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

"By the way, since I've said this, you don't need to worry so much. I have my own methods. You've all worked hard these past few days. If you do well, I will take you back to the Xie family in the future. As for how capable you are, that will depend on you." His expression was more resolute than ever before. Yang Ling's words were simply to reassure them, to prevent them from focusing all their attention on him. Hearing this, he was extremely excited, his body trembling. He had finally waited for this moment.

He had waited too long for this day. During this time, he desperately tried to meet Yang Ling's demands, agreeing to whatever Yang Ling wanted to do, all in an effort to get on Yang Ling's good side.

Now he has finally succeeded in truly getting on Yang Ling's good side. His hard work over this period has not been in vain; this is what he has always wanted to do.

"I'm relieved to hear you say that, Young Master Xie!" Yang Ling had seen through their actions; these people still had their own selfish motives. They were ruthless in their actions, yet they were trying to win him over, hoping to extract endless benefits from him. He didn't want to say anything more.

Yang Ling found the Evil Cloud Saint and asked him to break the barrier for him. His movements were swift; they hadn't even reacted before his figure disappeared. Watching his actions, a hint of apprehension appeared in their eyes. Indeed, Yang Ling's strength was extraordinary; he even possessed such methods, which shocked them.

He looked around at them, then said seriously, "By the way, I can tell you, you all must pay attention to Lord Xie's matter from now on. If you do nothing, you know the consequences!" The others nodded. In their eyes, he was the most excited, because he could now pledge his allegiance to Yang Ling. Following Yang Ling would bring him unparalleled glory in the future.

When Yang Ling arrived at the Dark Gate's lair, he looked around. As expected of the Dark Gate, the air was thick with the stench of blood, and the sky was shrouded in darkness. Yang Ling exuded a powerful aura upon arriving. Sensing his presence, they all stopped what they were doing and knelt on the ground. Yang Ling smiled at them.

"These people are just average, and they seem quite afraid of me. I don't think I'm that strong, yet they're so calm!" Yang Ling said with a hint of self-deprecation. The Evil Cloud Saint couldn't help but roll his eyes. What kind of top-tier self-praise was this? He sensed the surrounding aura, trying to find out where that thing was.

Fortunately, the Evil Cloud Saint had charted a route for him and led him there. Yang Ling swiftly ascended into the air and headed forward. Wherever he went, no one dared to utter a sound. Even they felt that this person had appeared out of thin air and was even stronger than their young master.

"This person is very strong. We must be careful and absolutely must not make him our enemy. If we do, something unexpected will happen!" he said, emphasizing each word. As soon as he finished speaking, the others quickly echoed his words. This person was indeed very strong and formidable.

"Just how strong must one be to reach this level? It's terrifying!" Yang Ling said calmly; he had sensed it just now. He quickly arrived at a cave, and seeing the swirling aura above, he rushed up. Sure enough, the thing was inside.

"The aura is definitely inside, and I can sense it too. Let's go in now!"

He charged straight in, but there was still an aura resisting him. Yang Ling ignored it and charged forward alone.

"Don't act rashly, and don't alert anyone. It's best to be cautious in everything you do!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Yang Ling instantly calmed down.

He looked around but didn't see anyone.

As Yang Ling reached out, an aura enveloped him. Sensing that this aura was no match for him, he quickened his pace, his movements agile and upright, and charged straight in.

He had some doubts in his heart.

"What exactly is this thing you asked me to find here?" He was utterly bewildered for the first time. This aura was so intense; what could it be? Could it be related to the origin? Just as Yang Ling was at a loss, a figure suddenly appeared out of thin air. He stopped and subconsciously looked over, discovering that this person was from the Dark Gate, hiding here. It seemed the other party had anticipated his arrival.

"I never thought that after so many years, someone would still be able to reach this place!" He turned his head, and what appeared here was only his voice, a deep and powerful voice.

"I am the true leader of the Dark Gate; what remains here is merely my illusion! I sense an extremely terrifying aura emanating from you; you must be a formidable opponent!" He quickly became vigilant, thinking that this person was definitely not simple. Even if it was just his illusory form, he was by no means an ordinary individual, yet he was now blocking his path.

"Anyway, it won't hurt to tell you. You should know what's inside. This is a magic stone left over from ancient times! At the core of this stone is a seed of a herb called the Demon Heart Seed!"

“If an ordinary person obtains it, they can reshape their body. I have kept it here because I cannot withstand its aura, so I personally set up a barrier to prevent anyone from entering!” He stared coldly at Yang Ling.

"I don't care where you come from or what family power you have behind you. Anyone who shows up here has to leave, or don't blame me for being impolite!"

He spoke word by word.

Yang Ling felt as if he had heard a joke. Although he was somewhat afraid, this thing was of paramount importance to him, and he would never give it up easily; there was no way he would give it up. Besides, he was of extraordinary status, and not just anyone could become his opponent.

"Let me tell you, it's no use even if you refuse to admit defeat. You're destined to be no match for me. I advise you to think it through!" he kindly reminded him.

"If you don't leave now, I will definitely take care of you. You'd better think about what to do!" Yang Ling frowned as he faced this person, unsure of the other's strength. Even if he was strong, he wasn't sure he could defeat the other. He was still thinking of a solution.

Saint Evil Cloud could no longer stand it and said directly, "What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and make your move!"

"Hurry up and make your move, don't waste time here, make your move!" Yang Ling's eyes lit up, because the words of the Evil Cloud Saint meant that he didn't need to worry. If he encountered a powerful enemy, the Evil Cloud Saint would definitely come to his aid.

"If you don't move aside, I'll have no choice but to take action. I'm also giving you this advice: leave now!" he shouted. Yang Ling's aura was indeed terrifying, but the other party was not afraid at all, because he did not know who Yang Ling was, but if Yang Ling wanted to block his way, then there was only one way out for him: death.

Moreover, since Yang Ling knew that such a treasure was located here, he was even less likely to be allowed to stay.

He had exhausted all his strength to store this magic stone here, hoping one day to absorb its power and become stronger. Therefore, he was determined to give it his all. "I gave you a chance to live before, but you didn't cherish it. Are you sure you want to do this?" His gaze met Yang Ling's. Yang Ling clenched his fist, his body cracking. He hadn't yet tested what kind of power could be unleashed with the same aura. Thinking of this, he became extremely excited, sneered, and swung his fist towards Yang Ling. He raised his hand to look at Yang Ling, but Yang Ling remained unmoved.

He kept his distance from Yang Ling. This aura wasn't just directed at Yang Ling, but covered the entire area around him, emitting a whooshing sound. He felt disdain. It seemed his opponent's strength was nothing special, and this ability dissatisfied him. He threw another punch. Yang Ling threw a punch in just a few seconds, seemingly unremarkable, but actually concealing a hidden secret.

He remained calm, watching Yang Ling's actions. The other party smiled, thinking that Yang Ling's strength was average, no different from those brutes. Moreover, Yang Ling actually wanted to use his physical body to withstand the attack. Was he so arrogant that he thought he could get the treasure just by breaking in? With such limited skills, he thought he could bully him. Absolutely not.

The man couldn't see the hidden meaning in Yang Ling's movements at all. However, if this move were seen by an expert, they would immediately realize that Yang Ling was incredibly strong, perhaps even unmatched by anyone.

Yang Ling hadn't expected this person to be so stubborn. The two clashed, both incredibly strong, and it was difficult to determine a winner for the time being. Yang Ling soared into the sky, his eyes filled with arrogance. His goal had never been to obtain the magic stone, but rather to have a good, satisfying fight with his opponent.

He stared at Yang Ling, utterly shocked by Yang Ling's power. The opponent had come specifically for him; even he hadn't expected it. This guy's single punch had shaken the heavens and earth—a sight that utterly astonished him. Yang Ling's movements were incredibly fast, even the magic stone struggled to withstand them. His pupils contracted sharply; how could Yang Ling still resist? Anyone else would have surrendered long ago.

"In all these years, this is the first time someone has been able to break my moves. You are the first. Your strength is indeed formidable!" He looked at Yang Ling, who laughed heartily, inviting him to continue fighting. The two grappled together, and he roared, wanting to kill Yang Ling. He expended a great deal of energy in his attempt to kill Yang Ling.

This single strike filled him with admiration, and the shockwaves from the two of them swept outwards. Those outside, witnessing this scene, felt a chill run down their spines; how powerful was this, capable of stirring up the wind and clouds?

"The people inside are incredibly powerful. How did they manage to do that?"

"I don't know. All I know is that our king ordered us to guard this place and forbade us from entering. Yet this person broke in so easily and is so powerful."

"Should we go in? It would be terrible if he failed!" The others thought with disdain.

"Do you really think you can handle him? Besides, our king is powerful and will surely find a way to deal with him!"

“That’s right. He’ll only let us leave if it really comes to that, but he’s so strong, nothing will happen to him. I believe in his abilities!”

"Yes, that makes a lot of sense. So what should we do next?" He was a little curious. If they went in now, wouldn't that be suicide...?

They weren't that stupid. Anyway, their leader had told them not to act rashly. They sensed the aura inside and their expressions turned grim because the people inside were too strong.

Yang Ling knew this person was no match for him. The anger emanating from his eyes was enough to prove how angry he was, but he didn't show it on his face, as if he didn't care about any of it. In fact, he already had a guess in his heart.

Even though his strength was clearly superior to his opponent's, he could still feel the opponent's pressure on him. Why was he so powerful? This frustrated him greatly. Just who was Yang Ling? Where did he come from? Yang Ling couldn't help but smile.

"Don't think I don't know. Today I will definitely kill you. When my strength increases, I will definitely go to the Bodhi Tree and kill you there!"

"You actually know where I am?" He stared wide-eyed, somewhat incredulous, but quickly suppressed the thought. However, Yang Ling noticed his actions.

"Who exactly are you?!" He stopped what he was doing, took a deep breath, and spoke with a hint of accusation in his voice.

"We should be from the same sect, so why have you come here? You must have other purposes besides killing me!"

"I have little interest in you, but I'm determined to get this. If you stand in my way, don't blame me for taking action against you!" He didn't care what Yang Ling wanted to get; he just wanted to know how Yang Ling knew his identity, because no one around him knew. To him, if Yang Ling was really that powerful...

Then his future will be in grave danger, Yang Ling smiled.

"Don't think I'm someone to be trifled with, and let me tell you! You're no match for me, so just stay there obediently and don't even think about coming out. Sooner or later you'll become my defeated opponent!" He said, enunciating each word clearly. He hadn't expected Yang Ling to be so arrogant as to say such things, which made him find it somewhat laughable.

"You're incredibly arrogant to say such things! Let me tell you, my cultivation level is very high. Even if someone stronger than me came, I could kill them without hesitation!" Yang Ling remained expressionless, though somewhat shocked and curious about his true purpose. No wonder he hadn't made a move yet. Knowing he wouldn't get any information, Yang Ling decided to finish the fight quickly. He didn't want to waste any more time, so he moved with lightning speed.

Yang Ling used all his strength, displaying the power he unleashed. He felt mostly resentment; he was clearly stronger than his opponent, yet he had been utterly crushed. He wondered if he could get any information out of Yang Ling, but Yang Ling remained silent.

Then Yang Ling raised his sword high and slashed down. After an hour of fierce fighting, when Yang Ling unleashed his final attack, his body exploded instantly.

The guy was finally dead, but it was just an illusion. With a rumbling sound, Yang Ling could sense the Demon Stone nearby, and the Evil Cloud Saint guided him in the right direction. When Yang Ling got the Demon Stone, he was extremely excited. Only when the Demon Stone was in his hands did he realize that its aura was extraordinary.

"This magic stone is too powerful. What do you want with it? To refine your body with it? Are you sure?" Yang Ling was a little confused. Hearing Yang Ling's words, the Evil Cloud Saint did not say anything.

He could sense that this thing was completely different from anything he had obtained before. (End of Chapter)