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

At a single command, the Xiongnu cavalry swarmed forward. The three men exchanged knowing glances, both understanding that a battle was inevitable.

"We have no choice but to fight to the death!" Meng Huaishan shouted, taking the lead in meeting the enemy.

Yang Ling and Xu Fu followed closely behind, the three of them leaning back to each other. In the fierce battle, each displayed their unique skills, but the Xiongnu soldiers were numerous and their generals were brave, and after a long battle, they gradually felt the pressure.

"Such attrition is not a good strategy!" Xu Fuge said urgently, drawing his sword. "We must find a way to break through!"

Yang Ling also realized the critical situation. He looked around at the battle, and suddenly a thought flashed through his mind: "Brother Xu, Brother Meng, come with me!"

Having said that, he dashed off in a certain direction. Xu Fu and Meng Huaishan, though puzzled, followed closely behind without hesitation. The Xiongnu cavalry, seeing this, immediately spurred their horses into a frenzy of pursuit.

Just as the pursuers were about to catch up, Yang Ling suddenly stopped and turned around, his wide sleeves billowing in the wind. Instantly, a strong wind howled, and a powerful wave of energy surged towards the enemy army like a tidal wave, knocking the Xiongnu cavalry off their feet and causing them to fall.

"This is actually the release of true qi!" Meng Huaishan exclaimed in astonishment. "I never imagined that Mr. Yang's martial arts skills were so extraordinary!"

Xu Fu exclaimed with admiration, "Sir, you are truly a man of profound wisdom!"

Yang Ling casually waved his sleeve: "This is merely an emergency measure. We are still not out of danger and must leave this place quickly to find another safe haven."

The three continued their hurried journey, carefully avoiding patrol routes. After traveling all night, they finally arrived at the border of the Central Plains at dawn.

"Finally, I'm back on my homeland!" Meng Huaishan looked at the familiar landscape, unable to hide his excitement.

Xu Fu and Yang Ling exchanged a relieved look. Although their adventure in the Western Regions had been fraught with danger, it had not been in vain. They had not only obtained a rare elixir of immortality but also made a close friend like Meng Huaishan.

"Yes, we've finally returned." Yang Ling gazed at the horizon, filled with emotion. "This journey was made possible by the tremendous help of the two of you. If I had gone alone, I would never have been able to accomplish anything."

While resting in Songshan County, they heard the locals spreading rumors that a Taoist immortal lived in seclusion in the mountains behind the village. The two exchanged a knowing smile, their eyes filled with curiosity. Although their journey to the Western Regions had been very fruitful, they still harbored a longing for the pursuit of immortality.

"Do you believe this immortal truly exists?" Xu Fu inquired.

Yang Ling pondered for a moment and said, "The world is full of wonders. Since it is widely circulated among the people, there must be a reason for it. Why don't we go and investigate?"

Meng Huaishan also joined in with great interest: "I have been wandering the martial world for many years and have never seen a true immortal. This time I must go with you two to broaden my horizons."

So the three decided to go to the back mountain to seek immortals. After passing through the county town and arriving at the foot of the mountain, they saw verdant peaks and misty clouds, truly resembling a fairyland.

As we wound our way up the mountain path, we encountered some herb gatherers. When asked about the whereabouts of the immortal, the villagers whispered mysteriously, "The immortal lives in a thatched hut on the mountaintop, but to see his face, one must have a special connection."

After a difficult climb, we finally reached the summit. A simple thatched hut appeared amidst the clouds and mist, with lush, fragrant herbs growing in front of it. However, the hut was empty, with only a stone table and benches standing quietly inside.

"Strange, where is the true immortal?" Meng Huaishan looked around blankly.

Xu Fu also looked disappointed: "Could it be that my destiny to become an immortal has truly not arrived?"

Just as I was about to leave, I suddenly heard a clear, melodious voice from behind me: "Now that you three guests have arrived, why not enjoy some tea before you go?"

Turning around, I saw an old man in white robes emerge from behind the house, holding a long flute, exuding an air of otherworldly wisdom, like a hermit sage.

"Are you a true immortal?" Yang Ling stepped forward and asked with courtesy.

The old man smiled and said, "I dare not accept the title of 'True Immortal.' I am but a recluse from the mountains. If the three of you do not mind, please come inside for some tea."

The three gladly accepted the invitation to enter the house.

The old man brewed tea for them, and then discussed philosophy with the three of them over tea. Their conversation touched on the mysteries of heaven and earth, the changes of yin and yang, and the natural way of the Tao, which made everyone present feel as if they were bathed in a gentle breeze and their minds were clear.

Before they knew it, the sun was setting and dusk was deepening. The three rose to take their leave, sincerely thanking the old man for his warm hospitality and insightful guidance.

The old man saw them off at the door, his kind face smiling: "The three of you are all destined to meet. We part today, when will we meet again? I only wish that you will all attain the Great Dao soon and have your wishes fulfilled."

On their way down the mountain, the three were filled with gratitude. Although they did not witness the divine manifestation, this experience was like a cleansing of the soul, and it would have profound meaning for their future spiritual practice.

After watching the three depart, the old man nodded slightly and drifted back to his hut.

Just as Xu Fu and his men left the back mountain, they received an urgent report: Fusu had personally led 100,000 elite black-armored soldiers in pursuit.

"What? Fusu actually led his troops to pursue us personally?" Yang Ling was shocked. Although he knew that Fusu had always been suspicious of this trip, he did not expect him to mobilize such a large force.

Xu Fu frowned deeply: "Now that our whereabouts have been exposed, we must quickly devise a countermeasure."

Meng Huaishan took a deep breath: "One hundred thousand elite troops are no small matter. We must find a safe place immediately to avoid their sharp edge."

Yang Ling shook his head: "There's no way to avoid it, so we should think of a solution."

As they were discussing, dust billowed in the distance, and the thunderous hooves of the black-armored army shook the heavens. Fusu sat upright on the back of his black horse, his military attire sharp and his gaze piercing.

"Xu Fu and Yang Ling are indeed here!" Fusu roared angrily. "You dare to betray the court and flee to the Western Regions! Today, you will be executed!"

Xu Fu stepped forward and answered loudly, "My lord, you are wise. We have never betrayed the court. We are here to search for the elixir of immortality, and our sincere hearts are as clear as the sun and moon."

Fusu sneered: "Clever words and a flattering face! If you truly obtained the elixir of immortality, why have you been so slow to return and report? Clearly, you have a guilty conscience!"

Yang Ling also stepped forward to plead: "Your Excellency, we have obtained a major secret on our journey to the Western Regions and need to report it to the Emperor in person. We humbly request that Your Excellency allow us to have an audience with the Emperor."

Fusu remained unmoved and shouted sternly, "Stop spreading rumors and misleading the public! You are clearly plotting something treacherous! Soldiers, listen to my command, capture the traitors immediately!"

As Fusu gave the order, a massive, dark army surged forward like a tidal wave. Xu Fu, Yang Ling, and Meng Huaishan exchanged glances, all knowing that this battle was inevitable.

"Today we shall fight them to the death!" Meng Huaishan roared, taking the lead in drawing his sword to meet the enemy. In a flash of sword light, several black-armored soldiers fell to the ground.

Xu Fu and Yang Ling followed closely behind, engaging in fierce combat with the enemy. Despite their exceptional martial arts skills, they gradually felt overwhelmed by the overwhelming encirclement.

As Fusu watched the battle, a smug look spread across his face, and he thought victory was assured. Suddenly, he heard a thunderous hoofbeat from his flank. A troop of iron cavalry cut into the battlefield like a sharp blade.

"It's General Meng Tian!" Xu Fu exclaimed with delight. "General Meng has come to meet us!"

Meng Tian's elite cavalry swept through the enemy lines with unstoppable momentum, tearing them apart in an instant. After joining forces with the three, they advanced together to attack Fusu.

Fusu was horrified at the sight, never expecting Meng Tian to suddenly appear. Knowing that the situation was hopeless, he hastily ordered a retreat.

As the Black Armor Army crumbled, Fusu fled in disarray with only his personal guards. Watching the dust settle in the distance, the three of them breathed a sigh of relief.

This narrow escape from danger was entirely due to Meng Tian's timely assistance.

After a brief reorganization, the group decided to continue their journey to Zhou Mountain. This legendary secret realm was hidden deep in the heart of the Central Plains, with treacherous terrain and shrouded in mist year-round.

As I walked through the dense forest, I felt an eerie atmosphere permeating the surroundings. Birds chirped incessantly in the treetops, more densely than in ordinary mountain forests, as if conveying some kind of message.

“The atmosphere here is indeed unusual,” Yang Ling warned, frowning. “Everyone must act with caution.”

Meng Huaishan nodded in agreement: "These birds are also strange; they seem to be watching us constantly." (End of Chapter)