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

Xu Fu looked up at the flock of birds and seemed to realize something: "Perhaps they are not ordinary birds. Legend has it that divine birds that can foresee good and bad fortune live in Zhou Mountain. Maybe these are the birds in front of us."

Upon hearing this, Meng Tian chuckled: "Brother Xu, you're overthinking it. Are there really divine birds in this world that can predict the future?"

Xu Fu said solemnly, “General Meng, the world is full of wonders. Now that we have entered Zhou Mountain, we should maintain a sense of awe and reverence.”

Just then, the clear, melodious sound of a flute began to rise, echoing gently through the woods. Its sound was melodious and enchanting, seemingly possessing the power to captivate the soul.

"Who is playing the flute?" Yang Ling looked around warily.

Meng Huaishan shook his head: "The flute music came out strangely, and it sounded quite unusual."

Xu Fu gazed ahead and said, "This music may be meant to guide us. Please follow me closely and do not get separated."

After speaking, he took the lead and followed the sound. The others followed cautiously, but as the flute music spread, the surrounding fog thickened, and their vision became increasingly blurred.

"Watch out!" Meng Huaishan suddenly shouted, "There are traps ahead!"

Before he finished speaking, he had already leaped over the pit hidden beneath the fallen leaves. Xu Fu and Yang Ling followed suit, while Meng Tian swung his sword and severed the hidden horse harness.

"That was close!" Yang Ling wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "These traps were really well hidden."

Xu Fu stared at the thick fog ahead, his expression grave: "It seems we have penetrated deep into the heart of Zhou Mountain. Everyone, do not let your guard down; we must remain vigilant at all times."

As they continued their journey, the group avoided numerous traps. However, the mountain fog grew increasingly thick, as if controlled by an unseen force. They felt as if they were trapped in a giant maze, unable to discern their direction.

Suddenly, an aged voice came from the woods: "Who dares to trespass on my place of quiet cultivation?"

Following the sound, one could see the hazy figure of an old man holding a cane emerging from the mist, exuding a mysterious aura.

"We have come to explore the mysteries of Zhou Mountain." Xu Fu stepped forward and bowed. "May I ask your esteemed name, senior? Could you please enlighten us?"

The old man sneered: "The secrets of Zhou Mountain? How could you possibly glimpse them so easily? If you wish to know the truth, you'll have to get past me first!"

The wind howled as it approached, its powerful energy rushing towards us.

The group swiftly dodged, and a gust of wind sent branches and leaves flying like rain. The four exchanged glances and nodded, knowing that the real test was just beginning.

After several twists and turns, the group arrived at the banks of a clear mountain stream. The stream was crystal clear and flowed gently. At this moment, all four of them were exhausted and decided to rest for a while.

Just as they were about to rest, a white deer suddenly leaped out of the forest and landed gracefully on the stream bank. Its body was pure white and flawless, its eyes were clear as mirrors, and it held a shimmering, luminous creature in its mouth.

"What a magnificent white deer!" Meng Huaishan exclaimed sincerely.

The white deer, undaunted, strolled gracefully to the group and stopped. Xu Fu examined the object in its mouth closely, and suddenly his eyes lit up with surprise: "That's... a divine herb!"

Yang Ling also recognized the item: "It is the immortal herb we have been searching for! I never expected that it would be brought here by this white deer."

Meng Tian asked curiously, "What is the origin of this deer? Why does it help us find the immortal herb?"

Xu Fu pondered, "Zhou Mountain is a place where spirit beasts dwell. This white deer may be a mountain deity, and its appearance at this moment must be a sign from heaven."

Meng Huaishan could not hide his excitement: "In that case, shouldn't we hurry up and get the medicine?"

Xu Fu waved his hand to stop him: "Don't be impatient. This white deer is no ordinary creature, since it can find the immortal herb. If you want to obtain the elixir, you must first gain the approval of the divine beast."

After speaking, he stepped forward and bowed: "Honorable divine beast, we came to Zhou Mountain to seek the immortal herb in order to save the common people. Fortunately, with your guidance, we were able to see the true appearance of the elixir. We humbly request that you bestow the immortal herb upon us to help us complete our mission."

The white deer seemed to understand human speech, lowering its head to gaze at the crowd with gentle eyes. It parted its lips slightly and placed the immortal herb on the ground. "It has agreed!" Meng Huaishan exclaimed with delight.

The four carefully picked up the magical herb, and immediately felt a refreshing and invigorating aura wash over them, instantly dispelling their fatigue. They realized that this was the rare treasure they had been searching for.

Just as they were about to leave, the white deer suddenly let out a long, mournful cry. Looking back, they saw numerous assassins wielding blades leap out of the forest and rush towards them.

"There's an ambush!" Yang Ling warned sharply, his longsword already drawn.

Meng Tian brandished his sword to meet the enemy: "I swear to protect the immortal herb with my life! I will never allow it to fall into the hands of thieves!"

Meng Huaishan stood protectively beside Xu Fu: "Brother Xu, quickly take the immortal herbs and retreat! General Meng and I will cover your retreat!"

Xu Fu surveyed the assassins, knowing this battle was inevitable. He gripped the immortal herb tightly: "Everyone, please be careful!"

Having said that, he turned and ran into the depths of the dense forest. Seeing this, the assassins split up to give chase, while the rest continued to besiege Yang Ling and Meng Tian.

The two fought valiantly against their enemies, but the assassins were numerous and highly skilled, gradually increasing the pressure on them. However, their fighting spirit grew stronger, and their moves became increasingly fierce.

Xu Fu sped through the forest, pursued relentlessly by his enemies. He knew that if he couldn't shake them off, not only would the immortal herb be in danger, but his life would also be in peril.

As they ran, they suddenly felt a strange warmth emanating from the magical herb, seeping into their limbs and bones. This gentle yet powerful force dispelled their fatigue and fear. Courage welled up from the depths of their hearts, and their steps became increasingly light and agile.

Despite their best efforts, the pursuers could not close the distance. As Xu Fu's figure receded into the distance, they were filled with astonishment and doubt: How could such a weak scholar move with such speed, as if divinely inspired?
At this moment, Xu Fu was completely immersed in this magical power. He felt as if he had become one with heaven and earth, and could clearly perceive the breathing of the trees, the gentle breeze on his face, and the babbling of the streams. He felt as if he had transformed into a bird, soaring freely in the sky.

Just then, a white figure gracefully landed in front. The newcomer was dressed in plain clothes, held a long sword, and had an exceptionally beautiful appearance, like a celestial being descended to earth.

"Who are you? Why are you chasing me?" Xu Fu asked warily.

The woman smiled gently: "Don't panic. I am no match for you; I've come specifically to protect you."

"Protect me? Who are you, Your Excellency? Why are you helping me?" Xu Fu asked repeatedly.

The woman avoided answering, only saying, "The immortal herb in your hand is a priceless treasure, containing wondrous power. However, such spiritual objects are easily coveted. You must take good care of it to avoid any trouble."

Xu Fu was taken aback by her words. Although he knew the immortal herb was precious, he hadn't expected it to cause such a commotion. Seeing the woman's clear eyes, he knew she wasn't exaggerating. He nodded, "Thank you for reminding me. I will certainly take good care of it."

The woman smiled again: "No need for thanks. I came to protect you on my master's orders. Now that the crisis is over, it's time for me to go back."

Having finished speaking, she was about to leave. Xu Fu hurriedly called out to her, "Wait! May I ask your name, young lady?"

The woman glanced back and said, "Just call me Bailu. If you need my help in the future, blow this whistle."

She took out a jade whistle from her bosom and handed it to him. Xu Fu took it and examined it closely, finding it to be crystal clear and engraved with a flying phoenix pattern.

"What an exquisite jade whistle! Thank you, Miss Bailu!" Xu Fu was sincerely grateful.

Bai Lu smiled faintly: "No need to be so polite. Just remember to take good care of the immortal herb. Farewell."

Before he finished speaking, his figure had already disappeared into the woods.

Xu Fu gazed in the direction she had left, filled with gratitude. His escape from danger was entirely thanks to Bai Lu's help. He secretly resolved to repay this kindness in the future.

This strengthened his resolve to protect the immortal herb. Knowing the heavy responsibility on his shoulders, he was still willing to bear this great burden for the sake of all living beings. So he gripped the immortal herb tightly in his hand and continued on his journey. (End of Chapter)