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

Yang Ling watched Fusu's retreating figure and breathed a sigh of relief—the crisis was finally temporarily averted. However, he knew this battle was merely the calm before the storm; greater challenges awaited him and the nation. He had to quickly recover his strength, perfect the antidote's refining method, and strengthen the nation's defenses to cope with any future challenges and crises.

Xu Fu walked up to Yang Ling and asked with concern, "Grand Preceptor, are you alright? You really scared me to death!" He knew that without Yang Ling, he and the country would probably have ceased to exist long ago. Therefore, he was filled with gratitude and respect for Yang Ling.

Yang Ling smiled and shook his head: "I'm fine. It's all thanks to your timely help that we were able to defeat that scoundrel Fusu." He knew that this victory was inseparable from the support and help of Xu Fu and the others. "By the way, Xu Fu, there's something I need to discuss with you..." As he spoke, he pulled Xu Fu aside and began to talk to him in a low voice.

Yang Ling took a deep breath and looked at Xu Fu with a solemn expression, saying, "Xu Fu, I have an important matter that I need you to handle."

Upon seeing this, Xu Fu immediately suppressed his smile and replied seriously, "Your Excellency, please give your instructions, and I will certainly do it." He knew that Yang Ling would never approach him lightly, and if he did, it would surely be about matters of national importance.

Yang Ling said in a deep voice, "I need you to prepare one hundred boys and girls."

Xu Fu was surprised and puzzled when he heard this, and asked, "Grand Preceptor, what do you need so many young boys and girls for? Is there some large-scale sacrificial ceremony?" In his understanding, young boys and girls were usually used in some important sacrificial ceremonies.

Yang Ling shook his head: "It's not for a sacrificial ceremony; I have other uses for it. This matter is very important, so you must handle it well and keep it a secret from everyone."

Although Xu Fu was filled with doubt, he knew that Yang Ling must have his reasons for saying so. So he immediately nodded and replied, "Yes! Grand Preceptor, I will certainly handle this matter well."

Yang Ling looked at Xu Fu with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. He knew Xu Fu was a reliable person, and he could trust him to handle this matter. So he added, "Remember, these boys and girls must be healthy, of similar age, and must be there voluntarily; they cannot be forced."

Xu Fu nodded and replied, "Understood, Grand Preceptor. I will certainly do as you request." With that, he turned to leave to carry out the matter.

However, at that moment Yang Ling suddenly called out to him: "Wait! Xu Fu has something else to say."

Xu Fu turned around and looked at Yang Ling: "Does the Grand Preceptor have any further instructions?"

Yang Ling pondered for a moment and said, "When you are selecting these young boys and girls, please also keep an eye out for suitable candidates to take my place."

Xu Fu was taken aback upon hearing this—was Yang Ling going to abdicate and hand over the throne to a more worthy successor?! He quickly asked, "Grand Preceptor, what makes you say this? You are in the prime of your life, how could you possibly think of abdicating?"

Yang Ling sighed and said, "I know it's a bit early to step down now, but lately I've been feeling unwell and exhausted. This country needs someone more capable and energetic to lead it into the future."

Xu Fu was deeply moved upon hearing this—Yang Ling truly cared deeply for the country! He immediately knelt down and said, "Grand Preceptor, please rest assured! Xu Fu will definitely handle all the matters you have entrusted to me! If a suitable candidate is found to succeed you, it will surely be a blessing for the nation and its people!"

Yang Ling helped Xu Fu up, saying, "Alright, alright, get up quickly. There's no need to rush this matter; we can take our time." With that, he turned and headed towards his alchemy room to begin refining new antidote pills to prepare for potential future challenges and crises. Xu Fu immediately set to work on the two tasks Yang Ling had entrusted to him—finding suitable young boys and girls, and finding a suitable successor to Yang Ling. He knew these two matters concerned the future and fate of the nation, so he dared not delay.

After a period of busy work, Xu Fu finally completed the collection of the young boys and girls needed by Yang Ling. He went to Yang Ling's alchemy room to report back.

"Your Excellency, the selection of boys and girls has been completed as requested, totaling one hundred healthy individuals of similar age who have come voluntarily," Xu Fu reported respectfully.

Yang Ling nodded upon hearing this, satisfied with Xu Fu's efficiency: "Very good, Xu Fu, I trust you to get things done. Next, I need you to prepare twenty ships."

Xu Fu was taken aback and asked, "Grand Preceptor, what do you need so many ships for? Are you going to go to sea?" He knew that Yang Ling rarely left the palace, let alone go to sea.

Yang Ling smiled mysteriously: "Going to sea? You could say that. But I can't tell you the specific purpose right now. You just need to prepare the boat according to my requirements."

Although Xu Fu was filled with doubt, he knew that Yang Ling must have his reasons for saying so. So he immediately nodded and replied, "Yes! Grand Preceptor, I will certainly handle this matter well."

Yang Ling looked at Xu Fu with a hint of admiration in his eyes. He knew Xu Fu was a capable man, and he could trust him to handle this matter. So he added, "These ships must be sturdy and durable, capable of long-distance voyages, and it must be kept secret so that no one knows we are preparing ships."

Xu Fu nodded and replied, "Understood, Grand Preceptor. I will certainly do as you request." With that, he turned to leave to carry out the matter.

Watching Xu Fu's departing figure, Yang Ling took a deep breath. He knew his plan had taken a crucial step; now it was just a matter of waiting for the right opportunity. He believed that as long as he, Xu Fu, and the others worked together, they would surely complete this grand plan.

Soon after, Xu Fu brought good news—twenty sturdy and durable ships were ready and could set sail at any time. Yang Ling was thrilled upon hearing this news—he could finally begin to implement his plan! However, at this moment, unexpected news disrupted his plans—Fusu had actually joined forces with a group of rebels to launch a coup! Upon hearing this news, Yang Ling immediately summoned Xu Fu and others to discuss countermeasures.

"Grand Preceptor, what should we do now?" Xu Fu asked anxiously. "If we let Fusu succeed, the whole country will be doomed!"

After a moment of contemplation, Yang Ling said, "Right now, we can only put aside our plans to sail out to sea and focus all our efforts on dealing with this coup. Xu Fu, you must immediately mobilize all our troops to strengthen the defenses of the palace and make sure that Fusu and his men do not break in!"

Xu Fu nodded and replied, "Yes! Grand Preceptor, I'll take care of it right away!" With that, he turned and hurriedly left.

Yang Ling watched Xu Fu's departing figure, his heart filled with worry—who would ultimately emerge victorious in this coup? (End of Chapter)