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

As the two were talking, a clear bell rang out. They looked up and saw an old man with a venerable air riding a blue ox slowly descending the mountain. The old man had white hair and beard, a kind face, and was gently waving a long whip in his hand.

"May I ask your honorable name, senior?" Yang Ling stepped forward, bowed, and asked.

The old man smiled slightly: "I am a disciple of Laozi, named Qingniu Tongzi. How did you two mortals come to this immortal mountain?"

Yang Ling and Xu Fu were shocked to hear this—they hadn't expected to encounter a disciple of Laozi here! So they immediately told the Green Ox Boy their purpose and intentions.

After listening, the Green Ox Boy nodded: "I see. Your courage and determination to climb the immortal mountain for the well-being of all living beings are truly admirable. However, the immortal medicine is a rare treasure of heaven and earth, and only those with the right destiny can obtain it. You will need to undergo a series of trials if you wish to find the immortal medicine."

Yang Ling and Xu Fu exchanged a smile after hearing this—they knew that this journey to find the elixir of immortality would not be so smooth, but they were both prepared and willing to make every effort for the well-being of all people.

"Senior, please tell us, what kind of trials do we need to go through to find the elixir?" Yang Ling asked.

The Green Ox Boy smiled and shook his head: "I cannot tell you the content of the test; you will need to explore and understand it yourselves. However, I can give you a hint: sincerity is key. As long as you are sincere and kind-hearted, you will surely be able to find the elixir."

After saying this, the Green Ox Boy rode away slowly on his green ox, leaving Yang Ling and Xu Fu in deep thought.

Yang Ling and Xu Fu stood on the mountainside of the immortal mountain, watching the figure of the Green Ox Boy gradually disappear into the clouds. They were filled with emotion, but their determination to move forward was strengthened.

"Grand Preceptor, what is your understanding of what Senior Green Ox Boy said?" Xu Fu asked.

Yang Ling pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "'Sincerity brings miracles.' These four words seem simple, but they contain profound truths. I think the senior is telling us that the process of searching for the elixir is not only a test of our bodies and wills, but also a tempering of our hearts and beliefs. Only by being sincere and upholding good intentions can we possibly find the legendary elixir."

Xu Fu nodded with deep feeling after hearing this: "The Grand Preceptor is right. Our journey is not only to find the elixir of immortality, but also to cultivate ourselves and hone our skills. I will keep the teachings of my predecessors in mind, and move forward with sincerity."

The two exchanged a smile and continued their journey to climb the sacred mountain. They ascended step by step along the mountain path, and although the path was rugged and difficult, neither of them showed any sign of backing down. They knew that only through arduous trekking and trials could they reach the summit of that legendary sacred mountain.

During their climb, they encountered various difficulties and challenges. Sometimes they had to traverse dense clouds and mist, sometimes they had to climb treacherous cliffs, and sometimes they had to face ferocious wild animals and treacherous traps. However, they never gave up. Instead, with unwavering faith and tenacious perseverance, they overcame difficulties time and time again and continued their journey.

"Xu Fu, look over there!" Yang Ling suddenly pointed to a mountain peak in the distance and said, "There seems to be a light shimmering on that mountain peak. Could that be where the elixir of immortality is located?"

Xu Fu looked in the direction Yang Ling was pointing and indeed saw a towering mountain peak shimmering with light. He was overjoyed: "Grand Preceptor, let's hurry over there!"

However, just as they were preparing to head towards the mountain peak, a deafening roar suddenly resounded. Turning around, they saw a gigantic monster burst forth from the forest, blocking their path. "This is… the Qiongqi recorded in the Classic of Mountains and Seas!" Yang Ling exclaimed in surprise.

Xu Fu also recognized the monster: "That's right, it's Qiongqi! It's one of the ancient ferocious beasts, we must be careful."

The two immediately mustered all their strength, preparing to fight Qiongqi. However, Qiongqi's strength far exceeded their expectations. It let out a deafening roar and pounced on them. Yang Ling and Xu Fu fought back fiercely, but were forced back by Qiongqi's powerful attacks.

"Grand Preceptor, this can't go on," Xu Fu said anxiously. "We must think of a way to defeat this Qiongqi."

Yang Ling's heart stirred: "Xu Fu, do you remember what Senior Green Ox Boy said? 'Sincerity brings results.' I think we should try to understand the true meaning of this sentence."

Upon hearing this, Xu Fu was moved: "The Grand Preceptor is right. We should carefully understand the teachings of our predecessors."

So the two closed their eyes and began to contemplate the true meaning of the phrase "sincerity brings results." They gradually entered a meditative state, becoming one with the surrounding nature. They felt the vitality and power of nature, and also the steadfastness and perseverance deep within their own hearts.

Suddenly, Yang Ling opened his eyes and shouted, "I understand! 'Sincerity brings results' doesn't mean we should blindly believe, but rather that we should use our hearts to feel and experience it."

And so, they finally became one with nature, overcoming all hardships and obstacles with the power of heaven and earth!

Before he finished speaking, Yang Ling immediately unleashed a torrent of internal energy, launching a fierce attack on the ferocious beast Qiongqi. Seeing this, Xu Fu followed without hesitation, forming a pincer movement with Yang Ling. With their seamless coordination, Qiongqi gradually crumbled, finally howling and fleeing in a sorry state…

Watching Qiongqi flee in panic, Yang Ling and Xu Fu exchanged a smile, their tense nerves finally relaxing. They knew perfectly well that their victory over the ferocious beast was entirely due to their profound understanding of the true meaning of "sincerity brings miracles."

"Mr. Yang's insightful remarks just now were truly enlightening," Xu Fu exclaimed sincerely. "It turns out that we have never been able to fully understand the true meaning of the wise words left by our predecessors."

Yang Ling smiled and nodded: "Indeed. The path of cultivation is long and arduous. Only by always maintaining a humble and reverent heart can we make continuous progress. Today's battle with Qiongqi is a crucial tempering on our path of cultivation."

The two exchanged a knowing smile and embarked once more on their journey to climb the immortal mountain. Having endured this fierce battle, not only had their cultivation reached a new level, but their resolve had also grown stronger. At this moment, they firmly believed that as long as they persevered with unwavering sincerity, they would surely reach the legendary celestial palace atop the clouds.

In their subsequent ascent, Yang Ling and Xu Fu encountered numerous trials. They sometimes had to traverse valleys shrouded in poisonous miasma, sometimes leap across unfathomable cliffs, and frequently contend with ferocious and monstrous beasts. But they never retreated; instead, with unwavering faith and indomitable will, they repeatedly turned danger into safety, steadily advancing on their path of cultivation. (End of Chapter)