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

Carrying the precious "Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill" and the miraculous "Lingzhi Grass," the group finally ended their long journey and returned home laden with spoils. Upon seeing the elixir, the White Fox Fairy's eyes welled with tears of emotion. She immediately used the pill to treat her infant son, and seeing his condition rapidly improve, she was deeply grateful. She then solemnly entrusted another "Lingzhi Grass" to Ying Zheng.

The group traveled day and night back to the epidemic area, knowing that time was of the essence. During the development of medicine using "Lingzhi" (a type of medicinal herb), its astonishing efficacy gradually became apparent. The epidemic was brought under control, the spread of the "blood plague" was halted, and countless lives on the verge of collapse were given a new lease on life. All these achievements were inseparable from the selfless dedication, extraordinary wisdom, and unwavering perseverance of Ying Zheng and his companions.

As dusk settled, Ying Zheng stood alone on a high hill outside the town, overlooking this land once ravaged by plague. Now, the town was teeming with life, its lights twinkling, and the sounds of people gradually filling the air. He was filled with mixed emotions: a sense of relief and anticipation for the future. The hardships he had endured along the way had made him more acutely aware of the heavy responsibilities of being a ruler.

Xu Fu slowly approached Ying Zheng's side, his eyes also shining with determination: "Your Majesty, although we have gone through many hardships, we have finally brought the epidemic under control. This is the result of everyone's efforts and a blessing for all people."

Ying Zheng turned and gazed at Xu Fu, his eyes filled with gratitude and trust: "Xu Fu, with your help, I have no fear of wind or rain. As long as you care about the world, we will overcome any difficulties together."

In the days following their successful acquisition of the "Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill," Ying Zheng, along with Xu Fu, Pan Gu, and many other brave companions, set off on their return journey, filled with joy and anticipation. The sky was exceptionally clear that day, and the gentle sunlight enveloped them, seemingly cheering for their triumphant return.

However, just when they thought their journey would be smooth sailing, the sky suddenly darkened, thick clouds obscured the light, and an auspicious cloud slowly drifted in from the horizon. From within the clouds came an ancient and solemn voice: "Ying Zheng, you heroes of the mortal realm have managed to unravel the mystery of the ancient ruins and obtain the legendary 'Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill,' which is truly the will of Heaven. However, this elixir is extraordinary, and the diseases it can cure are not ordinary ailments. You must first undergo three heavenly tribulations before you can return to the mortal realm and use this miraculous medicine to save the world."

Ying Zheng looked up at the sky, where auspicious clouds swirled and churned, and the voice seemed to emanate from the distant heavens. He calmly replied, "Heaven rewards the diligent. If this is Heaven's arrangement, we will certainly not fail in our duty. May I ask, what is the meaning of the Three Heavenly Tribulations?" The voice from the clouds slowly explained, "The first tribulation is a test of illusion. The second tribulation is a battle against inner demons. The final tribulation is a matter of life and death. Only by enduring all three tribulations can you prove your aspirations."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, Pan Gu, and the others exchanged glances, each reading unwavering resolve and determination in the other's eyes. They knew this was a test of their will and beliefs, a trial to determine whether they truly possessed the qualifications to save the world.

Soon, they entered the realm of illusion during their first tribulation. This was a world filled with fantastical scenery; the mountains, rivers, flowers, and trees were not real, but woven from countless illusions. They were separated one by one, each facing the vision they most desired in their hearts. Ying Zheng witnessed a prosperous and powerful Qin Dynasty, where the people revered him and the land was stable; Xu Fu saw a land revitalized by his medical skills, where suffering disappeared and people embraced new life; Pangu saw the world he had created achieve unprecedented harmony and prosperity, where all things coexisted in joyful harmony.

However, these beautiful visions were not easily attained. Within these illusions, they each underwent trials, facing numerous temptations and hardships. Ying Zheng witnessed the decline of the nation and the devastation of the people caused by the expansion of power and desire; Xu Fu experienced the helplessness and sorrow of medicine's inability to save all lives; Pangu saw the apocalyptic scene and the decay of all things after the power spiraled out of control. These illusions continuously assaulted their minds and beliefs, attempting to force them to abandon their journey.

However, Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pan Gu were all men of unwavering will and a heart devoted to the world. They were not blinded by the illusion; instead, they drew strength and wisdom from it. They realized that power and desire needed to be restrained and balanced; that while medical skills were miraculous, they could not reverse the cycle of life and death; and that while power was immense, it needed to be used cautiously. Ultimately, through their indomitable will, they broke through the illusion and reunited.

Having endured the baptism of the Illusionary Realm, their minds and bodies became even more resilient. Next, they entered the battle against their inner demons in this next tribulation. In this realm, each person's inner fears and anxieties materialized, becoming their most dreaded existence. Ying Zheng faced a fragmented, war-torn Qin Empire, its people displaced and suffering; Xu Fu faced a land desolate due to his mistakes, ravaged by plague and filled with mournful cries; Pangu faced the scene of his uncontrolled power destroying everything, the collapse of heaven and earth, and the extinction of all things.

These inner demons constantly lure them into the abyss of despair and collapse, attempting to make them abandon their beliefs and mission. These demons use their most fearful and painful memories and fantasies as weapons, relentlessly attacking their hearts. Ying Zheng sees the tyranny and widespread suffering of his people after unifying the six kingdoms; Xu Fu sees his inability to save his loved ones and the countless faces ravaged by disease; and Pangu witnesses the destruction and chaos caused by the loss of control over his own power.

However, Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pan Gu were not defeated by their inner demons. They closed their eyes, took deep breaths, and mobilized all their will and wisdom to fight against these terrifying illusions. Ying Zheng recalled his original intention and mission in unifying the six kingdoms: to end the war and allow the people to live in peace and prosperity. Xu Fu recalled his original wish in learning medicine: to save the common people and relieve their suffering. Pan Gu remembered his courage and determination in creating the world: to create a better world.

They suddenly opened their eyes, their bodies bursting with dazzling light, as if vowing to fight their inner demons to the death. Ying Zheng wielded his long sword, slashing at the tyranny and desolation conjured by the inner demons, shattering them one by one; Xu Fu clasped his hands together, chanting incantations, using his medical skills to alleviate the suffering and disasters brought by the inner demons; Pangu raised his giant axe, forcefully cleaving through the destruction and chaos created by the inner demons, cutting them apart one by one.

The battle was exceptionally fierce, with all three remaining highly focused and not daring to relax for a moment. The inner demon constantly changed its attack methods, attempting to find a weakness. However, Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pan Gu cooperated closely and supported each other, dismantling the inner demon's offensive one by one.

Finally, after a fierce struggle, the three overcame their inner fears and anxieties. Their inner demons had nowhere to hide before their courage and determination, ultimately vanishing without a trace. This victory purified and elevated their souls, giving them a deeper understanding of the profound significance of their beliefs and mission. (End of Chapter)