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

At this critical moment, Xu Fu resolutely proposed using the elixir of immortality to treat the patients! He believed that since this medicine could grant immortality, it could surely cure this terrible plague! This statement immediately caused a huge uproar! The ministers debated fiercely, with differing opinions; some supported Xu Fu's proposal, believing it to be feasible; others opposed it, arguing that it was too risky and that the consequences of failure would be unimaginable!
Ying Zheng listened to the opinions of the crowd, his heart filled with hesitation and indecision. He understood that using the elixir of immortality to treat the sick was indeed a risky move, but if this policy was not adopted, countless people would continue to suffer from illness and even die! After careful consideration, Ying Zheng finally made up his mind—to use the elixir of immortality to treat the sick!

He immediately sent people to fetch spare medicines, grind them into powder, dissolve them in water, and provide them to the people for consumption. At the same time, he dispatched a large number of officials and imperial physicians to various regions to guide epidemic prevention and treatment. Under Ying Zheng's wise command and the concerted efforts of the entire nation, this terrible plague was finally brought under control! Countless people recovered, and society regained its former peace and prosperity.

However, just as the nation was celebrating, Xu Fu brought devastating news—the elixir of immortality had been exhausted! This meant that if a similar epidemic were to occur again, they would have no medicine to use!
Upon hearing this news, Ying Zheng was deeply shaken, as if struck by a heavy blow. He felt utterly powerless; this elixir that had once given him boundless hope had been exhausted at the crucial moment. He looked at Xu Fu, his eyes filled with complex and indescribable emotions.

Xu Fu lowered his head, not daring to meet his gaze. He understood that although he had suggested using the elixir of immortality, he had also plunged the Qin Dynasty into a predicament where no medicine was available. He was filled with guilt and self-reproach.

Just then, Zhao Ji approached slowly. She looked at Ying Zheng and Xu Fu with a resolute expression and said, "Your Majesty, Xu Fu, there is no need to worry too much. Although the elixir of immortality has been exhausted, we can still find another way."

Ying Zheng looked at Zhao Ji with a questioning look in his eyes: "What brilliant idea does Mother have?"

Zhao Ji took a deep breath and said, "Have you ever heard of the Golden Elixir?"

Ying Zheng and Xu Fu were both taken aback and shook their heads in unison. They had indeed never heard of the Golden Elixir.

Zhao Ji continued, "The Golden Elixir is a magical elixir. It is said that taking it can prolong life and even achieve immortality. Although the method of refining it is extremely complicated, I believe that I can find the method to refine the Golden Elixir."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's eyes lit up: "Does Mother know how to refine the Golden Elixir?"

Zhao Ji nodded and said, "I once saw a record of the Golden Elixir in an ancient book. Although it was not very detailed, it had some clues. We can send someone to find alchemists or Taoists who are skilled in refining the Golden Elixir and invite them to the palace to refine it."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng was overjoyed and immediately issued an edict to search the entire country for alchemists and Taoist priests skilled in refining the elixir of immortality. At the same time, he dispatched people to search for the ancient book that recorded the elixir, hoping to obtain more clues.

However, things didn't go as planned. The search for the alchemists and Taoist priests progressed slowly, and the ancient book seemed to have sunk without a trace. Just when Ying Zheng was beginning to despair, Zhao Ji offered another astonishing suggestion—she was willing to use her own blood to refine the elixir of immortality!

"Mother!" Ying Zheng exclaimed, "How can this be? Your phoenix body..."

Zhao Ji calmly interrupted Ying Zheng: "Your Majesty, I am aware of my physical condition. But as a member of the Great Qin, I am willing to contribute my modest efforts to the future of the empire. Moreover, I believe that my own blood can be refined into a golden elixir. Do not forget that the first elixir of immortality was taken by me."

Upon hearing this, both Ying Zheng and Xu Fu were moved to tears. They understood that Zhao Ji was taking a great risk, yet she had chosen this path without hesitation. They were filled with immense respect and gratitude for her courage and determination.

Finally, Ying Zheng agreed to Zhao Ji's suggestion and began preparations for refining the elixir of immortality. They summoned the most skilled imperial physicians and alchemists to study the methods of alchemy recorded in ancient texts, and collected various rare medicinal herbs and spiritual substances as auxiliary materials. They awaited only Zhao Ji's blood donation before beginning the refining of the elixir. After Ying Zheng and Xu Fu's meticulous preparations, the auspicious day for refining the elixir finally arrived. In a specially set-up secret chamber in the palace, various alchemical instruments surrounded a central bronze cauldron, with rare medicinal herbs and spiritual substances displayed all around. A refreshing and intoxicating fragrance filled the air, captivating all who beheld it.

Zhao Ji, dressed in a crimson palace gown, though her face was slightly pale, burned with a resolute flame in her eyes. She walked slowly to the center of the alchemy room, surveyed the bustling scene around her, and softly inquired, "Is everything ready?"

Ying Zheng nodded nervously in response, his heart pounding with anxiety despite having agreed to his mother's decision. "Mother, please take care of yourself." Xu Fu presented a carved jade box, inside which were neatly arranged fine, gleaming silver needles. "If the Empress Dowager feels unwell, please give her instructions immediately."

Zhao Ji smiled faintly as she took the silver needle and gently pricked her fingertip. Beads of crimson blood fell one after another into the white jade bowl, gleaming beautifully in the candlelight, adding a touch of mystery.

At the same time, the chief alchemist stood solemnly before the giant alchemy furnace, his face solemn and inscrutable. He took deep breaths and began chanting ancient incantations, each syllable containing a power that could shake heaven and earth.

As the incantation echoed, the alchemist threw the Empress Dowager's blood beads along with precious medicinal herbs into the furnace. The blood beads swirled and flowed within the furnace, perfectly blending with the herbs to create a peculiar mixture.

Flames surged from the bottom of the furnace, illuminating the alchemy room. The flickering firelight cast eerie shadows on the alchemist's face.

As the temperature gradually rises, the medicinal herbs slowly melt in the furnace, releasing an intoxicating aroma. This fragrance seems to possess a magical power, capable of washing away all worldly worries.

Ying Zheng and Xu Fu stood by, their eyes fixed on the alchemy furnace, not daring to miss any subtle changes. Their heartbeats quickened with the rhythm of the flames, as if resonating with the progress of the alchemy process.

Time seemed to stand still, a heavy anticipation filling the air. Everyone held their breath, waiting for a miracle to happen.

After a long wait, the fire in the furnace gradually weakened, and the temperature dropped. The alchemist opened the furnace lid, and an even richer, more exotic fragrance wafted out. He carefully took out a golden pill, its radiance dazzling, as if it had condensed the essence of heaven and earth.

Just then, the wooden door of the alchemy room opened slightly, and a Taoist priest in a green robe quietly entered. It wasn't until he reached Ying Zheng's side that the others noticed his presence. "Your Majesty," he said, "this humble Taoist may be able to offer some small assistance."

Ying Zheng turned around in surprise: "Who is the Taoist priest?"

The Taoist priest smiled and bowed, saying, "I am a wanderer who happened to hear of the great Qin dynasty's lavish alchemy, and have come to offer my assistance. My secret method may increase your chances of succeeding in alchemy."

Ying Zheng's eyes lit up: "I would like to hear the details."

The Taoist priest took out a lustrous jade pendant from his sleeve, which seemed to contain a mysterious power. "This is a Spirit Gathering Jade, which can gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, adding an extra layer of protection to the alchemy process. Simply place it beside the furnace."

Ying Zheng immediately ordered his men to make the necessary arrangements. As expected, the alchemy process then underwent subtle changes; the energy around the furnace became increasingly active, and the medicinal ingredients blended more harmoniously.

Just as everyone was watching intently, the alchemy furnace suddenly made a soft "crack" sound, and then burst out with golden light, illuminating the entire alchemy room as if it were daytime.

As the light faded, a crystal-clear golden elixir appeared before everyone's eyes, spinning leisurely in the furnace, emitting a warm glow and a pleasant fragrance. (End of Chapter)