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

Some disciples began to make bold guesses.

"It must be for Yang Ling! If it weren't for Yang Ling, why would the sect leader go there in person!"

“That’s right! The sect leader treats Yang Ling as a personal disciple. I’m afraid even personal disciples don’t receive such high treatment!” They all realized how important Yang Ling was to the sect leader.

The reason I went with them was entirely because of Yang Ling.

After all, the sect leader had given Yang Ling all the treasures in the entire treasure pavilion, including treasures that they had never seen before or that they had seen before.

But they had some complaints before, but now they have none at all.

After all, who could defeat Yang Ling? They boarded the treasure ship, with Feng Xueyuan following behind Yang Ling.

"It's perfect that I'm going with you. I have a few friends who will be participating in the selection trials. We can form a team and maybe support each other! Don't underestimate my skills!"

Yang Ling didn't stop Feng Xueyuan; she might actually be able to help at a crucial moment! He also didn't want to have to step in and solve problems all the time.

The old man was very considerate of him; otherwise, he wouldn't have prepared so many things.

He hadn't thought much about the selection competition. His main reason for participating was to test what the Qin family was up to. He didn't care about or even consider the other families.

In no time at all, they arrived at Sunset Valley. In the middle of the valley burned scorching flames; the intense heat could be felt even from afar. Some families had arrived earlier, and their eyes lit up when they saw them. The inner disciples all knew Yang Ling had arrived; they had only heard of his name but had never seen him in person.

They had long wanted to ask Yang Ling just how powerful he was, but they hadn't seen anyone. They didn't dare come out rashly; it was quiet inside. Yan Changlin stood there with his hands behind his back, and directly attacked them.

"They don't take our major families seriously, do they? They've been hiding like cowards, too afraid to show their faces! Do they really think we won't dare to teach them a lesson?"

The other family heads quickly echoed their sentiments. They had come to curry favor with the Yan family; making enemies of them was hardly a wise choice. Besides, they weren't fools!
"That's right! They actually dared to offend you! They really don't know what's good for them! Why don't we go and teach them a lesson ourselves, show them what's what!"

“That’s right! I’ve long heard that they’re arrogant and look down on everyone! And that Yang Ling, he was a disciple of the Qin family, but he left afterward. He’s a typical ungrateful wretch!”

Yang Ling is now incredibly powerful, with keen hearing and sharp eyes. He heard every word they said, and gritted his teeth, thinking: What do these people know?
A cold glint flashed in his eyes. These people were getting increasingly audacious, actually daring to slander him! The others, unaware of Yang Ling's sudden outburst, silently took a few steps back. Mainly, Yang Ling's aura was far too powerful; just getting close made them feel uncomfortable.

The old man naturally knew why Yang Ling was angry, but he could only guess at a few clues.

The disciples behind Yan Changlin exuded an air of arrogance, as if they were the strongest.

Who told them that the Yan family was the most prominent family in Xuan Gu City?

Xuan Gu City was originally built by several sects, but these sects gradually declined, leaving only one struggling to survive. At this time, other families rose to power, eradicating all the sects that refused to submit, leaving no survivors. Born of noble birth and selected as participants in the competition, they were naturally different from the smaller families. Compared to those smaller families, they were far more powerful, which reveals the extent of Yan Changlin's arrogance and conceit.

"I've heard Yang Ling is extremely powerful. He even helped the Qin family's young master establish a family outside, and it's been quite successful. Not long ago, he emerged from the ancient tomb carrying many valuable items!" Yan Lin's eyes darted around, his calculations undisguised. He had long coveted those treasures, and the idea of ​​secretly killing Yang Ling during the selection competition and seizing them wasn't out of the question. Huo Zun stood beside him, his expression calm.

"None of us have ever fought him, so those rumors might be false. His strength might not actually be that great!"

"I'd really like to see if he's better or I am!"

He spoke word by word.

"Alright, we all bear the mission of our families. If we have the chance to kill him, we must not hesitate for a moment. Afterwards, the Qin family will even reward us!" Several families had specially invited the Second Elder of the Qin family to oversee the operation; if they encountered difficulties, he would assist them in killing Yang Ling. In less than a day, almost everyone had arrived. Their gazes all turned to Yang Ling and his group, who had been hiding in the sect. No one knew what they were up to, why they hadn't come out, or what they were planning. Yan Changlin felt mostly disdain, believing they were faking it, which was utterly despicable. He arrogantly raised his chin.

"I've long heard of Yang Ling's extraordinary strength, his past achievements in slaying demonic beasts. Why is he making such a show of it now? Could it be that he couldn't get Yang Ling to come, and is resorting to trickery here?" He said this deliberately to provoke Yang Ling and get him to take action. That way, he wouldn't have to deal with Yang Ling in the selection competition; the Qin family elders would come out and kill him.

The time was almost up, and the Qin family elders stood in the middle.

"I'm from the Qin family, entrusted by the Yan family to come and oversee things. But don't worry, the Qin family won't participate in the battle; I'm just maintaining order. I'll only intervene if anyone tries to break the rules. You can rest assured!" They already knew the Qin family would come, but the Qin family had chosen the Yan family instead—the Yan family was incredibly lucky. They exchanged glances; since the Qin family elder had said so, they didn't press the matter further.

"The selection competition is about to begin, so come out! If you don't come out, do you want us to invite you out?" Yan Changlin said first.

The elder had just given him a wink, trying to get him to force them out.

Seeing that they didn't come out for a long time, Yan Changlin made a move, but was forced back by a force. He took a few steps back, his pupils dilated.

That force was aimed at him, and everyone present held their breath. Could it be? Yan Changlin is the head of the Yan family, his status is so noble, even if he weren't strong, he shouldn't attack him!

"I say, you're so old, how can you still be so shameless? Last time you barked like a dog at the door, and after all these years, you haven't changed a bit!" the old man said calmly and sincerely, his attitude indifferent, not taking him seriously at all, let alone being intimidated by this move. Upon hearing this, the old man's aura instantly surged—it was him!
At the same time, most people were incredulous. Who would have thought that the sect leader would come directly? They had never dared to deal with this sect because of its immense power. Even Yan Changlin didn't want to confront him directly; he was unfathomable, and if a fight broke out, he might not be able to escape unscathed.

Yan Changlin swallowed hard and asked. It was indeed he who had spoken rudely first. He had originally intended to force Yang Ling to make a move, but since an old man had arrived, he couldn't press the matter further.

Now he could only swallow this bitter pill, taking this blow for no reason, which nearly made him lose his footing. The old man said:
"The selection competition is indeed about to begin, but don't forget, this selection competition was originally set up jointly by several sects. Even though you shameless bastards have almost wiped out those sects, the rules still apply, and it's not your place to act recklessly here!"

"As for the rules I set, I'll handle them. What right do you have to interfere?"

"Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. If you keep talking, I'll kill you all!" he shouted. Hearing this, the crowd's expressions turned somewhat grim. They could accept whatever else they were saying, but honestly, he considered Yang Ling extremely important, even bringing up their past relationship. They hadn't met Yang Ling, but they had all heard of his prowess and how outstanding he must be to receive such favor.

Unexpectedly, they treated Yang Ling like a precious treasure. The Qin family elder cursed inwardly, thinking these people were utterly useless, unable to even offer this much help. They had originally thought they could kill Yang Ling outside, but it had dragged on until the selection competition. Yang Ling's life absolutely could not be spared.

The Qin family elder was plotting how to kill Yang Ling when he sensed an aura approaching silently. Although it didn't attack him, the killing intent within was palpable. He knew Yang Ling was provoking him. Gritting his teeth, he recalled the state Yang Ling had left the Qin family patriarch in, and decided to meet Yang Ling specifically. Moreover, the Blood Moon was approaching, and he couldn't afford to let Yang Ling live any longer; he would personally kill him. Don't think you can act tough just because you have some strength. Yang Ling smiled, surprised that it was an old acquaintance—this Second Elder, who had often harassed him back in the Qin family, and the two had a history of conflict.

Now that they've met again, he won't hold back. Not only will he not hold back, he'll make sure the boy never leaves alive.

"You'd better come out as soon as possible; you can't keep hiding inside. We also want to see who this person is!" The old man knew that he couldn't hide forever; what was coming would eventually come. He turned to look at Yang Ling, who nodded.

"Yan Changlin, I know what you're thinking. I want to tell you that I know everything you've done. Don't think you can get away with just a few words. If you dare to use any dirty tricks behind my back, I will kill you both!"

Yan Changlin knew the old man wasn't joking; he was serious.

The old man's gaze was sharp as a sword. His words were undoubtedly a stern warning to them—he would not let anyone who dared to make trouble in the dark get away with it.

Yan Changlin clenched his fists, understanding that these words were a slap in the face. Moreover, as the head of several major families, if anything were to happen to him, he would naturally be held responsible.

The old man understood perfectly well, which was why he deliberately told Yan Changlin these words. Those disciples were naturally no match for Yang Ling, but if the Qin family intervened, many unforeseen events might occur.

"Aren't you being a bit too harsh? Do you think I would actually take action? I respect your age and usually give you face, but don't exaggerate. I, Yan Changlin, have always acted fairly and justly, with a clear conscience and a clear conscience before heaven and earth. If word gets out, who wouldn't know?"

"You'd better do so, or your fate will be like this sword!" Before the words were finished, the old man swung his hand back, and spiritual energy surged, instantly shattering the sword. The explosive force smashed a large crater in the ground. This power forced them back several steps. They looked at each other, secretly on guard; this old man was indeed not to be underestimated.

It seems only the Qin family elders could restrain him. No wonder he acts so recklessly and arbitrarily.

Yan Changlin clenched his teeth, his face extremely gloomy.

The old man was determined to protect Yang Ling. Unfortunately, he wasn't the only one who wanted Yang Ling dead. What good would it do if he didn't intervene? If Yang Ling could leave this place alive, it would be a stroke of good fortune. The Twin Swords Prodigy was the pride of his family, his strength no less than Yang Ling's, and more than enough to defeat him.

"Alright, we're not cowards. Now, all of you, come out!" The disciples within the sect aren't particularly strong; if they were to truly clash with the other families, their chances of victory are slim. The reason for their dire situation is precisely because they've constantly pressured and taken what rightfully belongs to them. That's why the old man has placed all his hopes on Yang Ling.

With Yang Ling's previously displayed combat prowess and talent, winning first place in the selection competition would not be difficult; he definitely has the strength to contend with the members of the major families. Yang Ling stepped forward first, standing at the very front.

The moment he appeared, the Qin family elders couldn't suppress their killing intent, but unfortunately, now was not the time to make a move. The Yan family members turned their gazes to Yang Ling, sneering repeatedly.

"This is the famous genius? He looks nothing special, utterly lacking in skill!" Upon hearing this, everyone else turned to look at Yang Ling. In truth, Yang Ling's aura was extraordinary; it was hard not to notice him.

Yan Lin was filled with disdain.

"What's the use of being strong? It's probably all just boasting. With strength like his, he's all show and no substance. I never imagined that the last sect in Xuan Gu City would fall so low as to need to find help!"

Yang Ling ignored Yan Lin's mockery. He truly disdained to respond. Seeing Yang Ling's silence, Yan Lin's anger flared, and he transferred his rage onto the other disciples of the sect. He smiled, thinking, "If I can't touch Yang Ling, can't I touch the others? I'll vent my anger on them first."

"Look at the people you brought, they're all trash, much weaker than I imagined!" With that, he unleashed his spiritual power. Yang Ling's eyes changed. The disciples in the sect were far weaker than him; how could they withstand this power? Suppressed by his power, they were in excruciating pain, their faces contorted in agony. They tried to retreat but couldn't support their bodies, trembling uncontrollably, blood spilling from their mouths. Only a few managed to stand.

Seeing this, Yang Ling snapped his fingers, severing his aura and repelling him. He helped several disciples up, his eyes filled with icy coldness. Perhaps sensing Yang Ling's intense killing intent, the air itself was filled with the sound of something tearing through it.

"We were too weak, Young Master Zhao! We didn't want to hold you back!" (End of Chapter)