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

Yang Ling was once expelled from the Qin family, and he even fought alongside Qin family young master Chen Liyun and others to slay demonic beasts. His deeds were incredibly glorious, especially his battle with Qin Zhen, in which Yang Ling emerged alive. In addition, he had killed countless families, so who didn't know the name Yang Ling? She looked at Yang Ling, an unnatural blush rising on her face. Logically speaking, Yang Ling was more than qualified to be her master.

Yang Ling hadn't revealed his identity, which left her at a loss. Yang Ling calmly withdrew his gaze; there was no need to bother with these people, and they wouldn't dare to cause any more trouble.

"What are you still standing here for? Let's go back to the Qin family. This is where we're going back to the Qin family." Shen Yue shivered and quickly said, "I was blind before and offended you greatly. Please don't hold it against me. I never intended to offend you!" Yang Ling laughed and waved his hand, "Don't worry, I don't mind. Besides, your carefree attitude along the way has pleased me!"

Hearing Yang Ling say that, a huge weight was finally lifted from her shoulders.

The Yang Ling of today is completely different from his former gentle and refined self. Every move he makes exudes an oppressive aura, making her feel intimidated. She seemed to have thought of something and asked, "Why did you suddenly return this time? I heard you obtained the Origin, didn't you use it?"

“I gave it to a close friend!” Yang Ling said, surprised.

He couldn't understand why Yang Ling would so easily give away such a valuable item. Anyone who could befriend Yang Ling must be no ordinary person; he truly wondered who it was that Yang Ling valued so highly. They chatted idly along the way, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the Qin family's residence.

He was secretly surprised; the area was sparsely populated, with several times fewer people than before.

Looking at Yang Ling, he sighed helplessly and said, "You may not know the current situation of the Qin family, but in fact, all of this is quite related to you!" Yang Ling frowned slightly, deep in thought. Could it be because of the Yun family?

"With your intelligence, you must have already guessed some of it. Your family is powerful and rich in spiritual energy, attracting many people to join you, so naturally fewer people come to our Qin family. In addition, after our patriarch was defeated in battle against you, his status has plummeted!"

Yang Ling understood immediately. Now, everyone was eager to increase their strength; the power of a family was no longer the primary consideration. Moreover, the Yun family was founded by them, and their strength was already exceptional. Yang Ling smiled slightly. He knew that many people wanted to pledge their allegiance to him, and the Qin family's current predicament was understandable.

"Wasn't the back mountain destroyed in the past? How are you searching for people now?" Seeing Yang Ling's smiling face, he knew that this matter was inseparable from Yang Ling.

"Our elder possesses a spirit stone that can discern a person's strength; the brighter the light, the stronger the person, so..." he explained earnestly. Yang Ling, upon hearing this, suddenly understood; so that explained it.

He calmly withdrew his gaze, then swaggered forward with Shen Yue. Yang Ling knew this place like the back of his hand and found their destination with ease. The two of them walked in so casually that they attracted the attention of those around them.

"What's wrong with these people? They just swagger in like that, it's outrageous! It's practically cheating them out!"

"Exactly! Lowering the requirements is one thing, but how can they do this? They're completely disregarding us!"

"That must be Elder Shen. Is Elder Shen really that powerful as an outer sect elder?"

"Could he have just pulled someone in randomly? What's so great about this kid besides his good looks?" The crowd was furious. They had finally passed all the tests and were on the verge of success, only to see someone walk in so easily. How could they accept this? The elder outside coughed softly, interrupting the discussion. He remembered Shen Yue as always being cautious; why was she acting like this today? Moreover, given the family's current situation, this would be disgraceful if word got out. In any case, this person had to undergo the tests just like everyone else.

"Make them stop right now. What kind of behavior is it to just swagger in like that? It won't sound good if word gets out, don't you understand?"

"If this attracts attention, it would be even worse!" Hearing the elder's words, he was momentarily at a loss. It seemed the elder had misunderstood; revealing Yang Ling's identity would definitely shock them. Just as he hesitated, Yang Ling stepped forward.

“Since that’s the case, let’s not make things difficult for the elder. I might as well follow the elder’s arrangements, accept the test, and then I’ll be able to enter naturally, right?” The elder nodded, somewhat displeased with Yang Ling’s attitude. What did that mean? Was he looking down on them? Just because he was strong, did he think he could do whatever he wanted? Not just anyone could enter their place. He coughed lightly.

“That’s right, that’s exactly it. You’d better listen to my advice, or don’t blame me for being impolite!” Yang Ling stepped forward expressionlessly. How could he forget what happened back then? The elder looked at Yang Ling, wanting to see just how powerful he was. The surrounding people also gathered around to watch.

"This guy is just a pretty boy. I saw him flirting with women when I was down there. With a face like that, why doesn't he stay at home and instead comes out here spreading rumors and misleading people!"

"Exactly, with that face, and being a man, I wonder whose woman he's trying to seduce!" Yang Ling's facial muscles twitched slightly upon hearing their words. He really wanted to tear their mouths apart; these people were incredibly audacious. He placed his hand on the stone, and the stone instantly trembled. The spirit stone couldn't withstand Yang Ling's aura and shattered instantly. Seeing this, everyone retreated, afraid that the shockwave would injure them.

"What's going on? This force is too strong!"

"Is this kid the source of the aura? If he's so powerful, what's he doing here?"

"Yeah, he's way too strong!" The elder looked at Yang Ling, sensing something was off. Yang Ling's movements seemed familiar, like he'd seen them somewhere before. Suddenly, something dawned on him, and he was startled. It had to be him; who else could it be? He took a few steps back, ignoring everyone around him, and went straight to find the inner sect elder. He had a feeling that Yang Ling had returned to settle scores, not because he genuinely wanted to come back.

The inner elder was fiddling with something in his study, no longer wanting to concern himself with family affairs, feeling they were none of his business.

Seeing the outer sect elder in such a hurry, he was puzzled. The outer sect elder was always composed, what was wrong with him today? It was too strange.

"Aren't you usually quite composed? Why are you so flustered today? You don't act like an elder at all. If the disciples see you like this, they'll laugh at you!" Hearing his words, the outer sect elder didn't care about anything else. He came here to find him, and besides, he knew about this matter.

"Heavens! Don't ask anymore! Yang Ling is here! I saw him outside just now. He's definitely no ordinary person, and I think he's here to see you. You should go see him right away!" Hearing this, the inner sect elder jumped to his feet. Yang Ling really came back? What was he doing back? Rumor had it that Yang Ling was incredibly powerful, and those who had offended him in the past had all met with bad ends. Even if Yang Ling wanted to settle scores, he shouldn't be looking for him. He had intended to go back, but Yang Ling had gone directly to see the Qin family head. Where had that old man gone to hide?
Finally, after a moment's thought, he slowly began to speak...

"The remaining people are quite powerful, definitely stronger than you. You'd better be more careful from now on!" The female patriarch waved her hand lightly.

“They won’t cause trouble for no reason, and their actions are also restricted by the laws of heaven and earth. If they really push me too far, I’ll fight them to the death!” Upon hearing this, Yang Ling’s pupils suddenly contracted, but the female patriarch remained as decisive and resolute as ever.

She didn't hesitate to use such a ruthless tactic that would harm the enemy a thousand while also inflicting eight hundred damage on herself. However, what the female patriarch said was true; if it really came to that, she was indeed capable of doing such a thing.

"Alright, you should go back first. By the way, if you need anything, just let me know, and I will do my best to help you!" He had been with the female head of the family for a long time and could sense that she was different from before, though not necessarily for the better.

"Where are you planning to go? We're partners, are you just going to abandon me like this?" he asked. Yang Ling's lips curled slightly, secretly pleased. He hadn't expected the female patriarch to care about him so much. He didn't want to involve the female patriarch. Next, he planned to find the Qin family head, explain the Qin family's situation, and then seek out Venerable Bodhi to deal with the Dark Gate members together. He would never let those people get away with it.

As for the members of the Power Clan, he would deal with them as well. The female patriarch seemed to have seen through Yang Ling's thoughts, and after a moment of silence, she handed the token to Yang Ling.

"Take it. If you encounter any danger, crush the token at any time, and I will come to your aid as soon as possible!" With that, she turned and left. After the female patriarch left, Yang Ling also hurried towards the Qin family, his speed far surpassing what he used to be.

When he returned to the vicinity of the Qin family, everything remained the same. Originally, Yang Ling planned to visit them directly, but then he reconsidered. When he was expelled from the Qin family years ago, many old friends still harbored resentment towards him and repeatedly caused him trouble. If it weren't for Qin Yixian's repeated assistance, he would likely have had to deal with them for quite some time. Moreover, he had a prior agreement with Qin Yixian that if he returned to the Qin family, he would make them look at him with new eyes and show them how blind they had been. Now that he was back, he naturally wanted to see this friend.

Yang Ling stopped in his tracks, first concealing his aura. His presence was too conspicuous, and coupled with his striking appearance, he stood out even more in the crowd. Everyone stared at Yang Ling, secretly marveling at how he had managed it.
"Such handsome looks, yet his strength is mediocre!"

"What a pity! If that little witch sees him, she'll definitely drag him back to be her male servant!"

"I have never seen such a handsome man. Who is he? With his fair skin and delicate features, he must come from a prestigious family!" Everyone looked at Yang Ling and felt ashamed of themselves. Compared to Yang Ling, they seemed pale in comparison.

On the contrary, the women swarmed around him, their eyes gleaming with fervent desire, wishing they could take Yang Ling home with them.

"Young master, where do you come from? I've never seen you before."

"Young master, you seem unfamiliar with this place. Would you like me to show you the way?" Yang Ling raised an eyebrow and smiled. Now that his cultivation had improved, not only had his aura changed, but his appearance had also become increasingly striking. Coupled with his outstanding temperament, he truly was "a gentleman as refined as jade, unparalleled in the world." He didn't need to say a word; simply walking through the crowd, a group of people swarmed around him. Yang Ling glanced around at the crowd and asked:

"So the Qin family is still recruiting disciples? I remember the Qin family has never lacked disciples, why are they suddenly recruiting so many? Has something happened?" Hearing Yang Ling's words, everyone thought to themselves, so Yang Ling had also been to the Qin family before. It seems he really doesn't have any talent. In the past, the Qin family's requirements for recruiting disciples were extremely high, but things are different now.

“Young master, there’s no need to worry. Our Qin family is different now than it used to be. If you’re interested, I can introduce you. I am an outer elder of the Qin family!” a woman suddenly interjected. She had a lively appearance, and her eyes exuded a gentle aura. Everyone’s eyes widened upon hearing this.

"Elder, what brings you here?"

"My name is Shen Yue, and I'm an outer elder of the Qin family," she introduced herself, while simultaneously sizing up Yang Ling. Shen Yue thought to herself that Yang Ling was undoubtedly the most handsome man she had ever seen. She had met many young members of various families, each exceptionally talented and of extraordinary status, but none of them had ever moved her. However, the moment she saw Yang Ling, she felt that he was her soulmate.

Yang Ling looked at Shen Yue, wondering if Shen Yue had taken a liking to him. He had been away for a long time, and yet someone from the Qin family was taking the initiative to show him goodwill.

“Alright, but I have something to attend to. Since you know so much about this, how about you lead the way? If you're busy, I won't insist.” Shen Yue's eyes lit up immediately. She knew that with her charm, Yang Ling would definitely be interested in her. Besides, she had only just become an outer sect elder; perhaps she could even take Yang Ling as her disciple. She led Yang Ling forward, and the crowd watched as Yang Ling was taken away, their hearts seething with resentment.

They clearly had their eyes on Yang Ling first, so how could someone else have beaten them to it? However, no one recognized Yang Ling as the man who had caused so much trouble back then. Moreover, Yang Ling's status was extremely high; those who had ever seen him were either dead at his hands or had miraculously escaped. Very few people could truly become Yang Ling's friends.

Along the way, Shen Yue took the initiative to chat with Yang Ling.

"If you join the Qin family, I can speak to the inner elders and make you my disciple! If that doesn't work, I can even pull some strings for you!"

"I don't think that's necessary. Those people might find me somewhat familiar after they see me!" Yang Ling said with a smile. Hearing Yang Ling's words, Shen Yue assumed that he had visited the Qin family before and met several elders.

"By the way, I'm not very familiar with this place yet. What do you know about it?" Yang Ling asked. Upon hearing this, Shen Yue led Yang Ling to the nearby Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce had many interesting things to offer, and the president of the Chamber of Commerce was an old acquaintance of Yang Ling's.

Back when he first came to the Qin family, he was questioned and looked down upon by many people, while his friends were loved and respected.

"As long as your strength isn't as weak as I imagine, I can guarantee your safety and even persuade the elders to let you join the family!"

Meanwhile, in another scene...

Shen Yue followed cautiously behind Yang Ling and asked softly:

Where are you planning to go?

"Naturally, I'll go find your family head. He's been in seclusion for a long time. Don't you want to see him?" Yang Ling's response made Shen Yue suspicious. Why did these words sound a little strange coming from a man? What did Yang Ling mean by that?

"Take me to your family head!" Yang Ling's expression was serious. He suspected the family head was secretly plotting something and was determined to find out the truth, no matter what. Shen Yue's face changed drastically upon hearing Yang Ling's words, and she hurriedly said:

"Young Master Zhao, please don't make things difficult for me. Family rules forbid anyone from disturbing the patriarch's seclusion; otherwise, I'll be expelled from the family!" Yang Ling waved his hand, knowing Shen Yue wouldn't take him, but he remembered the patriarch's seclusion was nearby. Yang Ling easily found the patriarch's location, and Shen Yue quickly followed, unable to resist saying:
"You'd better not waste your energy. The patriarch's secluded place is heavily guarded, and he has also set up a barrier so that no one can enter!" Yang Ling seemed to have heard a joke and ignored Shen Yue.

"You've talked quite a bit on this journey, and your attitude towards me is different from others. Why don't I give you a high-level cultivation technique? It'll suit you perfectly!" Yang Ling had countless high-level techniques like this; they were nothing to him. But in Shen Yue's eyes, they were priceless. She was completely stunned. How could he give away such a high-level cultivation technique so casually? Yang Ling was incredibly generous!
The way she looked at Yang Ling also changed.

At this moment, the inner sect elder was still immersed in shock, unable to recover for a long time. Ever since Qin Zhen's defeat at Yang Ling's hands, he sighed helplessly, lamenting the gradual decline of his entire family. The demonic beasts came with overwhelming force, and it was only Yang Ling who held them off. How many scornful looks did their families suffer while hiding in the shadows? Not only did Qin Zhen fail to defeat Yang Ling, but he was also defeated, and his status plummeted. The inner sect elder knew all too well that Qin Zhen's strength was far inferior to Yang Ling's.

What surprised him even more was that after the former patriarch regained power, he turned a blind eye to the matter, as if Qin Zhen was not his son. Upon learning of this, the patriarch simply went into seclusion, ignoring everything. Now that the outer sect elder had brought up the matter again, the inner sect elder felt a chill run down his spine.

"By the way, where is he now? How did he come back?"

"Hurry up and tell me! I feel like he came with a lot of force, he must have a purpose, like he's here to settle scores!" The inner sect elder's guess was correct, Yang Ling did indeed come for this reason.

"He came with great force. I suspect he's here to see the patriarch. What does he want? Let's go and see!" The inner sect elder hurriedly led his men over.

Yang Ling arrived at a certain place and, as expected, sensed the aura of a barrier, an aura he recognized very well. Just then, several young men emerged from the barrier, staring at Yang Ling with menacing expressions. Yang Ling recognized these men; they had once been fellow disciples and possessed considerable talent.

"My fellow disciples, it's been a long time! I didn't expect you to have forgotten me. I'm truly disappointed." When they saw Yang Ling, their hearts tightened and their faces turned pale.

No one expected Yang Ling to return, and they were speechless for a moment.

"Yang Ling, why did you come back at this time? Now that you're back, don't make things difficult for us. We are here on the orders of the family head to guard this place, and we will not allow anyone to enter!"

“That’s right, for the sake of our past camaraderie, please let us go!” Yang Ling waved his hand; he had no deep-seated hatred for them. Since that was the case, they would simply step aside. He had intended to spare their lives, but they stood motionless. Yang Ling gritted his teeth, drew his sword, and the tip was only an inch from their chests. They were terrified and retreated hastily. Yang Ling’s strength was too great! When the inner sect elders arrived and saw this scene, they quickly tried to stop Yang Ling:

"You've just returned, don't go on a killing spree!"

"You should all leave now, there's no need to stay here any longer!" Yang Ling nodded to the inner sect elder. He remembered this person somewhat, after all, he had helped him a lot when he left the family, and had even escorted him away.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming back this time?" The inner sect elder asked with a smile, wanting to get an explanation. Yang Ling swallowed back the words he was about to say, then, as if he had thought of something, said:

"Actually, as you know, I didn't come back for anything major. I just wanted to find Patriarch Qin and get to the bottom of why he colluded with the Dark Gate!"

"He was the one who harmed Saint Xieyun! His actions are unforgivable! I'm here today to uphold justice. I'm sworn enemies with someone like him! Today, I'm going to take his life!" Yang Ling said, each word distinct. The inner sect elder gasped, realizing it really was him! He was more surprised than anything else; who could have imagined this? The inner sect elder calmly withdrew his gaze; in truth, he had already guessed.

"So what should we do next?" he asked, looking at Yang Ling. Yang Ling distanced himself from the inner sect elder, knowing the elder must already be aware of the situation. He was certain that the old man was currently in seclusion healing his injuries.

He was determined to rush in and get to the bottom of this. Seeing Yang Ling about to enter, the inner sect elder asked in confusion:

"Should we take you in with us? But we still need to be careful. Even injured, that man's strength shouldn't be underestimated. Plus, if he really is colluding with the Dark Sect, his strength must be considerable now!" Yang Ling smiled and directly broke the barrier. This barrier was easy for him; he had his own way of dealing with it. Looking at Yang Ling's back, they understood his meaning. Sure enough, Yang Ling was very strong, able to break the barrier in one fell swoop. They definitely couldn't have done it.

Upon entering, Yang Ling was surprised to find another layer of barrier inside. Looking at the person before him, he saw a ferocious face, radiating a thick aura of killing intent. At this moment, the man, half-human and half-beast, roared like a savage beast:
"I will definitely take your life!" Yang Ling looked at him calmly.

This person brought this upon himself; it's not surprising that he did such a thing.

As for his collusion with the Dark Gate, Yang Ling fell into deep thought; the people of the Dark Gate would definitely stir up trouble. (End of Chapter)