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

Yang Ling was shocked: "So, he chose to seal the magic stone?"

“That’s right,” Saint Evil Cloud said with certainty. “With immense perseverance and wisdom, the former master sealed his demonic nature within this demonic stone. He hoped that in this way, he could prevent the demonic nature from continuing to erode his mind. At the same time, he also left a spiritual imprint, waiting for an inheritor who could truly control the demonic nature to appear.”

Yang Ling was silent for a moment, then asked, "Senior, do you think I can control this demonic power?"

Looking into Yang Ling's eyes, the Evil Cloud Saint slowly said, "I don't know. But one thing is certain: if you want to truly master the power of the magic stone, you must face and control this demonic nature. It is a challenging and dangerous path, but as long as you have firm faith and enough wisdom, I believe you will succeed."

Yang Ling took a deep breath: "I understand. I will try my best to face and control this demonic power. But before that, I still need to take care of my body first."

Saint Evil Cloud nodded: "That's right. Your body is still too weak to withstand the impact of demonic energy."

I will continue to refine elixirs for you and guide you in cultivating your mind and spirit. Once you are fully prepared, we will face that demonic stone containing demonic energy together.

Yang Ling nodded firmly, his eyes resolute: "Thank you for your careful guidance and great help, senior. I will definitely cultivate diligently, enhance my strength, and temper my character. Once I am ready, I will bravely face that demonic stone and tame its demonic nature."

After that, Yang Ling cultivated even more diligently and recuperated. He knew that in order to control the demonic nature within the magic stone, he had to become even stronger.

The Evil Cloud Saint was equally busy, constantly refining various elixirs for Yang Ling to help him improve his strength and temperament. At the same time, he was also delving into the mysteries of the magic stone, hoping to find a more effective way to help Yang Ling.

One day, Yang Ling came before the Evil Cloud Saint again and respectfully reported his cultivation progress: "Senior, I have been cultivating diligently during this period, and I feel that my strength and temperament have improved significantly. I think I am ready to face that demonic stone."

The Evil Cloud Saint gazed at Yang Ling, secretly approving. He could sense Yang Ling's transformation and growth, knowing he was ready to face the challenge. So, he slowly said, "Very good. Since you are ready, let's give it a try."

The two arrived at the location of the magic stone, where it lay quietly, emitting a mysterious and unpredictable light. Yang Ling took a deep breath, stepped forward, and reached out to touch the magic stone.

Instantly, a surge of immense power erupted from the magic stone and rushed into Yang Ling's body. He felt as if his body was being torn apart, and the intense pain made him groan involuntarily.

"Hold on, Yang Ling!" The voice of the Evil Cloud Saint rang in Yang Ling's ears. "This is the impact of demonic energy. You must use your mind to control it, or you will be devoured by it."

Yang Ling gritted his teeth, enduring the pain. He closed his eyes, focusing intently on sensing the demonic power. Gradually, he discovered that although this power was violent, it contained a wondrous rhythm.

He tried to guide this power with his own mind, making it flow according to his will. After much effort, he finally succeeded in guiding the demonic power into his dantian.

Instantly, Yang Ling felt his body filled with a powerful force. He opened his eyes, looked at the Evil Cloud Saint, and a joyful smile appeared on his face: "Senior, I succeeded!"

Saint Evil Cloud also revealed a satisfied smile: "Very good. You have successfully mastered the demonic power within the magic stone. But this is only the beginning. The power within the magic stone is inexhaustible, and you need to continuously explore and master it."

Yang Ling nodded: "I understand. I will continue to work hard."

After that, Yang Ling began to delve into the study and manipulation of the power within the magic stone. He discovered that this power could not only be used for attack and defense, but also to strengthen the body and mind.

Thus, under the guidance of the Evil Cloud Saint, he began various cultivation practices and experiments. Sometimes, he used demonic power to temper his body, making himself more resilient and powerful; other times, he used demonic power to hone his mind, making himself more steadfast and calm.

As time went by, Yang Ling's strength continued to improve, and his temperament became increasingly mature and stable. He gradually grasped the true meaning of cultivation and the mysteries of the magic stone. At the same time, he was filled with gratitude and respect for the Evil Cloud Saint, knowing that without his help and guidance, he would not have been able to get to where he was today.

"Senior, thank you for your careful guidance," Yang Ling said sincerely. "You have helped me truly understand the meaning and value of cultivation. I will continue to cultivate diligently and live up to your expectations."

Saint Evil Cloud looked at Yang Ling before him, his eyes filled with admiration and satisfaction. He knew that this young man had gradually grown into a true powerhouse, not only in strength but also in character.

"Yang Ling, you have done very well," the Evil Cloud Saint said slowly. "But cultivation is endless. The power in the Demon Stone is great, but it is not omnipotent. A true strongman knows how to use power, rather than being controlled by it."

Yang Ling nodded respectfully: "I will keep your teachings in mind. I will always remind myself to stay true to my original aspirations, so that I may achieve my goals."

The Evil Cloud Saint smiled and nodded, then changed the subject: "So, how do you plan to use this power next?"

After a moment of contemplation, Yang Ling replied, "I want to consolidate my cultivation first to ensure I can fully control this power. Then, I want to find those who were my enemies and settle some old scores."

Saint Xieyun frowned slightly: "Settle old scores? Yang Ling, you must understand that the path of cultivation is not just about fighting and killing. Sometimes, tolerance and reconciliation are also a kind of power."

Yang Ling explained, “Senior, I understand what you mean. But there are some things I must do. Those people have hurt me and the people I care about, and I cannot let them off easily.”

The Evil Cloud Saint sighed: "Since you have made up your mind, I will say no more. But remember, killing cannot solve all problems. Sometimes, it will only bring more trouble."

Yang Ling nodded in understanding: "Don't worry, senior, I will know my limits. I'm not just seeking to kill, I just want to let those who have hurt us know that there are some things that cannot be done."

Looking into Yang Ling's resolute eyes, the Evil Cloud Saint knew that he had his own convictions and beliefs. He said no more, but simply offered his silent support.

After that, Yang Ling began to travel around, searching for those who had once been his enemies. His strength was now vastly different from before, and he soon found their trail.

In battle after battle, Yang Ling displayed astonishing strength and wisdom. He not only successfully defeated his enemies but also learned a great deal from them.

After each battle, he would return to the Evil Cloud Saint and report his experiences and gains. The Evil Cloud Saint would then provide guidance and advice based on his situation.

“Senior, I’ve recently realized I still have shortcomings in combat,” Yang Ling said in a report. “Sometimes I get too impatient and expose my weaknesses.” The Evil Cloud Saint nodded: “That’s common. Combat requires not only strength, but also calmness and patience. You must learn to stay calm in battle, observe your opponent’s weaknesses, and then strike a fatal blow.”

Yang Ling humbly accepted the answer: "I understand. I will try my best to correct my shortcomings and improve my combat skills."

As time went by, Yang Ling's strength and temperament improved dramatically. He began to distinguish himself in the cultivation world, becoming a true powerhouse.

The Sage of Evil Clouds has always been by his side, providing endless support and assistance. Their relationship has transcended that of ordinary master and disciple, becoming more like that of close friends and comrades-in-arms.

On Yang Ling's path of cultivation, every challenge became a stepping stone for his growth. Now, his name is renowned throughout the cultivation world, and many people look at him with awe and envy.

On this day, Yang Ling returned to the residence of the Evil Cloud Saint. He stood outside the meditation room, took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and gently knocked on the door.

"Come in," came the voice of the Evil Cloud Saint from inside the room.

Yang Ling pushed open the door and entered, only to see the Evil Cloud Saint sitting on a futon, playing with a jade slip in his hand, seemingly deep in thought.

"Senior," Yang Ling bowed respectfully, "I'm back."

Saint Evil Cloud raised his head, his eyes filled with admiration as he looked at Yang Ling: "Yang Ling, you have done very well. You have made great progress during this time, and I have nothing more to teach you."

Yang Ling's heart stirred; he knew this was the highest praise the Evil Cloud Saint could give him. However, he did not become complacent, but humbly replied, "Senior, you flatter me. I still have many shortcomings and need to continue cultivating and learning."

Saint Xieyun nodded: "Very good. Maintain this humble attitude, and your future achievements will be limitless. But you are already at a very high starting point. What do you plan to do next?"

After a moment of silence, Yang Ling replied, "Senior, I want to continue pursuing a higher realm. I know that cultivation is endless, but I want to do my best to explore the mysteries of this world."

A hint of appreciation flashed in the eyes of the Evil Cloud Saint: "Very good. Ambitious! But you must remember, pursuing a higher realm is not easy. You will need to pay a greater price and make more effort to succeed."

Yang Ling nodded firmly: "I understand. I am prepared to meet all challenges and difficulties."

The Sage of Evil Cloud smiled and nodded: "Since that's the case, then I won't say any more. Go, pursue your dreams and goals. I believe you will succeed."

Yang Ling bowed deeply: "Thank you for your guidance and teachings, senior. I will never forget them."

Having said that, he turned and left the meditation room. He knew this was his last conversation with the Sage of Evil Cloud. But he felt neither sadness nor loss, for he knew he had received all of the Sage of Evil Cloud's teachings and help. These invaluable experiences and knowledge would accompany him throughout his life, becoming the driving force and support for his pursuit of higher realms.

After that, Yang Ling began to travel around and challenge various powerful opponents. His strength and temperament were greatly improved, and he gradually came into contact with more profound and mysterious cultivation methods and techniques.

Each challenge made him more aware of his shortcomings and areas for improvement. He constantly reflected on and summarized his experiences and lessons learned, striving to enhance his skills and mindset.

In this process, he also met many like-minded friends and comrades. Together they explored the mysteries of cultivation and the vastness of the world, pursuing higher realms and greater power.

Time flies, and Yang Ling has gone further and further on the path of cultivation, reaching extremely high levels in both strength and temperament. However, behind all this, there has always been a figure silently supporting him, and that is the Evil Cloud Saint.

But just as Yang Ling was about to reach a higher realm, a piece of bad news came—the Evil Cloud Saint had passed away.

This news was like a bolt from the blue for Yang Ling. He couldn't believe that his mentor, who had always been by his side and provided him with endless help and guidance, had left him like this.

Yang Ling hurriedly returned to the residence of the Evil Cloud Saint, only to find that many cultivators had already gathered there to pay their respects. Their faces were filled with sorrow and reluctance, for the Evil Cloud Saint was not only Yang Ling's mentor but also their guiding light.

Yang Ling entered the quiet room and saw the Evil Cloud Saint lying there peacefully, his face serene, as if he had simply fallen into a deep sleep. He knelt before the bed, tears silently streaming down his face.

“Senior…” Yang Ling choked out, “How could you leave like this? You still have so many unfulfilled wishes and expectations…”

However, the Evil Cloud Saint could no longer respond to him. Yang Ling knew that he had lost one of his most important mentors and friends. He felt an unprecedented loneliness and helplessness.

After that, Yang Ling remained immersed in grief, unable to pull himself out. He recalled every moment he had spent with the Evil Cloud Saint, all the teachings, encouragement, and support he had received were still vivid in his mind. He could not accept the fact that the person who had always been by his side and given him endless help had left him forever.

But as time went by, Yang Ling gradually came to understand a truth: life is finite, and everyone will face separation and death. Although the Sage of Evil Cloud has departed, the teachings and spirit he left behind will never disappear.

He began to re-examine his cultivation path and life goals. He realized that the reason why the Evil Cloud Saint had passed away was because he had completed his mission and responsibility. As the Evil Cloud Saint's disciple, he should inherit his legacy and spirit, and continue to pursue higher realms and greater power.

So Yang Ling rallied and threw himself back into cultivation. Guided by the teachings of the Evil Cloud Saint, he continuously pushed his limits and challenged even stronger opponents.

He knew that this was the best way to commemorate and pay tribute to the Evil Cloud Saint.

In this process, Yang Ling gradually came to understand the true meaning and significance of life. He realized that life is not about its length, but about how it is spent; cultivation is not about the result, but about the process. As long as you have faith, goals, and the courage to pursue your dreams and ideals, you can forge ahead without fear, no matter how great the difficulties and challenges you face.

Ultimately, Yang Ling successfully broke through to a higher realm, becoming a true powerhouse. He proved with his strength and actions that the teachings of the Evil Cloud Saint were correct and valuable. He knew this was the best way to repay and give back to both himself and the Evil Cloud Saint. (End of Chapter)