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

Ying Zheng was filled with complex emotions upon hearing this. He understood that without the Spirit Mirror Stone, the safe use of the Golden Elixir would once again become a problem. However, he also deeply understood the profound meaning behind the Taoist Xuanji's words—mortal beings should ultimately not rely excessively on immortal treasures.

Just as the Taoist Xuanji was about to leave, Bian Que suddenly spoke up: "Taoist Xuanji, since the Spirit Mirror Stone cannot remain in the mortal realm for long, could you impart one or two immortal techniques to help us resolve this predicament?"

After a moment of silence, the Taoist priest Xuanji finally nodded: "Since Master Bian Que is so sincere, I will teach you a simple method of sensing spiritual energy. Although this method is not as exquisite as the Spirit Mirror Stone, it is sufficient to meet the needs of the mortal world."

Under the guidance of the Taoist priest Xuanji, Bian Que and the imperial physicians began to study this method of spiritual energy perception. Although progress was slow at first, through tireless study and practice, they gradually became able to use their own spiritual energy perception to determine who was suitable to take the Golden Elixir.

Thus, although the Spirit Stone eventually returned to the Immortal Realm, Ying Zheng and Yang Ling still found a new way to ensure the safe use of the Golden Elixir.

The moonlight was like water, and all was silent. Ying Zheng stood alone before the carved wooden window of his bedchamber, his hands behind his back, gazing at the bright moon on the horizon. The matter of the Golden Elixir weighed heavily on his heart, making it difficult for him to sleep.

Just as he was deep in thought, Xu Fu arrived quietly under the moonlight. He walked slowly to the king's side, followed his deep gaze to the night sky, and asked softly, "Is Your Majesty still worried about the matter of the elixir of immortality?"

Ying Zheng sighed softly and turned around, the candlelight dancing on his majestic face: "Indeed. Although we have now mastered the method of sensing spiritual energy, it is ultimately only a temporary measure. If we cannot ensure the safety of the Golden Core from the root, this rare elixir will instead become a scourge."

Xu Fu agreed wholeheartedly: "Your Majesty is wise. Everything in the world has two sides. Although the elixir has miraculous effects, its potential dangers should not be underestimated. Perhaps we should examine this matter with a longer-term perspective and seek a good way to ensure the safety of the elixir."

A glint flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes: "Does my dear minister mean that there is a method that can both preserve the efficacy of the medicine and avoid the risks?"

Xu Fu stroked his beard and pondered, "There is no perfect solution in the world. However, as long as one is courageous in seeking, one will surely find a feasible way. In my humble opinion, we might as well start with the formula of elixirs and delve into their composition and mechanism. Perhaps by improving the formula, we can refine a more suitable elixir for mortals."

This insight greatly pleased Emperor Ying Zheng, who patted Xu Fu on the shoulder: "Excellent! As you say, I will immediately issue an edict summoning the palace's top alchemists and physicians to discuss this important matter. We must find a way to ensure the safety of the elixir!"

Soon after, a grand symposium was held in the palace. Ying Zheng personally presided over it, inviting all the renowned alchemists and physicians in the Qin Dynasty to participate. Everyone shared their opinions on the topic of improving the elixir of immortality, and their different perspectives sparked intellectual insights within the hall.

After days of heated debate, a young alchemist named Pangu stepped forward. He was a tall and imposing man with a resolute air about him. He bowed to the throne and spoke in a booming voice: "Your Majesty, esteemed seniors, I have an immature idea, but I don't know if I should say it."

Ying Zheng smiled and encouraged him, "Speak freely."

Pangu said loudly, "I believe that the reason why the Golden Elixir produces side effects is because the abundant spiritual energy contained within it has too much of an impact on the mortal body. If we can find a way to release the spiritual energy slowly rather than suddenly, we may be able to greatly reduce the damage to the user."

Upon hearing this, everyone present fell into deep thought. While the idea seemed bold, it wasn't without merit upon closer examination. If the release of spiritual energy could be slowed down, the side effects would naturally be reduced.

Ying Zheng cast an approving glance: "Do you have a specific implementation plan?" Pangu calmly replied: "This junior suggests using the mildest spiritual herbs in the human world as auxiliary materials to refine the golden elixir together. These spiritual herbs can act as buffers, allowing the medicinal effects to be released smoothly in the body of the user."

"Excellent!" Ying Zheng exclaimed in praise. "I grant you full permission to undertake this task. All necessary resources and manpower can be allocated as needed."

With the king's strong support, Pangu led the alchemists in a concerted effort to develop a new type of elixir. They worked day and night, experimenting with various combinations of spiritual herbs and refining techniques. After countless failures, they finally succeeded in refining this new elixir – the "Gradual Spirit Elixir".

The discovery of this elixir immediately caused a national sensation. Emperor Ying Zheng personally selected volunteers to verify its efficacy. The results were encouraging: the Jianling Elixir not only significantly prolonged lifespan but also greatly reduced side effects, making it suitable for almost all constitutions.

However, just as the Gradual Spirit Pill was about to be promoted, an unexpected piece of news disrupted all plans—there was a special constitution in the world that would violently reject the pill, and would die instantly upon ingestion!

This sudden revelation caught Ying Zheng and his entourage off guard. What they thought was a perfect solution had unexpectedly revealed new hidden dangers.

With a solemn expression, Ying Zheng summoned all the research and development personnel and said sternly, "My lords, it seems we are facing a new test. Although this special constitution is one in ten thousand, encountering it would be a catastrophic disaster. We must find a way to identify it as soon as possible to ensure the safety of the medicine."

After a moment of silence in the hall, the renowned physician Bian Que stepped forward and bowed: "Your Majesty, perhaps we could try to combine the two methods of observation, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation with spiritual energy perception to create a more precise diagnostic technique. In this way, even rare constitutions can be detected in time."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng was invigorated: "Master Bian Que's insight is brilliant! I hereby order you to immediately lead a team of medical officers to study this subject and develop new diagnostic techniques."

Upon receiving the decree, Bian Que immediately organized medical officers to tackle the problem. Through meticulous observation of individuals with special constitutions, they gradually developed a new diagnostic method. This method, which integrates the essence of traditional diagnostic techniques with spiritual perception, can accurately identify special constitutions that will react violently to the Gradual Spirit Pill.

After repeated verification and refinement, this diagnostic technique finally reached maturity. Upon hearing the news, Ying Zheng was greatly pleased and issued an edict to promote this method throughout the country to ensure the safety of the Jianling Dan (a traditional Chinese medicine). At the same time, he ordered a comprehensive re-examination of all those who had already taken the elixir to prevent any potential problems.

"Just as the Jianling Pill was benefiting the world like spring rain, bringing boundless hope to the people, an unsettling urgent report came from the border. A strange plague called 'blood plague' was quietly spreading in a remote town on the border. This plague was fierce, and those infected died almost instantly, leaving the local doctors helpless and only able to watch as vibrant lives perished in pain."

When the news reached the court, Ying Zheng's expression changed drastically. He knew the dangers of the "blood plague" and that if it was not contained in time, it would surely lead to disaster. He immediately summoned his ministers to discuss the matter, and advisors such as Yang Ling were present.

"This epidemic is extraordinary; the pathogen is bizarre and cannot be cured by ordinary medicines. If we want to find a way to eradicate it, we must go to the epidemic area to investigate the source of the disease," Ying Zheng said in a deep voice.

Yang Ling and the others looked solemn upon hearing this. They understood the dangers of this mission, but for the sake of the common people, it was their duty.

Ying Zheng's gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on Yang Ling: "This matter is of utmost importance, and I have decided to personally go to the epidemic area. Would Minister Yang be willing to accompany me?" (End of Chapter)