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

They followed the white deer wolf through dense forests and across streams, finally arriving at a secluded valley.

In the valley lies a crystal-clear lake, its waters a jade-green hue, shimmering in the sunlight. Along its shores grow a variety of exotic flowers and herbs, their fragrance filling the air. Across the lake stands a majestic mountain peak, shrouded in mist and clouds, resembling a fairyland.

"This place is..." Xu Fu exclaimed in surprise, "Could it be the legendary fairyland?"

Bai Lu was also stunned by the sight before her. She looked at the white deer wolf and said gratefully, "Thank you for bringing us to such a beautiful place, Bai Lu."

The white deer wolf gently shook its head, as if to say, "No need to be polite, it's what I should do."

Then it walked to the lake and bowed its head to drink. Xu Fu and Bai Lu also came to the lakeside and scooped up the clear lake water to wash away the dust and weariness from their faces.

They sat by the lake, admiring the beautiful scenery before them and feeling the bounty of nature. Suddenly, the white deer wolf approached and gently licked their palms, showing affection and trust.

"White Deer, you truly are a wondrous wolf," Xu Fu exclaimed, gently stroking the wolf's fur. "Not only do you understand human speech, but you also led us out of the maze and to this paradise. Are you truly an incarnation of an immortal?"

The white deer wolf seemed somewhat ashamed upon hearing this and lowered its head. Then, it suddenly raised its head to the sky and let out a long howl.

Xu Fu and Bai Lu stared in surprise at the white deer wolf, puzzled as to why it had suddenly howled. Just then, they noticed that the clouds in the sky were beginning to churn, as if something was about to appear.

They stared intently at the sky, where a hazy figure gradually emerged from the clouds. The figure grew clearer and clearer, eventually transforming into an old man with an air of otherworldly wisdom.

The old man descended gracefully, landing before them and gazing at them with a smile. His eyes were deep and clear, as if they could see through all the illusions of the world.

"You've finally arrived," the old man said, his voice clear and melodious, like heavenly music.

Xu Fu and Bai Lu were shocked by the old man's voice. They stared at him with wide eyes, not knowing what to say for a moment.

"Don't panic," the old man said with a smile. "I am the guardian of this place and the master of the white deer. The reason why the white deer can understand human speech and lead you out of the maze to this place is because I have bestowed upon it magical power."

"I see." Xu Fu suddenly realized. "Thank you, senior, for bestowing upon us the divine power of the white deer, which helped us complete our mission."

The old man nodded and looked at the white deer wolf, saying, "White Deer, you have done very well and have not disappointed my expectations."

Upon hearing this, the white deer wolf's eyes flashed with pride, and it affectionately rubbed against the old man's clothes.

The old man gently stroked the white deer wolf's fur, then turned to Xu Fu and Bai Lu and said, "Have you come here to thank the white deer for saving your lives in person?"

Xu Fu and Bai Lu exchanged a glance, then bowed deeply to the old man to express their heartfelt gratitude. "Senior, you are wise," Xu Fu replied respectfully, "If it weren't for Bai Lu's help, we would probably have been lost in the illusion long ago, and we wouldn't have been able to safely deliver the immortal herb back to the capital. We have come here specifically to thank Bai Lu for saving our lives."

Fusu stood silently at the entrance of the valley, watching Xu Fu and Bai Lu's figures gradually disappear into the distance, a complex mix of emotions welling up within him. He had come to Zhou Mountain on his father's orders to hunt down those charlatan sorcerers. But he never expected to encounter a true master here…

"What on earth is going on?" Fusu muttered to himself. "I came here to eliminate the fake sorcerers, how did I end up encountering a true immortal?"

He recalled his encounter with Xu Fu and Bai Lu, as well as the extraordinary behavior displayed by the white deer and wolf, and his heart was filled with even greater shock and confusion. He vaguely sensed that all of this was not a coincidence, but rather an arrangement of some mysterious force.

Just then, a clear and melodious song drifted by, interrupting Fusu's thoughts. He looked up and saw an elderly man with an otherworldly air gracefully approaching and landing lightly before him. The old man had a thin face, bright and piercing eyes, and his white robe fluttered in the wind, making him appear like a banished immortal descending to earth.

“You are…” Fusu stared blankly at the old man, speechless for a moment.

"I am the guardian of this land," the old man said with a smile, "and also an old friend of the reclusive master you just met."

Upon hearing this, Fusu was even more astonished and quickly bowed, saying, "Junior Fusu greets Senior."

The old man nodded slightly, looked at Fusu and said, “Fusu, there is no need to be alarmed. All things in heaven and earth follow their own destiny. Although your trip to Zhou Mountain was to hunt down the fake sorcerer, it was also a fortuitous encounter. The fact that you were able to meet Xu Fu, Bai Lu, and such spiritual creatures as the white deer wolf shows that you are a blessed person.”

Upon hearing this, Fusu calmed down somewhat. Recalling his original purpose for coming here, he couldn't help but feel ashamed and said, "Senior, you are wise. I was indeed sent by my father to wipe out those fraudulent sorcerers who deceive the world. I never expected to encounter a true immortal here. This is truly unexpected and makes me feel ashamed."

The old man smiled and shook his head: "Fusu, there is no need to blame yourself. The fact that you were able to come here and meet Xu Fu and the others shows that you are also a person who cares about the common people and is both wise and brave. I believe that your father sent you here to protect the people and stabilize the country. It's just that things are unpredictable and people's hearts are unfathomable. Although those fake sorcerers are despicable, perhaps it is their existence that has attracted the real hermit masters."

Fusu nodded as if he understood. Recalling the various legends of immortals he had heard in the past, he couldn't help but feel boundless respect and curiosity for Xu Fu, Bai Lu, and the white deer wolf.

"Senior," Fusu asked curiously, "who exactly is that reclusive master Xu Fu? How does he possess such mysterious power?"

The old man smiled calmly: "Xu Fu was not a god, but a mortal with firm beliefs and commendable courage. The reason he was able to obtain this divine power was entirely due to his deep concern and sense of responsibility for all living beings. This power was not sought from the outside, but originated from within his heart."

Upon hearing this, Fusu suddenly understood. He realized that true power did not come from military force or authority, but from inner goodness and courage. He resolved to return to the capital to report this to his father, the Emperor, so that his father could also understand how true masters of the world exist.

Just then, the old man suddenly looked up at the sky, as if he had noticed something. He turned to Fusu and said, "Fusu, it's getting late, you should go back. Remember what you saw and heard today, and don't tell anyone else." After speaking, the old man drifted away and disappeared into the clouds.

Fusu stood frozen in place, gazing in the direction the old man had disappeared, his heart filled with awe and reverence. He took a deep breath, etching this unforgettable experience into his heart. Then he turned and descended the mountain, preparing to return to the capital to report.

Walking along the mountain path, Fusu was filled with countless thoughts. Recalling his encounters with Xu Fu, Bai Lu, and the white deer and wolf, as well as the old man's earnest teachings, a strange emotion welled up within him. He felt as if he had experienced a dreamlike adventure, an encounter that gave him a completely new understanding of life and the world. (End of Chapter)