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

Then, they arrived at the Gate of Life and Death. This was the most difficult of the three tribulations, for they had to confront their own life-or-death choices. Ancient words were engraved on the Gate of Life and Death: "Life or death, the choice is yours. But remember, every choice will affect everything."

Ying Zheng took a deep breath and said to Xu Fu and Pan Gu, "My two brothers, we will overcome this calamity together. However, life and death are predestined, and wealth and honor are determined by fate. If there is an afterlife, I wish to rid the people of evil again and protect all living beings under heaven." After speaking, he resolutely stepped towards the gate of life and death. Xu Fu and Pan Gu followed closely behind, their hearts filled with courage and determination.

As they stepped through the gates of life and death, a blinding light enveloped them. They felt as if their bodies and souls were being torn apart by an immense force, threatening to rip them to shreds. Yet, they did not give up; instead, they gripped each other's hands tightly, resisting the tearing force with all their might.

Under the influence of this force, their bodies and souls seemed to undergo a baptism and transformation. When they opened their eyes again, they found themselves back in the mortal realm. The "Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill" in their hands shone with an even more brilliant light, clearly its efficacy was even more extraordinary after being baptized by the heavenly tribulation.

So Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pan Gu joined hands and embarked on their journey home once again, ready to bring this hard-won hope to all those suffering.

As Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pan Gu set off again, the heavens showed signs of change, with thick clouds swirling and billowing, as if foreshadowing an even more severe calamity to come. Xu Fu frowned and whispered a reminder: "Your Majesty, judging from this celestial phenomenon, I fear our trials are not yet over, and perhaps even greater difficulties await us ahead."

Ying Zheng's eyes were resolute as he answered loudly, "No matter what the challenge, as long as we work together, we will surely overcome it. Xu Fu, Pan Gu, let's cheer up and prepare to face the trials ahead."

Before the words were finished, thunder roared in the sky, and a celestial being clad in golden armor and wielding a long spear suddenly descended, blocking the path of the three. The celestial being's eyes were like lightning, as if he could see through life and death, and his voice was like rolling thunder: "Ying Zheng, your courage in passing through the Heavenly Gate and obtaining the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill is indeed rare. However, a gift from heaven is no ordinary thing, and only those chosen by heaven can carry it. Today I have come to test you, to see if you are truly qualified to take this pill back to the mortal world."

Ying Zheng smiled calmly and replied without fear: "Your Excellency, thank you for the trials given by Heaven. We are willing to accept all tests to prove the strength of our will."

The celestial being nodded, and with a flick of his spear, the world changed color, drawing the three into a bizarre and distorted realm of mystery. The rules here were vastly different from those of the mortal world, filled with incredible power and countless dangers.

The voice of the celestial being echoed through the space: "This place is called the Land of Illusions, which contains three layers of illusions, each testing your wisdom, courage, and will. Only by passing through all of them can you prove that you are qualified to return to the mortal realm with the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill."

Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pan Gu exchanged a glance and nodded solemnly. They knew that the trials ahead would be even more difficult, but in order to bring back the elixir and save the world, they could not back down.

The first layer of the illusion is an ancient castle filled with traps and labyrinths, where one must use their wits to find the exit. Ying Zheng repeatedly averts crises with his extraordinary wisdom; Xu Fu uses his profound knowledge of herbs and mechanisms to solve one puzzle after another; and the immense power of Pangu becomes their strong backing in overcoming the challenges.

Having endured countless trials, they finally broke through the first illusion. However, the second illusion followed immediately—an endless battlefield where they had to defeat countless powerful enemies. Facing the surging enemy forces, the three fought side by side, each displaying their unique skills, and bravely advanced. Ying Zheng's swordsmanship was like traversing stars, Xu Fu's medical and poison skills made the enemy unable to defend against them, and the power of Pangu directly crushed a large number of enemy soldiers.

Just when they thought they were about to break through the battlefield, the final test suddenly descended. A powerful guardian of the illusion appeared, his power seemingly condensed from the essence of the entire illusionary realm. Ying Zheng gripped his sword hilt tightly and said to Xu Fu and Pan Gu, "This final guardian is no ordinary being; we must join forces to win."

Xu Fu nodded, stared at the guardian, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, Brother Pangu, we have overcome countless dangers together. How can we back down now? Let us work together to meet this final test."

Pangu gripped his giant axe tightly, his eyes gleaming, and replied firmly, "No matter how strong the enemy is, we will never be afraid. As long as our will is firm, we will surely overcome everything."

Thus, in this mysterious and illusory realm, an unprecedented battle unfolded. Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pangu each displayed their full power, pushing their strength to the limit. After a fierce struggle, they finally defeated the guardians and successfully passed through the final illusion.

The celestial figure reappeared, his eyes filled with praise: "Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, Pan Gu, you are indeed extraordinary. It is truly rare to be able to break through three trials of the Illusionary Realm. I hereby announce that you have passed the trial and are qualified to return to the mortal world with the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill."

Upon hearing the deity's announcement, the three breathed a sigh of relief. They understood that after numerous trials, they could finally return to the mortal realm with the elixir to complete their mission.

However, just as they were about to leave, the celestial being said again: "Although you have passed the test, the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill is no ordinary pill. Its power is immense, and if used improperly, it may cause the heavens and earth to tremble. Therefore, I will teach you a spell to ensure the safe use of the pill."

Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pan Gu listened respectfully, and the celestial being then imparted to them a profound magical technique. This technique ensured the safe and proper use of the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill's power, preventing any potential disasters.

After learning the magic, Ying Zheng bowed deeply to the gods: "Thank you for your guidance and assistance, Your Excellency. We will use the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill with caution and live up to the will of Heaven."

The celestial being nodded slightly, his figure gradually dissipating into the air. Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pan Gu knew that although this journey was full of perils and trials, every step held profound meaning. Carrying the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill and newly learned methods, they embarked on their return journey with full confidence.

Along the way, they gathered more like-minded people and shared their experiences and insights. Their actions inspired countless people, encouraging more to join the fight against the epidemic.

Finally, carrying the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill and the hope of many warriors, they returned to the land ravaged by the epidemic. Under Ying Zheng's leadership, they used newly learned magic to maximize the efficacy of the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill, successfully developing a miraculous medicine that could cure the "Blood Plague" on a large scale.

With the widespread availability of medicine, the epidemic was finally brought under effective control and eradicated. The people rejoiced, deeply grateful to Qin Shi Huang, Xu Fu, Pan Gu, and all the heroes who had sacrificed their lives. Their deeds were passed down through generations, becoming legends told by word of mouth. (End of Chapter)