never expected him to be this powerful.

This power was fully displayed in Yang Ling, who was filled with resentment. Then, Yang Ling flashed and instantly appeared in front of the others. Before they could even see his shadow, they were all shoved aside, their faces bruised and swollen. Within seconds, everyone was sent flying to the ground.

They wailed in agony. If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they would never have believed that Yang Ling possessed such strength!
Yang Ling is terrifying! He stood still, already expecting this outcome. Yet these people still dared to provoke him; he couldn't help but sigh.

"So what if you all come at me together? You're no match for me!"

He had intended to use these people as practice subjects, but to his surprise, none of them could stand against him, and none of them even qualified to be his practice subjects...

Yang Ling could kill them with ease. He turned and left, leaving behind a warning: "You are too weak. Don't come again next time, or you will suffer the consequences!" Feng Xueyuan took in Yang Ling's actions, her lips twitching slightly, thinking that Yang Ling was still as pretentious as ever.

The next morning, Yang Ling slowly opened his eyes while cultivating. He hadn't slept all night and had absorbed almost all the spiritual energy, showing faint signs of a breakthrough. He stretched his body, feeling no fatigue whatsoever.

With his formidable physique, he could recover quickly even after several days of fierce battles. He stepped out of the cultivation room and saw a group of people gathered in the main hall. They were young, their eyes filled with hope for the future. When Yang Ling appeared, they all turned their gazes towards him, their initial disbelief replaced by admiration. Yang Ling's exploits from yesterday had already spread throughout the entire sect.

He proved the rumors true with his own strength; his ability to single-handedly defeat so many people was terrifying. The old man nodded in satisfaction, feeling he hadn't made the wrong choice.

"Once you enter the selection competition, do not act recklessly. Disciples who participate in the selection competition will have the opportunity to enter the sect's back mountain; this is a special qualification I am granting you!"

"As for the selection competition, it will be held in Sunset Valley. Sunset Valley has a natural barrier, so please be careful and respectful to each other once you enter. Do not act rashly. I hope you will cherish this opportunity!" They clenched their fists, extremely excited. Finally, they could go to Sunset Valley! Even if they failed in the selection competition, treasures often appeared in Sunset Valley.

Maybe they can get one! Yang Ling stepped forward to greet the old man, showing no stage fright even in front of so many disciples.

"Be careful, I believe you'll be alright!" the old man sighed. The sect's situation wasn't optimistic; several families wanted to oust them. Some of the previous sects had been scattered and swallowed up by families, and now Yang Ling was their only hope; they had to ensure his safety at all costs.

At this point, he took out a treasure ship from his storage ring. This treasure ship was a magical artifact that could not only withstand attacks but also quickly reach its destination.

"I'll go with you. You must stay here and behave yourselves. Don't come out without my permission!" They were puzzled by the old man's words. There had been selection competitions for so long, but they had never seen the sect leader go in person before.

"How could this be? Didn't the sect leader refuse to go with us before? Not only did he refuse to go, he also told us to produce some results!"

"Exactly! Why did you change your mind?" (End of Chapter)