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

Even small demonic beasts are afraid, let alone powerful hidden gates! Those families don't care about the lives of others at all. As long as the demonic beasts don't cause any major trouble, they pretend not to see it, as if it's none of their business.

Which of those families isn't wealthy? Unless the monsters actually come to their doorstep, they'll just stay out of it.

This has caused immense suffering to many innocent people. They understand this, but dare not say much. Yang Ling's willingness to step forward and resolve the issue of the Dark Gate is enough to prove that he is different from those families.

"Young Master Zhao, come with us. You'll understand when we get there!" With that, they led Yang Ling to a cave.

“Actually, Venerable Bodhi had also planned to take us into this cave before. It contains a lot of information about the hidden door, but unfortunately we weren’t interested at the time, so we never went in.” Yang Ling nodded slightly, knowing that he had discussed this matter with Venerable Bodhi when they parted last time, but due to many changes, he had to leave first.

Unexpectedly, upon returning, he found himself separated from Venerable Bodhi by death.

"There are many records about the hidden door in this cave. If Young Master Zhao really wants to know, you should go in and take a look."

"We admire you so much, Young Master Zhao! If only we were half as good as you!" They made no attempt to hide their praise for Yang Ling.

If they could stand up like Yang Ling, those people wouldn't have had an opportunity. Yang Ling didn't speak and walked straight into the cave. The cave was filled with countless things. Yang Ling knew that Bodhi Venerable was once the strongest person and had taken in many disciples. Later, many things happened, and those disciples went their separate ways.

Yang Ling walked around the cave, glancing at the records, intending to get a general understanding before delving deeper. He carefully observed the cave and noticed its strangeness; it seemed to have a protective mechanism. When Yang Ling reached out and touched it, a golden light surged forth.

The golden light posed no harm to Yang Ling. He only felt a sudden darkness before his eyes, and the surrounding scenery instantly changed. He quickly calmed down, observed his surroundings, and found himself in a fresh and elegant place.

Not only that, there was also a stone tablet in front of him. It looked ordinary, but there was a stone at the top of the tablet with complex secret inscriptions on it. Just from the aura it exuded, Yang Ling knew that this was no ordinary object.

The Evil Cloud Saint was extremely agitated and said to Yang Ling:
"You must find a way to get this thing; Venerable Bodhi has brought you a great opportunity!"

Yang Ling was filled with doubt after hearing what the Evil Cloud Saint said.

"What is this thing?" Since the Evil Cloud Saint said so, this thing must be extraordinary.

"You don't even know this? This is a Bodhi tree, containing the power of the Bodhi Heart, which can help stabilize the evil energy within your body. However, you'll have to figure out how to use it yourself!" The Evil Cloud Saint didn't explain in detail, only briefly telling Yang Ling. Yang Ling raised an eyebrow. He genuinely didn't know how to deal with the Dark Gate members and rescue the Bodhi Venerable. Could this Bodhi Heart be of any help?

He pondered for a moment, then walked forward. Each time Yang Ling approached, a powerful aura would erupt from ahead, spreading outwards. The ground beneath Yang Ling's feet cracked visibly. He barely managed to steady himself, knowing that the item on the stone tablet wouldn't be so easy to obtain. He braced himself and continued forward.

With his strength, how could he possibly fail to obtain this item?

This power contained an immense amount of information, capable of crushing everything with a single strike. Yang Ling gritted his teeth, enduring the force, feeling as if his internal organs were being torn apart. But he was determined to obtain it.

This might be a test left behind by Venerable Bodhi. Since it's a test left by a senior, it's definitely not simple. Yang Ling decided to use brute force. He roared, and fortunately, he finally made a breakthrough. However, at this moment, an old man appeared in front of him. The old man was dressed in rags, but his smile was kind and amiable, and a bowl of tea was placed in front of him.

"You've arrived! I've been waiting for a long time, and I haven't seen anyone as interesting as you. Why don't you have some tea with me?" The old man beckoned to Yang Ling. Yang Ling stopped in his tracks, thinking that this man's appearance was quite unexpected; there was clearly no one there just a moment ago. Seemingly sensing Yang Ling's confusion, the old man said:
"You don't need to worry so much. It's already quite an achievement that you passed the previous tests. This final test is just to have some tea with me!" Yang Ling wondered to himself, "Is it really just about having tea?" He shook his head.

"Old man, I have no appetite for tea. Besides, just tell me what you're testing me for!"

"It's not easy for you to pass all those tests, so why don't you sit down quietly and we can talk slowly!" Since the old man had said so, Yang Ling had no choice but to bite the bullet and sit down opposite him. After sitting down, he realized that the old man's strength was extraordinary. He had felt restless and agitated before, but after sitting down, he actually felt much better.

The old man looked at Yang Ling and said:
“To be honest, it’s been a long time since anyone has been able to escape the cave, let alone enter the Bodhi Land. I am the ancient Bodhi tree, existing since ancient times. I value fate above all else. Since you are destined to be with me, why not accept the Bodhi’s inheritance?” Yang Ling smiled and said directly.
"Old man, I don't actually have any intentions. Besides, I have quite a few enemies. If I really agree to become your apprentice, wouldn't it ruin your reputation if word got out?" The old man didn't expect Yang Ling to say that, and quickly realized what he meant.

"What's the big deal? Besides, once you accept my legacy, just be more discreet and don't ruin your reputation!"

"I'm curious, are there any other ancient Bodhi trees now?" Yang Ling looked up at the old man, in his eyes, the old man's skills were extraordinary.

"I'm only telling you this because I feel we have a connection. You should think it over carefully. Besides, I've heard about what's going on outside..."

Yang Ling couldn't figure it out. Since the Bodhi tree was here, why not take action?

The old man let out a long, helpless sigh.

“I understand what you’re thinking, but it’s not that simple. Since ancient times, I have been extremely weak and have very little spiritual power left. This place is just the last test I’ve set up.”

"I can stay here, but I can never take a single step out!" Upon hearing this, Yang Ling suddenly realized something and pondered deeply.

“Senior, I have no intention of becoming your disciple. I have never planned to take anyone as my teacher in this life. I came here only to explore the origin of the Dark Gate, and more importantly, to find out how to rescue Venerable Bodhi!”

"Entering this place may just be a coincidence. But I still hope to obtain the Bodhi Heart, which will surely allow my strength to reach a higher level!" Yang Ling gritted his teeth, making no attempt to hide his intentions. In fact, while he was talking with the old man, his aura surged, and he had already quietly fallen into a test.

“I see. If you want to know about the Dark Gate, I can tell you something.” “In ancient times, this world was a unified whole, unlike now which is divided into four regions: east, west, south, and north, and governed by the Spirit Realm. The people of the Dark Gate were born in ancient times.”

"They are neither demonic beasts nor humans, but rather half-human forms formed from malevolent energy. These people are powerful and ruthless, having committed countless massacres and slaughtered countless innocent lives, arousing fear in many and prompting them to fight against them!"

"But in the end, the two sides did not determine a winner and barely managed to draw!" Yang Ling pondered for a moment, wondering just how many such strong individuals there were.

The old man recounted many stories about the Dark Gate, mentioning that the Dark Gate was full of powerful figures, but how could people from ancient times be weak? In the end, they joined forces and beat the Dark Gate members so badly that they fled.

Of these, two remained in the spirit world, while the rest either died or were injured, their whereabouts unknown. As for the two remaining individuals, over the long course of time, one was killed by Venerable Bodhi, and the other was suppressed.

"Now, it's your turn! Your aura was so powerful just now, yet you managed to withstand my attack. It seems you are indeed extraordinary!" Yang Ling remained calm. In fact, he had been deliberately holding back the old man from the beginning, hoping to lower his guard. This old man was indeed not simple. In reality, Yang Ling had already seized the initiative, and his strength far surpassed that of the old man. Seeing Yang Ling's aura gradually weakening, the old man couldn't help but sigh.

"Honestly, do you still want to continue competing with me? Actually, you still have a chance to back out. As long as you agree to become my disciple, I can bestow upon you the Bodhi Heart and the inheritance!" the old man said earnestly. Yang Ling remained calm. He knew that the old man valued his talent and believed that he could shine wherever he was.

“I think you are indeed very strong, senior. However, perhaps you have forgotten something? If you have really forgotten, I can understand,” Yang Ling said to the old man.

As soon as he finished speaking, a terrifying aura erupted from his body, his power astonishing. In the end, the old man was unable to withstand Yang Ling's attack. Yang Ling looked at the old man and realized that he was a master. If he had fought the old man to the death from the beginning, the old man would definitely have been unwilling to give in. Therefore, he deliberately set up this trap.

"So that's how it is. I didn't expect you to see through my plan from the very beginning and even turn the tables on me. This is truly beyond my expectations!"

Seeing this, Yang Ling's lips curled up. It seemed that he had already lost from the very beginning, and there was no point in continuing.

The old man calmly withdrew his gaze, brewed a cup of tea for Yang Ling, and handed it to him. Yang Ling accepted the teacup from the old man's hand with neither servility nor arrogance.

The old man seemed to admire Yang Ling quite a bit. Since Yang Ling had already defeated him, he could take the item. The old man looked at the object, and Yang Ling could sense its extreme value. After receiving the Bodhi Heart, Yang Ling held it tightly in his hand.

“You must help Venerable Bodhi. He is also my disciple, and he bears such a heavy responsibility because of me.”

Originally, he didn't have to stay here, unable to leave for thousands of years! The old man's words left Yang Ling somewhat confused.

However, Yang Ling still stood up, bowed to the old man, and expressed his determination to improve his strength and rescue Venerable Bodhi. The surrounding scenery changed, and the old man returned to the cave.

Yang Ling knew the members of the Dark Gate were powerful, and dealing with them would be no easy task. A slight misstep could lead to trouble. He made up his mind, took the items, and went outside. Those outside, seeing Yang Ling emerge, couldn't help but ask:
"Young Master, you're finally out! I thought you'd be inside for a long time. Did you find out anything?" Yang Ling nodded and recounted the details of the secret gate. They listened, their eyes filled with surprise and disbelief.

"We've done so much, surely we can't even handle this one thing properly?"

"Even the Venerable Bodhi, after all his efforts, couldn't cope. It's truly pathetic!" Yang Ling could understand their feelings. He planned to go and take a look near the ancient Bodhi tree.

"Could you take me to the Bodhi Tree? The Bodhi Venerable should be there too; let's go together!" Since it was Yang Ling's request, they had no reason to refuse. As they walked ahead, Yang Ling pondered: How should I use this Bodhi Heart? A considerable number of people had gathered around, their auras mingling. Yang Ling knew it probably wouldn't be long… His expression was complex, and he thought to himself: The Bodhi Venerable is indeed powerful.

Then, he turned and went back inside to absorb the power of the Bodhi Heart. The others, watching Yang Ling's retreating figure, knew he was about to bring about earth-shattering changes. However, none of them expected that a voice would suddenly resound from within the Bodhi Heart:
"How can someone like you be worthy of possessing a Bodhi Heart? Moreover, the aura within you is truly strange and unpredictable!" Yang Ling knew that this might be the Bodhi Heart absorbing the aura of the ancient Bodhi tree, gradually developing sentience. He remained calm, but inwardly felt he still lacked something and had to become stronger, otherwise he wouldn't be able to deal with those people…

"No matter what, I must absorb this spiritual energy and grow into a stronger being!" Yang Ling forcefully reversed the aura. His strength was already greater than that of ordinary people.

The two outside sensed this strange aura, strikingly similar to that of the people from the hidden door, and immediately became alert. Could it be that those people have returned?

"What's going on? This aura is so strange!"

They looked at each other and sensed something was off in each other's eyes.

Immediately afterwards, that aura vanished without a trace.

Yang Ling suddenly opened his eyes, sighed helplessly, and wondered to himself, why is it always just a little bit short?

"Senior, do you know something inside?"

He asked the Sage of Evil Cloud a question.

"That's natural. When I passed on my inheritance to you, I said that you had chosen a different path and that you would need to help me find a new body. You have profound opportunities, and I know exactly how far you will grow!" The Evil Cloud Saint saw that Yang Ling was extraordinary; otherwise, he wouldn't have taken him on as a disciple. Moreover, Yang Ling had never truly acknowledged himself as his disciple, which finally put a weight on Yang Ling's mind. Since the Evil Cloud Saint had said so, what was there for him to worry about?

"This power is extremely strong. I believe the Bodhi Heart will definitely be of great help to Venerable Bodhi, and may even allow his strength to reach a higher level!" Venerable Bodhi has been constantly expending his energy, and one day it will be exhausted. Yang Ling does not want to see Venerable Bodhi perish. As long as the Bodhi Heart is placed on the ancient Bodhi tree, Venerable Bodhi will become stronger and continue to exist for several more decades! (End of Chapter)