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

"Xu Fu! You've finally returned!" Ying Zheng said with a smile as he looked at Xu Fu. "I was just about to send someone to find you!"

"Your Majesty, I am deeply sorry for your concern! I deserve to die!" Xu Fu immediately knelt down to beg for forgiveness.

"Rise! Rise! Stand up and speak!" Ying Zheng waved for Xu Fu to stand up. "I heard you have found the entrance to Penglai? Is that true?"

"Your Majesty! I have indeed found the entrance to Penglai!" Xu Fu stood up and reported. "However, entering Penglai is no easy task; it requires many trials and tribulations."

"Oh? Tests and trials?" Ying Zheng asked with great interest. "Tell me in detail!"

"I will obey Your Majesty's command!" Xu Fu bowed and stated, "The entrance to Penglai is guarded by a giant dragon. This dragon is incredibly powerful, and ordinary people cannot get close to it. Even if one can approach the entrance, one must traverse numerous labyrinthine caves before finally obtaining the elixir of immortality."

"In that case, obtaining the elixir of immortality is indeed difficult!" Ying Zheng sighed.

"Indeed! Your Majesty! However, I am prepared to travel to Penglai to obtain the elixir of immortality and present it to Your Majesty!" Xu Fu stated firmly.

"Excellent! I knew I hadn't misjudged you!" Ying Zheng was overjoyed upon hearing this. "If you can obtain the elixir of immortality, I will reward you handsomely!"

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!" Xu Fu kowtowed gratefully.

Just then, a guard came to report that someone claiming to be a descendant of Taiyi was requesting an audience outside the palace. Ying Zheng and Xu Fu were both taken aback, wondering who this old man was.

But since the other party claimed to be a descendant of Taiyi, he must be related to the Penglai Wonderland. Ying Zheng immediately ordered the old man to be summoned to the palace.

Before long, an old man with white hair reaching the ground was led into Xianyang Palace. He was the same old immortal who had appeared in the deep mountains and in front of Xu Fu earlier.

After entering the hall, the old man made no attempt to stand on ceremony, and sat down to the side. Looking at Ying Zheng and Xu Fu, he asked with a smile, "Are you two the ones who seek the elixir of immortality?"

"Indeed! May I ask your honorable name, senior?" Ying Zheng asked respectfully.

Even though he was the emperor, he dared not show the slightest disrespect to this old immortal.

Moreover, he could sense the powerful aura emanating from the old immortal, which inspired awe. This further confirmed that the old immortal must be connected to the elixir of immortality!

"All you need to know is that I am the Taoist of Penglai!" the old immortal said, flicking his sleeve. "The important thing is whether you two truly have the determination and courage to seek the elixir of immortality!"

"Of course!" Ying Zheng and Xu Fu said in unison, their eyes filled with determination. They were willing to pay any price for the elixir of immortality!

Even if it means facing mountains of knives and seas of fire, they will not hesitate! What's more, now that they have the guidance of an old sage! This has further strengthened their resolve!

"Very well! Then I will tell you some secrets about the Penglai Wonderland and the elixir of immortality!" The old immortal paused before continuing.

"In fact, the Penglai Wonderland is not in our world, but in another world that is difficult for mortals to reach!"
To enter that realm, one must pass through a special portal, hidden on a secluded island overseas! However, to reach it, several superior ships are required.

"An isolated island overseas? Where is that?" Ying Zheng asked curiously.

The old immortal's words made him yearn even more for the Penglai Wonderland and the elixir of immortality! If he could truly obtain the elixir of immortality, he could rule the Qin Dynasty for eternity!

This is an irresistible temptation for any emperor!
Moreover, Ying Zheng was an emperor with grand ambitions!
He has not yet assimilated more foreign tribes into Han customs, has not achieved true unification of the world, and has not conquered overseas territories!

"However, reaching the isolated island is not enough; a special key is needed to open the gate to the island's paradise," the old immortal deliberately drawled, secretly delighted as he looked at Ying Zheng and Xu Fu's eager eyes, "It is the Imperial Seal of the State!"

"The Imperial Seal of the State?" Ying Zheng and Xu Fu were both taken aback, puzzled as to why the old man had mentioned the Imperial Seal of the State.

"Senior, are you saying that the Imperial Seal of the State is needed to open the gate to the fairyland on the island?" Ying Zheng asked tentatively.

"Indeed! It is the Imperial Seal of the State!" the old man replied confidently.
"The Imperial Seal of the State is not only a symbol of the nation, but also the key to unlocking the gate to the fairyland! Only the holder of the Imperial Seal of the State can open the gate to the fairyland and enter that mysterious world!"

Upon hearing this, both Ying Zheng and Xu Fu understood. "So that's how it is! Thank you for your guidance, senior!" they said in unison.

The old immortal nodded slightly. "It's good that you understand! However, I must remind you that the path to obtaining the elixir of immortality is extremely dangerous, and a slight mistake can lead to death! You must proceed with utmost caution!"

"Rest assured, senior! We will be careful!" Ying Zheng and Xu Fu said in unison, their eyes filled with determination. They were willing to pay any price for the elixir of immortality!

Seeing this, the old immortal said no more. “In that case, you shall prepare to set off! Remember to bring the Imperial Seal of the State, otherwise the gate to the Immortal Realm will not be able to be opened.”

After saying this, the old immortal vanished in a flash, leaving Ying Zheng and Xu Fu looking at each other in bewilderment. They understood that the old immortal had left, and now they would have to rely on themselves to find the elixir of immortality.

Ying Zheng immediately ordered skilled craftsmen to build sturdy seagoing vessels and selected capable soldiers to accompany and protect them. Xu Fu also began preparing various items and medicines that might be needed, in case of emergency.

Soon everything was ready, and Ying Zheng and Xu Fu, carrying the Imperial Seal of the State, set off with their entourage. They sailed eastward along the East China Sea route, hoping to find the isolated island the old immortal had described.

However, the sea is unpredictable, sometimes calm as a mirror, sometimes raging with stormy waves. The giant ship tossed and turned on the vast ocean, filling everyone with trepidation.

The old man flicked his robe sleeves, and the radiance on the stone gate gradually faded, revealing a misty passage. This passage seemed to connect to another world, inspiring both awe and longing.

Ying Zheng and Xu Fu exchanged a glance, their eyes gleaming with barely suppressed excitement and anticipation. They knew that the ultimate destination in their quest for the elixir of immortality was right before them! Once they passed through this mysterious passage, they would reach that legendary world and find the coveted elixir of life!
"Let's set off! We'll enter together!" Ying Zheng said, stepping into the passage first. Xu Fu and his accompanying soldiers followed closely behind, filing in one after another.

After passing through the passage, a completely new world unfolded before them. Here, the mountains were verdant, the waters clear, birds sang, and flowers bloomed—a veritable paradise on earth. A faint, ethereal fragrance filled the air, soothing their spirits and making them feel as if they were in a blissful paradise.

"Is this paradise?" Ying Zheng looked around at the beautiful scenery and couldn't help but exclaim, "It's truly breathtaking!"

"Indeed! This place is truly a paradise!" Xu Fu exclaimed sincerely. "It seems we have finally found a clue to the elixir of immortality!"

As the two were talking, they suddenly heard a melodious tune. Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw a magnificent palace standing not far away! The palace was shrouded in misty clouds, as if it were floating in mid-air, making it seem mysterious and unpredictable.

"There must be clues to the elixir of immortality there!" Ying Zheng pointed to the palace. "Let's go investigate immediately!" (End of Chapter)