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

He slowly stepped into the space bathed in light. The light was bright but not glaring, and the air was filled with a fresh and tranquil atmosphere. He felt as if his soul had been cleansed by a clear spring, and all his distracting thoughts and fears were dispelled by this atmosphere. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath of the pure air, and felt an unprecedented peace and strength within his heart.

At this moment, the voice from the light and shadow resounded again: 'Xu Fu, you have successfully passed the test of the Gate of Courage. You have proven what a true warrior is with your courage and determination. Remember, courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to hold fast to your principles even in the face of fear. This courage will become your strongest support, accompanying you as you face all future challenges.'

Xu Fu opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming with determination and confidence. He took a deep breath, feeling his soul filled with an unprecedented power. Turning around, he stepped out of the space and returned to Ying Zheng and Pan Gu's side.

Upon seeing Xu Fu return safely, Ying Zheng and Pan Gu both smiled with relief. They understood that Xu Fu had overcome his deepest fears, and this courage would become a solid support for their journey together.

The light and shadow reappeared, casting long shadows upon the altar. He approached Xu Fu, gently patting his shoulder in approval: 'Xu Fu, you have grasped the true meaning of the Gate of Courage and become a true hero. Now, it is Pangu's turn to face his trial.'

Pangu stepped forward, his eyes clear and resolute, clearly fully prepared. He took a deep breath and said to the light and shadow, "I am ready to face any trial. Please guide me to the place of the trial of love."

The light and shadow nodded, leading Pangu to the center of the altar. There stood a stone platform, with a translucent crystal ball at its center. Though completely transparent, the ball shimmered with a hazy light, as if it contained some mysterious power.

The light and shadow pointed to the crystal ball, saying, 'This is the key to the trial of love. You must light this crystal with pure love, allowing its radiance to dispel the darkness and illuminate the entire sacred mountain. Remember, only pure and selfless love can activate the energy contained within the crystal.'

Pangu stepped forward and gently stroked the crystal ball. Its cool, smooth texture seemed to sense the turmoil within him. He closed his eyes and concentrated, silently reciting his sincerest love for his family, friends, and all living beings.

As the love in his heart continued to gather, the light inside the crystal ball gradually brightened. At first, it was only a faint glow like a firefly, then it became more and more dazzling, and finally, like the rising sun, it enveloped the entire altar in a warm glow.

Pangu felt a wondrous resonance between his soul and the crystal ball, sensing the immense power contained within. This power did not originate from himself, but from his understanding and unwavering devotion to love. He continued to pray silently, continuously pouring his selfless love into the crystal.

Suddenly, a surge of immense energy erupted from the crystal ball, its dazzling light instantly piercing the altar and illuminating the entire sacred mountain. This radiance was so magnificent that it seemed capable of cleansing away all the gloom of the world. Ying Zheng and Xu Fu, far away, were both captivated by this spectacular sight, their eyes fixed intently on the source of the light.

As the light gradually faded, Pangu opened his eyes and saw that the radiance within the crystal ball was as intense and bright as the sun. An unprecedented warmth and tranquility flowed through his heart; this was the power brought about by pure and selfless love.

The voice of light and shadow rang out again: 'Pangu, you have successfully passed the trial of love. You illuminated the crystal with your own love, and you also illuminated the entire sacred mountain. Please forever remember this power of love; it will always protect you and everything you cherish.'

Pangu took a deep breath, feeling his mind become clearer and purer than ever before. He turned and stepped down from the altar, returning to Ying Zheng and Xu Fu's side. At this moment, he knew he was ready to face all the challenges and adventures to come. When Pangu returned to his companions, a gentle light shone in his eyes. Through this trial, his soul had been completely purified and sublimated.

The three travelers reunited, their hearts strengthened and purified by these trials. Their eyes met with trust and respect.

The light and shadow appeared once more, this time its voice filled with approval and satisfaction: 'Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pan Gu, the three of you have successfully passed the three trials of Mount Ling. Now, the mysteries of Mount Ling will be revealed to you.'

As the words fell, the entire altar slowly rose, revealing a staircase leading to the underground. At the end of the staircase was a vast space filled with shimmering light.

Ying Zheng descended the steps first, followed closely by Xu Fu and Pan Gu. When they reached the center of the space, they saw a huge crystal ball, its shimmering light seemingly containing all the mysteries of the universe.

A voice, emanating from the light and shadow, echoed in their ears: 'This crystal is the heart of Mount Ling, containing boundless wisdom and power. Now I will bestow upon you a portion of its energy to help you overcome all difficulties and obstacles on your future journey.'

As the light and shadow spoke, the light within the crystal ball began to flow, transforming into three beams that shot towards Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pan Gu respectively. When the beams touched their bodies, a mysterious power emanating from the depths of Mount Ling surged within them.

The three of them simultaneously felt their minds and bodies elevated, their power greater than ever before, and their wisdom more profound.

The voice of the light and shadow spoke again: 'Now that you have obtained the power of Mount Ling, you must remember that this power is not inexhaustible. It needs to be constantly nourished and strengthened with your wisdom, courage, and love. Only in this way can this power remain with you forever.'

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pan Gu bowed in gratitude: 'We will certainly remember your teachings and protect this power with wisdom, courage, and love.'

Ying Zheng stood before the transparent yet powerful crystal ball, his heart surging with indescribable emotions. He took a deep breath, as if absorbing all the tranquility and power of the moment. Looking back at his two companions, Xu Fu and Pan Gu, the unwavering determination and trust in their eyes were the best testament to their shared trials and growth.

Ying Zheng spoke slowly, his voice deep and firm: "This experience has allowed me to truly understand the profound meaning of wisdom, courage, and love. They are never empty slogans, but rather the most fundamental strength within us. We must not only rely on the power bestowed by Mount Ling, but also depend on the energy that springs from within ourselves."

Xu Fu nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with unprecedented determination. He stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Ying Zheng, his tone resolute: 'Indeed, true power stems from inner perseverance and unwavering resolve. The trials of Mount Ling not only test our abilities but also serve as a purification of our souls. Only through these experiences can we more firmly stride towards the future.' (End of Chapter)