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

Just as they were engrossed in studying the altar, suddenly, the light at the center of the altar intensified, and a deep voice resounded in their hearts: "Warriors, welcome to the summit of Mount Ling. You have proven your courage and wisdom, and now, the mysteries of Mount Ling will be unveiled by your own hands."

As the mysterious and solemn voice resounded, Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pan Gu exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with a mixture of astonishment and excitement. Having endured countless trials and tribulations, they finally stood atop Mount Ling, ready to reveal the hidden truth of this mysterious land.

Ying Zheng spoke first, his voice steady and resolute: "We thank Mount Ling for its call, and have come here to seek the strength and wisdom to overcome unknown challenges. Please tell us, what are the mysteries of Mount Ling? How will it benefit us and our people?"

The light at the center of the altar gradually coalesced into a ball of light and shadow, exuding an ancient and sacred aura. The light and shadow slowly spoke, its voice seemingly traversing a thousand years: "Brave warriors, the secrets of Mount Ling cannot be fully explained in a few words. It concerns the power of nature, the source of life, and the harmonious coexistence of all things in the universe. However, to truly understand these, one must experience them firsthand."

Xu Fu then pressed on, "So, how can we experience it in order to understand the mysteries of Mount Ling?"

The light and shadow slowly rotated, as if guiding them to examine their inner selves: "At the summit of Mount Ling, there are three trials. Each trial symbolizes a power: wisdom, courage, and benevolence. The three of you must each face these trials, and only by passing the tests can you truly touch the essence of Mount Ling."

Pangu brandished his giant axe, expressing his determination: "We are ready. No matter how difficult the trials may be, we will forge ahead."

The light and shadow seemed to smile slightly, as if approving of their courage: "Then, the first trial will be initiated by Ying Zheng. Ying Zheng, your trial is called 'The Mystery of Wisdom.' Please follow me."

Guided by the mysterious and majestic interplay of light and shadow, Ying Zheng steadily walked towards one side of the altar. There stood an ancient stone wall, seemingly waiting for a thousand years. The wall was covered with intricate patterns and symbols, interwoven in an ineffable way to form a picture full of mystery.

The light and shadow pointed to the stone wall, and the voice was deep and solemn: "The patterns and symbols on this wall conceal ancient wisdom and the mysteries of the universe. You must decipher them and find the truth. This is your trial, and also your opportunity."

Ying Zheng stared at the stone wall, a strong thirst for knowledge welling up within him. He knew this was no ordinary test, but a comprehensive challenge to his own wisdom and will. He took a deep breath, allowing his mind to enter a state of clarity and focus, and began to carefully observe each pattern and symbol.

These patterns and symbols, like an ancient language, speak of the mysteries of the universe and the true meaning of life. Ying Zheng, drawing upon all his past experience and knowledge, attempted to decipher their meaning. He sought patterns and connections, trying to solve this complex puzzle through logical reasoning and intuitive insight.

Time passed quietly, and Ying Zheng seemed to forget everything around him, completely immersed in this mysterious world. His mind engaged in a silent dialogue with the patterns and symbols on the wall, exchanging wisdom and inspiration with each other.

Xu Fu and Pan Gu stood silently by, not disturbing Ying Zheng, for they understood that this was Ying Zheng's moment. Their eyes were filled with trust and support, and deep down they also hoped that he would successfully solve the mystery.

After a long and arduous period of contemplation, Ying Zheng finally discovered the hidden connection between the symbols and patterns on the wall. It was a profound and subtle connection, requiring extremely high wisdom and insight to perceive. He felt as if he had touched the core of the universe, comprehending the mysterious and harmonious relationship between life and the cosmos. He took a deep breath and gently pressed his finger on a specific symbol. This symbol was the key to solving the entire puzzle, the gateway to ancient wisdom. The instant his fingertip touched the symbol, the entire stone wall suddenly burst forth with dazzling light. A beam of light shot out from the wall, converging around Ying Zheng, enveloping him in a mysterious and solemn radiance.

Ying Zheng felt a powerful force and knowledge surge into the depths of his mind. It was an indescribable experience, as if his soul had been elevated to a completely new realm. He profoundly understood the way of harmonious coexistence of all things in the universe and grasped the true meaning and significance of life.

As the light faded, Ying Zheng slowly opened his eyes. His eyes shone with an unprecedented light, a symbol of wisdom and insight. He felt his soul being cleansed by a mysterious power, becoming ever purer and brighter. He took a deep breath, feeling as if he had merged with the universe, becoming a part of this infinitely vast world.

Xu Fu and Pan Gu were genuinely delighted by Ying Zheng's success, knowing that Ying Zheng's wisdom had reached new heights. And this was only the beginning of their journey to Mount Ling.

The light and shadow reappeared, praising Ying Zheng: "Ying Zheng, you have successfully grasped the mystery of wisdom, which is the first step towards the secrets of Mount Ling. Next is Xu Fu's trial—the Gate of Courage."

Xu Fu stepped forward, indicating his readiness: "I am ready to meet any challenge. Please lead me to the Gate of Courage."

Guided by light and shadow, Xu Fu and the other man walked together toward the mysterious altar. On one side of the altar, a tightly closed stone door stood majestically, as if it had been waiting for a thousand years. The surface of the stone door was rough and ancient, and a lifelike lion was carved on it, its eyes seemingly flickering with flames, shimmering with a blazing and majestic light.

The light and shadow paused, pointing to the stone gate and saying to Xu Fu, "This is the Gate of Courage. Behind it lies fear and challenge you have never faced before. Only the truly brave, who dare to confront their inner fears, can open this gate and meet the trials that follow. Are you ready?"

A surge of inexplicable excitement welled up within Xu Fu. He took a deep breath and nodded in acknowledgment. He understood that this was not merely a test of a door, but a trial of his own courage and determination. He stepped forward, stretched out his hands, and gripped tightly the horns of the lion statue on the stone door.

The instant his hands touched the statue, he felt a powerful force emanating from it, as if a thousand pounds of pressure were trying to push him away. However, Xu Fu did not back down; he gritted his teeth and did his best to resist this force.

Time seemed to stand still. Xu Fu's body began to tremble slightly, beads of sweat sliding down his forehead and falling to the ground with a crisp sound. His hands throbbed with pain as if burned by flames, yet he did not loosen his grip. His eyes were fixed on the lion's eyes, the blazing light seeming to consume his very soul.

"At that very instant, the lion statue on the stone gate suddenly roared with a deafening roar, a sound as loud as thunder, making one's eardrums ring. Then, the stone gate slowly opened, and a dazzling ray of light poured out from behind the gate, illuminating the entire altar as if it were daytime."

Xu Fu loosened his clenched hands and let out a long breath. He felt as if he had just gone through a life-or-death struggle, his strength almost completely exhausted. However, when he saw the light behind the door, his heart was filled with an indescribable joy and sense of accomplishment. (End of Chapter)