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

As the group approached the palace gates, they found them tightly shut, the doors adorned with intricate patterns and characters, exuding an ancient and majestic aura. Two golden-armored guards stood solemnly before the gates, spears in hand, their bearing imposing.

"Who goes there? How dare you trespass into the Penglai Immortal Palace!" one of the guards shouted coldly.

His gaze swept over Ying Zheng and Xu Fu, as if assessing their strength and status. When he caught sight of the Imperial Seal in Ying Zheng's hand, the guard's expression changed instantly. "So it's the Emperor of the Mortal Realm! My apologies for my overreaction!" he exclaimed, bowing respectfully to make way.

The other guard also bowed upon seeing this. They clearly recognized the Imperial Seal and knew its symbolic significance. Ying Zheng smiled calmly, "No need for such formalities, gentlemen. I have come here seeking the elixir of immortality. I hope you will grant us entry." With that, he showed the Imperial Seal to the two guards.

After exchanging glances, the two guards nodded in agreement, "Since Your Majesty has come seeking the elixir of immortality, we shall naturally allow you to pass."

However, the palace is riddled with traps and extremely dangerous; Your Majesty must be extremely careful.” With that, the two of them pushed open the heavy palace door together. After thanking them, Ying Zheng and Xu Fu led their soldiers into the palace to begin their search for clues to the elixir of immortality. They encountered numerous traps and snares within the palace, but they overcame them one by one with their wisdom and courage.

Finally, upon reaching the deepest part of the palace, they discovered a mysterious stone chamber.

In the center of the stone chamber sat a jade box, radiating a soft glow and a faint fragrance. "The elixir of immortality must be in this jade box!" Xu Fu exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement.

Ying Zheng nodded in agreement and stepped forward to open the jade box. Just as his fingertips were about to touch the jade box, a dazzling light suddenly burst forth! Immediately afterward, a burly figure appeared from the light! It was an old man dressed in a Taoist robe, holding a whisk, with an air of otherworldly grace and ethereal beauty.

"Who dares to trespass on this forbidden area?" The old man's voice boomed like a bell, deafeningly loud. Ying Zheng and Xu Fu were both startled, but quickly regained their composure.

"I am Ying Zheng, the First Emperor of Qin! I have come specifically to seek the elixir of immortality!" Ying Zheng answered loudly. "May I ask your esteemed title, Immortal Master?"

"I am the Lord of Penglai!" the old man said coldly. "You mortals dare to covet the elixir of immortality? What a fool's dream! Leave at once, or don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"Immortal Master, please calm your anger!" Xu Fu hurriedly stepped forward and bowed. "We are not acting out of personal desire, but truly wish to use this miraculous medicine to save all living beings and relieve them from the suffering of illness. We humbly beg the Immortal Master to bestow the medicine upon us in compassion!"

"Oh? To save the common people?" The old man raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised. "Do you truly have such a heart?"

"Absolutely true!" Ying Zheng and Xu Fu exclaimed in unison, "We are willing to stake our lives on it!"

"Very well, then let us test you." The old man waved his sleeve lightly, and the jade box opened. Inside the box lay a crystal-clear pill, radiating a warm glow and exuding a refreshing fragrance.

"Is this the elixir of immortality?" Ying Zheng stared at the pill, unable to hide his excitement.

"Not necessarily. This substance might be a deadly poison. If taken for the sake of saving the world, it may grant immortality; but if taken with selfish motives, it will surely cause your intestines to rupture and your stomach to rot. Do you still dare to try this medicine?"

"Immortal Master, this..."

Ying Zheng and Xu Fu exchanged bewildered glances, never expecting the old man to set such a test. Was this pill an elixir of immortality or a deadly poison? This was a truly difficult choice.

"Your Majesty," Xu Fu hesitated, looking at Ying Zheng, unsure how to proceed. Ying Zheng took a deep breath, a resolute glint in his eyes, "I trust the immortal would not deceive me. Since this medicine can save the world, I am willing to try it!"

Having said that, he reached for the pill, about to put it in his mouth. Xu Fu suddenly grabbed his wrist, "Your Majesty, wait! Let me test the medicine first!"

"Xu Fu, you..." Ying Zheng looked at Xu Fu in surprise, not expecting him to be the first to take the medicine.

"Your Majesty's safety is tied to the fate of the nation, and no mistake can be made. Although I am not talented, I am willing to do my best for the people of the world." As he spoke, Xu Fu put the pill into his mouth.

Deeply moved by this, Ying Zheng grasped Xu Fu's hands tightly, saying, "Xu Fu, you are truly my trusted minister!"

Xu Fu smiled calmly and said nothing more, closing his eyes to concentrate and regulate his breathing. As time passed, his complexion gradually became rosy, and a faint halo emanated from his body.

"This is... the elixir of immortality has worked!" Ying Zheng exclaimed with a mixture of surprise and delight.

The old man nodded slightly upon seeing this. "Indeed, you have passed the test. This elixir is indeed the elixir of immortality."

Ying Zheng was overjoyed. "Thank you for the medicine, Immortal Master!" He quickly stepped forward and bowed to express his gratitude.

The old man waved his hand, indicating, "No need to thank me, you should thank yourselves. It is truly rare to have such magnanimity and determination." He then handed the jade box to Ying Zheng, saying, "There are still two elixirs of immortality left in the box, you can take them."

Ying Zheng respectfully accepted the jade box and carefully put it away, saying, "Thank you, Immortal Master!" He then thanked Xu Fu again.

"Alright, you may all return now." The old man flicked his sleeve, and the stone chamber door slowly opened. "Remember, though the elixir of immortality is wonderful, it must not be abused, or you will surely be punished by heaven." Ying Zheng and Xu Fu responded in unison, understanding that the old man was warning them against greed. The elixir of immortality, though possessing miraculous effects, is not omnipotent, and should not be squandered recklessly.
The group retraced their steps out of the stone chamber and soon returned to the stone gate. The old man did not accompany them, clearly unwilling to have any further involvement with the mortal world.

As Ying Zheng watched the light on the stone gate gradually fade, he was filled with emotion. This experience in search of the elixir of immortality had taught him many lessons, and he had come to cherish his life and the people around him even more.

"Xu Fu, let's return to the capital," Ying Zheng said, turning and walking down the mountain. Xu Fu and his soldiers followed closely behind.

Upon returning to Xianyang Palace, Ying Zheng immediately summoned his civil and military officials to discuss how to utilize the elixir of immortality. After heated discussions, they ultimately decided to present one of the elixirs to Empress Dowager Zhao Ji as a sign of filial piety; to keep another as a reserve in case of unforeseen circumstances; and to treasure the last one in the national treasury as a national treasure to be passed down through generations.

After taking the elixir of immortality, Zhao Ji indeed became radiant and energetic, as if she were decades younger! This delighted her and also pleased Ying Zheng. The spare elixir was carefully stored in a secret place and guarded by a special person. As for the national treasures in the treasury, they were protected with multiple layers of security to prevent them from being stolen or damaged.

From then on, the Qin Empire entered its golden age of prosperity! Under the wise rule of Ying Zheng, the country grew stronger day by day, the people lived in peace and contentment, and science and culture flourished! The legend of the elixir of immortality gradually faded with the passage of time, becoming an eternal legend.
However, just as the Qin Dynasty was at its zenith, a sudden plague shattered this tranquility! The epidemic began to spread throughout the country! Countless people lost their lives to the disease, and the entire society was plunged into panic and chaos!

Upon hearing the news, Ying Zheng was greatly alarmed and immediately summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures. He also dispatched imperial physicians to various regions to treat the sick. However, the epidemic spread rapidly, and despite the physicians' best efforts, they were unable to control its spread! Seeing the people struggling in pain, Ying Zheng was extremely anxious but helpless! (End of Chapter)